Sapphire for September

I've noticed I've been wearing a lot of blue lately. I guess it's a colour that is easy to wear, therefore when people donate clothes, blue is popular. I don't mind wearing blue, but I know it's not typically my most worn colour. Anyways, this cute Dynamite dress was given to me by a friend. Although it's a little big, I made it work by adding a belt at the waist and tying the neckline straps very tightly. I was actually wearing my gold belt the day before the fire and had tucked it in my purse when I had gone to my massage, it was therefore saved when the firemen took my purse out of the house! Same goes for my Kendra Scott earrings, they were in a bag that had remained pack from the previous weekend. The cleaner found that little jewelry pouch and returned it to me. Slowly, but surely, I'm starting to regain a few of my possessions. It lifts my spirit a little higher every time I get something back! It truly is the little things that mean the most.


Dress: Dynamite | Belt: Dynamite | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

Mother Knows Best

 

Today's look is brought to you by my mom's closet! Skirt, top and belt all hail from those two boxes of clothing she gave me. I must say, not too shabby! Momma's always had a knack for style after all. It's clear who I get it from! I actually remember borrowing this exact skirt when I went on my International Air Cadet Exchange in 2006. I needed a grey skirt as part of my uniform, and raided my mother's closet to find one. It's a little funny wearing it yet again. I guess you could say this skirt comes in handy! I have never heard of the top's brand, but it's cute. The blinged out neckline means I don't have to wear a necklace, which suits me fine at this point. I also got creative and wore a skinny patent belt, which came with another top, to complete the look. I must admit though, no matter how old I get, wearing mom's clothes always feels a bit like playing dress up!


Skirt: Mexx (donated) | Top: Jendo (donated) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Belt: (donated) | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

TBT - Ruffles and Pearls

So today's throwback pic is reminding me I no longer have this necklace... It's not a big deal, I had gotten it on ebay a few years back and think I will be able to find a similar one to replace it. I'm not going to sweat the small stuff! This look was very simple. A tiered animal-print skirt with a black tank, bolero and sandals. The wow-factor was definitely brought on by the multi-strand pearl necklace. Sometimes, simple looks with a statement piece make the best outfits. It gives off the impression of effortlessness, which is always a good impression!

Skirt: Jacob | Tank: Old Navy | Bolero: Smart Set | Necklace: ebay | Bracelet: Pandora | Earrings: Smart Set | Sandals: Payless Shoe Source

Sea Folly

I figured I'd wear my two most colourful pieces together for a perfectly summery look! I mean, seahorses and coral go hand in hand after all. I also decided to add my cobalt pendant to the mix (I was lucky enough to have stashed it in a bag so it survived the smoke damage!). I feel the shapes and movement give it a bit of a jellyfish resemblance! This look is definitely inspired by the colours and creatures of the Great Barrier Reef! I would say it is safe to venture that this outfit is one I would have styled even with full access to my entire wardrobe. I can actually say this look makes me feel like my old self. One day at a time!


Skirt: Simons | Camisole: Dynamite | Blouse: Smart Set (donated) | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Flats: George (Walmart)

Burgundy Blooms

Burgundy blooms for a workday look! I realize I don't have endless styling options for this dress, but I did manage to pair it with my old burgundy strand necklace and black wedge shoes. It's not a far stretch from the previous time I word it, but I work with what I have! I'll take advantage of wearing a dress to work while the weather is still nice. I figure I'll be wearing my jeans more often once the mercury drops. I will however be able to wear this dress into the Fall, I'll simply have to add tights and a sweater. Not only is this dress a perfect fit, but as it turns out, it will be a piece I can wear now and later. The warmer hues of the print will be perfect for Fall and Winter.


Dress: Dynamite | Necklace: Aldo (old) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

Kid Party

I attended a joint birthday party for my little neighbours. They are my actual neighbours, they live a couple doors down from us, so I got to go back to my neighbourhood for a happy occasion. The little guys (brothers) are the most precious and we knew it would mean a lot to them for us to attend. The effort was worth while! The day was filled with giggles, face painting, balloons and a yummy spread! I ended up wearing a flip-flop printed skort. Yes, I said skort! This is one of those fun pieces found in the boxes prepared by my mom. I remember her wearing this exact piece, and how much I loved it as a kid! Who knew I'd be wearing it myself on day? I paired it with a black Jacob t-shirt she also gave me and finished off with my white flower pendant and Birkenstocks. I realize the sandals are not a great match. Actually, I probably never would have chosen this particular pair to go with the outfit, but they're my only pair so there really was no second guesses! Had I had the choice, I likely would have worn black flip-flops, just to stay on theme!

Top: Jacob (donated)  | Skort: Tribal (donated) | Necklace: Garage (old) | Sandals: Birkenstock

Comfy Casual

This skirt isn't something I would typically buy myslef, but it was gifted to me by a colleague. It is a bit nautical because of the stripes, so it is in a print I like. I decided to wear it with my navy dolman-sleeve t-shirt, my cognac flats and an old necklace that I was able to salvage from the house. I had a little stash of necklaces tucked away in a vanity drawer because I didn't wear often. Ironically, that stash was practically untouched by the smoke. I guess I'll go back to wearing those necklaces for now! This outfit is a perfect in-between season's look because it has the nautical style, with hints of fall colouring. Like I said, this is not a typical look of mine, but I'm seizing the opportunity to try out new things I'm not naturally drawn too. Who knows, I just might discover a new side to my style game!

Skirt: Joe Fresh (donated) | T-shirt: George (Walmart) | Necklace: (old) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Flats: George (Walmart)

Sunset Cruise

When a friend invites you for a sunset cruise, you don't think twice! This was a spur of the moment decision and we had a blast! I don't usually like doing things on week-nights, as I'm a bit of a hermit and very routine oriented, but lately my routine has been non-existent and I don't want to miss out on the last of summer. I wore shorts given to me by my mom and a tank given to me by a colleague. I also got to wear my new swimsuit (it was on clearance) and away we went!

P.S. My mom is the sweetest ever! She put together a full two boxes of clothes for me. After a mega try-on session, I ended up selected a few pieces to add to my temporary wardrobe. She sure had a lot of cute stuff, and I even remember her wearing some of it! It's moments like these I'm happy my mom hangs on to things!


Shorts: Ricki's (donated) | Tank: Joe Fresh (donated) | Swimsuit: La Vie en Rose (top and bottom) | Sandals: Birkenstock

Deep Blue Sea

 

When a friend gives you a Jacob blouse that goes perfectly with your new seahorse-print skirt: priceless! Jacob was one of my favourite stores until it closed its doors last year... It's exciting to receive clothes that comes from a place I once loved. Donated stuff isn't always boring and this is the perfect example! I was excited to receive it as it is new to me. It runs a little bit big, but I decided to wear it anyways. Besides, my sewing machine has been taken away for inspection, so I'm unable to make any alterations myself and it seems pointless to pay for alterations as this point. I hope my machine will be ok... I'm trying to get as much wear out of this skirt while it is still warm out, because I hardly think a seahorse print can be worn during Fall. It's just a hunch, but some prints are not all season!


Skirt: Simons | Top: Jacob (donated) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

TBT - Flower Power

It's bitter sweet doing these throwback pictures. It really makes me realize just how attached to my clothing I am. While I like this dress, it isn't close to being my utmost favourite. Still, I'd find it hard to part with it. It's an odd feeling being in limbo and waiting to see what will come back and what will not. It's not so much the cost or the brand of things, what gets me is that I might not be able to replace certain pieces because of their uniqueness. I've been curating this wardrobe since at least 2004, and some pieces I've had for that long. I remember it well because I consciously starting making clothing purchases myself during my high school years, independently from what my mom would suggest. I took a fashion stand so to speak. There was nothing wrong with what my mom suggested, she does have excellent taste, but I wanted to find my individual style. I know I will likely be able to replace some items, but I'm a creature of habit and would likely have hung on to pieces forever. Time will tell.

Dress: Dynamite | Cardigan: Jacob | Necklace: Fame Accessories | Earrings: RW&CO | Belt: Dynamite | Bracelet: Pandora | Shoes: Bucco