Monday, February 12, 2018

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Friday Spring Stripes, Saturday Scales and Party Velvet, Retail Therapy

My office is moving locations in less than 2 weeks, and I've been hugely stressed by this. I have so many little things to do - I've been dreaming of work! How horrible! 
 I'm trying to wear things that make me feel good, brighter colours to perk up my mood. I'm also trying very hard to remind myself about "First World problems" and to just chill out. So Friday saw me reaching for yellow, my Super-Power colour to make me feel good.


  • Mustard cardigan - no label, thrifted; first worn here in January with plaid
  • Sleeveless sweater - Eileen Fisher, thrifted; purchased here for $6.00
  • Skirt - Dries Van Noten, consignment, San Francisco; last seen here in November 2017 with a tribble sweater
  • Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; last worn here in January for a Saturday brunch 
  • Coat (below) - Samuel Dong, thrifted; last seen here in January


I spent Friday doing a lot of little fiddly admin-type things - this made me feel better and more chill.
 One day at a time, take it slow.

I liked how the olive green sleeveless wool sweater went with the non-olive in this outfit. I figure the blue in the skirt plus the mustard yellow would mix to make olive.
 I'm a big fan of this circus-stripe skirt.

It has pockets - that's the best!
 Feeling and looking blurry. That's okay.

Outerwear - I foolishly didn't wear any gloves or scarf because it was sort of sunny out! Sunny means warm!
 But not when it gets dark - then it means COLD. After work, I soothed myself with a browse through The Patch, but didn't find anything I had to have. There were things I sort of liked, but there is no room for "sort of" in my closet.

The stuff:
 Weighted down by lead-colouring. Grey is an anchor colour for me lately. It reflects the sky, my mood, but is also calming.

Grey bling:
 I like wearing all of these heavy hematite beads together - when they warm to my body temperature, they feel like a hug.


  • Tapered bead necklace - c. 1997, Alaska, from Mom
  • Necklace - vintage fair
  • Bracelets - thrifted
  • Rings - thrifted
  • Chain bracelet - thrifted
  • Earrings - gift from Mom


L and I hung out on Friday night and played board games, then slept in slightly on Saturday before rousing ourselves for brunch at Floyd's.
 I wanted to wear this skirt again, so the outfit it built around it. It was lovely and sunny out, as you can tell! Spring is on the way!


  • Sweater - Lacoste, vintage, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) over Christmas 2017
  • Skirt - Strawberry Jill, thrifted; first worn here in December 2017 with shades of brown
  • Shoes - Matisse; last seen here in November 2017 with waistless browns
  • Leather jacket (below) - Danier Leather; last worn here in December 2017

I knew I'd be covered up for most of our time out - I only took my jacket off when I was having breakfast in the diner.
 I love the dragonscale look of this skirt - so many circles!

Good thing there is no real back-seam, as it spun around as we walked to and from town.
 We did a few little pleasant chore-y things after eating, then strolled home arm-in-arm for a quiet afternoon.

Outerwear - L is picking out his hat (he went with the pork-pie).
 We always look so good together! I love that he dresses up too.


  • Fur scarf - Danier, thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 These shoes were very comfy for walking around town. Most of my shoes are not worn outside, but on a clear day with no rain, I do wear many of my flats for walking.

Heart-on bling:
 I dislike logos on my clothes - even a vintage Lacoste aligator! - so I cover them up with pins. My leather metallic anatomical heart pin is a fave.


  • Heart pin - Smoking Lily
  • Leather gear cuff - SkinzNHydez
  • Brass cuff - c. 1970, Mom's
  • Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L


Still itching to get my retail therapy on, I went to Dots for a browse. I don't shop there often, as I don't like buying new, but I'll make an exception to them. For one, I've been shopping there since the 80s (!!), and for another, it's all salesman samples, so you can find some really unique pieces.

I found two things in the new section (so they were a little pricey), but I love them both so I'm happy.
 These magnificent cropped trousers were a "GIMME" item. I tucked them under my arm as soon as I saw them and hoped for the best. They fit perfectly!

They are by Noa Noa - Dots is the only place in town I've ever seen Noa Noa. Every Noa Noa piece I've ever owned has been from Dots.
 Look at that wondrous woven brocade! No print here! I love the beautifully finished seams inside, the double-hook at the top of the fly and the nice gold zipper.

They were $49.99.
 And they are from the August 2017 season, however, I can't find them anywhere online, so maybe this wasn't a colour story or design they ended up going with.
 Their trousers are very pricey new, so I feel okay with $49.99 - I always have a hard time paying more when I've been nearly exclusively shopping second-hand!

I also found this wonderful soft rose velvet dress.
 L and I had the annual Sweetheart Party to go to at Caro/Ron's place that night, and much as I wanted to shop my closet, nothing was inspiring me!

This dress is by Ichi (here it is, if you want to match me! Linking 'cause I love).
 It was also $49.99.

Here's the sample tag:
 I thought this colour might be Barbados Cherry, but the same dress on their site is called "Roan Rouge" so I guess that's what it is! Delivery in stores between October 1 and 31st 2017, and the wholesale price would be $65.00 Canadian. Double that for the retail of $130.00 (not quite the exaggerated $150 Dots has noted on their sticker!).

I like the relaxed fit, that it's short and soft, and the sexy neckline. Of course, I wore it for the party!
 I'd wear a camisole for a non-party look, but I liked how I felt with the low-cut neckline going on.

This is my look for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. Get there! Stat!


  • Dress - Ichi; purchased same day for $49.99
  • Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last worn here (4th outfit) with a vintage purple party dress in December 2017
  • Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here in January


I felt gorgeous and sexy all night!
 Everyone wanted to stroke the velvet.
 Very soft and comfy to wear. I think I'll be wearing this dress often.

Outerwear - Caro and Ron live longer than a walk away, so L and I took the city bus there and caught a cab home (at 2:30am). What a party!
 Pink accessories, of course!


  • Cashmere/silk pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
  • Leather gloves - consignment


L and I always make a statement.
 He's wearing a fabulous "leader of the band" jacket that I found at The Patch several years ago, a band tee, waxed red jeans, Fluevog cowboy boots, and a gorgeous top hat from Roberta's Hats (several years old).

The stuff:
 I immediately thought of copper accessories for this soft pink - I love the contrast, and yet how warm the colours look together.

Copper bling:
 Any excuse to wear this magnificent belt! It's a treasure. I knocked on it a few times at the party - yeah, I'm wearing a piece of armour here!


  • Belt - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Bracelets - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fairs
  • Earrings - vintage fairs
  • Ring - Vintage expo


On Sunday, I briefly ventured out to get groceries, and stopped in at Rich Rags (hello!) to see if they had anything exciting. I found this lovely summery tank dress for $25.00.
 It's a light sheer nylon netting over a viscose lining. I love the vibrant print and the nice under-bust seaming. I can see wearing this with a jacket or a cardigan come spring.

One thing I do not like:
 Womp-womp. Blah! *inarticulate swearing* Why do companies do this?? Is it really that much more expensive to make a dress with the same back as the front??

However, I soothe myself with the lovely and vibrant tulip print on the front and feel better.
 The dress is by Desigual, a major culprit of not putting patterns on the backs of their skirts and dresses!

I recognized this as being another "by Christian Lacroix" item, so $25.00 was a really good deal for this! It retailed for $165.00 Canadian.
It's the Florecilla dress from the spring/summer 2015 collection, inspired by Mexico - here it is (thank you, Vogue, linking 'cause I love), picture 56, second-last item in their runway show from that season. If you peek at slide 57, you'll see that even on the runway...the back is black!

Today, Monday, is Family Day in BC, so we have the day off! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, my friends!

34 comments:

  1. The dragonscale skirt is the bomb, Sheila! And the soft rose dress you picked up is dreamy too. Love the pic of you and L, a so-stylish pair, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Patti! I'm rather fond of those pieces (and that L guy) myself. :)

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  2. The ICHI dress is beautiful and it looks absolutely fabulous on you-I think it was made just for you!! I love your Monday posts-I just can't wait to see what goodies you picked up on your weekend shopping ventures.

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    1. Thank you so much, Charlotte! I was really happy that I bought it. Aw, thanks - glad you enjoy seeing what I find when I'm out in the shops.

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  3. Love the shiny copper accessories with the soft pink velvet dress -- absolutely stunning!

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  4. Good gosh Sheila, I can't get over how long your hair is now! It looks good, and I like the colour. Great photo of the two of you - that velvet dress is just luscious, and L looks way cool.

    A year ago we moved our entire faculty from our old building to a brand new one, and it was the second time we had moved since I've been in my current job, so I am familiar with the stress you're experiencing. Good Luck!

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    1. I know - just seems like yesterday it was short! Who knew? Hair grows! Thanks so much.

      Ugh, it's horrible - I wish it were over.

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  5. Work stress is stupid! In fact, I am reading this at 2:30 a.m. because work stress is keeping me awake! Ugh.

    Hopefully seeing your beautiful new dresses will make me relaxed enough to go back to sleep!

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    1. Ack, Linda, that sucks! I hope you got some sleep! Thanks for visiting - even at 2:30am!

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  6. Oh I love your brunch outfit, that's such a beautiful skirt. My favourite outfit has to be that stunning velvet dress though, what a great find, and perfect timing for the party! :)

    Hope that things clam down at work for you soon, and you can get through the move without any more stress being added!

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    1. Thanks, Mica! I love skirts with great details like that. Thank you - I felt so good in it for the party. I appreciate your good wishes - here's to less stress!

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  7. Gah! Work stress, not good. Retail therapy, on the other hand, is always good.
    Your purchases are fab. I found a top by Noa Noa in a chazza last year, the quality really is fab, isn't it? The trousers are so cool! I'd love a wall papered in that design.
    You and the Mr look look rock stars in your party outfits. The velvet dress is to die for and fits you like a dream and after seeing you in my favourite dragon scale skirt with that jacket has got me itching to search eBay for something in yellow leather.
    Desigual turns up all over India - I assume it's made there - the prices are insanely cheap - maybe that'll get you over there! xxxx

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    1. Oh, I so agree, Vix! Thank you! Noa Noa's stuff is amazing! I've had some fab pieces over the years by them.
      L and I are total rock stars, heh heh. Yellow leather is the best. Ah, that makes sense - a lot of Desigual's stuff is from India.

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  8. That new velvet dress is fabulous! Love the whole look you put together with it.

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  9. Friday's blue and mustard outfit is a great mood enhancer. Loving that Dries Van Noten circus skirt! Your dragonscale skirt with the yellow jacket is pretty fabulous too. And oh, your new velvet dress is just divine. No wonder people wanted to stroke it. You and L make a fabulous couple! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! I love the stripes and the colour - it's so amazing. Thank you!

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  10. Wow - love you in the rose velvet dress; sexy and gorgeous for sure! What a wonderful find. Loved the copper accessories with the dress.

    I love your circus skirt and the mustard cardi together - a really nice matchy matchy look. The dragon scale skirt is superb and looks brilliant with your yellow leather jacket and the shoes are magnificent.

    The brocade trousers are lovely - I love brocade trousers - and the dress print on the Desigual dress is beautiful.

    Have a lovely and stress free week.

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    1. Thanks so much, Veronica! You know I love matchy looks - I always will. Thanks for the good wishes, my dear!

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  11. That rose dress is AMAZING with your hair. Which looks absolutely beautiful at this length, to boot.

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  12. Wow! You look amazing in that velvet dress, Sheila! XXX

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  13. such an horrible dream!, work stres is an stupid thing!, wish you get over it asap!! Glad that you could cheer up the day with some yellow and your fab striped skirt, so colorful!
    I love your scales/circles skirt, they look like massive sequins!, and your yellow jacket goes so nicely with it!, and those shoes are a fabulous piece!, so cool!. I like that you wore your cute brooch to cover a laber!, brilliant!
    Those brocade pants look Awesome!, and You Look Gorgeous in the velvet dress with all the amazing accessorizing!, and yes, L and you always make a statement!, You Rock!
    besos

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    1. I know! I hate work dreams! I keep reminding myself it will be over soon. Thank you so much for all your kind words, Monica - I love that you love the colour as much as I do! Hugs to you, my dear.

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  14. Oh wow that Dries Van Noten skirt is just amazing and I absolutely love this combo - BTW I am wearing my own thrifted DV noten skirt today.
    I love the new velvet dress on you, plus the way you styled it with the belt.

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    1. Thank you! I love seeing you wearing Dries too! I adore that velvet dress.

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  15. Yay, another lovely shopping trip together, thank you! The velvet dress is so sexy and really shows your figure off a treat. I love how you accessorized with rose gold - fabulous!

    Anna x

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    1. Hee, wait till you see my haul from this weekend! Thank you, Anna!

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  16. Gosh you are well documented, indeed the 2015 Desigual show. How about hanging a necklace with a pendant at the back? Or brooches at the back at your waist (presuming you can still sit).
    I love the velvet dress on you with the big plunge and the copper/gold accessories. So well chosen. You look luscious. I have no other word for it. And yes L looked terrific as well. So nice you both make an effort with dressing. My husband used to do that as well. Then he gained weight plus he retired from work. That was the end of nice clothes. It really bugs me, but I haven’t stopped loving him, so I am up against the wall in this respect. He is losing weight again at the moment. I am so hoping I can hold on to the weight loss.
    I am like you with flat shoes going to the office and change there into heels. I dread the day I am not working anymore. I mean.. who is wearing pencil skirts with high heels at home?
    Greetje

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    1. Such a good idea, Greetje - nothing says I have to leave it black! Thank you - I felt so attractive in that velvet dress outfit. L loves to dress up - I'm so lucky. I wear my flats whenever I can, with heels for variety. I expect I won't wear them anywhere near as much once I retire.

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