finding the ideal fringe jacket

So, my western fringe jacket count this season is up to four.  It seems ridiculous but...yeah its a bit ridiculous!  In all fairness to me, one I gave to a friend, one a is pale pink suede number that I plan to to dye black (any tips would be welcomed :), one is chestnut brown suede and over-sized and the one above, is a beautiful tan leather. 

I found the leather version buried in the back of one of my favourite spots in Kensington Market.  It was tiny, a hard find most often and free from any major damage.  I really liked it for its versatility.  Being leather it can transition to night and add some flare to my typical uniform, all black.

Leather fringe jacket (vintage, Flashback Vintage, Toronto, ON). Hat (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON). Top (F21). Jeans (second-hand, 96 Tears, Toronto, ON). Bandanna, worn around neck (dollar store). Booties (Zara).

Photos Renza

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

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

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

fall dayz

Leather jacket (Zara). Blouse (Target). Jeans (Citizens for Humanity). Belt buckle (thrifted, Flea Market, Windsor, ON $3 last seen here). Boots (Zara). Hat (H&M). Suspenders (H&M).

Photos A Mingay

search and you will find

This dress was a perfect addition to my closet which until now consisted of mostly black and neutrals.  I have been looking for something bold and I fell in love with the plaid pattern and puff sleeves.  I picked it up last week at Chosen Vintage while in Toronto for the Vintage Crawl.  It was the only thing I bought that night which is a rarity for me, but I prefer to shop at my own pace and found the crowds a bit distracting.  Not to take anything away from the event, it was great, I just had more fun that night people watching than actually shopping for myself :)

Dress (vintage, Chosen Vintage, Toronto, ON. $48). Boots (vintage, 69 Vintage, Toronto, ON $65 last seen here). Jacket (Zara). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban). Necklace (Juicy Couture). 

Photos A Mingay