Sunday, June 17, 2018

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Friday Whites; Ulti Lettuce and Shopping: Reader Meet-Her Visit

This weekend has flown by, packed full of things! I need another weekend to recover, please - would someone please arrange that, stat? Thank you.

This is Friday's outfit. As you can see, I'm really not doing Casual Friday. 
 I built this outfit around the very casual velour skirt, so that kind of counts.

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style - what are you waiting for? Go!


  • Jacket - Brooks Brothers, thrifted; last worn here in January with a butterfly skirt
  • Top - Jones New York, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit, after the closet pictures) with JPG sailor pants in March
  • Skirt - Sonia Rykiel, thrifted; purchased here for $6.95
  • Shoes - Zoomies Ishshoes, Fluevog; last seen here with pink pants in April


I met Elaine for dinner after work, and I wanted to look classy too.
 I loved how this soft pink blazer looked with the indigo blue of the velour skirt; from there, it was, "Hmm, I wonder how white shoes would look with this?" And because I had the new white belt still waiting to be worn, voila! An outfit was born.
 I wrestled with boxes at work and did end up taking the jacket off for a bit.

The stuff:
 Such comfy shoes! They really are!

White and gold bling:
 The leather belt softened up quite a lot over the course of the day - it's really nice quality.


  • Belt - Banana Republic, consignment - first wear, $6.50
  • Cuff - thrifted
  • Earrings - Biko, consignment
  • Textured bracelet - Mom's, 60s?


I've owned that lower bracelet since around 1984 when I "liberated" it from Mom's jewelry box.

Last time I wore these earrings, some of you wanted to see them on me to see how they looked.
 Here you go. I like this above picture because my hand with the camera is visible.

Other side.
Cool, eh?

On Saturday, L and I hauled our gear to the field for a game of Ultimate Frisbee!
 It's been a really hot weekend, with temperatures around 25 degrees (very hot for us). I'm in eyelet cotton, and fully sunblocked.


  • Dress - Simply Taylor, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in July 2017 for...a game of Ulti!
  • Sandals, Born, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in September 2017 for Ulti again!
  • Linen jacket (below) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last seen here


I have a small wardrobe of weekend-only items, which includes this lovely "lettuce" dress, so named for the amass of ruffles around the hem.
 It's a little on the short side for work, but perfect for a hot weekend day.

L and I had lunch after the game, I had a wee shop and then walked home and had a nap.
 I wear contacts for the game so that I can wear my sunglasses. I take them out at lunch.

White linen for sun coverage.
 Oh, and my hat.
 I'm an incognito movie star!

The stuff:
 These are such comfy weekend shoes. They're the only pair of thong sandals I have been able to stand in the last several years.


  • Gold earrings - mismatched anniversary gifts from L


We had our friends Cat and Ross over for board games on Saturday night. Vizzini is always happy to see them (they visit/feed him when we are away).
"What? This isn't a good place to sit?"
 He decided to climb into this bookshelf while we were setting up the game that usually lives there.

I did find a few things on my brief shop - I stopped in at the WIN Store on Pandora.
 This cuff is hinged but still small enough for my wrists - the stones are not real turquoise, but they are stone (that's been dyed). Still, for $5.95, I am not complaining!

I'm always on the lookout for washable "soft" tops to wear under blazers/sweaters in plain colours.
 Yes! Pink!

It's by INC, and was half price of the marked $12.95, so 6.50.
 I'll be wearing this soon!

I've been having good luck with pants lately, and spotted these funky beauties.
 That's a navy, turquoise and camel plaid. They are cut full (one pleat!), and have tapered cuffed hems. Very retro.

I didn't know the brand - Cartonnier - and this was half off the marked $29.95 (so, $15.00).
 The fact that someone made a little "Caronnier [heart]" symbol means someone recognized this brand - it's from Anthropologie.

I like this back detail of the high divoted waist. Those are real pockets on the back too.
 I'm excited to wear these!

I waffled over these shoes a couple of times. Not because of the price, but because of the heel height.
 But they are balanced really well, and I have been looking for a fancy black shoe for party outfits or gala looks. I probably won't wear these for a while (December holiday season?).

They are by Ted Baker, and I adore the ginormous satin roses on the peep toes.
 The gold lining is leather, which is a nice treat.

The soles say, "Ted say's [sic], "It's all about the sole".
 I guess he likes the gold sole?

These were $26.95, which is the exact price of a party shoe I don't plan to wear a lot.
 Under the $26.95 price tag was WIN's previous price: $56.95.
These were probably well over $150.00 new, which is too much to pay for a shoe that doesn't get worn much. I bet these were worn only once!

This morning, I was up very early. I found Vizzini sitting out on the deck, enjoying the early sun. 
"I chose to sit here."
 We call that his "Blanket of Shame" - when he's bothering us at 4am to be fed, we shut him on the deck (totally safe - he's fine out there). We put the blanket out there for him in the winter, but he seems to like sitting there all year round, so we've just left it.

Looks rather grumpy, doesn't he?
"Are the noisy roof sounds coming back?"
Yes, sorry, bud! The roofers will be back tomorrow. 

I walked to town and did my grocery shop.  
 Doesn't everyone shop for groceries in lame (lah-MAY, darling!)?


  • Dress - no label, vintage, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in June 2017 to the Ulti field (I'm sensing a theme here)
  • Shoes - Born, consignment; last worn here (5th outfit) in May with a red dress

I've been emailing with blog reader Laurie for several months, and had made plans to meet up with her, her husband Fred, and grown son Robin while they visited Victoria for a few days. 

 I had to look classy! Blog reader to impress!

I love this dress - it's so easy to wear, although when I am hoofing it and walking at my faster pace, I have to gather up the skirts so that I can take my proper strides.
 While strolling, it's totally fine.

I sunblocked up my arms, but carried my parasol. It was the perfect day for it.
 I've had this parasol for several years.

It's made of paper and bamboo.
 I bought it in Chinatown for $10.00.

The stuff:
 I went with gold shoes, even though I am wearing all copper accessories. We did a lot of walking today!

Copper bling:
 Any opportunity to wear this magnificent belt. Yes, it is solid copper!


  • Belt - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Cuff - vintage 70s, vintage fair
  • Earrings - vintage fair


I took a few pictures of my day, but generally the four of us just enjoyed taking in the city and chatting. Being in the moment is always more fun.

Laurie and her family came in on the Coho ferry from Port Angeles in Washington State, south of Victoria.
 That's the ferry with the red stripe on the lower hull.

Looking across the Inner Harbour as the Clipper passenger catamaran comes in from Seattle's harbour.
 Still early (around 10am), and not too many people around.

Looking back at the Empress Hotel.
 Such a grand old building.

And looking at the Parliament Buildings behind me.
 Ah, love that blue sky!

I met the family at their B&B in James Bay, where Fred took a picture of Laurie and I.
 What a lovely bunch of people they were/are! This was their first time in Victoria (they are from New York, although Robin is living/working in Washington State).

While they settled in - fresh off the boat! - I looked around the wee cottage.
 Very cosy.

I'm a maximalist - I love spaces that are crammed full of things.
 I could poke around in there all day.

We walked to the waterfront at Dallas Road, along to Beacon Hill Park. We climbed to the top of the hill, then walked down through the park itself, admiring the flowers, ducks and greenery. It's a lovely park.

From there, we strolled through the Empress Hotel, where I took a picture of Fred in front of the High Tea Crowd.
 It's very expensive to have High Tea there - I recommended tea and a sweet baked treat at Murchie's instead.

We meandered up Government Street, poking our heads into Roger's Chocolates, Munro's Books, and EA Morris Tobacconists, where I sat in the chair where the Queen once sat! YES, me and Queen Elizabeth II now have something in common.
A royal wave for the commoners
 Our bums have been in the same chair. We're besties now, of course.

We had lunch on the patio at the Garrick's Head, then walked down to Wharf Street, to Johnson Street. Of course, we popped into Fluevog - and to Flavour Upstairs, where both Laurie and Robin found something. Laurie bought a lovely Club Monaco silk skirt that I'd been eyeing, and Robin found a fabulous Club Monaco sweater for his girlfriend.

Over to Chinatown, and then I had to get home to receive the groceries. Time for one last picture.
Laurie and I in front of the Gate of Harmonious Interest. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your vacation with me, Laurie, Fred and Robin! It was so fun to meet you, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

24 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your delightful city with us! We had a wonderful day with you, and you might smile to know we returned to Beacon Hill Park in the early evening for a game of cards and were regaled by multiple mating dances of peacocks! We so enjoyed meeting you and appreciate the time you spent with us, learning about the history of Victoria (we walked the breakwater this evening and watched the sunset!), and getting to shop with you. Family consensus is you are a fantastic tour guide! And Robin & Fred will have much to keep them busy with L’s blog. Thank you for a most special day! Hugs, Laurie, Fred and Robin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you're enjoying yourselves here, Laurie! It was a real treat to be able to show you guys around and to get to know you! Aw, hugs back to you (again!).

      Delete
  2. An interesting post - I love your skirt and those trousers look like a bargain at half price

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  3. Love your new cuff and your parasol. Lise

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  4. Blast I just commented and lost it...

    I absolutely loved the green lettuce dress. It looked so stylish teamed with the jacket, sandals and hat. Fabulous indeed. The lame maxi dress was beautiful and just the thing for grocery shopping!

    Loved your plaid trousers and the Ted Baker shoes were glorious. I hope they're comfortable to wear when you do get round to wearing them...

    How nice you got to meet a blog reader and their family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, shoot, sorry, Vronni! Thanks so much! I do love my summer dresses. I'm excited about the shoes, and we'll see how they do in action at some point. It's always really cool to meet a reader!

      Delete
  5. If I am ever in Canada I hope I could stop by and you could take me on one of your blog reader tours, haha! You're so good at sharing bits of your lovely home. I bet you were easily the most dressed up person in the grocery store! :)

    Really looking forward to seeing how you wear the tartan pants - I think they'd look nice with the pink top but I'm sure you have something even better in mind!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mica, if you are ever up here, I will take time off to hang out with you and show you around! You're on my list of "bloggers I would love to meet one day"!

      Ha, actually, the grocery store was pretty empty that early in the day. I do have something in mind for the trousers...

      Delete
  6. Your white shoes are insanely good, and I love them with your Friday not-a-suit, but like a suit. Very cool. the lettuce dress! Your readers get attached to your clothing, have you noticed? : > Hey, Vizzini, looking handsome as ever. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm shocked at how much I like white shoes. Never thought I would! Yes, I have noticed that, especially with really distinctive pieces like the lettuce dress or the Spanish ladies dress.

      Delete
  7. That green lettuce dress is just outstanding. I am also loving the printed maxi dress with the parasol. I can’t believe how much activity you crammed into such a short time. Many fabulous outfits as well. Now I am here by ordering you to relax and recover from the weekend.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Elle! Yes, it was a lot for such a short time! Yes, ma'am, I will relax. :)

      Delete
  8. What a great post! The scenic ones bring back memories. Glad you had fun with your friends. The TB black shoes are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, sweetheart! I thought of you the whole time - we talked about you too! I knew you'd love the Ted Baker shoes!

      Delete
  9. Loving the maxi and parasol combo (I bet you knew I'd say that!) and your non-casual Friday outfit and lettuce green dress and massive hat are fantastic.
    How lovely that you got to meet Laurie. Like you, I'd love a poke around those rooms! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How did I know?? Ha! Thanks, Vix! Nothing like a little dig through others' belongings, eh?

      Delete
  10. The earrings are a.m.a.z.i.n.g. thanks for the close up!
    I would have loved to see that Sonia Rykiel skirt and the striped top sans the jacket, it actually looks a like a dress-
    Oh and you must have gotten so many "wows" walking down the street in that maxi dress and parasol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did that for you!

      The Rykiel skirt is just an elastic waist and the top is very high, so it wasn't a flattering look with the jacket off at all.

      Nope, nary a side-eye in the dress/parasol! Only one comment all day!

      Delete
  11. I think the lettuce dress and the lame gown are two of my most favourite pieces in your closet. You look fabulous is both of them, and they are beautiful and unique pieces.

    Vizzini reminds me of my Sylvester except his whiskers are white, and my kitty's are black. They both seem to share a similar attitude though ;)

    I like rooms with lots of stuff in them too (I should clarify that the stuff needs to be interesting and not terribly dusty).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are lovely pieces, which is why I've kept them both for many years. Aw, I demand pictures of Sylvester! Yes, agreed, not dusty stuff.

      Delete
  12. lots of fabulousness to comment!
    First, I'm loving your White-marble shoes, they goes with everything. And the velour skirt is amazing! Also fabulous 'lettuce dress' and the cool 'incognito movie star' outfit is perfect for a sunny day!
    And You Totally Rock in your lame dress doing the groceries!, gorgeous! and you look also really comfy, confident and elegant!. Love that you met a blog reader, lots of fun and love!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm surprised by how versatile they've been! Everyone should grocery shop in lame, right?? It was really cool meeting Laurie!

      Delete

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