Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Birthday Week Pre-Dentist Shop

Today kicked off my unofficial Birthday Week - I treated myself to a little shop down at Turnabout and House of Savoy...before I went for my dental check-up. 
I will probably keep this awesome silk dress out for fall/winter, due to its colours and the fact that it looks fabulous with a thin sweater and tights. 


  • Dress - Diane Von Furstenberg, consignment; first worn here in May with tall boots
  • Sweater - Sonia Rykiel, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) in June with a pink and black skirt
  • Shoes - Go Groovy Huysmans, Fluevog; last worn here in September for a brunch with L and Nick


It was a gorgeous sunny day - nothing but blue skies, and I wanted to get out and enjoy it, not just wait around all day for my dentist appointment.
My hygienist and my dentist both appreciated my colourful outfit - it's been over a year since I've been there. 
All is good - I take care of my teeth - but I might have to get an old filling redone. 

Can you tell how thrilled I am?
The ladies at Turnabout enjoyed my outfit. 

Masked up - a two-tone red that matches the reds in the dress. 
The fine black sweater is nearly sheer, but provided an excellent amount of overage, as the dress' neckline slides around a bunch. 

The stuff: 
Excellent walking shoes, and easy-zip for trying on shoes. 

Feathered bling: 
There aren't too many outfits that work with this enormous rattly necklace, so I was tickled to wear it today. 

  • Necklace - All Saints, gift from Dominique
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair


Shopping! 

I started at House of Savoy, where I spotted this coat on the rack right by the front door. I literally walked in and this was the first thing I saw.
It's very long, nearly to the ground, and it's the softest wool I've ever felt that isn't cashmere. 

It has a herringbone print in camel all over it. I've been looking for a new long black coat since I passed along my Vassali coat (this one (scroll down): coincidentally also found at House of Savoy years ago), which I last wore back in March. 
Look at that fabulous brown satin lining. 
The cut is very classic - a smooth blazer-like fit with a very slight flare towards the hem. It weighs a TON - it was heavy carrying it around for a few hours. 

The brand is Mallia, which is sold at Melanie Lyne, a former mall store aimed at an older clientele. I see from their site that they have a similar wool/cashmere coat for $599.00 on sale. Wow, my $78.00 feels much more like a bargain! The company Mallia has been around for over 40 years, so this coat is probably not a modern one - I actually feel like it's from the early 00s as I remember that I sold cheaper 100% wool coats in styles similar to this when I worked at Fairweather clothing back in 1999-2000.
Colombo is likely the name of the weavers, with their factory in Italy, as the label notes. 

I was surprised to see that it was a blend of baby alpaca and wool. You don't see baby alpaca wool very often. 
And it's made in Canada! 
You don't see that very much anymore. 

It has a high back slit for walking. This is going to be a wonderful winter coat! 
"What about meeeeeee?"


Vizzini, can I help you? Why are you biting my new coat?
"You have been out for hours and I need attention!"


He immediately started rolling around on the carpet. 
"Rub my tum, Woman!"


I knew I wouldn't have a minute's peace until I complied, but I'm always happy to give my lovey boy some cuddle time. 
"Oh yes, that's the spot..."


Having fulfilled my cat duties, we shall continue with my finds! 
A lovely velour (Klassy!) bomber jacket. 
It's by Zara and was made in Spain - it's from their Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. 
The ribbing on the cuffs/collar/hem is cotton, and the jacket has three pockets: two snap-closure ones on the front, and...

One zipper one on the sleeve! 
Um, sure, I guess I could put things there?

It has a nice shiny lining. 
It originally retailed for around $75.00, but was only $22.00. I'm excited to wear it. 

I've seen this skirt at House of Savoy for several months, starting when I was there in March and bought another piece of McQ (because yes, this is McQ by Alexander McQueen). At the time, this skirt was $250.00 which was too much for me. 
It's a veritable Rorschach print! I see a butterfly. No, camo! Or maybe a face...looking at me! 

No, those are just buttons on the deep front pockets. 
The fabric is cotton. 

The back - again, the fabric pattern has been lined up to mirror itself. We all know that's a mark of quality!
Definitely a butterfly or parts of one. This skirt is too tight on me, but I bought it anyway - I am motivated to get my pandemic weight off and want to get back into my slightly-too-tight clothes! This is a Goal Skirt, so you won't be seeing it right away. 

There's that label. It's made in Portugal. 
I found a Pin on Pinterest linking back to the Alexander McQueen site from 2013, so I'm guessing that's the date for this. 
Sarah Burton (McQueen's former assistant who took over McQueen after his death) was also the designer for McQ at this time. This likely would have been around $500-600 new, but was marked down all the way to $38.00! I couldn't say no, right? 

I also had a poke through the cute hair accessories at the counter, and ended up with two red wooly clips, and two slides with poufs of real fur. 
They were $4.00 each, so $16.00 for the lot of them. 

Flush with my purchases, I headed across the street to Turnabout, where I tried on about a dozen things. 
This top looked really good on me - I love the wide waistband at the bottom (there's a side zip) and it fits well in the chestal area. 

It's by Fei, which is an Anthropologie brand - this top retailed for $98.00 - it was $24.99 for me. 
I love the mix of colours: purple, blue, yellow and brown. It will go with a lot in my closet. 

This is another Goal Skirt, but it's closer to fitting than the McQ one - baby steps! I fell HARD for this massive stripe. 
It has an offset slit at the front for walking - all those stripes are woven, not printed. 

It's by Smythe, is from 2018 and originally retailed for $398.00.
It's cotton with silk, and was made in Canada. It was $129.99, so Happy Birthday to me!

From there, I walked to the dentist then walked home, enjoying the gloriously sunny day. 
"Finally, you're where you belong."

So true, Vizzini! And now I shall enjoy some time with my guys. 

34 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday week! Dress is lovely and I can definitely see it with tights and talk boots or a nice legging. Nice finds at the stores!

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    1. Thanks, Dar! I don't do leggings, but yes to tall boots and tights!

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  2. Love your stripey goal skirt! Happy Birthday Week! Lise

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  3. Birthday weeks are beautiful self-nourishing celebrations! Yeehah and happy early Birthday to you! Hugs and cheers!

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    1. Most definitely, Laurie! I need all the love! Hugs to you!

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  4. Hi Sheila, like you my birthday goes on for a week why not! Wow that is a "badass" necklace and it goes so well with todays outfit. Love those shoes. Not getting to comment as much as I should but you still are a colourful spot in my day. I loved yeserdays outfit too. Glad you found some goodies while shopping that coat is amazing! Enjoy your birthday week Shazxx

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    1. I so agree, Shaz, it's the one time of the year that really charges me up with love. The necklace reminds me of my awesome former coworker - it's a very bossy piece.

      It's okay not to comment - I understand that you have stuff going on, okay? Take care of yourself, honey.

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  5. You got so many great finds and I look forward to seeing how you wear that coat - what a stunning piece! :) A lovely way to start your birthday week!

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    1. Thanks, Mica - that coat is going to get worn a LOT. I hope to have it for years.

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  6. Happy birthday week to you. I really miss an old wool red coat I had in the 90s. Of course it wouldn't fit anymore but I got a good 12 years of wear before lining was shot, and with three kids worth of stains I couldn't afford the cleaning. I might be on the search.

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    1. Thanks, SAM! I had a beautiful red wool coat, but it wore out on me - this kind of coat is such a good investment. They are out there in second-hand stores, but it takes time to find the right one.

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  7. Happy Birthday Week!

    What great finds - especially that wonderful wool coat! You will be snuggly warm all winter :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Nana! I love the coat and am going to be so nice and warm!

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  8. Now that you've got that dentist check-up out of the way, your birthday week can take a start. And what a flying start it got with your "wee little shop" :-) What a marvellous outfit you built around that DVF dress. Very clever to layer it up with the Sonia Rykiel jumper. And oh my, that necklace really is something else, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. Your new long black herringbone print coat looks very warm and luxurious. I'm also loving the Zara bomber jacket, the Fei top and the striped Goal Skirt. I always want to rub Phoebe's belly, but I daren't risk it as I'll probably end up in A&E! Enjoy your birthday week, and your time with your guys, Sheila! Happy Birthday! xxx

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    1. Yes, it was what I was waiting for, Ann - now I can enjoy myself! Thank you - I liked the DVF dress so much more with the Rykiel sweater under it. The necklace is amazing, and I always love wearing it.

      The coat was the best thing I found, hands down, but I also really loved the other items. I'm being a bit more picky now that I'm shopping consignment more.

      Aw, I'll give Vizzini extra rubs from you. :) Thank you again, my dear!

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  9. That Alexander McQueen skirt looks like camouflage.... Sheila..... Lol

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    1. I know, but it doesn't fit (yet), Nancy, and I'm not going to share it just yet. :)

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  10. That's s stunning dress and I love the statement necklace you wore with it.
    Great haul as well.

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  11. What a delightful day. You did great with your purchases. The striped skirt of 129 was rather expensive for you. Usually you spend big bucks on shoes. But hey.. it is your birthday (or almost?) so indeed, go for it.
    You know I love the dress you are wearing in this post. The thin Sonia Rykiel (name dropping here 😘) jumper is perfect for the transition to cooler weather.
    Greetje

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    1. Yes, that's a little pricey for me, but I've learned when that gut feeling tells me to buy it. And it was a present to me from me!

      Thanks, Greetje (I do love to name-drop - most people don't catch it).

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  12. What a fabulous dress! and a fabulous outfit!, so lovely necklace (woww) and boots (love particularly those buckles and the cool heel!). Great idea to wear this dress over a lightweight sweater!.
    And always admiring your talent to find fab things!, both skirts are Amazing!, and the Coat is stunning!. I also have some 'goal clothes' as I have to get some weight off!, keeping myself motivated!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica! I had a fun shop and am really happy with my purchases. I am being kind to myself, but my clothes have always been my primary motivation to keep my weight off - it's a good incentive!

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  13. Hooray for getting the dental visit done and dusted so you can enjoy your special week.
    The colours of that DVF dress are gorgeous and the fit is sublime. It would have been an insult to the dress not to team it with a fabulous necklace. I want to steal the chunky boots you've teamed it with.
    What cracking scores on the shopping front, I love the colours of that McQueen skirt and the Anthropology blouse and I can almost feel the quality of that amazing baby alpaca coat.
    Vizzini is one lucky boy having you at home and (hopefully) lots of boxes and wrapping paper to play with. The lads send their love. xxx

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    1. It was a little of a pre-reward, ha ha, to go shopping, Vix! Thank you so much - I was really happy to get in a wearing of the necklace as it's so bold and tricky to style. The boots are amazing!

      I did good, didn't I? I'm pleased with them all.

      He loves having me home more, but he mostly ignores all the clothes unless it's near dinner time. Love back!

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  14. Vizzini captions! My favourite! He's such a babe!
    I love your new purchases and how great to own such quality! I LOVE the idea of a wool full length coat! I had a brown one as a teenager- I really liked it= sad I got rid of it!
    Alexander McQueen also! Wow! I had a teenage friend called Alex McQueen- it always makes me smile when I see his name mentioned!
    You have a wonderful selection of masks! How many do you have! It would be fun to see them all together!

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    1. He is a funny thing, isn't he, Kezzie?

      Thank you - I've been buying more quality lately, and I'm thrilled with the wool coat. Ha, that's got to be a curse, having the name of someone famous. I love finding a real designer piece for cheap, I admit!

      I took a picture of all my masks for you!

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  15. Awesomely joyful birthday week wishes, my gorgeous friend! I hope that your special day + whole week is a time of many smiles and positives, sweet treats of all kinds and some sublime fall weather to cap it all off.

    Thinking of you and sending giant birthday hugs your way!

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you so much, Autumn! The weather has certainly turned.

      Hugs back to you! And best wishes for the season.

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  16. Excellent skirt scores! I would have snatched them up too. I have put the weight I lost when I went gluten-free last December back on because of not going to the gym since March so I have a couple of skirts and pairs of pants that are too tight now. I like the idea of referring to them as "Goal" pieces.

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    1. I've paid just enough for both of them to really motivate me to get them fitting properly! I don't move around as much in my day-to-day work, and all the "comfort" food has only given me temporary solace. Sigh. Goals, indeed!

      Thanks, Shelley!

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