Bigass Miss-Me? Wrap-Up: Visibly Book Clubbing; Funky Friday, Houndstooth and Lace, Spotted Gauchos, Shopping and Cat on Deck

Whew, it's been a whirlwind of a week. Here's Thursday! 

Dressed to impress! I hosted Book Club on Thursday night, right after my WW meeting, so I wanted to look fabulous.

• Dress - Christian Lacroix for Desigual, thrifted; first worn here in January with sparkly chicken legs
• Shoes - Tod's, thrifted; last seen here in February with leopard and lame

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style - go, go, go! I'm also participating in Anne's "53 Pick-me-up" this week, featuring sky blue (my newly-purchased blouse below). Go say hello!

Me and the Vizz-meister! He was going for the gold dangly earrings.

I still have him in my arms here (you can see the tip of his tail on the right).

On Thursday morning, I put out 2 boxes and 4 bags of clothes for donation.

The stuff:

Fabulous platforms - I loved having this long-legged look all day!

Gold bling:

I didn't realize until after I took the pictures that my Givenchy necklace was tucked under the neckline of my dress!

• Belt - vintage 60s, Mom's
• Necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
• Earrings - vintage fair

I hosted Book Club, including feeding everyone dinner. I made chicken jalapeno corn chowder, and did a bunch of finger food. It was a rush of an evening, trying to get home from WW before my guests arrived!

My wonderful literary ladies (we missed you, Karen!). From left: Mindy, Katherine, Elaine,Carolyn, Yvonne, Cat, me. My hair fell down substantially over the day, and I think I've washed my make-up off there.

Finally Friday!

Casual Friday is for chumps. When you have a day that you can relax your boundaries, why not step up and do something fun?

• Blouse - Antonella, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here layered under my stained glass dress in February
• Skirt - Tulle, thrifted; first worn here while giving the cold shoulder in mid-February
• Boots - Mini Babycakes, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit) last weekend for Sunday brunch

I felt like a million bucks in this outfit. Isn't that how we should always feel?

One of my coworkers noted how tiny my waist looked in this. Yes! This wide belt felt awesome, although I had to adjust the back zip area frequently (not done below, as you can tell by the lumpy-bumpy).

I liked the fun addition of the footless leopard tights. I had white sport socks on under those boots, because I am CLASSY that way.

The stuff:

I got home a little late, due a wee after-work shop, so the light was gone.

Cat-bait bling:

I loved this cool leather belt. I am still boggled that it was only $3.00!

• Belt - thrifted
• Mink brooch - thrifted
• Earrings - thrifted

Vizzini was determined to maw on this mink brooch. He gnawed at my hand covering it when I picked him up.

Friday was that kind of day. I needed a quick run through the WIN Warehouse store. I had been obsessing about this baby-blue blouse that I saw last time I was in there, and didn't buy.

I know, it's probably not a great colour on me (pastels!), but don't you love all the little ruffles?? It's quite sheer, so will need a camisole underneath. However, I felt quite justified - it was only $8.95. Hey, I can't even buy a slice of pizza and a cider for nine bucks! Bargain!

I was gobsmacked to find this fabulous dress:

Okay, yes, it is black, but the cut and the fit are astounding.

Also, I gasped at the label.

It has a white fleck throughout the fabric

Has anyone heard of Comrags? I've known of them since the 80s (one of the designers is from Victoria; the other is from Toronto), but could never afford anything by them. I went into a Comrags store in Vancouver once, and tiptoed back out when I looked at the price tags! Sticker shock!

At $45.98, this is one of the more expensive thrift items I've ever bought, but when I checked the Comrags website (here, linking 'cause I love), I see that their dresses run in the $400 range (some on sale in the $200 range). I actually found this dress in their collection - it's from Fall-Winter 2011 and is called the "Sleeveless Pride Dress". Check it out here, 7th row down, far left thumbnail. It is a "men's wool" fabric, with a high wool content - it's fully-lined and is made in Canada. I am in total love with it!

I also picked up a new shirt for L - he loved the fun print.

This was $14.95. I love that L likes funky clothes. How boring, if he were only a khakis and sweater guy! Although, I think I wouldn't have married him if he were! His own style has come a long way over the 20+ years we've been together - I've had a big influence on him.

Friday night, we chilled and played "Arkham Horror" and hung out with Vizzini. Saturday morning was mild - time for brunch.

A bit of a sleep-in means sun on my stairs.

• Top - Abercrombie & Fitch, thrifted; purchased here for $4.00
• Trousers - TopShop, thrifted; last seen here on Monday with Gaga shoulders
• Shoes - Miista; last worn here in February with green jungle and leather

I have a teal-coloured cami under the top to tie in with the teal socks.

The ladies at the diner loved this outfit. I felt very "me" in it. Funky and stylish.

This is quite a departure (not feeling funky and stylish, of course - I usually feel like that!) for me. What do you think? I mean, really, trousers and basically a t-shirt? Who is this person?

Outerwear:

While out and about after lunch, I had several compliments about my colours. A very tall gentleman carrying a snare drum really liked my shoes.

The stuff:

My beloved trout shoes!

• Cuff - thrifted
• Earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L

I had a couple of chores to do downtown, so I might have popped into a couple of stores...like the St. Vincent de Paul.

I liked this silky polyester Le Chateau blouse.

The cuffs snap up, and there's also a snap at the back.

The neckline is trimmed in faux leather for that necessary touch of badassery.

Pink tags were half price, so this was all of $2.00.

I still had a credit at Footloose, one of my favourite (dangerous!) shoe stores in town. These lovely Hispanitas made me catch my breath.

The spotty part is pony hair; the rest is leather. The soles are a chunky rubber.

These were $120.00 after my credit - they were the last pair, and in my size! It was meant to be!

I also popped in to The Velvet Crease, but I didn't like their current selection - it was like they'd bought the contents of a closed store (one catering to large ladies who like linen - not dissing those ladies at all, but the clothes were not my cup of tea).

I spotted these as I was leaving. They're marked 8.5, but they were sized way larger.

They're by Two Lips and were $25.00.

Not even worn!

Pristine bottoms! I suspect the size thing may have been an issue. These are closer to 9.5s.

Vizzini has been very excited lately. He's up to no good here, I'm sure.

"I could bolt at any second!"

 This morning it was warm enough to let him out on the deck. He has been begging for it.

"I'm here! What should I do?"

He immediately claimed his territory.

"This is my floor, and this is my wall."

Of course, he hopped up on the ledge right away.

"It's patrol time, ma'am. Try to stay back."

Something's different.

"Something's missing...where are my trees?" 

Hey, buddy, remember, one fell over? And the other one had to be removed? This is what our view is now.

"This is outrageous. I'll have to investigate further."

Eep, look at that dark grey sky! I hope it doesn't rain.

And here we are at today! My Winesday crew is celebrating dear Cat's birthday with a boozy brunch downtown this afternoon - our men will join us later on.

One must pull out the cray-cray, yes? Yes!

• Jacket - Kimchi Blue; last seen here (2nd outfit) while being a rock star in Staples
• Top - Ellen Tracy, swap from Caro; last seen here in the same outfit in February
• Gauchos - Jones New York, vintage 80s; first worn here last week with roses and Desmonds
• Shoes - Hispanitas; purchased yesterday for $120.00

Um, yeah, I'm slightly visible! And look at all those neutrals. Whatever, I'll wear what I want!

Fabulously furry in my yeti jacket!

The stuff:

I had to take all these off and then put them all back on (I'm typing in this outfit right now, and I have to leave in 10 minutes to walk to town!). I hope the shoes are comfy - I'm wearing knee highs (so "old lady" but they are useful!).

Badass bling:

Many circles.

• Belt - gift from Ruth
• Death Star ring - Soul Flower
• Shield ring - Nine West
• Earrings - gift from Lise

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!