Zebra and Reds

Oops, I just realized I forgot to put my lip gloss on before I took my pictures this morning - I really do have lips! 

Second wearing of this rusty-browny-red sweater (last seen here with blonde hair and my swooshy painty skirt). I played with tones of reds with this outfit, with the bold skirt to ground them.

Would you believe the skirt is acting as a neutral?

An encore presentation of the zebra skirt (last seen here with denim-blue and cream, and purple shoes!), pairing it with reds, as I noted last time that I'd never worn it with red.

The shoes are more of a cherry red - they don't match the browny-red of the sweater, nor do they match the pinky-red of the camisole I'm wearing under it.

But they go! They are of course my Teapot Senchas, last spotted here with a bustle and candy-cane stripes.

I am still really stiff from the race on Sunday - moan, groan. On the plus side, my lip and nose are feeling better. I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit your blogs - things have been a little nutty (major understatement) the past few weeks.

But I digress. Stuff:

A nice reddy-brown in the cuff, and red glass beads in the vintage 70s choker.

Sweater (Bandolino, thrifted), skirt (Plum), shoes (Sencha Teapots, Fluevog), cuff (SkinZnHydez), spoon bracelet (About Tine), choker (Mom's, vintage 70s).

Jumping for Joy and Coral Silk

Thank you all for your good wishes, sympathy and empathy - I am feeling a whole lot better. My nose and lip are now all scabby, and I don't have black eyes! Hurray for quick healing!

In other exciting news, I did really well in the big 10K race yesterday. Out of a field of over 400 men and women in the Competitive Walk category, I placed 2nd with a time of 1:10 (keep in mind, I WALKED), only 3 seconds behind the first place finisher (a woman who is 10 years younger than me, trains competitively in racewalking and has won medals in the World Masters...not that I'm making excuses!). She and I actually did the last 4K together, and she kicked on a burst of speed - left me in the dust. I was the top finisher in the Masters category (men and women), and I won the gold medal in my age category! 

Woo hoo! I am pretty proud of myself. I am pretty creaky today in the hips and legs. I thing all your good vibes helped - so thank you again!

Anyway, onto today's outfit. I worked late again tonight (but the newsletter is now done), and I'm hungry.

First wears for this swirly coral silk skirt (purchased here last weekend for $19.99) and the Jump for the People shoes (purchased just this past weekend for $25.00).

I loved the silky swooshiness of the skirt - I did wear a half-slip under it, and the bottom half started to get a little static-clingy on my legs. Otherwise it was good. I'm not shortening the skirt - I actually like this length.

The shoes were ultra-comfy! It felt like I'd had them for years. I actually really like this grey/bone shade - it's a good neutral.

Feel free to weigh in on the skirt and shoes - I want to hear what you think!

It's also the first outing for the polka dotted scarf, so I just pulled all the colours of that into the outfit, added the neutral shoe and voila! Easy-peasy.

The brown satin blouse was only worn once in the June 2012 all-neutral capsule (recap here), and I noted back then that it was due to my poor planning. It's been a wardrobe staple and classic for me since I first got it back in about 2009.

The jacket was worn 4 times in the August 2012 capsule (recap here). I like all the studs on it.

The stuff:

I like that the scarf is long and skinny, instead of a square. I'll have to wear it in my hair at some point.

Jacket (Bianca Nygard, thrifted), blouse (Esprit), skirt (no label, vintage 80s), shoes (Jump for the People, consignment), scarf (Esprit, thrifted), belt/chain bracelet (Club Monaco), leaf bracelet (About Tine), earrings (Plum).

Periodically Awesome, Sometimes Chartreuse, Robotic and Roses and Wonder Woman

Well, it's been a while! Thank you all for your patience - my life has been crazy lately. I worked again late on Thursday night and just couldn't contemplate blogging when I got home; I totally crashed. And on Friday, things got seriously bloody (you've been warned). Today, I have to mellow...because I have the annual big 10K race tomorrow! 

Anyway, I'll try to get caught up on your blogs soon (hello to new readers and commenters!), but as we go through this, I think you'll get why I need to chill this weekend.

So, without further ado, here's Thursday. 

Wearing my lovely black wool circle skirt again (last time here when I bowled in it!).

In keeping with babying my feet this week, my nearly flat turquoise Fluevogs were perfect with the shape of the skirt.

I last wore them here with green, magenta and cobalt blue. I like how all the little turquoise bit get to pop off the neutrals here. I do love my colour, but neutrals and I are no longer sworn enemies!

Of course, I would never own "just" a grey cardigan. Mine is awesome.

It's the Periodic Table of Awesome cardigan! It returns! It was worn 3 times during the July 2012 (recap here), including one time when I wore it backwards.

Here's the design:

It's Smoking Lily. There's our old friend, molybdenum! Also, spores.

The stuff:

The first wearing of my Raven's Roost Scrabble tile earrings, and still getting lots of wear out of my Wendy Brandes ring.

I put in another 12 hour day on Wednesday, and finished the newsletter (yay!), after spending two hours editing and an hour and a half getting frustrated by not being able import it into my desired format. Arg! I was so exhausted when I got home that I crashed on the couch with L. Off to bed early!

Cardigan (Smoking Lily), cami (InWear), skirt (Nygard, vintage, thrifted), shoes (Prepare Guides, Fluevog), belt (Bianca Nygard), bracelet (Fossil), earrings (Raven's Roost), lapis lazuli ring (Wendy Brandes), crystal ring (Oscar & Libby's).

I woke up still exhausted on Friday morning, but you know, when you need to fake it, wear a dress!

This is the second wear of my lovely chartreuse dress that I bought in Vancouver (first worn here with leopard, trying to be sedate, heh heh).

It's the first wear of my new-to-me Teapot Darjeeling Fluevogs.

They were a great fit (even in a size 10) for me. I'm normally a size 9-9.5, but I know from experience that Fluevog's sizing is highly erratic (I own a size 8 in a pair of boots!). Based on the other pair of Teapots I have (which are 9.5s), I knew I'd be good with a slightly bigger size, especially since they can be done up a bit snugger with the laces across the top.

I walked to a downtown restaurant and back in them, and they were quite comfortable. A very little rubbing on one heel, but that will soften up (the shoe, not my heel). My boss, the VP, took all of the Admins to lunch to celebrate Administrative Professionals' Day (it was on Wednesday, but I'm not quibbling!). We had some great food (and even some lovely sangria!).

This dress was great for a day when I needed to feel like I was in pajamas.

The top half of it is lined, but the bottom isn't, so I wore a vintage half-slip underneath.

The stuff:

I love cobalt blue with chartreuse so I did lots of pops of cobalt, including my awesome obi belt by Megan Mae.

I could have worn cobalt blue shoes too, but I wanted to wear these right away.

Love that. "Serve and Be Served".

More pops of blue.

My Wendy Brandes ring again, my enameled ring from the Louvre and blingy chartreuse ring, plus earrings that one of my coworkers called "cat bait" - Vizzini did want to bite them. The bracelet is one of Mom's from the 70s.

Dress (Cici), obi (Megan Mae), shoes (Teapots Darjeeling, Fluevog, second-hand), earrings (Plum), bracelet (Mom's, vintage), lapis lazuli ring (Wendy Brandes), enameled ring (Louvre gift shop), green stone ring (consignment).

After work, I raced home and changed to go meet up with a bunch of friends for dinner, followed by a Robot Burlesque show. I felt very visible.

It was a bit windy

This will be my entry for this week's "Visible Monday" on Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. I wore this out in daylight (scandalous!), on the bus, walking downtown. People very studiously avoided looking at me (but I knew they were).

I spiked up my hair, and put on my robot best.

The jacket was worn 3 times in the February 2012 capsule (recap here). I love how the neckline goes, and that it has belt loops around the hem.

The pewter leather skirt was last seen on New Year's Eve 2013 (here).

It has just a hint of a train at the back, and is a very slim cut, so I have to take small steps when I walk. This came into play (foreshadow alert) later in the evening.

Boob shot!

I wore a vintage lace-trimmed full slip underneath to keep everything nice and smooth, and to ensure waistal region coverage. No one needs to see my tummy!

I like secret elements in an outfit, like these rose-edged knee highs.

What a sexy back seam! I knew they were there (and I might have hiked my skirt up a few times to show them off).

I wore the same shoes. Still comfy! I felt a bit over-dressed out in the sun, less so at the restaurant, and even less so once we were at the venue for the burlesque. We had a great time and headed home early (before midnight).

The stuff:

My zipper rose, skull earrings, and an assortment of rings. Badass!

Jacket (French Connection, thrifted), skirt (BCBG Max Azria, consignment), shoes (Teapots Darjeeling, Fluevog), zipper rose pin (Victoria & Albert Museum gift shop), crystal ring/red stone ring (Oscar & Libby's), snake ring (homegrown vintage 80s), spoon ring (About Tine).

So...L and I caught the bus home, and the bus stopped a ways from the curb...and I fell off the bus. I thought I could make it, but I did not. I was a little tipsy, I admit, and the step in my restricting skirt was just too big. I landed on my knees, which were thankfully protected by the leather skirt! They would have been just shredded by the concrete sidewalk.

I did a full face-plant on the sidewalk!

Stop reading here if you are squeamish about blood.

I mashed my upper lip, split the top of it, and smooshed my nose. Thankfully, I did not knock my teeth out (I have two fake front teeth from when I knocked them out when I was 17), or even bang them. However, my nose started bleeding - and it was gushing blood. My hands were covered, and I dripped all over the sidewalk and on my leather skirt.

I was of sound enough mind to determine that other than my "sidewalk kiss" and some blood that I was okay and didn't need an ambulance (the bus drove off at this point), and L and I carefully walked home. I got cleaned up, wiped all the blood off my skirt (it came off beautifully) and rinsed the blood out of the cuffs of my jacket (also fine). I washed the blood off my face and tumbled into bed.

Okay, you can start reading again.

My upper lip and nose are puffy (it's not broken, but I might get slight black eyes), and the cut on my lip isn't too bad. I'll survive. I am pretty strong. I also do this quite often. I've wiped out on sidewalks downtown, while crossing roads, fallen down stairs, etc. I'm very clumsy that way. I suppose I will be one of those elderly ladies who breaks her hip at some point.

Anyway, I'm fine, and ibuprofen is helping to bring the swelling down. I hadn't planned to play Ultimate today because of the race tomorrow (of course, I'm still doing it!), so I slept in for a bit, then dressed to go for lunch with the crew who did play.

This is a Smoking Lily dress that was featured twice in the April 2012 capsule (recap here), worn over my Christian Dior half-slip and a vintage 80s cami.

The obi is also Smoking Lily - I highlighted the greys in it instead of the magenta on the flip-side.

Looking a little puffy, but gamely carrying on!

I did an adjustment to the waist of the slip after I saw this shot. I didn't hang out this much after that.

The shoes are my purpley-grey Chie Miharas, last seen here with floral and coral.

Sweet Ally at Shybiker did a tribute to Wonder Woman in her post today and dedicated to me. Here's my Wonder Woman pose for you, Ally!

We've been reading each other's blogs for years and years (I'm coming up on my 5th anniversary, and she's not far behind). We Wonder Women recognize each other!

Dress (Smoking Lily), obi (Smoking Lily, consignment), shoes (Chie Mihara).

After lunch, I strolled home, and stopped at a consignment store along the way. I found these amazingly comfortable neutral "nude" shoes for only $25.00! They are by Jump for the People.

Considering they sell new for over $100, I thought that was good. The heel is a comfortable 2", and I love that the back comes up and cups my heel.

Here they are on: 

Nice ass, cat.

These will replace my previous pair of nude shoes which are too high for my feet - these ones. I only wore them twice in the October 2012 capsule, and noted in the recap that I was on the fence with them, but would replace them once I found some that were as nice. I think these fit the bill nicely.

Well, I had an adventurous weekend! How was yours?

Painty Skirt the Second and a Butterscotch Velvet Jacket

Ah, you guys are so polite - I don't even have to have a poll up on yesterday's outfit to know the skirt or the outfit isn't ringing your bells. That's cool, though! I'm the one who wears my clothes and I like to hear what you all think, even if it's not "I love it!" (doesn't that get boring after a while?).

Anyway, I predict this outfit will rank more favourably.

Oh, so many hours ago...I just finished putting in a 12 hour day and all I want to do is crash on the couch and watch American Idol (guilty pleasure, plus Keith Urban is yummy). I write the newsletter for our West coast branches and it's due this week - I can't work on it while I'm doing my job, because writing while being constantly interrupted is nearly impossible. So much work involved. I'll probably be doing another 12 hour day tomorrow.

But let's stop with the whining and get onto this outfit.

This is my new-to-me velvet jacket, purchased this past weekend at the Salvation Army for $7.99 (here), paired with my floral painty skirt (last seen here with purple shoes).  I love all the buttons down the front of the jacket.

I just adore the little peplum in the back of the jacket. It echoed the swooshiness of the skirt in a most delightful way.

So, what do you think of the jacket? I bet it ended up at the Sally Ann due to the colour - it's a tricky one for some. If I had one nitpick about the jacket it would be that it has no pockets. I would love a little hidden pocket in the front.

The stuff:

The un-murdered-by-Vizzini Wonders Ayers, last seen here with my patchwork skirt.

My sparkly necklace and earrings set.

They are by Myka, a Vancouver company. I have a matching bracelet too. L bought me this set from Oscar & Libby's a few years ago for Christmas. It's lovely and heavy - all handmade. The crystals are Swarovski.

Jacket (Gap, thrifted), skirt (Corey Lynn Calter, consignment), shoes (Wonders Ayers, Fluevogs), necklace/earrings (Myka, gift from L).

Mint Green, Ghost Grey and Tiger Stripes

Real spring has settled in finally: it's freezing cold in the mornings and lovely and warm by the afternoon. 

So of course I wore wool and cashmere - of course!

This lovely mint green cashmere sweater was worn twice in the October 2012 capsule (recap here), making this its third wear. I have a thin vintage camisole on under it to keep everything nice and opaque.

The skirt is new-to-me and this is its first wear. I bought it back here in January at the Hospice Thrift Store for $2.00. Two dollars! That's awesome. It's by Bianca and is 100% wool, but it's a very thin summer-weight wool (not fuzzy or scratchy at all). You just touch it and you can feel it's quality.

It is quite high-waisted (with belt-loops) but otherwise a perfect fit on me. I'm sure it's from the 80s, as it's marked size 12. I used to have another grey skirt just like it, but it was a cheapy Le Chateau one that I got rid of years ago.

Thoughts? Tell me what you think of this skirt! I will be wearing it a couple more times to fully test it out. On the wearability and comfort side, so far it's positive.

The shoes:

My wonderful tiger-striped kitten heels, featured in the May 2012 capsule challenge (worn 5 times! recap here). That green trim never photographs the right colour.

And because I'm in a bit of a hurry, I can't be bothered to take my rings and stuff off to take a pictures, so you get my veiny hands.

New bracelet, honkin' green ring.

Spinner ring:

I usually wear a minimum of 4-5 rings. I wear my 3 gold ones daily, don't take them off (wedding ring, anniversary ring, vintage pinky ring). It's hard to find rings that are small enough for my fingers, so I end up wearing them on my index fingers.

Standard leaf earrings:

Since I lost one of my diamonds, I wear the matching hoop to the one L wears.

Sweater (Daniel Bishop, consignment), skirt (Bianca, vintage 80s, thrifted), shoes (Hale Bob), earrings (Plum), bracelet (About Tine), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl), green gem ring (consignment).

Christmas in April - and New Teapots

I was told by at least three people at work today that I looked Christmassy. Yes, I get it. I'm wearing red and green together.

Insert rolleyes here, why don'tcha?

This is my second wearing of the Emerald Green Dress of Checkerboard Awesomeness, last seen here with a similar colour palette (red shoes, black obi) for the Billy Bragg concert earlier this month.

My red cardigan was worn twice in the October 2012 capsule (recap here).

 I quite liked how the orangey-yellow of the shoes went with the roses in the dress pattern.

I last wore these shoes a week ago here with hot pink tights. As I mentioned before, I'm in the big 10K race this Sunday and I need to baby my feet this week. All these heels are not good for race-walking.

The stuff:

Love the leather obi. The black rose bracelet is one of those cheapass things that just keeps hanging on.

As promised when I bought this dress, here's a close-up (albeit blurry) of the pattern.

Don't you love the dear little black and white buttons? I love the weird checkerboards and roses too.

Dress (handmade, vintage 70s, thrifted), cardigan (no label, consignment), shoes (Tsubo), leather obi (consignment), earrings (The Cobbler), bracelet (Le Chateau).

Okay, you all know I'm a just a *bit* of a Fluevog junkie, right? Just a little. Well, on the Fluevog website is this thing called the FlueMarket* where you can buy, sell or swap used Fluevogs. It's a great way to find discontinued styles or find a good deal on a gently-worn pair. I like to sort by my size and then browse and see what's available. Some of them are really pricey, but every so often, you might find a deal.
*linking 'cause I love - no benefit to me

I found a pair I had to have - they are my 22nd pair of Fluevogs. Welcome Darjeeling Teapots!

I totally will, Erin!

The seller is Erin, who doesn't have the type of job that allows her to wear her dressy shoes anymore, and she's going back to school and selling off some of her Fluevogs. I got these for only $90 plus shipping - and Erin is in Ontario, so the shipping wasn't too expensive. Happy to contribute to her continuing education!

This is my second pair of shoes in the Teapot family - the other ones are my Sencha Teapots (seen here), which I bought in a size 9.5. These Darjeelings are a size 10, but they are very narrow (I have narrow feet) and due to the leather lace-up across the vamp, they can be snugged up a bit. I was thrilled to find that they fit perfectly.

Look at the lovely heel. It looks like a teapot spout.

So excited! I have been wanting a really fabulous black shoe that didn't have too high of a heel. Now...I just need to keep Vizzini away from them - he will eat the laces for sure, little bugger.