Birthday Week: Bookish and Brocade Regret-Me-Not

Welcome to Birthday Week! I love celebrating my birthday and upping my outfit game a bit.

I kicked myself last night for even thinking about getting rid of this wonderful cream brocade blazer, and retrieved it (and the blouse!) out of the giveaway pile. What was I thinking?

• Blazer - Le Chateau, consignment; last worn here in October 2018 with sheer bronze stripes
• Blouse - H&M, thrifted; last seen here in March with green velvet and tweed
• Skirt - J. Crew, consignment; purchased here for $49.99
• Shoes - Queen of Prussia Louise, Fluevog; last worn here in January with double velvet

Nancy linked up to me today as an example of a blogger who keeps track of her cost-per-wear. It's true! I know how many times I've worn most items and how much I paid for it (from there, I'm able to figure out my cost-per-wear).

But I don't have it on a spreadsheet or anything. I track through my links back to the previous time I wore each item; I just click through and count, then do a little math. The smartest thing I did when I started Ephemera way back in 2008 was to start linking back to the "last time seen/worn" and to keep it up on every garment. I'm able to backtrack a long ways for things I've had for a many years.

Like this blazer! I bought it here in September 2012 for $20.98, so it's over 7 years old, and I've worn it over 30 times! Under a dollar per wear - that's awesome.

 Anyway, I have rescued it - it's a regret-me-not. It's gorgeous quality, a great fit and has cool shoulders (not padded, but almost sculptural).

The turmeric blouse is crappy H&M quality (which is why I'd tossed it), but is a really useful colour and style. I'm keeping it until I find an upgrade version.

I know you're all staring at the skirt - isn't it cool? It's called the Library print; each one of the "frames" is a library. For a better look at the print there's a picture here. It's very appropriate for me, as I've always been bookish.

Pockets!

 I had a few coworkers feel it - it's silk, very soft. It had good Swoosh Factor - about a 6.

We still have days when it's gloomy/rainy, but not that cold out.

All I needed was a silk scarf and some wool gloves.

• Scarf - Pierre Balmain, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

I think these heels might have gotten higher over the past 6 months - my feet are pretty tired after a busy day, even though I took the elevator vs. the stairs. They are actually comfortable when I'm not standing or walking a lot.

Tortoiseshell bling:

Had to sneak my real Pierre Balmain 80s silk scarf in there - it's so lovely.

• Belt - Talbots, thrifted
• Bracelet - J. Crew, thrifted
• Earrings - Hamilton
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl (purchased on the same day as the blazer!)

I liked how the leopard belt went with the tortoiseshell patterns.

My dear colleague Emily gave me a birthday present:

She said she wanted to give me a Zentangle, since I'm always giving mine away. Aw! So sweet!