Thursday, February 7, 2019

Revisting Autumn Textures

I always appreciate my own extra efforts when I take the time to focus and make an outfit. I feel better.
 Fake it till you make it, baby, that's my motto. It was a good reminder that actions affect emotions, and positive actions (like making an outfit) lead to positive emotions (like self-confidence, contentedness, and calm). Okay, pep talk over, let's talk outfit.


  • Blazer - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) in January as outerwear for shopping
  • Blouse - Michael Kors, consignment; last seen here in January 2018 with a belted blazer and horrid tights
  • Skirt - Kateri, garage sale; first worn here in October 2018 with my teddy sweater
  • Boots - Clarks; last seen here in November 2018 with my dragon scale skirt
  • Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here last week


 I'm surprised you can't see my breath in the above picture! It was -4 when I took these pictures at 7:45am. The Castle is looking lovely as the sun rises.
 Everything has been frosted and frozen solid for a week, just like that rooftop. Predictions are for snow starting tonight and through the weekend. As we don't have a car, and live within walking distance of everything we need, L and I don't stress, but others do. Our city is not prepared for snow.

One thing I do like about the cold, is that even with hot flashes, I can wear layers. This lovely silk and viscose velvet blazer feels like kittens, it is so soft. I'm all about textures, so I often invite my interested coworkers to touch various fabrics that I'm wearing.
 On a whim, I decided to belt this blazer. In the early days of my blog, I frequently belted - I have a big collection of belts and obis, even though I don't trot them out too often anymore. Maybe I'm coming back around on this look? Do you belt?

I love and adore my mixed wool/string felted October skirt. I've been working hard on getting my "chocolate weight" off from the holidays, and it's paid off. This skirt has zero stretch - not forgiving!
I love the colour, how the string texture goes from orange to black in an ombre - I wanted to revisit this piece when it wasn't fall and looking Hallowe'en-y. This is one of the pieces from the backyard garage sale that I went to last fall; I hope there's another one at some point - it was fun.

I love the set crystals around the hem - the pockets (YES) are also trimmed with crystals.
Chances of hand jammed in pockets today: 100%
 It got fuzzier as the day went on; I just rubbed and it and re-felted it to itself.

I am a fast walker, and I walk to work nearly every day - by the time I get to work, I am sweaty. Jacket off time!
I have a collection of interesting silky synthetic sleeveless tops in a variety of colours - they are super-handy for layering, and they look classier than a t-shirt or cami. I've had this cowl-necked Michael Kors blouse for a long time, first worn here back in May 2012 (lots of detail shots), where I noted that I had purchased it in February for $32.98 (it was a My Sister's Closet find). That still seems steep for a sleeveless blouse, but it has lasted in my closet for seven years, and I've worn it a ton. A most excellent and useful purchase it has been.

Outerwear - the Unsafe Ocelot is the best coat for the really cold weather, and it's better looking than my puffer. 
I've been keeping my eye out for a new winter coat to take some of the pressure off this one and the Unsafe Polar Bear, as I wear my coats hard and some of the seams inside on both of them are starting to pull apart. Sad Ocelot and Polar Bear! Nooooo!

  • Scarf - Danier, thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


I should have worn a hat. My head was cold. 

The stuff:  
 I love these boots - they are exactly the kind of beat-up looking leather that I like. They are lower than my upper end of my comfort level for a heel, but my feet are tired after a long day.

Copper bling:
My copper was a hit with my colleagues, especially the brooch. People love a decorated lapel!


  • Belt - Talbots, thrifted
  • Both bracelets/earrings - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fairs
  • Brooch - thrifted


I liked how the pony-hair leopard belt both added another texture and worked as a neutral pattern in all the autumnal hues.

We keep our bedroom warm for Vizzini during the day for snoozing, but this morning he'd found himself a snuggly spot on my cardigan, which I'd tossed here a couple of nights ago during a flash.
"I'll be keeping this nice bed, thank you."

Wishing you all a warm and snuggly weekend! I'll be back on Sunday with my Bigass update - thanks for visiting!

34 comments:

  1. I love the autumn colours and textures together Sheila! I think there is some truth in faking it till you make it - I know I put more effort into my outfits when I feel I need an extra confidence boost! :)

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  2. Stunning outfit! It all works so well together. Lise

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  3. The belt works. Especially on YOU! Great colors...you rock!

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  4. What a terrific outfit!! Love it. Well styled with these accessories. So nice.
    The skirt is so good. Vizzini is such a clever cat.

    Greetje

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    1. Thank you, Greetje! I was really pleased with it. Yes, Vizzini is a smart one.

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  5. You're looking very cosy in your Autumnal hued outfit. I love the colours, the felted skirt and those awesome boots. And I'm happy to see the unsafe ocelot making an appearance. I'm always sad when a beloved coat is starting to fall apart, and I'm always trying to get one more wear out of it. It's been raining non-stop and there's a howling wind, and it's still about 9°C even if it's almost 8.30 pm. I'd rather have your freezing weather ... Have a great weekend, Sheila! Mine has started a day early ... xxx

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    1. I was, it was lovely, Ann. Neither of these are falling apart, but I want to stretch out their lives, so a new coat is needed for that. Yikes, your weather sounds like our usual. Happy weekend!

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  6. The texture of this outfit look lovely. I like the strokability of clothing too! I've not really worn any camis like that but I do think they look stylish!

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    1. Thanks, Kezzie - I love the feel of nice clothes. Camis are so useful.

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  7. Great outfit! Love the way the colors go together. The Unsafe Ocelot is awesome!

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  8. Shiela, I totally understand the fake it til you make it sentiment!

    Your outfit is gorgeous- especially the velvet blazer, boots and belt. I do love wearing belts.

    Hope your weekend is not too cold. X

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    1. It's a good thing to remember, when you're feeling out of sorts, isn't it, Jess? Thank you - belts can really add a nice element. Brr, your wish did not come true, unfortunately.

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  9. Stunning outfit -- love the colours and textures, all of which are so beautifully combined!

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  10. You have such a great view - it was actually your view posts that inspired one of my latest posts.
    I have not belted in a while because the belts do not fit- I adore that skirt and top together.

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    1. The Castle is not quite that close - I do zoom in on it. Thank you, hon.

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  11. I love autumnal colours! This is a lovely outfit. The jacket is gorgeous; I can just imagine how soft it is. The skirt is beautiful and it's got crystals - and pockets! Love the boots; good old Clarks! The sleeveless top looks very elegant and what a gorgeous colour!

    Of course you're giving Vizzino the fluffy cardigan. Aren't you?

    Have a great weekend.

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    1. Me too, I always have. I love every piece in this outfit too - we have a winner.

      Yes, it is his now, ha!

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  12. I love those rich brown boots and the leather is distressed so perfectly---I'm the same way about leather. I also love textures. The kids at my children's school were rubbing my velour dress like crazy when I went in during the holidays lolol Stay warm! You're so lucky to live in a walking friendly neighborhood. I wish more living spaces/centers/towns/neighborhoods whatever were organized that way.

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    1. Yes, it looks so much better beat up! Ha, I often get mobbed when I'm wearing something extra-soft. I couldn't live somewhere that I couldn't walk!

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  13. Is that what you call layering? Haha, I wear three layers every day, and if I wear a cardigan of a jacket that s my fourth! But you look gorgeous! Fabulous colors and that coat is aamazing! And yes, I do belt! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday linkup party!

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    1. Yes, it is, Nancy - I used to wear more layers, but not with the hot flashes. Thank you!

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  14. I love the colours here! Just popping in to say that if the outer fabric of your coats is still good, it might be worth taking them to a tailor to get them re-lined. I think the process is usually cheaper than one might expect, and it can really make an old favourite coat feel new again.

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    1. I could do that for the Polar Bear, Radostin, but the Ocelot is fully-quilted, and it would be a bigger expense (considering I paid $24 for it). But a good reminder! Thank you!

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  15. what a fabulous outfit in fabulous colors!!, I love everything!. The stunning skirt with the interesting texture and degradé colors, the velvet jacket and the rusty orange top! I think that the belt adds a lot of interest!. Love your copper accessories, the brooch is amazing, and the beautiful boots!
    Sorry that the Ocelot and Bear are not on top form! they're both lovely! and have fab names!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear! This is one of my favourite recent outfits too. The coats are still in good shape, but I notice the wear and tear, and I'm always planning/looking for the replacments.

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  16. I'm surprised how much I like this outfit Sheila. Initially I thought the colourway made it look too safe, unexciting, but as you took us through the features (belt, pockets, jewels) I began to appreciate more how this is a very cool look. I do belt up my jackets as it feels nice and snug don't you think? x

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    1. Well, yay! I am all about details, and sometimes that's what the outfit is all about. I love the lock-and-load feeling of belting blazers and jackets. Yes, nice and snug!

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