How to Wear a Vintage Sweater

Not sure if you caught my thrifter-stalker moment on Instagram last week...  You see, Goodwill Alberta has an excellent social media presence, and they have been posting a fun series of pics "Sweater or Sofa" - they post a close up and you guess which!  They posted this last Friday...

 

And I correctly guessed it was a sweater!!  Ta Da!

I then tweeted Goodwill AB and asked where this beauty could be found, ya know, just in case... As luck would have it, I had just enough time for a thrifting pit stop on my way home from work so I snatched this vintage sweater up before anyone else could snag it!  AND I LOVE IT!  I don't know if it's the dark floral or the easy fit or the indestructible vintage fabric but whatever it is, this sweater has magic!

Sweater $7 Goodwill

Navy cords $4.20, shoes $3 

Vintage pieces can be a bit tricky to wear because the fit is so... vintagey.  This sweater is fairly boxy and the sleeves are short, which brings me to my first styling tip: roll the sleeves!

Don't let short sleeves keep you away from vintage beauties!

I can hardly stand full length sleeves anyway - they get in my way!

Styling tip #2 for a vintage sweater: pair with contemporary-fit pants.

 

Ankle crop skinnies fit the retro vibe without being too vintage.

Tip #3: Accessorize.  Today I went for my usual accessory-trifecta of earrings, necklace, bracelet because I didn't want a scarf getting in the way of the beautiful sofa-y print, but generally, a contemporary scarf would make a fine match for a vintage sweater.

Earrings and bracelets by She Does Create, necklace $1.50 from Hope Missions Bargain Shoppe.

Tip #4: Wear makeup.  If the rest of your look is "dowdy" or unpolished, you run the risk of looking as old as the sweater.  Wait, that would make me about 20... never mind that.  You run the risk of looking tired, in the out-of-date manner.

I am tired, in the never-enough-sleep manner.

Same goes for the girls.  Now is not the time for a saggy situation in the front, so if for any reason you have a stretched out old brassiere, don't even think of wearing it with a vintage sweater.  Tip #5: wear your best bra so your curves show in the right way!

And now go forth and thrift your very own one-of-a-kind vintage sweater!  You may think it looks like a sofa, but apply my 5 styling tips and you'll soon fall in love!

I'm so glad I found you, Vintage Sweater!

Thank you Goodwill AB!

First Base

I had no idea when I issued this week's Monday Style Prompt - to wear short sleeves over long sleeves - that it would be so challenging to pull it off!  There were plenty of inspiring options on Pinterest and I *thought* I had lots of options in my closet.  Welllllll, a day later and two garments lighter, I came up with an outfit that didn't knock it out of the park, but maybe limped to first base...

I tried.

Olive Gap skirt consigned for $13.60 from reFind Clothing

Striped top $2, cardi $4.20,boots $4.50, necklace $4 VV Boutique

Tights, bangles and earrings from my closet

On Sunday night, I simply ran out of steam to figure out my Monday Style Prompt OOTD and foolishly thought I would have plenty of time in the morning, as if I've never met Monday Morning before.  Well, needless to say, once my first plan didn't work out...

I knew I was in trouble.

As cute as this knit piece is, it's not for me.  I think it's meant for a girl 5 feet tall.

I also got rid of this short sleeved knit - it had a chance and let me down!  

Voted out of the closet!  No room for one-trick ponies!

I turned to plan B and some quick Pinspiration...

Swap the peep toes for boots because it's winter.

Swap the coffee for wine because I took these photos after work.

I think I would have liked this look better with some cute pumps but, honestly, I was too lazy to change my footwear.  Some Mondays are like that... or is it just me?

I do think I managed to capture the relaxed-comfy-cotton vibe of the Pinspiration.

By the time I had this outfit on, it was too late.  I had to leave for work, so I grabbed a scarf and hoped for the best.

"Bird scarf saves the day!"

In the end, I got compliments from one teacher and one little girl who complimented each piece of my ensemble separately.  So I took that for a win!

First base is good enough for some Mondays!

I haven't given up on the idea of short sleeves over long sleeves!  I love all the Monday Style Prompt looks people shared... I will give it another try one day and see if I have more luck.  What do YOU think of short sleeves over long sleeves?  Did you try it?  Did you like it?!!

Cozy Weekend Style

I'm going on 7 days of sick so what you're about to see won't win photography fame or style fame for that matter but it's part of my real life style so I'm sharing anyway.  Sometimes I think Pinterest and Instagram set up an unrealistic unattainable standard of living, shocking I know.  Though they usually are inspiring, I also love glimpses into real life.  They may not get as many likes, but they resonate with those of us who sometimes wear boring low-key outfits, who spend our weekends doing laundry and baking cookies, who just don't have it all together all the time.

Gap wool sweater $7 VV Boutique

J Brand denim from my closet

I saved this sweater for Black Out Style, knowing it would be the perfect casual cozy piece! 

Glamour duo.

Now I want one.  And so do you.

Did a lot of this today in a chair as hold as the hills.

Just call me decor queen.

Borrowed the scarf from my roomie!

Loved how it added some metallic dimension to the sweater.

Fireplace selfie.

So there you go.  Jeans and a sweater, cookies and a fire.  Not so bad, huh?

Cozy sweater, cozy fire!

Winter Layers: Cardi + Blazer

In case you missed my whining across the Internets, I've been sick since Monday and am still sick!  I managed to get to work today but as I was getting dressed I thought, I need the closest thing to pajamas that still looks professional and is warm enough for the ridiculously cold temperatures we've been having in Alberta.  Here's what I came up with:

Oxblood skinnies $3, mustard tank $4.20, teal cardi $4.90, Clarks booties $10, tweed blazer $2.80

All VV Boutique

The pants are stretchy like leggings therefore the only pants I could fathom on a day like today.  As for the top half, I was pinspired by menswear...

If HE can wear a blazer AND a cardi, then so can I.

And get me a coffee.

Instead of a tie, I wore an Accessorize necklace from my closet and some thrifted earrings!

I needed layers because when you're sorta recovering from being sick, and when you work with children in the school system, you never know when you might have to add or remove a layer.  For example, I kept the blazer ON while participating in a line hip-hop dance lesson, but removed it when I got a kindergarten class to do the plank.  Which I wasn't sure I could do until I did it.  Phew.

This blazer has teal, mustard, orange, purple, brown!

I can't believe I ever considered passing it by!

Matchy-matchy scarf just in case, $5 VV Boutique.

Now, you don't have to be sick or stuck in winter to try this out.  The styling secret is to button up your cardi and choose contrasting colours so it all doesn't meld together. 

I also liked the ruffled detail - added another element of texture.

I was comfortable, warm and stylish.  Makes for a pretty good Wednesday....

 

Kidding, I know it's Thursday.

Time for Nyquil and bed!

Black Out Style 2015

Sometimes you can't predict how your day will go.  You start off your day in ginormous control top panties to prevent a low-rise-pants post-Christmas muffin top with no clue that you'll end up at an impromptu doctor's appointment with what I like to call "Toddler Doctor" in what can only be taken for scary old lady panties.  That was the kick-off to my Black Out Style 2015 and if nothing else, it was memorable.

Scary panties not shown.  You're welcome.

Some things you can't un-know.  That's what the poor doctor is probably telling himself.

I wanted to start this year's Black Out Style with what I concluded last year's: my yellow pants...

 

I also wanted to copy the very first look I pinned for the very first Monday Style Prompt - grey top + bright bottom...

Love this look so much!

(minus the black, this month anyway)

Of course, since it's minus bazillion degrees out, I had to wear a wool sweater and socks...

 

And a long shirt to cover my bum.

Closest thing to a silver cuff that I have, along with a necklace gifted to me by Chantel.

"Will work for jewelry" is a tee I ought to own.

Happy smiles from before I scarred medical youth.

Sweater $4.90, shirt $2.50 VV Boutique

This year, the Black Out Style rules are slightly different! There is still a fantastic prize - a $50 gift certificate from She Does Create - but this year, you get an entry for every day you go without black!  There are no "passes" this year; if you wear black, no entry!  But there will be bonus entries for creativity, enthusiasm and selfies with She Does Create pieces!  To participate and enter, let me know some way some how - tag #BlackOutStyle on Twitter or Instagram, comment here or on Facebook.  If you see me, yell "Black Out Style!"  Stay tuned this month for Black Out Style news and I will announce the prize winner on February 1st!

Let's all brighten up January!

In With The New

Well hello 2015, nice to meet you! 

Yesterday I took a good look back at 2014 and had some fun remembering all the highlights.  Today, I spent the majority of the day in my pajamas, watching movies, chillaxin with my family and having long indulgent thinks about the coming year.

Proof I eventually got dressed... in pants.

Jeans $2.80, plaid shirt $6 and even my socks $1, all VV Boutique

Resolutions get such a bad rap but I don't care, I like 'em.  I'm a goal-oriented person - that's why I started this blog to begin with - and it's in my nature to break things down into achievable steps (we OTs like to call that task analysis).  I find fresh starts rejuvenating and inspiring!  So naturally, this is my favourite time of year!  In 2013, I made a matrix of 13 goals with 13 parts each...  No, I didn't achieve half of my list but I sure had fun making the matrix!  Last year, I simplified my goals and am happy to report that I achieved what I wanted for this little ol' blog.  This year, I have new goals and can hardly wait to get going on them!  One of my goals: increase my audience (readership, followers, likes - however you want to call it!).

A girl can't help but dream!

This has never before been my goal, but I think it's time.  That's where YOU come in!  If you enjoy stopping by VV Boutique Style - the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Intagram or Pinterest - consider sharing.  Pass on a link, recommend it to a friend, or make the bold move to like and comment!  I don't post for likes, but it sure feels nice to get them! 

As for content, here's my second request: tell me what YOU want to see on VVBS!  The last time I asked this question, I wound up posting about bathing suits which was then scrolled on Breakfast TV so I'll say upfront, that's as little as I'm wearing!  I'm no supermodel, and logistics dictate some fashion blogger factors (i.e., I have a small budget, my best photographer is a 4-year-old, etc.) but barring that, I am open to ideas!  In 2015, you can expect more tales of thrifting adventures, thrifted interpretations of stylish looks for the everyday woman, more Monday Style Prompts, invitations to thrifting events and fashion challenges... For example, it IS January and that means Black Out Style is coming!  Wear your black now because Monday January 5th starts four weeks of colour!  Is there anything else you're looking for?  Inquiring minds want to know!  (that's me)

While you're thinking on that, here's a recap of my Dressember looks!  It is not too late to donate to help advocate for the dignity of all women!  Dressember and the International Justice Mission have raised nearly $500 000!  That is something to celebrate!

I will always love dresses more, but I was sure happy to wear pants today!  

While you're commenting on my first two requests, you might as well tell me, which Dressember look was your favourite?!

Out With The Old

This time last year, I was at California Adventure Park in a tank top and skirt, soaking up the last couple days of SoCal sun...  This year, I'm in good ol' Alberta with all the pretty snow in my cozy home with a cup of coffee and all my blessings thinking back over 2014 and looking forward to 2015.  

Sometimes a good cup of coffee is enough.

This isn't going to be a typical fashion blogger post about what to wear for New Year's Eve (my wild party will be sledding and home fireworks with good friends, good food and good drinks), and it's not going to be about style resolutions (though I've had fun with those in the past).  Instead, my focus this week has been on lightening up and making way for new beginnings!  First, I took on the Monday Style Prompt: wear something I haven't worn yet, and purge 14 pieces from my wardrobe.  I have a queue in my closet of thrifted pieces waiting to be worn and blogged and the oldest piece is a vintage dress I bought last April during a VV dress sale...

Posing with imaginary cocktails FTW

I bought this dress for $4.80 because of the colours!  Beautiful contemporary colours... but alas the style is just a little too vintage so I tried to modernize it and finally wear it...

Chambray $4.20 and Faryl Robin pumps $13.30 VV Boutique

And yep, my hair is wet.  I'm on holidays, don't judge.

Sweater $5 and Miz Mooz slingbacks $7.70 VV Boutique

I didn't mind these looks but I didn't love them either and in the end I concluded that the pretty colours were not enough to keep this dress in my closet.

So out it went with the other 13 pieces I culled.

I'm in a purging mood yet found it surprisingly hard to let 14 pieces go.  More on that tomorrow, so stay tuned!  However, I had no difficulty helping my next gen friend Chantel purge her closet!

 

The result of my handiwork.

You may remember Chantel's glorious closet... well, Chantel recently moved and that closet is gone, girl.  Out with the old...  In its place, a much smaller closet and a much smaller room along with a completely different role - Chantel is in grad school to become an Occupational Therapist.  Yay Chantel, you will be an AWESOME OT (takes one to know one, wink wink).  This means that Chantel has different wardrobe needs - typical student attire (except sweat pants, you're better than that) and professional pieces for clinical placements.  She already culled many pieces but was, er, lacking organization.

This is the only before picture I managed to get...because I couldn't stand looking at the rest of it. 

Suffice it to say that the entire room was piled with haphazard bins of ???

The first thing I did was

then I set to work.

Here's how we tackled her closet.  

1. anything that didn't fit went
2. anything she hasn't worn went
3. anything that looked worn went

Bag of donations is larger than it appears.

Next I moved her wardrobe so Chantel could access her closet...

 
Before - filled with office supplies and such.  Insert straight faced smiley.

After - filled with folded tees, leggings and sweaters.

Chantel prefers to hang these garments but Baby, there ain't no room.

Next I moved her mirror beside the closet...

It's safe to take the cardboard off the mirror now, Chantel.

Her dresser holds undergarments, pants and skirts (can't hang, no room),

and notice the accessories nicely accessible on top.

Next I reorganized the hanging garments into colours - ROYGBV then neutrals - and used bins up top to hold workout gear, belts, scarves and such.  She kept only dresses she's wearing right now in this closet and is storing summer and special dresses in the spare room closet.

When you have Kate Spade bags, you might as well display them.

Since the room is small, Chantel doesn't have much choice about using her bedside space for organization.

Pretty baskets everywhere for all her shit valuables.

Everyday items atop her wardrobe and a reminder of her heart for adventure!

 

Mini lights add a little inviting ambiance!

Chantel is happy she can finally sit on her bed.

We all know that decluttering and organizing feels good so I hope that you too took the Monday Style Prompt and lightened your load by 14 (or more) pieces!  Some may be good pieces, but letting go makes way for newer better things!  

In honour of the day, here's a look back at some VV Boutique Style highlights of 2014!

 Black Out Style

 Thrifting Championship (and turning 40!)

 

Pinspired March

 

 Working with the Chateau Lacombe

 

 The YEGGIES!

 BT Bloggers Week

 

 Road trip thrifting on an amazing summer adventure to Yellowstone

 Edmonton Shop Hop

Sister Thrifters!

Happy 2nd Birthday VV Boutique Style!

Thrifting in San Fransisco

Breakfast TV Edmonton

Fashion's Night Out

Thrifted Halloween

Thriftmas on CTV Live at Five with Erin Isfeld!

Thank you 2014 for being so good to me!