Mid-Break Wrap-Up: Bark Shop, Stretchy Cat, Dots Marathon

Just popping in mid-way through my break to say hi, and check that everyone's having a good time. I've been relaxing, reading, napping, and generally hiding from the world, but I have made a few brief forays into the real world. 

I even got dressed a couple of times! This is from last week, when I went to Turnabout and House of Savoy in Oak Bay for a browse.

• Cashmere sweater - Talbots, thrifted; first worn here in November with shades of w(h)ine
• Skirt - Gunex, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) for a shopping trip in January
• Shoes - Seychelles; last worn here earlier this month with sequins and velvet
• Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment; last seen here on Christmas Eve

I have a full vintage slip on under this for warmth.

 Easy clothes for trying stuff on. I lovingly refer to this skirt as my "bark" skirt, as it stands up on its own (see here) and looks like cedar tree bark.

I didn't make much effort. A sweater with a pattern can totally fool people.

I have dialed it way down while on vacation.

Outerwear - being warm is priority.

It's been a mix of slightly chilly, grey, rain, wind and flashes of blue sky. So, winter.

• Scarf - thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Purse - Roots, thrifted

The stuff:

Comfy shoes for walking.

• Ear-balls - Dior, consignment

I actually had ZERO luck at both Turnabout and House of Savoy. Nothing leaped out at me. So I hopped a bus to town and spent an hour in the big WIN (Women in Need) store, where I found this lovely silk blouse.

I have a weakness for yellow blouses. I like the side zip on this silk one, plus the bigass sleeves (which are not too twee/2007).

It's by Girls From Savoy which I see is an Anthropologie brand. This explains the whimsical owls on it.

This blouse is from around 2013-4 and retailed for around $60 US - mine was half off the tagged price, so $7.50.

I also spotted this purse and waffled over it.

It's knitted from gold thread, and heavily beaded.

Even the back is decorated.

Why waffle? Well, it's not something I'm going to use a lot.

But so beautiful! I couldn't leave it there.

When I do wear it, it will be special.

And it was only $6.95! Made in Italy, for The Bay department store, probably in the late 50s.

It looks pristine, probably never used, or maybe only once.

Vizzini was trying to get my attention while I took pictures.

"Your purse looks tasty and matches my eyes."

Such a big stretchy cat! Have you forgiven me for the unicorn horn, Vizzini?

"I'd forgotten about that...until now."

I guess extra tummy rubs are in order!

I booked a lunch and shopping date with dear friends Yvonne and Cat this week - we went to Dots, which is not a second-hand store, but sells salesman's samples of clothing brands at discounted prices. It's a warren of clothes, and we spent 4 hours going through the entire store. Near the end, my gals were flagging, so I mostly went through the dresses (which we did last) on my own and just told them what to try on.

Dressed to shop - I was chilly outside in this (the end of the year continues to be grey, gloomy and wet) - but I was able to change in and out of stuff easily, including some try-ons in the aisles when all the rooms were full.

• Sweater - Bossini, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) early this month, layered under the teddy sweater
• Skirt - Kenzo, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in February for brunch the day after the VFF Disco Gala
• Boots - BCBG Max Azria; last seen here (3rd outfit) for a velvet brunch in October
• Leather jacket - Danier; last worn here in October

We met up first for brunch at Pagliacci's - I felt very virtuous for forgoing their famous bread. I've been subsisting on chocolate for the last two weeks (no guilt!), but it's time for me to eat my veggies again.

This is a rather dull outfit, but it does allow the amazing puffy-textured skirt to shine. I tend to only wear this skirt in the cold months, as it's very short and full and I need the coverage from tights. I also have a snug half-slip under there so that none of my assets are in view!

We'll jazz it up with yellow!

I love leather jackets for shopping, as they aren't bulky and not too sweaty when you're bogged down with a load of clothes to try on. Shopping is hard work!

This jacket is going on its 10th year with me - I bought it new for $149.00 in May 2010 (first worn here) when we returned from London/Paris.

I've worn it more times than I've tracked it - easily 10 times a year, so I'm down to less than $1.50 per wear.

Done up and accessorized. I like a big cross-body purse that can carry all my shopping bags, as well as small purchases.

A silk scarf for warmth, and insulated gloves.

• Scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
• Gloves - Cejon, thrifted
• Leather purse - vintage 80s, vintage mall

The stuff:

Easy walking shoes - we met up with some of our guys and more friends after our shop and had dinner at the Garrick's Head Pub with the gang. L and I walked home and finished our TV binge of the second season of "Castle Rock" (verdict: better than the first season), and generally chilled out for the evening.

• Leather cuff - Guess, thrifted
• Earrings - vintage fair

Although I was focused on helping Yvonne and Cat shop, I also found a couple of things for me. I enjoyed trying on some really whackadoo stuff, just for fun - you never know! - and encouraged both of my besties to try things outside their comfort zones. Both came away with happy purchases, as did I!

This has "Jammy Dress" written all over it, doesn't it? It's a rust-black deconstructed check pattern, with screen-printed flowers in taupe and little cream flowers scattered.

It has pockets!

The fabric is cotton with stretch, and is a fine-wale corduroy; it's fabulously comfy and flattering.

It's by White Stuff and was $29.99 with an extra 25% off, so $22.50.

That's a UK brand, and this is called the Hazel Jersey Dress (link here 'cause I love) - it's 59.99 Euros, which as you can see is $150.00 Canadian.

I was looking for a fitted top to go with a full bottom (an additional reason for wearing that Kenzo skirt), and really loved this velvet top. Technically, it's velour since it's a velvet weave on a knit, but whatever.

I obviously have not learned my lesson when it comes to velvet (clingy!), but I keep buying it because I love it.

This top is a poly mix, but not very stretchy. It has a zip at the back of the neck vs. being a pullover.

It's by InWear, and is called the Omaiw top, in "Olive Irregular Leaf" pattern. InWear's site has this in a dress (here, link 'cause I love) - which Dots also had in this colourway - but the top only in bright pink (here), so this salesman's sample is likely one of the only tops made in these colours. This was $24.99 with an extra 25% off, so $18.75. I may be wearing this very soon!

And now, my friends, this is the last post of the year for me - I'll be back tomorrow with our New Year's Eve outfits. Wishing everyone one of you a safe and happy evening, and all the best to you for the new decade!

Vizzini, do you have anything to add?

"Nope, here's the tail end of me."

I'll have an update tomorrow on my "Meet or Beat" reading challenge from 2019, and a list of all the books I read last year, as well.

And again, thank you, my friends, for being here on this journey with me. Happy 2020!

Two-Fer: Christmas Day: Jammy Dress and Fun Decorations; Boxing Day: Fluevog Shop - Bonus Uni-Kitty!

And...Christmas is over! I hope everyone had a lovely day, however you spent it. This was one of the more relaxing Christmases I remember in recent years. 

And it started with a relaxed dress - yes to a jammy dress for Christmas day.

• Dress - Decisions, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in October with minimal accoutrements
• Booties - Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevog; last seen here with another jammy dress earlier this month
• Coat (below) - Donna Karan, consignment; last worn here a couple of weeks ago

I have a vintage slip on under this for warmth.

 I considered wearing a turtleneck under it as well, but it didn't look right.

 I swooshed for my nieces a few times.

 I swapped out the self-tie belt that came with the dress for this big vintage one, worn extra loose (for lots of sitting around).

Outerwear - a soft puffer for the chill.

 Any pieces not being worn got stuffed in my bag.

Hood up!

Not deployed, though - it did not rain for Christmas!

• Toque/scarf - Danier Leather
• Gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

Shoes for catching the bus and a bit of walking around downtown.

• Belt - Christian Dior, vintage 80s, vintage fair
• Earrings - consignment
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Jade/brass ring - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s, vintage expo

L and I exchanged stockings on Christmas morning (Vizzini got one too), then had a big breakfast before heading over to my ex-sister-in-law's house for the afternoon. L and I always dress up for Christmas, which I'm sure shocks none of you.

L is looking resplendent in a velvet and satin smoking jacket, a floral shirt, faux leather jeans, and a sassy pair of Fluevogs.

A very Merry Christmas to my wonderful guy.

My best Christmases are all with you.

I got spoiled in my stocking, as always.

 I spoil L right back! I got oodles of books, chocolate and gift cards.

And some cool vintage jewelry.

That's another Robert Larin piece.

This is a funky steampunk-y umbrella brooch.

It has a very unusual clasp.

I actually picked these out at the vintage mall for myself, after vetoing all the pieces L had picked out as possible

Amber and silver chandelier earrings!

We let Vizzini maw on his catnip toy briefly, then he crashed on L's new shorts.

"My shorts now."

Quite possibly, since they didn't fit L (I thrifted them for only $7.99, so not a huge deal - I'll just put them in the giveaway pile).

"Thrifted Christmas presents?"

Yup, nearly everything I bought as present this year was second-hand.

At Cindy's, we hung out with Mom and other assorted rellies.

Mom wearing a gorgeous shade of blue.

My niece Hannah hid out with shy kitty Leo.

"Who is this in my house?" 

While Lola lounged out on the stairs.

"I'll take a tummy rub."

She did! Very friendly kitty.

I always get a kick out of Cindy's tree decorations.

"Well, hello there, Mr. Mask! My name's Ken. Have you seen my legs?"

Barbie's lost her head.

As has this Ken:

Or maybe it's under that ginormous hat? I didn't check.

I kind of felt like this after 3 hours.

For the first time ever, we did Christmas dinner out at a restaurant, the Commons. We got downtown early and walked around the Inner Harbour, looking at all the lights.

Mom's so excited, she's a blur!

My nephew Matt and L.

 This tower used to be a gas station in the 20s - the other 20s, not the new 2020s!

 Now it's the tourist Visitor Centre.

 Victoria is the capital of BC (our province), and this is our provincial legislature, generally call the Parliament Buildings, the Ledge or the Rockpile.

I like the coloured lights for the season, but it's lit up in white lights all year round. 

Victoria is famous for the Empress Hotel.  

 They'd lit their trees and hung giant balls in them.

 That's the perfect place to take a picture.

 Matt, Mom and L.

 Matt, Mom and me.

I was tickled to see a leg lamp in the ice cream store next to the restaurant.

The four of us had a wonderful three-course meal, all local ingredients, and then Land I headed home where we hung out with Vizzini for the rest of the evening.

"Back so soon?"

We got him to try on his present - a unicorn horn!

"What have you done to me?"

He's a uni-kitty! Pretty sure he's going to plot revenge for this...

On Boxing Day aka the day after Christmas aka the day all the shops have massive sales, L and I decided that we would head down to Fluevog to spend our gift cards. They have a big sale on.

I went full Christmas Elf.

• Lace top - VanessaVirginia, thrifted; last worn here in August with a genie skirt
• Leather slip dress - Danier, vintage 90s, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in October for brunch
• Shoes - Truth Pilgrim, Fluevog; last worn here in November with floral and plaid punk stuff
• Leather coat - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here last week

After hitting Fluevog, followed by Flavour Upstairs briefly, we had lunch at Cactus Club, where I actually took my coat off.

 I like the snowflake tights.

I call this my Buffy dress, as it reminds me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that late 90s era of fashion where everyone wore these dresses.

"I hope you are done with your shenanigans, Woman."

I love wearing this layered with a nice top like this lace one. I also have a pale pink cami on under it.

But most of the time I was in my green leather coat.

It wasn't really warm enough, but we walked to and from town so we got warmed up - we were out for about 5 hours.

• Scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

I love these shoes! So darned comfy!

• Earrings - thrifted

I had $500 in gift cards, and I spent a bunch of time trying on a bunch of shoes at Fluevog. This is what I ended up with, and as always,  nothing like I'd planned! Shoes I wanted...didn't fit right. Others...just too high or pinchy. I always have to try on a ton at Fluevog. I'm embedding links, which are all because I love - I get nothing back from Fluevog except for invites to their store parties (like every other customer).

These are called the Modern Living Slant (here), in blue and navy.

I like the little mesh "toe window" in the front.

The heel is half wood, half acrylic.

 Double buckles.

Marked down to $169.99 from the original $419.00.

"Light speaks! Listen..."

 Seriously, so fabulous!

I always like getting L's perspective on shoes - he pushed me to try these one, and I'm so glad I did! This is a good height for me in the office.

I found these pink and blue babies on the "Last Pairs" rack.

A nice low heel Mary-Jane...or is it?

Wait, there's also an ankle strap!

 Even better - I adore ankle straps!

But wait!

There is also a wee "kiltie"!

 Oh, get out, you can wear them three ways! These were $129.99, marked down from $369.00.

They're called the Enneagram Individualist, here.

"Be your true self!"

 I totally can be - any way I want!

And lastly - yes, I bought 3 pairs of Fluevogs in one go! - I got these wonderful blood red beauties.

 They are the Prepare 2.0 Tracker, in a Chelsea boot style, here

The black on the soles and heels is suede.

 They are pull-on, and very soft. The heel is four inches, but one inch is platform, and more is cupping the back of the heel, so they're really only a 1.5-two-inch shoe. Very doable.

A nice rubber sole.

They were marked down to $199.99.

And I've ordered another pair of Fluevogs! They didn't have my size in the store, but I found them online.

L went to the record store to spend his gift card, and I headed off to the Patch for a quick look-around, my own gift card burning a hole in my pocket.

I snagged these awesome, ruffle-legged white pants.

Zara, new with tags, for $26.95.

That's about what they would have cost new - these are in the summer pile.

And one last thing to give you a chuckle.

"Please don't take my picture in this."

I'm sorry, Vizzini, but you are just too funny in that horn!