how do you wear vintage? - barbara

I met Barbara over the weekend at a local resale shop.  I've spotted her around the city several times, always looking fashionable and always wearing a great hat.

We chatted for about 20 minutes during which she told me of her love for vintage clothing and accessories as well as furnishings.  She has been collecting for years. Her sunglasses were purchased new, but she said that she's had them for so long that they're now vintage!

She also told me that a recent fire had destroyed much her collection, including some of her favourite Borsalino hats, many of which she had purchased direct from the factory in Italy. When I gasped at the thought, she simply replied that  she now just has more room to keep collecting!

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a baby clutch

High-waisted Levi's (thrifted, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Blouse (H&M). Coat (Zara). Saks Fifth Avenue loafers (vintage, Bellochio Upscale Resale, Royal Oak, MI). Beaded clutch (vintage, The Salvation Army, Windsor, ON). Hat (H&M).

Photos A Mingay

salt and pepper

Wool blazer (thrifted, The Salvation Army, Windsor, ON). Angora sweater (vintage, Penny Jane's Vintage, Windsor, ON). Waxed jeans (Rag & Bone). Boots (Nordstrom). Clutch (vintage, Jones & Co., Windsor, ON last seen here). Beret (old). Fur collar (vintage, Jones & Co., Windsor, ON).

Photos A Mingay

a summer dress in winter

Mink jacket (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON last seen here). Denim jacket (Levi's). Sheer beaded dress (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON). Leather pants (H&M). Shoes (Joe Fresh). Belt (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON last seen here). First Aid clutch (Blue Q).

Photos A Mingay

new york fashion week inspired

'borrowed from the boys'

Inspired by New York Fashion Week going on right now, I've selected some great street style photos to arouse your next vintage or thrift store shopping hunt. Enjoy!

'the wool suit'

'jumbo fur'

'shredded denim'

'biker babe'

'lace-up boots'

'mohair'

'leather trousers'

'silk scarves'

'white fur'

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

the fringe effect

After a cold and snowy 31 days, I am more excited than I could have imagined to be back blogging. It was somewhat of a risk to step back for the entire month of January to reflect and re-evaluate my direction; I almost caved several times, but just like my commitment to the posts that I share with you, I needed time to commit to 'thinking'. Hours, days and months fly by, we have little control over that, but in order to ensure that you don't miss a single opportunity, you have to keep your eyes open and your mind alert. I needed a serious recharge.

I never want to fall out of love with what I love. For me it is about paying attention to the small details, the pleasures that made you fall in love in the first place.  A time to act and then react, not the opposite. Maybe I am a bit late with my 'New Year's Resolution' but whether it's January 1, February 1, or December 1, it's never the wrong time to reflect on why it is that you do what you love.  Try it, I guarantee it will put a smile on your face.

Leather jacket (vintage, Regeneration, Pleasant Ridge, MI). Lace dress (Zara). Slip (Vintage, Jones and Co. Windsor, ON). Cowboy boots (vintage, 69 Vintage, Toronto, ON last seen here). First Aid clutch (Blue Q). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban).

Photos J Mingay