Sunday, October 6, 2019

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Birthday Week Kick-Off: Snakes and Rainbow Houndstooth; Shopping Finds; Birthday Party Mixed Metals

Hello, my friends! My birthday is next week, so the Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up officially kicks off Birthday Week, and this weekend that included my birthday party that I throw for myself every year. 

An easy outfit for a busy Friday. 
I loved the bright coral orange and coral red book-ending the rainbow houndstooth pattern of this vintage wool skirt.

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. Go!

  • Sweater - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; first seen here (2nd outfit) in June with silver pants
  • Skirt - Simon Chang, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in February with bad red booties
  • Shoes - Truths Pilgrim, Fluevog; last seen here in February with yellow and florals
  • Sleeveless coat (below) - Only, thrifted; last worn here in April


This sweater is 100% merino wool - it was perfect for early fall.
I like the boxy cut of the body with the contrast of the tight sleeves.

It's longer in the back than the front.
 Mullet sweater!

The weekend is here!
 In case you're wondering, bare-legged season is over. I'm back to my beige nylons.

This sleeveless coat is awesome for the "shoulder" seasons.
 It's not quite cold enough to need arms on my coats every day.

The stuff:
This heel family (the Truths) are one of my favourites with Fluevog - it's a great walking heel. The lipstick red of these shoes makes me happy.

Snake bling:
 The necklace was very popular at work - I unclipped it a few times to show to people.


  • Necklace - vintage 80s, vintage expo
  • Cuff - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
  • Earrings - thrifted


L and I had dinner out after work, then spent the evening chilling out from a stressful week by playing board games and listening to music. My favourite kind of evening!

On Saturday, we were up early for breakfast at the Ruby. I went thrift shopping after, and picked up some extra goodies on the way home for the party that night.
In addition to being nylons season, my tights are back in rotation.


  • Sweater - Banana Republic, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in January over sparkle leopard
  • Skirt - Dolce & Gabbana, thrifted; last worn here in February with green bookends
  • Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; last seen here on our March anniversary adventure in Vancouver
  • Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather; last worn here in April


This sweater falls into the weekend category most of the time. It has lovely knitted detail, and is a medium thickness. I have a cami underneath.
The skirt is one of my best thrift finds: it was $6.00 in the St. Vincent de Paul several years ago.

It's grey wool tweed, lined in silk and trimmed in Persian lamb.
Since I knew I'd be shopping, both the sweater and skirt were chosen for easy-off/on-ability.

I am a gal who plans ahead.
I also planned on wearing a leather coat over this, so I knew few people would see me like this.

I do like colourful outerwear.
 I'm mostly pedestrian, and I like to be visible as we roll into the grey days of autumn.

I tucked my silk scarf into my bag, along with the gloves, for easier shopping.
A close-up for you - I am all about the details. Those are little leather bows on the gloves.


  • Scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
  • Leather/wool gloves - vintage, thrifted


The stuff:
My uber-comfy shoes are made even more so with the addition of cushy inserts.

Simple bling:
Nothing that can snag or get in the way.


  • Earrings - Glee


I went to Flavour Upstairs first.
I checked out the belts and the jewelry case first.

I like this bright red snakeskin belt by Emmanuel. It was made in Canada.
It has a little bit of wear, but was only $12.00 for a lovely leather belt that's right on-trend.

I really like this fun multi-colored floral necklace.
I suspect it is Banana Republic - it has that look. It was only $10! I know the big statement necklace is "so 4 years ago" but I don't care. Look at those pretty colours!

I really like this browny-burgundy coloured skirt. It's not quite pleated and has a lot of movement.
 You know I need my Swoosh Factor!

It has a slit at the side front.
It's 100% polyester but feels very silky.

It's by Club Monaco, and what a score for $17.99!
Add another zero to that for the retail price.

I am a sucker for plaids - this red one reminds me of the early 90s quite a lot.
It's a lovely 100% wool, cut on the bias.

It's by Luisa Spagnoli, and was $14.99.
 Oh, my. Their "tube" skirts start at $289.00 US! I got a bargain!

I also found this wonderful plaid shirt that fits me perfectly.
 It doesn't have a single label on it.

It was $17.99.
It very much reminds me of the Madras plaid I owned in the mid-80s. I will probably stash this right away, into the spring/summer stuff.

I loved this magnificent shirt.
I had a paisley shirt similar to this in the 90s, but this is not from then.

It's a double-knit nylon, by Lansea for Pant-Man. What a fun label - I love the little red "kiss-print" on the "Man".
 It was $19.99.

We have a couple of clues as to the age of this shirt, aside from that groovy label: one is the sizing, which is pre-Great Size Shift of the late 80s. This 12 is equivalent to a modern size 8.
It also has laundry symbols on a tag down the side seam - these weren't common in North American brands until the 70s, so this psychedelic shirt is likely from the late 70s/early 80s, and I am leaning to the early 80s due to the lack of giant pointed collar. 

I felt this shirt/jacket and gasped. The fabric is amazing.
 I think it's from the late 90s/early 00s.

Remember when we were all into the contrasting backside of the fabric?
It's red with a hint of black on the front, and the reverse is black with a hint of red.

Ooh, nice detail on the back shoulder.
I dig the almost-bell shape of the cuffs too. The back has great seaming.

My eyes opened wider when I saw the label.
Pierre Balmain Paris! For only $22.99! I'm pretty sure it's authentic - Balmain labels have changed frequently over the decades - although I didn't find anything similar to this by searching online. You don't find a lot from the 90s online - we had no computers back then!

The period of the late 90s/early 00s is when Oscar de la Renta was in charge of the House of Balmain. I like knowing that.
It's marked size 8, so it's definitely past the 80s. The care/content/original label has been ripped out, pulling apart the stitching a bit at the neck to the left. I bet it was itchy and bothered the previous owner.

It does up with a series of hook slides up the front. Very 90s.
The fabric is super-stretchy and feels like a polished cotton with a strong dose of Lycra.

It's a snug fit - it looks good worn open.
 I'm excited to wear this!

From Flavour Upstairs, I went to the WIN store on Pandora, and spent about an hour poking around.
I really liked this acrylic cuff. It looks like it's been cut out, rather than molded.

The back is silvery-white and the outer layer is orange-copper.
It was $5.95. I love the intricate design.

I found a great basic piece, this cream turtleneck sweater.
It's not super-exciting, but I'll probably wear it a lot.

It's by Wanko, and was $7.95.
 They appear to be a Hong Kong brand.

This sweater is a wool/acrylic blend, which means it will wash well, even though the label says it's dry clean only. I will risk it!
I did get a chuckle out of the size though: F. Proof that sizing is completely arbitrary.

Tired from my shopping, I had a nap before getting ready for our guests. We had about 20 of our friends over for a night of chatting, dancing and eating and drinking. It was a blast!

I wore this lovely dress that I picked up a few months ago.
I know, black, how unlike me!


  • Dress - Simon Chang, consignment; purchased here for $31.50
  • Shoes - Sol Sana; last worn here in August with a clash of patterns


The dress is bias-cut so it has lots of room for dancing (and eating chocolate!).
 My closet light is on (I always end up there with a few of my friends!).

Oops, one of the rear straps is trapped on my bra strap.
I didn't feel like a fussy outfit. Just a dress - easy!

Comfy platforms for standing around and dancing. I lasted till about 2am in these.
L and I crashed into bed around 3am. Woo, what a fun evening!

The stuff:
Since the pattern on the dress is mixed metallics, I went with mixed metals in all my accessories, starting with the silver ferns on the suede shoes.

Multi-bling:
I put the new-to-me cuff on to show someone, and left it on all night.


  • Fascinator - Heart's Content
  • Necklace - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Acrylic cuff - thrifted
  • Studded cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
  • Onyx/silver ring - Tocara, vintage fair
  • Crystal/silver ring - Soul Flower
  • Earrings - thrifted


My friends were so generous!
So much love! Thanks to my Winesday gals for the Fluevog gift card, Caro for the toque, Terry for the chocolate and Petra for the wooden box and earrings. I also got warm chocolate chip cookies from Sofia, but I put them out for eating right away. Cookies are dangerous!

Petra's husband took the picture on the card.
The earrings are vintage screw-on by Coro.

I am wearing the toque now, while I create this post.
 My team won today!

Vizzini came out late in the party and was lurking around the party food. I think he stole a cracker.
"Lies! I was merely inspecting for quality."

He's grumpy because we've brought his post in off the deck for the season.
"I can't even look at you. I should be out there!"

Sorry, buddy! 

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! Thanks for coming by! 

36 comments:

  1. Hee! My cat Nola used to steal graham crackers and take them under the coffee table to eat. You go, Vizzini. I am crazy for those red Fluevogs! Just a gorgeous shoe, and you're a gorgeous birthday woman! xox

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    1. Cats are such thieves, aren't they, Patti? Thank you so much, my dear!

      Delete
  2. argh google ate my comment! :( I loved your birthday party dress! I'm impressed by the Balmain shirt find but my fave piece is the cuff, looking forward to seeing how you wear everything. I like the statement necklace too, I picked up a similar one at the opshop the other week - I still like the style even if as you say it's not as trendy right now!

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    1. Thank you, Mica! I am excited about most of it - it'll be fun creating outfits. I still like bigass statement necklaces, even if they are not trendy anymore. Who cares, right?

      Delete
  3. Happy almost birthday! What a fun party you had, and that outfit was amazing.

    As always, I am so impressed with your mad-shopping skills. You find the most amazing things. You inspire me so much to go on my own thrifting adventures.

    I have to add one cat story that will amuse you, after reading about Vizzini's latest antics. Many, many years ago, my husband and I threw a holiday party and our efforts to make it wonderful for our friends included a big punchbowl full of homemade egg nog. Yum! Part way through the party, we caught one of our cats (a big grey fellow named Earl) sitting on the drinks table, scooping out pawfuls of the eggnog. What a mischief maker!

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda! I have fun thrifting - I could do it every day!

      I love that story, and I can just picture Earl scooping up the eggnog! Ha!

      Delete
  4. I love book ending a look!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Mirielle! Me too. I appreciate you stopping in, thank you!

      Delete
  5. Happy almost birthday! The clothes are sensational. Please can you explain bias cut? Thanks. Lise

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    1. Bias-cut is when a woven material is cut with the warp and weft on a diagonal, instead of being lined up horizontally/vertically. It gives the garment "stretch" from side to side, but also can cause puckering along the side seams. Hemlines tend to have a "ruffle" effect on bias-cut skirts. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/bias-cut

      Delete
  6. Happy Birthday! Love your clothes, especially the first skirt.

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  7. Happy birthday Sheila! I'm loving all the colours going on in Friday's outfit, and those red shoes are quite divine. My favourites of your finds: the snakeskin belt, the colourful necklace (who cares if it's no longer on trend ;-)), the plaid skirt and the Paisley print shirt, which reminds me of a skirt I have: they would look fabulous together! I'm amazed you still had the energy to party after all that shopping! Your party dress is fabulous by the way! And you've really got the most generous friends! Enjoy your birthday week! xxx

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    1. Thank you, Ann! The red shoes are fabulous - I wish I'd kept them out for spring/summer! I found some cool things, and I recharged my batteries with a nap before the party. Thank you so much. I know, I'm so lucky to have such lovely people in my life.

      Delete
  8. Happy Birthday in advance! I thought I'd remembered you always wore two outfits on your birthday party? I trust that you had a fantastic time! Please remember to send your leather submission for The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book!

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    1. Thanks, Nancy! I've done outfit changes midway through parties before, but not this time. I did three party outfits for L's birthday in June!

      Oh, yes, I've sent myself a reminder. Sorry about that.

      Delete
  9. Happy belated birthday!

    You bought some beautiful shirts and I loved the jewellery you found too.

    Your party dress was gorgeous and I loved the metallic platforms and metallic bling. The Friday outfit was fab; I really love those red Fluevogs and can see how comfortable they must be. I have/had a jacket with a similar pattern to your Friday skirt; it was a Jaeger jacket.

    Lovely birthday pressies!

    I would never have taken Vizzini for a biscuit thief; he looks far too innocent!
    xx

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    1. You're not belated - it hasn't happened yet (it's on Wednesday). :) But thank you!

      I found some treasures, which is always satisfying. Thank you - it's such a pretty and comfy dress. I love the red Fluevogs! Ooh, how lovely - I know my skirt must have had a matching jacket at some point.

      Vizzini only LOOKS innocent!

      Delete
  10. It looks like you're revving up nicely towards your birthday sweetie. Your black gown is totally glam, such understated elegance.
    I love that Balmain jacket - what a find. Can't wait to see how you style this beauty up ...
    Have a super week xxx

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    1. Thanks, Anna! It's a pretty low-key year for me, but I still like to do a parade of fun outfits and have a party for the week around it.

      I'm excited to wear that jacket. I'm thinking my JPG jeans would look great with it.

      Delete
  11. Happy Birthday week, Sheila! What a fabulous dress you wore for your party, you looked incredible! Bad boy Vizzini, ours are awful when there's nibbles around.
    Love the Pant Man label, absolutely brilliant. The shirt's pretty darned cool, too. The Wanko label made me giggle, how rude! Can't beat a polo neck jumper.
    Those red shoes are fab, very cowboy like, always a good thing! Hope the celebrations are contuing and you're being showered in gifts! xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, Vix! It was an easy, comfy dress to wear. Vizzini can't be trusted around food, little monster.

      I knew you'd appreciate that vintage label. Wanko is hilarious!

      I love those shoes too.

      Yes, lots of fun and pressies!

      Delete
  12. happy birthday week and so glad that you enjoyed such a lovely party with Friends (and looking so fabulous in your dress and metallic accessories!, so perfect!)
    Love your red coral outfit, those shoes are so cute (I'm a huge fan of red shoes!) and the colorful skirt is one of my favourites!
    And I'm admiring your purchases, particularly that colorful necklace, totally in love with it!. Also love those tartan pieces and The Balmain! woww!!!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, dear Monica! It was a fun party!
      I do enjoy a casual-ish outfit once in a while - I love that rainbow houndstooth pattern.
      I love the necklace too - I'm wearing it today for my birthday! Plaid is always a favourite for me, and how lucky to find vintage Balmain!

      Thank you!

      Delete
  13. Lovely post and you looked gorgeous, especially in your long gown. I promiss, I will go to Fluevog this month. Somehow.
    Greetje

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    1. Thank you so much, Greetje! Ha, I can't wait to see what you find there! Good luck!

      Delete
  14. Those red shoes are fabulous! I love your plaid finds too. I also have a tuxedo cat and he gets grumpy at this time of year because he can no longer sit with his head poking out of the window. How he moans at me to open it! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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    1. Thank you, Emma! Aw, your tuxedo cat sounds like a real character! Thanks so much!

      Delete
  15. What a funny phrase – mullet sweater- that made me giggle. The coral colour in your first outfit is splendid. And you know me, I loooove snake jewellery.
    Your birthday outfit looks wonderful and perfect for dancing and eating chocolate! Happy happy birthday! X

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  16. Happy Belated Birthday! I love that you celebrate it over the week, and not just on the day. The orangey-reds in the first outfit are sparking joy all the way over here.

    You look just GOOOOORRRRRGEOUS in your pre-birthday celebration dress.

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    1. Thank you so much, Shelley! Yes, one day is simply not enough. Thank you!!

      Delete
  17. Happy belated birthday my dear She! I hope you had a marvelous time, big hug.
    Oh and I am jealous-happy about the Balmain find and the Spagnoli skirt was also a hit!
    ;)

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    1. Thank you, Lorena! I had a lovely time, thank you.

      I have yet to wear the Balmain, and the skirt was tossed - it doesn't work well with the lining.

      Delete

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