Thursday, May 13, 2021

Cropped Shop and Removing Bad Karma

Hello, my friends! 

I had a little shop after my grocery run on Thursday. I met up with my former WW coworker Betty later in the afternoon, so had a bit of time in the morning to indulge in a little retail therapy instead of doing my regular Mental Health Walk. It's been a bit of a rough week, just little things that all build up, you know? I had a lovely walk with Betty, catching up as we took in the waterfront. 

It was a gorgeous sunny day, with highs of 20, so I dressed for a leisurely wander in the morning. Today was the right day for the Completely Impractical Raincoat. 
I had some pleasant interactions while I was out - hello to the cool young lady at the Patch, and to the proprietor of Lazy Susan's! We all bonded over clothes (shocking, I know!). 

  • Jacket - Animale, thrifted; purchased here for $9.50
  • Sweater - Sonia Rykiel, consignment; last seen here in February layered under roadkill
  • Skirt - Hooper, vintage 60s, thrifted; first worn here in March with green bookends
  • Shoes - Vagabond, consignment; last seen here in January in an all-orange outfit

I enjoyed the fun cropped-ness of the jacket over my thin sweater. 
I had to adjust all of these ties, and having worn the jacket once now, I need to ensure that they can't come undone when I'm taking my backpack off.
I had a ton of compliments all morning while I was walking around. It felt good.

What I have on underneath. 
My sweater is a Classy designer, Sonia Rykiel, but it's just a handy thin sweater, very soft.

I didn't wear the jacket unsnapped at all, but I tried to see if that would work. 
I look dubious. 

Showing my underlovelies. 
That's a full peach-coloured vintage slip (I have the same one in coral and red as well). 

Masked up. 
This is how the world saw me. 

The stuff: 
These shoes were pretty good for four hours of walking/standing. I did have nylons on to protect my toes.  

Vintage bling: 
My mom's beloved green necklace, brought back as a gift from the mainland when she was a little girl, which places this in the 1950s. It's made of glass, with small seed beads in between, and it's strung on thread. 

  • Belt - vintage 70s, Mom's
  • Glass bangle - thrifted
  • Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
  • Earrings - vintage fair
  • Necklace - vintage 50s, Mom's

I stopped in at the Patch and discovered they'd gotten a ton of new stock (no more Buy One, Get One). I gasped over this green maxi skirt. 
It has a wide waistband, laced at the front. 
You can see the colour mix there in the textile. Teal, burgundy, olive, lime and mint green. Quite a groovy print!

It's had some alterations over the years, including moving three of the four hooks along the waistband by about three inches. The snap has been just left unused. I'm happy of these alterations, as I can just get it done up (thank goodness for the front laces).
There are also a few tacks at some seams, and it's been re-hemmed at least once. 

I'm pretty sure that this is 100% cotton - it's a big weave, and very thick, and it looks like it's been printed by hand. I have never seen a skirt from Israel before! 
Maskit Israel is the one and only luxury fashion house to ever have existed in Israel, in Tel Aviv, and was founded in 1954 by Ruth Dayan. It's pronounced moss-KEET (I always like to know!), and was huge in the 60s and 70s, with Audrey Hepburn as a client, and collaborations with couture houses in Europe. Ruth died this past February at age 103 - her obituary is awesome (here, links 'cause I love), you need to read it!

How exciting! This is a piece of vintage Israeli haute couture! Check out the history of the brand (here).
There are very few Maskit pieces online, but they seem to be quite pricey, ranging from $400 (for a short dress) to $1400 (for an embroidered coat that I saw on 1stDibs, a luxury resale site). Also lots of "granny square" crocheted dresses, a style that was iconic for them. I guess my $29.95 is a bargain as well as being rare! 

I also bought another skirt, a linen-blend J. Crew one in a gorgeous pattern, but I noticed red spots all over it just as I was about to buy it. It looks like a red wine or grape juice accident - but when the sweet person at the Patch offered 1/3 off, I went for it. I'm going to turn this skirt's karma around! 

The back: Before. 
The big areas on the left are the worst. That's a really messy, dark spot. I picture our original owner at a backyard late spring wedding reception; suddenly, a toddler with sticky grape jam hands grabs at the back of her skirt, thinking she's mom. Later, she sits on a folding chair...which has splashes of red wine on it. 

The back: After.
Pretty good! I might do some more Folex on the spot near the yellow flower on the left, but otherwise, it's looking almost clear.

The front: Before.
Lots of little spots. These were super-noticeable when I had the skirt on. Our woman decided that red wine and a big plate of cream puffs is a wonderful idea now that her skirt is ruined on the back, however, an enthusiastic bridesmaid backs into her while dancing, and our luckless friend's wine flies up in the air as she tries to protect her skirt (and the pastries). Now the front of her skirt is ruined (as are the cream puffs). Dammit, she only got to wear it once! Off to the donation bag...

The front: After.
I'm impressed! That looks totally clear now. I have removed the stains...and the bad karma! Only good things will happen in this skirt from now on! 

This is my magic potion. 
I thought it was worth giving the skirt a shot for $13 - I do LOVE this print and the fit is great. And it has pockets!

Here's the full skirt, after Folexing twice, inside and out and letting it fully dry: 
I see no spots! This is a longer cut pencil (a "midi" in J. Crew-speak), with slits on both sides. I think you know how I feel about side-slits! 

Isn't this a pretty textile? I like the random black and teal flowers - it even has bits of tan (leaves) and brown (stems) in it. 
You can just see a bit of the blurry jam-hand mark, but I think that would barely be noticeable when it's on. Yay! 

As mentioned, it's J. Crew, and was $19.95 with 1/3 off for the spots, so $13.30.
It's from Summer 2016 - only 5 years old. 
It sold for $118.00 US. It's called the Pintucked Midi Skirt in Morning Floral. 
Lyocell, linen and polyester, and yet it says "Dry clean only". 

I popped into Lazy Susan's on the way home and had a poke around. They had new scarves, and I found these two for $21.00 each. 

I immediately thought of the Loomed Lady coat with this scarf, as well as my caramel leather trench coat. 
Pierre Cardin is a Classy designer! 
Look at that groovy "Jeunesse" font - this is totally aimed at the "hip young crowd". 
Made in Italy, nice. I'd guess this is early 1970s. I knew it was silk by feel, and look at those handrolled edges! Be still, my heart. 

I fell for the dark purple, burgundy, red, pink, peach palette in this scarf, and what a pattern!
LOVE! That is so very 1960s. This will be amazing with the Fuzzy Flamingo

I searched for "gold camel" from the label, and found out that this is a vintage Zhensi scarf. It's apparently a Chinese company, but there is very little online about them. 
Handrolled edges again. I was thrilled with both of these scarves. 

Any favourites here? Have you ever rescued a damaged piece of clothing?

32 comments:

  1. It sounds like a great retail therapy kind of day. The prints are quite unique. I'm sorry for your rough week.

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    1. It was, Sam! I also bought a bunch of stuff for L while I was out, but I'm thrilled for my purchases. It's nothing major, just one of those weeks. Thanks, my dear!

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  2. Phenomenal job on busting many of those stains and breathing new life in that sweet, elegant floral print skirt. I adore midi length skirts and dresses sooo much! They're a year round go-to for me.

    I'm very sorry that your week has been less than stellar on some fronts, dear Sheila. The same is resounding true on this end as well. Let's cross our fingers and toes that the second half of May will be considerably more positive all around.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. I'm really happy that they came out, Autumn! It's such a pretty skirt and I know it wouldn't sell otherwise. The side slits are so nice for walking too.

      It's nothing major, just a low time for me and L, feeling stress in general. I hope things will start to get better here, and maybe by June we'll see things open up a bit more. Fingers crossed!

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  3. Great finds Shiela, I particularly love the scarves! Your skirt looks very interesting too!😍

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  4. I quite enjoyed picturing the skirt wearer at the wedding. Ah yes, a stain here, a stain there, at least she was on time for the ceremony. ;) Truly a delightful, feasible story line! Just had this vision of you coming up with backstories for a number of your pieces and then using them as a basis for short, possibly related, stories.

    I have my fingers crossed that your second jab will come sooner than August. In NY we’ve seen the vaccination plan change overnight as necessary so maybe something similar will happen in Victoria. In any case, a jab is a jab is a jab, better one than none.

    Your vibrant outfit is a wonderful uplifter! I can see how it would be comfortable for walking, and quite appreciate the lines on you. I am certain your ensemble gave you the zing of positive energy that you needed. 👍

    Had a good chuckle at seeing the stain remover you use is for carpets! No wonder it works so well. Heck, if it can give some life back to soiled clothing then it’s irrelevant how the product is billed. ;)

    May your Friday and weekend reinvigorate your psyche, whether through rest or activity. Breathe deep and relax!
    Cheers, Laurie

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    1. I do enjoy making up stories about the previous owners, Laurie! Oh, the history of our clothes that we buy second-hand! That would be a fun exercise - the book is practically written!

      Thank you, my dear friend, but it's not likely. My mom will probably get her second shot by early July, and then I'll have to wait (again) until my age group comes up. Canada has chosen to do one dose, then wait up to 4 months to ensure everyone's gotten #1 before they start doing the second.

      Thank you so much! I really loved walking around in this outfit. It's amazing how our moods can be affected by what we wear.

      I've been using this stuff for going on 15 years - it's amazing, but is non-toxic and pet/child-safe. It takes out EVERYTHING.

      Thank you, Laurie! Happy Weekend to you and Fred! Sending some sunshine your way!

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  5. Retail therapy sounds like the perfect thing to indulge in after a rough week. I've been having a rough one myself. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I seem to become less stress resistant the longer the pandemic lasts. Your shopping outfit went a long way to boost my morale. That maxi skirt is stunning, and how fun is Completely Impractical Raincoat? Also loving the underlovelies! And didn't you do well shopping? I'm loving both skirts - and what a great job you did on removing the floral one's bad karma - and the scarves are amazing too!
    I have rescued many a stained or damaged piece of clothing, which is very rewarding.
    Wishing you a most relaxing weekend, Sheila xxx

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    1. Oh, I needed it, Ann! I was craving a bit of normalcy this week, and the stress of this just going on...and on...and on...really got to me this week, even though getting our Jab #1 was a highlight.

      I giggled at the Completely Impractical Raincoat, and enjoyed wearing it, even though it required constant adjustments. I doubt I will keep it long.

      I am thrilled with my new skirts (watch for the green one this weekend), and it felt so good to get those stains out. It is very rewarding, as you note.

      You too, my dear! Happy weekend to you, Jos and Bess!

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  6. I love the oufit with the useless jacket haha. It looks wonderful. I can imagine you got compliments. I cannot wait to see the green skirt on you and the J. Crew skirt. Getting those spots out with carpet cleaner is sheer genius.
    Greetje
    PS A Pierre Cardin scarf..? Wow.

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    1. Thanks so much, Greetje! Isn't that the funniest jacket? I'll be wearing the green skirt this weekend, and likely the floral one next week. Folex is the best stain remover I've ever found - highly recommended.

      Oh yes, vintage Pierre too!

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  7. The jacket is so fun with that maxi skirt and the green one is an amazing find! great job with the J Crew skirt too - it cleaned up so well! It's a shame we don't have folex here - my son was playing happily in the playground yesterday, getting dirty as expected, but it all brushed off. When we got home we realised he'd somehow stained his (brand new!) pants with something red? So I'm hoping they come good in the wash, I didn't see anything at the park that would have explained it, it was all brown bark he was rolling in, haha!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! I'm so happy that the J. Crew skirt cleaned up - what a relief! - and I'm thrilled with the green maxi (which you will see this weekend).

      You don't have Folex? Well, that is a shame! It's amazing stuff. Good luck with your mystery stain!

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  8. Another reason I admire you: you're one of the only women I know who still wear slips.

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    1. They are essential, in my opinion! They smooth, they insulate and they are classy as heck!

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  9. I hpe that spot of retail therapy turned your rough week around. I love both the maxi skirt you're wearing and the new one. I've scored some incredible vintage Israeli pieces in the past, the quality of the cotton is always outstanding.
    I often buy "wounded birds", vintage in need of TLC, I love the challenge of restoring stuff! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vix! It definitely helped. Yes, the cotton in this skirt is amazing quality - it's worn really well over the last 50 years. I have been eyeing things with a view more to fixing them and giving them a good home. I love the term "wounded birds".

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  10. Oh the days that I was actualy shopping in stores!! It was therapeutic! I am so in love with the scarfes! Especially the second one, those colors are so thrilling! Love the skirt you are wearing. I never buy something if it needs to be fixed. I'm horrible with a needle.

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    1. Ah, you must miss it so much, Nancy! I hope things will open for you soon. I love these scarves so much. Thank you!

      Ha, I used to be like that too - but now I'm a little more willing to give a garment some TLC.

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  11. I enjoyed reading about Ruth Dayan and how she started Maskit. I remember seeing photos of her husband Moshe Dayan wearing his eye patch in the news when I was a kid! The skirt is fab - I would have been drawn to it too. Great job on the J. Crew skirt - I wouldn't have had the patience to try to clean it. I miss second-hand shopping, not necessarily to buy things, but even just to browse. Our Stay-at-Home order has been extended to June 2nd, and I have a week's vacation coming up with no where to go and nothing to do.

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    1. Wasn't that interesting? I found her story really captivating, and what a rake her husband was! I love that you remember him, Shelley!

      I'm glad I spent some time on the J.Crew skirt (I'm wearing it today!). I am very grateful that our stores have remained open here. Oh no, that really sucks! I hope the numbers will drop soon, now that a big chunk of the population has had its first shot.

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  12. That beautiful skirt is a gem and I love how you styled it with cropped jacket. The shoes are amazing as well. You always find the best pieces Sheila. I'm fascinated to learn that the green maxi skirt was made by the only luxury Israeli brand whose owner and founder died at 103. It's so fun to know the story behind the clothes. I think clothing items that have interesting stories always have a special vibe about themselves. What stories the clothes can tell...I love the story connected with the floral skirt you removed the stains from. I'm sure you removed the bad karma too. You put together great stories.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana! I loved this outfit and felt awesome in it.

      Isn't that the most fascinating thing? I love the stories behind clothes, and am always thinking about who owned the garments before me. Glad you enjoyed my made-up tale of the floral skirt!

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  13. You found some great pieces, I love the green skirt! Your outfit is fabulous - the skirt and cropped jacket look so good together!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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  14. Sheila you are my fashion idol!!! That skirt is to die for! I'm going to feature you this Friday on my blog!!!!

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    1. You're so sweet, thanks, Lucy! Aw, that is so nice - I'll look for it!

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  15. mwahaha, love this Completely Impractical Raincoat, such a fab piece and fab name too!, it looks really cool with this stunning skirt, delightfully matchy colours! and these shoes are so cute!. Love all this orange-red colour!
    And also in love with your lucky finds!, the green skirt is a beauty, I'm running to the next post to see it in action!. And great advice on removing spots, you rock!
    besos

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    1. Isn't it hilarious? I get a kick out of it, and I like playing with the proportions here. Thank you!

      I'm so relieved all those spots came out.

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  16. Sheila, I absolutely adore this outfit with your fun cropped rain jacket! What a gorgeous print on your skirt and the colors are so vibrant and eye catching. That green maxi skirt is amazing and I am going off to read about this brand and the designer now! How fun that you found and shared these links. And great job on the J. Crew skirt clean up! That print is super cute!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Shelbee! I hope you enjoyed the info - I love doing that research. I'm so glad that the stains came out of the skirt.

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