up all night

I have been on the hunt for a snakeskin jacket for several years now.  Most often when I do track one down it is either not my size or well beyond what my pocketbook can afford.  

I have a laundry list of such gems filed neatly in the back of my mind that for as much as they frustrate me, I can't seem to give up on.  

I stumbled upon the jacket pictured below one night last summer when I couldn't sleep.  I was trolling Instagram as I most often do when I can't sleep and there she was!  Beat up and abused but the price was right, so I purchased the jacket not even knowing if it was going to fit.  

It ended up that the fit was perfect but the tears on the shoulders made it unwearable.  I brought it to a number of leather shops in Toronto with hopes that someone would help me repair it but was turned away several times.  

That was until I brought it to Shoppe & Tailor on Ossington at College.  Maegan the shop owner didn't seemed fazed by the task and her work proved that I shouldn't have been worried either!  As I have discussed before, dropping a vintage garment off at the seamstress always leaves a lump in my throat.  If something goes wrong that's it. The garment can not be replaced.  This is why finding a trusted seamstress is essential when you shop vintage or second-hand.  

Maegan was able to take some of the skin from the inside seams to patch the tears and use a matching suede in a couple of  other spots.  The results were pretty fantastic and I could not be happier. Just see for yourself!

Dress (vintage, 69 Vintage, Toronto, ON). Belt (second-hand, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Snakeskin jacket (vintage, @theboodlefactory, Instagram store, based in Detroit, MI). Snakeskin clutch (Club Monaco). Booties (Zara). Bracelets (thrifted, gifted).

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

met ballin'

To celebrate tonight's Met Gala in New York City, I give you what I may have worn had my invitation not got lost in the mail!

Silk dress (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON). Belt (Zara). Shoes (Zara). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban).

Photos J 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

down with the ritz...long live the street - ysl

Wrangler jeans (vintage, Regeneration, Pleasant Ridge, MI $12). T-shirt (custom, Bang-On). Shoes (Hugo Boss). Belt (Hermes). Purse (Philip Lim for Target).

Photos A Mingay

55 dollars

Who says an old malt sack can't make a great dress?

Dress (thrifted, Divine, Edmonton, AB. $24). Belt (thrifted, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI. $18 last seen here). Monk strap booties (thrifted, Regeneration, Pleasant Ridge, MI. $13 last seen here). Clutch (gifted). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban).

Photos A Mingay