Details: Tahari blazer, Chicwish skirt, Le Chateau belt, Stuart Weitzman shoes (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I have been hunting for a black tulle skirt for a while. A specific black tulle skirt. This black tulle skirt. I have the same style in blush pink and love the design; for being fast fashion, the quality is decent. I wanted a dark coloured version (either black or dark grey) to complement the dark academia/goth side of my aesthetic. By lucky coincidence, around the same time that I finally snagged the skirt on Poshmark, I came across this vintage blazer at the thrifts, and I immediately knew that I needed to make this outfit happen. The cut of the blazer gives me Dior vibes with its beautifully tailored waist, so I knew it would be perfect for recreating a certain ad campaign, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, that has been living rent-free in my head for the last 5 or 6 years. I added a belt to emphasize the silhouette, but kept the rest of the outfit very simple. Maybe next time, I’ll try it with a tie.

Details: Ralph Lauren shirt, Pilcro sweater, Mexx skirt, Fossil belt, Chloe shoes, Tignanello bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I finally did it. I went full preppie. And I felt glorious in this outfit. For a few brief hours, I had the confidence of a woman named Muffy or Bunny, considered taking up tennis, and pondered what I might name the family’s hypothetical golden retriever. But then I came back down to earth, and decided to forego the tennis (my knees wouldn’t allow it) and the dog (ditto my husband’s allergies) and re-read True Prep instead. All joking aside, there is a lot to be said for this outfit. I wasn’t kidding when I told you that I felt great in it; it’s a perfect choice for a warm spring day — casual-but-polished, comfortable, breezy. It would look nice as a simple 2-piece outfit, but the sweater takes it into chic territory by adding a pop of contrasting colour (without overwhelming the light colour scheme) and a bit of texture. I am now a devoted fan of the sweater-tied-around-the-shoulders as an accessory. Think of it as a heavier scarf. Love!

Details: Ardene top (retail), Prairie Trail Goods cardigan (swap), Ralph Lauren skirt (eBay), vintage belt, vintage cowboy boots (both thrifted), MbMJ bag (swap)

Thoughts: I stole this entire outfit from my friend Josh of Prairie Trail Goods — parts of it, literally. Well, ok: maybe not stole, exactly. She did willingly swap the cardigan. I’m pretty sure she wore it to my clothing swap last year, which is probably when I fell in love with it, and she wore it with this skirt. Well, ok: not this exact skirt. But one just like it … which I proceeded to hunt down on eBay. And now look at me! I look almost as fabulous as she did. Who needs fashion magazines for inspo when you have stylish friends.

Details: Tahari shirt (thrifted), Pendleton blazer, Ralph Lauren belt (both Poshmark), Banana Republic jeans (retail), Coach bag (secondhand)

Thoughts: This might well have been my first proper attempt at a Canadian tuxedo lewk. Denim-on-denim always felt like too much denim for me in the past … and then I saw some menswear inspo on IG — pairing double denim with a wool blazer — and suddenly had to give it a try. Most of my plaid and check wool blazers are in storage at the moment, but I had this lighter-weight Pendleton one at hand, so I gave it a whirl, and you know what? I loved it. Planning to try a few more combinations before summer’s over … and then a few more come fall.

Details: Ungaro dress, vintage belt (both thrifted), Prairie Trail Goods vest

Thoughts: I don’t typically like to wear a lot of beige because the colour doesn’t do much for my complexion or my soul, but I will never part with this vintage Ungario wrap dress. The quality is so phenomenal, it would be a crime to do so. Some day, my daughter may appreciate it (and, as a brunette, will probably look smashing in it). The fabric is a heavy linen with a heavenly drape, and it falls so nicely — hugging the body without feeling suffocating in the summer. And I will say this for beige: it does make a nice canvas for statement pieces, like this beautiful vest made from upcycled quilt pieces by my super talented friend.

Details: Guess bodysuit, Zara blazer, American Eagle jeans, Mexx belt, Aldo shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: This Guess logo brings back a lot of memories from my 90s adolescence, which is why I ended up thrifting this bodysuit. At least I think it’s a bodysuit; it might also be a swimsuit (albeit one lacking any form of boob support whatsoever). The back is completely cut-out, which makes a topper a necessity for me. Luckily, this Zara blazer is a great match. I paired the combo with the American Eagle jeans I had thrifted for my daughter, who rejected them for reasons lost in teen-parent translation; I was originally going to exchange them, but then I tried them on and decided they were worth a little experimentation. They are not as wide leg as most of my other recently acquired denim, but they are also not straight-leg either. To me, they are, for lack of a better descriptor, very Gen Z coded … which intrigued me, not because I have any desire to chase the approval of the “youths”, but because it represents a step outside of my comfort zone as far as jean silhouettes go. There is a fine line between trying to “look younger” and trying out new styling ideas, and I think I managed to walk it with this outfit. All the while incorporating a bit of nostalgia.

Details: Reitmans sweater, Ralph Lauren skirt, Aldo shoes (all thrifted), Warren Steven Scott earrings

Thoughts: I usually stick to a 3-piece outfit formula to achieve the level my preferred level of put-togetherness, but it’s possible to get the same result with a simpler version, like this one, too. Just pick one or, better yet, two statement pieces and you’re set. I added some funky accessories (earrings and shoes) to lean into the playful vibe of this particular combination. Black, white and red is a classic combo, but it doesn’t have to be serious.

Details: Primavera dress, Joie cardigan, Lena Bernard necklace (all thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Oh hey, look at that: another 2-piece outfit. Here, the dress is the statement piece, but it’s pretty chill. I chose the boots because I felt like they kept the outfit from feeling too staid, and gave it a 90s vibe that I very much enjoyed. You can tell it’s the nostalgia of a Gen X-er because, yes friends, those are reading glasses I forgot to take off. That is the current season of life for this 1980 baby. Reading glasses. Read that and weep. I kid, I kid. It’s ok. They make cute reading glasses these days.

Details: Calvin Klein tee, Only & Sons jacket, Jessie skirt (all thifted), Coach bag (secondhand), Mia shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Speaking of the 90s, this outfit wants a moment of appreciation. I wore it on a weekend road-trip to Calgary with a friend, and it provided the perfect balance of comfort (first priority) and style (distant second but not entirely out of the running). I’m pretty sure this oversized jean jacket will be one of my go-to toppers this summer. Ditto for these shoes in the footwear category. They’re both so easy to wear, comfortable, and versatile. What more could I ask for?

Details: Calvin Klein tee, Zara jacket, UO pants, vintage belt (all thrifted), turquoise accessories (Poshmark)

Thoughts: I knew this classic white tee would be doing a lot of work for me this summer, and I was right. It’s plain and versatile, with a classic cut and nice weight (thick and opaque, not see-through at all) that make it easy to dress up if needed. It’s Calvin Klein, and it makes me think of those impossibly cool, minimalist 90s ads for the brand — which is what inspired this outfit I wore to the office. (Yes, I occasionally go into the office. It gives my WFH life a little spice now and then, haha!) I chose the accessories and statement blazer as a way to put my own spin on the minimalist inspo. I took the jacket off once I got to work and didn’t put it back on for most of the day, but the turquoise bits made the outfit feel less generic, and more like “me” in an understated kind of way.

Details: AllSaints top, Club Monaco vest, Lida Baday jacket, Talbots skirt, vintage brooch (all thrifted)

Thoughts: This all came together through a series of leaps. I wanted to wear this beautiful crushed velvet vest, and decided to pair it again with a column skirt; I chose this particular skirt based on the colour palette. Then I decided to make the most of the deep-V neckline and pulled out this frilly rosetted shirt. The shirt is sleeveless and it felt a bit too early in the season (and rather cold) to have bare arms, so I decided I needed a topper. I tried a few different options until I found one whose length and cut gave me the best overall proportions and … voila. I don’t usually do short-over-long layering when it comes to jackets and vests, but I quite like how this combo worked out. Mental note made.

Details: H&M dress, Higher Ground dress (worn open), BR belt (all thrifted), selfmade necklace, Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: Speaking of layering, I’ve been meaning to try a dress-worn-as-duster-over-another-dress combo for a while. This black dress is a great option, not only because it buttons all the way, but because it’s a heavier cotton giving it the weight of a topper. I wanted the under-dress to provide contrast, so I went with a light-coloured tulle confection. Volume and movement and texture all in one shot: perfect! This ended up being a nice goth last hurrah for the season. It’s time to bring out the summer wardrobe!

Details: H&M top (retail), Everlane sweater, Mackage jacket, Ann Marino shoes (all thrifted), Ralph Lauren skirt (eBay), Coach bag (Poshmark)

Thoughts: It’s almost time to bring back my summer wardrobe, and I got a jump start because I’ve been dying to wear this skirt again since the fall. I can confirm, I’m still madly in love with it. Decided to make the most of the transitional weather, and pair it with a leather jacket for a bit of nice juxtaposition. This worked out well, as it allowed me to pick up with reddish-pink from the skirt and make it my “unifying” colour.

Details: Ralph Lauren shirt, Talbots vest, Jil Sander coat, Fossil belt, Echo scarf (all thrifted), Ralph Lauren skirt (secondhand & gifted)

Thoughts: This is it, friends! This is the Jo March outfit I have been working towards since December 2019. We have reached Peak Jo March. I finally found the patterned red silk waistcoat I had been looking for all this time because I was convinced it was what Saoirse Ronan had worn in the movie. I say “convinced” because I was wrong, somehow. When I pulled up a photo of the outfit I had been dreaming of for years, it turns out that the waistcoat was yellow with red pattern. Her neckerchief was red. Oops. But close enough. I loved the outfit and it made me realize that I need to wear more silk scarves like this — it add a nice little touch of colour around the neck without making me feel suffocated.

Details: Toni T dickie, Lord & Taylor sweater, Gap jacket, Topshop pants, Fossil belt (all thrifted), J. Crew shoes (consignment)

Thoughts: All older pieces I’ve worn before, remixed. I love that. I went for a bold pattern mix here, and I think I mostly pulled it off. However, I am thinking it may be time to part ways with these pants. The quality has never been great and while I love the windowpane print, I am not a huge fan of the pleated paper-bag waist; it doesn’t sit flat and flops about more than I like. The silhouette is also not my favourite currently (although that can and probably will change again), but most importantly, I have now acquired a few other trousers that are better quality and suit me better. All signs point to it being time to let go … but I will probably sit on that decision for a bit longer, just to be sure.

Details: Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Gap jacket, Talbots skirt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Will I still wear this much brown come summer? It remains to be seen. For now, I guess I am. There is something very pleasing to my eye about the proportions of this outfit. The jacket is cropped (and nipped in) at the perfect spot/length for me. Paired with this long column skirt, it makes me look taller than I am, which I always enjoy.

Details: Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Zara blazer, United Colours of Benetton pants (all thrifted), J. Crew shoes (consignment)

Thoughts: Same sleeveless sweater, totally different outfit. The blazer and pants are not a suit — and, in fact the reds are slightly different, though close enough to fool the eye — but I had to wear them together at least once. I mean, they look damn good together! I thrifted them separately but only about a week apart, which is some kind of kismet for sure. I have never worn a lot of red, other than as an accent colour, but this is making me rethink it. I have always loved this shade of orangey poppy red, which I think flatters my complexion the best out of all reds. This is a VERY bold look, but the simplicity of the outfit balances out the colour overload. It’s a Power Look, for sure.

Details: F21 sweatshirt, Ralph Lauren skirt, Pink Tartan jacket, Emmanuel belt, Ann Marino shoes (all thrifted), Coach bag (gift)

Thoughts: I couldn’t wait to take out my new-to-me (and long coveted) vintage Coach bag for a spin, so I built a cute outfit around it. I paired 2 very old pieces — the skirt and the sweatshirt, high and low — with a recent addition to my closet, this knit moto jacket. I’m not short on outerwear, but I picked up the jacket because I thought it would be a nice alternative for my leather jackets: same style but different weight and texture. And it’s quite nice quality, which is rare to find at the thrifts these days.

Details: BCBG dress (ebay), BR belt, Babaton skirt, acrylic necklace (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Some of the OGs will remember this dress. I bought it back in 2013, after months of hunting, having fallen in love with it after I saw Adrien wearing it on Looks Good From The Back. I hadn’t worn it in years, but held on to it because it holds special memories of a certain era of my life. Recently, I felt the urge to dig it out of storage and try to make it “me” again. The me of now is radically different than the me of 2013-2015, but clothes are endlessly versatile. Case in point: this outfit. An old dress made new again.

Details: Banana Republic sweater & pants, Fossil belt (all thrifted), Stella & Dot necklace (Poshmark)

Thoughts: A very simple but satisfying outfit built around the combination of purple and brown, which is a favourite of mine. It’s all about the colours and the silhoutte, with nice supporting work from a couple of key accessories. That’s all it takes!