Monday, March 4, 2019

Velvet, Lace and Ruffles

I have so many new-to-me things to play with in my closet, but I'm remind myself that March is for reworking items I'm on the fence about, or getting in another wear of seasonal favourites. 
These glorious boots are not spring/summer-appropriate, so getting in one more wear, and I did cheat and sneak in this new-to-me black velvet/crochet skirt - what can I say? It went so perfectly with the boots!


  • Blouse - Renuar, thrifted; last seen here with double-velvet in January (I did put the blazer in the giveaway pile)
  • Corset top - Betsy Johnson, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here (6th outfit!) in October 2015!
  • Skirt - Le Chateau, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $8.99
  • Boots - Baroque Velasquez, Fluevog; last seen here in January with another corset-y look, a velvet dress
  • Coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last worn here last week


This skirt was actually really hard to style! It has elaborate detailing with the crochet work and the sewn lines on each of the "petals" of the skirt.
 It needed something to compliment that, but most of my winter wear doesn't fit the bill. I finally settled on this blouse/corset-top combo, which is very similar to one of my favourite outfits from a few years ago (this one) - that's actually when I last wore it! It's been 3.5 years!

The corset-top is one of those pieces that is a wardrobe keeper, even though I rarely wear it. You never know when you'll need one. I thrifted it in May 2013 (here) for $2.50! That's a score for made in US Betsey Johnson!
 The top is likely from the late 90s - it has zero stretch and zips up the back. I am constantly reminded: sit up straight!

The skirt was wonderful to wear, much flippy-er and swingier than I'd expected.
 I might actually keep it out with my spring-summer wardrobe as it has a flapper sort of feel to it, and I think lighter tops might work with it better than sweaters or blazers. How would you style this skirt? I'm a little stumped!

Outerwear - no fear, Ann, the Grape Ape coat hasn't left my closet!
 It is getting a little worn, though, as it's just cheap fast fashion, so I'm keeping an eye out for a suitable replacement. That could take months...years...


  • Leather gloves - Danier Leather


The stuff:
 Such lovely boots. Although I don't wear them a lot, they are still in regular rotation.

Bronze bling:
I added the wee mink/pearl brooch at the last minute.


  • Brooch - vintage, thrifted in Powell River
  • Feather ring - Fossil, thrifted
  • Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl
  • Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, c. 1970, Finland, vintage expo
  • Earrings - thrifted



26 comments:

  1. Hi Shiela, I love this outfit especially the boots!
    If I had that skirt, I'd probably style it with a cream shirt too. I would never have thought to put a corset over the top- so clever!
    I would probably also style it with turtlenecks in Winter. X

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    1. Thanks so much, Jess! I thought about sweaters, but most of mine are too heavy for the skirt, which is quite delicate. In general, I have an aversion to turtlenecks. Thanks for the ideas!

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  2. I really like the corset over the shirt and I think the boots and the tops work so perfectly with the skirt. You know me, I'd go plain and boring with it and let the skirt be the only fun piece in my outfit - haha! Maybe do keep it out for warmer weather and see if you find it easier to wear then?

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    1. Thank you, Mica! I'm thinking I might keep it out for spring/early fall - maybe a simpler blouse will work with it?

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  3. Phew about the Grape Ape ;-) Isn't it just the perfect addition to your outfit? I LOVE how you styled that skirt, I couldn't have done it any better. That blouse is gorgeous, especially with the addition of the mink/pearl brooch. And those boots are beyond fabulous! xxx

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    1. Ha ha! It was the perfect topper! I won't be getting rid of it until I find a better coat, so that might be a while, as I said. Thanks so much, Ann!

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  4. That Renuar blouse is beautiful!!! I also love the looks of the black lace hemmed Le Chateau skirt and Betsey Johnson corset top you styled it with in this very pretty outfit. Your outfit photos are fabulous.

    https://full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you! Aw, that's very sweet of you, I appreciate that.

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  5. Perfect styling. I like this combination better than the one of a couple of years before. I am wondering whether the corset top is purple(ish) or brown(ish). The top pictures gives another colour than the rest.
    Your little fur jacket is lovely with it. And the boots .... great.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks, Greetje! I like it better too. The corset top is a browny-burgundy shade, with tan/caramel flowers on it - a very 90s combination. The stair pictures are pretty close to natural light.

      I love the boots - Fluevog!

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  6. Everyone needs a corset and that is def a score! The skirt is dreamy and I think you're right--maybe something jazzy like a creamy gauzy tank top or something with some sparkle. Boots are rich!!

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    1. I so agree! They are very handy. Yes, I like that idea - I think I may need to go Stevie Nicks on this, lol! Thanks, Becky!

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  7. Great outfit! I love Betsey Johnson stuff and your corset top goes really well layered over the blouse. Love the skirt and those awesome boots!!

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    1. I love her stuff too, Cheryene, especially the older pieces. It's really nice quality and the "vintage" items like this are made in the US. Gotta love that!

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  8. What a great outfit! The corset top is a perfect fit.
    Those boots are so like my vintage 60s go-go boots, love them! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix! I love these boots too - they are so beautiful.

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  9. I think you styled the skirt perfectly - the blouse and corset top is an excellent combo. I don't know how I would style it - probably with a little fitted jacket, as I don't own any corset tops ;)

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    1. Thank you! I'm really stuck on what to do next. Hopefully there is something inspiring in my spring/summer wardrobe.

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  10. I don't think you need to ask how we would style this skirt as you've done a perfect job yourself. Everything works and looks like it's made to go together. The skirt looks deliciously weighty and looks amazing with those boots. I'll be interested to see the summer version of this look...

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    1. Well, I did mean in addition to this look! I can't wear it this way every time (or can I??). We'll see how it goes for spring! Thank you, my dear!

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  11. Now this is an outfit I'd love to wear. Oh -- that skirt! Oh -- those boots!

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  12. This entire outfit came out like a dream - there is so much detail in every piece. Of course i have my eye on the furry brooch.

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