Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Fakes and Reals Edition: Bollywood, Garbage Bag, Much Retail Therapy, Jennys, Grey & Blue, Winesday

Ah, a weekend! What a wonderful thing this is...I hope you'll forgive my absence while I took some much-needed "me" time over the past few days. 

I had a good chat with my boss and we're going to make some changes to help me not feel so overwhelmed. I'm happier. 

 After my WW meeting, I met L for pizza and some wine. So, no blogging. This one's for Patti, over at Not Dead Yet Style. "Visible Monday"! Be there!

• Jacket - Aldo, thrifted; last seen here in December 2016 with black velvet (that stain never came out)
• Sweater - Hawick of Scotland, consignment; last worn here in December 2017 under green velvet
• Skirt - Oui Set, thrifted; last seen here in November 2017 on a fall day
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit) in February with pink velvet
• Coat (below) - Denny Rose, consignment; last seen here in February

The sweater is cashmere/wool, and the skirt is a loopy wool boucle (boo-CLAY!). People wanted to touch it.

 This was a very popular outfit at work and at WW - very shiny! My new office is very bright in white and light grey with red accents. I really GLOW.

I adore this gorgeous brocade Bollywood jacket. Every year, it's one of the last pieces to wear, but every year it makes the cut. Did you notice the pink lining peeking out in the stair picture?

 Shiny! All the shiny!

Outerwear - all this (*waves hand airily*) made me feel good.

 Clothes can really make you feel better from the outside in. This coat is a Real: really well made (in Italy) of real fabric (wool).

• Scarf - thrifted
• Gloves - thrifted, vintage

The scarf is real fur, and the gloves are leather and lined in cashmere. The hat is vintage and is made of wool. So much Real!

The stuff:

 These shoes are one of my workhorses - they look fab, and they feel great.

Gold bling:

 Lots of good quality fake gold, that is.

• Necklace - consignment
• Earrings - thrifted
• Amber ring - c. 1996

The ring is not real amber (I don't know what it is). That is a very weird necklace - it has a guy milking a cow on it and a rattlesnake!

I took the afternoon off on Friday - it was hard getting out of the office, but things are incrementally getting easier. Time off will help.

 Whackadoo Friday in my "garbage bag" skirt and my Gookey lace bomber. I just can't be classy all the time, heh heh.

• Jacket - Fake Gucci (Gookey!), thrifted; last worn here in November 2017 in a super-girly outfit
• Sweater - Dalkeith, vintage 60s, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) to the Vintage Fair in November 2017
• Skirt - Kenzo, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here (2nd and 3rd outfits) in February 2017 for the VFF Gala and brunch out afterwards
• Shoes - Clarks, consignment; last seen here with mixed plaids in January
• Leather coat (below) - A&S Selections, thrifted; last worn here in February

It was a struggle to get out of work on time, but I did it! Instead of going straight home and napping, I did some retail therapy.

 Enjoying Elle's post here about "Slow Fashion" and thinking about all the Fakes and Reals I have in my wardrobe. This jacket is 100% fake, but I enjoy it so much.

The skirt is 100% real Kenzo, though.

 It has a depth of quality to it that the jacket doesn't have. The puffy design on the skirt is part of this specially-made textile.

And it has pockets!

 All the best clothes have pockets.

Outerwear - knowing it was going to be cold and/or rainy, I dressed warmly but ready for shopping.

 I'm probably going to let this jacket go - I found myself wishing I'd worn my bright yellow leather jacket instead, for the visual boost.

• Bowler - Roberta's Hats
• Scarf - Smoking Lily
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 Babying my feet in these. Flats are my friend.

• Earrings - Tanya Gleave, Vancouver
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

I swung by She She Shoes - their retiring sale is now at 50% off, and stocked up on Zohara tights.

 I liked the navy blue ones with the pink/grey design, and these lovely dark merlot ones with the irregular almost-snakeskin pattern. The designs are rubberized and stretch without pulling apart, so the design stays looking crisp. These were $17.50 a pair. I have another pair of these (here) that my mother-in-law bought me.

I tried on nearly ever shoe in my size that was left and came away with these gold glitter bombs.

 Yeah, baby! That's totally a neutral!

These are by Seychelles, and were $45.00.

 They are super comfy, although I do expect the glitter to wear off. I'll be leaving fairy dust in my tracks!

I also bit and got these Star Wars shoes. They make me happy.

 Yoda and Luke!

A very 90s/late 00s look to these brogues.

 I like the glitter strip down the back.

 Of course, these are the Irregular Choice Star Wars collection. These were $190.00 half price (gulp).

 Same as my Han and Leia "I Know" shoes (these).

Love the soles.

 Darth Vader, Han Solo and Yoda! "Do or do not, there is no try!"

From She She, I went to Fluevog and drooled all over the new styles, thinking about our anniversary...but I restrained myself and bought Cat's birthday gift card, and proceeded to Flavour Upstairs for a good restorative thrift shop.

I was thrilled to find the chartreuse velvet scarf I passed up a few trips prior.

 It's so soft, and I love the colour.

It's also a Real! Dolce & Gabbana.

 A bit pricey for a scarf (if you're a thrifter), but $14.99 is still okay for me.

Especially because it IS real D&G.

 Does it have the tag that says there's a hologram?

And does it have the hologram?

 Sure does! I'd guess this is from the late 90s.

I knew this skirt was quality from the minute I touched it.

"You should come over here and pet me."

 This skirt is dark grey, heavy and a Swoosh Factor TBD, but up there.

It's a Real. 100% silk, made in the US.

 I don't think Marc Jacobs manufactures in the US anymore.

 No idea how old this is (the rabbit-hole of Vogue's fashion show archives sucked me in for a bit), but $19.99 is a great price for it.

When a dress fits, I feel good in it.

 I like the unusual colour - sort of a sepia brown - which will allow for good layers and accessorizing. This will be a nice spring/summer dress - it's cotton, so not likely to work too well in the chillier seasons.

It's by Amelia (TM) which I've never heard of.

 But for $19.99, I'm good.

From Flavour Upstairs, I went to the St. Vincent de Paul...which is closing their downtown location! This saddens me, as I have found many great items there over the years. I had to go in for one last look around. Luck was on my side! I found this lovely sparkly grey shrug.

 Are shrugs due for a comback? Sure! Who doesn't like to keep her arms warm?

It was only $6.00 and is by Le Chateau.

 It is in very good shape, likely only worn once.

This hot pink dress was in the boutique section. It's very stretchy, very shiny and shows everything.

 But I felt like a million bucks in it!

For only $15.00, I call that a yes.

 The brand is Antonio D'Errico and although it's made in Italy, this is a Fake. Not that it's a fake of another brand, but just that "Made in Italy" isn't always a shortcut to good quality.

 It's cheap, stretchy fabric, and the edges are all serged and open. No lining.

I found a Real in the men's tie section. If L hadn't liked this, I would have kept it.

 Funky 80s ties, for the win!

It's Versace!

 Definitely real Versace.

 100% silk, made in Italy.

I should have napped after all that shopping, but instead, I had a half-hour breather, and got changed for a concert at the Alix Goolden Hall - the Wailin' Jennys!

 That is a Real look. I'm super-fading there...no energy...

• Jacket - Frank Lymon; first worn here in January with green pleats
• Sweater - J. Crew, thrifted; last worn here in January with culottes
• Jeans - Gap, thrifted; first worn here in January with pinks
• Shoes - Miista; last seen here with this same blue sweater in January

Sure, I've worked over 37 hours of overtime over 12 days straight, been shopping for 3 hours...a concert is a GOOD idea.

 That is a Fake smile.

This is a Real tired lady.

 I didn't wear warm enough clothes to stand in line for 45 minutes before the show (general admission, grrr).

 But I was comfy enough for walking there and back.

Nope, done with looking at the camera.

 Those pockets were not deep enough for my hands.

And a scarf and fingerless gloves did not give much warmth.

 This is my asleep face. I sat through the very soft and gentle concert (review here on L's blog) with my eyes closed, just listening to them harmonize. It was very soothing, but I was happy to have it over and get home and fall into bed.

The stuff:

 Shoes - same earrings.

A wee bit of a sleep-in on Saturday, then a stroll to town for brunch with L! One of my favourite things!

 A plain outfit ready for some more retail therapy-ing.

• Sweater - Gap, thrifted; last worn here in February with lots of purple
• Skirt - Talula Babaton, thrifted; first worn here in January with teal
• Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; last seen here with striped Dries and mustard in January
• Coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here for Valentine's Day in February

 This is the last wear of this skirt unfortunately. It has become spotted with moth-holes in just the last month since I wore it. Some kitty is not doing his moth-eating job!

Ah well, it was only $18.95 and I wore it twice, so $9.50 a wear.

 I built the outfit to showcase these tights. These tights fall down really easy. I don't think they are going to last long with me.

I want to go back to bed, but I need to get some of this bright light outside.

 I'm severely sunlight-deprived right now! Is it spring yet?

Outerwear - the Grape Ape! Soon it will be too warm to wear this.

 Doesn't L look nice? We always dress up for Floyd's Diner - even though it's totally not dressy.

• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 Lovely comfy shoes. Easy for shopping!

I went to the Patch, but didn't buy anything, and then wandered to the big WIN store. I spotted this red suede treasure the second I walked in the door.

 Get in my cart, you gorgeous thing!

It's a Holt Renfrew Studio piece, likely from the early 00s.

 Made in Canada and $64.95 - it was the most expensive thing I bought all day, but it's so nice on. That size 10 is a fairly small 10.

I found this lovely cuff in the half-price jewelry case.

 It was $4.00, and I'm sure it's another POLY piece (like these pieces I own). It's the same shape as these cuffs on his site and the "pyramid stone" on the left is similar to the one on the marked cuff I have. Cool!

It looks good on, which is what I care about.

 It's a Real!

This, however, SO Fake.

 Ah! It's a Louis Vuitton/Stephen Sprouse scarf!

It's huge!

"Where did the Woman go?"

 It's bigger than me.

It didn't fool me, but I did some research on it. The price is of course too good to be true - $6.95.

 I'm sure it's silk (it feels lovely!), but it's definitely not Louis Vuitton/Stephen Sprouse. For one, the scarves didn't have rolled edges. And they didn't make the scarves in black and white.

And this the wrong font (the Os are too oval).

 I'm sure it was made in Italy for the knock-off market. I bet it cost about $45.00 new.

 However, despite its fakery, I got a nice funky black and white silk scarf for $6.95. That's still a deal.

I am in love with fedoras right now. This one had me at "hello."

 Luscious cream wool, with two-tone grosgrain ribbon trim.

It's by Edward Mann, "Always making fashion news". That is a truly terrible slogan.

 However, he designed the hats for Diana Rigg's Emma Peel character in The Avengers, so how cool is that?

This hat was not $8.95 - it was half that, so only $4.50.

 That hatband is just ripe for feathers, or pins...

I found this lovely top which looks boring on a hanger.

It's navy blue, which I'm feeling a strange affinity for lately.

Some nice detail - bra strap holders so that the neckline doesn't slip around.

 You just don't see that anymore.

Because it looks so sucky on the hanger, here it is on me (ignore my "been shopping, had a nap" face).

"We should go back to bed and nap some more."

 It's a CAPE! How freaking cool is that? The non-cape part can be tucked in as well as worn out like here.

Shockingly, it's a modern piece by Lord & Taylor's 424 Fifth line.

 Department store stuff - tagged at $19.95, but half price due to that punch in the price tag, so $10.00. It's a nice soft polyester - it'll wash well.

I fell for this silk tulle skirt.

 It's very wrinkly, which I'm not sure will steam out, and it's covered in pictures of Italian "culture".

 Statues, buildings (I think that's Il Duomo in Florence with the red roof), very much a touristy skirt. It was $14.95, no label. Real or fake? I think it's the kind of thing you pick up on holiday.

This piece is definitely Real. I had to buy it because of that - I felt like I was the only person who would "get" this jacket.

 It's a weird greyish-green colour, in a nylon (that feels like cotton) with viscose lining.

I like the double pocket action.

 Nice seaming.

GIEFFEFFE.

 What the heck is that? But putting your name on your buttons is a very expensive thing to do.

I recognize Gianfranco Ferre (I own this skirt by him), and it's rare that you see a piece by him.

 All those funky labels. This piece dates to the mid-90s (an interesting history of him here).

This is why I couldn't leave the jacket. Well, it fits really well too.

 But not $8.95, only $4.50! I can't leave a piece of history on the rack for $4.50!

I photographed the above clothes on Saturday night (hence the long black leather skirt in the above pics), while I was getting ready for Winesday.

"Ahoy! Is that Winesday in my future?"

And so it was! We hung out in Caro's rumpus room (is that a Canadian expression? do you know what that is?), and ate and laughed and drank wine. It was heavenly. I stretched out on the couch, and listened to my dear women, occasionally interjecting.

• Vest - Zara Woman, consignment; last seen here (5th outfit) over the December 2017 holidays
• Sweater - Jean-Paul Gaultier, consignment; last worn here (5th outfit) in that same outfit
• Skirt - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2016 to see the Sing-A-Long Sound of Music with Mom
• Boots - Lucky Brand, swap from Cat; last seen here in December 2017 on a shopping day
• Coat (below) - Zara, gift from Dominique; last worn here in January

 Vest off.

Vest on.

"Wait, you're going out, again?"

 It's been chilly these evenings, and I had no intention of being cold. Layers, layers, layers. I have a cami on under the sweater, and tights and socks under the lined leather skirt.

"I'd better investigate."

 It's a loud skirt, and flaps when I walk.

 I felt like Ms. Cool in this.

More bundling with my outerwear, suitable for cabs there and back.

"I demand you both stay home!'

 L and I got home around 1am...zzzzz...so tired!

The stuff:

 Sorry, Cat, these boots don't work for me. Into the giveaway pile they go. They just don't feel right.

• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L

One last shot.

I missed you all, and hope to be back to my regular posting schedule soon.

Here we go, my friends, another week!