Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Double Flashback: Zoom Italian Dress and Purple Posers, Switched Shoes and Cat Pictures

I'm not quite on vacation yet - it starts on Thursday - but thank you all for the good wishes. I'm still on my on-off-on-off-on work schedule for the foreseeable future, and enjoyed a quiet day at home today. 

I started poking around in my closet this morning and checking what I haven't worn yet (loads of fun!), and before you know it, I was getting dressed. 
I had my Zoom call with Mom, so I thought I'd show off of my favourite dresses that hasn't been worn in two years! An egregious oversight, you will agree.


  • Dress - Corolla dress, Max and Co., Florence, Italy; last worn here in March 2019 as a purple fairy
  • Shoes - Poser Ioni, Fluevog; last seen here in December 2019 (2nd outfit) when I met John Fluevog the second time


I was feeling a little blah when I got up today, but getting dressed in something so shiny and happy made me feel better. 
I've had this dress for nearly seven years, and we'll be having a little Flashback on its progress so far. 
Isn't the solid purple back cool? 

It's a fun, girly shape. 
Easy to sit in while I chatted with Mom - I had Vizzini on my lap for much of our visit. 

The stuff: 
Getting a wearing in of these since also I haven't worn these shoes in over a year. We'll have a wee Flashback on them too - but these are leaving my closet. 

Matchy bling: 
I wore the brooch for Mom, as it used to be hers. It was a Christmas gift from her landlady Mrs. Schroyer, in 1964. Mom was 19 and a teacher, and I was 3 years in the future. 


  • Brooch - vintage 60s, Mom's
  • Belt - Karen Millen, thrifted
  • Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment
  • Brutalist brass ring - vintage 70s, vintage mall
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall

With the time change, we're seeing more afternoon light. We face east, so we get the sun as it sets - it's beautiful light. Last night, I discovered Vizzini checking out some sunny spots. 
"This spot has nap written all over it."

As I moved in closer, he came down to visit and ask for a rub. 
"Incoming! Prepare for tummy rubs, Woman!"


He's getting bushy - I have to start giving him lots of brushings as he begins shedding his winter fur. Good thing he enjoys being brushed! 


Flashback #1: Max and Co. "Corolla" Dress

L and I took our moms on vacation to Italy in October 2014 - it was a Big Trip, covering Venice (here), Florence (here), Cinque Terre (here) and Rome (here). I did most of my spending in Florence, which is where I bought this dress, at the Max and Co. store (they are a sister store to Max Mara). 
It's called the Corolla dress, and its fabric was made in Italy, as was the dress itself. They had them in multiple patterns. 
This one called to me. The other patterns were a bit more sedate, I recall. 

A better look at the woven fabric. 
A thick purple knit, and woven purple with turquoise and gold. 
No stretch. This was I think around $165 Euros or $240 Canadian. I don't mind spending more for good quality, non-fast-fashion. 

I wore in November 2014 - recognize the tights? They are the same ones I wore today. 
I tend to wear some of the same colours over and over again with it: usually gold, blue, purple. Shoe Flashback here

This was in March 2015. 
I'm surprised that this is the only time I've worn it with my Trout shoes (Flashback here). 

This is also the only time I've ever worn turquoise accessories with it. 
This was in April 2015 - I kept it out with my spring/summer stuff, so that's probably why (most of my turquoise things are spring/summer). Shoe Flashback here

Here we are in August 2015.
Kind of bland styling there. 

There are those tights again - this was in October 2015. 
Those were fun shoes that I had for many years.

I believe this is the first wearing of my over-the-knee black leather boots, in February 2016.
I like the bigass belt with this. Boots Flashback here

This is only the first time I've worn the dress with purple tights? Amazing. This is in October 2016.
I do miss those gold shoes - I wore them to death. 

Tall boots again in December 2016.
I like to indulge my nerdy side and wear my Star Trek communicator badge with this dress - it has a futuristic vibe with all that shiny space fabric. 

This looks like a weekend outfit - it's from December 2017.
Minimal accessories. 

This was a bad outfit - and I had a bad day in it - from February 2018. I was in the middle of our ginormous office move, and was totally stressed. 
Ah, I see I did wear those those more than once. I don't regret getting rid of them. Even Fluevogs can be misses. 

I like this all-gold look from December 2018. 
Totally a sparkly Christmas outfit. 

And this is the last time I wore this dress, in March 2019. 
I probably had it lined up to wear in my fall/winter 2019/2020 season, but then...pandemic. Missed it! 


Mathy stuff: I have worn this dress 13 times, which brings my cost-per-wear to $18.46. I'm totally fine with that. 


Flashback #2: Poser Ioni, Fluevog Purple Wool Shoes

I bought these shoes online in June 2019 (here) for $149.99. They were an impulse and although I'd tried on a different colour in my local Fluevog store to get the sizing right, these have always been a half size too big on me (I've tried inserts). 
I also find them rather uninspiring - I just do not reach for them. 

They are lovely and I know someone will want them, so I'm putting them into my Swap & Shop bag, for when the Victoria Fluevog store can host an event again. 
Time for them to go to a good home. Plus, I have oodles of Fluevog gift cards that I'm planning on spending on my upcoming vacation - I'm sure I can find something that will make my heart go pitter-patter! 

Let's have a boo at the very few ways I've worn these shoes, shall we? Starting with my PANK dress, in June 2019. 
It's all so fabulous, and then you get to the BLERG of the shoes. Dress Flashback here

I do like the dark purple of the shoes with this dress. 
This was in October 2019. 

And here's the last time I wore them, with this sparkly purple dress and polka-dotted tights, in December 2019. 
L's in the background, and Vizzini is blurrily coming in for a crash against my legs. We went to the John Fluevog book signing, our whole gang of Fluevog-lovers - it was such a good time. 


Mathy stuff: Well, they can't all be winners, kids. At only 4 wears, these sad Fluevogs have averaged out at $37.50 per wear. 


I put them into my Swap & Shop bag in the library, and these Fluevogs called out to me. 
Re-meet the Faith Lo Reumah, sandals I bought in May 2013 (here). I have been thinking about these off and on for the past few months. No regrets, so they're getting a reprieve. We'll see how they are for spring/summer this year. 


While I was getting ready for my call with Mom (making tea, taking pictures, checking my hair), Vizzini had woken up from his main nap and wanted some attention. 
"You've been quite neglectful of me."


I'm always happy to give him attention. We have hugs, and dance around, looking out the windows.
"You should let me out on the deck, Woman."


It's a little too cold still, bud. How about your post? 
"I do not approve!"


Look at those white toes! Hee! 

Now, off to play in my closet and figure out what to wear for St. Patrick's Day to work tomorrow! 

34 comments:

  1. I like this dress it's nice to see another wearing of it! It's a shame the shoes weren't the right size but while you didn't get them down to a good cost per wear you are doing that with the dress! And life is too short for uncomfortable shoes that don't fit right, haha!

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    1. Thanks, Mica! I'm glad I was able to get a wearing in of it this year. I'm a bit disappointed with the shoes, but not overly so - which tells me that getting rid of them is the right thing to do.

      Delete
  2. I noticed the white toes immediately, so cute! I love the dress the most with the trout shoes, and the tall boots - so cool! Lise

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    1. Aren't they precious? He's really good at balancing on his back feet with those long toes!

      I like those looks too - thanks, Lise!

      Delete
  3. What a gorgeous purple dress!!! I love the tights and the heels as well. It is a shame heels don't fit and don't inspire but it is good you'll give them to someone who will enjoy them. It was fabulous seeing your fashion flashbacks with this dress. You look wonderful in all of these outfits.

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    1. It's beautiful, isn't it, Ivana? I am a bit sad about the shoes - but not that sad, you know? Thank you!

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  4. I've had some if my clothes so long my cost per wear is under a nickle! That dress us beautiful.

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    1. That is really impressive, Sam! I'm happy if I get down to a dollar or less. Thank you!

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  5. Wow Sheila, what a gorgeous dress. The shape suits you so well and no wonder it cheered you up. The all gold accessories looked divine with it well all outfits did really. No wonder you have kept hold of this dress I can see you holding on to it for many years to come. You are always so generous passing unwanted items on that is why the thrifting Gods are good to you Shazxx

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    1. There's nothing like a "fit and flare" dress to perk me right up, Shaz! Thank you so much. I love doing gold with it to bring out the gold in the fabric. It's such a lovely piece, I can't see myself giving it up.

      I hope the Thrifting Gods smile on me this weekend - 'cause I'm gonna be shopping! ;-P

      Delete
  6. That last photo is priceless! Love the splayed out back claws.

    I totally agree regarding that dress having a very feminine cut/style to it. No doubt, usually dressing highly femininely myself, that's no small part of the reason why I adore it.

    The cheery floral brooch works like a charm with this dress. A burst of sunshine on a darker background - much like the actual sun as it gradually returns to our almost-springtime world.

    Autumn Zenith �� Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Isn't he a funny cat, Autumn? He can stand up on his back legs too - strong toes!

      It's a super-femme style, which I love. Mom recognized that brooch right away. It's cloudy here, but the sun makes brief appearances! I hope it's getting warmer in the interior!

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  7. Matching purple tights to purple hair is a win. I hope to do that someday.

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    1. I used to love matching my bright purple hair! I still like it when my hair goes well with my outfit.

      PS - go for it! Purple hair is awesome!

      Delete
  8. Those white toes are so funny! As if he wants to be stylish too! And of course he is! What a good heels! Love that! I just Zoomed with Shelbee! And we would love to do a Zoom with the 3 of us!

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    1. Isn't that the funniest thing, Nancy? Those toes!

      Oh, how awesome! I'd love to Zoom with you guys! Let's do it!

      Delete
  9. You've captured the light and Vizzini perfectly. Love his toes and him clambering all over you,gorgeous photos!
    That dress is a great shape and I love the tights you've reworn with it. xxx

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    1. He's really resting right up on my shoulder, Vix - he loves being carried around to look at things ("Cat Tours"!).

      Thank you so much! Here's to wearing tights again and again!

      Delete
  10. All that glorious purple totally cheered me up, Sheila! What an utterly divine dress, thank you for showing a close-up of that gorgeous fabric. Love the tights and fuzzy shoes too.
    Aww, look at Vizzini seeking out sunny spots. One of Phoebe's favourites used to be the back of the couch in our spare room.
    I loved browsing the dress's flashback. How absolutely wonderful that you bought it in Florence. Your Big Trip must have been amazing! I'm going to have a look at your links to it tonight.
    Although I do love the fuzzy shoes, I am hearing you on letting them go, especially if they are a tad too big. Can't wait to see what treasures you find during your time off! xxx


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    1. Thank you, Ann! It's such a gorgeous dress and dreamy fabric. Vizzini has been creeping around, remembering his old spots and finding new ones. He does love the back of that couch.

      Thank you - I love having it as a memento of our trip. It was a good trip (although I was fighting with my mom at the time), but stressful.

      Yeah, I can do better. And I hope to! Shopping this week is in the cards!

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  11. The corolla dress is very sassy! Too bad the shoes don't fit, but someone will be lucky.

    The picture of you and Vizzini made me smile back!

    One more sleep to vacation :)

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    1. Thank you, Nana! I know the shoes will go to a good home.

      Isn't that sweet? I love capturing a picture of us just hanging out.

      Only just over an hour and I'm off! woo!

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  12. That is a beautiful dress and I had no idea there was turquoise in it until you showed a close up! I love it with fancy tights and heels. Those Fluevog shoes are just gorgeous. I had a similar pair; suede but no fancy heel, in the 90s and I adored them. They weren't Fluevogs by the way! I have a similar pair in grey, now but because they have a heel they don't get worn very often; I do love them, too.

    Hope your week off is going well and not too fast...
    xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Vronni! It just looks blue in the photos, doesn't it? I love the interplay of the colours and the gold. Thank you - but I am okay with letting them go. How funny that you had a similar pair!

      It's nearly done, workwise! Only an hour to go and I'm off!

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  13. I had so much fun visiting all your Italy trip posts - thank you for linking them. We have been to Rome and Venice so great memories and really enjoyed the other two stops as well. I love the way you pack for travel - I am inspired to do the same and leave behind. After a 2019 2 weeks trip to a small town in Mexico I am now seeking natural materials in my clothes for the heat as packable fake fibers were terrible. Nothing beats linen and 100% cotton for comfort and ease in the heat. Loved your purchases in Italy and your lovely dress today. Clothes are lovely souvenirs. I like to buy linens too (kitchen, bathroom etc. so easy to pack home)

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    1. Wow, thanks for giving those a read, Robyn! It was such a huge trip and we saw so much. I loved Venice, and the Colosseum in Rome. I would definitely go back to Cinque Terre, and would go to Milan next time.

      I love packing and taking stuff I don't want anymore (I did the same thing when we went to London/Paris in 2010). I always come home with more room! I love clothes and jewelry as souvenirs - they carry such good memories for me. Linens are a great idea too!

      Delete
  14. Love the dress, it is so cute and I bet it's a dream to wear. Sad about the shoes, I think the shoe could have been a win if they used a different fabric to make them, it reminds me of felted wool. I think it is just too dense for the shoe and makes me go hmmmm at the choice they made when designing it. Not to worry though someone will love them, we've all had a few shoe misadventures.

    Vinzini is such a handsome kitty, I got a giggle out of his toes spread out on his kitty adventure jungle.

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    1. Thanks, Dar! They did make the shoe in other colours, but I found them boring, and since I've bought woolly boots from Fluevog, I thought these might be similarly funky and fun. They make my feet look like Minnie Mouse's! Anyway, no use cryin' over them - they'll go to a good home.

      Isn't he a lovely boy? I love those toes!

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  15. Love this dress, its woven texture and amazing design, its colours, its purple back and delightful shape!. Totally agree about investing in quality! (this never fails!).
    And love the way you've styled with all these gold, blue and purple details. You're brilliant picking fab tights and shoes and cool accessories!. Really inspiring!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica! It's been a great investment, and an excellent souvenir!

      Thanks - there isn't much you can do with it, and I think I may have done it all! Ha!

      Delete
  16. Sheila, this dress is absolutely magnificent! I love the fabric and the print and the style of the dress. It really lends itself to so many styling options. And those shoes! Yes, please, I'll have a pair! I am looking forward to zooming with you tomorrow!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Thank you, Shelbee! It's an amazing dress, really. Do I recall that you have big feet like me? I just sent you an email to see if you want them.

      That Zoom was so fun!

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  17. That dress looks fab, and I really liked the fabric in the close-up - you can see how special it is.

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    1. It's one of those things that is even more spectacular in person, Mim. Thank you!

      Delete

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