Monday, January 30, 2017

Unplanned Weekend Wrap-Up: Confused Dress, Anniversary Ring, W(h)ine-y Leopard Shop, Mall Visit

Hey! I'm still here - miss me? L and I had an unexpected change of plans late Thursday night, and as result we had the entire weekend free. What did we do? Hide from the world! 

First up, Thursday's outfit:
A wee bit blurry early in the morning, and it's still a bit dark out. This is my entry for Patti's "Visible Monday" over at Not Dead Yet Style. Go! Run!


  • Dress - Desigual Gracey, vintage expo; first worn here in October 2016 with a red ruffle
  • Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last seen here in September 2016 with lavender ruffles (take note of that jacket shape, we'll chat more about that later)
  • Coat (below) - Danier Leather 

I much prefer this styling of this dress than the first time I wore it - I definitely benefit from the shorter hem. The skinnier belt is just right for my proportions as well.
As always, I get much confusion over this - is it a top and a skirt? No, it's all one piece!

Outerwear:
I'm a delicate flower - I still need my Danier fur toque/scarf and matching gloves. Brrr!

The stuff:
I didn't realize that it had been so long since I wore these shoes - they are great for injecting a bit of zing into an outfit. Also, comfy!

Turquoise and silver bling:
First wearing of this gorgeously supple, locally-made leather belt, a Christmas gift from L.


  • Belt - Bronsino, gift from L
  • Cuff - Glee
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes


After my WW meeting, I went out for dinner with L - we were supposed to be leaving for Powell River on Friday morning, to see his mom for our Christmas visit, but she came down with a nasty bug, so trip cancelled. She is fine, by the way, just bad timing.

But since I prepped to take two days off on either end of the weekend, I took them anyway. L joined me and we spent Friday having a nice day on the town. Then we hid from the world!
All my "go out in the world" outfits require comfy walking shoes now (I don't miss having a car, other than being able to wear some less practical shoes).


  • Sweater - Vero Moda, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) for a casual outfit at the end of December 2016
  • Trousers - Banana Republic, thrifted; last seen here in December 2016 in a riot of florals
  • Shoes - Down to Earth Hadfield, Fluevog; last worn here earlier this month with sparkle and floofy
  • Coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment 

 Friday, we strolled to town and had tacos for lunch, then did some chore-y things (shopping for L).
We swung by the very few cool shops downtown for men, and found some funky new things for my stylin' guy.
I didn't realize this jacket was as bright as the VERY bright pants, so this was a lot of orange! I'm wearing my wooly Parkhurst gloves, and a silk Ralph Lauren scarf (consignment). Mug o' coffee most required.

The stuff:
We went to the store where I found these shoes on our last "L shop", but no luck (for me) this time. L found a really nice fall-winter suit on deep discount, though.

Prickly bling:
No one sees/notices these bits, but I know they're there.


  • Necklace - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, gift from L
  • Earrings - Glee


We popped into Mango's (one of my favourite local boutiques), and they had accessories on 'buy 1, get 1 at 50% off' - L bought me a couple of things:
 Roses ear-balls! I love them!

I see that the cool kids are now wearing long "stacking" necklace styles. I like this look:
So pretty! The ear-balls were $18.00 (plus 50% off) and the necklace was $30.00.

I also got a Major Gift:
That is my new 20th anniversary ring! L and I will be celebrating two decades of marriage ("mawidge!") in a couple of months, and we'd talked about upgrading my ring. I don't wear my original engagement ring any more (a piece broke on it), and my 10th anniversary band gave up and broke for the 3rd time (I am hard on my jewelry).

We considered a custom ring, but gasped a bit at the prices, and I'm not really an "off the rack" kind of gal for something like this, so I've been poking around in the vintage shops, looking for a piece to jump out at me. This one really did.
Stacked over my wedding band - it holds it in place
It's a synthetic amethyst, set in 14K gold (stamped inside, no other marks). The weird thing is, I think my mom's 25th anniversary ring (c. 1990) is by the same goldsmith. I'll have to take pictures of them side-by-side when I see her this weekend.

We had it sized while we were out shopping, so I'm wearing it right away. I love the free-form shape of it, the big honkin' stone that goes from magenta to violet in the light. I like how it looks on my hand.
And yes, I will tell you the price - it was $650.00, which is a fabulous deal, and a fraction of what we would have paid for something comparable new. And I was thrilled to give that money to my local shop, and even to go to a little local jeweler for the sizing. Thank you to my wonderful husband!

We hung out at home, binge-watching "Lost Girl", watching movies and the Australian Open, and playing board games. On Saturday we strolled to town for our usual brunch at Floyd's.
Even though I just recently had a good shop, I just wanted to go roaming around through the thrift shops. So I did! I'm on vacation!


  • Top - Edit by Jeanne Bekker, consignment; last seen here in October 2016 with shades of wine
  • Jeans - Marc. by Avon, thrifted; last worn here in December 2016 with Helmut Lang
  • Shoes - Miista; last seen here with geometrics in December 2016
  • Coat (below) - Vassali, consignment

 I also grocery shopped.
I wandered through a few thrift stores and while one or two things caught my eye, it was mostly just about being out and about. Sometimes I like to be around people but not actually interact with them.

Outerwear:
It was a pleasant way to while away the early afternoon, regardless. It was about this time that I started to feel sick. Gah. Yes, I have been sick for half of my weekend. *shakes fist futilely at the fates*

The stuff:
These shoes are getting softer every time I wear them.

Dark bling:
I love my "horrible sanity" cuff.


  • Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
  • Cuff - Jezebel Charms
  • Necklace - ElleandEm, thrifted


Items that came home with me, all from the WIN Warehouse store. I always scope out their jewelry section. I found this pendant for $4.00.
I am 99% sure that it is by Christophe Poly (linking to his collections here, 'cause I love). My ring and bracelet by him are very similar to this (picture of them here).

Compare these pictures from his site. On the left, the round sections are the same polished steel domes, the loop for the necklace is the same (and my pendant is perfectly balanced).
On the right, the square bit is set into its frame and appears to be the same lacquer material.

The back of my piece:
That looks handmade - it doesn't have the sloppiness of a mass-manufactured piece. Anyways, I like it! And that's what matters. Now I have a set!

I found another lovely vintage slip.
Very pretty and feels like it wasn't worn much.

Don't you love old labels?
Also, how about bringing back actual fitted garments? This slip is a 34 (same as my bra band!), and as you can see, it was $6.95.

I often despair over finding interesting skirts. There are SO many black skirts. That is probably why I buy any bright interesting skirt I find, even though I cycle through them quickly.
This is a pretty chartreuse/olive green with a blue pattern on it. Pockets!

It's by Noa Noa and was only $6.95.
I'm sure it's silk - it feels like it. Look at that pattern! It's like a spirograph.

The stripe grabbed me on this sweater.
It said, "Try me on!" and I did. It looked great.

I think it's from the early 60s - it has that kind of ski-bunny cut to it. It was $18.95, which is a bit pricey, but it is 100% pure....
...new wool. Also, look at that metal zipper. That is very early.
This would have been an expensive garment back in the day, I'm sure. There are no other labels on this. I checked it very carefully for moth-holes.

This is a vivid dark green jacket. Okay, so that lavender ruffled jacket's shape way up there that I said to pay attention to? This is the same cut, only vintage.
The hem is a double row of lined ruffles, with two bows at the waist on the front. There are shoulder pads, but they're not massive. Guessing this is mid-80s, before the pads got out of control.

It's by Simon Chang and it's a size 6 - that feels accurate, so this is after the Great Size Shift of the mid-80s. I love being able to pinpoint an item in time.
The red star meant it was an extra 10% off, so it was $8.95. I have Plans for this jacket. You'll be seeing it soon.

Sunday was a "go away, world" day and I didn't do much of anything. Sheila sick...

Today, L went back to work and I mustered my energy to go to town and mail L's mom her Christmas presents. I also went to the mall to use my birthday gift card (thanks, Mom!) and to Chapters to spend my Christmas gift card (thanks, Mom!).
Easy outfit, no thinking needed.


  • Dress - Dept, thrifted; last seen here (way down at the bottom) in August 2016, coincidentally on the summer version of our trip to PR
  • Boots - Clark's; last worn here earlier this month with the same belt
  • Coat (below) - Danier Leather 

 Dang, I look good in this dress! How could I ever have considered tossing it?
Vintage slip hem peeking out the bottom.

Outerwear:
I could have used a pair of gloves. Ah well.

The stuff:
Boots made for busing. The mall is in the middle of a huge expansion...and yet it was empty! Stores closing, others closed for months. I bought a bunch of make-up at Mac, my favourite store.


  • Belt - Fendi, thrifted
  • Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L


And that, my friends, has been my holiday. No travel, but laid low with a cold. At least this is a short week for me.

28 comments:

  1. Fabulous Robert Larin piece I recognized it right away...I used to have some of his in my case at Vanity Fair.
    There are a lot of nasty bugs around right now...flus and colds...ugh!
    Congratulations on your anniversary and such a beautiful ring to help you celebrate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's from Vanity Fair - could it be yours?? I hate being sick. Thank you - I love the ring!

      Delete
  2. I really love your Desigual dress and those orange shoes (orange is so vitaminic!!). Also in love with your cute floral shoes and golden brogues, they look comfy&cool!. And I'm admiring your fabulous ring! such an original piece, love the color! Congrats!
    And so great finds!, lovely skirt and lovely cute pullover!
    That last dress is gorgeous, I like particularly its 'floral abstract' print, the beatiful colors and cute blue lace peeking out!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vitaminic is such a great word! Thank you! I'm so glad you've enjoyed all my goodies.

      Delete
  3. Oh such a shame you got sick! Good that you had a restful time though and made the most of your days at home where you could. I really like your outfit with the orange pants - the printed shoes are perfect with it. And i am glad as always to see that last dress on you, such a nice piece. I bet Vizzini loved having you home all that time!

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    Replies
    1. I read the pants as red, but they do have a lot of orange in them. Yes, Vizzini loves having us home, all to himself.

      Delete
  4. Congrats on the upcoming anniversary, and your new ring is spectacular. It looks like heaven on your hand too. Glad you had an at-home catch-up weekend - aren't they wonderful? xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  5. Both of your dresses are beautiful and so flattering--and your new ring is a total knockout! What a steal on the pendant. I hope you're feeling better now that you're back at the grind. :-)

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  6. The Desigual and Dept dresses look wonderful on you - the shorter hem of the Desigual one really shows off your shapely legs! Sorry to hear you got sick on the weekend; hope you're feeling better now. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to be out amongst people, but not interacting with them. That is part of what I enjoy about thrift shopping excursions.

    The ring is lovely, and matches your hair! I don't like mass-produced jewellery, or extremely expensive pieces either, so this would be my idea of a perfect anniversary ring. I like the brutalist necklace too - L has great taste!

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    1. Yes, I'm glad I wore it without the extension of the slip this time - I like the shorter hem. Same! We would shop well together! L has good taste - but I've also helped him along.

      Delete
  7. You get some amazing thrifted finds - I need to up my thrifting game. I may venture out on Friday to some of the areas in London where there are lots of shops. I thought the first outfit was indeed a skirt and top and was going to praise your pattern mixing, but then it turns out to be a dress so it's pretty clever!

    Gail
    www.isthismutton.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a lovely adventure for you, Gail! I really love hunting for those special finds.

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  8. Love all the outfits, and your new anniversary ring is just gorgeous. The shank design is amazing.

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  9. I do hope you are feeling better, Sheila. In a way it's a good job you didn't go away for the weekend - it would have been awful to be ill away from home.

    All the outfits are fabulous. I love both the dresses so colourful and I love the shapes. I absolutely love your brogues and am really coveting the floral ones!
    Your thrift finds are brilliant; I think the skirt and the jacket will look great together... fab pendant - very striking.

    What a lovely husband you have! The ring is beautiful and looks gorgeous on. You didn't say what you bought L for his 20th anniversary gift!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, agreed! It could have been a horrid weekend. Thanks so much - I do love all my brogues. Ha, I didn't get L anything!

      Delete
  10. For being sick and laying low, you sure got around! So many great finds - and all so "you". I would love to find some of those black skirts you seem to find everywhere. And I could point you to a few patterns/colors at "my" shops...

    The ring? Absolutely gorgeous. (Did you even color your hair to match??? ♥

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    Replies
    1. There was much more laying low than my post implied, Rebecca! It was purely a coincidence on the hair!

      Delete
  11. Love the Desigual dress, looks like Etro ! Love the orange zingy pumps, and the fabulous red coat. I can only comment on one or two outfits at a time so you may find several comments from me and my delicate brain !
    Love this look very much! I love staying in, we also did that last weekend...
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Elle! That's totally fine - I know it's a lot in one go!

      Delete
  12. Great tweed sweater , love it with the red pants. I am drooling over that amazing ring, love the setting and what a delightful coincidence about the designer. A gorgeous color! I agree, it looks like your hair is died to match!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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  13. Both of these dresses are stunning on you Sheila, and fit you like a dream. Don't pass them on, ever. And that ring - how romantic, how utterly fabulous! I'm green with envy, but do know that you deserve it baby.
    Hope you feel better soon x
    Anna

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Anna! I'll try not too, ha ha! Yes, thank you, I DO deserve this awesome ring!

      Delete
  14. The Noa Noa skirt and the striped wool sweater would look fabulous together.
    Glad you took some time off and I think your ring was a great buy. It reminds me of the one I had made for my birthday http://myeverydaywear.blogspot.com/2015/08/memorable-and-invaluable.html

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    Replies
    1. The olive green colours do match, but the styles don't look right together (I tried).

      Oh, totally! I remember when you posted that! We have such awesome taste, don't we??

      Delete

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