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

sunday brunch

Jumpsuit (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON).  Fur (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON).  Sandals (Zara). Hermes scarf (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON). Bracelets (ghrlunltd).

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

altered state

I believe that all garments are a work in progress.  Sometimes I have a hard time getting rid of things that have great bones; pants in a bold shade of purple but the leg just isn't flattering anymore or a jacket with gigantic shoulders but made of the most beautiful wool.  

Alterations and a trusty seamstress are both something I'm quite fond of.  Case in point with these jeans.  I mean it was not a huge alteration but I think the look it quite different.  

The last time I wore them in a post was in July 2013 (how was it that long ago?) They have since been in my closet for some time but I still really loved them. I thought about options for a few weeks and settled on simply shortening them above the ankle.  I figured that this would allow me to wear them with flats or sneakers, something that was not an option when they were so long without losing their massive size.  I must say that I'm quite happy with the result.  Throughout the winter I have worn them with ankle boots and sneakers and look forward to pairing them with platform sandals come spring. *Just make sure when hemming jeans, especially a distressed pair that you spend the extra money to have your seamstress salvage the original hem and reattach it at your desired length.  It makes all the difference.

Faux fur vest (thrifted, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON). Top (Joe Fresh). Vintage Men's Levis (Urban Outfitters, Toronto, ON). Shoes (Nine West). Clutch (vintage, Salvation Army, Windsor, ON). Necklace (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON).

Photos Renza

TOM* toronto mens fashion week- my favourite headwear

Designer Joao Paul Guedes runway collection with hats by Coup de Tete

Some of my favourite accessories from the TOM* FW15 shows included toques with chin straps (above) by RANK by Rani Kim and Canadian-made hats by Coup de Tete seen in the Joao Paul Guedes and Worth by David C Wigley collections.

Designer Joao Paul Guedes runway collection with hats by Coup de Tete

Designer David C Wigley's Worth collection with hats by Coup de Tete

 

Designer Andrew Coimbra 

 

TOM* founder Jeff Rustia wearing a hat by Coup de Tete.