Sunday, December 1, 2019

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Thankful Kitty; Black Friday Second-Hand Shop; Finned Skirt for Brunch; Fuzzy Wool Brunch

First of all, I hope all my US friends had a very Happy Thanksgiving. Here's a lovey Vizzini face for you. 
"I appreciate my fans."

We've had a wonderful quiet weekend, which I'm sure I will look back upon fondly and longingly as we roll into heavy-duty party/event season over the next five weeks. We've played tons of board games, had several naps, and watched a lot of football, and Vizzini has been very happy to have us at home. 

We spent our Thursday off watching US Thanksgiving NFL, eating chili (there might have been naps and doziness at various points during games), and hanging out with long-time best friends Nick and Casey.

I was up early on Friday and off to check out the Black Friday deals at local consignment stores Turnabout and House of Savoy (check out my favourite local shops here). I'd always rather shop local and second-hand. 
I dressed for a chilly day (it's very bright, but very cold) and for shopping.


  • Wool dress - Club Monaco, thrifted; first worn here (3rd outfit) in March for Winesday
  • Shoes - Matisse; last seen here in September with a bunch of pattern-mixing
  • Coat (below) - Donna Karan, consignment; first worn here last weekend, the day I bought it


It's a pretty basic black dress - I'll have my coat on while I shop, so functionality is key.
Funky thick tights for warmth and visual interest. I tossed these at the end of the day - I realized that they'd faded to a weird greeny colour.

I owned a cocoon-shaped sweater dress like this back in the 80s (in yellow!).
 It's such an easy piece to wear.
Getting myself caffeinated up to face the world, and interact with people after a day of just my closest friends.

Outerwear - there we are, all bundled up.
I washed this coat a few days ago, and let it air-dry - I was terrified that the little hard pockets of feathers wouldn't re-fluff, but they have expanded perfectly (with a 10-minute pouff in the dryer to help, when things were still a bit damp).

My angora toque is from the 90s, complete with the little fabric and plastic flower. By the way, "toque" is the name for these hats - it's pronounced to rhyme with "kook." How has this word not caught on? I hear/have read of these hats referred to as "knitted caps", but "toque" is so much easier. And it's only one word!
My big scarf is silk on one side and wool/cashmere on the other.


  • Toque - vintage 90s, thrifted
  • Scarf - thrifted
  • Wool gloves - Parkhurst


I was snuggly warm without being too sweaty.

The stuff:
 Good walking/standing shoes. I spent two hours in Turnabout and about an hour in House of Savoy, going through every single thing in the store. Phew, shopping is hard work!


  • Earrings - consignment


I did have to remove my earrings while at Turnabout: they were catching on clothes, so I just zipped them away for the duration.

At Turnabout, I found these lovely patent leather loafers.
I've been on the lookout for a flat solid blue shoe for a while - these have that nice "special" element (the patent) that I wanted.

They have a good heel - not too flat, which can also be painful - and a nice profile.
These will look good with skirts and trousers.

Not a lot of wear on the soles.
They look like they've been worn maybe 4 or 5 times.

My guess at leather was confirmed by the content tag (leather inners and uppers, synthetic sole), and they're by Shoe the Bear, a brand I've seen at select boutiques around town.
These probably would have been around $200 new - they were $53.99 (an extra 10% off the marked $59.99). I know I'll wear these a lot, so I'm good with paying a bit more.

I really liked the asymmetrical hemline of this wrap skirt, although the pattern plays games with my eyes. To me, in this picture, it looks like brown shapes on a tan background, outlined in red or rust.
But in this picture, I can see that there's no red.
 And here, it looks like dark blue on tan, outlined in black...which is what it is! Tricky, tricky Zara!
This was $23.39 (extra 10% off $25.99). It was probably around $70 new. I did "test-stride" it, taking wide, fast strides around to see if it would open up on me, and it stayed put. Wrap skirts can be a pain that way. Fingers crossed on this one!

This skirt made me gasp and giggle when I put it on - I even came out of the fitting room and twirled for the staff.
It's a ginormous 4-layer tulle maxi skirt!

It's a fine, soft mesh with black "dots" (they are more like blobs) all over it.
It has an elastic waist - no pockets, though.

It's by Twinset and was new with tags. It's marked at $515.00, which (viewing their site) is about right. Wow, I'm glad I didn't pay that much.
This was a "Black Friday" item, marked down 50% - it was originally $155.99, so only $78.00...which is still expensive, but I do really love it. I can't wait to swoosh around in it!

I might have to wear it with this piece of badassery!
"I'm assuming you're talking about me."

I had to get the skirt far away from that little monster, who wanted to chew on it.

Anyway, the coat! Check this out: red faux fur, faux leather, and all the straps and buckles a girl could possibly want. And pockets.
 The whole thing is lined with faux fur, right down the sleeves too.
 It's the most snuggly thing ever.

It's by Topshop and would have been around $200 new.
I got this for a STEAL - it was another 50% off item, marked down to $35.00 from $69.99.

I had to put it on.
I am looking forward to wearing this!

From my successful haul at Turnabout, I crossed the street to House of Savoy, where I found a couple of things that I really liked.
The rust colour and A-line shape appealed to me with this skirt. It's also real leather and was only $32.00, marked down 50% from $64.00.

A nice big side zip and a snap at the top.
It's fully lined.

I was a bit surprised that it was H&M...
 ...until I remembered my black peplum top (this one), which even has the same bigass zipper up the back. I bet they are the same season!

I spotted these green earrings - the mod shapes really appealed to me.
I think they are cut out from a flat sheet of acrylic vs. molded in that shape.

I like that they are not symmetrically shaped.
 It's easier to see when the backside of one is turned over (it's also slightly darker). These are super-light to wear - also a nice bonus. They were $12.00.

Vizzini, which is your favourite?
"My choice is made." 

My favourite is the bigass black tulle skirt - what's yours?

On Saturday, I was up early for my Mental Health Walk - it was -3 this morning, with lots of frost, and it was COLD down near the ocean! I was very happy to jump in a hot shower after that!
As you can see, it's really bright and sunny out! I'm bundled up for a walk to Pluto's and then to get groceries.


  • Teddy faux fur top - H&M, consignment; last worn here in December 2018 with my Christmas tree skirt
  • Grey turtleneck - Bossini, thrifted; purchased here for $7.95
  • Skirt - TKStyle, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in February for a snowy shop
  • Boots - Truths Teah, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) in October for a closet clean-out
  • Coat (below) - Donna Karan, consignment; last worn above

I layered my new-to-me grey cotton top under this faux fur top. 
I dressed to be snuggly warm!

I'm a fan of this olive green pull-on sweater knit skirt. Why?
It has a fin! It's one piece of fabric that wraps around, then is sewn together with the leftover fabric flapping. I love fun details like that.

I have thick grey tights on under this.
 And there's that snuggly down-filled coat again.
No scarf (I regretted this on the way home, with the cold breeze in our faces!), just gloves.


  • Wool/faux fur gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
These are fabulous boots for walking. I love the steampunk vibe.

Heavily-ringed bling:
Load it all on!


  • Silver/gold cuff - JPL, vintage fair
  • Bracelet - POLY, thrifted
  • Necklace - POLY, thrifted
  • Steel earrings - gift from Lise
  • Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, c. 1970, vintage expo
  • POLY rings from two vintage fairs and the Hamilton Art Museum gift shop
  • Two-stone silver ring - vintage mall


Vizzini was in a snit this morning, stubbornly sleeping on the top of his post in the living room, between the deck doors. Our deck is not insulated; this is NOT the warmest spot!
"I'm staying here until it gets warmer, and that's that."

He's going to be disappointed and cranky when he wakes up and it's even colder.

I happened to notice something on the trees from the bedroom window.
"Buzz off, lady."

Great Scott! It's a squirrel!

He looks cold, doesn't he?
"Nah, I have a fur coat on."

We have quite a few squirrels in our neighbourhood, along with raccoons and urban deer.

On Sunday, my colleague Simona picked me up and we went for brunch at The Village, as a thank you from her to me for my shopping expertise. Aw, that's so sweet.
Simona was impressed that I was dressed up: "You're even wearing jewelry!" Not many people dress for brunch, especially when it's chilly out.


  • Mohair sweater - thrifted; last worn here in September with autumn pastels
  • Wool dress - Dolce & Gabbana, vintage 90s, thrifted; last seen here in June with loads of bling
  • Boots - Prepare Guide, Fluevog; last worn here for a snowy day in February with my Muppet skirt
  • Suede coat (below) - Prosper & Devine, vintage mall; last seen here in March


I dressed for warmth - it was still pretty early too (10am!), so the fuzziness of all of my pieces was soothing.
 From my fuzzy pink mohair sweater (layered with a pink cami under it)...
...to my fuzzy wool vintage D&G lingerie-strap dress.

Outerwear:
 Dressed for more fuzziness (the fur boa) and only being outside for a few seconds.

I refer to this suede jacket as my Tentacle Coat.
 It's very fringe-y! I get a lot of side-eye when I wear this.


  • Fur boa - thrifted
  • Leather gloves - Danier


The stuff:
Behold, my fuzzy wool boots. They are lined in leather, but all that grey is wool. They are getting a bit moth-eaten; Vizzini is a very poor moth-killer.

Colourful bling:
Brunch deserves a bigass necklace, don't you think?


  • Necklace - thrifted
  • Earrings - can't remember
  • Lapis lazuli ring/ Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

I'll be joining Patti over at Not Dead Yet Style once "Visible Monday" is up! See you there! 

26 comments:

  1. Wow. Your fab finds really make me jealous! That jacket is just amazing!

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  2. I can't pick a favourite Sheila! You got a lot of great pieces! :) every time I thought I had a fave I scrolled down to find another I loved more! Well done with the shopping! I really like your colourful brunch outfit too - especially the big statement necklace! :)

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    1. Thanks, Mica! I'm happy with all of my purchases, and am looking forward to styling them soon. Bigass necklace for brunch - why not? Ha!

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  3. can I have two favs? The leather jacket with faux fur lining and the maxi tulle skirt. Great purchases all of them. You look great in all of these outfits too. I like the black dress with the fun black tights. Nice styling with the outfit with the pink accents.

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    1. Of course you can, Ivana! Those are my faves too. Thank you!

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  4. Give me a quiet weekend any time, I'm sure I could use one! Your shopping outfit looks very cozy, and I'm loving your "toque". I had no idea that it was pronounced like that, but I agree that it needs bringing back. What lovely finds, especially the skirt with the tricky print and of course the tulle maxi. Your brunch outfit gets my full approval too, but I don't get why people do not dress up for brunch. The tentacle coat and fur boa are glorious, as is that necklace. Hope your start of the week isn't too stressful! xxx

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    1. Oh yes, indeed. I could use another one right now! I need to spread the gospel of toque, ha ha!

      I love those two skirts. I do not know why people are so danged casual! Dress up! Thanks, Ann!

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  5. Where to start where to start! That Zara skirt! I wanted to order of, I think its from this year isn t it! And that black dress with the fringe kind a jacket! Wow, love that! And this earrings are very beautiful too even like that gorgeous necklace! Love to see you in that Tulle skirt of course! God I love that one! Punk all the way!

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    1. I think it's pretty recent, Nancy (I've never been in a Zara store!), thank you! I knew you'd love the punk tulle!

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  6. Oh yes to a quiet weekend!

    What brilliant bargains you got. I loved your faux fur and leather jacket the best and the earrings are fab.

    Lovely outfits and you look very warm and cozy in all of them. The Tentacle coat is a brilliant name and I can see why! I think was my favourite of all the outfits; love the patterned tights too.

    We have several squirrels in our garden who bury their stashes in the flowerpots then dig them up again. They drive OH wild....

    Have a great week!
    xxxx

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    1. Hear, hear, Vronni! More quiet weekends!

      I am very happy with that jacket, and the earrings will be awesome in spring. Thank you so much! The tentacle coat is a favourite. Ha, those silly squirrels!

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  7. Wow!! That tulle skirt and the faux leather jacket with red faux fur are incredible finds. Love the steampunk boots and the Tentacle coat too. Awesome brunch outfit!
    I don't know why toque never really caught on. Especially after the movie "Strange Brew" and Bob and Doug Mckenzie doing "Take Off" with Geddy Lee! Now I need to go hear that song. I haven't seen the movie in ages.
    We don't have any squirrels lately, but there's about 5 skunks that come and eat the feral cat food at night. It's funny 'cause the cats and skunks take turns eating and so far nobody has gotten in a a fight.

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    1. Thanks, Cheryene! I'm excited to wear them. It was a quiet weekend, outfit-wise, overall, though.

      I don't know why it never caught on! It seems so sensible to me. I love that movie - it is really silly.

      Skunks! We don't have those here!

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  8. I think the tulle skirt is my favourite of your finds too, though those patent blue shoes are pretty special.

    I always think of 'toque' as a Canadian word - it's one I came across more on knitting sites like Ravelry, when Canadian knitters used it. It's not a term we use in the UK though. Over here it'd be a 'beanie'.

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    1. It's awfully massive and makes my heart sing! Me too! I need to wear the shoes soon.

      I guess it is specific to Canada, but it drives me nuts when I hear "beanie" or "knitted cap" when I know there is the perfect word out there.

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  9. LOVE the coat! And thanks for explaining how to pronounce toque -- it gives me ideas for funny puns.

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    1. It's totally awesome, isn't it, Ally? Ha, thank you! Glad you liked that!

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  10. Love that picture of Vizzini, the handsome devil!
    You certainly packed a lot into your long weekend and bought and wore some fabulous stuff! Love the pink fringed suede jacket and the new puffa jacket looks bosting (Black Country for fabulous!)
    I had no idea toque was pronounced like that, like Mim says it's not a word we use here.
    I'm horrified that nobody dresses up for brunch - not that I've ever been out for it - I despair of the casualisation of humanity, thanks for flying the flag for those of us who dress up for everything! xxx

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    1. And doesn't he know it, Vix?

      Bosting - I love it! We're trading local slang!

      I'm not exactly horrified, as brunch is a pretty casual thing, but jeez, a little effort is always appreciated! We fly the flag of dressing up!

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  11. Lovely shopping outfit, comfy&cool with those textured tights (for visual interest!) and fab shoes. I also had a sweater dress in yellow back in the 80's! ;DDDD I loved it!.
    I always admire your talent to pick fabulous stuff!. The tulle skirt is stunning, the coat totally rocks and the leather skirt looks amazing (and I'm shocked because it's by H&M!).
    Also love your olive Green knit skirt because of the texture and cool 'flap', and your fabulous steam-punk musketeer boots!, they rock!
    Love that you dressed up for brunch (why not?!) and looked so fab in your groovy coat, tights and boots and 'even wearing jewelry'! mwhahah. I've received similar comments on being 'all dressed up' even if I considered I'm looking 'casual'. Totally agree with Vix!
    I put my wool garments into the freezer for a week or so before storing them, as a moths control method!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much for all your sweet words, Monica! I know, I was shocked at H&M on the leather skirt too! Bah, the brunch crowd here is so darned casual - I've even seen pajamas, can you believe it?

      Oh, I love that idea of freezing my wool clothes. I'm afraid I won't remember to do it, but fingers crossed! Thanks!

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  12. I have just three words to say. Pink Fringed Jacket. Pack it up and send it back to me right now. You've borrowed that for long enough. What do you mean it's not mine? Ooooo, I've come over all light-headed... NO, not smelling salts - Pink Fringed Jacket xxx

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    1. Ha ha, nice try, my dear! I know you love that coat - it would be huge on you (it's big on me too).

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  13. Too many things to like here - a good Vizzini face, fab secondhand finds, a fin skirt, pink suede fringe - OHMYGAWD

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    1. Hee, you and Anna and the pink suede fringe! Thanks, my dear!

      Delete

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