Wednesday, February 12, 2020

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



28 comments:

  1. wowww, I'm totally in love with this fabulous outfit!, colour, pattern, texture, shine!! Love Everything! and love that you're so talented and stylish!
    So brilliant to wear these tights with the brocade shoes and the magnificent coat, all these pieces are stunning but look even better when working together!
    And love this pink and Green combo with all the other touches of color!
    Gorgeous!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica! I really loved this look - one of my faves ever, maybe?

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  2. Yes!! I have two red outfits that I always pair with my hot pink fishnets--- and I love it!!! The jacket is stunning--- the whole outfit is so rich in texture and color.

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    1. I've loved red and pink together since high school. Thank you, Becky!

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  3. As my mother would have said "You look like a million bucks!". Even though the pieces are vintage 80's, to me they evoke a roaring 20's feel with the very deluxe fabrics and the amazing peacock design. Just lovely.

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    1. I felt like a million bucks, Nana, thank you! Yes, I like that comparison, thank you!

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  4. Fabulous!! All the shiny gold is so wonderful.

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  5. I actually squealed with delight, which must have been confusing some people, as I was on a tram full of people on a rainy day ;-) I love absolutely everything and every little details about this outfit. The tights, the shoes, the delightful pairing of pink leather and bottle green wool. And then that coat! You're a walking work of art! So inspiring and uplifting on a grey and wet winter's day! xxx

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    1. Oh, thank you, Ann! That is so lovely - this just rang all my bells. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Happy weekend!

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  6. Oh I think red and pink is the best color combination there is! And what a amazing tights! We havn't got that many tight shops over here anymore. It's hard to find special ones.

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    1. I love it too, Nancy! Order these ones online - maybe they ship? I agree, though, you don't see really cool tights here very often.

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  7. This is definitely an "OMG Sheila!!" outfit! The pattern mix on the tights, shoes and coat is fabulous. I dream about finding a leather skirt in that colour.

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    1. I have outdone myself on this one - it's hard to top! Thank you so much - I'll keep my eyes peeled for a skirt in your size (I remember what size you wear).

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  8. That is SUCH a glorious outfit! Everything goes together SO pleasingly that it is a triumph! Not surprised about the swooning comments!
    The tights are beautiful! The shoes are beautiful and that coat is a dream! You have just reminded me about a beautiful Matthew Williamson embroidered coat I have that I haven't worn for ages! Agrgh, must wear it- it must feel SO neglected!!x

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    1. Oh, thank you so much, Kezzie! I really loved it.

      Ooh, please do get that coat out and wear it! Those special things need to be worn and love.

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  9. This outfit just blew my mind when I saw it. It looks beautiful even without the coat, but with the coat it is pure perfection. The funny thing is how in exactly the same moment when I was thinking that, I read that part of your post that said- and she didn't even see me with the coat. Perfect timing:). Yes, the green sweater looks amazing with the hot pink skirt and the red printed tights are gorgeous. The printed coat is so glamorous and works so well with the tights. The brocade shoes are wonderful too.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana! I loved this outfit, and how every piece worked together. That coat is not printed - it's all woven fabrics that are sewn together like a quilt.

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  10. Haha, I chuckled at your comment about how you can build outfits in your sleep! What are your dreaming up for tomorrow? :)

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    1. As you saw, more pink! I mentally go through my closet to make myself sleepy, heh.

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  11. What a totally fabulous outfit Sheila! I love everything about it, but mostly it's the shoes, tights and coat that delight me. Hurrah for you with this creative ensemble - you're so damned clever xxx

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, my dear Anna! Yes, I knew you would love it - I can see you in the entire thing!

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  12. An amazing eyeball-pleasing explosion of color and pattern! The coat is a dream. Fantastic outfit!

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  13. oh yes this is brilliant ! I DO LOVE WHEN THAT MAGIC HAPPENS! Its like "yeah, i still got it!"

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