Sunday, November 26, 2017

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!

30 comments:

  1. Oh what a lovely tatoo for you and your brother to get, so special! I think I would not handle the tattoo pain well, even if I could decide on a design haha!

    Love your awesome purchases. While it's hard now with the boys being so little and not easily amused in opshops I am looking forward to getting more chances to thrift when they are older (or when I have some time off, ha!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mica - it was really a great experience. Eh, you mentally prepare yourself for the pain, and it's not so bad. You've given birth, ha ha!

      I had so much fun shopping. Your husband needs to take the boys and give you a day off! You need that time!

      Delete
  2. Those tattoos are really special, and the artist did an amazing job. Gosh, your father's signature is stylish! My dad's was, too, but my brother and I just scrawl ours.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, JS! I always liked Dad's signature - mine's not too bad.

      Delete
  3. That coat is amazing, no wonder those sales ladies cooed over it. Favourite finds: the Vivienne Westwood jacket, the yeti vest and of course that marvelous bright purple gown! I love the dress you wore to get your tattoo (2,5 hours, wow!), and your leather jeans is fabulous. Had no idea such vests were trending but then again I never seem to know these things. So that's why I found a cheap "faux sheep" one on the high street ;-) So, Mr. Vizzini is quite the vandal? I guess we're lucky with our Phoebe ... xxx

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    1. Thank you, Ann, I knew it would appeal to you. And thanks also - I loved all those things too! Mr. Vizzini would like to chew on things. He's quite a scamp.

      Delete
  4. That coat is pretty amazing (I agree totally!) and I'm admiring all the cool things you purchased!!, that purple dress looks fab!
    I love your tartan dress and all the punk accessorizing (including those boots!) and also love your 'casual party' outfit, head to toe, the shoes, the pants, the top, the vest!! so much fabulousness!
    besos

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  5. I love the new tattoo. Special to have it done with your brother, and your version is a beautiful match for your shoulder pieces.

    That Westwood blazer is to die for--and a deal for the ages!

    Velma

    P.S. Looks like posting through LiveJournal is no longer working for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, crap, sorry about LiveJournal -I can't control that. I have tried to make it easier to post anonymously (I don't get a lot of spam), as tech changes.

      Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I do!

      I know, so stoked about that piece!

      Delete
  6. Love the new ink - such a beautiful dedication piece. I also love the red velvet top - can't wait to this in person.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Loving all your outfits Sheila ,I just love the way you do your outfits ! The coat is fabulous and wow all the great bits you got I'm jealous . Thanks Sheila for your lovely comments you left on my little blog I do appreciate it best wishes ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks so much, Lesley, I think we are kindred spirits when it comes to clothes! I always come visit any commenters - thank YOU for commenting!

      Delete
  8. I don't know about me doing well in charity shops, look at your haul! JPG and our Viv, no less! Especially loving the purple dress and yeti vest, I'd pinch them off you in a heartbeat.
    Vizzini is gorgeous, he's rather like my Stephen Squirrel.
    What a fabulous tribute to your dear dad, my mum was also born in 1942. Must have been a great year for producing wonderful people. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a good thing there is so much good stuff to go around, isn't it? I knew you'd love that dress and vest! I get your style.

      Oooh, I have not seen your Stephen Squirrel! Will watch for him.

      Agreed, '42 was a good vintage. :)

      Delete
  9. Big YAY yo all the sparkly, furry, and colorful things! Handsome Vizzini goes for an understated look : > xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  10. Holy hand grendade, Batman -- those are some awesome deals!!!!

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  11. I love you in the leather trousers!

    Fabulous outfits and some amazing finds - Vivienne Westwood, no less. But the quality shines out.

    I'm totally amazed at how much you spend on your clothes!

    The Desigual coat is so fabulous. The red plaid dress reminded I have a red plaid skirt in my wardrobe which needs wearing...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're pretty fab, aren't they? Thank you so much, Veronica - I know, I was so shocked to find that. Such a steal.

      I know you don't spend as much, I think you mean? I never see prices like you have - mere pennies! I live in an expensive city.

      Delete
  12. Oooo, lots of lovelies here to drool over Sheila. Love the plaid dress, the purple gown, but most of all the sheer top with those leather pants and the fur vest - right up my street! I'm going to try out my very won version of this look soon... Thanks for the inspiration x

    Anna

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Anna! I felt our fashion sensibilities intersect with the leather pant outfit! I knew you'd love that one! Can't wait to see how you do it.

      Delete
  13. Cutie! The new tattoo is really lovely. I like how you’ve kept with the rose theme. Looking forward to seeing it in person😍 and your new yeti vest——yes!!!

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  14. Oh the VWestood jacket was an amazing find, love all the detail.. and what a great idea of getting your dad's signature in a tattoo - it's the first I've seen.

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    Replies
    1. It's incredible, I am boggled that I got it for so little. Thank you - I love my new tattoo.

      Delete

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