Glittery Gold

     Spring weather can be so unpredictable and strange can it not? I see some people wearing their winter coats, and others wearing no coat at all. I see some people in boots, others in less-protective flats.  I see bare legs on some women while others like me are still relying on pantyhose for a little warmth.  However people decide to shed the winter layers, it all symbolizes the heralding of summer.

   As I've previously stated (an exhausting amount I'm sure!) I'm not one for colour. What I like about this blog specifically is that it's causing me to branch out in regards to spring clothing and I find myself not donning simple black ensembles. So blues and whites shall be my colour! I threw in a gold scarf that shimmers beautifully in the sunlight for some brightness as well. 

   Another thing I would like to begin to do (fashion-wise) is to wear various colour/shades at once. As you may have noticed I usually stick to basic outfits of two colours or many shades of one colour (ex. beige, tawny, chocolate brown, tan all worn at once), it's all very matchy-matchy. But yes, I wish to expand the colour schemes of my ensembles. Take today for example, I would normally not wear a red bag. We'll see how this adventure into the world of colour goes for me! 

Outfit: Lace dress (Thrifted), Wool Sweater (Gap), Scarf (Thrifted),

Bag (Thrifted Etienne Aigner), Flats (Fairweather)

   And before I go I would like to share my latest and greatest thrifted find, EVER! This exquisite red leather Etienne Aigner messenger bag. I've been searching for the perfect gray, navy, or red bag for a while now, all to no avail. And then I happened to stumble upon this red gem; it's never been used before and there was not a single scratch on the bag! I of course would never pay full price for an Etienne Aigner bag (perhaps if I could actually afford one it would be a different story- some cost more than my rent!- but that is neither here nor there), although $14.99 sounds about right! So ladies, just keep thrifting, just keep thrifting.
   Hope you all are enjoying a sunny Sunday! 

Until we meet again, 
xo, The Rag Trade 

I Follow Rivers

Outfit: Dress (Thrifted), Boots (Aldo), Leather Bag (Thrifted), Ring 

(Choix via Chicwish), Belt (Thrifted) 

   Ladies, I apologize for my absence! With the warmer temperatures one would think I would be ecstatic to display my spring ensembles... but alas, I've been so busy. I swear, once winter comes to an end the world comes to life! The streets are alive once again, filled with people happily loitering in the sun.  Winter's silent chilliness has ceased and the world has exploded with noise; birds chirping, children laughing, dogs barking, and the leaves bustling. 
   Once it became a little warmer I finally ventured outside and did some spring and summer shopping. This dress is one of those purchases and it just may be my new favourite clothing item (too bad I couldn't get in every possible colour). I find I've been attracted to the silhouette of the fit and flare dress more and more. Gotta love the illusion of curves. 
   I definitely won't wait so long for my next style post, especially since I want to show off my new goodies! 
    
Until next time! 
xo, The Rag Trade 

You're the One

Outfit: Dress (Thrifted), Necklace (Thrifted), Scarf (GAP), Silver Filigree

Ringand (Magnolia),  Rainboots (Thrifted), Denim Jacket (Thrifted),

Leaf Ring (Magnolia), Hat (Aldo)

     Yes... my arch-nemesis is back. Even with the snow on the ground the temp was at a mild plus seven, so not very chilly yet everything was extremely wet- hence the need for my wellies! 
   I was so very happy to come upon these pair of boots; I tend to have a hard time finding boots with legs that are thin enough. I usually end up with the whole toothpick-in-a-marshmallow look, not the best! That's one reason why I love my black leather boots, the lace-up factor allows me to tighten them to suit my needs. Life is made so much easier when things are comfortable and fit nicely, isn't it?
   I have found myself veering towards blues more often lately. I just think it's such an easy way to wear colour, but perhaps that is because I don't feel out of my element when wearing it (unlike for say, in yellow or orange). And the colour is just one reason this dress is a dress I could live in! Sidebar: It is rayon, which is not my favourite fabric but is what most of my clothes are made of (raindrops leave stain marks on it; terrible to wear on rainy days or even if you happen to spill water on yourself). I'm a big fan of dresses with an empire-waist, I find it's a great shape for petites to wear.  
   Enjoy the week ladies, I know I will, for the high temperatures will surely melt all the snow away! 

Until we meet again!
xo, The Rag Trade 

Self Sunlit

     I apologize for how long it's been since my last post! I have simply no excuse because there's no hiding the fact that I get dressed each and every day.... I did take a few days off because I cut my hair though. I took a whole three inches off, and I simply despised the blunt ends. 
   I'm going to take a little detour on this post and talk about mon cheveux.  As I've previously mentioned, I try to be green in as many ways I can. And by "green" I mean environmentally friendly.  That is one reason why I cut my own hair. This is my thinking: if everyone cut their own hair there would be no need for hair salons, which would mean these places would be not creating garbage, using energy, etc. (Sadly, a large majority of businesses keep a percentage of their lights on at night when no one is even there, and I understand why- security- but still....) I am truly sorry if any of this comes off as preachy! Not my intention, rather, I would just like to share my love for Mama N (a.k.a. mother nature). 
   I did once upon a time take a class that taught me how to cut women's hair, so that helped I must admit. With my hair being so long it's easy to cut; the fairer, dead ends are quite visible and act as the guideline. I straighten my hair to cut it, this not only makes it easier to cut but also easier to see the dead ends.  And let's be honest, my style is pretty simple. The little secrets of my hair! 

Outfit: Shirt (Thrifted), Skirt (Guess), Denim Jacket (Thrifted), Scarf

(Thrifted), Flats (Spring), Feather pendent (DIY), Bag (Thrifted), 

Gold Pearl Cluster Ring (c/o Chicwish/Choix)

   Even in spring I can't get away from the tried-and-true brown and black combination. The earth is still colourless though, making bright coloured clothing feel out-of-place. The skirt I'm wearing was once a dress (see picture below). However, I never really wore it because it is very, very low cut- not my thing. I loved the bottom part of the dress though, so I thought why don't I make it into a skirt? Now something I barely wore has been turned into a new love! 

   I must mention my ring too. It's another gift received via Chictopia. This site is the best honestly! I have a pair of genuine pearl studs and have lots of silver pearl jewelry to pair them with, but no gold toned pieces. I prefer the colour of yellow gold to silver or white gold, but of course, it is the more expensive! So this when I saw this ring, it was love at first sight. Alright, I feel I'm babbling.  

Good day!

xo, The Rag Trade 

Giddy Green

So inharmonious, suits the springs of life. 
Thus when the earth, deep-coated with the slime
Of the late deluge, glowed again beneath
The warm caresses of the shining sun. 
    Ovid, Metamorphoses 

Kobe in his Easter-coloured scarf! This dog has a total obsession with

scarves, he has over twenty! 

Happy Easter! I love any reason for a big dinner! 

Outfit: Dress with lace (Thrifted), Wool Blazer (GAP), Flats (Spring), 

Bag (Thrifted), 

  To those who celebrate Easter, I hope yours was filled with love and joy! My family lives in Nova Scotia, where it costs an arm and a leg to travel to, so I spend most holidays without them unfortunately. Thankfully the bf has family here, or we'd be a lonesome couple! 

   It's been two days of no black clothing or accessories for me (besides my glasses...)! The world is brightening up and I thought I should too. I find this dress is perfect for spring and summer; it has such a vivid colour that seems almost out-of-place during the winter months and the lace detail is best not covered up.  

   Well, off I go now to walk the dog before it starts to rain. I am so ready for April showers and all the foliage to follow! 

Until next time

xo, The Rag Trade