Thrifting Queen

WIW: Tartan & leather vest

March 3, 2014

After drooling over Danier Leather's spring Look Book showcasing a gorgeous leather vest, I'm seriously considering a black leather vest for a spring purchase (replacing a leather jacket on my spring shopping list) but before investing a significant chunk of change, I thought I would go thrifting yesterday to see if I could find a cheaper version to try out. I'm not entirely sure the vest will work with my style so would like to try out a few outfits first, you know? I found this very good faux leather vest at Value Village yesterday and it will work as my "test vest".

I popped the vest overtop my navy cashmere v-neck sweater paired with my blackwatch plaid trousers. Black patent booties and my black leather handbag round out the outfit.

This is a little darker colour palette and lower contrast than how I'm ideally wanting to wear the vest but it's -32 Celcius and I need to be warm so cashmere it is.

So what do you think? Does the outfit work? Obviously one outfit probably won't determine if a real leather vest is a good purchase or not but I do like the way it gives me the same structure as a blazer/jacket in the waist. Over to you - all comments/suggestions welcome.

Sweater & trousers: Lord & Taylor
Vest: thrifted
Booties: Ara
Handbag: Danier Leather

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Posted in the What I Wore category
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17 Comments

  • ramya replied 10 years ago

    Love this look Shannon. Give the vest a go :)

  • replied 10 years ago

    A vest is probably a good piece for you because you won't get too hot with it. I like the idea of a vest with the trousers.

  • Robidi replied 10 years ago

    I say yes to the vest!

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Great way to try the vest Shannon! I think it looks great. I have two vests. One of them is a bit boxy and hence harder to style. Your's look like a great length and tailored enough to be worn over skirts and dresses too.

    I would definitely like to see them with a higher contrast top. YLF :)

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Big thumbs up. My only thought is whether it will be too warm if ever spring weather arrives.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Absolutely! Yes to the vest. A friend of mine got a faux leather vest last week and she looked fab too. You look great Shannon and I'm always happy to see those trousers, I love me a bit of tartan!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I like it! I think a vest in leather could be a great purchase, too. Meanwhile, I think a vest in faux leather is somehow more wearable than a faux leather jacket. I guess because it's not as hot. 

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    You look terrific. And I also agree, a leather vest might be a terrific purchase, especially as you run warm.

    Although, as Suz said, this could be a piece you could try out faux leather with as a vest tends to be cooler than a jacket.

  • Kimberley replied 10 years ago

    Shannon, this looks great!  FWIW I think you would get a lot of wear out of a vest - I think a vest would be a natural alternative to your (fantastic) leather jackets.

    BTW, I am jealous of your awesome VV - ours doesn't seem to yield the same treasures :)

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    This looks great. Maybe influenced by all the fashion week stuff I do think you should look for something longer for your inVESTment. (Sorry for the silly pun :-)!)

  • adorkable replied 10 years ago

    Even if it is on the hot side, it looks fantastic (as always). When I lived in a four-season climate, I found it impossible to find warm stuff that feels stylish and not bulky and gross - so impressed!

    Seconding the vote to see high-contrast, but I like this look too.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Another yay for a vest! Vests are everywhere; you should have plenty of inspiration to keep you going strong. :D

  • celia replied 10 years ago

    A leather vest seems like a very good option to you. It adds a layer without getting too hot or too fussy.

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    I frequently thrift trends also to try them out before spending "real" money.  I think this could be a fun topper in the spring/summer when leather jackets are too warm.  

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    I really like the way you styled the vest.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    So glad that you didn't think the vest was horrid! Will play with this one with some higher contrast tops and different proportions.

    Shevia - I love silly puns and yours was adorable :) I agree that a bit longer would be more current.

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Shannon you are clever.  I do this too, that is find a cheaper option to play with first.  I find it really saves me from expensive mistakes.  Love the vest and I love the overall vest idea.  I love me a vest.  This one looks good and I like the fit and the length, but if you are going to invest, I would go for something with perhaps subtle avant garde stylings. 

    BTW how are you enjoying the Eileen Fisher (?) grey draped cardigan? 

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.