Colour, Pattern, Texture, Shine

I sometimes feel like I've been doing this blogging thing for so long, that I have it all figured out. I can (and do!) build outfits in my sleep. I know the easy formulas. Every so often, though, a bit of magic happens, and I get an outfit that surprises me and fills me with delight. 

This one definitely checked all the boxes: colour, pattern, texture, shine. When my HR lady saw me, she literally shrieked at me, "Ohmygod, Sheila!" (in a good way, heh).

• Turtleneck - Tabi, vintage 90s, thrifted; purchased here for $7.95
• Skirt - Evan Davies, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in November 2019 on a grey day
• Shoes - Tudor Prysten, Fluevog; last seen here in December 2018 with gold and brocade
• Coat - Desigual; last worn here on my birthday in October 2019

And she didn't even see me with the coat on! I draped it over my desk chair and slung it across my shoulders like a cape. She gasped, and then we laughed: she was in head-to-toe black.

I went coatless for most of the day (aside from showing off the coat in capelike fashion periodically), like this.

First wearing of this wonderful green turtleneck and I loved it. The sleeves bagged out a bit because I shoved them up to my elbows, but they'll tighten up again when I wash it (the sweater is 100% cotton).

I'm anything but basic in these two bright colours - isn't that pink to die for? You can totally tell that it's from the 80s. I hear that coloured leather is a thing for spring - hey, I've been doing that for years!

I think that the item that makes the entire outfit is the tights. I wasn't sure about putting this red with hot pink, but when I put it all on this morning, I knew. "YES."

The tights were a gift from my mother-in-law - the brand is Zohara (link here, 'cause I love), and although they are very expensive (around $29.00 retail), they are just amazing. The shiny gold pattern is printed on the tights in a rubberized ink, so that the pattern stretches without flaking. They also have a lot of stretch in them but don't sag. These are nearly 4 years old.

And as you can see, they are also printed on the back. The pattern stops at the knee on me.

But I know you are all gasping over this amazing coat. Isn't it lovely? I've had it for nearly 9 years, and have worn it 19 times so far, so I'm down to about $25.00 per wear, which I'm happy with, since I paid $489.00 for it. I first wore it here in March 2011 - oh, it has a name, the Abrig Collette - and it's been worth every penny.

All done up. I love all the different fabrics: brocades, wool, satin, and the embroidered panel on the front with the peacock. It's thick and warm, so I usually wear it as a coat instead of a blazer, and it doesn't stay out in spring/summer. 

I just love looking at that - this is one of my favourite outfits. I'll definitely be wearing these tights with these shoes again, and the shoes with the coat again.

No scarf needed today! We even saw a bit of blue sky and sunshine.

I happily gazed at the pink blossoms coming out and dreamt of the coming warmth of spring.

• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

I love the patterns and colours of these shoes. So comfy too!

Gold bling:

Go gold or go home!

• Necklace - Trifari, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Bracelet - Butler Fifth Avenue Collection, consignment
• Aventurine/silver ring - consignment
• Earrings - vintage fair