Blue Collar Red Lipstick

02
Mar
2016

Friday Hodge Podge

categories: style

Sweater, Judith & Charles; top & shoes, J. Crew; jeans, Joe's Jeans; bag, Mulberry — Sweater, Judith & Charles; top & shoes, J. Crew; jeans, Joe’s Jeans; bag, Mulberry

I was going to wear this sweater with a different top initially, but didn’t like how it looked and then … I had the bright idea to try it with this ruffly blouse. I like the result, even though, by rights, the competing necklines shouldn’t really work. I also like the muted colour scheme combined with the pop of red from the loafers.

Hey, let’s look at that brooch more closely:

Yep, this outfit is a perfect mish mash of everything. Still works … I think.

What I might love best about it is the fact that everything — head to toe — came to me via consignment. My shopping philosophy in action: get the best quality possible for the lowest price possible. Cashmere sweater, silk top, designer jeans, leather shoes and bag … I would say I nailed it. The whole look cost me a hair under $600 (the bulk of it being the bag), and would have retailed somewhere north of $2,700.

01
Mar
2016

Favourite Outfit 2016, Take One

categories: Favourite things, style

Blazer, Banana Republic (thrifted); top, Joe Fresh; skirt, Anthropologie (via eBay); shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment); bag, Mulberry (via consignment)

First fave outfit of the year? May be, may well be. Needless to say, I love how all these pieces come together in this outfit, even though they’re a mix of brands bought at different times. It’s definitely not in the “business formal” category, but I think it’s a really lovely, polished look nonetheless — it makes me feel professional, while still allowing me to express my style. And by “style”, I mean my undying love of florals. But of course.

four-eye!! (Orla Kiely frames via Costco)

when favourite pieces come together ... — when favourite pieces come together …

I also love each of the individual pieces, but perhaps none more so than this Moulinette Soeurs skirt. It fits like a dream, which is rarer than one might think (pencil skirts and my waist-to-hip ratio are only infrequently on friendly terms). It also doesn’t wrinkle as easily as one might assume, considering it’s made of cotton. It’s a truly lovely skirt, well worth hunting down on eBay, where it pops up regularly. If you can snag it for under $60, I would recommend it.

... favourite outfits happen — … favourite outfits happen

29
Feb
2016

Florals to the Max

categories: Favourite things, Flowers, style

Dress, New York & Co (via consignment); necklace & shoes, J. Crew

I saw this dress in the window at Red Pony, and I had to try it on right away. Lucky for me, it fit perfectly. Very lucky, considering it was NWT, and only $30. For someone who loves florals as much as I do, this one was a no-brainer. And, of course, I couldn’t wait to wear it. Since I was wearing it to work, I had to throw on a blazer. But, look — still cute (and now, office appropriate):

blazer, J. Crew (thrifted); bag, Marc Jacobs (via eBay)

I love how easy it is to accessorize bright prints like this one; there are so many options. The sage bag and jade shoes were a nice, non-matching but non-clashing option. These J. Crew Dulci pumps are quickly becoming favourites, and I really wish I had bought them in more colours when I found them on sale. I’m afraid to look online to see how much they cost regularly… #sadface.

As for the dress, I’m not super familiar with the New York & Co. brand, but judging from what I’ve seen online, they have a ton of cute dresses in this “scuba-like” material in a variety of lovely prints, and reasonably priced. I will be keeping my eye open for more, both on eBay and consignment stores. One can never have too many loud florals, after all.

going undercover at the florist ... — going undercover at the florist …