Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Swan and Bark, and a Stylish Encounter

Only a smidge under 9 hours today - I actually got home and it was still sort of light out. Today, things got a bit better. I'll be taking Friday afternoon off work and enjoying a long weekend full of restorative down-time and activities with my best friends. There might even be some shopping in there.
 Speaking of shopping, I just did my delicates laundry last night (L does the bulk of it, but I wash my "good" clothes), and am just getting around to wearing some of my most recent purchases.


  • Top - Divided by H&M, thrifted; purchased here for $5.95
  • Skirt - Gunex, thrifted; last seen here in October 2017 with mixed plaid
  • Shoes - Channi B; last worn here (2nd & 3rd outfits) in December 2017 with vintage sparkle and then mint
  • Coat (below) - Rodarte for Opening Ceremony, consignment; last seen here over my last outfit of 2017

 Like most of the tops that I bought on my last trip, this is short sleeved and more spring/summer-appropriate. This one is now shelved for the seasonal closet changeover in a month, as are the other tops. It'll be like Christmas when I clean out the stash.

I liked the swan image on this top - my city has swans (check out this strange history of swans in Victoria!), and I have many memories of going to the park to feed the ducks and swans when I was a child. Shame about the boring back. I'll probably wear this a couple of times and then pass it along. I wore a cami under it for warmth.
I have bruises all over my legs from the move still
My lovely "bark" skirt (it's perma-crinkled with a bark-like texture) perked me up, as I discovered it billows when I go down the stairs in our new building.

Outerwear - one of my favourite finds of the year, this coat is a star.
 I was standing at a crosswalk on the way home with a wee young lady and her dad. She was in glitter gold boots, a faux fur jacket and polka dot skirt - with matching polka dot sunglasses.

Of course, I had to congratulate her on her A+ styling! She was so excited ("She picked it all out herself," said dad), and we admired all the parts of each other's outfits. I petted her brown furry coat; she touched my faux-Persian lamb sleeves and faux fur glove cuffs.
 "Rock on, little stylish chick," I said as we crossed. It was the best part of my day.


  • Fur scarf - thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 I've always liked brown and tealy-blues together. These shoes were heavenly. They always are.

Brassy and blue bling:
Did you notice the fur brooch on my top? I liked how it picked out the soft blue in the top.


  • Fur brooch - Catawumpus Fudge & Funk
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Chain bracelet - Club Monaco
  • Tortoiseshell bracelet - J. Crew
  • Feather ring - Fossil, thrifted
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes


Thank you all for your supportive comments - it means so much to me, and I've teared up more than once reading them.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Wear a Dress, and Urbanite Pics (Finally)

I'm exhausted, stressed and feeling stretched very thin. I cried at my desk four times today and worked nearly 10 hours without a break. It wasn't a good day.
My outfit reflects my state of mind. A little hodge-podge, mixed up, not really sure where it's going. 

  • Dress - Max & Co., Florence, Italy; last seen here (4th outfit) in December 2017 for a Christmas shop with L
  • Shoes - Tasty Vogs Hermine, Fluevog; first worn here in January with Valentino and velvet
  • Coat (below) - Samuel Dong, thrifted; last seen here a couple of weeks ago


But I'll always be the first person to holler, "Wear a dress!" when you're feeling down. I mentally hollered that last night at myself, while standing dazed in my closet. 
The pattern of the dress doesn't quite show enough in pictures (it's gold ovals surrounded by purple and aqua ovals) and the woven texture comes across less shiny in person. 

I think this might be the first time I've worn it with just nylons instead of coloured tights. Go me, Legs McGee! 
 The shoes were good, but not right with it. I still love them.

Outerwear - a hat for the spitty rain.
My outerwear collection is starting to get large - I'm going to have to purge some. Not this coat, though. Turquoise, bubble hem, zippers, ruffles and this great fit-and-flare shape? Nope.


  • Hat - Liz Claiborne, vintage, thrifted
  • Gloves - Danier
  • Fur boa - thrifted


The stuff:
 These shoes and accessories belong to a different outfit. They deserved better. I'm sorry, stuff.

Precious bling:
I hear pearls are in - been wearing them for 30+ years. The bottom bracelet is close to 18 different semi-precious stones.


  • Necklace - Aldo Accessories
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Bracelet - gift from L, local
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes


After such a sucky, long day/week, I was so excited to see that our photobooth pics from Urbanite were finally sent out (go here for tales of our adventure).
 Me, Karen and Cat. It looks like I have a butterfly in my hair. How fabulous we are!

I was trying to sneer like Billy Idol.
 The belt I'm wearing is from my clubbing days as a teen, back in 1985-6.

This green-haired lady wanted to be a pic with us, so why not?
 That's a bunch of badass chicks right there!

A better look at Nick and Karen's outfits.
 She was so mad that he looked so good in HER leather pants!

I've known Nick longer than I've known L, by about a week.
 L is wearing a collection of pins on his lapel, including his original Iron Maiden and Blue Oyster Cult pins that he wore on his jean jacket.

And this is the pic I loved the most.
Aw...I love a happy ending!

Monday, February 26, 2018

A Big Move: Green Daze, Jeans and Docs, Working Weekend, Day 1 Class

Oh, I've missed you guys! Hello! I'm back! Our office move has happened, and while things are completely chaotic still, we have physically moved 200 people from two offices into one new one. I. Am. So. Done.
This is Thursday's outfit. Our phones at work died on Wednesday night, so on Thursday, IT tinkered with my computer, which caused it to completely seize up and insist I was a threat to the company. So, you know, a quiet day.


  • Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last seen here in a seasonal look in December 2017
  • Skirt - Hucke, vintage, thrifted; first worn here with burgundy ruffles in October 2917
  • Shoes - Half Truth Tanya, Fluevog; last seen here in January with mustard and plaid
  • Coat (below) - Stop Staring!, thrifted; last worn here in January


This was my view when I stood on the stairs.
 Snowy castle! The snow melted after a few days, but it was lovely while it lasted.

After slogging through my stressful day, I did my WW meeting...where my boss dropped in to do my every 2 years performance review. Except it wasn't my boss, it was my boss' boss.
 She said I was "cute as a button" - ha! We hit it off nicely.

I enjoyed this kicky outfit - it was easy to work in and lug things around and throw away 15 years of accumulated office junk.
 I wasn't feeling this skirt the first time I wore it, but I really liked it with all these greens.

Outerwear - I love this coat so much, but it was WAY too cold.
 But it's so adorable! I always want to wear it!


  • Fur boa - thrifted
  • Leather stitched gloves - thrifted


The stuff:
 These shoes were a wonderful investment - I can always rely on them to look good and not kill my feet.

Black bling:
 Sorry about the blurriness. After I finished my WW meeting, I went back to my office and worked another few hours. It was a 13 hour day, all told.


  • Beaded cuff - thrifted
  • Metal bracelet - thrifted
  • Hematite rings - thrifted
  • Silver/obsidian ring - Mexico, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1984
  • Earrings - vintage fair, first wearing


I'd forgotten about these earrings! I really like having a cool pair in this shade of green.

More snowy morning sunrise pictures.
 From our deck, looking towards town.

Snow overhanging the deck roof.
 Such a gorgeous peachy colour in the sky!

Friday was the day we packed all the employees up. It was a 10 hour day for me.
 As casual and comfortable as I could get, and still be presentable at work!


  • Cardigan - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here in November 2017 for a casual weekend brunch
  • Shirt - Guess, thrifted; purchased here for $5.95
  • Bike commuter jeans - Levi Strauss, thrifted; last worn here in December 2017 with velvet and rhinestones
  • Doc Martens - worn daily, and I don't track them
  • Coat (below) - T Tahari, thrifted; last seen here a week ago


I look and feel faded there.
 More boxing, hauling, tossing, dragging, taping.

Many of my coworkers were shocked to see me in jeans, but there is always lots of love for my floral Docs. I wear these jeans around the house on a weekly basis, and the Docs are my walk-to-and-from work shoes during cold, wet weather.
 I didn't even pretend to do a hair style - big white roots and a pony tail. Yeah, don't care.

I didn't take the cardigan off all day, but since it was the first wearing of this cute plaid sleeveless shirt, here's how it looks.
 I love the fit on it, and all the bling. I'll wear it in the spring/summer more, I expect.

This is how I really felt about my day.
 I am starting to feel tired from all the long hours.

Outerwear - I smartly loaded on all the warmest stuff for the weather this time!
 I am going to be warm, dammit.


  • Fur toque/scarf - Danier
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


Friday night was the first time I'd seen L in a while, other than an hour here or there. We hung out and played boardgames. Best part of my weekend!

I worked Saturday and Sunday, getting the boxes to the right desks, setting up all 3 kitchens and lunchroom, loading up the office supply rooms, putting up signs, gathering keys, checking access cards...all those million little things that no one else can do.
 Yeah, those are my comfy glasses, no make-up face, straight ponytail, and house bra. And a cat t-shirt, layered over a wool fine sweater for warmth - the t-shirt was a hit with the movers and the janitors.

I worked 8.5 hours on Saturday, came home and slept for 2 hours. L went to our friend Greg's birthday party solo - I couldn't face "making nice" with a bunch of people, so I stayed home, dyed my hair, shaved my legs, ate popcorn and chocolate, and watched wedding dress reality shows until I fell asleep on the couch. That's some good self-care there!

See? I coloured my hair, and it's all dark again. This is what I wore on Sunday.
 More stuff that I wear around the house. That's a Leonard Cohen "Beautiful Losers" t-shirt that I bought when L and I went to see him several years ago (here, in 2009!), layered over a bamboo t-shirt, and my Gap camo pants. This was an 11.5 hour day. I barely remember it. There was always one more thing to do.

Today/Monday, I had to be at the new office for 7am to give out access cards. I started at the old office first to pick up some things, then got to watch the sun rise through our boardroom next to my reception desk. It's the first time I've had natural light at my desk in seven years! What a treat!

Anyway, I was up at 5am, and out of the house by 6:20, so it was dark out still - no stair picture. I planned to take it when I got home, but I ended up working late (my computer finally decided I was not going to destroy the company, and I had a lot of catching up to do), and putting in another 11.5 hour day.
 Outfit for Day 1: Classy, comfy and colourful.


  • Jacket - Kenzo, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in January with cobalt blue
  • Sleeveless blouse - Jacob, thrifted; last worn here in October 2017 with purple and tassels
  • Skirt - Dries van Noten, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in November 2017 for a vintage fair and a film about Dries
  • Shoes - Effortless Bebe, Fluevog; last worn here in January with flared jeans
  • Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 90s, thrifted; last seen here a couple of weeks ago


I liked all the folds and tucks and pleats in this outfit.
 Two swanky designer names, too! Gotta like that! I had several admirers of the pieces - now that we have all of our employees under one roof, it's a whole new crowd to show off my outfits to!

A special shout-out to one of our very first visitor to the office today, who actually reads my blog - Corinne! Hello! Thank you so much, and I am just tickled that you enjoy it.

Outerwear - more coziness and comfort, even though the snow has now all melted.
 The Unsafe Polar Bear coat!


  • Silk/cashmere pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 Comfy shoes for Day 1. Also, shiny and pink!

Gold bling;
Some favourites.


  • Cuff - Trifari, vintage 60s, thrifted
  • Bracelet - Lia Sophia, thrifted
  • Earrings - made by Sherri B
  • Ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's


There you go, that's what I've been up to. I'm tired, and I'm going to bed.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Sheer Paisley, Velvet and a Snow Day

Guh, another long day, but only 10 hours. Today I did power textures instead of power colours. It worked pretty good.
 I found myself stroking this viscose velvet dress all day, when I was feeling stressed. It's almost like having kitty therapy (pet, pet, purr, purr).


  • Blouse - CABi, consignment; last seen here in March 2017 under a different dress
  • Dress - Mimi Bizjak, thrifted; first worn here (2nd outfit) to the theatre with Mom in December 2016
  • Boots - Babycakes Mini, Fluevog; last seen here with work armour in November 2017
  • Unsafe Ocelot coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here on Monday


This dress is so very 90s - that very wide deep U neckline - it's far too skimpy to wear on its own (or is it??), so just like the first time I wore it, I layered a blouse under it again.
 I'm getting down to the last few unworn items this year in my closet - this dress and this blouse are both among the few at the end. I loved both pieces, though, so they are both keepers!

The dress is a deep chocolate brown - and it's the softest velvet ever. I love the bubble hem on it.
 Grey and brown is a colour combination I used to be scared of. It reminds me of chickadees.

Outerwear! It started snowing at noon today, and is still going (nearly 9pm here).
 Book Club was supposed to be tonight, but I had to miss it due to work...but it ended up being cancelled due to the snow!


  • Toque/scarf - Danier
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 These boots are wonderful to wear and always turn a few heads.


  • Mink brooch - thrifted
  • Snake ring - c. 1986, BC Museum Gift Shop
  • Hematite rings - thrifted
  • Earrings - thrifted


I pinned the fur brooch at the top of my collar - Vizzini wanted to lick it very badly.

So, here are some snow pictures. I walked home in this, listening to music, and it was very calming - so when I got home, I went out and just walked up and down my street.
 I live on a short block of apartment buildings and condos, just out of downtown, but still within spitting distance of a major tourist attraction. All along my street and in the surrounding neighbourhood are massive 200-year-old Gary Oak trees.

You might remember when one fell down in our condo's front yard here in November 2015 (I'm wearing the same mink brooch, ha!). I found out later when it was on the news that these trees are all 2 centuries old, not 50.
 The snow is on the branches so thickly!

I live between two major thoroughfares for getting to and from town, but our little street is fairly quiet.
 Not much sidewalk shoveling yet, grrr. It'll be slippery tomorrow.

 Looking up above my head.
I love the gnarly branches on Gary Oaks.

The manager of one of the apartment buildings on our street came out and started clearing the sidewalks while I was walking around.
 He did everyone's sidewalk. That's so Canadian. Aw!

A Victorian-era house near us.
Spooking lighting from a parking lot. It's nearly 4 inches/10 cm deep. Zoiks!