A for Ainslie, I for Inspire

One of the things I love about this city (and this life) is that sometimes out of the gray comes something so fresh and beautiful that you can't help but feel inspired. And Darlings, I'm not talking about the Starbucks gingerbread latte (so maybe I am, a little bit). No, I'm talking about this deliciously coordinated ensemble that makes me want to turn my face skyward and say 'thank you fashion Gods, thank you!'

Ainslie was out talking, walking and sipping coffee with her friend Jessica (please see post below) in the Annex when I stopped her to ask just how she came to look so cool. Her answer dear friends, may surprise you too. She came to look this way by scouring the racks at her trusty neighbourhood Value Village to find this sweet striped top, great mini skirt, and killer lace up shoes. She threw on a sassy belt from Zara, a wonderful tube scarf from H&M (one of which I'll have to pick up ASAP) and topped it all off with a glorious red vintage London Fog coat!

We may not all have such a great eye for pulling a look from vintage threads (don't I wish), but darn it, we can still try! Ainslie, your name is tricky to spell, but your outfit is simply w-i-c-k-e-d!

Paint It Black

A wise man once noted that it seems in the future, human kind will eventually convert to wearing a single uniform (assuming, of course, that the future will look like it does on t.v.). And while for some of you this statement may seem dismal I say , not necessarily so! Perk up Chickadees, the future will not be grim, but it just might be wearing black.

I hereby nominate this look, as modeled by Jessica, to be the uniform of the future! While the bottom half of the uniform has long been agreed upon; we're definitely going with boots over leggings, the top half had yet to be resolved... until now. Let's just say it: this jacket is spectacular! The cut is so beautiful and flattering while the pocket and shoulder details (a big story this fall) are downright adorable. Completing this look is a delicious Marc by Marc Jacobs black leather satchel, which unfortunately can't be seen clearly in the photo but can be checked out by clicking here.

Jessica, a Women and Gender student at U of T, loves to shop vintage as much as she loves to wear black (a lot!). Jessica has found that the best vintage clothing comes from New York City and her killer jacket is no exception! I photographed Jess while she was out for a coffee and a stroll in The Annex with her equally stylish friend Ainslie, who will be featured in a later post (cuz I've learned that the stylish often roll in pairs.) Thank you Jessica!