Hello, my friends, and welcome back! It's been a long, lazy, quiet do-nothing week, but I did get dressed a few times for the Did Something times. We celebrated L's birthday with a trip to Sidney, I made a scarf, and we had lunch with Mom - and of course, the adorable kittens are always present.
This is a long one, so grab a beverage and settle yourself in!
First of all, Happy Birthday, L!
Not a surly mermaid!
I dressed for comfort, warmth, and possibly trying things on.
It was also windy out, and I love swooshing when I'm out and about, so this silk billowy skirt called to me.
- Cotton jacket - Sasaki Art, consignment; last worn here in June 2025 with these same shoes
- Black cami - not tracked.
- Silk skirt - Essentiel Antwerp, consignment, Powell River; last seen here in March with floral
- Leather shoes - Miz Mooz, thrifted; last worn here in June 2025 when I wore this jacket
It was one of those days with heat but very cloudy.
I had bare legs and wee shorts under my skirt.
Whateley came in for a visit.
He matches the little skeleton cat pin on my lapel.
Barnabas came barging in mewing at me for hugs.
A certain birthday boy photobombed us!
Ready to go!
We drove out to Sidney, and parked the car, ready to stroll around and visit some of the awesome secondhand stores out there.
The stuff:
I'm done with these shoes - they are too loose on me, making the heel a bit dangerous for an ankle twist.
- Leather purse - Margo New York, thrifted
- Cat pin - whatserface, Vancouver
Silver bling:
My big silver bracelet was recognized at one of the shops we visited - I bought it last year when L and I ventured north.
- Silver S bracelet - consignment, Sidney
- Stone bracelet - vintage mall
- Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
- Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
- Silver earrings - Israeli, consignment
This is from earlier in the week - Barnabas watching me get ready to leave.
That's your towel, eh, buddy?
Whateley lounged under the benches.
Vizzini never went under them.
This is definitely Barnabas' spot.
My Grandma J would like that her chair is much-loved.
Two boys hanging together.
Barnabas does not share his chair.
And here's what I found in Sidney. We visited various thrift, consignment and vintage shops, from the very bare-bones thrift to high-end consignment.
First stop, a thrift store.
I liked these very sparkly crystals and the big black hoop shape.
The hoop is not removeable.
These were $8.00. I suspect they are from the 80s.
This sheer t-shirt was only $12.00.
It's by Tricotto.
One of the Beacon Ave Thrift shops always yields some treasures.
The print is dragonfly wings, and the cuffs are tied into bows! It's missing a button, so I'll raid my stash or move an existing one.
It's by Religion, a name I recognize from Turnabout.
Only $7.00? Crazy! This is probably from the early 00s.
This is a gorgeously bright orangey-red shirt.
All of that white pattern is embroidered!
Slits on the cuffs and at the hem.
There's a zip up the side.
It's by Talbots Petites, and it's a very small size 14.
It's 100% cotton - and only $10.00!
I bought these pink leggings for wearing around the house.
Good colour.
They're by Sweetlegs and as they had a yellow tag, they were half price.
These retail for $28.00. For me? $3.50.
This was my treasure. I did a double-take when I spotted it.
Now, THAT'S a vest. Gold buttons! Patchwork!
Don't get too excited - the back is black, but at least I expect that from a vest.
Corduroy, woven cotton trim, woven nylon pocket flaps (no actual pockets), Batik print and silk shantung.
Look at the four-leaf clover gold buttons!
One is missing, unfortunately.
I'll move the bottom button up.
The buttons are custom and marked "Oldham."
I recognized the name Todd Oldham as a famous American designer - this is his Times Seven line, started in the late 1980s. This is probably early 90s. Label research
here, about him (a good interview)
here. All links 'cause I love!
For only $9.00! I saw vests like this on resale sites for $200-300+! Amazing!
I did well in the necklace department at the same shop.
A really long tri-colour metal necklace. Doesn't it scream early 00s?
It's by Nine West (see the tag on the upper right).
It was $15.00.
I recognized this copper necklace as being a piece of Bell Trading Company jewelry from the early 1950s.
There's the bell symbol and "solid copper."
It was a bit dusty/grimy, so I gave it a gentle scrub.
I saw one online for $60.00.
This necklace just felt like good quality.
I've been looking for another shorter silver necklace - I like the crystal on the bottom.
It's not real silver, but it is marked FAC.
I know that stands for "Fifth Avenue Collection" as in Saks Fifth Avenue. $16.00 is a good price.
From there, L and I browsed in our favourite new vintage/antique mall store - the same one where I got my S cuff from.
I fell hard for this block bracelet, strung on chain, alternating with silver beads. The blocks are silver and onyx.
A good Taxco Mexico stamp.
This was $125.00 and L bought it for me (aw...). It's also marked "TM-87" - according to online reading, this means it's from Taxco, the artist's name started with M, and they were the 87th person with a surname with M. Not super-helpful.
I also really liked this bracelet.
Also silver and onyx, it reminds me of a bike chain.
It has an unusual clasp: a curved peg that goes through the hole, and then the "trap" that clasps it in place.
That mark is the only one - it's either 800 and a V...
...or an A and 008.
800 is a marking for silver purity (80% pure), not commonly used now. This was $95, and I bought it myself!
Here they are on.
Very cool - I'm excited to wear them.
I don't see mid-century silver earrings very much.
These are clip-ons - I like the abstract crown shape.
Ooh, that's a big juicy stamp, isn't it? I can read Sterling on the right, plus "Hecho en Mexico" in the circular part (made in Mexico), as well as 925.
But the UIV or VIV, and that bottom word...PLATANE? I don't know, but I paid $25.00 for these, which is an excellent price for all that silver.
I also picked up this little ring.
It's a bit tarnished (I polish my silver jewelry by wearing it, and rubbing it while it's on).
I could wear it here...
...but will probably wear it on my pinkie more. It was only $20.00.
By this time, L was flagging, so he found a bench and read/listened to music (he's always prepared) while I finished up the last few stores.
I found this faux fur hat in the Cat's Cradle thrift shop for $3.00. I'll pass it along to one of my friends, as it's a bit small on me.
Odds and ends from our day.
A Dolphins mirror! $35.00 is a little high for players we had to look up (not very famous).
At House of Lily Koi, L spotted this long leather trenchcoat in with the (very skimpy) selection of menswear.
Wow, it looks amazing! It was only $125.00 due to having no brand labels - it was made in Pakistan.
We had a late lunch at the Surly Mermaid Pub, then drove home and spent the evening relaxing.
Art Project Alert! Lavender scarf!
I also did this on week off (we're not being strictly chronological here, and really, all the days are rather blurry - that's how you know it's a good vacation). I took my $5.00 ball of wool, found on the Day of Indolence (
here - did you miss it?), and rolled it from the skein into a ball.
I took "Barnabas' chair" which displaced him and Whateley onto the floor, as you can see in the background.
I had lots of help.
Although Whateley did run off with the ball once before I properly rolled it, and they were both very interested in my project, the boys actually left it alone.
The wool's tag recommended size range 4-5 for the hook.
I have had this collection of hooks since I was a child!
My favourite 4.5 (made in England), and my original scissors.
Made in Sheffield!
I started by just chain-stitching a loop - about 80 stitches.
Then I did a triple crochet, two chains and repeat, making this square shape.
For a mohair blend wool, I wanted it to be fairly open.
Too tight and it would be far too warm to wear. I like this light, lacy look.
I crocheted it as a tube.
It's all free-form/free-hand. I don't use patterns.
Barnabas flopped on the tiles.
They like to sleep near us.
Whateley being a little goober.
He's full of mischief!
Once I started running out of wool, I connected the ends of the loop, making a donut or torus shape and creating a double layer for extra warmth.
It's a bit wonky, but eh, no one will notice when I'm wearing it!
As a soft thick scarf.
Right? Pretty cute!
And as a hood (the back is mostly open).
And now we put that away until it's cold enough to wear.
I chatted with Mom on the phone and Barnabas came to visit.
"Tummy rub! Now!"
What a sweet boy.
While Whateley completes another tub inspection.
Buddy, don't lick that!
On Thursday, L and I walked down to Christie's Pub to meet up with Mom for L's birthday lunch.
It was sunny and windy, and a little chilly, but I wore layers!
- Silk blouse - Zoe + Sam, thrifted; last seen here in February with burgundy to match my Schiaparelli scarf
- Skirt - Cydney Mar, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in May 2025 for a day of brunch and Winesday
- Sneakers - Steve Madden, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in May for my shop with Ariana
I layered a silk camisole (thrifted, not tracked) under this.
I also did wee shorts and bare legs (which is why I have ugly grey socks on).
A drive-by Barnabas sighting.
The boys are going to be unbearable once we are back to work next week.
The stuff:
L and I walked to Christie's and then strolled down to Turnabout for a quick browse.
- Leather purse - Coach, thrifted
Copper and silver bling:
I wore the same outfit (plus a scarf) out for dinner with my bestie Janet that night.
- Copper jewelry is all pre-loved, vintage fairs and expos, thrift and consignment, all vintage 1960s, unmarked
- Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
- Silver snake - c. 1985, BC Museum Gift Shop
- Silver ring - purchased above for $20.00
L digging into his bag of goodies (Mom got him Rogers raspberry creams, the chocolate-coated jujubes were for me).
L's wearing a new shirt I found on consignment for his birthday.
My two favourite people!
Mom's wearing a sandalwood and cloisonné necklace from Hawaii, and her sparkly top is a Laura purchase she hadn't worn yet.
Looking great, Mom!
So glad we were able to see you! I love you! Thank you so much for the yummy lunch!
I didn't expect to find too much at Turnabout, since I was just there a month ago (I like to go every 3+ months, so that the stock turns over).
However, this gorgeous moire-weave pleated skirt was marked down even further, and it looked awesome on.
The front part "unwraps" (although it's not a wrap skirt) to show the under section, with more pleats.
It's very rustle-y due to the stiff taffeta textile.
There's a built-in slip with a generous lace hem.
The lining feels like silk, but the content tag didn't indicate what it was. Could also be polyester.
However, the tag DID state that this is 100% acetate.
And "Made in Canada"! I was excited to see that!
It's by Dominique De Sentino, a designer I've never heard of. A 1999 article from WWD (Women's Wear Daily)
here, and of course, all links 'cause I love. She started in Canada in 1987 and sold through boutiques and private visits to her studio in Toronto.
I couldn't find much more about her! But the .com address on the tags and the overall "steampunk" style tells me this is probably from the early 2010s. It was $59.50.
I also found this wild top - the weird stitching and construction appealed to me.
The white parts are the selvedge edge of the fabric (you know I like a raw edge!) and the ties allow the top to be adjusted across the chest. It's very long, so I'll either belt it or let it hang down.
The back has lovely "pocket" detail down the spine.
It has very fine rows of gathering/pleating as the "stripes."
I am firmly in my Pleated Era, it would seem! This is by Petar, another label I've never heard of. It's apparently Petar Petrov, a Vienna-based designer who's been around since 2010.
The only other tag is a 100% polyester one, and I couldn't find any other "Petar" clothing, so maybe this is a very early piece by him? It also has that early 00s steampunk vibe. This was $125.99 - pricey! but that's what my hard-earned Limbo funds are for.
And now, leaving you to enjoy our last free weekend!
Whateley watches Barnabas from his usual lounging spot on Angus.
You like Angus, don't you, bud?
"This is my cow."
Barnabas watches all from his high perch.
"I love you!"
He sleeps up there for hours!
Well, my friends, that was a long one - I hope you enjoyed our quiet times and would love to hear which purchase range your bell. Thanks so much being here - there will be one more weekend post before I go back to my old work schedule.
Such a sweet boy! 
I wore a bunch of my new-to-me silver from the trip to Sidney. 
It was all excellent! 
I always look up from street level to see if I can spot them (not so far). 
He's adopted this chair too. 
She was keeping a close eye on me. 
...as I walked by.
I love the bold citrus orange colour of this shirt. 
They shimmer! 
We're almost getting to sandal weather! 
Getting in a first wearing of my silver/gold sparkly necklace. 
To be fair, it was close to the kittens' dinner time. 
I love Whateley's foot just laying on his brother's leg.
They aren't fazed by much. 
I kicked the shoes off at some point. 
I had to wear these massive earrings - they were great! 
