Monday, July 1, 2019

Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Friday Velvet; Black and White Ulti; Hawaiian Jumpsuit; Blue Hair; Jammy Dress; Some Shopping and Cat Pics

Hello, my friends! I have lots of clothes to share with you, so let's get this started. 

The weather continues to be less-than-summer-like this week, although it's finally being sunny. I just really wanted to wear this lovely rich purple velvet dress. 
 I've put this glorious piece into the fall/winter pile, but it was cool enough to wear for a day at work, followed by bussing around to get to/from my hair appointment afterwards.

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


  • Dress - Betsey Johnson, consignment; purchased here for $68.00
  • Shoes - Seychelles, thrifted; last seen here in May with metal and magenta
  • Leather jacket (below) - Kensie, consignment; last worn here in June



Although I'm calling this dress "velvet", it's technically velour, since it's a velvet technique done on knit instead of a woven fabric.
 I swooshed about in the office, and enjoyed how the skirt billowed going down stairs.

It's a nice wide skirt.
 I like the V at the back. I deployed the wee bra strap holders at the shoulders so that the neckline sat nicely.

I used the pockets frequently.
 I am a hand-in-pockets person.

I'm also a big-time swoosher!
 Swoosh, swoosh!

I wore this light yellow leather jacket as coverage from the "will it appear?" sun.
 It started to rain when I was waiting at the bus stop. Sigh, Victoria experiences "June-uary" frequently. I should be used to it by now!

The stuff:
 In anticipation of a busy weekend, and a lot of walking/being on my feet, I've been babying them with low shoes. These fun, studded flats are leather and very comfy.

Silver stud bling:
 I like the ball shapes (they go with the studs in the shoes). The belt is aluminum (or something equally light).


  • Belt - vintage fair
  • Earrings - vintage fair
  • Cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver


We visited friends Cat and Ross on Friday night, and played boardgames with Chris and Alli until the wee hours, but we were up bright and early for a game of Ultimate Frisbee!
 As you can tell from the bright light, it was lovely and sunny on Saturday! Finally, some summer weather!


  • Duster - Lysse; last seen here in June with silk pants
  • Dress - Trina Turk, consignment; first worn here in February with more black and tan
  • Shoes - Rivers Tambo, Fluevog; last seen here (2nd outfit) in August 2018



I wore the duster while I was out in the sun (I'm still fully sunblocked).
 This is an easy dress for changing into my Ulti gear at the field.

We went for lunch after at Pluto's Diner, then I had a wee shop at the WIN Boutique after.
 I find that having a walk around town after running for two solid hours helps shake any stiffness out of my legs.

They are still stiff (two days later), but it could have been worse!
 Gotta love a dress with pockets.

Being sassy with my sunglasses on.
 You never know who might see me - must always be putting my glamour on!

The stuff:
 I love these simple but comfy shoes for summer. My feel likes the lack of straps and buckles.


  • Earrings - thrifted


I had a bit of luck at the WIN Boutique. I'm quite a fussy shopper, but with the size of my closet, I have to be!
 I'm always on the lookout for a nice bracelet that's small enough for my skinny wrists.

This cuff is acrylic and I like the shades of navy and blue and gray in it.
 It was only $6.95, which felt like a good deal.

I am always on the lookout for good functional tops. This is a glorious shade of cobalt blue.
 It's cotton eyelet, and just a simple pullover.

I know Smoking Lily - they are an ethical local clothing producer - and that their tops sell for much more than $14.95.
 Even a simple cotton top like this would be between $75.00 and $98.00 new from them - buying local/ethical is not cheap, but it's worth it. However, I'd rather shop second-hand and get it even cheaper!

I found this perfect black mock-turtleneck sweater in modal (very soft, stretchy and washable).
 It'll be a good layering piece.

It's by Twik and was only $6.95.
 It would have been $29.99 - $39.99 new.

I am a new-ish convert to linen, and the rich coral of this top leapt out at me.
 I like the stretchy smocking detail on the front straps and the mid-back.

It's by Gap and was $12.95.
 Not bad for linen!

I had a nice nap when I got home, and recovered from my physical exertions.

Vizzini's been enjoying the sun.
"I found a sunbeam just my size."

He likes the warm tiles on the deck.

L and I played boardgames on Saturday night, then spent a leisurely Sunday morning having breakfast and lounging around, before heading to town to meet up with our crew for some food and bevvies at Belleville's on the harbour.
 Another lovely day, so I broke out my wonderful Hawaiian--print jumpsuit for a spin!


  • Cardigan - J. Crew, thrifted; purchased here for $4.48
  • Jumpsuit - JC de Castelbajac, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in May with a red cardigan
  • Shoes - Chie Mihara; last seen here (5th outfit) in June with a vintage jumpsuit for L's birthday party (the third outfit change!)


I took the cardigan off while sprawling in a chair at the pub.
 Kind of like this.

It's such a wonderful piece.
 I want to wear it again soon!

I like that my blue bra lines up with the straps, so I don't have to wear a strapless bra with it.
 These kinds of things make me love a garment more, you know?

Cardi-ed up. I bought these two pieces on the same day.
 The cardigan is a fine 100% linen knit, and the jumpsuit is also 100% linen.

I'm always inspired to Drama! when wearing it!
 I billowed and swooshed as we walked to and from town in the sun, stunning the gaggles of tourists.

The stuff:
 The cardigan is orange, so went with an orange-y theme for shoes and accessories. I actually walked all day in these shoes - they are only a high platform, not actually a high heel.

Orange bling:
 And one bit of blue.


  • Cuff/ring - 1960s, Italian, vintage mall
  • Wood earrings - vintage fair
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes


Speaking of blue, I did a lilac toner in my hair on Sunday morning and it turned my hair pale blue.
 I was not expecting blue! But I kind of like it. I didn't put enough colour in the ends, so I'll be redoing it later this week to try to even it up.

As it fades, it will make my silver brighter and less brassy.
 I still have some of my natural brown hair under there, which gives my white/grey a yellowy tint.

Today/Monday is Canada Day! As usual, L and I like to hide from the mad throng of people who head to town - there will be fireworks tonight.
 I'm doing the bare minimum here: no styling on my still-damp hair (which lost a lot of the blue in one wash!), and just a lick of eyeliner and mascara.


  • Dress - Rachel Roy, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in August 2018 for brunch
  • Shoes - Born, consignment; last worn here (4th outfit) in August 2018 on a long weekend ramble



This is one of my summer jammy dresses. Long sleeves for sun coverage.
 Short for coolness.
 No thinking really involved. Dress. Shoes. Done.

Oh, it has pockets.
 A dress with pockets is like gold!

The stuff:
 First wearing of my most bare sandals this year. I've had these for over 5 years, and they are still in good shape.


  • Gold hoops - 5th anniversary gift from L


Nothing's open on Canada Day, so I was surprised to see that Vanity Fair Antique Mall was! Of course, I had to go in for a look around.
 I found a ring and a bracelet!

I'm going to wear the ring on my thumb. Most rings are way too big on me, but it's even harder to find one that fits my skinny thumbs.
 Showing the bracelet.

The ring was $26.00 - it's stamped "950" which is still silver, but will tarnish more than sterling, and is also softer.
 Which is fine by me.

The bracelet is made of little interlocking parts strung together with two rows of elastic thread. I like the pale green with the gold-tone metal - this will go with my light-green "set" of jewelry.
 It's not vintage - probably some mid-range costume, like Banana Republic or J. Crew. It was $16.00.

And now, time to enjoy the lingering sunny afternoon.
"Stretchy time?" 

Maybe nap time, Vizzini!

Thank you all so much for swinging by!

30 comments:

  1. Love the blue jumpsuit with orange accessories so much!! I like the blue hair -- what colour are you going for next?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cynthia! I'm not really going for anything, aside from growing out my grey. I am not ready for full-on grey just yet, so am playing with these pastel, non-permanent colours. :)

      Delete
  2. I love your Betsy Johnson dress! She has the greatest styles. I have a pair of her leggings. They are my favorites although I have never dry cleaned them as the care tag advises. Still, they have held up well.

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    Replies
    1. I'm a big fan of hers too, Susan. I think you did the right thing by washing your leggings - sometimes those care tags are a little overly cautious!

      Delete
  3. I guess I should spell Betsey correctly!

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  4. Coming here *is* my fashion education. And this jumpsuit! Oh, my!

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    Replies
    1. I'm probably going to bring it with me to Hamilton, so you'll get to see it swoosh in person! :)

      Delete
  5. I love the blue jumpsuit with the orange accessories! I like the blue hair too even if it wasn't what you were going for. When we took our son in for a haircut the hairdresser had blue hair and I finally got to figure out how I could have it done with my hair - she said I'd definitely have to bleach it which means I can't do it - I want to donate my hair again and I don't want to wait and grow it out and cut off so much needlessly (as you can't donate bleached hair!).

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mica! Most people have not noticed that I did a blue rinse in my hair, ha ha! I appreciate that you're growing your hair to donate it - what an amazing cause! Maybe you need a fun wig??

      Delete
  6. Pale blue hair is wonderful! And so is velvet/velour for daytime. It always looks so sumptuous.

    Does Vizzini go rusty coloured in the sunshine? Some black cats do.

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    Replies
    1. I love velvet, period. I'm always happy when it's trendy, so that I have an excuse to buy/wear it (not that I need an excuse!).

      He goes slightly brown, but mostly he's solid black. His fur gets really warm in the sun - I love the feel of it.

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  7. Oh my goodness I must be blind! I've only just noticed that you are growing your colour out! You're joining us silver foxes! Have I got that right? Anyway, looking fab by the way. You mention your natural colour showing through and being brassy looking; there is a special range of products here called Provoke that are designed to be used with silver/gey or platinum hair. They are purple in colour and add purple to your hair to tone out any brassiness. I use the shampoo, conditioner and the brightening shampoo.

    Loved all your outfits and you are so lucky to find things with pockets! I think finding garments with pockets is the exception to the rule here. I don't know why. The jumpsuit is so jazzy and swooshy. Loved the two short dresses and your buys were great. Lots of lovely bling, too!

    Say hi to the sun worshipper for me! Happy belated Canada Day.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You just noticed? Ha! It's been about 8 months since I started lightening it and letting the roots come in. Yes, the silver foxes, I am with you...although I'm still having fun with colour, particularly these soft pastels. Thank you for the recommendation - I've seen purpling shampoos at my local specialty hair products store, but since I'm using toner colour already, I haven't bitten on getting any of them.

      I have put back many an item for not having pockets. I'm constantly boggled by how few garments do! Thanks so much for your kind comment, my dear.

      I will - he graciously accepts greetings from his fans!

      Delete
  8. You love board games as much as we do! I can play that all night long! Never want to stop. Love the blue cuff, it's gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. Same here, Nancy! I'll play until I'm actually nodding off. Thanks, hon!

      Delete
  9. Oh Sheila, you look like an absolute goddess in the jumpsuit with the orange platforms and your newly blue hair. I love your orange-y lipstick, too, absolute perfection.
    That purple velour dress is so luxe and wonderful with the yellow jacket.
    I do like a sun warmed cat, their fur seems to smell even lovelier.
    Happy Canada Day belatedly! David and Nicole, two of our trader friends are Canadians, I can sit and listen to their accents all day. xxx

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    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks, Vix! I felt like a goddess! The velour dress is nearly (nearly!) as soft as Vizzini, and yes, he smells so lovely when his fur is sun-warmed.

      Thank you! Ha, we Canadians speak one of the least-accented versions of English in the world, as our country is one of the younger ones.

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  10. I do love purple velvet and love particularly your fab dress, it has all the best qualities And Pockets!
    Love your 'simple dress' outfits with comfy sandals, you look summery but still elegant. And your dresses have some fab geometric prints and patterns, which I love!
    And obviously the jumpsuit steals the show!, it's a so Gorgeous piece and you look so Gorgeous in it!, lots of drama!. And your orange accessorizing is superb!
    besos

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    Replies
    1. I know, more dresses need pockets! Aw, thank you - they always feel like dull outfits to me, so it's nice to hear you like them. The jumpsuit is the star, though!

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  11. Three dresses and all with pockets, how fab! And also looking rather fabulous is the amazing blue jumpsuit! You've inspired me to check out my closet for a jumpsuit too x

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  12. GAH! That jumpsuit is just SOOOO GOOOOD! Love it even more paired with orange accessories. I like the purple velour number, especially with the pale yellow jacket. It has been so hot and sticky here there's no way I'd be wearing that! Love the stretchy Vizzini photo. I used to have an aluminum belt similar to that one - it may have belonged to my Mother - but I have no idea what I did with it :(

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    1. Thank you, Shelley! It's so fun. No, having now experienced southern Ontario in July, I would not wear velvet either! Ooh, I hope you still have your belt somewhere!

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  13. What a gorgeous velvet dress. I would have swooshed around in it all day too. I love metal belts but don’t wear mine often enough. You’ve just reminded me to pull mine out and wear them!

    I’m all for doing the bare minimum with makeup. On you, it doesn’t look like the bare minimum at all, in fact I like how your blue eyeliner matches your hair!
    X

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    Replies
    1. It really was perfect for swooshing! Get those metal belts out! I have to take make-up breaks once in a while. Thank you!

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  14. I LOVE that you wore a velvet dress to work! Looks beaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaautiful, my dear!!!!
    That jumpsuit is AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAZING!!! Really- it looks stunning esp with copious amounts of orange accessories!!!x

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  15. Oh dear She, I can finally sit down and read you :)
    The other day at the consignment shop I came across a pair of Castelbajac shoes and thought of your fab find. I'ts a brand you don't see much, like Dries.
    Your new hair looks fabulous my friend.

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    Replies
    1. Yay, good to see you, Lorena! Oh, how awesome - I didn't know he did shoes! I've never seen any other piece by him, ever. I see a fair bit of Dries, but it's not always in my size/style.

      Thank you! Although it didn't last long - I repurpled last weekend. :)

      Delete

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