Sunday, April 19, 2020

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Invisible Pants and Ruffles; Ultra-Cautious Birthday

Hello, my friends! I hope you've all had a lovely weekend, and stayed safe. I've been deploying Clothing as Armour this weekend quite a lot. 
Although I didn't go anywhere in this ensemble, I wore it all afternoon (even the shoes!), and through our Saturday Zoom meeting with our dear friends.


  • Top - Pant-Man, vintage 60s, thrifted; first worn here with brown suede and the same shoes in December 2019
  • Pants - Zara, new with tags, thrifted; purchased here for $26.95
  • Shoes - Arnold Churgin, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) for Ronnie's birthday party in February


I need to change the settings for taking my pictures inside, now that we have bright sunlight.
My pants are completely invisible!

I did double ruffles, with the ruffles legs on the cropped white pants, and these big bell sleeves on this amazing vintage top.
 I felt very groovy, baby.
I spent the afternoon on Saturday reading out on the deck.
I may have swooshed my legs a few times - these pants are a hoot to wear! I can't wait to wear them with actual people and show them off!

The stuff:
I was very proud of myself for wearing my shoes in the house all afternoon. Like in a real outfit!

Circular bling:
My mom's vintage belt sat on my hips. That big square cuff is squishy silicone!

  • Belt - vintage 60s, Mom's
  • Cuff - Materia Design, thifted
  • Earrings - vintage fair
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Turquoise/silver ring - local


Vizzini kept me company on the deck while I enjoyed the sun.
"Oh-ho! I see that pesky spot is back!"

He was transfixed by it.
"It will not elude me this time!"

He sat and waited for it to reappear, even after I went back to my book.
"I can wait."

But apparently not, since he then went on patrol of the window ledge of the deck.
"I am on the lookout for renegade seagulls."

He doesn't miss a thing.
"Squirrel!"

He finally settled down in the sun.
"I'm just chilling with this crazy snake thing."

We got ready for our Zoom hangout.
"Cats are included."

They are! We saw our friends' cats, Marble and Ooma.

One last look at my swingin' outfit.
These pants were fabulous to wear - very comfortable, not see-through! - and they are washable, which is exceedingly important with white pants. Also, look at those sweet ruffles!

After a late night of board games, we were up early for a Very Ultra-Cautious and Carefully-Planned Adventure.
Our dear friend Karen has Stage 4 breast cancer, and it's in her lungs - it's been extremely rough on her, and with the pandemic social distancing, it's been even harder to give her our emotional support.


  • Top - M by Missoni, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) for brunch with Betty in February
  • Space jeans - H&M, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) in that same outfit in February
  • Shoes - Miista; last worn here in February with fuzzy stripes and two-tone jeans
  • Jacket (below) - Burberry, thrifted; first worn here in November 2019


It's Karen's birthday on Tuesday so our friends Greg and Rosanna proposed a cautious gathering where we were all extremely rule-adherent. Please know that we did everything possible to ensure everyone's safety.
L and I walked to their house, which was about an hour north of town.
We also planned to sit on the ground, so I dressed in very comfy light clothes that I could walk in for a total of 2 hours.
A scarf both for sitting on, and for wearing.


  • Pashmina - Portolano, thrifted


I was happy to have my new-to-me Burberry jacket in its proper season.
All bundled up. It was chilly in the shade, but overall, we had a beautiful day.
 This cut of jacket is difficult on me - it's not super-flattering.
 But not everything has to be!
 I love the colour and the bell sleeves. It's a very stiff fabric.

The stuff:
I wore black lace socklets, which I took off so that I could scrunch my bare feet in the grass.

Silver bling:
Some favourites.


  • Silver/gold cuff - JPL, vintage fair
  • Silver pendant/earrings - M&M, consignment, Vancouver
  • Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair
  • Silver/crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy


I promised pictures of the big fat pink blossoms - here they are!
"Rock on, man."

L is such a stylin' dude.
"Namaste."

He carried our picnic lunch (tuna sandwiches, apple and Asian pear slices and a thermos off coffee for me, and a beer for him), and a blanket for us to sit on.

We walked through some lovely areas - check out this glorious Victorian home.
It's a designated heritage home. The colours are typical of houses of this era - they were very colourful. We have tons of houses like this in town.

More blossoms.
Some streets are lined with these trees.

We saw this very steep hill that we thought was on our way.
"I'm sure it's just over this hill!"

Sure, I'll go for it. I'm just in awe of all this glorious nature.
"I hug the world!" 

We discovered a reservoir at the top!
The seagulls down there eyed us warily.

What a view from the top of the hill!
That's downtown in the V between the trees - you can see the ocean in the far distance.
Gary Oaks all over the place.

Unfortunately, this was not the shortcut we thought it was, but who doesn't love a scenic route?
More downtown - that crane is in our home neighbourhood. Those mountains are in Washington State, in the US.
More downtown - the white blob is the sports/concert arena.

I liked these Foo Dogs.
They are doing an excellent job guarding this house.
Black tulips.

Greg and Rosanna used cut logs and sticks of pampas grass to lay out "plots" for people to sit in that were 2 meters from each other. 
Some of our friends came out to show Karen the love, both for her birthday and to support her and Nick.
L and I were at the far end of the huge yard.
Rosanna and Greg, with Yvonne and Randall, and Casey in the distance.

Andrew, and Cat in the red chair.
Nick on the lawn and Karen in a chair.

Chris brought a martini.
His wife Alison works in a care home for the elderly, so she can't risk even a well-separated venture - we all totally respected that, of course!

Out dear Karen...
So much love to her and Nick.

We kept our distance - I promise! We would never do anything to jeopardize Karen's health.
But if we're going to bend the rules, she's someone I would do it for. She's family.

A couple of deer crashed our quiet picnic, skirting around behind one of the fenced in (anti-urban deer) gardens.
You can see one to the left of the yellow flowers, and one near the trunk of the tree on the right.

Greg and Rosanna let their cat have the inside run of their other fenced-in garden.
 But she retreated to an upper window to snooze and watch us.
"Suspicious activity noted."
We walked home along chestnut tree-lined streets a few hours later.
It was a sad afternoon...

...but we had our "Purr Therapist" ready and waiting for us.
"What? I'm expected to snuggle?"

He wasn't exactly forthcoming!
"I cuddle on my own terms, Woman."

But he came down eventually and was smothered with love from L and I.
"Oh, joy."

I hope you all had a great weekend.

45 comments:

  1. Dare I say you are looking very hip and groovy; in fact as if you are channeling your inner Peggy Lipton from the Mod Squad!

    A big thanks to you and L for the wonderful walking tour. Victoria is on my list of places to go when we are allowed to travel again. I think I mentioned that I've been there in the past, but hubby has not, and I'm very sure things have changed somewhat since the late 80's, so it'll be new to me again.

    I am so sorry to know that your friend Karen is so seriously ill. I hope she will accept my prayers and best wishes for healing and comfort. How wonderful that you could all (safely) visit and share your love, which is, after all, the best gift of all.

    Nothing like a little purr therapy to ease an aching heart.

    Keep well.

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    1. Thank you, Nana! I felt very groovy!

      Aw, you're so welcome! It was much more scenic with L's "detour", ha ha! Victoria is such a gorgeous place - it has changed a lot since the 80s! I hope you'll let me know when you make it out here - I'd love to take you to lunch/go shopping, if you're into it. :)

      Thank you, my dear. It's been devastating to all of us. I know she will appreciate all the good vibes sent her way. I'm so happy we were able to see her (and each other), but still be safe.

      Yes, lots of purr therapy was needed. Thank you again.

      Delete
  2. I love your first outfit, it's so fun with the bell sleeves and ruffle son your pants.

    How bittersweet that meeting with Karen though. It's nice you were able to come and visit safely even though it would have been very difficult for you all - I'm sure being there lifted her spirits a bit. I didn't publish your comment on my blog about it but I have been thinking about you and your friend!

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    1. Thanks, Mica! It was the most fun outfit to wear! I waggled my ruffles at L and Vizzini (mostly not impressed).

      It was wonderful to see all of our friends in person, and as we don't know what the future holds, it was very bittersweet. I know she was overwhelmed with our love, and just being there. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, my dear. Hug!

      Delete
  3. Thank you for keeping your awesome blog going! I'm sorry for your friend. She has rich gifts in all of you. What more could anyone want? Your white ruffle pants were inspiring! I've actually looked at clothes completely differently since finding your magical blog! Thank you for that.

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    1. You're so welcome - it's a habit after all this time.

      Thank you, I appreciate that. It was a hard day, although joyous to see everyone.

      Aren't the pants fun?? I love them! Aw, that makes me happy. I hope you try something new, if you are inspired to do so!

      Delete
  4. Hello Sheila, your Saturday outfit is outstandingly groovy. I just love the late sixties vibe and the colours. Much love to Karen during this difficult time for her and her family. Your visit was healing but infinitely sad. Cancer is a bummer.

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    1. Thank you, Juliana! It was such a fun outfit to wear. I'll have to repeat it so that I can show it off in person!

      Thank you, my dear. It's been a really hard go of it for the last couple of months. Cancer sucks.

      Delete
  5. Both outfit are fantastic, your first outfit looks amazing on you!


    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Groovy, indeed! Love the first outfit. Glad you're able to see your friends and doing it safely.

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    1. Thanks, Ally! We were so very grateful to Greg and Rosanna for coordinating this and making sure we'd all be safe.

      Delete
  7. I do love those jeans - I would never dare to wear them myself though I would be far too self conscious!

    I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you managed to raise her spirits with your visit.

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    1. Aren't they fun, Rebecca? It took me a long time to get used to wearing snug pants.

      Thank you - I think she was touched and overwhelmed by the love and support.

      Delete
  8. I love both outfits but particularly the first one; it sings "spring" so perfectly! It feels utterly cheerful, and light--just what is needed right now.

    It has been very lovely to see all of the beautiful pictures you've been taking of Victoria in spring. Here in the Arizona desert, the spring is about over; later this week we'll hit early summer weather in the 90's.

    I am sorry about your dear friend, but so impressed with the safe gathering that was created for her. I have a very close friend who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and I hate that I cannot spend time with her at all; I respect that she is not willing to see anyone but her husband right now, as the doctors have ordered. She is having a terrible time with chemo, reacting at the worst end of the spectrum of side effects. She has to get through more than two months of this before they'll do a mastectomy. She is still classed at Stage 1 but I pray that doesn't change. . .In the meantime, I'll be holding you and Karen in my heart too.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! It really raised my spirits too. Victoria is still blooming like mad - I can't imagine spring being over so quickly, as in Arizona!

      Thank you so much. The only way I would have attended was with these kinds of distancing measures - everyone was very respectful and careful. I'm so sorry to hear of your friend's cancer - it is such a horrible thing to go through. Karen had a mastectomy many years ago, when her breast cancer first appeared. I hope things go well for your friend - many good vibes being sent your/her way from me!! Thank you.

      Delete
  9. I see you in this blog and think, wow, it's good to see you again, Sheila. But in fact, you are here. This is where you are. We are socially-distanced by the digital nature of a blog itself, but I don't feel distanced when I come here. I feel closer. What a great feeling.

    You look smashing. LOVE that springtime outfit, ruffles and ruffles and groovy psychedelic pattern. RIGHT ON!!!

    And all your other outfits are Sheila-worthy as well, and L looking like the cool dude he is.

    I'm glad you made it to see your friend for both your sakes and that everyone could keep safe. How very bittersweet but mostly sweet. It's an awful time. Stage 1 is the least bad of them all to my understanding but the treatment for the treatment... Hang in there!! My own kind of prayers for healing flying at her, supersonic!

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    1. And here I am! How lovely to see you, Mel, and since you just posted this, I can picture you, hunched over your laptop, just across the water! Aren't blogs amazing for that?

      Thank you so much - I loved that outfit so much, and felt amazing and springy in it.

      I wish it were Stage 1...she is at Stage 4 (FOUR), which is...not good. She is undergoing radiation and they will be putting in a drainage tube for her lungs. Thank you for the prayers, vibes, whatever you want to call them! I'll take it, she'll take it!

      Delete
  10. I loved that top when you got it and I love it all the more with those ruffled flares! Wow, super groovy 1960s style. Perfect for Spring. Both you & L looked magnificent for your adventure, too. Stunning scenery and I love that heritage house! Every year i say I'll plant some black tulip bulbs and every year I forget, one day I'll do it!
    Vizzini cracks me up every time. He's ace!

    I'm so sorry to hear about Karen's cancer diagnosis, having friends are wonderful & supportive as you must be a huge comfort to both her and Nick. I'm so glad you were able to spend a day in the sunshine with her. I know you're not on Instagram but if Karen's interested there's an incredible lady I follow who also lives with stage 4 breast cancer @juliafsparkle xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Vix! I was thrilled to style it properly, and loved how well it went with the flared pants. So fun! You would love all the heritage houses we have here. I love tulips, but haven't seen too many around town yet.

      Vizzini is the funniest cat. :)

      Thank you for your kind words - I will pass that along to her.

      Delete
  11. Saturday's outfit is a delight! I'm in love with that gorgeous top! And what's better than ruffles? Yes, indeed: double ruffles. I loved joining you for your walk to Karen's birthday party, and what a lovely idea it was, you solved the social distancing thing brilliantly! It must have been a bittersweet occasion, but Karen's so lucky to have you guys to support her. It's a good thing you had your own personal Purr Therapist waiting for you at home! Hugs xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! Me too - I just loved swooshing my ruffles at Vizzini (who looked unimpressed).

      It was a lovely walk - a full hour each way! - and I'm so glad we got to see Karen and all of our friends. Vizzini got a lot of hugs when I got home.

      Delete
  12. Now that's a cute spring outfit!!!

    Also, wanted you to know that I finally fixed the comments section on my blog....I would be honored if you would be my first comment!! afterall, you are the one who inspired me to get going on my blog--no joke!
    xo eva
    ps you gotta scroll down to start seeing the photos....
    i put the link here...
    https://www.costumetakeout.com/single-post/2020/04/18/Refashioned-Thrifted-Sleeveless-Dress-Into-Puffy-Sleeved-Blouse?fbclid=IwAR1Ctca0OBA8Fx3iFJB4EIZYFJsQlO2ML1bsu0US3YVRUziWj6g0QPqcYFM

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks so much, Eva!

      I was very excited to comment on your blog, but I do not have a Discus account, so I can't comment (I refuse to sign up for accounts for these things). If you're able to select the "let commenters post as guests" I can then comment.

      I very much enjoyed your long, juicy post, though!

      Delete
  13. PS my most recent blog is a Refashioned Puffy Sleeve Blouse from a thrifted sleeveless Missoni-style long dress...(not a costume post ; ) because my small business came to a grindging halt--disheartened by that : (

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I know, I enjoyed the post very much!

      Aw, sorry to hear that, Eva. I hope things will pick up again for you soon!

      Delete
    2. Good news! I was able to subscribe to your blog! So I'll know when you post and will come read, even if I can't comment. :)

      Delete
  14. What a groovy outfit! It looked lovely and so colourful with the pink shoes!

    I think that was such a wonderful gathering for your friend. I'm sure she appreciated it so much. I'm so sorry to hear how ill she is. Life is very unfair sometimes.

    I loved your very practical gathering outfit. Two hours walk - you go Sheila!

    Take care,
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! I really loved this outfit and wished more people could see it. My friends did enjoy my pigtails on our Zoom chat, though!

      She did - and yes, it feels very unfair. We're all very sad about it, and hoping for the best, but not really expecting too much, sadly.

      Thanks, I knew you would appreciate that! :)

      Delete
  15. What a fun outfit Sheila! You totally rocked that looked and how fun are those ruffles on your pants - absolutely smitten!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  16. What a great outfit!! Love the ruffle pants, pink shoes and everything about it! So Sorry to hear about Karen. It's great that you were all able to get together for her birthday.Sending healing vibes her way. May she be well again. Thank goodness for Purr Therapy.

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    1. Thanks, Cheryene! I really adored this outfit.

      I know, it's a terrible, awful, unfair thing. Thank you for your vibes, and yes, thank gawd for purrs.

      Delete
  17. I had to think about your friend a few times last week, I die what I promised. How good it is to be together isn t it. We went to our friends last weekend for some wine. We brought our own glasses and we sat two meters apart from each other. It was so good to talk to each other in real. You live in a beautiful area! It is so lovely to see a bit of where you live!

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    1. Thank you so much for your good vibes, Nancy - everything helps! It was so good to see everyone, I cried a few times.

      Thanks, it is a gorgeous place here!

      Delete
  18. Looking really groovy in your doubled ruffled outfit! and fabulously colorful too, I do love your blouse and accessories and the swooshiness!
    Glad that you could visit your friend and celebrate her birthday, even keeping a safe distance. It's lovely to see that so many friends enjoyed this meeting.
    And love to see so many blooming trees and fab landscapes!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, I felt so delightfully swooshy in it!

      I know, it was awesome to see everyone - it had been months for some of them. It's testament to the love we have for Karen.

      Yay for spring!

      Delete
  19. Heya girl, this post brought me to sweet tears. My husband is still in recovery, but cancer free. What a sweet moment for all your loves. Besides your fun outfits, I enjoy you and your open comments. I've been following you for years. Thanks for BEing YOU!

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    1. ERIN! So good to see you - of course I remember you! Oh gosh, your husband! That's so awesome that he's in recovery. I'm so glad we were able to see Karen. Hugs to you, my dear! Don't be a stranger. :)

      Delete
  20. Fab outfits Sheila, both of them, but those white trousers win the vote. OMG, promise to send those to me when/if you ever tire of them! The flounced jacket is similar in style to one I have, love, but like you know it's not flattering for my shape (we're similar in shape I'd say). But sometime you just have to succumb regardless eh?
    I'm terribly sorry to hear about your friend. You all did terribly well to manage a gathering as you did. I too, send my love and prayers for her.
    Stay safe sweetie x

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    1. Thanks, Anna! Ha, I knew you would like those trousers - they are very "you"! Yes, I know that flounced style doesn't really suit me, but eh, I don't actually care that much!

      Thank you, hon, I appreciate that. Hug!

      Delete
  21. This post brought tears to my eyes. What an extremely wonderful, supportive, awesome group of friends you are. I'm truly sorry about everything that Karen and her family + friends are going through due to her devastating battle with cancer. It is my deepest hope that she will be able to celebrate many more birthdays still to come - and that you can all hangout in closer proximity again for them.

    Many hugs,
    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, Autumn, it has been a really hard time for all of us, and particularly Karen and Nick. We're doing all we can to support them.

      Hugs to you.

      Delete
  22. I'm sorry your friend is so ill; how wonderful of all of you to plan a social-distanced get-together to show your support. It is terrible to have a serious illness at the best of times, but when you aren't able to see your friends and have that support on a regular basis makes it so much harder.

    You are totally adorable and supremely groovy in that first outfit!

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    1. I'm so glad we got to do it for Karen. These times are far and few between - it's been so difficult at times.

      Thank you - I loved that look! So fun!

      Delete

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