Revisting Autumn Textures

I always appreciate my own extra efforts when I take the time to focus and make an outfit. I feel better.

 Fake it till you make it, baby, that's my motto. It was a good reminder that actions affect emotions, and positive actions (like making an outfit) lead to positive emotions (like self-confidence, contentedness, and calm). Okay, pep talk over, let's talk outfit.

• Blazer - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) in January as outerwear for shopping
• Blouse - Michael Kors, consignment; last seen here in January 2018 with a belted blazer and horrid tights
• Skirt - Kateri, garage sale; first worn here in October 2018 with my teddy sweater
• Boots - Clarks; last seen here in November 2018 with my dragon scale skirt
• Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here last week

 I'm surprised you can't see my breath in the above picture! It was -4 when I took these pictures at 7:45am. The Castle is looking lovely as the sun rises.

 Everything has been frosted and frozen solid for a week, just like that rooftop. Predictions are for snow starting tonight and through the weekend. As we don't have a car, and live within walking distance of everything we need, L and I don't stress, but others do. Our city is not prepared for snow.

One thing I do like about the cold, is that even with hot flashes, I can wear layers. This lovely silk and viscose velvet blazer feels like kittens, it is so soft. I'm all about textures, so I often invite my interested coworkers to touch various fabrics that I'm wearing.

 On a whim, I decided to belt this blazer. In the early days of my blog, I frequently belted - I have a big collection of belts and obis, even though I don't trot them out too often anymore. Maybe I'm coming back around on this look? Do you belt?

I love and adore my mixed wool/string felted October skirt. I've been working hard on getting my "chocolate weight" off from the holidays, and it's paid off. This skirt has zero stretch - not forgiving!

I love the colour, how the string texture goes from orange to black in an ombre - I wanted to revisit this piece when it wasn't fall and looking Hallowe'en-y. This is one of the pieces from the backyard garage sale that I went to last fall; I hope there's another one at some point - it was fun.

I love the set crystals around the hem - the pockets (YES) are also trimmed with crystals.

Chances of hand jammed in pockets today: 100%

 It got fuzzier as the day went on; I just rubbed and it and re-felted it to itself.

I am a fast walker, and I walk to work nearly every day - by the time I get to work, I am sweaty. Jacket off time!

I have a collection of interesting silky synthetic sleeveless tops in a variety of colours - they are super-handy for layering, and they look classier than a t-shirt or cami. I've had this cowl-necked Michael Kors blouse for a long time, first worn here back in May 2012 (lots of detail shots), where I noted that I had purchased it in February for $32.98 (it was a My Sister's Closet find). That still seems steep for a sleeveless blouse, but it has lasted in my closet for seven years, and I've worn it a ton. A most excellent and useful purchase it has been.

Outerwear - the Unsafe Ocelot is the best coat for the really cold weather, and it's better looking than my puffer. 

I've been keeping my eye out for a new winter coat to take some of the pressure off this one and the Unsafe Polar Bear, as I wear my coats hard and some of the seams inside on both of them are starting to pull apart. Sad Ocelot and Polar Bear! Nooooo!

• Scarf - Danier, thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

I should have worn a hat. My head was cold. 

The stuff:  

 I love these boots - they are exactly the kind of beat-up looking leather that I like. They are lower than my upper end of my comfort level for a heel, but my feet are tired after a long day.

Copper bling:

My copper was a hit with my colleagues, especially the brooch. People love a decorated lapel!

• Belt - Talbots, thrifted
• Both bracelets/earrings - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fairs
• Brooch - thrifted

I liked how the pony-hair leopard belt both added another texture and worked as a neutral pattern in all the autumnal hues.

We keep our bedroom warm for Vizzini during the day for snoozing, but this morning he'd found himself a snuggly spot on my cardigan, which I'd tossed here a couple of nights ago during a flash.

"I'll be keeping this nice bed, thank you."

Wishing you all a warm and snuggly weekend! I'll be back on Sunday with my Bigass update - thanks for visiting!