Monday, June 1, 2020

Black and White Pattern-Mixing, and Yellow Flashback

Just one day of work, and now I'm off for a whole week! I have a stay-cation to get to, so let's get this post going, shall we? 
I do love a clash of patterns all mixed together! How about floral, stripes and dots? Sure!


  • Blouse - Ness; purchased here for $20.99
  • Skirt - Mister Leonard, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in August 2019 with a "chainmail" shirt
  • Shoes - Lola Ramona; last seen here in April with a yellow dress
  • Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last worn here a week ago


First wearing of this new blouse, and...I hated it.
What I loved: the pattern mixing, the big sleeves, the colours.

What I hated: the cheap fabric, the non-staying wrap-around.

Gah, it was nasty. I've thrown it in the wash - because of course I sweated in that cheapass craptastic fabric - and then it's straight to the giveaway pile. They can't all be winners, kids.
 However, speaking of winners, this skirt is a gem and a half.
It's a very light summer-weight wool, and was made in Canada. Modern? Oh, come on, they don't make 'em like this anymore! We'll take a look at all the ways I've worn it below, shortly.

Outerwear - it was cool this morning but has been sunny all day. Typical spring!
This coat has been worn dozens and dozens of times, and has well been worth the less than $20 I paid for it. It helps make up for the "bad buy" of the blouse.

The stuff:
I adore these shoes. Bows! Dots! Stripes! Leather!

Black bling:
I love wearing my grandmother's necklace. 

  • Jet choker - vintage 60s, Grandma J's
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Onyx/silver ring - Tocarra, vintage fair
  • Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower



Yellow Skirt Flashback! 

The skirt is by Canadian label Mister Leonard, and I bought it for $8.50 back here in February 2014, more than 6 years ago. 
There's my proof - and the wonderful vintage 80s label. The skirt is longer than pencil skirts have trended over the past 6+ years, but it's still a very classic look and a great colour. 

Today's outfit marks my 15th wearing of it, bringing my cost-per-wear down to 57 cents. I only wear it in the summer months (I have a thicker wool yellow skirt for the fall/winter wardrobe season), even though it's wool. Unlike today's blouse, wool breathes! 
This was my first wearing of it, with a brown angora sweater (long gone - angora drives me batty), and accessorized with leopard. Those leopard shoes are Steve Madden from 2006, bought in San Francisco, and I still have them; they are too high now, but I have a fondness for my old "best" shoes, so they reside in my "Shoe Archives."

In March 2014 I wore the skirt with my trusty black blazer which I wore to death (also wool).
Another pair from the Shoe Archives, those red satin pumps are from 2002-ish, and are by Aldo - they have dragons on them in red brocade.

In May 2014, I wore the skirt with blue-green shoes and a funky jacket, which I gave to my coworker Emily when she admired it. Sometimes my clothes don't even make it to the giveaway pile!
 Below, paired with tomato red in June 2014.
You'll start seeing my yellow Bakelite earrings and matching yellow cuff in these outfits - like the yellow shoes I Flashbacked on last week, I like my matchy sets.

This was in July 2014, and I think I still have that long wool sweater.
I miss those black sandals - I wore them until they fell apart!

All dolled up for the big Vintage Expo in September 2014. I wore the skirt 6 times in the first year of owning it!
Ah, we have all the matchy! I still have a surprising amount from that outfit in my wardrobe: the hat, the brooch, the belt and the shoes. And the skirt, of course.

May 2015 - using the yellow and turquoise accessories to force the patterned blouse to work.
I only wore it a couple of times, but you surely recognize these shoes!

I adored this Hawaiian blouse - this outfit is from August 2015 - however, it wrinkled if you even looked at it, and I think this was before I had a steamer.
I miss those shoes, but one of my coworkers has them now, so they are still getting worn.

My crane shirt was a favourite for a while - you might remember I also wore it with the yellow shoes. This was in June 2016.
If a pattern has yellow, I'm sure to wear at least one of my yellow things with it at some point.

August 2016 - do you recognize my silk "bird shirt"?
I don't wear those Vivienne Westwood + Anglomania shoes very frequently but they're keepers.

Another memorable piece: this dark floral jacket. I think this was one of the last times I wore it, in May 2017.
Those green Fly London shoes killed my feet. They were fun while they lasted, though.

Barely visible, I wore the skirt layered under this denim dress (which I still have).
This is in September 2017, and those are another pair of shoes that I gave up due to the heel height.

I love this outfit - it's so simple, but so classic. I still have this top, so I'll have to wear it again soon.
This was in May 2018, and those shoes look familiar! Pattern-mixing, ahoy!

And here's the last time I wore this lovely skirt, in August 2019.
I didn't keep those shoes out for spring/summer this year, but they are still in in my collection. The top snagged on everything and I turfed it. 

Well, there you have it! A plain yellow skirt is a wardrobe staple for me, jazzing up neutrals, solids and patterns. Would you wear a yellow skirt?  
"No, and I"ll thank you to move along, Woman."

Someone's looking cranky! I'd better go bother him give him some love.

My friends, I am off for a week, but I'll be popping in here and there with tales of adventure. Thank you so much for stopping by!

32 comments:

  1. How sad that your new shirt didn't earn its stripes. Too bad you hate it because it looks lovely, but then looks can be deceiving I guess. The skirt is terrific in all its incarnations. I rarely wear skirts, but yes, I would wear that one! Back when I wore only skirts and dresses, (pre-2000/pre-business casual), I had some by Mr. Leonard and they were great garments. I also liked Highland Queen, Louban and Ports. I'm not sure if any of those companies are still in existence, but they made quality items back in the day. I really like the dark floral jacket you last wore in 2017 - do you still have it? You have such a great shoe collection.

    I hope you have a wonderful vacation :)

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    1. Eh, I'm not that upset about it - my success rate on pieces is pretty high, there has to be a few losers in there, Nana.

      I know all of those brands, mostly from thrifting. Ports is still around, and is quite expensive - I remember their gorgeous stores in the malls back in the early 90s.

      No, I gave that up ages ago. It never really stuck with me that well. Thanks!

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  2. That shirt looked absolutely magnificent with your amazing Mt Leonard skirt but with issues like that, it's gotta go.
    The skirt was a brilliant buy, an absolute bargain and it's looked great with everything you've teamed it with. It must have cost a pretty penny back in the day. There's not enough yellow around.
    Have a fantastic week off and give Vizzini a cuddle from me. xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix - I cannot abide nasty fabric. I have loved this skirt for a long time - I was a bit surprised! I know, it would have been very pricey back then.

      Thanks, hon!

      Delete
  3. Aw commiserations on the shirt! I agree, the colours are gorgeous but if it's not for you..... Liberate it!
    Aren't yellow skirts just amazing? I fell for two a while ago and wear them A LOT! it's such uplifting colour and you can go sober up top if you so wish.
    Your skirt is a hard worker and looks so lovely with everything you've teamed it with.
    Enjoy your week off. Hope you get some sunshine on your staycation.

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    1. It's all right - it will go to a good home, I'm sure. I love yellow in all of its forms, really. It just lifts my spirits. Thanks, Juliana!

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  4. Such a fabulous skirt! Just the extra dose of sunshine in our day that we can all use (big time!) right about now.

    I've had (and sold, back in my vintage shop days) some Mister Leonard pieces before. They were all so well made, charming and wearable.

    Shame that blouse wasn't a winner. It's chic and ever-so-lovely, but, alas, even the most gorgeous print can't save poor fabric quality.

    Sending oodles of hugs & joyful start of June wishes your way,
    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you so much, Autumn. Mister Leonard stuff is good quality, I agree! It's a great idea for a blouse, but too bad they didn't make it out of a nicer polyester or even silk. Sigh. Thank you, my dear.

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  5. Love the skirt's color. Your experience with the blouse proves your often-made point that material counts as much as style.

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    1. Material/fabric is so important. Can't believe I fell for one of the classic shopping blunders!

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  6. What a shame about the blouse as visually it looks so interesting. I know what you mean about horrible fabric, though. I too have a blouse in nasty, itchy polyester that I only keep because it's got a quirky print and true petite sizing.
    I do love the polka dot shoes; they look great with everything.
    I'm enjoying the flashbacks for items immensely!
    Enjoy your holiday time.

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    1. It feels like I might catch fire if I stand next to a flame, Helen! Thank you - polka dots are awesome. I'm glad you are enjoying the flashbacks - thanks!

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  7. In my experiences, wrap blouses can be a bit hit or miss. When they're a miss, they don't stay put and you have to keep adjusting them. So, although I do think it looks gorgeous, I fully understand and agree it has to go. But that glorious skirt must most definitely have made up for the blouse's crappiness. I loved seeing another flashback, this time starring said skirt. What a treat! Enjoy your staycation, Sheila, you absolutely deserve it! xxx

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    1. Yes, agreed, Ann. The adjustments weren't too bad, although the waist wouldn't stay put, I hated that fabric, though. Ugh. The skirt does make up for it! The flashbacks are fun - I like doing them too! Thanks you, my dear!

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  8. Oh what a shame! I love that blouse! Well like you said, they can't be all winners. Have a fabulous time with whatever you are going to do!

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    1. I know, ah well, you can't win 'em all, Nancy. Thank you!

      Delete
  9. I enjoyed seeing the ways you've worn the yellow skirt - I LOVE the outfit you put together for the vintage expo with the primary colours. I don't buy things in this colour because I wear so much black I end up looking like a bumble bee if I add yellow. Too bad about the blouse - the pattern is great and the shape is flattering, but something has to feel good against your skin to be a keeper.

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    1. That expo outfit was so awesome! Yes, I get the black and yellow thing - I tend to avoid blacks with it for the same reason. The blouse was just gross to wear. Ugh, won't miss it.

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  10. woww, such a lovely outfit and you look so fabulous in it!, love all the patterns and the stunning color combo, graphic and bold!. Sorry that the shirt didn't work, its colors are amazing!.
    Anyway, your yellow skirt is not going to feel alone, as it can be mixed and matched in so many delightful outfits!. I love all of them!. Probably my favourite one could be the Vintage Fair outfit, and those with patterned tops and the hawaiian blouse!. So much fabulousness!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much, Monica! I liked the outfit (at least in pictures). I love the yellow skirt so much. Agreed on the Vintage Expo - and I love it as a solid with so many patterns.

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  11. The skirt is definitely a keeper. I like it best with the leopard shoes and belt (first old outfit), with the black and white bird blouse and those fantastic shoes (10th outfit) and with the dark floral jacket (11th outfit). But hey, you know my (more conservative) taste.
    It is a pity your new blouse is such bad material as it looked really good with the skirt and the shoes.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks, Greetje! I think I could have guessed your picks! I lean into that conservative look once a while. I know, I'm a bit bummed about the blouse, but I've let it go!

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  12. I'd say you got your money's worth out of that skirt...

    Such a shame about the top; it look fabulous with the skirt and spotty shoes.
    xxxx

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    1. Agreed, that was such a good purchase, Vronni! I know, but better luck next time.

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  13. First of all, this is such a beautiful look. I love the combination of white and yellow. The shirt with stripes and florals looks great with this yellow skirt. It's a shame that it is not a good wrap up shirt and that the fabric won't do but I'm sure you'll find a better one- there are more fabulous shirts just waiting to be worn. The yellow skirt is so wonderful. It was great seeing all the different ways to wear it. I love pencil skirts myself so I got some really good ideas. The polka dot heels are a beauty as well- and that white coat is so elegant. Beautiful styling head to toe.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! I know, I'm disappointed in the blouse, but like you say, there are lots out there!

      I love the yellow skirt - glad you enjoyed the Flashback! Thanks so much!

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  14. I adored the fabulous pattern play here and am sorry that the shirt didn't make the grade. You styled it up like a pro and gave it the best showcase you could my dear!

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    1. I liked that too, which is why I bought it, but Anna, it was so awful to wear. Thank you, though!

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  15. What a pitty wearing that shirt sucked because it looks fabulous my dear friend!
    This is a spectacular patten mix look, too bad.

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    1. I know, I was so mad, but it frustrated me way to much to keep it. Thank you!

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