Monday, July 8, 2013

Tiki in Summer

Another week - and it already feels long. Ah well, only 4 weeks to another long weekend.
I was challenged today by this skirt, which is of course, my tiki skirt (a Smoking Lily one-of-a-kind sample) which I last wore here in March. Why challenged? Because as I looked through my spring/summer closet (where y'all know that my fall/winter wardrobe is currently residing in Rubbermaid bins under my bed), I realized that although this skirt - being unlined and a fairly thin cotton - is a warm weather item, I don't have any warm weather tops or cardis or jackets to wear with it!

Perhaps it is indeed a closet orphan? I had planned a thin black sweater, but forgot that this skirt is big on me and sits on my hips, and I would have had much gaping of my waistal flesh (ugh, not my favourite look for me). I ended up wearing the same top as in the previous wear linked above.
Threw on a belt - 'cause that's how I roll (and I need somewhere to clip my mass of keys for work) - and voila. I last wore this top here in May with 70s kitschy kitchen colours.
I do love the zip on the back of the top.

The stuff:
Adding to my feelings of general disgruntledness about my outfit: these shoes are starting to fall apart! Gah! Fie on you, cheaply made shoes! The sole part is coming loose from the platform part. Overall condition is deteriorating. I have such a hard time finding stunner red shoes - it shouldn't be that hard to find them, but I don't like to buy shoes without seeing them in person and trying them on, and you know I have this whole "Shop Secondhand First" thing, as well as my "Buy Ethically" thing. It's just drama, I tell you.

Anyway, they still look all right - probably no one can tell they're not in perfect condition when I'm striding about authoritatively. I will not be happy when they finally fall apart. John Fluevog, please copy these shoes only make them better. Thanks.

Oh yeah, I last wore them here in May with another Smoking Lily skirt (with a skull on it).

Close-up of jangly stuff:
That was me tonight, that lady in chains and burning with flames. Our interwebz connection has been acting erratically (I suspect sunspots or some such universal mischief), so I've been fuming on the couch because I wanted to get this entry done so I can go to bed. L fixed it, thank goodness.

There. Did it.

Blouse (Michael Kors, consignment), skirt (Smoking Lily), shoes (Locale), belt (Le Chateau, consignment), necklace (locally-made, gift from L), cuff (thrifted), earrings (vintage Bakelite).

21 comments:

  1. I love your "tiki" skirt! Although why do you call it "tiki"?
    I only ask cos it means a totally different thing to me (as a New Zealander)!

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    1. It reminds me of the tiki statues/carvings I saw in Hawaii when I was a kid. Thanks for reading!

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    2. It makes sense; I thought the same thing when I saw the artwork of the aboriginal people of Taiwan. They are all Austronesian people!

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  2. Such lovely colours in this outfit! I really hope you can find winter tops to wear with the skirt, it's beautiful! :)

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  3. Could you pair it with a not-expected colour to bring the summer in? Tailor it to sit higher? It would be a shame for it to remain a closet orphan! Baby blue?

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    Replies
    1. I could tailor it, but I'm lazy. I loathe baby blue - it's a horrid colour on me. I have tried a LOT of things with it, believe me!

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    2. Really? I see your bright hair and all I want is a baby blue (ok, maybe I'm thinking more sky blue) scarf in it! Just shows you how perspective (camera vs. real life) changes things!

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  4. I actually LOVE it with the blouse, belt and blingage!! It's such a gorgeous skirt!1
    Is it possible to transition to cold weather werar with a slip and tights and boots?? Because it does look autumn-y!!

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  5. Oh, that skirt has all the colors and shapes I love. Sorry about the shoes, that's a drag, eh? But you look fabulous, and hooray for L, fixing the electrical stuff : >

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  6. While i think it looks good with this top, black would also rock - and I cannot blame you for not tailoring it, I also take forever to get things altered because i suck at doing it myself.

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  7. Hi Sheila!

    This skirt is a stunner you wouldn't say it's for colder weather-
    Oh well i guess you will have to go shopping-
    Bad when shoes deteriorate, bummer to have to find another pair especially when you liked the shoes!

    I get pissed when Internet acts up, Mr D fixes things as well!

    Hugs

    Ariane

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  8. Oh no! Sorry about the shoes. Maybe you need 2-3 summery shirts that would go with it? Keep it from being a closet orphan? It's such an awesome unique piece, I hate to think of it not getting worn as much.

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  9. Shame about the shoes - they do look good, even if the quality is poor...
    The skirt looks great with the orange blouse. Mustard, yellow or red - are they other options for a top?
    Loved your purple maxi in the last post, btw - trying to catch up on stuff I've missed! xxx

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  10. The skirt is very striking!

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  11. No tops to go with this multi-color skirt? So hard to fathom! Even the most recent 3 tops you wore on the blog (long-sleeve burgundy silk, cap sleeve deep red V-top, leopard cardi for a touch of pattern mix) would all go!

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    Replies
    1. Part of the problem is the low waist on the skirt - the leopard cardi for example, goes only as far as my natural waist. Great ideas!

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  12. If you feel up to risking a fix (if the shoes become unwearable) a tube of Amazing Goop is about $2 at Home Depot. I've used a thin layer to affix countless things, including putting a sideview mirror semi-permanently in place. I recommend giving it a try if you have nothing to lose. :D

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  13. The orange top really works with it - a longer length plus belt. You are just going to need to go thrift shopping again! I have some things that only work one way too - like low in the waist, or voluminous at the hips so they can't go with drapey things, gah.

    At least the shoes still look lovely, even if you can see the insides peeling, we can't!

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  14. You could wear this same outfit dozens of times and I still wouldn't tire of it - it's so gorgeous. I love the mix of patterns and your choice of colours. I guess a uni-suspender is not your thing to hoist that lovely skirt - too unfitted for your style. Obviously you've found a perfect work-around. I agree - try that Goop.

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