YYZ: A Little Help From My Friend

As you can see, my Photography Assistant was very involved today and insisted on either being in several shots or on batting dangerously at the camera, causing it to sway and teeter alarmingly while I was 7 feet away, on the other side of the room.

It seems it's true what they say about working with children and animals...

I am ambivalent about this dress-- it is not terribly flattering, but I adore the pattern of sort of naively-drawn roses. It looks like a 10 year-old drew them with oil pastels. 

(I love oil pastels!)

Once again, it is a wrap dress, one of my stalwart regular choices. What I used to love about this outfit was the pairing of the floral dress with the leopard print pumps, trimmed with rosy velvet ribbons. It used to seem like a daring mix, but I must admit that I find it a little tired these days.

So, not the most inspired look ever, but it did the trick of being seasonally appropriate and consisting of some pieces I quite like. (Earrings-- LOVE! Shoes-- should really retire them, as they are looking a bit worn, but they are like old friends now....)

LHR and I are committed to finding out how to take less grainy shots, dear Reader

I will enlist BMad for (yet another) "how the hell do I use my camera anyway?" crash course.

Dress: Girl Friday

Fishnet stay-ups: ? (my tights stash)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry (Winners)

Earrings: Somewhere on Sherbrooke St. in Montreal

LHR: Dressing Like YYZ Today

After the chastizing from YYZ, I knew I had to get my act together and post an actual outfit. Plus, I needed to be quick as I had a dentist appointment at 9am and could not be late. So, I thought to myself "what would YYZ do?" I ended up with these 5 steps:

1. Start with the dress
2. Add colour through tights
3. Grab some Mary Janes or a Peak-a-boo toe shoes - or both :)
   
4. Thread it together with matching colourful accessories
5. Ta-dah, I'm done!
   

I tried this approach. However, now that I see the photos I'm thinking I went too far with the tights and as a result my matching accessories were not so matching. Oh well, next time.

Here's the elements and photographic evidence. I think some of it works and some could be improved but that is the point of the blog (at least for me).

1. Start with the dress.
What better dress to choose than one that was a castoff by YYZ herself. This little brown wool number is from Zara. I love the fact that it looks good with and without a belt and I never feel fat in it. Thanks YYZ!

Here's another shot - gratuitous I know. I just had to put this shot in as I discovered if you shoot yourself from above, on an angle and suck in at the same time, it makes you look like a twig. [Can everyone please look at me from above on an angle through a camera from now on?]

2. Add colour through tights
I was going to pick pink, but then was inspired by YYZ's blue tights. So I went with blue [plus I couldn't find my pink ones]
I'm not sure the blue tights and belt work. It is important to note that I believe my tights are brighter in these photos due to flash, but they are definitely royal blue and the belt as you see below is a dark dark blue almost black.

3. Grab some Mary Janes or a Peak-a-boo toe shoes I grabbed these cowboy inspired wedges that blend nicely with the brown flecked wool of my dress. I've had these babies for some time. They're by Seychelles (whoever?). I believe (YYZ correct me please) that I bought them at Winners with YYZ. Have you noticed a theme in my posts? All I have to say is thank Godess for YYZ.
4. Thread it together with matching colourful accessories
I chose this belt trying to be a bit French (not matchy matchy), but I think the navy and the royal just clash. However, the tortoise shell/bakelite buckle and bangle at least connect those elements.

The belt I bought on Ossington at I MISS YOU with you guessed it -YYZ. The bangle I picked up for £5 ($10 Cdn) which I thought was a good price at a stall in Broadway Market a month or so back.
The earrings may have been that extra accessory too many are hand-threaded discs that I bought with BMAD in NYC at a small jewellery shop in Tribeca back in '07.

There you go. Done. Wow, that took a lot of effort. All I want to know is if YYZ has any new castaways for me? I do love this dress.

PS. I just thought that perhaps someone out there who doesn't know us will fall upon this blog and pronounce my Best Friend why-why-zee, but please don't she is why-why-zed.

YYZ: THAT'S better!

Okay, last night I was hit by a brainwave involving my pretty new tights.  

As a result, I feel better about today's look than I did about yesterday's.  

(Aside: do you feel better when you wear something new than when you wear stuff you've had for ages?)

It is still a bit chilly here today, so this outfit is an attempt to bridge the cool temperatures and the calendar date.

Shoes:  9 West

Tights: Philippe Matignon

Skirt & Cardigan: Jacob

Polka-dot silk camisole: Joe Fresh

Earrings: Gift from LHR

(they are new earrings, made from vintage jewelry)

LHR: Illustrating Something Better

This morning I caught up on our blog and realized I am not holding up my end of the bargain. So, I promised myself that I would post tonight. That put a lot of pressure to put on a decent ensemble.

So let's see it...
I ended up with something that I thought was a bit Ellen inspired i.e. tuxedo trousers (MEXX) that bags a bit at the ankle (perhaps they aren't supposed to but I kind of like the look) Then I paired it with a cyan blue cotton jersey. This is where I went wrong. In fact I asked J what he thought and he said "booooring". Now J is the master of jeans and t-shirt. He also dresses rather monocromatically so this was a bit of a concern. However, I was frustrated and couldn't go for another look. I threw on a vintage 3-strand beaded necklace brought to me by my gramma and Aunt Ruth and my saddle shoe-inspired flats.

Did it work? No. I looked chubby and the shirt material was a bit too casual for the trousers and I'm sure YYZ would shake her head to herself. I'm feeling a bit depressed.

So since I wanted to share something today. I thought I would share some beautiful 'outfit' illustration by Tania Howells. I found this on her blog and she kindly let me use it for my homework. Interestingly the pattern in the tunic was styled after bricks in an illustration she did. If you know Tania, you know how cute this would look on her. I personally love the socks.

YYZ: Golden Years

So not feelin' it today. 

I did like this outfit when I first wore it a few weeks ago; foray into light-shoes-dark-tights felt pretty good. 

But:

Hate hair-- have "repair" appointment booked for tomorrow. 

(I HAVE TO GO ANOTHER WHOLE DAY WITH DOG EARS! 

Nothing can be done about the colour until next time, but I did choose this one, so....) 

Hate having to wear layers & feeling bulky (it's 10 degrees out there today).

Top & Skirt: Club Monaco

Cami: Smart Set

Belt: Vintage; thank you, Grama!

Tights: Secret

Shoes: 9 West

Earrings: Meg

Cuff: H&M

YYZ: Rebel Rebel

This is my friend and colleague K. She is one of those people who is so cool that merely being in her presence calls into high relief all my own nerdiness and geekiness.  But she is so cool that she would never deliberately make anyone feel nerdy or geeky, a fact which only serves to heighten her coolness. 

We all know people like this.

K is an artist and her fashion sense is that of an artist. 

K tells it like it is, but not in confrontational way.

She does not play by the rules, she makes her own. 

She loves clothes and shoes and never blends into the scenery in her entirely original, spirited and colourful outfits, each of which is emblematic of her personality and her artistic talent.

She is also an amazing teacher: you cannot believe the work she gets her students to produce.

The woman is a force of nature.

Today's ensemble breaks all the dress code rules: yoga  wear and leggings! 

 As you can see, she looks smashing and does it without following anyone-- instead, she blazes the trail. 

Go, girl!

YYZ: Re-run

Today when I left the house, I was wearing a coat and gloves. But the temperature is supposed to go up to 27 degrees Celsius.... How does one dress?

Well, once again I turned to footless tights as the solution: a nod to summery weather, but still keeping my scary-pale legs out of the public eye.

Get used to this dress: my summer work wardrobe is very limited because I only need summery work clothes for a very short time each year. What I wear every day in summer at home is very different from what I wear to work, largely because of the dress code restrictions/basic professionalism by which I must abide for the few weeks each year when work and summer overlap.

So, same old, same old: standy-by wrap dress with pop of spring colour provided in the form of electric (80s!) blue.

Dress: H&M

Cami: Smart Set

Tights: Nordstrom

Shoes: 9 West

Cuff & earrings: H&M, I think.

YYZ: If I Were a Boy

This being the second consecutive Friday on which I have worn trousers, I thought people would be inured to the shock of it, but lots of people still expressed surprise to see me in something other than a skirt or dress.

Hmm. 

 "Menswear-inspired" is a buzzword floating around the fashion ether these days.

It's a trend I admire, but from afar:  

It is a trend geared toward the tall and willowy among us, thus not suitable for the likes of me.  Menswear looks generally involve lots of volume on top (NOT good on me) and a certain squareness of shape (also NOT good on me, given that square is pretty much my natural shape-- no point in accentuating it).  

If I try to do menswear, I end up looking like a Hobbit.

Today, however, I thought I'd give it a whirl.  

I love these trousers, though I am never sure how to wear them. So I opted for volume on the bottom in my swishy, wide-legged trousers, but went with a more fitted, feminine top that still gives a nod to the spirit of menswear: cuffs (but loosely pleated and sort of romantic), collar, front placket (but ruched for fit and girliness).  

Frankly, I think the photo above is a pretty good indicator of why the whole menswear thing is not for me. 

Short, roundish types should avoid trousers, it seems.

To be fair, these ones are actually quite gorgeous, but I spent the afternoon sitting in a stuffy room, on a plastic chair, getting my trousers all rumpled and shapeless while contemplating how much more fun it would be to be shoving bamboo shoots under my fingernails...  Thus, the trousers are not looking their best, I must admit. They looked pretty chic when I left the house this morning, but you'll just have to take my word for it.

Anyway, they cost the earth and, as long as I don't have to see what I look like in them, I'll keep wearing them, but on the whole, I think I'll leave the whole trouser thing to LHR, who looks FANTASTIC in them.

Top: H&M

Belt: Brave 

(Check them out: not only do they make gorgeous belts, 

they have a great company philosophy, too!)

Trousers: Holt Renfrew Private Label 

(R.I.P.-- I still can't believe they discontinued this line!)

Stiletto T-straps:  Tahari

Earrings: gift from LHR

Shoes visible here.

YYZ: Serendipity?

Right, while writing today's outfit post, I wandered around to find the web address for the place I'd bought my groovy top hat. I was, I admit, kind of surprised that the place even HAD a web presence-- if you've ever shopped there and met Marilyn, you'll know why.  She is like a character in a movie or, better still, a novel. Gravelly-voiced, chainsmoking, and a bit kooky, she runs a store whose wares run the gamut from garbage to truly divine and amazing vintage.... well, everything.  The place looks like a bomb went off, spewing an array of moth-eaten junk and real treasures.  It smells like an ashtray. 

(When you look up "chainsmoking" in the dictionary, you will find Marilyn's photo.)

Anyway, after drafting up the post, I clicked through to be sure the link worked.  It did.  And it took me to a notice saying that the store was going to close!  The rent had been raised and she was clearing the place "to the walls".  

I was distraught!  

And thrilled: DEALS! 

There were DEALS to be had!

So, a quick prayer of thanks to Serendipity and I was off like a shot after work. I managed to last about 45 minutes before the smoke drove me out.  

In that time, I flirted with a navy and white silk polka dot faux Victorian number (moth-eaten = NO WAY am I bringing that into our house!), 

a 60s organza/stripe sundress, 

several delicious fur-collared coats, 

a 1920s handpainted silk skirt (too long and un-alterable, so not meant to be...), 

a 1930s straw hat that actually quite suits me, 

two linen pillowcases, 

a string of pearls and crystals 

and several handbags.  

I may go back for the some of the above...

What I DID leave with: 

an unbelievable quilted 1950s circle skirt-- looks like it has never been worn; 

pale lemon-coloured gauntlet-style gloves from the 40s; 

a 70s maxi-dress in a crazy floral.  

No photos yet because all has been whisked into a bag and sealed up for a trip to the dry cleaners; it smells so terribly smoky that it is unwearable in its current state.  

But once I get it all cleaned up,  and get the maxi-dress shortened, I will show you here.  

In the meantime, cross your fingers that the hat and the pearls will still be there when I go back tomorrow with more cash!

LHR: Layered for Heat

The99% conference hosted their Friday night drinks from the Penthouse at Thompson LES. What a treat!
As you can see blue skies were all around and the mercury soared on this April day. In fact, it warmed up to a toasty 21°C (or 77°F). So, my challenge for the day was dressing for the warmer weather with clothes that I brought with me which were geared for the late winter. I went for a look that allowed me *to strip down* when the sun heated up.

Here is how it panned out.

• Wide-legged Black Trousers by Cop-Copine - (sadly, they kind of accentuate my spare tire)
• Black tank top by some mall shop (pick any one)
• Gray cotton jacket by INfo with sculpting neck (amazing deal at £15/$25)
• Black patent (hardly) leather flats (£6 - some cheapola store in Dalston)
• Earrings: Gray baubles, bought in Harrogate as part of wedding fiasco

You'll also notice I have my oversized beaded black ring from Paris on my left hand.


The one thing I would like to improve is my choice of shoes. (they were only £6 so what do you expect?)
Suggestions on what I should get to make this better. Perhaps the shoes aren't the issue. Perhaps it is the cropped length of the jacket and the low-waisted trousers?

YYZ? Your HONEST thoughts.

YYZ: So NOT French, helas!

Yep, it's official:

 To my everlasting dismay and anguish, I will never be French. 

 I am all matchy-matcherson today-- I hate it, but I have a hard time breaking the habit.  

Here is what the sublimely stylish Garance Dore has to say on the matter.

 It's nice to know that even Parisiennes struggle with this difficult sartorial dilemma.

YYZ: Spring is in the Air!

Today was a BIG day at work: every year on this day we go to church. 

(Long story.)

Well, last week, a former employee told us that staff were once required to wear hats to the service. 

OF COURSE I was all over that!  

I started a campaign to get the women staff to wear hats! I planned my own hat extravaganza! 

(Conveniently forgetting that:  I. Do. Not. Look. Good. In. Hats....)

Anyway, I have this fabulous vintage top hat (I know!), circa early 1900s, and I have never had the chutzpah to wear it.  I bought it back when doing so meant going without dinner for a week, but it was totally worth it!  Today seemed like the ideal day to give my top hat an outing.  A couple of silk corsages added to the brim and it would match my sweet little aqua & black summer dress with the dear scalloped hem-- all set!

Well, the Universe had other plans. Some unwell kitty cats this morning put a bit of a wrench in the works and I ended up not even going to church because I was waiting to hear from the vet. It spared me having to wear the hat in public (chicken that I am!), but I would much rather have worn it and looked like an escapee from Cabaret than have had sick pets. 

Cardigan: Yes, again. Jacob

Dress: Champagne & Cupcakes

Belt: Winners

Aqua Fishnet Stockings: Monoprix

Shoes: Nine West

(Vintage Top Hat: Rozaneh

Silk corsages: H&M)

More...

YYZ: Blooper

A new pose!, originally uploaded by OblioZen.

Ever have one of those days when you leave the house thinking, "Yeah, I got it together today! This look works!" but by the end of the day you can't wait to RIP OFF that same outfit because it makes you feel ugly and frumpy? I had that day today. This outfit is a transitional re-mix: strapless dress and cardi for warmth. Different stockings and shoes than I usually wear with it. I left home thinking, "Ooh! Why haven't I put this together before??"

(Short/partial answer: I did not own these shoes last spring, I bought them during a mad spree with LHR in NYC in the fall...)

But the thing is, I should have gotten rid of this dress ages ago. 

It has never really fit properly and, to make matters worse, the hip/butt area starts off the day a bit too big, but it just GROWS over the day as the cotton relaxes and stretches. I know this about it and I always think to myself, "Self, get rid of this cheap-ass dress that does not fit well." But then, when I am not wearing it, I am always seduced anew by the sweet toile-inspired pattern (fountains and birds!) in my favourite cream/black colour scheme. I forget about/decide I can live with the bad fit.

By the end of the day, the dress, much like the Grinch's heart, had grown three sizes. 

And I felt frumpy. 

When I walked, the cotton of the dress stuck to my stockings, causing it to ride up in stiff, bunchy lumps around my middle. 

Ugh. 

Taking these photos today confirmed it all: NOT a flattering look, regardless of how much I liked it all when I put it together this morning.

So, I have decided: I will take in the hips/bum region of the dress and give it one more chance. If it does not make me happy the next time I wear it, off to Goodwill it goes.

I swear. 

Or maybe I will make it into something new....

Shoes: Chocolat Blu

Stockings: Secret

Dress: Le Chateau 

(why am I surprised that it does not fit properly?)

Belt: Femme de Carriere, remixed from another dress

Cardigan: Jacob

Earrings: Gift from LHR

More...

YYZ: Snore Pie...

April 21st, originally uploaded by OblioZen.

... with Yawn Sauce, as Tania would say.

Another wrap dress, though this time with a flirty, flamenco-esque ruffle down the front and around the hem.

Dress & Belt: Winners
Tights: my tights stash
Shoes: Report
Earrings: H&M

You may be able to see the ruffle better here.

YYZ: Headgear

April 20th, originally uploaded by OblioZen.

Today I sported what M not-so-fondly refers to as The Cabbage, a darling, oversized felt rose on a narrow headband. When I saw it first, I tried it on for a lark, but it turns out I fell in love with it. 

Makes me feel like a flapper. 

Consider it my homage to Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Today's look works that post-WWI, early-1920s vibe: 

silk wrap blouse,

 long (not intentionally-- I'm just short and it's too hard to hem) skirt, 

round-toed pumps.

(Sorry the pics are so grainy... can't seem to get it sorted out...)

Cabbage, tights: Anthropologie

Silk wrap blouse: FCUK

Camisole: Smart Set

Bracelet: Le Chateau

Skirt: Comrags

Shoes: 9 West

More...

YYZ: Shocker

Today I lost count of the number of people who said something along the lines of, 

"You're wearing PANTS! You NEVER wear PANTS!" 

(no, not British pants- those I do wear every day)

I also got one shocked, "You're wearing COLOUR!"

 (Which I resent: I wear colour every day. 

With black. 

Or grey. 

Which IS  a colour, btw.)

But it's true. I don't wear trousers to work very often. This stems partly from my own insecurities about my midsection and the dearth of trousers that effectively camouflage it, and partly from the fact that I am short. The latter means that shoes/hem lengths can be problematic-- once I hem a pair of trousers to work with a specific pair of shoes, then I can only wear those trousers with those shoes, thereby limiting the versatility of trousers.  It is easier for me to mix it up if I wear skirts or even dresses.

Today, I am wearing my fierce, fabulous black trousers from Theory-- a major splash-out as part of a binge for the Big Birthday in NYC (thanks, M!)-- and my new ode-to-spring top. 

It's supposed to be 20 degrees today!  

The trousers were a "must buy" because I find it so hard to find ones the right shape:  these are perfect and they are 3-season fabric (a very light wool blend).  They are, however, still too long, so I can only wear them with these (very very very high) shoes.  I thought I should get a wear in now, before it gets too warm to wear these shoes.  The cardigan does not really work that well with the look, but given the low morning temperature, it was a necessity. 

Also, I am a big fan of covering my arms. The top was overpriced, but I loved it and can imagine wearing it in a gazillion ways. 

(Does it remind LHR of the one I made in Home Ec in Grade 9?and wore with my knee-length denim, overpleated, not-quite gauchos/not-quite knickers? Gawd....)

Top: Club Monaco

Cardigan: Jacob

Trousers:  Theory

Shoes: Yeah, you know which ones they are. 

(Hard to believe I have as many pairs as I do: I keep wearing the same ones... Lazy.)

Later, we are going to friends' for dinner and I will wear the top and cardi with skinny jeans and either

OR...

You know where to go to see more. 

YYZ: I have no idea what to wear tomorrow.

I hate having ZERO inspiration.  

It's supposed to go up to 20 degrees tomorrow-- my legs aren't ready. 

I have lunch duty, so shoes need to be flat and I feel frumpy in flats.  

Maybe we'll get a snow day and I won't have to think up something to wear....

LHR: In NYC: I wear black

OK, I'm running late for the cocktail party post the conference I attended today. This will be short. Today, I felt the stress of getting dressed. I was in New York, attending a creative conference and not knowing whether everyone would just wear jeans or whether they would be more formal. In the end most were casual, but I felt good in my black outfit.

Like YYZ, I wore a pair of shoes to add some colour. Here it is:


I'm staying in this very cool hotel - Thompson LES. Notice the pattern co-ordination of my tights and the light behind my bed. This was not planned

I love the built in corsages in this shirt by Tofu which I bought in London at an amazing sale in Covent Garden. I've worn it today tucked in, but it can be worn over a pair of extremely tight jeans. I mention they should be tight otherwise the old question "is she pregnant" might come to mind. Not good for LHR who typically has a couple inches to spare around the tummy.

Here is the back view of my skirt by Preen. I love the gathers that run across the bum. For my flat bum it gives some definition.

And finally the splash of colour - my red shoes which are in desperate need of a polish. I love these babies especially the heels.

Jeez... now I'm super late for the party. Ahhh. Fashion is Danger.

YYZ: "A bold step"

"A bold step", originally uploaded by OblioZen.

Yesterday, when I was thinking about today's outfit, I gave myself permission to wear my Lazy Dress. (Oddly, I always seem to wear it on the days I teach Grade 11-- those poor kids must be bored silly by this look...)  It is a cheapie and it is a wrap dress, a.k.a. every woman's secret weapon. Why? Because a wrap dress is effortless stylishness = a brilliant invention. 

Thank you, Diane von Furstenberg! 

My little number is from H&M (don't you just love the way Brits, regardless of class, say "Haitch and Em"?)-- thus, much more affordable than a Diane. I turn to it when I just can't be bothered thinking up anything cleverer.  I thought the pop of green made it a bit more interesting and a bit springier, even if it is still not quite no-tights weather yet.

  What do you think?

My pal at work (he who always knows the right thing to say) said, 

"That is a bold step and it WORKS!" 

 I told you he always knows the right thing to say! And he has great taste, so I trust his opinion. (No, I am not just sucking up to you now that you are a reader!)  Also, I feel that his reaction supports my "it's all about the shoes" approach to smoke & mirrors dressing: 

any outfit looks better if you have great shoes.

Dress: H&M

Tights: Secret

Shoes: 9 West

Necklace: some now-defunct store in the "Sufferin' Mall"

More?

YYZ: Fashion IS Danger--Footless Tights

Centre your photos much?, originally uploaded by OblioZen.

Right, so last year at work, much to my consternation (as you, dear two readers, know), we were forbidden to wear leggings. The hideous thing about this prohibition is that leggings are the ideal transitional piece: a girl can wear her peep-toes or sandals and a pair of leggings with a light tunic or under a skirt or dress and she looks perfectly seasonally appropriate without being too chilly on these not-yet-too-warm spring days.  Added bonus? Ugly, pasty, vein-y winter legs are hidden from view. Everyone wins.

I balked at the ban, but I abided.

This year, I have found the solution: 

FOOTLESS TIGHTS. 

Yes, you heard it. They make my inner 80s chick happy, they are NOT banned in the Draconian Dress Code, and they share many of the attributes that make leggings so appealing.

Today, I opted to mix up some plum and silver (with my traditional, snooze-worthy neutrals) and was rewarded with a "You look too hot to be real!" from my reliable gay friend when I arrived at work. He always knows the right thing to say.

Shoes: Seychelles

Tights: Nordstrom

Skirt: Jacob 

(I wear it weekly = I must be less ambivalent about it, right?)

Cami: Smart Set

Cardigan: Girl Friday

Belt: H&M

Earrings: H&M (I think)

You know where to go for more.

YYZ: Heading into spring

Heading into spring, originally uploaded by OblioZen.

This week, it seems spring might finally arrive. In the past, I have not been a fan of mixing wintry and springy weight fabrics, but just as dark tights with light shoes have been growing on me lately, so has the whole mixed-weight approach to transitional dressing.

And I love this skirt.

So, I decided to go for it and mix up the seasons a bit, even though doing so meant a rummage through the cedar chest to find the skirt in among my summer clothes.

I started the day with a very wide belt-- a good 4" wide, in fact. But I just end up feeling like the belt is wearing me because I am so short-waisted that it looks more like a shelf for my boobs than an actual belt. I'm no stylist, but I'm pretty sure the latter is not a look anyone should try to carry off...

Shoes: the usual
Tights: um, my tights suitcase...? Maybe Winners?
Skirt: Zara
Belt: maybe Winners?
Turtleneck: this is the one that eluded me last week! Winners
Giant black rose corsage: H&M

More? Over here.