Sunday, April 4, 2021

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Floral Flashback and in the Park; Easter at Mom's, and Cat Pictures

Welcome back, my friends! I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend, whether you celebrate Easter or are having extra days off. I have to work on Monday (it's not a stat, boo), but we've still managed to have a fun time. 

A reminder - I do write big posts! - to fortify yourself (some chocolate, perhaps?) and grab a beverage. Let's get started! 

L and I chilled out and played boardgames on Friday night, and slept in on Saturday. No diner breakfast for us, so I drank coffee until I was civil just puttered around until it was time to go to Beacon Hill Park and meet up with 7 of our pals. 
I had to wear florals, to celebrate my first outfit of spring! I'll have a quick Flashback on this skirt shortly.

But first, exciting news if you're a cat named Vizzini! The glassed-in, enclosed deck is now open for daytime use.
"Do you mind, Woman? I have napping to do."

He slept out there for hours on "his" chair. 

He came to visit while we played Arkham Horror. 
"I sit here now."


He just plunks himself down on L's lap, and waits for one of the game pieces to get within reach. 
"Slander and lies. It's been years since I ate any of them."


It's not for want of trying, though! 

Back to my Saturday outfit - although I wish I could have worn just this outside, it is spring so the weather is very changeable. 
I'm wearing tons of layers here, and added more for nearly 5 hours of being outside. 

  • Shirt - Guess, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
  • Skirt - BCBG Max Azria, consignment; last seen here in October 2020 with lime suede fringe
  • Shoes - Miista; last worn here in February with my Kenzo skater dress
  • Coat (below) - Auckie Sanft, vintage 60s, thrifted; last seen here in March


I knew when I thrifted this cotton/viscose chambray shirt that it would go perfectly with this ginormous pleated skirt. It's a match made in blossom heaven. 
I knotted the shirt at my waist (it's mid-thigh, quite long), and have a pale pink cami on underneath it. 

I love the spray of pink embroidered blossoms across the back. 
The skirt is one of my favourites. 
It's a full circle, which means Swoosh Factor 10! 

More layers - I also wore a vintage full slip underneath for more insulation. 
As you can see, I klassed it up, and wore socks with my shoes. I also have nylons on. 

Masked up - I wear it whenever I'm just walking around.
I'm just a super-cautious person. 

Outerwear - the Fuzzy Flamingo! 
I only took it off once, to show off my outfit to my women.

Otherwise, I was mostly bundled up the entire time. 
My friends liked the salamander pin. 

I carried some cans of locally-brewed sodas in my pack; L carried a blanket and some ciders in his pack. 
"Wait, something's going on here...are you leaving me??"


L got dressed up too. 
Happy Easter from us to you! 

L is in Fluevog boots, Balmain zippered jeans, a consignment rhinestone studded belt, his Blue Oyster Cult tee, a new shirt (from our anniversary shop), and a suede jacket. He also had gloves and a thick scarf. 
What a snazzy dude! We garnered a few looks from the people out and about.

Vizzini lurked while we got ready to walk to the park. 
"But...I haven't had my dinner yet! You can't leave."


He looks quite put out. 
"This is my Face of Fury!"


We were subjected to yowling, scampering about, and much angry scratching of posts when we got home. 

Outerwear stuff: 
I layered up both a silk chiffon scarf and a silk/cashmere pashmina - I was glad of both of them! 

  • Paramecium scarf - Smoking Lily, thrifted
  • Pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
  • Leather gloves - consignment
  • Mask - by Mom

The scarf is probably close to 25 years old - it's early Smoking Lily. 
It's a chartreuse/lime silk, with gold amoebas and paramecium, trimmed with pink grosgrain ribbon. I've had it for over 10 years. 

The stuff: 
Outings when I have to walk or stand call for comfy shoes. 

Maximal bling: 
Only the salamander pin was visible on my coat, along with my earrings, and a peek of the pink necklace and rings.


  • Necklace - Sherman, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Salamander pin - vintage fair
  • Green bangles - thrifted
  • Silver dragon bangle - Lazy Susan's
  • Silver cuff - vintage, thrifted, Powell River
  • Bug brooch - vintage fair
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Silver/amethyst ring
  • Earrings - made by coworker Sherri for me

Blinged up - I'm one of those people who matches her make-up to her outfit, so I have deep pink eyeshadow on. It makes my green eyes stand out. 
I pinned the bug brooch over the embroidered "Guess" on my shirt.



Flashback: BCBG Max Azria Pleated Skirt

Whenever I wear this skirt, I'm reminded of the day I bought it, here in April 2019. We had the Winesday Women Birthday Tea at the Abkhazi Gardens, and then walked down to the now-gone My Sister's Closet for a browse before meeting up with our men afterwards. 
I'm in the midst of planning our next Birthday Tea, and of course, it reminds me that Karen is no longer with us, as her birthday was one of the ones celebrated. Bittersweet, you know? 

Anyway, I paid $26.95 for this beauty, and the original retail was $268.00. I completely love this skirt, and anticipate I'll have it for many years, but let's just have a little peek at some pretty outfits, regardless. 

This is my first wearing in May 2019. 
I didn't keep this sweater, but I adore those pink metallic sandals (Flashback here) and can't wait to wear them again!

Must have been a hot day, here in August 2019. 
I love pulling the lime/neon green out of the skirt's pattern. Note my paper parasol worn for shade! 

Worn to work in April 2020, to rave reviews from my coworkers. 
I wanted to wear those velvet shoes with it this weekend, but was concerned about them getting wet. 

I just put this lime fringed suede jacket in the Giveaway Pile - it was too big, difficult to style, and now I have a lime suit that I recently thrifted. Jacket issue solved! 
This was in October 2020, the last time I wore the skirt. 


Mathy stuff: Like I said, I plan on many more outfits with it, but for now we are at a respectable $5.39 per wear. 


Back to the weekend! L and I walked to the park through our 'hood.
We both loved this sign - I'm excited to see how the new garden it looks. 

All the plum trees are in full bloom - the city is blanketed in a "snow" of shedding petals. 
This tree is at peak bloom. 

We ran into Nick on the way. 
Your hair is getting long, Nickers! 

Some of the old houses, for those of you who are into architecture. 
It's a mix of Victorian era, Arts & Craft styles, and modern, from post-war to mid-century, to awful 70s/80s/90s condos and apartments and houses. 

I have always liked this one - it has a carriage entrance, a port-cochere! 


Most of these giant houses are split up into rental or owned units. 

I love this house. 
The owners decorate for every season (I've shown them before). 

I got a kick out of this car. 
It's a familiar sight around this neighbourhood. All that decoration has been done by hand. 

Look at the blossoms! 
I've started getting my pollen allergies acting up on me (I have to remind myself, "It's not COVID!").

You can see the plethora of pink on this residential street. 
We're nearly there! It's about a 20-minute walk to the park from our home. 

I see some of our gang has arrived, and is setting up under the trees. 
GOAL! They weren't really in the goalpost, it's just the angle. 

Hey, Ross has spotted us! 
We last saw Cat and Ross at her birthday limo ride, and it's been even longer for Yvonne and Randall, since our last meet-up here for the October birthdays. 

Damn, my friends, it is so good to see you. 
Randall and Yvonne "host" as they live nearby and have a sanitary set-up for us to use their washroom (something one has to think about when one can only meet outside!). 

Cat and Ross, I've missed you too! 
That down coat looks warm. Cat had fabulous boots on, and Ross is cheering for the local soccer team. 

I kept my distance while we chatted and caught up. 
Cat has been caring for her mom, who had triple bypass heart surgery a few weeks ago (but has also had her vaccination, yay!) so we were extra cautious around her.

Ross and L.
I stayed standing the whole time, but L stayed on the Bruins blanket. 

I was so impressed that Yvonne wore a skirt and her funky blue Fluevogs. 
That's my gal! 

Nick has a complicated chair-in-a-bag. 
It's a bunch of metal tubes that looks like a satellite antenna.

He pretended to try to get reception by climbing a tree. 
I have silly friends. This should come as no surprise. 

Thanks to Yvonne and Cat for the extra pictures! 
"Stand near the daffodil," Yvonne ordered me. Yes, ma'am!

Aw, we look so happy. 
I can't wait until we can actually have friends in our homes again! 

I miss having Cat/Ross over for boardgames. 
I see Nick has gotten his chair set up finally! 

Vero, Justin and Django the dog arrived. 
Everyone shift over so that we remain two meters apart! 

So good to see Vero and Justin. 
Django roamed around, sniffing everything. 

Randall looks chill. 
I said to him, "I just want to hug you! And I'm not even a hugger!" 

Many "road pops" were consumed. 
Hilarity ensued! 

As the afternoon waned, it started getting a bit chilly. 
These trees will be in full leaf soon. There were little clumps of daffodils all over. 

Looking behind us at the field.
People were playing "cornhole" (link here if you don't know what that is), throwing Frisbees, kicking balls. There were tons of people out. 

After a few bubbles wafted through our area, we realized these folks were enjoying a little bubble-blowing fun. 
Thank you for the bubbles! They were enchanting. 

We saw a lot of signs this weekend, weirdly. 
That made us laugh as Nick, L and I walked home. 

L had to pause at the Staircase That Goes Nowhere. 
It's a relic of some previous house, no doubt. 

I was taken with the dark gloomy skies to the east as the sun dropped behind us. 
I love the light in the Gary Oaks - that's part of the Art Gallery on the right. 

After another late evening listening to music and playing boardgames, L and I were up early-ish to get ready to go to Mom's for an outdoor Easter visit. 
Again, an outfit basically only you readers see, as I was bundled up most of the time. 

  • Cardigan - Gap, thrifted; last worn here in August with mustard floral
  • Top - Plum, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in March 2020 for the last in-home Winesday
  • Skirt - LS, consignment; last worn here in July 2020 with these same shoes
  • Shoes - Sol Sana; last seen here in January with yellow armour
  • Coat (below) - L'Atiste, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in February

Arg, I need to change my camera settings  now that it's less cloudy. 
My outfit hinged on being able to haul myself out of Vlad the Car (I rejected two outfits after I remembered my enemy, the bucket seats). 

I love this fun colour-blocked skirt. 
I hope I'll be able to wear it again this season - so many clothes, so little time! 

Diva outerwear - L had warned me that as it was 12 degrees out, we would be putting Vlad the Car into convertible mode. We used to have a Miata - I know what convertibles do to my hair. Snarl City! 
So I wrapped my blue leopard scarf around my head for the drive to Mom's. 

I felt like a glamourous movie star! 
On the way home, we put the top back down, as rain threatened. 

Outerwear stuff: 
This scarf is one of my spring ones - it's either silk or viscose, but it's really soft and warm. It was $1.95, I recall. 


  • Mask - by Mom
  • Gloves - Danier Leather
  • Scarf - thrifted

The stuff: 
We did a bit of tromping around on the lawn, so I was glad I'd worn comfy shoes. 

Bold bling: 
Ah, so many things I'm happy to see again! 


  • Black and white cuff - vintage fair
  • Silver circle pendant/earrings - M&M, consignment, Vancouver
  • Silver/Lucite cuff - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
  • Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair
  • Shield ring - Nine West, c. 2000

We walked around Mom's lawn to the deck then I had to check out these awesome chalk drawings on the street. 
Very nice tulips and chicken! 

These sheep are cute. 
This makes me want some chalk...

Mom had set up areas for us, and had a lovely array of drinks and snacks. 
I may have eaten an entire bowl of chocolate eggs. 

My ex-sister-in-law's t-shirt is awesome. It's an irreverent Monty Python's Meaning of Life reference. It says "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life". I immediately started whistling. 
My niece Hannah is embarrassed by it all, ha ha!

Mom just had her jab on Saturday - all went well, although she felt a little nauseous the next day. Such a relief, though! 
Mom, my nephew Matt and Hannah. 

On the way home, we passed yet another sign:
I...have no words. Fernwood is the name of the neighbourhood we were driving through. 

Vizzini missed us terribly, as you can see. 
"I've been using my time well."


And now, off to relax and get some cat cuddles! I hope you enjoyed our adventures - thank you so much for stopping by.

30 comments:

  1. Two fabulous outfits and it sounds like you had a marvelous weekend.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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  2. I envy you so much for meeting up with friends like that. But, we did met up with friends yesterday to have brunch. That skirt is amazing and the blouse looks like it was made for it. The back is fantastic!! And I have to say, L looks soooo cool!!

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    1. I'm so glad we were able to do this, Nancy! I've missed our friends so much.

      Thank you! I love that L dresses up as much as I do.

      Delete
  3. Those skirts make me think of your jammy dresses because they look cozy, colorful and comfortable, plus there is all that material in which to envelop your legs! I quite liked your Easter outfit colorblock skirt paired with the polka dot sweater. Super combo!

    Your headshot (first one) is beautiful, a lovely photo of you. And the headshot in Vlad makes me smile for being evocative of glamour and the scene in To Catch A Thief with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant where they are driving in a convertible. (LOL hope I’m recalling the scene correctly!)

    Similar to Nancy’s comment, so special to have spent that time both with your friends, and with your Mom and family. ❤️

    Happy Day After Easter!


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    1. Yes, maxi skirts are definitely the jammy dresses of the skirt world, Laurie! Good call on that - they are so comfy and easy to wear! Thank you!

      Aw, thanks, my dear! I felt very movie-star-ish in my scarf! I've seen that movie!

      Agreed, it really did my heart good to see so many of my friends and family. Lucky me! Happy Easter!

      Delete
  4. I love both maxi skirt outfits but I think that pretty pink floral one with the embroidered shirt is my favourite! It's so good you were able to see your friends and family too even if you did have to keep your distance and stay outdoors - you layer well and stylishly for it!

    We spent time on Easter with family locally and then caught up online in the evening with family we can't travel to (with border closures a frequent event here!). It's precious to have that time no matter the limits / restrictions we have on it I think!

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    1. It's up there with my top 3 maxi skirts, Mica - I love how swooshy and flowy it is, and I'll have to wear it again in hot weather so that I can swoosh about in it.

      I know, so lucky and grateful for our gathering. I'd rather be ultra-careful, just to be safe.

      Oh, that's so awesome, I'm glad you were able to see your family, even if part of it was online.

      Delete
  5. Good to see you had fun with your friends, even if it was outdoors (and cold).
    I absolutely adore your floral skirt and the chambray shirt with it. Can I put a red dot on both items? That if you get rid of it, you'll send them to me?
    L looked soooo good in his boots and jacket. Indeed a snazy guy. Ron started out a smart dresser as well... alas, those were the days. You are luckier.
    Greetje

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    1. We had a great time, Greetje! I hope the weather gets warmer soon!

      Thank you - ha ha, yes, I'll note "for Greetje" on those items. :) Not sure how long it will be until I tire of them, though... ;-P

      Thanks, I will pass that along to him - he was quite disappointed that his friends didn't comment on his outfit! Oh, Ron, you can do better! Greetje, you need to show him L's outfits!

      Delete
    2. Ron needs to drop weight first and he hasn't got what it takes to do that. It is what it is. He is still a lovely guy.

      Delete
    3. You can still dress nicely, no matter what your weight is. I believe this!

      Delete
  6. You've had a 'visiting weekend'! It's so good to catch up with friends and you all look really happy; hopefully it won't be too long before you can go into each other's homes again.

    Loved your floral skirt and the fab top as well as the flashback and the outfit you wore to your mum's did make you look like a glamorous movie star! Especially with the headscarf tied under your chin - very 50s/60s. Wonderful accessories. L always looks so dapper.

    Have a great week!
    xxx

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    Replies
    1. We did, Vronni, and it was so wonderful to see my mom, and to see my dear friends. I don't know when our homes will be open - cases are going up here rapidly, even with people getting the shots.

      Thank you! I love that skirt so much. Heh, I love feeling glam like that - you'll be seeing me wearing my scarves that way more in the coming months! L appreciates the comment - he was sad that no one we saw complimented him!

      Happy week to you, my friend!

      Delete
  7. I'm so pleased that your mum's had her jab and that you were able to meet up with friends. We were so excited to do the same at the weekend, the first time since 2019!
    Your floral skirt is always lovely but the most recent combo is my fave. L's boots are to die for. The street are is just brilliant.
    I hope Vizzini's enjoying his sun trap! xxx

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    1. I'm really happy for Mom, Vix, thank you! Doesn't it feel good to see friends? I'm so glad you were able to see your pals too! Wow, that's a long time to not see them!

      Thank you! L's boots are amazing, aren't they?

      Vizzini is in full "liquid cat in the sun" as soon as the deck is open! He's so funny.

      Delete
  8. I absolutely love your first outfit of Spring, that pleated floral skirt is stunning and together with your newly thrifted chambray it's a match made in heaven. Very clever to pin the bug brooch over the embroidered Guess. That's something I would do too. Seeing the Fuzzy Flamingo is always a delight. I really should get my pink coat out this Spring, although I don't really have anywhere to take it to.
    It was lovely to accompany you guys on your walk to the park and virtually join in with your jolly get-together. We can only meet up with 4 people in total outside, and can invite 1 person inside our homes. Ideally, this should be the same person all the time, but as we hadn't had anyone in the house since last July, we invited Jos's youngest daughter for the afternoon at Easter. That's as far as our socializing goes these days :-(
    Love the outfit you wore for the ride to your Mum's. You look very glamorous indeed in your blue leopard scarf. You must have turned quite a few heads driving by with Vlad in convertible mode! And how lovely are those chalk drawings? I hope your first day back wasn't too stressful. It's back to work tomorrow for me, as we had Monday off as well. Not exactly looking forward to it ... xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I love the pleated skirt so much, and I'm happy with how the chambray top looked with it. Glad you liked the brooch over the logo (I thought of you when putting on all my pins!). I'm wearing my stuff, even if no one but the readers of the blog see it!

      Aw, glad you enjoyed the walk. I am grateful we're allowed to gather in groups of up to 10 (it is supposed to always be the same 10, which is why we kept our masks on when we were close). No one's allowed in our homes for visits, sigh. How lovely that you were able to have Jos' daughter!

      Thank you - I felt so glam, ha ha! I don't know if we turned heads - I'm just focused on how odd it feels to be in a car!

      No, very little stress at work today - most of my coworkers take the day off.

      Delete
  9. What a beautiful maxi skirt! It looks great paired with that denim shirt with floral detail. I loved seeing your flashback with this gorgeous pattered skirt. It's good you layered up for outdoors. It looks like the weather served you well.
    I also love your black, white and blue skirt. The coat you paired with it is fabulous. Very pretty styling as well. Shame you didn't have the Monday off, but at least your weekend went well. My weekend was alright, but no outings or meet ups. So great your mother got her vaccine. I think it's common to feel a bit off for a day after, some feel a bit bad for a few days but they must feel a bit safer after it. Nice to meet your nephew as well. Have a great week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Ivana, I love it too, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Flashback. I liked the blue/black/white outfit too - it felt good to dress up.

      Yeah, I don't mind not having Monday off (I mean, I would rather be off!), as it was really quiet at work. I'm so happy that Mom's been vaccinated - hopefully not too long till I can get mine. Thanks, honey!

      Delete
  10. I LOVE this skirt! It's such a gorgeous style and print. So lucky you were able to snag it at that price!

    Life is a Shoe

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    1. Thank you! It's a lovely skirt - I have never seen another one.

      Delete
  11. Awww, look at Vizzini the diva!
    You look magnificent in this outfit- oh my, that shirt really is amazing- I LOVE the blossom detail and it goes so well with the skirt- definitely my favourite way you have styled it!
    So nice to see you got to meet up with your friends!x

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    Replies
    1. He is King of the Gaming Table!

      Thank you so much, Kezzie! I loved wearing this outfit and swooshed about it a lot. I know, I'm filled with gratitude, that we were able to see them all.

      Delete
  12. Wow, the detail on that car is amazing! Definitely a time committment on the part of the owner. That pleated skirt reminds me of what the grass looks like under a cherry blossom tree with the mix of colours and shapes similar to petals.

    So nice you were able to spend Easter with your Mom, and have some quality outdoor friend time. We went into a four-week "Stay-At-Home Order" as of Thursday, April 8th, so back to no outings aside from groceries. People can't seem to follow the rules here and our case numbers are going up every day.

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    1. Isn't it cool? I was totally in love with all that decoration. Yes, the skirt really reminds me of blossoms.

      It was such a lovely time. I heard about that from my friend in Hamilton - yikes! Scary stuff. I hope things ease up soon, and hope you can get your jab booked!

      Delete
  13. What a sensational sweep that maxi skirt has. You just know Stevie Nicks would approve! :)

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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  14. love your floral skirt and cute embroidered shirt combo!, and so fab that it's a Swoosh Factor 10!, love a full skirt!
    And loving your geometric black&blue outfit, with those fabulously matchy accessories!, you rock it!
    Glad that your mom had her jab, and glad that some socializing is possible these days!
    besos

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    1. Thank you! It's one of my favourite maxis, and you know I'm a fan of matchy-matchy in my outfits!

      Same here - it's such a relief. I'm registered for my jab, but haven't gotten and appointment yet.

      Delete

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