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

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

climbing to new heights

Silk dress - tailored from mid-calf to mini length (vintage, Regeneration, Royal Oak, MI). Fur jacket (Vintage, Mother Fletcher's Vintage, Ferndale, MI). Venanzi Bogey IV hat (Vintage, Common Sort, Toronto, ON). Boots (Zara). Signet ring (gift).

Photos R Mathew Fields

i heart detroit

Well I had to pull from the archives for his one because things in life have gotten a little busy. High school prom, exams and graduation for my daughter, selling our family home and dwindling our belongings down by 75% (which felt surprisingly liberating), securing a new condo in Toronto, moving and getting settled into our new surroundings and a new workplace. While it was a lot to handle, some days better than others, I have no regrets and I am more than excited about what the future holds. I'm glad to be back <3

Silk Saks Fifth Avenue jacket (vintage, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI); Cropped top (Zara); Levi's (vintage, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Oxfords (J. Crew). Bar-Bronx Bar, Detroit, MI.

Photos C Miller

mixed plaid

Plaid silk skirt (vintage, Bungalow, Toronto, ON). Denim jacket (Old Navy). Plaid scarf (F21). Booties (BCBG MaxAzria). Velvet headband (Le Chateau). Rings (H&M).

Photos A Mingay