Redhead in Green

Green should be easy, right? I’m a redhead after all. But green is one of the colours with which I struggle the most. Many greens feel too strident to me; they set my teeth on edge, if that makes sense. But the right green … aah, that’s another story. I love blackened greens, bottle greens and mossy greens. Something with a bit of smoke, a hint of mysterious forest to it. The greens of this outfit, for example. The best outfits, to me, feel like an extension of your own skin and that’s how I felt wearing this one. I am not Wearing Green so much as I am a Creature of Green. And I am wearing my “witchy” pendant to let you know that there is a story there. These greens have seen some sh*t. Maybe started some too.

Notes: Selected Femme sweater (retail, $40); Zara skirt (thrifted, $11); Jimmy Choo shoes (eBay, $130); Rafael Canada necklace (eBay, $80).

In the Bag

Make no mistake: this outfit is just an excuse, a backdrop if you will, for this bag. It’s is wholly beaded (and in immaculate condition) and completely over the top. Borderline ugly, but in a most fascinating (to me) way. Lately, I have been really interested in art/things that straddle the line between beauty and whatever can be found on the other side of it. “Ugly” is perhaps an oversimplification. I am interested in things that evoke a reaction, something other than “so cute”. And one thing I know for sure is that no one would call this bag “cute”.

Notes: Theory top (consignment, $25); Maggie Walt pants (thrifted, $6.50); bag (thrifted, $10); shoes, Me Too (thrifted, $16).

Highlands Fling

Someone called this a Grown-Up Merida outfit, and I am not mad about it. Taking a vintage Ralph Lauren skirt away from its 80s Preppy roots in a different direction is all the fun. Also fun? A skirt that really knows how to twirl:

I mean, how could I resist this?

Notes: Eileen Fisher sweater (thrifted, $5); Gap top (thrifted, $5); Ralph Lauren skirt (thrifted, $6.50); Napoleoni shoes (thrifted, $6); Rafael Canada necklace (eBay, $80).

Patriotic OOTD

I don’t really dress to themes these days, but for Canada Day I decided to show some patriotic pride after all … with a red dress and rainbow-coloured sweater. (See what I did there?) It was also very “on brand” because Canada is, among many other more wonderful things, the land where summer is sometimes just an abstract concept. Which is why layering a mid-weight knit over a linen dress in July is not just a fashion experiment, but an actual necessity.

Notes: Lord & Taylor dress (thrifted, $8.50); Gap sweater (thrifted, $6); Barbara Barbieri sandals (thrifted, $10).

Graphic Visuals

This skirt was love at first sight, which surprised me at first as I found myself reaching for it. It’s a bit … loud. And “loud” isn’t something I associate with my current style. Except that maybe I should. Because I love the bold graffiti print, and the contrasting stripes, and the volume. It’s all “too much” in the best way. Fit ‘n flare skirts are not normally my thing, but I adore midis so that aspect was the foremost reason why I bought it. Since I’ve had time to play around with styling it, I have come to appreciate all its other merits. I think this will be a fun piece to keep for a while. Not bad for an $18 cotton skirt.

Notes: Floreat top (thrifted, $6); Lida Baday blazer (thrifted, $12); Orientique Australia skirt (consignment, $18); Cole Haan shoes (thrifted, $10).

The Anniversary Dress

My husband and I celebrated nine years of marriage (what? how is that possible?) on July 3, and in honour of the day I wore things that he recently gifted to me. The Marni dress we bought – I picked, he paid, marriage is a team effort, friends – in Calgary on our recent trip. The Rafael Canada jewelry we bought (same deal) in Edmonton at one of my favourite vintage spots, Swish. When I found the dress, I knew it needed a real statement necklace; its tailoring is impeccable but the lines are quite severe. I didn’t have a fitting necklace at the time, but I trust in kismet. Sure enough, this necklace found its way into my life about a month later and it’s perfect. Perfect for the dress, and also just perfect in general.

Notes: Marni dress (consignment, gift); Rafael Canada necklace & ring (secondhand, gift); J. Crew shoes (retail, $80).

8 Comments on What I Wore: June 24 – July 5, 2019

  1. Congratulations and many Blessings on your anniversary! Praise The Lord, that is very exciting! You have the best thrift shops out there. I don’t know that many thrift shops in SF, Ca sell Marni!

    • I got this dress at a consignment store but have found Marni at the thrift store before. Definitely not a common sight, though. It’s one of my fave designers.

  2. Love all these outfits, particularly the first outfit and also the one with that fabulous plaid skirt. And I’ve been loving how you incorporate the new-to-you Rafael Canada pieces into your outfits. That jewelry really suits your style!

    • Omg, I am so obsessed with Rafael pieces! I have been wearing them non-stop and love what they add to my outfits.

  3. I really appreciate the “notes” section. I like seeing how you came across an item and how much (or more often how little) you paid. It feeds my curiosity, and makes me want to shop for my own deals.

    • Thanks! My intent with that is to show that it’s possible to build a good quality wardrobe on a budget – it takes more time and effort than just going to the mall exclusively, but it’s worth it. Also, it gives some info for anyone looking to track down exact items since
      I don’t include links, etc.

  4. Happy anniversary! Also, I am loving the Tilda Swinton feel of these outfits combined with the hair. The highest level of compliment as Swinton is Queen.