Backless Casual, Mustard and Olive, Black and White Party, and Shopping with the Hostess

Hey! I'm back! It's been a busy weekend, but I'm looking forward to a quiet week and I'm feeling good. I didn't find the missing copper Renoir earring, sadly, but eh, it's just stuff. I don't get too upset about it (not even when Vizzini eats a pair of Fluevogs).

Where were we? Oh, yes, Friday.

It's getting dark in the mornings now

First wear of this amazing dress, which I purchased on consignment last weekend (here) for $24.00. The denim softened up considerably over the day; I don't think this dress has ever been worn!

It's hard to see, but I have white striped tights on. I love them dearly, but they are getting old - I've had them since 2010. Check it out, here - all I have still have from that outfit are the tights and the jewelry. I need some new tights!

Vizzini's been cranky this weekend because of the cold

Bam! And then you see the back! That's my new-to-me thrifted blouse (also purchased last weekend).

The stuff:

Best Shoes Ever. Sorry, they just are. I last wore them here in October while being an empress.

Silver bling:

I like the "heartbeat" pattern of the steel one, and the radial design of the other one.

Dress (Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, consignment), blouse (Cleo, thrifted), shoes (Poetic Licence), steel ring (vintage 50s), silver ring (The Bay).

I headed to the mall after work to buy tights. It's extremely difficult to find tights secondhand that haven't been worn, and it's also tricky to find basic ones that are ethically made. I sucked it up like a big girl. I really hated being in the mall, though. Ugh.

This should last me up for a year or so, at least. I loved some of the patterned tights (aren't the polka dot ones fun?), but was disappointed to see that apparently bright-coloured tights are out. Good thing I stocked up when they were in style!

On Saturday morning, L and I went for brunch, then ventured out to power-shop for Christmas gifts for our families. We're done! We just have to get each other gifts now - we just do stockings, but we tend to spoil each other.

It is still frigidly cold out, so I'm layered up with a slip under this and nice thick tights. It was sunny out for most of the weekend.

I last wore this mustard sweater here in March with my tiki skirt.

I adore this skirt - it's such a great cut. Plus it flaps around marvelously. Bizarrely, I last wore it the same weekend as the sweater, here in March. The boots are my Fluevog Mini Babycakes, last worn in November ,here.

Outerwear:

This Betsey Johnson jacket is turning into a weekend jacket. I've had the brown faux fur scarf and matching cuffed gloves for a few years (made in Canada).

Jacket (Betsey Johnson, thrifted), gloves/scarf (Parkhurst), sweater (Pria), skirt (Danier Leather, thrifted), boots (Babycake Mini, Fluevog), leather cuff (Catalyst Leather), leather cuff (SkinZnHydez).

After a mid-afternoon nap, I got ready for my company's annual Holiday Gala - although I said I was going to wear the same outfit as I wore to the Unlimited Woman Awards, I did change up a few things.

That look on my face is "Dang! I'm freezing!"

I liked it with blue even more! I last wore this dress to the awards a couple of weeks ago, but this time I layered both my blue and my black Noa Noa floofy underskirts under it. I was Ultra-Swooshy! I last wore the black skirt that night, and Cat wore the blue skirt with her outfit that night.

The belt is one that I bought for the Victoria Steam Expo here in April 2012 - I paid $5.00 for it at the WIN thrift store. The back of it is elastic.

My coworkers checked out my ink.

The shoes are all kinds of fabulousness. I danced in them all night!

I wore my black feather fascinator instead of a hat, and wore my Grandma J's faux pearls.

And my blue lapis lazuli ring by Wendy, of course!

Dress (Planet, consignment), underskirts (Noa Noa), shoes (Listen Up O'Hara, Fluevogs), fascinator (Heart's Content), belt (vintage 80s, thrifted), necklace (Grandma J's), ring (Wendy Brandes).

Today, I walked to town to get groceries then over to Fairfield to meet Leslie of Hostess of the Humble Bungalow fame, for brunch and a shop at My Sister's Closet.

I know, after the previous outfit, it's practically plain!

I dressed for trying stuff on: easy on/off shoes and top, minimal jewelry and a skirt that doesn't necessarily have to be removed.

The black cashmere sweater hasn't been worn for a while. Black. Plain. Basic. But cashmere, and lovely and snuggly warm. It's just not a terribly fabulous piece. It was last seen in the November 2012 all-neutral capsule (recap here), where I wore it twice.

I love this Plum brocade skirt. I actually saw one in the same cut but a different fabric in the consignment store today! I last wore it here in November when I was a pirate.

Leslie and I both did really well - we both found 4 items. That's such a great store, but I only go once every couple of months because I always find too many things!

Like...my New Year's Eve dress!

It's by Bellissima, and is made in the USA! It was $38.98 and is a nice iridescent red/black mix. It is one-shoulder, but the bodice has boob-shapers in it and fits me perfectly, so it will work great with my strapless bra. It has a bigass bow on the shoulder - but you know I never shy away from bigass anything! I'm excited to style this up for a fun evening out with 13 of my closest friends!

This lovely teal t-shirt-y material dress was slotted in with the t-shirts and labelled a tunic.

Nope, it's a dress. It's by Kersh, and it was $22.98. The colour is very flattering on me.

My Sister's Closet is the best store for shoes. Leslie found a pair of red suede Geox loafers, and I found these sweet leather boots.

I like the folded-down "cuff" look. They were $39.98 and are by Aerosoles.

The heel is not too high - I think I'll be able to wear these all day without much strain.

I always check to see how much wear shoes have had.

I like the back zip. These were a size 8.5, but they fit me perfectly. I usually wear a 9/9.5/40.

These made my heart sing!

YES. Brown canvas floral Doc Martens! These are called the Becket (check it out, they sell new for $179.99).

I have been on the lookout for a new pair of combat boots since my beloved purple crackle studded ones were passed along.

I am filled with glee just looking at them. I can't wait to wear them!

The classic sole:

Barely any wear! These were only $60.98 - a fantastic price for nearly-new.

Hope your weekend was fabulous!