Blue Collar Red Lipstick

23
Jan
2015

The Relic

Sweet Chemise wrap dress — Dress, Sweet Chemise; shoes, Jimmy Choo (via eBay); bag, Tory Burch

This dress has been in my closet since 2007 or so, making it the oldest garment I own, by a long shot. It has seen me through 2 pregnancies, and quite a few sizes, and it is still as beautiful as the day I first saw it. Call it a wardrobe match made in heaven. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that it’s a better constructed piece than my DVF wrap dresses. What?! I know, heresy. But it’s true. The neckline is cut so that it doesn’t gape around/over the bust, and the wrap is generous enough to accommodate a swing of 2-3 sizes without looking too tight or too loose.

I have one other Sweet Chemise dress (thrifted!) which is also a marvel of construction.

If you ever run into this Canadian brand (especially on the secondhand market), do give their clothes a try – you might just find a treasure of your own.

Hey, look: cute bag. You can buy it here, before I change my mind and decide to keep it or something.

Cartier Trinity ring; Swarovski stackable ring — Rings, Old Navy, Swarovski & Cartier

21
Jan
2015

Ladies & Gents, We Have a Winner

categories: Favourite things, style, Success stories

Elie Tahari Linda blazer — Blazer, Elie Tahari; top, Gap Factory; pants, American Eagle; shoes, Calvin Klein; bag, MbMJ

So, I know it’s kind of early in the year to make these sort of pronouncements, but I think we have a contender for next December’s favourite outfits of the year post. I rarely feel that way about my casual Friday office ensembles, but I love how this one came together. This Elie Tahari blazer was an awesome score – it looks polished and professional, with just the right about of “edge”. Check out the side:

I’m also wearing some of my favourite accessories here: the J. Crew earrings I wear almost every day to work, and a couple of special necklaces (the J. Crew tassel necklace I bought in Ottawa, and the Tiffany necklace my husband surprised me with this Christmas).

J. Crew art deco arrow earrings — My favourite office earrings (J. Crew)

J. Crew melody tassel necklace; Tiffany Paloma necklace — necklace layerin’ (Tiffany + J. Crew)

All told, happy memories + the satisfaction of looking well put together = winning. Talk about a satisfyingly productive Friday morning. And it all happened before I even got to work.

20
Jan
2015

The New Look

categories: Uncategorized

office ootd; office style; J. Crew snowcat shirt — Blazer, J. Crew; shirt, J. Crew (via consignment); pants, Banana Republic; belt, Tommy Hilfiger; shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, mbMJ

I’m by no means suggesting this is anywhere near as revolutionary or iconic as Dior’s New Look. Au contraire: it’s traditional and unremarkable. But, I think it shows my commitment to adulting my work wardrobe. And the fact that I am, on occasion, capable of restraint. Also, I didn’t hate this outfit; in fact, I thought it was positively cute. But, like, grown-up cute. I allowed myself one print, and because the print was black-and-white, I threw in a hint of colour. I’ve learned my lesson trying to pair accessories with this shirt (answer: don’t), so I kept everything else simple. And then went and flooffed up my hair, because my restraint has limits, y’all.

I loved how the three layers looked this morning. (My camel coat makes everything look classy, though.) Maybe there is something in minimalism after all.

Maaaaybe.