It's Classic

Sophie is one of the chicest young bloggers I know. I first discovered her via Laws of General Economy, a designer item resale forum on which we both once transacted (she still does), and I've enjoyed watching her wardrobe ebb and flow.

Lately she posted about her classic 10 wardrobe items, an artful assemblage - and ageless I might add.

In fact, I totally share her perspective - on my, ahem, more mature form - re: 8 of those 10 items.

Sophie suggested I undertake her challenge and, while I LOVE the idea (and encourage you all to do the same), I am so overwhelmed by items in work and life right now, it's a struggle just to write - much less catalog.

Nonetheless, this topic is on my future-post list and one day soon I expect you'll see my take.

For now, I urge you to check out her post - and site - because it's a treat.

As a fun sidenote: I'm curious to learn, new and long-time readers, how well do you know my style? Why not guess which 2 (of Sophie's 10 basics) are the ones I don't gravitate towards on me. (Since there are only 2, I thought it would be a more chancey long-shot than to guess those on which she and I entirely concur.) Of course, it goes without saying that I love all of Sophie's choices on her. They are perfectly suited to her modern, sleek and urban look.

It's Not Easy Being Green

Peeps, it's on sale! Seriously, if I could justify a smallish green bag with a bow, I would so be snapping it up. Maybe you should give it some thought. Do you know anyone who needs a present that comes pre-wrapped?

All Wrapped Up

In case you're in the market for a new bag - this one's on Laws of General Economy now...

Don't you deserve a lovely green bag for November??

The Gift of ReGifting

You know that cashmere sweater I bought at Laws of General Economy? You know how I mentioned it wasn't quite right on me, what with its emphasis on the stomach zone? Well look at this gorgeous woman wearing it:

Her name is Caley and she has her own great blog. And, the most fun part, she's a friend and colleague of my girl Sal! Let me tell you those Minnesota ladies are fashionable and fine!

The simple story is that I offered the sweater to Sally, on the proviso that I'd found it "challenging". Happily she was game to give it a go. I suggested that, if it didn't work on her, she might regift it to someone else on whom it might be just the thing. And 5 minutes after discovering it wasn't right on her, Sally knew it would be excellent on her work pal Caley (a woman who needed a sartorial pick-me-up that day), and the rest is history!

Don't you love this happy system??

Here's my suggestion: Why not find something in your closet that just doesn't quite work - but is nonetheless fabulous - and offer it to one of your blogger pals. If it's not perfect on her, she can pass it along, and you may just get the chance (in a very small way) to enrich the life of someone you don't even know!

My Latest Online Acquisition

For a girl who likes to touch stuff before buying - to say nothing of trying on for fit - I'm really developing a taste for the online purchase. To wit, my latest score from Laws of General Economy:

Leifsdottir Cashmere Cardigan

In some strange twist, I purchased this from the same woman who bought my trench. It's like some wacky-ass clothes swap!

I really have no idea about how this is going to fit. It might be relatively "formless" on me (given my propensity for "fitted") or it might be just perfect to suit a new state of mind. I love the light grey/blue colour and it's a very interesting piece. The beautiful thing is that my vendor has had the opportunity to recycle a gorgeous piece she doesn't wear and I get to experience cashmere for $20.00.

Who appreciates cashmere more than me?

Update: It arrived and, alas, this piece isn't really ideal on me - too much fabric in the abdominal area and a bit long for my not so long torso. I have a cool plan though, to "recycle" it in the most fun way. Pls. stay tuned.

Jean-ius

A couple of weeks ago, I went out on a serious limb and made my first online purchase, a pair of skinny jeans(?) I have it on good authority that it was a risky venture (and you know that woman knows whereof she speaks).

But I'm all on this "chill and try it out" kick, part of the moving into my 40th year with spontaneity philosophy. (I'm about to turn 39, after all...) And I love expensive denim, though I don't love to pay for it. I love supporting Laws of General Economy. I love supporting good vendors, like Genevieve, who answered my zillions of questions...

So I closed my eyes, bid and - just like that - I won.

Now before I leapt, I took all my measurements (3 times). I asked Genevieve to measure every inch of the jeans (3 times). When the math added up I thought, how bad can this be? - though it did occur that jeans are rather complex garments. I mean, how many times have you tried on every pair in the shop to no avail?

Still, the Radcliffe jeans I won were, at least on paper, the most gorgeous things - great wash, cool ass cuff links affording alterability of the length from long to medium to cropped, lovely pocket detailing, true skinny fit, European pedigree. Eeek!

Well, they just arrived on Thursday. When I opened the package and looked at them, I was optimistic. Indeed, they weren't as stretchy as some other skinny jeans I own (always a plus), but I could tell they were going to fit. Having just eaten the most major of dinners, I opted to wait till the next morning to try them on. And, let me tell you, when I did I was blown away by a) how flattering they are and b) how much I love them.

My husband remarked that they were the best jeans ever, offered to take my picture stat, and suggested that they are inaccurately named skinny. Spray on is a term more apt, in his opinion. Whatever, they were excellent flirt fodder throughout the day and very comfortable despite the snug fit.

What do you think?!?!

Entrenched

This lovely, Alfred Sung spring trench is my latest offering on Laws of General Economy. Please check it out because there are some terrific new listings from lots of fabulous women!

FYI, I will be posting a couple of pairs of heeled boots in the next few days - sexy but walkable...

Jumping off the (Rad)Cliffe

So you know how I've been asking you all to weigh in on online shopping? That's cuz I was gearing myself up to buy something on Laws of General Economy. LOGE is that great blog on which I've listed some of my own clothing lately - everything's got a new home! - a blog I've been lurking on furtively for months.

Here's the thing: I'd finally psych myself to purchase and then a) the vendor would turn out to be a US shipper only b) I'd worry excessively about the measurements c) I'd be "sold" but then realize I didn't have a PayPal account. Yes, I was the last blogger in the world without a PayPal account. I'm old school, ok?

But, guess what? In the interests of recycling my own things, I've had to embrace the e-commerce scene and it's really quite a fun little learning curve. I've spent hours figuring out how to "sell" (profit's not the point in these transactions, but money changes hands nonetheless). I've been figuring out garment measurements and shipping weight and different shipping methods and invoicing people and getting reimbursement and mailing packages in stable yet inexpensive yet attractive ways.

I've learned so many things lately, which I love, and amongst those things, a purchase (using my PayPal account) seemed in order. How lucky for me that these awesome Radcliffe Skinny Convertible Jeans were advertised by Genevieve:




Genevieve is the most wonderful vendor ever. She spent numerous email exchanges answering my zillions of questions - because, let's face it, jeans are challenging things to buy site unseen given the innumerable fit issues. She's explained many of the PayPal mysteries to me and I've communicating with her tremendously. As a nervous, first time purchaser, I was a bit flippy (I'll admit) but G's been nothing but helpful.

To make matters more fab, I scored these jeans for $40.00 USD all in (that was $50.00 CDN) and they would retail for $200.00 before shipping had I bought them new. The theory behind LOGE is that vendors sell great (often designer / often nearly new) items that they aren't using anymore, for nominal (effort) fees. The vendor enjoys recycling beloved items, the new owner gets to love them from scratch. What a beautiful way to respect commerce, fashion and community!

Now, for sooth, I have no idea if they're going to fit. I did take my measurements and G did remeasure the jeans in certain spots to confirm they would fit (at least theoretically) and now I've just got to wait and see how the cookie crumbles. I SO hope they will though - of course, you'll be the first to know! Please keep your fingers crossed, OK?

Another Batch of Goodies

I've put up a couple of new items on Laws of General Economy...

Check out this unique - and fantastic - Susan Harris original:

Susan Harris Design Rough-Cut Linen Skirt

And, in case you're looking for a dress-up / dress-down top, this may be just the one for you (more to the point, it's free plus shipping!):

Nine West Shell

Both of these items fit beautifully, and generously, due to cut and other features you can learn more about at Laws..., if they appeal.

Making Space

I'm slowly but surely making my way through the overgrown garden that is my closet - closets, whatever - to restore order (or at least a couple of empty hangers).

Here are the latest offerings...

For La Belette Rouge, who suggested that I offer up accessories:


And, a fitted, cap-sleeve, adorable T dress:


More photos are on the site, so please check it out if either of these is of interest.

(PS All of this is making me want to do some shopping.)

Auctioneer

As promised, please check out my recent posts on Laws of General Economy:

There's a terrific skirt (M0851):



And a chic day dress (Benetton):


These babies have had a good run in Toronto but they're looking for a new adventure.

Enjoy - and don't forget to leave your email address in the comments on the site if you'd like to bring either of these home.

Kxo

Get a Piece of the Action

aka K's much beloved - but overstocked - wardrobe.

My driveling thought process:

• I love to shop.
• I love beautiful things.
• I buy beautiful things (which come with delightful pedigree and/or fun stories).
• All the beautiful things become like my beloved children (don't tell M!).
• At the current level of acquisition, though, I haven't the time to take all the kids to the park nearly often enough - yes, bad simile extended.
• Those babies deserve love and attention.
• I'd like to make a little bit of space for my current items (and theoretically for new ones).
• This is not to say I can bear to part with much.
• Nor is it to suggest that my prime, or even peripheral, interest is to make a tremendous profit on anything.

Enter my experiment - which is in no way innovative - though I feel my methodology might be!

There's this lovely blog called Laws of General Economy. It's a forum for placing good, loved clothing in an appropriate new home. It's not a money making venture but a community of like-minded clothes lovers looking to recycle their mint-condition, (mainly) branded wares or vintage with others.

How it Works

• Occasionally, on Laws of General Economy, I will post a photo of an item I'd like to release back into the wild. (I'll link to this from my blog so that y'all here will be advised.)
• The post will give you a brief history of the piece, sizing/flat measurements and indicated shipping fee plus nominal reimbursement requested.
  
• If the item appeals, you go into the comments of that post (at Laws...), and leave your email address (it's kind of like a bid, but the terms are set).
• When the "bid period" closes, any who have commented will be equally eligible to "win" the item through a random draw.
• The randomly chosen recipient will send payment through PayPal and then I'll ship the item.

So, all the more, I'm actively reflecting on the secret dynamics in the universe of my closet. Which pieces will be more appreciated, at this stage of our relationship, in a new environment? What lovely memories are woven in their fabrics, ready to provide an hospitable and lovely container for a gorgeous new owner?

I'm also feeling rather modern urban e-cycler!

What do you think?