Basic(ly)

This blog is mostly about the icing; the fun stuff I find in the thrift store, at a vintage boutique or on the sale rack at Winners. But there are basics too, basics that often slide under the radar because no one notices a sweatshirt when there are sequins on the scene. Now that the weather is turning colder I have to pay attention to the basics again because I can not spend my days frolicking in a dress any longer. Getting dressed is a layers game. 

I know it is rather a basic basic but I have to say this Old Navy sweatshirt is pretty freaking good. It came off a good bolt of fabric because I have washed it many times and it has never shrunk and the seams haven't twisted at all. I have searched long and hard for a perfect grey sweatshirt and I never thought my search would end at this Old Navy version (that is now super on sale) ... But it did. And I just bought another because I know that next year I'm still going to like sweatshirts that are grey. I'm consistent like that.

The pants are ponte pants from Joe Fresh. I am nervous to be skating so close to legging territory but these have a real zipper and pockets! They are comfortable like leggings but they suck you in like a pair of spanx. Some say it's magic, others say it's just the ponte fabric. Either way, I dig them. I can't find the version I have with the front pocket zips online but these are the basic pair... I will probably get them too because they are so warm and comfy and tuck into boots. Win. Win. Win.

Finally, I wore these boots in my last outfit post. I have mentioned it before but my shoe game is not my strongest. And I am ok with this. I bought these black suede booties because they are quite comfortable, basic enough to go with about 83% of my closet and they have the dip by the ankle which makes them just a little sassier than a regular ankle boot. You should all breathe a sigh of relief because this booty purchase will ease my reliance on my oft-worn Aldo boots. 

And now is the fun part... adding layers of (crazy) stuff...

*  And since I topped my outfit of with a grumpy cat of my own, maybe consider making a donation to a local animal shelter at this time of year? A charitable spirit is the most flattering layer of all;) 
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a great local place rescuing animals from high kill shelters in the area and I admire the work they do. I think charitable giving is a very personal decision and there are likely many factors that influence your choices but I just wanted to highlight this great local organization!

This Happened

You may have already seen it on my Facebook or on my Instagram but I should make it blog official. I signed a lease on a small store front this week! Ah! That deserves some more exclamation marks!!!!!!!!

Funny how pretty much every friend I have told has responded with 'well, it's about time...'.

I signed on a cute, bright place downtown Hamilton that I will pack full of awesome. Some vintage, some new, some clothes, some jewels and yup, lots of awesome... The store needs work but I'm hoping to be open late November and I'm still finishing up the landscape season... so basically things are going to get crazy around here.

I'll obviously give more information once I get some big details settled but you are all invited for opening night, so get your passport in order if you have a border to cross! And if my next few posts are in all caps, I APOLOGIZE, IT'S JUST HOW EVERYTHING IS SOUNDING IN MY HEAD RIGHT NOW!!!! EEEEEEEEEKKK!!!!!!

Rad Plaid

Boots? Nine West, Winners (suede here or on sale, size 10 in leather here) Scarf? h&m (here) 

Skirt? Winners Jacket? Costa Blanca Purse? Thrifted

I kinda feel like this giant plaid scarf is my Winter 2013 Fashion Blogger indicator. I think most seasons have some items that just scream fashion blogger. I mean, they are usually part of the general trend direction but there are always a few specific things that fashion bloggers seem to flock to and adopt en mass. When I first started blogging it was more of a look that we all went for; we belted cardigans, knotted skirts and paperbagged the waists of too big skirts and now (be in through widespread sponsorships or just the general increase of online shopping which makes items available across the board) it seems to be more about specific items; the J. Crew bubble necklace (or the knock-offs), the Rebecca Minkoff purse or the sequin lips sweatshirt... There needs to be a game show where fashion bloggers can be dated according to what they are wearing. I'm not saying I would win at this game show but I am saying I would be tough competition...

'That's so Spring 2011!'

If I wasn't so busy painting my nails three times a day, I would love to do a study on the micro (maybe not so micro) industry of fashion blogging inside the general larger fashion industry and the push and pull of trends between the two... But I've got a chip on my thumb nail, so I only have time to say that I am fully aware that the internets made me buy this plaid scarf. But it's so warm! And any fashion trend that has an element of practicality (Birkenstocks? I decided I'm on board, they are a good orthopaedic choice...) will get an extra point or two from me. I'm 30 now. I actually value function a little... 

Rambling

Jacket? Pencey (more here) Top? All Saints, thrifted Jeans? Acne Boots? c/o La Canadienne, last year(here)

Clutch and necklace? Thrifted Pics by Julie

Between the ruffles on the blazer and the pick-ups on my shirt, I had a serious party going on in the back there. Or we can call all that ruffle-age my tail feathers...

I wore this a while back for a day of shopping and lunch out with Julie. Ladies of leisure we are, except when I dropped the leisure to try and cushion the fall of a teenage squirrel stuck in a tight rope situation... Yeah, attempted squirrel rescue is just another part of my day (seriously though, look at the pics Julie got of the little guy). 

Because it seems to rain when I hang out with Julie, we took shelter (and some pictures) under the overhang of an old train station. There was another guy waiting out the rain too, powering up his mobility scooter at an outlet in the station. In true Canadian fashion we both apologized profusely for getting in each others way. Thankfully there was more than enough room for blog photography, a recovering squirrel and some recharging. 

This post is turning out a little more random than I was hoping. It happens. 

Is it the weekend yet?