Four Eyes

Dress, Sweet Chemise (thrifted); shoes, Stuart Weitzman; bag, Louis Vuitton
Dress, Sweet Chemise (thrifted); shoes, Stuart Weitzman; bag, Louis Vuitton

You saw this dress not too long ago, and the styling here is, well, pretty much non-existent, so the real reason I’m posting these photos is becauseĀ I got new glasses, see?

frames, Orla Kiely via Costco
frames, Orla Kiely via Costco

I’ve had glasses for as long as I can remember, and because I grew up in the 80s, they were big-ass glasses. Fellow Gen X-ers will know what I’m talking about. Unsurprisingly, I got teased a lot for my glasses, and developed an early and abiding hatred of them … which explains why, for most of the past decade or so, I’ve worn contacts almost exclusively. So, these glasses were an interesting development. Chalk it up to wanting to try new things. I think … I like them. I certainly enjoy the Miss Moneypenny-ish vibe happening with this outfit.

black on black
black on black

My bag is an old Louis Vuitton limited edition I scored for a song on Kijiji years ago. I really should use it more often because it’s such a lovely bag, even with the monogram overload. The silver “lace” filigree work is so beautiful and unusual. This is actually the bag that ignited by love affair with designer bags, and started my collection. So … thanks, bag!

all the black
all the black

Librarian Chic

Skirt, RED Valentino (via consignment); top, Cynthia Rowley; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Ferragamo; bag, Marc Jacobs
Skirt, RED Valentino (via consignment); top, Cynthia Rowley; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Ferragamo; bag, Marc Jacobs

I used to wear cardigans all the time. “Librarian chic” could well have defined my style at the time, and I say that without any intended self-deprecation. Librarians are cool. For a law office, this look is on the more casual side, but still perfectly acceptable on days without any client meetings. With summer around the corner, and most of my blazers on the heavier side of knits, it’s a look I’m enjoying rediscovering.

outdoors shot!
outdoors shot!
watching my feet (?)
got my eye on the prize (?)

Can we talk about my shoes for a minute? Conventional wisdom is that Ferragamo shoes are the epitome of style and comfort, and while I would not dispute the former, I have reservations about the latter. The Vara style IS indisputably one of the most comfortable I’ve ever tried (at least the older/vintage pairs I have). The Varina style (i.e. these flats) is another story. Admittedly, I haven’t worn them extensively in the 3 years I’ve owned them, but I am still breaking them in. Painfully. Good thing they’re such a pretty colour.

earrings, J. Crew Factory
earrings, J. Crew Factory

Okay, minute’s up. Back to the outfit. I’m glad I’ve held on to this ancient Valentino skirt (scored at consignment, years ago, for $40 or so) because it’s such a nice staple piece, strange silhouette and all. (It’s not an A-line, nor a pencil skirt.) Did I mention how much I love rediscovering old classics in my closet?

cardigan love
cardigan love

KISS

Jeans, AE; top, Old Navy; shoes, J. Crew Factory;
Jeans, AE; top, Old Navy; shoes, J. Crew Factory;

If you’re read this blog for a while, you’ll know that, historically, I’ve subscribed to the more is more philosophy when it comes to style. There never used to be an accessory, or print mix, or loud colour combo, that I didn’t love. So I think we can say that my recent sartorial efforts are positively minimalist by comparison. And then we have an outfit like this one. Less is more, indeed.

hey, hey, Good Hair Day
hey, hey, Good Hair Day

And you know what? I loved it. Even aside from the Good Hair Day. It was comfortable, and simple, and I still felt stylish – without looking entirely out of place for my afternoon stroll in the “wilderness” with the kidlets.

from where I stand
from where I stand

Yup, it was that time of year: the J family’s first trip of the season to Whitemud Ravine. We love going there because it’s quiet and scenic, and a conveniently short drive from our house. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (a very pretty nowhere) – right in the middle of the city.

It’s also where we like to take an annual “state of the little J’s” photo … which didn’t turn out quite so well this year due to a distinct lack of cooperation on the part of the subjects.

annual Whitemud Ravine portrait
annual J Family Whitemud Ravine portrait

If this looks relatively sedate, be assured that the other 99 photos looked more like this. Or worse.

toddler revolt
toddler revolt

Another activity this outfit is perfectly suited for? Toddler wrangling. Yee-haw!

simple, right?
simple, right?