she's addicted to clothes

It was a tremendously foggy and pretty darn cold day, but no rain, and no puddles, so my much-loved but rarely worn burgundy suede boots got to go for a spin. There is not enough weatherproofing spray in the world for me to risk these boots if there’s the slightest chance of rain. Due to my foot size, I get so few options in things like interestingly-coloured boots that I am fiercely protective of the few I do have. Kind of a shame, because these are really very comfortable and walking-friendly boots.

Apologies for the crappy photo quality; it really was that foggy, and consequently, very dark all day. 

Details:

Scarf: Lyle & Scott. This is a nice, lightweight, and non-scratchy wool, almost certainly remixed.

Jumper: Nameless cashmere v-neck, way too big, but cashmere seldom leaves my house once it enters it, and the colour worked. I did end up flipping the bottom under, because the proportions seemed off this way.

Buttonflowers: Gift from Megan, and the colours were absolutely perfect for this. Thank you, Megan!

Skirt: Hobbs, thrifted. Another lined wool skirt, oh goodness, how I love those.

Tights: Dorothy Perkins, remixed. 

Boots: Imperia, Duo, remixed.

Wow, the weather was actually decent today! I was able to get away with exactly what I’m wearing in this photo, with no need for an overcoat. We even got a fair bit of sunshine, which is always good for my mood in the dead of winter. Because we get these reasonably mild winter days fairly frequently (although, alas, not necessarily mild and sunny) there’s actually quite a bit of space in my wardrobe for pretty lightweight jackets, or at least that’s what I tell myself, when I thrift yet another one.

I wore this for running errands, logging steps, grocery shopping and climbing all the stairs I could find today, before coming home and making dinner for my husband and father-in-law. (Shepherd’s pie, salad, and fruit, for the record.) And then I ordered a pair of boots from Duo, as an Xmas pressie from the spouse. (Planned, but I told him I wanted to wait until after the holidays, so I’d be likely to catch them on sale, which I did.) I’d been stalking them for ages, and they finally knocked them down a bit. They’re still pretty pricey, but all my Duo boots have held up very well, and I anticipate that if these fit, I’ll get years of wear out of them, just like the others. They’re a style of boot I’ve wanted for a very long time, but couldn’t find in my size until I came across these, so I’m pretty excited about them. Now watch them not fit, heh.

Happy weekend, everybody!

Details:

Suede blazer: Thrifted, remixed. I think this is Lakeland, but I’ve put it away, and can’t recall.

Scarf: Cynthia Rowley, remixed.

Necklace: Thrifted, probably remixed.

Pullover: Whistles Outlet. This is kind of an oversized, vaguely deconstructed wool/cotton blend long-sleeved tee. It was a sample, and I’m pretty sure it’s a men’s, due to the length of the sleeves, bigness of the shoulders, and size. I can’t imagine a women’s medium being this enormous on me under most circumstances. I love it though; it’s been a great addition to my pullover collection, especially since I am all about the oversized/slouchy jumper this winter.

Jeans: H&M, remixed.

Boots: Duo, remixed.

Another pair of tall boots out of their summer exile, and back in rotation. These have kind of tall kitten heels (about 2 inches) but they’re pretty stable, and I was able to spend all day on my feet and walking briskly about on a variety of surfaces with no problems. I do wish they had a slightly more padded sole, but they’re still pretty darn comfortable, and I’m pleased with how well they’ve held up; they’re going into their third year now and were a very good buy in Duo’s post-Christmas sale when I purchased them.

Linking up, as is usually the case on Mondays, with Patti’s Visible Monday collaboration. I think this skirt definitely qualifies as highly visible, especially contrasting with all the black. (It also needs to soften up a bit; I love the shape, but it’s going to need a couple of trips through the washer to lose the stiffness.)

Details:

Merino turtleneck: Gap, remixed.

Necklace: Bijou Brigitte, Liverpool, remixed. I’m wearing a pair of black and white cameo earrings with this, although they’re not showing in the photo.

Corduroy skirt: French Connection. I swear this is some kind of muted neon pink, if such a thing is possible.

Tights: M&S, remixed, blah, blah, blah.

Boots: Duo, Kirov, remixed.

Naturally, the only photo out of a dozen I took today that was fit to use is the one where the camera caught me pulling my hair out of my necklace. Still, at least it’s a different position, so there’s that.

The last time I wore this dress, I layered it over a black tee, but I wanted a little more colour today (as if there isn’t enough already in the dress, heh) and a little more warmth, so I went with the pink thermal shirt instead. The weather wasn’t quite verging-on-wintry, but it was decidedly chilly and damp enough to warrant the heavier shirt, and herald the return of long boots. Long boots are definitely one of the consolations of colder weather.

Good weekend, everybody! I’m off to bed, and then up early to hit the monthly farmer’s market, hoping to find the last of the summer fruits and veg, and the first really good apples and pears.

Details:

Jewelery: Wallis, remixed.

Thermal tee: Gap Outlet, remixed. (I think this is remixed, but I have an orange one as well, so I may be thinking of that one.)

Dress: Desigual, remixed. Unwearable if not layered, but I’m very fond of it.

Tights: M&S, remixed.

Boots: Duo, Elba, remixed. Pretty sure these are my most frequently worn boots. I’m hoping they make it through another season. So far, so good!

I really think I may have to give up on this skirt, too, for the same reason as yesterday’s: too big. I wore it once before, and the waist was noticeably too loose, so I said I’d try it again with my leather obi belt and see if that helped. Belting it did help, in terms of keeping it in place, but unfortunately, it also caused it to puff out in the back and hang kind of weirdly, showing that it’s not just too big in the waist, but too big in general. This gives me a sad, because I like this skirt a lot. I may have one more go at styling it before giving up, but I think probably I’m going to just cut my losses on it, and throw it back. Shame.

Details:

Tee: Thrifted. This is also too big! I have a persistent problem with actually understanding my own size. It’s a keeper, though, because I like the stripe pattern a lot, and can easily imagine situations in which an oversized tee will work just fine.

Necklace: Thrifted.

Belt: Zara, remixed.

Skirt: M&S, thrifted, remixed.

Tights: M&S, remixed. I finally got around to replacing my badly worn black tights.

Boots: Ashburn, Duo, remixed.

Oh look, it’s that jacket again. I love it, and with this endlessly bloody cold spring we’re experiencing, it’s getting far more wear right now than I anticipated when I thrifted it. I was expecting to put it away for autumn, but I haven’t even seriously considered doing the seasonal change-around (and culling) yet.

Now, to this skirt. I am trying to adapt to the midi trend, and I do keep seeing things I like, but still, when I put one on, most of the time, I feel almost intolerably dowdy. I do like this skirt — or at least I like the print, the fabric, and the way it looks on the hanger — but once on, I don’t like it so much. So it’s going back to the thrift pond, and the fact that it’s just WAY too big in the waist is a help in making the decision, because there’s so much about this skirt I love, and if it fit better, I might’ve had it shortened to just above the knee. It may not be showing in the photo, but there are tasteful sequins and embroidering amongst the print, and that, along with the sheer quality of construction and materials, is what convinced me to give it a go in the first place. It’s not working for me, and it’s going away, but it was a worthy experiment.

Details:

Jacket: Thrifted, remixed.

Jumper: H&M, remixed. There’s a closely-fitting cami under this, also from H&M, and also remixed, for modesty and warmth. The skirt’s loose waistband meant I couldn’t rely on it to stay in place.

Necklace: Boots, remixed. Another unexpected, happy find.

Skirt: Joseph, thrifted.

Microfishnets: M&S, and into the bin with them, as I blew out the toe in one.

Boots: Malmo, Duo, remixed.

Visible Monday, again! Thanks to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style, as always.

I really love this suede jacket. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, but it’s rocketed to the top tier of my all-time thrift scores already. I almost rejected it for being a bit too big, but then decided to go for it anyway, because I’m sure a time will come when I’ll be happy to wear it over a heavier jumper, and I haven’t regretted it.

I had a pretty good weekend. We got another 3 cubic metres of mulch spread in the garden, and on Saturday afternoon I went to a vintage fair in Liverpool. Lots of ’80s vintage stuff — you could hardly move for gigantic shoulder pads and butt-ruffles — which isn’t my style, and anyway, I’ve definitely already been there and done that. (The 80s were my high school and college years.) I did pick up a pair of men’s vintage 501 cut-offs, and the fit confirms my suspicion that if I want really snug-fitting thighs in my next pair of shrink-to-fit 501s, men’s are probably the way to go.

Details:

Suede jacket: Thrifted, remixed.

Scarf: Long since detagged. I think I got this at H&M.

Skirt: Vintage, no tags. The vintage fair I went to on Saturday is a regularly-occurring one (it takes place at The Bluecoat in Liverpool, if any locals are passing through), and I bought this at the previous one. I really love the print and the colours and the ribbon panels.

Tights: Dorothy Perkins, remixed. I didn’t quite have the right kind of hot pink to match the ribbons in the skirt, so I went with olive instead.

Bag: Fossil, remixed.

Boots: Malmo, Duo, remixed.

Do go check out the others at Visible Monday; it’s always well-worth the click.

Carrying on with the whole pastels thing, today I attempted a rescue of an orphan from my closet. It was initially rescued from a charity shop last autumn, carried home, washed and put away, and there it sat, neglected, if not entirely unloved, until today.

Not sure about this one, to be honest. I like the print a lot, but I’m increasingly convinced that, whatever is said about wrap dresses being universally flattering, they aren’t necessarily flattering on me. I do have a lot better luck with a faux-wrap, but I’m inclined to think most full-on wrap dresses don’t do much for me.

Then I remember, sod it, there’s not a damn thing wrong with my somewhat rectangular shape, and if I like the wrap dress enough, I’m going to wear it. I’m just not sure I like this one enough, but I’ll keep it around at least long enough to try it again, on a day when I’m not overly hormonal and thus inclined to be ridiculously critical of myself. Once again, it’s a favourite colour combination earning this particular dress another chance; I really like brown and light blue together very much.

Details:

Necklace: Moonstone/silver via hippie silversmith in Camden Market, gifted by spouse, remixed. In addition to finding it beautiful, I have a deep sentimental attachment to this piece.

Dress: Boden, thrifted. Fashion tape may be changing my life for the better.

Tights: Dorothy Perkins, remixed. I am just a customer, they give me nothing for saying this, but honest to goodness, I think they make fantastic tights, especially for the relatively low (and on clearance, laughably low) price.

Boots: Malmo, Duo, remixed. My consolation for the lousy weather: I can still wear my boots.

Just a quick outfit post tonight, because, uh, I’m planning on getting up early in the morning, to hit the Marni at H&M collection launch. It feels kind of silly, but there are a couple of pieces I’ve seen online and in the display window at H&M that I’d like to at least get a closer look at, and well, tomorrow’s schedule is light and what the hell, I’ll be a fashion lemming this once.

More tomorrow, including a meme Gracey tagged me with!

Details:

Cardigan: Primrose, via TK Maxx, unintentionally remixed, but man, it was so cold when I went out to chuck some newspapers in the recycling bin this morning, that I quickly added a cardigan. I always get fooled by those bright, sunny, almost-spring days, and this time, I got lucky and discovered that nature was trying to trick me into freezing before actually getting out the door for the day.

Tunic: Monsoon, thrifted, remixed.

Leggings: Probably Gap, remixed.

Boots: Duo, Elba, remixed.

Jewellery: Lapis lazuli beads, gifted by spouse, remixed. Unseen earrings to match.

The sorting of the denim continues, and these are going away. They’re supposed to be jeggings, but as you can probably see, they’re way too big. (The shirt is also way too big, but I’m keeping it anyway, and just styling it better next time.) These, I think, will be replaced; I love white denim pants — this is a newish passion of mine — and with summer allegedly coming up, I can see that they’ll get plenty of wear. I have a pair of cropped white trousers, which fit beautifully, and a pair of reasonably well-fitting white bootcut jeans, but skinnies or jeggings need to fit snugly, and these just don’t. I have no idea if I’ve shrunk or they’ve stretched, but out they go.

It’s a shame, because other than the bad fit, I liked this outfit quite a lot. It’s the kind of thing I find myself gravitating towards more and more lately, when I am looking for a pants-based smart casual look. My entire style seems to be rapidly evolving, and I’m finding it easier and easier to just get rid of stuff that doesn’t feel quite right anymore. I’m also getting comfortable enough with my body to resist the urge to size up to hide my so-called flaws. I admire loose and flowy style on other people, but when it comes down to it, I mostly prefer my clothing to be fairly fitted. There are exceptions, of course, but for the most part, fitted is simply more comfortable to me.

I’m also going through a minimalist phase with the accessories. I’m eyeing my vast collection of scarves and concluding that I don’t really need that many of them, since I play favourites, and wear the same dozen or so over and over again. I love love love sunglasses, but probably 80% of the time, I end up wearing my vintage Wayfarers. I’m not getting rid of most of my costume jewelery, since I suspect this is at least partly a matter of it being winter, and finding too much stuff hanging off me troublesome when putting on coats and gloves and the like, but right now, I’m just going with it. The bangles will be there when I’m ready to wear them frequently again.

So my wardrobe is keeping me very busy these days, and I’m hoping to draw some conclusions on the whole personal style thing, as I sort through it all and get all thinky about it.

Details:

Silver/moonstone necklace: Gifted from spouse, remixed. I love this thing beyond measure.

Cowl-neck top: Gap. I snapped it up on clearance, because I love the colour, and I love my other two Gap cowl-neck tops, but it’s too big to style like this. Thanks for the sizing inconsistency, Gap, since my other two are this size and fit fine.

Soon-to-be-departed jeggings: I think I got these at Primark, but I cut all the tags out, to avoid show-through, which leads into the observation that I saw a woman wearing a pair of very lightweight leggings as pants the other day, and while that’s not my style, okay, but really, cut the tags off the ass-seam, because not only could you see the tags were there, you could clearly read them. And, yeah, I was looking at her arse because she stood up directly in front of me on the bus.

Oh, and another bus/fashion-related story; I got off the bus the other day, and one leg of my jeans got untucked from my Fryes, and the lady getting off behind me blurted, “Oh god, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to bother you, but your pantleg is sticking out of your boot, and I’d want to know!” I laughed, and thanked her, since I, too, always want to know when stuff like that happens, and I appreciated it. I’d noticed myself, but was just waiting to get out of the way before fixing it.

I have no idea why I told those stories.

Boots: Duo, Catalonia, remixed.