Bigass Anniversary Weekend Wrap-Up: Red Leopard, Melanie Meet-Up, Vancouver Shopping

Happy weekend, my friends, but most importantly, Happy Anniversary to my best friend and awesome husband, L. We've hit the jackpot with each other, and this is our 21st year married. Wow, where did the time go? Want to see what we looked like back then? Check out last year's 20th anniversary post here.

Photo: Mel K.

 As is our tradition for the past 15 or so years, L and I fly over to the mainland and visit our Vancouver friends for our anniversary - and this year was no different.

But first, I took Thursday off to just chill out, do some chores and relax before all this stressful travel stuff. I also worked my WW meeting that night, so I actually had to get dressed.

 I had been lounging around in these stretchy denim jeans (I wear them at home now, vs. them being in my regular wardrobe), and didn't feel like changing much for the 3 hours I'd be out of the house, so I just threw on a blouse and changed my shoes. Voila!

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style.

• Blouse - L'Wren Scott, A Tropical Conversation, FW2011, thrifted; last seen here in January in a secret Trek suit
• Jeans - Mark. by Avon, thrifted; last seen here in March 2017 with a leather peplum
• Boots - Conquer Malieka, Fluevog; last worn here in the same outfit as this blouse!
• Coat (below) - Vassali, consignment; last seen here earlier this month

My WW group loved this outfit - the red was nice and vibrant, and they got a giggle that the jeans are by Avon.

"Hmm...what's this I see?"

These jeans are very low-cut, so this ultra-long blouse was just perfect. No worries about having to keep tucking it in, or risking a little butt-crack-a-lackin'!

 What is that little monster up to?

"Your purse was made for cat fun."

We'd had a lovely day together (naps!) and he did not want me to leave.

Outerwear - spring is here! I'm loving the warmer temps and being able to wear my lighter coats again.

 It's funny seeing 90s styles come back - some of them were atrocious! - but a long coat is a look that I've always loved.

Especially when said coat has such a great fit and awesome details.

The asymmetrical hem.

"We pose as one for the fans."

I like that there's a glimpse of my white sport sock there. Klassy!

The stuff:

 I wore more practical shoes for walking to my meeting and changed into these once I got there.

Vintage bling:

 Some favourites.

• Belt - gift from Ruth
• Silver/obsidian ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1984
• Snake ring - BC Museum gift shop, 1985
• White gold hoop earrings (not shown, oops) - 10th anniversary gift from L

On Friday morning, L and I got to have a bit of a sleep-in before we walked to town to catch our plane to Vancouver. Mister Vizzini was sleeping on the bed when we left.

"You dare to leave me?"

 He's one whisker away from biting me.

"I'll try not to miss you."

 Cat and Ross took care of him - they love to Vizzit with him.

L and I are both minimalist packers when we travel, both only taking a half-empty backpack each for this trip.

 The weather is unpredictable this time of year, so we had to be warm (but not too warm), ready for rain (but not carry an annoying umbrella), and wear shoes that wouldn't get wrecked in rain and that we can walk in for hours on end (but also look good for dinner out).

• Monster Vest - Zara Woman, consignment; last seen here (5th outfit) early this month for Winesday
• Dress - Karen Millen, consignment; purchased here for $29.98
• Shoes - Miista; last seen here in February with Dries and Versace
• Coat (below) - BCBG Max Azria, thrifted; last worn here earlier this month (I sewed the button back on in record time!)

I wore a variation of this outfit for dinner on Saturday night with our friends Anthony and Laura - I added a spiky copper necklace, and changed the blue textured tights for plain black ones.

 I also wore a full vintage slip under this.

I had major issues with the dress riding up the whole weekend. It basically folded itself under until it was a knee-length dress.

 The slip rode up to my waist immediately, leading me to many undignified adjustments at crosswalks, to L's horror. "What are you doing??"

But overall, I still loved wearing it - it was snuggly warm, and I felt great in it. I think bare legs and boots may be the way to go with it, so it may be a "shoulder season" dress versus a full-on winter dress.

 Layers over, not layers under.

Speaking of layers...I prayed to the weather gods not to mess up another vacation for me this year...like this one, and this one (sad fans!).

 I took a little fur scarf, my fur toque and leather gloves, which ended up being just right. The fur pieces squished up very small, and I could stuff them in my purse as needed.

• Scarf - thrifted
• Toque/gloves - Danier Leather

We had a bit of rain, a bit of sun, somewhat warm, somewhat cold. Typical Vancouver.

 I was a beacon of brightness in a sea of people in black. Oh, Vancouver, I hoped for more from your denizens, style-wise.

I like how the bits of the dress poke out, especially the sleeves.

I usually wear my purchased (spoiler alert!) Fluevogs out right away but due to the weather, I wore the same shoes all weekend. They held up really well, but took a bit of a beating. 

The stuff: 

 The shoes are super-scuffed up - what is it with metallic shoes and scuffs? Arg.

Coppery bling:

The necklace I wore out for dinner looked really good with the dress, but I forgot to take a picture of it, and oh yeah, I wore a copper cuff too. 

• Necklace - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Cuff - Matisse, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Earrings - no label, vintage fair
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Trip pictures! You ready? L and I always take a float plane over to Vancouver - it's SO much faster than the 5 hours it takes to take the ferry (lots of driving and waiting around). The flights are only 35 minutes, from Victoria's harbour in downtown, to Vancouver's harbour, also downtown. They are pricier, but our time is worth it! 

 Plus, we get gorgeous scenery, like the wee harbour ferry, and the bigger Coho ferry. I've never been on the Coho - it goes to Port Angeles in Washington state.

I always take a picture of the Johnson Street Bridge (aka "the Blue Bridge").

 Our new bridge is due to open soon - that's it raised there.

Looking south to Washington - Seattle is way down there.

 Tankers in the strait.

Low clouds - the mountaintops are the Olympic Mountain range.

 I always look for orcas, but I've never seen any from the plane.

The plane going to Van was a small one - only seating about 10 people. It was a bumpy ride!

 Coming home, we had a bigger plane that seated close to 16 people. We're all crammed in!

The sun poking through the clouds.

 Even grey days are beautiful.

Vancouver!

 The guy in front of me was taking pics too.

There are the docks, right beside Canada Place.

 It's such an elegant way to "greet" Vancouver.

The view from our hotel room - lots of clouds.

 No time to waste, though - we had a date!

Who is this striding like a boss and shooting beams of light from her pailetted jacket??

 I KNOW HER! It's Melanie from A Bag and a Beret!

We've been meeting up with Melanie for the past 5 years - check out our shenanigans the very first time we met (here in 2013), and here last year (we made a movie - you can see it here!).

 After much hugging and squealing and delighted grins and "WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?" from all parties, in the middle of Nordie's (Nordstrom's department store), we headed off to brunch.

From there, we went to our favourite Fluevog store in Gastown, and to My Sister's Closet. Here's what we bought!

 Mmmm...white marble heels. These are called the Ishshoes Zoomies (available here, linking 'cause I love Fluevog!). I was deeply attracted to these white shoes - they are the same heel and toe and sole as my blue velvet boots, and they are ever so comfy.

I tried on lots of different styles, but these just sang to me.

 They're going to be a great spring/summer shoe!

The sole is shaped like an iron.

 And it says, "Iron out your ishshoes." These are my anniversary gift from L. Aw! Thank you, love!

L got an anniversary gift from me, too!

 These are the Rufus Magoo Duke. Pretty snazzy! I love the aqua accents. Another great spring shoe!

I didn't take as many pictures of our trip as I have in years past - I really needed to just be in the moment and not think about recording it. So a huge thank you to Mel for taking a few while we were in Fluevog!

Photo by Mel K.

 I was pushing for the red shoes and the purple shoes (on the right side, barely showing). L has a few pairs just like the bottom boots and shoe with the Swordfish toe.

I look very cross here.

Photo by Mel K.

But I love that bright, airy store! Thank you to Chad, our Fluevogologist on this visit!

These pictures really don't convey how bright Melanie's jacket is!

Photo by L

 Her pants are by Marni, with the side-stripe farking by her. I have seen that same Marni fabric in a blouse at the Patch. Must go get it!

The toe pose.

Photo by L

 I love visiting with Melanie - such a joy!

L and I. Yeah, I like this guy. I'll keep him.

Photo by Mel K.

 Looking stylin'.

Photo by Mel K.

 More Drama!

At My Sister's Closet (link here, 'cause I love!), both L and I had good luck. Melanie also bought a fantastic dress that I hope she will wear to something really swanky (like out for coffee).

By the way, please forgive the wrinkles in my clothing pics - everything was stuffed into my backpack for the trip home. My pack weighed 7 pounds on the way there, and 14 pounds on the way back! 

I found this bright blue swooshy dress.

 It has a deep box pleat and a slit at the front, which is unusual.

It's by Nanette Lepore, and was only $26.00.

 That's a total score.

It was made in the US!

 A quick search tells me it's called the "Blue Picture Day Dress" and it's about 4 years old. It would have retailed originally for $400-500.

I also liked the interesting shape of this grey top.

It feels like wool, or a wool blend, but someone's cut the content tag out of it.

It's by Zara Woman, and was $18.00.

 I like it!

L also lucked out and found this funky plaid, floral, purple, green and navy shirt.

 It's right up his alley!

On Saturday, we headed up to the Main Street shopping area - it's full of great little second-hand boutiques - starting with brunch.

 My alternate shopping outfit, made of more new-to-me items. It was excelling for trying on clothes, and both new pieces functioned excellently.

• Fine sweater - Sonia Rykiel, consignment; purchased here for $20.98
• Monster Vest - as above
• Skirt - Les Filles de Neaux, thrifted; purchased here for $3.50
• Shoes - Miista; as above

 I wore a black cami under the sweater.

And Monster Vest over it for warmth.

Rar! 

 I left this uncropped so you can see my little camera perched on a coffee pod on a table. Hee!

One of our favourite stops is at Front & Co. I like their selection, but nothing rang my bell, although I tried a lot on. L got these fun navy blue polka dot pants.

 That's my man!

Front & Co. had a pop-up shop a few doors down where everything was an extra 40% off. I got really excited when I saw this jacket!

 It's by Etro!

 Look at that gorgeous lining!

It was marked at $248.00, but with the discount, it was $148.80.

 Front & Co. does their research - this is indeed regular $1,600.00.

I also encouraged L to buy this amazing leather moto jacket with wool/cashmere sleeves.

 I would have bought this for him if he balked. Thank goodness the man saw sense.

It's by Kent and Curwen and was made in Italy.

 The lining is thick and quilted.

Nice detail.

 It doesn't look like it's even been worn.

It was marked at $588.00 - the original retail on it was $2,529.00.

 With 40% off, it was $352.80. A bit of a splurge, but it's a classic and it looks so good on.

I waffled on this, but L pushed me, and I caved. I'm glad I did. When am I ever going to find a bronze metallic leather jacket like this again?

 It's really soft and fits me like a glove.

Nice detail - yes, that does say "Burberry London".

 It's by Burberry, and it's glorious.

 It has been worn - someone cut the size/where it's made tag out under the label, but it's minimal wear.

I get sticker shock even at consignment store high-end prices! $368.00 is a lot of money!

 At $220.80, I took a deep breath and bought it. Front & Co. listed the original price at $4,000, so I feel a bit better.

We popped into another favourite store, Turnabout, where we found L a fabulous multicolour plaid blazer.

 Oops, blurry. Trust me, it's fabulous.

I like that Turnabout has a regular markdown system on their tags. Since we bought this after 3/18/18, the original consignment price was reduced to $159.00.

 New, with tags, Vivienne Westwood, yes, please. There's the original price of $1,100.

I like the pocket inside.

 This looked great on L.

He was very patient while I took my time going through Turnabout. They have a lot of stock! I did a few try-ons, and found a few good things.

 Oh dear, sorry, another blurry one. But you get the idea. Pencil skirt, big zhoozh of fabric in the front, a slit behind that for walking. Funky!

This is by L.A.M.B. (weirdly, my second purchase in a week of this brand, which I've never bought before), and it's also new with the Holt Renfrew department store tag still on it. There, you can see the metallic copper material. Isn't that cool?

 It's sized really small for a 10, so I'm not surprised it was marked down to $15.00.

I waffled on this dress, but I went for it anyway. I'm on vacation! I make impulse buys!

 It's a pinky beige colour so I will probably look naked in it. But I love the fringe! I have stored it with the fringe up away from Vizzini's range. He'll eat it for sure.

It has nice seaming and it's a really good fit.

 The fabric is a faux suede.

It's by Sans Souci and it's also not accurately sized.

 And again, it's new with tags, and was slashed to $15.00. Why not? That's barely two glasses of wine!

I already have a full white skirt for spring/summer, but L really liked this skirt, so yes, of course I bought it.

 It has a nice flow, and the high-low hem is subtle.

The fabric texture is nice.

 I like the geometry of it.

It's by Angel Eye.

 It was on the first round of reductions, and was $23.99. Another item with tags still on! This will look great with my new Fluevogs!

In a little vintage store (sorry, I forgot the name), I found these crazy pants.

 They are dark black cotton, and entirely sewn with electric orange thread. I love the "sailor pant" look of the copper snaps on the front.

The back has good details, including a lace-up.

 Um, a slightly blurrier close-up of the bum section:

 You know I'm never going to be that person in plain black pants!

These are vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier! I cringed at "Jean's" but then I realized it's a play off his name.

 I found one pair of these on a re-sell site, and I suspect they are from the late 90s/early 00s.

The rivets are perfect.

 And the snaps are too!

 Check out the skull-and-crossbones on the inside waistband!

 Washable, nice! These were $55.00.

That's it for my purchases. What was your favourite?

Cat and Ross sent us a couple of pictures of Vizzini, who is very happy to see us (much drool).

"You'd better have kitty treats in  your hand..."

 Aw, look at that face.

"I like you, but I miss my people."

We missed you too, bud!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, everyone!