Monday, October 19, 2020

New Blue, and Double Flashback: Saint Laurent Velvet and Cobalt Cardi

That weekend went far too fast! Another week, here we go.
Wearing a bunch of new-to-me stuff, and a few older things.

  • Wool cardigan (below) - Ports, vintage 80s, consignment; last worn here in September for brunch with Mom
  • Blouse - Fei, consignment; purchased here for $24.99
  • Skirt - Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here for my birthday in October 2019
  • Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; purchased here for $157.59
  • Cape (below) - Coracle Clothes, vintage 60s, pass-along from Sheila A; last worn here (3rd outfit) to the Victoria Film Festival Gala in February

I built this outfit around the blouse, because it's one of those ones that is best worn in spring/summer, but I wanted to get a wearing in before I packed it away.
Tops like this are "stand-alone" as they don't really work under jackets or cardigans, and it's too cold this time of year to wear them without something warmer. 
I do have a purple cami underneath, but my arms were cold after about half an hour in the office. 

Good thing I prepared and planned for this cardigan! I'd already intended on wearing my new blue shoes because they matched the blouse so well. See that nice blue on the back of the blouse in the above picture? It has lots of blue in it, but it's harder to see on the front.
Cobalt shoes, cobalt cardigan...it's a natural combo. 

We'll be having a Flashback on the cardigan shortly. 
I was so glad I brought this with me to work! I was snuggly warm all day. 

Masked up - one of the ones Cat made from L's old shirts. The muted purples worked well with the top. 
The skirt is one of those pieces that isn't very exciting in pictures, but it's pretty special (as you may have guessed from the post title), so we'll be having a Flashback on that too. 

My outerwear is so fun. I carried my cardigan to work in my shoe bag, as I didn't want it to adhere to either the cape or my velvet skirt and cause any Velvet Rage.
I love this vintage 1960s cape. It goes perfectly with the shoes! 

Avec beret! 
My hands are tucked into the pockets in front. 

  • Beret - consignment
  • Leather gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff: 
As expected, these shoes were lovely all day, although it was a really dead day in the office. 

Gold bling: 
Do you remember back in the 80s when you could buy gold chains by the inch? That necklace is one of those - it's done up with a jump ring. I've tied a knot in it for today's look. 

  • Necklace - vintage, Grandma J
  • Bracelet - thrifted; purchased in Sidney on the weekend for $15.00
  • Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Cuff - vintage 80s, mine, refound/thrifted


Flashback #1: Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Velvet Skirt 


Every so often when I'm browsing through a second-hand shop, I find something that makes me catch my breath - on my shop at the Patch here in February 2017, I hit the jackpot with this deep purple velvet pencil skirt. 
It has generous pockets and the velvet is incredibly soft and plush, but that's not why it was special. 

It's Yves Saint Laurent, baby! From the Rive Gauche collection (his ready-to-wear line, launched in 1966 (link here 'cause I love). 
I have dated it as 80s, based on the label (resource here, noting the font, the pink/red squares) and the style (high waist, rounded hips). I paid $34.95 for it, which is an absolute steal; I see pencil skirts very similar to this on 1stDibs (luxury second-hand site) ranging from $166 to over $1,000 - as mine is this amazing velvet, I'm sure it would be somewhere in the low middle of that range ($400ish). Not that I would sell it! 

Of course, I wore the skirt to work right away, in February 2017.
The blouse was a momentary frivolity, but I had those shoes for a long time - they are in the giveaway pile, as they are quite worn out. 

I'm surprised that I didn't wear the skirt again for nearly a year, until January 2018, with another floral blouse. I do pack it away for spring/summer, but that's no excuse. Great pieces must be worn!
The darned skirt photographs almost black - it's impossible to get the colour right. 

This March 2018 outfit is a major flashback to the sorts of outfits I wore when I started blogging in 2008. 
Remember when we all wore vests? You can see the rich colour of the skirt better here.

This is a double velvet outfit (the jacket was velour, strictly speaking) from January 2019.
Hands deep in pockets (they are huge pockets). I still have that Victorian-style blouse and we'll see those shoes this season too. 

And here's the last time I wore this skirt, with a "confetti" sweater for my birthday in October 2019.
That sweater photographed so poorly, I chucked it to the giveaway immediately. 


Mathy stuff: I honestly thought I'd worn this skirt much more than I have! I'm only on the 6th wear, including today's outfit, which is $5.83 per wear, but I can do better than that! 


Flashback #2: Ports Long Wool Cardigan/Dress

I found this long 100% wool cardigan here in April 2018, at Duchess & Duke consignment, a store I don't visit that often (small, crammed racks). 
The shopping gods smiled on me that day, as I found this amazing long cardigan/dress. It's by Ports International, and this is likely from the 80s. 
I think $28.00 is a great price! I checked it very carefully - no moth holes.

I first wore it in May 2018 and right from the start, I've matched all kinds of blues and purples with it. 
That's a good shot of my blue velvet boots, which I shall have to wear soon. Yvonne has that skirt. 

With a plain ol' white shirt in August 2018. 
I didn't keep those shoes, but I did have that Nygard skirt for close to 10 years before I finally passed it along. 

I wore it layered over my Etro dress for a Winesday in September 2018.
Same velvet boots. 

Layered up for Christmas in December 2018.
We just saw this outfit in the Flashback for those shoes. 

I wore it two different ways in one day, in January 2019. 
The one and only time I've worn it as a dress - I quite like this look. I should wear it as a dress again! 

We went to a Mother Mother concert that night, so I quickly put on a pair of jeans, and unbuttoned the sweater.
Vizzini was not enthusiastic about us going out. 

I tend to add the cardigan to an outfit when I need a blanket-like garment for warmth or "armour". 
Here, it was worn for Book Club in March 2019.

And here for a day of shopping in May 2019. 
That's a different velvet skirt, my Sonia Rykiel one. 

I deployed the swooshiness of all that fabric when I wore it for the June 2019 Day of Indolence. 
What a fun day that was...sigh. 

A bright work outfit here in September 2019. 
Here comes the 80s! I love the bright yellow with this. Coincidentally, I bought that yellow cashmere sweater at Duchess & Duke too. Hmmm, maybe I should go check them out again! 

I wore this for a dinner date at Mac & Petra's in October 2019. Mac's mom Sheila is the former owner of my Welsh cape! 
I adore this dress - I want to wear it again soon. 

And 2020 rolls around - all the primary colours (plus green) in April.
I am comforted by the enveloping properties of this cardigan. It's like wearing a hug. 

Layered over my Etro dress again for a shopping expedition in June 2020.
The cardigan is such a lovely rich cobalt blue. 

And here's the last time I wore it, for my brunch date with Mom in September. 
I like all the shades of blue here. 


Mathy stuff: With today's outfit, this marks the 15th wearing of my vintage cardigan, for a whopping $1.87 per wear. Awesome! 

Did you have any favourites in these two Flashbacks?

31 comments:

  1. The YSL skirt is lovely and I really like the blouse you paired it with. Favourites? Oh yes! I love the blue velvet boots and I agree the blue cardigan should venture out as a dress more often. I think the bright work outfit was great - I like bright!

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    1. Thank you, Nana! I love the boots too, and I will definitely be wearing the cardi as a dress again this season. I like bright too!

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  2. You look fabulous! Perfect colour combo! The vintage cardi is pretty amazing!

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  3. you look so stunning! the colour cobalt blue looks very nice on you

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting, stylefrontier! Thanks!

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  4. So I just may have found my favourite pieces in your closet. That skirt is beautiful and the long cardigan you have styled so well in all the flashbacks! Love that you wear your grandmothers jewellery I have a ring of my grandmothers that I awlays wear even when I shouldn't lol I love todays outfit Sheila! Shazxx

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    1. Oh, Shaz, I'm just getting started! You haven't even seen the bulk of my fall/winter clothes yet! I wear tons of my grandmother's and mom's jewelry. It reminds me of them, as I'm sure your ring reminds you of your grandmother (and you should wear it as often as you please!. Thank you, my dear!

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  5. I love the Ports cardi and it's utterly fabulous with your birthday shoes. I always love to see you in your Welsh Wool cape, I haven't worn mine in ages, I must give it an outing soon!
    I love the cardi with those yellow trousers, what a killer combo! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix! I love that cape - get yours out! Blue and bright yellow are awesome together, I agree!

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  6. Cute and colorful shoes and boots ar emy one area I really get behind in my little fashion journey. I also am in love with the super long blue sweater. since now I will be working form home at least to Jue, I will likely buy little to nothing for clothing, but wil shop my wardrobe.

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    1. I love colourful shoes, SAM - I'm with you there, for sure. Thank you! It's so cozy, and would definitely be useful for so many folks. I'll be mostly shopping my wardrobe too!

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  7. Wow, that Fei blouse is even more fabulous on! It looks fantastic with the YSL skirt and cobalt blue long-line cardigan. I'm glad you got to wear it before putting it away for the warmer season. I'm sure you'll be delighted to make its acquaintance again next Spring! It's always a pleasure to see that divine cape, even if it makes me green with envy each and every time :-) The beret suits this look so very well. I've just sorted my berets, but the weather forecast is for up to 20°C for the next days ... And now one but two flashbacks! You are spoiling us! xxx

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    1. Yeah, it didn't look like much on the hanger, did it? Thank you, Ann! I enjoy the rediscovery of these clothes that I tuck away.

      The cape is incredible - I don't see much like it in the stores, ever. I only have a couple of berets, but I love them for keeping my hair in place. Ooh, nice weather - we're about to hit a cold snap. Ha, but I don't do a Flashback every post, so now you'll have to wait for the next one. :)

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  8. That skirt sounds like an absolute DREAM! I'm a sucker for velvet and that is clearly top notch velvet.
    Great color on the cardigan, cobalt blue is surprisingly versatile I find, aside from just being a lovely color. I also love how long cardigans like that add both drama and coziness. I especially like it with your yellow/houndstooth and primary colors outfit. Such fun color combos!

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    1. It is the most lush velvet I've ever felt, Ashley! You can tell it is designer. I adore cobalt blue - it goes with everything. I've had a thing for long cardis for a few years now - they just add a nice bit of loucheness to an outfit. Thank you!

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  9. What a very chique outfit! Loooooove that cape! Yesterday I saw one on line, new, and was thinking of that would be something for me. But this one is so much more exciting! And that blouse is so beautiful. And the shoes!!! And your hair! Can you tell I'm excited about this look, lol!

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    1. Thanks so much, Nancy! The cape is truly magnificent. Ha ha, yes, I can tell!

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  10. As soon as I saw YSL I held my breath too. Fantastic! In French sizes I would need a 44. What a steal, what a treasure.
    I love the main outfit, the blouse, the skirt, the shoes (of course) and the cardigan. To me the cardigan works best with this outfit and with the June 2019 Day of Indolence outfit.
    Then I saw the blue 1960 cape: LOVE. And you wore it with a beret! You were sooo French. A stunning picture of elegance. And I am not flattering you or exaggerating.
    Greetje
    PS you might ‘need’ long gloves for the cape? For warmth? Although I am pretty sure you already possess them.

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    1. Thank you, Greetje! If I ever spot one in a 44, I'll pick it up for you (if it's the same price, ha ha). It's amazing. Thanks - I like both outfits. I adore the cape, and of course I wore it with a beret! I know, I do need long gloves, but I only have them in brown leather. Very hard to find long leather gloves at all, really. Maybe I can find some arm-warmers, or make some from an old sweater!

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    2. Long leather gloves are indeed very hard to find. I needed a pair two years ago when I bought a grey kimono wool jacket with wide 3/4 sleeves. Very chic (and cold). I browsed on the internet and found some but they were pretty expensive. I finally bought a pair with golden zig zag stripes in Paris when I was temporarily insane. I blame it on Susan of Une femme d’un certain age who was with me as I have no free will of my own 😇😎. The gloves cost me €300 believe it or not. OK they will last me the rest of my life. As I said, insane.

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  11. This vintage velvet skirt is such an special piece, I love some quality velvet and love purple velvet even more if possible!.
    And you look so gorgeous in your cape and beret (and matchy shoes), so cute!. Great idea to carry your cardigan to work, so you can wear it and swoosh around looking fab (and cosy!). Love your cardi and love that your shoes match it!. And also love the flashback on this fab piece!
    besos

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    1. It really is, Monica - it's amazing quality. Thank you - I love any excuse to wear my cape. I ended up wearing the cardi under the cape on the way home, as I was too cold otherwise, but I will be doing that with other garments that don't work under coats. Glad you enjoyed the Flashbacks!

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  12. I love the cobalt with purple - I really need to wear more of the purple I have in my wardrobe, it goes so well with blue! I really liked the flashback with the cobalt cardigan - my navy cardigan is nice but I think I need to look for a brighter one like this next autumn! Hopefully it will be a different world then and I'll actually get to go out and enjoy wearing my winter knits instead of being in Iso like we were for this autumn haha!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! Yes, get out your purples! They go wonderful with blue. I hope you are right - I've really missed getting out and seeing people, and showing off my outfits!

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  13. That cobalt blue pair of heels is fabulous. The cobalt blue long cardi is equally amazing. I loved seeing flashback with that blue cardi, they are all fab looks.

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    1. Thank you! Isn't it a great colour? I love the blue cardi - it's an amazing piece, such good quality.

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  14. I have a long blue cardigan similar to that in my closet but mine gets worn less than yours. That 60's cape is a gorgeous piece - I love the idea of capes and have owned a few vintage ones in my lifetime but because I carry a knapsack most of the time, they are not practical for me. Sigh.

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    1. I really don't wear it that often - maybe every couple of months? I adore the cape, but again, it requires really specific weather! Oh yes, I'm familiar with the pain that bags and purses are with a cape. Arg.

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  15. That 60s cape is fab, and goes so well with your shoes. I love it!

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