Sunday, January 27, 2019

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Casual Sequins, Shopping in Lilac and Blue, Lazy Leopard

Hello, my friends! It's been a quiet here - I've been hacking up hairballs all weekend with a stupid cough that finally got its hooks in me, and I'd like to go nap more, so let's get this party started with Friday's outfit. 
Doesn't everyone wear sequins to work? I do! 

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style - all my outfits were shopped from my closet this weekend, just like Patti's!

  • Blouse - Free People, thrifted; last worn here in March 2018 with my YSL velvet
  • Dress - Esprit; last seen here in March 2017 with under-layered leopard
  • Boots - Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevog; last worn here in a cosmic daze in December 2018
  • Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last seen here earlier this week


Sequins don't have to be uncomfortable. I layered this sheer and shredded ruffled blouse under the tank dress. 
 My coworkers liked how they could see my arm tattoos through the blouse, but aside from that bonus(?), this blouse is in the giveaway pile now - the fabric is pulling apart at the seams. Oh, well, I only paid $6.95 for it, and I got 4 wears out of it, so I'm happy.

I've had this lovely sequin dress for years - I got it on clearance when my favourite local BC chain, Plum, closed about 8 years ago.(purchased back in December 2010 for $20, and first worn here in January 2011).
Sequins are usually sewn so that they overlap, like shingles on a roof; these ones are sewn in long rows, end to end. This means that a) they are less scratchy/snaggy and b) they give a cool "liquid" look.

The tank dress that they are sewn to is a soft cotton t-shirt knit - all the edges are covered in this as well, so that the sequins don't scratch your skin.
AND, you can wear it backwards! I did that once, here (4th outfit) in 2011.

Outerwear - it was a lovely warm day on Friday and this coat was too heavy.
But I felt like a rock star, which is the most important part.

Done up.
Nope, too much.


  • Gloves - Danier Leather


The stuff:
I liked the unexpected taupe boot, instead of matchy black. These are super-comfy.

Brass bling:
Echoing the browny tones of the boots.


  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Ring - Fossil, thrifted
  • Crystal/silver ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy


The lone picture of Vizzini this weekend, although he's been his usual I-love-you/I-bite-you self.
"I also scratch."

We got a new computer on Friday - kudos to L for dealing with the entire thing. I'm getting used to where everything is, and grumbling at the changes. My usual.

We also replaced our range, which is what you call your stove/oven combo, I discovered. Our previous one was over 20 years old and when a knob broke off recently, it was the last straw. New appliance needed! It's quite lovely and shiny, and I've cooked a few things (managed not to burn anything yet, yay).

It was delivered on Saturday, and I also needed to avoid all of those stressful shenanigans, so I went shopping after breakfast with L. Thank you, love, for dealing with all of it.
We went to Pluto's diner for breakfast, a local place that's in an old gas station (link here). I've been going there since the 90s. The food was yummy!


  • Shirt - Dept, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in July 2018 for our trip to Powell River
  • Skirt - Talbots, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in December with these same shoes
  • Shoes - Half Truth Veda, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December with this same skirt
  • Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last seen here a few weeks ago



Finally getting around to wearing this funky shirt this season, but it's an all-year piece. It's been in my wardrobe for years because I love the mix of colours in it - it goes with a lot. The pearl snaps on the cuffs are a nice touch, and the collar and front pockets are lined with crystals.
And of course, it's got that Urban Cowgirl thing - I'm a sucker for that!

Complete with the eagle and crown on the back for that rock & roll side.
This skirt is a soft and fuzzy mohair weave. My hair's getting closer to matching it.

Coated up. Feeling tired but enough energy to shop and not deal with a Major Delivery.
I had many comments about my colourful outfit as I walked around downtown.

This is how most people saw me.
Matching purple gloves of course!


  • Gloves - Danier Leather


The stuff:
Easy walking shoes, easy shopping shoes. I walked/stood for about 4 hours in these.


  • White gold earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L


I visited Flavour Upstairs, but left disappointed after trying on about 8 things. Aw.

From there, I went to the big Women in Need (WIN) store. First, I check out the accessories.
A good score on that pretty gold bracelet - it's light and has good movement, without being loud. It was $2.95.

The silver belt with the long silver chain tassel was $4.95.

I've scoped out these booties a couple of times.
Today, they came home with me. They are a bone off-white.

Not real leather, but I love the perforated part.
I have really strong associations with high school, 1984, when I had a pair of boots like this in black suede. Gawd, they killed my feet, gave me so many blisters, but I wore them anyway!

These are much more comfortable.
They're by Cougar. Not much wear on the soles (that brownish colour is a stain, not dirt).

I'm sure they were originally more than the $14.95 I paid.
Add a zero to that, maybe.

I like to have glove/scarf sets - I recently rediscovered my turquoise gloves, and have been looking for a matching scarf.
Voila! The shopping gods have smiled upon me! Found this soft acrylic flannel scarf for $1.00.

I spent over 2 hours going through every rack of clothes. I did three sets of try-ons! In the end, only a few items made the cut, including this stretch lace top.
I've had tops like this before - they were big in the 90s, remember? - and bodysuits too! They're useful for layering under sleeveless dresses or tops.

I knew this would be quality because it's by Tangerine Jill! I have a few other pieces by them, including some of my favourite dresses.
The star-shaped punch meant this was half-price, so $8.12.

I'll be popping this linen top into the spring/summer collection.
It can be worn with the neckline either way. It fits really well.

I like the thick linen texture, which you can see here.
$14.95 seems like a bargain. No labels in it.

Pieces like this leap out at me in the sea of beige and black on the racks.
A carpet-bagger top? Oh yes!

With weird embroidered motifs of a bird, a crest and some military-looking chevrons.
Since there are three chevrons, I am ranked a Sergeant in the Army. Cool.

Fringed edges with a band of gold braid. Caw, goes my crow heart.
It's by Zara and was $15.95.

Check it out: the back of it is the fabric reversed.
I do appreciate that this pattern is not printed on but is actually thick woven fabric - it doesn't feel cheap.

Next weekend is going to be very heavy, social-wise - I have four events in three days! One of them is Disco-themed....
I could have done a dozen different disco outfits from stuff in my closet - and I had fully-planned on doing just that - but to find an authentic disco dress? Of course, I will have to wear this!

Look at the handkerchief hem!
I've tried to get the colour right on this - it's a deep blue with a touch of teal. Naturally, it's double-knit polyester. It's very simply made, with just raw cuts and single seams throughout. No extra inside finishing, aside from the front lining. No zipper - it's a pull-on over your head.

It's in really good condition, with very few signs of wear.
I love the details - these really remind me of classic 70s dresses. The shirred front and sides. The spaghetti straps. The extra set of straps to tie it as a halter! I'm sure this was meant to be worn braless, as was the fashion of many young ladies at the time. I will not be doing that.

It has a nice plastic zipper with a metal pull. There is a single hook-and-eye at the top (the eye is a loop of thread).
The skinny tie at the waist has an anchor on each side and the centre front.

The only tags in the dress were the "Dry Clean Only" and the Lot (5) and Size (14). The size 14 is a modern size 10 - this helps me date it for sure no later than 1986. Can't say for sure what year this is, but I'd put it in around 1980 or slightly earlier.
And for only $11.95. Love it! Hurray for thrifting!

Friday night and Saturday night were both spent in downtime mode. Lots of naps, cold meds. I'm finished my antibiotics - yay! Is that a light at the end of the tunnel I see?
Nope, just the Sunday morning sun. Another mild, sunny/cloudy day, and I'm geared up for my walk to town to get groceries.


  • Sweater - Banana Republic, thrifted; first worn here with plaid pants
  • Skirt - Banana Republic, thrifted; last seen here
  • Shoes - Campers, thrifted; last worn here
  • Sleeveless coat (below) - Only, thrifted; last seen here


A nice soft fuzzy sweater. I layered a black tank under it for warmth.
My shiny leopard skirt makes an appearance.

I think I should have done my blue tights with this - these black ones are too sheer.
Ah well, whatever. It's just a walk to town and back.

Coated and gloved for the great outdoors.
Buds are starting to come out on the trees - soon all this grey will be gone!


  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
Lovely squishy shoes.


  • White gold earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L


I hope you all had a restful weekend - thanks for stopping by!

26 comments:

  1. Great disco dress---so sexy fun! Loving the striped linen top you just got, too. Sequin dress and blue leather jackets--all nice.

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    1. I love the disco dress - I'm excited to wear it. Thank you!

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  2. Oh a very busy weekend! I dread new computers too - and I work in IT, haha! My current one is limping along and I know it needs a quick factory reset to get it back to normal but I'm putting it off as long as possible as I have it all set up just the way I like it, ha!

    Really looking forward to seeing you wearing the disco dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was actually pretty quiet overall. I work in IT too! I really hate that I've lost my easy photo editor - now it takes 4 times as long to crop and edit my pics. Watch for the big wrap-up next weekend! It'll be in there.

      Delete
  3. I really like the sequin dress backwards - I checked it out, oh and cute baby Vizzini :) The Banana Republic leopard outfit is also my kind of jam. Great inspiration as always. Lise

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    1. Thanks for checking that out, Lise! I know, isn't baby Vizzini the cutest? Thank you!

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  4. Love your sequins dress and love that you wore it to work looking so fabulous with the lovely taupe booties and textured tights (and rockstar feeling!)
    Love your UrbanCowgirl style and the cool leather jacket!
    I always admire your new purchases!, the booties, the Zara jacket and the disco-dress look particularly fab!
    And you know that I love those squishy shoes!, and the leopard skirt! perfectly comfy&cool!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup, I felt awesome in it - great for a workday when I wasn't feeling too hot. I can't resist the lure of the Urban Cowgirl. Aw, thank you, Monica!

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  5. Love that sequin dress for day-wear! Bend and break all the silly "rules", girlfriend; you look fabulous doing so. Great new perforated boots, and that tapestry top is tres cool.
    I am your twin for computer upgrades - I want everything slightly better, but exactly the same! xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patti! Yes, breaking the rules - screw the rules!

      I hate getting a computer upgrade - I'm due one at work too. Ugh.

      Delete
  6. We have so many similarities. You dress like a rock-star; I want to dress like a rock-star. You brunch at Pluto's; I want to try brunch at Pluto's. You got a new laptop; I need a new laptop. And coincidentally, I need a new stove/oven because ours isn't working. We're connected in some cosmic way!

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  7. I am dreading the day my old computer needs to be replaced. Even the thought of it makes me break out in hives. Friday's outfit is utterly fabulous. Such a shame about the blouse ... I'm also loving Saturdays shopping outfit, especially that funky shirt. There really are no words to describe my love for the disco dress. You will look absolutely fabulous in it, my dear. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was very stressful! Thank you so much - the blouse was pulling apart when I bought it, so I knew it wouldn't last very long. I am total lurve with the disco dress - I'm excited to wear it! Thank you so much, Ann.

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    2. Hope you are feeling better now. I do remember those lace tops and bodies. I have a red lace top recently found in the charity shop.

      Lovely outfits as always and you scored some great things. I liked the Zara top especially and those off white boots are fab. I'm glad you found a scarf to match your gloves - it's great when that happens!

      Have a great week.

      Delete
    3. I love lace for layering. Thank you, Vronni! I wore the Zara top and booties together today!

      Delete
  8. The second outfit is my favourite! I do like that patterned blouse. Your tiger coat looks super cosy! Hope you are indeed better now. LOVE your thrift finds- stripes are my fave!x

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    Replies
    1. I like that one too - that shirt has been a go-to for years! Thanks, Kezzie

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  9. That is what I thought. I commented twice on this post on my iPhone. It looked as if it had gone through but it didn't.
    Again.
    I absolutely adore the first outfit. The shirt you threw out (what a shame), the fab dress, the tights, the boots. All perfect.
    And there are so many other things to like: your new blue disco dress (will show your tattoos very nicely), the two other outfits, the purchases you made. And the cat.
    Greetje

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    1. Well, darn, sorry about that, Greetje! I know, shame about the shirt, but that happens. I knew I wouldn't get too many wears out of it. I'm excited about the disco dress.

      Delete
  10. I hope you are feeling better and that your coughing in under control.
    That sequin dress is a true beauty.
    From your findings the boots and the carpet top are my faves-.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lorena! And I know you liked the outfit I put those in!

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  11. Looove the disco dress! I'm sure you'll have heaps of fun. X

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  12. Good on you for wearing sequins to the office! The dress is such a clean, simple shape that it looks casual even though it's shiny. I already commented on the disco dress in your party post, which is the hazards of starting at your most recent post and going backwards. It was a great score though.

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    Replies
    1. I love doing the unexpected - totally, sequins for work! Such a great score on the dress, although I just realized that I lied about the zipper (it does have one!).

      Delete

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