Thrifting Queen

First of all - had a FABULOUS time with Dianthus and lisap last night. Dianthus is a lovely hostess and we had hours of great conversation and laughter (and wine!). And apologies to Una who asked for lots of pics - we didn't realize until we were leaving that we hadn't taken any. The conversation flowed so freely that 3.5 hours passed in a flash.

So what does a gal pop on in the morning after too little sleep? Cozy Eileen to the rescue!

Today's outfit started with my charcoal grey footless leggings on top of which I added my EF wool knit Dark Tulip red skirt. I then added the Dark Tulip tank (which is, due to fabric content I assume, a much brighter red than my other Dark Tulip items) and to top everything off, my charcoal grey drapey EF cardigan. Oh my…like being wrapped in a blanket cozy!

To finish off the outfit, I chose my Doc Martens for footwear, black leather handbag, a silver and Abalone shell bracelet, red specs and of course, red lippie.

Can there be TOO much Eileen in one outfit??? Not in Shannon's world :) What do you think? does it all work together? As always, all comment/suggestions welcome.

Cardigan, tank and skirt: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Leggings: Calvin Klein
Boots: Doc Martens
Handbag: Danier Leather

Well how timely is your post this morning Angie! The colour red has become a HUGE part of my style - in both bright red and a darker red, in a dress, cardigan, blazer, booties and clutch. And don't forget my red lipstick and red specs. I love the colour red! What's interesting is I didn't wear much red when I coloured my hair but have fallen back in love with it since letting my salt-n-pepper hair go natural. I think it suits my natural colouring much better.

Today's outfit actually started with my new red blazer (with houndstooth lining). I popped the blazer on top of my cream/black dalmation print wrap blouse. I paired the blouse with my ponte knit slim leg trousers and although in the picture I'm wearing my black Chelsea boots, I've actually changed to my red SE booties to bookend the blazer and add a wee bit more fun.

My black leather satchel handbag, red specs and red lip finish the outfit. So what do you think? Does it all work together? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Blazer: Cleo Petite
Blouse: Dorothy Perkins Petite
Trousers: NYDJ
Booties: Clarks
Handbag: Danier Leather

Good morning Fabbers :) Heading into the last full week of work before Christmas and it's gonna be a CRAZY one!

Today's outfit started with my black suit skirt and black footless leggings. I then added my new (from clearance) black silky sleeveless wrap top. In order to create an asymmetrical look as well as bring up some of the length since the top is too long on me but not a style that can be shortened, I semi tucked the right-hand corner into the waist band of my skirt. Then I popped on my faded denim faux leather sleeved jacket (sleeves scrunched). I love wearing jackets as indoor blazers.

To finish off the outfit, I chose my black Chelsea boots, cobalt/cream/black quilted handbag, red specs and red lipstick.

This is pretty casual for work but definitely wearable in my office. What do you think? Does it all work together? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Jacket: Buffalo
Top: Danier Leather
Skirt: Nygard
Leggings: Calvin Klein
Boots: Clarks
Handbag: Danier Leather

I'm having trouble with my camera in terms of the light so apologies for the various colours and degrees of darkness in these pics.

Today's outfit started with my dark olive green cargo pants. These have been total workhorses for me (thanks for the cargo inspiration MsMary!). I paired the pants with my black asymmetrical blouse thingy (with black tank underneath). 

For footwear, I chose my patent Ara booties. I haven't worn these booties in some time as they bothered my PF but I have been absolutely diligent with my exercises and haven't had a flare up for a bit now. Plus I have my custom orthotics now and they fit in the booties quite nicely. I am taking my Chelsea boots as back ups just in case but hope I can wear the Ara's today. 

To bookend the patent and give the outfit a bit of less casual vibe, I then chose my black patent structured clutch for handbag. Love the shiny bookending.

I'm starting to crave some of my necklaces again so today am wearing a beautiful dark red amber pendant hubby gave me several years ago.  Red specs and a swipe of my new winter lipstick Clinique Cider Berry and I'm ready to go.

What do you think? Does this all work together? I wish I had taken a side shot because I really like the hi-lo hemline of the blouse thingy and the snaps on the side of the ankles of the cargo pants against the patent booties. Oh well…

Blouse and tank: Smart Set
Pants: Ricki's
Booties: Ara
Clutch: Danier Leather (thrifted)

Today's outfit is all about combining fluidity and structure which for me, is the perfect outfit combination. I don't like too much of either in an outfit.

I started off with my EF faux wrap front drapey trousers. I wish black photographed better so you could see the wrap front. I combined the trousers with my black/white ballerina drapey tee, which sadly is on its last legs. I have worn the heck out of this $20 tee! Ok…so there we have a lot of fluidity.

Then I brought in the structure which my white leather jacket. The structure of the jacket keeps me from feeling sloppy in all the fluid garments and gives me back a bit of a waist. Ahhhhh….the magic of a jacket…

I finished off the outfit with my Doc boots and my black/cream very structured handbag. Red specs and lipstick and I'm ready to go.

What do you think? Does it all work together? Does it look current? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Jacket: Danier Leather
Tee: Smart Set
Trousers: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Boots: Doc Martens (eBay)
Handbag: Danier Leather (thrifted)

Been browsing at my favorite EF eBay seller's site and have a few things on my wish list in my size (all new with tags):

Pics 1 and 2: a silvery silk blazer. Wouldn't this be a nice change from black? And it could be dressed up for holiday and dressy affairs, and then paired with simple black trousers or pencil skirt for work. Could even look funky with a simple white tee and BF jeans.

Pics 3 and 4: a waxed cotton moto jacket. This would be a much lighter indoor jacket then a leather moto and is machine washable. I had originally considered adding a black leather moto to my jacket collection but I really like this option instead.

Pic 5: suede leather cut out booties. Although overall the heel is 3 inches, there is a 1 inch platform inside so only a 2 inch pitch for my foot, which is doable. These would be a nice change from my Docs and Chelsea boots.

Anyway...not sure I'm actually gonna go for anything although hubby mentioned he still hasn't bought my Christmas present...anything here look good to you for me and my closet???

Yet another dress for winter outfit - ooops…forgot to link to the blog post. Sorry Angie :)

Today's outfit started with my dark tulip EF dress. This is like wearing a sweatshirt dress to work - so comfy and cozy. On top of the dress, I've added the dark tulip asymmetrical cardigan. I love the tonal layering of dark red. Then to keep my legs warm, I've added my herringbone patterned tights and my knee high Blondo riding boots. Truth be told, I may have preferred my rugged Docs with this outfit but with the wind blowing around out there, I needed the extra three inches of boot!

I finished off the outfit with my oversized snakeskin clutch, rose gold/black watch, gold wedding band, red specs and red lipstick. I like the subtle pattern mixing of the herringbone tights and snakeskin print clutch.

I've also added a close up (yikes!) to show you how long the top and fringe of my hair is getting now that I've decided to grow the top out a bit. Really happy with how it's coming along. I've also recently switched to Clinique CC cream as the Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation I really like is not moisturizing enough for our dry winter air. So after rinsing my face in the morning with just tepid water, I moisturize, let that soak in and then add the CC cream for a bit of colour correction, light coverage and additional moisturizing and SPF benefits. Very pleased with the natural look and my skin loves it.

Would love to hear what you think of today's outfit and anything else you care to comment on - all comments/suggestions welcome.

Dress & cardigan: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Blondo (Angie pick for a few seasons ago)
Clutch: XOXO (thrifted)
Watch: Fossil (eBay)

As my Grandmother would say (yes…the potato shoe stretching grandmother) "you can't have control unless you take control". So last night, I took control.

Again, thank you to everyone who replied on my Body Hatred thread. You were all so compassionate and wise. Buoyed with that big ol' YLF hug last night, I cleaned out my closet and removed everything that didn't fit and didn't make me feel good when I put it on. All the "rejects" went into the downstairs closet and out of sight. It was AMAZING how less anxious I suddenly felt. That closet will NOT be the boss of me!

What was left were items I truly love and still feel good in. I was quite happy to get dressed this morning.

My outfit started with my NYDJ ponte knit slim fit pants with faux suede front panel. Love the comfort of these and the fit is just spot on. I paired the pants with my asymmetrical mixed media tunic top and then popped on top of that my trusty black leather jacket.

For footwear, I chose my oh so comfy black Chelsea boots (so far, best purchase of the F/W 2014 season for me) and finished off the outfit with my black/white specs and black leather satchel. I feel powerful in this outfit.

What do you think? Would love your comments - and as always, all comments/suggestions are welcome.

Jacket, handbag and top: Danier Leather
Pants: NYDJ
Boots: Clarks

Today's outfit started with this graphic tunic/dress. Since my husband's hours were cut back some time ago, we've been pinching our pennies a wee bit and so when wanting to add a new piece to my closet, it's been through thrifting or deep sales. The "Tiffany glass" Cleo dress was one thrift find and this graphic, swingy tunic is another.

This is not normally a shape I would wear due to my ample bottom half but the added structure of a blazer and jacket works wonder to give me more shape.

Paired with the black/white tunic and my black suit blazer, I've added Calvin Klein footless leggings for leg coverage. I'm in LOVE with these things! They are extremely comfortable with a nice wide waistband (no rolling), have more warmth factor than hose and the reason I wanted footless is because I can't stand the usual seam on hose and tights around my toes. Drives me nuts. This way, I can wear my soft and cozy socks and pop on these leggings over top.

I've added my black/white specs, black leather satchel handbag and my blue/purple suede booties to finish off the outfit.

What do you think? does it all work together? as always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Blazer: Nygard
Tunic: ? (no label)
Leggings: Calvin Klein
Handbag: Danier Leather
Booties: Aerosoles

This outfit is a bit "in your face" with it's bold colour combination and graphic pattern. Definitely not going to fade into the woodwork in this one!

Today's outfit started with my new black and white graphic patterned ponte knit pencil skirt. I've fallen back in love with skirts and dresses this F/W season and have been looking for a winter weight ponte knit skirt that wasn't just black - something with a bit of interest - and I had hoped for some sort of black/white pattern. When this one showed up at Cleo Petite, I snagged it. The weight of this skirt (which is fully lined) is magnificent - nice and substantial. I love the white criss-cross pattern and the true midi length.

To the skirt, I added my white drapey cross-front silk-blend tee to pull out the white in the skirt, and then topped that with my new bold red ponte blazer, also from Cleo Petite. I like that the length will work with both skirts and trousers alike and the blazer can be dressed up or down. And check out the lining in the close up photo - it's black/white houndstooth. How fun is that?

To finish off the outfit, I went with semi-opaque black tights and my trusty/comfortable Clarks black shooties. These aren't the prettiest pair of shoes in my closet but hopefully they don't look dowdy. Happy feet is a major priority these days.

Red specs, swipe of red lipstick and my black leather satchel handbag - and I'm ready to go. 

What do you think? does it all work? were the skirt and blazer wise additions to my closet? As always, all comment/suggestions welcome.

Blazer and skirt: Cleo Petite
Tee: BCGB
Shoes: Clarks
Handbag: Danier Leather