Month: August 2017

The Slouch Factor

Blazer, Aritzia (thrifted); top, Rebecca Taylor (thrifted); pants, Cartonnier (thrifted); shoes, Jones NY; bag, Gucci (via consignment)
Blazer, Aritzia (thrifted); top, Rebecca Taylor (thrifted); pants, Cartonnier (thrifted); shoes, Jones NY; bag, Gucci (via consignment)

Some days, it really feels like my main style goal is to see how closely I can get to wearing pyjamas to the office. These pants are probably skirting that line, no pun intended. Paired with an oversized blazer, the slouch factor is nearly off the charts. But pointy loafers help to bring it down a notch … one hopes. They are definitely a step above slippers, right?

There isn’t much I can say about genesis of this outfit except that these are all pieces I love individually, so I figured I’d love them together as well. Also, the top does have both purple and grey in its print, which I hoped would serve to tie together the other pieces. I think it all came together nicely so hurrah for realized potential. It’s not always a given, that, even after years of remix experiments. That’s one of the reasons why, being so short on time lately, I have been gravitating more towards the tried-and-true than outfit innovation. On that note, this post from Cassie about clothing ruts really resonated with me.

purple mood
purple mood
mmm, slouchy!
mmm, slouchy!

Hulk Smashing

Sweater, Elsamanda (thrifted); top, H&M (thrifted); pants, Aritzia (thrifted); shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, Coach (via eBay)
Sweater, Elsamanda (thrifted); top, H&M (thrifted); pants, Aritzia (thrifted); shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, Coach (via eBay)

Hey, look at me being all punny and stuff. I don’t wear a lot of green normally, and it’s not because I’m trying to avoid looking like the Hulk. (Mark Ruffalo is fine. I’m a Winter Soldier fangirl, but I also have eyes. No shame in embracing the Hulk is what I’m saying.) Strangely, it’s because finding a green I like is a challenge. As I get older, I find that I am increasingly sensitive to nuances in colour; a green that is too bright, or too blue, or too yellow can set my teeth on edge.

That reaction is not limited to green, by the way. I have the same visceral response to all the “wrong” colours. Sometimes, the thing that makes a colour “wrong” is so subtle, I actually start to wonder if it’s all in my head … rather than my eyes, ahem.

Anyhulk.

Finding the “right” kind of green is tough. I think that my fave shades are actually fairly popular these days, but they haven’t yet reached thrift stores, at least not in large quantities. Give it another year or so. For now, I treasure my little growing hoard, including this sweater and top. Why not wear them together, I asked myself one day and proceeded to do just that. Mark would approve.

Now, your turn. Tell me this: what colour would be your superhero costume?

hulk smash!
hulk chic

Indescribable

Blazer, Loft81 (via consignment); dress, Paul Smith (secondhand); shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, Marc Jacobs
Blazer, Loft81 (via consignment); dress, Paul Smith (secondhand); shoes, Jimmy Choo (thrifted); bag, Marc Jacobs

I was immediately drawn to the lines and colour of this Loft81 blazer, even though I was not familiar with the brand at all. The sleek, lapel-less cut works really well with dresses, pants, and skirts. The colour falls into that category of neutrals that is impossible to describe. Is it grey? There are purple undertones there, but also a bit of taupe. The colour changes depending on the light. Whatever it is, it’s wonderfully versatile for my wardrobe palette. So, of course, buying the blazer was a no-brainer, even at the relatively high price of $29. I know; that sounds like bragging, but it’s not meant to be. Because of thrifting, I rarely spend more than $20 on any one item of clothing — any item. So, this felt like a bit of splurge; a worthwhile one, I hope.

close-up
close-up
greige blazer, part deux
greige blazer, part deux

Everything else here is old. I’m still loving the print of this Paul Smith dress, and the stretch level; it’s fitted but comfortable — no shapewear required. The bag is an ancient Marc Jacobs. Nobody seems to use leather like this anymore, which is a shame. Hunt around for these older MJ bags on eBay; you won’t regret it. There are always good deals to be had. Last, but not least, my old (thrifted) Jimmy Choos. I have been on the verge of purging these a few times now, but I can’t bring myself to do it. They are my fave, classic black pumps. My current goal is to replace them so I’m hoping for some good eBay mojo of my own. Wish me luck.

florals on the scene
florals on the scene