Fancy Friday: Denim Vest-Dress and Pink Pencil Flashbacks

July 17, 2020, 6:07 pm

≫ Next: Bigass Parasol Weekend Wrap-Up: Brunch Bubbles; Park Party in Red; Hadfields Flashback; Book Club at the Castle

≪ Previous: Lady Garden of Delight Skirt Flashback

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Welcome to Fancy Friday! I'm not especially fancy today, but I count dressing in "real" clothes as fancy these days, don't you? 

I'd actually planned this entire outfit around my new blue shoes (these ones here), but when I put them on, they looked too dark, chunky and clunky with the outfit, so I swapped them out for this taupe-y pair. Maybe the new shoes will be better in the fall? I'll try another outfit with them soon.

• Vest/dress - Only, thrifted; last worn here in December 2019 over red and pink
• Blouse - Le Chateau, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in May with lilac and linen
• Skirt - Studio J, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in July 2017 with dots and black and white pattern
• Shoes - Seychelles, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in May with my orange jumpsuit for a park party

I have a lot of physical work to do at the office over the next couple of weeks, so I'm keeping that in mind as I dress for work. I got rather sweaty in this today as I lugged around boxes and crawled under desks.

This denim vest - is it a vest? is it a dress? Yes! - will be featured in a Flashback below, as will this lovely vibrant pink skirt.

Add a pattern to tie them together, and bam, we are done here.

 The vest-dress has a matching tie belt, which I tie in the back when I wear it open like this.

When it's done up - the rear view.

I like that the top half has that overhang; it carries over to the front.

It does up with two snaps; the belt is really just for show.

I wore it like this walking to and from work. And we actually have some sun today (still very windy, though), so I sunblocked up my arms/tattoos.

The stuff:

Sometimes a neutral shoe is just a neutral shoe. I do like the studs on the suede straps.

Copper bling:

First wearing of Karen's copper cuff and poison ring. Aw, my Kare-bear...

• Copper cuff - Karen's
• Copper ball cuff - vintage 70s, vintage expo
• Copper/enamel leaf brooch and copper earrings - Renoir by Matisse, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Silver/stone poison ring - Taxco, Karen's
• Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall

Flashback time!

I spotted this sleeveless vest-dress at the same time as my sleeveless black coat, shopping at Flavour Upstairs back in September 2017 here, for $22.99.

I wore it right away, in September 2017, layering a cami and summer-weight wool vintage pencil skirt under it.

And nearly every time since, I've layered tops, pants and skirts under it. I've only worn it as a dress once!

I'm showing off my vintage Dior slip here - stay klassy, Sheila! - which I let show in lieu of a skirt.

This was in January 2018.

This is my favourite of all my outfits that I've done with it - I just love the black and white pattern and the punk-ish accents.

That was in May 2018. I can't quite fit into those trousers right now...working on it!

With trousers again in November 2018.

Those metallic weave pants were itchy on the seams, and the moths ravaged that wool sweater.

I loathed this February 2019 outfit, particularly the bottom half.

Ugh, horrible grey trousers! And those loafers were just not me.

What's this? I'm wearing it as a dress!

This was for a shopping expedition in April 2019. I recall I had to clutch the vest-dress closed while I walked - even with tights, it was showing a fair bit of leg.

And here's the last time I wore it, in December 2019.

I like how the extra denim layer really adds a bit of pizzazz to what is a pretty simple outfit otherwise.

Mathy stuff: Including today's outfit, I'm at 8 wearings of this vest-dress, which brings us to...$2.87 per wear, and still going strong.

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Super-duper bonus second Flashback!

I found this amazing 100% wool (it's a very fine summer weight) skirt here in August 2016 at Flavour Upstairs again, for $12.99. It was made in Vancouver, Canada, and is marked a size 10, but fits like a 6, so vintage 80s (pre-Great Size Shift).

And of course, I wore it right away, also in August 2016.

I don't have that denim jacket anymore - this outfit revealed that I needed more of a top underneath it.

I wore it again only a month later, in September 2016. Better outfit.

I recently read somewhere that pink and yellow are a "thing" - pshaw, I've been doing that for years! I love those two brights together.

Because the skirt is a summer weight, I only have it in my closet during the warm months - this is in April 2017.

We're going to have a fun Flashback with those shoes in the fall - I have worn them a lot.

In June 2017, I wore it with a darker pink top and cream accents.

Eh, it's okay. I like the colours together.

This is a fun summer outfit from July 2018 - sandals, sleeveless and tassels.

And pink! And leopard! Love it.

And finally, here we are at the last time I wore it, in July 2019.

I really like the bright pink mixed with two different black and white patterns. So fun.

Mathy stuff: Today's outfit marks the 7th wearing of the skirt, so we're at $1.86 per wear. Excellent! Another good cost-per-wear!


Vizzini, what do you make of all of this?

"I just want to hide under the covers, Woman."

But it's the weekend! There is too much fun to be had!

I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure. Have a lovely weekend, everyone, and thank you so much for dropping by.

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Bigass Parasol Weekend Wrap-Up: Brunch Bubbles; Park Party in Red; Hadfields Flashback; Book Club at the Castle

August 5, 2020, 11:56 pm

≫ Next: Blogger Art Gallery: Original Art in My House

≪ Previous: Fancy Friday: Denim Vest-Dress and Pink Pencil Flashbacks

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Hello, my friends! It nearly felt like the "olden days" this weekend: I have three outfits to share with you, plus a big Flashback on a pair of floral shoes, so let's get 'er started. 

L and I had a quiet Friday night, but were up early for appointments at the optometrist. Of course, I dress up for this! 

I adore the "bubble" pattern of this vintage dress - isn't it amazing?

• Dress - Marjorie Hamilton, vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here in July 2019 with my Barbie shoes
• Shoes - Enneagram Individualist, Fluevog; last seen here with the extra ankle strap and neon pink, in June

This is only my second year of having this dress, so it's only been worn a few times, but I just love it.

The pattern, the fit.

The colours!

The "window" in the back!

If it had pockets, I'd give it 5 stars, but it's a 4.5 otherwise.

We walked to town in the morning, then, after our appointments we did a couple of chores before going for brunch at Pluto's.

Both L and I are due for new glasses - his frames are broken and held together with electrical tape, and I want a new pair to swap out with these awesome aqua titanium frames.

I did not know he was there until I uploaded my pictures!

Don't worry, I won't stop wearing them. I love them to bits - I just want options.

Anyway, we had our eye exams done (all good), and prescriptions have been obtained, and next weekend we have a personal co-shopping appointment booked at Goo Goo Goggles to try on oodles of frames to see what we like. So exciting!

We were required to wear masks for the eye exams, so I wore mine to town. I carry my parasol to avoid having to wear (much) sunblock, and because it looks so danged snazzy!

• Parasol - Chinatown

The stuff:

A lady in Pluto's asked me if these were the Dr. Bonnie Henry design (link here, 'cause I love), but I didn't even attempt to get a pair. These are so comfy to walk in, anyway. As noted, I opted for just the single strap, not the ankle strap, this time.

Simple bling:

We had a gorgeously Real Summer Weekend all weekend, with temps up to the high 20s, and slight breezes.

• Earrings - vintage fair
• Turquoise/silver ring - local
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

After our adventurous morning, we just chilled at home in the afternoon, including a nap, before heading out to Beacon Hill Park in the late afternoon to meet up with our group of friends.

I wore a comfy dress that would work while sitting on the ground and shoes I could walk a long way in. Function first!

• Dress - Little Moon, consignment; first worn here in March with gold accents
• Shoes - Down to Earth Hadfields, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) in March with big black leather for brunch and the last pre-COVID Winesday

I felt absolutely smashing in my vivid red.

I layered a vintage slip under it - although the dress is lined, it's still quite sheer.

I matched my scarf to the shoes - it's threaded through my hair elastic, and then tied in a bow.

My girlfriends were hugely impressed when I started playing Frisbee in this with a bunch of the Ulti guys.

They have never seen me throwing/catching/leaping around. It felt normal to me, but it must have been odd for them.

Of course, I ran after a disc and slipped and fell - these shoes are not cleats! - banging my knee, and face-planting, but the grass was soft, and I was undamaged. Only my pride was bruised.

I carried my paper parasol again.

"You're going out again? What about our nap?"

He'd been sleeping with us earlier. He loves napping with us.

The stuff:

Walking shoes for the trek to and from the park. We hung out for a couple of hours, and then came home and played board games all evening. It was lovely.

Warm bling:

I love wearing all of these things.

• Amber necklace - vintage 20s, vintage mall, gift from L
• Amber/silver earrings - vintage, vintage mall, gift from L
• Brass/copper cuff - Karen's
• Silver poison ring - Taxco, Karen's
• Wood Klimt ring - consignment
• Silk scarf - Ralph Lauren, consignment

Flashback time!

I bought these leather shoes in August 2015 (here) for $71.00 - they predate the opening of our local Fluevog store. This is the only pair of Fluevogs that I own that are not women's - these are men's shoes. I bought them at a local menswear store, Outlooks, while L was buying one of his annual suits (a big sale was on). These were regular $245.00 and were the last pair, a men's size 8 which is around a women's size 10. As I have large feet (9.5-10/40 Euro), and I know Fluevog's sizing is erratic, I tried them on.

Floral lace-ups? Of course, I am going to buy them. Actually, I'm pretty sure L bought these for me. They look somewhat rougher now, as I've worn them a lot, walked in them tons, and Vizzini has chewed on the laces.

As you noticed from the current outfit, I wear them with this Ralph Lauren silk scarf a LOT - they match really, really well.

I wore them twice right away in August 2015, and also with thin anklets, socks or tights for the first several wearings, until they really loosened up.

A more casual outfit.

The only thing I have left from both of those outfits is the shoes (and of course the scarf).

This is in October 2015.

Again with the anklets. That's a previous version of a yellow skirt (I always have at least one).

Again in October 2015 - and again with that scarf.

Even though it's not in some of these specific pictures, it frequently appeared in the Outerwear portion of these outfits. 

I thrifted a belt in the matching leather, but it was poor quality and I didn't keep it long.

This was in November 2015.

I actually feel kind of bad for these shoes - nearly everything I have worn with them is something I've eventually gotten rid of, particularly in the older outfits.

This is from December 2015. I also wore them a lot on the weekend for brunches and for shopping trips. They were immediately good for walking.

In January 2016, worn for a brunch and a Winesday.

I'm surprised I don't have my matching scarf on!

In May 2015, they were part of a mini-capsule

I still have the trousers (they're a bit snug) - this was during a brief Muppet sweater phase.

This was a fun leather top - it's now moved on to another closet.

Also in May 2016.

Who is this?

"Are you daft, Woman? You know who I am."

Also in May 2016.

As is this.

I'm getting a little more adventurous with my colours.

And now I'm dramatic.

Still in that May 2016 capsule.

One last time with the matchy belt in August 2016.

That dress looks better than it actually was.

This has to be a weekend outfit.

This is from January 2017...

...As is this.

I think this was a work outfit.

A comfy outfit in May 2017.

My hair's getting longer!

All ready to go to the Ulti field in August 2017.

I'm wearing the scarf!

From September 2017.

That orange dress was constantly falling down. I spy a Jello Shot necklace!

December 2017.

A rare sighting of me in jeans.

An unsuccessful deployment of cream-coloured tights (ugh) in January 2018.

Ooh, wait till we get to that brocade blazer - I've had that forever! That will be a fun Flashback, come autumn.

There's that scarf again in April 2018.

I still have that suede blazer (it's part of a suit).

A very casual May 2018 outfit.

I look annoyed because this is during my Velvet phase when I eventually became extremely annoyed at all of my velvet and velour for clinging to everything.

And let me assure you, not all my outfits are winners. This is from July 2018.

That is atrocious. I do still have that cardi, but nothing else.

Still trying to work this velvet blazer.

That's from August 2018.

Ready to go vote in October 2018.

I wore those purple/burgundy tights with the shoes three times!

I wore them for lots of walking in January 2019 when I met my Edmonton colleague Ann.

I have everything in this outfit except for the Gaultier shirt, which Yvonne now has.

These shoes rarely get worn to work; as they are so good for long distance walking that I tend to wear them only on weekends.

This is a work outfit from - February 2019. I still have everything in this outfit, and I'll be wearing those gold leather pants soon; we'll do a Flashback on them when I do.

I often wear the matchy scarf dangling down my back - this outfit is from June 2019.

These are different metallic trousers, silver ones.

For a movie, again in June 2019.

Matchy scarf!

You may recognize this outfit from December 2019 from the vest-dress Flashback.

That's a hot pink turtleneck and a red cashmere skirt.

And here's the last time I wore them, in March 2020 for brunch followed by Winesday.

Of course, I wore the scarf with it!

Mathy stuff: Wow, I've worn them 33 times including the current outfit! That's approximately 6 times a year, and averages out to $2.15 per wear. What a bargain! My floral shoes are still going strong, so I'm sure they'll be around for many more outfits.

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Since the pandemic, our Book Club has met once, when we gathered at Beacon Hill Park in May (here). This time, we met at Craigdarroch Castle and sat on their rear lawns.

As Book Club is an Occasion, I dressed up. Also, since I prepared for sitting on the grass, I wore something comfortable.

• Dress - Kenzo, consignment; last seen here in June 2019 with snakes
• Underdress - Simpli, consignment; purchased here for $15.00
• Sandals - Sorel; last worn here in May with silk and stripes

I love this fun dress - it's so unusual! It's a very fine cotton, with a plain white cotton lining.

It's also very full, so I have to wear a bigass belt to ensure that I don't get lost in it.

I love the abstract pattern.

I tucked up some of the hemline under my wide belt so that I could show off the asymmetrical sheer underdress that I bought last weekend.

It also gives me a bit of cleavage coverage, so that I don't have to do up the neckline higher.

The underdress helped give it a bit more swoosh.

Swooshing example.

It was a parasol weekend. I really prefer carrying it over any other method of sunblock.

I'm demonstrating the odd construction of the garment there; it doesn't have pockets, but a hand pass-through is apparently part of the design.

As I was attempting to take that picture, I lost my balance.

 Blooper! But I actually kind of like the blurry shot.

The stuff:

These are comfy enough shoes for walking a few blocks. I enjoy the ugliness of them (L hates them).

Mixed metallic bling:

I love that belt - it was an excellent purchase several years ago.

• Belt - BCBG Max Azria, consignment
• Silver cuff - vintage, thrifted, Powell River
• Copper cuff - Karen's
• Wood/silver earrings - consignment, Powell River

Wait a minute, something's missing.

My necklace!

• Pendant - POLY, thrifted

I arrived first for Book Club at the Castle, and kicked off my shoes, and plunked myself down under a Gary Oak tree to watch all the people.

The Castle is open again - you have to book your tour time, or wait until they have an available spot.

There were several groups of people chilling out on the rear field here - it's a huge field - waiting to get in.

Caro and Janaki have arrived!

Cat and Mindy found shady spots.

Such a gorgeous day.

A couple of young crows were squawking away on the second-highest chimney pots.

That lower finial is the top of the peaked roof with the two big window arches on the left in these pictures.

Are you good there, Mindy?

Yup, we're all properly distanced.

One more person to arrive - she was finishing the book!

It's Yvonne, and she brought me a spare chair, what a doll. And she has a bag of books slung over her shoulder too - her pick for our next book is "The Overstory" by Richard Powers.

We moved a couple of times to get more sun/less shade, as we sat and chatted and discussed our previous book, "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles, which was Mindy's pick.

Carolyn and Janaki, with more of the field behind us.

Looking south.

 Yvonne and Carolyn.

Wave, everyone!

 What a lovely group! I'm excited to dig into our new book. I'm the Picker next time we meet, so I need to start thinking about what I'm going to inflict on my innocent victims pick.

Carolyn brought her camper in case we needed a washroom, and as she was loading it, I noticed this really OLD "Point of Interest" sign.

That's got to be from at least the 70s! It says:

Craigdarroch Castle
Home of Dunsmuirs
Coat Magnates
Allied with Pioneer
California Titans
Huntingon
and Crocker.
- Victoria Chamber of Commerce

I arrived home to this.

"Feed me. Oh, I also missed you. Rub my tum."

He was blocking my exit from my closet.

"You shall not pass...until - ah, that's the spot!"

And now it's time for me to go enjoy the last rays of the warm sunshine. I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Blogger Art Gallery: Original Art in My House

July 21, 2020, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Two-Fer Outfits, and Three-Fer Flashbacks: Jammy Dresses and Funky Shoes

≪ Previous: Bigass Parasol Weekend Wrap-Up: Brunch Bubbles; Park Party in Red; Hadfields Flashback; Book Club at the Castle

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Hello, my friends! Welcome to a special, non-fashion-y post! I'm participating in the Blogger Art Gallery created by Kezzi (blog here, post here). The idea behind this gallery is to show the art we bloggers have on our walls and in our homes. 

I will be sharing some of the original art that L and I have. I didn't include numbered prints, art prints, jewelry or clothes; I stuck to paintings, original photos by artists, sculpture, and needlepoint. And a heavy dollop of my old hobby: miniature painting!

As I walked around our condo taking pictures, I decided to keep the groupings by room - I actually have art in every room in my house! Well, not the laundry room, but everywhere else.

Den

I have a grouping of my mom's early oil paintings on one wall of the den. 

She's been painting for over 40 years - these are from her early period. I cherry-picked these three and took them with me when I moved out of the parental home when I was 21 (in 1987), so these were all done prior to that date.

My two favourites:

Meet "Perky"! My mom is amazing at detail in her paintings. I love the pink colours and this saucy little fluff-ball of a bird. 

This is a big painting (14 x 18"?), showing the view at the top of the Malahat Drive and looking down-Island back towards Victoria. 

That view does not resemble this anymore, 35 years later - all those trees in the foreground are so tall now that they block the view entirely.

This small painting was a birthday gift from my dear friend Caro - her mom Hazel painted it (she's a professional artist).

It's called "Perfect Pink Shoes."

When a piece of art appeals to me (and the price is right), I'll buy it. This is a small 8" square acrylic painting.

I used to pass the storefront of a local sign-painting/tattoo shop on the way to and from my old job, and I ended up buying two pieces of art that I saw in the windows there. I looked at this one every day for about 6 months, then bought it. I think it was $20.00.

My dear friend Elaine wanted to give me a gift before she moved back east to Hamilton, and offered me a selection of her art photos to pick from. I chose three as my favourites, and she gave them all to me!

This was taken in Toronto, I believe.


Walk-In Closet

Yes, I have a piece art in my closet! I won this original poppy tile mounted on the painted orange wooden board from a silent auction at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria about 15 years ago.

I spy...me!

It lives above my full-length mirror at the end of the closet.

I have always loved these colours, and the lovely tile.


Bedroom

This was a wedding gift from our friend Chris' first wife Jennifer. She cross-stitched this.

There are also beaded accents.


Hallway

L and I painted miniature figures together for about 11 years - my own painting gradually petered off as the fashion side of my blog overtook my time. However, we have about 2,000 of these miniatures scattered around our house, including 3 giant display cases full of them.

We have two shelves of dragons in the hall.

These are a mix of pieces done by me and by L. We did our own pieces and only collaborated once.

Second shelf. A small human-sized figure can take around 8 hours to paint; some of these larger ones can take longer, depending on how much detail there is on them.

L started painting miniatures as a kid, and I started shortly after I met him in 1995. He grew up playing Dungeons & Dragons (I also played for about 15 years), and these are figures associated with the game, with oodles of dragons, demons, goblins, elves...pretty much every fantasy creature (good and evil) you could think of. Oh, and humans too!

Here are some assorted posts covering figures from the early days of Ephemera - these are fun to look at.

Recommended: If you're more interested in just the pictures, click on the first picture in each post and then click through them as a slideshow - it'll make the pictures bigger and easier to see too.

Note: If monsters, demons and other scary things are not your bag...don't look!

• A fancy lady on a horse, and a cleric.
• A process post on a pit fiend (demon) from start to finish.
• A sea made and a rat on a treasure chest.
• Dioramas that both L and I painted (the figs) and assembled/made (the bases/decor). Lots of dragons and other scary beasties. 
• Hallowe'en figures: a pumpkin head and Jack Skellington.
• My Christmas village! We have battle nuns, werewolves, vampires and the three wise guys. Definitely worth checking out. 

Back to the hallway! Our friend Missy bought this for us - more needlepoint.

L and I call our local pub the Winchester, after the pub in Shawn of the Dead, which is where this quote is from. YouTube link to the scene here.

These miniature ship paintings (they are about 4 x 5.5" big) are beside our building intercom.

I'm on the lookout for a big ship picture - L wants a grand one with lots of sails and crashing waves.


Bathroom

I painted this one! I took a class in painting with acrylics with Elaine back in 2008; we continued lessons directly with the artist (Tim Hoey, link here 'cause he's local and awesome).

I did this painting during those lessons - it's acrylic on canvas. It's copied from a picture in a magazine - rather creepy, isn't it? I have a morbid streak a mile wide!

We also have this miniature nude in the bathroom, between the handing shelf and the medicine cabinet.

I bought her and the two miniature ship paintings above at a vintage fair in March for $22.50 for all three.


Kitchen

We have an original chalk pastel painting of mushrooms over the sink, behind the tap (don't worry, the picture has glass over it).

This was a wedding gift from L's work neighbour Karl Michel, who was a framer - the artist is Cunningham, but I have no other info on it. I love mushrooms, but L loathes them. Hee hee.


Living Room/Dining Room


I'm honoured to own this oil painting by my mom. It was chosen to be in the Sooke Fine Art Show in 2007? 2008?, which is a very prestigious juried art show. It's very hard to get a piece accepted. My brother Dave and I (picture here) went with Mom to check out the show and brag to random attendees, "My mom painted this!"

I have always loved the light coming from behind the tree, and the abstract shading in the roots. Mom painted this from a photo she took at Goldstream Park.

We have two photos that were gifts from Karen.

This black and white one was a gift from her to L - sorry about the reflection. It's giant rocks in the sand at the edge of the ocean.

This is a colour (really!) photo of Eilean Donan Castle, near the Isle of Skye.

L and I went there together in between moving in together and getting married, in 1996.

This is an original painting on a piece of reclaimed wood. I saw this every day for over a year in that same storefront window and finally one day, they were open and I went in (it was usually closed early in the morning and after work when I was walking by) and asked how much it was. I happily paid $75.00, and asked the artist (Chris Dobell) to sign it. The Dobell brothers still run a sign-painting business here in town - their work is featured in many local establishments (article here).

This was the inspiration for the crow tattoo on my back, as I loved this painting so much (fresh picture of the tatto here, from 2011).

We also have two more of Elaine's photos displayed in the dining room (we don't actually own a dining room table, so this is the bench/cat play area). This is a foggy one she took in Victoria.

Again, sorry about the reflection! I love the soft yellow colour in this.

 And this is a view of Victoria in the snow - she took this on her way to work one morning.

A reminder that it doesn't always rain here!

L and I collaborated on our biggest diorama which is displayed in the dining room: our Vampire Church!

The red arrows are all areas where there are figures of vampires, people fighting vampires, etc. Click the picture to make it bigger.

I built and painted the church; L made all the wee trees and created the landscaping around the church. We both worked on the placement of figures.

The front door of the ruined church. I made the stained glass windows by printing them from images I found online and gluing them onto the solid window pieces. The church itself was just solid grey plastic - I did all the aging/texture, the lanterns, the torches and the front door.

The idea is that the vampires have taken over the church and a gang of good guys have broken in to kill them all.

It's pretty impressive in person. I realized as I searched around on my blog for the assembly pictures, that I never actually posted them.

So, without further ado...

We worked it for nearly two years, from August 2010 to April 2012. Tools of the trade here. Paint, plastic trees, needlenose pliers.

L bent the plastic trees into realistic configurations, then added the foliage, one little bit at a time.

The greenery is different types of moss on tiny sticks. Tweezers are useful for this; we just use white glue.

Inigo (our dear departed kitty) oversaw the work.

The cats always helped us paint.

Here's me, painting the church. I assembled it and glued it to a base, then painted all as one piece.

It was super-awkward to do, as you can tell.

I had to hold it in my lap. 

Hm, I think I remember now why my "Stuff" table has a grey-black stain on it...

Here's some finished pictures of the front entryway. Hee, I see someone checking it out...

The front doors open and close. I glued on and painted all of those little lanterns and the gargoyles.

The other side of the door. The stained glass windows above it are different on the back than the front (4 windows instead of 2), and you can see the four bays of inside windows on the lower level. 

I had fun finding all the stained glass and picking which ones to use. 

Interior view.

My job is nearly done! Just have to do the floor - all the markings are from the light paint that was brushed over the grey plastic, and the black wash I used to get extra depth in the crevices. 

I made the tile flooring - it's just paper. I cut and pasted a black tile, then gridded it, and rotated each "tile" randomly to look like a real tiled floor. 

I also did a few loose columns to add to the "ruined" look. 

As in the above picture, I fit sheets of "grass" (flocked modeling paper) around the building. 

I painted a big black crack over the left window there, so that we could make it look like a model tree crashed through it.

The extended land is actually a separate piece of board.

We made a hill out of a tuna can, scrunched paper and duct tape.

L adding the trees to the scenery.

Vizzini helping. He was a fiend for the trees - he was always trying to eat them.

Look at that fine sculpture!

We used a staple gun to stick down the grass to the base, and made slits where needed to make it lay flat - the material also slightly bent with heat from a hair-dryer. All the edges and staples were easily covered with some "grass" flocking over glue.

Completed!

All nice and non-dusty. These dioramas are a pain to clean: you have to blow gently and use a soft paint-brush, so we rarely do it. Guilty! No judging!

Looking at the front.

You can see the tree "crashing" into the window on the right, next to a scantily-clad vampire waiting to bite whoever comes to investigate.

We planned to have a coffin exploding out of the floor, so I cut some extra floor tiles.

L added all the details of rubble and dirt. Doesn't it look cool?


This is a great pic L took, looking through the windows.

And here's a shot (with flash!) of the interior when it was all finished.

 Much chaos!

 *ahem*

Moving on...

This is a drawing by...me! I did this pencil on paper drawing when I was 17-18 years old for my high school art class. My mom originally framed it for me with a grey mat when I finished it back in 1985.

It won a Second Place ribbon in one of the art categories at the Saanich Fair that summer, ha! I'd forgotten that. L had it reframed and matted by Karl Michel (he of the mushroom picture above) with acid-free paper and UV protectant glass, to keep it from fading or getting foxing on the edges.

I chose a photo from a stack of magazine pictures that my high school art teacher had put out for us students. My picture was about 10 inches square, so quite large (I think I might still have it somewhere in a box). We gridded the pictures, then increased the scale onto a bigger sheet of paper. I recall that I went from centimeters to inches, so it was about 18 cm square originally, blown up to 18" on a side. You can slightly see one of the grid lines in her bangs/fringe where I struggled to get it right. I also hated doing the nose.

I can't remember when I acquired this book, but I am sure it belonged to my dad's parents/Grandma and Grandpa J. I know I had it in university in the mid-80s because I used some of the images to inspire my writing. I definitely got it AFTER I'd done the girl in white.

It's a souvenir from an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, an exhibit from 1955 (link here and about the exhibit here).

Someone removed the dust jacket, but glued the blurb in. Not me!

I did sign it though! My book. Mine.

It has an introduction by poet Carl Sandburg.

This copy is a 1955 edition. I wonder if my grandparents - who traveled quite a bit before my grandpa was sidelined by a series of strokes and heart attacks (he died around the time I got this book, actually) - went to New York City and visited this exhibit?

Imagine my surprise when I found a familiar image in it, after I'd done my drawing!

Who is that?

I just spent some time looking her up online, but couldn't find even a single image. I picked a famous picture to copy! The original photo is by famed photographer Irving Penn for Vogue magazine.

I have a couple of sculptures that I bought back in the early 90s. I named this guy Golem because he is obviously holding something in his hand.

We added the ring when the Lord of the Rings movie series came out.

He's also a bit dusty - he lives up high on the shelves.

He is made out of concrete. I paid $75.00 for him around 1993, and had to buy him on layaway from a local store, as that was a lot of money for me back then!

This is by Derek A. Rowe of Renaissance Studio, which used to be on Vancouver Island.

This is number 22 out of 100 planned copies. No idea if he ever made that many, though. There are no pictures online of any of his pieces from this era.

A dragon diorama that I did about 14 years ago.

I like my paint job on him.


Library

I have another piece by Derek A. Rowe: this ginormous gargoyle, also made of concrete. He weighs a ton.

We named him Smaug, after the dragon in The Hobbit.

He is a replica of one of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral gargoyles (link to pic here).

He has a small chip on the front corner from when L and I moved from our apartment to our current condo.

There's his plaque.

 It's hard to read, but he is 3 of a planned edition of 75.

I paid $250.00 - also on layaway - over 6 months to buy him. I also had another big gargoyle, but my ex-boyfriend and I took one each when we split up.

 Smaug currently displays my marathon medal and my racewalking medals. Classy guy!

And we've reached the end of my tour. This isn't a piece of art, but a little piece of us. The frame was a wedding gift from Greg and Rosanna (I was really into gargoyles in the 90s), although I broke the glass immediately. D'oh!

L and I dressed up to go out, circa 1995-96 in our old apartment. The strip of poetry on the side says, "I am a part of all that I have met."

A big thank you to Kezzie for initiating this! Here's a listing of the participants - please feel free to "tour the gallery" and leave comments when you visit.

I hope you enjoyed my own portion of the tour. What was your favourite piece of art from my collection?

Two-Fer Outfits, and Three-Fer Flashbacks: Jammy Dresses and Funky Shoes

July 22, 2020, 6:49 pm

≫ Next: Fancy Friday: Jammy Stripes and Yellow Ballet Flashback

≪ Previous: Blogger Art Gallery: Original Art in My House

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I saved Monday's work outfit for a two-fer due to the Blogger Art Gallery post hogging the limelight. 

So, this is what I wore to work on Monday. 

A totally easy outfit, for more physical work in the office. I have at least 2-3 more days of this, so expect to see some more of my summer jammy dress collection over the next couple of weeks.

• Dress - Tabitha, thrifted; first seen here exactly a year ago, in July 2019
• Shoes - Truth Pilgrims, Fluevog; last worn here in May with my pink Big Lady Boss pants
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last seen here in June

I'm okay with only wearing a good portion of my dresses once a year - I only have so many days I can wear them! And I have to make sure I get all of them worn.

Isn't this a fun dress? I love the Lifesavers candy stripes, and the red design down the middle is actually embroidered.

It doesn't have pockets, but it does have these wonderful vivid colours.

This was perfect for a busy day.

This is only my second time ever wearing it - it was new-to-me last year.

We have real summer weather again today! I was inside my air-conditioned office all day, but it was smokin' hot to walk home.

I'm melting...but I needed the sun coverage.

The stuff:

Although these shoes have only been in my closet two years, I have worn them a bunch of times, so we'll have a little ol' Flashback on them below.

Primary bling:

I wore minimal stuff, as I knew I wouldn't want it getting in the way.

• Cuff - thrifted
• Earrings - local, Vancouver
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Flashback! 

I love the Truths "family" of Fluevog shoes and it's easy to see why. They have a wonderful shape (I adore pointy toes), and that's one easy heel for walking in. I have another pair of shoes (the Makena, here) and a pair of boots (the Teah, here) in this family, so I knew they would be comfy as heck.

I decided here in July 2018 that I needed some solid walking shoes in a bright red, remembered that Fluevog carried these, and I stalked them till they went on an extra 15% off and free shipping. They were still $237.99, so not cheap! But I knew I'd get a lot of wear out of them.

I first wore them in August 2018 as a pop of red in an otherwise very colourful outfit.

I'm finished with the blouse, but I still have the jacket and (slightly snug) skirt.

I wore them twice later in August 2018 on the same day: once for work, with a strapless vintage dress...

 ...and later that night for a movie with Elaine.

"I'm fascinated by this speck on the floor."

My infamous Gookey (fake Gucci) lace jacket, and my Jean Paul Gaultier jeans (aren't they fab? will be wearing those soon!).

If anything in my closet has red in it, eventually I'll wear it with these bright shoes.

You'll recall my pajama jacket - this is from September 2018. I do still have the houndstooth pants, but like the black and white skirt above, they are a wee bit tight right now.

I wore the shoes again, only a month later in October 2018.

I was dubious about my See By Chloe pants when I first got them. They give me weird proportions.

In my younger days, I would have worn red pumps/heels with an outfit like this, from November 2018.

Now, I wear a much more comfy shoe. Happy feet are important!

I'm all casual here in December 2018, although that is a rather shiny jacket (which is now gone - I gave it to a coworker).

I'm wearing jeans! Alert the media!

I think I'm trying not to sneeze here in February 2019.

"Again with the shoes, Woman?"

I love that outfit and I still have everything there. Including that sulky kitty.

Again with this rainbow skirt, in October 2019 - I must have packed my shoes away for the 6-month spring/summer closet season.

I love the bright colours.

I went a little punk here in November 2019.

I love that outfit - I'm a sucker for a nice plaid.

Feeling tired in January 2020.

 The bright red of the shoes helps ground my colour-mixing.

And now we're into more recent outfits - this one is from April 2020.

I do love a pattern mix!

And here's the last time I wore them, in May 2020.

The pajama jacket ties it all together.

Mathy stuff: I've now worn these 14 times, including the current outfit, which brings us to (*tappity tap tap, calculator buttons*) $17.00 per wear. That's pretty good, but I know I'll be able to bring that down even lower over the next few years!

Cat Picture Interlude

With the hot weather, Vizzini has been quite a Flop Cat.

"Let a cat rest, Woman."

As it's too hot for him to crash on our laps (his usual thing), he's taken to sleeping on the cushions behind my head.

I like to go out on the deck and look for squirrels in the trees and just check out the 'hood, but no luck on Monday night.

"This doorway is busy - go away."

He was blocking the door, but right in the middle of a sunny spot. He wouldn't budge to let me out that way.

"Hey, I'm napping here."

I stepped over him. He moves around with the sun anyway.


And here's Wednesday's outfit. I had another very physical day - I was literally dripping with sweat at one point - so I'm glad I wore this light vintage dress.

It's a very cool piece - it feels silky but it's a fine acetate jersey called "Ciella." We shall have a wee Flashback on it, further down.

• Dress - Sacony Ciella, vintage 60s, thrifted; last seen here in May 2019
• Shoes - Zoomies Ishshoes, Fluevog; last worn here in June with bright oranges
• Jacket (below) - Burberry, thrifted; last seen here in June

This dress is a subset of my jammy dress collection, which I often refer to as as "One and Done" dress.

Meaning, throw a pair of shoes on and BAM! You're done.

No special effort required.

This is reason #658 of Why Dresses Are The Best.

I love the dropped waist with the band of pattern, and the soft pleats at the bottom.

I wore this pinky jacket for sun coverage.

Another hot day!

The stuff:

I adore these shoes - I never thought a white shoe would be that useful, but you never know until you try! We have another Flashback below on the various ways I've worn these so far.

Bold bling:

Two of my favourite Wonder Woman cuffs, ready to deflect negative energy.

• Steel cuff - thrifted
• Cage cuff - Bauxo
• Earrings - Western Germany, vintage fair
• Necklace - Venice, Karen's

First wearing of the Venetian glass tile that I gave to Karen...and got back when she died. The chain is Italian gold. It felt like a part of me.


Flashback Part 1: The Dress

Although I've had this dress since July 2017 (purchased here), like many of my jammy dresses, it only gets worn once or twice a year. I'm totally fine with that - like I said before, I only have so many dresses and so much time to wear them!

I paid $18.95 for it, which is great for a vintage dress.

I wore it right away, in June 2017.

"Well, what have we here?"

I didn't actually wear the jacket over it as an outfit - that's my outerwear shot - but I liked this picture of Vizzini just barging in on my photoshoot.

I wore it again in September 2017.

Old shoes that I thrifted - they got junky fast.

And then a year later in July 2018 - same earrings!

Those shoes hurt my feet. Gonzo!

And then here's the last time I wore it in May 2019.

I'm rather proud that I've worn it with different shoes each time!

Mathy stuff: That's only 5 wearings total including the current one, but that still brings us to a $3.79 per wear average. I'm happy with that.


Flashback Part 2: The Shoes!

And what spectacular shoes they are! I acquired them on our annual anniversary trip to Vancouver in 2018 (here). As is our tradition, I bought L a pair of Fluevogs and he bought me a pair. These were full price at the time, which was $319.00 (they finally reduced to $139 over a couple of years, and are now fully sold out, gone forever).

I love the rubber wedge heel - they are super comfortable, and that white leather is incredibly soft. No rubbing here. I have blue velvet boots in the Ishshoes family as well (these ones).

I first wore them a week later, in April 2018 with my beloved whale sweater (now gone to my coworkers' little girl).

I bought the white skirt on the same trip to Vancouver.

I wore them again in April with more white.

That's a very groovy shirt - I'll have to wear it soon!

I struggled a bit to style them - white shoes! What to do? I nearly always include more white in the outfit to make it cohesive, like here in June 2018.

I think I picked up that white leather belt around this time - now I'm totally matchy!

Such a classy outfit here in September 2018.

That is a really old silk Pierre Cardin skirt, and this isn't the last time we see it with these shoes!

See? What did I tell you?

I love this outfit - and it has such good memories. This is what I wore for the Spring Birthday Tea at the Abkhazi Gardens with my wonderful Winesday Women, in April 2019.

Getting a little silly in my ginormous Jean-Charles de Castlebajac designer jumpsuit in May 2019.

I will be wearing this soon! It's very fun and swooshy.

More pattern mixing here in June 2019.

Birds and polka dots. There is something about these shoes that leads me to very classy (as opposed to my slightly wackier Klassy) outfits.

More pattern mixing, in this fun look from August 2019.

I miss swooshing my outfits at my coworkers. They loved this one.

And here we are at my most recent outfit, in June 2020.

Lots of orange!

Mathy stuff: Including my current outfit, I've worn these 10 times since I got them, which is not bad considering that they don't stay out over the fall/winter. It works out to $31.90 per wear, but I know I'll be sporting these again soon, and for many years to come. Maybe one day I'll hit 50+ wears!


Cat Surprise

Vizzini chilled with me out on the deck on Tuesday, while I read for hours. It was lovely.

"Giving you a wink, Woman. Maybe we'll have some cuddle time later."

He lolled about for a while, then decided it was time to bother me for his dinner.

"This doesn't smell edible."

That's one of the solar lights I have getting a good charge on the ledge. I hoped it would keep Vizzini out of the corner, as he likes to lick the window above my head (he's so weird).

Surprise!

"Hey, I think it's dinner time."

What a silly cat.

Fancy Friday: Jammy Stripes and Yellow Ballet Flashback

July 24, 2020, 6:10 pm

≫ Next: Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Saturday Brunch and Shop and the Winesday Mrs. Roper Pool Party

≪ Previous: Two-Fer Outfits, and Three-Fer Flashbacks: Jammy Dresses and Funky Shoes

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Hello, my friends! It's Friday and I'm so glad - it's been a physically demanding week, and I just need some chill time. 

Another jammy dress to the rescue! I look classy, but there's really nothing to it. It's still a Fancy Friday!

• Dress - Eliza J, consignment; last seen here in August 2019 with pops of yellow
• Shoes - Karl Lagerfeld; last worn here a couple of weeks ago for a shopping expedition
• Bomber jacket (below) - Le Tigre, thrifted; last seen here in May with the jelly-deer sweater

I spent most of my day crawling under desks (ugh, so many pairs of shoes) and putting people's personal detritus into boxes. I have one more floor to go.

I also Teams-bombed one of my onsite coworkers and waved to my remote colleagues.

Anyway, yes, the dress! Isn't it pretty? I love a classic fit-and-flare shape like this and the stripes are so jaunty.

I'm completely uncreative and have always worn yellow accessories with it, due to the yellow border.

I should really try orange or pink or emerald green with it, just to shake things up. Red would look awesome too.

As this is only the 3rd wear, and both previous outfits were nearly identical, no Flashback. Maybe in a few years.

I layered my bomber jacket over it for sun coverage - the navy blues matched exactly.

I had pockets in the skirt (nice deep ones!)...

And pockets in the bomber jacket. This is also only its third wear - will it last and become a closet classic? Only time will tell.

I had to take my cuff off to put the jacket on. How I SUFFER for fashion! Hee hee!

The stuff:

I would have suffered more if I'd worn my pointy yellow heels with this outfit - I was on my feet almost all day. However, I have worn these ballet flats a ton, so we're going to have a Flashback on them shortly.

Predictable bling:

My yellow "set".

• Cuff - thrifted
• Leather belt - vintage, Liz Claiborne, thrifted
• Bakelite earrings - vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Flashback! 

These yellow ballet flats were the result of some browsing at the Bay department store in late July 2017 (here) - I was grabbing at all kinds of things from the sale racks to try on, until I reminded myself that I would rather make most of my purchases second-hand. I stopped and put back everything, but not these.

They are leather! And look at that colour - such a wonderful lemony yellow. They were discounted to $41.40 from the original $115.00. As you can see, they are by Karl Lagerfeld - swanky! That combination - good quality materials (comfy, long wear), excellent price and okay brand (I know it's all mass-produced) - made them a worthwhile purchase.

I wore them right away, in August 2017 with my Spanish ladies dress, which is another jammy dress that I have yet to wear this year.

 Ooh, my hair is so purple there!

I wore them again in August to go draw at a sunflower farm with Mom.

They were immediately comfortable, and of course, as we all know, yellow is a fabulous neutral.

For Vero's birthday party, in September 2017.

 I gave that Ted Baker dress to Caro.

Later in September, I was looking to the weekend.

I love pink and yellow together - this is such a cool look. I have my yellow Bakelite earrings on there.

If I have to walk somewhere in the hot months, I often turn to these shoes.

"Heh, the Woman doesn't even know I'm here."

This outfit was worn to the theatre with Mom in May 2018. Nice matchy purse!

On the other hand, this is totally a weekend look - very chill and comfy. I probably went shopping in this.

 Also in May 2018. That skirt has a bit of yellow in the pattern.

With my purple tiger blouse again. Another shopping outfit.

They're a perfect match. This was in August 2018. 

From May 2019, again picking out a colour from a pattern. 

This looks like a weekend outfit, but it could easily have been worn to work on a Casual Friday.

Going with all yellow-chartreuse-green tones here, also in May 2019.

 Very flowy and comfy. This is a casual work outfit.

This was an outfit I wore to the Ulti field in June 2019, and out for lunch after the game.

I probably went thrift shopping after! I miss my old weekends, but the new ones are still pretty good.

A pretty work outfit, in August 2019.

Once you have yellow shoes, yellow patterned clothes just magically appear!

Getting one last wear out of them in September 2019, before I pack them away for the cold months.

I love the bright cobalt blue with yellow.

So much, that I did it again in April 2020.

Loads of colour!

And here's the last time I wore them, for my last shopping trip to Turnabout earlier this month.

These shoes are still going strong, although there are small scuffs on them, and both the toes and and heels have small scrapes in the leather, but it's not super-noticeable. I will wear them to death over as many spring/summers as I can!

Mathy stuff: The current outfit is the 15th time I've worn these, bringing my cost-per-wear to $2.76. I'm very pleased with that!


Bonus cat pictures! Vizzini hid from the cleaners on Thursday morning.

"I'm supervising from under the bedcovers."

Uh-huh. Sure.

Later, there was some vigorous toe-licking going on out on the deck.

"Do you mind? I'm having a pedicure."

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by.

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Saturday Brunch and Shop and the Winesday Mrs. Roper Pool Party

July 26, 2020, 4:12 pm

≫ Next: Black and White and Space Pants Flashback

≪ Previous: Fancy Friday: Jammy Stripes and Yellow Ballet Flashback

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It's been an absolutely fantastic weekend, and I'm excited to share some pictures (and TWO videos!!) with you, as well as a couple of small Flashbacks. 

Let's get 'er started with Saturday's brunch outfit. It was a hot but slightly windy day, so I went over the top! 

This blue and white thing is actually a jumpsuit - we'll have a Flashback on it shortly.

• Cardigan - Joseph A, consignment; last seen here in March for an at-home outfit
• Jumpsuit - Jean-Charles de Castlebajac, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in July 2019 to hang with friends over the long weekend
• Shoes - Eject; last seen here in May (2nd outfit) for a Saturday Zoom call

I needed sun coverage for all the walking we did, so I layered this long chartreuse cardigan over it. 

It matched my shoes too!

I know it looks like a dress...

..but it is a jumpsuit! 

And I'm practically jumping for joy in it! Look at those ginormous legs! 

It has three flounces on the bottom - I had to actually pay to have it shortened by about 6 inches after I bought it.

 No pockets, but it's so swooshy!

 I took the cardigan off for brunch, but otherwise wore it all day.

L and I went to Goo Goo Goggles after brunch at Pluto's Diner to pick out frames for our new glasses, which we'll be getting in a few weeks.

We were required to wear our masks while there, so I wore this lovely toile one that Cat made for me. Matchy!

I'm excited to get new glasses - these ones are around 3-4 years old - and to have an alternate pair to swap out.

• Leather purse - Banana Republic, consignment

The stuff:

I adore these shoes - but with the hot weather, my feet got sweaty and started rubbing blisters as we walked home. I took them off and walked the remaining few blocks home, but that led to giant blisters on the bottoms of my feet from the hot pavement! I've been hobbling around for the rest of the weekend, moaning and groaning (in my head only - I save my out-loud grumblings for L).

Blue and green bling:

 I loaded up on the bangles.

• Blue eelskin bangle - vintage 80s, mine, donated, then re-found and thrifted
• Enamel bangles - thrifted
• Glass bangle - thrifted
• Crystal earrings - consignment
• Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

I had to take a picture of L's outfit, because he looked so spiffy.

His porkpie hat, a vintage 50s shirt from Thailand (a vintage expo purchase), thrifted shorts (found by me), and tan Converse. As we were walking home, a young lady on a bicycle hollered at us, "You look AWESOME!" We sure did, thanks!

Flashback #1! 

I bought these chartreuse leather sandals during our March 2016 anniversary trip to Vancouver (here) for $149.00 at La Differencia, a store that sells really funky shoes just up the street from the Fluevog store in Gastown. They were a Last Pair, off the clearance rack.

 I love the brass studs, the rust "aging" and the white soles. Due to "shoe math" they are actually only an inch heel, so fine for walking in (but not sweating!).

I first wore them for Easter at Mom's in March 2016.

The only things I have left in this outfit are the brooches.

I wore them a month later in April 2016 in a citrus-y work outfit.

 I still have that cardi, but everything else is long gone.

I love this cool outfit, also from April 2016. I still have both the top and the trousers.

 The current outfit's chartreuse cardi would go well with it!

This Armani Exchange denim dress just went to Yvonne.

This outfit is from July 2016 - I had that Noa Noa skirt for a long time but I finally gave it up a few years ago.

You'll recognize this silk dress.

This outfit is also from July 2016.

Like all of my sandals, I pack these away for the fall/winter months - here they are again in May 2017.

As with yellow shoes, chartreuse sandals are surprisingly versatile.

With a Dries Van Noten top (gave it to Vero), and that same chartreuse skirt again.

This was in June 2017.

A month later in August 2017, with my olive jumpsuit.

 Although I liked this outfit, I didn't keep the jumpsuit very long.

I love this outfit, which I wore for our first Winesday Spring Tea, in May 2018.

I walked to the Tea Shop, then to a pub, and then home again - probably about 4 kilometres total.

They were my go-to for my inaugural wearing of my Alexander McQueen trousers in May 2018.

I still have those trousers - they are in my fall/winter collection.

I love all the greens in this outfit from June 2018.

 I have to wear that lace skirt soon! It's been in my wardrobe forever.

More yellows here in late September 2018.

 Including the current outfit, I've worn this cardi-shoe combo three times.

Once you have a coloured pair of shoes, you start seeking out more of that colour!

 I paired them with this lime-green silk Miu Miu blouse in April 2019.

And did the same top with my satin joggers in July 2019.

 I like the elastic cuffed trousers with the high ankle of the shoe.

I love how this neon green blouse pairs with the shoes, from August 2019.

 Chartreuse and copper - so pretty together!

And this is the last time I wore them, for a Saturday Zoom call in silk trousers, and the third time with this green top, in May 2020.

I'll be wearing these sandals again as soon as my feet heal up!

Mathy stuff: I've now worn them 17 times, which brings my cost-per-wear to $8.76. $149.00 doesn't seem so expensive now. These shoes still have plenty of wear in them, so we'll check in again in a few years!

~End of Flashback #1~

L and I had some time to kill before our appointment at Goo Goo, so I went to Dots while he browsed in the record shop. I may have found a few things - everything in the store was an extra % off (most stuff was 30%, but some was more/less, depending on how new it was). 

I bought the black and white infinity scarf for $6.99, scored the crystal earrings and the cream/gold/crystal hinged bangle for $2.09 each. The silver headband was $1.39.

I was happy to see that the infinity scarf was made in Canada!

I've never heard of Melissa Nepton (her story here, all links 'cause I love), but I'm happy that I can find Canadian-made stuff in Dots.

I really liked this beautiful plum knit skirt.

It is just below mid-calf, and the bottom is extra swooshy.

It's a wider cable down there.

The brand is 525 America, another brand I've never heard of - about them here.

They specialize in knits. From the salesman's sample tag, we can tell a few things:

• This is the 99th of 198 garments available.
• It's called the Flare Rib Skirt (here's a similar one in mulicolour for $128.00 US on their site)
• It's both 100% rayon AND 100% nylon. I think the math is off there...
• It came in 5 colours (this one is Deep Plum), plus Black and Olive, handwritten in.

This was $23.99 after the discount. I will be saving this till fall - it's going to work perfectly with my cool-weather clothes.

There is a lot of gross-feeling polyester at Dots, so I tend to run my hands along the clothes, searching for real material. The pattern and fabric on this dress caught my attention in the morass of plastic jersey.

It's a very fine cotton lawn, printed with white peonies and spiky greenery. I love a long sleeve on a summer dress - perfect for staying out of the sun.

Note the angled waistband and wrap front, also angled.

The front opens revealing the full, removable matching cotton slip.

I also noted that the print goes right through the fabric - I loathe it when the backside of a print is white. Ugh. That's a sign of cheap fabric.

Two excellent markers of quality: The ribbon snaps to hold the slip in place.

And the adjustable slide on the strap. Nice.

This is by Apanage, a German brand. From this tag we can see that German stores could expect their orders by late January 2019 (12 days) and other European countries would have to wait an extra 6 days.

It's also hand-washable, and would have retailed for $149.50 Canadian (that lines up with the prices on their site of around 85-90 Euros). After the discount, this was $29.99! Score!

Exhausted from eyeglass frame picking, shopping, and with sore feet, I collapsed into 2-hour nap with L and Vizzini before getting ready for Winesday at Marian's place.

We have been delaying her hosting, which was originally to have been in May (delayed due to COVID), then delayed to June (delayed due to Karen's death), then pushed back to July/now, when cabs will take more than one person.

Finally, we were ready to celebrate...

The Mrs. Roper Pool Party! A quick image search will show you pattern, muumuus, caftans and gobs of jewelry - a look made classic by actress Audra Lindley on 70s TV sitcom "Three's Company."

I had thought about wearing my daytime jumpsuit look for this - I have a lot of options in my closet for this theme! - but due to foot soreness, and generally having tons of dresses and not as many opportunities to wear them this summer, I ended up going with this wonderful vintage lame (lah-MAY, darlings!) dress. 

• Dress - no label, handmade, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in June 2018 with copper
• Shoes - Born, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) with my black floral jumpsuit for Nick's birthday in August 2019
• Robe (below) - La Vie en Rose, thrifted here in January 2019 for $5.50
• Bathing suit (below) - It Figures! not tracked

I adore this so-shiny dress, and we'll have a wee Flashback below showing the few times I've worn it over the years. 

It has a matching tie/belt, which I wore as a headband, with the tails hanging down my back.

It's a beautiful vintage piece, probably from the 70s.

I showed it to sewist Linda, who agreed that it's likely handmade. The fabric itself is lined to keep the lame (lah-MAY) from being scratchy.

When it was time to go in the pool, I changed and strolled out of the cabana in this outfit, swishing my tasseled ties.

I twisted my new-to-me infinity scarf around my head three times to make a turban. It worked really well at keeping my hair dry. Plus, DRAMA.

I've had this robe for a year and a half, but have never shown it on the blog as I only wear it around the house, but it worked perfectly as a bathing suit cover-up. I did take all my jewelry off for swimming.

Speaking of things I've never worn on the blog - here I am in my bathing suit! I only go swimming when we go to Marian's - she's the only person I know who has a pool - so I've worn this suit maybe 3 or 4 times, and it's been at her house for Winesday every time. No, wait, I think I wore it for Caro's hot tub once. Dang, my memory! It's like I've been...drinking wine...

The stuff:

I don't know if I'll ever do a Flashback on these shoes, as they are just workhorses in my summer closet, mostly worn when I need really comfy shoes for walking or shopping. They do hold the distinction of being the only "thong" style shoe I can bear. I'm sure I've worn them over 50 times.

Orange and gold bling:

I wore my new bangle right away.

• Chain belt - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Bangle - Dots
• Necklace - Banana Republic, consignment
• Cuff/ring - Italian, 1960s, vintage mall
• Wooden clip earrings - vintage expo

Flashback #2!

I bought this dress in January 2015 (here) at the big WIN store for $17.50.

A good look at the pattern there - it's purple paisley circles on a background of cream and orange alternating chevrons, outlined with purple floral. And the whole thing is woven with gold lame (lah-MAY!).

I first wore it twice in May 2015 in the same day.

Once for a day on the town...

Followed by a late afternoon hangout with friends.

I changed up all my accessories.

It's a once-a-year dress, like many of my fun summery dresses.

This was in July 2016.

And a year later in June 2017.

As you can tell, I wore it with these same shoes frequently. Both this and the previous outfit were worn to the Ulti field and out for brunch after.

This is the last time I wore it, from June 2018 (here), when I met up with reader Laurie, and her son Robin and husband Fred (hi, Laurie!). I wore my copper belt and earrings, and carried my parasol.

I showed them around town, and we had lunch and went shopping. What a delightful time it was!

And then shamefully, I didn't wear this dress at all last year! Tsk, tsk!

Mathy stuff: This weekend's wearing bring us to six outfits total, which is not a lot, but at $2.92 per wear, I'm still really happy with it. I'll have it for many years to come, I'm sure!

~End of Flashback #2~

Winesday Pictures - stay tuned to the end, I have VIDEO of us!

I used the timer on my camera to do a group photo before the sun went down. We remained at one meter distancing (most of us have burst our bubbles prior to this, but we still maintain our distancing, and no hugging, just to be safe) and did not share food or drink. We were outside the whole time, with a light warm breeze.

Aw, sorry, Nancy, I only got half of your face, and Joanne is missing altogether! Aw. We have a glass of wine poured in honour of Karen, so she was with us in spirit(s).

Backing up slightly, I walked over to Cat's with L, where Yvonne picked us up in a cab.

I shrieked when I saw Cat in her fabulous muumuu, an Etsy purchase. I love the pink and yellow vintage-y tiki print!

L headed off with Ross (Happy Birthday!) to MANday with the dudes.

Cat and I masked up for the cab.

Of course, she matched! I wore my pink mask too and Yvonne had a lavender one on.

Our cab dropped us off at Marian's gate, and we walked up to the pool. Their house is in the process of being built - Marian and her fam are living in the gatehouse for now.

Note the swaths of lavender bushes lining the drive. It was everywhere!

The barn has been converted to a workout area and a "Man Cave" for Rod.

The pool has white plank fencing for that whole farm look.

Sarah came to meet us, as Caro and Tracy looked on.

"Do you want to see a frog?"

Of course we do!

Look at that little guy on her finger! And aw, she's wearing Karen's octopus cuff.

There were dozens of honeybees buzzing in the lavender.

I count at least four in this picture.

At the pool, which overlooks the lower tip of Vancouver Island (Victoria is not even visible).

And here are my gorgeous Winesday Women, who pulled out all the stops to make the Mrs. Roper theme happen!

Tracy wore a pink cap and a gorgeous caftan that belonged to her mom. Vix, this is vintage - there was no label, but it looks Indian or Iranian to me.

Vero was a symphony of blue.

That blue bangle is an old one of mine.

Caro wore a pink strapless dress.

Work that pose, baby!

Sarah's outfit is from her grandmother's closet. It's a two-piece, and was custom-made for her. It even has one of those "Handmade with Love by...[name]" labels in it. My grandma used to put those labels in sweaters she made for us.

It's a silky jersey. Isn't the hat fabulous?

Tracy and me.

Thanks for the pic, Yvonne!

Cat's wearing vintage Bakelite and acrylic jewelry - so "on theme."

We all had our safety cups/glasses - no actual glass is allowed near the pool.

Yvonne's wearing my royal blue Banana Republic dress - I hated it on me, but it looks amazing on her!

That obi also used to be mine, as did her steel cuff (on her wine hand).

Joanne wore an incredible vintage dress (made in Toronto, Canada, probably 70s) with matching fringed shawl, which she wore in her hair.

She also wore vintage Fluevogs!

Those look like they're from the 90s.

Linda also wore a gorgeous caftan - those colours!

She wore oodles of Bakelite and acrylic vintage jewelry.

Marian wore a fabulous jungle pattern on this modern dress. Workin' it, Marian!

I left this picture wide so that you can her lovely petunias.

A shot of Sarah's tiki cup.

I love the ruffles on the front of that top.

Tracy, kudos to you - you really brought the look!

Her necklace is also home-grown vintage.

We didn't avail ourselves of the chaises, as the sun was mostly going down once we arrived.

So much colour!

The muumuus face off.  It's a draw - they are both incredible!

Caro with her striped kimono on.

Nancy's here!

She's been MIA at Winesday for ages (that's life!), so it was SO good to see her.

Ah, there we go - Caro in full gear.

She's so pretty in pink!

Nancy, show me your bling, woman!

"I never dress like this," she kept saying. Nancy, you should definitely be wearing that kimono - you are rocking it!

Another shot with the timer, where I accidentally missed Nancy altogether, and where the heck is Joanne? I'm so sorry, honeys!

This is as close as we all got - we immediately spread out again.

Before it really started getting dark, we had a little walk around the property to check on the building progress.

The wilds of Victoria! Gary Oaks and arbutus trees, which are only found in this part of the world - they are the trees with the orange trunks.

Rod's "Man Cave" entrance.

Down the hill past the barn.

We all carried our snacks and wine with us.

The fire pit has been converted to the hot tub area for now.

I spy a chicken coop!

Hello, ladies!

"Who are these dames? Eh? Eh?"

The chickens were very excited to see our gaggle, but this bunny was totally chill.

"I'm just hanging out under this apple tree, minding my own business."

There are tons of apples growing in the trees - see them?

Tikki came out to see us! She's the only daughter of all the Winesday Women.

Showing off her adorable apron that she coloured herself! She's a budding fashionista, and of course, an honourary Winesday gal.

We had a peek at the basement/ground floor of the house, in progress.

Linda appears to be lecturing us on something. My memory is vague on this.

Back up the hill, and time to go swimming!

We swam and paddled for about an hour - the water was beautifully warm - until it was fully dark. We lounged under a huge sky of stars, wheeling above us. It was really incredible, and a wonderful way to catch up with our dearest friends. I am actually sore today - I have not swum in years! "Oh, yeah, I can swim!"


Special Bonus - thanks to the magic of Cat's iPhone, we have video!! There is audio, so much laughing with the music too.

This is us doing our catwalks around the pool to "Obsession" - Cat is holding the phone so she's not in it. 

And here we are again, with the camera operating on its own (magic, I assume). There is some audio for about 30 seconds before we start appearing, and then wait a sec, to see us coming around again for a dance party at the end. 

This makes me laugh and fills me with joy! Thank you, Cat! 

And finally, I will leave you with me and the Vizzmeister. 

"You've been out too much, Woman - we have cuddling to catch up on."

We definitely do, bud. And possibly some more napping too.

I hope you all had a great weekend - thank you so much for dropping by! 

Black and White and Space Pants Flashback

July 27, 2020, 5:54 pm

≫ Next: Blue, Black and White Flashback

≪ Previous: Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Saturday Brunch and Shop and the Winesday Mrs. Roper Pool Party

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My work-world has been getting busier lately, and I welcome it. I like having lots of stuff to do, plus I'm jonesing for people to see my outfits! 

Can you believe not a single person noticed my Space Pants? To be fair, I only saw 4 people all day.

• Blouse - Hoss, consignment; first seen here in May with a sequined skirt
• Leather pants - Free People, Portland; last worn here in September 2019 with loads of pattern
• Shoes - Wonders, consignment; last seen here in April with a kimono and giant red pants
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last worn here a week ago

When I wear these trousers, I have to wear something over the waistband, as it sits very low.

When I bend over, I'm crack-a-lackin' all over the place! No one needs to see that...even if there's no one in the office.

It also just kind of felt like the right day for my Space Pants. You know what Space Pants are made of, don't you?

Space cows! Yes, these lovely rose-gold pants are actually leather. They've gotten very soft in the nearly 3 years since I bought them. We'll have a wee Flashback on them shortly.

I liked how this awesome silk/rayon blouse went with the ensemble.

I like that that solid black swath is echoed by the black on the shoes.

Sun coverage = sweaty.

It's another hot day!

The stuff:

Today's outfit was driven by the need for shoes that my feet can handle. The balls of my feet are getting better, but the rubbed blisters are still "owie." These shoes were awesome, very soft and squishy, and no pain anywhere.

Black and white and red all over bling:

I rolled with the black and white matchy thing. Pops of red (including my lipstick) to pick up the red in the blouse. 

• Leather/steel cuff - Rimanchik
• Black and white cuff - vintage fair
• Onyx/silver ring - Tocarra, vintage fair
• Klimt ring - consignment
• Earrings - Tania Gleave, Vancouver

Flashback! 

I bought these leather pants retail when L and I were in Portland, Oregon, in September 2017 (here). I almost never shop retail, but unlike our trip to Portland in 2019, I didn't do any research on second-hand shops before we went. Lesson learned! 

I spotted this lone pair of leather pants on the Final Clearance rack at Free People for $129.00 US, which is not cheap! That works out to $172.00 Canadian, so we'll call it that for our financial analysis. 

They are made in India, have elastic at the back of the waistband, nice deep pockets (YES) and they are fully lined right down to the ankle. They are unevenly dyed (on purpose), with a blend of gold, rose-gold and silver. They tend to read as gold or rose-gold.

I wore them right away in October 2017, with a teal silk blouse and black accents.

Fortunately, I remembered from trying them on in the store that I'd need to cover that waistband!

A more casual look in December 2017.

This was a casual Friday around the holiday season. I love the cropped length.

I felt like a superhero when I wore them in March 2018 with my cape-blouse.

I love the blue suede shoes, but I think that might have been the last wearing of those (they were really old and thrashed).

A comfy outfit from June 2018.

Because these pants are so flashy, I tend to do slightly casual looks with them.

This outfit was for the "Fly Me To the Moon"-themed Vintage Expo in September 2018.

I was very shiny, with glitter shoes and my metallic finished moto jacket. I also spy my Star Trek communicator badge, so I'm fully geeking out there.

You know when I find a combo I like, I'm going to repeat it!

This was in February 2019. I love that cape-blouse with these pants. I'll wear this combo again too!

In May 2019, with a glittery sweatshirt. That's casual, right?

My cool Ambush jewelry set is getting showcased here - rar! Pointy!

And this is the last time I wore them, in September 2019.

All the patterns! Ha, the pants are a neutral here.

I'm disappointed that I didn't sneak in a wearing of them during the fall/winter of 2019-2020 - that was an oversight! I also note that I wear them with black and white, or shades of blue, almost exclusively. I'm going to need to challenge myself! I have lots of other colours that will look great with them.

Mathy stuff: Including today's outfit, that's 9 outfits in 3 years, for a cost-per-wear of $19.11, which feels pretty good. These funky pants won't be going anywhere, so I'll be working on getting that CPW down further with more outfits.

Blue, Black and White Flashback

July 29, 2020, 6:34 pm

≫ Next: Lumberjack Wrap, Sailor Jean's and Star Wars Flashback

≪ Previous: Black and White and Space Pants Flashback

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This is a weird week for me. I'll be working 3 days in a row, which I haven't done since March! I have to work tomorrow/Thursday, and I'll be doing a half-day on Friday to make up for the BC Day long weekend that's in my very near future.

I'm fine with all of these shenanigans, as it means I'll have 4.5 days off in a row without having to use a lick of vacation time. But enough of work, check out my outfit!

• Top - H&M, consignment; last seen here in July 2019 with pink, bows and polka dots
• Skirt - LS, consignment; last worn here in August 2019 with a silver fox
• Shoes - Sol Sana; last seen here in June with Dries and ruffles
• Jacket (below) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here earlier this month

Both this top and this skirt get worn infrequently - this is only the 4th wearing of the top, and the 3rd wearing of the skirt - but both were only purchased a couple of years ago.

The top is a surprise - H&M! It has a side zip, it's cotton with a touch of stretch, and it came with a lovely black grossgrain tie, which matches the black grossgrain trim on the skirt.

Isn't the skirt cool, though?

I love the bold blocks of colour - very Mondrian-ish. It's a bit limiting for wear: white, black, blue and combinations thereof.

I felt great in this all day, and was able to do my (physical) work in the office in comfort.

And it continues to be hot and sunny, so I continue to cover up.

I'm sure a few people looked aghast at me when I was walking home - all this black! On a hot summer day!

The stuff:

My feet are feeling much better, but I'm not going to push myself into heels or tight shoes just yet. These are fabulous to wear - and although I have only had them for 3 years, we'll have a wee Flashback below.

Black, white and blue bling:

Simple matchy stuff.

• Black and white cuff - vintage fair
• Acrylic/silver cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
• Glass/silver earrings - local
• Onyx/silver ring - Tocarra, vintage fair
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Vizzini was lurking around while I was doing my pictures this morning. We did a massive clean of our bedroom last night, and he was quite disgruntled about it.

"You disturbed my room, AND now you're leaving me?"

Just wait till I leave tomorrow, when he's used to me being around. I'd better hide my shoes.

"Damn straight, Woman."

Silly boy. And now...

Flashback! 

These lovely shoes are by Sol Sana, and are my 3rd pair by this brand, all purchased at Footloose Shoes in downtown Victoria, a locally-owned and operated shoe store. It's often hard to find good quality shoes second-hand (my first choice for shopping), and sometimes Fluevogs (my second choice) are too over-the-top for a "regular" shoe. 

I bought them here in May 2018 for $120.00. They are leather, super comfortable, and I love that very walkable block heel. I was attracted to the speckled black and white pattern, which is printed onto a raised snakeskin pattern. And who doesn't love an ankle strap?

I wore them immediately in May 2018.

Keeping it simple with a black leather mini-skirt and a big teal silk blouse.

They are an excellent choice when I want a neutral or white shoe, but don't want it to be TOO white or want to bring in just a touch of black.

This is from June 2018. I always forget about that top, but I still have it and the pink leather skirt.

A casual look in July 2018.

Due to having to buckle and unbuckle them, I don't wear them for shopping on the weekends, so they get worn to work more than anywhere else.

A Christmassy look from...September 2018.

I pack these shoes away during the chillier months. Although I don't believe in "rules" like wearing white after Labour Day (seriously, so silly), I don't have much use for white shoes in the winter.

Hey, that skirt looks familiar! This was its first outing, in April 2019.

That's the same top as above with the pink leather, only tucked in. I'm even wearing the same cuff, lapis lazuli ring and earrings!

After I saw Corey Hart in concert with Ali in June 2019, I wore my concert tee to work the next day.

Prim and proper...but also badass.

That white top again in July 2019.

I made a "suit" out of separates.

I keep most of my very-short minis in my cold-weather wardrobe (so that I can wear tights with them), so when I see a mini worn in the summer, I know I've just acquired it.

This was in August 2019.

Three patterns together in September 2019.

And a peeved kitty who won't look at the camera. I have yet to wear both that blouse and those dotty pants yet this season. Soon!

I dressed up for Easter in April 2020, but didn't go anywhere.

Counting the shoes, that's 3 separate dotted items in one outfit.

And here's the last time I wore them, in June 2020.

I love this classy look.

Mathy stuff: Counting today's outfit, I have now worn these shoes 12 times, so I'm down to $10.00 per wear, which I'm really pleased with. I'm always willing to pay for good quality shoes, because they last so much longer - I'll be wearing these for years! Imagine what my cost-per-wear will be then.


I have to go placate our little monster now.

"I will accept kitty treats, lap time and more kitty treats."

He made himself a bed in L's closet, on top of his football jerseys.

---

Lumberjack Wrap, Sailor Jean's and Star Wars Flashback

July 30, 2020, 7:45 pm

≫ Next: Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Tropical Cotton; Green Brunch; Kimono Badminton Party

≪ Previous: Blue, Black and White Flashback

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It felt so weird to be at work on a Thursday! Now, just a short few hours tomorrow and the long weekend will be here! I celebrated by wearing a new top. 

And one of my best vintage finds ever, these fabulous jeans (and no, that's not a punctuation error in my title).

• Top - Urban Outfitters, consignment; purchased here for $23.99
• Cami - not tracked
• Jeans - Jean's by Jean Paul Gaultier, vintage 90s, vintage shop, Vancouver; last worn here in November 2019 with vintage Balmain
• Shoes - "I Know" Star Wars by Irregular Choice, gift from my mother-in-law; last worn here in May with a cape and linen

I have fallen in love with this lumberjack wrap top.

 I love the fit and the big long ends - perfect for a dramatic sash!

And because of the slightly cropped effect of the wrap, I was able to wear them with these fun sailor pants.

 They lace up the back! I love the orange stitching.

 Big copper snaps!

The lined bits are done in neon orange! These pants are really special, so we're going to have a look at them in the Flashback below.

The stuff:

Speaking of special, my "I Know" Han and Leia shoes! We're also going to have a peek at how I've worn these before.

Silver-blue bling:

My clothes have enough ornamentation - just a few simple pieces.

• White gold earrings - Frances Jewelers, 10th anniversary gift from L
• Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

Flashback #1!

These wonderful pants/jeans are vintage 90s Jean Paul Gaultier. I did not know that his 2020 runway collection was actually his last, as after 50 years he retired. If you're not familiar with Gaultier as a designer, I found a lovely Vogue note here, including a slideshow of his 1997 runway show (wow, some very cool stuff I would wear!).

Purchased here in March 2018 on one of our anniversary jaunts to Vancouver for $55.00, it was one of those times when you find such a treasure that you run out of the store giggling, hoping they don't realize their error in selling them to you. Those moments are rare!

They were upstairs in a very crammed and disorganized vintage store, tucked behind a bunch of pants in a corner, barely visible, but I spotted the orange stitching on the cuff.

They are a beautiful black-ish blue 100% cotton, with a velvety finish. They are quite thick and don't wrinkle. The copper snaps on the front are how you get them on and off - it's an adventure in the bathroom! - and there are 10 snaps total.

I love the lace-up back - so late 90s/early 00s. It can be tightened up for a snug fit. They are very high-waisted.

I've had these for two years, but today was the first time I realized that there is no outside seam down the leg - they are made of only two pieces of fabric! Aside from the the linings and pockets, each leg is one single swath of material. That is some impressive design! 

See, this is the Jean's reference - they're his jeans, Jean's jeans, get it? I love the little skull and crossbones - the entire waistband has this ribbon. 

They were made in Morocco, and are washable - and with the amount of wear on the tag, I'd say they've been washed a fair bit. I've washed them a few times, no problem.

A good look at the back.

I just love that orange thread. Awesome label - it says "Haute Jeanerie - Tailored" and that's the Eiffel Tower behind the word "Jean's".

The rivets say Jean's Gaultier.

 As do the snaps.

You can see the nice tight twill weave of the fabric there too - it feels expensive. They are such nice quality. What a find! 

I wore them right away, in April 2018, embracing the sailor-y aspect of them. 

I wore an orange leather jacket over this too. Matchy!

Deja shoe! There are today's shoes in my Star Wars Day outfit in May 2018. Awesome leather jacket on.

I rarely wear jeans, but I love the special details and that little bit of zing that these bring to an outfit.

This was in August 2018, ready to head out to a movie with Elaine.

The style was a bit challenging for me at first - wide-legged cropped pants are not something I gravitate to, being 5'4".

Double Gaultier! This shirt is a menswear Gaultier that I picked up for $7.99 on sale at Flavour Upstairs - I think this the only time I wore it. It's one of Yvonne's favourites now.

 I wore this to bother peacocks in Beacon Hill Park with my Edmonton coworker Ann in January 2019.

Another striped top (I have two that are nearly the same) and discovering that this cropped silhouette works with the pants.

 I wore this to a vintage fair in June 2019.

Another outfit - this one from September 2019 - showing my bright outerwear over my cashmere tee.

 PANK always adds so much joie de vivre!

And this is the last time I wore them, in September 2019.

I matched eras, with my late 90s/early 00s vintage Balmain shirt.

Mathy stuff: Including today's outfit, I've worn them 8 times in a little over two years. That works out to $6.88 per wear. Awesome!


Flashback #2!

These wonderful shoes are called the "I Know" (referencing the classic line in The Empire Strikes Back) and were a gift from my mother-in-law Louise here in May 2016 for $219.95. I was drooling over them in She She Shoes, and she insisted on buying them for me.

Would I have bought them otherwise? Probably not. Aw, Han and Leia! I love the flowers (pansies!) embroidered on the toile background.

The soles, preserved only in this picture.

Shoes are for wearing! Some of the images have worn off (most of Han's face, sorry, Han).

I was so thrilled with them, I wore them right away that weekend, while Louise was still in town.

So that would make this May 2016. I still have those pants!

I had to wear them to work to show off to my geeky coworkers.

This was also in May 2016. I might still have those earrings.

In February 2017 they added interest to this slightly odd outfit.

 I still have that blazer and skirt (it has pockets).

I love this outfit that I did for Star Wars Day in May 2017.

That's L's Darth Vader tie, a gift from me before we were married - it's nearly 25 years old now.

You might remember this outfit from the Space Pants Flashback.

 I tend to put blues with the shoes to go with the bits of blue in the print.

Without the awesome yellow leather jacket, for Star Wars Day 2018.

 Deja pants!

I swooshed about in my Armani silk duster in July 2018.

 It makes me feel like Darth Sheila - how apt.

A shopping outfit in May 2019.

 More Darth-y duster action...and more stripes!

Blue and plaid in February 2020.

 A nice simple outfit .

And here's the last time I wore them, in May 2020.

A suspiciously Darth Vader-like cape! I'm sensing a theme here.

Mathy stuff: I've now worn them 11 times, which brings me to $19.99 per wear. They're a shoe I'll have forever, so I expect my cost-per-wear will improve! I also owe to Louise to get my money's worth out of them for her generous gift.


And here we are. I'm going to take a blogging holiday for the upcoming long weekend, but I'll be back on Monday with tales of adventure. Thank you all so much for stopping by! Stay safe, keep calm, be kind.

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Tropical Cotton; Green Brunch; Kimono Badminton Party

August 3, 2020, 3:29 pm

≫ Next: A Day at the Thrift Shops

≪ Previous: Lumberjack Wrap, Sailor Jean's and Star Wars Flashback

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Oh, what a lovely weekend it's been, my friends. I truly hope you've all had a peaceful and joyous weekend yourselves!

I have outfits to show you, and not one, but two Flashbacks to share too, and there might even be a few cat pictures here and there, so let's get started. 

Friday's outfit. I was only at work for a few hours, so I rushed through as much as I could, and then strolled home to hang out with L for the afternoon and evening. 

I am totally in love with this dress. It felt marvelous to wear.

• Dress - Apanage; purchased here last weekend for $29.99
• Shoes - Chie Mihara; last worn here in June with emerald armour

I love the fine cotton lawn weave - it was light and airy.

I did pop a boob button at one point (I'd been opening hauling boxes) and didn't notice until I locked myself out of the office and had to go see the property manager to get a maintenance guy to let me in. Fortunately, I'd remedied it by the time he showed up. I'll need to safety-pin that next time! 

Isn't the pattern glorious?

Big white peonies with spiky foliage. The background is a yellowy-cream, and the greens are in the chartreuse-olive range, with a touch of rust-brown.

After I put on the bias-cut cotton slip that came with it, and then layered the dress over that, I quickly realized that I was going to have a Velvet-Adjacent Induced Rage Session if I kept two clingy cotton garments on together.

Off went the cotton slip, on went one of my full vintage nylon slips. Phew, disaster averted!

I love how the waistband is slanted from one side of my waist down to the opposite hip.

 And although it's a wrap front, I didn't have too many issues with it wanting to billow open.

The stuff:

I picked out the rusty-brown tones for my accessories, including my awesome Chie Mihara flatform sandals. We'll have a Flashback on those shortly.

Warm bling:

Karen's cuff and ring, and Mom's choker.

• Amber, sandalwood and brass choker - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Brass/copper cuff - Karen's
• Wooden ring - Dots
• Taxco silver/stone poison ring - Karen's
• Earrings - consignment

It's been gorgeously warm all weekend - not too hot, a nice light breeze - and Vizzini's been enjoying the deck.

"I was until right this minute..."

I can't help it - I am a 4-year-old when it comes to cats. I have to poke the beast.

"You certainly do."

He's been happy to have us home a lot this weekend.

Flashback #1!

Local shoe store Footloose carries Chie Mihara, a line of shoes by a real person who actually designs her own shoes and owns her own company (17 years strong). Her shoes are aimed at comfort and style and embrace qualities that I love in good companies (bio here*). *all links 'cause I love, of course.

These are my fourth pair by her - the prices are in the Fluevog range of up to $400 a pair, so I either wait till a pair I like goes on sale (like these ones, or these ones (now gone)), or I find them second-hand (like these).

I bought these in May 2018 (here), so I've only had them for two years. I had a pair of rust-coloured sandals that I'd thrifted and had fallen apart on me, so I kept my eyes peeled for an "upgrade" pair (better quality, leather, comfy to walk/stand in). These were on half price at Footloose for $199.50. Not cheap!

I wore them right away, in May 2018 with my crane shirt and yellow leather.

 I let go of that shirt a while back. The skirt is currently in my fall/winter wardrobe.

With my "chicken" top and a very short skirt in June 2018.

Yvonne has this skirt now. The top is in the giveaway pile.

I wore this outfit to work and then to the dentist in July 2018.

"I'm helping, as always."

The shoes have a great 1970s vibe, but also give me a 1930s vibe (which is where the 70s got their platforms from).

This September 2018 outfit was one of those ones that was good in theory but not in practice. See above Velvet-Adjacent Induced Rage Episode - one of these days I'm going to learn!

Linda has this dress now - she opened up the seams and added another colour to it to fit it to her - it looks awesome on her.

The rusty-brown colour works well as a copper or orange analog, as I've matched it here in October 2018 to my copper skirt and jewelry.

I like these funky proportions.

I just gave this neoprene skirt to Vero!

 This is my first time wearing it in March 2019 - it was a bit too short for me.

My Big Lady Boss Pants' first outing in April 2019. The trousers require heels, so I went with a pink/brown theme.

"Black and white is better."

I love that outfit - everything in it is so harmonious to me.

Of course, I've worn my Fendi belt with these shoes, as I did later in April 2019.

I love that dress, and all the orangey-brown tones here.

I might have to dig this silk top out of the giveaway pile - every time I see it in a Flashback, I find myself falling for it all over again. Wait, I might have given it to Vero. Ah, well. 

This May 2019 outfit is another solid one. The pants have a fine caramel line in them.

I wore three separate party outfits for L's birthday in June 2019.

"Back when people came over for birthdays."

This jumpsuit (a gift from Wendy Brandes) was the midnight to 3:30am outfit!

Speaking of jumpsuits, here's another from July 2019 that you might recognize.

I ran with the orange tones in the shoes and did orange accessories.

I need to wear this kimono again! It's a dangerous garment due to all the tassels and glass beading, which gets smushed into my chair at work and attacked by a cat at home.

 This is from August 2019, a year ago.

I don't keep these shoes out all year round, although I suppose I could wear coloured tights with them.

 This is from September 2019. I have all that stuff still.

This is a fun outfit, also from September 2019, for the last Urbanite at the Art Gallery.

My hair is crimped and I have a strip of copper eyeshadow across my face. Yes, I'm wearing a leather and brass arm gauntlet and a leather body harness. I'm a wild woman!

After lockdown this year, I wore the shoes for a "sanity balm" outfit in May 2020.

 I should wear that dress again.

And here's the last time I wore them, with my emerald satin armour, in June 2020.

It takes bold shoes to balance a dress like that!

Mathy stuff: In just over two years, I've worn these shoes 17 times, which is $11.74 per wear. Imagine how low that cost-per-wear will be in another two years!


On Saturday, L and I strolled down to Pluto's for brunch.

I've been wanting to wear this dress for a while! We're going to Flashback on it below and see how many times I've worn it in the 10 years that it's been in my closet.

• Dress - Taylor, consignment; last seen here in June 2018 for Ulti/brunch
• Silk haori- vintage, vintage store, Portland, OR; last worn here in April with big red pants
• Shoes - Born, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in July 2019

I see I didn't manage to wear this dress last year - that feels like an oversight! It's been one of my stalwart Ulti/brunch/grocery shopping dresses for about 5 years.

It feels a little too casual for me to wear to work most of the time, but it's wonderful in hotter months.

I can't believe I've had it for ten years.

 Where did that time go??

After we got home from brunch, I read on the deck for a while, and just left the dress on.

It's lovely for hanging out at home.

I covered up for walking in the sun in my haori.

Silk is always awesome for hot and cold weather - it breaths, but also insulates.

I took it off to eat, as I didn't want my sleeves dragging through my huevos.

I'm blurry as I wave my arms about!

The stuff:

I'm not really surprised to see that I haven't worn these shoes for a year - they're "barefoot" shoes, i.e. they can be worn with no nylons or footies, so they only get worn when it's hot out. I also don't wear them to work.

Black and gold bling:

 Just matching to the black and cream haori pattern.

• Necklace - Aldo
• Chain/leather wrap - local
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Silver Taxco ring - Karen's
• Silver/onyx ring - Tocarra, vintage fair
• Earrings - thrifted

My guy also dressed up for brunch, and wore this to toss around the Frisbee later in the afternoon.

A sweet vintage Hawaiian polyester shirt, a Pack A.D. concert tee, thrifted shorts, skull socks and second-hand Cons. Rock on, L!

Flashback #2!

I bought this dress almost exactly 10 years ago, in July 2010 (here), at the Velvet Crease (in their old location on Cook Street), for $27.00.

It's by Taylor, and is 100% cotton eyelet, and is fully-lined - it even has bra-strap-snaps which I broke at some point when I forgot about them and took the dress off. I often refer to it as my Lettuce dress due to the leaf-lettuce-resembling fluffy gathers that are sewn in a boustrophodon pattern of ruffles. 

I wore it to work at my old job in July, right after I bought it.

Nothing too fancy (I was a little more timid with my accessorizing back then!), just rust shoes and my Grandma J's copper cuff/earrings.

With a bit of black here in August 2010.

This was another work outfit.

I wore this for a job fair in September 2010 - this was when my department at my old job was outsourced. 

My old black boots (I walked to the job fair) and a belted blazer (so 2010). I did get 3 interviews out of it, but no job. 

In May 2011 - I actually wore this to work at my new/current job. That's my dad's silk scarf in my hair, a waterfall cardi (very 2011!), and a pair of clodhopper shoes. 

And a scotch on the stairs after work - my first few months at my job were not happy ones. 

July 2011 - me and Vizzini. 

I have a scarf around my neck. I loved those shoes. 

Probably an Ulti outfit. 

This was in August 2011.

I didn't wear the dress again until July 2012, where I showed off my new-ish aqua Fluevogs. 

Life is better - and I have my blonde streak in my bangs. 

A somewhat fancy outfit a year later in July 2013.

One of the many denim shirts I've had over the years. 

Another simple outfit from June 2014.

I miss those shoes - I wore them out. 

A couple of months later, in September 2014. 

Definitely another Ulti outfit - I haven't duplicated my shoes yet! 

Oh, well, "famous last words"!

My hair is purple and parted on the other side, though. This was in June 2015. 

A year later, in June 2016, with silver accessories.

Basically, at this point, I'm down to wearing the dress once a year. 

July 2017 - and my hair is even longer. 

Another outfit worn to Ulti/brunch. 

Much longer hair, and some sunblocking accessories, in June 2018. 

I have neither the hat nor the linen jacket anymore. 

And here's the last time I wore it, in May 2019. 

Trying it with tights and boots. The tights were a bad idea. Sigh, clinging issues!

Mathy stuff: Including the current outfit, I've now worn my Lettuce dress 16 times, which works out to $1.69 per wear. Awesome! 

On Sunday, Vizzini was sunning himself vigourously out on the desk. 

"I'm ensuring even sun coverage."

He was squirming around, thrashing his tail, ready for mischief.

"What? Who's calling me squirmy?"

He jerked to a stop to meow at me.

"What is it? Is the Man in trouble?"

Down he went!

"I need to investigate."

All safe and sound, protecting L. 

"Nothing to see here. I protect the Man."

L and I headed off to Beacon Hill Park on Sunday afternoon, to join our friends in celebration of Nick's 60th birthday.

It was windy, as you can see! 

• Kimono - no label, consignment; last worn here in August 2019 over a brown dress
• Top - Ellen Tracy, swap from Caro; last seen here in May with a silk cocoon
• Pants - Lady Dutch, thrifted; last worn here in May for Star Wars Day shenanigans
• Sandals - Born, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in July last weekend for the Mrs. Roper Pool Party

I've been wanting to wear this lovely silk velvet burnout kimono for ages, but it's very challenging. 

For one thing, you can't wear a coat or jacket over it, so it has to be the topper - so it needs to be warm enough to mostly wear it solo. 

It's also covered in glass beading and has a kazillion tassels (cat-bait). 

And I've already destroyed some of the beading from it rolling into my chair's wheels at work the last time I wore it. 

But sitting around in a park on a warm August long weekend? 

Yeah, we can do that! 

I must mask up appropriately. 

Sequins, baby! 

• Leather purse - Banana Republic, consignment

The rest of the outfit is pretty standard neutrals - I let the kimono do the heavy lifting. 

The stuff: 

Wearing my easy sandals again for the walk to the park and back. 

Gold bling: 

I was very noisy! The earrings are Mom's, and the necklace is homegrown vintage from about 1983-4. 

• Necklace - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1983-4
• Earrings - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Ball bracelet - Butler Fifth Avenue Collection, consignment
• Chain bracelet - thrifted
• Wooden ring - Dots
• Crystal/silver ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy

We were hoping for a nice hot sunny day, but hey, it's Victoria. It was windy, sunny, chilly, cloudy - which is about right. 

Our Birthday Boy, Nick, on the left, with Casey on the right. 

Party planners, Randall and Yvonne. 

It was a busy day in the park - we shared this area with several groups, who all seemed to be distancing pretty well. 

Nancy joined us!

Caro set up beside Ross and Cat. 

Spence (right) came over from Vancouver to surprise Nick. 

Rosanna and Greg showed up too! 

Linda rode her bike over. 

Looking fabulous! 

Love her vintage parasol! 

Caro brought a badminton set, so Chris and I played for a while. 

I actually played every opportunity I had, including a couple of rounds of doubles, and a two-on-one (me) situation, once our friends figured out I was a "ringer".  I used to play badminton as a kid, so it and Ulti are the only two sports I'm any good at. 

Caro cheered me on. 

"Go, She!"

It was challenging playing in the wind. 

"Go, Chris!"

Alison spectated with her wine. 

Action shots by L. I'm ready to swat!

I kicked my shoes off and played barefoot on the soft grass. 

It was so fun to jump around and run, tassels swooshing, necklace rattling.

No birdie escapes from me! 

I'm totally going to whack this one. 

There were a few "shuttlecock" jokes, heh heh. 

Chris didn't stand a chance. 

No way you're going to return this one! 

Ready...

Bam! 

I'm amazed that L caught the birdie actually flying in most of these shots. 

I'm looking pleased with that slam. 

And, yes! 

I am victorious! 

Once the sun disappeared, it got quite chilly out. Time to go home.  

All the cyclists headed off, and L and I strolled home to have dinner and feed our ravenous monster. 

There he is, so excited to see us. Vizzini, are you ready for some board games, music and chillin'? 

"Does a cat like kitty treats?"

I've heard that's true! 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, my friends! Thank you so much for dropping by.

A Day at the Thrift Shops

August 4, 2020, 7:29 pm

≫ Next: Mustard Floral and Polka Dots

≪ Previous: Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Tropical Cotton; Green Brunch; Kimono Badminton Party

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I had today all to myself, so I got up early and prepared to go hit the few second-hand and thrift stores that are open downtown. 

I promised I would wear this dress again soon! 

• Dress - Sandwich; last seen here in May for a home day
• Shoes - Half Truth Veda, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit) in June for a brunch and shop with L

This was perfect for my marathon shop! 

It's cotton, with lots of stretch. 

The back zip was excellent for quickly trying clothes on. 

Of course, I masked up. I was chatting with my friend Cat on the weekend about masks, and was keeping my eye out for cheap clothes that could be chopped up and made into masks. I love having a friend who sews! 

My camo one is by Goody, picked up in the drugstore a week or so ago. I kept it on the whole time I was out. 

The stuff: 

I tweaked my ankle slightly playing badminton at Nick's park party, so babying my feet in these low kitten heels. 

Copper and turquoise bling: 

Coordinating with my mask! 

• Enameled copper cuff - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage expo
• Brooch - thrifted
• Enameled copper earrings - Matisse by Renoir, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
• Copper/turquoise ring - vintage, Grandma J's

I started out at Flavour Upstairs, where I had to wait a bit to get in due to a line. On a Tuesday! Outrageous. 

I picked up this huge silk scarf for $9.99. 

It's made in India, and it's seen better days, but I love the ombre dye. 

This is going to Cat for mask-making.

I also picked this up for Cat, but if it doesn't fit her, I'm going to tell her to cut it up for more masks. 

"You can tell her I approved it."

It's a lovely silk dress by Lane Bryant.

Regular price $29.99, marked down four times before I spotted it on the $5.00 rack today! 

That chilly season is just around the corner, and I'm always on the lookout for good quality sweaters. 

This is a lovely shade of blue, and will go with tons of stuff in the fall. 

And it's 2-ply 100% cashmere, by Marina Luna, which is a TJ Maxx line. 

For $34.99? Yes, do you know what cashmere costs these days?? This would have been at least $100 new, easy. 

I cannot resist a fun print. 

This jacket is just pure awesome. It's 100% cotton, is a very cute fit - that wide waistband gives a peplum-ish effect, and those are short sleeves. 

The backside. I have shoes in all those colours. I like the scribbles in between the groups of flower shapes. 

It's by Marc Jacobs. 

For $34.99 - that feels like a deal. 

Flush with my success at Flavour Upstairs, I saw that Mango's had Canadian-made masks, so I picked up a couple. 

The top one is by Au Noir, who make some of the fabulous shirts in L's closet, and the bottom one had no label. Gotta build up my mask wardrobe, as I'll be wearing one every day when I'm out in public, and I may as well have matching ones for my wardrobe. 

I quickly took a peek in Fluevog, as their sale is so tempting (I resisted!), and as I was talking to Rae (one of the lovely Fluevogologists), and showing off my purchases, she insisted on pulling out a bag of her own clothes that she had in the back, and offered me my pick! 

So, thank you, Rae! I love this groovy sweater. 

Which is also by Marc Jacobs! 

Look at that sweet little button placket on the back.

And all those colours in the plaid - I'm going to have fun with this in the fall/winter. 

I also selected this mustard-y yellow/brown fine sweater. 

It will be a good layering piece, I think. 

It's by Zara...and it was free! 

From there, I strolled over to Upcycle and found this lovely maxi dress on half price, for $19.99. 

The brand is Lucca, which feels like...not an expensive designer brand. It looks like fast fashion. 

I really liked that the dress is fully lined in viscose (the printed fabric is polyester), and I love that fabulous print, and giant ruffled hem. However, someone removed the elastic all along the shoulders and neckline, so it doesn't sit right. I'm not a fan of off-the-shoulder styles on casual clothes (too much bra/boob wrangling for my taste), so I thought...hmmm....

What's a girl to do? Chop it off! 

Muahahaha! Now I have an excellent maxi skirt with an elastic waistband. Never mind that those waistband ruffles are a little ragged and uneven! Don't care. 

From Upcycle, I went over to the Patch, which has gotten slightly better (but not much) with their safety protocols. At least they had hand sanitizer, but it is still way too crowded in there. I spent a couple of hours going through the entire store and phew, I need a nap. 

Here's what I found, starting with this gorgeous gold velour pleated midi skirt. 

It's very swooshy! 

I didn't recognize the brand - A New Day - so I dug around in the tags down the seams and...

...there we go - it's a Target brand! Shocking! 

It was $19.95, which is about what it sold for new. 

I'd rather buy it second-hand (always!) and I have only been in a Target a few times ever (ugh, no thank you), so I'm fine with this.  

This was truly an "OMG OMG OMG" find. It's a really sweet swingy dress. 

That deep V is super-flattering, and the floral-ish design is reversed on the opposite sides (dress, cuffs, hem). 

The cuffs have a lovely split, so I'm sure I'll be dragging them through the soup soon. 

The pattern is bright pink, burgundy and black. 

The hem also has small slits on either side, which make it flippy when I walk. 

It's fully-lined in black. 

And 100% silk! 

"But what about meeeeee?"

Even the lining is silk! 

It's by Proenza Schouler for Barney's New York. Holy smokes, I found Proenza Schouler!! (here's the Vogue link - links 'cause I love, of course).

As Barney's is now closed, enjoy a look at how much this brand sells for via Saks Fifth Avenue (here) - my dress would probably have been around $2,500 (since it's silk and has sleeves), possibly marked down for around $600-700 (as I see their sale dresses run). *choke* Wow, I got a deal for $22.95! I get a kick out of a Patch employee writing "Barneys" on the tag - obviously their pricer hasn't heard of this brand! 

Well, now I have some new things to play with! What's your favourite? 

Mustard Floral and Polka Dots

August 5, 2020, 6:53 pm

≫ Next: Neon Pirate

≪ Previous: A Day at the Thrift Shops

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Going back to work today was brutal. So much to do, so little time, and it's all physical stuff with getting signs up (oodles of signs), stickers on the floor (four different kinds!) and arrows (so many arrows). 

I needed loose, comfy clothes for it! My new dress skirt will do nicely! 

• Cardigan - Gap, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in April for my "what I would have worn to Easter if we weren't in a pandemic" look
• Sleeveless sweater - INC, thrifted; no longer tracked
• Skirt that was a dress - Lucca, consignment; purchased here for $19.99
• Shoes - Sorel; last seen here (3rd outfit) in July for Book Club at the Castle

I hid the raggedy edges of my hack job from cutting the top of this dress off and turning it into a skirt yesterday. 

A little pattern mixing with the polka dot cardi and the mustard floral. 

Polka dots are the gateway to pattern mixing. They go with everything. 

I have my sleeveless black sweater on, a little classier than a cami in case I had to remove the cardigan for overheating reasons. 

I'm grumbly about our blogging overlords (while I acknowledge that I have this blog for free - thank you!). 

For one, I can no longer search on "INC" to find this sweater - it now gives me results with "INC" in a word (like "incredible" or "since") instead of just "INC" words, which is EVERY post. Very annoying. 

I even tried searching with quote marks - I know how to do a Boolean search! I have to search for H&M by typing in this: H&M. Weird, eh? The HTML is invading. 

It's also somehow decided to dump all my email subscribers (which is a lot!), and they've not been receiving my posts since some time in mid-July! I have tested some things, and read a bunch of help pages, which led me to tweak/correct some stuff, and hopefully it'll start working again...but I didn't do anything to it in the first place! So frustrating. I wondered why some of my favourite people went missing! I hope they didn't think I got the COVID.

And of course, there's the New Interface which...sure, I guess they want to update after 12+ years of looking the same. But it's annoying to have to relearn all this! I had it down to a science!

Anyway, rant over, and I'm just going to stick my tongue out at them, ha ha! 

My black and white camo mask for another pattern. I looked like this most of the day - gotta get used to wearing them in the office. I'm going to save a fortune in lipstick and blush! 

The stuff: 

Yeah, they're clunky, but I like them. 

Filigree bling: 

Stuff that wouldn't get in my way. 

• Cuff - St. Paul's Cathedral gift shop, London
• Wood ring - Dots
• Shield ring - Nine West
• Earrings - thrifted

Neon Pirate

August 7, 2020, 6:29 pm

≫ Next: Weekend Wrap-Up: Spanish Ladies Brunch and Flashback

≪ Previous: Mustard Floral and Polka Dots

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 Ah, it's the weekend! I'm so very, very glad. 

First, I do apologize to those of you who were receiving my posts by email. Please see the note in the right sidebar - I have submitted a Help Me! request to the forums here for the email issue, and hopefully, it will be solved soon! 

Anyway, I'm really really tired of reading help info on this, and trying various things to try to make it work, and am getting very frustrated, so let's look at some clothes. I dressed like a neon pirate today.

Another full day of nearly 100% physical activity at the office - I have one more floor to plaster with signs and sanitizing stations (I've done two floors now), and people are coming in on Monday, so they're just going to have to bear with me until I can finish it. I dressed for comfort. 

• Vest - Religion, consignment; first worn here for our last visit with Karen in June
• Silk top - Kate Spade, thrifted; last seen here in July 2019 with some familiar items
• Trousers - Eleonora Amadei; first worn here in June with orange bookends
• Shoes - Mellow Bossa Nova, Fluevog; last seen here (2nd outfit) with a ginormous floral skirt

Comfy pants that I wouldn't get upset about if they got dirty (they did). 

I paired them with this lovely neon yellow silk top and actually managed not to get it dirty or sweat in it! It's a miracle. 

The vest helped keep my arms free and my 'pits cool (because I did a lot of sweating!). It also was excellent for filling the pockets with pens, scissors, tape and odds and ends of things. 

I will be glad when all this initial set-up of the office is done! Now I'll just have to deal with the people. Everyone, behave! 

Wear your masks! Please. 

The stuff: 

Neon orange shoes for the win! 

Bold bling: 

I stuffed the squishy silicon bangle in a pocket at one point too. 

• Bangle - Materia Design, thrifted
• Silver earrings - Brenda Schoenfeld, 1992, vintage mall
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Silver/onyx ring - Tocarra, vintage fair

This guy has the right idea. I think I might go hide under the covers. 

"I am full of good ideas. Like napping."

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful weekend! I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!

Weekend Wrap-Up: Spanish Ladies Brunch and Flashback

August 9, 2020, 11:20 am

≫ Next: Golden Lion Dress

≪ Previous: Neon Pirate

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 Ah, what a nice relaxing weekend. Unlike weekends in the "olden days" (pre-COVID), my adventures now are pretty much limited to brunch, a wee shop, and then boardgames in the evenings. Good times!

Now, let's get 'er started, because we are going to have a Flashback on one of my older dresses, and I know it's a favourite of some of you long-time readers: the Spanish Ladies dress! 

L and I met up with Nick for brunch at Pluto's, then had a stroll down to the record shop. I also popped into a couple of shops and have expanded my mask collection some more. 

• Cardigan - no label, thrifted; not tracked
• Dress - Lirub, Camden Market, London, 2010; last worn here in June 2019 with these same shoes
• Shoes - Aldo, thrifted; last seen here in July for a grocery trip, and some vintage shopping

It rained off and on all night, so things were still feeling damp and sultry this morning. 

Cardigan time! I actually have a pale pink cami on -  it matches my skin tone almost exactly, doesn't it? 

Without the cardi - I only took it off while we brunched. 

I adore this dress - it's a very classic fit-and-flare shape, and I love the nice waistal banding - good to lock everything in place. 

You may have spotted that my hair has a tinge of pink in it - I mixed some darker tint into my conditioner in the shower. Time to change things up a bit! I picked up some purple - I'm feeling like going back to more of a lavender-y shade. 

Showing off my vintage red slip. The dress is only lined in the bodice. 

No one saw that, but I knew it was there!

Must mask up for being in public. I'm giving this mask to L - it doesn't fit my face well. 

• Purse - Banana Republic, consignment

The stuff: 

Two people shouted, "I love your shoes!" at me while I was out. These are fabulously comfy - great for walking. 

Blue bling: 

With a bit of brass and copper. 

• Brass/copper cuff - Karen's
• Blue cuff - thrifted
• Earrings - consignment, Vancouver
• Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

I popped into Oscar & Libby's and Lazy Susan's, both locally owned and operated gift shops. They both had a good selection of fun masks. 

The navy floral and the cherries print are "ninja" style, with big scoops under the eyes (I like that). The brown/gold pleated one has a wire for the nose, and fits me perfectly. Those three were from Oscar & Libby's and were $11 and $12 each. I fell hard for the Super women mask - Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl!

But you know I had to get this Star Wars one. It and the Supers one were $12 each. 

I can't wait to say "Freeze, you Rebel scum!" to my coworkers!

Both of those also have wired noses - that's my preference. We're supposed to be wearing boring masks at work (no logos, classic patterns or solids), but screw that! I'm wearing a mask and that's enough.

And now...

Flashback time! 

I bought this wonderful 100% cotton dress in Camden Market, London, in May 2010, from a big stall full of dresses like this, all handmade in England. They were all 95 pounds each (about $165 Canadian now), and had various novelty prints. I remember pickles, refrigerators and cacti. I wasn't able to try it on due to lack of anywhere to do so, so I hoped for the best, held it up and checked the measurements, and bought it. The brand is Lirub which I've never been able to find online (I actually just spotted one sold at a UK Oxfam shop for 19.99 pounds in a "Day of the Dead" theme). 

I first wore it in May 2010, a few days after returning home. A few pics here from our adventures that day - we also did the Tower of London. L, Mom and I spent about 5 days in London, then Mom went off on a walking tour and L and I took the train to Paris for 2 days. It was a fabulous trip; click here, if you'd like to revisit - the posts are newest to oldest, and yes, I've pasted George Clooney's face over L's real face, as I kept his privacy for several years on my blog. 

I got those shoes at Heathrow airport - they are in the consignment pile, as no one I know wears shoes that high anymore! They were pretty precarious. 

Sorry about the fuzziness of these pics - older camera, and I used to size them very small back in the day. 

This was in July 2010. The pattern is various old-timey Hollywood ladies, mostly in Spanish outfits, including one in sort of a cowgirl look. 

This is from May 2011.

I haven't quite mastered the Stair Pose yet! This makes me laugh - so awkward!

Aside from mixing up my accessories - the dress has every colour of the rainbow in it - I've also layered many items under it, mostly camisoles on the top, as it's a deep V-neck. 

In August 2011, I layered a cardigan over it for the first time - it would not be the last! 

Primary colours in May 2012. I was really into cardigans for a few years there, and then did a big cardi purge a few years back (they are creeping back in again).

Those shoes are in Caro's closet now, and I moved the triangular purse along a few years back. 

That same cardi in September 2012 - this was for my 30 For 30 for 12 Challenge, during which I wore the dress 3 times that month.

I forgot I even owned those Fluevogs! They rubbed my heel. 

One of the few times I layered a longer skirt under the dress, also from September 2012. 

I loved those sandals - I wore them until they were so beat up! They went to Italy with me a few years back. 

Only the dress remains from most of these outfits. 

This is also in September 2012. That is one bigass flower.

I still have this blue belt from May 2013 - it's a nice Danier one. The jacket was not right - moved it along.

I miss those blue suede shoes - they were stalwarts in my closet for years. Such a classic shape and colour. 

But I got new blue shoes, shown here in July 2013.

I still have that entire outfit, even the jewelry. 

I wore this to the Vintage Expo in September 2013 - I took the hat off for work. Yvonne has that blazer now.

I tend to wear primary colours with this dress the most: red, yellow and blue. 

This lovely stretch denim jacket was a Smoking Lily one - I gave it to Caro years ago, and she still has it, I think. This was in May 2014.

"I protest the lack of cat pictures in this post, Woman."

Again, layering the longer skirt under it. I like the length of the skirt more now than when I bought it - it felt too long then. Hemlines trends! 

Oh, we have some wacky "weekend hair" going on here in August 2014.

Orange is also a versatile colour for matching. The Kraft Dinner yellow shoes were Tsubos, and I had them for years. 

Let's try a little chartreuse - this outfit is from April 2015.

Not as good a match, although that is close to the colours in the cacti in the pattern.

I often wore this dress to the Ulti field as it was easy to change into my shorts under the skirt, and to just zip it on post-game to be all classy for brunch after. 

This was in August 2015 - those shoes were fabulous (brand is Born), but they didn't stay on my feet very well. 

I still have this tangerine cardigan - this is from April 2016.

My orange Desmonds got worn with this dress multiple times. 

I'm definitely wearing it to the Ulti field here in May 2016 - I spy L putting on his Converse next to our bags of gear. 

Interesting note: I bought this yellow leather jacket the week we got back from our London/Paris trip - it's also 10 years old. 

Another outfit worn to Ulti, in September 2016. 

I still have everything but the shoes. 

Yet another Saturday pre- and post-game look, in May 2017.

I recall that fabulous straw hat collapsed and lost its wire while I was wearing it that day. So annoying! 

Some yellow accessories here in August 2017.

Pretty basic. This dress doesn't need much. 

In May 2018. 

Flat shoes, minimal accessories = Ulti outfit. 

And then here's the last time we saw it, in July 2019, when I actually wore it to work to show off to my colleagues. 

They were appropriately impressed. 

Mathy stuff: I wear this dress 1-2 times a year, only in the spring/summer, so it's not a total shock that I've now worn it (including the current outfit) 23 times! That bring us to $7.17 per wear, which is very good. 

I hope you all enjoyed this little look back at my 10-year-old dress, and that you all had a splendid weekend.

Golden Lion Dress

August 10, 2020, 5:57 pm

≫ Next: All New Things, and Shoe Shelving

≪ Previous: Weekend Wrap-Up: Spanish Ladies Brunch and Flashback

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Hello, my friends! Good news! It looks like someone fixed the glitch that was causing my posts not to send out via email! Huzzah! You probably just got a summary of all links from the last 2 weeks in a single email - I subscribe to my own blog so that I can see what you see, and that's what I got.

If you signed up with an additional email to try to get my posts, you can unsubscribe from that email by using the link at the very bottom.

Thank you so much to the readers and fellow bloggers who alerted me to this! If it happened to me, it probably happened to some other folks too. Anyway, phew! Glad that's fixed.

Here's today's outfit to welcome back the hordes into the office!

Except that only 4 people came in! It was still really nice to see people.

• Dress - The Arkin Collection, vintage 60s, vintage fair; first worn here in March right at the start of lockdown
• Shoes - Cardinal Super Fine, Fluevog; last worn here in June

I spent most of the day still packing up all the crap people keep on and under their desks, in preparation for putting signage and disinfecting stations all over my final floor on Wednesday. 

It was sweaty work. I did 35 desks. 

I had to wear this gorgeous woven dress again! 

It's so SHINY. And covered with golden lions. 

And how awesomely is that pattern lined up? That's all woven, not printed! 

I matched my mask to my outfit. 

It's a bit hard to see, but my mask has stars on it. 

The stuff: 

Lovely shoes for all my crawling around under desks. 

Shiny bling: 

No rings today. 

• Brass/copper cuff - Karen's
• Ball bracelet - Butler Fifth Avenue Collection, consignment
• Earrings - thrifted

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All New Things, and Shoe Shelving

August 13, 2020, 12:50 am

≫ Next: Full Matchy: Red Boss Pants and the Scribble Jacket

≪ Previous: Golden Lion Dress

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I'm out of sorts the past few days, restless and irritable. Changes are needed. 

Starting with my hair, which I had cut tonight, and you will see on Friday. I repinked it a bit yesterday.

• Dress - Proenza Schouler for Barney's, thrifted; purchased here for $22.95
• Shoes - Gadea, consignment; purchased here for $15.00

I needed that lift you get from wearing something new. 

This lovely new-to-me tunic-dress hit my sweet spot. Proenza Freaking Schouler! Designer! 

I layered a black cami and short slip under it - it was quite windy today, and I had to hold onto the hem for dear life. 

Isn't the pattern cool? I like the "negative-positive" effect of the two fabrics. 

Matching my blue and white mask to the blue and white in the contrast fabric. 

I finally finished all the sign placement in the office today. I'm worn out. 

The stuff: 

I also finally wore these new-to-me shoes. I did some modifications to them to make them more comfortable: 

• Cut two "slices" into the back of the heel with an exacto blade, on either side of the main seam, so that they don't rub my heels, and 
• Removed part of the tongue on the right shoe, which seems to have been sewn in wrong. That's probably why they were consigned and why the price dropped so low.

It helped immensely, and they were excellent for all the running around between floors I did today - I even walked to the hairdresser in them. Since I'd only paid $15.00, I was willing to wreck them (but I was sure they'd be fine).

Silver bling: 

Simple things to let the dress shine. 

• Bangle - Lazy Susan's
• Bracelet - Fossil, gift from L
• Earrings - Fossil, thrifted
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Shield ring - Nine West

On Tuesday (one of my off days from work), I got up early, sucked back a bunch of coffee and tackled some of the shelves full of old books in our den (where my closet is). L and I have a goal that we're haphazardly working towards: turning our den into a shared giant closet room for both of us! 

It's not going to happen quickly - we have to divest ourselves of a lot of the stuff we've collected over the years - but I needed CHANGE, and I was tired of seeing dust-covered shelves. I didn't take any "before" pictures, because they were just horrific. The dust bunnies had dust bunnies! 

I did take a bunch of "after" shots, though. This is L's new shoe shelf. Pretty swanky, eh?

I do my "stuff" shots on that table to the right of it. There are 14 pairs of his shoes there, and still more in his other shoe closet. 

I piled L's most-worn hats on top of two of our photo albums. My sun hats (I'd completely forgotten about them!) are sitting on top of a Fluevog box which is full of unpainted miniatures. If we're not going to do our hobby, then it can't take up valuable shelf real estate. 

"Rar! Godzilla will protect this shelf from Mecha-Ghidira!"

Three pairs of L's fancy shoes on the top shelf - yes, we both own the brocade pair on the right. 

I pulled all my fashion books out, and used them to fill the ends of the shelves. 

"Baby Godzilla is coming to help!"

Six more pairs of gorgeous Fluevogs including his newest, the Dios with the red soles. The man has style. 

You'll notice all of the shoelaces are tucked tightly into the shoes.

Someone is fond of shoelaces. 

And the bottom shelves. 

Two pairs with no shoelaces on the "Vizzini level." The spiky Danger Pumps are mine. 

We also have a shallower shelf behind the door - it's excellent for storing a lot in a very small space. 

I cleared off yet another bookshelf on the other side of the room and moved most of the stuff here. These are also Things We Want To Keep, But Rarely Look At. 

I put my fancy hats on the top shelf. That Fluevog box contains more unpainted miniatures. 

And there are my fedoras, my floppy hat (oh yeah!) and my faux fur winter hat.

I moved L's Boston Bruins and Miami Dolphins "Shrine" onto it.

He was not exactly thrilled by that, but it has had its time out on display and now I want its old space for something more useful. 

Junior high and high school annuals, old photo albums, vacation albums, and our Magic: The Gathering card collection (1996 to about 2003?). 

"Hey, these weren't here before."

That big bag is all our wedding stuff. So many pieces of memorabilia! 

"I don't see any pictures of me here."

That giant black jack is made of painted cast iron - heavy! I've had it since about 1985, bought at an old local store called Zydeco. It props the door open. 

Deep in that corner, I rediscovered a true Blast From The Past. This is my journal from my grade 12 Creative Writing class! 

Everyone in the class had to write two pages a day (longhand!) and have the teacher initial it, although he didn't read it, so we could write anything. I haven't read it since I wrote it, aside from cracking it open, and going, "Oh my gawd, I have always been a Drama Queen!" It's so weird reading what I wrote 35 years ago - I remember some of it, and other things I'm like, "Bill? Who is Bill?" 

My goal is to transcribe it - completely unedited! I typed 8 pages yesterday - a good start. 

And now, I will leave you with some cuteness. 

"Well, hello there."

He was going for my earrings, the little monster. 

Full Matchy: Red Boss Pants and the Scribble Jacket

August 16, 2020, 1:27 am

≫ Next: Weekend Wrap-Up: Denim and Green Lace Flashback; Cat Pictures and Cutting Up Shoes

≪ Previous: All New Things, and Shoe Shelving

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So, after teasing y'all with my "I got a haircut!" foofaraw the other day, here we are! Bangs/fringe are Nature's Botox, my friends. As this grey shade fades out (this is the same colour as the previous colour, I swear!), I'll be toning it lavender. Jacket - Marc Jacobs, thrifted; purchased here for $34.99Sweater - Twik, thrifted; last seen here in June under orangePants - Zara, thrifted; first

Weekend Wrap-Up: Denim and Green Lace Flashback; Cat Pictures and Cutting Up Shoes

August 17, 2020, 1:44 am

≫ Next: Two-Fer: Daisies and Dots, and Short Shop

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Hey, my friends! I hope you've all had a wonderfully chill weekend! It's been hot here (28 degrees!), so we've mostly just been hanging out at home, watching telly and playing boardgames.  Aside from our traditional Saturday brunch, of course. We enjoyed our usual (huevos for me, burrito wrap and fries for L), then strolled to town for some errands. No shilly-shallying, though - it was too hot to

Two-Fer: Daisies and Dots, and Short Shop

August 18, 2020, 4:47 pm

≫ Next: Chrysanthem Flashback - and a 10-Year-Old Surprise

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Hello, my friends! Pardon my absence yesterday - I had my biannual periodontist appointment which involves a happy pill, needles and freezing and lots of work on my teeth while I'm zonked out in the dental chair. Good times. I slept instead of blogging. 

I deployed some "Clothing As Armour" for my appointment. Bright colours! Patterns! 

• Nylon jacket - Stella McCartney for Adidas, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in April for a walk-by visit to see Karen
• Shirt - Ann Taylor, consignment; last seen here in June with a fancy skirt
• Skirt - Compania Fantastica, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in April with green Gookey
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog, via Fluemarket; last seen here in May with a butterfly cocoon

I wanted to wear this skirt again, as I like mixing patterns with that delicious Creamsicle orange dot.

I liked the casual vibe that the Adidas (by Stella McCartney!) gave to the more formal pleats of the skirt. I wore it zipped from bottom to top like this for most of the day.

The daisies have yellow centres, so that was a gimme for matching. 

Without the jacket - I took it off a few times when I was hot flashing. This hot weather is causing solar flares in my internal temperatures. 

Masked up. 

I chose my DC women superheroes for the primary colours and black and white graphic. 

Zipped up for my walk to work. 

This was comfy for sitting upside down in a chair for two hours. 

The stuff: 

Lovely yellow shoes! My feet noticed that heel, but they were pretty good for a short day at work. 

Minor bling: 

I couldn't be bothered to do more. Too hot out! 

• Leather belt - Liz Claiborne, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Stone/steel earrings - Plum

After my nap, L made us dinner and we couch-surfed for the evening. At one point, I heard a ruckus outside. What's going on out here? 

Teenage seagulls having a party. 

Look at them, carousing on the neighbouring roof. 

The goofy look on the right one's face cracks me up. 

Vizzini was all chill. 

"Officer Vizzini is on vacation."

On my Tuesday "off" day, I headed to town to look for books for my next Book Club pick. 

I'm happy to get another wear out of this fun summer dress. 

• Dress - Trina Turk, thrifted; first worn here (2nd outfit) in May 2019 for a Saturday brunch and shop
• Shoes - Born, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) a couple of weekends ago with my lettuce dress

I just bought it last year, so this is only the second time I've worn it. 

I remembered that it was short when sitting, so it's better for walking around and shopping. 

I had several compliments on it - isn't the print fabulous? It has pockets too! 

Masked up: 

I wore a lot of sunblock, but it was quite windy out, so didn't feel overly hot - it was up to 28 degrees! 

The stuff: 

Comfy walking shoes. 

Jewel-toned bling: 

The hotter it gets, the less stuff I want to wear. 

• Eelskin bangle - c. 1985, mine, repurchased decades later in a thrift store
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment

I had a lovely expedition up and down Victoria's Fort Street, shopping in local businesses. 

I went back to Lazy Susan's as their masks were the best I've found so far - they have sized ones, and now reversible, plus bendy nose-pieces. 

I love the dots on the reverse of both florals. 

These were $12 each and are made in Canada. 

I popped into Dots to scope out the new stock and I HAD to get this. 

Yes, that is a leopard print red denim suit. It's so rock & roll! 

Both pieces are 100% cotton. 

Nice big pockets on the sides of the pants (fake pockets on the back). 

It's a thick cotton, but has a bit of stretch. 

Machine washable too. 

The suit is made by Smashed Lemon, a Netherlands company and this is from their Autumn/Winter 2019 collection (link here 'cause I love), on page 92. 

The pants were regular $120.00, Dots price $39.99. It looks like these might have been for sale in a boutique? That yellow dot has a $55.00 price slashed down to $48.00. 

The jacket has a nice chain for hanging it. 

It was regular price $150.00, Dots price $49.99.

I'm super-excited to wear these, both together and separately! I only buy the newest stuff at Dots when I find something that I would hugely regret if I passed on - I saw a lot of cool things, but I'll wait for more discounts. 

The Velvet Crease had 20% off on everything, with some items 50% off, including this jacket which I've been semi-stalking since early 2020. 

I took a picture out on the deck, as this deep purple doesn't photograph well inside. The sleeves are thick knit, and the body is velvet. It's 95% cotton, 5% stretch. 

I love the weird arcing shape of the sides - it's very futuristic. 

I'm looking forward to playing with that silhouette. 

It's by Tahari, and was new with tags, but the store removed them. 

This moto style jacket was $22.50, half off their $45.00.

I spotted these sweet d'Orsay flats. 

My size! 

I love the strip of gold across the vamp.

It is attached on top of a leather strip, so no rubbing on the foot. Note the sweet gold heel! 

They're by Pegabo.

The black part and the inside of the shoes are leather. These were $28.00 and there's barely any wear on them. 

As I took my pictures, Vizzini rolled around. 

"I'm hot."

He's such a stretchy boy. 

"Woman! Tum! Rub it!"

We had a good session of tummy rubs. What a nice way to end the day.

Chrysanthem Flashback - and a 10-Year-Old Surprise

August 20, 2020, 2:15 am

≫ Next: Two-Fer: Rock & Roll Leopard; Double Purple Leather Flashbacks

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Today's outfit (and Flashback) features an amazingly gorgeous skirt that I've had for 10 years, and after all that time, I had a surprise today!

I tend to match with the colours in the skirt when I wear it. Today, lavender is the key colour.

• Wrap cardigan - Kersh; first seen here in May with linen and ruffles
• Camisole - not tracked
• Skirt - Vivienne Tam, 2000 Fall Ready-to-wear collection, consignment - last seen here in July 2019 with neon 
• Shoes - Leith, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in May with this cardigan

I was happy to discover that this lovely wrap cardigan and shoes went perfectly with this skirt. 

And now that I have "bookend" shoes to go with it, expect that they'll often be worn together. 

I was thankful that the skirt fit - it has zero stretch.

It is a nylon/polyester blend. 

Masked up: 

Today's mask has white polka dots on a yellow background. Snazzy! 

The stuff: 

These shoes are fabulously comfy to wear. Metallic lavender? Yes, please!

Pink bling: 

I regret not wearing bracelets and rings today. It has cooled off dramatically. 

• Necklace/earrings - Sherman, vintage 60s, vintage outdoor market

Flashback! 

I bought this skirt in April 2000 at Rich Rags consignment for around $30.00. I was instantly drawn to the glorious pattern of woven chrysanthemums on the magenta pink background. The flowers have white, yellow and lavender, so I tend to wear those colours (plus black and denim, as neutrals) with it. Here's a good look at the wonderful fabric, slightly wrinkled from me wearing it all day.

I first wore it here in April 2000, on our last day with our dear Othello kitty. He had cancer and I really needed something cheerful and bright to help me get through my work day. 

Inigo helped. Aw, I miss him too - we lost him a year later. 

Due to the very delicate nature of this gorgeous skirt, I tend to wear it only 1-2 times a year. I've been really careful with it, but it's got a few snags and stains on it, and I've also done one repair to the rear zipper, which is a two-way: unzippable from the top (for getting the skirt on) and from the hem (for a walking slit).

This is a bit of a kooky outfit from July 2010, including a yellow scarf in my hair. Aw, there's Inigo again. 

I'm a fan of ruffle-fronted blouses, although this one is long gone - the only thing left from this outfit is the skirt. 

This marigold yellow cashmere cardigan went with it in April 2011. 

For those who marveled at me cutting the backs of my shoes, these woven gold ones were the first pair I ever cut to make fit. Nine years of cutting up my shoes...

Here we are in December 2011, and the first time I wore the skirt with denim.

"Hey, I know these people!"

Vizzini is so small there! He's only 7 months old. 

I wore the skirt twice in April 2012 during my 30 For 30 For 12 Wardrobe Challenge. 

You might recognize that purple camisole - it's the same one I'm wearing today, 8+ years later! I adored those beautiful purple suede peep-toe shoes, but they became way too high for me a few years ago. 

Here's the second April 2012 outfit, with a navy blue ruffle-necked wool cardigan. 

My favourite yellow bangle makes an appearance, and oh, I loved those lavender Camper shoes. We'll see those again! 

I wore the skirt with a plain black tux shirt in May 2013, but I'm showing you the coordinating outerwear shot, featuring my yellow leather Danier jacket. 

I also had those grey/purple Chie Mihara flats for years - I wore them out! 

This was for a dinner out with the gals in August 2013, when I stepped off a curb and fell, ripping the rear zipper on the seam. I hand-stitched that and my repair has held up well ever since. 

I consider this a pretty "out there" look, from the added fascinator, to the black/white/yellow obi belt, to the lacy anklets. 

Another ruffle-front blouse - I used to call this my "chicken" shirt - from April 2014.

I'm wearing my thin yellow leather belt over the skirt's high-waist here (as I also did in the black tux shirt outfit, two above). 

Showing you a back view from September 2014, mostly because of Vizzini's photo-bombing skillz.

"I'm a necessary part of every outfit, Woman."

I still have that brocade jacket and it will be one heckuva Flashback when we get to it in the fall. 

Going with plain white here in April 2015. That's just one of many, many white shirts I've had over the years. 

I see I have my full "set" of yellow accoutrements: belt, bangle and earrings. 

In my "pussy-bow blouse" phase here in July 2016. 

And my hair matches the skirt so perfectly! 

More magenta and yellow from April 2017. I like that all kinds of shades of yellow work with this pattern - this jacket was a very acidic yellow. 

Sadly, those magenta shoes were also way too high for me to wear. I loved them so!

Another denim jacket look from July 2017. 

I actually spotted this jacket in a thrift store about a year ago.

There's that black tux shirt again, in July 2018. I got rid of it this past year, as it's just a plain black shirt, and not very interesting. 

I'm wearing my pink Sherman crystal necklace and earrings set there, same as today. Can you believe I've only worn my yellow Desmond Fluevogs with this skirt this one time? 

And here's the last wearing, from July 2019. 

This blouse is verging into neon green, but it's close enough to yellow to work with the skirt. 

Mathy stuff: Counting today's outfit, I've worn this skirt 17 times in 10 years, for a cost-per-wear of $1.76! Excellent! 

The Surprise!

I noticed as I was adjusting the skirt this morning (would it fit??) that there seemed to be some bunched up fabric around my hips. I turned it inside out...and THIS SKIRT HAS POCKETS! They were hidden behind the lining. 

How did I never discover this?? They are sewn down, with no gaps along the side seams. 

Those little blue circles show some of the off-colour thread used to hand-sew the pockets shut. 

I wasn't sure if I wanted to open them up (spoiler - I did), as it might ruin the lines of the skirt, but holy smokes, I can't believe I've never figured this out or even noticed it! 

Always turn your new clothes inside out, kids! You might find a surprise!