Grandma’s Couch, v. 2
Some people may question my love for “old fashioned” florals, but I give them Exhibit A for Why Grandma’s Couch is Bomb. I passed on this crop top the first time I spotted it at Value Village, but I quickly realized the error of my way, and went back for it; luckily, this was one of those exceptional situations where the piece was still there a week later. I couldn’t be happier. The crop top may not seem like a super practical piece, but I have so many styling ideas for it. Starting with this outfit. I love the juxtaposition of traditional floral print and (faux) leather. Sugar and spice, if you will.
Swishy
To be honest with you, I have no idea if this Eileen Fisher tunic is supposed to be a top or a dress. Neither option is entirely satisfactory, but I solved the problem with some handy layering. I love how much movement this outfit has, which helps to disguise the fact that it’s basically a two-piece version of “potato sack”. But a fancy potato sack because velvet and silk is automatically elevated. Note to self: add more velvet to wardrobe. My goal is to be comfortable without it being immediately apparent than I’m wearing things that might as well be pyjamas.
Inventing Layers
I like this Pyne & Smith dress a lot, but I don’t find it easy to style. The top buttons up like a shirt, which is not my favourite detail and I find it inhibits some of my styling attempts. But! I think I’ve finally hit on a layering combination that works really well. This Sarah Pacini vest thing looks awesome when it open, but is also very interesting cinched closed. The asymmetry is *chef’s kiss*. And I also love the mix of textures here between the nubby knit and the textured linen.
Old Faithful
This skirt is the oldest piece in my closet, specifically the oldest piece I purchased at retail. I just confirmed the year: 2000. I know, because the GAP labels all their clothing with the release date, and the tag on this skirt says “04/00”. And no, that’s not a typo: it IS from the GAP. It’s also silk and surprisingly great quality. Rediscovering this skirt in my archive closet may have ignited a bit of an obsession with vintage GAP. Back in the day, it used to be one of my favourite aspirational brands. Yes, you read that correctly. I couldn’t afford to buy it, and I admired it from afar (the old ads were so good!). I still remember this skirt being a very special purchase – I managed to snag this on clearance, and it was a huge thing for me at the time. Anyway, I’ve been going down an internet rabbit hole looking at some of those old GAP ads, and seeing what other pieces from the 90s/early 00s might work for my current style so I keep my eyes open for them at the thrift stores.
Love the Gap skirt, so glad you kept it.
I wish I had been able to shop more at the Gap back in the day! There is a sweater from 1999 that I am a little bit obsessed with. Too bad it’s selling on eBay for $500. I mean, wow.
I used to feel that way about the Gap, too! I remember my older brother once giving me a $20 gift certificate (gold!) and then perusing the clearance rack until I found a dress that was too big for me—-but I bought it and wore it proudly anyway. Ankle length black with tiny pink roses—-very unflattering and soooo 90s.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! One year, I asked my parents for an aqua blue hoodie from the Gap. It was my favourite thing in the world … and then a few months later it got ruined on a camping trip. So sad. Maybe that’s why I hate camping now, lol!
Great pieces. I love the first look. It appears that crop tops have made a come back…lucky you since not all of us can wear them.
I think picking a high waisted bottom piece helps a lot. That way, if the only thing exposed is a sliver of skin above the waist, it’s not so intimidating because it doesn’t show one’s abs (or, in my case, lack thereof).
Ps. Love these, especially 1 and 3.