Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Orange Brocade and the Bark Skirt

I am having so much fun playing with all my "new" clothes! I could just put together outfits all day long. 
But no, let's just stick to one at a time.

  • Fur-trimmed top - Gorgeous, consignment; purchased here for $10.00 (way down at the bottom, after my travel pics)
  • Skirt - Gunex, thrifted; last seen here in October 2015 for a shopping day with Mom
  • Shoes - Wonders Ayers, Fluevog; last worn here in November 2015 with a red dress
  • Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, no label, thrifted; had since early 2014


That's not a really flattering picture of me on the stairs (for once) - this top is very fitted and looks so nice on. You cannot go wrong with a nice orange brocade! The pattern is orange, cream and olive green roses.
"That top is made for licking, especially the fur."
I couldn't pick Vizzini up while wearing this - he kept trying to lick the olive green fur trim around the neck!

The top has no stretch (it zips up the back), so I had somewhat limited mobility in it, but I loved the "fit and flare" silhouette of this outfit. I may have done a twirl or two in it.
"What? I'm a cat who eats things!"
The skirt is a very dark brown, almost an iridescent brown/black with a bit of a gold shine to it. I call it my "bark" skirt because it reminds me of tree bark - it's very stiff. Don't believe me?
It's such a stiff taffeta it can stand on its own. It's more like a tree stump!

Outerwear:
I paid $18.50 for this soft vintage leather trench in January 2014 (here, enjoy my "Tips for Thrift Shopping"!). It gets worn a lot at this time of year. It's a good neutral colour, it isn't damaged at all by the rain (seriously, leather is skin - rain will not hurt it! Um, but that's just me - never do what I say, heh heh).

The stuff:
I can't believe I haven't worn these in so long! Not even in December, January, February or March. I guess I have too many shoes.

Thematic bling:
Flowers, Chinese-looking earrings. The thin bracelet is my "Gucci" (fake).


  • Bracelet - consignment
  • Eelskin bracelet - "Gucci", vintage 80s, gift from Mom & Dad from Italy
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Ring - Sarah Coventry, antique shop in PR

27 comments:

  1. As a fellow thrifter, I am constantly amazed and inspired by your finds. Wish we had the variety of stores here in Edmonton, but my sister and I are planning a thrifting holiday in Victoria soon :)

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    1. Thanks for reading, Cynthia! We have some great thrift stores here - drop me a line if you want some info. I'm also often around if you want to meet up for lunch and a shop - however, some people find that weird (people from the internet! run and hide!), so it's cool if you're not up for that. :) My email is in my profile.

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    2. That would be AWESOME, Sheila! My sister (incidentally we are identical twins) is an avid thrifter as well.

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  2. This is the most awesome of awesome outfits. Love it. Kelly

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  3. oh yes, I agree: 'You cannot go wrong with a nice orange brocade', such a lovely piece!. And your stiffy skirt is really amazing!, mwahaha, love that pic!
    I'm loving particularly your coat, even more because it's thrifted and a real bargain! and you look gorgeous wearing it!
    besos

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    1. That's a rule I can follow! I thought it was funny when the skirt stood on its own! Isn't that a gorgeous coat? I have worn it so much, it's down to pennies per wear! Thank you so much, hon.

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  4. Isn't it exciting to put outfits together? I had to smile at that picture of your skirt standing on its own, and at the monster's little face in the third picture! xxx

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    1. It is! It's one of my favourite things to do - I usually do it for the week on Sunday night, then pick my outfit from the collection the night before and accessorize it. It's so much fun.

      The skirt stood when I stepped out of it - too funny! Yes, Vizzini is so expressive.

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  5. Wow that photo illustrates it so well - it is such a stuff skirt! Beautiful too, and really nice with the orange :)

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    1. It's too funny - I don't think I have any other skirts that stand up! Thank you, Mica!

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  6. I thought you would appreciate this. I had a good laugh when I read bark skirt. My first thought was "Oh Sheila must have bought a skirt with dogs on it." No questions or second guesses because I could totally see you wearing a skirt with animals on it. I realized that you meant tree bark and not dog bark once I scrolled down. The outfit looks amazing on you.

    I feel the same way about putting outfits together. I always hang dry my clothes and will look at a random group of clothes handing on the rod and make up outfits on the spot. It's so much fun to create outfits.

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    1. Well, that DOES sound like me, and yes, I would totally wear a skirt with dogs (or cats, or any other animal!) on it! Thanks so much, Sandra! Creating outfits is one of the most fun things I can think of - a little time in the closet, a glass of wine...nothing better! Funny how just having a select grouping (like your drying clothes) can spark that creativity!

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  7. It looks good but sounds a little restraining.
    Hahah, I can imagine Vizzini liking the fur collar and OMG I have to say that this skirt seems to really have a soul of its own, how very stiff !

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    1. It's a different feeling, wearing something without that spandex stretch! It does force me to sit up straight, though! Vizzini LOVES anything that's fur - he wants to lick it really badly. I know - although I've worn the skirt many times, that stiffness doesn't really come across in pictures - until now!

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  8. Beautiful top, nice silhouette. I know what it feels like to be constrained by clothes; the price we pay!

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    1. It is! What did we ever do before spandex?? Thanks, Ally!

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  9. Another gorgeous outfit! I've never been thrift shopping, but you certainly have a knack for it.

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    1. You've never been thrift shopping? How can that be? Thank you, Sandy!

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  10. That photo of the skirt standing on its own is hilarious! The outfit is not hilarious but fabulous. I absolutely love the top and it goes beautifully with the skirt. You look lovely in it and I can just see you do a whirl in it!

    Have a lovely weekend

    veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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  11. The trench coat is a gorgeous colour, but not as gorgeous as that orange brocade top. I'm loving the brocade, jacquard, baroque trend and am entering into it step by step. (Check our my new boots feauture coming on Sunday!)
    Anna x
    www.annasislandstyle.com

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    1. I love all these rich, lush fabrics! I can't wait to see your boots!

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  12. I never had a tree stump skirt. Funny. And it looks good on. Love the coat. Wouldn't mind it myself (understatement).
    Greetje

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  13. Ooohhh, what a stunning ensemble! It doesn't get any more chic or stylish for October than this elegant orange and black look. Colour me in love with it! :)

    xoxo ♥ Jessica

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