Blue Collar Red Lipstick

21
Jun
2016

Pants Day Comes Again

categories: style

Top, J. Crew (via consignment); blazer, Theory (thrifted); pants, BR (thrifted); shoes, Manolo Blahnik (thrifted); bag, MbMJ

Pants day is still my least favourite day of the week, but I’m coming around to it slowly. It helps when you’re wearing shoes this cute. Wait, is it time for another close-up? I think so.

Ahem. The rest of the outfit isn’t bad either. You probably can’t tell, but these are my *navy* (not black) thrifted Sloan pants, which happen to go nicely with an old J. Crew top I affectionately call the “moody floral”. When J. Crew floral prints are good, they are SO good. I haven’t actually looked at the new Crew offerings in months, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been missing out. Oh well, I’ll find out in another 12-18 months when they start turning up in consignment and thrift stores.

I topped everything off with my greige blazer, because when in doubt, etc. No word of a lie, this is starting to rival my tweed J. Crew Factory blazer for off-the-charts versatility. It’s something about this colour, so unassuming on its own — kinda like a chameleon. But enough about that. Tell me: do you dread pants day, or live for it? And if it’s the latter, what’s your go-to outfit maker?

20
Jun
2016

The Complicated Midi

categories: style, Yes or No

Dress, S-12 (thrifted); necklace, MaxMara; shoes, Valentino; clutch, Rebecca Minkoff

This dress is not complicated, per se … except that it sort of is. Here’s the thing: I can’t decide if I should keep it or let it go. I love the silhouette, and in theory it should look great on me. And it does … from some angles. From others — and you’ll have to take my word for it — it makes me look like a truck. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not tall enough to pull it off, or not curvy enough, or what. Maybe it’s the print. I don’t know.

I gave it another try, and while I liked the resulting outfit well enough, I’m still not sold on the dress. Considering the bursting-at-the-seams state of my closet, I think the answer to my dilemma is clear. Time to make like Elsa, and let it go.

pondering the philosophical implications of the midi ... — pondering the philosophical implications of the midi …

I wore this outfit to the christening of a friend’s daughter. The church where it was held was recently renovated, and I could not resist snapping a bazillion photos. How beautiful are those painted ikons on the walls?

19
Jun
2016

Tales From the Thrift: Blue Suede Shoes

categories: Thrifting

In my last big thrifting reveal, I mentioned that one of my remaining unicorns when it comes to thrift hunting is another pair (or 2! or 3! I’m never gonna say no!) of Manolo Blahniks. Little did I know how soon such unicorn would cross my path. Behold:

Manolo Blahnik "Gisella" flats — Manolo Blahnik “Gisella” flats

OK, these are not the Campari pumps I am dying to get, but they are beautiful nonetheless. The colour is stunning, and you guys know how I feel about floral anything. I did a triple take when I saw these Gisella flats at Value Village, particularly as they are absolutely pristine. Check it:

Thank you, person who donates barely worn Manolos! No, seriously, thank you. You made my day. And thank you to VV for not jacking up the price on these. They were marked at a reasonable $20, and with a 30% off coupon, they came in under $15. Huzzah!