November 2024, part one – Blue Collar Red Lipstick

Details: Ralph Lauren sweater & skirt, Tommy Hilfiger jacket, Laredo boots (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I love watching other people’s thrifting reels on Instagrams, which has only served to reinforce the appeal of the 90s revival. Everyone is into it! Seeing what vintage pieces people are finding, and how they are styling them, has given me lots of ideas. Including an idea about the potential of a red leather jacket. I spent a few weeks looking for one because, while leather jackets abound at the thrifts (seriously, one of the best categories of clothing to thrift), their quality can be hit-and-miss and so can their price. Patience paid off, though, because I eventually found this absolutely perfect, definitively 90s Tommy Hilfiger number for $35 at Goodwill. A bit pricey for thrift, but still great value. So, now, I am experimenting with its potential. I started with a fairly safe combo of black and white, which did not disappoint. Will be trying to add some brown into the mix next time. Stay tuned.

Details: Ralph Lauren turtleneck, Jones & Co jacket, American Eagle jeans, Esprit belt, Coach bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: As you may be starting to observe, red has been a key colour for me this fall — especially deep red shades. I’ve been adding staple pieces, like this turtleneck, in my favourite shades, and they’ve opened up new styling options for older items in my closet. I love how the colours in this outfit pop.

Details: Babaton turtleneck, Vince skirt, Mackage jacket, vintage bag, Laredo boots (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I’ve been wearing a lot of (almost) monochromatic brown this season, but decided to take a slight left turn with this outfit; instead of a brown jacket, I decided to go with a dark plum one instead. It coordinates nicely, in a slightly less expected way. I “mirrored” the print of the dress in the pattern of the bag, and bookended the outfit with black (turtleneck and boots) to add a bit more contrast. Overall, it’s still a fairly subdued outfit (for me, if recent history is our benchmark) but with tons of details that make it interesting … to me, at least.

Details: Pilcro sweater, DKNY blazer, H&M turtleneck, Do+Be skirt, vintage bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I am continuing to test my theory that brown (some shade of it, and there are many) goes with practically any colour. I can now add lavender to that list. It was a fun colour to try, especially in a mash-up with leopard, which I rarely see paired with pastel-type shades. A little bit unorthodox, but I liked it.

Details: M Collection vest, Banana Republic cardigan, DKNY skirt, vintage shoes (all secondhand)

Thoughts: Whimsigoth (kudos to whoever came up with that name) pops up a lot in the thrifting reels the algorithm has been feeding me lately, and while it’s generally an aesthetic that doesn’t appeal to my current sartorial sensibilities, there is one element that has made it stick in my mind. Its 90s flavour, of course. Think Practical Magic and Charmed. So, when I found this vintage vest, I was primed. I had a vision. This was that vision. It made for a very fun and satisfying reality, ahem, outfit. Before you yell at me about one-trick ponies, I am quite certain that this vest has plenty of other potential, which I propose to tap at the earliest opportunity.

Details: Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Ralph Lauren sweater, Brave belt (all thrifted), J. Crew jacket, Zara pants (both retail)

Thoughts: I bought this J. Crew field jacket at the end of the season last year, on deep clearance at Winners, and put it aside for future me. I didn’t have any particular plans for it at the time, but it struck me as a fairly classic piece that would eventually come in handy in a climate like mine. Future me is very grateful because this style has become trendy again, which is a nice bonus, and this colour combo (olive green and dark brown) is perfect for my current wardrobe palette. That corduroy collar … be still my heart.