Outfits: New Old Dress. Had to Have It (as usual...)

Does anyone else find Christmas shopping difficult? I mean, of course it is. But I mean specifically fighting the urge to buy yourself presents? Especially the kind that no one else will buy you. 

Like this dress. 

I was in the Exchange doing some Christmas shopping with Daphne from Vixage. We stopped at the Exchange Uporium. Patti Henderson - curator and owner of WildWoodRose Vintage - has her stuff there. Deadly. 

So I'm perusing her racks and I see this dress. I knew immediately without trying it on that I had to have it.   ...I'm so weak...

Decision made when I put it on and it fit like it was made for me. damn. 

I also bought a gift for a gift exchange while there, so at least there's that lol!

Black is hard to photograph with my point and shoot camera, but I'm hoping you can see the asymmetrical peplum/draped panel on the back. Also has three covered buttons at the nape of the neck. 

After I took the last bunch of photos I decided I needed more accessories, so I grabbed this hat and clutch. I'm in love. 

Please tell me I'm not the only one who buys themselves things while Christmas shopping. I've got four more gifts to buy and then I can stay away from the stores. Now I just need to find somewhere to wear this dress. 

Vintage Black Straw Tilt Hat: thrifted, Value Village

40's Black Crepe Dress: WildWoodRose Vintage via The Exchange Uporium

Vintage Rhinestone Bracelet: thrifted, Value Village

Vintage Celluloid and Rhinestone Bracelet: Ruby Slipper

Vintage Embroidered Rose Clutch: thrifted, Salvation Army

Black Mary Janes: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Show and Tell: Floral Embroidered 20's Cloche

I own two pieces from the 20's. This cloche and a stunning shawl I will show you next.

I bought this hat from a vintage shop that was closing a number of years ago. Everything in the store was marked down significantly. I went in to browse the sale and got a glimpse of this hat behind the counter. I asked to try it on. The owner said yes, but prefaced the "yes" with "This hat is tiny. In all the years I've owned it no one has ever been able to put it on." I know my own head....I know I have a small head (21 1/2" to be exact. Most people are 22-23"). I knew this hat would fit me. And it did.

She had it marked down from $99 to $40. She was so excited that it fit me she sold it to me for $21. I wore it all summer that year and it's one of my most prized vintage possessions.

Lisa.xo

Confessions of a Vintage Addict

Yup. I bought some clothes. *sigh*

It was a little relapse...ok, two little relapses...one leading to the other. 

I'm back on the no shopping train again. For reals this time. 

It started with a yard sale last weekend in my neighbourhood. The cardboard sign with the words written in black sharpie scrawled across it reading "Vintage Sale" was too hard for me to resist...it was only 3 blocks from my house. I resisted that sign for 3 days and on the fourth day I submitted to the urge and went. At first I was relieved to find the house (the sale was inside) full of housewares - those I admire, but easily resist. Then I got talking to the couple hosting the sale. I asked if they had any clothes for sale, they said "no". I was secretly relieved. Then one of them said "Oh! but wait, we have some hats in the basement". All I thought was "crap!" 

So they brought up a box full of lovely hats and a pair of amazing full length lurex glove. I had $17 in my wallet, picked my favs and offered him the sum. 

This is what I came home with:

A 50's turquoise and brown sequinned Juliet cap, a 50's turquoise feather headband and, of course, the lurex gloves!

I forgave myself the purchase, considering the bargain and decided that would be the last of it - one tiny little slip. But like any good addict, these accessories were only the gateway to a larger purchase I made yesterday at the grand opening of the Echange Uporium Pop Up Shop. Patti Henderson has her incredible wares on sale there and again I couldn't resist. 

I broke down and bought another dress. 

Incredibly light cotton early 60's floral border print dress. Fits me like a glove. 

The adrenaline rush after shopping was palpable. Followed by a strange, heady mix of guilt and excitement over my purchase. 

Hello, my name is Lisa and I'm a vintage-aholic. *sigh*

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Uniform

Do you ever find yourself wearing a kind of "you" uniform? You know, that certain silhouette or combination of garments that makes you feel really comfortable in your own skin? The one that you instinctually gravitate towards? Perhaps almost daily?
Well this has been mine.

It's been such a frigid winter. I haven't worn a skirt since the fall and I'm still not quite ready. I've also been forgoing heels for these converse (I have an all black pair too) or my ankle boots since the sidewalks have become dry. My outfits have been some version of this for months now. Sometimes a bit more dressed up, but never more dressed down than this. 

You gotta wear what feels right. Not what you think everyone else expects you to wear. 

Black Beret: thrifted

Leopard Print Scarf: Ricki's

Vintage Leather Jacket: Vintage Glory

Teal Beaded Cardigan: thrifted

Black and White Polka Dot Tee: thrifted

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Vintage Floral Purse: thrifted

Converse High Tops: ShoeMe.ca

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Vintage 40's Tilt Hat

There's nothing like a good hat to spice up an otherwise utilitarian outfit. I bought this charming 40's tilt hat from Ragpickers a few years ago. I've pinned the flowers to it for a little boost of colour.

As you can see, my love of black and white this winter continues. It's just so classic! You can't go wrong!

White Flower Brooch & Purple Flower Brooch: Ricki's

40's Grey Felt Tilt Hat: Ragpickers

Black Bobble Necklace: Le Chateau

Vintage Cameo Ring: Things Antiques & Gifts

White Blouse: Jacob

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Black Pumps with Rhinestone Bow: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Vintage Hudson Bay Point Blanket Coat

In what seems like a million years ago - the internet has a funny way of stretching out, or conversely, compacting time doesn't it? - I posted a Wishlist post about wanting a Hudson's Bay Point Blanket Coat. I wrote that post 2 years ago now, but I'd been on the hunt for one of these coats for much longer.
Sometimes I would actively search and other times I would forget and it would fall off my radar. Either way, I've been on the hunt for about 5 years total.

By no means are these coats rare, but it seems that most of the coats I've found for sale are mens, or I find a ladies coat and it's miles too big on me, or moth eaten. Or, it's just too damn much money and I can't afford it. All of these factors have kept me from buying one over the years.

Well two short weeks ago I finally found my coat! Strangely enough a friend of mine had it. He randomly texted me and asked me how much they sell for and I was dumbstruck!! We texted back and forth for a bit, he sent me some pictures and I made him a very reasonable offer. We met, I tried on the coat and it fit!! We made the exchange and I've been in coat loving heaven ever since!! (Is that enough exclamation points for you?!! Can you tell how stoked I am to have this coat?!?!)
I won't tell you this coat was a bargain, but he got a good deal and I paid less than internet retail. Win, win.

There is just something purely Canadian about a Hudson's Bay Point Blanket Coat. It's iconic, instantly recognizable. They are true collectors items, which are deeply tied to the fur trade in Canada's history. Coats made from Hudson's Bay Point Blankets have been handmade or manufactured since the 1800's. Hudson's Bay doesn't even sell these coats in the classic style with any regularity anymore. There have been a few special production runs, collaborations with designers and revamped coats with new looks, but the classic coat with that true heavy blanket wool has not been sold by the company since 2000.

Mine is from the 60's. I had originally been looking for a peacoat, but I love the hood and belt detail on this coat. It's much more feminine.

The coat is a perfect fit. And I just can't get enough of wearing it with my vintage racoon fur hat. I feel like a fur trader in it. And that's really what I love about fashion: that clothes have the power to transform us, let us assume different identities.

Vintage Raccoon Fur Hat: Gift Shop at The Canadian Costume Museum

White Knit Scarf: Ricki's

60's Hudson Bay Point Blanket Coat: bought from a friend

Black Leather Mittens: Danier Leather

Black Skinny Jean: Forever 21

Black Leather Riding Boots: thrifted, Salvation Army

Green Purse: Claudia Firenze

Lisa.xo

Personality Style Challenge for Brilliant Earth

Last week I was contacted by the folks at Brilliant Earth - makers of ethical origin fine jewelry - and asked to take part in their blogger Personality Style Challenge.

If you know me well, you are aware that I'm a bit of a magpie ("bit of a" might also be a HUGE understatement!!) and I cannot resist anything that sparkles. And if you've read this blog for a long time you know that I am not in the habit of partnering with companies, so you know this one had to speak to me.

Before I get to the style challenge, let me introduce you to this fantastic company:

Brilliant Earth is a jewelry company with a cause. They are committed to offering quality diamonds and fine jewelry which are ethically sourced. At the same time offering great service as well as contributing to the jewellery industry - donating 5% of their profits to benefit communities affected by the blood diamond trade and the jewellery industry.

I know that can all seem pretty heavy for a little lifestyle/fashion blog, but diamonds are fashion and I think most people forget that lives can be on the line in the diamond trade. If you purchase your wedding ring/engagement ring/diamond earrings from a company like Brilliant Earth you can rest assured that you are part of the solution and not the problem. I like that. Fashion with a conscious. This is part of the reason I like to shop second hand - it reduces waste and reuses perfectly good - and sometimes stunningly beautiful - clothing that might otherwise be unused.

And more to that note, I was also quite excited to learn that Brilliant Earth offers a curated selection of antique jewelry, engagement and wedding rings. Please click the links and prepare to swoon (Christmas is only 8 days away people! haha!)


So now that you've had a proper introduction, onto the style challenge! I was sent a list of personalities with corresponding jewellery from Brilliant Earth and was asked to make a style board to compliment the jewelry and personality of my choice. It wasn't a tough decision. I had to pick the vintage girl - who loves vintage dresses and thrift store shopping (sound like anyone you know?!?!).
I've called her "Vintage Loving Gal"

1. The Promenade Earrings - Brilliant Earth

2. Black 30's Tilt Slouch Hat with Rhinestones - Etsy

3. Polka Dot Blouse with Removable Flower - Jacob

4. Cream Leather Motorcycle Jacket - Danier Leather

5. Black 30's Hand Embroidered Evening Clutch - Etsy

6. White Gold Hudson Ring - Brilliant Earth

7. Eternity Diamond Ring - Brilliant Earth

8. High Waisted Keynote Address Pants in Teal - Modcloth

9. 40's Kelly Green Leather Platform Peep Toe Pumps - Etsy

10. Ruby Woo Lipstick - MAC

Choosing Brilliant Earth's antique and vintage inspired jewelry was a no-brainer for me…I mean, The Promenade Earrings…they've got me seriously swooning. Please, click on the link above or enlarge my collage to see them clearer…you won't be disappointed.
I also love their choice of rings for the vintage loving gal - the Hudson Ring and the Tiara Eternity Diamond ring - both in white gold. They are both beautiful and classic with just enough vintage style without being garish. I would wear them on the same hand or stack them on one finger for maximum bling.

I've paired the jewelry with an outfit I would wear in a heartbeat any day of the week, chosen from my favourite modern retailers and peppered with vintage accessories from Etsy. I think I could even manage to wear this outfit to work with flats!

As usual, it's all about the mix. I love the bling, not only from Brilliant Earth's jewelry, but also in rhinestones on the vintage hat paired with a tough, but chic leather motorcycle jacket from Danier Leather. For me, no outfit is complete without a fabric flower - here on the polka dot blouse. Which I hope would poke out above the collar on the jacket.

More feminine detailing in the delicate 1930's clutch - a nice counter balance to the graphic print on the blouse.

The high waisted teal pants are not only a nod to vintage fashion, but also right on trend both in colour and fit - the best of both worlds, in my opinion. And I couldn't help but pair them with a beautiful pair of vintage 40's platform pumps in a similar colour.

And no vintage loving gal's outfit is complete without some lipstick. What better shade than MAC's bold Ruby Woo?


I had a lot of fun taking part in this challenge (Brilliant Earth will pick 3 winners to be featured on their Pintrest page this Friday!) and frankly, I think my credit card is in danger right now - I am seriously debating buying myself that outfit. Or at least the hat and the clutch! haha! And I've also let The Boy know about Brilliant Earth…you know, in case he finds he needs to do some jewellery shopping for me…*hint hint*.

What do you think of my style board? Anything you would add? Subtract? 

Lisa.xo

Disclaimer: This post is part of Brilliant Earth's blogger Personality Style Challenge. 

All opinions are my own.

Outfits: My Dream Coat and a Quick Hello

Hello!! It's been a week or so since I've showed my face 'round these parts. I've been busy with lots of things.

Work has started up again. We open officially in a week. I'm currently working at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre on this show(they have a strict social media policy, so that link is all I'll be posting in regards to this project -it's fantastic though and if you live in Winnipeg I highly recommend it). So, as usual, work is keeping me pretty busy.

This past weekend I was interviewed by Shaw TV Winnipeg as part of a new series featuring Winnipeg bloggers. That was incredibly exciting! We did some thrift shopping and then shot some clips at my house too. I will be sure to let you know when the episode airs and post a vid or a link! Many, many hours were spent scrutinizing my outfit...let me tell you! haha!

Otherwise, it's been business as usual - trying to juggle time with friends and family with my busy work schedule, as well as trying to keep the "blogger guilt" at bay as I found myself too busy to post.

Oh! And the snow has finally settled in to stay here. So I finally got to wear my Vintage Dream Coat. Big smiles over here about that.

click the image for a larger view

Black Wool Beret: thrifted

Vintage Dream Coat: thrifted, Value Village

Best Purse in the Whole Damn World!!: thrifted, Value Village

Black Tights: ?? had them so long I can't remember..

Black Booties: G21 - Walmart

Lisa.xo

Outfits: A Mix of Eras

I really adore this dress. I rescued it from the scrap pile about 10 years ago when I worked at Ragpickers. It was in such terrible shape. The fabric was stained, the hem had fallen, it only had two of its buttons left on it and several seams were split. Despite all of these flaws I was uncontrollably attracted to this dress. There was something about the soft pink colour, the cute novelty print and the softness of the fabric that I couldn't resist. 

I brought it home and it hung in my closet for years. I carefully spot removed all of the staining and fixed the split seams. A couple years after that I pressed and pinned up the hem, but never sewed it. Eventually I found enough matching vintage buttons in the right size to replace the lost ones and finally sewed them in place and tacked up the hem. Better late than never right?! 

And the result is this beautiful summer dress! It's early 40's by my reckoning - the novelty print and colour says 30's, but the simple sleeves and lack of embellishments says 40's to me. Either way, no part of me regrets saving this dress and restoring it. 

I rarely wear this dress any other way. I just love the brown accessories with the cotton candy pink. The hat is 60's, the dress is 40's, the hot pink clutch is 80's and the enamel brooches are 50's or 60's. Mixing eras is my favourite way to wear vintage. I am rarely interested in dressing period specific from head to toe. 

Here's the print close up. I wish I could show you how soft this fabric is! It's heavenly!

60's Brown and Cream Hat: Thrifted, Goodwill

Vintage Slip: Thrifted

40's Novelty Print Day Dress: Ragpickers

Bow Belt: Forever 21

Vintage Porcelain Flower Brooches: Thrifted

Brown Leather Peep Toe Pumps: Kensie

80's Hot Pink Clutch: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Congratulations Laura and Steph!

On Saturday our friends Laura and Steph got married!

I love seeing The Boy all dressed up. And naturally, it's the perfect opportunity for me to pull out all of the sartorial stops.

40's Straw Tilt Hat: Ruby Slipper

Vintage Pearl Necklace: was my Grandmother's (gift from Mom!)

50's Seafoam Pansy Print Dress: Vintage Glory

White Belt: Thrifted

Red Satin Clutch: Ricki's Sample Sale

Suede Seafoam Peep Toe Pumps: Le Chateau

Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo

Congratulations you two! We're so happy for you! :) Thank you for sharing your big day with us!

Lisa.xo

"It Looks Like a Used Clothing Store"

That's what The Boy said when I showed him how I re-arranged my dressing room last night while he was out snowmobiling. That'll teach him to leave me alone for an entire day! ;)

Warning! This is a picture heavy post!

Honestly, I've been dreaming about re-configuring my dressing room for a while now, almost since we bought our house. Frankly I'd love 3 PAX wardrobes all kitted out from IKEA, but I just can't afford them right now. That $1500 is better spent in other places.

So I've been scouring Pintrest for inspiration. I thought I liked the idea of my clothes behind doors (and it would be better to keep the vintage out of the light), but I was continually drawn to rooms with the clothes out in the open on display. I was inspired to get my clothes out of the closet and create a wardrobe on a budget.

These are some of the images that inspired me:

Check out my Pintrest board Dressing Room Ideas for more inspiring images!


For those of you who may have forgotten, here's what my room looked like before:

And the dirty little secret I kept from you is that I have my treadmill in my dressing room (see it peeking into the pic below on the right?!). It used to live beside my vanity in the corner of the room in plain sight. Not pretty. My goal was to eventually move my clothes into a wardrobe on the wall you see below and put this treadmill in the closet behind a curtain or a screen when not in use.

And that's exactly what I did last night when The Boy was out hehehe... (he hates it when I upset the house like this, so it's better for him to see the "after", even if I know he won't like it) I went to work assembling my new clothing rack and moving the furniture around.
Here are a few shots of the chaos:

Almost there!

Normal people might empty the room completely, vacuum then start bringing things back in. But I'm far from normal and really, what's the fun in that?

Here's what it looks like now:

This is the view of the room when you walk in now! 

I am in love with the results. Instead of looking at the treadmill when you walk by you see this. I don't care if The Boy thinks it looks like a used clothing store - I took it as a compliment! ;)

And here's the other side of the room.

And the closet. Less pretty - the treadmill does a great job of looking terrible in here wherever it is, but I need it, so here it sits.

This summer I've got plans to paint this room white - I'm still deciding on a tone. I want to room to be a neutral backdrop for my clothes, not compete with them. I've also got some window treatments from one of my old apartments in storage I want to put up in here, find an effective way to hide the treadmill, hang a full length mirror on the back of the door and put in a rug. Eventually we'll get the carpet changed in here too.

I've got this rug picked out from IKEA. That's my next purchase for this space. I've got to try and mask the brown shag carpet.

This major upgrade only cost me $140! I bought a second clothing rack, an expandable hanging clothing rod and some more 3M hooks to hang more hats on the wall. Oh ya, and some sweat equity. I think in the end I'll be able to renovate the entire room (including new carpet) for less than $1500! Take that IKEA!

What do you think? I spent an hour laying on the floor enjoying my handiwork this morning! haha! 

Lisa.xo