Amazing Greys and Shoddy Sparkle

Another slammin' busy day - I thought it was supposed to be quieter around the holidays? 

 My first outfit built around these grey satin pants, and I went with...all grey. I had good reactions to the outfit overall, and felt good wearing it. It's not my usual thing, but still felt like me, even in solid grey.

• Cardigan - Tommy Hilfiger, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in November 2016 with loads of grey again
• Sleeveless sweater - INC, thrifted; last worn here in September with red flowers
• Pants - Rongsheng, thrifted; purchased here for $19.95
• Shoes - Diesel, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here almost exactly a year ago, in December 2016 with iridescent orange 
• Men's coat (below) - Borgeoiis, thrifted; last worn here over Monster Vest

 I haven't worn this cardigan in ages, but it was lovely and soft, and even though it's thin, it's still wool. It might move to a "wear around the house" piece, though, as it's not getting much wear in my regular wardrobe.

My goal with the outfit was not to have these satin pants make me look like a Cossack - it's more tricky than you might think, as you put a jacket with them and BAM. You are a Cossack. Boots? Oh, no, totally Cossack-land. Bare leg? So Cossacky.

I have a bone to pick with these black metallic sparkly knee highs by Kate Spade. I bought them in the drug store on super-clearance at $4.95/pair, regular $22.00/pair, in this black, a light silvery grey, and a pale gold, all metallic (pic of them here). When I took them out of the package, they are totally long, like they would go all the way up to mid-thigh, but when I put them on, they have very little stretch, and bunch up just under my knee (they only would fit over my knee if I had no kneecap). They sag around the ankle and the shaped heel slouched down towards my toes all day. They are very tight in the calf, and one popped a run. And they're scratchy!

Ms. Spade, these are shoddy knee-highs. I was really excited about them, and expected better from you. I wish they were better! I want to wear them, but they drove me crazy. Sigh!

 I'm not really whining (she said), but he pants are unfortunately really quite poor quality - I did know that when I bought them that they were fast fashion, but they underwhelmed me, even though I like the idea of these pants. The side seams are puckery, and the ties on the sides of the legs aren't really sure where they want to do up on the leg. I tied them above my calf and ballooned the hem, but you could tie them below the calf as well...although that leaves a big gap on the side, as they are also a stingy in the fabric. They could use pockets and a bit more billow to them. I don't see these lasting long in my wardrobe.

Outerwear. Grey, you say? Why, yes, I do own a grey scarf, gloves and coat. Must wear them!

 Cozy and warm!

• Fur boa - thrifted
• Wool gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 I loved the shoes, and I loved wearing all of my hematite jewelry. They go so well together!

Black bling:

 That's some heavy metal right there! The chain cuff is actually metal; hematite is the mineral form of iron oxide, and was popular in the Victorian era.

• Chain cuff - thrifted
• Earrings and graduated bead necklace (far right) - gifts from Mom
• Bracelets/necklace/ring - thrifted (first wear of the bottom left bracelet with gold beads)

I'm off for now and will be back on Sunday. I have many adventures planned, but a slight tickle in my throat that I'm hoping is the residual effect of all the facial freezing wearing off. Fingers crossed!

The Castle this morning, surrounded by pink hazy clouds.

Wishing you all a very peaceful weekend, as we roll into the holiday season!