Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Sergeant Sheila and the Brooch Brigade

We got home at 11pm last night after an awesome concert and crashed into bed. Getting up and going to work, and my cold hanging on...I needed medication this morning to face the day. And coffee, lots of coffee.
I had just a few moments last night to throw together an outfit before my body shut down. Comfort is key, so I did easy pieces that do all the work for me, including my new-to-me top and boots.


  • Top - Zara, thrifted; purchased here for $15.95
  • Skirt - Kay Unger, thrifted; last seen here in November 2018 with green rabbits
  • Boots - Cougar, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
  • Coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here a few weeks ago


I enjoyed this top - it has that thick feel of those woven blankets with images on them (I have this one in my library, that we use as a rug). Nice and cozy. I wore a camisole under this for extra warmth.
 However, it's not great quality, despite the cozy factor. I shed fringe all over the office, and you can see how the shoulders don't fit quite right. It would be nice if it actually had some shape to it.

I like it, but it's not a "forever" piece. It's a good-enough-for-now piece. I will try layering a blouse under it at some point, probably.
 I'd planned on wearing a different skirt (this one), but when I put it on with this boxy, oversized top I realized it was too much fullness, so switched to this slimmer metallic leather one. I liked how the ruffled hem echoed the fringe of the top.

Real face. Want to go back to bed. Don't wanna work.
 I was a bit shaky this morning, but got better as my day went along. I do credit my lovely colleagues, who always cheer me up and make me laugh.

As you might remember, this top came pre-decorated with a bird, a crest and sergeants' chevrons. I may have added a few brooches of my own. Sergeant Sheila needs brooches!
 My tiger pin on my right shoulder, and a beetle, bee and gold heart brooches, just to jazz things up a little. Can one have too many brooches on at once? I say no!

Mr. Tiger peeking out.
 You can see his tail hanging down the back in the photo above showing the rear of the outfit.

Outerwear - brrrr, it was chilly this morning and evening! I need a Grape Ape!
 Matched my tights perfectly too.


  • Fur scarf - Danier Leather, thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 Just like yesterday, I walked to and from work in these comfy boots. I think they will become a weekend pair - they'd be great for shopping. Many of my like-aged coworkers had flashbacks to our 80s suede slouch boots!

Brooch bling:
Four brooches has to be a personal record. Many of my coworkers peered at them - the tiger is of course the favourite.


  • Tiger brooch - vintage fair
  • Leather heart brooch - Smoking Lily
  • Beetle brooch - Le Chateau, c. 2001
  • Bee brooch - gift from Megan Mae
  • Amber ring - c. 1996
  • Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
  • Earrings - Plum


And now...off to make some stew and snuggle under a warm blanket with Vizzini.

23 comments:

  1. Yass! For multi-brooching! I remember my slouchy boots and we had some we called 'Peter Pan getaway boots' cute outfit. I have a fringy jacket that sheds fringe everywhere.

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    1. Ha ha! We called them that too! Must have been a local thing.

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    2. We called them "Peter Pan getaway boots" here in Ontario too! I had a slouchy grey pair.

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  2. Even if you weren't overly impressed with the top on the first wear I think it's beautiful and the brooches were a great touch with it! :) Hope you're back to 100% soon!

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    1. I like it and it'll probably stick around for a year or so. Thank you, Mica!

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  3. Multi- brooching - what a fab word!

    I love the top and the brooches look gorgeous. I don't think I've ever come across a hanging tiger brooch before...I bought a beautiful, large, silver spider brooch once with a semi precious stone in the middle; I loved it but the first time I wore it I lost it. I was so upset!

    It's a shame the top shreds but it did look good with the skirt. The boots look super comfortable.

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! Feel free to steal it. :)

      Vix mentioned that this is probably inspired by Wallis Simpson's jewelry from the 30s, and it's certainly possible that it had a 50s revival. This piece is modern, I think. Oh no, that sucks about your spider! It sounds wonderful.

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  4. What a shame the top's quality is shoddy, as it does look amazing, especially with the addition of the multiple brooches. I don't think I've ever worn four at the same time. It's a thought, though, as it would be a good way to get to wear them all. My jewellery book has a similar tiger in it, dating from the 1950s! Love the skirt with its little ruffle and, of course, the grape ape. I had to explain that one to Jos ;-) xxx

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    1. There was so much potential there to make this a better top: some tailoring, more secure sewing on the edges. But well, Zara. Wear all the brooches! Ha, I love that we both have Grape Ape coats!

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  5. My dear Sargent Sheila, I love the addition of the brooches on this top! Too bad its not forever quality. I think it would also look amazing with a fake collar.

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    1. Hee hee, thanks, Lorena! I love the idea of a collar with it - I don't actually have any, but I'll keep my eye out now. Thanks for the idea.

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  6. I need a tiger brooch like that in my life. Please don't show it again as it's getting an obsession. I'm going to the uk in February and I'm going to stroll all the antique shops looking for that one!

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    1. Ooh, I hope you find one, Nancy! I've been searching for a leopard one for YEARS, and have never seen one.

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  7. Love the hem of the top matching the hem of the skirt. The tights go so well with the outfit. And I love her boots. What a styling skills.
    Greetje

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    1. This struck me as a very "Greetje" outfit, actually. :) Glad you approve.

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    2. I meant "your" boots, not her boots. Probably auto correct thingy of my smart phone.

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  8. That is a really great top even though it sheds. Love all the brooches worn together. It's always good to have a tiger friend on your shoulder. Glad you had an awesome time at the concert!

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    1. I do like it, I just wish it had been executed better. Sigh.

      I always feel better with a tiger on me.

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  9. Sergeant Shiela, the fabric on your new Zara top is fab! I like the over-the-top way you added so many brooches-lovely! X

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  10. Occasionally I find a piece from Zara at a thrift store that is very cool to look at but as you point out, unfortunately, the quality is usually shit. Nice styling with the multiple brooches.

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    Replies
    1. I probably won't keep this for long - seriously, you're right, it's shit quality. Blerg!

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