“Happy” Outfit and Rundle Ruins

I didn’t expect to find another historical gem in the city so soon after mentioning the first library in Calgary in the last post. Well as luck, fate, or just plain coincidence would have it, I stumbled across what is known as the Rundle Ruins along 12th Avenue SE at 6th Street SE. A quick Google search (what would we do without Google!) and a click onto the Beltline Heritage Group website and I know now that it is the site of Calgary’s first major hospital and the second General Hospital built in 1894 and demolished in 1973. Any Calgary history buffs out there? Although I find history pretty fascinating, I’m no expert and would love to find more historical sites like this in the city.

Image via Beltline Heritage Group.

I’ve been in a bit of a funk the last couple of days so to cheer myself up I pulled together a look composed of items that normally make me happy: boots, vests, silk tops, and nauticality. A cool photo location and a “happy” outfit is not a bad antidote for a funky mood! We can often fall into the trap of pairing the same tops and bottoms, recycling the same outfits over and over again. Pulling out your favorite items to create an outfit is actually a simple exercise in putting together new combinations of tops and bottoms. I probably wouldn’t have thought to wear the Hervé Léger-style skirt so casually with an open vest and boots, but I think it works and am happy with the end result and new look.

Silk tank: Club Monaco; vest: Banana Republic; skirt: Tristan; boots: F21

Le Veste

I have developed a penchant for vests. There are so many styles from the traditional waistcoat to the intricately embellished to the cool casual. I find that vests for the work place create a sharp, tailored, and pulled together look even with the blandest of dress pants and plainest of dress shirts. Worn over a graphic tee and cut-off shorts transforms you into the coolest of the je m’en fous crowd. I went for the preppy look this weekend, pulling an old sweater vest over a boyfriend shirt.

Boyfriend shirt: Talula from Aritzia; Vest: Jacob; Jeans: BCBG MaxAzria; Pumps: Nine West; Pearl beads: Club Monaco; Studded belt: Banana Republic; Watch: Philip Stein

Fur vest, 798 EUR
Daytrip cotton vest, $21
True religion vest, 190 EUR
Dolce Gabbana herringbone vest, $306
Alexander Wang biker vest, 932 EUR
Winter Kate embroidered vest, $289
Bally leather waistcoat, $3,495
Dries Van Noten embroidered vest, 679 GBP
H M hippie vest

 

How are you wearing the vest?

Fuzzy Red Riding Hood

Before sending my furry vest into hibernation (optimistic for warm weather soon!), I thought I would take it out for one last hurrah. During my day trip to the mountains this weekend (Canmore, AB), I definitely did not blend in with the other Mountain goers in their parkas and ski jackets BUT I do think I was in harmony with the scenery…this is me being “one” with nature! Or at least, this is as close as I’ll get (albeit ironic considering this is not the most “animal friendly” ensemble I do admit… but there are plenty of faux fur options out there nowadays)! Plus, thanks to the attached hood, I didn’t even need to pack a toque!

Red leather jacket: Danier Leather | Red gloves: The Bay (also pictured here) | Fur vest: specialty shop in Korea | Boots: Uggs

Bid adieu to winter by paying homage to your favourite pieces this week!