Monday, November 16, 2020

All the Greens, and a Minor Helmut Flashback

Hello, my friends! A reminder/notice for those of you who get my feeds/emails: I've had to change up how they send out, so you will need to click on the title of the post in order to visit my blog and read the whole thing and see the pictures. Not so terrible! I've always been ad-free! As always, I appreciate each and every one of you - thank you for visiting my little corner of the blogosphere.


Back to the office today, and I made short work of my 75 emails, sent a few, ranted with a coworker, and did what I needed to do. 

I think I saw 3 or 4 coworkers all day, and it was a gloomy rainy day, so I mostly just stayed at my desk. 


  • Blazer - Helmut Lang, vintage, thrifted; last seen here in October 2019 with a gold skirt
  • Blouse - Tatum & Olivia, consignment; last worn here with red and floral in October
  • Skirt - Banana Republic, thrifted; last seen here in February with a thousand-dollar sweater
  • Shoes - Cardinal Super Fine, Fluevog; last worn here in August with gold lions
  • Coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here in September

Although I still have a few new-to-me things that I've yet to wear, I ended up with an outfit just shopped from my closet. I had to poke around Ephemera and see if I'd worn this blazer-skirt combo before - it seemed too easy! But no, this is the first time.
I added a chain rope belt, with a heavy swingy end (that's the strange blurry thing on the front).

See the little gold tail on my shoulder?
 What is that? It's a tiger! 
I only buttoned up the jacket when I was away from my desk, so not much. 

Mask by Mom. I popped out briefly to pick up a book that L had ordered, and to grab all of the fleece-lined tights from Dots as Christmas presents for my nieces for Mom (they don't read my blog). I am keeping the extra pairs for myself! At $2.99 per pair, they are a bargain. 
I shared the elevator with a gentleman who noted how "put together" I was. And then I got soaked in the rain. I couldn't be bothered to put all my outerwear stuff on just to run a block or two. Eh, I'm not made of sugar (but I am sweet!). 

Outerwear - I ran some errands at the drug store after work and had a few stares from people. It's like they've never seen anyone in a hat before. 
I realized I should have worn my purple gloves, to pick up the colour in my vintage Lanvin scarf! Ah well. Next time. 

  • Hat - vintage, thrifted
  • Scarf - Lanvin Paris, vintage mall; purchased here for $25.00
  • Gloves - thrifted

The stuff: 
I've worn my olive green Fluevogs with this jacket twice already, so I wanted to change it up. Let's go all gold! 

Gold bling: 
There's the articulated tiger brooch. Isn't he cool? 

  • Belt - thrifted
  • Tiger brooch - consignment
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Bracelet - thrifted, Sidney


Flashback: Olive Helmut Lang Blazer


I used to have a few more pieces by designer Helmut Lang: this odd blouse here (it ripped on a door at work); this black cotton/leather jacket here (I got tired of it); and this dress, worn as a top here (it was very snug!). I've concluded that he's not really to my taste, although I like all the drapey/architectural business in his clothes. He no longer owns his label - it's been sold off and just runs as the name - but I'm proud to have pieces that he actually designed and made (all of my pieces were made in the US). About him here, link 'cause I love.
I found this at the WIN Boutique back here in February 2018, so it's been with me nearly 3 years. It is likely from the 1990s (shoulder pads, the cut, made in USA), and it's a fine cotton knit. It just oozes quality.
It was $69.95, which...felt like a lot at the time, but at least it went to charity. Basic blazers currently from this brand start at $775.00, and those are most definitely NOT made in the US. 

I haven't worn it a ton, so I'm hoping for some inspiration with our wee Flashback. 
This is my first outfit, in February 2018, and I like the long full skirt with it (copying that with today's look). We saw the shoes in Flashback here

Doing a boot-and-pants look in November 2018, with assistance from Vizzini. I like the skinny pants with it.
I gave away those boots - they were way too high - and the pants don't fit me (yet), but I like this look. 

I don't look all that thrilled here in February 2019, but then, it was a Snow Day. This is a pretty solid casual look.
I need to wear that blouse again, along with the yellow cords! We did a Flashback on the shoes here

I see I have mostly stuck with neutrals, as I did again here in October 2019. 
There are those shoes again. I still have the skirt, and I wear that blouse frequently. I like the shorter skirt's proportion with it.

Mathy stuff: I'm only at 5 wearings, which is rather pathetic but works out to $13.99. Not an awful number by any means.


I do have a lot of blazers and jackets, so it's often tricky to wear them all, much less wear them multiple times per season. How would you wear this blazer? What do you think should I put with it next time? 

42 comments:

  1. That's such a beautiful blazer! I love how you accessorized the look.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Colour! Put colour with that blazer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's a good idea. I love red and blue with olive green. Thanks!

      Delete
  3. I think it's a beautiful blazer so even though you've only worn it 5 times I know you will get a lot more wear from it! It looks good in every outfit and I really like it with the maxi skirt - that's not a combo I've tried myself before ever, a blazer and maxi skirt, I need to give it a try when it's a bit cooler here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thinking of your comment about not knowing how to wear your blazers, Mica! I hope this gives you some ideas! Thanks so much.

      Delete
  4. Hello Shiela! (Happy to be back to commenting after some needed down time, though I absolutely kept on reading :))
    I am not usually a fan of frilly blouses yet quite like your opening outfit. Something about the colors and proportions just click for me.

    As for how I might style the blazer, I love the look with your plaid trousers and I think straight leg trousers are classic, so my choice is seeing what other combos can be made with the various straight leg trousers in your closet. And, to second the comment above by Anonymous, a colorful top that pulls out a color from whatever pants you select.

    Here’s to mid-November and, here in NY, the final falling of leaves for crunching and scrunching on early morning walks!
    Cheers, Laurie PS Fred saw me typing and said “Say Hi to Shiela!” :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to see you, Laurie, and I'm happy to see you! Hi, Fred! (waves)

      I like the detail of ruffles - it just adds nicely to all this olive green. I don't have too many trousers, but yes, it does need some more colour.

      It's very blustery here - no ferries running and a lot of leaves gusting around.

      Delete
  5. I applaud (and follow) your decision to remain ad-free. I find commerce sticking its nose into our personal lives ruins things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I've seen what "monetize" can do to other blogs (I find them harder to read). I will not ever have ads.

      Delete
  6. Stellar job on plowing through 75 emails in one day. Having tackled hefty volumes in my time, too, I know all too well the time, energy, and wrist strength that can go into accomplishing such a productive task.

    I adore the tone of the grey blazer. It is no less versatile than black, IMO.

    Have a gorgeous week, my lovely friend!

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

    Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that's nothing for me, Autumn! If the office was full, I probably would have had close to 500 emails for 6 days off!

      It's olive green, not grey! Maybe adjust your monitor colour slightly?

      Thank you - you too!

      Delete
  7. I love how you are so pulled together you even thought about picking certain glove to pull a specific color forward. ?You have style lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, I pay attention to all the little details. I wish I'd worn the purple ones!

      Delete
  8. I'm pleased to hear it's all fixed. I hadn't looked at your latest email, though, since your posts are once again coming up in my side bar and reading list, which is what I'm using.
    I'm glad the transition to work went smoothly. I'm a little envious of you only having to deal with 75 emails after such a long time off. I usually have at least 200 to deal with on a Monday, which came in after I signed off on Wednesday night! So exhausting!
    I'm absolutely loving this outfit, Sheila. Your Helmut Lang jacket, skirt and frilly blouse are a match made in heaven. The chain rope belt and your other gold bling compliment your outfit perfectly, and your green leather trench, blue fedora and Lanvin scarf are the icing on the cake! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, it's working - I don't know about "fixed." :)

      Oh, in these days, there are so few people around, so I don't get anywhere near the number of emails I'd normally have (400+ in the same period). Frankly, I'd rather be working full-time again, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen now for another 6 months at least.

      Thanks, Ann! I liked how it all came together. So happy to be wearing my Lanvin scarf!

      Delete
  9. Hello Sheila, you look quite stunning, I have a very stylish sister also called Sheila. I adore your leopard brooch. I am in England and do not envy you your cold weather !!
    I really enjoy your blog, take care and enjoy the rest of the week, from Justine xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Justine! So nice to "meet" you. Isn't the brooch amazing? I love my tiger! Our weather is very similar to England's, actually.

      Thank you so much for leaving a comment - I so appreciate it.

      Delete
  10. Hi Sheila - I love, love this outfit and the first one with the polka dot skirt and I do like the blazer with the plaid pants too - the proportions are just right with those pants. I find olive green difficult to style so I tend to stick with whites, creams and black. Have you tried silver and/or light gray with it? I would love to see the polka dot skirt with a lighter top for more contrast and a hit of red somewhere in the outfit. Thinking martini! Silver for the glass, olive (no brainer), and red pimento. The polka dot skirt just reiterates the olive (shape) and silver (glass). I know - kind of out there......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Robyn! Thank you so much! I do regret that I got rid of the polka-doted skirt years ago, but it was from the 80s and was very thrashed and worn - so you won't be seeing it again, sadly. I don't typically mix grey and olive as it ends up looking very muddy in pictures, but I like the idea of putting red with the olive green, and the inspiration of a martini is wonderful! Thanks!

      Delete
  11. Oooh, the outfit is SOOOOOOO sumptuous!!! I love the ruffles and the softness off the skirt combined with the sheer brilliance of the golden shoes and all the gold bling! Very nice- it's the best out of all the outfits featuring the jacket! Helmut is SUCH a Germanic name! There was always a Helmut in our German Listening exams!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie! I liked all the gold bling with it too. Ha, I don't know anyone named Helmut at all.

      Delete
  12. Yeah, there is the tiger again! I just know that when I can visit the UK again, I will explore for such one in antique stores and I will find one!! This outfit is fantastic, I love the dramatic blouse and the blazer is gorgeous. I love how old designer names pop up on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There he is! I like wearing my lovely tiger. I am always on the lookout for articulated brooches like him, but they are very rare.

      Thanks - you know I like "old" designers!

      Delete
  13. That blazer looks wonderful with the maxi skirt, that ruffly blouse and those incredible shoes.That chap was quite right, you look very pulled together and smart!
    Wearing a hat is second nature to me but they do attract looks, don't they? xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Vix! I know, I wear a hat very regularly and you'd think I had a cake on my head or something??

      Delete
  14. very chic blazer!
    loved what helmut did for fashion during the early 90s..... but was never my own style too.......
    the outfit with the ruffled blouse and the maxi skirt is my favourite - cool outerwear too!
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I love Lang's deconstructed, simple looks, but they are hard to pull off. Thanks, Nancy!

      Delete
  15. It's a lovely blazer and looks great on you! My favourite look is styled with the long skirts!

    Take care
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the long skirts with it too, Vronni - they balance the big shoulders well. Thank you!

      Delete
  16. Wow - 75 emails that is impressive.
    You are definitely blazing a trail. It's fab.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not really - that's very low for me in "normal" times. I typically get about 200 per day, then. Thanks, Jane!

      Delete
  17. Love this outfit. But only with the jacket open.
    Soo good with all the gold bling. Well styled.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Greetje - interesting, as I like it both open and unbuttoned. Thank you!

      Delete
  18. Oh, I love the gold details in your outfit. That fabulous tiger, the amazing red heels, the beautiful chain belt and the chic bracelet. All fabulous gold accents and accessories. The grey blazer is very elegant, I enjoyed the flash back. It looks great paired with the outfit of the day. The white romantic blouse makes me think of pirates, so pretty and chic. The long olive green maxi skirt is a dream. I also love your coat and coat. Funny how some people stare, isn't it? As they say, give them something to stare at. I noticed people staring at me today as well but then I realized it is because I had an elaborate hairdo, they were probably wondering how it is done and what keeps it in place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can never resist going overboard on the bling, Ivana! Thank you so much. I'm not wearing any red heels in this outfit (or in the Flashback), and the blazer itself is olive green, not grey (you may want to check your colour settings on your monitor).

      Oh, yes, it's very much a pirate blouse! Ha! Yes, people stare. I'm pretty much used to it by now, though.

      Delete
    2. I did see that the heels were gold, I don't know why I wrote red, that must have been a typo (or I'm developing dysgraphia) but the blazer still looks grey to me. Maybe I should check the colour settings on my monitor.

      Delete
  19. I love the jacket with the narrow cut trouser! So long and lean. You always challenge me to step it up style-wise, Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - me too (must work on getting back into those!). Aw, that's so sweet, I appreciate that!

      Delete
  20. Lovely outfit, the textures, the golden details, the ruffles!, everything is so elegant and cool!, and I love your shoes and the tiger brooch!
    Love your leather coat, you look fab in your outerwear so no wonder that people look at you (I don't know why people don't wear hats more frequently!). You totally rock!
    And this is a really cool jacket, love its proportions!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Monica! The tiger brooch is so cool. I love the leather coat. People will look - I've mostly gotten used to it. Thanks again!

      Delete

Comments are so incredibly special, and I love them and hug them and treasure them forever. Please feel free to tell me what you think!

I'm not currently able to respond to comments, but I will make every effort to answer questions. I do read every single one, and appreciate your comments.

Please note that comments containing affiliate links spam-y sites, spam comments and anything I deem inappropriate will be deleted.

Cheers,
Sheila