Ephemera: Two-Fer: Mermaid Meet-up With Maria, and Brooch Brilliance

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Two-Fer: Mermaid Meet-up With Maria, and Brooch Brilliance

Woo! Where did I go? My apologies for the gap, my friends - I met up with a new friend after work and was too sweaty and tired to post. Instead, you get a two-fer - that's two outfits for the price of one.

This is what I wore on Tuesday - I styled up my new Fluevogs and this cropped blue top.

I felt vaguely mermaid-ish.

Mesh top - Mexx, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in June with pea green and blue boots
Nylon ruched top - Sassy; purchased here at Dots for $27.99
Skirt - Acqua & Limone, consignment; last seen here in March with my pumpkin bugs sweatshirt
Shoes - Sea Maidens Kelpies, Fluevog; purchased here for $199.99 with gift cards (so, about $45 of my own money)

I held the shoes up to things in my wardrobe to see what they looked good with.

I went tonal with the white cocoon skirt, and the mesh top has bits of pale yellow-green in it.

I played with the ruching on the top till I got a low ^ in the front hem and tied it tight.

I tucked the skirt's black drawstring into the waistband and let the blue nylon bow hang down.

Incognito.

We've been having more steady "summer" weather (temps in the high-teens, low 20s) and with that comes the annoying sweatiness.

The stuff:

I used the purse after work, when I met up with another lovely person from Substack.

Leather purse - Club Monaco, thrifted
Silk scarf - Yves Saint Laurent, vintage 80s, thrifted

I walked to and from work in these shoes (I had little footy nylons on) and walked to and from Government House, which in retrospect was not a great idea. My feet got sweaty and a few blisters popped up on my heels.

Oceanic bling:

This all made me happy.

Stone turquoise bracelet - thrifted, Sidney
Silver/malachite bracelet - Mexican, thrifted, Sidney
Silver/malachite ring - consignment
Big silver/turquoise ring - consignment
Silver/turquoise thumb ring - consignment
Blue enamel/silver band - vintage fair
Silver/kyanite ring - consignment
Silver/aquamarine Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
Cloisonné fish necklace - vintage 80s, thrifted
Glass Venetian bead earrings - locally made

I took a few pictures on the way to our meet-up.

The Castle is both smaller and larger than you might think.

I love these old street signs.

There aren't many of them left.

I waited at the main gate of Government House (I last visited here with Mom in June 2024) for Maria and her sweet little pup Perlita.

I had forgotten there is another main gate! We met up at the turtle pond.

We walked around, chatting, enjoying the sights.

That's the water (Juan de Fuca Strait, leads to the Pacific Ocean) and the mountains (the Olympic range in Washington, US).

We got so wrapped up in talking that I barely took any pictures! "We'd better prove we were here or no one will believe us," I said. I totally whiffed on the cute pup, easily the best dog I've met in a long time, although she was eager to meet all the many dogs also being walked.

Maria is a writer by trade, and I highly recommend her Substack page (here, link 'cause I love). We sat on the grass in the shade for over an hour.

Time to head home and have dinner.

The evening sun glowing through the tower window. I've always loved that port cochere.

Whateley was unimpressed that I was home.

They got fed early, before I met up with Maria.

Barnabas was lounging weirdly again.

Buddy, are you resting your back legs on the pillow? You are weird little cat.

And then today, Wednesday! It was a good thing I had some outfits already waiting in the wings.

I didn't have the energy to do more than add jewelry before bed.

Silk tunic/dress - Sympli, consignment; last worn here in May 2025 as office pajamas
Skirt - GP & J Baker X H&M, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in May for a shop with Ariana
Boots - United Nude, consignment; last worn here in May with more neutrals

This is how I'd planned my outfit. Notice anything? Or...lack of anything?