Monday, March 30, 2020

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!

38 comments:

  1. Your maxi is one of my favourites, I love those slinky simply cut dresses where the print (and our shape) do all the talking.
    The cheongsan is a beauty, such a cheerful print and with the hat, fan and stole you're more like a leading lady than a theatre goer. Those camper shoes are such fun.
    It's so disappointing to miss out on those events but a brilliant idea to wear what you would have done anyway, sod the virus!
    Vizzini wrestling with the hat is just a funny photo!
    Stay safe and healthy, Sheila! xxx

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Same here, Vix - I've never seen another that's even close to this nice. I also love the velvet cheongsam - it's so luxe.

      I know, I really wanted to do both events, but at least I got to dress for them this way. Vizzini is just a funny guy.

      Delete
  2. I'm madly in love with your timelessly beautiful (and unendingly chic!) mid-century vintage platter/cartwheel style hat. That is, hands down, my favourite type of vintage hat style ever (especially since I find they tend to work well with my face shape). The epitome of chapeau chicness, no two ways about it! What an incredible piece to thrift. It's been a small eon since a pre-1980s hat last crossed my path at a thrift store.

    Thank you very much for your recent blog comments, my lovely friend. With all my heart, I hope that you guys are safe, healthy, and as well as can realistically be during these immensely challenging times.

    Sunny hugs,
    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thanks so much, Autumn! I don't see too many like this anymore (not that I've been shopping for what feels like a year!). It's a gorgeous hat, and aside from the missing elastic, it was in perfect condition. I think I've had it for about 15 years.

      You're so welcome - we blogger introverts need to support each other! We are safe, healthy and doing very well. Others certainly have it worse than we do.

      Hugs to you, my dear!

      Delete
  3. Dressing up at home for an event you can't attend? Hmm... sounds familiar.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Aw...When are we going to see more outfit posts from you, Ally?

      Delete
  4. woww, so beautiful dresses and glad you wore them and share your pics!, you Rock!
    Love your velvet floral cheongsan, it fits you like a dream (even if it's an 'only standing' dress!) and love the floral print!, and it looks so fabulous with those accessories you picked, the hat and gloves and the cool shoes!. And lovely that Vizzini found the hat so amusing!
    And I'm in love with your maxi dress, the print is so beautiful and love how it continues all around. And so fabulous colors!. Also loving your shoes, purple is such a great color!
    So happy to enjoy your posts!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! The velvet dress has been a favourite ever since I found it. I had fun accessorizing it, so thank you for your kind comments. Vizzini cannot resist an elastic!

      Isn't the maxi amazing? It's one of my favourite dresses, modern and vintage.

      Glad to have you here - thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. These dresses are so elegant, Sheila. I love a floral on dark background, always beautiful for evening. Your pashmina is inspired, cosy and chic. I hope you enjoyed your read.... Your post really inspired me today as I'm having a tearful moment. My daughter is on the front line of our health service and I'm afraid for her. Thank you so much for for keeping me going.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, Juliana! Nothing like a soft pashmina to hug oneself.

      Aw, hang in there, my dear. It's okay to be scared, but also be SO PROUD of what your daughter is doing for others in her community. She's a hero!

      Hugs to you.

      Delete
  6. Your velvet cheongsam is a delight, and the way you accessorized it is just brilliant. I'm absolutely loving everything, the fan, the hat and that cute little bag. Not to mention that utterly gorgeous green faux fur stole! But elastic and cats are a definite no-no! Your maxi dress is totally fabulous too: that print is amazing. I'm loving big, in-your-face flower prints like that. I was wearing a dress with a massive flower print last weekend as well. It'll be in one of my next posts. That picture with blurry Vizzini made me smile, what a little rascal! I will be working only 2 days a week in April, and I think I'll soon get used to the lie ins :-) Stay safe and fabulous, my dear! xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I'm really having fun digging into some of my old stuff and getting a wearing in! I'm ashamed that I haven't worn that stole in so long! It's such a lovely piece.

      I adore the print on the maxi - it's just something we don't see anymore! I can't wait to see your big-print dress soon! Vizzini is a total rascal - he gets into everything.

      I just found out I'm only working one half-day for the rest of the week, on Friday. I could get used to this!!

      Stay healthy and sane, my dear!

      Delete
  7. Love the hair! Don't think I recall you ever having waves. Both dresses look absolutely stunning <3

    ReplyDelete
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    1. No, I've tried it before, and waves just don't last in my hair. I did do many perms back in the day, but we really don't want to go there again!

      Thank you so much!

      Delete
  8. I love the thought of dressing up as if the events were still available. Love that second dress and those blue shoes. I can't do much with my hair right now as I needed a hair cut weeks ago. And it will tasje done longer as our government extended the rules until the end of the month. So no hair and nails to be done for a while.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Nancy! I thought, "Why not??" and voila, that was it, I had to dress up. The "blue" shoes are actually a lilac purple colour.

      I think we'll be seeing some interesting hairstyles over the next month as our cuts grow out!

      Delete
  9. These are both beautiful dresses on you and it's great you are able to still get dressed up into the outfits even if you can't attend the events! :) At the moment I'm still sticking with my pyjamas/loungewear at home, only getting dressed properly when we leave the house ideas but I'm not sure if that will change the longer this goes on. I miss my bags more than my wardrobe though - I've decided to have two "outside" bags to minimise the risk of me bringing any germs home when I do venture out to get groceries.

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    1. Thank you, Mica! I really hope you keep getting dressed up and posting. I like the idea of "outside" bags. Stay safe, my dear!

      Delete
  10. Wowwww I love both of those dresses so much! I'm a sucker for velvet and the prints are pretty amazing. I think it's a good idea to have a little dress up day at home regardless of whether or not there's, you know, a whole pandemic thing going on. A lot of people (myself included) have some great "fancy" clothes they don't have enough opportunity to wear so I like the idea of squeezing out a little more enjoyment out of them.

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    1. Thanks, Ashley! They are both long-time favourite dresses in my closet, and getting dressed up was so fun! I only wish I could have actually gone to those events. No time like the present to get dressed up, right??

      Delete
  11. Aww, your dates with your mum sound fantastic.

    I love looking at vintage labels too. They’re intriguing.

    I’ve tried rollers a couple of times and they never seem to work on me, maybe because I have curly hair already. Now I just cut my hair in lots of layers to emphaise the curls and put some hair oil in the ends to resist frizz! Your curly hair looks fab. X

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    1. They are awesome, Jess, and I wish we could have had our theatre date this time 'round.

      Vintage labels are amazing!

      You have lovely hair - mine is very straight with a slight wave. Thanks! It was fun to play with it.

      Delete
  12. I love the beautiful Cheongsam (I know I've spelt it wrong!)- it looks really opulent!! What a beautiful pattern it is!
    I always love the Vizzini subtitles- so funny!
    That second dress is gorgeous too! Beautiful!x

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    1. No, you spelled it right! Thanks, Kezzie! It's one of my faves. Vizzini's quite a character, isn't he?

      Thanks, my dear!

      Delete
  13. Stunning dresses accessorized to perfection!

    The hot rollers are so interesting. I've never had/tried them, but they look easier to use than a curling iron (safer too). Nice results!

    I must apologize for dissing the disco music yesterday; I have a tendency to blurt my opinions at times much to my daughter's dismay - "Mom! You can't say that!". There are definitely some classics that still make me stop and sing along and dance around the room.

    Stay well!

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    1. Thanks, Nana! The hot rollers don't get used much, but these are really good and stay hot for a long time, and they anchor well in my hair. I don't have a curling iron anymore, and mostly do pin-curls with hair clips in the morning when I want some waves.

      No apologizing needed, my dear! We all like different things, and music is one of them. I'd rather you stay unfiltered with me. :)

      Delete
  14. Loved all of the outfits. Styling is excellent. Thanks for a peek at the vintage tilt hat.

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  15. Both are beautiful dresses. The maxi dress is my favourite. I had to laugh when I saw you with rollers in your hair. The things we do on the blog which we would never do in real life haha. I posted a photo of me in the sun with no make-up on. I looked like an old hag. I don't think I would have walked outside looking like that. Although... I have done shopping without make-up.
    Like you I am wearing nice clothes every day. I am going to post them as well. And every other day high heels. So my feet and muscles won't forget what is expected of them.
    I can "see" my mum from today as her help has installed Skype on her iPad. Mum is 91.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks, Greetje! I saw that picture of you - you look awesome, and dang, girl, you have some fabulous legs too! I have shopped in my "house" clothes with no make-up (only to the grocery store), but I don't make a habit of it at all.

      Yay, good for you! Yes, wearing heels is important to keep our feet from "forgetting" how to wear them.

      Aw, your poor Mum - I hope she is staying safe. I'm glad that modern tech lets you talk to her.

      Delete
  16. I like your idea of dressing up for events that didn't happen. The velvet Cheongsam is a beauty! The cartwheel hat pairs nicely with it - I am doing a "Stay and home and wear a hat" daily post on my Instagram.

    My heart will always belong to that glorious maxi dress with the vibrant print. It looks fantastic on you!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Right? I would have dressed up for both of these events, so why not do it anyway? I love that you're doing a daily hat!

      It's one of my closet treasures, for sure. Love it. Thanks, Shelley!

      Delete
  17. I love both those dresses - so elegant but also packed with personality. I'm normally a 60s fan, but the top-to-bottom print on the 70s one is so magnificent, I think that's my favourite.

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    1. Thanks so much, Mim! I know, that maxi's print is one of the best I've ever seen. It's in my top 10 of all dresses, for sure.

      Delete
  18. Oh my, you look lovely in both flower print dresses.
    I was going to compliment your hair and ask if you got a hair cut but i see it's the good old rollers.

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    1. Thank you, my friend! Nope, just rollers - no haircuts for us for a while, I think!

      Delete
  19. Those floral dresses are amazing. Perfect for events. I love how you curled your hair.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! I never have time to do my hair normally, so it's been fun to try different things while I've been off.

      Delete

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