Birthday Long Weekend Blast: Plaidsday, Birthday Suit, Brunch Stripes, Double-Dress Party

For my fellow Canucks out there: Happy Thanksgiving long weekend! And for me: Happy Birthday! 

It's been a crazy last 3 days! Starting here with Thursday's outfit, which features three of my favourite things:

Edit: Whoa! I nearly forgot to link up to Patti's "Visible Monday" over at Not Dead Yet Style! Get goin'!

• Blouse - CABi, consignment; last seen here in January with all cream
• Dress - Plum; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2014 for a brunch out
• Shoes - Sumatra Coffee, Fluevog; last seen here in February with red and stars

"No one cares. Now, fetch me that feathery hat - it looks tasty."

How is it that these three items have never been worn together before? They look so good together!

I really enjoyed this outfit, as did many of my coworkers and WW members. I happy waved my ABBA-esque cuffs at anyone who even looked at me.

I went to my WW meeting after work, where my group sang "Happy Birthday" to me - what a great bunch! From there, I went to my regular job's annual big company bash - I managed to miss all the speechifying and make it in time for wine and dinner. Ha! It's like I planned it.

The stuff:

I am happy to be able to wear my black stomacher again - it's helpful as a reminder not to overeat at a buffet!

Complementary bling:

I wore the pin right at my neck.

• Stomacher - InWear
• Belt - Plum
• Brooch - thrifted
• Death Star ring - Soul Flower
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop

Friday was my actual birthday, so of course, I wore my birthday suit!

This is Kim Cattrall's suit, as originally purchased here back in September 2012.

• Suit - Pink Tartan, consignment; jacket last worn here in November 2014; skirt last worn here with the full suit in November 2013
• Blouse - Banana Republic, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
• Shoes - Tod's, thrifted; last seen here in August with poppies

To be honest, I don't wear the pieces as much as I should for the cost that I originally paid for it, but then, it's been a bit tight on me for the last two years. No more! 

My coworker Angela took this picture of me at work

One of my funny coworkers, Beverly, wrote this little limerick for me:

There was a young lass named Sheila

Who kinda was a big deala!

She dressed in couture

Had suits trimmed with fur

And Italian shoes with big heela’s.

Hee!

I wore the jacket mostly as outerwear and whenever my internal temperature dipped in the office.

I loved how the blouse was so drapey - it contrasted nicely with the fitted skirt. Such a fabulous deep saffron colour too!

I had a haircut after work, then met up with L for dinner at a swanky Italian place. My feet were a little tired after being in these shoes all day, but not too bad. The wine at dinner helped!

I admit, I felt like a million bucks all day. There is something about wearing a suit.

The stuff:

Awesome shoes, aren't they? I'm so glad the weather's been warm enough to keep wearing what's basically a sandal for another month.

Amber bling:

When I decided to clean out my jewelry boxes and sort them into a seasonal collection, I rediscovered this chain and plastic crystal necklace. I bought it at Plum years ago, but it feels fresh again.

• Necklace - Plum
• Earrings - Plum
• Ring - some junky store in the late 90s

My coworkers and my boss, the HR lady and a VP all gave me some lovely gifts. I also opened my presents from L when I got home late on Friday night.

Both scotches from the VPs, wine and chocolates (already eaten) from HR, more chocolates from the Finance guy, Scott, a homemade headband from Emily, a gift certificate from the Admin ladies, and some books and a shoe store gift certificate from L. Mom also stopped by with a mall gift card and my dear mother-in-law sent me a cheque. Thank you, everyone! I felt very spoiled and loved.

L also gave me this awesome mid-century crystal and blackened steel necklace from a local antique store.

Isn't it cool? I really love it.

On Saturday morning, we did advance voting (election coming soon!), went for brunch, did some shopping, L got a haircut (I shopped more), and ran other errands.

A simple dress for a busy day!

• Dress - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here in July with aqua and yellow
• Boots - Miz Mooz; last worn here in March with the picador skirt

I was rocking the stripes!

I'd originally planned not to wear a coat - as you might be able to tell from the lighting, it was sunny in the morning.

Thank goodness I did! We ended up with full-on torrential downpour and wind! I was so wet, my hair was dripping purple down my face!

The stuff:

My boots were soaked, but fine. I walked all over town in them.

Mod bling:

Another pair of earrings that I'd totally forgotten about.

• Earrings - Le Chateau

I've had these for about 5-6 years. How did I forget about them? Too many things in my jewelry box!

L accidentally bought me a book I already had/had read, so I traded that in at Chapters and spent the money my mother-in-law sent me on top of that.

Hee, more Stephen King and some Chuck Palahniuk? I'm sure she would approve!

I also went to Roberta's Hats and bought a frippery for my hair:

It has a clip and a pin for wearing on clothing.

It was $16.95. It's the same as the black one I have, but I really wanted a green one.

Why? Because we had a birthday party for me on Saturday night!

"Where did that feathery frippery go? It looked tasty."

• Dress - Betsey Johnson; last seen here (2nd outfit) FIVE YEARS ago, in October 2010, for Day with Auntie Sheila
• Shoes - Poetic License; last worn here in July with peach

As I work through my wardrobe, I'm finding more forgotten pieces that I seem to have been "saving". Some of 'em have felt a little tight until lately, like this spectacular Betsey Johnson dress that I've had for about 7 years (first worn here for New Year's 2009).

Colour blown out (it was dark as I was getting ready) so you can see the emerald green peeking through the cutouts of the dress.

The stuff:

My beloved Kermit shoes!

I went with pretty low-key accessories:

• Fascinator - Roberta's Hats
• Death Star ring - Soul Flower
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop
• Earrings - local

Because I changed my dress midway through the party! Bwah! It's like the Oscars!

This is my "50 Pound Dress" - I bought it when I reached the milestone of losing 50 lbs in 2007.

• Dress - Planet; last seen here SIX YEARS ago, in December 2009, for our Festivus party 
• Shoes - Lord & Taylor; purchased guiltily here in September for $36.00

I felt rather smashing in this for the rest of the night, although the party polls revealed that the blue Betsey dress was the favourite overall ("It makes your boobs look good" - I love my friends).

Again, I haven't worn this in 6 years! It felt great to wear it again. Back in rotation it goes!

The stuff:

I just changed out the shoes - these were a good height for standing and dancing!

Thank you to all my generous friends for coming and for your lovely gifts (much wine, a gift certificate and a vinyl LP).

And balloons, of course!