Friday, March 5, 2021

Fancy Friday: Power Outfit and Leopard Flashback

Hello, my friends! I'm so ready for the weekend, and I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, as Canada is estimating that most of the population (after multiple set-backs) will be vaccinated by end of June. The thought of hugging my mom, and being able to party with my friends again, makes me a bit teary.

I'm submitting this outfit to Shelbee (link here, always 'cause I love) and Nancy (here) for their "Power Outfit" Good Buy/Good-Bye theme this month.

I feel like a Boss Lady Superhero in this outfit - it gives me the power of confidence. Plus, it features one of the older items in my closet, this leopard blouse - definitely a Good Buy!

  • Leather jacket - Danier Couture, consignment; last seen here for Hallowe'en in October 2020
  • Blouse - Planet, consignment; last worn here (3rd outfit) in October 2019 with my awesome safety-pin jacket
  • Skirt - Ralph Lauren, consignment; first seen here in January with teal and brocade
  • Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog, consignment; last worn here in December 2020 with baby blue and silver ruffles

I built the outfit around the blouse, and went with an all-neutral palette of gold/bronze, leopard, black and grey snakeskin. 
Isn't the skirt fantastic? I really wanted to wear it again, and I liked how it looked with the leopard. I swooshed it at multiple people today and even demanded that my coworker watch me twirl in it! 

I thought I might take the jacket off during the day, but except for about an hour in the morning, I kept it on. 
I love the proportions here; it looks right to my eye. I can honestly say I love every single thing I'm wearing (even my camisole, which is my best black one!). 

That's definitely a powerful feeling, and it affected my mood today, which was upbeat, positive and slightly giddy. 
Part of that is spring, and part is the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. I find myself getting emotional at the thought of actually being with people again. 

Masked up - it matches the shoes. 
This is how most people saw me today. 

Outerwear - it was 11 degrees! Practically summer, ha ha! 
All I needed was my silk scarf and my leather gloves. It felt so decadent. 

Outerwear stuff: 
My Lewis Vuitton silk scarf is one of my favourites. I have real designer scarves (Balmain, Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, etc.) but this fake "Vuitton Does Stephen Sprouse" delights me. It's a GOOD fake. 


  • Silk scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
  • Studded leather gloves - Danier Leather
  • Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 
I know some of you were looking askance at the grey/white shoes and wondering why I wore them, instead of going full matchy. It's because of the white and grey in the belt, and because I just liked how it looked. I didn't want boring shoes - I wanted pattern! 

Snake and cat bling: 
I also wanted to wear my snake jewelry, so it matches that way as well. My belt has a lion on it, so I had to wear my porcelain kitty earrings (customized by me so that they look more like Vizzini) which are black and white. 

  • Belt - Pringle of Scotland, vintage fair
  • Snake bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
  • Snake necklace - vintage expo
  • Cat earrings - Winnie Tam
  • Ear cuff - gift from Mom

I'd forgotten all about the ear-cuffs Mom got me for Christmas! 



Flashback: Planet Leopard Blouse

I bought this blouse in September 2010 for a whopping $30.00 at Velvet Crease's old location on Cook Street. 
I knew that Planet's clothing was not cheap and that this blouse would have retailed for well over $75.00 new, so even though my thrift-side brain thought, "That's expensive!" my retail-side brain knew, "It's a steal!" I first wrote about it here in September 2010 - this is before I posted pictures of my purchases promptly (sorry, couldn't resist the alliteration!).
Planet was a UK brand, a member of the Jacques Vert Group's stable. I know Jacques Vert from the same boutique area of the Hudson's Bay Company. They discontinued the workwear line of Planet in 2015, but this style is obviously older, probably early 00s. It's excellent quality, although it's polyester (washable!). 
Check out the sweet little ball buttons - it buttons right down to the hemline, as well as on the cuffs. It's slightly sheer which is nice - I like sheerness on the arms. 

I often go on about "Always Be Upgrading" - this is another one of those items in my closet that is already there at the apex. I see a LOT of leopard blouses in my shopping expeditions and while I've been tempted by a few of them, I haven't ever found one that it this nice. Hey, it's lasted for over 10 years - that says something! 

Let's have a look at some of the many ways I've worn it. Here's that first outfit, in September 2010.
Those were my first attempt ever at over-the-knee boots. 

A couple of months later in November 2010, for Style Underdog's (a long-defunct blogger) birthday - I'm emulating her posing. 
The only thing I still have from this outfit is my mom's gold chain belt. As you can see, the neckline on this dives quite low - I always wear a cleavage-covering camisole or tank under it. 

I did a mini-capsule challenge in February 2011 and wore it twice. 
Aw, our "little" kitty Inigo is bombing me! 

My first time layering under something other than a blazer, also in February 2011. 
I've always been a fan of sweater dresses! 

This is what I wore for my second interview for the job I'm still in, back in March 2011. I've been at my current job for 10 years!
Zoiks, those shoes make my feet hurt just from looking at them! 

I thought of this belt this morning when I was rummaging through my belt boxes. 
This was in May 2011. I look very...relaxed. 

You'll remember this October 2011 outfit from the leather dress Flashback (here). 
It's a superb blouse for layering - I love that nice collar. 

And now, a long run of vests. I was very into vests for a while! 
This outfit is also from October 2011. 

I wore it three times in the 30 For 30 For 12 Wardrobe Challenge, in March 2012. 
I loved those shoes. I wore them to death. 

Another March 2012 outfit. I'm sad here because we'd just found out that Inigo (who is in the background) was sick. We lost him the following month. 
Shoes Flashbacked here

Repeating my vest and shoes (it was a capsule challenge, after all), again in March 2012. 
I still have those knee highs/trouser socks. 

You might recognize this leather vest from March 2013 (Flashback here).
I wore the blouse a lot more in its early days with me - as I've mentioned before, I had a smaller wardrobe then, and didn't do a seasonal biannual swap-over, so I wore things more frequently. 

A new pair of olive green suede OTK boots here in February 2014. 
Leather "Buffy" dress Flashback here

Ugh, I hate these shoes, but I do love the purple velvet blazer.
This was in October 2014. 

Here we are in November 2015, around when I start to look like "me" again - it's the start of the Purple Hair Era!
There are my Clarks boots (Flashback here), and although I don't have that leather skirt anymore, I do have another brown one, which we'll see a couple times below. 

I've had that chain belt since high school, but I let this purple suede dress go around this time (it was very short), February 2016. 
I do like how nicely the collar lays under it, though. 

There's that leather dress again, along with today's belt (Flashback here) in November 2016. 
I love bright colours like red, purple and yellow with leopard. It's really a neutral. 

I am reminded again of my love for this black sequined dress, seen here in March 2017.
My matchy leopard footless tights go so well! Boots Flashback here

Some lovely yellow in February 2018.
I didn't keep those 10-cent shoes for very long. The laces bothered me. I still have that skirt, though. 

This was the one and only time I wore this bizarre striped mohair top, in January 2019. I'm recovering from a UTI there, which is why I'm wearing my "nope" face. 
That's my current brown leather/suede skirt. I need to wear those shoes again soon. 

A more casual look from February 2019, featuring my Helmut Lang blazer (Flashback here).
I'm going to move those yellow cords into my house-clothes. I have too many fun/pretty/better clothes to wear for work. Shoes Flashbacked here

And here's the last time I wore this blouse, to hang out with our massive group of friends over the October 2019 long weekend. 
Now, that's a casual outfit! My Gianfranco Ferre safety-pin leather jacket is a spectacular work of art. 


Mathy stuff: Today marks the 23rd time I've worn this blouse, so that's $30 well-spent, I'd say. That works out to $1.30 per outfit, and it's not going anywhere! 


And now, my friends, I'm off for the weekend! Wishing you all uplifted spirits, good vibes and sunshine (metaphorical and literal). Thanks so much for stopping by!

32 comments:

  1. Isn't it just the best feeling when you wear the perfect outfit! I haven't particularly felt that way since all the lockdowns began, but I sure remember how it felt. Like you I can't wait for this to be over.

    That is definitely a blouse of great quality - ten years is a long time for a sheer blouse to hold up. And it is obviously lucky if you wore it on your interview and you got the job!

    Enjoy the weekend :)

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    1. Absolutely, Nana! It feels great, like everything just works together. I am really ready for this all to be over - this past year has been hard for us all.

      It is excellent quality, and it probably helps that I don't wear it too frequently! Yes, leopard for the (job) win!

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  2. That sure is a gorgeous blouse, I love ball buttons. This is a power suit! It's fabulous and I'm delighted to see you on the 14th! Have a great weekend! Ik of to the nailsalon!! Yeah, after 5 month's!

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    1. It really is, Nancy, thanks so much! Ooh, have fun getting your nails done!

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  3. This is a beautiful and chic outfit. The animal print blouse is a beauty. I really like the skirt as well. The heels are wonderful and so is the leather jacket.
    As always I enjoyed the flashback. I particularly enjoyed the outfit where you paired the leopard blouse with the black sequin dress and the matching leopard tights. I need to buy some leopard tights, I remember I had a few pairs similar to that one.
    I'm not sure but I think I might be able to get vaccinated in Croatia because I still have some health insurance there from my last job. Bosnia and Herzegovina probably won't get vaccines any time soon, they haven't started the process yet.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana - I really did love every single part of it.

      I like them too - that's a great outfit with the sequin dress.

      Oh, that would be awesome. Good luck - I hope things start soon with vaccinations for you!

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  4. I swoosh and swoon over your starring outfit! Completely understand it’s power to uplift spirits. :) You hit the triple play of delights with your outfit, warming temps and vaccination relief. Ahhhhh. :)

    We had appointments for the double dose vaccines (Fred late March for the first jab and me in mid-April). Yesterday, on a lark, we tried a pharmacy site (usually fully booked) and were delighted to make appointments for Monday and Tuesday this coming week! At first I was a tad nervous because it’s for the Johnson&Johnson single shot & I don’t know anyone who has gotten it yet. The nerves eventually melted into relief and, like you, a release in knowing we will soon be able to be with others who have been vaccinated.

    I look forward to leaving my house in something other than flannel lined jeans! Wearing them is mostly due to the cold temps we have had but also because we only go out for walks or to food shop.

    Here’s to the weekend, and continued thanks to you for bringing sunshine across the continent to my cozy seat!

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    1. Oh, thank you, Laurie! A good outfit is magic that way!

      That is GREAT news for you and Fred! Woo! Well done! I'll be thinking of you today/tomorrow!

      Yup, bust out the real clothes! I think we'll see a surge in dressy clothes once people can go out again! Aw, big hugs to you, my dear!

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  5. That is a fun outfit - the skirt looks so good with the blouse! I really like the flashbacks on it too - amazing you've had it for 10 years and it's held up so well, definitely a good buy! :)

    It's such good news you will all be vaccinated by June! We have started rolling out the vaccines here but there is no news as to when it will be available for those of us at the end of the queue. They are still on the medical/nursing home/airport staff stage at the moment, they just started a couple weeks ago. We still haven't had the virus outside quarantine since that one case in January though so that's good! Life is going on almost like normal here and it will be wonderful to see that happen for you soon too!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! I would not have paired the blouse and skirt normally, but that's the fun in experimenting! I'm amazed at how well the blouse has lasted.

      It really is! You've been so lucky there to be able to go on like normal - it's so stressful here as the months drag on and on.

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  6. Good afternoon Sheila! I love that you twirl for your workmates. I bet they look forward to seeing what you wear each day like we blogland peops do. the skirt is a stunning piece and I have heard of Planet. that blouse sure was an investment. I loved the idea of layering it under a sweater dress. So many good outfits in the flashback. I am looking forward to wearing a lot in my wardrobe I must get more like you and organise so that things get an outing so many of my dresses last year did not get worn. Anyway thanks for a great post - so glad that there is news on your vaccinations. Here in the UK they are steaming ahead. Take care and enjoy your week end. Shazxx

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    1. Shaz! Oh, gosh yes, my coworkers usually get a full eyeful of what I'm wearing - I love showing them my clothes. The skirt is amazing, and I have gotten such good use out of the blouse. I hope you'll break out some of those dresses once you've been jabbed! Big hugs and enjoy your week, darlin'!

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  7. Dull Sam is not usually an animal print kind of gal, but I loved so many of these looks. I really liked it paired with those great fitting blue jeans!

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    1. Aw, that's okay - not everyone is into leopard, Sam! Lol, I have no idea how long it's been since I wore jeans...a year??

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  8. That leopard blouse just oozes quality and your flashback certainly proves its versatility. It's a neutral indeed! It looks absolutely perfect with the amazing Ralph Lauren skirt. I had a giggle at you demanding your co-worker to watch you twirl it :-) I'm swooning over your snake jewellery and Vizzini earrings too. The latter are so cute!
    Glad to hear you're seeing a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Not even Jos - who's in his early 70s - has received his jab yet and I presume it'll be a long time before it's my turn. I wish Belgium - and Europe and general - would get a move on, as this would at least motivate people to keep to the rules.
    Wishing you, L. and of course the mighty Mr. V. a most splendid weekend. At least Spring is on its way! xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I'm really pleased with how versatile and useful that blouse has been, and to last all this time? Amazing. I really just needed to twirl, and there wasn't anyone else I felt would appreciate it! Killian was very tolerant of my need to twirl!

      It's getting there - my Mom will be done in the next month or so, then they'll work their way through the age groups from there. I just want it DONE.

      Thank you so much, my dear friend! Here's to Spring!

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  9. Boss Lady Superhero -- that should be everyone's goal when getting dressed. We're on the same time-frame to get vaccinated and I can't wait. I'm so eager to return to semi-normal.

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    1. Don't you think, Ally? I so agree! I can't wait to get my jab.

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  10. Fabulous. More power to ya 😉

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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  11. That leopard print blouse is just the thing with that super swirly, sparkly lady boss skirt. Loving your hair worn up like that, too!
    I'm thrilled to hear about your baccines being within touching distance, the UK is now inviting all 56 - 59 year olds for theirs, which means that once they're jabbed we'll be next!
    Hope your weekend was as fabulous as you are! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix! I enjoy wearing my hair up - it's so ladylike (so very unlike me, hee hee).

      I hope they come soon - oh, that is good news for you and Jon!!

      Aw, thanks, hon - right back atcha!

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  12. Fantastic scarcely begins to cover the depth and degree of awesomeness that is beguilingly beautiful skirt. It is a swishy, super lovely piece of wearable art in my books.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. It really is, Autumn! I am going to keep it out for spring/summer - I can't wait to twirl it in the sun!

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  13. An outfit in which you are comfortable, and like how you look, can be a big confidence-booster. I'm hoping I will be able to get the vaccine in the early summer but there have been delays, especially for people getting their second shot. I don't know that I will ever want to be around crowds of people, but I would like to be able to see my friends again.

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    1. It makes all the difference when you feel good in what you're wearing, I so agree!

      Looks like it will be mid-June for my age group - my mom's up in a month or so! I guess we will see about the second shots now, with them pushing that back to 4 months. I really want to see my friends again! I miss them so much.

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  14. That shiny pleated skirt is a winner. Shall we compare waist inches? Just in case you get bored with it? No, let's not do that; so disappointing for me haha.
    Here in the Netherlands they also predicted that everybody will be vaccinated in June/July. But it all depends on the supply of the vaccine. So I am not so sure yet.
    Greetje

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    1. It really is, Greetje - such a good find! Ha ha, get your paws off my skirt, sister! ;-P

      That's good news - I hope you get your jab soon!

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  15. woww, love this pleated skirt with the leopard blouse, and fab jewellery!.
    Lovely blouse, it's a perfect piece for layering but it's also great by itself, as leopard is a fab neutral, isn't it? ;DD
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica! I love this skirt - and I'm really happy that this old blouse is still hanging in there after all these years! Leopard is the best!

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  16. That IS a fantastic skirt - and yes, the thought of being able to see other people is slightly overwhelming. I have a couple of friends I'm desperate to spend time with.

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    1. We just had an announcement that we're allowed to gather outdoors (parks, backyards, etc.) with a total of 10 people! So exciting, Mim! I think I might cry when I see all my friends.

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