Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Last Fall/Winter Outfit: Floral and Yellow

I worked today - again, only 4 of us in the entire 3-floor office of 250 - and found out that I'll be working just a half day on Friday this week. So you know what that means...!

Or maybe you don't. But I will note that this is indeed the last outfit from my fall/winter wardrobe, and y'all seem pretty smart, so you can probably figure out what I'll be doing over the next 2 days. 
I chose my favourite "power colour", yellow, to build this outfit around. I just needed to wear yellow.


  • Cashmere sweater - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here in December 2019 with my bark skirt
  • Goldenrod skirt - no label, vintage, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) during our snow daze in January
  • Shoes - Napoleoni, thrifted; last worn here earlier this month with leopard and orange
  • Leather coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here a couple of weeks ago


The sweater is cashmere and will be carefully packed away to keep moths from eating it over the next six months.
 I love the pinks, browns and bits of red and yellow in the pattern. It's so lush.

It was the perfect match for this glorious goldenrod skirt. The skirt will also be hidden from the moths (I have a summer-weight yellow skirt that shall emerge soon).
 I've seen that colour in the hyacinths blooming right now - so very springy!

This morning was a VERY early one. Give me coffee!
These sporadic work weeks are very discombobulating. I have no idea what days I'll be working next week, but I'd guess Tuesdays and Fridays for the foreseeable future. It doesn't seem like my office is going to be full of people again any time soon. At least I do have actual work to do when I'm there.

Outerwear - it was chilly this morning, with ice on the puddles. Brrr.
I love the transitional season when I can start to wear my lighter coats. There are a few that have languished for months!


  • Scarf - Pierre Balmain, vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst



The stuff:
These deep browny-red shoes will also be packed away - they are a very autumnal palette.

Pale bling:
I wore the necklace wrapped around my wrist.


  • Necklace - Aldo Accessories
  • Ring - c. 1996
  • Ear-balls - Dior


I've been opening the deck door in the mornings just enough for Vizzini to go out. This morning, the windows of the deck fogged up due to the chill.
"Too cold for this cat."

He carefully inspected both doors.
"I want it to be warm."

Me too, buddy! It'll happen, I promise.

My friends, I will be back on Thursday with...my closet swap-over! If you haven't seen this happen in my closet before, here's when I last did it, at the end of September 2019 (ha, I wore that same necklace as today in my final outfit of summer). Enjoy, and I will see you soon.

Stay healthy, and be kind to yourself.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Two-Fer: Dresses for Events That Didn't Happen: Velvet Roses and Maxi Lilies (With Help from Vizzini)

I had very good intentions of going for a Mental Health Walk today, but then I slept in, remembered that I had not done my laundry, and observed that it was a crappy day out. So, I forgave myself and dressed up for a couple of events that would have happened around this time, if we hadn't been in the middle of a pandemic. 

First: Theatre with Mom! Our final play of the Belfry season has been cancelled, but more than seeing the plays, I love my dates with Mom. She comes over and plays with Vizzini while we have a cup of tea, then we stroll to the theatre, enjoy the play, gossip about what everyone's wearing, and then go for dinner after. 
I like to bring out my lesser-worn dresses for these events, and this beautiful velvet cheongsam is a favourite.


  • Dress - handmade, vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) for our 20th anniversary dinner with all our family in March 2017
  • Shoes - Campers; first worn here (2nd outfit) in January during our snow daze
  • Stole (below) - Danier, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit) in December 2016 for a theatre sing-along


I can't wear this dress for work, as I have to hoik the bottom up to bend over. I also kept popping the snaps around my chest every time I reached for something. It's a "standing" dress, good for parties.
"Yes, you've been very grabby with me, Woman."

So it might not have been a good theatre dress, but I think this is "Mom-worthy."

I love the rich fabric. It's cotton velvet, very plush.
I caught all of these pictures when the sun was briefly out, so the colours are nice and bright.

Look who else I caught!
"Woman, must you be so lovey with me?"

He's such a cutie, I can resist kissing him, but he doesn't stand it for long.
"Unhand me, Woman!"

He went after my earrings as soon as the timer went off. CHOMP.

How will I deal with such a little monster?
Heavens! I must fan myself.

Since I would most definitely be out in public for the theatre, perhaps a hat is in order for this outfit?
Yes, and this olive leather purse. And purple gloves!

There we go.
The fan is hand-painted - Mom and Dad bought it for me in Spain back in...1996?

I always forget that I own this faux fur stole.
 It's a thick plush, and is lined with brown satin, tying in the front with a big floppy bow.

I like the different greens together.
I do believe I'm ready for the the-ah-tah, darlings!


  • Gloves - Danier Leather



The stuff
I love the round purse. So cute.

  • Leather purse - vintage, thrifted
  • Fan - gift from Mom & Dad, Spain, c. 1996
  • Hat - Sylvia, vintage, thrifted


A shot of the fabulous hat. 
It's built up on the crown on one side, so that it sits like a flat saucer, slightly askew on the head. 

For those of you who like labels as much as I do, this is Designed by Sylvia, with New York and St. Louis noted. 
It was missing the elastic when I thrifted it for only a few bucks - that's a homemade fix, done by crocheting some elastic thread. I did that years ago when I first bought it. I've only worn this hat once on the blog, here (2nd outfit) in February 2014, when our group of friends first went to the Victoria Film Festival Gala. I should wear it more!

The stuff:
I liked the modern vibe of these shoes, plus they were comfy.

Copper bling:
I pack a bunch of my copper stuff away for the warmer months when I swap over my closet (very soon!), so I'm saying adieu to some of my jewelry.


  • Leaf cuff - vintage fair
  • Shiny cuff - Matisse, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
  • Earrings - vintage fair
  • Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s
  • Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
  • Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, Dad's, c. 1965


While I was taking pictures of the stuff/bling, Vizzini was checking out the hat elastic.
"A toy! For me!"

I had to quickly put the hat (and the other, biggass hat that it lives with) back up high in my closet.

In case you're interested, I put hot rollers (KLASSY) in my hair today. I bought a little travel set of 10 (5 big, 5 small) from the drug store a little over a year ago. This set is by Revlon, and they are so easy; you just plug them in and when the dots on the end go black, they are ready to go.
Rear view included. The rollers are grippy with bristles, without being sticky or pulling too hard on my fine hair. You anchor the rubber-tipped steel pins around the rollers - they only stay put one way, which I figured out quickly.

I did funky "winged" eyeliner.
With some frosted aqua blue eyeshadow, and a matte purple lipstick.

With the curlers out, and a brush run through it to give it some deep waves.
I like this soft look.

The wind took a lot of the curl out.
But it's still fun to play with my hair.

We also missed the Art Gallery's Urbanite event. It would have happened on the Friday L and I were in Vancouver (bad timing), but since both events were cancelled, here's what I would have worn to Urbanite in the universe where all the fun things actually happened.
I always want to wear this dress - it's a perfect fit, it's super-comfy, and I love the huge print.


  • Dress - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) in February 2019 for Greg's birthday party
  • Shoes - Entrance Room 502, Fluevog; last seen here in February with all matchy purple


I see a lot of vintage dresses when I go shopping.
I see very few with a "top to bottom" print like this. I love the pink, blue and purple lilies and the colourful berries.

I love how the brown stems and leaves are done on the arms.
 And it's such a simple style, but it fits perfectly.
It's incredibly comfy and warm, thank you, double-knit polyester!

It's a fairly light polyester, though.
It does feel like quality.

I'll wear my pink pashmina over it for a little extra warmth.
"Wait, what about meeee...."

I did not know Vizzini was there until he rubbed up against me.
"I need attention, Woman. NOW."

You can see the single slit in the hem here - that allows for full walking movement. No restrictions at all, so I'm still wearing this so that L can see it when he gets home from his (very empty) work.

The stuff:
I absolutely love these shoes - they are so awesome. They'll be packed away for spring/summer as I prefer to wear them with tights.

Silver and round bling:
I like matching the "berries" in the lily print with round accessories. I'm thematic that way.


  • Silver/acrylic cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
  • Silver cuff - vintage, thrifted, Powell River
  • Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Ball earrings - thrifted


I did change out of the shoes into a pair of socks that say "CATS!!" all over them.
"I approve."

And now, I'm going to go read until L gets home from work.
"I saved you this spot here."

Vizzini, that's L's spot. He'll be home soon to snuggle with you.
"I guess you'll have to do."

I am back to work tomorrow/Tuesday, and will find out then how much I'll be working for the rest of this week once I talk to my boss. Getting up that early is going to be challenging!

I hope you're all well, and staying safe!

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Weekend Silliness: Vizzini the Genie Says, "Let's Disco!"

Hello, my friends! L and I are committed to being our usual goofy selves for your reading pleasure. 
"Do the Hustle!"
[Fun fact: I learned to do the disco dance "The Hustle" in grade 5 for PE/Physical Education in elementary school, around 1977-78]

We both love to get dressed up, and are dearly missing our usual packed social calendar filled with meet-ups and events. Out dear friends called us during their Zoom session last night, and it was so wonderful to hear their voices.
"What? I am not good enough for you?"

Vizzini's great (especially his yowly voice), but I miss hanging out with our friends and chillin' over some beers and wine and food.
"I have a surprise for the Man and the Woman!"

Our story: On this rainy Saturday, a small tuxedo cat approached a Man who was reviewing the whiskeys on the bar. Of course, it is the 1970s, so the Man is dressed in some stylin' threads.
"Hey, Man, I have something to show you! I am a Genie - check out my lamp!"

[Fashion aside: The Man is wearing a vintage 70s cuffed shirt, a 70s Christian Dior tie - KLASSY - and some early 00s flared pinstripe trousers. The houndstooth jacket is by Tommy Hilfiger from the late 90s. The shoes are Fluevogs, and the hat is modern]

Well, the Man had never seen a talking cat before, so he was understandably skeptical. Suuuure, this cat is a genie...
"I am! And I have a magic lamp for you to look at!"

And behold, there WAS a magic lamp!
"Maybe if I stare at it long enough, he will notice."

It was a magical Lamp of Lava, filled with purple goop!
"Go on...I left a special present by the lamp."

Hoping that the "special present" wasn't a hairball, the Man approached the Lava Lamp.
Gadzooks! A book!

But what kind of book is it??
"I simply cannot tell!"

The Man could not figure it out on his own, so Vizzini the Genie called for reinforcements.
"I roll my eyes - these people are so stupid!"

But first, he had to fight off the infamous Fuzzy Snake!
"Ah! This snake shall feel my wrath!"

And then he raked his scratching post in frustration.
"Woman! Go look at the lamp!"

The Woman was distracted by this lump of fury, biting at his post.
"They...are...so...stupid!"

Finally, the Woman also spotted the Lava Lamp and the book.
"Hmmm...I wonder if this is what that Genie Cat was getting riled up about?"

She went back to the Genie Cat to ask.
"YES! Read the book, Woman!"

She investigated the Lava Lamp further.
"Ooh, it's warm!"

Vizzini was gobsmacked.
"WTF, Woman! Read the book!"

The Woman - not being quite as stupid as the genie cat thought - discovered the book.
"Hey! It's a book!"

She and the Man examined it.
"Let's Disco!"

Yes! It was indeed a magical lamp, with a vintage "Let's Disco!" book that the Genie Cat had set out for them.
[Long digression as we look at the book and Lava Lamp]

We found the book years ago at L's mom's place and took it home for our amusement.

However, every page looks like this, and it's impossibly complicated.
I do dig the Art Deco font on every page - this one is for "1-Step Hustle"

Learning to dance from a book...not the best method...all those footprints!

Check out the grooviness! It's from 1978, published by K-Tel Records.
It originally came with a record (check it out here, linking 'cause I love!), with Side 1 as all "Instruction", which I'm sure was not at all confusing! The yellow sticker on the corner has been bent over the cover, but we can still enjoy the "recommendations":

"Today's hottest social activity can now be easily and economically learned with the "Let's Disco!" instructional system." - Bill Wardlow, BILLBOARD - recognized in the music industry as the "Father of Disco."

and

"...Best disco instruction package we've seen...complete, easy to follow, and very affordable." - Village People - top international disco recording group.

and

"It works! A great way to learn the basics of disco." - Peter Brown, recording star. Hits include '78 disco smash, "Dance With Me."


Okay, I have actually heard of Bill Wardlow, but I seriously doubt that the Village People really looked at this book for very long! I did enjoy (but did not recognize) "Dance With Me" (YouTube link here), but Peter Brown got a single on the vinyl record that came with this, so I'm sure his comment was totally legit, ha ha! 

By the way, the Lava Lamp is an authentic "Lava Lite" as it notes on the cap - I bought it in Seattle back in the early 90s, when I was on a buying trip with the owners of the year-round Christmas store that I worked at. I recall it was VERY expensive - like $90 US!
Hmmm...they are a lot cheaper now.

[end of digression]

*ahem*

With the magical Lamp of Lava, and the help of the "Let's Disco!" really-very-easy-did-you-even-read-the-comments?? magical book, the Man and the Woman were transformed into disco experts!
"It was very economical!"

We are lighting up the dance floor!
Classic disco pointing move!

The Woman spins while the Man claps!
Swooshy dresses are the best for spinning!

Where's the Genie Cat, Man?
"Over there!"

I'm digging that awesome vintage 70s disco shirt, gold lion-head necklace, and shiny orange trousers (vintage Versace).
"You must also admire my shiny shoes!"
Those are Fluevogs, of course!

And now, onto my outfits. For my first outfit, I did a classic casual 70s look.
This was based around my vintage 70s shirt. The hair was fluffy and lightly curled, with light make-up (shiny pale pink lipstick!) and classic glasses.


  • Shirt - Pant-Man, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in November 2019 with cropped trousers
  • Skirt - Danier Leather, vintage 90s; last seen here (4th outfit) in October 2019 for a weekend shopping trip (I miss those!)
  • Boots - Vog Together, Fluevog, consignment; last worn here in February with yellow owls

An A-line front buttoned skirt would be more accurate, but I don't have one of those. 

Instead, this late 90s skirt and (probably) early 00s boots will have to do - the 90s were the first time we had a 70s renaissance.

I originally had a pair of black tights on, but swapped them out for nylons.
Coloured/black tights were not really a thing in the 70s.

I wore a lot of knee-high socks in the early 70s, though (check 'em out here, from a retrospective dedicated to my brother Dave).
I really hope knee socks never make a come-back! I'll pass.

The stuff:
The shirt has black, grey and brown in it - I liked how these boots went.

Minimal bling:
The belt is really light - I think it's aluminum.


  • Belt - vintage fair
  • Earrings - Winnie Tam, Abkhazi Gardens gift shop


And here's my disco outfit!
Of course, I had to wear my authentic vintage 70s disco dress!


  • Dress - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; first worn here (2nd outfit) for the Victoria Film Festival Gala in February 2019
  • Shoes - Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in August 2018 for Justin and Vero's 20th anniversary party


The last time I wore this dress I did all silver accessories, so this time I went with gold.
I adore the ruched top - it has an elastic waist.

Back zip, no pockets.
But look at that handkerchief hem! Perfect for dancing.

The spaghetti straps tie at the neck for an additional halter - I do still have the original skinny tie belt for it too.
Can you believe I paid $11.95 for this dress?

The stuff:
The shoes are solid plastic and smell sweet, like candy. They are pearlized white with the bronzy-metallic heart. They are also impossibly high for me...unless I'm disco dancing!

Gold bling:
Our favourite "Elton John" sunglasses are from the mid-90s. Check out the last time I did a full 70s look with them here, in October 2013.


  • Sunglasses - c. 1996
  • Belt - thrifted, Powell River
  • Flower clip/brooch - Le Chateau
  • Snake bracelet - Whiting and Davis, vintage 80s, vintage fair
  • Earrings - vintage fair


I added more sparkle to my make-up. I use all MAC products.
Sorry, my bathroom is pale yellow - I'm really not that yellow in person.

I brushed my hair off to the side, and anchored it with a small gold clip.
Getting dressed up and doing exaggerated fun make-up was a blast.
But Disco is serious business.

While L was waiting for me to arrange things and take pictures (we used the timer on the camera to do all of our dancing pose pics), he read his book.
"I'm so proud of both of you stupid people for figuring this all out."

Vizzini helped by whacking at L's lion pendant.

So...this is how we celebrate our weekends now!
"Disco like there's no tomorrow!"

I hope you enjoyed our disco party!

Stay health and safe, and thank you so much for visiting!