Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Pub Brunch and Shop, and Fab Floral Park Party, Wonders Flashback

Hello, my friends! This vacation has been so lovely - how can I ever go back to work? But let's not think of that just yet! Let's revel in the good times. What have I been up to? Well, lots of reading, watching movies and playing games. 

But on Friday, L and I checked and found out that another local pub has opened up, so so we went for lunch at Christie's Carriage House.

As is our Birthday Week tradition, we went to Turnabout after and had a wee shop. Knowing I'd be trying on clothes, I went with easy shoes for walking and removing, and a simple jammy dress.

• Dress - Talbots, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) with yellow in June 2019, to the Ulti field
• Shoes - Aldo, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in March with a picador
• Coat (below) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last seen here in May

I love the zigzag pattern of this dress - it is actually woven lace over a cotton lining.

 That's actually black thread and cream thread, not a print.

It's really lovely quality, and perfect for a light stroll on a windy/cloudy/sunny spring day.

It was so good to be back at Christie's! I also saw that our neighbourhood pub (the Fernwood Inn, aka The Winchester) is open, so we'll be heading down there one of these afternoon/evenings soon. Hurray!

Sunblocked with a light jacket and ready to go.

 I took this opportunity to use my new-to-me leather purse.

It was pretty good - it slid off my shoulder a few times, so I ended up looping the handles over my head so that I could have my arms free while shopping.

The stuff:

My shoes had a few admirers at Turnabout - I love that they have zips up the back. If I had to deal with all those buckles, I'd be chucking them across the room.

• Purse - Nancy Lucia, consignment; purchased here for $35.00
• Earrings - thrifted

As we got ready to head out, I looked for Vizzini.

"I'm right here, Woman."

He's been mostly sleeping while we've been off, although he's been very happy to have us around the house this last week. He's going to be a handful when we both go back to work on Monday. His fury should be amusing.

I thought I saw Dr. Bonnie Henry at Turnabout - she's in the New York Times (link here)! We're so proud of our local hero! She even had a pair of shoes designed in her honour by John Fluevog himself (link here) - they sold out in minutes (I didn't even try - they were too high for me). Anyway, she lives here in Victoria and she's pretty stylish, so it could have been her!

Did I buy anything? Well, if you must know...

I'd looked at this very cool vest the last time I was in Turnabout, but had reluctantly put it back. I'm happy that Turnabout has regular sales, and seeing that it was marked down 20%, so I grabbed it at $44.79.

I think it is a reworked men's blazer, evidenced by the internal "suit" pocket.

You just don't see those on women's clothing! It's all fully-lined, with an extra strip added on the sides.

I love the metal tubes that are sewn along the lapels, shoulders and pockets. Very badass.

I also like the ragged edges.

This is by Religion - it says on the label, "Falsification of any statements made herein is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both." This probably would have been in the $200+ range new.

I've also eyed this tweed plaid jacket before and put it back too (I can't always afford everything I want!), but it was marked down 50% off, so I bit.

I love the pink and orange tones mixed with navy/black, a line of green and a bit of white/cream.

Also, extra goodies! The appliqued butterfly has sequins, and the flowers have embroidery and beading.

It does up with 3 big snaps but the collar lies open to show off the floral brocade lining.

The interior of the jacket is partially-lined, as you can see.

It's by Marc Cain, and I'm tickled to add another silly size to my collection. I'm an N3! That translates to a size 8 US.

This was $45.00. Zoiks, this would have been around $350.00 new! Not cheap!

I am unable to resist a big floral dress.

It doesn't look like much on the hanger, but I adore this very Ted-Baker-ish large-scale floral.

It's fully-lined in black with a big slit up the front thigh.

It's by Cachet, and was 20% the original $89.99, so $71.99.

It's a brand former mall store Melanie Lyne carried, and I'm guessing it was purchased for someone attending a wedding (it has that look). It was likely in the $300 range, so I'm happy with my price!

I gasped when I saw this coat on the rack. Oh my, yes, I had to try it on! These indoor pictures are not really capturing the glorious rich emerald green silk satin - it's absolutely amazing!

It's double-breasted with same fabric-covered buttons (one on the inside to help them lay flat, and has pockets.

Is it a coat? Or is it a dress? Is it both? It has enough fabric at the front that when done up, it doesn't open up on me, and the back vent allows modesty in the rear area.

As L noted when I modeled it for him, the sleeves are really pouffy. I tried a big belt with it, and loved how it looked, so I think I'll probably wear it more like that.

It's by Escada, size 40, and was made in Germany.

Doing some label research, this is a more modern piece - I wondered it if was 80s or early 90s (doesn't it have that vibe?), but there is no evidence of shoulder pads. I believe it's from the late 90s to early 00s period - I found the same one on a resale site (including the original wide self-tie matching belt, there we go!) for $300+, and similar quality jackets on Escada's site are in the $2,000.00 range.

I paid $149.99, and I think it was worth it.

100% silk - it feels amazing on. I'm excited to wear it!

I always scope out Turnabout's accessories, as there are always a few gems (ha ha). I really liked these brass hoops edged with aquamarine-coloured stones.

They are quite light for a metal bejeweled hoop. They were $14.99 (marked down half price). They look and feel like quality - not flimsy.

As I wrapped up at Turnabout, I noticed that House of Savoy across Oak Bay Ave was open! I have to support all my favourite shops, so of course, I went in.

Yet another piece that I'd reluctantly put back a few months ago, but this time around was marked down 50%.

Instead of $89.99, this gorgeous light coat was $45.00.

And as you suspected from that glimpse of red at the neck, it's fully lined in red.

Pockets too!

It's by Cache (cash-AY!), and it was made in the USA. This company went out of business in 2015.

I see it ranging on resale sites from $80 to $140, so I'm happy with what I paid. I LOVE this coat!

I also spotted a pair of green leather gloves.

Great colour!

They are lined inside the wrist areas with rabbit fur (must keep these from Vizzini!), and were $35.00. They'll get a lot of use in fall/winter, but are stashed away for now.

On Saturday, we met up with our friends at Beacon Hill Park. This would have been L's big birthday bash, so I wore what I would have worn for his party.

Like I could hold off on wearing this dress! It's too pretty to save!

• Dress - Cachet, consignment; purchased above for $72.99
• Shoes - Wonders; last seen here in August 2019 with grey windowpane plaid
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last seen here on Monday

I curled my hair in twists while I did my make-up - by the time I did the stair picture (the last one, chronologically), it was much flatter.

This dress is SUCH a great fit! It's perfect in the boobular region, but I did put a small safety pin at the cleavage area just to prevent any gaping.

It zips up the back and has a matching long sash tie.

Showing off the slit.

This dress was a delight to move and walk in - it billowed all over the place, and I felt like a floral goddess. It was actually perfect for sitting on a blanket - I had lots of fabric to cover myself as needed and didn't feel restricted at all.

Saturday was sunny/windy/cloudy, so I took and wore layers.

Cashmere pashmina for sun coverage and warmth, coat for walking and warmth.

All ready to go - of course, I did not walk there in my heels! They're in my bag, along with a tub of watermelon and cherries.

I've also clipped my hair up to keep it from blowing in my face the whole way. Our friends were amused that I bothered to bring dressier shoes, just for standing around in a field and walking to and from the bathroom. I'm leading by example - yes to dressing up!

The stuff:

I completely adore these wonderful leather/wood shoes. We're going to do a Flashback on them shortly.

Sparkly bling:

The dress has tons of colours in it, including aqua, and various shades of purple. I had to wear my new-to-me earrings! They were great, although I lost one of the backings at the park.

• Cuff - Swarovski, consignment, gift from L
• Earrings - consignment; purchased above for $14.99
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

Flashback time!

Here's a look back on my pink metallic leather Wonders shoes' history so far. I bought them in April 2017 for $100 new (marked down from $225.00) at local shoe store Footloose, one of my favourite haunts for good quality funky footwear.

I first wore them in April 2017.

I had that "Herb Talek" (WKRP in Cincinnati reference) blazer for ages before I finally gave up on it. This was an early inkling of how useful pink metallic shoes could be.

I wore them again only a month later, in May 2017, with this fun skirt (which I still have), and a denim shirt.

They go well with my pink Sherman crystal necklace and earrings set.

They were helpful in showcasing this crazyass 80s pagoda-print jacket in July 2017.

These shoes remain the only item I still have from that outfit.

Look how fast my hair grows! This is in August 2017, and was probably one of my "dressed for the field" pre- and post-Ultimate Frisbee outfits. I miss Ulti!

I do have that dress/tunic still - it'll be worn this summer at some point!

You might recognize these silk trousers - this is the first time I wore them, in April 2018. As they are sandals, I only have them out for 6 months out of the year.

I still have that vintage Armani silk duster - I'll have to wear it again soon.

This June 2018 outfit features my Sherman crystal set again.

I didn't keep that skirt (it's Kate Spade, BTW) - it didn't go with enough in my closet.

One of the best features of these shoes is the substantial platform - they work really well with long skirts and trousers that would otherwise drag on the ground.

Both the long cardi and the silk pants are still with me, but that blue top did not work. This is in August 2018, and my haircolour has gradually lightened up substantially.

I wore these shoes 3 times in 2019, starting with this gorgeous blossom skirt in May 2019.

That pink sweater was a difficult colour - gone!

Here are the silk pants again, in June 2019.

Although that white lacy duster was a practical item, the quality didn't work for me. I also let go of the teal t-shirt - I'm just not a t-shirt-y kind of person.

And back to my last outfit in August of last year.

I love that the shoes get to be showcased here. I could duplicate this entire outfit today!

I've now worn these shoes 11 times, so I'm under $10 per wear and they are still going strong.

End of Flashback!


We found Vizzini out on the deck before we walked down to the park.

"I have the best sun."

He's been sleeping on my art chair his throne nearly every day, catching bits of sun, but under our corner table is a new spot.

Nine years old, and still full of surprises!

"I have to keep you both on your toes."

There's never a dull moment with this feline.

Here's L with a knapsack full of blanket and beers (and a thermos of tea for me).

He's wearing his new Fluevogs, a giant koi fish belt buckle, a Frank Turner tour shirt (Be More Kind, how appropriate), one of his many awesome floral shirts, and a Kangol hat in Miami Dolphin colours. Such a snazzy guy!

I couldn't resist a picture of these gorgeous peonies on our walk down.

 So big and fat!

These ones are some other variety (ha, I'm so good at flowers).

I almost wanted to pluck one and put it in my hair, but I dared not risk the wrath of the garden's owner!

A few pictures of our Park Party. Here's the whole crew. From left, clockwise: Caro, Yvonne/Randall, Ali/Chris, Cat/Ross, Greg/Rosanna, and L.

With the Island not reporting any new cases of COVID for a month (woo!), Ali finally ventured out to see us in person. She works at an elder-care home, so she's been ultra-cautious.

We still maintained distance, and big thanks to Yvonne and Randall for use of their bathroom (keys in alcohol, lots of hand-washing and wiping of surfaces).

Look at those groovy kids!

We had a lot of company at the park, with a volleyball group setting up a court and net at one side (seen below, behind Rosanna), rugby players, disc golfers and assorted dogs, kids and other folks just out enjoying the day.

There was also a group of families behind us (I saw a lot of ladies with crowns on), distancing and partying. It was nice to see so many people out enjoying our beautiful park.

Caro rode her bike over. We all got our Vitamin D when the intermittent sun came out - it felt so good.

We hooted and hollered when a bride and groom wedding car drove by.

L, Greg and Chris tossed a disc around for a while.

Nice catch, L!

L and I walked partway home with Cat and Ross, then stopped in at Subway to grab a quick and easy dinner.

This is the corner of Cook and Fort Streets in Victoria. I waited outside the Subway, as I am much more paranoid about distance/my personal space than L.

This is a new building, called the Black and White. I like how the floors are offset, creating cool interior and exterior balconies. There is a restaurant that just opened on the ground floor - we'll have to check it out.

Vizzini missed us terribly while we were gone. He immediately took over the blanket that L had aired out on the benches.

"I claim Blanket Mountain as mine!"

We hung out and played games all night.

"I helped."

He was very affectionate and cuddly, for a change.

And that was my weekend! Thanks for this awesome pic, Yvonne!

Back to Real Life tomorrow! Thank you so much for stopping by!