Tulle Dreams

Back in the very early days of this blog, I remember writing about the Lanvin x H&M collab of 2010. It came out just as my interest in fashion was ramping up, and of course, I loved the idea of an accessible “designer” collection. Sadly, in my town, access to that collection was basically nil. I can’t say that I’ve been pining over it ever since, but recently my interest in older H&M collabs has been revived. And when I came across this dress — the centrepiece of the Lanvin collection — for a fab price on Poshmark … well, I had to get it. Eleven years later, I finally have a little piece of Alber’s genius to call my own. And, in fact, it suits 2021 Adina far better than my 2010 self. It is my very own Tulle Dream come true.

Great Lengths …

I am very much into dresses over pants, and that whole “long column” look at the moment. This particular iteration turned out even better than I could have hoped. I love how fresh and unexpected the white pants look, paired with the dark colours on top. I almost didn’t keep these Sarah Pacini pants because they’re quite snug in the hips, and so they tend to whisker around the crotch; still, they’re comfortable enough to wear under things. They don’t have any bulk around the waist, as there are no buttons, only a side zipper. That’s key, I find, any time you’re looking to layer pants under dresses or skirts that are more streamlined.

… And Short

I love this Marc Cain skirt, but it’s quite short. For me, anyway. So it feels like a fashion risk and a piece that requires extra effort from me to style. I wore it in a more preppy fashion before, but I wanted something funky this time. I stuck with a brown-and-black palette, and added a bunch of contrasting patterns for visual appeal and a bit of edginess. I liked it!

Gumball Chic

I love this outfit so much. This tunic-over-pants formula hits my “long and lean” silhouette out of the ball park. OBSESSED. But, let’s face it, the highlight of this outfit was this Anna Paoli mini bucket bag. It’s ridiculously adorable – like a pink gumball with a strap. It also comes with a long crossbody chain which is extra handy (I like the little strap, but I need my hands free when I’m out and about). It was an impulse buy at a local consignment store (Red Pony Consignment) when I went to pick up another piece (shhhh, it’s Kenzo and it’s fabulous) but I am so glad I went for it. It’s reawakening my love of statement bags.

Fresh Take

Another piece from the clothing swap — how fun is this J. Crew stripe top. It reminds me of candy canes. This was a pretty simple outfit, but on a whim I added these over-the-top Zara bow shoes and, wow, I love how they transform the outfit into something more playful and less preppy.

Back to School

The kids are back in school … and I am back with a vaguely academichic outfit. I saw an inspo pic somewhere a while back which showed a button-up shirt being worn open under a blazer as a kind of “third piece”, and I’ve been dying to try it out. I chose this Gucci blouse because the light blue pops against the camel and browns, and the bold floral pattern adds some visual interest. I do think it makes the outfit a little less traditional/expected. I struggle these days with short skirts (my preference is midi or longer) but this Marc Cain number is too cute not to try to make it work. I do think next time I’ll pull out some opaque tights because that much pasty leg skin is … a bit blinding 😉

Forest Green

I ended up wearing a lot more green than usual at the end of last month, which was fun. Starting with this green Bailey44 top that I got in the swap. It’s a great match for my beloved Carven skirt. This is probably my favourite silhouette – makes me look long and lean, which I’m not. Clothes magic! Also magic: this giant labradorite pendant I made. I bought the stone in Jasper on our family summer vacation this year, and I am obsessed with it. Well, I am obsessed with labaradorites in general, but this one is a flashy stunner.

Grass Green

In the past, I’ve tended to gravitate more towards darker greens, but this bright shade has been a revelation. It feels so fresh. I paired it with a velvet wrap in burnt orange/red/brown shades, and I really dig the colour combination. It’s unexpected but it works.

Dark Green

This old Ralph Lauren skirt continues to be one of my faves. I paired it with another vintage piece — a newly thrifted old school Le Chateau duster. I can’t get enough of long dusters; again, it’s that “long and lean” silhouette that I’m digging these days. An 90s throwback that I can fully get behind, and an interesting twist/update to a traditional blazer look.

Green Plaid

I love this jacket I got at the swap, but de-preppy-fying it has been a challenge. Most of the ways in which I thought to style it are, well, too preppy for me. But I like taking pieces and playing them “against type” so I decided to persevere. The first attempt which worked for me was this one — paired with a graphic tee, to give it a more casual/funky vibe. But in order to keep it around, I need to come up with more viable options. Stay tuned.

In Non-Green News…

I love clashing prints so am very pleased with how this random-ish combination panned out. It’s not even entirely clashing, as the polka dots and circles kinda mirror each other. This Topshop dress never fails to make me feel amazing; it has a very flattering cut and is comfortable to boot. I’m so happy to have found it after a year+ of searching. With fall and winter around the corner, the layering possibilities are exciting.

Desert Sunset

This tee always makes me think of the desert, and the sequin jacket kinda looks like a sunset so … desert sunset it is. I also got these Frank & Oak pants in the swap, and they’re quickly becoming a fave pair. High waisted culottes that fit my long torso proportions? Ahmazing. I like this muted purplish-brownish-reddish-brick colour as an unexpected “neutral”. I don’t tend to wear a lot of warm colours, but maybe I need to start.

Casual Hits

Last but not least, some “casual outfits”. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve worn a graphic sweatshirt, so it was time to revisit this closet staple. Pair it with a dress (or skirt); pair it with pants. It works and it’s fun!