Monday, January 25, 2021

Weekend Wrap-Up, Plus Monday Patterns and a Plaid Flashback

Hello, my friends! I took a day off from the computer on Sunday while we watched football playoffs, so today's post is both my single outfit of the weekend, plus my work outfit on Monday. 

On Saturday, L and I met up with Nick for brunch at Pluto's. Although we are still not permitted to have social gatherings, a single person (like Nick) is allowed to meet up with one other household. As Nick isn't seeing anyone right now, and we were his bubble for Christmas, we felt this was as safe as we could be. We wore our masks (except when eating), and it was so good to see each other in person, even if only for 45 minutes or so.


  • Vest - Phool, vintage 90s, consignment; purchased here for $65.00
  • Sweater - Karl Lagerfeld, consignment; last seen here in March 2020 with leopard
  • Skirt - Ann Taylor, thrifted; last worn here in December 2019 with a Pant-Man blouse
  • Boots - Baroque Velasquez, Fluevog; last seen here in November 2020 with pink and houndstooth

L and I had driven to Pluto's so that we could zip across town in Vlad to a framing place (we're finally getting this print famed), then on to a hardware store, a housewares store and an automotive store for some stuff. 
I took pleasure in swanning about the hardware store with this amazing quilted vest swooshing about cape-like. 

"Look out, Darth Sheila is coming," said L. 
We ended up buying an electric fireplace/TV stand to replace our old solid wood monstrosity. It arrives on Thursday and I'll be assembling it (I build all the furniture!). 

We also got new curtains for the living room/dining room, and I'll be putting those up tomorrow, probably. 
We're super excited about the fireplace, as our living room area is quite cold (I also bought some spray sealant for our deck to seal the windows). 

Without the vest. 
L showed me how to heat my seat in the car, and I was warm enough with the thick cozy vest to not require an additional coat. 
Pockets! This was such a pleasure to wear. 

Sorry, I missed taking a photo of the mask (I didn't see your responses until Monday), but I'll be doing photos of my outerwear stuff, including my masks, going forward. This mask is red/burgundy chrysanthemums with gold outlines.
Here, I'm wearing my long leather/cashmere gloves to keep my arms warm under the ruffled sleeves of the sweater. 


  • Gloves - Club Monaco, consignment
  • Purse - Roots, thrifted

The stuff: 
My lovely boots - they were comfy for walking across parking lots, and for strolling around inside the big box stores. 

Simple bling: 
I stuck with simple things - I wore this same outfit later that night for our Happy Hour Zoom call, only I switched out the necklace for a pair of big dangly earrings. 
 

  • Necklace - vintage, thrifted
  • Gold hoop earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
  • Silver/smoky topaz ring - Anneli Neuman, Sweden, vintage mall
  • Amber ring - c. 1996
 

For Monday's outfit, I was puttering around in my closet, looking for backwards hangers to tell me what I hadn't worn yet. This sweater isn't on a hanger (gads, I don't hang knitwear!), but it was at the bottom of its pile (the patterned sweater stack), so I knew it was due. 
Instead of finding something to match one of the colours in the sweater's pattern (black, cream, rust, teal), I recalled that I have these plaid trousers with black, tan and teal. Close enough! 


  • Sweater - Bernice Creations, vintage 70s, vintage fair; first worn here in March 2020 with cream and teal
  • Shirt - Yest; last seen here layered in a leopard suit for the dentist in December 2020
  • Trousers - Cartonnier, thrifted; last worn here in October 2020 with green and rust
  • Shoes - Hispanitas; last seen here in December 2020 in that same leopard outfit
  • Coat (below) - Mallia, consignment; last worn here a week ago


We'll be having a wee Flashback on these trousers in a bit. 
I remembered that this sweater is a to-the-waist style, and that the trousers have a low-ish waist - what to do with that "danger zone" exposed?
Easy! Add a white shirt! Boo-yah! It worked perfectly, although there is the requisite amount of tugging, adjusting, twisting and futzing to get the sweater on, and then to make it lay flat over the shirt, but once it was in place it stayed put. 
As a bonus, you can see the nice zigzag knit of the sweater with the white behind it. 

Masked up. 
Ready to face my mostly-empty office.

Outerwear - it's clear and cold out, and I keep hearing about snow on the way, but so far nothing. Being at sea level does have its advantages. 
My wonderful baby alpaca coat is a joy to wear. 

Outerwear stuff:
New feature! More stuff! 

  • Mask - Lazy Susan's
  • Fur scarf - Danier, thrifted
  • Wool/faux fur gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff: 
Comfy, easy shoes that are stylish? You had me at "comfy". 

Copper bling:
My copper collection started in 1985 when my grandmother gave me a Renoir earring/necklace/cuff set (not shown here). When I started going to vintage fairs about 10 years ago, I looked for more. Most of what I now have has been found in thrift stores or at the vintage fairs. I collect mostly the Renoir or Matisse lines (Matisse is a sub-collection of Renoir), and they are fairly scarce and I'm very picky.

  • Necklace/bracelets - Renoir, vintage 60s, various vintage/thrift stores
  • Copper/enamel cuff - Matisse by Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage expo
  • Copper/turquoise ring - c. 1960s, Grandma J's
  • Copper/enamel clip-on earrings: Matisse by Renoir, c. 1960s, Grandma J's

The exceptions in the above picture are the ring and earrings, both of which I got after my grandma died around 1995-6. I vividly remember her wearing the earrings through the 70s and 80s, and they have wear patterns on the back from her. I think she would love that I have been wearing them all this time. 



Flashback: Cartonnier Plaid Trousers

I haven't actually had these trousers for all that long, but nothing else in this outfit needs a Flashback right now. I picked these up in June 2018 (here) at the big WIN store downtown, on a wee shop after brunch, post-Ultimate Frisbee. 
The pattern caught my eye right away. From a distance it reads as navy blue/teal with gold. Also, note the side pockets, accessed by undoing the buttons on the hip. The hems are cuffed, and the style overall is loose and roomy, with single pleats on the front. 

But up close, it's black with teal green and tan. That's woven, not printed, fabric, and I'm very happy that the fabric has been lined up horizontally, with it angled on the waistband and pocket trim. Nice detail. 
Nice detailing on the back, and those are real back pockets, although I haven't unstitched them. I don't use bum pockets. 

They are by Cartonnier, which is an Anthropologie brand. You can see the nice teal piping, the hand-stitched edges and the lining (which is only to the bottom of the pockets.
I did not pay $29.95 - that butterfly punch means it was half price, so $15.00. 

I wore them right away with this funky printed top that has all the colours of the plaid in it. 
This was in June 2018. I really like the pattern mixing here.

I wore the trousers again in October 2018 with this long caramel cardigan and some cheap shoes that I no longer have. 
I gave up this teal t-shirt too, but as you may have surmised, I really like teal/turquoise tops. I haven't quite found the right one yet, though. 

After wearing the pants here in May 2019, I put the trousers in the giveaway pile - they went to Caro as I felt like I didn't have pieces that went with them. I also passed along this top (to Vero, I think).
Shoe Flashback here

Flash forward to February 2020...Caro had them in her giveaway pile when I was at her house that month, I saw them and took them back. 
I decided to work a little harder on making stuff in my wardrobe work with them, and although I like this sweater (it's vintage), I'm looking for an upgrade teal piece.

I do still tend to match at least one colour from the pattern on the trousers, as I did a couple of weeks later, still in February 2020. 
I love how that top goes with them, and how the tan strip looks both orangey and tan - that rust cardi changes colour in different lights (it's the same one as above). 

And here's the last time I wore them, again with that rust cardi, in October 2020. 
They work well for showing off my copper and turquoise jewelry too. 


Mathy stuff: I haven't really maximized their full potential at only 7 outfits so far, but at $2.14 per wear, I'm very happy. 


What would you wear with these trousers? Do you have plaid pants in your wardrobe? 

38 comments:

  1. Amazing vest! The plaid pant flashback really shows your flair for pattern mixing, Sheila. Inspiring as always :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Cynthia! Aw, I appreciate that kind comment!

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  2. I am so behind on my blog reading, Shiela, but am so glad to have caught up with your latest post. You look fantastic and I am in awe of your Fluevog boots. They remind me of a pair Vix wears.

    A fireplace sounds brilliant. Can't wait to see pics! X

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    1. It's okay, Jess - comment/visit when you can. Thanks so much! Yes, Vix often comments to that effect.

      I'm excited to show it!

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  3. I don't have any tartan pants in my wardrobe but I love those and I'm glad you got them back to add into your wardrobe! you wear them so well and I really like the knitted jumper with it! Nice print mix and great layering with the shirt too :)

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    1. I think they would be very useful for you, Mica - especially if they matched some of your wonderful bags. Thank you!

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  4. What fun seeing all the combinations with those slacks!👋

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  5. Love your copper collection.
    I am being drawn to lots of mixed metals now as I find it a way of mixing up all my jewellery.
    The zig zag sweater is so cute.
    We also live by the sea so get very little snow.
    The last big snowfall here was 2010. XX

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    1. Thank you, Jane - I have quite a bit more than that, too. I love copper, and it's never seemed to come back into vogue.

      We get one decent dump once a year, usually. I'm good with that!

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  6. Morning Sheil, you look fab as always your necklace somehow echoes the sleeve on yur sweater what a combo with those killer boots. I am in awe of your copper collection! thanks for doing the close up of the outerwear! I also like the nest outfit and I love those shoes are comfy and trendy at the same time. I love how the shirt looks layered under the jumper. Glad you got to see your friend and that you are getting some goodies for the house too. Stay warm and safe Shazxx

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    1. Hello, Shaz! Thank you! Yes, good eye - that's why I picked that necklace! Glad you enjoyed the outerwear stuff - who doesn't love comfy shoes?? Thanks, me too - Nick has been very lonely. I'm so excited to get our fireplace!

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  7. Replies
    1. No worries, Shaz. One of my best friends actually calls me "Sheil" or "Sheils".

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    2. Hi again, my mother -in- law is Sheila and her brother calls her Sheil of She sometimes I slip up and call her She which sounds a bit naughty coming from the daughter-in-law wink wink Shazx have a great day

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    3. Oh nice! She is what most of my close friends and family call me, Shaz - you can call me that if you like. :)

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  8. The color pairing of green and cranberry is one of my personal favorites--and what marvelous pieces those are, Darth Sheila!

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    1. I love it too - hooray for Darth Sheila. I wonder if that's why people steered clear of me...? Ha!

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  9. I was wearing plaid pants yesterday red with a green cardi but forgot to do photos!

    Love your plaid pants and I love how you gave them away and they returned to you! Wonderful copper jewellery; I find it's relatively hard to find in charity shops but I always keep my eyes open for some....

    Hoping you'll show us your new fireplace/tv stand and your new curtains.

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Great minds think alike, Vronni! Thank you - it's not the first time that's happened, but I'm glad I got them back. I love my copper - I'm always on the lookout.

      Oh, I will! I've been taking progress pictures.

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  10. Saturday's outfit is absolutely glorious, and I can imagine you two groovy people zipping across town in Vlad! A sight for sore eyes, I'm sure. That Phool vest is the stuff of dreams, as are those stunning boots!
    Can't wait until you show us your new fireplace/tv stand - a combination which intrigues me- and curtains!
    Love Monday's plaid/zig-zag combo, and your copper collection never ceased to amaze me. I'm sure your grandmother would be thrilled to bits that you are wearing her ring and earrings!
    from the close-up in your flashback, I can see that those plaid pants are amazing quality. I'm particularly loving your February 2020 outfit with orange and tan!
    I'd love to have plaid pants in my wardrobe, but I'm still working on it. They're not exactly plentiful in the charity shops! xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I'm sure we got many a side-eye as we zoomed around. I loved wearing the vest - it was so snuggly.

      I'm so stoked about the new stand/fireplace. Vizzini is going to love the heat. I've been taking pictures of things in progress.

      Thank you! I know Grandma would love that I treasure them and wear them.

      Yes, the trousers are lovely. I'm so glad I got them back. I don't see too many pairs of plaid pants!

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  11. Yes I do, but they are lightgrey with pink. Summer trousers. But i love your trousers, that is real tartean for me, just like the red ones. That was a quick brunch, 45 minutes? Wow. But I love that you do that every week. I can't even remember how going out for dinner or brunch feels like, lol. Well it's not to laugh about of course.

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    1. Cool, that sounds like a fun plaid. I have light grey/white ones.

      Yup, there are hardly any people out, so the service is really fast, and we don't linger. I am so glad that we are still allowed to eat out.

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  12. Hoorah for the fabulous Phool waistcoat! Some useless information for you, "phool" is Hindi for flower, bet that'll impress your colleagues when you see people again!
    The boots and sleeves are fantastic and the tartan trousers look fab. I keep nagging Jon to wear his, I've forgotten what he looks like dressed up! xxx

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    1. Ooh, I love that, thank you, Vix! My coworkers will LOVE it when they finally see it, I'm sure.

      Thank you! I love tartan trousers on men too!

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  13. OMG that vest!! I absolutely love it, it looks both amazingly comfortable and glamorous, a great combination. I'm also a fan of the plaid pants. I like how they lend a little menswearish twist on your outfits- I think the one with the rust cardigan in February 2020 is my favorite.

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    1. It is all those things, Ashley, and it's also warm. Yes, that's a good outfit - I like it too.

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  14. My word, do I adore the colour palette of your first ensemble. Those are all hues that I live in myself (and try to inject plenty of into our decor - though as Tony and I differ wildly, for the most part, in terms of our decor tastes, our house isn't quite as vampy/goth looking as I'd personally prefer, lol!).

    I don't presently own any plaid or tartan print pants, but have occasionally over the years. I tend to enjoy pairing them with crisp, often highly feminine blouses (pussy bows, ruffles, Victorian inspired styles, etc) in solid colours. A great cozy thin knit sweater/top in an extra soft fabric is a splendid match as well.

    Many hugs & wishes for a relaxing, safe, wonderful last week of January,
    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thanks so much, Autumn! I love rich colours and once I connected the vest with the enormous sleeves, the outfit was a gimme. I have this burgundy in my home, but not the green, although...it would look good too!

      I love the dichotomy of masculine/feminine in outfits I'm with you on that.

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  15. How nice that you got to visit your friend Nick!

    I had to laugh at you swanning around the hardware store. Swanning was something my mother used to accuse me of when I was a teenager, lol.

    I do have plaid pants, but as I'm a pattern chicken I usually wear them with a solid colour top.

    I think your grandma would be thrilled to know you are still wearing and loving her copper jewellery.

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    1. He was really happy to see us, and it was so good to see him again.

      Oh, I'm a champion swanner, going back to my teen years too!

      Solids are good too, Nana! You do you.

      I know she would be tickled that I'm still wearing them after all these years. :)

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  16. I had a pair of red/black/grey plaid pants in my wardrobe but they were from Le Chateau and the fabric was cheap, so they didn't last long. I would love to find another nicer quality plaid pair.

    It's nice that Nick can "bubble" with you and L. We are still in a state of emergency lockdown here until mid-February (it started December 26th). I have only left the house to go get groceries. I'm so envious you are able to go out and eat at a restaurant.

    That vest looks so luxe! Definitely a piece to swan around in.

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    1. Aw, shoot, that's too bad. I adore plaid pants, and I'm always on the lookout for them. I want a red pair!

      It is - he's so alone otherwise. I have a friend in Hamilton and she is stuck inside too. Eating out is something I treasure!

      Thank you! It's very lush and lovely to wear.

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  17. Lovely to see Darth Sheila again!, love this swooshy vest, such an amazing piece, and love the way it looks with the magnificent sleeves of the sweater, the boots and the lace tights. Love these rich colours and textures.
    And also loving your plaid trousers, they're really fab and go so nicely with teal and with orange rusty colours. Lovely outfits!
    besos

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    1. She's never too far, Monica, ha ha! Thank you so much - it was wonderful to wear.

      Thanks! I'm rather fond of them.

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