Blazer, J. Crew; top & sweater, J. Crew Factory; pants, BR; shoes, Tod’s; bag, Louis Vuitton (via consignment)
I love me a good English professor outfit. And it makes for a cozy ensemble on a crisp fall morning. I stole this look from my husband (who, coincidentally, is actually teaching a class at his old alma mater this semester), and I think I may have to keep it for a while – metaphorically speaking. There are a few more versions of it I want to try, for sure.
details …collar (and under-eye bags) details …
Before I forget, allow me to apologize for the quality of my photos, which has reached a new low, I know. With winter most assuredly on its way (*sob*), it’s now too cold and dark in the mornings for me to take photos outside before work. I’ve set up a “OOTD photo taking” space in our (unfinished) basement, but it’s not ideal. Even with a couple of industrial strength floodlights I pilfered from the garage, the lighting is an under-eye bag-enhancing tragedy. Canadian blogger problems, y’all.
menswear-inspiredpoint me to the nearest campus!print mix
Top, J. Crew (via consignment); skirt, MaxMara (thrifted); necklace, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment); bag, Louis Vuitton (via consignment)
Ok, the title is a misleading sort of pun, because you know that shopping secondhand never leaves me feeling blue. So, while this outfit has me wearing a lot of aqua, that’s the only kind of blue in the picture. Har har.
But, yes, other than the necklace, this is an outfit made entirely of consignment or thrifted pieces. Coincidentally (or not?), it’s also made up of some pretty fancy pieces – things I certainly wouldn’t want to buy at retail prices. Lucky, then, that this outfit cost me only about 24% of its original retail value – on things (like the bag and shoes especially) that looked to be brand new. Have I told you lately how much I love shopping secondhand?
ladylike blouse
I should also tell you, if I haven’t lately, how much I love this J. Crew blouse. The silk has a nice drape to it, and gives off a lovely romantic vibe when it’s tucked in. It works as beautifully with a pencil skirt as it does with my Zara midi skirt.
I have been on a bag-buying bender lately – again! sigh – so I’ve been trying to keep my shopping to a minimum in other regards. Oh, who are we kidding? Mostly, I’ve just been too busy to shop. But I have snuck in a couple of shopping trips because, let’s face it: ain’t no better stress relief in my world than a little retail therapy. I didn’t actually end up buying anything on any of those occasions, but I did take some more crappy changing room selfies, so I figured I’d share those joys with you, dear readers.
Clover Canyon dress, $130 at Marshalls
Oh, if only my life was glamorous enough to require a dress like this in my closet. Since that’s not the case, I ooh-ed and aah-ed in the changing room and left it behind. *sniff* Perhaps we shall meet again on the clearance aisle, my love.
Philosophy dress (NOT the designer brand), $40 (I think? can’t remember) at Marshalls
Cute idea, cute print, too bad it was the shiniest, cheapest feeling polyester. Something about the colour palette reminds me of Prada, but I still prefer my similarly cut Joe Fresh dress (whose quality is also better, IMO).
Ralph Lauren dress ($52) at Marshalls
If this had been $20 cheaper, I would have bought it, no question. Even though I don’t really need another work dress, I can never pass up a cheapie jersey dress. Ralph Lauren makes some of the most flattering ones, for sure. This was already on sale, but if it makes it to another cut, I’m probably going to buy it.
Forgot-the-European-brand dress ($80) at Winners
I loved this dress, you guys. Loved it. But, uh … in principle. It was too sheer (see the colour of my underwear sheer, which may not be apparent in this photo), and the material (100% viscose) felt really cheap. The brand didn’t ring any bells with me, so I don’t really get the price, at all.
DVF dress ($25) at My Favourite Aunt’s
Another heartbreak. I had to break my “no DVF dress left behind” policy and, in fact, leave this pretty number behind. It was only $25, but also about 3 sizes too big. If you’re a size 10-12 (the tag says 14, but I say it runs smallish), run to My Favourite Aunt’s today because it may still be there; I believe they clear out the clearance rack on Fridays, though, so be quick, my friends.
Elizabeth & James dress ($15) at My Favourite Aunt’s
As my friends said … maybe if I was still in my 20s. And had a much more exciting life. Alas. I would love to have an Elizabeth & James piece in my closet, especially for $15, but sadly this piece wasn’t it.
Lord & Taylor skirt ($38 on sale at The Bay)
I saved the LOLs till last to make your slogging through this post worth your while. I think I can safely say “mission accomplished”. This skirt was an interesting concept … in theory. But in reality, I’m not sure who it’s intended for – a conservative politician’s really, really tall wife? I have no idea.
And that concludes another round of changing room selfies. I hope the retail gods were more generous with you. Hit me up with all your amazing finds in the comments.
