Thursday, December 14, 2017

Amazing Greys and Shoddy Sparkle

Another slammin' busy day - I thought it was supposed to be quieter around the holidays? 
 My first outfit built around these grey satin pants, and I went with...all grey. I had good reactions to the outfit overall, and felt good wearing it. It's not my usual thing, but still felt like me, even in solid grey.


  • Cardigan - Tommy Hilfiger, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in November 2016 with loads of grey again
  • Sleeveless sweater - INC, thrifted; last worn here in September with red flowers
  • Pants - Rongsheng, thrifted; purchased here for $19.95
  • Shoes - Diesel, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here almost exactly a year ago, in December 2016 with iridescent orange 
  • Men's coat (below) - Borgeoiis, thrifted; last worn here over Monster Vest


 I haven't worn this cardigan in ages, but it was lovely and soft, and even though it's thin, it's still wool. It might move to a "wear around the house" piece, though, as it's not getting much wear in my regular wardrobe.
My goal with the outfit was not to have these satin pants make me look like a Cossack - it's more tricky than you might think, as you put a jacket with them and BAM. You are a Cossack. Boots? Oh, no, totally Cossack-land. Bare leg? So Cossacky.

I have a bone to pick with these black metallic sparkly knee highs by Kate Spade. I bought them in the drug store on super-clearance at $4.95/pair, regular $22.00/pair, in this black, a light silvery grey, and a pale gold, all metallic (pic of them here). When I took them out of the package, they are totally long, like they would go all the way up to mid-thigh, but when I put them on, they have very little stretch, and bunch up just under my knee (they only would fit over my knee if I had no kneecap). They sag around the ankle and the shaped heel slouched down towards my toes all day. They are very tight in the calf, and one popped a run. And they're scratchy!

Ms. Spade, these are shoddy knee-highs. I was really excited about them, and expected better from you. I wish they were better! I want to wear them, but they drove me crazy. Sigh!
 I'm not really whining (she said), but he pants are unfortunately really quite poor quality - I did know that when I bought them that they were fast fashion, but they underwhelmed me, even though I like the idea of these pants. The side seams are puckery, and the ties on the sides of the legs aren't really sure where they want to do up on the leg. I tied them above my calf and ballooned the hem, but you could tie them below the calf as well...although that leaves a big gap on the side, as they are also a stingy in the fabric. They could use pockets and a bit more billow to them. I don't see these lasting long in my wardrobe.

Outerwear. Grey, you say? Why, yes, I do own a grey scarf, gloves and coat. Must wear them!
 Cozy and warm!


  • Fur boa - thrifted
  • Wool gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 I loved the shoes, and I loved wearing all of my hematite jewelry. They go so well together!

Black bling:
 That's some heavy metal right there! The chain cuff is actually metal; hematite is the mineral form of iron oxide, and was popular in the Victorian era.


  • Chain cuff - thrifted
  • Earrings and graduated bead necklace (far right) - gifts from Mom
  • Bracelets/necklace/ring - thrifted (first wear of the bottom left bracelet with gold beads)


I'm off for now and will be back on Sunday. I have many adventures planned, but a slight tickle in my throat that I'm hoping is the residual effect of all the facial freezing wearing off. Fingers crossed!
The Castle this morning, surrounded by pink hazy clouds.

Wishing you all a very peaceful weekend, as we roll into the holiday season!

20 comments:

  1. Well from this distance I can't see the issues with the pop socks or with the pantaloons, just a super cool outfit. All grey but definitely not drab and ordinary.
    Hope that tickly throat comes to nothing. get some booze down you and have a fabulous weekend, Sheila! xxx

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    1. Too kind, thanks, Vix! The tickle seems to be nothing, so that ol' antiseptic worked. Happy weekend!

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  2. What a shame about the shoddy knee highs. It's a good thing you didn't pay full price for them! The satin pants looks great on you but again, shame about the quality. I love that you went all grey with this outfit, which doesn't look boring at all due to all the different shades and textures. Have a great weekend and I hope that tickly throat goes away soon! xxx

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    1. It is! I would never have paid full price in the first place. Thanks so much, Ann! I'm feeling less tickly, so good news!

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  3. We have been having some very strange pink cloud formations here...

    I'm not a fan of knickerbockers but these look rather nice on you! What a shame about the posh pop socks. Write to the company and they may send you a freebie!

    Have a lovely weekend
    xx

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    1. "Pop socks" - I've never heard knee-highs called that - must be a UK thing - but I love "knickerbockers"! Thank you, Veronica! I won't be writing to them, can't be bothered! I think I know why they were on sale, though, ha ha!

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  4. It's a shame the pants aren't great quality, because the silhouette is fun and looks great on you!

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    1. I know, very disappointed in the quality of them - I will keep them, though...for now!

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  5. Hmm.. thought I commented..but maybe not, nonetheless....
    happy to be here seeing you in all grays and surprised as it type this ! Gorgeous sunset at the castle and fabulous shoes. You did sneak in some color with that sky!
    Love the drama of the pants, and touch of fur, too bad the pants don't have pockets !
    xoxo, Elle
    https://theellediaries.com

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    1. Thanks, Elle! I enjoy doing a neutral outfit every so often. The pink sky matched my hair.

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  6. oh..
    and...
    quiet at the holidays! Love, it is NEVER like that..
    merry and happy and all of that jazz.
    xoxo, Elle
    https://theellediaries.com

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    1. Oh, it's been quiet in prior years - this has been busier than usual! Thanks, honey, right back at you, Merry Ho Ho, Happy New Year!

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  7. Oh no I'm sorry so many pieces of your outfit annoyed you today, as it does look lovely and you're right, still so you despite being a monochromatic outfit. I always associate you with colour, but you do neutrals equally well! :) Fingers crossed you aren't getting sick!

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    1. Eh, it's okay, Mica! That happens. I still enjoyed the outfit, and it's always fun to switch out the colour thing once in a while.

      I seem to have staved off any cold, it's a Festivus miracle!

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  8. I think you did an excellent job of avoiding the Russian Cossack look with those pants. As a big fan of grey and black outfits, I approve this look ;)

    It is too bad about the shoddy quality of the pants and the socks (I had never hear of "pop socks" before either). I have a couple of things I've thrifted from Forever 21 that were unworn when I got them, but after a wash or two, they become trash.

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    1. Heh, thanks, Shelley! I knew the risks going in with the pants, but the socks, as a name brand, really disappointed me.

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  9. AS much as I like the colors, accessories and silhouette here, I am not a fan of the pants.

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  10. Have you thought about going with a gray and purple argyle sock? These pants would look great as take off on Plus Fours.

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    1. Wow, that's a visual, isn't it? Nope, I would not do that look - I already consider how cartoony my look overall is (the purple hair, the wacky clothes), so this isn't a look I'd deliberately go for. Thanks for the suggestion, though, Lane!

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