Friday, July 3, 2020

Two-Fer: Grocery Brights and a Wee Shop; Swooshy Palm Trees; Coffee Flashback

And I'm back, just in time for the weekend. All these days/weeks/months are kind of blurring together...

This is what I wore to get groceries on Thursday.
I also swung by the Velvet Crease (local consignment store) to see if it was open...and it was! Happy happy!


  • Cardigan - thrifted, no label; not tracked
  • Top - Club Monaco, thrifted; purchased here way back in November 2019 for $12.95
  • Skirt - LA Nights, thrifted; last worn here in April for a house outfit
  • Shoes - Aldo, thrifted; last seen here in June with zig-zags


I'm finally getting around to wearing this new-to-me top that I thrifted way back in November of last year.
I love the two-tone aqua/teal and cobalt blue. Hmmm...I wonder what shoes I could wear with this top?? Hee hee!
That's real lace over a light polyester under-layer. It's a lovely Club Monaco piece - such a score for only $12.95!
I never took the cardigan off the whole time I was out, except for when I was trying on clothes.
I was very bright, and had many comments on all aspects of my outfit. I'm definitely an aberration on the streets these days. You can't miss me!

The stuff:
Comfy walking shoes. They have a zip up the rear so that I don't have to deal with all those buckles.

Matchy bling:
The guy in the grocery deli really liked my necklace, and we had a short chat about it.


  • Necklace - Robert Larin, vintage 60s/70s, gift from L
  • Eelskin cuff - c. 1985, used to be mine, re-found and thrifted!
  • Earrings - Stella & Dot, consignment, Vancouver
  • Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes


I was really glad that the Velvet Crease made it through the pandemic. They're limiting customers to 4 at a time, must wear a mask (although I was the only person who obeyed this!), hand sanitize before touching anything. I did find a few things - I tried on a ton. My general ratio is 1 in 5; if I try on 15 things (for example), I'll find 3. Some days it's better; some days worse.

These are house-pants - I needed something cool and loose to wear at home as the weather gets warmer.
L took one look at them, and said, "I predict I'll be seeing a lot of these." Yes, sorry, love, get used to them. They will not be worn in public.

They are an olive green viscose/spandex mix, extremely soft and swooshy/drapey. The brand is Bali Kiss, which is a local store specializing in fair trade items, purchased directly from small, family-run businesses in Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal. These were made in Thailand.
It does feel right! I paid $14.00 for these and they'll get to pennies per wear before I'm done with them. Viscose wears like iron.

I went "OOOOH" when I saw this floofy skirt.
"Just ignore me, I'm just sitting here, all alone."

Vizzini hates when my clothes get more attention than he does.

The pattern is palm trees, and it's a true wrap skirt, hemmed with a giant flounce. It's also a "mullet-y" hemline - longer in the back.
It's fully-lined in brown and is 100% polyester (and therefore fully-washable).

It's by Scotch & Soda by Maison Scotch, from the "Fading Roads" collection, and it was new with tags! I see from the tag that it retailed for $198.00.
I don't see any result online for this wrap-style skirt (plenty of pics of a matching romper, though), so perhaps it wasn't very popular. It was marked at $60 plus 20% off, so $48.00.

I also found this lovely blue crocheted cardigan. It fit me perfectly.
And it's a useful piece for layering, especially over dresses. Am I a crochet cardi type of person? We shall see. I wore a few crochet pieces the last time they were a Thing, c. 1994.

It's by Precis Petite, which is sold at the Bay department store (has been for well over a decade).
It was also $14.00.

I'm all geared up for my outing in my matching mask (I have about a dozen cloth ones, plus a supply of disposable ones).
"Wear a mask!"

Seriously, it's not that big of a deal. I will always wear a mask if I can't maintain 6-feet/2 meters distance. It's like putting on sunblock: a necessary measure! And like sunblock, I always have it/one in my purse.

Today/Friday, I had to wear my new-to-me skirt right away!
I had planned a more summery version of this outfit, but due to the incessant rain today, I went with a more autumnal look.


  • Cashmere tee - Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last seen here in May with sunflower brollies
  • Skirt - Scotch & Soda, consignment; purchased above for $48.00
  • Booties - Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevog; last seen here in April with my doily dress
  • Leather jacket - Burberry, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here (3rd outfit) in December 2019 for some Christmas shopping


The colours in this skirt are definitely more in the fall range than summer - I may put this into the "stash" for the end of September.
No need to decide now, however.

I went with this coral-y coloured cashmere tee (I have a cami under it due to sheerness) to pick up the bits of orange in the skirt's pattern.
There is also a soft pinky-peach colour in it, and small bits of a yellow or chartreuse green (you can see it in the shot above). I'll probably be fairly boring with it, and wear matchy browns and creams, but I do have a couple of chartreuse tops I could try...

I loved wearing this skirt all day - it is so SWOOSHY. I think I might wear it with a belt or more fitted top next time - it felt like I needed something over the tie waist or a more formal/fitted top.
I wore a pair of cotton pantaloons under the skirt (I have bare legs here) in case it decided to open up because Wrap Skirt, but it performed admirably and didn't gape open on my walk to and from work.

As mentioned, it rained all day, so I needed outerwear.

I'm a huge fan of this bronze leather jacket. Of course I wear leather in the rain - it's totally fine.
Right? Isn't it awesome? Burberry! I stopped in at the Fluevog store to pick up L's new pair (exciting!) and Fluevogologist Wayne admired it. Of course, I also hauled my boots out of my tote bag to show him. These are over 9 years old, and he hadn't seen them before.

The stuff:
I have had these Fluevog booties even longer than the aqua Prepare Guides I wore on Monday. We'll have a Flashback of them shortly. How many wears do you think I'm at?

Warm-toned bling:
How lovely Karen's copper/brass cuff looked with my outfit. It's like a hug on my wrist.


  • Amber/sandalwood choker - vintage 60s, Mom's
  • Brass/copper cuff - Karen's
  • Wood ring - Dots
  • Klimt wood ring - consignment
  • Earrings - Aldo


Okay, Flashback time!

These booties are called the Kope Tiam and are from the long-retired Coffee family of Fluevogs, named due to the coffee spout shape of the heel (they also did a Teapot line - I had a pair). I bought them on our annual anniversary trip to Vancouver in 2011, but not at Fluevog. I found them on clearance at Gravity Pope, which is a wonderful shoe store - they were in the "last pairs" and these were tucked away under a shelf. They were $99.00. Score!

I first wore them a couple of weeks later, also in March 2011.
I'd only been at my current job for 2 weeks, and I was trying to be classy (they weren't quite ready for someone as colourful as me!).

I didn't have nearly as many shoes back in 2011 as I do now (probably about 40 pairs, vs. the close-to-100 I have currently), so they got worn more in the first few years of my owning them.
I was into vests for a long time - it feels like they're due for a comeback. This September 2011 outfit has a denim vest layered over a long-sleeved tee, with a pencil skirt. Those leopard footless tights are still in my collection.

I like the look of this outfit from October 2011, but the only thing left are the boots and the necklace.
These booties felt very weird to me back in 2011 - booties were not a Thing then! - and I wasn't really sure what to do with them.

I wore them with my Gap leather pants multiple times, first here in December 2011.
Recognize the choker? I wore it today! 

Aside from the booties, the leather obi belt is the only thing I have left from this outfit from October 2012. 
These boots were part of my October wardrobe capsule (enjoy the summary here), from my year-long 30 For 30 For 12 challenge.

I wore them a total of four times in October 2012.
Those tights just gave up a year ago. Yvonne has this velvet jacket now and I wore that blouse a LOT back then.

The capsule explains the repetition of elements, like this jacket which had a very equestrian vibe.
That skirt is another one of my long-gone Smoking Lily items.

My last October 2012 outfit, featured a very odd mustard blouse layered under a blue sweater.
That is a lovely vintage plaid pencil skirt, though.

February 2013 - there's that blond hair again!
I had that brown lace skirt for ages. I am still on the lookout for the perfect pink sweater.

I adored this cowgirl dress, seen here in August 2013. It was by Bodybag by Jude, a Canadian company. I just got tired of it - it didn't layer well or lend itself to any styling except Cowgirl.
Eee, the little ruffles! I spy my Pringle of Scotland belt - still have that.

I also still have this leather vest, worn here in November 2013. I've gone mad for layers, wearing it over a jacket, with a belt over the whole shebang. That's...a lot.
My "barnyard" Gap silk skirt was a favourite for a long time. I recently saw a version with highway signs (same style), but it was too big. I was tempted!

This heavy, sweaty wrap top - seen here in January 2014 - was left behind in Italy when we went in that Fall.
I still have that massive black leather skirt, though.

It was a whole year until I wore the booties again, in January 2015. I'm not sure why. Sometimes I just go "off" my pieces.
That's a weird outfit (the top is green, by the way). I'm not so sure about the Balmain scarf threaded through my belt - but you know I'm always game to try something new, even if it ends up a little odd looking.

Second wearing with my leather pants, in March 2015.
I've always been fond of the equestrian look!

This May 2015 outfit is just trying too hard.
I gave that jacket to Wendy Brandes. Only the booties and the necklace remain.

On the other hand, I vividly remember wearing this outfit in February 2016, to go to the office supply store on the weekend. Did I keep my Yeti coat or give it to Yvonne? I can't remember. And there are my leather jeans again, and my Pringle of Scotland belt. I still have that sweater too.
I recall clomping up and down the aisles. I'm sure I alarmed a few people - one doesn't see folks dressed like this very often in Staples.

You might remember this outfit from the Fendi belt Flashback (here).
For when you don't have matching shoes (yet). This was in July 2016.

A very autumnal outfit, with this vintage suede skirt that Elaine gave me, back in November 2017.
I miss that Ralph Lauren blouse - I ripped the cuffs off by accident (pulling them down while wearing a cardigan).

This graphic dress was only worn once - it never laid straight and had a really wide neckline.
This was in March 2017.

These leopard separates were only worn once together, and it's here in October 2017.
They had no stretch. Gone!

I still have this whole outfit from November 2017.
That is the coolest shirt, and I adore those vintage pants.

This is around the time when I started building up a trouser wardrobe - this outfit is from February 2018.
 Booties are great with pants. Who knew?

I wore them with my leather pants again for my birthday in October 2018.
 That was not the perfect pink sweater - still hunting! You might recognize the "alien" necklace.

There are my leopard footless tights again, worn in November 2018.
Didn't keep that cheap green dress, and that yellow leather coat is in the giveaway pile.

I like this drape-y layered outfit from December 2018.
I still have everything except the velvet vest thing - I think Yvonne has it.

I love this outfit from January 2019.
I've had that sequinned dress for over 10 years, and it gets worn once a year.

The fifth wearing with my leather pants, in March 2019.
 I love that entire look. Spiffy!

There's my "lettuce" dress again, in May 2019.
 I thought the tights matched until I put them on. Ah well.

And third time, boots + leopard tights = a winning combination, in October 2019.
Woo, I need sunglasses, that's bright! Love that yellow!

As a very comfy pair of booties, I wore them on Christmas Day in December 2019.
I love this vintage 90s dress, and that's a vintage 80s belt (Dior! Klassy!).

Dress + booties is also a formula I have used a lot. I love this look.
This is from later December 2019, one of my last outfits of the year.

And finally, here's the last time I wore it, with my corduroy Doily dress, in April 2020.
So, from a pair of booties that I was initially unsure about (Boring colour! Neutrals are icky!), these are now a tried-and-true staple in my wardrobe. I even rescued them from a giant veggie dip spill with cornstarch last year!

Did you guess 32 times worn? $99.00 might seem like a lot for a pair of booties, but I'm now down to $3.10 per wear! They are still in excellent shape (a bit of scuffing on the toes, and on the heels), and the leather has just gotten softer over the years, but I have lots more wear left in them.

And with that, I will leave you to enjoy your weekend, my friends. A very Happy 4th of July to my US friends!
"Cuddles for all."

Stay safe, stay calm, and be kind.

24 comments:

  1. Aahh, so many fabulous outfits :). Yes, 'Boring brown' booties are super versatile. I scored a pair from my mom-in-law, unworn, I would never have bought them myself, and I have worn the heck out of them, more than any other booties I have! I even had to have them re-soled from so much wear, go figure. I love Karen's cuff with the different metals. Lise

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    1. Thanks so much, Lise! It's so hard to tell what's going to really click in the wardrobe, isn't it?

      I loved the cuff too. So comforting.

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  2. You are certainly getting value from the boots! I'm really liking your shopping outfit too, it's so pretty with the teal, cobalt and red. I actually wore something similar this week (in a much smaller way, you know me, easing into being more colourful!) I added a red cardigan to a monochromatic black jeans and grey tee outfit, and then a teal and blue scarf on top! I really loved the combination, but of course I like yours more!

    Good job on thrifting that pretty skirt too - it's so cute! I actually have a tee from that brand I also thrifted - I should get it out for another wear!

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    1. I am, thanks, Mica! I love the bright colours, and I am so proud of you for wearing your brights!

      I thought the skirt was so pretty.

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  3. You're first outfit is just brilliant. No wonder you were complimented. I'm loving the blues and reds together, and yes, those shoes would have been an option :-) But I'm loving the reds too. What a relief they have a zip up the rear! The lacy turquoise and cobalt blue top is gorgeous. How lovely that the The Velvet Crease has survived, and you could have a good rummage. I'm surprised at people not wearing their masks though. Mind you, it was the same in the charity shop yesterday. Far too many people to my liking weren't wearing one. I'm loving the floofy skirt, which of course you had to wear straight away. It looks amazing with your bronze leather jacket and Fluevog booties. As always, it was a delight to see one of your flashbacks and I am so pleased I'm not the only one with that many pairs of shoes. Phew. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! I find I'm at the point in my wardrobe where I have about 5 pairs of shoes as options for nearly every outfit.

      I am so glad this store survived, but I wish people would take safety precautions. We have a real issue with complacency here because we were not hit very hard.

      Thanks! I love the floofy skirt - it was fun to go through all those pictures. I am a maximalist when it comes to shoes!

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  4. I think you've had your money's worth out of those boots, Sheila! My favourite outfits were the one with the leather maxi skirt and your Christmas Day 2019 look.

    Take care
    xxx

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  5. Yes, I'm sure an outfit as colorful as this makes you stand out in a crowd. Happy to hear your store (VC) re-opened. As some predicted many retail shops, especially thrift-stores, are closing permanently from the pandemic. Dozens around me, plus long-existing restaurants, aren't surviving the economic losses and highly-uncertain future. So sad.

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    1. It really did! I'm so sad to see so many have closed - but it's good to see people out shopping (even if not following safety protocols, sigh).

      Delete
  6. I adore those booties and the flashback. Your statement,'I ripped the cuffs off by accident', made me laugh - I'm imagining a Vizzini-style fit of rage and then the shirt was in shreds!

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    1. Thanks, Helen! I was so mad at myself - the sleeves rode up under the cardigan, so I kept pulling them down, and then "rrrrrip" and I saw that both of the cuffs were hanging by threads. So sad! For once, not a fit of rage, ha ha!

      Delete
  7. I love the brightness of your first outfit. You're performing a public service walking the streets in all that glorious colour. Dressing in grey as as common as decorating your house it in here, why are people so dull?
    The new-to-you skirt looks fab. Jon's got a Scotch & Soda coat, it's tapestry lined and rather fabulous. He paid £1 for it. We'd never heard of the label till we googled it.
    The boots are great and worth every penny. Love Karen's cuff, she had some wonderful jewellery.
    Send my love to Vizzini! The lads are already standing guard by the rockery, I expect a grizzly gift later! xxx

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    1. Brightness is keeping the dark away, Vix! Greys are not for me, very often.

      Oh, nice, I would love to find a coat like that for L! What a deal! I've seen a few pieces from Maison Scotch around in stores, but they are pretty scarce.

      I love the boots - so versatile! Isn't that a lovely cuff.

      Love has been given (he was squirmy). Oh, "love gifts", lucky you, Vix!

      Delete
  8. Goodness are you right regarding the way in which swaths of this year are blurring together. Some have a certain Groundhog Day quality to them, others are more nondescript than beige paint, and plenty are (if we're fortunate) pleasant enough, but not exactly worth writing home about.

    It will be interesting to see how time feels as the heart of summer rests upon our bare shoulders, just as it will how we perceive the passage of time when all is said and done and the year that no one will soon forget finally draws to a close on December 31st.

    That's a ways off still, of course, and between then and now, I very much hope that you have a safe, positive remainder of the year that brings ample lovely, memorable standout moments your way.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. They are really just a big blur to me now, Autumn. My days and weeks are just zooming by. It's just a weird year, in general, I think.

      Thank you, my dear. Here's hoping.

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  9. The blue and red together is always a winning combo and your outfit looks absolutely gorgeous! I love how the pointy red shoes peeks out of a maxi. It reminds me of my fashion illustrations. I often end up illustrating maxis with a pointy shoe making an appearance. That maxi with an abstract pattern is stunning and I like the blue top paired with a red cardi as well. It was great seeing your other outfits as well. It is always fun when you show you how you wore something in the past.

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    1. Thank you, Ivana! Yes, I like that you do pointy toes in your illustrations. I love these colours together.

      Glad you are enjoying the flashbacks!

      Delete
  10. Oooof so many fab outfits!

    I agree with you about the crochet cardis. I like them but am often unsure of how to style them. I'll get some inspiration from you when you wear yours, no doubt! X

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    1. Thanks, Jess! Yeah, I'm not sure about it either - I don't know that I love it, although I liked wearing it.

      Delete
  11. Bright and fabulous ! I would not have chatted with you just about the necklace I would have said something about the greatness of all that color :)
    I am so glad you are out shopping. At least someone is. Here we are up to almost 1000 deaths and hospitals are now flooded. It's been over 100 days and we are still home. Several bank branches have closed, it's getting very complicated.
    I am taking one day at a time.
    Hugs.

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    1. Well, I was standing behind a deli counter, so he couldn't see all of me! Thank you, hon.

      It feels good to be out again. Gosh, that sounds so scary, Lorena! I hope it gets better for you soon. Hugs!

      Delete
  12. woww, love this color combo (once more)!, your new lace top is a cute piece for layering and your skirt is such a stunning one!, love the red cardi and shoes too!. Looking totally fabulous to go groceries shopping!. Love that you have matchy masks (if we have to wear them, let's do it in style!)
    Your boots are amazingly versatile with any warm, earthy color and love particularly how they rock with leopard and yellow!
    besos

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    1. I love these colours too - just looking at them makes me happy. I agree - I'm sure I'll have a wardrobe of masks soon enough!

      Thank you - I love these boots!

      Delete

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