Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Leopard Lunch, Afternoon Adventure, and a Circles Flashback

I usually have nothing to do on my Tuesdays off work - I mean, I might get dressed and read or peruse the interwebz, but not actually DO anything. However, now that Victoria is semi-open, instead, I booked a lunch with my former coworker and good friend Betty. 
We'd planned to picnic in the park, but the forecast was for 100% chance of rain, so we chose a pub instead. Except that I went to the wrong pub! It clicked shortly after I'd sat down at the Fernwood Inn and realized that - despite my reminder to myself, leaving Betty's email at the top of my inbox, and mentally visualizing where I was going (it's something I do) - I'd completely spaced and NOT gone to Christie's.


  • Coat - Cache, consignment; purchased here on Friday for $45.00
  • Top - Talbots, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in August 2019 with striped pants
  • Skirt - Andrea Jovine, thrifted; last worn here in August 2019 with a double wrap
  • Boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here in May for Star Wars Day!


I had to haul it to make it to Christie's in time - I ran! Fortunately, I was only a couple of minutes late. Phew! I was sweaty! And it was raining.
I only wore my outfit without the coat while we had lunch and caught up, but of course I had to dress up for Betty! We worked together at WW for nearly my entire 9-year tenure with them, but now we just catch up every few months on family, friends and what we're reading. It was lovely to see her.

After lunch, I had to take a two-bus trip north of town to the Purolator depot to pick up a package that we'd missed yesterday, so knowing I'd be walking and busing all over the place, I started my outfit with walking shoes/boots. Gotta gear up for my adventure!
Once I'd picked these, I knew I had to wear the new-to-me leopard coat! From there, I picked another red item and this gorgeous wrap linen skirt.

I thought the weather might ease up enough for me to wear the coat open, but no. I rained nearly all the time I was out.
Isn't the red top cool? This is my 3rd year with it, and I still love it - there's a Flashback at the end of this post. The circles are connected like lace, with a red lining through the body.
But really, the leopard coat is such a star! Who's looking at the top and skirt? No one!

Especially once I added my red hat.
 I was fully done up like this (plus a mask) for all of my bus rides - the hat keeps my hair dry. At one point, I was so frustrated after waiting 30 minutes for buses, I started walking...only to have the bus zoom past me! Arg! I kept walking and saw another one coming with the next stop still a ways down the streeet, so I burst into a sprint - and my hat blew off, and tumbled down a plant-filled steep ditch!

Into the ditch I went, boots smooshing in the mud, to retrieve my hat. I still managed to climb up out of the ditch and made it to the bus on time! There might have been some swearing behind my mask.
But still looking fabulous!


  • Hat - vintage 80s, thrifted, Vancouver
  • Scarf - Smoking Lily, 1996, gift from Janet
  • Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair


The stuff:
These boots have survived rain, mud and a lot of walking today.


  • Pendant - Catawumpus, first wearing, purchased for $25.00
  • Earrings - thrifted


After all my frazzling experiences, I required a small bout of retail therapy, so I stopped in at Rich Rags for a thorough browse. I tried on a bunch of things, but only one made it home with me.
This entire top is feather soft thin silk, although there are no labels on it - I can tell by the feel of it. The colours are green, white and navy blue, although it's really close to black.

I think the fabric is from India. Isn't it lovely?
 It's missing a button, but I'll just move one of the lower ones, and stitch that one closed.

It's by Zara Woman and was only $10.00.
Does Zara even manufacture in Spain anymore? Anyway, I love it and I'm going to wear it tomorrow to work.

Flashback Time! 

I honestly thought I'd worn this top more, but today's outfit marks only the 5th time. I first featured it with my Lady Garden of Delight leather skirt in May 2018.
That skirt is in the giveaway pile right now (it's been there since last September), and it's kind of calling to me...should I dig it out? It's very tricky to style...

Aside from that first outfit, I have worn the top with trousers every time.
This was in July 2017, and those are Alexander McQueen trousers from 2003. I actually found these two pieces on the same day!

I didn't wear it again until April 2019. I've only had it out for Spring/Summer as it looks best on its own, and is too chilly in the cold months with its unlined sleeves.
 A very normal outfit.

Here are those pants from a couple of weeks ago - this was the last time I wore the top, in August 2019.
I bought it here in May 2018 for $19.99, on a quick after-work shop that has to be one of my most successful ever, yielding not only this wonderful top, but those Alexander McQueen trousers, and a vintage Sherman set of jewelry. I wish every shop were that successful!

34 comments:

  1. you look amazing! That top is great and looks really versatile!

    Life is a Shoe

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  2. Goodness me, what a tale! Missed buses, rain, wind and the wrong pub, I don't blame you for needing some retail therapy. Glad you wee able to catch up with Betty and I'm so envious of these pub visits!
    The leopard coat is fab and perfect with the red top underneath it. The Zara top is lovely, they do make some lovely things. xxx

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    1. It was such a crazy day, Vix! The retail therapy was so soothing, and it was wonderful to see Betty again.

      Thank you! I loved the whole outfit. I was impressed with the lovely feel of the silk on the Zara top.

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  3. I love your hair-style! You remind me of Harley Quinn, as portrayed by Margot Robbie. Have you seen her latest? I enjoyed it a lot.

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    1. I have not seen "Birds of Prey" yet (I want to!), but I've been watching the hilarious animated Harley Quinn series. Highly recommended!

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  4. I am enjoying your flashbacks! This red top is gorgeous. I loved the way you styled it for lunch: but I have to say styled with the Lady Garden of Delight skirt it looks like perfection personified! Such a beautiful look. Have to be careful with that name though; over here a 'Lady Garden' can have another meaning!

    Well done you on retrieving your hat and still catching the bus - Super Sheila!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni, I like them too! I really love the red top. Heh, yes, I know exactly what Lady Garden means (we use that expression here too), and I'm being very saucy with that name, I know. :)

      Aw, thanks - I did not feel very "super" in the moment!

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  5. I love that despite Covid you're still doing you. I can't even remember the last time I wore makeup or regular clothes. It's kind of sad.

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    1. Getting dressed, putting on make-up and making an effort have HUGELY helped me get through this. It's been really helpful self-care.

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  6. Imagine ending up in the wrong pub! Glad to hear you still made it in time, even if it was in a sweaty state! Your red top is amazing and I'm loving the tall boots with the linen wrap top. And the coat, obviously, which is truly magnificent! In my mind's eye, I can see you running for that bus, and retrieving your hat from that ditch, all the while swearing under your mask ... Just thinking of it is making me feel quite out of breath :-) No wonder you needed some retail therapy! Can't wait to see you wearing the blouse. xxx

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    1. I know, I was so mad at myself, Ann! Thank you - I loved this outfit, love these colours and am totally head over heels for the leopard coat. Oh yes, I was swearing a blue streak! I'll be wearing the blouse today - you'll see it soon!

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  7. I hope you don't mind, but I'm laughing pretty hard at your zany day! Definitely a day for the memory box, lol.

    The Zara blouse is stunning (and you obviously earned it).

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    1. Nana, if we can't laugh at ourselves, what's the point? :) I had to laugh too, although I was pretty frustrated in the moment(s). Thank you!

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  8. Only you can still look stylish and classy after such a afternoon. That coat is so amazing. I see before me, me wearing it with a black pencil skirt and laced up boots, oh sigh.

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    1. I looked a lot more frazzled at the end of the day, Nana! Thank you so much. Yes, it'll go with anything! Jeans and a tee, even!

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  9. What chic, sumptuous, utterly gorgeous ensemble. The marriage of warm brown and deep red is pure styling heaven in my books (and not the least because of the sense of fall time that it often telegraphs).

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Aw, thank you - I really liked this look too. I'm also a sucker for autumn colours - what a coincidence for you! ;-P

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  10. The whole outfit is a creative tour de force. Perfect. Every single item. I bet that impressed people on the bus. So sorry you had to go into the ditch. I would have been swearing for sure. I always giggle when I take off my mask as there two bright red lipstick impressions on it.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks so much, Greetje! I did get a bit of side-eye - this is pretty dressy for Victoria. Oh, I was swearing a blue streak, ha ha! My mask also had red lips!

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  11. That red top is so pretty. It was great seeing all the way you wore it, very inspirational.

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  12. Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup Sheila! I thought I had commented on this post before but I see I haven't, so sorry! I'm glad you caught up with your friend in the end even after going to the wrong place originally! And I like the red with the leopard, that is a very cute top and you have worn it so well every time!

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    1. Thank you for hosting the link-up! No worries, my dear - thank you so much!

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  13. Lovely outfit, I do love your leopard coat and those red 'details' which enhance it!, lovely color combo!. Glad that you managed to look so cool and comfy despite all the running and raining, it's good to be dressed up and to wear comfy boots when weather is not collaborating!
    Your red top is so beautiful, its color and texture are amazing and looks fab with black&white trousers!, and your leather skirt!.
    besos

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    1. I adore that coat - I can't wait to wear it again. And I love being proof that you don't have to look like a slob to be comfortable!

      Thank you! It's such a cool piece. Very versatile.

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  14. Oh the coat, the coat! Isn't it wonderful! Clever you for finding such a perfect piece. Pairing it with these pops of red is equally clever. You must have given everyone a laugh with your hat performance :) x

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    1. Isn't it gorgeous? I adore it. I doubt anyone was laughing - I was on a main highway, with cars zooming by!

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  15. That is a marvelous coat - leopard print is so classic and looks so good with red. I've always liked that red circle top. It adds some pizazz to whatever you wear it with. It's a shame that white embellished skirt is hard to style - it's such a standout piece. I would probably just wear it with a red t-shirt and some red flats (if I had any)

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    1. I love the coat so much, and the top too. I'm still tempted to pull that white leather 80s skirt out. However, it's not going anywhere right now...

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  16. I am glad you did not hurt yourself after falling when running for the bus!
    That leopard jacket is indeed the star of the outfit :)
    Oh and I had the red version of that Zara top, it was a lovely piece to wear, so light.
    I think the last item I purchased from Zara in store that was made in Spain was about 15 years ago!

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    1. Oh, I didn't fall - it was a controlled clamber, ha ha! I love the coat - can't wait to wear it again. Oh, how funny! Yes, it's really light. Wow, I guess it has a bit of age on it!

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