miss v

I was always fascinated when I was younger while shopping with my grandmother (now a healthy 102!) that she could buy a blouse or jacket without even trying it on.  Having made all of her own clothes until she was late into her 70's, she would simply pull her measuring tape out of her purse, measure from shoulder to shoulder and if the garment measured an exact 15 1/2 inches, done deal.  She also told me that with my frame, similar to hers, I should always be shopping in the petites section.  She would school me in my teen years, during my grunge phase, the first time around, that my frame was far to small to be wearing the over sized flannel menswear that I loved, and even though I didn't listen then, her message stuck.  One of the many reasons that I gravitate to shopping vintage is the true fit. Quite different from today where one store a size 4 fits and the next a 00.  Really, 00 is not a size!  And while I don't shop with a measuring tape in my purse, I have a pretty well trained eye for what will work for my body.  The Valentino, MissV jacket that I found recently at a local vintage fair is a perfect example.  While I was initially attracted to the bubble-gum tartan (a first for me) it was only after I slipped it on and it fit like a glove that I was sold.    Gram would be very impressed with this one.  Classic, lady-like and a perfect fit!

Miss V by Valentino (vintage, Wild Thing Vintage, Toronto, ON). Levis (second-hand, 96 Tears Vintage, Toronto, ON). Saks Fifth Ave top (vintage, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Shoes (Nine West). Suede clutch (The Gap). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban).

Photos Renza

finding the ideal fringe jacket

So, my western fringe jacket count this season is up to four.  It seems ridiculous but...yeah its a bit ridiculous!  In all fairness to me, one I gave to a friend, one a is pale pink suede number that I plan to to dye black (any tips would be welcomed :), one is chestnut brown suede and over-sized and the one above, is a beautiful tan leather. 

I found the leather version buried in the back of one of my favourite spots in Kensington Market.  It was tiny, a hard find most often and free from any major damage.  I really liked it for its versatility.  Being leather it can transition to night and add some flare to my typical uniform, all black.

Leather fringe jacket (vintage, Flashback Vintage, Toronto, ON). Hat (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON). Top (F21). Jeans (second-hand, 96 Tears, Toronto, ON). Bandanna, worn around neck (dollar store). Booties (Zara).

Photos Renza

excuse me are those your gran's shoes?

Fur coat (vintage, Flashback, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON). Jeans (second-hand, 96 Tears, Toronto, ON). Shoes (vintage, Seattle, WA). Top (F21). Necklace (vintage, Antiques at Pike Place, Seattle, WA). Diet Coke purse (Incognito). 

This is a snapshot of what it really looks like when we're shooting! Snow and sub zero temperatures with the occasional gust of wind that sends me running for cover. Think Spring :)

Photos Renza

handmade

You may remember a few weeks ago when I posted 'What I'm thinking about for Spring' that I had included a granny square hand-knit tank on my list.  Well, it has taken a few months to convince her but my very talented friend Diane has agreed to make me a custom one.  I'll be in town visiting family and friends this weekend and plan to meet up with her for a drink and 'unveiling'.  I'm so excited. 

In the meantime, I picked up this sweater at a consignment store in Toronto.  It by no means trumps the granny square design but the fact that it was handmade, evident by its little imperfections prevented me from leaving it on the rack! Oh, and it just so happens to match my new (pre-loved) Fendi baguette perfectly.

Visit Diane's Etsy store here

Sweater (second-hand, Common Sort, Toronto, ON). Levis (vintage, 96 Tears Vintage, Toronto, ON). Fendi Baguette (second hand, Fashionably Yours Consignment, Toronto, ON). Shoes (BCBGMaxAzria). Eyeglasses (Chloe). Bracelets (Giles & Brother, market find).

Photos Renza

what i'm thinking about - spring 2015

L to R 

1. High-rise vintage Levi's, cropped just above the ankle.  2. A granny square tank.  My order is in production as we speak.  3.  Suede flared pants.  These were a street style pic taken from Fashion Week and are to die for.  4. Chunky knits paired with a vintage slip.  5.  A great sweater dress.  I am currently on the hunt for the perfect one.  6.  Fringe. We have seen major fringe on the runways for fall 2015. I think that I'm going to take it a step further and add fringe bangs for spring during my next visit to my hairdresser.

Footwear L to R

1. Pointed toe, kitten heel booties.  2.  Classic Dr. Scholl's clogs.  I had these exact pair when I was 8. That was a few years ago, I think it's time to bring them back into my closet.  3.  Block heel Mary-Janes.  I have been talking about this style of shoe for a few months now.  I found a few vintage pairs last time I was in Seattle.  I can't wait for the snow to melt so that I can pair them with my favourite vintage Levi's.  4.  Stacked 1970's inspired heels.  With both dresses and jeans, these will give you legs for miles and miles.

Photos Pinterest

old boots are just like old friends, priceless

It was a little bit chilly to get back on the blogging wagon today, especially when it is -9 outside and I opted not to wear socks! 

I'm currently working on mixing this jacket into my wardrobe on a more frequent basis.  I love the bold print and the idea of wearing the jacket as a shirt either belted (as shown) and fastened with vintage pins (a sudden inspiration).  

These boots tend to creep in and out of my life as they have for the last 20 years or so.  I lived in them in university, permanently messed up the circulation in my toes wearing them through a few bitter winters, and even though each boot weighs about 5 pounds, I will NEVER get rid of these beauties.

Jacket (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON ). Coach belt (thrifted, Regeneration, Pleasant Ridge, MI). Hat (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON). Levi's (vintage, Lost and Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Boots (vintage, Black Market Vintage, Toronto, ON over 20 years ago!). Bracelets (handmade by ghrlunltd, Zane, F21). Broach (thrifted).

Photos: Renza