40. Clothes That Do Not Match My Life

I guess this can also be number 39 b.


I love this. I think because it appeals to my natural tackiness but, because it's "Snow Leopard" rather than regular leopard, is not quiiiite as tacky.

What's that you say? Why yes, I am aware I am ridiculous.

(at urban outfitters)

39. Fur Coats

In the past little while (mostly today), I've developed a sick and unhealthy all-consuming obsession with finding the perfect fur coat.

Being a semi-reformed lefty-pinko-activist type, I still have a lingering aversion to real fur that I can't quite shake. Of course, that's hardly a problem these days, and the coat OF MY DREAMS is the perfect example:

Oh, how I die. My light, my life, my love....my completely unavailable soulmate of a coat. This is, of course, a Milly coat from Fall 2008 and therefore nowhere to be found on the internet. Chickdowntown claims to have it but I know they actually have the wrong picture up for the product they have. Probably just to taunt me.

So, I move on, scouring the internet, finding some half-loves but nothing that quite GETS THERE.

This vintage one from ebay is actually pretty close as far as texture goes, I guess, and I may end up going for it...unfortunately it doesn't have the perfect shape of my Milly:


I had never heard of Doucette Duvall until I stumbled on this! It's actually pretty amazing and makes me smile when I look at it...but it's from at least a year or two ago and was $600. I may try to recreate it with a silver crushed velvet jacket, because really, why not?

This one on the far left is part of Topshop's Marianne collection, but those bastards lovely people don't ship to Canada...nor is it actually on the website quite yet. Depending on the price I may have to find a way to get my hands on it.
And, of course, that bastion of class Juicy Couture makes a TON of faux fur coats...many of which are actually quite cute. For example, I could pull this one off in a careless, 1960s, this-is-just-the-kind-of-coat-I-wear-everyday-the-matching-hat-is-at-home kind of way, right? Right????
Although...fur ruffles kind of freak me out. The search continues.

38. This Hat

Look at this hat! It reminds me of Greta Garbo or Marlene Dietrich...like there was a rupture in the space-time continuum and the 1930s collided with the 1980s...all that remained was this hat.

Unfortunately it's nearly $250.00 and I think that may be too much to spend on something with safety pins in it. No matter how tempting that folded brim is. For anyone who wants to take the plunge I cannot, it's Patrizia Pepe and available at asos.

37. Feather Dresses

Like this one!


This one is especially good due to the silver and the sequins (indeed, one of my favourite combinations).

Okay...I bought this. I'm not linking it so no one knows how much it cost. But I mean, it has a deep V in the back and it's silver sequins and FEATHERS, so, I don't think there was ever any question that this dress and I were made for each other.

36. Old-Fashioned Bathing Suits

Having never tried one on, I can't imagine how flattering these are...I imagine not very. Nevertheless, I like them, a lot, and will likely get one before I go on my Bahamian/Mediterranean adventure next year. They're becoming more common, and my favourites at the moment are these two:



This Lorick one is adorable...I love Lorick but there's something holding me back on this one.



This is being sold as the "Zen Garden" suit at Modcloth, but I know that it's really Esther Williams, star of 1940s swimming movies. This means this is pretty much an authentic grandma suit, in the best possible way. I'll most likely end up owning this at some point.

35. A World of Love

One of the most overlooked accessories in the modern world is luggage. And cufflinks, but this is about luggage...because I've just purchased a beauuutiful little set!



I am supposed to be saving (for various upcoming travels, natch), but I really could not pass this up. I like to pack light (as in, a carry-on for a week in New York or Montreal is sufficient, INCLUDING the many things I bring home), and I absolutely adore matching luggage, so a red and white, handmade, retro carry-on luggage set is pretty much heaven for me. Despite (because of?) the cheesy wheels and handle on the retro frame.





Everyone, take note: Overstock.com is a luggage fiend's absolute dream. It has an insane amount of really lovely 3-5 piece sets, largely for under $200.00...you'll easily pay that for one or two pieces in a department store, and way more in a luggage store.

Words of wisdom: although hard-cases like Heys are eye-catching and hard to resist, they scratch easily and are way more likely to burst when they're dropped on the tarmac (and if you check your bags, they inevitably will be). Something sturdy and tasteful is a much better option - for example, I'd never check one of these bags. If they look like this or are really obviously expensive, things are way more likely to go missing en route! So with that in mind, black leather or a nice jacquard are on my Christmas list. ....Just fyi.

34. Theme: Red

I forgot to mention that I saw the Valentino movie while I was in Montreal. It was pretty much the best movie ever.

I was never super interested in Valentino before - I think because I was anti-red a lot of my life (thought I couldn't wear it, was wrong) - but he is second only to Crazy Uncle Karl in classic lines and lovably awesome personality. The whole "empire besieged" plot seemed a tad forced, but honestly, if you can, GO SEE THIS MOVIE. It's worth it for Valentino himself, Giametti, and the way it illustrates Valentino's life. From the opening scene it makes you feel like you're witnessing something great...and really, it is just super enjoyable.

It's not playing in Winnipeg yet, but if you click here and scroll down there is a red button that says "Bring Valentino to Your City".

Oh yeah, here is the Ruby ring I got for my birthday last week.



I'd be much happier if I hadn't lost my beloved and far more beauteous Ruby and Diamond necklace but oh well, I'll take it. Happy birthday me!