Monday, July 26, 2021

Back to Black (Bye!), New Blue and a Birthday Video

Monday morning was a bit of a shock to the system, my friends! Woo, 6:30am is early! However, I pulled myself out of bed and put on a Jammy Dress, as one does when one suspects one will be tired. 
I see that I have a bruise coming up on the front of my leg from Ulti - I got donked right in the shin with a Frisbee, ow!


I know it's a shock, but I do wear black every so often! I built this outfit around my new-to-me Fluevog belt. 

  • Dress - Strawberry Jill, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in June 2020 with pinks
  • Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last worn here in May with floral and fringe

I didn't know Vizzini was in these pics until I uploaded them. Cat-Bombed! 
"I am not happy that you are leaving me again."


He was very needy on Sunday, but I stuck close to home all day and was rewarded with multiple cat-naps. Poor guy isn't used to us being socially busy and also back at work. 

Back to the dress! I wanted to wear this new Fluevog belt right away, and of course, it matches perfectly with my blue Fluevog shoes. 
A black dress is an excellent backdrop for both items. Easy! 

This dress is 100% silk (even the lining), woven in a chiffon so the outer layer and the ruffles on the edges are all sheer and flowy. 
It is a proper wrap dress, with skinny spaghetti-strap ties at the waist, easily hidden under the belt. 

I like this dress, but I don't love it - and I only paid $9.95 for it (and have worn it three times), so off to the giveaway pile it goes. I know it seems like I'm always getting rid of things, but I often pull a "regret-me-not" and take clothes back. I also love to shop, but I can't keep doing that without winnowing out the "likes" from the "loves." Plus, my taste changes over time. This dress feels like Too Many Ruffles right now. 

Masked up - it's my DC Comics superheroes one (with Wonder Woman). 
"I'll just sit here and sulk."


  • Mask - Lazy Susan's

The dress has a snap at the cleavage, so I don't have any gaping, but I also wore a navy blue vintage cami under it. 
And my little black cotton-blend petit-pants under it for total thigh security. 

I gave in and hoisted Vizzini up for a quick cuddle. 
"Now we should go stretch out on the couch."

I wish I could! 

Hatted up for my walk to and from the office. 
I often forget to put my sunnies on for pics, but if I'm going outside, they're on. 

  • Hat - Heart's Content

The stuff: 
These remain the most comfy "real" heels I own, which is why I've owned them in 5 different colours/patterns/finishes over 10+ years. 

Blue and silver bling: 
The belt works best done up right at my natural waist. It felt looser after I'd worn it for a bit, so I moved the stud fastener one tighter. 

  • Belt - Rohesia belt, Fluevog; purchased here for $149.99
  • Earrings - local
  • Silver/sodalite ring - Scotland, 1996
  • Silver/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Filigree cuff - St. Paul's Cathedral gift shop, London
  • Cage cuff - Bauxo

And last but not least, Cat filmed the last few late-night stragglers at Winesday singing "Happy Birthday" to her husband Ross: 

Wow, we're actually in tune! From left, that's Linda, Tracy, Marian, then me, Yvonne, Vero and Ali. 

40 comments:

  1. You look fabulous! I love this dress and really like the pops of blue from the accessories.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  2. That dress might not be doing it for you but it was the perfect choice for showing off that fabulous belt although I can hardly see Vizzini against it!
    Love the singing! xxx

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    1. Agreed, Vix! I'll have to pair the shoe/belt combo with a different coloured dress, the better to show off my kitty!

      I did too. :)

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  3. I really like this little black dress on you but can understand the need to have things you love in your wardrobe more than things you just like. I really need to be firmer with that myself, I find it so hard to remove things from my wardrobe, ha! the bright blue is beautiful with this too :)

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    1. Yup, and it can be hard to winnow them down, Mica, as you know! I love black and black dresses, but this one just is not singing for me anymore. I do love the two blue accessories though.

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  4. The blues are so pretty. I am finally figuring out that I do not need to keep things just because, though I have no where near the style you do.

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    1. They are, thanks so much, Sam! It is hard to let go of clothes, isn't it? They hold memories of when they were worn, and we find it tough to let go of those things. It helps to have pictures of them, if you think you might miss them.

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  5. Indeed, I'm not used to seeing you in black, but I agree it was the perfect canvas to show off that magnificent belt! Wonderfully matchy-matchy with the shoes too, and the hat and sunnies are the perfect finishing touches.
    Good for you for being so ruthless in getting rid of things, while still giving them some time out to see if they deserve a second chance. I'm doing the latter too, but that, I'm afraid, is often my downfall. Too many things make it back into my wardrobe in the end :-) xxx P.S. Love the birthday video!

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I have a few solid dresses that I think will go with the belt/shoe combo (because you know I'll be wearing them together forever!), and this one is just not working for me. It's hard for me to let go of bargains, pretty things, and designer clothes, especially, but this dress wasn't that difficult.

      Thanks so much! I love that Cat recorded us.

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  6. You know I love a black dress. And with that cool hat and those gorgeous shoes it's such a perfect wow outfit to me. And what a lovely birthday surprise to Ross!

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    1. I know you do, Nancy! I think of you when I wear black, ha ha! Thanks so much!

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  7. This outfit decked out with your hat and sunglasses reminds me of "Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego." :-) I like the entire outfit but not being a fan of ruffles (for myself) I fully understand your willingness to let the dress go. Your jewelry is lovely, both colors and styles.

    Am delighted to share that this morning we had an outing that included a stop at a second hand shop called Psychic Sister. I brought in a few items for them to resell and walked out with (drum roll) the MAXI dress and the perfect belt to accompany its wearing! Thank you, Sheila, for your encouragement AND for your many years of inspiration to be adventuresome in dressing and exploring of personal style. Must say I feel rather satisfied to have purchased second hand while going outside my style comfort zone and to have the outfit as a souvenir from visiting Robin and Katryna. :-)

    Yay for the birthday video! Happy Birthday Ross! You all sounded spot on!

    Hello from across the Juan de Fuca Strait!

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    1. Ha ha, yes, that's so perfect, Laurie, with the big hat and sunnies! I like ruffles, but not these ones in particular. It's good to let go of things that are not inspiring me.

      Woo hoo! That is so exciting! I hope you will send me a pic of you in it. :) I would love to see it, and your new belt. Aw, I'm so honoured to have inspired you to take fashion risks, Laurie. It feels good, doesn't it? And what a wonderful souvenir of your trip! Every time you wear it, you'll remember this time.

      Thank you so much! *waves at the mountains to the south*

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  8. Wow one classy lady! I love how this looks on you and blue and silver bling yum but hey why keep it if you don't love it I hear you. Yes our tastes change even from season to season and I like you have of ten pulled things back out to keep ahh at least it's fun. Seriously though you look lovely esp. in the hat. Shazxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Shaz! I like this look, but it didn't entirely feel like me, and that part was the dress, so off it goes. My taste changes and evolves - and I've been blogging so long, that I've been able to watch it change. I've especially pulled away from uber-girly looks, which suit me less as I get older. Thank you, my dear!

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  9. A black dress and a black cat... this is so cute!!! I love how lovely the dress looks on you. Love the shoes too.

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  10. Now, that is what I call a statement belt! What a beauty. It matched the blue heels perfectly. The black dress looks great on you but I understand why you are getting rid of it. If it doesn't feel special or doesn't fit your style/mood anymore, why stick with it? There are enough special clothing items out there that feel just right.
    Oh, Vizzini's so cute. The cutest photo bomber.
    Happy birthday to Ross.

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    1. It really is, Ivana! I love it and am so happy that L bought it for me, as I've been wanting it for years! Of course, being the same brand, the shoes and belt match exactly - woo!

      Yup, the black dress is just blah to me (plus SO many ruffles). There are many more dresses out there (and in my closet!).

      He is - I love when he plunks himself down there.

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  11. I love all the pops of blue in this outfit! So chic, and that belt is INCREDBILE. So stylish!!

    -Grace

    gracefulrags.com

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  12. The belt definitely deserves to be the show piece; it's a work of art. The black dress is very pretty, but it's not so exceptional that you won't find a superier LBD somewhere. Vizzini is a character :)

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    1. I agree, Nana - it deserves to be the centre of attention in any outfit! And yup, you know I have (or will find) better black dress(es)!

      He is! Such a funny cat.

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  13. That belt is so gorgeous! I am so sad to see that it's sold out in blue, because I really considered purchasing after seeing it on you!

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    1. Chrissy, so good to see you!! They had one left online the other day - bummer that it's gone!

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  14. You chose the black dress wisely to let the shoes and belt get all the glory.
    I bet you knew I would love this outfit. This dress looks so good on you, it pains me to think it is in the give-away pile. But I bet it is too boring for you, if I like it haha.
    Greetje

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    1. Ha ha, I do think of you when I wear what I deem "basic" or classic clothes! It is a lovely dress, but felt too fussy and girly for me. I have other black dresses!

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  15. That belt might just be the most gorgeous piece of sartorial art to ever grace someone's waist. What an eye-catching, dreamily beautiful accessory. I adore how you've styled it here, letting the inky blue and classic silver play first chair against a sea of midnight black.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Isn't it amazing? I'm so happy to finally have it! Thank you!

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  16. So fabulous matchiness, I love your new belt with these shoes and love the black dress as a background to make them shine!. And it's a lovely dress!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much - I loved letting the belt (and shoes) star, but the dress is too frou-frou for me.

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  17. You look so chic! I really love your dress and the colour of your shoes are just so divine!

    Life is a Shoe

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  18. Fun post, Sheila! I love the cobalt blue accessories with your little black dress. What a pretty dress it is! I remember buying a few ruffly dresses like this maybe 5-10 years ago and they also feel a little too ruffly for my taste now. But I have the space to store the stuff so I don't clean out nearly as often as I probably should!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Thanks, Shelbee! Ruffles often appeal to me, but this garment in particular just feels too girly for me now. I might keep it if I had the space, but probably not.

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  19. It's a pretty dress, but it doesn't say "Sheila" to me. It did show off the belt nicely though.

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