Details: Reitmans sweater, Banana Republic belt, Issey Miyake skirt, Arnold Churgin boots (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I don’t normally thrift Reitmans stuff, but this sweater was an insta-purchase. It reminds me of a vintage (80s) Ralph Lauren sweater that I have been coveting for ages; since my chances of ever finding the original — or even an RL reissue (if one exists) — are slim to none, this version will do just fine. And I love everything about this outfit. It’s been a while since I’ve done all-black, and edgy goth vibes are not my current jam, but this romantic version has got me all shook up. I loved it so much, I wore it twice: once for brunch with friends, and once for a (grown up) birthday party.

Details: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo shirt, Lord & Taylor sweater, Ralph Lauren skirt, Ports International blazer, J. Crew shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I’ve been loving this shade of brown a lot lately, but this is the most “all in” I’ve gone with it so far. I was worried that it might be too much brown, but I think the cool-toned yellow and blue help to temper the overall brownness. I also really, really love this silhouette — I have several versions of this style of skirt, and I never get tired of it. I am actually wearing this skirt back-to-front because having the slit in front makes it. It’s classic but sexy at the same time.

Details: Gucci blouse, Debew poncho (both thrifted), Banana Republic pants (retail)

Thoughts: It’s hard to capture the colour of these pants — they’re a sort of reddish brown like cherry wood. I’m convinced that blue is its ideal complement, and I’m searching for the perfect shade of blue to go with it. This light blue is not a bad start. I wanted to bring out the pattern of the blouse as much as possible, so I added a poncho for warmth instead of a jacket.

Details: Wilfred dress, Jones NY jacket (both thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Wednesday Addams meets 90s grunge. I got these faux-silver cuffs on Etsy because I’m obsessed with the Elsa Perretti Tiffany bone cuffs and wanted to try out a similar look. The originals are $4,000CAD+ for the pair, so I’m not sure they’re ever going to happen, but with these dupes, I get to figure out if they would be worth it. I have to say that I do really like the aesthetic, especially with more minimalist outfits like this one.

Details: Tahari shirt, American Eagle vest, Second Female cardigan, vintage skirt, Fluevog shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I’m calling this one Prairie Dandy. I’m always tickled to find colour matches, and this cardigan and skirt are almost identical shades of blue. Perhaps I should have tried a different colour of shirt, to break up the blue-ness a bit. Overall, though, I like the proportions here, especially the long cardigan-vest combo. Definitely one to try again!

Details: Ines de la Fressance x Uniqlo shirt, Jones NY blazer, BR belt, Issey Miyake skirt (all thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: One of my absolute favourite outfits all winter. I went back to the RL inspo well for this, of course. I especially love that it’s a monochromatic, fairly classic outfit only with a southwestern twist. I tried a similar formula this summer, once, and loved it then too. I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to do it again. It’s the perfect for days when I want to go with a southwestern/prairie vibe but not in a very boho or colourful way. This feels a bit more restrained but still quite romantic. Having the chance to wear my treasured turquoise jewelry makes this extra special.

Details: Toni T dickie, Everlane sweater, Judith & Charles jacket, Gap skirt (all thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Went back to a short skirt for a hot minute. This jacket has been a dark horse of versatility. I have a weird relationship with bright red, as it’s not a colour that I normally gravitate to, but as an accent in the right outfit, it’s fabulous. This is one of those outfits. I think the restrained colour palette creates a good background for the red to really pop.

Details: Tabi sweater, Gap pants (both thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Don’t mind me, just doing some more b&w pattern mixing. I had been looking for a pair of graphic pattern pants for a while, and this one showed the most promise. Although they’re not wide leg, which is my preference these days, they do have that kick flare silhouette that I quite like in my Tommy Hilfiger jeans, so I thought it was worth trying. I do like how they fit, and I think the checkerboard pattern (I was really hoping for an oversized houndstooth but I’ll take this) will be an interesting one to mix and match.

Details: Vince dress, Holding Horses tunic, Fluevog shoes (all thrifted), BCBG harness belt (Poshmark)

Thoughts: I loved the proportions created by this layering combo. There is nice volume and movement, and the harness belt brings structure so there’s a juxtaposition of fluidity and rigidity. Brown and blue (and black) is a combination that I’ve always loved.

Details: Massimo Dutti sweater, Gap jeans, Josef belt (all thrifted), Prairie Trail Goods tote

Thoughts: I finally found a pair of denim that’s a contender for the palazzo jean hole in my closet. I’m not sure if these Gap jeans are “it” but I am giving them a try. They do have a lot of the elements I am looking for, though I wish the pant leg was slightly wider from the top down. On the downside, they are a bit long and I am concerned that by hemming them, I will lose both the shape of the leg and the drama of the silhouette as a whole. So I may just need to invest in a really tall pair of platforms for spring. Something walkable but with a few extra inches. We shall see. Meanwhile, please admire this gorgeous tote that my friend J made from a thrifted pillow sham, Levi’s belt, and waxed canvas. The inside lining is the classic Ralph Lauren teddy pattern (the RL teddy bear in various outfits against a striped background) — it’s part of a thrifted bedsheet. So ingenious!!

Details: J. Crew shirt, Topshop pants, BR belt (all thrifted), upcycled jacket made by Prairie Trail Goods

Thoughts: This wonderful coat started life as an April Cornell reversible quilted gilet I thrifted one day. My incredibly talented friend, J., who is the genius behind Prairie Trail Goods, kindly agreed to add some sleeves for me. She creates special pieces out of thrifted textiles, and I have a few of them in my closet. They always get so many compliments! I love her eye for colour and pattern mixing. This coat is a case in point; I love the juxtaposition of materials and colours. It makes for a lovely topper that can elevate many outfits.

Details: Everlane sweater, Toni T dickie, Jones NY jacket, Ralph Lauren skirt (all thrifted), Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: Back on my black & white kick! Admittedly, this is a LOT of pattern, but it makes my brain very happy at the moment. I am trying to be judicious about how many b&w patterned items I add to my closet — trying to be judicious about how much I buy in general! — but I couldn’t resist this cropped jacket after all. It has so much potential! Just like this skirt, which has become one of my faves over the last few months. It has a sleek, minimalist vibe that fits my current 90s nostalgia but also feels very modern.

Details: French Connection sweater, Echo scarf, BR belt (all secondhand), BR pants (retail)

Thoughts: I did something I haven’t done in a long time: I bought a pair of pants at retail! A friend brought these Banana Republic wide-wale corduroy trousers to my attention just in time for me to take advantage of a good year-end sale (they were $55 down from $200). I had to get them because they’re the exact style I’ve been hunting for months: high waisted, palazzo-cut wide leg. I had hoped to find the denim version, but corduroy is always welcome. I ended up having to get the petite version (my size was sold out in regular length) and I think it was for the best. This inseam is perfect for me to wear with flats and low heels, which is what I mostly wear these days.

Details: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo shirt (thrifted), Talbots sweater (Poshmark), Babaton skirt (thrifted)

Thoughts: This was just a cozy, simple outfit but the sweater pattern makes it more interesting than it might otherwise have been. I liked the contrast of textures here, between the thick wool and the soft, pleated chiffon.

Details: Zara dress, Le Chateau vest, no label cardigan (all secondhand), Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: I was originally planning to only wear the dress and the cardigan, but at the last minute decided to throw in an extra pattern for fun — enter the vest. I’m in a “chunky shoe” moment right now so instead of a more delicate pair of flats, this pair of stomping platforms felt right. I feel like this has a bit of a 90s grunge flavour which I really dig. Maybe it’s time to play some Pearl Jam 😉