Outfit Details: 3.1 Phillip Lim coat $320, ALC silk pyjama top $99 (was $350), J.Crew skirt $39.50, heels my own (old H&M)

I’ve always been a believer that you shouldn’t need to spend a fortune in order to look great. In fact, even if you are saving up for a designer piece or two, if you do a little research ahead of time, you’re bound to find some great independent boutiques that can offer you a great deal. For me, Mine & Yours, located in Vancouver is just that – a shop where I can find my favourite high end brands (Louboutins anyone?), but at a fraction of their regular retail price. Mine & Yours buys, sells, and trades on-trend designer fashion pieces, and I definitely scored when I found this 3.1 Phillip Lim coat that also doubles as a blazer for the office! The fact that the coat is so versatile is especially convenient, as it means that it is just light enough to be worn indoors without feeling stuffy, but warm enough to protect me from the Vancouver elements, at least until colder weather hits the city.

As my coat was neutral and my blouse was white, I wanted to add some real visual interest into the look, and perhaps a bit of fun as well. I did so in the form of this printed pencil skirt from J Crew. With its geometric print, and a matching colour scheme to the subtle piping details present on my blouse, it was a fitting piece to tie everything together. A pair of comfortable, but classic pointy-toed pumps were the finishing touch to this outfit.

Photos by Bitty Berlinghoff

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