Velvet Leopards and Gold

I needed a big boost of colour and texture for my Monday - I knew it would be a very busy day.

It was cold - nearly mink coat weather, but not quite - and most importantly, not rainy or windy. 

• Cotton velvet jacket - Escada by Margaretha Ley, vintage 80s, thrifted; purchased here for $28.00
• Cotton turtleneck sweater - Tabi, thrifted; last worn here just a few weeks ago, layered under cerulean suede
• Skirt - Mexx, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September 2025 for brunch in between Rifflandia theme days
• Boots - Bond Girl, Fluevog X Anna Sui; last seen here (2nd outfit) for a leopard brunch in December 2025

I picked out the green and orange in the pattern of the velvet leopard jacket. 

It has little bits of every colour in it, but when I stand back and look at it, it's predominantly red/orange and green/blue.

I ended up either shoving both sets of sleeves up, exposing my arms, or having them both down for the warmth.  

With bossy coats like this, I keep the underneath layers pretty simple. 

I took the jacket off briefly in the morning. 

I liked the two tones of green together. 

But my full love is for the coat worn as outerwear. 

I walked both ways to and from work in my green boots and this snuggly hat and felt like a million bucks. 

The stuff: 

Did you see the leopard on my shoulder? 

• Fur scarf - Danier, thrifted
• Hat - M'Sieu Leon, thrifted
• Leather gloves - Echo, consignment
• Articulated tiger brooch - consignment

Golden bling: 

No actual gold was used in any of this. 

• Necklace - D'Orlan, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Droopy leopard brooch - Park Lane, thrifted
• Gold bangle - thrifted
• Hinged eelskin bangle - vintage 80s, thrifted
• Earrings - Biko, consignment
• Amber ring - c. 1998
• Brass leopard ring - thrifted

The boys snuggled with me while I finished my book in bed on Sunday morning. 

"I love to cuddle!"

Barnabas likes to sleep under my knees. 

When I turned my back, Whateley had roused his brother and stolen the spot! 

"Tummy rub!"

He's not much of a cuddler, but likes the warmth.