Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Patchwork, Pink and Polka Dots, and a Peplum Flashback

Thank you all for your good vibes sent to my tweaked back. It's feeling much better today, so I celebrated by wearing a bunch of my favourite things in my favourite colours. Okay, I don't really have a favourite - I like ALL colours (except oatmeal, which is for eating, not wearing, and looks good on no one). 
I had the silk polka dot top next to this new-to-me vintage patchwork skirt and realized it was a match made in polka-dot heaven! The skirt has a very strong dot theme in it.

  • Jacket - Simon Chang, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here with dark florals in April 2020
  • Silk top - Gino Collection, vintage 80s, thrifted; purchased here for $22.99
  • Patchwork skirt - handmade, vintage 50s, thrifted; purchased here for $24.95
  • Shoes - Arnold Churgin, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in February with jungle and joggers

I wasn't sure if I would be warm enough in the office, but I forgot how amazing silk is for insulating. 
I had three Teams meetings today, and everyone admired my pink, dots and patchwork - I took a shoe off to show that I was matching. "I expect nothing less, Sheila!" said Trisha.

The skirt was so fun to wear - I even twirled for colleagues Killian and Ngoc, who admired it. 
"I can see your slip," Ngoc pointed out. 

Yes, that's because the zipper is not done up all the way (I do not have a 24 inch waist!), so the back of the skirt comes up a little bit higher than the front. 
As I planned it! The metal Talon-brand zip has a very strong prong to hold the zip in place - I had no slippage all day, and just folded the unzipped section under to make a V at the back instead of a waistband. It was covered up completely by the blousing of the silk top. 
I wore a full coral-orange slip under it. So pretty.

Our temps were up to 16 today, so instead of a regular coat, I wore this dark green jacket. 
I thought I might need to wear it in the office if I got cold, but it ended up being draped on the back of my chair all day. 

Masked up and buttoned up. Note the shorter sleeve length, perfect for bracelets. 
Check out the double-ruffled peplum on the hips of this jacket. We'll have a wee Flashback below to see how I've previously worn it. 

Fully in outerwear mode. 
My pink pashmina and matchy gloves. You can't miss me! 

Showing off the skirt a bit here. 
It's pretty close to a full circle. 
Look at those fabulous peplum ruffles! 

Outerwear stuff: 
That pashmina is one of my gems - silk and cashmere! 

  • Silk/cashmere pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
  • Leather/cashmere gloves - consignment
  • Mask - by Cat

The mask pattern was very similar to the patchwork fabrics in the skirt. 

The stuff: 
These Barbie pink shoes were much admired on my video calls. 

Mixed bling: 
I went with pearls to match the polka dots. 

  • Pearl bracelet - thrifted
  • Green bracelet - vintage 60s, Mom's
  • Brooch - Coro, thrifted
  • Silver/crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
  • Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Earrings - thrifted



Flashback: Simon Chang Peplum Jacket

I spotted this amazing deep green blazer at the local Women In Need warehouse store here in January 2017. 
 I couldn't believe my eyes - it was a whopping $8.95 - the red star meant it was an extra 10% off.
The label is Simon Chang - he's a Canadian fashion designer of Chinese descent, raised in Vancouver. He received the Order of Canada in 2008, "recognized for his contributions to the fashion industry as well as for his philanthropic and social engagement." (source). 

I knew I would be wearing this new-to-me jacket for the Victoria Film Festival Opening Night Gala a few weeks later in February 2017. 
The theme was "Florals" - our group certainly lived up to it (event post here)! Kenzo skirt Flashback here, and shoe Flashback here

Of course, that didn't mean I couldn't treat it as "normal" clothing - I wore it to work later that month. You can see the colour really well here. 
I loved this outfit but I gave up the shoes (too high) and the skirt (limited colours) years ago. 

I still have this skirt, seen in August 2017, but it's very tight. 
I love the fabric so much, though. Maybe I should just make it into pillows. 

I let go of this purple sequined skirt after it started to fall apart. 
This was a very sparkly outfit from December 2017. I don't remember this look from the Flashback on the shoes (here)…hmm, how did that happen? 

This was the one and only wearing of my Ralph Lauren pheasant skirt, in October 2018. 
Boots Flashbacked here

When I started digging for all my outfits with this jacket, I was shocked at how many there were, but then realized I wore it as an outerwear jacket for many of these looks (much like I did today).
This was in March 2019 - shoes Flashbacked here

And again, as a jacket here in May 2019. 
I did not keep that skirt - it looked too Christmassy for my taste. Shoes Flashbacked here

I wore it to a vintage fair in September 2019, and incorporated it as my outerwear ensemble. 
I wore the belt over the dress during the day while at work. Boots Flashback here

The jacket inspired Velvet Rage here in November 2019. You can see it on my face - I already know it's going to be annoying. 
That's my stretch velvet vintage Betsey Johnson dress - it fought with the jacket all freakin' day! It's a miracle I still have both it and the jacket! Shoes Flashbacked here

And here's the last time I wore it, in April 2020. 
Same shoes as today! Flashback on them here

Mathy stuff: Today makes it twelve outfits in total, for an incredible 75 cents per wear. 

Do you have a favourite? Do you prefer it with full skirts or pencil style ones? 

32 comments:

  1. Hmm, to answer your question for preference....it depends. It’s not so much if I prefer the jacket with pencil styles or flared. It depends on the individual piece. I like the jacket better with patterns rather than solids, and I am not a fan of the cream skirt or Ralph Lauren skirt.

    I love the vivid color of your opening outfit! What a spirit picker-upper! Sets the tone for the day. :)

    Here’s to a glorious Thursday!
    Cheers!

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    1. I tend to agree, Laurie - I like it with both fitted and flared bottoms. That fuzzy cream skirt didn't last, but the outfit under it was solid.

      Thank you, glad to brighten your day up. :)

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  2. The polka dots wit that skirt has my older daughters name written all over it! She loves to mix patterns, and is building a wonderful thrifted wardrobe tat fits her creative, bohemian life. I love the jacket with the skirts-my style is pretty monochromatic, so that's adding pattern in my book.

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    1. Oh, your daughter sounds like she is very fashionable! I love that she's into thrifting. I totally get that, Sam - not everyone is into patterns a-gogo.

      Delete
  3. I just love how that jacket floats over the skirt. It looks gorgeous. And the polka dot top looks so girly, but good girly! Happy, cheerful, radiant!

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    1. It's a really pretty jacket - I just die for those double ruffles, Nancy. Thank you! I like girly, even though I am firmly NOT a girl anymore, ha ha! Thanks!

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  4. Oh yes, definitely a match made in polka dot heaven. How fortuitous that they were next to each other! I really, really love that skirt, which I definitely would have picked up too. And how fab is that coral-orange slip! I love a bracelet length sleeve on a jacket, and this one is such a wonderful shape too. That ruffled peplum is divine. I loved the parade of outfits in its flashback, and I've taken a shining to the socks in your first outfit! xxx

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    1. Agreed, Ann! I love polka dots (such a classic pattern). I find so many unusual pairings in my closet, just from having things hanging next to other items. The skirt is incredible - and I love that I am giving it new life after so long.

      I have a few of those pretty slips - they are harder to find now than they were 10 years ago, but they wear like iron.

      I also love bracelet sleeves - such a nice detail. The peplum - double ruffles! Ha, yes, my "delicate f**king flower" socks - they are fun!

      Delete
  5. Oh, I love this outfit! (Though I am predisposed to loving 1930's-1950's vintage...)
    The skirt pairs so beautifully with the pink polka dot top, the shoes and the gorgeous green peplum jacket! (what an incredible steal that was!) Such Spring-y colors. Like a breath of fresh air, this. Yay!
    In my humble opinion, that jacket looks utterly lovely with both styles of skirt. A total winner!

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    1. Thank you, Rita! I tend to do more 60s to recent, but I could not resist giving this wonderful skirt a home. I know, bargain on the jacket, right? This outfit felt so fun.

      I agree, I like it with both width of skirts. I should try it with trousers some time!

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  6. It's great you've got that jacket down to such a low cost per wear - it's a really beautiful piece on you no matter what you pair it with :) I love the matching shoes with the polka dots too and it's nice it cheered up your colleagues as well! :)

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    1. Isn't that awesome, Mica? I'm so pleased that I've worn it so much! I felt very springy in this outfit, thank you!

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  7. I would never in a million years have thought to pair the polka dot blouse with the patchwork skirt, but you are right - they are a match made in heaven. How clever of you! I truly love that jacket.

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  8. Another fabulous look. That skirt was an exceptional find as well as your jacket.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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  9. The pink polka dots top is fabulous, and I love it paired with that skirt! Such a fun outfit!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  10. This outfit is so pretty it brings a smile on my face. When you mentioned that you took on your pink shoe off during Teams meeting to show that you were matching that made me smile again.
    It really is a beautiful look. The first thing I noticed were the Barbie heels. I love them.
    The pink silk blouse is fantastic. The skirt is fabulous and the jacket is gorgeous. I love the orange coral slip too. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, Ivana! My coworkers demanded to see my shoes, so I had to take one off! :)

      They are such a Barbie pink, I love them too. I'm really pleased with the pink silk top, and I've always loved this jacket. Happy weekend to you!

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  11. That's stellar news regarding your back, my dear friend! May it continue to feel stronger/better by the day and not give you an ounce of trouble for the rest of 2021!

    Those hot pink heels are sensational! Child of the 80s that I am, they definitely remind me of Barbie shoes as well. So fun and fab!!!

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. I'm relieved that it healed quite quickly, Autumn, thank you for your good vibes!

      I love them too - they are true Barbie shoes!

      Delete
  12. I knew that skirt would look fantastic on and it does. The polka dot top is an inspired choice!
    The jacket is a fabulously retro shape and I'm not surprised it's had so many outings, it looks good with everything. xxx

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    1. I loved wearing the skirt, and was really happy how well the top went with it. Thanks, Vix! I know, I lucked out on the jacket! What a score!

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  13. The peplum jacket and patchwork skirt are a match made in heaven. Of course you have the perfect pink shoes to match the skirt!

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    1. That's the advantage of a huge wardrobe - I always have the right shoes to go with any outfit. :) Thanks so much, Shelley!

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  14. Soooo good. And the jacket is a winner too.
    I think I would put a safety pin underneath the zipper (where the prong opens). To be on the safe side but also to support the zipper. When you wear it like that a lot, it might get 'tired' of being open like that.
    Greetje

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    1. Thank you, Greetje! The zipper is really strong and sturdy, so I wasn't worried about it coming undone at all.

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  15. woww, lovely outfit!, the patchwork skirt is stunning and love the way you styled it, totally my kind of polka-dot heavenly matchiness.
    Lovely flashback too, this is a fabulous jacket, the shape and ruffles are amazing, and the color is so versatile!. Love it both with pencil skirts and full skirts, you rock both of them!. I have a weakness for purple details, sorry that the sequined skirt had to go!
    besos

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    1. Isn't it amazing, Monica? I am still amazed that I found such an old thing!

      The jacket is a great piece. Ah, don't worry about that skirt - I haven't had it in over 5 years!

      Delete
  16. I can understand why your colleagues were admiring your barbie pink shoes - I absolutely love them! And they pair so perfectly with the polka dot top. I also think that orange slip is so stinking cute!
    Thanks for joining my Thursday linkup. :-)

    -Grace
    gracefulrags.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Grace! I'm glad I discovered your blog and your funky style!

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