Consignment fun

A few weeks ago I took a short trip to Vancouver for some meetings and appointments and visits with friends. While there I popped into my favourite consignment shop. I walked away with two unexpected purchases -- unworn, still with their original tags, cheap as chips. 

The Club Monaco lace pencil skirt is a bit of a fashion throwback -- definitely not on trend! (Though I think I've seen more pencil skirts sneaking back in...). Anyway -- I've wanted a lace skirt for ages. It's not something I can wear much around the house because of my cat, but overall, I've been aiming to add more texture to my closet and this fits the bill. 

I'd like this better if it were midi-length, but this at-the-knee length is good with sneakers and flats, and maybe it counts as my version of a mini, ha! It has a slightly stretchy liner and a back vent so it is comfortable. The zipper is in the back and is in pewter, which juxtaposes nicely with the lace. The fit is great. And the lace is substantial. I figure it will work for me dressed down with denim. And maybe dressed up sometime, too -- who knows. 

The sweater is a Diane von Furstenburg animal print in my trusty blue and white -- a silk blend. Years ago I got a DVF blush sweater in a similar print and fabric at the wonderful NAS I travelled to with Svetlana. I almost never wear this style of classic cardigan,  but I can wear it buttoned up as a top. And it will work with jeans, of course. Or as a topper for my navy shirtdress. 

I'm sure I'll wear the sweater enough to justify the price. The skirt, I'm not as certain of—but I thought it was worth a try. 

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30 Comments

  • merwoman replied 1 year ago

    What fun pieces! Glad you took a close up of the beautiful lace work on the skirt. And the fit of both pieces is suberb!
    Now what’s happening with those loafers…inquiring minds want to know!

  • Sal replied 1 year ago

    Great wildcard additions.  I like them both.

    I agree with wearing the skirt casually - fun with flat sandals or sneakers, and potentially with tights in winter too.  And the cardigan is such a useful to piece to either have in the bag for cool nights or to wear buttoned as a top.  

    Love consignment shopping for these experiments - its a fun way to try pieces on the want list.

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    Very striking ! I owned that skirt at one time !

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    KILLER x2

    Welcome to Team Lace :)

    How fun! The skirt is navy lace, right? Not just navy lining. Perfect fits! 

    You can wear volume on the bottom with the cardigan, and volume up top with the "mini" skirt. Absolutley dress both items up and down. The items look great together too. Score! 

    Add your favourite red punk boots to either piece.....

  • SarahD8 replied 1 year ago

    Ooh, very nice! I like the two together— subtle pattern mixing.

  • Runcarla replied 1 year ago

    I like those pieces!  Wear the skirt with sneakers, a t-shirt, and your jean jacket, or even with a simple t-shirt tucked or knotted at the waist and flat sandals.  


    I’m finding more ‘fun’ and better quality at the second hand shops, than I’m finding ‘new’.  

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Thanks, all. Great styling suggestions, Carla and Angie! I will certainly wear with my punk boots! :) 

    And Angie, yes -- it's navy and navy -- a brighter navy for the underskirt and more like ink on the top. It might be one of those items that stays in my closet for many years and only gets worn occasionally but works really well when it comes out. 

    Lisa, you had this skirt? Hilarious. In navy? I'd have pegged you to go for black...

    Sarah, you're right -- a subtle pattern mix right there. I'd probably never wear them together (unless styles change substantially or my life does!) but nice to know I could, and I will admit, trying them on together probably inclined me more to buy both, if you know what I am saying. 

  • Indigoprint replied 1 year ago

    That skirt is great! I think better than "on trend" but timeless!. Looks like it will fit seamlessly into your closet.
    Fun find!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 year ago

    Those are lovely pieces, and they look fantastic on you. What good finds!

  • slim cat replied 1 year ago

    Looks like it was meant to be!

  • MsMaven replied 1 year ago

    Wow! Great luck and great find. 

    I bought a lace skirt a couple of years ago thinking it would be useful, then came Covid. Mine is longer and sort of A-line. I like your version much better. I think it could be a classic that will serve you well for years. 

    As for the top: it's fabulous and looks great on you.

  • Star replied 1 year ago

    These are fabulous pieces.  Great finds!

  • Jaime replied 1 year ago

    Well you get two thumbs up from me! The sweater is a real no brainer - it looks just perfect on you. And the skirt I see in winter with darker hose or tights or summer as your mini, just as you said. Are the loafers still in the testing phase?

  • lyn67 replied 1 year ago

    As others said so well is striking, and you can trust the 2xkillers from Angie as well, I myself would add edgy to the batch-to my eyes at least-and would do this outfit no brain!!!:-)

  • Vildy replied 1 year ago

    I don't have this skirt - just wait :D -  but I do have a gored lined skirt in similar heavy lace and use it for daily wear no problem - for the purpose of adding texture as you mentioned.

  • RobinF replied 1 year ago

    I love lace as texture. I have a few tops that I wear casually which is easy, skirts might be a little bit harder but I bet it will get use, even if it's for nicer events. Great finds!

  • Bijou replied 1 year ago

    This looks beautiful on you and I like how the loafers work with the skirt.

  • kellygirl replied 1 year ago

    Fun finds! I love Angie's footwear suggestion too. You have exquisite taste, Suz!

  • replied 1 year ago

    You look so posh!  And so does mini-Suz in pic 1, lol!  Congratulations on finding some great pieces.

  • Helena replied 1 year ago

    Lovely finds Suz! I think that's one of the skirts that will be "just the thing" for many occasions. And the sweater looks like it will be very versatile in your wardrobe!

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    Yes - lol - it's probably why I don't own it anymore. I could never figure out how to style it . The length was also an issue for me .

  • replied 1 year ago

    Those are great! Team lace :)

  • Ana replied 1 year ago

    Yes, I love both these pieces and you look fantastic in them! I remember that NAS—I have the wrap dress on that same print and it’s still one of my closet favorites. :)

  • Laurie replied 1 year ago

    Have missed your posts/photos - nice to see you Suz. These pieces are very "you" and really great.  Never quit pencil skirts!

  • Mary replied 1 year ago

    Fabulous finds!
    Was this Turnabouts? When I am in  Vancouver I always drop in to one their locations!

  • rachylou replied 1 year ago

    Nice! :D

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Mary, it was indeed Turnabouts! 

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    I can see that skirt becoming one of those unexpected workhorses that goes with so much, can be dressed up or down. I think it would look great with denim or chambray.

  • Mary replied 1 year ago

    Thought so!. If you are ever in Victoria there are a whole bunch of great consignment stores with a few blocks of each other, including a Turnabouts.  

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    That skirt is lovely on you - that brighter blue under the dark neutral lace really helps to make it 'pop'. I did the same thing with my wedding dress - a deep orange lining underneath true red lace.

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