The Urban Closet

From My Closet - May 29th, 2013

2013-05-29T19:15:00Z

Oh, these rainy days... I don't love them much at all, but I'm so very glad it isn't snow. (What a thing to say in May. Oy.)

I recently picked up a stretchy pair of dark wash jeggings (I hate that term) and though the sewn-closed front pockets drive me bananas, I like the fit and the feel. Especially since we've just had house guests for two extended weekends, back to back, and with all the food and wine and more food and more wine and cheeses and bacon and things, the extra stuff I'm carrying around in my truck these days *ahem* is harder to notice.

(Also, I'll bet this whole ensemble would be kickin' with a slim belt - red patent, maybe. I will find something better one day.)

Plus, the narrow leg makes slipping in and out of these nifty new rainboots a dream. I snapped them up from the place the rhymes with Sinners a few weeks back - out of necessity! Remember those Kamik boots I bought two years ago? Well, last summer I walked into the lake to help get the dock all jimmied-up correctly, and felt a leak. Like, a HUGE leak that let a quick stream of too-cold water fill my boot to the brim in no time. What the ass?! There was a neat crack in the rubber at the ankle, where a foot will flex in a boot while walking. I'd had them for less than 18 months. BOO!

And what's worse? Those boots cost $80 before tax. EIGHT. ZERO. Kind of a crazy amount to spend on rain boots in the first place, but I assumed they'd last for a whole lot longer than a year-and-a-half. My bad. And I'm not trying to trash the Kamik brand by any stretch... maybe I got bad boots. Regardless.... I will never drop those kinds of monies on rainboots ever again in my life. Believe it.

So thanks again, Sinners, for being such a huckleberry... and in a python print at that. Excellent with black, brown, navy or grey. I can dig it. (And for less than half the price of the others. Score!)

jaunty black rain hat, Platania - Winners (ancient)
black-with-white striped scoop-neck t-shirt - Forever 21, $12
antiqued silver belt with blingy buckle, Guess - Winners (old)
short rain jacket, in midnight - Bedo (ancient)
dark-wash jeggings, Blue Spice - Winners, $25
python print rainboots, Däv- Winners, $34.99

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Urban Kid Closet - May 23rd, 2013

2013-05-23T22:00:00Z

As the winter was ending, a neighbour-lady of mine gave me a bag with a few things for Madame, as her own daughter had outgrown the stuff. She often saves me some excellent duds, like these pants. LOVE, I tell you.

So when I opened the bag, I confess, at first I thought this lined raincoat was a bit busy, and I really wasn't sure what to think about it... until the child slipped it on, and I saw how it was made of Adorable. Plus, she loved it. Win!

Boots were the challenge, since I everywhere I looked had nothing in her size. Enter: Beyond The Rack which is subscription site that sends me emails about all kinds of goods... they had a bunch of rainboots for little kids, only I couldn't find anything in pink or yellow I could abide by. (Nor in orange, which could have been smashing.) So I opted for this plaid pair (dark green, burgundy, and lilac plaid - holy wow) with cute little buckles on the sides, that appeared to be in the same brown-y/beige tone as the jacket. (Same-same!) And I hoped the modern floral and the plaid would work well together.

They totally do. The boots also look great with that faux-leather jacket, for wearing on soggy soccer fields long after a raincoat is really needed. Win-win!

I didn't find the twenty-four dollar price tag so egregious, but the down side was the $11 shipping cost... BOO!! But, my lovely and completely wonderful mother sent money for the boots as a gift, and I spent nothing for the jacket... sometimes you just gotta roll with things. But still. Suck. I suppose into every life, a little rain must fall...

[Or a tornado... Oh, Oklahoma - we are all so crushed by your losses.]

Ava Scarlett wears:

modern floral swing raincoat - Elle, (hand-me-down)
plaid rainboots - Henry Ferrera, $24 + $11 ~~rape~~ shipping (Thanks, mum!!)

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(On The Way Out) From My Closet - May 18th, 2013

2013-05-19T13:00:00Z

I'm a bit sad about these cool kicks, but they were looking decidedly worse for wear when had to put them away last fall. Their soles were wearing thin due to the fact that I used them as brakes while riding Oliver's scooter for the last few years, and the sequins have been dropping off all over the place, and smallish holes were growing. I really wore the crap out of them. I'm all for being an Urban Muther and everything, but since I'm not exactly a teenager *ahem* I draw the line at scruffy. I don't want or need to look unkempt for any reason... it's time to go, adorable sequined Converse high-tops. *sniff* (Anyway, I have these bad girls to replace them, so all is fair in the world of sneakers as of today.)

Also heading to the clothing grave? This dress I've had for at least five years, and I knew had seen it's last summer, but I packed it away anyway, just in case I was wrong.

But I wasn't wrong.

It was just limp and faded, and pin-sized holes here and there were starting to get larger with each wash... threadbare is what is was, really. So long, girl. Thanks for the memories.

Also in the heap is this ruffled tank top that never did hold it's black colour as steadfastly as I'd hoped. (Of course, I washed and wore it about a hundred times...) I suppose I could try to re-dye it or something, but I know I won't actually do it. I know when to throw in the towel on intentions. And honestly, the last thing I need to do is go mucking about with a bunch of black dye in my washing machine, or whatever - that does not sound like a good idea to me at all. So. I loved you once, but we have to break up now, tank top. It's not me, it's you.

(But for better or for worse? My youth and I are still hanging onto that sequin skirt which I also wore here. Believe it. I will rock it until I am leaky and creaky and ooooold.)

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From My Closet - May 17th, 2013

2013-05-17T13:30:00Z

I've been rearranging the closet items, busting out the good weather stuff, and packing away my big stupid brown parka and whatnot. It feels good to wear shoes without socks again, even if there's a slight chill in the air some days.

I had to run a few errands not far from home, so I slipped on one of my favourite pairs of shoes - a grey-blue pair of slingbacks with a low wooden heel - which look super casual when paired with jeans. Ideal for doing non-fancy things in non-fancy places. I can skip around town in them quite merrily.

I'm still donning this chunky wool sweater, which is heavy in knit, but fine to wear without a coat at this time of year... and without a t-shirt underneath. The v-neck is deep, so I threw on that skull print scarf to keep me warm AND to shield my shockingly ample decollete from the eyes of children and dirty old men alike as I go about my business around town. *snort* (See how subtle and floral the scarf appears? TOTALLY NOT SCARY!!)

And I stole my kid's fedora for the day, a) because I can do what I want because I'm the mum, and 2) because he was at school and was none the wiser. (Until now.)

grey hat with brim - Zara, $17.90
skull print scarf - Dynamite, $22.90
brown cable knit sweater - Bedo (ancient)
jeans - Garage (ancient)
black/brown belt with grommets - Winners, $13
grey-blue slingbacks - Pegabo (a thousand years old)
metallic snakeskin bag - Michael Kors (gift)

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The Closet Shrink: Spring Fling(ing)

2013-05-16T16:15:00Z

I've been sorting and purging and re-storing our things over the last few weeks, but I really like this process. It lends opportunity to taking a close look at your things for the coming season or two - it's more obvious for children, who outgrow things like jackets, pants, and shoes, but my own items often need more careful consideration. As I've mentioned before, closet space is at a premium in our house, and I'm no hoarder, so I need to be judicious and ruthless about what I keep!

I always try to trick out the insides of my closets so they look attractive, and I get to fall in love with my stuff again. Like those black and white spectator pumps on the shelf? I don't wear them every day of course, but every time I open my closet door (which is several times a day) I half-smile and swoon a little to myself, and purr, "oh haaaaai, shooooooes..." That's pretty rad, considering I've had those shoes for a hundred years or more.

And out come the straw purses, and away go the suede ones. Howdy flip-flops and fedoras... fare-thee-well furs and toques. I did keep the stretch mini gloves on hand for now, since Mother Nature is clearly drunk and needs to go home. Fickle weather, yo - gotta be prepared.

Another great thing about this practice is really noting what is still in good repair and what isn't so one can shop accordingly and not over-consume. Get rid of what doesn't suit, but make use of what still does. If you're a sewer, try repurposing items if you can. You don't really need the same sandal in fifteen colours. If you're not wearing that thing, donate it to someone who can use it. Get it out of your life... just don't be all "disposable" about what you purchase in the first place.

I like to be savvy with my dollar whenever I can, but Bangladesh and the business of retail is still weighing heavily in my heart and on my mind. I'm glad to note that I still have many of my inexpensive purchases in rotation years later. Outside of the shoes and bags, I'm not prone to hang onto many garments for five years or longer, nor do I have racks and racks of clothes. I wear what I own... and when it's over, it's over. *shrugs* I'm also not terribly sentimental about most "things" which is good for me.

Have you you done your spring fling yet? How are your closets shaping up this season?!

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From My Closet - May 10th, 2013

2013-05-10T20:00:00Z

I finally flipped my closets over from cold-weather wear to HOT last weekend, since it suddenly got entirely too warm to wear anything other than shorts and flip flops. The two weeks of spring is often like that, I find.

And I've mostly been shopping for the children, since their growing needs are indeed about GROWTH - a boy needs more than two pairs of shorts to wear (especially when it's upwards of 25 degrees Celsius each day) and no one has suitable shoes that fit. This kind of shopping can empty a lady's wallet in a hurry.

So in an effort to infuse a bit of newness!! and fun!! into my wardrobe, I've been looking at accessories, which can help refresh your tired-ass togs. While window shopping the other day, I spied this scarf on a mannequin, and my covet-y eyes fell lovingly all over it, and made them take it off the fibreglass madame, since it was the last one in the store that day.

It's got skulls. Skulls in florals and bows and bead-shaped bits and bobs all silkscreened onto a creamy white background, with just enough colour to be playful, but not enough to be bossy - perfect for me. And as it turns out, the thing is positively HUGE, and can drape in a myriad of ways, whether worn at the neck, or around the body apres swim, or sarong-style. Even just folded and draped over one's shoulders on a breezy terrasse ought to ward off the chill at night. Score!

It's actually a pretty popular print these days... you're likely to see something like it in lots of places this summer.

Accessories don't have to cost a lot. Go refresh yourself!!

skull print scarf - Dynamite, $22.90

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Urban Kid Closet - May 8th, 2013

2013-05-08T15:00:00Z

I find Old Navy to be rather hit-or-miss from season to season... I haven't bought much for my son from there in a few years, but it's been my huckleberry for this girl so far.

And thanks to all those terrific online-shopping rebates and such, I've been able to pick up a clutch of sundresses for Madame, who practically cries whenever I wave a pair of pants in front of her eyes. Alrighty then... bring on the dresses, ~~spring~~ er, summer!!

I know some might think I'm crazy to put her in a white dress (or white anything) but it's not as if I encourage her to go rolling around on her belly in the dirt while she's wearing it, and anyway, soaking your whites in a basin of cold water with a drop of two of bleach is hardly what I call high maintenance. It's just cotton... it's just laundry. And lookit how fresh this little daisy looks, will you please?!

Just about any kind of footware will do... even the bare variety. All good!!

Ava Scarlett wears:

ruffled dobby sundress in calla lilly - Old Navy, ~~$22.94~~ $16 sale

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Urban Kid Closet - May 3rd, 2013

2013-05-03T15:30:00Z

Let's go, SPRING!!

I did some online shopping last month, in anticipation of the warmer weather, and finally being able to put away all the wintry wollens and such... and as of last weekend, we're all exercising our right to bare arms.

Witness: the sleeveless shirtdress.

When I open the shipment, I wasn't immediately sure about the neon coral accents on this camo-green shirt dress, but I think I'm digging it pretty hard now. It breaks up all the murkiness of all the green shades going on in the flora and fauna. Madame loves it because it's a DRESS even though it's not as twirly as some of others, and I love it because it was inexpensive, thanks to all those terrific sales and rebates, plus it's machine washable cotton. (Though I reckon the busy pattern will hide the stains-of-the-day pretty well, too.) Win-win-winnedy-win-win.

It's roomy for now, but as she grows, it may even rock over some skinny jeans...

Ava Scarlett wears:

camo sleeveless utility dress - Old Navy, ~~$22.94~~ $14 sale
grey-blue legwarmers with gold thread - Mexx, $8
brown leather riding boots - Zara, (old)

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Urban Kid Closet - April 25th, 2013

2013-04-25T13:45:00Z

What is this weather doing, April? I honestly don't know, with these super-chilly mornings, and windy afternoons... it's hard to know how to dress.

As I say the word dress, this child's ears prick up, and she is DESPERATE to wear some of the more summery items I bought a few weeks ago (I really should have kept them hidden) but for this fickle weather, this one works.

This was a Zara online purchase, and sadly, not on sale (Boo!!) but the colour is really flattering on this kid, and I love the crochet applique on the front of this simple short-sleeved A-line dress. It's lightweight cotton and machine washable - I'm not even going to iron it, ever. And I dig the electric purple and blue stripes in her tights paired with this more muted army green... and it's a DRESS, so she's perfectly pleased and all twirly about it.

Also? That faux-leather jacket I picked up for her in the fall DOES still fit, and is looking pretty boss this spring. I dare say, it may still fit come back-to-school time this September. That's a pretty nifty bargain... which makes the full-price dress feel like less of a failure. :)

Yay!

Ava Scarlett wears:

dress with ruffle bib front, khaki - Zara, $29.90
striped tights - Zellers, (last year)
brown leather riding boots - Zara, ancient
leatherette jacket by B Hip Kids - Winners, $24.99

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Urban Kid Closet - April 15th, 2013

2013-04-15T14:30:00Z

I scooped up this top on sale from the Gap a few years ago, but it only started fitting her this past fall... and I found it a bit tough to pair. Sure it looked great with these adorable pink cords as well as with these cute skinny cargos, but pants are decidedly NOT her favourite. She looks at me as if she's punished whenever I make her wear some. (Prepare yourselves for The Summer of The Dress, y'all.)

But late this winter, while I was in-store shopping at Zara, I spied this simple skirt in camo-green with an elastic waist. (Sadly, it was not on sale, and you know how I hate that, but it ought to fit her for a long while.) I thought it might go well with lots of her other things, and if her grey tights would work with it (they would!) then she'd have something else to wear as a bottom for the rest of the winter/spring, and we'd likely have less fights about pants-wearing. Because tutus are sometimes just too precious for school, you know.

And like I said, the plain grey tights she owns have been perfectly fine, but those new ones I bought the other day? The pink-y striped ones have almost the very SAME colour scheme in them as the funky top. Only the top has green in it... much like the skirt itself. And the cheeriness of the tights feels more like spring, and less like boo-hoo winter, as she looked wearing the grey. (Okay, she was still totally cute in the grey ones too, but these are even better.)

A little ruffle heeere... another over theeere... man, I love it when an outfit comes together. It's a bit like magic.

PS - Don't mind her while she plays her tuning organ.

Ava Scarlett wears:

funky coloured smock top - Gap, about $15 sale
ruffle skirt in khaki - Zara, $29.90
lollipop striped tights in pink, Country Kids - Tiny Soles, $12
brown leather riding boots - Zara, $65 $25.99 (sale)

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From My Closet - April 11th, 2013

2013-04-11T15:30:00Z

So, I happened by the place the rhymes with Sinners the other day, mostly perusing the shoes, the way I often do... and didn't I find this cute pair of Converse sneakers? And weren't they just the right price for budget-savvy moi?!

They read like a burgundy + pink tweed which gives them an all-over puce kind of colour (not puke - that's different) and they're lined with hot pink satin. RAWR! (And they're not as dark as they appear in this picture.)

I deem them exactly right for getting around town these days, since boots sometimes feel too hot and clunky, but I'm not nearly ready for open toes just yet.

I'm gonna wear them while I ride Oliver's scooter around inside the house today. Let's go spring, I'm ready! #skatergirl

puce tweed Converse All-Star Chucks - Winners, $29.99

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Urban Kid Closet - April 9th, 2013

2013-04-09T13:30:00Z

While looking for tights for this girl several weeks back, I popped into a store I don't normally frequent, desperate in my search. It's a based-in-Quebec chain called Souris Mini (Mini Mouse). I confess that I find their stuff a little too... Idunnowhat... for my kids. I find many of the patterns and colour schemes a bit bold for my taste all told, but that's just me. (And it's not what I'd call an inexpensive shopping experience so, behold the sales times!!)

That day turned up no tights I could abide by, but I did find this purple turtleneck sweater with the rabbit on the front (I guess it's okay) but what I really loved were the funky sleeves that are attached only by a little tie at the upper bicep, which gapes a wee bit when she moves around. I thought it was adorable.... and you know how much I love stripes, right? (Plus it was on sale for half price - I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.)

She reached into her drawer and pulled out the purple version of those tights I ordered the other day, and pulled down her most favourite of all the skirts, which she also wears here otherwise known as the tutu that will not die. And I wasn't sure at first if the stripy arms AND the stripy legs wouldn't be tres hard to look at - I mean, there is such a thing as too many stripes - but in this case, with the top and the skirt being solid in colour, and the boots cutting some of the stripy-ness on the bottom, I can dig it. And it helps that the stripes are similar in size, I think.

Plus, she's only five... I reckon she can be as stripy as she wants to be.

It looks and feels spring to me. And it will look great paired with a denim skirt or white jeans... (Gotta find her some white jeans soon!)

Ava Scarlett wears:

knit turtleneck with detatchable sleeves - Souris Mini, ~~$35~~ $17.50 sale
grey tutu - Old Navy (ancient)
lollipop striped tights in lavender, Country Kids - Tiny Soles, $12
brown leather riding boots - Zara, $25.99 sale (ancient)

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Urban Kid Closet - March 31st, 2013

2013-03-31T13:00:00Z

I love a funky t-shirt. It's got a burn-out camo-motif in purpley blacks. And she loves rhinestones. (Who doesn't?) It was love at first click. Thank you, internet.

Me: Do you like this one, Miss?

Her: *lively eyes* Yeeessssss...

Me: Well, okay then.

(She's much more jazzed about this t-shirt in person, I swear.) I love it when shopping is simple, don't you?

t-shirt with skulls - Zara, $17.90
tan beanie with rosette - Zara, ancient
denim skirt - Old Navy, ancient
grey and black striped leggings - Gap, ancient

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Urban Kid Closet - March 29th, 2013

2013-03-29T13:00:00Z

When spring finally springs, it's a glorious thing indeed, but we're not ready for bare legs for several weeks yet. So bring on the tights.

But indeed... where are all the tights? I've been having a hell of a time finding the kind of girls tights with feet, but without any cable-stitching or ass-y motifs on them. It's not been an easy task, and some of my favourite places to shop at are decidedly sans tights right now.

So I scoured the internet and found a company called Tiny Soles out of Washington, who had a bunch of things to choose from. Given the time of year, sizing is always an issue for products like these, but I managed to find a few things to help us straddle the season... there's a pair here more orchid in colour than I'd assumed (they were called "plum" on the site) but I think I can make them work on this little girl. And stripes are always easy.

Free shipping over $20. I can dig it.

lollipop striped tights - $12 each
solid "plum" tights - $11

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Urban Kid Closet - March 27th, 2013

2013-03-27T20:30:00Z

First, let me say I can't believe he let me take his picture... it seems like such a rare event these days.

I find dressing this boy fairly uncomplicated - give him some t-shirts he's fond of and jeans that fit the way he likes, and he's golden. I've tried pushing him in fashion directions he just won't go in, not for love or money. I wish he'd be down with an argyle v-neck sweater, or a rock a black turtleneck, or wear a chunky cable-knit with a funky collar... but he won't have it. And hats (outside of the cold weather variety) were just a pipedream... until now.

Rather than take the boy shopping in stores, (which makes him only drag his feet and whine half the day,) I sit at the computer with Oliver next to me, and ask him what kinds of items he likes from this store or that... I try to steer him in the directions (and price points) that I like, and he's usually quite agreeable. Then we have stuff sent to the house to try on for size, and send back whatever doesn't suit.

And to my amazement, the child pointed to this hat and said, this please and he's completely delighted. So of course I'm completely delighted, too. I mean, the kid can rock a hat like nobody's business... let's hope it's a trend. He and his sister can be a nearly-matched set, I reckon.

Oliver wears:

grey hat with brim - Zara, $17.90
Anchor t-shirt - Zara, $17.90
wide-leg jeans - Levi's, about $30

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