End of Summer Blue

Dress, Maeve (thrifted); shoes, Zara; bag, MbMJ (via eBay)
Dress, Maeve (thrifted); shoes, Zara; bag, MbMJ (via eBay)

There is a bit of poignancy to finding a pretty summer frock late in August; it only serves to underscore the changing of seasons. I was determined to give this one a whirl before it was too late, but I definitely felt a chill the day I wore it. There’s been talk of an Indian summer here, but I am not getting my hopes up. Winter is always just around the corner. Edmonton is basically Winterfell. But, you know, minus the King in da Norf. Alas.

easy, breezy ... or just breezy
easy, breezy … or just breezy
blue & white
blue & white

This dress was hanging on top of a rack at Value Village, but the fabric felt nice to the touch, so I pulled it down to have a closer look. Sure enough, it proved to be an Anthro brand; I haven’t lost my touch entirely. It was also $25. I had to think twice about getting it, as a matter of principle. Value Village, we have a problem. This dress would sell for something like $35 at my local consignment store; if I purchased it there, I would be supporting a local business, and enjoying a boutique-like shopping environment at the same time. Neither is something that applies to VV. Just saying.

Leaving that VV nonsense aside, this is a lovely dress, so I’m glad I bought it. It has a tie in the back which is a feature I usually despise, but this one doesn’t bother me too much. The dress is a size Medium, and loose, so it feels more like a swing dress than anything else. And we all know I love me a good swing dress. I also appreciate that while the dress is on the shorter side, the neckline is not scandalously low. It’s getting hard to find a casual dress that doesn’t feature a deep v. As someone who doesn’t have a cute bralette to flash, I appreciate the extra coverage.

farewell, summer
farewell, summer

Peak Outfit, Part 2

Sweater & skirt, Aritzia (via consignment); shoes, Jones NY; bag, Gucci (via consignment)
Sweater & skirt, Aritzia (via consignment); shoes, Jones NY; bag, Gucci (via consignment)

I cannot tell you how much I love this outfit. Well, I just did, or tried to, but I am not sure my enthusiasm has been properly conveyed. I REALLY REALLY LOVED IT! There, that’s better. I loved how this looked, and more importantly, I love how it felt to wear it. It is an outfit whose charm, I am afraid to say, is not easily captured in iPhone photos, especially since it’s at its most potent when in motion. The skirt swishes and twirls as I walk, and that just puts an extra bounce in my step for some reason. This is also Peak Minimalist Moment for me, which was not a conscious goal in this case, but I am happy to enjoy it nonetheless.

#peakminimalism
#peakminimalism
swish, swish
swish, swish

I have been looking for a knife pleat skirt like this for ages, but wasn’t able to find one I truly loved — one with the requisite amount of swishy movement to it — until I clapped eyes on this Babaton number. Of course, it’s Aritzia; what else would it be, sigh. It’s not too stiff, but also not too flimsy. It does fit small; I am wearing a large, and it fits snugly an inch or two below my natural waist (similar to a mid- to high-rise jean).

The sweater was an impulse buy; I bought both pieces on the same visit to my fave consignment store because I loved how they looked together. But it’s a funny thing; I normally avoid aqua — I think it’s a pretty colour, but not one I enjoy wearing. Wearing pastels in generally makes me sort of … squirmy inside my own skin. Anyway, this colour is a desaturated, slightly greyed out aqua and I ADORE it. I call it “mist” which might mean nothing at all, but sounds suitably ethereal. The sweater is a lightweight knit which is very comfortable and non-scratchy. It’s also Aritzia, doyouevenneedtoask. The shoes are not, but they could be; they have the right aesthetic. One of the soles is already coming unglued but I don’t care because I can’t get enough of the style; these shoes go with everything. Time to get the super glue out, I think. I foresee a long future ahead for this skirt-loafer combo.

slouchy with a knife (pleat) edge
slouchy with a knife (pleat) edge
one more because i like it
one more because i like it

Column of Black, Again

Blazer, Aritzia (thrifted); top, Theory (thrifted); pants, Artizia (thrifted); shoes, J. Crew; bag, Marc Jacobs; necklace, J. Crew Factory
Blazer, Aritzia (thrifted); top, Theory (thrifted); pants, Artizia (thrifted); shoes, J. Crew; bag, Marc Jacobs; necklace, J. Crew Factory

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these outfits. I am happy to report that the formula still works. Also, this blazer is still the most comfortable thing that ever blazered. I’ve been low key looking for a plain black version of it — I am forever without a good black blazer, go figure — for a while, but no dice. Most other soft/slouchy Talula blazers I have found are too structure-less for my taste. It’s the same story as with my favourite pair of pants. It’s sad.

Sing it, Sinead
Sing it, Sinead

I wish there was a way to order “back issue” versions of your favourite clothes. Wouldn’t that be just wonderful? I have a growing list of items that I really should replace but can’t because I cannot find an exact replacement. Bah.

black & purple (with a side of florals)
black & purple (with a side of florals)
pop of neutral
pop of neutral