Two-Fer: Dresses for Events That Didn't Happen: Velvet Roses and Maxi Lilies (With Help from Vizzini)

I had very good intentions of going for a Mental Health Walk today, but then I slept in, remembered that I had not done my laundry, and observed that it was a crappy day out. So, I forgave myself and dressed up for a couple of events that would have happened around this time, if we hadn't been in the middle of a pandemic. 

First: Theatre with Mom! Our final play of the Belfry season has been cancelled, but more than seeing the plays, I love my dates with Mom. She comes over and plays with Vizzini while we have a cup of tea, then we stroll to the theatre, enjoy the play, gossip about what everyone's wearing, and then go for dinner after. 

I like to bring out my lesser-worn dresses for these events, and this beautiful velvet cheongsam is a favourite.

• Dress - handmade, vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) for our 20th anniversary dinner with all our family in March 2017
• Shoes - Campers; first worn here (2nd outfit) in January during our snow daze
• Stole (below) - Danier, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit) in December 2016 for a theatre sing-along

I can't wear this dress for work, as I have to hoik the bottom up to bend over. I also kept popping the snaps around my chest every time I reached for something. It's a "standing" dress, good for parties.

"Yes, you've been very grabby with me, Woman."

So it might not have been a good theatre dress, but I think this is "Mom-worthy."

I love the rich fabric. It's cotton velvet, very plush.

I caught all of these pictures when the sun was briefly out, so the colours are nice and bright.

Look who else I caught!

"Woman, must you be so lovey with me?"

He's such a cutie, I can resist kissing him, but he doesn't stand it for long.

"Unhand me, Woman!"

He went after my earrings as soon as the timer went off. CHOMP.

How will I deal with such a little monster?

Heavens! I must fan myself.

Since I would most definitely be out in public for the theatre, perhaps a hat is in order for this outfit?

Yes, and this olive leather purse. And purple gloves!

There we go.

The fan is hand-painted - Mom and Dad bought it for me in Spain back in...1996?

I always forget that I own this faux fur stole.

 It's a thick plush, and is lined with brown satin, tying in the front with a big floppy bow.

I like the different greens together.

I do believe I'm ready for the the-ah-tah, darlings!

• Gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff

I love the round purse. So cute.

• Leather purse - vintage, thrifted
• Fan - gift from Mom & Dad, Spain, c. 1996
• Hat - Sylvia, vintage, thrifted

A shot of the fabulous hat. 

It's built up on the crown on one side, so that it sits like a flat saucer, slightly askew on the head. 

For those of you who like labels as much as I do, this is Designed by Sylvia, with New York and St. Louis noted. 

It was missing the elastic when I thrifted it for only a few bucks - that's a homemade fix, done by crocheting some elastic thread. I did that years ago when I first bought it. I've only worn this hat once on the blog, here (2nd outfit) in February 2014, when our group of friends first went to the Victoria Film Festival Gala. I should wear it more!

The stuff:

I liked the modern vibe of these shoes, plus they were comfy.

Copper bling:

I pack a bunch of my copper stuff away for the warmer months when I swap over my closet (very soon!), so I'm saying adieu to some of my jewelry.

• Leaf cuff - vintage fair
• Shiny cuff - Matisse, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
• Earrings - vintage fair
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s
• Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
• Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, Dad's, c. 1965

While I was taking pictures of the stuff/bling, Vizzini was checking out the hat elastic.

"A toy! For me!"

I had to quickly put the hat (and the other, biggass hat that it lives with) back up high in my closet.

In case you're interested, I put hot rollers (KLASSY) in my hair today. I bought a little travel set of 10 (5 big, 5 small) from the drug store a little over a year ago. This set is by Revlon, and they are so easy; you just plug them in and when the dots on the end go black, they are ready to go.

Rear view included. The rollers are grippy with bristles, without being sticky or pulling too hard on my fine hair. You anchor the rubber-tipped steel pins around the rollers - they only stay put one way, which I figured out quickly.

I did funky "winged" eyeliner.

With some frosted aqua blue eyeshadow, and a matte purple lipstick.

With the curlers out, and a brush run through it to give it some deep waves.

I like this soft look.

The wind took a lot of the curl out.

But it's still fun to play with my hair.

We also missed the Art Gallery's Urbanite event. It would have happened on the Friday L and I were in Vancouver (bad timing), but since both events were cancelled, here's what I would have worn to Urbanite in the universe where all the fun things actually happened.

I always want to wear this dress - it's a perfect fit, it's super-comfy, and I love the huge print.

• Dress - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) in February 2019 for Greg's birthday party
• Shoes - Entrance Room 502, Fluevog; last seen here in February with all matchy purple

I see a lot of vintage dresses when I go shopping.

I see very few with a "top to bottom" print like this. I love the pink, blue and purple lilies and the colourful berries.

I love how the brown stems and leaves are done on the arms.

 And it's such a simple style, but it fits perfectly.

It's incredibly comfy and warm, thank you, double-knit polyester!

It's a fairly light polyester, though.

It does feel like quality.

I'll wear my pink pashmina over it for a little extra warmth.

"Wait, what about meeee...."

I did not know Vizzini was there until he rubbed up against me.

"I need attention, Woman. NOW."

You can see the single slit in the hem here - that allows for full walking movement. No restrictions at all, so I'm still wearing this so that L can see it when he gets home from his (very empty) work.

The stuff:

I absolutely love these shoes - they are so awesome. They'll be packed away for spring/summer as I prefer to wear them with tights.

Silver and round bling:

I like matching the "berries" in the lily print with round accessories. I'm thematic that way.

• Silver/acrylic cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
• Silver cuff - vintage, thrifted, Powell River
• Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
• Ball earrings - thrifted

I did change out of the shoes into a pair of socks that say "CATS!!" all over them.

"I approve."

And now, I'm going to go read until L gets home from work.

"I saved you this spot here."

Vizzini, that's L's spot. He'll be home soon to snuggle with you.

"I guess you'll have to do."

I am back to work tomorrow/Tuesday, and will find out then how much I'll be working for the rest of this week once I talk to my boss. Getting up that early is going to be challenging!

I hope you're all well, and staying safe!