Monday, February 18, 2019

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Saturday Brunch and Shopping; Romantic Pink; Sunday Family Gathering

Hello, my friends! It's been a wonderful three full days of weekend, and I still have the rest of today to chill out with my little family, so let's get to the fun stuff! 

After a quiet night in on Friday, playing boardgames and listening to music, L and I were up early on Saturday for our usual walk to town for brunch. 
 I planned to go shopping at Flavour Upstairs afterwards, so I dressed accordingly, incorporating a couple of not-yet-worn-this-season items into my outfit: this skirt and these new tights that Mom bought me for Christmas.


  • Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last worn here in December 2018 with purple plaid and the same shoes
  • Skirt - Dolce & Gabbana, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in March 2018 for a weekend shop
  • Shoes - Half Truth Tanya, Fluevog; last worn here with this same sweater in December 2018
  • Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage, thrifted; last seen here a few days ago


I am a fan of thin-gauge solid-coloured sweaters - they are very handy for setting off a funky bottom.
 I love this wool/silk woven plaid skirt - the dark brown trim is Persian lamb.

It is a nice length, although the wrap front means I have to wear a short half-slip under it.
 The tights are "sweater knit" but they look striped in most of these pictures. They were pretty good - not too much waistline/crotch slippage (that's evil in my book - tights that sink down as I wear them do not last long with me!).

Outerwear - it was sunny with scattered clouds all day. The snow is lingering in clumps here and there, but all the sidewalks and roads are clear again. Phew! Okay, bring on spring, winter is over.
 No luck with a new winter coat while I was out shopping, although I tried on a bunch that were not quite right. Just watch, I'll find the perfect one in July - that's how it goes when you shop second-hand!


  • Fur boa - thrifted
  • Gloves - Cejon, thrifted


The stuff:
 My shoes made quite a splash with people while I walked all around town - everyone else was in hiking boots and snow shoes. My green babies really stood out!

Green bling:
 I had tucked this ring into my "new accessories" box in my closet, and promptly forgotten all about it.


  • Silver/aventurine ring - consignment; purchased here for $40 - first wearing
  • Earrings - Stella & Dot, consignment, Vancouver


As L and I were getting ready to walk to town, I took a look around the house for Mr. Kitty (I make sure I haven't accidentally locked him in my closet), and found him snug as a bug in his house on his scratching post.
"Do you mind, Woman? I'm sleeping here!"

No, I don't mind at all, Vizzini! Enjoy the sun - we'll be home soon.
"Leaving me? Whatever will I do---*snore*"

I hadn't planned on stopping in at the Velvet Crease (link here 'cause I love), but there was a fabulous coat in the window, so I popped in for a quick look. Well, one quick look led to just over an hour and I did very well!

I fell for this lovely classic dress - it will be great for layering and worn just on its own in the summer.
 It has pockets! I love the way the fabric has been turned 90 degrees on the hem.

It's by Trina Turk, and it's fully-lined.
 And you can see that the fabric's pattern is woven, not printed. I am a big fan of interesting textures.

I also appreciate that the hem of the lining is trimmed like a vintage slip.
 That's a great detail.

Made in California, USA! This was $52.00, which seems pretty good for an item made in the US.
 Searching around on the Interwebz, I found the same dress in blue/pink/white but with a bow on the front (here, linking 'cause I love). After seeing that, I discovered that mine has some knotted/cut  loops of threads on the top - it also had a bow at one time! Short dresses on her site run to about $300, so I did well.

I hemmed and hawed about this dress, but in the end, I could not leave it. It reminds me of Cinderella's dress before the big ball!
 It's a bit raggedy-looking, with patchwork blotches of colour (white and rust) on the slightly plaid background.

It has interesting folds held together buy cufflink-style buttons on the front.
 The whole thing is lined in a white slip to bring out the pattern better.

The skirt is nearly square, with pieces sewn to make it drape nicely.
 I love that kind of deconstructed-then-put-back-together look.

It does up with a small side zipper and a couple of buttons.
 The buttons are marked "Kenzo" - I very much enjoy the playful vibe of my other Kenzo pieces:


  • My tiger dress (picture here, last worn here).
  • The garbage bag skirt (picture here, last worn here). Its twin in solid black is at slide 8 of the Fall 2014 ready-to-wear runway collection here (linking to Vogue's site, 'cause I love) - I suspect my skirt is pre-Internet, likely from the late 90s/early 00s.
  • This "garden party" jacket is wonderful in spring (picture here, last worn here).
  • My oversized black cardi is a lovely piece (picture here, last worn here).
  • I gave this jacket away, though, as it looked odd on me (picture here, last worn here).
  • I also used to have this pink dress, but it wasn't quite me (picture here, last worn here); it's been gone for a long time.

I like the folded details, as well as the attention to patterns - I'll always take a second look at a Kenzo piece.

I am a size 40! Go, me!
 Most of my Kenzo pieces are older seasons (pre-internet).

However, noting that a simple, plain dress is sold for 350 Euros, which is equivalent to ~$525.00 Canadian dollars, I feel pretty good about my $68.00 purchase.
 This will be lovely to wear in summer, but I might be breaking this out for a special event soon!

Ah, consignment stores - I always spend more than I think! However, I can't be expected to leave a green and gold sequined skirt behind, can I?
 And even better when it's a mini-skirt. We 50+ ladies love our mins!

Trying to show the colours better.
 Things to look for when buying sequins: loose ones, scratchiness factor, snagging at the hem.

This skirt passed my tests when trying it on. And it was new with tags still!
 Banana Republic...

From Summer 2014.
 I'm sure this would have been over $100 new - it was $40.00.

Finally, I had seen these red booties last time I was in the store, and they were an extra 20% off, so home with me they went!
 So cute. They are a vivid bright red.

I don't think they are leather.
 But they're in good condition.

Zara Trafaluc - 40 is my size.
 Looks like they are pretty recent, as I see them on the Zara (Australia!) site still for $69.95 (almost the same in Canadian). I paid $38.40 for these.

Barely any wear on the soles/heels.
 I'm excited to wear these!

From the Velvet Crease, I continued to my actual destination: Flavour Upstairs.
 First thing I found was this awesome shirt for L, for $24.95.

I am always on the lookout for stuff for him.
 This shirt is by Desigual, and he loved it. He wore it out for dinner that night, in fact!

For me, I tried on oodles of things but nothing was quite grabbing me.
 This polka dot shirt fits really well, and is nice and soft. It will be great for layering this spring.

Not bad, $19.99 for J. Crew.
 It would have been about $110 or more new.

Although this was rather alarming.
"Parts of animal origin"?? I guess the cotton might contain bits of bugs or something!

This style is from Fall 2015.
 I guess its previous owner didn't get the memo that polka dots are trendy for spring (so I hear from the cool kids).

I always dig through every bin at Flavour - look what I found!
 Wonderfully soft orange leather gloves!

They fit great.
 I like a long wrist. These were only $17.99, a very good deal for leather.

I waffled on these red boots (yes, another pair of red booties!), but the comfort factor won me over.
 They also look great on. I love the two-tone reds, the rubber soles and the zipper detailing.

They have inner zippers so easy off and on.
 They'll be good walking shoes.

Arnold Churgin, handmade - they are made in Italy.
 I'd seen that name on vintage shoes, but not modern ones like this. I found this article here from the Calgary Herald newspaper, about the store closing in 2017.

These have very little wear, and for $45.00 they were mine!
 These are going to get a lot of wear in my closet!

After a quick nap when I got home (shopping is hard work!), I got dressed and L and I walked down to Fernwood Village for dinner. It was sort-of our Valentine's dinner.
Just a quick change to this soft, comfy dress, and a pair of nice walking boots.


  • Dress - Ichi; last seen here in December 2018 for dinner out with my WW colleagues
  • Boots - Truths Teah, Fluevog; first worn here in January with Monster Vest
  • Coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here in January


I have a burgundy cami on under the dress as well.
"Going out again?"

A lot of other people had the same idea to have a late Valentine's dinner - the restaurant we'd planned on going to was full.
"Is the Man leaving too?"

Instead, we had a very quick meal at the pub and then strolled home. I really only wore this for an hour.

We hung out at home on Saturday night and stayed warm - brrr! It's been dry, but it's cold.
 Even the Grape Ape coat wasn't enough to keep the chill off!


  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
 I need to wear these lovely boots again soon - they are incredibly comfy.

Black bling:
 Loaded on the shiny stuff!


  • Belt - Nygard
  • Cuff - vintage 80s
  • Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Necklace - Myka, thrifted


Since I'd just bought L a new shirt, he culled a shirt that he didn't love.
"This is the perfect shirt, what are you talking about, Woman?"

Vizzini was set on napping on it.
"It's just right for me. Can I keep it?"

Silly kitty, that will go off to one of our friends.
"But I love this shirt!"

I thrift many shirts for L and he has limited closet space too.

I slept in on Sunday after a late night. Oh, the sun is out!
 Ah, feel that on my face! So warm!

This is my outfit for "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. Go, go, go!

This wall needed some love.
 Oh, sun, I have missed you!


  • Sweater - Judith & Charles, consignment; last worn just a week ago here under my Jennifer Aniston dress
  • Skirt - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; first worn here in January with L'Wren Scott red
  • Boots - Mini Babycakes, Fluevog; last seen here (2nd outfit) in October 2018 for a Fluevog shop
  • Coat (below) - Danier Leather; last worn here a couple of weeks ago when it was warmer


Can you tell it was bright?
 Being a long weekend, we did our usual gathering of friends. I always like to wear something fun for our meet-ups.

This glorious skirt is so fun to walk in - the mermaid bottom swooshes and twirls.
 I was twirling it in the pub for a friend when a man came up to tell me that he loved my skirt. Ha!

Sneak peek at my vintage slip underneath - I needed extra warmth, even though it was sunny!
 L is wearing a vintage shirt with red jeans. We always seem to end up matching each other!

Coat open.
 All casual.

Done up - will I need my scarf and gloves?
 Not on the walk to town - but I did need them later.


  • Fur scarf - thrifted
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


Our stat holiday is Family Day, which is a pretty new holiday. I just like having a day off between New Year's and Easter!
"There should be a Vizzini Day."

Don't worry, buddy, you're part of our family.

The stuff:
Lovely and comfy boots for walking to and from town.


  • I forgot to take a bling picture! Oops. 
  • Belt - gift from Mom, from London
  • Necklace - Nygard, consignment
  • Bronze cuff - vintage 70s, Mom's
  • Poe cuff - Jezebel Charms, gift from L
  • Wood/Klimt ring - consignment
  • Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl
  • Earrings - c. 1994, LA Express


L is looking sharp in his leather and cashmere coat - we bought it at a consignment store in Vancouver last March.
"I'm helping the Man get dressed."

He's a big help, all right.
"Just inspecting this area for you."

Thanks to our friend Ronnie for the pictures!
 Darcy's Pub, and there's Alison, Cat, Justin, Linda, and on the right, Chris and Randall.

L and Nick being silly.
 It was so bright, everyone was wearing their sunglasses.

Yes, L, you have a wooden spoon.
 Better stir that pitcher of strawberry margaritas!

Carolyn, Ross and L.
 Best people in the world.

Ronnie himself with the lovely Yvonne.
 Aw, love you guys!

L and I look like we're arguing. We are not.
 This is why I always want to pose!

Vizzini, have you enjoyed having us home most of the weekend?
"Oh, I suppose. Your lap is warm."

It's good to be loved.

32 comments:

  1. I wish I could pop into Darcy's Pub and have strawberry margaritas with you and your friends---that looks perfect!! So many things, so many things---but you in that 70s maxi at the end is just my favorite. It's gorgeous. I can see why that guy ran up to say something!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would welcome you with open arms! I love the 70s skirt too - it's an amazing piece to wear! Thanks, Becky!

      Delete
  2. Wonderful post -- love all of it but did you know you look about a size 0 in that velvet dress? I envy those green shoes SO MUCH!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, gawd, you are too kind, Cynthia! I'm not feeling like a size 0!!

      I love the green shoes too - wish I'd bought them in purple when I had the chance.

      Delete
  3. Darcey's looks like a cool hangout!
    So many fabulous outfits over the weekend. Love that gorgeous mermaid skirt with the red leather jacket and L's perfectly coordinating red jeans and moto jacket. You both look wonderful.
    Some fantastic finds there, the quality of that woven shift dress from Velvet Crease is outstanding and that Kenzo dress has your name written all over it. I wonder if the "animal origin" of L's snazzy shirt is the shell buttons?
    Those walking boots are great, I'm always on the lookout for something like that when I'm chazzing - cool, stylish and practical.
    Look at Vizzini in his scratching pod - snug as a bug! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is...adequate. :)
      I knew you'd love the mermaid skirt. No, both the shirts I bought have plastic buttons - the tag is from my BR shirt, and the buttons are definitely plastic. I was glad I'd bit on the red walking boots.

      He's so cute, isn't he? What a little bug.

      Delete
  4. Ahh, Vix beat me to it - I'm guessing she'll buttons, too! Love your 70s skirt, and the greens at the top! xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to see how you wear that sequin skirt! I was just admiring similar skirts in store the other day but lamented to my sister that I had nowhere to wear it (I could wear the black sequin one any time she reasoned) and also that I need a longer skirt for coverage while bending over with toddlers, haha! Maybe when they are bigger I can start getting skirts that aren't maxi length! Looks like a wonderfully relaxing weekend you had.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm looking forward to styling it up, Mica. Yes, it'll be a bit of a challenge, I'm sure!

      It was a lovely weekend, very chill.

      Delete
  6. Looks like a most enjoyable weekend, you three! Your Kenzo dress is shouting your name, what a beauty, and I'm craving your new red booties too. Love your Valentine's day look, and L's leather jacket is the bomb. Kisses to Vizzini in his little condo (about the size of our NYC place!) and hugs to you, xoxo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so lovely, Patti, thank you! I knew I'd regret not getting the Kenzo dress, and I'm glad I went for both pairs of red booties. Thank you, hon!

      Delete
  7. Wonderful pieces. Shopping is your super-power. And happy to see you two out having fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, it really is! Can't you just picture yourself in the gang? :)

      Delete
  8. Oooh, I do love your funky bottom! The skirt is fab and I just love how the green on the shoes is an echo of the green sweater. The new tights are brilliant. Loved your velvet dress and the mermaid skirt outfit. I love mermaid skirts for the swoosh, too. It sounds like you had a very nice long weekend.

    What wonderful things you bought. The first dress is gorgeous; as you say you can wear it as a summer dress or layer stuff under it in Spring. I wasn't too sure about the Cinderella dress but I bet it will look fabulous on you; some things just don't look good on the hanger. Fabulous shirt for L and your own polka dot one and two pairs of red boots; both lovely. I'm loving all your lovely bling especially the green ring; how well the earrings match it. I can imagine how tired you were after grabbing all those things; such hard work!

    Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Vronni! Mermaid skirts are the best! I never tire of that swoosh!

      I had quite a good haul, didn't I? I am wearing the Trina Turk dress today, so you will be able to assess it. The Kenzo dress looks very cool on - I hope you like it. Yes, shopping was such hard work! I had to reward myself with a nap. :)

      Delete
  9. Love all of your weekend outfits, but my favourite has got to be the mermaid skirt, which you accessorized with perfection. Swooning over the boots, the necklace and oh yes, your vintage slip! I'm a fan! Love how you and L. have matched your outfits, even if it might have been unintentional. Great finds too: I love the orange gloves, both pairs of red boots, and L's shirt the most. Looking forward to seeing the Cinderella dress on, too. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's my favourite too! L and I often end up matching - we do both love bright colours. I'll be doing the Cinderella dress on Friday night - I have bold ideas!

      Delete
  10. My heavens you can shop! How dazzling to see the way that menswear skirt works so perfectly with your tights. I am sure those fabulous green shoes stood out. How could they not? I am so glad you bought those red booties and I cannot wait to see them styled . That mini skirt is gorgeous too. Great finds. I’m so glad you enjoyed a long weekend my friend .
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like Ally said, it's my superpower! Glad to dazzle you! I'm always excited to have new things and play with them - expect to see it all this week, mostly likely.

      Delete
  11. You lead a happy life. Love your purchases and outfits. Another Kenzo.. wow. Size 40 is two to three sizes too small for me haha.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
  12. So much in one post- love it!
    And look at you all matchy matchy in your green shoes and sweater- lovely. What a great find the orange gloves are. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Jess! You know I love my matchy! I love the gloves, just waiting for the right outfit!

      Delete
  13. wow, lots of fab outfits!, loving all of them!. I love particularly your Green shoes and the 60's vibe in your first outfit, so cool!. Love both dresses you purchased, the Kenzo cotton one looks really interesting!, well done!. Also love those red booties and orange gloves!
    You look fab in your velvet dress and stunning boots! really elegant with attitude!
    And your swooshy skirt is a favourite of mine, and those boots are lovely!
    Lovely to see your stylish friends having fun too!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Monica! I'm excited about the Kenzo dress, must play around with it and style it up for my grand event this weekend. That was such a fun time last weekend, glad you enjoyed all the looks. :)

      Delete
  14. How very well dressed i D&G to go thrifting :)
    Oh I do not know where to begin!
    The Kenzo find was such a treat and the Desigual shirt too.
    You look superb in that maxi skirt, it fits you like it was made for you.
    I had to smile at the picture of you against the warm wall!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heh, I know - I think it gives me better shopping luck. And it worked! The Kenzo was my best find. Thank you, my dear!

      Delete
  15. And these are all your lovely new finds that you've been showing me, ah! Some great bargains, fab finds and what a busy weekend you had. The mermaid maxi is rather splendid - I don't wear enough maxi's and now think I ought to!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adore maxis, especially with this shape on me. Shopping is so fun, isn't it?

      Delete
  16. Wish I could have popped over and joined you for a Strawberry margarita! The long skirt fits you beautifully. I don't wear long skirts but I am sometimes tempted when I see ones like that.

    Excellent score on the Kenzo dress! I don't find Kenzo pieces very often - I have one tiger front sweater in shades of pink but it's too small for me. The sequin skirt is a fun piece, and those burgundy boots are a great addition to your shoe collection. The red ankle boots are super cute, but the pleather probably won't last long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You would have been welcome! I love long skirts, but they have to be just right.

      I know, I was pretty excited about it. I am still kicking myself for passing on a tiger sweater a couple of years ago. You're right - the pleather booties are gone already.

      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