What I Wore Teaser: Drape Drape Dress

So this photo shows the dress skirt before I altered it to better suit my shape. I'm loathe to show it because the skirt piece actually looks a lot better as a result of the adjustments (no photos yet). This shot is not particularly flattering (what up with the static look? - there was no static, my legs were bare!) but it does show you my newest bag purchase. That bag is new (vintage). I got it at I Miss You. It's Italian embossed leather, so chic! Works perfectly with the dress. I do promise to show the altered version as soon as I can.

Way To Bring In the New Year

I decided that, to match our wild mushroom brie fondue tradition, I'd go retro with the outfit.

Yes, that is me wearing an orange-esque vintage scooter dress with fuchsia tights. It's made in Italy, doncha know. And it's hand stitched along the button placket at the front of the skirt. I really wanted it just to see how it was put together :-) But I'm so thrilled this garment fits. I have never bought a vintage dress, sight unseen. Cherie gives very good sizing information on her site. And she has a return policy!

Oh, and those shoes, my favourite taupe suede YSL - they're ones that never make it outside (they're not outrageously practical) but which really give impossible chic to any ensemble.

On a related note, I'm really enjoying The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake. It's about Paris fashion and the careers of YSL and Karl Lagerfeld. Those two were worthy rivals!

What I Wore

This is what I wore before I came up with the new manifesto:

Skinnies: Guido & Mary (this brand is starting to go places), T: My design, Sweater: $5.00 at some disposable clothing store (though I've been wearing it for 2 years), Bag: Zara (the grey sac with the chain handle I wrote about last season)

I realize it's a T shirt and jeans, but I'd like to take a moment to say a) how comfortable this combo is and b) how I do feel I wear it chic-ly. Is it so wrong to wear things under those circumstances, even if it the outfit isn't exciting??

Sadass Provisos:

Please note that the room in which these photos was taken has not yet been given a much needed face lift. Well, it's better than it was as a play-room (which is to say we use it), but it needs some work when some money, time, energy and effort combine in a whirling dervish. Don't wait up.

Also, I seem to remember advising that I'd never allow myself to be photographed from below ever again. But my husband was eating breakfast at the time and this is the best I could do, as standing was not in his plans. It appears I have another opportunity to remind us all that it's not an attractive angle.

Ambivalent

As a brief respite from the Mtl. posts, here are a few photos Scott took recently:

M gives you some of her "no I won't comb my hair to look pretty in a picture" attitude - maybe that's why I feel so much like someone's boring mother here...

A chance for you to observe just how insanely blond my new hair is

A rather meh shot of me modeling the asymmetrical skirt purchased for $19.00 (down from $119.00) about which I posted a few weeks ago.

I'm frankly opposed to trashing myself in my posts - what on earth could be the point? And yet these shots really aren't cohering for me. I see how I should have worn a heel to lean me out a little (wouldn't have been comfy walking though, since I wore heels the day before). The tucked in shirt has a tendency to shorten my waist and highlight my ample chest - like, to the max - which is yet another reason that a little heel would have helped.

Having said that, not every outfit is the cat's ass. And I have been promising clothing photos...

What I Wore - New Gap Jeans

Let's cut to the chase, shall we? You want to see how these new Gap 1969 Always Skinnies make your ass look, right?

But just cuz I'm so happy with them, here are a zillion other shots...





You may recall the vintage shirt - I got it at Atomic on Queen Street (the mid-century place where I got my AGE ring). It's some kind of mystery synthetic fabric. Wouldn't surprise me if it were 70s masquerading as 40s. I think it's cute as a late summer jacket.

Re-Brand

Love this or hate it, you're going to have some opinion...

See, for at least 5 years, I've been talking about getting one of those shifty, back-of-magazine "make your own T shirt" companies to stencil a specific slogan T for me. Sensibly, I've been repeatedly cowed by the whole shifty ad at the back of a magazine angle. Not so reputable-seeming, yes? But I thought that was my only recourse.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered, on walking down Queen Street the other day, that there are actual stores that do this! Like retail. Am I sheltered or is this news to you too? I truly thought those closed down in the late 70s!

Needless to say I rushed on in there. And behold my handiwork:


I'm sure you know that I came up with this slogan myself, that I haven't been scarfing those pro-chattel, patriarchy pills you may also order in bulk from the back of the mags. One of my friends suggested that I missed the boat and, given my frame, might have been more on the mark stenciling "Scottie's Girls" across the centre of the shirt. Seriously, I'm half inclined :-)

But, man, it gets me some action with my husband...

What I Wore

I bought the vintage 60's polyester skirt ($28.00) at Apt. 909 last spring - and I've enjoyed it's retro, geeky quality ever since. It's actually got built in panty-shorts?! With my American Apparel ivory, ribbed over-the-knee socks and a prim top, it's quite a fun look. And the short trench was $39.00 at H&M last summer. Yulanda generously scoured the Eaton Centre store with me to find it, though in the end, alas, I had to go to the Dufferin Mall location (where it was originally sighted) to get my hands on it...




You may recall my riff on this outfit last spring - the photos are awful (eek, muffin head) but you'll get the gist of the styling.

Showing My Stripes

I'm very partial to the zebra meets stripey T look... It's a bit crazy, but in the most gentle way.

Thoughts?

Atomic Age

I had an inspired shopping experience last weekend (thank you Lawrence) at Atomic on Queen Street West. A curator's dream, this shop full of excellently preserved, cheerful, mid-century modern and pop art pieces was a delight!

In addition to a fantastic selection of housewares (mint-condition, 1960s Swedish plastic carafes, anyone?), there's a beautiful, edited assortment of modernist Norwegian sterling silver jewelry and a capsule vintage clothing collection, mainly from the late 60s and early 70s.

I bought a phenomenal ring that looks strangely like a crown to me (pics to follow).

I also got this top:




Not that I'm any expert, but I suspect this piece is from the 1970s, masquerading as a piece from the 1940s. The fabric and stitching seem more modern than the design. (And the cross-over design has such beautiful drape, it's a joy to wear.)

Whatcha think?

Wild Things Run Fast

So I couldn't take a decent shot of my face for anything but my outfit was totally schizo cute!

My daughter advised that I could be on an episode of What Not to Wear, which is amazing coming from a kid who piled on every item of clothing in her closet all at once yesterday.

No doubt this outfit is "out there", but it's also cheeky and tongue-in-cheek and chic (ha), IMO.

The acid yellow T is new from Club Monaco. Let me guess; you're shocked.

Some things you should know:

• CM has a dubious new final sale on all discounted merchandise policy. I advised that this is never going to fly and the SA disclosed that certain managers seem willing to be flexible.

• The yellow T was $22.00 on the tag but $9.00 at the cash. And I got the cheetah version of my zebra (pony) skinny belt for freakin' $19.00!!! It was $59.00 originally. Not intending to return either of these, happily.

• The tights are courtesy of Yulanda, who included them for me in her order with We Love Colors.

• The belt is vintage and cost $16.00.

• The skirt does indeed have a housefly stenciled on it. Given my legendary hatred of all the bugs, everyone seems to think this is a) weird and b) hilarious.
  

Something tells me that Imogen will have a field day with this colour scheme!

What I Wore

In an attempt to show you stuff I already own, this was last Wednesday's outfit:





The pants are from my (recently defunct!?!) best-kept secret. They are some Italian house brand I've never heard of but they cost me $80.00 (down from $500.00). The reason you can barely see them is because I cropped the shit out of these photos on account of the fact I've decided them pants is too small. They fit me just as they did the day I bought them but, when I bought them I didn't have a lens trained on my ass. That's why you should shop with a butt checker, I guess. I don't know how I'll ever be able to wear them again, to be honest.

The T is H&M Trend (thanks to Yulanda for advising me that the front section of H&M Eaton Centre is dedicated to the Trend line...). It was some reasonable price like $24.99. The jacket is made by hand at Ewanika (see sidebar). I got it on mega-sale, and it still wasn't cheap ($250.00, if I remember correctly). But it was made by someone who was actually paid for her skill and labour which makes me feel good. You can't tell from these shots, but the the waist is beautifully tailored with silk-covered elastic gathers. And the outer arms are seamed with flat silk ribbon.

What I Wore

Here's what I wore on Tuesday:


Man, it was chilly. Gorgeous, sunny, crisp and clear!

That's a skirt you've seen before ($28.00, vintage from Apt. 909). The top is from Loehmanns. It cost about 20 bucks, if I remember correctly. It was a few years ago. The belt is one of the oldest things in my wardrobe. It's at least 10 years old and I can't remember where I got it, but somehow I remember it cost $19.99. You can't see the black quilted flats from Century21 (I got them for $30.00 when I was in NY last summer. And no tax in Manhattan!)

Now the lingerie cost a living fortune, but the rest of my outfit comes in under $100.00!

What I Wore

Here's what I wore on Monday:

I got the dress at Jacob, like, 8 years ago. It's this weird kind of denim one rarely sees. Sort of sheeny. At this point, I've worn it so many times, on cost per wearing, it's paying me.

The belt and cardigan are two purchases from this season. The belt was bought at Joe Fresh for $2.99 (admittedly on sale). The cardi cost $12.50 at Urban Planet.

Look Vogue, a chic work look and not one piece cost 3 grand!

What I Wore Today...

I'm having a Wardrobe Remix moment...

The vintage skirt a few weeks ago:

The vintage skirt today:

I realize the first photo is cuter but, smiliness aside, which top do you prefer?

And You Thought My Pallor Was An Accident...

Sweater: Urban Planet ($12.50), Dress: Vintage Snakeskin Denim ($20.00), Hat: Lilliput ($70.00), Shoes: Those ubiquitous 9Wests I wear in every post!

Just wait till I post that tome on sunblock and the modern gal... (Seriously, it's coming.)

Drunk in the Sun - I mean "on the Sun"

Here are a few pics of a fine afternoon...

Why I couldn't have taken these photos in the landscaped part of the garden is beyond me... Tipsy stupors are so lacking in foresight.

I like to call this little composition "K Contemplates Walking in a Straight Line":

(Pls. note that the outfit is boxier looking in the photos than it was in real life.)

You know how unpredictable flagstone is...

Cropped Sweater - Urban Planet (Have you ever even heard of this place? The thing cost 12.50!), Skirt - AA, Bodysuit - H&M, Sandals - 9West

So happy the sun was shining!

Ecru Brute

I know - I'm pushing it with the title.

So, in addition to art and children's clothing (more examples to come), I managed to find some of the best vintage loot ever at Apt. 909. Pls. note that yesterday I erred by calling it Apartment 909, which isn't technically its name. (I've linked to it in my Places I Love to Shop roll on the right. Aparently, they'll have a website up and running soon.)

In short, you really must visit this place. Even if you live in California, please do yourself a favour, hop on a plane and come check it out. I'm sure the lovely owners Ria, Beth and Dai will appreciate it as much as you do.

Chic cohabits with kitsch and some of the most delicious designer finds around. I saw (and tried, natch) awesomely well-preserved Lanvin, Pucci, Chanel, Gucci, Pierre Cardin, Louis Feraud, Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and the list goes on... These people care and it shows. Oh, and while not cheap, it's reasonably priced given what's on offer.

Here are a couple of (accidentally coordinating) things I bought on Saturday - and wore today:

Vintage 1950s silk scarf NEW, vintage 1960s polyester shorts skirt w/asymmetrical pocket NEW, AA above the knee tights, Jacob burgundy wool sweater

Apologies for the the scowl and muffin head. It's challenging to look cheerful and fresh at 7:30 p.m. Marth, if you're reading this, I'm going to come in for a haircut soon!

PS, Today's subtext: If you care to look like a waif, don't wear a plaid poly skirt with a polka dot scarf :-)

What a Mighty Fine Day

Was supposed to rain. Instead, not a cloud in the sky and warm like a baby's bath. So far I've dined on delish chickpea and tuna salad (on a patio) and eaten gelato at the best place in the city (Dolce). Take it from me, there is no place else worth getting ice cream in this city.

Say you desperately want to be in Firenze sampling ice cream in an ancient cobblestoned laneway but you happen to be surrounded by the (let's face it, even those of you who love this town) pallid facade of west central TO. Then take a taste of the just salty-just sweet pistachio - avocado-coloured awesomeness - and hideous storefronts morph into the Ponte Vecchio before your very eyes! Such an inexpensive trip.

At any rate, here are a couple of photos of K blissed out on gelato-goodness:

Sunnies: Rayban; Sweater: Mexx, T: American Apparel; Jeans: Genetic, Scarf: Bill Blass; Shoes: Bruno Magli (NEW!); Bag: Thrifted at Kensington Mkt. (so at the end of a good life...)

And here's a closeup of my new Bruno Magli vintage shoes:

Aren't they awesome? Admittedly, they're a half size too snug but they called to me in the dulcet tones of the siren so I decided that they and my feet would just have to find a way to get along. You can't see it in the pic so well, but the heel is angled and the flat adornment on the top of the bow is in the same zany, tiny geometric pattern as that on the heel. The leather is so rich that, despite the fact this shoe is likely 40 years old, it is soft and pliable.

It's rare for me not to be able to tell the era of a shoe but I'm at a loss with this one. It could be early 60s to early 80s - the style manages to be timelessly elegant. Cost: $35.00. Thrill: Immeasurable.

Next post, I'll tell the tale of my shopping day...

What I Wore Today...

Today, my friends, I really had it together. (Well, if I really, really had it together I’d be posting a picture, but that’s just not feasible on a workday so you’re going to have to take my word for it).

It’s not like I woke up knowing what I was going to wear – often I do but the weather right now is in flux and (joy/gasp/puppies and kittens) it was gorgeous sunny and 21 degrees celsius like a dream! I had to decide on the fly cuz I was running late…

The Look:

• Grey Generra cap-sleeved a-line trapeze dress – in three-season wool tweed – very Jackie Kennedy
• Black Mexx shrunken slim cardigan, 3-quarter sleeve
• Black Franco Sarto knee-high boots (in pleather), 1 inch stacked heel
• Multicoloured spring-toned, blue/green silk scarf with pear pattern bought 10 years ago by my husband, tied in a prim but voluminous bow
• Slim belt, from where I can’t remember, worn over the cardi, somewhere between the waist and the bust (This made the dress that much shorter – 3 inches above the knee.)
• Fitted mid-blue denim jacket, Jacob (Unnecessary, turns out, as the day wore on…)

It was very “1976: Meet 2008.” And the people responded!

Ladies in the elevator pointed at me when they thought I wasn’t looking. Adorable well-dressed, metrosexuals checked me out indiscreetly. School girls in uniforms looked bitchily envious. Workmates advised it was a good look. My husband said it was sexy, even though he generally defines my outfits as “entirely way too much clothing”. I felt chicly comfortable in the event that anything might occur: impromptu meeting (check), sitting on park bench eating salad, reading magazine (check), walking to-and-from work (check).

OK, maybe I’ve been rendered stupidly up-with-me by the stunning weather today. (We Canadian girls do what we must.) But you have to appreciate a well-styled, beautiful moment in time. After all, there are so many of the other sort :-)

What did you wear and did you love it?