levi`s denim

Finally, some warm weather!  Levi`s pants re-purposed (thrifted, Salvation Army, Windsor, ON $4). Jacket (Zara). Silk tank (Old Navy). Clutch last seen here (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, On $39).  Shoes (Zara). Belt (Gucci). Sunglasses (Tod`s). Rings (Etsy). Watch (Michael Kors).

Photos A Mingay

the 'after'

While my 'closet move' took place a couple of months ago, I guess I just don't feel like the space is completely 'finished' yet. Maybe I need an area rug in the middle of the room?  Maybe the terrible shades need to be replaced with some fabric curtains? Maybe I just need another set of eyes and a second opinion?  Nevertheless, here are some shots of my new and improved closet/office space - a work in progress. 

Without a doubt the best thing about the room, aside from the fact that my clothes are no longer all crammed together, is the work space.  Although this room has almost twice as much space as my old closet, I had the same amount of wall space to work with (due to the addition of a bay window and closet door).  I was however, able to tuck the full length mirror on the wall behind the door and hang my inspiration board on the back of the door to save space.  I also had the clothing rods hung closer to the ceiling to allow for more space between the two. With the bonus of a closet, I was able to install shelving to store my shoes, belts, hats and off season clothing.  I made use of the curtain rods (for now) by attaching hooks to hang some of my necklaces.  I prefer when things are on display, not tucked away in drawers and regularly rotate them for inspiration.  The chair was one I found at a local market.  It had this horrifying plush seat cushion that I simply covered with a vintage silk scarf. I'll admit that maybe silk wasn't the best choice for a chair seat that I spend hours on, but it was inexpensive and only took about 10 minutes to re-cover, so I suppose having to replace it every now and then isn't that big of a deal. Finally, I kept my handbags on shelves around the circumference of the room like I had in the old space.  Like the saying goes "if I ain't broke, don't fix it".

Photos S Mingay

store spotlight - the chief salvage co. toronto

WHO: The Chief Salvage Co.

WHAT: I really found a gem of a vintage shop this past week when I visited The Chief Salvage Co. for the first time.  This store has a stellar selection of vintage treasures and jewels displayed to have you looking every way... including up!  The owner, Cody, frequently updates the store's tumblr and instagram pages with her latest finds. So, if you're a quick draw on-line, you can secure great finds faster than you can get to the store.  This makes me happy 'cause I don't live in Toronto, but I do have 'connections' (you know who you both are!) who live up the street, who offered to be there as fast as my little fingers can text!

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statigram or search thechiefsalvage on instagram


WHERE: 1493 Dundas St. W, Toronto

see what i bought here

Photos from The Chief Salvage Co. Facebook page

store spotlight - jones and co.

I have visited hundreds of vintage stores over the years and one of my absolute favourites is a local shop, Jones & Co. Louise Jones who has owned and operated the store for 8 years has a sharp eye for quality and exceptional style. The store stocks a vast array of women's and men's clothing and accessories as well as housewares, and is very well organized.

Jones & Co. is located in the heart of Walkerville, a neighbourhood in Windsor, Ontario thriving with restaurants and unique shops. A one-time walk through Jones & Co. is never enough, even for someone like myself who visits regularly.  The merchandise is constantly being rearranged to highlight pieces that previously may have been overlooked thanks in part to the excellent visual merchandising by Adele Duck. 

Over the years I have found many of my favourite vintage pieces at Jones & Co. If you have a chance to pay them a visit, you will understand my love affair.

Some recent finds - Black Eel skin clutch (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON $39. last seen here). Snakeskin box clutch (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON $39). Beaded clutch (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON $24). Clear clutch (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON $15). Beaded handbag (vintage, Jones & Co. Windsor, ON $24).

Photos S Mingay

back to school prep

Boys blazer (vintage, Salvation Army, Detroit, MI. $4). Blouse (Joe Fresh). Jeans (Joe Fresh). Oxfords (Hugo Boss). Coach satchel (vintage, Bibles for Missions, Windsor, ON $1, purchased 13 years ago). Watch (thrifted, Windsor, ON. $50). Earrings (Marc by Marc Jacobs). Books - A.L.T. - Andre Leon Tally, Front Row - Anna Wintour , The Fashion Book, The Satorialist by Scott Schuman, Parisian Chic, A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange, DV-Diana Vreeland.

Photos A Mingay

the kills

The other day I posted a link to the forthcoming Fleetwood Mac cover album - Just Tell Me That You Want Me, due to be released August 14, 2012.  I mentioned my anticipation of The Kills covering 'Dreams', and today I was pleased to see that it had in fact been released.

Have a listen, what do you think?

Fleetwood Mac 'Dreams' by The Kills

I am a huge fan of both this track and The Kills period.  I saw them last year in Detroit (after having missed their previous show due to stupidity) and was absolutely blown away.  My husband, who is a hard sell, came  along and was very pleasantly surprised by what he heard ("I told you so" repeated over and over again in my head!).

Watch The Kills Live in Detroit

(The sound quality is shit, but nevertheless, still amazing performers)

Also on the horizon is the book Dream & Drive, a book of photographs by Kenneth Cappello featuring Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of The Kills.

All of this being said, don`t even get me started on their style...let me just say this, if I could be anyone in music, I would be Alison Mosshart!