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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Patterns and Textures in Black and White

While colour is a pretty big organizing principle of my wardrobe, sometimes I like to experiment with a limited palette or, specifically, monochromatic or dichromatic looks. Today's outfit was all black and white (solids and patterns) and focused on texture.

The main piece: a black and white cotton-nylon skirt with a black and white (and gold sparkly thread) lace-like exterior over a cotton lining with a velvet-like top and bottom trim. The brand is Kimchi & Blue and I bought it at a vintage shop or friperie (one of the inspirations for this blog's title) called Local 23 on Bernard Street West in Montreal.

The best part about this flared skirt is the pattern --- the closest known pattern that it resembles is damask. This pattern on lace with the subtle hint of gold sheen is anchored by the thick, plush trim.



I paired this skirt with a black (lace-trimmed) tank top with a white cardigan on top. The cardigan has lace rosettes (also with a hint of sparkly thread) for embellishment. Together, it extends the texture throughout the outfit, top and bottom.

For an accessory, still keeping with the black + white + pattern theme, I wore this wooden painted necklace I bought at a Himalayan artisan (craft, textile, jewellery) shop in Vancouver.


For a handbag, I introduced one additional colour (brown leather) but kept with the black + white + pattern accent.


In addition to some basic black tights, I finished off the outfit with some black and white peep-toe sneaker wedges with a similar pattern as the skirt and a rosette embellishment to match the cardigan.



I failed hard at getting a photo of the complete outfit but this post is all about the individual, carefully chosen pieces that make the whole.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Rediscovery: Sneaker Stilettos

You may call me a shoe hoarder --- I'd say I'm always planning for a future self that may want to wear a certain pair of shoes again. While I've definitely gotten better at the sweet sorrow of culling my closet, it's wonderful when you didn't give something away and rediscover it years later.

Circa 2004 I purchased a pair of boots which can only be described as sneaker stilettos: laces, velcro, and a sneaker-like toe with a stiletto heel. I got them at Walmart for about 20 or 30 bucks. I got a lot of wear out of them at the end of high school and beyond. I even had them reheeled a couple of times - I probably spent more having them maintained than I did to buy them in the first place. But they were so funky and versatile, it seemed worth it.

Then, in the years that followed, they lay dormant like the One Ring at the bottom of the river Anduin. I've been out of my family home for over six years, I've lived in six different apartments spanning two provinces since then. Needless to say, things get forgotten about and overlooked. Somehow, the sneaker stilettos persisted. Last week, I retrieved them from my old closet at my mom's and wore them again.

With a low heel and a seriously decent grip on the sole, they're pretty awesome and truly comfortable. Moral of the story? Don't throw anything out ;)






Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Preferred Pairing: Oxfords and Trouser Socks

First of all, it's fun to say "trouser socks." I don't often wear "trousers," but should I ever, I have a vast collection of appropriate socks. I especially love sheer and polka dot ones of various colours.


Here are my favourite Oxfords (two tone, purchased at H&M in Montreal in 2011 - they've been reheeled once already but still going strong three years later!) paired with my favourite polka dot trouser socks. Sometimes I wear them pulled all the way up, and sometimes cuffed / folded.


Same shoes, this time with cuffed pale green polka dot trouser socks. I like to fold them down so the scalloped edge looks like a ruffle.


Here's one of my favourite looks - the same white with black polka dot socks pulled up (they get a lot of wear) with a pair of plain black Oxfords. Cookie Monster is an obvious bonus accessory to any outfit.

Considering I would have said "ew, gross!" to ruffled socks as a young girl, it's funny that now I can't get enough of them. I have lace ruffle trimmed socks in white, black, and grey and white. They're also great with Oxfords and flats.


As if these pink suede Oxfords weren't already great (and they were) I decided to take my basic sewing and adorning skills to make them that much better. I bought a roll of leopard print (see previous blog post) ribbon, sewed them into bows, and attached them to the laces of the shoe. 

It is a simple and inexpensive way to make a pair of shoes that much more unique and eye catching!





Monday, October 13, 2014

Ode to Leopard Print

It seems appropriate to launch my new blog with a declaration of my love of animal prints.


This photo is from a time, earlier this year, when I started packing for a trip and soon took stock of my choices.

The thing I love the most about animal print is that it has a vexed reputation - animal print is often characterized as tacky and is also, somehow, seen as sexualized. The same dress that is mild and unobtrusive in baby blue takes on a different persona in any bold pattern, leopard print especially. I like to challenge this perception, and love incorporating animal print into "business casual" outfits.

One of my big fashion sticking points is how "professional" is conceived.

I'm fascinated by how patterns transform our perceptions of and reactions to garments.

I love animal print - I've always been drawn to it. The real fun when you own many different animal print pieces is realizing you need to find some non-patterned clothing to offset it - I will match leopards, to a point.

I also lover tiger and zebra prints. I don't discriminate.


Obviously, my love of animal print extends to adorable extremes. Peek-a-boo tiger socks!