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!