Details: Maxmara sweater (Poshmark), Marc Cain skirt, Ports coat, Stuart Weitzman boots (all thrifted), Marc Jacobs bag (ebay)

Thoughts: I still can’t believe I was able to score this mint condition lamb’s leather coat for $20 at the thrifts! It’s such gorgeous leather, and feels incredibly luxe. I also think the style is quite on-trend with the dropped shoulder and oversized pockets. I wanted to take it out for a quick spin on one of our warmer days, but it will have to wait for spring to make its proper debut.

Details: Gap sweater (thrifted); Topshop dress (ebay); J. Crew shows (retail)

Thoughts: I was inspired by a Pre-Fall 2022 runway look from Christopher John Rogers to pair polka dots and rainbow stripes … and I loved it! To be fair, there are no outfits featuring this dress that I’ve hated, but this is definitely one of my faves. I might have to try the same idea with a rainbow check shirt instead.

Details: Jacob vest, Oak & Fort top (both thrifted), Babaton skirt (Poshmark); Rafael Canada necklace (eBay)

Thoughts: I love this vest so much, it’s one of my favourite vintage (90s) finds. Here, I decided to pick up on the metallic brocade bits by pairing it with this antique gold, pleated skirt. I think the sleeves add just the right amount of extra drama and a bit of romantic flair.

Details: Braemer vest, Marimekko x Uniqlo top, Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo pants (all thrifted), J. Crew shoes (retail), Warren Steven Scott earrings (gift)

Thoughts: Speaking of vintage vests, here is another one. I’m really digging vests right now as an alternative to blazers for WFH or just general LAH (lounge at home, haha!). They’re a functional layer while adding some outfit pizzazz. These pants are new and — apologies — forever wrinkled because they are a linen blend. I do love the cut/style: high-waisted, with a tapered leg. Luckily, they fit relatively generously. I’m currently a bit of a cusp size on the bottom, but these fit in my old size just fine.

Details: pink Wilfred cardigan, blue Second Female cardigan, Marc Cain top, Lena Bernard necklace (all thrifted), Wilfred pants (Poshmark)

Thoughts: Tried this outfit in 2 ways and ended up liking both almost equally. I think the pink edges out the blue, but only just — mainly because I like how it picks up the pink in the pants. I also like how the pattern of the pants works so well as a kind of “night sky” pairing to the top. Overall, one of my fave “lounging at home” outfits of recent weeks.

As mentioned in a previous post, I decided to have a closer look at the Spring 2022 runway collections to glean new inspiration for my style avatars. On the whole, I didn’t find a lot of designs that spoke loudly to my personal aesthetic. This is okay. Fashion and trends are not meant to be synonymous with personal style. My own goal is two-fold. On one hand, I want to remain open to change and new ideas in design/style (and all things, tbh) because it is how we grow and evolve, and to the extent that style is an extension of who we are, it should also evolve. On the other hand, I want to be able to maintain my own perspective on style, rather than merely wearing whatever trends are popular at a given time simply because they are popular. It’s a fine balancing act, but I find it gets easier with age. Yes, even the openness to change. I have never been more curious and excited to learn new things.

Anyway, here are some of the images that spoke to me in relation to my avatars.

In truth, these outfits fit an older iteration of the High Priestess/Crone avatar. I’m finding myself look towards a slightly modified aesthetic here — more Byzantine and ornate and colourful. But the silhouettes are fantastic.

The Artist is definitely all about soft, fluid lines, but with additional volume. Lots and lots of volume. And more colour than before, especially soft colours and pastels. And pink and green! My inspiration continues to be an amalgam of Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau art — long hair, fancy nap dresses.

There were slim pickings for the Historian/Luxe Academic/Diana Bishop avatar on the spring 2022 runways, but that’s okay. I have my own ideas and have been experimenting more with this avatar again. But I’m intrigued by the images above – those high waisted pants (drool!), the luxe menswear inspired suiting, the creative layering.

The Bohemian always garners lots of inspo, and this year was no exception. I am especially loving the patchwork/colourful knits moment that is happening right now.

What is inspiring your 2022 style journey?

Details: Revel tulle overlay, Hemant & Nandita jacket, upcycled necklace, Nine West shoes (all thrifted), BR jumpsuit (secondhand)

Thoughts: I wanted to play around with this tulle piece, which I haven’t worn as much as I might have a few years ago. I don’t reach for black very often anymore, but it does make for a good “backdrop” for statement jewelry like this necklace I re-fashioned from 3 pieces of thrifted jewelry (more on that another time). The jacket was a lucky thrift find – I was looking at it on Poshmark just before I found it (and, needless to say, for a fraction of the price). I can’t wait to wear this outfit outside soon. For convenience, I will probably tweak it a bit; either wear the tulle overlay with a black dress, or the jumpsuit without the overlay.

Details: Charlie & Robin cardigan, velvet vest, Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo pants, Lena Bernard necklace (all thrifted), Zara shoes (consignment)

Thoughts: This was a very random outfit I threw together on a whim but I ended up loving it. I like wearing cropped vests as a top with high waisted pants. A little bit sexy, but as long as the neckline isn’t too low, not unacceptable for work (they won’t see any accidental glimpses of my midriff on Zoom).

Details: Rag & Bone vest, Zara skirt (both thrifted), Equipment blouse (ebay)

Thoughts: Just call me Orange Crush 😉

Details: United Colours of Benetton sweater, Manolo Blahnik shoes, plastic bangles (all thrifted), Anthro pants (gift); Warren Steven Scott earrings (gift)

Thoughts: Just a simple, cozy outfit. I extended the colour palette from the sweater to the pants, which is like insta-outfit making.

Details: Twinset dress (Poshmark); Shirin Guild topper, Stuart Weitzman shoes (both thrifted), selfmade necklace

Thoughts: I love this dress so much because it’s basically a glorified nightgown as far as shape (and comfort) goes, but it has gorgeous little details that make me feel like a dainty princess. So, minimal effort, maximum style. That’s my 2022 vibe, TBH.

Details: My Little Pony tee, Vero Moda pants, Carolina Herrera belt, Stuart Weitzman shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: The tee and pants combo was a no-brainer, but I wasn’t sure at first which belt to use. Then I noticed the red accents in the tee, and decided to try a red belt. And you know what? Red is an unexpected choice, but it really pops. I shouldn’t be surprised though; the colour of the pants is a close cousin to aqua, which always looks smashing next to red.