Style Story: Don’t be so Literal (part 1)

…says the most literal person in the world. When it comes to conversation, I’m literal to fault but with clothing, I’m quite the opposite. Just because an item is labeled “a robe” doesn’t mean it necessarily has to be used as one and that goes for many items in our closets.

I’ve been looking for a vintage velvet print coat for the longest time but haven’t found “the one” as yet and I refuse to settle. I decided to go in another direction and looked for a velvet bathrobe instead – so much easier and so much less expensive. I went onto, Etsy, and saw this beauty with its vibrant colours and gorgeous animal/floral wallpaper print – I knew it was the one.

Now, nothing’s perfect. I don’t love the cotton stripe lining but I can live with it or I can easily change it, if I choose.

To elevate it from a robe to a fabulous evening coat I attached a faux fur collar, Amazon, to it with a tagging gun, (because I like options), and voila Fabulousness achieved. My coat looks like a million bucks, when in fact it was not.

I’m wearing my new coat over my bias cut slip dress, All Saints, with a pair of high sandals, Sam Edelman, and vintage #red satin bag. I’m also wearing a pair of aqua coloured teardrop earrings, Stefanie Wolf, (one of the many colours in my coat).

All together, my evening look is inexpensive, easy to put together, and mostly from my closet. This goes back to being familiar with what you already have and filling in the missing pieces. Rather than consuming more and more for each season and trend, I’m able to focus on what I really want and need to expand or build upon what I already have to keep my wardrobe fresh.

*style-tip: don’t be literal with your wardrobe. Expand your mind to expand your wardrobe.

Style Story: Don’t be so Literal (part 2)

I bought this kimono in Osaka many years ago for my mom. When she passed away, I took it for myself. The lovely print and the soft colours remind me of her but I had to make it my own so off to the tailor for a redo.

A while back I asked my tailor, Suzanna to put two sets of snaps into the inside placket of a kimono dress so I could criss-cross the closure. I wanted to create a 1920’s drape – I think it’s so flattering on the body. I asked her to do it again and the result – perfection. Obviously, I’m going for a 20s style look. I pinned a large brooch where the snaps close to emphasize the beautiful draping. As you can see, my dress has only one point of closure so there’s quite a bit of flowy movement and if you’re not careful – you’re totally exposed. Thankfully, I’m very conscious of the situation.

My silver beaded skull cap, Amazon, vintage chainmail handbag, Whiting and Davis, and silver strappy sandals, Nine West, come together to give me the modern 20s vibe I’m going for.

It doesn’t take much to pull a good evening look together. Remember, fashion is cyclical. As much as we think we’re seeing something, “new”, believe me when I tell you we’re not. I’m sure you have items in your wardrobe that can be reinvented or restyled into other fabulous pieces. This goes back to knowing what you’ve got. Whether or not you have a big or small wardrobe is not the point rather it’s about what you do with it.

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people work very hard to get it to you.