Outfit of the Day: Strange Memorials

 Had a very relaxing weekend (minus the work part of it), full of sunshine and fun things.

Check it out! That is Canada (White Rock, British Columbia to be exact) sitting out there across the water. Had an appointment near the border today.

 Green Herringbone Blazer - Robert Noble for JCrew 2005 (thrift)

Skirt - Anthropologie "Apothecary Skirt"

Boots - Hayden Harnett "Madeleine in Brandy"

Purse - Hayden Harnett "Barnard in Persian Rose"

 Two interesting plaques we saw wandering around Old Fairhaven in Bellingham. Poor Mathew.

And poor wagon?

The Pencil Skirt

A while back I mentioned I was wanting to find a colored pencil skirt, like the J Crew double-serge wool pencil skirts, but without the hefty price tag. When I went to the thrift store for a little birthday shopping I came across a purple wool one. It is vintage, and even though it said it was a size 8, I was wary of it fitting. Vanity sizing runs rampant these days, so I think I am around an 8/10 in vintage.

 It fit!

 Here it is in the sunlight to get the true color. A nice, crisp purple. The $5 price tag sure beats anything else I had found. Patience pays off again!

 Black Velvet Blazer - JCrew - thrift

Black Camisole - Ann Taylor - thrift

Pencil Skirt - thrift/vintage

Houndstooth tights - Reitman's (Canada)

Key Charm Necklace - gift

The Birthday Post

Ah that time of year that comes by...well once a year. It is a bit melancholy to be away from my friends and family in Canada this year (and my mom down south), but I had a great day at work with a birthday banana cream pie and fried rice. We also went out last night to have a meal with another couple we have grown close to, and that was great. Almond milk bubble tea is my new favorite.

In honor of my birthday, I took myself shopping. Had a coupon for 30% off at my local thrift store, so I enjoyed a nice afternoon off there browsing and looking around. I was very thrilled to find an ivory JCrew Victoria Ruffle Camisole for $1.79, and a coral JCrew Jackie Cardigan for $3.99. I loved the camisole when they first came out, but didn't manage to get one on sale. The pants were another find, Banana Republic beige herringbone wool lined trousers for $5.99. Hurray a new outfit for under $12.

Camisole - JCrew "Victoria Ruffle" - thrift

Cardigan - JCrew "Jackie" - thrift

Pants - Banana Republic - thrift

 And a rare face shot, taken nice and early, around 6:30 this morning.

Happy birthday shout outs to my fellow April 5th-ers, Jess over at Consume or Consumed, and AmyK over at KelindaKELINDA! Hurray for the Aries in the blogging world :)

Outfit of the Day: Cue the Repeats

So onto my third week at my new job (yay!) which means it is about time to start repeating and mixing new outfits out of what I have. 

Blouse: JCrew outlet ruffle camisole

Cardigan: Jacob

Pants: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

I am really loving these Ralph Lauren pants. There is something about green plaid lined wool pants (that were $6) that really floats my boat, plus they are very comfortable. 

Close up of  my necklace. It was a congratulatory present from my aunt, which had belonged to my grandmother once upon a time.  Vintage jewellery has such history, that I can't help but feel happy wearing a piece.

Outfit of the Day: Playing Flight Attendant Apparently

Here are a couple past outfits from this week. Still finding my groove of what goes dress code wise at work. I was meeting some new higher up people on one day, so went with a traditional black suit. Tim told me I looked light a flight attendant with the silk scarf, but I loved the giant bow effect.

 Black Blazer: BCBGMaxAzria

Pants: Banana Republic

Silk Shell: Ann Taylor

Geometric Patterned Scarf: Hayden Harnett

 Blazer: Esprit

Pants: Ann Taylor

Blouse: JCrew Outlet Ruffle Collar Blouse

Happy weekend everyone. I am laying pretty low this weekend, Tim has a bit of a cold, so we did my taxes for up north, had a lovely visit with my Aunt, and did some grocery shopping for the week. The downside for going back to work is I need to actually plan meals now, and do the prep the night before. The upside? Working :)

Building a Work Wardrobe

So that time in my life is fast approaching. Going from a strict dress code to the relative freedom of business casual/business wear. That also means my wardrobe needed a slight boost in terms of work appropriate wear. Yes, I have lots of fun dresses and skirts, but to be honest, not quite in line with my new field of work. 

That is where my local thrift stores come in. Since money is a bit tight at the moment, I couldn't go out and buy a brand new wardrobe, as much fun as that would have been. So I spent the last month supplementing my old wardrobe into something new. Did you know that the Goodwill stores have days where certain color tags are $1.29? Crazy! I would say about 90% off what I picked up was new with tags, which is awesome.

Blazers & Jackets:

Old Navy/JCrew/Anthropologie/Esprit/H&M/BCBG

Skirts:

Anthropologie/Banana Republic/H&M/Anthropologie

Pants:

Left Side: Lauren by Ralph Lauren/Ann Taylor/Rachel Roy Signature

Right Side: Banana Republic/Ann Taylor/Random 

Dresses:

Shabby Apple (Won through Jess c/o Shabby Apple)/H&M (camera added a white dot)

Cardigans & Toppers:

Top Row: Anthropologie/Anthropologie/Gap/White House Black Market

Bottom Row: Jacob/Gap/JCrew/Ann Taylor Loft

Blouses & Shirts:

Top Row: Ann Taylor Loft/Ann Taylor/Banana Republic/Ann Taylor/Chaus

Middle Row: Jacob/Mexx/JCrew/Anthropologie

Bottom Row: Express/INC/Ann Taylor

I tried to stick to things that would mix and match well, hence the mostly black, purple, green, and blue shades. I was hoping to pick up a blue or green pencil skirt while searching but no luck yet. The JCrew double serge in Warm Jade would really float my boat. Oh and neck bow-tied blouses? Love them.

In total, I think I spent under $100 for 19 new items. I know some people aren't keen on the idea of thrifting, but when things come with tags on them still, hard to pass up silk shirts and wool pants for under $5. I also think the mix of what I had before and what I added works well together.

Outfit of the Day: 2 quick outfits

Long time, no blog! Been a mixture of things happening, nothing really exciting, just hasn't left me inspired to post anything recently.

Here are a couple of outfits from this week though, please forgive the bad photo quality, they were taken rather rushed and no time to set up the tripod outside.

 Sweater dress - JCrew, ribbed grey tights - Hue, cutout boot in grey - Matiko "Sudi".

Black knit pants - Joe's Jeans, green mary-janes - AE Payless, green Epilogue Tank - Anthropologie, taupe cocoon sweater - Ross

Outfit of the Day: Tuberose Lace Skirt

Happy Winter Time Celebrations everyone! I hope you are all having a great time with family, friends, or even just taking a break from work and school. Our Christmas this year was very quiet and small, just Tim and I, but it was nice. It was our first Christmas as a married couple, and I think we both just enjoyed the calmness. Maybe next year we will take a trip to visit some family during the holidays? I am hoping California (or Hawaii would be fun hint hint).

 Tuberose Lace skirt - Anthropologie (christmas present!), Gingham shirt + tights- Old Navy, mustard camisole - Forever21, Scattered Locket Necklace - JCrew

 The pattern of the lace is just so pretty. The skirt weighs quite a bit, but it hangs and swings wonderfully.

 Evita Leather Blazer - Mackage, Dwell Studio Scarf - Anthropologie

Woven Oxfords - Ecote by Urban Outfitters

Happy Tuesday!

Outfit of the Day: Argyle and Checks

This outfit is straight up copied from Love At First Shop, who has some great personal style (if you haven't read her blog, check it out!) I have a bit of trouble styling this shift due to the rather unsubtle pattern, and when I remember her wearing it, I was glad to have another idea. I like the idea of it paired with the shirt underneath though, and Rosa's cue to toughen it up with leather. A worn leather jacket and some (sort of tough) boots work well with the argyle I think. Maybe I will try it with a belt next time?

 Argyle Shift Dress - JCrew, Checked Blouse - Old Navy, Leather Jacket -The Bay, Tights - Hue, Boots - Kelsi Dagger Mashita, Locket -  Joya and Vane at Anthropologie

Ohhhh pattern mixing (with neutrals, a bit tame).

 So I made a skirt yesterday, but it is a bit eh. I think the length might be too short for weight of the fabric. It is a bit puffy on the sides, and even though it is a high-waist + full skirt, my husband was unsure. He doesn't like the pouf though in anything. Silly boys. I'll style it up, and maybe you lovely readers can weigh in on it? 

Happy Friday everyone!

Outfit of the Day: Inspired by the Golden Spectrum Skirt, a handmade version?

Ah, love this whole outfit, not the hefty price tag that comes with it though.

Mostly, the skirt kept calling to me. So when I found a knit fabric the other day, my first instinct was to make a skirt with it. 

Here is the result and my outfit for the day. My $4 skirt vs the $400 one.

Skirt - handmade, Leather jacket - The Bay, Gingham shirt - Old Navy, Locket necklace - JCrew, Tights - Target, Over the Knee boots - Pegabo

 I did try to line up the stripes...oops.

Best part? No buttons, bulky waistbands, or zippers. Just comfort.

Outfit of the Day: Short Skirt and a Long(er) Jacket

So how was everyone's weekend? Do anything exciting? I had a pretty quiet weekend, a couple of errands and that was about it. 

 Ruffled Sweaterdress - JCrew, Sweatercoat - Anthropologie, Tights- outlet store, Boots - Target 

The dress is a smidgen shorter then I am used to, but wearing with tights doesn't feel awkward. Does anyone else feel more secure in tights?

Outfit of the Day: I (heart) my boots

I picked these up during the summer on super sale, now it is boot weather! I am used to wearing boots that come up to the knee (or higher), but I am loving the length of these. I also like that I can adjust the width of these, so they fit my calves snugly, which means no gaping. Plus, they are lined in "fur", so hurray! Warm and toasty feet.

Jcrew merino sweater dress, Old Navy boyfriend cardigan, H&M lace scarf, random tights, Kelsi Dagger Mashita boots.

I was all excited to take photos today, then looked outside, it is pouring. Thankfully I have a spot under the eaves. 

 I didn't know this when I got these, but apparently Anthropologie carried them as the Taiga Oxford Boots. Not sure if they were popular or not, only 3 reviews for them. I (heart) them though.

 You can see them on JG here. I crossed my laces in the front, but hers show how they originally came. I think they are adorable on her, and her pictures show the wingtip detailing, and color better.

 My in-laws are coming this weekend, so I have been busy fixing things around the house. Oh who caulked the bathtub yesterday? I did! But the silicone was clear, which I didn't know (I thought it might dry opaque in the end, silly me), so I am not thrilled. It will definitely be redone within the month with white caulk.

 

Outfit of the Day: Last day of August

Last day of August, first day of fall weather? Pretty dreary outside this morning, but the weather this weekend should be nice. I am looking forward to the long weekend to spend with my husband (!).

I am still adjusting to my new location, filing forms, etc, so I am not really in the mood to put on fun clothes just to sit around. Oh, and my laptop died, yay!

 AG boyfriend jeans - Anthroplogie, Knit blazer and cami - Forever21, Locket necklace - JCrew, flats - Kenneth Cole Reaction

An August Wedding Outfit: Polyvore Style

I put together what I had in my head for this wedding using Polyvore. Not the best set, but I am slowing getting the hang of it. 

The brooch is a bit different, not as spiky with a yellow and brown colour scheme. The bracelet is a pale green, but the same style.

Outfit of the Day: Purple People Eater Shorts

Quick, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you say purple shorts? To me, its Prince, oh yes, the singer Prince. Thankfully, these shorts are not that type of purple, though...a pair of purple velvet shorts might be pretty funky?

Shorts - Forever21, Blouse - old JCrew, Cardigan - Old Navy, Sandals - Kelsi Dagger Luca's (finally warm enough to wear sandals!) If you have an account at revolve or reverse, they are $20 there right now.

 When I was reading my blog roll today, I noticed that Kim at Anthroholic wore shorts too today. Similar to her, I do not usually wear shorts, pretty much out of fear of jiggly thighs and pasty white blinding skin, but really, I am getting over that fear, no point in having it. Here is to breaking our comfort zones today!  How about you? Are you a short wearer?

Outfit of the Day: Sorry for the slight absence...

I ended up working 8 days straight, so I had nothing to show, except for the few posts here and there. Should be back to normal now. Although, since we finalized our new house purchase(!!!), I think I might end up looking more and home goods/design things, would you all be ok with some posts on that, or would you prefer if I started a different page for that?

 This is the gap dress all stylized and wearable. The style of the shift dress is a bit blocky, but I have no issues with wearing a belt on top.

Gap drop-waist shift dress, Target boots, F21 belt, Jcrew locket necklace.

 Oh happy day! A day off! Sorry for the icky sun glare in the photos, my neighbours were gardening in the backyard, and it was a bit too strange to take photos in front of them.

 

Outfit of the Day: Work BBQ

To celebrate everyone's hard work this year, we threw a bbq at a local park. Very low key event, but a lot of fun. There is a good chance I got a touch too much sun.

I had wanted to wear different shoes, but the back of my ankles are a bit torn up, too much walking in those All Black shoes + hot weater.

Ruched woven pants- Forever21 (here)

belt- from my mother?

Silk hammered camisole - Jcrew

short boots - Target Kaiala

I failed part of my mission...

It was not my shopping ban though. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will most likely break that on Saturday. Oh well.

 JCrew Drift dress in Agate. So comfortable and such a pretty colour in person. I really like this dress. It hangs nicely, is not short, and the detailing at the bust line is fun.

Matiko Sudi cutout boots, Ann Taylor Loft cardigan, F21 leaf necklace, random belt.

Goodbye sort of long hair, I don't miss you.

Last day for voting for outfit help for tomorrow night. Seems to be pretty close between 1 & 4. I'm excited to see what wins. Please take a second and vote if you don't mind :)

Outfit Of The Day: Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles

My name is Jess, and I like ruffles. It is not obvious at all.

 I also have a weakness for JCrew merino wool sweaterdress. The one that got away? Campo Di Fiori Sweaterdress. Maybe one day I will find it on ebay or something.

 Time to break out the flats I think.  Still not giving up my tights though.

 JCrew ruffle sweater dress

Kenneth Cole Reaction flats

Navy Tights - No idea

 I don't normally share my bag collection because  my bags are pretty basic, but I am smitten with this one. The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch in Fuchsia Croc. It was a ridiculously unbelievably low price at Winners since it was missing the strap. Who steals a strap from a bag though? So silly, and I like my super adjustable strap that I added on. This was bought before my Shopping Ban Challenge started of course.

End picture taking with a silly pose.