Monday, August 6, 2018

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Blue Friday, Whale of a Shop, Another Long Cardi, Green Ramble

A mid-summer long weekend is the best! BC Day is really a holiday about nothing - hooray, we live in a province! - but hey, I will take it!

Flashback to Friday, in my long blue wool cardigan. 
 I'm making some of you sweat just by saying that, aren't I? "Wool cardigan." Ah!

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. Are you in? Go!


  • Cardigan - Ports, vintage, consignment; first seen here in May with velvet boots
  • White shirt - no label, thrifted; last worn here under my firecracker dress in July
  • Skirt - Nygard; last worn here (4th outfit) in January with blue cashmere
  • Shoes - Camper, thrifted; last seen here in June for a shopping day with L


It was a dead day at work, so I swooshed around in this outfit for my coworkers.
 Also, I am not quite awake.

Here, let me try harder.
 Jazz hands!

I'm kind of feeling done with the skirt. It's been in my closet for a long time - and it's there now. I don't need to decide right this second whether it stays or not.
 I love the cardigan, though. Keeper (until I get tired of long cardigans!).

My coworker Lesley and I had a laugh over these shoes.

They were hers, donated to WIN, where I bought them! I don't mind giving WIN my money; it's a good cause.

The stuff:
 They aren't the most attractive shoes, but they are super-comfy! Clomp-clomp-clomp, here I come, kickin' butt and takin' names.

Gold and blue bling:
This is the first wearing of this new-to-me snakeskin belt. Conclusion: it is too long to be done up at my waist - I had to tuck it into itself awkwardly all day. Better on the hips with some trousers, I think.


  • Brass torc - vintage fair
  • Cuff - vintage fair
  • Belt - Club Monaco, thrifted; first wearing
  • Amber ring - c. 1996
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes


 Oops, where are my ear-balls?
 There they are! I had earring issues this weekend...


  • Ear-balls - Dior, consignment


L and I met up for Thai food after work on Friday, then hung out and played board games for the evening. Ah, just what we needed! Chill out!

We were up early on Saturday for our usual breakfast at Floyd's -  not enough people to play Ulti this week, but hopefully next week, when my leg is better (nearly there).

Breakfast outfit:
 Another go at the whale sweater, and my first wearing of my new weekend Fluevogs.


  • Sweater - C. Wonder, thrifted; last worn here just a couple of weeks ago with brollies
  • Skirt - Ranna Gill, thrifted; last seen here in May layered under a denim dress
  • Shoes - Rivers Tambo, Fluevog; purchased here for $93.49


The Castle is looking beautiful in the warm weather.
 My view from the stairs is full of lush Gary oak trees and blue skies.

After breakfast, L and I split up to have our own wanders around town.
 I went to the big WIN store for a wee thrift shop. L went CD shopping.

Easy stuff to take off and put back on - always essential when shopping for oneself. I have a vintage camisole on under the sweater to keep from sweating on it.
 It was really the test for the shoes, though. I got one small blister on the top of one foot, so I need to soften up the leather there.

The stuff:
 Otherwise, these shoes were lovely for walking and standing. I'm quite happy with them.


  • Chain/leather bracelet - thrifted
  • Yellow glass earrings (not shown) - gift from L, Venice, Italy


Oops, that is the wrong earring(s)! I was going to wear that turquoise pair in my afternoon outfit, but the other earring broke, so I hurriedly set them aside - and inadvertently included one of them in this"stuff" photo. Ah, the trials of a fashion blogger!

I did well at WIN, and as always, I'm shopping for the good stuff, regardless of season.
 Hence, a gorgeous pair of grey wool trousers.

They're by Talbots, and the Petite cut is the perfect hip/waist on me, and the length is just right. I only look tall in pictures - I am 5'4".
 What a score for $6.95! These are fully-lined too! These would have been at least $129.99 new. They'll be great for fall/winter!

I perused the 50% off rack and came away with this sheer sparkly top.
 It hangs funny, but it looks great on, with a stitched-down wrap and an uneven hemline.

It's by Linda Lundstrom (kind of like the Canadian Eileen Fisher), and was only $9.50 - it certainly would have cost at least $60-100 new. Made in Canada!
 As noted on the tag, it had some small snags, but a bit of gentle push-and-pull eased them out.

I'm always on the lookout for easy camisoles.
 This one is a great blush colour, and is by Mexx.

And brand new, with tags still attached!
 The original retail in Canada was $19.00, and looks like this one was sold at Winners for originally $13.00, then marked down to $8.99 before someone donated it. I wonder why they didn't wear it? However, I'm not complaining - I'm happy to give my $2.95 to WIN!

I fell for the colours in this lovely sheer ruffled blouse.
 I have had a long-time love of ruffles for the 10 years I've been blogging, as you have probably figured out.

This polyester (yay, washable!) blouse is by Lauren Ralph Lauren (the most casual line of RL).
 Only $12.95? Sure! That feels like a good deal.

I like a classic sweater as much as the next person. This one is a really soft green, and will be wonderful to wear in cooler weather.
 Not much to the shape, but it looks really good on.

It's by Lacoste (I'm sure you spotted the gator).
 Size 42 is about a size 8 in Canada/US. Only $6.95?

Really? For a 100% wool sweater?
 Lacoste's cotton V-neck sweaters retail for $169.00 Canadian, so I'm sure this is a score.

I'm always on the lookout for a nice cardigan/topper. Black is good - I don't have a black cardigan anymore (well, no, that's not strictly true; I do, but it's a heavier one with white detailing, here).
 This is a "ballet-style" tie-front cardigan, a very fine knit.

I recognize the Wolford name - they make tights (I have a pair of knee highs by them that I thrifted last year).
$18.95 seems like a good deal. Ulp, the only cardigan they are showing on their website now is a silk/wool blend and it's $475.00.

 The tag's there, yes, it's made in Italy.
 And silk-cotton! It's incredibly soft - can't wait to wear this!

I was really jazzed about this incredible coat/duster that was in with the dresses.
 No buttons, just a floor-length long open coat with pockets and a waist tie.

It's made of denim with a touch of stretch.
 Only $16.95?? Wow, that also feels like a score.

And it's made in Canada! Washable too - important for Madame Spillypants.
 I suspect it's got some age on it, probably from the early 00s, and I'm sure it would have been over $100 new. Also very excited about this piece.

Most of the weekend has not been overly hot. Vizzini's been making the most of it.
"Is that the sound of a camera interrupting my nap?"
 He's been very floppy the last few days.

L and I got home from our respective shopping expeditions on Satureday in time to get changed and head back to town to meet up with our best gang of friends for the inevitable long weekend hangout.
 I knew I wanted to wear these silk pants again, so let's go blue, yes, blue is a good colour, and then add a nice chartreuse-y green to the mix. Why not?


  • Cardigan - Joseph A, consignment; first seen here in June with green lace and all chartreuse
  • Top - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here in January with embroidery and pleats
  • Pants - Pinkerton, consignment; first seen here in April with another duster
  • Shoes - Wonders; last worn here (3rd outfit) in June for a day in town with L while on stay-cation


We met up at Bart's (aka Bartholomew's Pub), hoping to sit out on the sunny patio, but we were thwarted by the sheer size of our group (16+).
 What a curse, to have so many friends, eh? Ha!

This outfit ended up being just right. The silk pants billowed majestically and were comfy for sitting (elastic waist!).
 I took the cardigan off when I was out of the sun, but put it back on to swoosh our way home, later that evening.

The stuff:
 For a heel, these are amazing shoes - I walked both ways to and from town in these with not a bit of soreness or rubbing.

Summer bling:
 Ah, there are the gold Venetian glass earrings - this was the outfit I'd intended on wear the turquoise earrings with.


  • Bracelet - Lia Sophia, thrifted
  • Turquoise/silver ring - local
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Earrings - gift from L, Venice


I only took a few pictures and mostly just enjoyed hanging out with all of our friends.
 L on the walk down, wearing his Black Sabbath/Blue Oyster Cult "Black and Blue" vintage tour shirt, and a vintage Hawaiian shirt. Grumpy face because we're late.

Inside Bart's - raising a glass to Nick for his birthday last week.
 From left: Greg, Nick, L, and Randall.

And some of my gorgeous gals.
 From left: Yvonne, Rosanna, and Karen.

L and I got home late on Saturday night, and hung out for the evening, hiding from the heat.

Yesterday/Sunday, we'd planned a leisurely day of strolling about town together. I had a $100 gift card to Chapters, and there were a few other places we wanted to go. It's one of those days when you just play tourist in your own town. Fun!
 But first, breakfast at the Ruby. Another layered outfit for sun coverage.


  • Jacket - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here in July over a jammy dress
  • Blouse - Jacob, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in May for shopping for L's birthday
  • Skirt - See by Chloe, consignment; last seen here in May with this same top
  • Shoes - Born, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) one week earlier


From the Ruby, we checked out the sale at Outlooks, then went to Mango's and found L a new pair of jeans (G Star Raw)  - premium denim for my guy! They were on sale, too.
I had a shop at Flavour Upstairs while L had a beer at the Garrick's Head Pub.
 Then we spent the gift card on a huge stack of books at Chapters, and then went to see "Ant-Man and the Wasp" (good fun) in a nice air-conditioned theatre.
 A stroll home after that, and we were ready to settle in and play more board games. This is the life, my friends.

The stuff:
 Easy stuff to wear in the heat.

Round green bling:
 Some favourite pieces. First wearing of the mint-green and brass bracelet (purchased for $4.95).


  • Brass bangle - thrifted; first wearing
  • Glass bangle - thrifted
  • Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
  • Jade ring - Mom's, vintage 70s
  • Necklace - Mom's vintage 70s


I found a couple of things at Flavour Upstairs, but their stock seemed really low.
 This is a Club Monaco piece - it's made of neoprene (squishy!) and has a V in the back. All of those little florals are beaded, and hand-sewn on the top, front and back.

A close-up:
 So pretty!

I couldn't find this top online, but it's been made since Ralph Lauren acquired them in 1999.
 I count this as "new" since it still has the little bag of replacement beads attached! It was only $12.99, and considering their summer tops start at $169.00...well, I'm going to guess that this was slightly over $12.99!

I found two cool bracelets as well.
 The one on the left is malachite green, burgundy and black interspersed with textured gold - it was $5.00. The one on the left was $7.00 and is a bright blue snakeskin...and it is VERY familiar to me...

Because I think this is my old bracelet from 1986! I had this identical bracelet back then, donated sometime in the 90s, probably. I'm sure this could have belonged to someone else...but really? It feels like my old bracelet. It feels familiar. What are the chances that someone else had this exact bracelet?
 A good quality closure on one (complete with the little security snap-loop), and a hinged closure on the other.

Vizzini, how's this weekend been for you, my little fuzz-ball?
"I just want to nap."
Aw, me too, bud!

24 comments:

  1. It's so hot, we're all feeling floppy like V. Your floral trousers are the absolute best, and may I say your new hairstyle is superb! Love the weekend scores, esp that Wolford sweater. Stay fabulous, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're in for another couple of hot days here, Patti! Feels like Florida (no, it really doesn't).

      Thank you, you too!

      Delete
  2. Omg that is your bracelet, girl. It is hot and rainy here. The Wolford sweater & v-neck Lacoste are so sweet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! It has to be! Ugh, hot and rainy sounds awful.

      Yup, excited about my new sweaters!

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. And the Ruby too! We went there for breakfast (you and me). Come back any time!

      Delete
  4. What a fun sounding long weekend, Sheila and looking fabulous throughout. I just love those clog sandals, I need a pair like that to add to my collection! How exciting to get your bracelet back, what are the chances?!
    Hello Vizzini!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was just lovely, Vix. I love the pink leather/wood sandals - they are one of my most comfy pairs. I know, I was just flabbergasted to see that bracelet again - I have thought about it over the years, regretting getting rid of it.

      Delete
  5. woww, love your long cardigans, they add lots of color, texture and attitude!, and so lovely swooshy pants, colorful and stunning!. And those Camper shoes look so cool!
    Glad that you purchased those quality knit pieces and the denim coat, absolutely fabulous pieces, and the bijouterie!! how amazing that you get same bracelet, serendipity!!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love the attitude that the long cardigans convey. You and I are the only fans of the Campers, ha ha!

      I am too - great pieces that I feel good about. I know, such a weird coincidence!

      Delete
  6. Fab silk pants and long cardigans. Is it getting cooler in Canada now? Still very hot in the UK (unusually so). You pick up some fab bargains.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gail! Well, Canada is MASSIVE - we don't have the same weather from coast to coast, you know. :) On the west coast, it's been warm, but not as bad as other parts of the country, and nowhere near what the UK's been experiencing.

      I know what to look for!

      Delete
  7. I love your long cardigans - I must look out for some for when the weather cools down.

    I always thought you were taller than 5'4" for some reason!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love them - warmth, coverage, Swoosh Factor! They have it all.

      I just look tall in pictures??

      Delete
  8. Quite like the last two outfits - the shapes and colors are perfect on you. With you as my model, I just bought my first pair of wide legged pants in a shade of deep melon and of material labeled for keeping cool in the heat. They are fitted on the pelvis and then flair out to just below mid-calf. Thanks for being my inspiration! From reading your blog I am learning to branch out with clothing choices. :) a And here’s to more long weekends!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Laurie! Ooh, how exciting! I hope you enjoy them! They sound fabulous. Here's to more long weekends, amen!

      Delete
  9. What a fun filled weekend! And yes, seeing you in that cardigan - just reading the word cardigan, actually - is making me sweat. It's 35° Celsius here! My favourite of your outfits are the silk trousers with the blue top and chartreuse ... cardigan! Really sweating now ;-) Love the bracelet, that must have been such an exciting find. I'm sure it's yours, it must be! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry! Evenings here are quite cool (about 10 degrees cooler than daytime), so a cardigan is needed! Thanks so much, Ann. I think the bracelet HAS to be mine!

      Delete
  10. It would be so funny if that was your bracelet! :)

    I love your silk pants outfit for catching up with your friends, and that last outfit with the yellow and green together. I've worn that combo a couple times in the past few days, I'm really liking it at the moment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has to be, Mica! What are the odds??

      Thank you so much - I've worn a similar combo as that last outfit too. I love the swooshy green skirt.

      Delete
  11. Love that See by Chloe skirt, what a stunner. You combined it very well. I want that skirt. If i had your waist I would beg haha.
    Still getting used to your longer hair and the colour. I like it a lot.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was such a great find! Thanks so much - it's always a fun journey with hair changes.

      Delete
  12. The sneaker trend with the skirt is really cool She - its something i have been trying to pull off. I bought sneakers as mine fell apart with the last wear. SO i have yet to wear the new ones with a dress or skirt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not really a thing here yet (no one freaking wears dresses in the daytime anymore!), but I like the more casual vibe. Thanks, Lorena!

      Delete

Comments are so incredibly special, and I love them and hug them and treasure them forever. Please feel free to tell me what you think!

I'm not currently able to respond to comments, but I will make every effort to answer questions. I do read every single one, and appreciate your comments.

Please note that comments containing affiliate links spam-y sites, spam comments and anything I deem inappropriate will be deleted.

Cheers,
Sheila