Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Spooky Spiders, Snakes and Gaultier Sweater Flashback

I'm doing seasonal outfits for the rest of the week - all two days of it, for me. 
Of course, I had to wear my "ribcage" sweater - as a bonus, it's Designer (klassy).

  • Vest - True Religion, consignment; last seen here in September over my lark dress
  • Sweater - Jean Paul Gaultier, vintage 90s, consignment; last worn here in October 2019 with leather pants
  • Leather skirt - H&M, consignment; last seen here in February with owls
  • Boots - Clarks; last worn here (4th outfit) in February under my black floral jammy dress
  • Leather trenchcoat - vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here on Monday

As I tend to wear it very much the same way (as you will see in the Flashback below), I tried to do different things this time. 
My rock and roll vest, for instance. 
The skirt is leather and yes, it's actually H&M! Shocking. 

Here's the outfit without the vest, even though I didn't take it off all day. 
Masked up.
The mask is one of Mom's - it's sort of a bark/cork pattern. 

Dreaming of my day off tomorrow. 
Looking forward to my Mental Health Walk - the weather's been very chilly lately.

Outerwear - I was ready for cold, wet weather. 
It was not cold, nor was it wet. 
I was sweaty! I divested myself of all the accoutrements quickly. 

  • Fur toque/scarf/leather gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff: 
We'll do a Flashback on these boots eventually. 

Spooky bling: 
I now have fangs to add to my spiders and snakes! First wearing of this new-to-me Alexis Bittar bangle. 

  • Bangle - Alexis Bittar, consignment; purchased here for $68.00
  • Cuff - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, gift from L, vintage mall
  • Snake pin - c. 1985, gift from Mom and Dad
  • Snake ring - BC Museum Gift Shop, c. 1985
  • Spider ring - gift from Mom and Dad, c. 1986
  • Spider earrings - don't remember



Flashback: Jean-Paul Gaultier Ribcage Sweater

I bought this sweater here in July 2017 off the clearance rack at House of Savoy for $38.00. What a bargain! The print is a ribcage, a woman's face, a spider and a moth. I think there is a bird in there too. 

Despite searching online extensively, I've never been able to find sweaters the same as this, but plenty of his late 90s mesh printed tops (I have one of those too, and a cardigan) on designer resale sites, which are in the $450-850 range. Like I said, this was a bargain at $38.00!

The fabric is 100% merino wool, and it's quite a fine knit, almost like a ribbed tee. It's made in Italy. 
Due to the "spooky" subject matter, I tend to wear it around Hallowe'en, but I've also worn it in other months. Shall we take a look? 

I first wore it in October 2017, with my previous version of a tulle skirt. 
I like this outfit, although those boots were too high, I got rid of the velvet vest (it looks very fine on Yvonne), and the skirt is long-gone (I hated that the lining was so visible). I guess I really only loved the sweater? Ha! 

I nearly always wear this sweater with leather, as I did here in November 2017. I'm working on getting back into these leather pants! 
I wore this outfit to a party at friends Greg/Rosanna's - although I adored Monster Vest, it proved too hot for my hot flashes, and I ended up giving it to my tween niece. 

In my down-filled skirt, with Monster Vest again in December 2017. I've worn it a lot with vests, it seems!
Same boots as today! 

I wore this for a Winesday in March 2018 - Vizzini looks unhappy that we are going out. 
That's a full-length black leather skirt - I nearly wore it today. 

Of course, I had to wear this sweater for Ally's visit to Victoria in April 2018. 
I wore my leather trenchcoat, and we did loads of walking (at least 10 miles, right, Ally?). I still have that leather vest (yet another vest!) and the jeans even though I rarely wear them, and of course, those are one of my fave pairs of boots. 

I like to get dressed up for brunch, like here in September 2018. 
That leather jacket is amazing (it's Burberry), and the skirt is a Kenzo piece. Both are Flashback-worthy!

I really haven't been all that creative in what I've worn with this sweater, it appears. This was in March 2019.
Same leather jeans, and we know that cardi. 

And this is the last time I wore this sweater, in October 2019. Same formula!
My other leather pants. I'm closer to fitting in these than the cognac ones, so I'll be steering clear of Hallowe'en candy this weekend. #clothesgoals!


Mathy stuff: I've now worn the sweater 9 times, so that works out to...*fingers flying over calculator buttons*...$4.22 per wear. That's excellent for a piece of real Jean Paul Gaultier! 

28 comments:

  1. I admire how you're always out there at the edge of fashion, where the timid fear to go. Magic happens out there!

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    1. I'm only there because I keep trying, experimenting and learning. If you don't try, you don't grow!

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    1. It's really beautiful - so well-made and the print is awesome. Thanks, Nana!

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  3. Very cool sweater. I actually like it without a vest even more. I think your outfits are perfect, as the sweater is such a statement in itself that it goes really well with a leather skirt or pants or jeans as a cool 'prop it up' (if you get what I mean). Lise

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    1. I do too, Lise, but I needed the warmth, and I'm still feeling a bit self-conscious about my weight right now. Aw, you are so sweet!

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  4. Thank you for cheering me up. Its wet and rainy here today and those lovely outfits brought a bit of colour. As I am dressed in black today, it's made me up my game. After Ive exercised I will be more cheerful in my attire.

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    1. You are so welcome, Jane! We have yet to get The Rains this season, but they will come. I am trying to not fall into the black trap - more colour! Colour Therapy is real!

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  5. Another designer find Sheila! You look great again today and I love how you put as much thought into the outer layers if that makes sense.(note to self lol) I love todays boots and look forward to the flashback on those. Have a great day Shazxx

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    1. Pretty swanky, eh, Shaz? Thank you! I have my friend Yvonne to thank for my outerwear creativity - a few years ago, she asked why I don't post my outerwear pics. I'd been just wearing the same couple of coats over and over, and not really putting much thought into my coat wardrobe. Once I started focusing on them, my collection grew, and I liked ensuring that my outerwear complemented my outfit. A monster was unleashed!

      I love boots too - that will be another fun Flashback. Happy weekend, my friend!

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  6. What could be more perfect for Halloween than that amazing top? I love it with that leather skirt, the leather trousers and that fabulous quilted skirt. I'd like to steal your Danier trench and those boots, too! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix! It's one of my personal faves - it's just so badass.

      Oh, I wish that trench was Danier, but it's an older 1970s model. No tags or labels, but definitely old school.

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  7. How amazing is that ribcage sweater, and what could be more appropriate for these pre-Halloween days? I'm swooning over all the delicious, leathery browns - that skirt can't really be H&M, can it? - and your spooky bling! I loved scrolling through your flashback, but how unfortunate that Monster Vest didn't agree with you, as it's fabulous. Damn hot flashes! I hope you've been enjoying your day off and mental health walk. It has been chucking it down all afternoon here, so no walking for me! xxx

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    1. Isn't it fun, Ann? I always try to wear it around this time of year. Yes, that skirt is really H&M! It must be from the same year/collection as my leather peplum top, also by them.

      I know, I kind of miss Monster Vest - it was so fun. However, when I saw Sidney try it on and how much she loved it, I had to pass it over.

      Another solid MHW - great weather, fortunately. The Rains will come eventually, though.

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  8. Ah weekend for you! Enjoy it, I know you will. A H&M skirt? You? It is gorgeous! Such a gorgeous color. Like toffee!

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    1. Well, a mid-week weekend-ish? Ha ha! Yes, I know, but it really is H&M! And it's a gorgeous soft leather - I love the rich colour.

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  9. What I love about this top is, as well as the amazing bargain you got, you definitely get wear from it and know how to rock it outside of Halloween! It's so perfect for Halloween but you know how to wear it other times of year too, and you make it look so good! :)

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    1. Thanks, Mica! I know, I try to make sure I wear it outside of the spooky season, as well as during my annual Hallowe'en week of themed outfits. It seemed expensive at the time, but now I see what a great deal it was!

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  10. The Jean P. Gaultier top is one of the many items I lust after in your closet ;) I was amazed to find out that skirt is from H&M - it looks much more high end. Great outfit all around, especially with those fab boots.

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    1. It's a wonderful sweater, and definitely one of the treasures in my closet. I know! H&M! Who knew?? Thanks so much, Shelley!

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  11. Your vintage sweater by Jean Gaultier is such a statement piece. I loved seeing how you wore it. It looks great paired with a skirt and those fab boots.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! I love it, and really liked it with this skirt/boot combo.

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  12. Confession: I find the top a bit creepy but you rock it brilliantly and style it effortlessly! My winners in this post are the wonderful brown knee-high boots and the wonderful brown leather midi coat- ah, they are so, so chic and look so soft and comfortable!
    The Burberry jacket is a beauty!

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    1. That's cool - it IS a bit creepy! :) Thank you so much!

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  13. Love every outfit!, totally fabulous sweater and you've styled it so brilliantly!. And I'm admiring your leather skirts and trousers collection, and those boots!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, Monica! I love this piece, and happy to have another fan of it.

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