Outfits: Navy and Black Totally Go Together

I threw this outfit together today. I had some errands to run in the afternoon and rehearsal this evening. I have been wearing dresses all week, but wanted to put on something a little more casual. Plus, I wanted to wear my new Miss L Fire Bluebird Sandals (!!). Yup. I bought them. No. Regrets.

I bought this navy blouse at a sample sale way back when I worked at Ricki's. I have worn it less than 10 times since then, but for some reason I never want to get rid of it when I'm culling my wardrobe. It never fails, I put it on and I remember how much I love it.

And I must mention my sailor shorts as well. I have been on the hunt for a pair of navy or black sailor shorts for years now, but I have A) been too cheap to pull the trigger on an expensive pair online B) haven't been able to find a pair with the right rise in a local retail store. This summer, as usual, Value Village came to the rescue and I bought these shorts there. And I paid $3 for them!!! You heard me. Patience and persistance paid off as usual and I got a very nice pair of sailor shorts at the thrift store for less than a Starbuck's coffee!! I had to replace one button and take them in at the back, but that took very little time. I've worn these shorts SOO many times this summer. They just seem to go with everything.

Navy Atomic Print Blouse: Ricki's

White Flower Brooch: Ricki's

Vintage Metalwork Butterfly Brooch: Etsy . The Paris Carousel

Black Sailor Shorts: Thrifted

Black Metal Bracelet: Le Chateau

Bluebird Sandals: Miss L Fire

Vintage Straw Purse: Thrifted

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rhymes with Orange

Lisa.xo

Outfits: 60's Blue & Green Border Print Dress

I bought this dress from Patti at WildWoodRose Vintage in the Exchange Uporium - a pop up shop in downtown Winnipeg featuring Winnipeg Etsy sellers. 

I was on my self imposed "no shopping fast" when I fell in love with this dress on the rack and instantly knew I was destined to cheat on my rule before I even tried it on. It has all my favourite colours (I mean, really...check out my house for proof). It's my favourite style: 50's/late 60's cotton sundress with a full skirt and it fits like a glove. Sorry rule...I had to have it. 

No regrets. Look how freakin' cute it is!!!!!!

The funny thing is that I already own a blue and green cotton sundress. I try not to buy too many similar dresses, but this one is juuuust different enough that I let that rule go too. Plus I knew I had many killer accessories (interchangeable between dresses) to go with this beauty.  

My hair is getting CRAZY long isn't it?! I need a trim - August, but I also wonder if it's time to get it cut shoulder-lengthish...probably not gonna happen yet. I'm not ready.. 

60's Blue & Green Border Print Cotton Sundress: WildWoodRose Vintage via Exchange Uporium

Green Butterfly Brooch: Ricki's Sample Sale

Bracelets: Thrifted

50's Bamboo Cage Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Blue & Green Wedges: Kenneth Cole Reaction 

Lisa.xo

Casual Plaid

I love to dress up. But unfortunately, I live a pretty casual lifestyle with little to no opportunity to get really glammed up. There was a time in the not-so-distant past where I had very little in my casual, everyday wardrobe which I felt truly reflected my personal style. I've been slowly making amends to that and have worked hard in the last year to build a casual wardrobe that I love to wear as much as my fancy dresses.

This is an outfit that I wear often and love. It's the only plaid shirt I own, but I love the fit and how it looks paired with jeans or tied in front with shorts or a casual skirt in the summer.

Vintage Glasses: were Grandma Cotton's new lenses at Osborne Spectacle

Vintage Necklace: antique mall somewhere..

Plaid Shirt: thrifted, Value Village

Sequin Rose Brooch: Rocabetty

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Ice Cream

The title of this post doesn't refer to my outfit so much as the occasion on which it was worn.

After slaving for 7 hours on my computer doing prep for my latest show today I made dinner for The Boy and I, then suddenly had an insatiable craving for ice cream.

It's been +40 Celsius with the humidex this week, so I suppose that craving is well warranted.

I changed out of my "work clothes" (jeans and a tee-shirt) into this. The weather won't be this hot for too much longer, so I might as well wear these lovely dresses now before it's time for tights and sweaters.

I love this dress, but am feeling that I need a black woven belt to wear with it instead of this white one -  which is looking very washed out in these photos...still getting the hang of setting my camera properly for the outdoors. Black would be so much better, but I make due with the polka dotted shoes to tie it in. You've gotta work with what you've got. I'm so hard done by, aren't I? lol!!

So, it's back to the grind this week. Emails, piles of paperwork and so much organizing and scheduling.  But it's good. :) It's like going back to school after summer holidays. I'm all jacked up to get prepped and ready for the first day of rehearsal next Monday.

50's Cotton Dress: Vintage Glory

Polka Dotted Bangle: Thrifted

White Woven Belt: Thrifted

Black and White Polka Dotted Shoes: Le Chateau

Trusty Vintage Bamboo Purse: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Blue Streak

The weather in Winnipeg has cooled off early this year and so has my penchant for pink. Back to blues. After cleaning out my collection a bit (both in my hoard and personal wardrobe) I remembered that I have a few neglected dresses. This being one of them. 

It's a mid-century handmade housedress which still bears a few small stains from housecleaning tucked among the pattern. This doesn't bother me a bit - it tells the story of the dress. 

I'm sadly counting down the days until I'm back at work. Two weeks of holidays left. I'm trying to make the most of them and doing some planning for the blog so I don't abandon you all again when I start work (wish me luck!). 

To The Boy: "What do you think I'm doing?! I'm taking blog photos!" Yeesh...

The perfect photobomb. I had my "serious blogger" face on and everything....thanks Dave. lol

50's Cotton House Dress: Ragtime (in Ottawa)

Polka Dot Floral Brooch: Ardene

Vintage Navy Leather Belt: Thrifted

Vintage Tooled Leather Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Striped Peep Toe Wedges: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Something a Little More Modern

Sorry for the absence in the last two weeks...someone in my family passed away on the 14th and I've not really been feeling like myself since. The last few days have been better, I'm finally starting to come around. :) Just wanted to let you all know why I suddenly stopped posting after such an amazing run of posts!


As you know, I don't always "dress vintage" and by that I mean a vintage inspired look from head to toe. I moderately follow current trends and incorporate those into my wardrobe that I feel compliment my personal fashion aesthetic. Like peplum tops. I love them. So feminine! They are a great modern take on a retro look, so a few months ago I went on a hunt for one I liked. This beauty from Jacob was the winner. The construction is really great - it fits me incredibly well. The fabric is non-stretch and I really like the side zipper (even though it's invisible) which I feel is a throw back to vintage garment construction (I love me a dress with a side zipper!).

I sometimes get worried I'm sacrificing my aesthetic when I dress in such trendy clothes (the skinny pants, the peplum top etc..) from head to toe, but Jill over at lune totally squashed that idea when I posted this pic on my Instagram.

She said "Very Varla of you"(as in "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!").

Haha! I thought that was awesome! Thanks Jill!

Tortoiseshell Cateye Sunglasses: Rhymes with Orange

Vintage Leather Jacket: Vintage Glory

Necklace: Le Château

Peplem Top: Jacob

Vintage Gold Belt: Ragpickers

Navy Trousers: Jacob

Navy Floral Heels: Forever 21

Vintage Navy Purse: Wildwood Rose Vintage

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Aloha!

Summer has arrived in Winnipeg and I couldn't be happier! I saw Modcloth's 'Coastal Break' Retro Playsuit Set via Pintrest months ago and was instantly smitten. If you remember I have been wanting a matching playsuit set and this one is exactly what I was looking for! 

I feel like I should be on a tropical island in this outfit - Hawaii would be perfect!!

I'd never bought anything from Modcloth before - I find their stuff cute, but pricey - I'm much more inclined to spend that much on something vintage rather than new. I couldn't resist though and decided to splurge. I'm so happy I did...how cute is this outfit?!?!

Despite loving the look of these pieces, I have mixed reviews of my purchase. The quality, cut and design of the set is great! Exactly as it appears on the website. The sizing on both the top and skirt, however, both run big - particularly the skirt. Thankfully it was nothing my trusty sewing machine couldn't handle. Rather than return my items I decided it was just as easy to alter them to fit me. 

I bought a medium in both items. The top was definitely the right size for my bust, but I had to shorten the straps about 1 1/2". 

The skirt was quite big on me. I probably should have bought a small - I always have this problem. Apparently I'm smaller than I think I am - but I always tend to buy a bit big and alter to fit. I had to take the skirt in a whole 2". Modcloth's website says a medium should be a 27-28" waist, which is exactly what I have, so I thought I'd be ok this time...ah well...good thing I've got skills with a sewing machine. 

So after a painless 20 minutes of pinning and sewing I've got this cute ensemble! I received many compliments when I wore it out and it's so comfortable and cool! Win! I am imagining all sorts of summer outfits for these pieces -together and separately.

I did wear a short slip under the skirt so it didn't stick to my legs too much, but the skirt has a wonderful fullness without a crinoline due to the stiffness of the cotton. 

Unfortunately, Modcloth seems to be sold out of the skirt, but the top is still available. They do seem to have other playsuit separates for sale right now though here and here. I can't vouch for those ones specifically, but I know I adore mine and despite minor issues in sizing, would recommend them! 

White Hair Flower: Ricki's Sample Sale

Retro 'Coastal Break' Playsuit Set: Modcloth

Bangles: Thrifted

Vintage Bamboo Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Denim Espadrilles: George

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Double Bows

I wore this on Wednesday out for pizza with all of The Boy's friends - just me and the boys! :)

It's a bit hard to see in some of these photos, but my t-shirt has a bow on it and my skirt has a lovely little bow. I bought this skirt at Foundre recently. I absolutely adore it - the colour, the pleats, the bow! It's really the star of this outfit - I had to keep everything else fairly simple and let it shine. 

White Bow Tee - Joe Fresh

Vintage Pleated Skirt - Foundre

Wooden Bangles - gift from Tracy

Turquoise Patent Wedges: Le Chateau

Vintage Straw Purse: gift from Matt

I'm working all weekend - 5 shows in 3 days (2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday). I'll be ready for my day off on Monday, that's for sure! What are you up to this weekend?

Lisa.xo