Wardrobe Pieces Archives

New Leather Satchel Monday, July 14, 2008 12:48 AM

My Sabina bag arrived from Urban Outfitters a couple weeks ago, but I'm only posting a picture of it now even though I photographed it last weekend. Procrastinating is still one of my favourite pastimes.

When my bag arrived, it was gift wrapped (for free!) which made it all the more exciting to open. The bag is lovely and seems very sturdy -- I've been using it everyday since receiving it to lug around my life which includes my DSLR plus my super heavy 17-40mm lens.

Comments (12) | tags: bags urban outfitters

Last Thursday, I bought a pair of skinny black trousers from Club Monaco ($39, marked down from $139!). I plan to wear them mostly with heels, but I have no clue how short to hem them. I usually wear flats with pants so when it comes to hemming pants for heels, I have no clue where the hem should fall. What is a good pant length?

Comments (12) | tags: club monaco

My Sabina bag is currently on backorder, but this little gem arrived in the meantime.

Comments (14) | tags: bags shopping

Last week there were a couple days where it was really cold so I dug out this cashmere black & blue houndstooth coat that I inherited from my grandmother.

Sorry for the lack of posts of late. I've been busy/lazy, but mostly busy. I've been taking pictures, but I haven't been able to sit down and go through them until now. I'll be doing some catch-up posts over the next day or so.

Comments (4) | tags: grandma vintage

Joe Fresh updated their website with their summer line a week or two ago. I wasn't too impressed with the collection (like with most summer collections), but I decided to stop by the Superstore to take a look during this Victoria Day weekend's 25% off regular priced merchandise sale (on until May 19th, so go go go!).

After shifting through the racks, I picked out a dress and a skirt not listed on their website. I asked a guy friend to decide between the two for me and he picked the skirt because I stated that I liked the shape of it (despite my reservations about the colour -- I didn't see it in another colour).

Since buying it I've been pondering what colour to wear on top other then white. I don't own anything like this shade of blue. I've been thinking of pale yellow and navy. Other suggestions?

Comments (24) | tags: joe fresh style shopping

Polka dot umbrella: Wing On (Hong Kong). Rain boots: Miss Sixty.

The almost perfect rainy day accessories: a pair of comfortable rain boots, a polka dot umbrella, and a sun that comes out after the rain. These boots were purchased several years ago as emergency footwear. They were the only pair of somewhat reasonably priced rain boots I could find at the time (no Wal-Mart or the like nearby). I still want a pair of yellow rain boots because as most of you know, yellow and I have a not-so-secret love affair. Then my rainy day accessories will be perfect.

Comments (10) | tags: accessories

Tryst by Kerry is a jewelry line that utilizes new and vintage finds. Until recently, Kerry created her charmingly sweet pieces while balancing school work. Her jewelry making is chronicled on her livejournal blog. At The Clothing Show last Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet the designer and I mentioned her livejournal, which I think creeped her out a little (oops -- I'm not a stalker, just an internerd!).

In the end, I walked away from her booth with two purchases; a pink cameo necklace and a cut out heart necklace. I wanted to buy the finch locket necklace as well, but didn't have enough cash on me. Hopefully she'll restock her web shop with it soon.

Kerry also has an Etsy shop: trystbykerry.etsy.com

Comments (5) | tags: jewelry local designers shopping

Finally got around to checking out the Gap Design Editions last Thursday. I've been looking for a white shirt for the past couple of months so the collection came at a good time. Overall, I found the fabric to be a bit stiffer then I would've liked, but at least the shirts (and one dress) weren't see through.

In the end I picked up one of Phillip Lim's designs and then I went to Holt Renfrew to weep over these two beauties with the knowledge that I'll never be able to afford even the zipper (and, er, to borrow their facilities because it's nice and clean and I love how they have photographs of Christo & Jeanne-Claude's work lining the hallway to the washroom).

Comments (14) | tags: 3.1 phillip lim design editions designer collaborations gap holt renfrew

When H&M came out with their satiny spring parkas, I was tempted. I'm glad I held out because I found my perfect satiny coat at a store inside First Markham Place. Best part is, I likely won't run into my coat twin on the streets of Toronto.

In the second photo you can see the wireless remote for my camera in my hand which I use to take all the selfotography pictures on this blog.

Comments (20) | tags: first markham place outerwear

My self-imposed shopping ban went out the window when I went to the Superstore yesterday, not once but twice (with different people at different locations) to check out Joe Fresh.

I didn't end up purchasing any of my picks from their website. Instead I bought a paper bag waist skirt ($24) and a pair of satin cap ballet flats ($19) that were not featured online. I was tempted to snatch up the flats in every single colour then I remembered I was already breaking my shopping ban.

Comments (16) | tags: bottoms joe fresh style shoes

The order I placed with Aldo arrived today! That was quick; ordered on Sunday and two days later it's on my doorstep. I purchased the high heel oxfords I swooned over a few posts ago. I was going to wait until my income tax return arrived before buying them, but I found a 15% off code so I couldn't resist.

As much as I loved the bone coloured ones (they were so beautiful in person), my imagination couldn't incorporate them with my current wardrobe. Besides, I've been looking for a pair of black ones.

I also picked up a pair of suede moccasin booties. They were on sale for $12.49 so why not? I used to not like this style, but it has grown on me. At that price, it was worth getting a pair to experiment with.

It seems like every other post on here is about shoes...

Comments (10) | tags: aldo shoes

A couple of necklaces I picked up on sale for $9.99 each at Urban Outfitters.

The one with the birds is by Moss Mills. I've never heard of them so I'm off to browse their website.

Comments (7) | tags: accessories jewellery moss mills urban outfitters

Every year I fervently wait until the cheapie sunglasses hit the stores. With the spring lines moving in, I've been trawling the stores for new sunglasses. Why do retailers only carry sunglasses with their spring and summer lines? When the sun comes out after a fresh snowfall, the light is more blinding then the summer sun. Anyway, I digress.

I refuse to spend more then $20 on a pair because I always drop, scratch, or break them. I don't think having an expensive pair will encourage me to be more careful as some friends suggested. Besides it's fun to change styles and colours. However, I do have great difficulties finding frames that fit my face, specifically my nose and I don't find glasses resting on my cheeks very comfortable. I have a typical southern Chinese face complete with a typical lack of a nose bridge.

H&M made up for failing me last year and now I'm done my annual hunt for sunglasses. I bought two pairs and after taxes I didn't even reach my $20 budget.

Comments (17) | tags: accessories h&m

This afternoon I stopped by Old Navy to take a look at the canvas wedge sandals I'd been eyeing on their website for several weeks. Since their website listed the price at $34.50 USD, my guess was the sandals would cost closer to $40 CAD.

I was definitely in for a surprise when I popped in and saw them already on sale for $10.99. I quickly scooped them up and considered their platform sandals too (also $10.99), but sadly the way it fit my heel made it feel like it was sliding off the side.

Also, I just realized the canvas wedges retailed for $29.50 in Canada. This is the first time I've seen something from an American company selling for less in Canada. I know the $CAD is at par with the $USD, but how strange.

Comments (11) | tags: old navy shoes

A short while ago I stumbled across the Etsy shop, TouchMeNot Underpants. Made by fellow Torontonian, Mary, the knickers in the shop were full of ruffles, ribbons, lace, and eyelet. I've always liked pretty girly underwear, but those usually comes with a hefty price tag and I'd rather spend that money on an item I can wear on the outside.

Seeing how affordable these knickers were, I quickly put in an order and they arrived today. I purchased a pair of lace & cotton knickers and a pair of ruffle bum knickers (so cute!) and they are every bit as lovely as they looked in the shop's photos. I was also impressed with the thought that went into the packaging -- simple yet effective.

These knickers perfect for everyday wear yet they're pretty enough to make me feel special when wearing them.

Mary also maintains a livejournal where her creations are documented. I spent a fair bit of time perusing through the archives. Undies never looked so good.

Comments (6) | tags: canadian etsy undergarments

As per Fruchtzwerg's request, I present to you my shoe collection. My collection is tiny in comparison to hers.

Comments (16) | tags: shoes

The black flats on the left are my everyday shoes. I bought them from Urban Outfitters in August 2004 and they're the most comfortable pair of flats I own. They've put up with a lot of walking and have traveled the world with me. Unfortunately they look very beat-up.

While digging through Value Village on Thursday, I came across the aqua flats in brand new condition. Sure, I'd have preferred finding another black pair, but it didn't dimenish my excitment over finding the exact same flats in my size. I remember this colour being offered when I bought my black ones at Urban.

Comments (8) | tags: shoes thrifting urban outfitters value village

During my high school days I was not overly fond of Club Monaco -- probably because I was sick of seeing their black cloth tote bags that all the girls carried. However, around the time the company was sold to Polo Ralph Lauren (not a Polo fan though), I began to take notice of their clothing. Slowly it became one of those stores I always take a browse in when I'm at the mall.

One thing I love about Club Monaco is their packaging.

Their plastic bag is super thick and super matte. If only it didn't dent and crease so easily. I had this one stuck inside a tote bag (not a black cloth CM one!) that I spent the day lugging around so it's extremely wrinkled.

I love stripes and I love their black & white striped tissue paper. Luckily the salespeople never press down hard on their emblem sticker so I can peel it off and reuse the tissue paper.

Another thing I love about Club Monaco are their amazing sales. This sweater cape was originally $149, but I bought it at $29. Of course, my first choice colour (cream) was sold out, but at 80% off I shouldn't complain.

Comments (8) | tags: club monaco shopping tops

A few bags I thrifted at $2.99 each. The two red ones are brand new complete with the original price tags.

Comments (2) | tags: bags thrifting value village vintage

After posting about Urban Outfitters' selection of slips, I went to the store and took a look, but held off making a purchase. During a recent trip to the store, most of the slips I'd been eyeing were marked down to $19.99. I snagged the yellow one, mainly by default because it was the only style that had my size left.

I spent a bit too much money over the last few days. Thankfully it was Chinese New Year so the lai sees I received made it a dent rather then a hole in my wallet. This means, there'll be a few shopping posts coming up ;)

Comments (8) | tags: shopping undergarments urban outfitters

It's been a while since I last went thrifting (October 2007 to be more precise) so this afternoon I took a gander at my nearest Value Village.

This time out, I was mostly impressed with the selection of teacups and saucers, but without a place to call my own I set each one back down on the shelf.

Instead I left a store with a $2.99 perfect-for-summer purse and a $3.99 pale yellow dress similar to some I've been staring at lately on eBay.

The dress needs a little bit of work -- the mini shoulder pads have to go. My shoulders are quite straight and broad as it is. Also, I want to see if I can shorten the dress to my knees without ruining the hem.

Comments (11) | tags: bags dresses thrifting value village vintage

About a year ago, my grandmother promised me her collection of qipaos when she found them. I was excited to receive this piece of family history. My mom told me that when my grandmother lived in Hong Kong the qipao was standard daily wear for her.

When my grandpa was purging all her stuff (see previous post), he luckily didn't get to her trunk until this past week. Inside that trunk were the real gems; clothes ranging from at least the 1960s through to 1988 when she moved to Canada. Now I'm in possession of twenty-one custom-made qipaos by a Shanghainese tailor including five with matching jackets.

Also in that trunk were a couple of cardigans, a blazer, a cashmere blue & black houndstooth coat, and a leather jacket from my grandparents' European travels in the '70s.

I tried on all twenty-one qipaos in one go. Who knew it would be such a work out!

Comments (2) | tags: grandma qipao vintage

Several weeks ago, during one of my weekly lunch dates with my grandpa, he told me he'd just thrown away one of my grandmother's purses similar to the vintage one I was carrying that day.

My heart broke a little upon hearing that and even moreso after he told me he donated eight or nine bags to Salvation Army (a lucky thrifter is now in possession of some Bally shoes). Until then I hadn't realized my grandpa had begun the task of sorting through her belongings after her passing in the spring. I said to him that he should've asked me to be the filter between him and the Salvation Army -- not simply for the material goods, but I wanted bits and pieces of my grandmother.

The following week when I went to his house, he had a present for me.

A Dior clutch my grandpa managed to salvage. After scouring through various hand bag forums, I've managed to conclude it's from the late '70s to early '80s.

Below are two bags my grandmother passed down to me several years ago.

A beat-up Gucci bag that survived a pick pocket knife slashing attempt on the bus when she lived in Hong Kong.

Made in Italy by Lamberti. I can't find any information on the maker. It seems well made though.

I haven't been able to make use of these since I'm a labels on the inside or in a discreet spot kind of person and all three are bags are wallpapered in logos. I carried one once and I felt like a fraud. They live in my closet and I pull them out once in a while because they're pretty to look at.

Comments (3) | tags: bags dior grandma gucci lamberti vintage