Two-Fer: Last Miami; Safe Shopping Adventure

Hello, my friends! I have two days of outfits for you: what I wore to work on Monday, plus my shopping adventure of Tuesday. 

Outfit the first - I built it around this striped and printed shirt that I bought with Christmas gift money this past year. 

This ended up being an ode to the late great Don Shula, coach of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins NFL team, who died today. You may not care about football, but L is a huge fan, and Miami is his team. "I bleed aqua," he is known to say.

• Shirt - Guess, Powell River; first worn here in February with grey pleats
• Skirt - LAMB, 2005 collection, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here in August 2019 with neon sandals and shirt
• Shoes - Big Presence Earhart, Fluevog; last worn here in September 2019 with autumn sunset colours
• Coat (below) - Tangerine Jill, thrifted; last seen here in April

The print across the bottom of the shirt is of a Miami-like street scene, with cars and old Art Deco hotels and palm trees. I love that part of the shirt the most.

But that's pretty much it - this is the last and final wearing of it. The stripes are not really me, and the collar only lays properly when it's fully done up like this.

I dislike the long ties at the front, especially when it doesn't have proper shirt-tails in the back. Just give me a real shirt and I'll tie the front myself!

Clothes don't last long with me if I don't like them. This shirt is now in the giveaway pile.

And I'm fine with that.

On the other hand, I love the swooshy copper skirt, which is from the fall/winter 2005 collection of LAMB, Gwen Stefani's clothing line (picture of my skirt here, 6th image). It's such a unique piece. This is the 5th time I've worn it - I bought it in March 2018 for $15.00 at Turnabout in Vancouver.

Outerwear - I needed some pink.

I am a fan of flamingo pink.

• Silk scarf - thrifted

The stuff:

I loved how well these shoes went with the shirt - they are such an unusual colour combo, aren't they? Lilac and papaya! They actually go with a lot - I've worn them 12 times since December 2017, which is excellent. They challenge me to think outside of "matching" and focus on "going".

Green bling:

I did my Art Deco-inspired earrings for the whole Miami theme, plus my parrots brooch.

• Brooch - thrifted
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Jade/brass ring - Mom's, vintage 70s
• Earrings - vintage fair

Can you see my brooch? I put the parrots in the palm tree!

Despite my love for this, yes, the shirt is still not getting a reprieve.

I fussed and pulled at it all day - it's just not my style. Ah, well, it's not like I don't have any clothes...

I spied Vizzini out on the deck when I got home.

"You were out?"

I bet he's been out there all day.

So - I went shopping! Like, physically inside a store! One of my favourite second-hand stores is Turnabout, which I first encountered in Vancouver years ago - their Main Street store is still one of my favourites and is a "must visit" stop on our annual trip. When they opened a store here in Victoria, I was there! I've been many times, and always find something fun. I'm linking here, because I love - I'm a regular customer and I don't get anything from them, although today Jane popped a mini sewing kit into my bag as a thank you.

During the pandemic, they - like many other local businesses - have pivoted to a more online presence, but they've also set up precautions so that clients can both bring in their used designer clothes to consign, and so that shoppers can come in and satisfy their treasure-hunting urges.

I've been getting their emails regularly and thinking about this, as my bank account's been growing for the past two months. Today, with looming "easing" coming, I decided to do it. I was super-impressed with their set-up:

• No more than 2 customers at a time
• Lots of hand sanitizer and wipes available when you enter
• Surfaces all being wiped down
• 6'/2 meter distancing in effect (tape on floor)
• Drop-in shopping or shopping by appointment - chairs are set outside to wait if the store is full

I also observed that all the clothes I tried on (and I tried on a LOT, as I always do) were set aside for at least 2 hours, which was how long I was in the store. The virus doesn't stay long on soft surfaces like clothing, but letting garments "rest" for a few hours before putting them back seems like a good precaution.

Overall, I felt very safe and was the only customer there while I shopped. Kudos to the Turnabout team!

For my friends in Victoria or Vancouver, I encourage you to please consider supporting this great local company, or shopping their online offerings; and to my readers, please check and see if your favourite brick-and-mortar stores are offering this kind of set up. We have to support our local businesses!

It felt good to put on a shopping outfit. Comfy, casual, easy to get off and on multiple times.

I realized when I steamed out the sweater and found the store tag, that this is an unworn new-to-me purchase from last winter.

• Jacket - Prosperity, consignment; last worn here in September 2019
• Merino wool sweater - Banana Republic, consignment; purchased here in December 2019 for $22.98
• Skirt - Smoking Lily, thrifted; last seen here as part of my travel capsule for Portland, Oregon, back in September 2019
• Shoes - Miista; last worn here (2nd outfit) in April for our socially-distant gathering for Karen

I'm fond of this retro-look sweater shape - it's a good cut on me.

The skirt is hemp and locally-made. I found out from Cat, after I'd bought it in the WIN Boutique thrift store, that it was originally hers! Aw, hugs to my dear Cat. I miss you, honey.

I liked these sheer tights - it was not quite warm enough to go bare.

Outerwear - I love my funky space jacket.

 Skirt pockets!

Jacket pockets!

Planets and constellations and stripes!

The stuff: 

Comfy shoes for walking - it's about a 20-minute walk each way, and it was a lovely day, sunny and windy.

• Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment

I declined the receipt and the tags were all removed, but I spent $300 total, so I'm guessing on the prices below. I bought something for Mom while I was there...it's her 75th birthday next week!

I shop slowly and methodically, going through every rack, looking at every shelf and in every case. I am thorough, and never miss any of the "good stuff."

This blazer was so cool and I loved how it looked on. The colour is hard to see, but it's a dark mustard-y shade.

It has built in elastic to give it shape in the waist.

The pockets zip from front to back.

It's by Sarah Pacini, and this was the most expensive item I bought, at $129.99 It's a linen/elastane blend, so it has that slightly rumpled linen look, but with stretch. It is unlined, but finished beautifully inside (all covered seams).

 They have this in dark green on their site (here) - it's $392.00. Link 'cause I love!

You can see the nice texture of the fabric here.

I like details like custom zippers. This is a bi-directional zipper, so you can unzip from the top or bottom.

I unzipped the pockets, but they just lay there, all floppy.

It's still a fun detail.

I am always on the lookout for a nice white top. This one doesn't look like much on the hanger but fit me perfectly.

It is an across-the-shoulder cut - the elastic at the back allows me to lift my arms without it gaping or falling off. The sleeves are belled, and this is a mid-hip hem. I could belt it or leave it over my waistband.

It's by Michael Kors, and was around $26.99.

I like the lace "O" inserts - so cool. It's a good summer item.

I really liked this top, and it looks great on.

The front panel is semi-sheer. The mustard and cream sections are silk, as is the black stripe on the back.

The sleeves are a fine viscose knit in a marled brown.

Sequins! Flowers!

Of course I checked the backside.

Beautifully done by hand.

This is by Hoss Intropia, which is a brand Anthropologie carries.

 I think it was around $59.99. Worth it! It's gorgeous.

I've been stalking Turnabout's site for the past few weeks, and had seen this dress get posted. I find it so hard to rely on pictures, though. I really have to see and touch and try things on.

I am thrilled to report that this feels amazing (it's 100% viscose), is SO swooshy, and looks fabulous on me. I could belt this or wear it loose.

It's by Part Two, which I've seen at both Dots and in boutiques.

I adore the toile pattern of navy blue, white and black.

Part Two has a similar dress on their site for $235 (it's on sale for $48!) in blue and red, but not this pattern.

 And that's because this is a sample! And therefore, likely sold at Dots. This was $49.99.

And finally, I bought myself a mask. Of course, my mask has sequins! It was $15.00 and was by kuverUP, and made in Canada.

I also found a pair of Swarovski ear-balls.

The flat crystal stud goes on the front, with pearl hanging down behind the lobe.

These match my Swarovski bracelet (this one here) that L bought for me a few years ago. They were $47.99 - they probably retailed for between $80-100.00.

Here I am in my swanky mask.

It is washable!

And now, time to chill out on the desk. Will I read or will I do some art?

"How about a nap?"

Now that sounds like a fine idea!

"I'll be along shortly for cuddling."

Perfect! I'm rather worn out from my adventure.