Maybe My Favourite Outfit?

Mom and I went for lunch today, plus I thought I was going for drinks after work (didn't happen), so I took the bus to give my feet (and knees) a rest. They feel much better!

Anyway, I spent a little time last night actually trying on today's outfit and deciding how to throw it all together, and I feel it paid off: This is the dress I wore last month here. Once again, it was deliciously floaty and cool, considering it was so hot today!

I found this amazing vintage slip in my favourite consignment shop last weekend, and knew it would look fabulous under the sheer dress. The flounded hem of the skirt needed to be shown off properly so I thought of pinning up a bit of the dress on the side with a brooch. I felt so clever.

I don't usually show my underthings, but this slip fits so perfectly (and covers everything). Check it out:

Isn't that beautiful in the waist? It was priced at $39 but it had a couple of wee holes in it, so Annie gave it to me for $24. The label says "Suzette Lingerie" - the only Suzette Lingerie I could find online was a costume place in Yonkers, NY.That looks like a vintage label to me, though, plus it has a metal zipper on the side. Definitely not new.

Now, normally, I would chuck on the red belt and that's that, but I didn't like the way it looked with the silver modern buckle at the waist with the rhinestone pin so close. I did like how the brown belt blended in with the dress, while still giving it waist definition, and also had rhinestones. So I moved the buckle off to the side to draw the eye to the pin on the skirt.

Then I felt really clever. I still wanted a bit more red with the outfit, so I wrapped the red belt around my wrist and made it into a cuff:
Then I put on my new shoes - Fergalicious by Fergie (ha!) - that I got last week for $45 on sale at the Bay (score).

I wasn't sure about them when I saw them, but Ruth convinced me. The style is a little "out there", but they are growing on me. I figured the best way to get used to them was not to have them as the main focus in the outfit. Next time!

The stuff:

Oh, sweet pythony goodness! These were super comfortable all day.

A close-up of the other bits:

The big belt buckle on the brown belt, the red belt/cuff, the pin (I pinned it on the diagonal on the skirt to give it a nice gather), and my mom's rhinestone clip-on earrings (liberated from her jewelry box in the 80s).

Dress (no label, consignment), slip (Suzette Lingerie, vintage, consignment), shoes (Fergalicious), belts (both Plum), pin (The Bay), earrings (Mom's, vintage 70s).

Casual Friday: Acid Wash and Snakeskin

Woo hoo! It's Friday and a long weekend (BC Day)! I am so happy!

Today's outfit brought to you by my acid wash denim skirt:
I swear, it'll make a comeback, wait and see! This is the second wearing of my fabulous snakeskin shoes (seen here). I got a lot of compliments on them today, including from a "fragrant" man on the bus.

Nothing really special about this outfit: a little vest (it will have to be replaced soon, as the fabric is pilling a bit on the sides), a little sheer top, and a belt.

The stuff:

The shoes are so darned cool. They've really grown on me.

A close-up:

Hee, I get such a kick out of the acid wash. My dear friend Cat made me that necklace.

Vest (Vero Moda), blouse (Noa Noa), cami (Plum), skirt (Cache, thrifted), shoes (Fergalicious), belt (Plum), necklace (handmade, gift from Cat), earrings (Plum, gift from L).

Get Back on That Fashion Horse

After yesterday's deep-fried oatmeal and pistachio disaster, clearly, I needed to regroup. I needed the fashion equivalent of comfort food (mmmm....food...comfort...). Basics, familiar colours and patterns, put-me-in-a-happy-place shoes.

No, don't make me look at that awful dress again!
Gadzooks! It's like a happy soupy stew of Sheila's Favourite Things. We've got brown and turquoise, something bigass, a dash of leopard, and some killer shoes.

See? Anyway, I do have fashion bad days, but you've just gotta get back in the game. Feel better? I do.

The stuff:

This is only the second time I've worn these earrings (last time here). They make wind-chime noises.

Sweater (Kersh), skirt (Kensie), shoes (Fergalicious), belt (Plum), cuff and earrings (Aldo Accessories).

Heh, She Said "Pants" Week - More Plaid and Some Yellow

Only one more day of Pants Week after today, and I'm saving the best for last tomorrow! I have Friday off for L's birthday - I'll include that outfit with my weekend post, which will include the dress for his birthday party. Woo! Party weekend! Can't wait!

Today, I wanted to wear this awesome yellow top that I got on the weekend: It was only $7 on consignment on the half-price rack. This jacket has been a good investment - it was $20 in late 2009 and I've worn it a bunch of times (last time here, here, here (check out the video of me and Inigo!), here, here and here.

The outside shot:

I love a patterned pant, especially a plaid. I actually don't own any striped pants (I have in the past, I just don't right now), but I would wear them. I last wore this pair here, for Leopard Week.

A shot of the top without the jacket so you can see the shape:

It's a fairly loose fit, but I like that a) it's sleeveless b) it's not too low-cut c) it can function like a camisole and d) it's washable! And it's going straight into the wash because my right armpit gets hot flashes (thank you, peri-menopause). TMI? sorry!

The stuff:

My cool shoes - I liked the mix of the snakeskin print with this outfit. You can also see a bit of the fold detailing on the shirt and the nice row of buttons down the front.

A close-up:

My mom's vintage 60s choker that she got "from some hippie" (ha!) and my own "vintage" early 90s earrings from a store I used to work at back in the day.

Jacket (Pelican Cove, consignment), top (Reitman's, consignment), pants (no label, Dots), shoes (Fergalicious), choker (vintage 60s, Mom's), earrings (early 90s, L.A. Express).

Labels...or No Labels - and A Long Weekend!

I don't think of myself as a "label whore." To clarify what I mean by that, I usually won't buy something just for the label or brand alone. When I shop I look for quality, and quality can be found in nearly every store, and at every price point. A "name" label doesn't guarantee quality of manufacture (whether of the materials or the ethics behind the manufacturing).

However, I have learned over many years (nay, decades!) of shopping that sometimes a name brand can be a good shortcut to quality. For example, I love finding second-hand Club Monaco* clothing because I know that a) the company is Canadian b) many of the pieces are made in Canada and c) they use high-end materials and pay attention to detail when the garments are made. No seam on a Club Monaco item I've owned has ever come undone; no hems have ever unravelled and no piece has ever shrunk funny when I've washed it.

When I shop in thrift stores, I know that if I spot a clothing item with a label on it that I trust, that piece of clothing is going to be a good investment.

I will admit, though, that sometimes seeing a "name" label at a cheap price just sends a shiver down my spine! Could it be a score?

*I have no affiliation with Club Monaco, receive no compensation from them and only mention them because I like their company and product.

Thursday - It Must Be Ralph

I found this dress by hand; meaning, I was scanning the racks at a consignment score and the colour caught my eye...and then the fabric caught my hand!
This dress is a rough-knit silk jersey. It almost feels like burlap, except that it's silk so it's soft and not scratchy. It was $28.00. It's a bit on the long side, but I'm envisioning it with some boots and a sweater in the cold weather.

Vizzini looks ready to attach my legs.

Outside:
Isn't the colour rich? I am in love with this olive green right now.

Speaking of labels...
I see by their website that Lauren by Ralph Lauren sells for about $130-160, so I think I got a good deal. I've bought RL before and have liked the quality.

I was perplexed about the size at first: 1X because the dress (although a little large) actually fits me pretty good. Then I noticed that it had been professionally altered: it's been taken in by about 2 inches on each side of the top.

The shoes are my Fergalicious ones that I found at the Bay last year (last seen here).

My belt is a cheap one; not leather, but I like the style and it's nice and soft. The cuff was handmade from a local designer and artist.

I like to mix in some vintage:

My Grandma J's leaf necklace. I love wearing it. I actually forgot to pack earrings with this outfit - my lobes felt naked all day!

Now, this isn't normally "that" sort of blog, but I had to show my vintage slip:

I got this in a thrift store for $12.95. I love vintage slips. They are usually nylon, easy to wash and are beautifully tailored. This one kept me nice and snug in my freezing office all day, even though my arms were bare.

Dress (Lauren by Ralph Lauren, consignment), cami (Plum), slip (vintage, thrifted), belt (Le Chateau), cuff (SkinznHydz), necklace (Trifari, vintage 50s, Grandma J).

Friday - Sucked in by a Label

I have to admit, when I pulled this top off the rack, it was because I saw the label first:

The only Chanel I have ever owned was a bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume that my ex bought me. I used it to keep Othello from scratching our couches (it didn't work, but our house smelled nice!).

I tried the blouse on because of that label, and I liked how the blouse looked:

Vizzini was actually going under my skirt. He then proceed to try to climb my bare leg. What a devil!

The blouse was $25.00, which is not too bad. But would I still have bought the blouse without that Chanel label? I don't know...I might have hesitated. It was probably the deciding point on buying it. Does that make me a label whore? Do I care? Ha!

Seriously, I do think this is a lovely blouse. I love the blush pink colour, and the wrinkly fabric reminds me of overblown poppies. I also like that it shows off my tattoo a bit at the back:

All of the black lines on the top are elastic: the three at the waist and the one around the neckline (the neckline pulls down to an off-the-shoulder look which I am going to do at some point, just maybe not for a Casual Friday at work!).

I wanted to counter all that ruffliness with something bold so I went with my dark denim mermaid skirt (last seen here). I also wore my little short cowboy booties (these ones) which I'd sort of forgotten about.

I had to cover up for work so I donned my trust boyfriend blazer:

I wore it all day, and it's another example of a brand that I trust when I'm shopping. I met up with L and friends after work for dinner and took it off.

Jacket (Banana Republic, thrifted), blouse (Chanel, consignment), skirt (InWear, consignment), booties (Miz Mooz).

And now it's the weekend...the long weekend! Happy BC Day to my fellow West-coasters and Mainlanders, and happy [insert your province] Day to my other Canadian friends! I took Tues/Wed off this week, so I have some extra days - woo!

Saturday in Black and White

This morning, I went to WW:

This outfit is a good example of finding quality that's not attached to a brand name. I found this top in 2009 and I've only worn it three times, exactly a year ago, here and here. It's a nothing name brand; never seen it before, never heard of it, never seen it since, but it's great quality and it's tailored really nicely.

This is my eyelet skirt that I just got (see here). It has no label at all, as someone removed it prior to dumping it off in a thrift shop. I was attracted to the good quality cotton, the three different patterns of the eyelet and the good cut. I would have bought it regardless of the label, if it had one.

L and I went for lunch today, and since it was sunny (!!) I wore a my thin corduroy jacket over it all: I tend to shy away from Gap items (although not Banana Republic, same company, how hypocritical of me!) because I find a lot of their clothing is not the best quality, but it's interesting that I still have many Gap items in my closet...ha ha. I rarely venture into Gap stores, because I don't like that all their clothes are made in China, although I seem to have no issue with buying them second hand!

Jacket (Gap, consignment), top (I.N. San Francisco, consignment), skirt (no label, thrifted), shoes (Kenneth Cole Reaction, consignment).

How do you feel about labels? Will you buy something just for the brand? Do you only buy certain brands, and if so, why? Has a brand label ever convinced you to buy something even though you might not have if it didn't have that label?

Food for thought...have a happy weekend!

Weekend Wrap-Up: Tricky Colours and Weird Adidas; Snakes in the Garden, and a Wee Shop

So good to see you, my friends! It was a lovely, relaxing weekend and I'm eager to get back to doing nothing - I sorely need it. It wasn't much of a Bigass Weekend, but that was totally fine with me. 

Here's Friday's funky look, based on wanting to wear my new-to-me leather jacket. 

You know I couldn't throw it on over just anything. You have to plan for bold coats! 

• Cotton sweater - Sonia Rykiel, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in November 2025 in a very layered outfit
• Abstract print top - handmade, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here in December 2025 with wavy jeans
• Tulle skirt - Adidas, consignment; last worn here in December 2025 for a shopping trip with Emma
• Shoes - Groovy Aubrey, Fluevog; last seen here in December 2025 with lots of blue and orange
• Leather coat (below) - Naturel, consignment; purchased here for $125.00

I landed on the shoes immediately - they're a perfect match to the orange in the jacket - but then I realized that I really don't have a ton that goes with this bright citrussy orange in my fall/winter wardrobe. 

"I'm stretchy!"            "I'm ignoring you."

When in doubt, go with black! And since the jacket has a white zip, black and white...it had to be the Weird Adidas tulle skirt, of course. 

I had a good look through my closet for a top, and went "aha!" when I spotted this abstract top in my drawer of small tops. All the matchy shades! 

See? Tricky colours! And I have bright purple hair, what a clash, ha ha. It's good to be lavender again - it will fade out to that nice icy purple within a week or so. 

"Stretchy stretchy!"          "You're embarrassing yourself."

I layered leggings under the skirt and a long-sleeved thin sweater under the top. 

Incognito. This jacket will probably overlap better with my spring/summer closet. Leather is always "shoulder season" anyway. 

I regret not actually wearing the hood (it didn't rain while I was outside). 

The stuff: 

I walked to work in these, and hopped a bus home. 

• Silk scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
• Studded leather gloves - Danier Leather

Bold bling: 

After my recent jewelry escapades, I was terrified that I'd lose one of my clip-on earrings - I popped them into my bag for the bus ride home. 

• Bakelite cuff - consignment, Sidney
• Carved faux cinnabar bangle - consignment
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
• Silver/turquoise ring; purchased here for $58.00
• Silver earrings - Brenda Schoenfeld, 1992, vintage mall
• Silver/onyx necklace - Mexican, consignment, Powell River

Oops, forgot the belt. 

I liked how it went with the top.

• Belt - Fluevog

I hope you don't mind the uncropped pics - I enjoy that the boys want to hang out with me in the morning while I get ready for work. 

"I'm blurry!"

Barnabas is still rather squirmy! 

L was out Friday night, so I had visions of me snuggling with two happy kitties, but no, instead, they tore around like demons, leaping from chair to chair, attacking the curtains and begging for play-time. 

"I'm a leaper!"         "You are certainly something."

Barnabas, what the heck are you doing? 

"I'm an acrobat!"

I played with them until they were worn out! 

On Saturday, L and I headed off to brunch at John's Place followed by a quick look around the Beacon Ave Thrift Shop next door. 

The sun turned them into a glowing ball, but I built the outfit around these bright yellow boots. 

• Shirt - Denver Hayes, consignment; last seen here in January under a tiger sweater
• Wool sweater - MO & Co., thrifted; last worn here a year ago in February 2025 with grey tweed
• Asymmetrical pleated skirt - Zara, consignment; last seen here in January with neons
• Boots - F-Trip Etta, Fluevog; last worn here in January for a Star Trek brunch
• Suede coat (below) - Prosper & Devine, vintage mall; last seen here (4th outfit) in September 2025 for Rifflandia

Pink, green and yellow are totally spring colours! 

This deconstructed pink sweater (note the shoulder "slash" and the pieces hanging off on one side and both cuffs) only works with a top under it. This white shirt does the job. 

I'm laughing in most of these pictures at Barnabas, who started into his MEOW and roly-poly routine in front of L. "Does he always do this?"  

"I'm a blog-cat!"

Such a goof-ball. 

I'm fond of this green skirt with the long section of pleats. 

I relented and picked him up.

"I hear beeping!"

I'd originally planned to wear my big long pink/black coat cashmere/wool coat, but it covered up too much of the outfit and was the wrong shade of pink. I switched to this fun fringed jacket, which hadn't been worn in ages. 

You can barely see them, but I knew my double-layered tights were there. 

Add a purse and another pink-yellow thing, my McQueen skull scarf. 

This is how I looked in the grocery store afterwards. Snazzy! 

I shook my fringe for anyone who commented on the coat. 

Right? Gotta spread that joy! 

The stuff: 

These things just make me smile. That purse reminds me of the Winesday Vancouver trip back here, gosh, nearly 3 years ago! 

• Plastic purse - vintage 90s Paris Expo, Hermes copy, thrifted, Vancouver
• Silk scarf - Alexander McQueen, consignment

A flower.

I've had this yellow brooch for a long time - I bought it c. 1999 to wear on a soft black cloche hat for Robert and Desiree's wedding at the Oak Bay Beach hotel. 

• Flower brooch - Roberta's Hats, vintage 90s

Snake bling: 

People loved all my snakes. 

• Snake coil bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
• Gold-tone bangle - thrifted
• Snake necklace - vintage 90s, vintage expo
• Green stone/silver ring - thrifted
• Silver Scandi ring - consignment
• Silver poison ring - Karen's
• Snake earrings - Betsey Johnson, gift from L

I don't think I've ever worn this necklace like this - I liked it! 

The thrift shop had a massive sale, but as always, I'm on the lookout for the good stuff.

These sandals are a great colour, look barely worn, have a walkable heel and are in my size. 

They're by Fergalicious by Fergie (she of the band the Black-Eyed Peas), and I remember this brand being sold at The Bay department store in the 2010s. I bought a pair new on sale here in July 2010 for $45 (that "out there" outfit looks so tame to me now, haha).

A good summer sandal! 

I admit it, I was fooled. I thought they were leather! They really do look and feel like leather.

Well, we'll see how they last. I'll only be out $3.00 if they don't work. 

I spotted this sparkly blue top as I was waiting for L to pay for a new green shirt, a book, and two CDs (for under $8.00 total). 

It looks just like my Jessica purple one that I just wore here last week. I LOVE the cerulean colour, and yes, it is SPARKLY. 

I was surprise to see that it was 80% silk! 

And washable too! 

It's by Nygard, and the less said about that horrible person the better. 

The top was half price, so $8.00. 

I read in bed in the morning, and someone purry came to sit with me.

Hello, little buddy. 

He got comfy and showed off his undies. 

"I'm happy!"

He is indeed a very happy boy. 

Whateley joined me while I put my face on. 

"I can't decide. Do I smash your lipsticks into the bin, chew your brush or run off with your glasses?"

How about none of the above, you little monkey! 

Well, there you go, my friends! Sending you blue skies and sunshine wherever you are! Thanks so much for being here.