Blue Collar Red Lipstick

18
Nov
2014

Channeling My Inner Audrey

Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress; Audrey Hepburn LBD; Audrey Hepburn black dress; boat neck black dress — Dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (via eBay); bag, Chanel (via consignment)

Gah, horrible lighting strikes again! Sorry, you guys. In the interests of authenticity, I never photograph outfits ahead of time, which sometimes leads to this. Sad, sad, sad OOTD photos. By the time I was ready to go (to a fancy schmancy client event), it was way dark and I was stuck taking photos indoors.

Which is a real shame, because I had a really cute outfit. Another cocktail party, another old Target designer collab dress. This one is an Isaac Mizrahi, and it is divine. I hate the ubiquitous references to Audrey Hepburn, but I truly feel this dress deserves one. The neckline nails it, yes? Anyway, as with my Lela Rose for Target dress, this one is really nice quality all things considered. I really, really wish that Target would go back to making designer collabs this good.

Valentino half bow pumps patent leather — shoes, Valentino (via consignment); earrings, J. Crew (via consignment)

Here’s an after-the-fact close-up of the accessories you can’t see. And here’s a look at the best part of the dress – the back:

17
Nov
2014

It’s a Mad, Plaid World

categories: style

Plaid pencil skirt; Marc Jacobs Magazine bag; Marc Jacobs Mag bag — Skirt, Ports 1961 (thrifted); blouse & cardigan, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, MbMJ (via eBay)

Or is it a plaid-mad one?

I love this plaid. I was so excited when I found this Ports 1961 skirt at Value Village because it has exactly the colours I wanted in a plaid. I was so excited that – alas – I overlooked one important detail.

The 80s-style front pleats. Pleats that make me look like I’m past the first trimester. (I’m not!) Dammit!

I guess the search for a plaid pencil skirt continues …

Side note: I am thinking about organizing a local get-together for BCRL readers before the holiday season hits. If you live in Edmonton and would be interested in a brunch ‘n shop (consignment store, natch) with fellow fashion lovers, drop me a line in the comments (don’t forget to add your e-mail address in the comment box field) or shoot me an e-mail.

15
Nov
2014

Style Confessions, vol. 4

categories: Life, Listmania

Want to read more style confessions? Find them here, here, and here.

1. I’m a Judgy Judge Who Judges

Your style choices, that is.

Generally, I try to abide by a live-and-let-live philosophy: no judging people for any life choices that don’t directly impact others (without the latter’s consent). Basically, I’m like the ideal government. But, like the government, I’m not perfect. Sometimes, I judge.

Here are some of the things for which I will judge you (and your sartorial discernment):

Carrying a Michael Kors bag (extra judgment if it has that dangly MK medallion tag thing);
Enormous black-framed glasses (extra judgment if you have 20/20 vision)
Shooties (extra judgment if you refer to them as such)
Expensive t-shirts (extra judgment if they are grey, white, or black)
Aldo shoes (extra judgment if they have a 2-inch platform and you’re wearing them to work)
Instagramming your completely unremarkable brunch (extra judgment for every random object in the picture – lipstick, wallet, copy of The Goldfinch, Louboutins, etc.)

2. … And You Can Return the Favour

By judging mine, of course.

I have said before that I am, in many respects, a textbook “basic bitch”. Some of the things I like are deeply, inescapably trite. The sartorial equivalent of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am deeply at peace with this fact. (As I encourage you to be about your love of any items listed under #1 above).

Here are some things for which you can judge me:

Coveting a pair of Valentino Rockstuds (one day!)
Arm parties (when I remember)
Instagram selfies (I heart filters, and so do my wrinkles)
Matching all the colours (matchy matchy matchy)
J. Crew up the wazoo (hey, it rhymes!)

Ok, your turn: for what do you judge other people, and for what do you think you might be getting judged?