Funky Menswear With a 45-Year-Old Blouse

I played around with my new clothes in my closet last night, and put together this outfit. My work is doing a Mental Health Month, so I was chatting today with a coworker about what she does to clear her mind. A few people ended up sharing their "Zen" things - mine was (of course) playing in my closet.

I do other stuff too - I love to read (a lot), and I paint or draw sometimes - but playing in my closet is the most fun when I really love the outfit that comes out at the end. It's my art.

• Blouse - Shirt-Tales by StyleRite, vintage 1970s, thrifted; purchased here for $12.99
• Pants - H&M, consignment; purchased here for $10.00
• Shoes - Clarks Narrative, consignment; purchased here for $21.50
• Coat (below) - Denny Rose, consignment; purchased here for $24.50

 I wouldn't do this look every day, but it's a nice change from how I usually dress, which tends to the uber-girly at this point in my life. Maybe I'm due for a change, I don't know. I'm not going to overthink it - it's one outfit! It would look nice with a vest too..

The blouse was lovely to wear, although slightly warm (hurray for 70s polyester!). No buttons popping open, or even loose, although this piece is easily over 45 years old. You can't say that about modern stuff. What will be left of that in 45+ years?

 First wearing of the pants also, and I liked them quite a bit. They don't have any stretch but they are slightly loose on me. The blouse did come untucked in a few spots (the back mostly), but was good overall - the PVC waistband actually helped it stay in place. Like all H&M, the quality is a little hit and miss, and it usually doesn't last for very long in my wardrobe (maybe a few years at most) before I cycle it out.

Outerwear. It was threatening to rain this morning, so I risked wearing WAY too much stuff. No, hat not needed. But I see potential for fall!

 Seriously, isn't that the most gorgeous coat? It reminds me of Burberry plaid. I like how the pockets follow the colour instead of being slash.

Just a nice straight cut.

 This was a fabulous length for walking too - most longer coats tend to swallow my frame, but this one felt just right.

The stuff:

 Also feeling just right were these shoes. I loved these so much. All-day shoes! The funky legs are courtesy of a pair of trouser socks (aka patterned knee-highs).

Double bling:

Did you see how I layered the necklace over the tie? I was proud of coming up with that - I really liked how it evokes a pocket-watch, and adds to the overall menswear vibe. My vintage tie says "Has a love letter won your heart".

• Silk tie - Escada, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Necklace - Fossil, consignment (first wear, purchased on the same spree as above)
• Earrings - local
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes