Outfit: Leopard Print Cardigan

I haven't been wearing a lot of skirts and dresses this fall/winter. My outfits have consisted of skinny jeans, a tee, blouse or sweater of some kind and a cardigan with vintage accessories. 

If you thought that in order to have vintage, rockabilly or pinup style you have to wear a dress or skirt, please let me prove you wrong this winter. I don't even wear high waisted pants most days. Frankly, I find them uncomfortable. They cut into my stomach when I sit. 

And for fun. Here are the pups, getting my my way while I try and set up for outfit pics lol. 

Leopard Print Cardigan: Joe Fresh

Black Tee: Forever21- thrifted

Vintage Mink Brooch: Value Village

Black Patent Belt: Laura

Black Cuff Bracelet: Le Chateau

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever21

Black Boots: George

Lisa.xo

This Dress Needs Love

In my early days of collecting I would often buy pieces that had some serious flaws. I did this partially because I just wanted vintage - any vintage - in my closet and buying less than perfect vintage fit my university student budget much better.
These days I rarely buy vintage that is severely damaged. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to minor flaws, that's just part of the deal with clothes as old as I like them, but I NEVER buy things that have serious flaws.

Today I made an exception for an exceptional dress I believe I needed to rescue.

I know what you're about to say. That this dress looks fine. And from the front it does. However, the back of this dress is ripped. The bodice buttons up in the back (It's missing one button) and the entire skirt is ripped. So you can put this poor dress on like an apron at the moment. I'm not showing you the back because I'm not really keen on showing my underwear to the internet, so you'll have to use your imagination. 

I believe I can repair this dress. I bought it for a song at Vintage Glory today. It spoke to me. It's not my usual 50's style, but I love it. I'm going to try and sew the split in the back shut. I'm hoping the pattern is busy enough it will distract from the seam. Failing that I will make this into a peplum blouse. 

I also couldn't help but think of Sara from Lilies and Remains' guest post on By Gum by Golly: F***ed but Fabulous. It's all about loving and wearing vintage underdogs (go read it!).

Well, this is mine. :)

 

40's Rayon Novelty Print Dress: Vintage Glory

40's Black Suede Peep Toe Pumps: Vintage Glory

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

Outfits: Spots for Opening

My show opened last night to a sold out house. Best of all, I was able to premier the newest addition to my vintage dress collection. 

I bought this beauty right after I wrote my wishlist post this summer for a leopard print dress. I found this dress on Etsy in a great little shop called Fabstract while looking for wishlist inspiration and couldn't pass it up. The seller Val was so amazing and let me put the dress on layaway for the summer despite the fact that her shop doesn't offer layaway. Sometimes you just know when something is meant to be right? I knew this dress had my name all over it. 

Gold and Silver Brooch: Opening gift from cast of Tough Case

50's Leopard Print Dress: Fabstract

Brown Leather Belt: was Grandma Nelson's

Nude Peep Toe Patent Pumps: Le Chateau

Lisa.xo

Thursday

I had a completely different outfit planned for today (it's hanging on the clothing rack there...red and white striped sweater...), but just wanted to wear my leopard print skinnies so badly this morning I threw that plan out the window. 

So are you catching on to the work outfit formula yet? It's kindof foolproof. I have a number of standby outfits when I haven't planned ahead - this is one of them. I love this outfit so much! 

Vintage Beaded Turquoise Necklace: thrifted, Value Village

No Doubt Concert Tee: bought at the No Doubt concert a few years ago

Vintage Black Sequin Cardigan: Etsy

Studded Belt: Jacob

Leopard Skinnies: Le Chateau

Runners: Converse

Lisa.xo

Tuesday

Snappy title huh?! lol! I got nothin...

Here's today's outfit offering. A variation on yesterday: modern top and pants with vintage and thrifted accessories.
I love this tee from Joe Fresh. Sequin polka dots? Yes please. A little vintage with the enamel flower brooch and my Grandma Cotton's pearls and some leopard print flats. Comfy and I think a bit chic too.

Vintage Pearl Necklace: Gift from Mom, was Grandma Cotton's

60's Enamel Floral Brooch: Rhymes with Orange

Sequin Polka Dot Tee: Joe Fresh

Brown Leather Belt: from Grandma Nelson

Navy Skinny Trousers: Jacob

Leopard Print Flats: thrifted, Value Village

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Let the Sunshine!

We are having gorgeous weather this week!

I wore this dress out on Tuesday afternoon to do some thrift shopping downtown before going to work.  I have been eager to wear my summer wardrobe and let the simplicity of hot weather dressing begin.

I feel like I've been at a loss for words on the 'ole blog as of late...truth be told there's not much to say apart from work news these days...and I feel like you're all pretty tired of that...or maybe it's just me. It's been a busy season: two school tours, Angels in America: Perestroika (the largest show I've ever worked on), followed directly by the show I'm currently working on: Julius Caesar. Needless say this heavy workload is taking its toll on me. I'm very tired and it seems that no amount of sleep is helping me feel normal. I'm in desperate need of a holiday.
As much as I love my work I am counting the weeks (2 1/2!) until July - which I have off. I am so eager to get out to the lake and spend some lazy days in the sun.

I'll just wear a little sunshine until then. ;)

Yellow 60's Striped Dress: Thrifted, Value Village

Yellow Woven Belt: Thrifted

Bangles: Thrifted (yellow), Forever 21 (coral)

Vintage Cameo Brooch: Thrifted

Yellow Ruffled Slip (unseen): Thrifted

Yellow Canvas Wedges: Thrifted

Vintage Bamboo Purse: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Back to Normal...

Life seems to be returning back to normal...after months of working incredibly hard and sometimes around the clock.

The show I'm working in for Shakespeare in the Ruins started school matinees yesterday - which for me, means shorter working days...and evenings free!

Last night The Boy and I went out for dinner with friends of ours. It was so lovely! It felt so normal!! lol!

Dressing up was in order...of course. I put on my favourite dress. :)

You may also notice that I am suddenly sporting bangs...I cut my hair hours after taking the photos from my last outfit post...it might have been a bit of an impulse decision...one I am not regretting...

Hair Flower: Claire's

Vintage Dress: Ragtime (in Ottawa)

Coral Bracelet: Forever 21

Patent Turquoise and Cork Peep Toe Wedges: Le Chateau

Bamboo Birdcage Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Lisa.xo 

Outfits: Good to be Home

I'm home this weekend! It feels so good to sleep in my own bed and relax in my own house. :)

Most folks might lay around in sweats on their weekend off, but after almost 5 weeks of jeans and t-shirts all I want to do is put on a skirt and heels. So I got dolled up to run some errands this afternoon! In fact, I felt so good in this outfit I wore it for the rest of the evening while I did some laundry and cooked dinner!

I was inspired today by my friend Jessica over at Chronically Vintage to take my outfit photos in a different spot in my house. What do  you think?

Short Sleeve Grey Cashmere Sweater: Club Monoco - thrifted

Black Flower Brooch: Ricki's

70's Wool Plaid Skirt: thrifted

Brown Leather Skinny Belt w/Brass Bow Buckle: Forever 21

Black Tights: Ricki's

Black Suede Mary Janes: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Outfits: New Pants, "New" Old Coat and a Fortune in my Pocket

Well hello!

 Long time no see! A week seems like an eternity on the 'ole blogosphere doesn't it?

Winter has descended on Winnipeg. On Friday night there was green-brown grass in our front yard and by Sunday morning we were blanketed in white.

I guess I am forever in anticipation of the upcoming season. Now that we have all this snow I have been enjoying accessorizing my winter coats with my my small, but mighty arsenal of hats, gloves and scarves. I actually love winter dressing for that reason, It is so easy to look chic with the right winter gear.

This whole outfit, as you see it is almost all new. I've been watching those leopard print skinny jeans I've been lusting over on the Le Chateau website and they recently went on sale from $79.99 to $19.99!! I ordered a pair on the spot. And I love them!! :)

The only problem when they arrived is that until yesterday I didn't own a black winter coat. And I just couldn't imagine wearing these pants without a black coat. So I was on the hunt. Luckly my spidey-sense directed me to Value Village yesterday and I scored this cute altered vintage mouton and mink coat. It used to be a 3/4 length, but someone shortened it to its current length, which suits me just fine. It was a steal at $17 all in with taxes.

And doesn't it just look perfect with my new skinny jeans?! I think so.

And the best part? (And this is why I love vintage...) While I was cleaning it up and steaming the coat last night I found a vintage fortune cookie fortune in the hidden breast pocket!

" Your enterprise will bring great profit."

How long has this been in there? Did the owner keep it because it meant something to them? Or did it get stuffed haphazardly into the pocket and forgotten with time? I'll never know...and that's part of the fun. :)

I have a few little frames in the basement with nothing in them and I'm thinking about framing my little treasure and hanging it in my dressing room.

Black Beret: Joe Fresh

Fuschia Scarf:  Jacob

Vintage Altered Mouton and Mink Coat: thrifted, Value Village

Black Elbow Length Leather Gloves: gift from Mom

Leopard Print Skinny Jeans: Le Chateau

Black Wedge Booties: George (Walmart)

My Favourite Purse: thrifted, Value Village

I just finished my last stressful job on Friday. I actually spent almost all of last week touring the show I was working on around rural Manitoba. I've got a little post planned to share some of the ups and downs with you. (and maybe a few vintage thrift finds as well!)

Lisa.xo

Mixing it Up

Yesterday's post actually inspired me to play dress up in my closet for most of the afternoon.

My favourite outfits revolved around this 70's does 30's two piece outfit. I bought this ages ago when I worked at Ragpickers. It was one of my first vintage purchases. I've considered selling this outfit a few times, but I'm now glad I decided not too. I have a feeling this top and skirt will be staples in my winter wardrobe.

As you can see from the photo above the fabric is pretty light weight (and see through!) so a slip underneath is a must. Making these pieces perfect for year round mix and matching which I've done below. Click on the photos to enlarge the images.

Left: Blazer and Flower Brooch: Ricki's;  Rhinestone Necklace, Purse & Seafoam Wrap Sweater: thrifted; Slip: Lune Vintage;
Boots: Le Chateau
Right: Slip (worn as camisole): Lune Vintage; Belt & Straw Clutch: thrifted; Wedges: Le Chateau

Left: Vintage Enamel Earrings: thrifted; Camisole: Randy River; Belt: Le Chateau; 40's Wool Skirt (part of suit): Ruby Slipper; Navy Vintage Suede Purse: WildWoodRose Vintage; Pumps: Calvin Klein
Right: Camisole: Randy River; High Waisted Jeans and Coral Bangle: Forever 21; Turqoise Bangle and Red Straw Clutch: thrifted; Wedges: Le Chateau

This is another great example of how to take vintage pieces and mix them up to keep them from looking too costume-y (Go here to see my last post on dressing up modern basics with vintage accessories). I think all 4 of these looks have a very modern look to them with enough of a vintage touch not too look like a cookie-cutter mannequin straight from the mall. My favourite way to wear vintage!

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Birthday Outfit (X2!)

I had a fantastic day yesterday! It may just be the best birthday I've ever had. All of my most important family and friends called and texted me birthday wishes during the day. The Boy and I spent the entire day together today doing fun things out at the lake.

I actually wore two outfits yesterday and documented them both.

Here's my fancy dinner outfit:

Nothing new, just one of my favourite vintage dresses. And of course I wore sandals, we are at the lake of course.  

Vintage multi-coloured dress: Rag Time (Ottawa)

Coral Bangle: Forever 21

Jewel Flats: Aldo

50's Birdcage Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

And this is what I wore during the day:

I didn't notice my necklace had flipped over when I took these photos! Darn!

Sunglasses: Rhymes with Orange

Floral Necklace: Le Chateau

Sequin Tank Top: Ricki's Sample Sale

Green Silk Skirt: Jacob

Black Canvas Flats: George

Thank you again to all my readers for birthday wishes! 


Lisa.xo