Monday, February 1, 2021

Pink Limbs and Winterized Vintage

Now that we are in February, my mind goes to pink and red. I don't buy into all the hoopla around Valentine's Day, but I do love a good theme - themes challenge your creativity! 
Today's outfit is showing off this new-to-me vintage dress that I picked up last month - it's going to be in my spring/summer wardrobe, but I wanted to sneak in a winterized outfit with it before I tuck it into the "rediscover it later" section of my closet. 
 

  • Dress - Mr. Edward, vintage 70s, thrifted; purchased here for $29.99 (mostly using a gift card for that)
  • Turtleneck - M&S Collections, thrifted; last seen here in October 2020 with my Geoffrey Beene suit
  • Shoes - Groovy Husymans, Fluevog; last worn here in November 2020 for brunch with Betty
  • Coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here in November 2020

Winterizing or fallifying a light dress is as easy as layering a turtleneck/rollneck under it. 
Why not keep this dress out? Well, for one: room - I have a LOT of dresses and not enough space to hav my entire wardrobe out all the time. Two: it's unlined and a thin poly/cotton blend - it'll be better with bare legs (it rode up with the tights today) and arms. Three: I have oodles of spring/summer shoes that will go with it. For winter, mostly black and red. 

The dress has a lot of pink and purple in it, but I see that in the pictures, it mostly reads as red/black/cream with spots of turquoise. Click here for a shot of the fabric - lots of pink!
Of course, if I'm going to have bright pink arms, I may as well have bright pink legs, right? All the limbs must be pink! 
I've had these tights for well over 10 years! I know I wore them here in December 2011 to my first company Christmas party, and they were not new then. They have one tiny hole in the toe - I'm amazed they've lasted this long, but I don't wear them all that much.

Masked up. 
I liked how stark the bits of black in the dress, plus the black mask and the black shoes looked with all this brightness. 

Outerwear - cold, grey, chance of rain. 
It didn't rain, but it was cold. Brrrr. 

Outerwear stuff: 
I love the shiny stars on my mask. 

  • Hat - Delux
  • Mask - by Mom
  • Gloves - Cejon, thrifted
  • Fur boa - thrifted

The stuff: 
Comfy boots - I love these! 

Gold bling: 
I did some serious digging on my new ring, which I'm now sure is brass, not bronze. It's very heavy, so I also did some research in case it was gold (probably not), but now I feel like I can differentiate all three of those when I'm shopping. For sure, it's from the 70s Brutalist period, and likely made in Canada. 

  • Necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
  • Cuff - thrifted, Sidney
  • Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment
  • Silver/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Brutalist ring - vintage fair; purchased here for $10.00

35 comments:

  1. I love the outfit. You are right about the colours, the ones with red in them, do not photograph as well and some of their brightness is lost. I imagine your outfit is even lovelier in person.
    Also, I'm impressed that you still have a pair of tights which are 10 years old, mine never seem to last for more than 2-3 years, the thick ones, of course.

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    1. Thanks, Anca! Yeah, it's a much better match in person - I had a feeling this would happen, but I loved it so much, I just rolled with it.

      The waistband is pretty loose, but they've held up! These are Hue, opaque but not thick.

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  2. You rock this outfit! The colors are fabulous for hedging against dreary grey and wonderful for lifting spirits - even if you have crisp, clear sunny skies! In other words, anytime is the perfect time. I especially like your winterizing a warmer weather dress. I’ve done that several times, especially with one of my favorite spring dresses that I wear year round. Yay for leggings, wool socks and boots for winter warmth coupled with long sleeved tops - that’s my solution.

    Somehow I missed your weekend wrap-up so will add my comment here. Flashbacks of life are so evocative, bringing memories to the forefront. Every few years I share flashback photos with my sons. I liked seeing you in the Christmas shop because, after enjoying all your holiday decoration posts, it felt like visiting you in your element. :) And you are/were a natural redhead, yay (I’m biased!)

    Feeling sentimental this morning so just saying I hope you and your Mom will be able to return to your theatre outings sometime this year. ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much, Laurie! We've pivoted to solid curtains of rain - it's pouring as I write this. We have to make our sunshine if it won't come, and celebrate with colour when it does. Winterizing light dresses is such a good way to extend your wardrobe's life. Good for you!

      Oh, no worries. I know, it's been such a walk down Memory Lane this year, as I've delved into my past, both from Karen and from my Christmas decorations/career. I love that you share flashbacks with your son regularly. My mom has started digging through her photos, and I love seeing what she's found. Yes, seeing me there - What can I help you find? Ha ha! I consider natural hair colour to be whatever you've had longest - which is indeed red hair for me! 18 years of brown, 25 of reds, 4 of purple, and now into the grey/white years.

      I like being sentimental - it's good to revisit the past once in a while. I hope so too - I miss seeing Mom and hanging with her so much. Thanks, Laurie! Big hugs to you, my dear.

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  3. Good afternoon She, I am feeling glum with the news of a variant strain in a town near us and also in dear Vix' town too. BUT let us talk about all the wonderful colours in this dress. Looked at the close up and I can't wait to see how you wear it in summer I spy blue in there? that vintage coat is just gorgeous the colour is wonderful. I like Laurie did not get to comment last time but I too enjoyed seeing you in the shop you worked in. Ahh your decoration posts were so cheerful and I still can't get over all the work you put into those posts. Stay safe hugs Shazxx

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    1. Shaz, darlin', I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling glum. These are glum times, and scary too. Let colour distract us! Yes, there's definitely turquoise in there, so my big turquoise Fluevogs will be worn with this for sure. I love the green trenchcoat - it's a great colour. Aw, thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed them. They were a labour of love for me, too. Hugs to you, my dear.

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  4. I am a big fan of pink and this looks fabulous on you.
    I bet your workmates are missing out on seeing your fabulous wardrobe.
    I hope you are well and managing to stay safe and of course stylish in those wonderful masks.
    XX

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    1. Thanks, Jane! I hated pink for so long, but now I've embraced it fully.

      Yes, every time I talk to one, they often mention that they miss seeing me and my outfits. I miss their comments!

      Yup, hanging in there. I have good days and bad days, but doing okay right now. Hugs!

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  5. By rights, that dress should be in my wardrobe :-) I absolutely love how you winterized it by adding bright pink limbs! Just looking at all that pinkness has certainly brightened my rain soaked day. I also love how the pink - including that fabulous boa - interacts with that lovely green leather trench. I forgot to comment on your new ring in your previous post, but I absolutely love 1970s Brutalism! Well done on all your digging. xxx

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    1. It's very much an "Ann" dress, isn't it? Ha ha! I loved the pink too - it's such a nice bright cheery shade. Pink, green and black is an awesome combo.

      I am really grooving on the Brutalist pieces, and am now starting a bit of a collection! Thanks, hon.

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  6. I love the pink limbs and that is a beautiful way to winterise this dress! I do try add a little bit more colour with my layers in winter but the long sleeved tops I use for layering like this, most of them are black or grey, I really need to try mix it up a little when winter rolls around! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! It was fun to wear, although I'm more looking forward to summer with this dress.

      I used to have a big collection of long-sleeved thin tops for layering early on in my blog. I've moved away from that look, but I still like how versatile a long-sleeved top can be.

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  7. Tights that Last for 10 years! I think thats pretty impressive. What a cheerful outfit, if that doesn't brighten your day!

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    1. I know, it's amazing! I have a few really old pairs, but I think these are the oldest. Thanks so much, Nancy!

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  8. I really like the pattern of that dress with the gentle pink flowers and all the red, gold and purple. I like how you styled it for the winter with the pink tights and top. Amazing how those pink tights lasted that long, even if you don't wear them often. I do have some tights that are old, but most of them don't last for long. I wish I knew the secret to long lasting tights, I've tried different brand and sometimes I think it's just a matter of luck. Have a nice day!

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    1. It's a really pretty pattern, isn't it, Ivana? I'm looking forward to wearing it in the summer. I know, I'm amazed they've lasted all this time, but I don't wear them that frequently. I do buy my tights and nylons one size up from the "recommended" size according to the size chart on the package, though. Maybe that helps?

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    2. I do the same thing, I always go a size up especially since I tend to tuck shirts and blouses in my tights when I wear them with skirts. I think that helps too. I think I read somewhere that washing in cold water helps too, but I'm a bit lazy to wash them separately- maybe I should try that too. This winter I've been layering my tights with fishnets leopards and I think haven't had a rip since. It won't work in the summer because it would be too hot but it is a good option for winter, plus I like how it looks.

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  9. I love the name of your shoes, Groovy Husymans. The child in me had to giggle.

    Loving the pink!

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    1. Isn't that fun? I love the names Fluevog comes up with - it makes them easy to find when I search on them.

      Thanks, Nana!

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  10. That dress looks fab with the pink limbs, of course you had to give an outing before packing it away for the Springtime, it's only fair!
    I meant to tell you how much I loved that brass ring in your last post. I'm still unsure as to whether its 1970s Brutalist or an Ashanti piece from Ghana, either way I love it! xxx

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    1. I try to wear most of my new purchases right away, Vix, then I can tell if it's going to work in my wardrobe or not.

      Oh, thank you! Ooh, thanks for the tip, Vix. I took a look at Ashanti rings, and I don't think it's from Ghana. It has a horizontal mould line, and those little nubby balls/stalks are very characteristic of the Brutalist style, vs. the more figural style of the Ashanti rings. The vintage mall I shop at has quite a bit by Canadian artists, so I think it is probably Canadian Brutalism. I love it, regardless!

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  11. I love a bout of red! I have a red turtleneck sweater that I will sport in February (And have been). I have a couple pairs of red shoes, but they will get saved for this year-no where to wear them. What I love about your wardrobe inspiration is you give me ideas that nothing , if of good quality, goes out of style It is a matter of how to wear them in new ways.

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    1. I love a bout of red too! I'll be wearing a lot of red and pink this month - it's also Anti-Bullying/Pink Shirt Day this month in Canada, and I always make a nod to that, Sam.

      That's right, good quality never goes out of fashion, Sam! The key is to keep experimenting, trying new things, and not getting stuck in a rut! I hope you'll wear at least one of your pairs of red shoes - at least for V-Day! ;-P

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  12. so fab dress and I love the way you styled it, enhancing the black details and the pink in the pattern!, love your pink legs!, and those boots are stunning!. And you picked this fab coat which looks perfect in this colour combo!. Gorgeous!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much, Monica! I really enjoyed wearing this outfit, especially my pink limbs!

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  13. I like your new vintage dress- it looks like it is strips of washi tape wrapped round you!
    The black strappy shoes make you look like you have stripy ankles! I like!
    YES to the starry mask and bakerboy hat!

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    1. Thanks, Kezzie! It does look like washi tape! Thank you!

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  14. The combination of those eye-catchingly awesome black multi-strapped heels and punchy pink tights is a winner not only for February, but the whole year round, if you ask me.

    And speaking of the need for legwear, I hope that the Island doesn't get hit with the extreme arctic cold front that is slated to tear through the North Okanagan in the coming week. I'd tentatively started to hope that we might escape such a front this winter, but evidently such is not to be. No worries though, we'll just cocoon inside all the more and think back to how much we absolutely melted in last summer's heat waves. 😄

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. I agree, Autumn, although I tend not to wear tights in hot weather.

      Looks like that is on its way - we had hail this morning, and all the forecasts are calling for temps in the negatives (-1 to -3) with snow flurries. It's generally a lot milder here - I hope it misses you in the Okanagan!

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  15. Wonderful dress, Sheila! I love it with your pink limbs and that green coat is fabulous! Pink and green is one of my favorite color combinations ever! And those shoes! Magnificent, my friend!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Pink and green is an awesome combination. Thanks so much, Shelbee!

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  16. Showing up late to the party to say that those boots always remind me so strongly of Olive Oyl!

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    1. Ha, love it! Fluevogs can definitely land on the cartoon-ish side of things, Julia!

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  17. That's such a cheery outfit.

    (We don't bother with Valentine's Day either. Far better to share the love every day!)

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