What do you wear when you want to wear something masculine/feminine, high brow/low brow? You wear this.
The main ingredients are my thrifted vintage Emporio Armani jacket, thrifted men's Diesel T-shirt (size Impossible with super-long sleeves), women's Bardot jeans from a sample sale, and men's thrifted narrow shoes.
The jacket, T, and shoes are all from My Sister's Closet (MSC), a social enterprise that funds Vancouver's Battered Women's Support Services. If you've got any good-condition cast-offs lying around, this is a good place to take them. And then go for a shop! (unpaid endorsement)
Of course, the most essential ingredients of this ensemble are my magic loupe and ring, which O made me. You can get them now too from his Etsy store, HERE. And naturally, I've thrown in my gold glitter ankle socks and favourite lipstick. I even wore my glasses because A) I love them, and B) the cool clip-ons make them so baaaad (say it like a sheep, should be shoop, heck, just say it like a goat).
But to add to the feminine side I did this, below.
I wore O's little leather pouch - I think it's designed for carrying gems!? Anyway, I swiped it. Hahaha. And I tied the strap around my neck with this feminine blue ribbon to secure it to my body. Without it, the pouch slides off, and wearing the pouch inside the jacket adds wretched bulk. Unacceptable! Plus, I adore this soft, colourful touch.
You can see all the magic elements there. And below, the whole damned thing. I walked down the sidewalk like an outlaw in a Western, ready to draw. Yes, I mean it - I had paper and my special pen with me, which also added a soft touch.
Carrying on with this dissection theme, we have my J.Lo workout jumpsuit in black velour. As if I'm going to work out ... Hahaha. I posted it on Instagram before, when it was oh-so-lonely, just plain 'ole black velour. But as you can see, the mystical melanization process has brought it to life, much like how Dr. Frankenstein reanimated bodies, except this cartoon doesn't have someone else's criminal brain, I'm pretty sure.
Yep, now it's a fun velvet painting. Keep on truckin'. It still may not make me want to work out, but it makes me want to have a good time, which is why I went to the alley. (No, you perves, I don't mean that kind of good time. Get your mind out of the gutter - unless that's where you do your best creative work too.)
See? This new, improved jumpsuit made me jump! Just a little. Just for a few ten-shot photo bursts. But I did some videoing in this outfit with my fabulous dotted cart, with lots of running and Flintstones twinkle-toeing, like here, well, as much as I could in platform runners. The men unloading the beer truck blocking the alley probably thought the lab switched the brains.
The extra bits below. Humongous sunglasses, an absolute must, and my platform runners, which I bought in a moment of weakness (or strength of will?) super-duper sale retail. I loove these shoes. They scuff easily though. And of course, my magic ring is there and my magic loupe.
See? With these little style vignettes, this is just like a REAL style blog now. Pffft. Kiss my cartoon!
And next, who do we have here? Why, this is Vivian! She was my personal styling/closet-rooting-around client. I had to share photos of her; we had such a good time. First, we went through her closet, and after, we went on a field trip to the store. It was a two-day thing.
Below, the Before photo from shopping. It's hard to believe we could "up" this starting point, but we certainly zigged and zagged and got her lots of new, fun, and lasting pieces for her wardrobe.
You know how there is that popular style guide called Dressing Your Truth? Well, my version is more Dressing Your Dare. Vivian showed how it's done. Shoes! Scarves! Dresses! Coats! Bring it on!!
Nah, she didn't buy the stole, we're waiting for the Bigger Sale. Hahaha! But she was game. And check out that lime green and burgundy wine designer dress behind her. Yes! No. She didn't get that either. The super-long pointy collar was impale-worthy. But it was a time of exploration, functional play I call it, taking stock and restocking. There are more photos of Vivian on her Instagram, HERE.
If you're in the Vancouver area and feel ready for a little Frankening of your own, contact me through the email on this blog or via my Instagram. I haven't done it by video yet, but probably we could work something out. Maybe.
That's all for this week, my little shoops, meese. (Goose, geese, right? That's how it's supposed to work.) Not that I think any of you are mutton! Or mooses! No! Okay, clearly, it's time to sign off for this week. Heh.
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I'll link up to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style, Visible Monday. Yeah - refill the punch bowl, I'm bringing my Super Big Gulp cup!* And I'll link up to Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb, #iwillwearwhatilike.
Have a good one, everyone. You figure out what that "one" is. Have a good multiple. !!! Okay, it's really time to go.
Thanks for visiting. My appreciation is unbounded. Too bad I ran out of cheese nippy hors d'oeuvres to feed you.
*Super Big Gulp is the SUPER HUUUGE drink size you can buy at 7-Eleven convenience store, 1.3 L/44 US oz. Who? Who buys this size? There's even an X-treme Gulp - 1.56 L.
The punch bowl is full! Except for the little tastes I've had, to make sure it's OK. Damn, I love everything about your masculine/feminine outfit, including the cool blue ribbon. And the workout suit - where you painted you on you! Thanks for linking up, stay fabulous, xo
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I'm relieved that you sampled the punch before we all arrived. Heh. You better check again. Patti, you win the prize for your linkup. We all dress for Patti. Didn't someone say that once? xox
DeleteNo cheesy nips? I am leaving!
ReplyDeleteI love both of these outfits, and I adore your vignettes! I love to get a good gander at the accessories, you know I am all about the details, darling. Fab fab fab FAB farking of the jumpsuit!
Come back, come back!
DeleteYour accessory photos are a true inspiration, Sheila. I love seeing them. The jumpsuit was a pain to paint. Grrr. But I like how it finally turned out. xox
You're going PRO and I LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteYour flat lays are spectacular woman! And that is bloggy speak for something that does not happen in the bedroom.
Probably.
Ha ha!
You look like you had a blast with Vivian. How fun to have someone that is game to try it all out. She sounds a bit like a dream client.
That masculine outfit is wonderful. I never look that good when doing masculine.
Does O know you "borrowed" his pouch? Ha ha!
It looks a tiny bit like a gun holster. Very edgy, like the whole outfit.
The comic velvet onesie jumps to a whole other level of F*** the fashion.
I would have loved to have been with you and filmed the reactions you got when wearing that.
What you really need is a little cardboard sign to take out with you that is on a stick so it sits above your head, like the comic text bubbles. That'd be brilliant! You could have it on dry erase board so you could change up what it says all the time. OMG!!! That'd be a great little video!!! Get on that STAT!
bisous
Suzanne
Nothing better than a flat lay followed by good stiff drink.
DeleteVivian was indeed a dream client. I was spoiled by her and hope all my clients are so great. The pouch does look like a holster but it would have to be a tiny piece.
I got several positive comments on this jumpsuit. Your idea about the sign cracks me up! Hahaha!! I should do that. With credit to you of course!!! xox
Vivian looks so fab. She was right to let your good stylist brain go to work on her. I would LOVE to employ your services if I lived closer. You would faint if you saw my closet. It looks like it belongs to an aging toddler cuz IT DOES! And how wonderful to see your turnip body on the jumpsuit!! That cute little mini skirt with the belt! Lurve!. Flinstone toes crack me up. Most of my daily references come from the Flinstones or the Jetsons and Boris and Natasha.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I would love a peek in your closet, Connie. We could play dress-up at your house and then go shopping and play dress-up. Most of my references come from movies, like Fargo, No Country for Old Men, and Twister. And I like doing voices. We'd have a blast! xox
DeleteYou are the best!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine! xox
Deleteyou rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! xox
Deleteooo, I luv you on you. Best jump suit evah. And gagsta grrl. But what's with your clothes and stuff all jumbled on the floor? It looks like my house. Oh. but yours is more photogenic. yeah. Must be a zen thing. So you say you can FrakenMelanize others at your location now?
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realize that was me on me until it was raised here. Doh! Of course that's me. I like the jumbly clothes on the floor, but I can't imagine mine would be more photogenic than yours. And yes, I FrankenMelanize people ?!!! now. Vivian and I had a great time and she looks fantastic. xox
DeleteWhat fun to see you in motion wearing your new Tromp l'oeil jumspsuit! Those platforms are Hilarious and fabulous in equal measure. Loved your fem+ masculine outfit, ( post gender) is that a thing , can we call it a thing . Hope so. Anyway, loved each and every bit if it, the blue ribbon at your neck was a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteLooks like much fun was had. I love the stole and hope it ends up in someone's basket!
I shop at a similar place near me, that supports a shelter for battered women . My favorite way to shop.
Happy week
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I wish I could say I invented this clothing tromp l'oeil technique, but doing it on velour was a challenge. Thanks for your compliments. Yes, I regularly shop at My Sister's Closet - it helps that it's not far from me, but of shops downtown it's one of the best. You have an awesome eclectic collection of clothes. xox
DeleteI love the idea of tying my shoulder bag around my neck!! I rarely wear a shoulder bag because it is always sliding off!!! Plus, a big hey wow for Viv!!!
ReplyDeleteVivian was a dream client, as you suspected she might be, Deb. And I was getting so tired of my bag slipping down that desperation drove me to this solution. I'm glad it works and I had the ribbon in my drawer. xox
DeleteBummer about the cheese nips Mel! I'm not sure we can be friends anymore.
ReplyDeleteOkay...I scrolled up and had another look at the JLO jumpie, and all is forgiven. It just makes me so dang happy seeing you wearing it! You farked it just enough. You styled it just enough. And you jumped just enough.
Well, it is a bummer about the nips, especially since I have built a career and reputation as a fine chef based on them (earlier post). The jumping part I had to be delicate. These shoes are sturdy so they were good for landing. I do less photo jumping these days but this outfit required it. xox
Deletemwhaha, first, I love your masculine/feminine/whatever outfit, and that t-shirt(I think they have to put 'size: Impossible' on some labels, indeed!) and your jacket! and your badassery!
ReplyDeleteAnd you rock that jumpsuit!, a black velour jumpsuit! and massive platform shoes! fabulousness in movement! Going to the alley to have some fun, mmmm, that sounds like my kind of thing anyway!. I have to pay a visit to my garage alley soon!
Vivian looks fabulous and I'm glad that you had a great time together. Dressing Your Dare!, oh yes!
(And I'm also amazed that you can buy 1,3L of any beberage!)
BESOS
I would love to see your garage alley, unless you've posted on it already and I've missed it. I need to have a look. Okay, yes, that 1.3 litre drink blows my mind and usually one person will drink the whole thing! It's unbelievable. They sell coffee in huuuuge sizes too. My head spins. xox
DeleteI think those giant Big Gulps are for truckers.... truckers with giant bladders...
ReplyDeleteI see lots of teenage boys drinking that stuff too. Maybe they want to be truckers with big bladders in the future. xox
DeleteIncredible, you look incredible in your Armani jacket, with the badass glasses, jeans and men shoes. If I put something like that on, I look like a man. Gosh you are good.
ReplyDeleteFarking that jumpsuit like that: what a great idea. A high end designer would have gotten a standing ovation for this design.
Greetje
Thank you for the praise, Greetje. I can see you in men's attire. A suit with a fedora? Haven't you worn something like that before. You would do it well, especially a fitted suit. Your positive comments already make my head big enough. xox
DeleteUnfortunately fedora's don't suit me. Believe me I tried a lot.
DeleteVelour will never be the same again! LOVE the masculine/feminine look, it speaks volumes of everything daring and fun and brilliant. xx
ReplyDeleteEspecially not THAT velour. It took a billion coats of paint to get any colour traction. Heh. It was an exercise in patience for me. Thanks, Elizabeth. xox
Deletethose outfits are stunning and you carry them off so well. Don't forget to come link up on A Labour of Fashion. Would love to have you join us
ReplyDeleteThanks. And thanks for the invitation. I can try to join sometime but I am awful with keeping up. xox
DeleteEvery photo is gasp-worthy! I have to prepare myself for this when I visit your world! I adore how you have styled Vivian. Who wouldn't love to have you as a stylist!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judith. From you that's quite a compliment. Vivian was a dream client, so adventurous and positive. It was a treat for me too. xox
DeleteThere's probably been an avalanche of mail for your offer as stylist extraordinaire, and quite right too! Book me in for a week on Friday x Love every single outfit and your new layout - fab!
ReplyDeleteAnna
Anna
Hahaha! My four assistants are chained to the table going through the requests to have me as a stylist. Heh. It's a tough business because there are tons of stylists around. But I'll definitely book you in - I'll style you if you style me. xox
DeleteLOOK AT YOU, getting all PRO-fessional with the flat-lays of the outfits!! Your outfit screams "I am an effortlessly cool stylist who will change your life (for the right price of course)". Your farking of the velour jumpsuit is genius, as are the photos, which make me want to get on a plane right now to do another photo shoot with you. I bet Vivian had so much fun with you.
ReplyDeleteFlat lays, now I'll always laugh at those words from Suzanne's comment. I would LOVE if you hopped on a plane out here. We not only can do photo shoots but there's a sound booth now too. So many possibilities.
DeleteI had tons of fun with Vivian too. She just modelled in a fashion show this week as well. She is unstoppable! xox