As the crisp air rolls in, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear this fall. Who better to guide us through this cozy season than Lunenburg fashion icon and owner of Pearl’s Vintage and Thrift, Eilidh MacDonald? We sat down with her to chat about all things autumn fashion.
What will you be wearing this fall?
I love fall fashion. The only reason I’m ok with saying goodbye to summer is because fall fashion is so good.
I like wearing colour all the time, so I don’t think the summer palette of fun vibrant colours has to go away. You just layer it with a chunky knit, or make your coat that fun colour. It doesn’t have to fall into the ‘fall colour’ category.
Any fun fall trends you’ve seen?
It kind of feels like we’re in a moment in time where anything goes — it’s very eclectic, a mix of slow fashion, vintage, just whatever you can find. I’m not a fan of the coming and going of, ‘now this is cancelled, and now we’re bringing it back.’ For me, the sixties and seventies have never gone away. That’s why I love vintage. It doesn’t have to fall into a trend.
What are some timeless fall staples?
A cable knit sweater in any colour, cardigans, pullovers. You can go wool, you can go acrylic, mohair, fuzzy and fun — just work with whatever fabric works best for you.
Don’t shy away from the fun, cool, fast fashion pieces at the thrift store. If we’re all avoiding them, then they’re going to end up in the landfill. Puff sleeves, like stuff from Zara and H&M and things that are good layering pieces — they’re not the quality of vintage, but they’re still existing in the thrift store. If all the resellers and all the vintage girlies are avoiding it, then where are they ending up?
Describe your favourite fall pieces in the shop right now
I am really digging knit sweaters with ridiculous patterns weaved in. I have one now that has houses all over it. I’ve had lighthouses, I’ve had palm trees and flamingos. The more wacky and almost tacky a cardigan is, the more I like it. There’s also a super vintage 1970s Levi’s shirt, white tab, extra large, which for 70s pieces is harder to find. I’ve been finding some epic plus size stuff lately.
