Bigass Early Weekend Wrap-Up: Goth Ballerina, Birthday Bash, Presents, and Ulti Picador

Only one day into our long Thanksgiving weekend, and already so much to share! I'm doing my Bigass post today, because Sunday/Monday I'll be doing my closet swap-over and whew, my friends, that is a Job. 

And without further ado (and because I need a nap), here's yesterday's/Friday's work outfit.

 I had a vision of this outfit from the time I got the two top pieces, and here it is.

• Vest - no label, thrifted; purchased here for $16.77 ($27.95 less 40% discount promotion)
• Sweater - Jean Paul Gaultier, consignment; purchased here for $38.00
• Skirt - Li's, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in August with burgundy and floral
• Booties - H London; purchased here for $182.00

 I freakin' LOVE this sweater - it is ultra-fine 100% merino wool, and check out the awesome print. There's a ribcage, a face, a bird, part of a snake and a spider on it. A very appropriate sweater for October!

 I like the contrast of soft with hard, hence my personal style category of "soft goth".

I wore this crushed silk velvet long vest open like this all day.

 I steamed out most of the "crush" from the crushed velvet, but not too much. I think it was literally crushed in a bag or something before it was sold.

I only wore it zipped up when I was in travel mode.

 The mornings are darker now, and my little camera struggles to focus in the light.

The stuff:

 Loved wearing these booties all day. Most booties make my feet look like hooves (I have big feet!), but the way these are open down the sides, it gives me a long leg line and they just work better. Hurray! They were pretty comfy for that heel height, but I didn't do a lot of walking in them.

Bronze bling:

 A few fun pieces to go with the gold studs on the booties.

• Slashed cuff - Midzo, vintage expo
• Bronze cuff - vintage late 60s, Mom's
• Feather ring - Fossil
• Amber ring - c. 1998
• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L

I met L for lunch - I took the afternoon off work - then came home and had a nap. Then, time to get ready for my big birthday bash! I wore The Dress!

 Yes, to sleeves and peplum!

• Dress - Chloe Prusa original; saga here
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last worn here last week with a million dollar outfit

Yes to feeling fabulous at nearly fifty! 

L is picking his shoes - Vizzini is helping

 The dress debuted to rave reviews from my friends, family and coworkers.

"Is there a kitty treat in your hand?"

 And I felt  awesome in it!

Yeah, I did that a lot! Waggling my peplum and my sleeves at anyone who wanted a gander. 

The stuff: 

 I went with simple copper shoes and earrings to match. It poured rain last night, and I walked several blocks in these. I had to go for comfort over a fancier shoe.

Simple bling:

I'm so glad I bought these earrings last weekend - since I had my hair up, they worked perfectly. 

• Earrings - Vintage fair
• Lapis lazuli/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

L looked very spiffy in his suit (purchased in Florence, Italy) and two-tone purple shirt (purchased in London, England). 

"The Man has no treats either."

 Vizzini is not the only one who can't stand still.

 L is wearing a hematite bolo tie that belonged to his stepdad, and a pair of silver-heeled Fluevogs.

Here we are, time to head off to the party!

 No question: we belong together.

I wore contacts (completely messing with my coworkers, who are used to me in glasses 100% of the time), and kept my make-up simple.

 I let my hair be wispy, especially since it was raining.

I hosted my own party - I wanted a big bash, so I did it myself. We had wine, beer and a spread of delicious goodies, set up cocktail party style. Over 60 people came!

 My and my dear brother Dave. I haven't seen him in a suit in decades! You clean up good, little bro!

Woo, flash!

My bestie Janet - we met when she was 12 and I was 13, in junior high Humanities. Jan, you get more beautiful every year. 

My soiree at the restaurant (the Hawk & Hen) went until 7-ish, then about a dozen of us went to Clive's Lounge for more drinks. Our friends Anthony and Laura had come over from Vancouver, so L and I had them over later in the evening for a drink. It was a wonderful night.

I was awed and humbled by the unexpected outpouring of gifts from everyone! Aw, opening these today brought tears of gratitude and thankfulness. 

 So many lovely things:

• "Grace: 30 Years of Fashion at Vogue" and gourmet chocolates
• A bottle of champagne
• Two bottles of scotch, plus a mini bottle and gift certificate to a boutique liquor store
• Three MORE Fluevog gift cards - I am going to have some fun there!
• Movie passes to the IMAX
• A book on words (plus a scratch & win - didn't win)
• Two packs of funny pens
• A gift card to Veneto restaurant
• Two necklaces
• Tights and two pairs of Fluevog socks
• A business card case
• A MAC make-up gift card

I am thankful to the wonderful people in my life. So many cards...

 More tears from reading the heartfelt sentiments. I am full of love.

Today, we were up bright and early for..Ulti! We are still getting enough confirmations to play!

 It was chilly and windy today, so I broke out my boots.

• Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last worn here (10th? outfit, way down!) on my recent mini-vacation in September
• Skirt - vintage 50s, thrifted; last seen here in July for another trip to play Ulti
• Boots - Lucky Brand, swap from Cat; last seen here (3rd outfit) in March with a fab Desigual dress
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather; last worn here in April

 It was a hugely windy day, which made frisbee-throwing tricky! We played two solid hours, then 5 of us went for lunch

 Showing off my gory scene of the picador on his horse, goring a bull. How quaint.

 It's a true circle skirt, handpainted on heavy cotton.

In my sunglasses and leather coat.

 The wind caused the disc to donk me right in the eyes - good thing I had my sunglasses on!

The stuff:

 Lovely boots from Cat! She has slightly smaller feet than me, so we often trade of shoes/boots that aren't quite right.

• Earrings - Lazy Susan's

And now, nap time!

"I think you mean "tummy-rub time", Woman."

We're off to our friend Greg's birthday party tonight (woo, another outfit), then I'll be back on Monday with my closet post. Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!