Vintage Floral Blazer

Have I mentioned lately that I love my new boots?  After their inaugural wear, they were the easy choice to pass on for another wear for the TOPIO (Take One and Pass It On) challenge and the perfect complement to a $7 vintage floral blazer that I've been waiting to wear...

Ann Taylor cargos $6, mustard scarf $6 VV Boutique

Kenneth Cole boots $18.90 VV Boutique

Oxmo tank and accessories from my closet

I always browse past the blazers just in case I spot something special, and I had been on the lookout for floral print after seeing it everywhere in the blogs and mags for fall, including Anthropologie.

I love that VV offers interpretations of trends that you cannot find anywhere else.

I received many compliments on my blazer on Thursday!  Friday was a work-at-home day so I chillaxed with my fave gray stripe tee...

 Stripe tee $4 VV Boutique

Then today I spent most of the day doing some fun thrift guiding with a couple of awesome women and needed to be comfy.  I also wanted to try the double-stripes thang that I've seen in the trends, and wear my recently-acquired comfy sweatshirt skirt...

 I felt like a walking hug.

Skirt $2.50 and Esprit cardi $2.50 Hope Missions Bargain Shoppe

Here's a recap of TOPIO since we left off...

Great days, great outfits!

Creole Curves

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of shopping with Daniella, the dynamic owner and chef of Creole Envie, an amazing young restaurant in Edmonton Highlands.  Daniella is one busy woman.  She hits the gym every morning then heads to the restaurant and does everything all day and all night.  She is sought after for menu consultations, private gatherings and all things Edmonton foodie!  She was awarded Vue Weekly's Best of Edmonton 2013 "Best Twitterer" and is getting rave reviews everywhere!  No wonder, because she is a warm, friendly, sincere, smart, savvy woman - and she met me with a hug which I always like!  Fast friends!  There was a problem though... Daniella was wearing her chef clogs and yoga pants as her work uniform.  Needless to say, this does not do her justice!  We made an appointment and hit VV Boutique as soon as possible to find Daniella some new threads that match her wonderful personality!

 We gathered not one but two carts full of options!

Daniella did her homework ahead of time and cleaned out her closet of everything that doesn't fit, is in ill repair or is not her current style.  She brought some donations and got a sticker card for 15% off her purchase!  She also created a style board on Pinterest that helped us identify style themes; Daniella is drawn to a vintage, feminine fifties silhouette and vibrant colours that reflect her love for New Orleans.  She also needed to find clothes that could transition from back to front of restaurant, are easy to care for and easy to wear for long busy days!  However, layers and sweaters are not options for her active hot job!

Almost immediately, we learned that this style formula of skirt + fitted top defined her curves and suited her style aesthetic!

All of these pieces can be mixed!  Notice the leather pumps and she-booties!

Daniella has black shrugs and cardis for when she wants to cover her tattoos.

Daniella has a - and I quote - "collection" of Swarovski crystal pieces so I needed to illustrate that you CAN wear a necklace with a cowl neckline.  In fact, she now knows she MUST wear her collection as often as possible!  Why not?!  Don't save your favourite things for special days; wear them every day to make that day special!

The polka dots in this pretty skirt looked great with purple, red, oxblood and fuchsia.

Remember, you don't have to "match" exactly!  Because that is too easy and kinda boring.

Not everyone is comfortable with this much colour, but I personally love mixing colour-neighbours on the colour wheel.

I thought the skirts were going well.  Then we started with dresses and they all looked incredible!

Va va va voom!  Daniella has a beautiful hourglass figure and embraces her curves!

 This pleated dress was so comfortable!  

The pattern and colours are pretty and interesting and the belt adds a touch of tough!

The gray polka dot dress has pockets and the black can be dressed up for a fancy event or down, like with this cardi, for everyday wear in the restaurant.

 This gorgeous vintage dress was the find of the day!

In the end, Daniella selected 1 pair of black pants, 2 pairs of leggings, 3 pairs of tights, boots, she-booties, wedges and flats, 2 cardis, 4 tops, 5 skirts and 7 dresses for a total of 28 pieces at an average cost per item of $9.31 or $12.89 including my fee.  Labels ranged from low- to mid- to high-end (Bandolino shoes anyone?!!) and everything worked well together for tons of mix and match possibilities! 

I'm willing to bet that these dresses and skirts are more comfortable than yoga pants and so much more polished and stylish!  Daniella, you look stunning!  I can't wait to come to Creole Envie for the fab food and fab style!

Boots Make Me Happy

I *had* to go to VV Boutique on Tuesday to look for some snow pants for my son and *happened* to browse past the boots just in case.  My sister spotted them first, checked the size, then handed them over (sullenly, or did I imagine that? wink wink).  Kenneth Cole leather boots in my size and beautiful chocolate brown slouchy suede-y awesomeness!  For $18.90!  Like any good thrifter, I went home and immediately Instagrammed my treasure then plotted an outfit for today.  Since I'm doing the Take One and Pass It On challenge, I had to use something from my outfit yesterday (follow the arrows below)...

Boots of awesomeness.

Skirt $7, mustard tank $4.20, olive necklace $2 VV Boutique

Sweater $2 Hope Missions Bargain Shoppe

I'm guessing these boots would be in the vicinity of $200 - $300 regular retail!  That, along with the great condition and comfortable fit, lands these in the VV Boutique Style Hall of Fame!  

 

Not every picture is H-2-T Tyra worthy!

Crop zee head.

The "boxy top" was listed somewhere (September was a long time ago) as a fall trend and I liked the interesting leather pocket detail.  For two bucks, it's worth a wear!

This is as "crop top" as I get.  You're welcome.

I probably wouldn't have worn a mustard tank if not for the #TakeOne challenge, but mustard goes with everything and it gave me a pop of colour and some coverage for my work activities which included donkey kicks and log rolls on a classroom floor.  I live a life of glamour.  I swapped my skirt for J Brand denim for an evening appointment...

Those are some fine boots.

Don't get me wrong; I know boots alone can't make you happy, but $18.90 Kenneth Cole leather boots can help to tilt the scales!  Please note that I still want to be a Poppy Barley ambassador.  If I love my thrifted boots this much, just imagine a pair of made-to-measure boots!  Anyway, just like children, I always have room in my heart for more! 

Take One and Pass It On recap:

Pass the sweater (worn with cobalt underneath for some colour blocking; pants not shown)

Pass the oxblood pants (photographed in my natural habitat - the Walmart family washroom; kids not shown)

Pass the mustard (work bathroom selfie; sink not shown)

Ballroom Blitz

It's only November 3rd but November has already been hustling and bustling!

• I started my third round of Whole 30 because I'm #afraidofpants and winter has arrived (see round one and round two here).  
• I started my second round of "Take One and Pass It On" hosted by the smart and stylish Sarah's Real Life.  This is an easy method of remixing your wardrobe, with a built-in excuse to leave your clothes out and wear things twice in a row (see the beginning of round one here).  Sarah will do a round up of bloggers taking part in this remix challenge, but you don't have to be a blogger to give it a try!  You have to get dressed everyday anyway - why not have some fun!?
• I was invited to a "Food, Fashion and Friends" style party and got to share some style tips with a group of great women!
• I went shopping with another smart savvy woman and can't wait to blog about it soon!
• AND last but not least, I went to a ballroom dance competition!

What exactly does one wear to a ballroom dance competition?  I had no idea, so I played it down the middle with a basic black dress, semi-casual blazer and interesting details to finish it off...

 Black $11 Liz Claiborne dress, Flatter:Me belt, Miz Mooz boots

Gap jacket $7 VV Boutique

Inner monologue: I'm posing after my astonishing win with the classic "Running Man."

The Rocky Mountain Dancesport Grand Prix was an amazing experience and a lifelong dream come true for my date (my cousin; my hubby isn't as taken with dancing).  It was so much fun to see all the costumes and the incredible talent!  We went Friday day and evening, and since we arrived early, I could snap some outfit shots without looking too conspicuous...

I knew I should've worn my bustier.

There were a lot of feathers and fishnet at this event.

From my perspective, I was in the same position as Miss Salsa in the poster.

(Not a dancer, can't touch my toes but my hosiery was apropos.)

I knew it was going to be fun when we checked in and viewed the event merchandise...

My favourite dress of the competition was this slinky number!  She wore it long for sultry sambas and such, then did a little lift and tuck for the swing and jive!  So versatile - I couldn't help thinking she was getting the best cost per wear!

Edmonton competitors included Devon, founder and instructor from Panko Dance Studio.

I was blown away to see women of every age, shape and size, all full of joy doing something they love!  It was so graceful and classy.  I loved it and immediately came home and started my petition for my boys to learn to ballroom dance. As a long-time fan of SYTYCD, I was a bit star struck to see France Mousseau there right beside me judging and enjoying the competition.  

Proximity makes you friends, right?

Here is a sampling of the fantastic dancers...

Just seeing these photos makes me want to go again!  Thank you to my cousin for inviting me along for a unique and memorable experience - same time, same place next year?!!

Last but not least, a recap of my #TakeOne ensembles so far.  I didn't think about how I can style my cozy sweater for work tomorrow but I will cross that bridge when I get there.  In 8 hours.

 Pass the jacket, pass the pants.

Happy VV Boutique Halloween!

Halloween is the Christmas-season of Value Village, and for good reason.  Value Village is the source for all the fixings for any conceivable costume, from the typical to the creative.  Whether  buying new or second-hand, VV prices are better or comparable to other retailers.  Naturally, I went there for my family's costumes.  If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peek last Saturday when I hosted a family Halloween party/excuse to eat candy and drink cocktails.

 My sixties dress was $9.

My raspberry cordial martinis were priceless.

I think those women were onto something with this hairdo.

It took 2 minutes.  Clean hair not required.

My little flower child in her VV dress.

I heart coordinating costumes!

 $3 Hot Wheels Racer suit on deck!

He had a race-car driver costume too but opted to use dress-up clothes to be a magician.

For chilly trick-or-treating, she wore her dragon and roared at everyone!

Daddy Mario was a big hit with my Wii fans!

Since I am highly professional at all times, I also dressed up for work today.

I would wear this $3 vintage coat (new with tags from VV) any day, not just with my costume!

Hard at work.

Work = eating through the Halloween chocolate stash.

My costume presented the perfect opportunity to wear these sunnies, a blog-birthday gift from Value Village!

Fun day, good costumes!  Now back to our regularly scheduled shopping at VV Boutique!

Peggy's Closet

I have mentioned many times that I have Awesome friends.  I capitalize that because they are that good.  I am so blessed and grateful.  My favourite Megan has modeled for VV Boutique Style (here, here and over here); she is a big supporter of my talented jewelry-designing sister She Does Create (they even did a parking lot deal once, it was very espionage-esque); she did a child care swap with me for a year and has shared many nights dinners of "sister-wives" (banding together, c'mon people) when our husbands are out of town; and she indulges my big ideas at work.  She's pretty awesome and one of the reasons why she is so awesome is because she has an amazing mom.  Peggy is a mother of four who started law school when baby 3 started school, then found out she was expecting baby 4 just after starting her third year and delivered said princess the day before her last law exam.  Peggy finished law school and has raised her family while climbing the legal ranks.  She has a sweet office, is well read (she's the one in our book club that can give the history and background of the issues off the top of her head), is still sweethearts with her hubby, and is kind and generous to family, friends and community.  I couldn't have been more pleased to help Peggy go through her closet and put some outfits together.

Peggy did her homework and went through her wardrobe and pulled everything that didn't currently fit.  Normally, I would recommend keeping only select pieces that don't fit - at most a size above or below - but Peggy has Rheumatoid Arthritis and the medications wreak havoc on her body causing significant size fluctuations (all of which she handles with grace and a great attitude; so inspiring).  So, Peggy pulled boxes of clothes from her closet but will keep them and swap them out as she changes sizes.  Because of this, I didn't want to focus on styling specific pieces but rather on styling concepts that can be applied to whatever is currently in her closet.  Megan and her little sis came to spectate and give me wine and candy the thumbs up or down.  All in all, we had a blast! 

Peggy has a *section* of leather jackets.  Yet she has 4 belts.

This is what one would define as an enigma.

Peggy has a youthful, funky personal style.  No doubt having a 22yo fashionista in the house (with the same size feet) doesn't hurt, but she is conscious of not trying to look like a 22yo but like the dynamic 55yo she is!  She has an allergy to metal which complicates the whole "accessorizing" thang.  Fortunately, she had pearls and other beaded options on hand, as well as necklaces that can be worn over clothing.

These funky embellished jeans are a great example of Peggy's style.  High quality, subtle details!  Mixing interesting denim with a neutral top, structured blazer and fun finishers like the studded wedge boots and pretty scarf is an age-appropriate fashion formula in the making!

Peggy had this suit made to fit!  

1. Hounds-tooth or any small print essentially functions as a neutral.  The print does not need to have the colour of your suit in it; it has to go not match!  Here Peggy wears her top untucked with her blazer cuffed and more casual shoes in a deep burgundy - #mixnotmatch!  She would finish this look with hosiery and supportive undergarments, but I spared her the exercise of it during our dress-up session!
2. To change the look, Peggy tucked and added a belt.  Nope, there are no belt loops - belt loops are not required!  
3. Swap the shell and add an unmatched blazer to add new life to suit separates.
4. While we are not matching, why not try pretty teal shoes or any pop of colour in your footwear!  Peggy is under advisement from her therapy team (that would be me and Megan) to avoid heels and fortunately has many beautiful flats to play with!

1. Peggy has this cozy sweater dress which we styled with leggings or skinny bottoms, and a blazer to fulfill the formula "short over long over skinny."  The pendant adds the third element to fulfill the rule of 3 but a scarf would also work.
2. If only Peggy had a wide belt, this look would work better!  I just wanted to show her that you can tuck a dress into a skirt to get a different look.

One of the things I love about Peggy is that when she sees something she likes, she buys it in more than one colour.

1. This dress had such a forgiving fit and interesting details.  Her beautiful belt from China added further definition to her curves and she added the blue pumps herself!  Love it!  (quick study!)  (though let's be clear, Peggy, those shoes are for sitting in your case.  If you don't listen to me I'm going to come over and talk about OT for as long as you wore the shoes + one hour.)  The pretty details on the dress are almost an element in and of themselves, but we added a beaded bracelet just in case, which gave us an excuse to discuss "arm party" and now Peggy has something to shop for.
2. Swapping the elements - the belt and shoes - and adding a blazer make the dress look completely different.  She had many blazers that would coordinate but was oddly missing an olive blazer, which I envisioned with this dress.  When you're styling an outfit and something doesn't feel right, change up an element before you scrap the whole thing.  Often, my choices depend on the feel of the day more than anything else so don't discard an idea altogether just because it didn't work on Monday.

1. This navy basic would look great with any blazer but I wanted to demonstrate a more casual look with a cardi.  
2. And while we're wearing a cardi, let me show you how to belt it!
3. And while we're showcasing a cold-weather look with boots, we might as well throw on sea foam leather.  And YES you can wear brown boots with navy, or black or anything.  Mix your neutrals for some layering fun!   

1. Same concept, non-neutral dress.  BTW the blue of the cardi was nowhere else in the dress but the tones were complimentary so it worked.  Plus it gave me an excuse to suggest her Tory Burch belt which I may have held a little too long for everyone's comfort.
2. Swapping the cardi for a blazer illustrated that finishing pieces are easily interchangeable. I liked the repetition of gold accents and wanted Peggy to know that you CAN belt over a print. 

1. Peggy wanted to know how to style a shirt dress.  The same formula of short over long over skinny works well with shirt dresses.  They are so comfy and casual chic, especially in classic chambray.  
2. But if Tory wants to reverse and go out, oblige!  
3. Tall boots work well and flats are pretty in warm weather with this look, but ankle boots or she-booties also work.  If you've got leopard print wedges, why not?!!    

 

1. Since Peggy is often chilly at work, she can pull of this look of a long sweater layered over a 'fancy' dress to make it more casual.  I would boil.  I loved using a pretty brooch as the third element!
2. In this look, I wanted to show Peggy that you can layer a blouse over a dress.  It doesn't always work but you never know unless you try!  Lo and behold she rocked the monochromatic trend!

 

1. Peggy wondered if she could wear these white pants.  Uh yeah!  They are a contemporary ankle-crop length which leads me to an important point for Canadian women who need to wear socks: try different socks and be adventurous!  You can easily wear a nude trouser sock, but try a tonal crew sock or a light-weight patterned sock too.  Though this particular blazer is too big for Peggy, I wanted to show her that you can even belt a blazer.  Why not?  Tory Burch deserves to be seen and heard!
2. Purple leather helped to illustrate how you can mix high-end with low-end (the blouse is Forever 21).  In fact, if not thrifting, the low-end stores are a great way to try trendy pieces without spending much.  Peggy's necklace is my favourite bubble necklace.  I would jump up and down all day just to enjoy the music of it!

1. I saved my favourite for last: distressed J Brand boyfriend denim.  On my swoon!!  Dang Peggy has good taste!  But to make these age appropriate, we added a 'fancier' top and knit blazer, with a cozy scarf and gray suede pumps to finish the look!  LOVE!  
2. Swap scarf for pendant and a bolder shoe.
3. Swap pendant for belt and add an interesting blazer.
4. Any fancier top + blazer (knit, striped, leather, linen) + belt or necklace or scarf = fantastic styling!  You could wear any cute shoe or she-booties with these pants!  Roll your boyfriend jeans to just above the ankle bone - try a she-bootie! 

PHEW!  That was hard work but so worth it with all the fun and interesting looks we put together!  Whether you have a capsule wardrobe like Nadine or a plentiful wardrobe like Peggy, the concepts are the same:

• you need foundational, fun and finishing pieces; swap within each category to play with your styling.
• mix prints
• layer
• dress + sweater or blouse
• belt over sweater, dress, cardi or blazer
• add a pop of colour via your shoes
• There may be trends, fashion "rules" and guidelines and these vary depending on who's talking.  My perspective - if you love it, if it makes your heart sing, then go for it.
• The bottom line: give it a try!  You never know how something is going to look until you try. 

Thanks for the fun time in your closet Peggy.  Wait, that sound bad....  Thanks for a great evening of "shopping your closet" - using existing pieces in new ways to expand the life of your wardrobe!