The Paperbag Miss

Finally Made it Inside

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:22:39 -0600

Finally a post! This is long overdue. Since it snowed and is no longer possible to take pictures without some serious shivering, especially in short sleeves. I have been too discouraged to taking pictures in ages. The point-and-shoot I had been using was ok for outdoor light but struggled inside. Luckily for me I for now have the use of my father’s Nikon. I’m still learning how to use it so bear with me; I only just figured out how to adjust the self timer. Everything else is on Auto for now (except prohibiting flash). I’m thankful to be able to take decent pictures again. I can feel a difference when I get dressed, not so much that I dress up to take pictures but that I am more motivated to put the finishing touches on my outfits like a necklace or the right earrings (even though I show neither in this particular outfit).

Pink is not a colour I think of myself as wearing often but when I tried on this dress the vague curves and soft shade made me think of it more than for its summer airiness but as having great potential for layering. I also like the idea of wearing pink and green together like in this post. Somehow I would not have said the two are an obvious pair but they seem to go so easily.

Both the wedges and the over the knee socks are relatively new. I don’t wear heels regularly, in part, I think because I feel most of my heels put a more dressy spin on many of my outfits. These I think are a good choice for leaning toward more everyday shoes. They are indeed heels but are not very flashy or statement (barring the obvious fact they are green…) so I am comfortable with how they look added to which they are comfortable to wear, win.

Inherited Taste

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:44:35 -0600

:: Dress (hemmed by me), coat (hemmed by me) and watch ~ Thrifted ::: Boots ~ Steve Madden ::: Ring ~ My grandmothers, designed by her cousin in Ecuador ::: Button Earrings ~ Made by me ::

I love the simple shape of this dress, and honestly, it is something I knew when I tried on that my mother would wear. I think buying it was a sort of acceptance that we could share some of our taste, even if we would wear different accessories and hem lines. She is after all a big part of my inspiration growing up. Although I shudder to think about some of the things I wore when I was little, I’m so glad she let me wear what I wanted for the most part, it has let me freely develop my own sense of style. Thank you mum.

Also the weather the day I wore this was perfect for a dress with sleeves, I really didn’t need my coat. It was beautiful in the evening as the sun was beginning to set after a lovely day.

Worn 42.2.

Penny Farthing Straight

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:44:25 -0600

:: T-shirt ~ Billabong ::: Skirt ~ Made from pants bought at a local garage sale ::: Watch and boots ~ Thrifted ::: Necklace ~ Freedom clothing collective ::

I find my hair gets unruly more quickly and is reluctant to do what I’d like it to when it needs a cut. Having had some disappointing ones in the past, hair cuts are something I get a little anxious about. Length is my major concern; no wonder I don’t like any length taken off! Anyhow I’d been saying I should get a cut for about a week and then by chance a girl came into my work promoting herself. I decided that was too coincidental to turn down so I made my appointment, she was lovely and even straightened my hair very carefully. It is shorter but not by an amount I can’t deal with, which is such a relief.

Worn 42.1.

Fall Comfort

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:21:11 -0600

:: Dress ~ Jessica King (Canadian Designer) ::: Scarf and watch ~ Thrifted ::: Boots ~ Steve Madden ::: Tights ~ Jessica ::: Earrings ~ Made by me ::

Fall is a great season, I love the colours and the feeling of fall, the wind rustles the fallen leaves, the trees show their branches. In fall doesn’t home and good company seem a little more welcoming? But somehow to me the air seems more fresh? Possibly because I am in such a dry atmosphere but the chill is refreshing. When you walk outside it takes a few minutes to warm up, I’m not sure why but I like that. Relating to style, it lets me layer and wear tights, boots, and scarves. This is one of my favorite warmer dresses, the sleeve length is my favorite, it is fitted but not too tight and feels like I’m wearing a long sweater.

Worn 41.4.

All Thrift

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:56:19 -0600

:: Jacket ~ Thrifted, hemmed by me ::: Skirt ~ Made by me (fabric from a dress I thrifted and shortened) ::: Shirt, Boots and Watch ~ Local yard sale ::

I love pictures with a good spin, showing the pleats or shape of a skirt or jacket in this case. But I don’t usually like pictures of me looking at the camera. Funny that in this set two passed my critique, mainly because they best showed the outfit. I thrifted this jacket spring last year, it was an item it took a while for me to feel comfortable actually wearing. I managed to hem it acceptably and now I wear it almost every day. Easy to throw on, plus it protects a skirt like this one from blowing in the wind!

Worn 40.4.

Boots and Wrist Warmer Weather

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:14:00 -0600

:: Top ~ Dress, H&M ::: Skirt ~ Thrifted ::: Boots ~ Steve Madden ::: Wrist warmers ~ Gift shop in Iceland ::: Ring ~ costume jewelry, Grandmother’s ::

These wrist warmers were definitely a treat to myself. I thought they were gorgeous and fit perfectly but they were quite expensive. At the time I was traveling with two lovely swiss girls and we left the shop and pulled the car out of the parking spot before I said wait and ran back inside to get them. I knew I’d regret not buying them so they are my main Iceland memento. I was a little sad as I hadn’t warn them that much last winter but they are getting lots of wear this fall. Again working in agreement with my idea to buy something if you’re really in love with it, even if you are not sure how you will wear it right away. There are so many things in my wardrobe that have been there for ages and I only later figure out how to style, those are the best rediscoveries!

I felt like being a little dressy today. I have had my eye on this skirt for quite some time, especially as I think the colours are perfect for fall. I wanted to pair it with something lighter and then finally this dress came to mind. Other than minor bunching issues I really liked the resulting ensemble.

Worn 40.3.

A Basic Edge

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:11:21 -0600

:: Top ~ Shop in Australia ::: Skirt ~ UO (old) ::: Shoes and watch ~ thrifted ::

I think these pictures would have been nicer if I was smiling but I really like this simple skirt and top combination so I still wanted to post it. The layers and pattern mixing of the skirt, in my mind, makes it a little edgy. I guess this post is also an farewell to the days of it being too hot for tights.

Worn somewhere about a month ago.

A Big Comfort

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:29:04 -0600

What can I really say other than my dad’s old sweater is one of the comfiest things in my wardrobe. It is simple, baggy and warm. I’d like to think I look a little like I just happened to stylishly fall out of bed in this but I think it’s just an excuse to be cosy.

:: Sweater ~ dad’s ::: Shorts ~ Abercrombie ::: Shoes ~ Local yard sale ::

Oh and these shoes… Both green and purple leather and lined, amazing! The girl I bought them from got them from value village (the tag was still on them) and said she had never worn them, I can hardly resist them, they are so comfortable.

Worn 40.2.

A Fanci(ful) Coat(ing)

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:15:00 -0600

Taking my parents for lunch was a great excuse to finally wear this jacket I got at a yard sale. I looked at it on the rack and thought about what an impractical colour it was and how I do not usually dress fancy enough to merit it. I also expected anyone willing to part with it would be wanting more than I was willing to pay. Out of curiosity for what it would look like I tried it on. When it was a perfect fit I had to inquire about the price; $5… I think it would have haunted me in my dreams had I turned it down!

:: Dress ~ Debenhams, Thrifted ::: Coat and purse ~ Local yard sales ::: Flats ~ Joe ::: Necklace ~ Old Gold Boutique, Gift ::: Watch ~ Thrifted ::

I felt my shoes a little casual but unfortunately I stubbed one of my baby toes and alas, a week later, it still aches when I try on tighter shoes. Until this desists I to wear any of my shoes which cause discomfort. I am already on my feet enough that I’m sure they aren’t my biggest fan; knowingly making them hurt on my time off would, I am certain, be a mistake.

Worn 40.1.

A Natural Palette

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:58:49 -0600

:: Dress (worn as top) and watch ~ Thrifted ::: Skirt ~ DIY from pants I bought at a local garage sale ::: Flats ~ Joe ::: Glasses ~ Bijan Optical ::

The colour, pleats and closure of these once-pants-now-skirt was what drew me. I did think about wearing them once as pants and definitely should have taken a picture of the before altering them but I was too excited to do a sewing project. I knew they could easily be converted and when the lady said they were $1 it was an instant yes! I’m excited to have more green, a colour I love but don’t have all that much of. With the pink and cream, the palette of this outfit felt very natural and suited to fall. I think it’s my favorite season, comfortably wearing tights all the time, for me, makes dressing so much easier.

Worn 39.2, a lovely day.

Images to replace words

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:13:43 -0600

:: Blouse ~ local garage sale ::: Skirt ~ DIY (made from a dress) ::: Tights ~ Jessica (Via Sears) ::: Shoes and watch ~ Thrifted ::: Necklace ~ Freedom Clothing Collective (Toronto) ::

I like some of my outfits lately but I haven’t felt inspired to take outfit pictures lately, this outfit did it for me. Without intending, I just tried the skirt and top together and when I saw the result I knew I wanted to post it. With not too many words, just some picture.

Worn 38.6

Basic Blue Backward

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:11:01 -0600

I much prefer wearing this dress backwards to the intended way round. Showing some back rather than cleavage to me looks much more elegant and classy. Especially when it is way too hot to be wearing much at all.

:: Dress (worn Backwards) ~ Shop in Australia ::: Belt and watch ~ Thrifted (Goodwill) ::: Shoes ~ Joe Fresh ::: Glasses ~ Bijan Optical ::

Worn September 5th.

Sweet Peas

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:13:48 -0600

:: Dress and sash ~ American Apparel ::: Shirt ~ Shop in Australia ::: Flats ~ Joe ::

Something simple in one of my favorite colours with a backdrop of my father’s sweet peas growing in the background.

Worn September 6th.

Old and New Stripes

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:10:07 -0600

:: Dress ~ Local yard sale ::: Shoes ~ Thrifted, altered by me ::: Watch ~ Thrifted ::: Glasses ~ Bijan Optical ::

This is post Toronto to Calgary. It was fun, but somewhat exhausting. Anyway in Calgary I had a lovely two days, a visit with one friend and a stay with another. Both lovely, I need to visit Calgary more often!

Worn about a week and a half ago.

Returning

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:54:05 -0600

:: Top ~ American Apparel ::: Skirt ~ FCUK ::: Tights ~ McGregor ::: Watch ~ Thrifted ::: Shoes ~ H&M ::: Purse ~ Market in Spain ::: Longboard ~ Landyatchz ::

I went on a little trip to Toronto, hence the blogging absence. It was an awesome trip but short so I didn’t prioritize taking outfit pictures. I will have to wear a couple of the outfits again.

Wearing this particular outfit I had lunch with a friend, then longboarded around Toronto and ran into a friend I wasn’t sure I would get to see :).

Worn about 2 weeks ago.

Something Wanting

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:15:18 -0600

:: Hoodie, polka dot tank and shoes ~ H&M ::: Skirt ~ Made by me our of jeans ::: Glasses ~ Bijan Optical ::

Some days there is something wanting, even when one doesn’t know what it is, one feels it. Today for me I was wanting a warm, comfortable outfit. In this set of pictures I think a hint of a smile wouldn’t hurt! Apologies for looking a little sulky.

Worn August 17th.

Extreme Shades

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:23:44 -0600

:: Top ~ Secondhand ::: Skirt ~ old, altered by me ::: Shoes ~ Local yard sale ::: Tassel necklace ~ Made by me ::: Watch and Purse ~ Thrifted ::

On the familiar steps of my high school before a play. I find black and white hard to wear as a casual outfit so I tried this baggy black t-shirt. I also ended up putting on tights as I was worried about being cold inside, but I will have to take those pictures another time.

I am loving these shoes but need to get the steel tip on one of them fixed or I’m afraid of wearing them in case it falls off and I don’t notice. That would take away from them. I realized this blog is an excuse to take pictures of the ground. My mum always makes fun of me for it but I love the texture of cobble stones or this type of concrete.

Worn August 16th.

Work Shirt

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:50:00 -0600

:: Shirt ~ Uniform from a past job ::: Skirt ~ Made by me out of jeans ::: Boots ~ Converse ::: Tights ~ McGregor ::: Watch ~ Thrifted ::

Shirt, skirt, boots and blue tights. A little funky; I’m so glad I found some tights that don’t cut off circulation to the lower half of my body. These ones are the right fit, granted I bought a size up from what the chart said. I’m glad to finally have some more colour to add to my collection of tights. Not to mention having a pair without copious holes.

Have I mentioned before I love these boots? Well I do, they are awesome!

Also, rolling sleeves of an oversized shirt is climbing my list of looks I like. Even though I wear a shirt regularly to work, when wearing one my way feels so much more comfortable and stylish.

Worn August 15th.

Separated Parts Making a Whole

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:08:49 -0600

:: Top ~ Crop top made by me out of a dress ::: Skirt ~ Made by me from a dress ::: Flats ~ Joe ::: Purse and Watch ~ Thrifted ::

Both of the dresses my top and skirt are made from just didn’t fit quite right! Now they can be worn together, which is probably nicer than either was on their own. I love to recycle clothes. After wearing for a while, one can change or alter them and wear them a new way, or just donate them so somebody else can do so.

Though neither of the original items here were thrifted, often when I’m thrifting I buy items that may not be 100% perfect as is but that I can see just need a simple snip or stitch to change them from something I like to something I love.

Worn August 14th.

I Think I Could Fly

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:55:00 -0600

:: Navy top ~ American Apparel ::: Red tank (underneath) ~ very old, garage ::: Skirt ~ DIY from a dress I thrifted and shortened ::: Flats ~ Joe ::: Necklace ~ Old Gold Boutique, gift ::: Purse ~ Thrifted

You can see my shorts peeking again… ah well. Again, they are intentionally there so when they show, that’s what they are there for.

You can’t really see the red tank underneath as much in these pictures but I liked they way it looked under navy. Especially as this skirt has little bits of red in it.

Both the comfort and the simplicity of this outfit appeal to me.

Worn August 12th. Pictures taken by my awesome brother, after I took him out for lovely lunch.