Bigass Rock & Roll Weekend Wrap-Up: Victorian Velvet, Cat Pictures, Double Concerts and Leather Weather

I'm back! Are you ready for some badassery? I've just had a rock & roll weekend! 

I am not much into Casual Friday.

I do Funky Friday!

This is my entry for "Visible Monday" at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. Go, quickly!

• Blouse - Renuar, thrifted; last seen here under neoprene in August
• Dress - BCBG Max Azria, thrifted; last worn here in March with these same boots
• Boots - Effortless Sophia, Fluevog; last seen here in March - with this dress!
• Jacket (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last worn here last week

It was a little too cool to wear this dress on its own, so layering a crinkly Victorian-inspired shirt under it was a fun option.

The dress itself is a silk velvet, soft as kittens. 

It's a gorgeous purple colour too. 

Aren't the boots fun? They got a lot of love at work. 

I was glad of the coat - after work I waited in the rain (along with about a hundred other people!) for buses that did not come. 

"I don't want to be in your picture."

 Of course, one finally did, but I was 30 minutes late for my haircut. More waiting around after that, and I was pretty cranky and sore-footed by the time I got home.

The stuff:

 I love these boots, and they're quite comfy, but not for standing in for over an hour. Stupid buses!

Rosy bling:

 It's a cool necklace, isn't it? I bought it at a shoe store ages ago - it's locally made.

• Necklace - local
• Earrings - Aldo
• Ring - Francis Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's

Vizzini's been warring with the crows in the neighbourhood.

"Cease your chattering immediately, vile crow!"

 He's not as vigilant as he used to be.

"Hush, Woman, I am on patrol this very second!"

He was grumpy with us.

"I sense a trip in your future. I do not approve."

He always knows.


Yes! As you may not know, L and I are great fans of musician Frank Turner (link here 'cause I love, and here's the last time we saw him in concert - twice!- and the first time here in 2015. You've been warned, those are all bigass travel posts.

Anyway, we got wind back in January that he was coming to Western Canada with stops in both Vancouver and Victoria. It's a real treat to see bands here in Victoria, because we live on a freaking island - it is onerous to get here.

L and I decided to treat ourselves to a one-day jet-setting vacation to Vancouver for the show there, followed the next night's show back home in Victoria. And that's what we did!

My Saturday and Sunday outfit.

 I've gone back to my beige fishnet tights this week - they are just that smidge bit warmer.

• Dress - Birds of North America, consignment; first worn here in May with red shoes and a netting underskirt
• Boots - 1883 Lucchesse, consignment; last seen here in July with my picador skirt
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; purchased here for $44.99

I'm dressed for function. I knew I'd be doing walking, standing, sitting in a cramped plane, dancing, and generally being on the go.

I picked the boots first and then looked at my dresses next.

 This dress was wonderful to wear - it didn't cling anywhere, was warm enough for the inevitable Vancouver rain, and the sleeveless situation helped me control my temperature well.

 It's also a dress I'll be packing away soon. I'm happy with it being a spring/summer piece.

It's Leather Weather is here! Leather is the perfect thing to wear in September, in my opinion.

 I like how the bow of the dress flops over the blazer-style lapels.

Since this is the first wearing of this lovely blue coat, here's a back shot.

 Such a great colour. I miss Danier!

It was perfect for travel.

Leather is fine in the rain - it helps it shape to your body. This coat hasn't had a lot of wear - it was probably sitting in someone's closet unworn for years.

The stuff:

 I often travel in my cowboy boots. These are the most comfortable shoes I own. I can wear them barefoot!

Gold bling:

 A bit of shine, but nothing fussy.

• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Earrings - thrifted

Bye, buddy, we're headed off!

"You're dead to me now."

 Extra kisses on his fuzzy little head.

Partners in crime.

We always have the most grand adventures together!

Those little seaplanes? That's what we're in.

 Our new bridge is in the background.

Headed out over some of the little islands between us and the mainland.

 We read and dozed most of the way.

There she is, Vancouver!

 All of the morning's flights had been cancelled due to fog, so it was a relief to realize we would actually make it.

As we passed over Stanley Park, we saw some of the crowd at the Skookum Festival.

 Festivals are not my cup of tea. I need a seat.

Our pilot took a different approach than usual.

 I like this view. That spaceship thing is a revolving restaurant (Klassy!).

We checked into our hotel, and headed out for dinner.

 On Granville - we're headed up the street.

This is my first time at the Vogue Theatre.

 We queued in line (it's a Canadian thing) to get into the General Admission seating, in the rain, for forty minutes. We were pretty soaked by the time we got in.

We had a great view of all of the performances. If you're interested, L's review is here on his blog of both night's concerts.

 This is Trapper Schoepp. We saw him and L met him last time he opened for Frank. Nice guy, funny little songs.

Bad Cop Bad Cop were the next opener, four women (all 30s-40s) doing some kickass punk.

 We were impressed with them, and L bought two of their albums.

Then, our Frank!

 I'm a huge fan. I have a crush on him.

We were on the main floor, about halfway up the side, sitting and standing in our seats.

 Frank is a boisterous performer.

There's a big dancefloor/standing area.

 So not my mojo.

Crowd surfing!

 We sung our hearts out, danced and had a great time.

Tired, damp and exuberant.

 What a lucky person I am!

We were up bright and early to say goodbye to the Blue Horizon.

 See you again soon!

Back down to the float plane docks.

 I was worried about fog again, but nope, we were on time.

Lots of cloud, though.

 Frank is probably on that ferry!

Another slightly different route home, avoiding the clouds over the land.

 There were golfers out already, at 10am.

And, we're home!

 I know this place!

Our busy harbour.

 Boats everywhere!

As we walked up to the bus stop, I spotted a tour poster for that night's show. 

 We'll be there!

Vizzini was sulking.

"How dare you leave me."

After a suitable period, he was happy to see us again.

L and I crashed and watched football all day, then got ready to out to the next show.

 Of course, I had to wear my new Frank Turner tour shirt!

• T-shirt - Be More Kind tour shirt, 2018, purchased in Vancouver for $35.00
• Jeans - Levi Strauss, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in June for the Day of Indolence
• Boots - Ash; last worn here to see the Beaches in concert in April
• Coat (below) - Boutique of Leathers, thrifted; purchased here for $34.95

I like the swan.

"What? You are leaving me AGAIN?"

 My jeans have really long front pockets, so I loaded up all my stuff in them and didn't have to carry a purse.

I felt pretty badass.

 Again, I based my outfit around wearing my most comfy shoes.

We walked to town, and met up with our crew for drinks beforehand.

 We'd been talking about the concert to people we know, so lots of them were there.

First wearing of this lovely deep red leather jacket.

 Perfect for standing in the rain, waiting to get in. General admission seating, again, sigh.

I learned not to unzip the jacket like this at the bottom

 It's really hard to get the zipper back down. Good pockets, though.

The stuff:

 Kickass and comfy. I have all the studs!

Badass bling:

 The usual suspects.

• Belt - gift from Ruth
• Shield ring - Nine West
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L

The Alix Goolden Hall is an old church.

Complete with a tower, stained glass and big vaulted angles.

 The pipe organs are still intact.

 The balcony curves all around the space.

We grabbed four pews on the right side, on the main floor.

"Maybe too close?" wondered Cat

 Actually, it was perfect! A bunch of people mingled in the front, but we were about 10 feet from the stage.

Looking up at the stained glass window.

 I see people I know in the balcony.

I also see Frank's trunk.

How exciting!

My wonderful group of best friends, including dear Caro who took this picture.

 Me, Nick and Karen. L and Casey. Cat and Yvonne. Randall and Ross. Love you guys!

The first opener was Northcote.

While we were listening to them, one of the band members from Bad Cop Bad Cop sat beside us, and behind Ross' head there, Frank Turner was sitting and fanboying out. It was a cool vibe.

Bad Cop Bad Cop again.

 They were just as great the second time.

We've introduced most of our friends to Frank's music, but they got a whole other experience live.

 By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet.

This is Stacey from Bad Cop Bad Cop, giving her "YES" of approval.

 Ha!

And here's the whole band watching the show.

 Such a fun time, and awesome to share it with my friends.

L and I took today/Monday off, to chill out and relax from all that excitement.

 Back to our routine: Floyd's for lunch, groceries, a bit of shopping. Ah, just what I needed.

• Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in March with tulle and velvet
• Skirt - All Saints, gift from Dominque; last worn here in March with these same boots
• Boots - BCBG Max Azria; last seen here in March..with this skirt 
• Coat (below) - A&S Selections, thrifted; last worn here in March

Footwear-driven choices again!

 Comfy boots for walking and shopping.

A poufy shirt is always a good choice. I have a short, snug slip under this for coverage.

 I love this bright green. Such a good colour.

My badassery carried on. More leather!

 I liked how the moto stripes worked with the pattern of the skirt.

The skirt has its own pockets too.

 Cool chick pose.

The stuff:

 Minimal.

• Earrings - thrifted

I browsed around stores downtown for a while, but nothing really grabbed me.

This furry beast is a headband or scarf made from rabbit fur Muppets. It was $9.95. I found it at Flavour Upstairs.

And now, I am off to get some quality time with my other furry beast.

"Cuddle time? I'd better hide."

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!