Details: H&M top, Maeve skirt (both Poshmark), Rebecca Minkoff belt (thrift), Copper Canoe Woman earrings (gift)
Thoughts: These pieces are made for each other and you can’t tell me otherwise. The judicious use of black to ground rainbow outfits never ceases to impress me. Yes, I am easily impressed by myself, haha! I added the earrings — a BFF gift from my bestie (she has a matching set) — because I wanted that pop of colour paired with black, to echo the rest of the outfit. 10/10 would do it again.
Details: Topshop dress (thrift), Zara shoes (retail)
Thoughts: I love this dress a lot, but the fabric kills me (softly?) every time. The cut is fantastic, the print is lovely … why waste all that on cheap polyester? Why, Topshop, why? I make it work, but it does bug me. I’ve worn this dress a few times already but this might be the first time I’m wearing it by itself. You can see the cut properly this way; the bodice suits my body type very well. It has a slightly retro vibe but it’s not costumey at all.
Details: Pilcro top, Thiermann skirt (both thrifted), Stella & Dot necklace, Anne Marie Chagnon ring (both Poshmark), Prairie Trail Goods jacket
Thoughts: Fully leaning into teal with this outfit, and that always makes me happy. And a counterpoint to the previous grumble: this skirt is silk, and it’s a bit of a PITA in its own way. It’s the kind of silk that loves to pick up greasy stains, and I’m not even talking about food and the usual culprits — I have to be super careful about hand cream and stuff like that. It’s all a bit too high maintenance for me. But it does feel divine to wear, I must say. Still, I’m pivoting more towards cotton and linen (and wool) these days because they are much easier to care for (especially when you’re a klutz like me).
Details: Foil top, Max&Co skirt (both thrifted), J. Crew belt & shoes (retail)
Thoughts: Another counterpoint, this time in colour theory. Magenta has become my second favourite colour, I think. Definitely top 3. It’s not even the Barbenheimer influence because I still haven’t seen either movie, lol! I just love how energetic (and energizing) magenta is, without being the least bit irritating. It’s hard to explain, but I find some bright “warm” colours like red, pink and orange to be overstimulating in a way that feels mildly unpleasant over a longer exposure. Is that weird? It’s probably weird. It’s why I tend to gravitate towards cool colours (blue, green, purple) because they don’t excite my nervous system in the same way. But magenta is an exception — I think because it’s cool-toned, with blue undertones in the pink. Aaaaaanyway … this was a cute outfit even though this top is on probation right now because the shoulder seam sits at a weird angle on me and annoys me. Why do I sound so crochety all of a sudden? *shrug*
Details: Toni T dickie, Vince top (both thrifted), Banana Republic Factory jeans (retail)
Thoughts: Guys, I think it finally happened. I think I finally found the palazzo trouser jeans that I’ve been looking for. Only, what? Nine months later? Hahahah! This was a totally random find; I happened to pop into a Banana Republic Factory store in Calgary because it was right across the street from our hotel, and stumbled onto these jeans. I swear they are a dupe of a style I tried back in December/January at the regular BR store. In fact, they’re more or less the jean version of the corduroy pants I got there. I’ve got tiny reservations about the front pleats and the rise, but the cut and length (inseam) are both perfect. I got them on major sale for less than $40, which is a decent deal. If you’re looking at these, I would check measurements; I’m usually a 27/28 and comfortably took a 26 (even though they’re not even truly high rise). Also, this is the Regular length and I can wear it with low heels and even flats, so keep that in mind if your inseam is longer than, say, 29 inches.
Details: Aerie crop top (retail), Ralph Lauren shirt, Cotton Pickers skirt, Nocona belt (all thrifted), Chie Mihara shoes (swap), Prairie Trail Goods tote, Nina Ricci necklace (from my mom)
Thoughts: I decided this outfit would be all about playing up textural and pattern contrast. Sticking to a simple colour palette allowed these other elements to be the focus. The colours are one of my fave summer combos though: blue, white and brown. The vibe was my usual prairie romantic thing, with a little dash of southwestern flair. It’s my summer style sweet spot.
BR and BR Factory has been doing well lately! Back to non-boring classics.