Weekend Wrap-Up: Two Bouts of Second-Hand Retail Therapy

 Happy weekend, my friends! It's been a very nice quiet one for me, and I've taken full advantage of it by reading, watching TV and playing board games (and napping). Amidst all that relaxing business, I also hit a few second-hand stores, and found some wondrous treasures.

Here's Saturday's outfit - L and I went for brunch at Artisan Cafe again, then went our separate ways to shop downtown.

 I didn't realize until I uploaded my photos that I completely missed taking a stair picture. No stairs for you! These cold medications are strong, I tell ya!

• Coat - Desigual by Christian Lacroix, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) in September 2018 for a long-weekend gathering
• Sweater - Lacoste, vintage, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in March 2018 for a weekend shopping trip
• Skirt - John Laing for N. Peal, vintage, vintage fair; first worn here in November 2018 with a giraffe sweater
• Shoes - Seychelles; last seen here in January with plaid, ruffles and velvet

I only slipped off the coat briefly while I ate breakfast - it's still very chilly out. I was pushing the envelope with this outfit. No extra camisole or slip layers (they are often fussy when trying clothes on).

 I'm done with this Lacoste sweater - it's starting to discolour. I have other cream sweaters!

I adore this lovely coat.

I know the back strap is twisted - I fixed it on the walk to town

It had popped a button back in September 2018 and it needed a quick stitching back on, but I'm lazy about these things and waited until I had four button-less coats before I did anything about it, just a couple of days ago.

Showing off the two styles of pockets. In through the top, on the left...

 ...and in through the side, on the right.

Bundled up for the cold.

 I liked the mix of oranges and red to pop off this fun coat.

• Fur head-wrap - thrifted
• Leather gloves - thrifted

The stuff:

 Sparkly shoes! Good for walking.

Simple bling:

 Small jewelry that doesn't catch on clothes when you're trying things on.

• Earrings - thrifted

I haven't spent a good couple of hours in the big WIN store for a while, and I was pleased to see that the stock had been turned over for spring, with lots of stuff on sale.

 I fell for these little silver and black tassel earrings for $2.95.

The necklace is a bronze-y gold on a silver-tone chain.

 I love the bold shape! I recognize the little four-leaf clover symbol - this is by Lucky Brand. Only $4.95 - what a score!

I found a lovely cross-body bag.

 It's a boring shape, but very practical for me.

It's by Roots and the front of it is leather.

 One pocket with a magnet closure; one with a zip.

The top zip opens up to the main body of the bag (emblazoned with "Roots" everywhere). There is also a full-size pocket on the back of the bag.

 For Roots, $9.95 is a very good deal. This is a fairly old style (probably 90s), but it would have been over $100 new.

I couldn't resist a quick browse through the vintage section, and came away with two fun items that will never see the light of day.

 This gorgeous teal nightgown is very much for the boudoir!

It fits like a dream, and for only $7.95 it will be a comfy addition to my hot weather wear-around-the-house clothes.

 Why lounge in sweatpants when you can swan about in a sexy nightgown?

Or some days, you just want to be covered head to toe, right?

 I have the house-dress for that too!

I fell for the pattern of this gorgeous gown.

 It's all one big pattern, no repeats. It has pockets too! There is almost no wear on this - I think it sat in a drawer for decades.

Such an interesting mix of colours.

 I love the bold flowers on it.

 Of course, it's 100% polyester. Keep me away from open flame!

It zips up the front (that's a very old zipper), then has a loop and pearlized button at the collared neck.

 I am now "Styled by Mr. Robert", darlings. All the Klassy ladies are!

Only $18.95!

 I've already worn this twice - it washed beautifully, so why not be draped in flowers while I'm at home?

I spent some time going through the racks. I hear polka dots are a thing - again!

 I liked how this pretty blouse looked on. I might pull those waist ties out so that I can tuck it in.

It's by "as f as y" which I could find nothing about online.

 And for only $6.95, I'm good with giving this a couple of wears. It'll be fun!

It's very well made, and very soft.

 It's made of 100% something. I think possibly silk.

This lime green striped shirt had a mark on the shoulder (you can see it on the right) but it came out when I washed it.

 I was drawn to the bright springy look of this, and the way the stripes are lined up.

Chevrons down the back.

 The fabric is a nice twill weave, 100% cotton.

It's by Pink Tartan, made in Canada.

 And since there's a punch on that tag, it was half price, at $12.50. Score, especially since this one (similar, here) is $295! I think mine is an earlier incarnation of that current design, as mine doesn't have the front pocket, but has flipped back cuffs.

I don't have a lot of denim in my wardrobe but this simple top really appealed to me.

 I like the frayed edges - it's not as cropped as it looks, either.

It was only $6.99.

 It's by Cecil...

...McBee.

 Cecil McBee is a Japanese chain store, sort of like Forever 21. Cool, learned something new today!

Doesn't every gal need a 10-grommet vest in her closet?

 This one is a wool mix, and has slits up the sides so that the vest isn't too visually heavy.

It's by Paraphrase.

 And it was $19.95. I spotted a white version of this on the interwebz, and it had a big ribbon lacing up the front. Nah, that seems excessive.

These slouchy grey/khaki trousers appealed to me.

 We'll see how I do with styling them - this is a challenge to me!

They are by Lady Dutch (a brand I recognize from the Hudson's Bay), and were $6.95.

 I don't mind paying that for something I'm not entirely sure of.

I bought this skirt because I love the pattern

 It's also that same tricky blue as my Karl Lagerfeld blazer. Ha!

Now I have a matching piece to wear with it!

 This style of skirt was very big in the early 00s.

It's by Moschino, and was only $6.95.

 Good enough for a couple of wears.

I've looked at this skirt a couple of times and today I said "yes!"

 It's a lovely tiered design of embroidered velvet panels, all crocheted together.

Very intricate work.

 Ir's also fully-lined.

And at half price - $8.99! - I was fine with giving it a home with me.

 Even if I only wear it a few times, it's worth it.

I also finally bit and put this skirt in my cart.

 It's just beautiful, and it has pockets too!

Look at that amazing watercolour pattern:

 Great colours for my wardrobe.

It's woven of wool and silk, and is fully-lined.

 It's from J. Crew's Spring 2014, so it's 5 years old.

I didn't buy it before because it's a freaking size 0! I can't do it up all the way, but I'll wear long tops to cover the waistband.

 I wasn't going to leave it there for only $12.50! You would have bought it too, right?

I am a sucker for a black-and-white neutral dress.

 This is a lovely dress on, very thick and beautifully fitted.

It's by Banana Republic, and it was new with tags.

 $29.95 seemed steep to me.

Until I saw the $195.00 original price.

 I know it probably got marked down a bunch eventually, but it feels good to be getting more than 80% off the original price.

It's from the Spring 2016 collection (sent to stores in November 2015).

 It will be a nice dress for shopping or an easy day in the office.

Vizzini was cranky that we were out all day.

"No, I wasn't. I was sleeping in my house when you rudely interrupted me."

I can't resist stirring up the Beast. Look at that fierce roar!

"Must you dramatize? I'm yawning, Woman!"

The Beast emerges, stretching, from his lair!

"I am a lion among cats!"

Vizzini is a strong brute!

L and I had a quiet evening on Saturday, and I was up early to get groceries and do my second bout of retail therapy afterwards.

 Nothing special, just some of my favourite blues.

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

• Sweater - J. Crew, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) for lunch in January with silver pants
• Skirt - J. Crew, thrifted; last seen here in October 2018 with double capes
• Boots - BCBG Max Azria; last worn here (3rd outfit) in February with a wacky weekend outfit
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last seen here in January

As you can see, it was another bright sunny day.

 Doped up on cold meds, I headed to town.

I am fond of blue sweaters.

 I'm also very fond of this short tie-silk skirt.

All bundled up for the cold.

L is doing laundry. He's a blur!

I could have used warmer outerwear! Brrr!

• Scarf - faux Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
• Gloves - vintage, thrifted

The stuff:

 I like these boots, but they aren't lasting very well. Mental note: find new black over-the-knee boots.

• Earrings - Lazy Susan's

I popped into Rich Rags after grocery shopping (hooray for delivery), and found two items for half price.

 This is a black ribbed cocoon dress.

It's by Club Monaco, and it's 88% wool, with nylon and elastane to keep both the colour and the shape.

 It is snuggly goodness, and was only $25.00.

Most of the time, the name Forever 21 will drive me away from an item. However, I was really impressed with the detail on these brocade slides.

 The pattern is mirrored! Also, dig those gold chains!

They are quite nice, and were a bargain at $12.50.

 I bought a slightly smaller size than what I would normally wear - an 8.5 - due to the type of shoe. I want a slide to fit fairly snug on my foot. I'm excited to play with these!

From there, I strolled up to the WIN Boutique for a peek.

 I was enchanted with this soft flannel jacket, with its asymmetrical red zip, offset collar, and pointy hemline (the sleeves also have pointy ends).

It's black, red, grey, green and white.

 Not the nice seaming details on the back.

It's a Topshop piece, and was $21.95.

 I guess they didn't realize that UK size 12 is not the same as Canadian size 12 - it's more like a size 8 here.

I took a risk on this olive green wrap maxi-dress.

 It looks like nothing on the hanger.

I know the brand, Revamped - it's from Sirens/Urban Planet, those horrendous plasticky-smelling mall stores.

 New with tags (original price $39.99), and only $19.95. Why not?

I liked how it looked on. See, it's very drapey...

"You were saying?" 

Vizzini! He was cruising around, trying to get me to feed him early.

"What's under here?"

It's fully washable, and after I gave it a quick steam, it looked even better.

 I think this will be a fun summer piece. It's very flowy!

I really loved these platform sandals.

 That teal makes me so happy!

They are by Desigual.

 The inside sole is leather, with printed fabric and pleather straps.

So pretty!

 These will be lovely in summer.

Barely any wear!

 And only $24.95! They were probably 3 times that originally.

Lastly, I bought a new salt shaker.

 There were four of these, but I only needed one.

It was just $1.95.

 I needed a new salt shaker because "someone" broke my lovely vintage salt bird (this one).

I wonder who did that?

"It was L, I'd bet my life on it!"

I'm pretty sure it wasn't, since we both heard the crash.

"Oh. Well, it might have been me."

Such a naughty kitty.

"Hey, it's part of my charm."

I hope everyone had a quiet and peaceful weekend!