Thursday, December 12, 2024

Non-Mom-Day - A Sporty and Sparkly Shop

Mom was feeling the cold this morning, so we cancelled Mom-Day so that she can recover and get her energy levels back up. There are more parties in her future, I hear! 

I spent a relaxing morning drinking coffee and reading, then decided to get some steps in and go shopping, and pick up a couple more little things for someone on my list. 
I am enjoying incorporating seasonal sparkle into my outfits - so why not add it to my sporty looks too? 

  • Puffer vest - Zara, consignment; purchased here for $35.00
  • Cropped fleece hoodie - Adidas, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in August over a vintage dress
  • Sleeveless blazer - Religion, consignment; last seen here over spiders and tulle in October
  • Mesh top - AWear, vintage 90s, thrifted; last seen here in January with Star Wars shoes
  • Skirt - Artelier Nicole Miller, consignment; last worn here in August for brunch
  • Sneakers - L'intervalle, consignment; last seen here in August for a trip to Powell River

I always build my outfits so that every layer works on its own. I'm wearing a total of 5 layers on my top half! 
I didn't take a picture of the long-sleeved orange/pink top on its own - but I did wear a camisole under it. 

I've seen folks rocking hoodies with lapeled blazers, so I played around until I found one in my closet that worked. 
I tried a plain black one, but I liked the stripes on the sleeves showing, so went with this sleeveless blazer instead. 

From there, I added my new-to-me cropped puffer vest. I really liked the little pops of orange here and there...the longer vest hanging down gave me access to its pockets.
Of course, the star is the sequined skirt! I felt so festive! 

I walked down Oak Bay Avenue like this, with my scarf tied to my purse.
My other hand is in my vest pocket, where I stashed my phone and gloves while I shopped. 

I had the option to pop the hood if it started raining, but I was lucky and it only spat. I did have my scarf done up thusly on the way home. 
I layered my purse under the puffer as well, to keep it from moving around. 

How did I feel about this outfit? 
Rock on, I loved it! 

Accoutrements:
A little more orange from Pierre. 

  • Leather purse - Zara, consignment
  • Silk scarf - Pierre Balmain, vintage, Mom's via Andrea
  • Studded leather gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff: 
 I chose these sneakers to go with the sequined skirt - the orange on the heel ties in with the puffer vest. 

Minimal sparkly bling: 
I didn't plan on trying anything on, so I kept my bits minimal. 

  • Brooch - Eaton's, c. 1999
  • Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
  • Silver/obsidian ring - consignment
  • Crystal earrings - thrifted

I hadn't been to House of Savoy for a while, so had a good look around and caught up with Emilie. I may have bought a few things for myself...but I also did get a couple of gifts crossed off my list. 

I've been looking for an Adidas bag for ages - this is a bag/knapsack and it's ginormous and puffy! 
There's a double handle at the top a ring for...something? and a U-shaped zipper pocket on the front. I spy a subtle Adidas logo.

The U-shaped section opens to a surprisingly large pocket! I could separate my shoes and my lunch containers. 
Also RAR! Doesn't it look like a big shark mouth?

The backside has knapsack straps, a small open pocket and a zippered pocket at the small of the back. 
You can also see toggles on either side - it can be expanded or pulled smaller. I carried my purchases home in it, wearing it as a backpack.

The top handles unsnap and then you unzip to open the main compartment. There's a laptop section, three mesh pouch-pockets and a rectangular flat bottom. This is bigger than it looks. 
Look out! The Great White Adidas Shark wants to eat all my things! Chomp, chomp.

Looks like it's 7 years old - September 2017. 
I couldn't find out much about it online. 

It's neoprene, with recycled plastic lining. 
I paid $60.00 for this - and a thank you to Emilie for the "stylist's discount". I encouraged a few people to buy things while I was there! 

Of COURSE this purse had to come home with me!  I'm a Libra! 
I love that Ed Hardy-pin-up vibe. The back of it is plain tan.

It's lined in turquoise cotton and has a small zip pocket. It does not fit my phone, so I'll need to ensure I have alternate pockets when I use it.
It's by Isabella Fiore ("beautiful flower" in Italian), and this purse is leather and is likely from the late 90s - there are a bunch of Zodiac-themed ones on the interwebz. I paid $35.00 for it. 

I had another black dress in my hand...I liked it...but then I realized I'd missed browsing the long dress section, so of course I had to look, and then I completely switched to this amazing sequined dress. 
It's far more rock and roll than the one I'd been contemplating, and it looks fabulous on me. It's snug at the hips, the V front and back sit just right, and it shows off my ink. What more could I want?

A raggedy hem and gunmetal grey sequins? YES.
I'll give the hem a haircut before I wear it. 

Wow, 100% silk, including the lining. 
And yet, hand-washable. 

I know this name - you can't go wrong with Obakki. This was made in Canada.
I couldn't find this specific dress online (it feels like mid-00s), but they have a similar non-sequined version called the Nancy dress that retailed for $425.00 (here), on sale for $212.50. I paid $70.00, which felt like a very good price. I am excited to wear this! 

On my way home, I stopped at Good Things Consignment to pick up a stool I bought for myself on my first shopping stop. My current closet stool takes up too much room and is tippy to stand on. This is a very sturdy stool and I love the faux fur padded top - Vizzini and I will have many cuddles on this! 
This was only $25.00. It's rather heavy - I got very sweaty carrying it home! I found this exact one online for over $200! Score! 

And now, my friends, I'm signing off for the weekend! Wishing you all calm, joy and love - take time to yourself if you need it and dress up if you're going out! I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure - thank you so much for dropping by! 

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Purple Popcorn, Bell Blanket and Knight Boots

Today's outfit was a cocoon - thick, soothing and comforting. 
It was also warm - bonus! 

  • Sparkly turtleneck - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here in November layered under orange
  • Top - Zara, consignment; last worn here in January with leopard denim
  • Skirt - Kokomarina, thrifted; purchased here for $19.95
  • Boots - Truths Teah, Fluevog; last seen here in February with PANK
  • Sleeveless coat - Only, thrifted; last worn here in November

I paired my purple popcorn top with this new-to-me bell-shaped wooly skirt. 
The skirt was wonderful to wear, and did not get in the way or vex me at all. It's a win! 

I layered a sparkly turtleneck under the purple top.
I wore my bracelets over the black sparkly sleeves, with the purple sleeves shoved up to my elbows - the second picture is the closest to how I looked. It's all in the styling! I was still figuring it out in the photos, which are done very quickly in the morning. 

Showing off my boots.
I love the shape of these - I could have walked to work in them, but carried them in a bag instead. Gotta be kind to my feet! 

Outerwear. The purple sleeves are too fat for most coats. 
I walk briskly, and was not cold at all. We've been lucky to have no rain for a few days.

Accoutrements: 
My purple beret is the oldest one I own - I've had it (and the gloves) for over 10 years. 

  • Fur scarf - thrifted
  • Wool beret - consignment
  • Leather gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff: 
These boots remind me of a knight's suit of armour. These are the same family as the red "elf" shoes I wore yesterday - note the toe and heel. 

Brutalist bling: 
I love these pieces - a bunch of gifts from L and Mom's ring.

  • Brooch - Sarah Coventry, vintage 80s, vintage fair
  • Necklace/cuff/bracelet - all Robert Larin, vintage 70s, vintage mall, gifts from L
  • Earrings - vintage mall
  • Square ring - thrifted
  • Volcano ring - vintage 70s, Mom's

Speaking of Mom, here she is sparkling away at her art group's Christmas party. She's the one on the left.
In addition to the crystals on her top, her gift glittered all over her! Her fellow artists now call her "Sparkle," I'm told.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Pink Light, a Column of Oatmeal and Floppy Roses

Hello, Gentle Readers! I managed to dash out for a Stair Pic this morning - I could tell it was a brilliant sunrise and hoped it would be conducive...
Not really - the fuzziness is my little camera struggling with the low light levels. 

  • Embroidered top - Frank Lyman, thrifted; last worn here in November 2023 with bellbottom cords
  • Dress - Magic Yous, consignment; last seen here in February with paisley
  • Shoes - Truth Pilgrim, Fluevog; last worn here in March with tulle
  • Suede coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment; last seen here in November

No adjustment necessary - the Castle was bathed in pink light. 
So pretty!

I stepped out to get a peek of more spectacular skies.
Lavender, pink, peach, yellow, and a trail from a plane.

My coworker Raj was surprised at my dress. "I thought you didn't do oatmeal?" Never say never, my friends.
The fabric of the dress is the key - click here to see a close-up of it. It's like velvet crossed with plush, and the base is stiff, like outdoor furniture fabric. And the dress is just a long up and down column, nothing to it. The edges are raw! 

Carrying on my tradition of wearing "bookends" of limbs and shoes with it. This sheer mesh top is fully embroidered with roses - it's gorgeous.
The floppy cuffs are cunningly placed ovals, meaning that they don't dip in food and toilets. Such good design! 

Outerwear! I'd forgotten that the dress causes low-level Velvet Rage...but only when I'm walking uphill home! I must take bigger steps or something. 
Don't let the pink light fool you - it's still averaging 5 degrees out there, not including the wind-chill. Brr!

Accoutrements: 
The toque and fur were wonderfully snuggly. 

  • Fur scarf - thrifted
  • Fuzzy toque - thrifted
  • Leather gloves - Roeckl, consignment

The stuff: 
My elf shoes, heh. These were my classic Fluevog heel for a long time - I've moved along many of my Truths family shoes due to that extra-pointy toe. But I still have a few! 

Minor bling: 
My red set - more roses! 

  • Red eelskin bird bracelet - vintage, consignment
  • Black eelskin hinged bracelet - vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Silver/onyx ring - Tocara, vintage fair
  • Silver/red stone ring - thrifted
  • Silver/red enamel ring - antique shop, Sidney
  • Earrings - Betsey Johnson, swap from Cat

Monday, December 9, 2024

Layering Sweaters and Matching Myka

I read about layering sweaters on Sita's Substack (here, link 'cause I love), and thought I would give it a shot. 
My wool turtleneck makes the perfect base for this very thin silk sweater, and makes it suitable for winter. Awesome! 

  • Silk-blend printed sweater - Etro, thrifted; purchased here for $46.95
  • Wool turtleneck - Lord & Taylor, consignment; first seen here (2nd outfit) under a leather slip dress for brunch in November
  • Skirt - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here in September with a "done" top
  • Shoes - Chanii B; last seen here in October with a pumpkin pleather suit
  • Coat (below) - Auckie Sanft, vintage 60s, vintage fair; last worn here in November

However, I will be putting my lovely Etro sweater into my spring/summer wardrobe - it fits better there overall.
I did love being snuggly warm all day - I wore an additional camisole under this too. Layers for the win! 

My Peak Black Leather Pencil skirt is such good quality. I confess, I have a few Peak Black skirts including Velvet and Black Grommet Leather...and that's just the short black skirts. 
I liked all of the tones of blue/teal, and purple/wine in this outfit. 

The big V-neck was the perfect opportunity to wear one of my jewelry sets. 
See? Necklace! I have my bracelets over my sweaters here - I hear the cool kids do this. 

The Fuzzy Flamingo is...fuzzy! 
I love all this colour! My turquoise glasses caught my coworkers off guard. Wait till I get my new ones! 

Accoutrements: 
I had to sneak my new scarf in there. 

  • Silk scarf - Remoy D'Urville, vintage, thrifted; purchased here for $12.95
  • Wool beret - consignment
  • Leather gloves - consignment

The stuff: 
Comfy t-straps in teal. These poor shoes have been worn a LOT.

Myka bling: 
L bought me the earrings and necklace one year for Christmas at local shop, Oscar & Libby's, and we spotted the matching bracelet on sale a year later. Myka Designs are all handmade in Vancouver, with Swarovski crystals, and have a lifetime repair program (link here). My pieces are over 15 years old, and they were not cheap - a necklace like this is now in the $300+ range.

  • Necklace/earrings/bracelet - Myka, gifts from L
  • Cuff - Myka, consignment
  • Gold/turquoise ring - consignment
  • Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Brooch - Eaton's, c. 2000
It's distinctive looking jewelry, and I've been lucky to spot a few pieces here and there in secondhand shops for a fraction of the original, like my cuff here.  

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Fancy Friday in Sequined Plaid; Saturday Shop in Houndstooth and Yellow

Welcome back, my friends! It was a quiet weekend for us - the last one of the year! - so we took advantage of it and (mostly) hid from the world. Oh, there was a bit of socializing on Friday night, and both L and I wrapped up most of our holiday shopping post-brunch on Saturday, but other than that...staying home. 

I met up with my long-time bestie Janet and our former crony Crystal for dinner after work on Friday.
Linking up with Shelbee and Nancy's "Good Buy/Good-Bye" feature! Hello if you're here from their lovely blogs! 

  • Dress - Ralph Lauren, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here for a Fancy Friday in October 2023
  • Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit) in September for Rifflandia
  • Leather jacket (below) - Banana Republic, consignment; last seen here in November

I wanted to be comfy for work, shiny for the season, and not carry my shoes/boots. 
This entire dress - other than the collar - is sequined with little O-shaped rings that overlap. 

They are smooth so no scratching on my arms or snagging my tights.
The dress is also lined, so it's utterly comfortable. Jammy dresses can be fancy too! 

Outerwear. 
A little red to pick out the stripe in the dress, and a bit more plaid. 

Can you ever have too much plaid? No! 
I walked to work like this, and was nice and snuggly. 

Showing the red top of my chapeau. 
The hat was marvelous - no hat-head! 

As we were leaving the restaurant later that night, a woman stopped me to say, "I just love your dress!" Thanks so much, random stranger!

Accoutrements: 
A good basic purse. 
  • Purse - Ispo
  • Scarf - thrifted
  • Hat - M'sieu Leon, thrifted; purchased here for $9.95
  • Wool gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff: 
Such good boots! I intend to wear these for a few decades. 

Gold bling: 
No actual gold was worn in this outfit. 

  • Red/gold bird eelskin bangle - vintage, consignment
  • Black/gold eelskin bangle - vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Brass leopard ring - thrifted
  • Brass/glass ring - Rafael Canada, vintage 70s, consignment
  • Earrings - Biko, consignment

Janet, Crystal and I had dinner at the Tapa Bar, and laughed and ate till we were stuffed, catching up on all of our lives.
"You should have been home right away!"


Little monster! L was also out with a friend in the early evening, but came home first to Feed The Beast. 

After an evening of music and board games, L and I fell asleep on the couch and then slept in, messing up our well-laid plans of an early breakfast and finishing up our Christmas shopping. 
So we were a bit later, but it all ended up fine. 

  • Sweater - Ralph Lauren, thrifted; last seen here in August with sequins for brunch
  • Skirt - Kate Spade thrifted; last worn here in November 2023 with green boots
  • Boots - Doc Martens; last seen here in November for a Mom-Day at her house
  • Coat (below) - Stormtech, thrifted; last worn here in November 

I only looked like this while at John's Place, having brunch with L and Nick. 
I dressed for comfort and joy - people out and about loved seeing all my colour and pattern. This skirt has been a favourite for several years. 

I mostly looked like this while I browsed in stores. My yellows made a lot of folks exclaim. 
I had my reusable totes in my purse, and I filled them both. 

Done up for the weather.
We had a mix of rain, clouds, wind and sun. Welcome to the west coast winter! 

Accoutrements: 
That fluffy plush scarf was far too warm. I'll have to remember only to wear it when it's really cold. 

  • Purse - Ispo, thrifted
  • Scarf - thrifted
  • Gloves - Thinsulate, thrifted
  • Hat - Delux, Saanich Fair c. 2009

The stuff: 
Easy shoes for the walk to town, several hours of shopping and then a trudge home uphill. 

Minimal bling: 
Just a few favourites. 

  • Fingerprint earrings - Daisung Kim, MoMA, thrifted
  • Silver/onyx ring - Tocara, vintage fair
  • Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
  • Silver Celtic S pendant - UK, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1996

While I was primarily shopping for others, I did find a couple of things I had to have for myself. 
I found this lovely bold pink sweater skirt at Flavour Upstairs. 

It's mostly wool - very soft. 
I've been leaning more to midi and maxi lengths in my skirts lately. 

This one is by St. John, and was $34.99. It says "Made in Mexico by St. John. Knit in USA."
I did not know this was such a pricey brand! I thought this was a bit expensive, but secondhand versions of it online run from $150-200+, and a similar (but shorter and no wool in it) one is on their site for $865.00! Wow! 

This wonderful deep green skirt features an asymmetrical pleated section on one side (front and back). 
It has a buckle at the waist and the tie hangs down. 

See? 
Uneven. 

It's by Zara - I found this at the Vend Collective for $39.00.
It originally retailed for $125.00 (Zara is this expensive?!) and I spotted a few online for $85.00+. 

I had a poke through Rich Rags, and was completely smitten with this neon tangerine puffer...thing.
It's a jacket? Without sleeves? 

It has one inside snap pocket. 
Thank you, anonymous designer! 

It has really deep armholes so add this to my collection of Outerwear To Be Worn Over Other Coats.
It also vibes really well with my Weird Adidas, so expect to see this in an fun sporty ensemble at some point. 

Another Zara! And hello, silly sizing. I'm a L in the skirt, but an XS in this. 
The original retail was $49.90 - this was $35.00 for me (thanks to the lovely owners who gave me a small "stylist discount"). 

I also tried on this strappy zip-front top. 
It feels like cotton.

I like that the straps are adjustable. You can also move the placement of the front straps, but that seems odd. 
The black is elastic to ensure a snug fit - there is also rubberizing at the front, I guess to keep it stuck to your skin? I won't be wearing this without something under it, be assured, Gentle Readers! 

It's by H&M. 
And it was $32.00. I couldn't find any copies of this online at all, so I'll assume it's early 00s.

L and I spent Saturday night - our last free one until the new year! - hanging out and playing board games while Vizzini snoozed on the pillow beside me.
"Napping is the best."


It absolutely is! And I hope you've all managed to find some down-time to hide away from the madness. 

Thanks so much for joining me, my friends! I'm now going to rejoin my little fam and chill.