de facto redhead

Boots, vintage and thrifted; leggings, Dynamite; shirt-dress, Winners; jacket and socks, H&M.

Bracelets, Claire’s and vintage; brooches, vintage; earrings, Le Chateau.

I wore this outfit to work on Friday, and while I was down on the floor demonstrating how to strap a child into a car seat, the little girl turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, those are BEAUTIFUL.” She was referring to my brooches, so I now know I have reached the height of the sparkliest sparkle if small children are being drawn to my accessories. In fact, my clothes were so glittery (sequined top and all) that my camera couldn’t seem to capture any of the shiny details. You can’t really see them, but I’m also wearing purple socks that are visible at the tops of my boots, which is why I’m wearing the purple-toned brooches and showing off the purple lining of my jacket. How many more times can I say “purple” in a sentence? A lot. I could say it over and over again and produce scathing, withering looks within a few seconds. My name is Carla and I love purple. And leopard. And fur. And, of course, sparkle!

Boots, Spring; tights, Fruit of the Loom; dress and blazer, Urban Outfitters; belt, thrifted; earrings and necklace, vintage.

Since I last checked in on here, the Toronto Gourmet Food and Wine was upcoming…and now it has passed. Let’s review: Melanie comes down from Espanola for weekend; arrive at show at 4:30 pm; experience random run-in with fellow Espanolian; immediately consume sushi in attempt to fill stomachs to ward off inebriation (HAHAHA); dive head-first into wine, wine, wine; find best cheddar cheese ever. Hours pass; Kristy and Jen arrive; more hours pass; Melanie and I get giddy and take it too far…into the spirits booths.

Vodka, whiskey, and beer samples; what has ever tasted as good as thisssssssssssssssss??? Realize time is running out and have many sample tickets left; purchase food and spill miniature potato balls on floor; purchase two bricks of best cheddar cheese ever; show ends. Melanie and I walk too far past train station; run like crazy to catch train back to Burlington; slam like two idiots into door that pulls not pushes; make train with literally seconds to spare; chat up two other ladies who were also at wine show; arrive home. Realize best cheddar cheese ever is lost (as well as my wine “literature”); blame heinous crime on Go train ladies (they only talked to us for our CHEESE!); have snack and make do with good bread but crappy cheese we find in fridge; fall into bed.

Since Melanie left on Sunday morning, we have been texting back and forth and laughing like fools over our weekend together. The wine show is just. that. good. And to that I say good-day.

Shoes, Aldo; jeans, Urban Outfitters; belt, thrifted; blouse, H&M; bracelet and earrings, vintage.

I’m drawing a complete blank and have no idea what to write about today. I haven’t been up to much since my parents left on Sunday, and this week hasn’t yielded much in the way of exciting news. The best thing that happened to me today was meeting a sales rep at the store and getting a free Starbucks gift card from him after he trained the staff on a brand of rocking chair we sell. I also came home to a freshly roasted chicken that Darcy cooked today, so that was a bright spot as well. The crispy skin was so good! The rest of the day was filled with the usual banalities of daily life, including…taking out the recycling and compost bins. Yes, I said it: recycling and compost bins. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my last post! I had an editing project due in the middle of the month, and then I spent a week planning, shopping, and decorating for my Halloween party. I also admit that I took that week to catch up on my TV shows and relax. Unfortunately, however, when I am either too busy or being too lazy, the blog is the first thing to fall by the wayside. It’s a sorry-but-true fact. So, to make up for my ignorance, I am going to give you a picture-heavy grab-bag blog post that plays a little game of Fall 2011 catch-up.

Here is my Halloween costume – 1980s exercise queen! Every piece is from my closet – no purchases necessary. Shoes, Giant Tiger; leg warmers, gift; tights, Secret; bathing suit, Old Navy; tank top and belt, H&M; bracelets, gifts and Liquidation World; button, free from Edmonton Transit System; earrings, gift; scarf, vintage.

I had the most unexpected party guests show up at my door: Wanda (of Where’s Waldo? fame), Slash, a gangsta (yo), and a classy couple from the 1930s (did they find a hot-tub time machine?).

Me, today in my backyard, wearing my new boots that I thrifted this weekend while antiquing around St. Jacobs and Cambridge with my parents. The close-up is below, but if you’re interested, I’m also wearing Costa Blanca jeans, a red Smart Set sweater, a black H&M tank top, an H&M leopard-print jacket, a vintage scarf, and Foxy Originals earrings (gift from Caroline).

This is how I have taken to wearing my hair now. It’s either this or a side-braid. It’s too long and wild to do anything with, but I have decided to push any hair appointments to the end of December, which is when I last got my hair cut two years ago. Twenty-four months; it’s time to donate.

My new boots! I found these for $10 in an antique mall in St. Jacobs. They were labelled as never-worn and were in the original box:

Who is the woman who owned these boots? Why didn’t she wear them? There was another pair for sale (also for $10), but they were all brown, with a small heel, and I didn’t think I needed them. I’m kind of regretting that decision now. Uh-oh – non-buyer’s remorse!  The worst!

My first Pyrex purchase of the weekend – a Town and Country 403! It was $5.95 at an antique mall in St. Jacobs.

I couldn’t go home without something for Darcy, so I picked up this little brass penguin ornament for $3.50. He loves penguins, and he loves, well, things like this.

I have one metre stick up on a wall here at home, but left room for two more to be placed above it. I found one of those two elusive sticks at a Cambridge antique mall. Well, actually, my dad found it, and at $1.50 it was a steal since I didn’t see one other metre stick for less than $4 all weekend.

I didn’t buy all of these this weekend – just the red one, which was $4.95 and completed my primary-bowls Pyrex set. Yay!

I also found this other 403 bowl for my collection – it’s Snowflake Blue, and cost me $9. I have 11 bowls now!

I have one other wooden hanger that I found last year at the Aberfoyle antique market, and I want to put a few of them on a wall in the bathroom, but I need to find more before I do that. Wooden hangers like this are actually a bit difficult to find – especially when I won’t pay more than $5. I found this one at the Freelton antique mall, and it was $4.50.

Darcy came around with us on Antiquing Day 2, and spotted a box of comics that he thought we could frame. I thought it was a great idea, and once I find the right frame, we already know where these will be hanging. Love them for $3 each!

I have wanted a vintage cocktail shaker for a long time, so I finally decided to take the plunge and buy one this weekend. I picked this lovely guy up for $14.95. I can’t wait to use it!

Darcy spotted this board game underneath a pile of who-knows-what, and it came home with us, of course! Hockey? Management? Trades? Vintage? Sold, for $15!

I bought a set of the glasses on the left last year, but since then have broken two (of six). Luckily, my mom found matching ones priced individually for $3 each. Darcy and I also have a set of the Bluenose glasses, and I found another one to add to the collection for $0.50.

Next up this month is the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, and then it’s a quick slide into December when I already have something going on every weekend! How does the calendar fill up so fast? Stay tuned!

Hi Readers! How was your Thanksgiving? I had a great weekend! I left Burlington on Saturday morning, and just got back last night. I travelled, I purchased, I ate too much, I slept late, I laughed, I watched TV, I thrifted, I drank wine, I visited. Can I do this all the time, please? Here is a recap in pictures:

Forgot to remove the time stamp. Too lazy to redo the picture. In other news, here are the two Darcys and me, hangin’ loose in mom’s kitchen.

Darcy and I went on a little tour of Manitoulin Island, and this is the bridge to Little Current from the mainland. It swings open every hour in the summer, to let big boats through, but in the off-season it only opens based on need, so we didn’t get to see it in its glory on this trip.

A boat docked at Boyle Marine, in Little Current.

Darcy and I love photo ops based around wooden novelty signs, and I think this one turned out particularly good! Hallo, good mate!

Fall is happening in Sheguiandah! (Darcy also thrifted a retro green desk chair, two books, and a board game here! All for $20, thanks to my bartering skillzzz.)

Darcy is getting in touch with his spiritual side.

My first pair of moccasins, purchased on Manitoulin Island (but made in Quebec) for a very reasonable $29.95.

I have been collecting vintage cookbooks for the past year or so, and I found this fun little guy for $0.49 at Sudbury’s Salvation Army.

I found this lovely cake stand for $2 at Val Caron’s St. Vincent de Paul.

These bowls were also discovered at St. Vincent de Paul. I bought the set for $5, and figure they will be great for serving food at my Halloween party at the end of the month. They’re amber-coloured, and have a vine pattern on them, so beside black and other decor items, they will be nice and Halloweeny.

Two belts! The navy one was $1 at the Sudbury Jarrett Value Centre, and the red one was…FREE! It was supposed to be $1 at St. Vincent de Paul, but the cashier gave it to me for no charge. I still don’t know why, but who I am to question the higher powers of thrifting?

My only regret from the weekend was over a pair of pristine black Calvin Klein slacks at the Sudbury Value Village. They just didn’t quite fit. But oh! They were so nice, and for $12.99, I thought they were a steal. If the gluttonous life would have given me a few more days in Espanola, I might have eaten enough to fit into the pants…

Shoes, Aldo; jeans, Lux via Urban Outfitters; blouse, thrifted.

Who else puts off packing until the last second? Ugh…Why do I always do this? I worked at the store until 8 tonight, came home and cooked a semi-complicated meal, caught up on some TV, took outfit pictures…and tried out the infamous America’s Next Top Model “booty tooch.” Except I did it retro-style, with my high-waisted jeans. What The Tyra says, the public must do:

I really think I could have been an All-Star this season, considering the fact that I’m close to 30 and can throwdown with the best of them hos trash-talkin’ all up in heee-yo! Tyra, teach me to smize!!!! Pick me! OMG, I love you Tyra.

Here is the real booty tooch, on the right. Ah-mah-zing. Take notes and practice daily:

Boots, Spring; leggings, Dynamite; tube-dress, Spoof; shirt, Lindon, thrifted; belt, H&M.

Necklaces and bracelet, vintage;  earrings, Le Chateau.

Care to know who checked out my blog yesterday, according to my spam filter? Amputee Speaker, Dave Cash, Mohammed Dunlow, Gas Saver, Tyson F. Gatreaux, Custom Organic Products, Newest Technology, Travel Asia Philippines, and Custom Long Sleeve Shirts. Fascinating! I’m particularly intrigued by this Tyson F. Gatreaux character. My guess is that he lives in a modern one-level home, is about 35, is unmarried, and says he likes to eat beluga caviar and drink champagne, but when he’s home alone, actually prefers to eat peanut butter from the jar and drink apple juice. He never says no to a social event, but sometimes loathes the nightlife, and really just wants to get home to watch Planet Earth. What do you think? Sound plausible? I think Amputee Speaker might have an interesting story, too…

Shoes, Aldo; tights, gift; dress, Smart Set; belt, Nygard, thrifted.

Earrings, Guess.

Have you ever really looked at yourself with only your tights on, before you put on your dress or skirt? Not pretty. This lacy pair was particularly unflattering – one size fits all, and hiked up almost to my underwire. This what I noticed (and studied) in the mirror this morning when I had much better things to be doing…like eating breakfast, which I did, instead, in the car on the way to work. But, it’s midnight now, and I have to take part in this whole routine again in less than eight hours, so I bid you adieu…

Shoes, Aldo; tights, Fruit of the Loom; skirt, Rena Rowan Separates, thrifted; belt, no label, thrifted; shirt, Jacob.

Earrings, Sears or The Bay (can’t remember); ring and brooch, vintage.

This morning when I got to work, one of the girls told me I looked like I belonged in Pan Am, all up in there with my navy tights and skirt. I took this as a lovely compliment because Pan Am is definitely one of my new falls shows that’s going to make the cut for an entire season of committed viewing. I actually also just noticed that my brooch is kind of shaped like wings. Tally ho, good sir! Off to London town?

I bought this belt at Value Village last fall, and this is only the second time I’ve worn it, but I foresee a lot of wear for this skirt that I bought just a few weeks ago. Don’t get me wrong – I love the belt – but it’s not exactly, uh, neutral. The skirt, on the other hand, fits me perfectly, and navy is a great colour to work with in every season. As to the label, I had never heard of Rena Rowan before, and I thought the skirt looked pretty well made, so I just did a quick Google search – apparently Rena Rowan was the head designer of Jones New York since the label started up in 1970. What’s that? Sure, I’ll pay $2.99!  Sally Ann, you’re the best friend a girl could ever have.

Shoes, American Eagle via Payless; tights, Secret; dress, Kensie via Liquidation World; blazer and tank, Urban Outfitters.

Earrings, Bitten; brooch and watch, vintage; necklace, antique mall in Alberta.

OK, I know you probably skipped to the pictures below to see my Thrifting Day finds from last Saturday, so let me just acknowledge that yes, I have posted this outfit on the blog before (here and here and here), with slightly varying accessories, tights, and footwear. Today was the first real “fall” day in Burlington, and I thought of this outfit right away – it just says “October” to me! I was also only at the store for three hours this evening, so I knew I could survive in these heels. Stiletto = polished and sexy, but chunky heel = comfort and ability to walk.

Fur cape with Kaufman Fur, Kitchener, Canada tag, $14.99, Value Village, Burlington.

Alligator-clasp purse, $5.99, Salvation Army, Hamilton.

So, as I mentioned, last Saturday, Erin and I spent all day touring the thrifting stores in Hamilton and Burlington. I picked her up at 9, and we sped off, honking the horn and laughing wildly (yes, this really happened). We started in Hamilton, and our first stop was Talize, where I bought the brown suede Liz Claiborne belt I was wearing yesterday (it was $4.99). Erin cleaned up at Talize, and actually took the plunge into used footwear, purchasing a pair of genuine Italian leather sandals for $9.99. I almost bought a pair of low-heeled navy T-strap shoes at our next stop, the Salvation Army, but literally decided at the last minute to put them back on the shelf. I decided that the fabulous alligator-clasp bag was more worth my money. I am in love. And I also think if I would have turned my back, Erin would have stolen this bag from me. Back off, ho!

We moved on from the Salvation Army into the detritus of deserted thrift shops. Almost every other place we tried in Hamilton was closed up! Tres stupide. We took a drive down Ottawa Street to check out what was going on at the street festival, but voted “non” for going in anywhere, and headed out to Burlington instead.

We made it to five places in Burlington, but the Salvation Army turned up nil, the Bibles for Mission was closed (at 3! Don’t they know we would have spent millions?), and the Animal Shelter shop honestly put up its closed sign as we walked from the car to the door (they shut down operations at 4, which was apparently 3:50 for them that day). Goodwill was annoying because the clothes weren’t organized according to size (Erin spent the entire time here debating whether to buy a ripped fur stole; decision, no, based on difficulty of repairs needed), and Value Village was a jackpot for me because it’s where I found the beauty fur cape that’s pictured above. I’m in love (again). Aren’t you?