Friday, September 25, 2020

Orbs, Sequins and Kendra Adieu Flashback

Woo! It's Friday - bring on the weekend! 
I'm still digging into the not-yet-worn items in my spring/summer wardrobe, and today brings us the Orb jacket, the Victorian blouse and the Kendra Shoes. One of these items is leaving my closet - BUT WHICH ONE?


  • Orb jacket - no label, vintage, thrifted; first worn here in November 2019 with gold and cream
  • Blouse - Renuar, thrifted; last seen here in March for our Vampire Anniversary
  • Skirt - Banana Republic, consignment; last worn here in May with mustard
  • Shoes - Elegant Conversations Kendra, Fluevog; last seen here in September 2019 with greys
  • Leather coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in June

I picked up this cool blazer last year for cheap (under $10) - it's vintage and the silvery-gold orbs on it are woven into the fabric, not printed on.
The style is very ladylike, but the pattern is very funky. 
It has no label, nothing other than being quite amazing. 

My Victorian blouse gave me dramatic cuffs and a high neckline. 
My skirt is fun to play with. Sad face - it's raining! 
Happy face - oh, yeah, I like rain and I have a good collection of rain gear. I spelled out my delivery guy's name on it: JIM. He was tickled. 

Masked up and buttoned up. 
I wear my mask for about 4 hours a day, but I wore the jacket done up for exactly 30 seconds, while I took this picture. It's a boob-smusher. 

Outerwear - my lovely green leather trenchcoat is back! 
New-to-me gloves, purchased here in June for $35.00. 

  • Hat - Edward Mann, vintage 60s, thrifted
  • Scarf - vintage 60s, Dad's
  • Gloves - consignment

The stuff: 
Did you guess these shoes as the departing item from my outfit? They are just too high. I had to go fetch my resoled boots, and run a couple of other errands, which involved walking about 3 blocks, and my feet were aching so badly, I had to change back into my Doc Martens (which I'd worn to walk to work). I can't keep shoes that hurt my feet. 

Pearly bling: 
While I was in the mall, I saw that the downtown Aldo (shoes + accessories) is closing. Aw...not that I shopped there regularly, but I did pop in every year or so to see what was on sale. 

  • Necklace/earrings - Aldo
  • Ring - Erth, consignment
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Silver/crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy


Flashback: Elegant Conversations Kendra Fluevogs


I am sad to say goodbye to these shoes, but they are way too high for me these days. They were one of the two pairs of shoes that L bought for me on our anniversary Fluevog pilgrimage to Vancouver in March 2016 (here), for $379.00. Fluevog still carries these, and they've never gone on sale.

They are going to the great Giveaway Pile, and I'll either give them to a coworker or friend who loves them, or I'll wait till the local store is able to run their Swap & Shop event and trade or sell them to fellow 'Vog fans.
They are so lovely, and while I've enjoyed all the outfits I've worn them in, I just can't keep shoes in my closet that hurt my feet.

So...let's say goodbye and celebrate how awesome these are! I never thought I would love a cream/grey floral shoe; aside from that heel, these were awesome. John (I can totally call him that, as we've met...twice!), would you make a version of this with a ONE inch heel?


My first outfit with them was right away, in March 2016.
Recognize the shirt? I like how the shoes read as my leg colour.

I wore them with more florals a month later, in April 2016.
Now the only thing I have left from this outfit are the blue earrings.


I like this pastel mix in May 2016.
The skirt is vintage Mackage, and was made in Canada - I see that brand at Turnabout sometimes and the prices are exorbitant (and the garments aren't made in Canada). Mine was thrifted, ha ha!

I love this fun and wacky outfit - I wore this to see "Spamalot" with Mom in September 2016. Aw, I miss live musical theatre! I remember being the dressiest person there, heh heh.
That is a pewter leather skirt, by the way. Pretty funky, eh?

This is a very classy look, also in September 2016.
The moths got that skirt, sadly, but I still have the belt and blazer.

Using the shoes as a neutral here in June 2017.
That flower popped off while I was wearing it. Poof! gone!

These shoes lent themselves to classy outfits. This is another pretty one.  
This was in October 2017.

I had a major fail with this annoying taupe-coloured wrap skirt in November 2017.
At least my vintage Dior slip is classy.

I like this drapey look from April 2018.
That skirt is so fun. I passed along the Helmut Lang blazer.

This is a familiar outfi; we've seen it in both the trouser Flashback and the blazer Flashback.
One more time - in June 2018.

This is a cool look, from August 2018.
I spent too much on that silk blouse (eh, it went to a good cause), and this is one of the few times I wore it. The belt is a vintage one from the 70s (Mom's, liberated by me in the 80s), and the suede skirt is part of a suit I still have.


My "metal" dress with a baby blue blouse underneath, in September 2018.
Showing the nice line of the heels from the back.

More drapey action in February 2019.
The frequency of outfits featuring these shoes dropped dramatically as of 2019, as I started to experience more foot pain. Years of wearing poor quality, too high shoes for far too long have taken their toll on my poor feet.  

This is my last outfit with these shoes, in September 2019.
A fabulous look, however! 


Mathy stuff: Because Fluevogs are so expensive, I like to wear them as many times as possible, to really get that cost-per-wear down. I have only worn these 15 times in 4.5 years, but that still works out to $25.27, which is not as bad as I feared! I know they will eventually go to a good home and get worn more. No regrets! And my feet will thank me. 


And now, my friends, I am off to start my weekend by giving this fellow a good brushing. 
"I love the brush - it's very tasty."


I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure! Thank you so much for stopping by! 

32 comments:

  1. Shiela, I'm about to do a mammoth blog catch up and yours was first on my list!

    I love your Victorian blouse! Very special. Is it really from Victorian times or is that the name of the style?

    And I agree with you, I have little time/patience for uncomfortable shoes. X

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    1. Jess, thank you so much! I hope you had fun catching up. :)

      Thank you - no, it's just Victoria style (a real one would close to 100 years old, and would be VERY delicate).

      Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes!

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  2. This is a beautiful outfit Sheila. I love the Victorian neckline blouse, the sequined skirt, the vintage blazer and those gorgeous shoes. A blouse like that always comes in handy. The reverse sequins are always so fun to play with. I laughed at your happy and sad face. It is raining here as well and I don't mind it. I'm actually enjoying it because it means I can wear autumn clothes. I reckon it will be a month or two before it gets colder here on the island so a bit of rain is a nice change from the constant sunshine. Hard to believe but one can get tired of perfect weather ha ha. Anyhow, besides the cool reverse sequins that skirt also has a great cut and it suits you perfectly. I do love pencil skirts. That blazer is so pretty. Such a great find, so great you got it under 10 dollars. Vintage blazers are the best. I think most of mine (expect the one I had made by measure) are vintage.

    Great to see your flashbacks. You are always a fabulous source of fashion inspiration. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Ivana! I love the blouse for this reason - it goes with tons of things. I had fun with the skirt - clothing that's fun to wear is always a bonus.

      I like the rain, but it can hold off for a few more weeks - we usually have good sunshine and warm days well into October. We almost never get snow, just rain and cold all winter.

      I love pencil skirts too, and the blazer is lovely. Vintage doesn't even compare to the crappy things you see now. Thanks, glad you are enjoying the flashbacks!

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    2. That's interesting. I always assumed that in Canada it always snows in the winter, but I guess not in all parts of it. :)

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    3. I live in the warmest part of Canada, on the west coast. They get plenty of snow elsewhere - it's a huge country!

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  3. It's a shame you are saying goodbye to the shoes but I agree so much - comfort is more important! :) I really need to bite the bullet and get myself a less ugly pair of running shoes that I can wear on my walks - maybe if things continue to improve here - as the shopping centre I'd have to go to has had 2 coronavirus positive people visit it so I'm in no rush haha.

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    1. It is a bit sad, but I've been looking at that heel all season and not wanting to wear them (and now regretting it when I did!). I know you need to wear comfy and supportive shoes, but there are lots out there that are nicer than your tatty runners. :) However, stay safe - that takes priority!

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  4. I really liked the blue dress over the patterned shirt. I just need to play a bit more-one I have reason to play in my closet.

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    1. Thanks so much, SAM! I have always like layering blouses under dresses. Play with your clothes!

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  5. what a lovely shape - the blazer and pencil skirt is a look that really suits you. Now I spied some beautiful errings in the April 2016 picture. I love your jewellery collection. I am always amazed at how inventive you are with clothes. I'm afraid I have gone back to not playing for a minute as got too much on with elderly relative fracturing her ankle so I am just admiring your looks for now. Shazxx I did do a big closet reorg. just before though so everything is there for when I feel like itx

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    1. Thank you, Shaz! I like this look too (although I can get tired of it). Yes, I still have those earrings! I enjoy my accessories, making sure that I love everything in my jewelry collection too.

      Oh no, sorry to hear about your relative - I hope she is doing better and you can get back to playing in your closet. :) It can be soothing to play with outfits when everything else in one's life feels out of control. Hang in there, Shaz!

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  6. Yay, you've made it to Friday! And yes, I did guess the shoes. I've just retrieved some ankle boots from my shoe boxes, exchanging them for the sandals I probably won't wear again this year, and came across quite a few pairs of shoes which are just too high. I'm always dithering about them, but I swear that this time they'll be off to the charity shops as soon as they start accepting donations again. Anyway. I'm loving your outfit and just knew it couldn't be the orb jacket or that divine Victorian blouse which were leaving your closet. The etch-a-sketch skirt always puts a smile on my face, too, as those that fabulous green trench. At least you've given your shoes a good send-off by devoting a flashback to them! Wishing you a most fabulous weekend, Sheila! xxx

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    1. I did, Ann! :) I knew you'd guess them - I'm sure I'll be doing the same when I start digging into my fall/winter shoes too, sigh. Thank you so much - I considered the orb jacket (it's quite limited with what I can wear with it), but for now, it stays. I love the blouse (so useful) and the skirt is so fun.

      I hope you had a good weekend, I'll be over to visit soon!

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  7. Sorry I'm a bit late. What a fun skirt! Ja ha, I would draw things hole day on it. And what a pity of the shoes, they are so amazing.

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    1. No worries, Nancy (I do post a lot). I do draw on it all day. I know, I'm sad about the shoes, but they will go to a good home.

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  8. Love the outfit. And the trench-coat. And the fact that you have a large, enthusiastic crowd of admirers. Your readers cherish you as much as I do.

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    1. Isn't the trenchcoat cool? I love my colourful leather. Aw, that's so sweet, Ally, thank you.

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  9. So sorry to see those shoes go, they are a pair of my favorites. But I understand, comfortability is really important and you have proved that you can be comfortable and cute!

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    1. I love them too, Pam, but I can't handle that pain anymore. Comfort and cute DO co-exist!

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  10. What a shame about the shoes. They are too high up my instep and they resemble shoes I already have. Otherwise (if you had my size - 39) I would have paid good money for it.
    The jacket is awesome; I like it best closed, uncomfortable as it may be.
    Greetje

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    1. Oh, we are close in size, Greetje! I wear a 40. They'd cost a fortune to ship, though.

      Thank you - I do too, so I'm working on cutting back on my "food therapy" to make it fit!

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  11. Loving the orbs and sequins and thrilled to see the return of my favourite leather trench. Autumn has its pluses.
    Life is too short for uncomfy shoes. I hoofed a pair out this morning and feel very good about it.
    Vizzini looks magnificent, give him a cuddle from me. xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Vix! I love that leather trench, so I'm happy to have it back in regular rotation.

      I so agree - uncomfy shoes, begone!

      He is such a pretty boy. Cuddles have been given.

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  12. Sylvester loves being brushed, and I try to remember to do it often to cut down on the amount of cat hair that is floating around my apartment.

    The shoes are very pretty, and at least you wore them 15 times - I have a couple of pairs of expensive shoes that have barely been worn at all because they felt fine in the store but hurt my feet :(

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    1. Nice, it's good when they are used to it and actually enjoy it. It's taken me years to get Vizzini to that poing.

      I know, and it makes me sad that they are leaving, but I can't keep shoes that hurt my feet this much.

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  13. Fabulous outfit, love the classy but cool style you've created, so brilliant!
    The Orbs jacket is such a beautiful piece, the fabric is fab and the shape is amazing! and your sequined skirt rocks!! (and creates some great conversation openings!, lots of fun!)
    Sorry that you had to give up on wearing these shoes, but totally understand!. These are some fabulous shoes, love them with florals and all kind of classic outfits, so elegant!
    besos

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    1. Thank you! I love the jacket and one day I'll be able to wear it done up, ha ha! I love playing with the sequins on the skirt too.

      Eh, that's how it goes - my feet are getting old and don't want to deal with uncomfortable shoes. I know these will go to a good home.

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  14. Dazzlingly gorgeous sequins skirt. (You've got to love a garment that lets you directly express your emotions is both fun and appealing.)

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you so much, Autumn! Yes, that's the kind of detail that makes me fall in love!

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  15. I love your jacket and sequin skirt combo!! Also, I feel your pain with high heels - literally!! I have had to give away almost all of mine. I've kept a couple of pairs for the rare times when I don't have to walk!

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    1. Thank you so much, Fay! Oh heels, they've been the death of my feet. At least I have all the pictures! I have a few I'll never get rid of either!

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