Happy Monday (and happy Municipal Election Day to those of you in Ontario)! As it’s the top of the work week, I thought another batch of office outfits might be fitting. None of them are groundbreaking per se, but if you’re stuck on what to wear to work (and you don’t have a strict dress code), hopefully there’s something in here that stirs up an idea or two.

Subscribe now

For your quick reference, and unless otherwise noted below, my daily office jewelry typically consists of Sophie Buhai hoop earrings, a Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Teardrop ring, a Mondo Mondo Odalisque ring and Café ring set (which they no longer make, but you’ll get the same look with this and this), as well as my engagement ring.

Shall we get into the outfits?

I’ve worn it many times since, but this was my red trench’s maiden voyage. I found it in the SSENSE sale in the depths of summer—I can’t recommend shopping off-season highly enough—and this was the first day that it was cool enough outside to warrant its wear. It’s my only piece of non-neutral-coloured outerwear, and happily, I haven’t found that it’s any less versatile than my black or brown jackets.

Underneath, I wore a really simple men’s shirt and silk trousers for maximum comfort. To balance out the general looseness of the look, I slipped on my chunkiest ring. The metal adds some much-needed visual weight.

This is the second of my tabi pumps’ four appearances in this roundup, which—jewelry aside—makes it the most worn piece of the newsletter.

This is me taking advantage of suede boot weather while we’ve got it. If you hadn’t gathered by now, whatever is happening outside plays a pivotal role in the clothes that I wear to the office. That’s obviously true of everyone to a certain degree, but especially so for those of us who rely on public transportation. And just as much as inclement weather can mean adding layers and wearing rainproof footwear for protection, good weather is always my cue to wear my more delicate pieces.

Much like the red trench, I bought this sweater when Toronto temperatures were at their peak in July, so I was not-so-secretly delighted by our first sub-20°C day in months because of the opportunity that it presented to wear said sweater. It’s an exceptionally soft and surprisingly weighty merino wool blend in a sublime oat colour, and, since this first wear, I’ve been having a hard time not reaching for it every morning. For the longest time, outside of a performance-wear context, I’ve been mostly averse to visible zippers—I probably wore one too many American Apparel garments with an exposed contrast zipper in high school—so this definitely marks a shift for me. I’m sure Matthieu Blazy is in large part to blame.

I never expected to find a pair of cords that I’d be just as happy wearing out in the evening as to the office, but find them I did. I’d been mulling over this particular pair for a little while, but it was this note that posted that sent me racing to my nearest COS to track them down, and thank goodness, because now they’re sold out online. You can (and should) sign up to be notified if and when your size comes back in stock, though. They’re structured, but not uncomfortably so, and incredibly versatile. I really love how the muddy brown colour of the cords looks with the vibrant red knit.

Between the new belt and socks, is it glaringly obvious that this was my first time back in the office post-Paris?

Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons showed their SS 2027 collection the day prior to my wearing this outfit. I loved the show, but outside of a beach or pool setting, you’re unlikely to catch me in a bra top. The looks that paired knee-length skirts with knitwear, though, were right up my alley. At the time of writing, we’re coming to the end of bare leg season in Toronto, so this is a look that I’ll be retiring for a few months, though I’m sure a winter iteration with tights and boots will appear in future office outfits.

I wore this relatively casual outfit to briefly pop into the office to pick up some books ahead of the Frankfurt Book Fair.

In yet another example of my being easily influenced, I found these paisley Zara jeans via an IG Reel (I can’t for the life of me find it now to link it, unfortunately). I have a bit of a soft spot for the pattern (my dad used to wear it from time to time), and I was confident that I’d be able to easily style them with the things already in my closet. Feeling the cotton, you can tell that they cost <$100, but, truthfully, I didn’t buy them with the expectation that they’d be something that lives in my closet forever (it’s not something that I’m proud of, but I find that I often tire of—and subsequently rehome—printed pieces after a few seasons).

When in doubt, or—more accurately in this case—when low on time in the morning, I turn to black and white. I also find myself drawn to a simpler, more monochromatic palette when I let my hair air dry; I prefer the texture of the waves against a clean backdrop.

With its slight peplum and three-quarter length sleeves, I love this collarless blazer. Unless it’s paired with jeans or other casual trousers, though, it has a tendency to feel a little too corporate for my very relaxed office. Looking back, I’m not mad at where I landed here, though I do think the outfit could benefit from the addition of a belt or bracelet.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can let me know by liking, commenting, and sharing! It really goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

As always, thank you, truly, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). Commissions help support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I owe you a more fulsome recap of the trip, but—post-Frankfurt Book Fair—I spent the weekend before last in Paris, and (of course) did a little shopping while there. Here are the things that made the trip home with me, as well as a few that—for both budgetary and weight allowance reasons—I tragically left behind.

Subscribe now

500g of salted French butter: the first of many purchases from La Grande Épicerie, where I could have spent all day (and nearly did). For €1, they’ll vacuum seal it for you at the store. I threw it in my Airbnb’s freezer overnight, then in my checked bag when it was time to head to the airport, and thankfully had no issues getting it home. I’ve been using the Grand Fermage on the pumpkin muffins that I baked this week and it’s been heavenly.

At Monoprix, I picked up three pairs of organic cotton socks. The colours are divine, and they’re the perfect weight for loafers. I only wish I’d bought more!

Also from La Grande Épicerie, I purchased two types of French mustard for my condiment-obsessed fiancé.

I was excited to see that Dover Street Parfums Market is stocking products from OMMAGE, ’s newly-launched beauty brand, which doesn’t (yet) ship to Canada. I’ve been a longtime Beauty Blender devotee, but couldn’t resist the gorgeous design of the OMMAGE Buffer Brush, which promises to adapt to liquid, cream, and powder formulas and “give a seamless second-skin finish.”

You can find Clément Faugier Crème de Marrons at some specialty stores in Toronto, but I’ve never seen it in these precious (and very giftable) mini tubes before. I like to use the sweet chestnut spread on buttered toast and in porridge and yogurt bowls.

Whether or not you’re planning to make a purchase, the Lemaire boutique in Le Marais is always worth a visit. The space is stunning and the staff are lovely. After trying on nearly every belt in the store, I ended up going home with this one. It’s a gorgeous soft leather in a really deep shade of brown, and the almond-shaped studs make it feel like jewelry for the waist.

For my fiancé's parents, I picked up a box of pure butter shortbread biscuits from La Mère Poulard.

They may or may not be haunted, but, for €1 each, I couldn’t leave behind these photographs, which I found at a street market somewhere in the 11th arrondissement. I’m not sure where the boys will end up, but I think the kids on the left would look great framed in our kitchen.

At Tactile Café—where I had one of the best flat whites of my life—I picked up a bag of beans from Three Marks Coffee.

My fiancé and I collect magnets, so, at the Musée de l'Orangerie, I bought one featuring Monet’s Water Lillies (Nymphéas).

I’m a jam freak, so choosing just one jar to bring home was a real challenge. I landed on a mango and passionfruit blend from—you guessed it—La Grande Épicerie.

In terms of French pharmacy purchases, I limited myself to a single bottle of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, which I typically spray on my body right after showering.

By the time we got to Arcades, my friend Emily and I had been shopping all day and were nearing our limit, so I almost didn’t try on this vintage cotton twill Prada skirt. I’m so glad I did, though, because the fit is perfect. Of course, mere days after bringing it home, Scout lists the matching jacket… Pray for me.

I’m typically a Figuier, Vanille, or Ambre girl, but I branched out at Diptyque this time around. The brand describes the smell of the Cyprès candle as being “A long-lingering sun-drenched moment… The heightened heat of deep summer, anytime, anywhere,” but to me, this is a decidedly wintery scent. It smells like evergreens, jasmine, and honey, and I’m planning on lighting it as soon as Toronto gets its first snow.

For my parents, I brought back fleur de sel and Parisian honey.

In terms of the things that I left behind but continue to think about, first, there is the embellished lace Simone Rocha dress (also here) that I tried on at Dover Street Market. I posted a picture on IG Stories and have never received as many messages about a single garment of clothing.

Also at DSM, I tried on the Phoebe Philo Zip Jeans and they were, quite simply, perfect. Pulling them on, I got the overwhelming sense that they already belonged to me, which is always a green flag, though—at this price point—extremely dangerous. The photo that I took really doesn’t do them any justice.

If these feathered shoes had been available in my size at Chanel, I almost certainly would have bought them for my as-yet-unplanned-and-likely-to-be-very-lowkey wedding (2 years engaged and counting, baby!).

I was tempted by a few pairs of sunglasses on the trip, most notably: a vintage Miu Miu pair (not dissimilar to these) at NUOVO (where Emily scored a gorgeous brown sleeveless Gucci dress that fits her like a glove and Emma picked up some fabulous Chanel sunnies); Jimmy Fairly’s Aela frames (slightly reminiscent of the sold out Khaite x Oliver Peoples style made famous on Substack by ); and finally, Emma talked me out of buying this Celine pair, though I’m still not completely convinced that I don’t need them…

I loved this Lemaire jacket, which I tried on with these black jeans.

I practiced restraint at Insitu, despite trying on some really beautiful vintage pieces, including a knit Ungaro belt, Max Mara Weekend skirt, and Ghesquiere-era Balenciaga top (I’m kicking myself for not taking more pictures!).

Finally, simply because I know that they wouldn’t get the wear that they deserve, I left behind some SS 2012 Miu Miu boots that I’ve long lusted after (similar pairs here and here).

I’ll be back soon with a longer debrief of the trip. In the meantime, if you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Thank you, truly, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I didn’t plan this very well. See, I’m writing to you pre-flight, but by the time this is landing in your inbox, I’m in Frankfurt for the annual book fair. I wanted this newsletter to go live on Thursday, October 8 (a nice, round week after my last post), but it’s another edition of “unsolicited links” and, with roughly half of the pieces below being secondhand and, therefore, one-of-one, I’m terrified that things will sell out if I wait that long (and I make these collages by hand, which means no last minute changes). So you’re getting it a couple days early. Hope you don’t mind!

Subscribe now

The organizing principle behind this collection of clothing and accessories? Things I want to buy right now (and a couple that I already have…)! For each, I’ve linked, listed prices and sizing (where applicable), and shared a thought or two. You can also shop everything here.

Without further ado, and moving clockwise(ish) from the top left…

• Wales Bonner Black Construct Leather Midi Skirt, $2270 CAD (It’s extortionately expensive, I know, but this may just be the perfect skirt…)

• Vintage Chanel Black Oval Sunglasses (OS) via Mine & Yours Consignment, $450 CAD (If I hadn’t just bought a pair of oversized sunglasses this summer, I’d probably already have found a way to justify these.)

• Vintage Prada Leather Slingback Pumps (Size IT 39.5) via TRR, Approx. $105 CAD (The price is right.)

• Vintage Cream Beaded Jacket and Top Set via eBay, $35 USD OBO (With a great pair of jeans? Divine. The set is listed as a 14, but I’d check the measurements for more precise sizing. This is similarly great.)

• COS Corduroy Straight Leg Jeans, $189 CAD (These are magical corduroys! Where most pairs I’ve tried add too much bulk, these are somehow sleek? I bought a pair last week and plan to wear them on repeat for the next six months.)

• Jil Sander Double-Breasted Jacket (Size US 4) via TRR, Approx. $450 CAD (The vintage answer to my Totême trench.)

• Almina Concept High V-Neck Tank, $145 CAD (Help! I just bought this long sleeve and now I’m addicted to high v-necks.)

• Vintage Giorgio Armani Dark Khaki Wool Collarless Long Coat (Size IT 40) via eBay, $236 USD (Jump on this before it gets any colder and everyone starts searching for coats! And, for that matter—now that Dario Vitale is heading to Emporio—before everyone starts searching for Vintage Armani!)

• Totême Sharp Pony Hair Pumps, $1260 CAD (Outfit-making shoes.)

• Totême Belted Suede Tote, $1475 CAD (An excellent slouchy shape and shade of gray.)

• Vintage 1940s Floral Neckline Nightgown via Etsy, $210 USD (Very Chloé. Check measurements for sizing.)

• Vintage Giorgio Armani White Floral Jacket and Gaucho Set (Size IT 40) via eBay, $295 USD OBO (Dreamy. It’s not even my size and I’m still tempted…)

• Prada Satin Kitten Heel Slingbacks (Size IT 39.5) via eBay, $225 USD OBO (I’m currently fixated on pointy toe Prada heels. The bow accents on these ones are so precious.)

• Celine Chain Necklace (OS) via VSP Consignment, $695 CAD (Let’s just say, if I had a spare $700 laying around, you would not be seeing this link. Between the length and the mixed metals, the styling possibilities are endless.)

• SKIMS Purple Soft Lounge Sleep Pyjama Set, $240 CAD (An excellent shade of purple.)

• Kallmeyer Mini Skirt (Size S) via TRR, Approx. $160 CAD (I love Kallmeyer, you love Kallmeyer, we all love Kallmeyer.)

• RÙADH The Agnes Rigid Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $520 USD (I’m dying to try this brand’s denim IRL.)

• J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Cotton Sweater, $144 CAD (Is this the year I finally pull the trigger?)

• Birkenstock Amsterdam Wrapped Clogs, $180 CAD (I can personally vouch for these, having just bought them to be a quick slip-on-and-go shoe. They’re like Birkenstock’s version of The Row’s version of The OG Boston Birkenstock.)

• Eckhaus Latta x J.Crew Double-Waisted Chino Pant, $289 CAD (My pick from this very strong collaboration.)

• Massimo Dutti Short High Collar Nappa Leather Jacket, $629 CAD (I do not need a new leather jacket. I do not need a new leather jacket. I do not need a new leather jacket.)

• Celine Knotted Hoop Earrings (OS) via VSP Consignment, $395 CAD (Everyday earrings in the making.)

• Tory Burch Large Handwoven Basket Tote, $925 CAD (Especially in the Cognac. I blame Becky Malinsky for this one.)

• LE17SEPTEMBRE Khaki Textured Alpaca Collar Knit Polo, $480 CAD (This sweater has such a delightful droopiness to it, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.)

• Totême Cashmere Crew Neck Pullover (Size S) via TRR, Approx. $200 CAD (Deeply obsessed with this cornflower blue.)

• St. Agni Brown Canvas Classic Mid Rise Jeans, $545 CAD (Very tempting.)

• Prada Suede Belt via TRR, Approx. $230 CAD (Comes with its dust bag, if that’s something that matters to you. Just check the photos and measurements before adding to cart! With all those grommets, I’d imagine the sizing is more flexible than TRR is letting on.)

• Prada Leather Round Toe Boots (Size IT 40) via Rewind Couture, $995 CAD (They’re not cheap, but they’re very very good.)

• Renaissance Renaissance Trench Coat (Size FR 38) via TRR, Approx. $215 CAD (I love the tension between the ruffles and the military green.)

• Haikure Corduroy Trousers (Size US 28) via TRR, Approx. $90 CAD (A great shape and a unique colour. Don’t sleep on Haikure!)

• Manolo Blahnik Suede Animal Print Boots (Size IT 39.5) via TRR, Approx. $260 CAD (These are listed as being in “Very Good” condition, but they look pretty damn near pristine to me!)

• Totême Merino Wool Sweater (Size S) via TRR, Approx. $180 CAD (A pretty good price for Totême knitwear.)

• Róhe Beige Ted Lower Waist Corduroy Trousers, $730 CAD (These have a great slouch to them.)

• Proenza Schouler Black Trap Tall Boots, $1415 CAD (Until my similar Jil Sander pair officially bite the dust, I can’t justify these boots, but maybe you can? I love the elongated square toe shape so much.)

• Kotn Noor Sheer Cardigan, $148 CAD (I specifically love the “cardamom” colourway, though of course that’s the one that’s out of stock… Sign up for the waitlist!)

• Jimmy Choo Brown & Beige Amelia 35 Spotty Heels, $1250 CAD (Can you tell I’m wanting to wear heels—even teeny tiny ones like these—more often?)

• Vintage Prada Pleated Black Skirt (Size IT 38) via eBay, $209 USD (We all saw the latest Prada show, right?)

Thank you, truly, for reading and being here. Just before I sign off, a gentle reminder that subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing go a long way in helping collaging grow.

Sending love from Frankfurt!

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

During Fashion Month, Vogue Runway becomes ones of my most-frequented apps. Because I’m cursed with completionism, I feel compelled to look at the photos from each and every show, even those that really aren’t to my taste (I have similar tendencies when it comes to books and movies… probably something I should work on!). Along the way, I bookmark the looks that I know I’ll want to revisit. Sure, some of those saved looks are pure fantasy, but—subconsciously or not—the majority are those that contain an element of attainability. By which I do not mean the actual pictured garments are attainable (at least, not until they pop up on The RealReal or eBay in a few years, and oftentimes not even then); rather, it’s the outfits that propose new ideas that feel approachable and relevant to my life (for reference, I’m a thirtysomething woman who is not regularly attending galas).

Subscribe now

It could be a new-to-me colour combination, texture pairing, or silhouette. Maybe there’s a scarf tied in an unfamiliar way or a brooch pinned somewhere unexpected! The possibilities are endless. And such is the focus of today’s send.

It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the newness that comes with the changing of the seasons (I’m just as guilty of it as anyone!). So, in an effort to resist all the “New-In for Fall” marketing e-mails, I dug out a few of the looks that I saved from the 2026 shows and did my best to approximate them using only what was already in my wardrobe. And, just for fun, I gave each a score out of five. Each grade has been accorded based on accuracy and for how likely I am to wear the recreated look IRL. Obviously, some of the results are better than others, but it was still a worthwhile undertaking; I have four new outfits coming out of this (five, if I’m allowed to make an adjustment to one)! If you’re looking for new ways to style what you already own, it’s an exercise I highly recommend.

Shall we get started?

Chanel SS 2026, Look 13:

I loved so many of the looks from Mattieu Blazy’s debut Chanel collection, but this was the one that felt vaguely capable of recreation (possibly because it required the least amount of feathers, beads, and/or tweed). I had added the tuxedo shirt to my closet a few months prior to the show, but hadn’t thought about wearing it with a maxi skirt until I saw model Chen Yang walking across my iPhone screen. The resulting pairing is obviously somewhat reminiscent of Sharon Stone’s iconic 1998 Oscars ensemble and pretty damn chic, if I do say so myself. Should the occasion present itself, it’s an outfit that I’d love to wear IRL (I’m only docking a point because—at least in my current stage of life—such occasions are few and far between).

4/5

Campillo FW 2026, Look 17:

Between the exaggerated shapes and focus on materiality, I loved Campillo’s FW 2026 collection, which showed at NYFW in February. I was really drawn to the rich colours and textures of look 17 in particular, and, despite a definite lack of green silk in my wardrobe, knew it was one that I wanted to take a stab at approximating. The bottoms weren’t too difficult to mimic, as my Haikure trousers—which I picked up on sale at TNT in the spring—have a similar shape to the ones shown on the runway. Then, it was simply a matter of subbing in one jewel tone for another. I bought the purple vintage Celine blouse via eBay this summer after trying on a nearly identical one at VSP (though that one had been a little too small and a lot too expensive). I love the resulting outfit and can’t wait to wear it out in the world.

4.5/5

Dries Van Noten (Men’s) FW 2026, Look 51:

Thanks to my Totême trench, this look from Dries Van Noten’s Men’s FW 2026 show felt pretty achievable. In the interest of accuracy, I wore a leather belt over the coat, but looking back, I wish I’d ditched it. I think I still have a hangover from those years in the ‘00s when we’d belt… everything. Now I really only like to wear belts with garments designed to accommodate them (in saying that, this trench does come with a belt, but it’s made of the same fabric as the main body of the jacket, so doesn’t break up the visual line of the look in the same way that the black leather one does).

3/5

Tod’s FW 2026, Look 15:

This may be my best work of the bunch. I love the mix of layers, colours, and textures, both of the Tod’s look and of my recreation. It’s a look that feels intuitive and unfussy and one that I anticipate wearing a lot over the next six months—likely with some Heattech layered underneath in the dead of winter—both to work and on my off-time.

5/5

Kallmeyer FW 2026, Look 27:

Back in December, linked to these Valentino pajamas in her fabulous Substack, . They sold immediately, of course, but I made a note to start searching “Valentino Intimo” on eBay every once in a while and it wasn’t long before another pair popped up (for less than $90!). When I bought them, I envisioned wearing the pajamas out and about, both as a set and as separates, but thus far, they haven’t left the house. Truthfully, there are some cultural appropriation alarm bells ringing in my head that—somehow—I hadn’t anticipated when hitting “Checkout” and that make me hesitant to venture out in either of the pieces (and yet I’m posting pictures of myself wearing them on the internet… make it make sense). Then, purely aesthetically, I think that one of the smart design details that my top is lacking, but that the Kallmeyer jacket has, is the black fastenings. Those fastenings create a sense of visual cohesion between the upper and lower halves of the outfit, which my version is lacking. On top of that, my trousers are seriously wanting when it comes to volume compared to the ones that model Natalia Montero wore at the show, and my recreation is majorly suffering for it.

1/5

The Garment Pre-Fall 2026, Look 8:

This one, by Danish brand The Garment, might be cheating, since the look in question is from their pre-fall 2026 lookbook and not a runway show… Forgive me? Shoes aside, I just had such similar pieces in my closet that I couldn’t resist. That being said, I’m not sure I see myself wearing this IRL. The length of the sweater and boxiness of the skirt—both pieces I adore separately—just weren’t meshing well together. I had to do a lot of fussing with the sweater just to get a couple mediocre pictures, which doesn’t bode well for real life (what’s worse than wearing something that you’re constantly having to adjust?).

2.5/5

Ann Demeulemeester SS 2026, Look 10:

This old Giorgio Armani jacket (bought from TRR years ago) is the closest that I have to the one shown on the Ann Demeulemeester runway, and, if it weren’t for this exercise, I actually don’t know if I would have thought to pair it with the flocked jeans. For a more streamlined look, I subbed in a less bulky leather boot than the combat style that walked the runway. I docked some points because it’s far from an exact replica of the original look, but I love this pairing (so much so that I wore it out with friends the other night).

3.5/5

Well? How’d I do? Was I too easy on myself? I welcome any and all feedback. And if you’re inspired to try something similar, let me know! I’d love to see it.

Just before I sign off, a gentle reminder that subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing go a long way in helping collaging grow.

Thank you, truly, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

Runway images via Vogue Runway.

Despite having spent most of the week recovering from a nasty cold, it feels—and hopefully I’m not jinxing myself by saying it—so good to be back in the swing of things here. Now let’s just hope that I can keep this momentum going while in Europe in a couple weeks’ time! Ha ha ha…

Subscribe now

I have a good old roundup of recently worn outfits for you today, with a side of our slowly-taking-shape office-cum-guest room in the background.

Shall we dive right in? (Trigger warning: peplums ahead…)

The day that I wore this outfit, I heard someone at the farmer’s market say that it was the best weekend on the calendar for Ontario produce. It’s this really specific time of year when temperatures in Toronto mirror those in LA: cool in the mornings (so, when I got dressed), and hot as hell by the afternoon (when I was sweating through the shirt). But, despite my wearing it a few weeks early, I love this look. And I love this perfect mug that my friend Brianna made and gave to me as a housewarming present.

I rinsed this outfit this summer (though in July and August, I was pairing it with sandals). I’ve never particularly loved wearing super clingy clothes, so as well as being convenient to have on hand when it gets chilly—like at the movies or, in this case, when walking home from dinner at my friend Liz’s—it’s also nice that the shirt tied at the waist breaks up the bodycon-ness of the dress a little bit.

I’m not proud to admit that this outfit is completely comprised of purchases from fast fashion brands. But, in my opinion, the best way to make amends for supporting brands that promote incessant and mindless consumption and that frame their products as meant to be worn, at most, a handful of times, is to treat those products with as much thought and attention as I would anything entering my closet. In other words, I try to get as much use out of them as possible for as long as possible via proper care and storage, and treat them as indispensable rather than disposable.

This is the outfit that I wore on my last trip to our old apartment, where I grabbed our final remaining boxes and gave the insides of the drawers and cabinets a much-needed clean. In sharp contrast to the previous look, everything here—aside from the jewelry—is secondhand (I’ve actually had the shorts since high school).

I rarely make completely spontaneous purchases, but found this DVN top at Mine & Yours a few weeks ago and was immediately sold on the colour—it’s not super evident in the photos, but it has a subtle grey stripe—and smocking details on the sleeves and neckline. I mentally concocted a few different ways that I could wear it with what’s already in my wardrobe and made a beeline for the checkout (it’s also worth noting that it was on sale for a pretty unbelievable price). The first way I wore the blouse was with vintage 501s to the office, and the second is pictured above for dinner at my fiancé's sister’s (where we got to spend time with her perfect new baby).

I missed out on tickets for her first Toronto tour dates back in April, but finally got to see Lily Allen perform West End Girl last week, and it was a revelation. This is, of course, what I wore to the show.

This outfit, which I wore to grab gelato at Bar Ape with my friend Allie, was a very intentional recreation of Look 30 from Auralee’s SS 2027 show. The colours and shoes are different, of course, but otherwise I think I pretty much nailed it. With so much else covered up, and since the weather still permits it, I swapped out the close-toed shoes that Auralee sent down the runway for clear vinyl flip flops (which ended up being one of my most worn pairs of shoes this summer!).

And PSA: I can’t recommend Saks Potts’ Salma jeans highly enough. They’re 100% cotton, buttery soft, and come with a leather card holder that snaps into place where a brand patch would typically sit. Saks Potts shut down in 2024, so keep an eye out—or, better yet, add a saved search—for the jeans whenever you’re next scrolling on TRR, Vestiaire Collective, or the like. For size reference, I’m wearing a M that I had my tailor bring in at the waist to get the perfect mid-rise fit.

I coincidentally wore my (now years-old) Conner Ives dress on the same day as the designer’s SS 2027 show at NYFW. As usual, I loved this most recent collection and will be fantasizing about this skirt, this dress, and this jacket for the foreseeable future.

This is what I wore on my most recent visit to Dotty’s to eat my favourite burger in Toronto. I’d had this particular top on my wishlist last summer, but could in no way justify the CAD $550 price tag (it’s a cotton-elastane blend, after all). So when I saw both the black and white versions appear on TRR (in “Excellent” condition, no less) for something like $40 each, I didn’t hesitate. Delayed gratification at its finest! I’m out of practice styling a peplum, but ultimately think it works really well with a barrel leg. And I love the balance of the very feminine top with the much more relaxed, utilitarian-leaning trousers. Dotty’s isn’t formal by any means, but the ponyhair bag and tiny heel make the whole look feel a little bit more evening-appropriate.

I just brought these overalls home from the cottage. For years now, they’ve lived there for the duration of the summer and are what I wear whenever my dad ropes me into manual labour (hauling brush, maneuvering boats into and out of the lake, etc.). Post-wash, they had been hanging up to dry, so were handy to grab and throw on over my fiancé's old t-shirt when I needed to run out to grab a few groceries. The checked shirt was a Facebook Marketplace find that I love the colours of, but was in near-new condition when I picked it up and could use some breaking in, so I’m throwing it on at any and every opportunity these days.

September 22 will mark the one-year anniversary of my very first collaging send, so an extra heartfelt note of thanks today…

With there being so many unbelievably talented, clever, creative, charming, stylish, polished, and professional writers and creators on Substack—and on the internet in general—whose work you can spend your time consuming, I am so grateful that you’re here. Whether this is the first or thirty-eighth(!) time you’re reading collaging, thank you, truly, for your time and attention. I don’t take it for granted.

If there’s one thing that I can ask of you (think of it as an anniversary gift?), it’s that you consider sharing collaging with someone you think might enjoy it (whether for the outfits or the shopping suggestions or any of the other miscellany that I throw your way!).

Also, I don’t know if I say it enough: if there’s ever anything that you’d like to see (or see more of!) here—whether that’s a “one piece, five ways” dedicated to a specific piece in your wardrobe that you can’t figure out, an “unsolicited links” focused on a particular retailer or theme, or if you have an upcoming event that you can’t decide on an outfit for—I want to hear about it!

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I’m back! And, as the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, and life resumes more of a regular rhythm post-summer, my Substack Drafts are bursting with future posts. Before we get any further into September, though, a quick recap of some of the best bits of August…

Subscribe now

This year—thanks in large part to my brand new driver’s license—I made the most of what a Southern Ontario August has to offer. That included: a huge amount of time spent in, on, and around the water; consuming as many fresh peaches, tomatoes, berries, and cobs of corn as humanly possible; and one particularly heavenly day at Sandbanks.

Do I fantasize about a gorgeous European summer vacation? Of course! I’m only human. But in a place like Ontario, where we spend so much of the year complaining about the cold, it’s a bit of a waste to spend the precious few warm months that we do have elsewhere, no? (This is a position I’m absolutely willing to compromise on if, say, Hotel Il Pellicano or Les Roches Rouges were to come a-calling.)

Earlier this summer, I pre-ordered St. Agni’s Bagu Woven Tote, and all my other bags have been gathering dust since it was delivered at the beginning of August. Made responsibly in India, I love the texture that the braided leather adds to even the simplest of outfits. I also love that it’s not a style that I have to be overly careful with (I actually think it will patina really nicely over time). The tote is the perfect weight and size for daily use—in other words, it’s light and fits a book—and the straps are long enough that I’ll be able to continue wearing it even as the weather cools and the layers underneath start to grow in volume.

Obviously, Dragon Diffusion are known for similar styles, but ultimately, it was the shape of the Bagu that sold me (if money were no object, though, I can’t promise that it would have won out over this…). If you like the idea of the bag, but the shade of brown or size of mine doesn’t work for you, St. Agni also do it in a slightly lighter Chestnut colour and a wide version.

Éric Rohmer’s Le Rayon Vert (1986)—which screened at TIFF Lightbox at the beginning of the month—follows Delphine (played by Marie Rivière), a Parisian deciding how to spend her August vacation. She tries on different holidays like hats and faces continual disappointment in her search for true human connection. It’s a visually stunning film generally, but the characters’ wardrobes are particularly inspiring.

According to Elle, Rohmer encouraged his actors to wear their own clothes to foster a certain unaffectedness in their performances (and, no doubt, to minimize expenses). The costumes in the film feel akin to red carpet outfits from the ‘90s, before celebrities were professionally styled within an inch of their lives. There’s an overall sense of ease and a lot of loose, natural fabrics and bright (often primary) colours. At certain moments, the clothes feel quintessentially ‘80s and quintessentially French, but, for the most part, they somehow manage to appear untethered to time and space, underscoring the universality that is the longing to be truly seen and understood, one of the film’s major themes (sorry, that was my inner cultural studies major speaking).

TL;DR: If you’re looking for relaxed transitional outfit inspiration, look no further.

It was a summer of French pedicures. I love the neat, clean look of the pinky-nude base and contrasting crisp white crescent at the top of the nail, and I love that I never have to think twice about how my polish will pair with whatever toe-baring shoes I’m wearing.

While we’re talking nails, I went manicure-free this summer (to give both my fingernails and wallet a bit of a break) and my cuticles were suffering for it. That is, until O’Keefe’s Working Hands entered my life. O’Keefe’s claims to be the #1 hand cream brand in America (and what a claim that is!), so this is likely old news to most of you, but this stuff is good. The branding leaves something to be desired, but I can’t argue with the efficacy (or the price tag).

I’ve been less consistent here lately, and the main reason for that is that my fiancé and I moved this month. Obviously, there were stressful moments along the way (it’s a move, after all), but it’s been so nice to start settling in and forming new routines, and, once we’re a little bit further along, I can’t wait to host friends and family with more regularity (it finally feels like the right time to invest in this).

As with my wardrobe, I’m someone who likes to take the time to find the right—and, as often as possible, vintage—pieces for my home; I’d rather do without while I slowly collect things than check everything off the list at once and have it look like I live in the showroom of a furniture store (unless, of course, we’re talking about this furniture store…). With that in mind, I’ve been spending far too much time on Maxsold and Marketplace. I also (finally!) visited the Aberfoyle Antique Market (highly recommend). Still on the list: bedside table lamps, an office chair, a couple rugs, some art, and a side table. Eventually, I’d also like to swap out one of the chairs in our living room, as well as our outdoor furniture (what we have there now is no match for the elements). And, me being me, I’m still perfecting how my clothes and accessories are stored. It’s a work in progress, but I find the process immensely satisfying.

Thank you, truly, if you made it this far. I’m really looking forward to getting back to a weekly (or close-to-weekly) cadence here, and appreciate you bearing with me!

If you enjoyed the newsletter today, keep in mind that subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing go a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

Happy Friday! I’m coming to your inbox and/or Substack feed today with another batch of office outfits.

Subscribe now

Each of these looks was worn between the months of June and August. Somewhere along the way, I also started documenting my footwear (and occasionally, my lunch).

Cotton shirting is a consistent theme this time around, as are white trousers, skirts, and shorts. I’m certainly not of the belief that one needs to retire their whites post-Labour Day, but, to avoid visibly mud-flecked pants, I definitely take advantage of the drier summer months to get as much wear out of my light-coloured bottoms as possible.

Unless otherwise noted below, my daily office jewelry typically consists of Sophie Buhai hoop earrings, a Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Teardrop ring, a Mondo Mondo Odalisque ring and Café ring set (which they no longer make, but you’ll get the same look if you combine this ring with this ring), as well as my engagement ring.

Shall we dive in?

Usually when I’m wearing something on the louder or more colourful side (in this case, the cheetah print jeans), my instinct is to tone down everything else (i.e. not to add a pink blazer), but I love the way these pieces look together. Was I absolutely melting in the humidity as I walked to Impact to buy lunch? Sure! But indoors, I was comfy as can be.

If I’m going to wear a men’s shirt and a pair of vintage 501s to the office, I’ll always try to ensure that the shirt is freshly pressed and that I’m choosing a somewhat polished shoe (there’s a gap in my wardrobe where a pointed toe pump or slingback with a kitten heel should be).

The Zara-does-Celine jazz shoes that I mentioned having bought here make their first collaging appearance! The leather is buttery soft, though I wouldn’t call them hard-wearing exactly (if you’re looking for something similar but more substantial and you can bear the extra cost, I’d try these).

No compilation of office outfits would be complete without my trusty Uniqlo cardigan making an appearance or two.

Not to constantly be linking back to previous newsletters, but I found my beaded earrings! And they feel like a breath of fresh air after years of nearly exclusively wearing hoops (though, of course, those are still in regular rotation). Everything else that I’m wearing in this look is something that I’ve owned and worn for a very long time—oftentimes in this exact combination—which speaks to the power of a vintage accessory to rejuvenate a tried and true outfit formula.

From even just a few feet back, it would be easy to miss the metallic embroidery adorning these jeans, but that’s part of what makes them so special (I found another pair for you on TRR for less than $70 CAD!). The rest of the look is relatively simple: a white shirt and some red suede flats to inject a little bit of colour. They’re (much) more of a splurge, but these loafers would also be fabulous here.

A luteal phase outfit if there ever was one!

The silk shirtdress (worn as a blouse) is Wilfred, the shorts are Chloé, and the eerie lighting is smoke from the Northern Ontario wildfires…

Every single component of this outfit makes multiple appearances in this newsletter and I’m inordinately proud of that fact.

I liked this outfit so much that I wore a version of it in my Globe and Mail feature! The commenters may not have agreed—“dowdy” and “frumpy” were two descriptors being bandied about—but I was happy with the look, and equally as comfortable in my building’s AC as I was on my sweltering commute (not an easy balance to strike, if I do say so myself).

Not to wish away what’s left of the summer, but when the temperatures drop, all that I’ll have to do to make this outfit fall-appropriate will be to layer a turtleneck underneath the checked shirt and swap out the beaded cord for a more substantial leather belt.

Unfortunately, all that I can see when I look at this photo are my grown-out roots, but hopefully the pink-on-pink was the first thing you noticed?

I’m sure that I’ve said it before (and that I’ll say it again): I’m a sucker for an all-white base. It just provides the perfect clean backdrop for whatever else you’re wearing.

Do you have a favourite? If you’re an office-goer, would you wear any of these to work? Or am I deluded and the Globe and Mail commenters are onto something? Let me know!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing go a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Thank you, truly, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Gifted items are marked with an asterisk.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

Forgive the tardiness of this newsletter! To atone for my absence, I come to your inbox today bearing links.

Subscribe now

Between us, this isn’t the post that I most want to be sending. What I really want is to spend a few solid hours putting together and documenting the many outfit ideas floating around in my head. But alas, I’m mid-move and the majority of my clothing is in boxes, so my ability to execute is essentially nonexistent for the time being. Ultimately, of course, the move is a good thing (I’m not moving far, but I am gaining some much-needed square footage), but you’ll have to bear with me—and my inability to produce much in the way of styling suggestions—for a little bit longer!

In the meantime, I’ve put together a collection of clothing and accessories—some new, some secondhand—that are tickling my fancy, and I’ve organized them in the form of the following four (handmade) collages.

Moving clockwise(ish) from the top left…

• Totême Beige Paper Sun Bucket Hat, $340 CAD (This hat has been making the rounds on Substack for good reason!)

• CHIMI Uma Cloudy Tortoise Sunglasses, $260 USD

• Aritzia White InterLock Cotton Steps Long Sleeve, $50 CAD (I’m in the market for a new white long sleeve tee. This is the most that I’d pay for one, considering the inevitable wear and tear.)

• Lié Studio Green Sadie Aventurine Necklace, $650 CAD (Perfect for jazzing up the simplest outfits.)

• Margaux Espresso Woven Leather Deia 50 Heeled Sandals, $630.46 CAD (If the Selene sandals—which the brand generously sent to me to try—are anything to go by, these are likely to be very comfortable.)

• Jil Sander Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater (Size M), $152.23 CAD via TRR (If you’re in the market for cashmere, this is a no-brainer! The same thing from Aritzia will run you an extra $20.)

• Alaïa Black Butterfly Sunglasses, $675 CAD

• Flore Flore Red Angie Cotton Tank Top, $155 CAD (I love a halter.)

• Emily Dawn Long Washed Navy Spoiled Boys Hat, $75 USD (A worthy alternate to the Conner Ives baseball cap that I’m always going on about.)

• Uniqlo Gray Merino Crew Neck Cardigan, $59.90 CAD (I wear the navy version of this cardigan at least once a week all year long.)

• Vincent Boulevard Tan & Ecru Camille Sunglasses, $429 CAD

• Vintage Lapis Lazuli Beaded Necklace, $200 USD OBO via eBay (Just saying…)

• DL1961 White Shrunken Tee, $140 CAD (I’m obsessed with a high-cut v-neck right now.)

• Agnès B. Red Wool Coat (Size M), $226.19 CAD via TRR (Buy this coat and let your outerwear do the sartorial heavy lifting this fall and winter.)

• Seconda Black Fortuna Sunglasses, $255 CAD

• Totême Black Wide Flannel Trousers, $378 CAD (I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair of pleated black trousers and these look really promising.)

• Vintage Ilas Evening Bag, $125 USD OBO via eBay (So incredibly special.)

• Flore Flore Black Cotton Tank Top, $155 CAD (The cut of this top looks so flattering.)

• CHIMI Umber Brown Tony Sunglasses, $260 USD

• Sophie Buhai Sterling Silver Slim Hinged Hoop Earrings, $308 CAD (I wear my Sophie Buhai silver hoops nearly every day. If anything were to happen to them, I’d probably get these as a replacement.)

• Barney’s New York Trench Coat (Size M), $91.91 CAD via TRR (The clean lines, Peter Pan collar, and price of this trench are all very compelling…)

• Jil Sander Red Slim Wool Scarf, $360 CAD (A scarf that you won’t get sick of.)

• CHIMI Terra Tortoise Sally Sunglasses, $230 USD

• Róhe Blue Compact Knitted Polo, $501 CAD (The perfect shade of sky blue.)

• Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Bracelet, $295 USD via eBay (It’s an overused word—especially on Substack—but, chic!)

• Vintage Navy Straw Tote Bag, $18 USD via eBay (A perfect bag, roomy enough for all of your daily essentials.)

• Vincent Boulevard Onyx & Sage Valletta Sunglasses, $429 CAD

• Isabel Marant Silver-Tone Awa Earrings, $280 CAD (Impactful but fuss-free.)

• Vintage St. Thomas 1970s Single Stitch T-Shirt (Size XL), $30 USD via eBay (I’m close to adding this one to my cart… Race you to the checkout! This is also very good.)

• Studio Amelia Cross Front 70 Heel, $315 CAD (An elegant goes-with-everything heeled sandal for any warm weather occasion.)

• CHIMI Black Halo Sunglasses, $260 USD

• Zara Electric Blue Cotton and Linen T-Shirt, $39.90 CAD (It’s a bit out of character for me, but I’m really drawn to this colour and think it will only get better as it starts to fade after a few washes.)

That’s all I’ve got for you for now! Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. If you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. And if there’s anything in particular that you’d like to see from me once I’ve got my closet back in working order, I’m all ears.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!). That commission helps support the work that goes into bringing collaging to your inbox and/or Substack feed.

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

It's been a while since we've done one of these, so let's cut to the chase. Here are the things that I’ve been wearing, watching, reading, consuming, and generally loving this summer:

Subscribe now

I’m certainly not the first on Substack to have read and written about Famesick, and I’m sure I won’t be the last, but this was the book that broke me out of a pretty significant reading slump, so it definitely deserves a mention. I listened to the audio version, which Dunham narrates—I love to listen to nonfiction when it’s read by the author—and lapped it right up. As a millennial woman who loves Girls—though more so on a more recent rewatch than when it was originally airing, but that’s neither here nor there!—I was primed to love this book, and love it I did. I thought that Dunham’s writing struck the perfect balance of feeling conspiratorial without being mean-spirited or gratuitously salacious (though perhaps I might feel differently if I was Jack Antonoff).

Next up on my bandwagon summer reading list: Strangers!

Trust me when I say that, at $124 CAD for a pack of 35 treatments, I wish I didn’t love these as much as I do. As detailed in this post, I first picked up the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads in Sephora’s sale in April and I regret to report that the thousands of five star reviews aren’t lying. I use a treatment every other night or so (after cleansing and before applying serum and moisturizer) and the results are visible by the next morning. Makeup applies more smoothly, and my skin actually appears brighter and clearer with reduced texture. I can’t say I fully understand how they work as well as they do, but they’ve earned themselves a spot in my skincare lineup for the foreseeable future.

I haven’t shut up about my Conner Ives hat since buying it in March and I’m sure you don’t need me to spell out why a baseball cap is a summer wardrobe essential, so I’ll just say: something truly wild would have to happen for it to not make this year’s list of best buys. As well as obviously providing sun protection and/or masking a bad hair day, the fit and quality are excellent and I like that the logo has a bit of an if-you-know-you-know quality to it.

Gelato? For summer? Groundbreaking.

My West End bias is showing, but were you to ask me my top three spots in Toronto for a scoop or a cone, I’d say:

1. Soma Chocolatemaker (I usually go to their Brock Ave. location.)

2. Bar Ape (Don’t be deterred by the line; it moves quickly.)

3. Ruru Baked (I really want to try their Honeycomb Cereal Milk flavour…)

If the last couple months are anything to go by, this Totême shirt—bought secondhand from TRR, and available in white here, and various coloured stripes here, here, and here—is another piece that’s more than likely to land on 2026’s best purchases list. It’s the perfect shade of blue and a nice weighty cotton that, though breathable and soft to the touch, really holds its structure. I like it so much that I wore it for my shoot with The Globe and Mail(!) earlier this month. And if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve no doubt seen it making numerous appearances in my office outfit Stories (a second Substack roundup is in the works!).

I see your dried mango and I raise you freeze-dried mango. Don’t get me wrong, the texture will not be for everyone (you wouldn’t be wrong to compare it to that of Lucky Charms marshmallows), but damn, is it ever for me. I was introduced to these tasty treats in LA via Trader Joe’s. Back in Canada, I’ve been going back and forth between these and these.

I guess I’m in an ‘80s dance movie phase? In June, I went to a showing of Adrian Lyne’s Flashdance (1983) at TIFF Lightbox, and last week, I attended an outdoor screening of Emile Ardolino’s Dirty Dancing (1987) at Harbourfront Centre. I’ve seen the latter countless times (say what you will, but Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s chemistry alone would earn it a spot in my Letterboxd Four Favorites), but Flashdance was new to me.

Passion! Ambition! Class dynamics! Killer soundtracks, incredible costumes, curly hair inspiration, and iconic dance sequences! These movies have it all.

Having opened back in 2010, it’s by no means the trendiest restaurant in the city, but Enoteca Sociale delivers consistently excellent service and delicious Roman-style food and drinks. I went for dinner recently with a friend who’d never been and was reminded just how much I love their straightforward and comfortable approach to dining (my fiancé and I even celebrated our engagement there with our families). Their pasta is the star of the show—I’m particularly partial to the bucatini all’Amatriciana—but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

When it comes to cooking and baking, I’m a creature of habit, and every summer, I revisit Alison Roman’s The Only Pie Crust and Marcella Hazan’s Pesto recipes. To me, these are be-all-end-all, category-defining recipes.

I use the pie crust primarily for galettes (strawberry in June and July, peach in August) and quiches (usually I do some combination of asparagus, mushroom, zucchini, green onion, kale, and feta). The dough always comes together really easily, and the resulting crusts are deliciously buttery, flaky and worlds apart from those sold pre-made at the grocery store.

My friend Liz put me on to this particular pesto recipe. It’s so easy to make—though washing the basil is shockingly time-intensive—and always a hit. It’s amazing on pasta, of course, but equally so as a spread (I particularly love to add it to turkey or tuna sandwiches or under tomatoes on toast). I’ll usually double the recipe so that I can stick some in the freezer for those months where fresh basil isn’t as readily available.

Michael Rider presented his debut collection for Celine over a year ago now, so I’m not sure what took me so long to get on board. That’s not to say that I didn’t like what I had seen of his work, but—inspired by the most recent men’s collection—I’ve been looking at his collections a little more closely (via Vogue Runway) and gaining a new level of appreciation for them.

Rider’s Celine is sharp, playful, and energetic. The looks have an appealing blend of freshness and familiarity, and are teeming with pieces and styling ideas that I’m excited to approximate, from the white turtlenecks layered under shirts and jackets, to the tapered trousers, to those little white lace-up jazz shoes (I just ordered these).

This is my third summer wearing my off-white tabi flats (bought secondhand from VSP Consignment) and, despite having been resoled twice, they’re really beginning to show their age. Understandably so because, from May through October, I wear them near constantly. They’ve perfectly molded to the shape of my feet and feel like slippers at this point. Initially, I wasn’t totally sure about the colour, but the price was right, so I took the plunge and have been pleasantly surprised by how easy the off-white has been to style. Most sandals have a tendency to tear up my feet if I’m wearing them for any real distance or length of time, so having a summery-feeling closed toe option is ideal.

The price of a new pair of tabi flats makes me dread the day that mine need replacing (and replace them I will) but colours like this and this may make it a little easier to part with the money (though, as always, I’ll be scouring secondhand sites in the first instance).

Now it’s your turn: what have you been loving the past couple months? Is there anything I should be reading, trying, watching, or wearing? I want to know!

Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. If you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I really try not to complain—after all, this is the season that I spend the rest of the year yearning for—but the heat in the city has been stifling the past few weeks. With that (and my mum’s birthday) in mind, I’m relocating to my family’s lakeside cottage this weekend.

My relationship to the cottage has evolved considerably over the years. When I was a kid, I was obsessed. As soon as our boat made the slightest contact with the dock, I would bolt over to my aunt and uncle’s side of the island to play with my cousins (tell me you’re an only child without telling me you’re an only child). As an angsty teen (is there any other way to be a teen?), desperate to shed my parents’ watchful gaze and spend every last ounce of free time with my friends in the city, I did all that I could to avoid the lake (sorry Mum and Dad). For the majority of my 20s, I was working retail and service industry jobs that precluded weekend getaways. And now, in my 30s, I’m right back where I started: I can’t get enough.

Finally, I fully appreciate the immense privilege that is the ability to escape the city and spend time immersed in nature, with the people I love, in relative privacy (don’t get me wrong, the lake is teeming with other cottagers, but it’s a far cry from Toronto). These days, I’m at the cottage any chance that I can get.

Aside from celebrating my mum’s birthday, there’s not a whole lot on the agenda this weekend; most of my time will be spent swimming, cooking, kayaking, and reading. I’ve written previously about my cottage packing methodology. So—aside from socks, bras, and underwear—here’s what’s coming with me this time around (in my large Boat and Tote, of course).

• Two t-shirts (an oversized graphic one to wear on the drive and/or over a bathing suit on the dock and a plain white one because it would be crazy not to)

• One lightweight knit (for the evenings or to wear on the boat)

• One pair of drawstring trousers (to wear while I putter around the kitchen)

• One pair of loose-fitting jeans (to wear in the car)

• Two bathing suits (a bikini for sunbathing and a one-piece for swimming and kayaking)

• One silk mini dress (for my mum’s birthday dinner)

• One caftan-esque dress (to throw on for breakfast or to wear by the water)

• One sarong (self-explanatory)

• One set of pajamas (in a breathable cotton)

• One workout set (just in case the Pilates urge strikes)

• One pair of flats (to wear while driving… after 33 short years on Earth, I’m finally fully licensed!)

• One pair of flip flops (a cottage necessity)

• One pair of sunglasses (self-explanatory)

• One anklet and a couple toe rings (if not now, when?)

• Everyday rings, earrings, bracelet, and necklace (I don’t feel like myself without them)

• Various toiletries (packed in a Cadence Parcel, which the brand generously sent to me, alongside some of their Capsules)1

• One hat (either my beloved Conner Ives baseball cap or Clyde straw hat)

• One book (I’m currently inhaling Famesick)

If you have any similar weekend trips on the horizon, hopefully this is a helpful reference!

Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. If you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

Welcome to another installment of “what I want now,” and—to those of you in the Northern Hemisphere—happy summer! I hope that you’re keeping cool and enjoying all that the season has to offer (I, for one, am averaging three to four scoops of gelato per week).

First, some updates pertaining to April’s wishlist:

If you read this, you’ve already seen the first of the two summer skirts that I’ve added to my wardrobe. The second was another vintage purchase, this time from Nouveau Riche (if you’re in Toronto and haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit). It’s from the ‘90s and has this purple floral pattern that really spoke to me. I don’t wear a ton of prints, but at $45, it felt like a safe bet price-per-wear-wise.

I did the impossible and found a pair of shorts that I like! They’re one size up from what I usually wear, so they sit somewhere between my waist and hips and have a relaxed fit (essential in the heat). They can be styled with just about anything on top and I’ve already worn them a ton, so expect to see much more of them in future sends.

Considering how hyper-focused I was—and still am!—on the colour, I’m happy to report that I’ve successfully limited myself to just two soft pink purchases. Interestingly—even if to no one but myself—both are blazers (from TRR). One is a relatively fitted, 1990s-era Richard Tyler silk jacket with a fishnet(!) overlay, and the other is a double-breasted Giorgio Armani number that I bought for a mere $75 CAD and that’s on its way to me as I write! This one might do the trick if you’re looking for something similar.

I bought two spanking new white tees from Uniqlo (one a size S, and one a size M).

I went into Saint Laurent to try on the Dunes one last time before finally taking the plunge, but this time something… looked… off? I’m not sure how I missed it before, but they just weren’t sitting the way that they should on the bridge of my nose. And my sales associate agreed, which settled the matter. So, though I still love the way this particular pair of aviators looks on virtually everyone else, I’m back to the drawing board.

Now onto the new:

Summer after summer, I reach for the same handful of easy summer dresses (some that I’ve been wearing for 10+ years at this point). A couple of those dresses are just about retirement-ready, so I’m keeping an eye out for a replacement or two. As I do so, here’s what I’m keeping in mind:

• Ideally, I’m looking for dresses that are versatile enough that they can be dressed up or down, depending on the accompanying shoes and accessories.

• As always, I’m trying to steer clear of anything too trendy or that will easily date.

• It’s not absolutely critical, but it would be a bonus to find dresses that I can wear both at work and on the weekend.

• I’m an SPF-devotee, but still, I’d like to avoid anything that could be the cause of weird tan lines.

• Most importantly, I’m on the hunt for dresses that are fuss-free, that will be comfortable in the heat, and that I can throw on without a ton of thought (less time thinking means more time enjoying this all-too-brief window of warm weather).

Here are a few easy summer dresses currently piquing my interest…

I’m really not sure where this particular longing came from, but all of a sudden I need to own a pair of brown suede boots. In particular, I’m envisioning a western-leaning or Chelsea style with either a pointed or square toe and a bit of a (possibly Cuban) heel. And because I’m really only picturing wearing them with jeans and trousers, I’m thinking an ankle boot will get the job done (and I haven’t actively considered buying ankle boots in years).

The prices of new boots—or at least, the ones that I like—make me feel a bit sick, so I’ll likely be buying these secondhand. And because the window in which suede boots make sense in Toronto is a relatively short one, the sooner I can find them, the better!

I’m thinking something along these lines…

I’m not breaking any news here, but Totême’s design team has been hitting home run after home run. Their Spring/Summer and Pre-Fall collections, in particular, are comprised of pieces that are both elegant and unfussy, classic yet modern, and, above all, wearable. The colours, cuts, and fabrications feel exactly right for right now. These are the clothes and accessories that will live in wardrobes for years and years.

The brand’s price points mean that, for the most part, I’m admiring from afar, but every so often, I’ll indulge when I can find something secondhand or on sale (the one exception being this swimsuit that I bought full price a couple years ago from their gorgeous Mount Street store in London and which has become my go-to one-piece).

Some of my current Totême favourites include…

I’ve been working out at home for years. I have my yoga mat, weights, resistance bands, stability ball, and subscription to The Pilates Class (use code TPCBESTIE for 10% off)… What more could I need? Then, on a whim, and for the first time in years, I went to a reformer class and accidentally became obsessed. My preferred studio is closer to my office than apartment, so I usually book classes on days when I’ll already be in the area for work. And that means that, on those days, I’ve become a bit of a bag lady. I was already schlepping my breakfast, lunch, and laptop, and now I’ve also got a water bottle, towel, toiletries, and change of clothes to worry about. So I’m rethinking my tote bag strategy. For my purposes, handles that fit comfortably over the shoulder are a non-negotiable, and—for better or worse—the bigger, the better.

The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is a classic for a reason (I have a large one with long straps), but I’d love to add something with a little more personality (and possibly a little more polish) to my bag collection.

Here are a few that I like the look of…

My yearning for beaded earrings is very much inspired by recent Phoebe Philo and Chanel styles. Then, on a recent visit to 100% Silk, I had a chance to hold up this stunning (and on sale!) Mozhdeh Matin pair to my ears and, though I don’t think the colour really suits me—and I pay a little more attention to whether colours are “flattering” or not when they’re going to be sitting so close to the face—I loved the general look.

I tried to capture that same feeling via a vintage screw-backed pair (from eBay, of course) that I love the look of, but that, it pains me to admit, are hella uncomfortable…

So I’m still on the hunt! Some contenders (at varying price points) include…

Even more dresses, boots, Totême things, tote bags, and earrings are linked here for your browsing (or buying) pleasure.

Now it’s your turn: what’ve you got your eye on? I’d love to know (truly!).

Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. If you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are some affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

There are, of course, certain practicalities that I have to take into account when dressing for the office: the first being my commute (I either walk or take the bus), which, especially when coupled with the weather, can dictate shoes, hemlines, and outerwear. The second consideration is the office temperature. Like so many North American buildings, we are hectically over-air conditioned, so sleeves are a non-negotiable, even when summer is at its peak. And then there’s the fact that I spend the majority of the day on my laptop, so ultimately I want whatever I wear to be comfortable and relatively fuss-free.

There are exceptions, of course, but if I had to sum up my formula for office dressing, it would consist of a base shirt (typically a white tee, or a turtleneck when it’s cold enough to warrant one), an overlayer of some kind, and a semi-structured pair of trousers or jeans. Listen, I never said it was groundbreaking!

My daily office jewelry consists of Sophie Buhai hoop earrings, a Mondo Mondo Odalisque ring (which is probably my most-complimented accessory) and Cafe ring set (they no longer manufacture the latter, but combining these two would approximate the look), as well as my engagement ring.

Shall we get into the outfits?

I’ve been obsessed with this Giorgio Armani jacket—though it’s almost too lightweight to really qualify as a jacket—since I first spotted it on The RealReal in 2022, but it’s tougher to style than I initially anticipated. It would probably suit my proportions better and get more wear if it were a couple inches shorter or slightly cinched at the waist, but I’ve found that I can make it work layered over a fitted tee and loose jeans, and with the first of the three sets of ties fastened in a bow (so, exactly how I’m wearing it here). Something about me is I really love a bit of dangling fabric, so these ties really do it for me.

It’s tough to see in the photo, but this black silk Sonia Rykiel blouse has a really delicate (slightly clown-esque) pleated collar that completely encircles the neck. I love it so much, but unfortunately, it’s just a touch too small for me under the arms and across the chest (and therefore prone to gaping, which isn’t ever ideal, but is particularly unwelcome in an office setting). If you’re intrigued and your bust is smaller than a C cup, it’s listed on my Poshmark here.

In any case, I wore the blouse with my white pleated cotton Dries van Noten shorts and a perfect, (new-in!) belt from Nili Lotan. The shorts were a purchase very much inspired by these costumes that the child actors wear in Lasse Hallström’s My Life as a Dog (1985), and are nearly knee-length, so definitely office-appropriate, though they can skew a little bit frumpy. Outside of work, I try to balance out that frumpiness with a top that shows a bit of skin. While I’m on the clock, though, I just push up my sleeves to reveal some wrist and choose a leg-elongating shoe (in this case, heeled tabi ballerinas).

This is a lot more casual than I would typically dress at work, but I was flying solo in the office (and, admittedly, trying to squeeze out an extra day between hair washes). The navy cardigan—which I love paired with the army green colour of the pants—is quite possibly my workwear MVP. It makes three appearances in this newsletter alone! It’s durable, well-priced, and somehow the perfect weight no matter the season. It also has a slimmer silhouette than a lot of my other knits, which can help balance out all the voluminous bottoms to which I’ve been gravitating in recent years. When the sweater first entered my closet (via a Secret Santa gift exchange in 2024), I played around with different ways of styling it, but now I almost exclusively wear it exactly this way: with two buttons undone at both the top and bottom, which I find nicely elongates my (short) torso.

On their own, light wash jeans, a white tee, and a checked shirt are probably better suited to a barn than an office. Somehow, though, tying a thin knit around the shoulders, and—though not visible here—pairing the look with red, suede, pointed-toe shoes (the ones I have are similar to these)—imbues enough preppiness that I don't feel completely out of place wearing this to work at my laptop all day. It's also an outfit that really benefits from the polish of a blow out (or any other equally effortful hairstyle).

Another western-leaning ensemble! And a cozy one at that. The jacket definitely brings the personality to the outfit, but the jeans feel tailored and refined enough to keep things looking semi-professional.

This double-breasted Acne Studios blazer has a matching pair of trousers, but I would feel really overdressed wearing the full suit at my office. That’s the beauty of a matching set, though! I can separate out and dress down the jacket or the pants for more casual day-to-day outfits, or wear them together on more formal occasions (conferences, weddings, etc.). I know Acne also produced a pair of tailored shorts in the same fabric, so I’m always keeping on eye out for those in my size (FR 38) on resale sites (in the meantime, here they are in size FR 34 and FR 36). The blazer is a cotton-wool blend, so on hot summer days, I’ll carry (as opposed to wear) it to work.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: RIP Saks Potts. The brand shuttered last year, and I’m so glad I bought a pair of their Salma carpenter jeans—in the SSENSE sale a few years ago—while I still had the chance. They’re made from a soft and lightweight denim that drapes really nicely and I love the pale yellow colour, especially when paired with the deep red of this coral necklace.

I wore this on one of the last chilly days of the season. In warmer weather, I’d just switch out the turtleneck for a t-shirt.

My witchiest office outfit of the bunch, especially when you consider that the skirt reaches about halfway down my calves and I usually pair it with heeled knee-length black leather boots. I really only wear the skirt in cooler months, but it’s lightweight enough that I could hypothetically transition it into warm weather, so I’ll have to play around with the styling and report back!

Skirt-aside, I find a monochrome base and a contrasting outer layer to be a pretty failsafe outfit formula (even though, as a self-diagnosed Light Summer, I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to be avoiding black altogether…).

I love these vintage pleated wool YSL Rive Gauche trousers and regularly wear them to work (at least, September through April when it’s cool enough to do so), but they take a little bit of finessing to get right on my body. They're super wide-legged, so I like to highlight my waist for some balance, but they're so high-waisted that simply tucking in whatever top I happen to be wearing makes my torso look comically short. And that's where my trusty cardigan—once again unbuttoned at the top and bottom—comes in handy. I can’t say for sure what shoes I was wearing here, but I can guarantee that they had a pointed-toe for elongation purposes.

One of the rare recent instances in which I wore capital-C Colour to the office. And looking back at this photo makes me think I should do it more often! The shirt is oversized on me (it’s a men’s size M), which can make it feel a bit more casual. To smarten things up a little, I tucked it in and, though they’re out of frame here, paired the look with shiny black loafers.

This last look is really nothing to write home about, and I've actually since consigned these Soeur trousers (I rarely reached for them). It is, however, another example of how much use I get out of the humble cardigan. It's also an argument for not relegating what could be classified as vacation-y accessories (in this case, the bangles) to the beach!

Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. And if you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

As mentioned in my last send, without fail, every time I land in Los Angeles, all I want to wear are perfectly worn-in vintage Levi’s, tees, and sweatshirts. In the past, I’ve had luck in the denim department at Scout and RLT, but this time around, I hit the jackpot at Staklena Kuća in Virgil Village. I’d recently been forced to retire a pair of beloved white 501s that I bought in Austin (at Feathers) back in 2018 (it’s always a hole in the crotch for me), so I was delighted to find a replacement on this trip. My last pair were a size W29, and these are a W32, so they could definitely benefit from a little bit of tailoring at the waist, but I love the looser fit through the leg, as well as the extra length (they have a 34 inch inseam).

If you’re in the market, I’d always recommend trying on vintage jeans in person, but if you already know your preferred size in vintage Levi’s, here are three similar, reasonably-priced pairs that look promising: one, two, and three. And in case it’s at all helpful, for reference, I range from a W29-32 in vintage 501s, and I usually take a 26 or 27 in contemporary brands like Citizens of Humanity and AGOLDE.

I’d heard so many good things about Flamingo Estate’s offerings, but for the longest time their products weren’t readily available in Canada. Holt Renfrew recently starting stocking a selection of their candles, soaps, and lotions, but it still felt appropriate to make my first purchase in Los Angeles, where the brand is headquartered. After much sniffing and indecision, I settled on the Agrigento Olive Tree candle (which I bought at Broome Street General Store). I can’t even begin to describe how good it smells. It’s green and bright and warm, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend getting yourself to one of Flamingo Estate’s stockists to sniff for yourself!

Something about me is that I’m always going to buy a bag of coffee beans “for my fiancé,” but will more than likely end up being the primary consumer of those beans (oops!). That was exactly the case with this bag from Canyon Coffee (20% off through June 1st).

This vintage Russell Athletic sweatshirt was another purchase from Staklena Kuća. It’s super soft and the best shade of pistachio green, and it’s been a treat to throw on for morning walks. An eBay search for alternates has turned up equally tempting red, yellow, teal, and purple options.

I’m a chronic over-packer, so it’s no small feat that I managed ten days in LA with just the contents of a carry-on. Of course, traveling without a checked bag has its drawbacks; the major one being that I had to have Emma ship my Sqirl jam to Toronto for me. And not buying jam from Sqirl wasn’t an option (if you’re a jam person and you’ve tried theirs before, you’ll know why). I’m usually a Raspberry and Vanilla Bean kind of gal, but this time, I went with Blackberry and Meyer Lemon and I cannot wait to slather it on everything (everything, in this case, being toast, pancakes, scones, oatmeal, chia pudding, and vanilla ice cream).

So here’s where I’m cheating a little bit. The last three purchases—all from eBay—were technically things that I bought in Toronto, but that I had shipped to LA to avoid exorbitant international shipping fees.

The first of those things is a vintage Graceland t-shirt. The cotton-polyester blend made me a little bit nervous (100% cotton is always my preference when it comes to this category), but I couldn’t resist the graphic (especially having recently watched Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley in Concert). My worry was for naught, it turns out, because the fabric feels great and the fit is just right (though I am considering having it hemmed to better suit the mid-rise bottoms that I’m usually wearing).

Here’s are two more great Graceland t-shirts, as well as a few other vintage tees on my watchlist: one, two, three, and four.

I kind of can’t believe I paid only $40 for this vintage baroque pearl necklace (eBay’s “Best Offer” feature strikes again). The coin pearls feel especially warm weather-appropriate, so, if you’re a collaging subscriber, prepare to see a whole lot of this piece over the next few months.

My final eBay purchase was a brown croc-embossed leather belt. Is it the belt of my dreams, the one that I’ve been searching for for months, the belt to rule them all? Not exactly, but it was $15, so I’m not complaining. If you’re looking for something similar, I’d try this one (I actually prefer the darker shade of brown).

And there you have it! Thank you, as always, for reading and being here. And if you enjoyed this newsletter, keep in mind that a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Los Angeles prior to this trip, so there weren’t a ton of touristy things on our agenda (if you’re planning your first trip, I’d suggest visiting the Getty Center, LACMA, and the Broad, as well as the Stahl House, the Eames House, and the Hollyhock House). Mostly, our focus was spending time together eating, drinking, hiking, and shopping. And—simply by virtue of it being where Emma lives—most of where we ate, drank, hiked, and shopped was in East LA.

Here’s everything we did (and some of what I wore while doing it). It’s a long one (and photo-heavy), so I’d recommend opening in your browser or the Substack app!

Wednesday

I landed at LAX in the evening. Emma and Allie (our friend who’d flown in the day prior) picked me up and whisked me back to Emma’s where we caught up and watched a little Summer House on the couch.

Thursday

Emma was throwing herself a little birthday dinner party on the Saturday, so while she did some prep, Allie and I started the day with a jog along the LA River. After an especially long Toronto winter, the sun felt incredible. We rinsed off, made ourselves presentable, and drove to Canyon Coffee in Echo Park, where Emma implored me to try pistachio milk (as opposed to oat) in my iced coffee. I didn’t look back for the rest of the trip.

From Canyon, we walked down to Honey Hi on Sunset, where I ordered the Miso Bowl (the perfect nutrient-dense post-flight meal). After lunch, I picked up a bottle of orange wine from Dada Market next door.

On our walk back to the car, we dropped into Crossroads, where Allie (wisely) prevented me from buying a pair of Comme Si silk boxers. The price ($35 USD) was right, but they were a size XS and simply too tight at the waist (if I were buying a pair straight from the brand’s site—which, at $351 CAD, I will not be doing—I’d go for these in a size S). Emma found a pair of Staud mini board shorts that fit her like a glove and that Allie and I insisted she take home.

The girls were losing steam, but allowed me a quick stop at Erre Vintage, where I came a little too close to dropping $150 USD on a deliciously worn-in Snoopy t-shirt (whenever I’m in LA, I get an overwhelming urge to abandon whatever I packed in my suitcase and dress exclusively in vintage denim, tees, and sweatshirts).

A couple of Allie’s friends were flying in from Atlanta for the weekend, and she had booked an Airbnb in Silver Lake for the three of them. We checked her in, opened the orange wine, and made use of the pool for the rest of the afternoon. It was paradise.

After a sufficient dose of Vitamin D, we readied ourselves and walked to Seco for a snacky al fresco dinner and many (many) glasses of wine.

Friday

The mission of the day was to help Emma locate an outfit for Saturday’s festivities. But before we could get to that, we had an apartment viewing to get to (Emma’s landlords are selling their place, so she’s having to relocate for the fifth time since moving to LA two and a half years ago). The apartment that we went to go see—more of a house, really—was charming, spacious, recently-renovated, well-located, and reasonably-priced. Submitting an application was a no-brainer.

We made our way to Broome Street General Store to meet Allie & Co. for coffee. The five of us took ourselves on a walk around the Silver Lake Reservoir, after which Emma and I drove to Café Telegrama in Melrose Hill for lunch. I inhaled my BLT, while Emma ate her Chinese Chicken Salad at a much more socially-acceptable pace.

Ending Soon and Taste Studio (the two businesses share a physical space) had been on my list of shops to visit on the trip, so that’s where we started the search. The space was beautiful and they had a great edit of pre-loved and vintage designer pieces, but none that really fit the party’s golden hour theme, so we left empty-handed, but I made Emma promise that we could come back before the end of my visit for a lengthier browse.

From Melrose Hill, we drove west to Reformation, where Emma’s party dress was promptly secured.

Though our mission had been accomplished, no trip to LA is complete without a stop at Scout, so that’s where we went next. I tried on upwards of ten pairs of vintage jeans (the last time I was in the shop, I’d found a dreamy pair of washed black vintage 501s). I didn’t have any luck this visit (it be like that sometimes), but Em bought a tiny red cotton tank that looks amazing on her.

From Scout, we ventured further into West Hollywood for a heated HIIT class at Silver Springs. The studio was stunning and the class was hard (in the best way).

We journeyed back to Emma’s to ready ourselves for the evening. A few friends joined us and we walked to Barra Santos, a Portuguese restaurant that delivered possibly my favourite meal of the trip(!). I’m still thinking about the Tuna Crudo…

We ended the evening with a nightcap—in my case, a vermouth and soda—at Capri Club in Eagle Rock.

Saturday

The day started with more party prep for Em (how she manages to cook multiple dishes at once, keep a record of what she’s doing, film recipe content, and not lose her mind is beyond me… for reference, this is what I’m like in the kitchen). Once the various beets had been roasted, potatoes boiled, and dips prepared, we packed up the car and dropped by Proof Bakery in Atwater Village for some sustenance (the lemon poppyseed scone alone was worth the line).

My toxic trait is that I am a huge proponent of a vacation blowout. That meant a trip to Tesler Salon, which is conveniently located right next to the Silver Lake Whole Foods, where we were able to pick up last minute party supplies (i.e. ice and olives) post-hair dry. Then it was party time!

After a truly delicious dinner, we all walked out to Seco, where we spent the rest of the night (and some of the very early morning).

Sunday

We took our time getting up, then met some friends for brunch at Sqirl (another LA non-negotiable for me). I’ve never been disappointed by anything on their menu, but the Cripsy Disco was particularly good.

Leftovers in hand, we walked the couple blocks up to Staklena Kuća. It was my first time in the shop, and I can confidently say that it won’t be my last. Suffice to say, I didn’t leave empty handed…

Allie, Emma, and I retired to Emma’s and lay in the sun for a bit, before rousing ourselves for a Mount Washington hike.

Post-hike, we ordered Szechuan hot chicken tenders from Daybird, and threw back a couple more episodes of Summer House before going to bed relatively early, so that Allie could get some rest before her flight back to Toronto the next morning.

Monday

After having taken the previous Thursday and Friday off, I was back on the clock on Monday, working slightly modified Toronto hours (which translated to 7AM - 3PM LA time). I started the day with my laptop on Emma’s couch before we eventually transitioned to Canyon Coffee. Once 3PM hit, we took ourselves on a hike through nearby Elysian Park.

After an eventful (and not inexpensive) previous few days, Emma and I made a pact to stay in, cook dinner, and have another early night, and that’s exactly what we did.

Tuesday

After both spending the the day working (with a quick coffee break at Little Barn Coffee House), Emma received confirmation that the apartment we’d gone to see on Friday was officially hers! So, once I’d clocked out for the day, we drove to her new place(!) so that she could dot the i’s and cross the t’s with the landlord.

With the paperwork completed, we took ourselves to Capri Club for celebratory drinks.

We ended the night with burgers, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato fries at For the Win.

Wednesday

Wednesday was Emma’s actual birthday, so—after starting my workday at her place—around noon we relocated to The Silver Lake Pool & Inn (on weekdays, non-hotel guests can book time at the pool).

We ate lunch and worked on our laptops poolside and it was divine. Once we were sufficiently crispy, we got changed and took ourselves to L&E Oyster Bar for happy hour.

After a quick stop at Emma’s to change and drop off our pool things, we met friends for dinner at Bar Etoile (order the steak frites if you go!).

Thursday

Thursday was a pretty uneventful workday, only interrupted by a quick trip to Little Ripper, where Emma and I ordered two of their signature iced nut-milk lattes (the chicory being the clear winner for us).

Later on, we stopped by the Eagle Rock Trader Joe’s where I stocked up on some of their products that I love, but can’t access in Canada (among them: freeze-dried mango, popcorn with herbs and spices, and crispy chili onion oil).

Then we dropped by Sunbeam Vintage in Highland Park where I could have spent hours. If you have any furniture or home decor needs and live in LA, I highly recommend a visit.

The day ended with another perfect home-cooked meal and neighbourhood walk.

Friday

Another workday, another coffee break at Canyon (where the people-watching really can’t be beat and where, on this day, I tried a dirty chai for the first time).

Once I closed my laptop for the day, we headed to Alfalfa for a late lunch.

Emma indulged me a second trip to Ending Soon / Taste Studio, though she ended up being the one who made a purchase (the most delicious pair of Galliano-era Dior sunglasses)!

Next, we salivated over just about everything at Pop Up Home (exhibits A, B, C, and D).

Varsity was our final stop of the day. Though neither of us took anything home, their selection of vintage jeans and t-shirts was really impressive.

It was my last night in town, so despite both being tempted by the call of the couch, Emma and I forced ourselves out to Cafe Triste and ended up being so glad that we did. The wine was tasty, the place was bumping, and the proximity to LaSorted’s was ideal!

Saturday

I left for the airport bright and early and am already plotting my next visit!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I’m not much of a shorts person, so—whether I’m running errands, going to the office, or out for drinks—when it’s hot outside, the idea of slipping on a summer-weight skirt is really appealing. Where dresses can often feel tied to a specific occasion or level of formality, a skirt is typically a bit more versatile (wearing the right pieces on top will make a seemingly dressy skirt read more relaxed and vice versa).

Not every skirt silhouette is to my taste, though. The summer skirt that I had in mind was somewhere between an A-line and straight cut (I was aiming for breezy, not bulky, so full skirts were out). Cotton was my preferred fabric (less fussy than silk or linen), ideally in a colour or pattern that I wouldn’t soon tire of. And there’s a time and a place for a mini skirt, but because I was looking for something office-appropriate, shorter hemlines weren’t really under consideration.

About a month ago, I found what I was looking for at VSP: a 2007 Prada white cotton skirt with a lace-trimmed underlayer that extends just below the garment’s hem. It’s the right shade of lived-in white, sits at the perfect mid-point between my waist and hips—whether or not that was Mrs. Prada’s intention; the skirt is one size up from my usual IT 42—and I can’t wait to wear it IRL as soon as it’s warm enough to do so in Toronto (today’s high is 11°C/52°F…). In the meantime, I’ve been playing dress up in my bedroom. Five skirt-centric looks follow below, and if you make it to the end, you’ll find links to a bunch of comparable options.

An easy peasy daytime look that I'd wear to the farmer’s market, the AGO, etc. I love an all-white outfit (Tide to Go and dry cleaning budget be damned), and the top and skirt work well together on their own, but to break things up a little bit—and to prevent staining the back of the skirt when sitting down outside—I tied a shirt around my waist.

As I see it, with a skirt like this one, that hits just below the knee, footwear that elongates the leg— whether via skin (i.e. sandals), a heel, or a pointed toe—is of the utmost importance (unless, of course, you’re 5’10” like Cindy Crawford, and then you can do whatever the hell you want).

A flirty little party look, perfect for a hot summer night (if I do say so myself). I’m wearing a silk scarf as a top, and the way that it’s tied—so that it drapes longer in the front—elongates the torso, which is always welcome (I’m short-waisted). If your proportions differ from mine, there are about a million and one ways to fashion a scarf into a top, so I’d play around until you find the one that suits you. And/or let me know if a future send about scarf styling is of interest!

This is the kind of thing I’d throw on for patio drinks, sure, but I’d also wear it to the office (though in that setting, I might swap out the sandals for pointed toe flats... this is a lot of foot for the workplace). Since the shirt is oversized and the skirt is pretty up-and-down, I used this beaded cord (that Zara markets as a necklace, though I don’t think I’d ever wear it that way) to add some shape and a little waist definition (a body exists under all the fabric, I swear!). The cord also introduces a bit of contrast, as well as a textural element, both of which the outfit is otherwise lacking.

I fear I say this about something different every newsletter, but these Manolo Blahnik wedges (purchased from TRR in 2022 for $125 CAD) may be one of my best purchases ever. They’re flattering on the foot, easy to style, and so incredibly comfortable. I flew to LA a couple weeks ago for Emma’s birthday (more on that trip soon!) and happily wore them something like eight out of the ten nights I was there.

The coral necklace was an Etsy purchase inspired by this image from Diotima’s FW 2024 RTW lookbook. I love the irregular shape of the beads and their rich, charred red colour, especially paired with the pink shirt here.

Picture this: It's Sunday morning. You wake up, brush your teeth, and—if you’re as neurotic about preventing breakouts as I am—do your morning skincare. You grab the skirt from your Clothes Chair (you wore it last night to a friend's party, of course). You throw on a t-shirt, a sporty little jacket, and a baseball cap to hide your in-desperate-need-of-a-wash hair. You head out to grab a coffee and debrief the events of the previous evening with a friend. Coffee turns into a neighbourhood wander and some bookshop browsing, which inevitably leads to lunch. Then, with plenty of time still left in the day, you scamper home to take an everything shower and prep for the week ahead. Now doesn't that sound nice?

If you’re convinced and in the market, I’ve put together a collection of similar summer skirts, ordered below by price:

• Diane von Furstenberg Knee-Length Skirt (via TRR), $69 CAD

• Cou Cou White Slip Skirt, $78 CAD

• Loro Piana Knee-Length Skirt (via TRR), $105 CAD

• Gap Linen-Blend Lace-Trim Skirt, $108 CAD

• Prada Knee-Length Skirt (via TRR), $118 CAD

• Wilfred Fielden Linen Skirt, $118 CAD

• Wilfred Levity Skirt, $138 CAD

• Reformation Fleur Linen Skirt, $148 CAD

• Dunst White H-Line Laced Midi Skirt, $180 CAD

• Nothing Written White Leia A-Line Midi Skirt, $355 CAD

• Suzie Kondi Sienna Cotton-Blend Skirt, $404 CAD

• Toteme Off-White Layered Satin Midi Skirt, $1030 CAD

• Prada Compact Sablé Skirt, $2150 CAD

Of course, your summer skirt need not be white, and if you’d rather something more colourful, may I suggest the Brooke Callahan Straight Skirt?

And there you have it. If you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

The brand was founded in Milan in 1978 by Gianni Versace, who remained Creative Director at the company until his death in 1997, at which point his sister, Donatella, assumed creative control. Though I can of course appreciate her business sense and innovative approach to brand-building, and no one can deny that she knows how to cut clothing for a woman’s body, Donatella’s design sense has never really spoken to me. Since its inception, Versace has been about sex, but what I find sexy is much more closely aligned with Vitale’s vision than that of Donatella.

As a huge fan of Mulier’s work at Alaïa, I can’t wait to see what he has in store for his first Versace collection, but—and I know I’m not alone in saying this—it’s a shame that we won’t get to see more from Vitale, whose S/S 2026 pieces were largely inspired by Gianni’s work in the 1980s. And if you want a piece of the action but are unable or unwilling to spend, say, $1,050 CAD on a cotton-blend jersey t-shirt, vintage Gianni Versace—the brand dropped “Gianni” following the founder’s death—is the way to go. So that’s what I have on offer today!

As always when secondhand shopping, make sure you carefully check measurements and listing photos before purchasing, and don’t forget about eBay’s “Make Best Offer” feature.

Oh, and: I love making these collages by hand, but between the printing and scanning, some of the colours and details get a bit muddied, so make sure to click the links for clearer images.

• F/W 1996 Pink Wool and Cashmere Coat (Size IT 42), $340 USD (OBO) via eBay (I’m obsessed with the purple lining.)

• ‘80s Mohair Geometric Knit (Men’s Size XXL), $179.99 USD via eBay (November You will thank Current You for buying this one now.)

• Navy Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt (Men’s Size L), $40.60 USD (OBO) via eBay

• Beige and Tan Cropped Trousers (Approx. Size M), $234.99 USD (OBO) via eBay (So cool.)

• ‘90s Black Suede Loafers (Size IT 41), $115 USD (OBO) via eBay (I have a nearly identical navy Giorgio Armani pair that I wear all the time.)

• ‘90s White High Waisted Jeans (Size IT 38), $185 USD via Etsy

• Black Leather Belt with Silver Hardware (Size 110cm), $100 USD via eBay (Gianni Versace did a very good belt.)

• ‘80s Blue and Brown Two-Piece Wool Skirt Suit (Size IT 40), $490.93 USD via Etsy

• Wide Tan Croc-Embossed Leather Belt with Grommets (Size 75cm), $129.99 USD via eBay (!!!)

• Black Suede Loafers (See photos for measurements), $15.44 CAD via eBay (I repeat… $15.44…)

• Green Sleeveless Turtleneck (Size IT 44), $75 USD via TRR

• ‘80s Yellow Cotton Cropped Pants (Approx. Size XS/S), $350 USD via Etsy (Clearly, Vitale is also a fan of this vibrant yellow.)

• ‘90s Beige Linen Shorts (Size IT 48), $78 USD via Etsy (A style that doesn’t date as far as I’m concerned.)

• White Leather Belt with Silver Hardware (Approx. Size M), $90 USD via TRR

• Red Silk Blouse (Approx. Size S/M), $225 USD via eBay

• ‘90s Animal Print Faux Fur and Patent Leather Heels (Size IT 39), $180 USD (OBO) via eBay (Matthieu Blazy who?)

• Pink Silk Trousers (Approx. Size M), $100 USD (OBO) via eBay (I’m still pushing the soft pink agenda…)

• Blue Silk Blouse (Size IT 38), $150 USD (OBO) via eBay

• Versus Beige and Black Striped Jacket (Size IT 40), $179.99 USD via Etsy (Just saying…)

• Black Leather and Suede Belt with Silver Buckle (Size 75cm), $250 USD (OBO) via eBay (Another killer belt.)

• Animal Print Pony Hair Ankle Boots (Size IT 36), $200 USD via eBay

• Chartreuse Versus Velvet Patterned Trousers (Approx. Size US 4), $249 USD via eBay (I’m obsessed with these and must insist that you look at the listing photos.)

• ‘80s Blue and Green Striped Knit Top (Approx. Size L), $80 USD via TRR

• Croc-Embossed Black Leather Handbag (OS), $344.18 USD via Etsy

• ‘90s Versus Cotton Floral Skirt (Size IT 46), $99 USD (OBO) via eBay (Calling all Chloé lovers.)

• Black Leather Slingback Heeled Sandals (Size IT 40), $128 USD (OBO) via eBay

• ‘90s Ivory Wool and Cashmere Sleeveless Knit (Size IT 40), $104 USD (OBO) via eBay (This one has a small flaw according to the listing, but it doesn’t seem like a difficult fix?)

• Orange Handbag with PVC Details (OS), $350 USD via eBay

• Red Knit Trousers with Black Lace Trim (Size US 6), $220.31 USD via eBay

• Flat Orange Sandals with PVC Details (Size IT 38.5), $159 USD via Etsy (They match the bag!)

• Tan Cotton Shorts (Size IT 40), $300 USD (OBO) via eBay (Very JW Anderson.)

• Blue Croc-Embossed Leather Belt (Size 80cm), $104.99 USD via Etsy (Oof…)

• ‘80s Navy Two-Piece Pantsuit (Approx. Size M), $120 USD via TRR (Tempting…)

• ‘90s Checker Print Slingback Heels (Size IT 35.5), $282.66 USD via Etsy

• Black Leather Belt with Silver Chain (Size 90cm), $149.59 USD (OBO) via eBay

• S/S 1991 Marilyn Print Skirt (Size IT 38), $650 USD via eBay (Here is the 2026 version.)

• ‘90s Mozart Print Skirt (Approx. Size S), $445 CAD via eBay

• ‘80s Brown Wool and Silk Skirt (Approx. Size M), $69 USD (OBO) via eBay

• Grey and Blue Striped Dress Shirt (Approx. Size L), $39 CAD via eBay (A new one will run you $1,800…)

• Purple Straight Leg Trousers (Size IT 38), $236.97 USD via Etsy (I love the detail at the waist.)

• ‘90s Patterned Skirt (Size IT 40), $99.95 USD via Etsy

• ‘70s Wool Bomber Jacket (Size IT 46), $500 USD via Etsy

And that’s a wrap! If you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or a comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

Inspired by the warmer weather and some gaps in my closet (and makeup bag), April’s wishlist is a balance of the pragmatic and the more… whimsical.

First, a quick recap of where I got to with January’s wishlist:

1. Leather gloves: Found not long after hitting send! They’re a beautiful, buttery soft burgundy leather, purchased via eBay. If you’re reading this in the Northern hemisphere, cold weather accessories like gloves are probably not top of mind right now, but since you’ll always find the best deals shopping off-season, may I suggest: burgundy, navy, brown, and red

2. Belt: As detailed here, my dream belt continues to elude me… if and when that changes, you’ll be the first to know! In the meantime, these are all worth considering: one, two, three, four, and five

3. Fancy pajamas: It was a long winter, so I treated myself to not one but two pairs of fancy (secondhand) pajamas, both from eBay. One is a baby blue Oscar de la Renta satin set with lace trim ($26 USD). The second pair is a sublime red and gold brocade Valentino Intimo set that, in all honesty, is totally inappropriate to sleep in, but makes for really glamourous loungewear ($62.50 USD). If you’re in the market, here are my current picks: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight

4. Lemaire Tong heeled sandals: Well the good news is that the sandals went into production and are pretty widely available (see here, here, and here). The bad news is that they’re >$1k CAD… Fingers crossed that no one else realizes how perfect and elegant and timeless they are, so that they don’t sell out and eventually get majorly marked down at the end of the season!

Now onto the new:

1. Summer skirts: Bare legs season is finally upon us! I’m planning a deep dive on summer skirts in a week or two, but in the meantime, I’ll say that the skirts I’m on the lookout for are comfortable, easy to style, and (ideally) equally as appropriate for the office as for the weekend. If that’s of interest, stay tuned!

2. Soft pink… everything: I don’t know what’s happening—maybe it’s the millennial in me?—but all of a sudden I’m soft pink-obsessed. Think of a pop of soft pink with an otherwise all-white look! Or soft pink jeans with a burgundy button down! A soft pink shirt tucked into a brown skirt!? It just feels… right? If you’re similarly inclined, here’s a collection of new and secondhand soft pink things tickling my fancy, for your browsing or shopping pleasure. The ($150 CAD!) Miu Miu top is especially tempting…

3. Shorts: More of a need than a want, to be honest. I find shopping for shorts really tough and have maybe three pairs (only one of which—a white Dries Van Noten pair—that I really like). I usually find them uncomfortable or unflattering or some combination of the two. But when it’s 30°C+, it’s nice to have the option! I like the look of these and these (clearly my days of super short shorts are behind me), but I’d love to avoid spending $700+, so I’m taking suggestions! What shorts do you love?

4. Fresh white t-shirts: Again, not as much of a want as a need. Most of the existing white t-shirts in my closet are far from fresh and no amount of bleach is going to bring them back to that state. It’s never particularly exciting to spend money on such basic items, but they’re foundational to my wardrobe, and, every once in a while, a refresh is necessary. I’ll probably go with some combination of these, these, and these (all of which I already have and love).

5. Saint Laurent Dune sunglasses: If you read this, you already know.

If your Instagram or Substack algorithm is anything like mine, you’ve probably been inundated with Sephora sale content for a while now, so I completely understand if you’d rather skip this next section (if by some miracle your feed has been spared, allow me to be the first to tell you: Sephora’s spring savings event is live until EOD tomorrow—April 20th—with the code SPRINGSALE). Still, I figured I’d throw my picks in the ring, though I’ll try to keep it concise. I’m not particularly adventurous when it comes to my makeup and skincare, and these aren’t deep cuts by any means, but they are the products that I use daily or near-daily, that work for me, and that I’m confident recommending (all shoppable here):

This is my favourite cleanser (though, for budgetary reasons, I wish it weren’t). I’ve been using this moisturizer (with SPF 50) in the morning for years and have nothing but good things to say about it (at night I use this non-Sephora product, but am thinking about giving this a try…). This is my dry shampoo of choice, and here’s my preferred self-tanner (I use this to apply it).

When it comes to makeup, I’m devoted to this foundation and this concealer (I wear the shades “Light Peach” and “Fair Peach”, respectively). This is the best cream blush that I’ve tried (in the shade “Petal”) and, relatedly, here is what I use for contour (in “Biscuit”). I blend both with this brush. I use this powder (in “Translucent”) and this setting spray. I swear by this eyelash curler, this mascara (specifically, the mini size!), and this brow gel. On my lips, I’m usually alternating between this (in “Benetint”) and this (in, you guessed it, “Iconic Nude”).

I’m taking the sale as an opportunity to replenish a couple things that I’m running low on, as well as to try two new-to-me products: this brow pencil (in “Light”) and these daily peel pads. The end!

Are you shopping these days? What’s on your April wishlist? Let me know in the comments!

Oh, and if you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or a share goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

So let’s get into it! Here are some of the things that I’ve been leaving the house in lately:

I forgot how much I love these jeans. With their long inseam, I wasn’t wearing them a ton this winter while the sidewalks were covered in salt and snow, but, post-thaw, I’m so happy to have them back in my regular rotation. The contrast pockets are obviously their main draw, but it’s more than that. The denim itself is really beautiful quality and, for such a relaxed, almost boyfriend-y shape, they're shockingly flattering on the body. I wore them with an ERL sweater that, colour-wise, is a real outlier in my wardrobe, but that I fell in love with the moment I saw it. It’s years old at this point, but just as much of a compliment magnet as the day I bought it.

I took this ensemble to a perfect dinner at Bernhardt’s with Emma, followed by a screening of Nastasya Popov’s Idiotka at TIFF Lightbox. It definitely had its moments (and what a cast!), but ultimately, this is a movie that I wanted to love more than I did.

This is what I wore to a friend’s baby’s baptism (say that five times fast), followed by another movie at TIFF Lightbox (Farouk Beloufa’s Nahla). A weird combination of activities, for sure. As a non-churchgoer, I wasn’t entirely sure what would be considered appropriate to wear to the former, so I dressed relatively conservatively to be on the safe side, while simultaneously prioritizing comfort for the movie. It’s hard to tell from the photo, but under the trench, I wore a black long sleeve crewneck cashmere dress. I stashed my things in my Lemaire Croissant Bag and donned some black tights and boots. Wearing a little more colour wouldn’t have hurt, but I didn’t feel over or underdressed in either setting—outfits at the baptism really ran the gamut, actually—and I was happy enough with my choice.

It should also be noted that—though there’s a lot more to say about the film, which focuses on a group of interconnected characters at the onset of the Lebanese Civil War—the costumes in Nahla (and specifically those worn by Lina Tabbara’s character, Maha) were really inspiring (think wide ‘70s collars, oversized eyewear, belted cotton shirtdresses, supple suede shoulder bags, perfectly worn-in tan overcoats, and silk scarves aplenty).

Another bestie finds marital bliss! And though Liz’s chic courthouse wedding was family-only, she and her husband threw a cocktail party the next day to celebrate with friends. This is what I wore.

The dress is 2006 Miu Miu that I first came across via Smoking Vintage’s Instagram stories. I messaged them as soon as I saw it, but it had already sold. Thankfully, I thought to check Vestiaire Collective, and there she was (waiting for me?). The seller accepted my < $200 CAD offer, and the dress was mine (albeit after a bit of a shipping nightmare that I won’t bore you with the details of). It’s the most beautiful bias-cut champagne pink silk—a colour that I would think twice about wearing to a wedding event without checking with the bride ahead of time (better safe than sorry)—and can also be worn back-to-front (see this listing for reference).

I love pink and red together, so paired the dress with my Marc by Marc Jacobs peep-toe pumps, and carried my vintage Dior calf hair bag for a little textural contrast. Because it was still frigid in Toronto at the end of March (and still kinda is if I’m being honest), I threw a big old fur coat over the dress for the journey to and from from the party.

I wore this perfect little Renaissance Renaissance skirt suit to accompany my fiancé to the Juno Awards (if you’re unfamiliar, that’s Canada’s answer to the Grammy’s). I love the brand—which operates between Paris and Beirut—and actually wore one of their dresses to my engagement party (now two summers ago, whoops!). If it tickles your fancy, a note on the sizing of that dress in particular: I'm typically a US 6, but in this particular case ended up buying an XXS... make of that what you will!

There was a lot of standing (and dancing) at the Junos and at the afterparty that followed, so I was glad to have worn my beloved, shockingly comfortable Jil Sander boots.

For a casual weeknight dinner at Annabelle, this was my outfit. My fiancé and I walked to and from the restaurant (about half an hour each way), and, for the first time this year in Toronto, I didn’t have to wear a jacket. It was bliss.

I’ve written at length about these JW Anderson trousers, so will try to contain myself here. Suffice to say, they’re already in the running for the 2026 edition of “the best things I added to my closet.” I didn't need to carry very much, so popped my phone, lip balm, wallet, and keys in a thrifted woven handbag as a nod to the warmer weather (even if that weather only lasted a day). And, because I'm me, I added a parrot brooch on my way out the door.

It’s not a particularly Easter-y outfit, but this is what I wore to Easter brunch at my in-laws’ nonetheless! Post-brunch, I went straight to the theatre with a few friends to see Sofia Coppola’s Marc by Sofia (not a revealing documentary by any means, but one that you will love if you love Sofia Coppola and/or Marc Jacobs… I of course do, so I only wish it had been longer!). After the movie, we went for drinks in Kensington Market. A true day-to-night outfit, if you will. It’s a tiny detail, but I love how the collar of the tuxedo shirt looks layered under the knit (as opposed to that of a more typical white button-up).

This is what I threw on to run a bunch of errands (including dropping off some dry cleaning and picking up a skirt that I'd ordered from VSP…). The jeans (which are vintage Levi’s 585s) are technically men’s, so, on me, they don’t have the perfect fit in and around the crotch and seat, but they're super comfortable and have an excellent lived-in wash. They're ideal for a cold and rainy day like this one, when I’m tackling my to-do list and don’t want to have to be precious about what I’m wearing. They also look great cuffed.

The bag (which has made numerous appearances in collaging) may be one of my best purchases of... all... time? It's a bold claim, but I’ve worn it near weekly (and some weeks, daily) since buying it in 2022—for approx. $225, whatever that means for the price per wear—and on multiple occasions I’ve been stopped by people on the street asking where it’s from. It’s lightweight, comfortable on the shoulder, and fits everything I need (even my—admittedly tiny—work laptop). I’ll keep you posted if another one comes across my desk (shows up on the resale sites).

Now it’s your turn. What’ve you been wearing lately?

Oh, and if you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

Shop the newsletter here.

I had been hoping that I might find the belt of my dreams while I was there, but my criteria has become so specific—black, shiny (possibly textured) leather, with a silver buckle and no Western connotations—that I was bound to strike out. Here’s what I bought instead…

Fresh off the plane, my first purchase (from Shreeji Newsagents in Marylebone) was the March issue of British Vogue with Bhavitha Mandava on the cover (pictured here with a flat white and cardamom bun from the Monocle Café). As big a fan as I am of the work Matthieu Blazy is doing at Chanel, and with Bhavitha having just been named a house ambassador for the brand—and since the actual ready-to-wear is firmly out of my budget—this was a no brainer.

So yes, I—a Torontonian who, on average, visits London once a year—bought a V&A annual membership to gain access to the sold out Marie Antoinette Style exhibition. And you know what, it was worth every penny! Plus, it granted me 10% off my V&A shop purchase: a set of 18 postcards featuring pieces from the exhibition (similar here).

The show has since closed and the gift shop was doing a booming business, so they definitely don’t need my two cents, but I was actually a little disappointed by the exhibition-specific offerings. I didn’t find much that tempted me, which is surprising considering how much I enjoyed the show itself (and how much of a sucker I am for a gift shop generally). Maybe some things had sold out prior to my visit, but I felt like it was a bit of a missed opportunity. They did have this, which I’ve been wanting to buy for a while—I’m just a girl, after all—but I definitely didn’t feel the need to cart that extra 2kg across the ocean when I can easily find it here in Canada.

Tove Ditlevsen’s Childhood, Youth, and Dependency are some of my favourite books of all time, so I picked up this collection of the author’s short stories from Waterstones to read while I ate lunch at Rose Bakery. I should probably be doing more Sudoku puzzles or something, because it took me longer than I’d like to admit to realize that I’d actually already read the stories in The Trouble with Happiness a couple years ago. But they still slap! And maybe even more so now than they did when I first read them (in that way that fiction can hit differently depending on the phase of life that you’re in when you read it).

I adore Ludwig Bemelmans’ illustrations, so couldn’t resist buying a copy of Madeline in London from Daunt Books for a pregnant friend (and her future son). For absolutely no reason at all, I had assumed that this would be a standalone story, but as it turns out, familiarly with the characters is fairly crucial. Maybe this calls for a trip to Paris to buy the first in the series…

I grabbed a bag of Assembly espresso beans from Layla Bakery in Ladbrooke Grove (where I had a phenomenal pistachio croissant and which is also very conveniently located for visiting Found + Vision). Though the beans were ostensibly a gift for my fiancé, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having been their primary consumer thus far...

To go with the coffee—“give a mouse a cookie shopping” at its finest—I picked up a Nicholas Mosse small pig print mug from the gorgeous JW Anderson store on Pimlico Road (a large mug, small jug, tea pot, small bowl, salad bowl, everyday plate, and serving plate are also available in the same hand-sponged print). If the opportunity presents itself to you, I would highly recommend a visit. The shop is filled with the most thoughtful selection of art, home goods, and clothing, and the staff are warm and hugely knowledgeable.

From Daunt, I also bought a copy of Claire Keegan’s So Late in the Day. This is only the second story of hers that I’ve read (Foster being the first), but it’s pretty unbelievable what she’s able to do with so few words (So Late in the Day is 47 pages). Sure, the jet lag may have been a contributing factor, but at one point she had me shedding real tears! Interestingly (and tellingly, subject matter-wise), the story was first published in French as Misogynie.

Percy Pigs are a London non-negotiable for me. I bought one bag for my fiancé, one bag for the office, and one bag just for me (that one obviously didn’t survive the flight home to make it in this picture). From Harrods, I also picked up some truffles in this sweet little Union Jack heart-shaped box for my mum and dad.

In London, I finally treated myself to the navy Conner Ives baseball cap that’s been on my wishlist for a while. For a pretty straightforward hat, it’s not inexpensive, but I’m happy to retire my well-worn Gap version and support an independent brand instead. And how sexy is the embroidered logo!? My dry cleaner complimented it this week, which is all the validation that I need. Next I have my eye on the “I work nights” t-shirt that the brand did in collaboration with Poog…

The last two books I bought (neither of which I’ve read yet) are Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song and Patricia Lockwood’s Priestdaddy. There’s really no rhyme or reason as to why I picked them up in London as opposed to Toronto. LBF just puts me in a book-buying frame of mind, I guess.

A quick honourable mention to the perfect pink Sabre butter knife that I stupidly packed in my carryon and that was subsequently disposed of by Heathrow airport security, despite my desperate appeals to reason (“it’s not even sharp!”).

As far as what I nearly bought goes, there were two pieces at Vault Vintage that I came pretty close to taking home with me. The first was a Prada-esque antique cotton nightgown (priced at £120) that ultimately was just a touch too sack-like on me. The second was a beautiful 1930s sheer silk floral dress (priced at £185 or so). I was pretty convinced until another woman in the store made a comment about how big it was on me, and I was forced to confront the fact that it would need significant alterations to fit correctly, which sort of feels like something I don’t need to be doing to a nearly hundred-year-old garment.

I fell in love with this jacket when I popped into the Soeur store in Marylebone (the brand doesn’t have any standalone shops in Canada, so it was nice to see their full product lineup in person). Ultimately, though, £420 felt a bit steep (especially as it’s a wool and polyamide blend). I’ll wait to see if it goes on sale at the end of the season.

Finally, I nearly bought these in Selfridges. I’m really picky when it comes to sunglasses—these are the only ones I really wear—and this is a style that I’ve been mulling over for a while. I think I’ll probably eventually take the plunge, but I’m not willing to pay full price when I’m sure I can find them online at a discount.

Thanks for bearing with me while I get this show back on the road. I’ll be back soon with some recent outfits, fashion month favourites, and the like. And if there’s anything in particular that you want to see from me, don’t be shy!

Oh, and if you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.

As far as I’m aware, the fair itself doesn’t have a dress code per se, and—this being my fifth LBF—I’ve seen a lot of really informal outfits over the years. That being said, I’d probably categorize how I like to dress as—apologies in advance—business casual with a twist (I’m probably one of very few people wearing tabis at the Olympia, for example). Post-fair, I’ll be staying on in London to spend time with Emily and bop around the city. In total, I’ll be there for ten days, and—as is always the case when I travel for work—I’m bringing a bunch of books that will eat up a significant portion of my weight allowance, so, clothing-wise, versatility is key. In addition to my everyday jewelry, something comfy to wear in the hotel room, workout clothes, and the like, here’s what’s likely to be coming with me:1

• Tops: White t-shirts, tuxedo shirt, Oxford shirt, knit tank top

• Bottoms: White pleated skirt, black silk trousers, ivory wide leg jeans, green cotton twill trousers, straight leg jeans

• Sweater(s): Navy v-neck, beige v-neck, red crewneck

• Outerwear: Brown leather jacket, trench coat, grey blazer, black collarless blazer

• Shoes: Black loafers, black tabi pumps, black knee high boots, leopard knee high boots

• Accessories: Headband, flower brooch, bangles, belt, cream bag, black bag, zebra bag

And here’s how I’m planning to wear it all:

Saturday: I’m booked on a red eye, and hoping to sleep for as much of the flight as possible, so—in addition to getting up super early and cutting off my caffeine intake around noon—I’ll be wearing clothes conducive to curling up on the plane (as much as one can curl up in an Air Canada economy seat). I’m more likely than not to run into publishing colleagues in the airport, though, so I’ll stop short of a sweatsuit. Then, there are the other usual flight necessities: light layers for unpredictable cabin temperatures and shoes that are easy to slip on and off for security. This outfit checks all those boxes. The silk trousers—my one and only IRL The RealReal purchase—are outrageously comfortable and have the same gorgeous drape as these (or these), the crucial difference being that they have a proper waistband, so feel appropriate to wear both casually and in more formal settings.

Sunday: Post-flight, after dropping my things off at the hotel, I always love to go for a Big Fat Walk to combat jet lag, promote circulation, etc., so comfort and movability will be top of mind when getting dressed. That being said, I’ll likely pop into some shops and grab a bite to eat along the way, so will still want to look cute. Sue me! And, as I’m writing this, the forecast is calling for sun and a high of 16°C on Sunday(!), so layers that I can easily add or subtract feel like the move.

Monday: The book fair proper doesn’t officially kick off until the Tuesday, so this will be a day of publisher office visits, followed by dinner with some London-based colleagues, and a pre-fair party to cap it all off. It’s supposed to be another mild and sunny day, so the ivory jeans feel safe enough. Of course, if the weather changes between now and then, I’ll pivot (I’d like to avoid showing up to my meetings in rain-soaked hems, if I can). I feel great in this outfit, though, and will definitely be adding it to my office outfit rotation as soon as it warms up enough in Toronto to do so.

Tuesday: This skirt has quickly become a book fair failsafe for me, and my first full day at the Olympia calls for a tried and tested (and, frankly, Miuccia Prada-inspired) outfit. I have back-to-back half hour meetings with scouts, co-agents, and editors booked from 9:30AM - 6PM, immediately followed by drinks at a nearby pub with a French colleague, and a dinner on the other side of town. I’ll let the weather dictate whether I wear my leather jacket or trench coat on top.

Wednesday: Another long day at the fair, followed by drinks with another French colleague, and another dinner (this time with a Scotland-based colleague-turned-friend). Since it’s looking like the weather will be taking a turn for the worse on Wednesday, I’m opting for darker colours and pant legs that won’t be in danger of dragging on the ground. I’ll finish it off with the brooch to inject a little personality into an otherwise pretty muted ensemble.

Thursday: Unlike in Frankfurt, where my meetings stretch from Monday to Friday, LBF wraps up on the Thursday, so this will be my last official fair day. I’ll be at the Olympia until the early afternoon, then heading to a few off-site meetings. It's not a groundbreaking outfit by any means, but should keep me comfortable for all the running around that I’ll need to so.

Friday (1/2): On Friday, I’m physically moving from my hotel to Emily’s place, and mentally shifting from work to vacation mode. I’ll either spend the day gallery hopping (what’s a girl got to do to get tickets to the Marie Antoinette exhibition at the V&A?) or at the Portobello Market, or both, so I’ll let my outerwear do the heavy lifting. A trench in London in the spring is a cliché for a reason, and I’m obsessed with this vintage YSL Rive Gauche one that I bought at VSP a couple years ago. I think it’s from the late ‘70s or early ‘80s (fact check me, fashion historians!), and it’s in amazing condition for its age. It’s so special and a piece that I kind of can’t believe I own.

Friday (2/2): Emily and I have a late dinner reservation at a restaurant that I’ve been dying to try, so—after a quick nap—I’ll change into something like this. I love the balance of masculine (the tuxedo shirt and straight leg jeans) and feminine (the bag, headband, and boots), and always feel relaxed and confident in outfits that combine elements of both men’s and womenswear.

Saturday (1/2): On Saturday, Emily and I will do what we do best: shop, stroll, snack, sip, and shoot the shit. An outfit like this should fit the bill. I like the juxtaposition of the smarter blazer (this time styled with the collar folded up and secured with the brooch) with the more casual trousers.

Saturday (2/2): I’ll wear something along these lines to dinner. When I was writing it, I didn’t think to include this collarless Max Mara Studio blazer in my roundup of “the best things I added to my closet in 2025,” but, in retrospect, it’s definitely deserving of a spot on that list. Between its clean lines, slightly nipped waist, and 3/4 length sleeves, there’s nothing else like it in my closet. Its soft structure feels classic yet modern and perpetually chic.

As for Sunday and Monday, our plans are still up in the air, but some iteration of any of the above should cover all potentialities.

Tuesday: To help me readjust to Toronto time as quickly as possible, I’m aiming to stay awake on my return flight, so maximizing comfort won’t be the highest of priorities (hence the jeans). I’ll definitely make sure there’s a sweater in my carry on, though (and a whole bunch of Percy Pigs in my purse).

And that’s that! See you on the other side.

Oh, and if you enjoyed this newsletter, a like or comment—hell, even a share!—goes a long way in helping others discover collaging. Thank you, as always, for reading and being here.

Carolyn x

Share

There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, promise!).

Follow me on Instagram here.