midnight cowboy

When putting the look together for this post, I chose a pair of burgundy suede cowboy boots (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON $8).  I paired them with a maxi skirt, strapless body suit and a suede fringe vest to demonstrate my take on a feminine western look.

In thinking about the complete look, I realized something very interesting.  I had confidently decided to highlight the boots and then worked the outfit around them.

So here is a question for you….What do you choose first, the outfit or the footwear?

For me, this is something that is ever-changing.  I often go into my closet and choose one thing to highlight or a starting point. By changing the focus, it opens up the possibilities of your wardrobe. Case in point, when I was selecting which photos to post, I realized that although my initial intention was to focus on the burgundy suede cowboy boots, I ended up with an outfit that could work with any of the boots picture here.

Python cowboy boots (vintage, 69 Vintage, Toronto, ON. $100); Red leather cowboy boots (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. $13); Stacked wooden heeled boots (Nine West); Black and fuchsia cowboy boots (vintage, Nine West, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. $9); Leather gold metallic cowboy boots (Le Chateau).

Instead of choosing an outfit that you either bought as complete look or have worn together before, choose one item that you really want to highlight, then challenge yourself to wear it completely different. This will be sure to give your wardrobe a whole new life!

embroidery

I'm often inspired by garments and accessories that I see on the runway or in magazines. Recently bold colour and ethnic prints have taken centre stage. On a recent trip to Mexico I was thrilled to shop the markets for embroidered goods.  The handbag pictured here was a steal for $50.  I also picked up some friendship bracelets and with a little DIY magic, they complete the look.

all the pretty flowers

I've had this "Jay Garment, Toronto" jacket for years. It originally had a fur collar that I removed and now wear as an accent with everything from a jean jacket to a silk blouse. Wool  fushia coat (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. Under $20).

These jeans have seen better days, but they're so perfectly worn in. I can't let them go.

The left thigh has litterly worn a 12" hole. I've added a great vintage pin to close it a bit. Rhinestone bow pin (vintage, $5). Red flower pin (vintage, $3). Rhinestone wreath pin (vintage, $7). Rhinestone flower pin (vintage, $1)

I love the versatility of this top.  There's a zipper that runs down the entire back. I can wear it backwards with the zipper in the front, as a vest.  The beadwork is amazing, and in excellent condition. The label reads 'House of Gold, Made in Hong Kong'. This top is perfect to pair with either a blouse or turtleneck, along with a full skirt. Flower sequins tank (vintage, Penny Jane's Vintage, Windsor, ON. $18).

leather and leopard and fur, oh my!

This black rabbit fur vest (vintage, Penny Jane's Vintage, Windsor, ON. $38) provided some comfort on this cold January day, 'though I wish that I'd been wearing a full length fur coat!
The lambskin leather jacket (Danier Leather) is one of the smartest purchases I've ever made.  It fits like a glove, and only looks better with age.  It's a perfect marriage when paired with this fur vest.
You may recognize the leather booties (Stuart Weitzman for Scoop, NYC) from prior posts.  They were actually brought into the Scoop store for one of the owners. She passed on them. I didn't.

Photos by A. Mingay.

feather vest

Feather vest (Vintage, Jones & Co., Windsor, ON. $38). Silk Blouse. Leather leggings. Black platform shoes (DIY-gold glitter added to wooden heel). Leather studded clutch.