Sergeant Sheila and the Brooch Brigade

We got home at 11pm last night after an awesome concert and crashed into bed. Getting up and going to work, and my cold hanging on...I needed medication this morning to face the day. And coffee, lots of coffee.

I had just a few moments last night to throw together an outfit before my body shut down. Comfort is key, so I did easy pieces that do all the work for me, including my new-to-me top and boots.

• Top - Zara, thrifted; purchased here for $15.95
• Skirt - Kay Unger, thrifted; last seen here in November 2018 with green rabbits
• Boots - Cougar, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
• Coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here a few weeks ago

I enjoyed this top - it has that thick feel of those woven blankets with images on them (I have this one in my library, that we use as a rug). Nice and cozy. I wore a camisole under this for extra warmth.

 However, it's not great quality, despite the cozy factor. I shed fringe all over the office, and you can see how the shoulders don't fit quite right. It would be nice if it actually had some shape to it.

I like it, but it's not a "forever" piece. It's a good-enough-for-now piece. I will try layering a blouse under it at some point, probably.

 I'd planned on wearing a different skirt (this one), but when I put it on with this boxy, oversized top I realized it was too much fullness, so switched to this slimmer metallic leather one. I liked how the ruffled hem echoed the fringe of the top.

Real face. Want to go back to bed. Don't wanna work.

 I was a bit shaky this morning, but got better as my day went along. I do credit my lovely colleagues, who always cheer me up and make me laugh.

As you might remember, this top came pre-decorated with a bird, a crest and sergeants' chevrons. I may have added a few brooches of my own. Sergeant Sheila needs brooches!

 My tiger pin on my right shoulder, and a beetle, bee and gold heart brooches, just to jazz things up a little. Can one have too many brooches on at once? I say no!

Mr. Tiger peeking out.

 You can see his tail hanging down the back in the photo above showing the rear of the outfit.

Outerwear - brrrr, it was chilly this morning and evening! I need a Grape Ape!

 Matched my tights perfectly too.

• Fur scarf - Danier Leather, thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 Just like yesterday, I walked to and from work in these comfy boots. I think they will become a weekend pair - they'd be great for shopping. Many of my like-aged coworkers had flashbacks to our 80s suede slouch boots!

Brooch bling:

Four brooches has to be a personal record. Many of my coworkers peered at them - the tiger is of course the favourite.

• Tiger brooch - vintage fair
• Leather heart brooch - Smoking Lily
• Beetle brooch - Le Chateau, c. 2001
• Bee brooch - gift from Megan Mae
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Earrings - Plum

And now...off to make some stew and snuggle under a warm blanket with Vizzini.