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Thursday 26 October 2017

Unleashing my inner wry sophisticate with OSKA

I'm a sucker for the daydreams that ooze from fine fabric, so when I find them in a thrift shop, I do a little happy dance. This time I ditched the dance and went full-on aria, as you'll see later, when the people who run OSKA boutiques in Canada agreed to my first-ever pitch to showcase some of their fall-winter line. They sell new clothing.

So yes, this is a sponsored post - so happy to do it! The fabrics, the colours, the cuts - you'll see why I couldn't resist. These clothes speak to my inner wry sophisticate. 

Sandra Bernabei was the photographer. So good.

Running on air in an OSKA coat, the Valina

I found out about OSKA at a fashion show at its West Vancouver boutique, as friend Barbara's +1. I didn't know about this label beforehand, but the clothes and air of camaraderie that night hooked me on the OSKA vibe. There is another OSKA shop in Canada, in Calgary, and it is sold at callidas in Edmonton

The models were customers and the audience was a fun-loving bunch of impeccably dressed women, which included many skilled sewers who can't resist the call of tantalizing textiles. 

A closeup of the fabrics I wore for this post.

Clockwise from top left: Xera hat, Vilma pullover, 
Vlada jacket, Valina coat, Xaveria gloves, Vamika trousers, Plissee scarf

These pieces are all boiled wool from mouline yarn exclusive to OSKA, except for the scarf, which is pure merino virgin wool, and the trousers, which are velvety soft baby corduroy. Luxurious all.

In the next photo, I'm a film star in an arty European romance, or think Dr. Zhivago without the snow and violence. I have an urge to speak to you in a foreign language, but with all this swooshy boldness at hand, we don't need words, do we, darling?


Conveniently, the drama level of these outfits is easily adjustable with the height of the hat. Me? I go full mast to accommodate my imagination and my tower hair. The hat is sturdy boiled wool with a cuffable ribbed brim. And there is a cute loop on top.

Koi looking for snackies

OSKA's designs are edgy, have a sophisticated Euro/Japanese twist, and even dreamier fabric than most labels I am familiar with. They are definitely a step up the chain. And the layering possibilities are endless.

In this next shot, I feel securely wrapped and snuggly warm. Chic. Successful with flexible quirk. Mysterious. When I'm not starring in a European film, I'm on my way to the gallery or my PR firm or mon petit chalet.

Xera cap

I wore the coat open and wraparound blanket style for these photos, but it has three front press-fasteners too (seen in first photo). The wide sleeves can be cuffed; I prefer bracelet length. And there are two oversized patch pockets.


And then presto - the whole vibe changes when I switch coats to the Vlada jacket in Jasper with its front zip and a hood that looks like a very wide collar when it's down.

There's also a better view of the trouser's complex seaming which creates that cool silhouette. The trousers have a front zip and elastic back, and you know what that means, don't you? - partay at the buffet!

The pullover is light OSKA-boiled wool, toasty and ultra soft. Those are my own shooties and socks. And of course I'm wearing my magic loupe by O (see sidebar).

Vlada jacket in Jasper, Vilma pullover and Vamika trousers in Merlot colour

The baby corduroy trousers have a Prince-of-Wales print and stressed edges (just like me!)

Sandra and I had lots of fun on this shoot, which was no surprise. I tried to puff out the hood in a version of Alien lite, but it kept collapsing into enhanced normalcy.


Below is the jacket zipped with the hood down. Check out the line of the trousers.


And a little Obi-Wan Kenobe action from the original Star Wars - I'm old-school that way. We thought I should levitate, so I did.


The zipper on this coat goes all the way up, sort of an infinity zipper, which is extremely handy if you're having a bad hair-and-face day. I hope you don't need this feature, especially if you're driving, but I think the zipper is an excellent playful and distinctive detail whether you use it or not. 


The gloves have a ribbed cuff for adjustable length, and the palm side has double padding. These would be awesome Christmas gifts! Fer real - not because this is sponsored.

Finally, as so often happens when I'm inspired by the coloratura of my clothing, I burst into in aria in the lobby of this building. But what's that?! Suddenly I noticed the pianist was missing, a vexing problem when mappoggiatura (the singer starts with a wrong note then slides into the right one) tends to get stuck at the starting line.



Every few bars I ran over to play the piano myself - opera back-and-forth style. It's a new thing. The piano is a Fazioli, the best there is. Any other brand I would not deign to touch. In fact, the sign there telling me not to touch this one too was a tremendous excuse to exercise my mastery at air-piano. It's an art.



Some people are born with great clothes; some have great clothes thrust upon them; and, some achieve great clothes. Well, these clothes were too late for the birth thing, but it's definitely a combo of the next two. A big win-win collaboration.

I love OSKA, and I know that those of you who are feeling restless with your wardrobe, especially if you tend to dress on the quieter end of the scale, would love the soft slap and wrap these clothes would bring to your style. 


And for those of you elsewhere on the scale, you can mold these pieces any which way, as I did, in the lap of luxury, darling. Now excuse me. My agent just called and said Hollywood wants me to star in a documentary based on Florence Foster Jenkins. Who is she? (HERE)

That's all. If you want to know more about OSKA, check these links: Vancouver FacebookVancouver OSKACalgary OSKACalgary PinterestCalgary Facebook, and callidas in Edmonton.

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I'll link up to Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb, #iwillwearwhatilike, when the time comes. Of course I'll join Judith at Style Crone for her Hat Attack #52, November. How could I miss that?

Regular programming will resume in the next post. Mwah!! I'm just trying to keep things lively. We all need a kick in our baby corduroys from time to time.


41 comments:

  1. Ooooh Mel...you look gorgeous! I think I love the hat the best...it's playful but sophisticated at the same time.

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    1. The hat really makes the outfit for me. xox

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  2. Those pants! Those coats! and the combinations of those wonderful colours! Delicious! Thanks for modelling these -- sponsored posts, sure, but you're still very, very YOU! xo

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    1. Thank you!! I know you would love these fabrics, well, and the garments they are made into. Heh. xox

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  3. I too am a sucker for daydreams that ooze from lovely fabric. I wanna touch. The screen is not obliging!
    These are my style for sure. I can see why you wanted to collaborate.
    That line about appogiatura and the air piano! Falling about laughing.
    How does a thrift shop have exclusive fabric?
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. I think I should have said waft instead of ooze. I can definitely see you in these clothes. I have to say that I went for new clothes this time out. To score something like this at the thrift would take impeccable timing, if such a chance came up at all within my price range. But these felt soooo good. xo

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  4. So lux and like, all artsy!!! Loving the gloves!!!

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    1. Heh. Yes, the accessories are pretty cool. I like how the main finger part is like an open mitten with no lid. And padded on the palm.

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  5. Oska should be very pleased with you showcasing their wonderful garments with your own inveritable style. That mustard coat is just the bees knees.

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    1. The people at OSKA were amazing. We had a great time picking out clothes for this shoot. These are the kinds of cuts that I can see you wear. You'll definitely see a few of these pieces here again. xox

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  6. I luv Oska, but have never seen them worn so fabulously before. mmmmmm Mel.

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    1. Until the fashion show I hadn't heard of OSKA. Their store is across the water and I seldom go there. I'm so glad Barbara invited me. We had a great time stopping the models and feeling their garments. So good. And one thing led to another. xox

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  7. Luxury living never looked so good. Admiration for Oska choosing Vancouver's very own Mel is running high. There is a beautiful surprise around every corner in your blog. I am hooked. Judy

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    1. Oh no, Judy, there is no cure!!! But I don't feel bad because you have addicted me to your own blog. We're even. Hahaha! xox

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  8. I'm sold! If only I could afford to buy retail ~

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    1. This is why I am hooked on thrifting Tami. The problem (not really a problem for retail shoppers) is that people usually hang on to stuff like this for a long time. I'd have to wait ages to find these pieces on the thrift rack. But I hear 'ya.

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  9. Utterly Melanie-fabulous and that is a very special kind of fabulous! Love the loose shapes and high hats, you wear these beautifully, and add such a chic vibe with your dynamic energy.
    ❤️🌸❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/blog/

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    1. Oh, thank you, Elle. The cuts are bold without being too over-the-top for lots of women, and it's easy to add more twist with any of the accessories. I love this brand. xox

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  10. These two coats are so simple yet the colors, the blue hat and your blazing blue eyes light everything up so nicely Melanie. Are these coats made from boiled wool?
    Also the photographs add a nice intrigue and the hat is humor and sophistication wrapped together for that illusive jaunty vibe that all hats should have some of.
    Love Jude

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    1. Yes, the coats are boiled wool, very warm and soft. And the colours are very rich. I relied on the hat to twist everything exactly to my liking. Really, these are fine, fine clothes. So happy I could wear them. xox

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  11. And an Oska goes to...Melanie! For the best wearing of same! They sure make lovely clothes, don’t they?

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    1. Bwahahaha!! I thought you'd know this line, Louisa, as someone who knows textiles. xo

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  12. Now I know what you were up to when I yelled at you from my car the other day!!! You really are gorgeous and definitely deserve an OSKA for THE BEST Sponsored posts ever. The PJS was great but now you have topped that. (haha)What's next>> I can hardly wait.

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    1. Bwahaha! That was so funny when I saw you in the car. I wondered who that was and there you were! I rarely, rarely am over there so I loved that we bumped into each other. I always ask myself, what's next? xox

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  13. I know OSKA from their luxury tops. I thought it was a Scandanavian brand. They have shop all over the world.
    These clothes look very good on you darling. As the post is sponsored I hope you got to keep the goods. Or were paid loads of money.
    Did you know OSKA also has another label called Ischiko?
    I am still on a money curfew and wool and I don’t go well together. Although I seem to be getting less itchier.
    Greetje

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    1. Oh yes, you'll see some of these pieces again, not the coats though, in future posts. I only found out about OSKA a while ago through Barbara. WOW. I was blown away by the textiles. I saw that they have Ischiko too, also very fine. I loved doing this collaboration and the people I worked with were amazing. xox

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    2. Darned... not the coat. Hmm, I think it is time you find yourself an agent.
      (You see, I do come back for your replies. You are one of the few I do that)

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    3. I know - the coats are AMAZING! But at least I got a few incredible pieces. About the agents, don't forget I'm in VANCOUVER. They only seem interested in people under 20, despite the trends raging elsewhere in the world. Sigh.

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  14. Beautiful photos, and your outfits are smashing! The mustard coat is just wonderful, you look so organic wearing it, dear Melanie. <3

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    1. Thanks, Natalia. I loved mixing it up with these clothes. I felt chic, quirky, confident, all good things. xox

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  15. Don't know the label but I love it now I've seen their designs so brilliantly modeled on you.
    That yellow coat is effin' fabulous. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix. The coat is definitely a favourite. xo

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  16. Ah yes, they are edgy loving the over sized geometric shape, and the boiled wool is luxe!

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. Boiled wool is divine. And the shapes are so bold and unique. Thanks for your comment.

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  17. These designs were MADE for you!! That company needs to hire you as a model. The colours are luscious, and I love every piece, but that orange jacket with the big zipper is my personal favourite. Sandra did an excellent job with the photos - the closeup of you in the yellow coat and blue hat is a winner!

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    1. Hahaha! I was just glad the Canadian operators agreed to this collaboration. Sandra did an AMAZING job with her photos. And her zoomed shots blew me away. Plus we had nibblers after, always makes for a great day. Heh. xox

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  18. Great coat, and some interesting shots, nice to find your blog. Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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  19. Perfect colors and textures. Loving it all! <3

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

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  20. Melanie, you are just TOO COOL!! These photos are freaking amazing!
    Suzy xx
    www.suzyturner.com

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