Classic Cowgirl, Velvet and Fringe

Today's outfit is an old favourite that I've worn before, for a reason - it's fabulous! 

 Velvet, thick embroidery, heavy suede and fringe - what more could you want?

• Velvet blazer - Le Chateau, consignment; last seen here in January with a different suede skirt (same top and belt!)
• Sleeveless top - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September with a boho green skirt 
• Skirt - Pioneer Wear, vintage 80s, vintage fair; last worn here in February with black and white plaid ruffles
• Boots - Clarks; last seen here earlier this month with a jammy dress
• Leather trench coat (below) - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) over dark greens

This is actually the fourth time in 6 years that I've worn this skirt with this blazer, and the third time that I've worn these boots with the full ensemble. Hey, when you have a winning combination, you always have a go-to look.

I adore this jacket - it's from the mid-00s, which I know because one of my old high school friends worked for Le Chateau as a buyer and wore this to dinner one night. I coveted it and finally spotted one in a consignment store in early 2011.

I had to go through both of our offices today, requesting everyone show me their ID cards and access cards for a security audit, and since I was being the "Security Sheriff" today, I injected a little levity with a paper sheriff's badge and my cowgirl skirt. It worked well, and people could hear me coming, as this skirt sounds like a rainstick when I walk.

Outerwear - I sewed the button back on my jacket when I did a fit of mending recently. I love this vintage leather trench - I never mind getting it wet, and it's soft but strong. I could definitely go adventuring in it. 

 Or maybe just walk to work in it.

• Fur scarf  - Danier, thrifted
• Wool fingerless gloves - Parkhurst

I had to dash back inside and grab my brolly for my walk to work. Spitty rain!

The stuff: 
 These boots always get love. I like how the heel and toe are darker - it reminds me of Siamese cats.

Purple bling:

My tattoo is healing up well - I wore Dad's ring today.

• Belt - Plum
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Amethyst ring - Dad's, c. 1965
• Earrings - vintage store, c. 1997

Corporate Rebel in a Sparkly Leopard Miniskirt

This outfit had such a huge reaction at work today, that I'm still a little in shock. I guess I look like a grown-up...at least from the waist up!

 From the waist down, I'm all "Yeah, I'm 50, got a problem with that?"

• Blazer - Vivienne Westwood Red Label, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $27.99 (yes, you read that right)
• White shirt - no label, thrifted; last seen here in October layered under baby blue Badgley
• Skirt - Banana Republic, thrifted; last worn here in March 2012 for shopping and Elton John concerting
• Shoes - Room 502 Entrance, Fluevog; last seen here in October with a mod outfit (same tights!)
• Sleeveless coat (below) - Only, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) last weekend

It's the blazer. Totally corporate, a fantastic fit on me, and then the classic white shirt. I had a meeting with the new property manager of our new office, so I wanted to make a good impression.

 This blazer was really a joy to wear. I made every fashionable person in the office feel the quality of the wool, flashed the holy hand grenade lining to all, and left mouths agape when I told them how much I found it for.

I think this piece actually has some age on it. It feels very high-end, and I haven't seen much of this length of blazer for a long time. Maybe early 00s?

 I love a short skirt with a long jacket (and the Cake song of the same name, YouTube link here 'cause I love the band) - it's corporate on the top, rebel on the bottom! Every time I wear this fabulous shiny metallic leopard mini I feel like a million bucks. Please remind me of this post if I ever start eyeing it for the giveaway pile.

This proportion works well on me.

Jacket done up. Gawd, just a gorgeous piece. I'm boggled by it. 

Outerwear. I didn't wear the "full Monty" for my meeting, just the coat, open over the outfit and the purple gloves. 

 That my gloves, tights and shoes all match fills my heart with delight.

• Head-wrap thing - thrifted
• Fur boa - thrifted
• Gloves - Danier

The stuff:

 I love these purple swagger-monster shoes. I clomp around the office in them, large and in charge.

Sparkly bling:

It was more noticeable in person, but my little vintage sparkly necklace peeked out from under the shirt.

• Necklace - Allain, vintage 50s, gift from Allison
• Earrings - don't rememeber
• Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

Nope to the Taupe

Way back in the 80s, I owned a wrap-around skirt the exact shape of this one, in silvery-grey velvet - it was really a lovely skirt. It did up with Velcro (really! Velcro was new then!), and it drove me nuts because it was always opening up to my waist. 

 Well, look at that. What a shocker! This skirt does that too.

• Blazer - Boden, thrifted; last worn here in May over a patterned grey
• Top - Express, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $14.95
• Skirt - Darling, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $12.95
• Shoes - Elegant Conversations Kendra, Fluevog; last seen here in October with autumn cream (love that outfit)
• Coat (below) - Borgeoiis, vintage, thrifted; last worn here in March for Women's Day

My first try at the stair pose:

 Yeah, NOPE. Nice try, skirt!

I knew it would open up when I walked. I knew it would open up when I sat down. I wore a slip under it (a lovely vintage Christian Dior one, if you're interested).

 How did I not remember how awful skirts like this work in real life? Ugh, I could not wait to get it off. Much as I love this drapey front, Greek goddess shape, it is only good for standing in one place.

Deep breath, and let's take moment. Stroke the soft silk velvet blazer with the ruffles down the front. Feel your ire slipping away...

 The skirt also wrinkled like mad. Bad skirt! Into the giveaway pile you go!

The blazer done up. It's so soft - I love wearing it. It's like a hug of velvety kittens.

See? If I could just lean up against walls all day with my hands in my pockets, this would be the most awesome skirt ever.

First outing of my vintage menswear wool and cashmere coat this season.

 I coordinated all my outerwear colours to go with the outfit: grey coat, blue head-wrap-thing and taupe leather gloves and furry scarf.

• Head-wrap - thrifted
• Gloves - Danier 
• Scarf - Danier, thrifted

The stuff:

 I was dubious about these shoes when I originally got them, but they've steadily grown on me over the past couple of years.

Blue bling:

I wore my hair swooped over to one side with the little sparkly slide to hold it.

• Slide - Le Chateau
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Silver/sodalite ring - Scotland, 1996
• Brooch/earring - vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Single earring - don't remember

Pattern and Purple from Top to Toe

Today was a tough day, going back after 4 days off, but I felt pretty good. I didn't make anyone cry, and I didn't cry - that's my definition of a good day.

 Today's outfit was built around the new-to-me silk blouse. It has a lot of blue and soft purple in it, as well as browns and caramels.

• Blouse - Joe Fresh, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $13.95
• Skirt - Talbots, thrifted; last seen here in March with bronze and a lovely silk shirt
• Boots - Libby Smith Bellevues, Fluevog; last worn here in October 2016...with the same silk shirt!
• Coat (below) - BCBG Max Azria, thrifted; last seen here earlier this month over a fuzzy outfit

 Today was also about babying my tattoo - my arm is quite swollen, and tender, and the silk felt like nothing on it. It also kept me warm and breathed so that I didn't overheat. Silk is truly a miracle.

One day, I will dye my hair the colour of this skirt. I'm mostly grey now, but still enjoying vibrant hair. Not quite yet. One day.

This mohair skirt is a favourite - I've had it for a few years.

Outerwear - if you clicked through on the last time I wore this skirt, you'll see that I did the exact same outerwear as today. I do love a set!

 But I like that the purple toes of my boots go so well with the gloves and beret!

• Beret - consignment
• Gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

 I don't wear these boots too much anymore - the colour and style are tricky - but they still feel pretty good. I think I need to start my own Fluevog museum for all my lesser-worn shoes.

Oops, forgot to crop my bling picture.

I'm getting rid of the ring - it's too big and cut into my skin a few times. Gonzo!

• Necklace - vintage fair
• Earrings - thrifted
• Ring - thrifted

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Glitzy Shopping, Tattoo With Dave, Casual Party in Leather

Sunday already, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time off for this extended long weekend. I've had downtime, partytime, shopping time, and I even squeezed a new tattoo in there! Are you ready to ride along with me on a recap? Get a mug of tea (I'm sipping licorice tea) and join me!

First up is Friday's outfit. I spent Thursday at home in my purple velvet jeans and a Carolina Panthers football jersey, drinking ciders and watching NFL games with L, Nick and Casey. We ate chili (made by me), and hollered at the TV. No pictures of that, ha ha!

On to Friday! L and I strolled to town and met Nick for breakfast at the Blue Fox, a very popular local place that I've eaten at since I was a teenager. There is always a huge lineup, but that just means good food! It's a treat to go there and you have to be ready to wait, but it's worth it. 

 I am getting my season glitz on early! It's always fun to put on my sparkly things - I have a big collection!

This is my entry for Patti's "Visible Monday" over at Not Dead Yet Style. What, are you dead? Get over there!

• Sweater - Gap, thrifted; last seen here in July with a load of brooches
• Skirt - Club Monaco, consignment; last worn here in February with baby blue and Star Wars shoes
• Shoes - Clarks, consignment; last seen here a few weeks ago with painty plaid
• Coat (below) - Desigual by Christian Lacroix, consignment; last worn here in September over pink dots

I planned to go shopping after breakfast, so I wore clothes that are easy to take off and put back on.

 I love this comfy sweater - it's more like a sweatshirt, actually, but the navy blue glittery texture makes it more dressy.

The gold skirt is a favourite - bonus! it has pockets!

I am grooving on short skirts right now.

My outerwear was the real schtar of the outfit. I spent some time recently sewing buttons back on and reinforcing others (this is a smidge tight on me). All ready to wear again!

The big blue and white circles are PVC and are sewn on. The pockets are accessible through the top (a flap), but have an extra secret pocket behind that pocket. Double pockets! That is the best.

• Gloves - Parkhurst

 I should have worn a scarf, as it got colder in the afternoon.

 The entire piece is banded with that orange and pink patterned fabric. At one of the shops I went to, the salesladies cooed over it. It's a pretty spectacular coat!

The stuff:

 These shoes are great for doing lots of walking! I carried a shoe-horn with me in the side pocket of my purse for getting these back on - I loathe having to buckle/unbuckle shoes.

• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L

And did I have luck shopping? Do you really need to ask? Ha! I started by going to Flavour Upstairs for a good browse. I found a couple of great pieces.

First: this wonderful crushed velvet top.

 It's elasticized at the hem and at the end of the sleeves. The cut is full and drapey in the front, and crosses at the hem. The sleeves are 3/4.

No label, but here's a better look at the colour, very nice vibrant dark winey-red, one of my favourite colours lately.

It was $17.99. I haven't steamed this yet, and wonder if the crushed velvet will be smooth when I'm done.

This blazer was a treasure! I've tossed my Jaeger one in the giveaway pile, as this one fits me better, and the quality is amazing.

 Sorry, it's a bit blurry, but it's a lovely grey wool suiting material. There are three pockets with flaps on the front, and one at the breast.

Woot! A Vivienne Westwood Red Label piece! I just found this jacket on her website for $975.00 (linking 'cause I love!), so I think I got a deal at $27.99!

 I couldn't find this specific blazer online, but mine's fully-lined and the fit is to die for. Worth every penny!

Some of the details. I love her "holy hand grenade" icon - the fabric lining has this woven into it.

 All of the buttons are the caramel colour (sleeve cuffs shown here) with the incised holy hand grenade in golden-yellow.

100% wool.

 And made in Italy. I am thrilled with this delicious find!

I strolled over to Verve, a consignment store I only visit a couple of times a year. I tend to spend too much money there! I fortunately only found a couple of things.

 Yes, please, I need a grey yeti vest. It's the same dancing/floaty faux fur as my yeti coat.

It was $38.00.

 By Zara Woman. It has a hook and eye closure at the waist, but the hook part has receded into the garment.

I fell hard for this sheer nylon top.

 It is blue with these hypnotic "targets" on it.

It's by Jean Paul Gaultier Classique.

It wasn't the name that got me, though - it was the quality. It's lovely and soft. It was marked down to $68.00, which is a lot for basically a piece of nylon, but I really like it. I always get sticker-shock when I go from thrift to consignment (or retail)!

I think it's from the late 90s/early 00s - these sheer mesh tops were a thing back then.

 Yup, 100% nylon.

Made in Italy!

 I like the washing instructions: "To respect the washing symbols it is advised to take the article to a specialized laundry in order to get it clean." No, I will be washing this on delicate and laying it flat to dry. It's nylon, fer goodness' sake!

Vizzini, how do you like my finds so far?

"I see nothing worth chewing on."

 Flush with my new purchases, I had a quick peek through the WIN (Women in Need) store downtown on my way home.

I found this lovely skirt.

 It's a taupe-grey colour. I know, another neutral! I love the cut of the wrap front - and it's got pockets!

It's by Darling (a brand I've seen in Dots), and was only $12.95.

 It opens up as you walk, so I'll be wearing a slip under this, even though it's fully-lined.

You might recognize this top:

 Sorry, a bit blurry. I have the same top in cream!

This is a nice French blue colour.

 It was $14.95 which is okay by me.

I don't usually buy Joe Fresh (the quality is often iffy), but I LOVE the pattern of this shirt.

 It's like patchwork, but all of these different patterns are one print. So many good colours in there!

It's 100% silk.

 For only $13.95? That's a great price.

I found a gown! That was my main shopping mission, and I didn't think it would be that hard, but wow, there are a lot of dresses out there.

 Crappy colour there, but it's bright purple.

See?

 It is by Missy House of Canada and was $22.95.

When it was rung through, I was informed that it was actually half price (the red star!), so I only paid $11.50 for it.

 I love the high back collar and the circular neckline. It's a thick 70s polyester, and it looks amazing on. I won't be wearing the awful self-fabric belt it came with, though. Nasty thing, backed with some fake leather. I'm thinking a gold or silver belt instead.

L and I hung out on Friday and played boardgames till the wee hours, then went to Floyd's for brunch on Saturday morning.

 I love this plaid dress - I've had it for years (first seen here in February 2011!) and it always make the cut from year to year.

• Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last seen here in October under an evil orange dress
• Dress - Plum; last worn here (4th outfit) in October 2016 for brunch again
• Boots - Ash; last seen here (6th outfit, at the bottom) in October for Winesday
• Sleeveless coat - Only, thrifted; last worn here last weekend over the tiger dress

I needed a very comfy outfit - I got a new tattoo on Saturday!

I do love a red plaid, thought, don't you? It's so classic.

I laid on a table for just over 2.5 hours in this (I took my boots off).

The sleeveless coat worked well - once I was inked up, I didn't want to mess with sleeves.

I couldn't do gloves either - just my fur boa to keep me warm!

• Boa - thrifted

The stuff: 

All my punk stuff. I love these boots, even though they are clunky. I'm kickin' butt and takin' names over here!

Badass bling:

If I wear all my tough stuff, I'll be ready for the needle! Eeee...but it's still easier to deal with tattoo pain, than dentist pain!

• Belt - gift from Ruth
• Leather cuff - Guess, thrifted
• Studded cuff - c. 1996
• Earrings - The Cobbler
• Spider ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1986
• Silver/obsidian ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1985

As I mentioned back here in September, my brother Dave and I decided to get tattoos together to commemorate 20 years since our dad died. We had a consultation with my tattoo artist, Mason Larose (Instagram here, linking 'cause I love!). 

Mason working on Dave's left forearm

We always joked in our family that my dad signed everything with...his signature. Birthday cards, graduation cards, you name it. "Much love always, Mom & G. Jaques". So it was appropriate that we both got his signature, with his years, on us.

Dave went with a big signature, and the simple elegance of just the script.

And I went with a rose dropping petals and a banner style, in keeping with my other arm tattoos.

I like the red and the black shading. It was an awesome experience to do it together. Thank you, Dave, and thanks again, Mason!

I had a nap and recovered somewhat from the trauma, then we got ready for a party.

It was a casual party, so I wore jeans. Leather jeans! That's casual for me!

• Furry vest - Zara Woman, consignment; just purchased this weekend!
• Sweater - Jean Paul Gaultier, consignment; last seen here with a velvet vest and a gauzy skirt
• Leather jeans - Gap, 2000, vintage store, Vancouver; last seen here in November 2016 with a sheer top
• Shoes - Conquer Maleika, Fluevog; first worn here earlier this month with a down-filled skirt

We went to our friends Greg and Rosanna's place - they've recently moved back to Victoria after nearly 20 years! - for their housewarming, with Nick and Karen. It was a small party but it was great to see them and to meet some of their friends (hi, Katya!).

My tattoo was all wrapped up still, so this stretchy sweater kept it covered up. This vest was so fun to wear, but I got very warm later in the evening and I loaned to to Rosanna to wear.

I felt like a rock star in this! I'll have to wear this again for work, ha ha!

Such a fun vest. I hear they are trending, so yay/shrug.

What am I looking at there?

Oh, it's Mister Vizzini!

"You'd better give me kitty treats now, Woman, or I'll destroy something you love!"

We did. He does destroy things.

The stuff:

I loved wearing these boots again. So comfy! I love the hidden platform.

Brass bling:

Good things.

• Earring - Aldo Accessories
• Cuff - Mom's, vintage late 60s
• Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s

Vizzini sat on me for a while while I tried to type this post.

"Post, shmost. Yes, scratch right there."

He didn't last long.

"I'd stay longer if you kept petting me."

Sorry, bud!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!