Three Decades of Leather and Silk

You knew I'd be saving this bright, blossom-y blouse for today, right? Today's my Friday!

 I'm taking an extra-long weekend with L, and hoo, do we have shenanigans planned! What better way to kick it off than this new-to-me neon silk blouse in all the colours?

• Blouse - Daniel Hechter, vintage 80s, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $10.00
• Skirt - Danier Leather, vintage 90s, thrifted, Powell River; last seen here (4th outfit) in August for a weekend shop
• Shoes - Feet First; last worn here in March with space pants and a cape (an awesome outfit)
• Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here last week 

I just finished reading The Elle Diaries' latest post (here), full of Elle's wonderful photos from a runway show featuring neon. I love the pops of neon with unexpected neutrals!

Of course, black is an expected neutral. When in doubt, go black.

 This is a stunner of a blouse in person - it's even brighter! The silk is that soft yet thick 80s sandwashed silk, just gorgeous to touch. It was featherweight light, but still kept me warm in the AC.

The skirt is very "Ally McBeal", probably late 90s, the last time front thigh slits were all the rage.

 The blouse is so long, I had to make sure it didn't peek out the front of the slit! Back in 1987, I would have worn this with a brooch at the neck, a couple of long (probably pearl) bead necklaces, stirrup pants (YES, I wore those!), and pointy-toed shoes. That's a "lewk," as the cool kids say.

I loved the rich cobalt blue jacket with all of this. I pulled the blue in the blouse's pattern for all of the accessories.

 We continue to have beautiful weather: clear blue skies, and cool mornings and evenings, with magnificent sunsets. It makes me feel very grateful for my life.

The stuff:

 You might think these are 80s pumps - they are SO eighties-inspired, aren't they? But I bought them new at Feet First wayyyyyy back, here in January 2010! I've never found a better pair; these are the best colour, a perfectly-balanced heel, they're suede and they don't hurt!

Blue bling:

I felt wonderful in all this vibrancy - I plan to wear a lot of colour this weekend, too! It makes me happy.

• Earrings - local
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful, and colourful weekend.

Olives and Pops of Sunshine (Plus Therapy Shoes)

I'm craving down-time, and I'm struggling to stay upbeat this week. Little things get me down. 

 I try to let things go, but you know how you can dwell on those small things? That hamster wheel in my head just keeps on going and going. I make myself feel better by wearing yellow.

• Blouse - Mexx, thrifted; first worn here in August
• Skirt (part of a suit) - Miss V by Valentino, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here in June with pale pinks
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last worn here in July with chrysanthemums
• Leather jacket (below) - Danier Leather; last seen here in May

 I needed a full-on yellow caftan to really lift me up, but these little pops of sunshine helped, especially the parts I can see (the shoes and the bangle).

 One last wearing of this "olive" patterned top before it hibernates for the winter. Due to the cut of the collar, it doesn't layer under blazers or cardigans, so away it goes.

I'm always happy to wear my real Valentino - this skirt may not be an exciting colour, but it's VALENTINO, people. That fills me with glee.

 Besides, a neutral is lovely with brights.

Real face.

 Skirts with pockets for the win!

Putting on this yellow leather jacket (which I've had for 8 years) brightens my mood.

 It's been warm and sunny (aside from chilly mornings) all week, and it's not really needed, but I'll take fake sunshine in addition to real sunshine any time!

The stuff:

Must wear all the yellow! All of it! I pack these shoes away for fall/winter too. 

Yellow bling: 

All getting stored away (not the rings). 

• Belt - Liz Claiborne, vintage, thrifted
• Bangle - thrifted
• Bakelite earrings - vintage 60s, thrifted, vintage fair
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, 1970s, vintage expo
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Amber ring - c. 1996

 Not feeling at all guilty that I indulged in a pair of shoes on my lunch break.

 I modeled them in my wear-around-the-house camo pants. L and Vizzini were very impressed.

These are by Sol Sana (I have this pair by them as well) and they were 50% off (last pair!) for $125.00 at Footloose Shoes.

 They are black suede embroidered with silver lame (lah-MAY, darlings!) in a palm design. They're called the "Cathy."

Monster platforms for height. The back of the shoe comes up and cups my heel for extra security, and gives the illusion of an even higher heel. Love it!

But it's a net-height of only 2 inches - totally walkable, danceable and stand-around-able. They will be wonderful with my party dresses this winter!

Double Flares: Floral and Coral

There are so few days left in my spring/summer season! How will I fit everything in?

 I keep mashing together things that I want to wear, and hoping the outfits work. Surprisingly, they usually do.

• Sweater - Judith & Charles, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) earlier this month with a pink flared skirt
• Skirt - Maeve, thrifted; last worn here in April with stripes, floral and aqua
• Booties - Minstrel, Fluevog; last seen here in December 2017 with a summery skirt
• Jacket (below) - Dolce & Gabbana, thrifted; last worn here in August

One more wearing out of this marvelous skirt. I adore the sheer navy blue tulle, the bright orange embroidered flowers, and the built-in crinoline. So girly!

 I hid the waistband with an orange belt - I have klassily taken in both sides with safety pins so that it fits right.

A simple wool sweater to show off the bright skirt.

 No one ever compliments me on a neutral sweater! But the skirt had a lot of fans in the office today.

I actually loved how this jacket looked with the outfit.

 But it was far too warm out (and inside too) to wear it, so it only got an airing on my walk to and from work. Both it and the skirt will be packed away, so say your farewells now.

The stuff:

 I find these boots challenging to style. I usually flip the top to make a flare, and I like how it echoes the flared shape of the skirt. Double flare!

Coral bling:

We're calling the shoes coral, but I like how the oranges all tone with that pinky-red.

• Belt - vintage, thrifted
• Wood earrings - vintage, vintage expo
• Dragon bangle - Lazy Susan's
• Silver bangle - local
• Fulvia Ring/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Jammie and Houndstooth, Danger Tail, and Precious Things

This is it, the last week of my spring/summer wardrobe! I am trying to get in one last wear of some of my favourite things before they go away. 

 This lovely jammie jacket will be packed away, as will these trousers.

• Jacket - H&M, consignment; first worn here in August with polka dot pants
• White shirt - no label, thrifted; last seen here with casual blue, also in August
• Trousers - Topshop, thrifted; last worn here (6th outfit, way down at the bottom) in May under a denim dress
• Shoes - Truths Pilgrim, Fluevog; last seen here twice in the same day with my green lace Gucci (Gookey!) in August

I'm a big fan of this pajama-style piece, but it's far too light to be worn in winter, and I need the hangers!

 Another pattern mix thrown in with the bold bright floral, houndstooth is practically neutral.

I like these pants a lot, but they are unlined and quite thin fabric.

 I have black and white pants that are wool...although not the same style at all (these Alexander McQueen ones).

Done up for my walk to work.

 It was chilly this morning, but now we have blue sky!

I hope it stays that way.

 Monday face. Game on.

The stuff:

 Lovely Fluevogs. These are getting more comfy every time I wear them.

Round bling:

 I always like an excuse to wear my vintage silk bow-tie.

• Bow-tie - vintage, Harry Rosen
• Shield ring - Nine West
• Crystal ring - Soul Flower
• White gold hoops - 10th anniversary gift from L

Vizzini barged into the hallway this morning when I went out to take my stair picture, and encountered one of my neighbours while I was outside. Check out his "Danger Tail"!

"I'm pretty sure I frightened her away."

 He was all bushy for a while, silly bub.

I nearly forgot: my mom gave me two pairs of her earrings yesterday. One pair of diamond studs and one pair of pearls.

 They were rather grungy, so I gave them a good cleaning with some soap and a soft toothbrush. They came out well, so now I have real pearl earrings and diamond earrings to wear. KLASSY!!

I've been wearing a cheapass pearl stud in my second hole in my left ear for a while. Compare that with the real pearls.

 The real ones are so much nicer, with that lovely golden lustre! Unfortunately one of the diamond earring's posts snapped off at the weld, so I'll take to a jeweler and have them fix it.

But of course, the other diamond has to be worn! Mom knows that I will both take care of these treasures, and that I will actually wear them. Things are meant to be used, even precious things.

SPARKLY!

Wow, that's a bigass diamond. It makes my wee little stud look rather small. I might have to get another piercing so that I can wear the other one. Thank you so much, Mom! I will treasure these!

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Visibly Yellow, Space Leopard, Lilac Lunch, Winesday in Blue, Theatre With Mom

Hello, I'm back! It's been a frantic week, and I'm anxious to just sit on the couch and chill out, so let's get this party started!

Here we are back at Thursday's outfit. I am doing triple duty with this outfit: wearing some of the last of my summer things, being super-visible, and looking put together when I know I'm going to be mentally exhausted. 

Pretty good at faking it, aren't I?

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style - get yourself over there!

• Jacket - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit) in August
• Cashmere sweater - J. Crew, consignment; first worn here with striped Dries a few weeks ago
• Skirt - Vivienne Tam, consignment; last seen here with yellow and black in July
• Shoes - Miista; last worn here in May with jeans and shirt

I knew in advance I would need some kitty-lovin' to see me through.

"I love the food you give me, but I resist your cuddles, Woman!"

My company does an annual walk where every office around the world goes out on the same day for 30 minutes. It's quite the production and guess who runs it? Me!

I do theme walks, and I spend most of the walk shouting at my gaggle of 50+ people and jogging up and down the pack as I lead them around the streets of Victoria, and try to keep them out of traffic.

"I'm just going to sit here."

They have a good time, but it's a lot of work for me to be publicly "rah rah!" for an hour, and then go back to my usual busy work. I did need to be very visible on the walk, though, so the double yellow was a smart idea on my part. Go, me!

Lots of people commented on my brightness.

"You give yourself far too much credit."

I know, it's the clothes; I was very easy to see. I am happy to get another wear of this wonderful chrysanthemum skirt in.

After my regular work, I had WW. More emotional labour.

"If you want to labour, you could open this door."

I love what I do, but it takes a lot of out of me.

Following WW, I had Book Club - I didn't get home until after 10pm. And while Book Club isn't "work" like my jobs are, it's still being social.

"I'm all the social you need."

I find being social very tiring. I'm good at it, but I get burned out by it.

The stuff:

I had many fans of the shoes. They were great for doing the walk too.

Bright bling:

I love this pretty necklace and earrings set. Another winner from L.

Note that, although all the pictures above include my new silicon bracelet, I ended up taking it off before I left the house. It didn't feel right with the outfit.

• Necklace earrings - Murano glass, Venice, Italy, birthday gift from L
• Bracelet - Lia Sophia, thrifted
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Amethyst ring - Francis Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's

One last hug from my bud Vizzini before I go!

I crashed into bed that night, completely wiped.

Friday! Time for more socializing. This outfit prompted Fiona to crack, "You just don't do Casual Friday, do you?"

No, I really don't. It's not my thing.

• Jacket - Smoking Lily; last worn here a couple of weeks ago with yellow and stripes
• Blouse - Karl Lagerfeld, thrifted; first worn here with pink in July
• Leather pants - Free People, Portland; last seen here with these same shoes in June
• Shoes - Seychelles; last worn here in July with long over long

I was even more visible this day! SHINY.

I called this outfit "Space Leopard" all day. My coworkers loved it.

This is a fine example of "Clothing As Armour". I was very, very tired all day, and no one really noticed.

After work, L and I went to the Victoria Vintage Expo, which I've attended every year, going way back. Here's last year's expedition and loot, and that post links back previous years if you're interested.

It just wasn't as good as those years: many of the usual vendors that I see at every vintage fair, stores selling their sale stock (not vintage) and booths selling items that were new/crafty or regular retail. I go to a Vintage Expo to see vintage!! Very disappointing.

We met up with Yvonne and Randall there briefly, then connected up with them, Nick and Karen at Bart's Pub afterward for drinks and dinner.

However, it was a hoot to wander around in this outfit, especially with my fine gent. The theme of the expo was "Fly Me To the Moon" and we ran with it.

I didn't get any pictures of L's outfit, but he did a long pewter satin jacket with grey jeans and a grey shirt with a hematite bolo tie - we were silver and gold! We posed in the photobooth, but the pics aren't up yet.

The stuff:

So much sparkle. These were really comfortable for a work day, but 2+ hours of standing and browsing just killed me. Tired feet!

Space bling:

Letting my geek flag proudly fly.

• Star Trek badge - MoPop gift shop, Seattle
• Amber ring - C. 1996
• Gold hoops - 5th anniversary gift from L

Compared to previous years, I did very poorly purchase-wise. Only this poor lonely 80s snake belt came home with me.

He was $20.00.

Nice details, like crystals for eyes.

It has very little wear.

Up bright and early on Saturday morning - I had to do some online training for WW - followed by lunch at Floyd's afterwards with L and Nick.

One more item I am getting in just under the wire!

• Dress - D'Allairds, vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here in August 2017 (look how short and bright my hair is!)
• Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; last seen here (4th outfit) in August for shopping
• Jacket (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last worn here a week ago

I like to have a few pieces that are just simple and easy to wear. This falls under the Jammie Dress category.

Dress, shoes. Done! It's an outfit!

Having felt like I still needed to have a wee shop (all that saved-up cash burning a hole in my pocket) following the previous evening's Expo, I wandered up to The Velvet Crease, a consignment store on Fort Street that I've found pieces at once in a while.

The store moved a few years ago, and I just don't have the same luck there I used to. It isn't my style, and despite trying on a ton of stuff, nothing came home with me.

I strolled through some of the shops along what used to be called "Antique Row" and poked around.

The stuff:

 Good walking shoes.

Silver bling:

 I didn't wear those earrings/bracelet or that cage cuff much this season.

• Cage cuff - Bauxo
• Cuff/earrings - Fossil, gift from L
• Crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Shield ring - Nine West

I ended up in the one antique shop left on the street, Vanity Fair Antique Mall - it's filled with cases which are each owned by different people. It's a wonderful browse - so many interesting things. I usually look for jewelry, but I've also found a purse and a few clothing items there over the years.

I lucked out with these fabulous silver earrings. I know, you are thinking, "Too heavy!" but they are actually hollowed out, and are very light. 

They also have a clip-on backing to keep your earlobe/piercing hole from getting stretched out. 

I always love seeing a stamp! These are by Brenda Schoenfeld, from 1992, and are handmade in Taxco, Mexico. They are sterling silver, and were $40.00. Link here 'cause I love. I'm not sure what these would have sold for originally, but I feel like that was a good price. 

And I wore them right away, to Winesday on Saturday night. 

 Playing around in my closet before catching a cab with some of my women. I originally was just going to wear this as is, but then remembered that it gets chilly at night now.

• Dress - Etro, thrifted; last seen here with shots of orange in July
• Cardigan (below) - Ports International, vintage, consignment; last seen here in August with a white shirt
• Coat (below) - Plum, thrifted; first worn here (4th outfit) for shopping in August
• Boots - Ishshoes Chatterbox, Fluevog; last seen here in May with the same cardigan

Giving that silicon bracelet another shot too!

"You're going out AGAIN?"

 I have a cotton tank on under this, plus I added a vintage slip for an extra layer of warmth before I left the house.

"I'm going to yark up a hairball on your pillow for this, Woman."

I added my long blue wool cardigan over the whole thing as I waited. It was perfect for a night of chilling with my gals.

 We hung out to the wee hours - I didn't get home until nearly 2am!

Coated up:

"Cab's here. Why don't you just GO?"

 This denim topper is lovely when there is just a hint of autumn in the air.

The stuff:

 I nearly forgot to take these photos! I roll the sock part of my velvet boots so that they don't get smushed.

• Silicon cuff - Materia Design
• Steel cuff - thrifted
• F#@! rings - Wendy Brandes
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Earrings - Brenda Shoenfeld, 1992, antique mall

Everyone was much amused by the rings.

Oh, there are the earrings.

 I took them off on the way home and left them in my purse pocket. 

Today/Sunday, I was up early again to get groceries before Mom arrived to go for brunch.

 It was our first show of the Belfry Theatre's new season, the play "A Doll's House 2," a recent sequel to the classic Ibsen play.

• Blouse - White House|Black Market, consignment; last worn here in May with dots and leather
• Skirt - LA Hearts, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in August for an Ulti/brunch weekend 
• Shoes - Prepare Guide, Fluevog; last worn here in July with a floofy underskirt
• Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather; last seen here in April

I haven't actually seen the original "A Doll's House" (summary here), but it wasn't required to enjoy this intriguing play. We both enjoyed it.

 And it's always fun to get dressed up for a Mom date!

Pieces I wanted to get one more wear out of.

 This was loose, flowy and comfortable.

A coat because I am still a delicate flower.

 Glorious colours.

The stuff:

 These shoes and matching leather obi will be packed away.

Matchy bling:

 I'd put the top bangle in the giveaway pile, but then thought of how well it would go with this new-top-me necklace, so I fished it out again.

• Obi - local, gift from L
• Green/brass bangle - thrifted
• Glass bangle - thrifted
• Turquoise ring - local
• Sparkly ring - consignment
• Earrings - Stella & Dot, consignment, Vancouver
• Necklace - Kiam Family, thrifted - first wearing; purchased here for $5.25. 

While we were having brunch at the pub before the show, I noticed a shop in the corner with a big basket outside. I can smell a discount bin a mile away!

 This fabulous 80s 100% silk shirt came home with me! Look at all that colour!

It's by Daniel Hechter, which I know was sold in Fairweather stores in Canada until they changed hands, then closed in the early 00s (I used to work there!).

 Thank you, Luna Vintage + Goods. I will be back!

It was only $10.00.

 Note the sideways buttonholes! No gaping open! Smart...wish they still did that.

On a hunch, I checked the shoulder seams.

 Yup, I see two sections of green thread that's been snipped. Someone cut the shoulder pads out of this! I peg it at 1987.

So, all this socializing and being out has Vizzini pretty grumpy with me.

"I turn my back to you!"

 He didn't want anything to do with me.

"This post is more interesting than you."

But after a few minutes of attention...

"I guess I still like you..."

Much roly-polying around. He got a little bitey.

When he does "Super Kitty" pose, I know he's feeling more charitable towards me.

"It's a cat, it's a...cat! It's Super Kitty!"

After some lovin' and attention, all is forgiven.

"If you sit down, I will let you cuddle me."

And with that fuzzy, needy face, my friends, I am going to do just that! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!