Clothing as Armour Two-Fer : Satin and Optic Cocoon; All the Metals

Hello, my friends! It's been a trying couple of days, but the weekend is in sight. I have a two-fer for your in this post (two outfits for the price of one post! and it's all free!), plus a bunch of cat pictures. 

I'm still feeling anxious, stressed and a little "thin" mentally, but there are rays of sunshine peeking through - although not literal rays, as it's gotten cloudy and a bit chilly out. Metaphorical rays! 

So let's get started. I had a call from work on Thursday morning, asking me to come in early on Friday for an important meeting at 8:30am. Getting work calls at home is a big no-no with me, so that ratcheted up my anxiety up - and I was already at a 7/10 due to my pending periodontal appointment that afternoon. Instead of doing my Mental Health Walk, I finished up my MoMA course (link here, 'cause I love - you can audit it for free), which was excellent and well worth the time.

I planned to walk to my appointment, as the activity helps me calm myself, so I got ready slowly and deliberately. Deep breaths...

I decided to wear this new swooshy teal-green satin skirt, and then carried on in full-on "cocoon mode" for the rest of the outfit. 

• Cardigan - Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, consignment; last seen here in August 2020 with pink leather
• Sweater tank - INC, thrifted; last worn here in September 2020 with black and white and red
• Skirt - 24Colours; purchased here for $29.99
• Shoes - Wittner, consignment; last seen here in February with grey Gigli

I planned for walking, as well as for being in the chair for an hour, and then hanging out at home with Mom afterwards. Nothing tight, constricting or harsh. 

I hadn't yet worn this optic-print cardi this year, but I love it - it's Gaultier! Mom noticed how sheer it was in person - it's very fine mesh and see-through on the arms (the body is double layers). 

I'm hypnotizing myself with this pattern....you are feeling calm and serene...nothing to be worried about...

It was sunny and warm and by the time I arrived at the periodontist half an hour early for my anti-anxiety happy pill, I was hot-flashing right and left. My poor tech had to take my temperature twice! 

With the cardi off. 

The little black tank is actually a light sweater knit top. I prefer thicker fabric and knits for actual "structure" pieces vs. camis, which are typically thin polyester or t-shirt fabric. I can wear this top on its own and not look like I'm wearing underthings.

Speaking of...I wore my little pantaloons. 

That's a lovely bruise I have from bumping into a shelf at work. I bruise like a banana.

Masked up. Of course, we have to wear masks in medical offices still. 

Cardigan buttoned and hands in pockets, hiding from the world.

• Mask - by Mom

In case you're wondering why I go to the dentist so much, I get my teeth scaled every 4-5 months - I grow tartar/scale like a boss - and I have it done by a specialist due to PTSD from my early dental experiences. I smashed out two of my front teeth when I was 17 and went through a year of surgeries and root canals in the 80s (aka the Days Before Pre-Freezing). When I was in my 40s, I went to L's dentist for cleanings, and it was a painful and humiliating ordeal (2 appointment a week for two weeks) without any kind of freezing or sedation while being berated for not taking care of my teeth. I also go to a regular dentist just for cleaning, x-rays, and any other fun things that come up (I've had multiple infections, and a cracked tooth that had to be replaced with a crown). 

Good times! Anyway, that's why I get super-anxious and stressed about both my regular dental appointments and my periodontal appointments. 

I'm all incognito'd up, ready to let my brain float away while my tech works on my completely frozen mouth - she is so kind and gentle with me, and I hugely appreciate her. This was a comfy outfit for sitting in the chair, and also a nice colourful look for Michelle to enjoy. 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac, thrifted

The stuff: 

I wore my toe-tubes to protect a couple of sensitive spots, but otherwise these shoes were excellent for my brisk walk. 

Green and black bling: 

I like to wear jewelry that makes me feel strong. Note the "theme" of jagged elements on the cardigan and in my accessories. Not an accident!

• Necklace - vintage 50s, Mom's
• Steel cuff - thrifted
• Glass bangle - thrifted
• Lucite/crystal bangle - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Sidney
• Earrings - vintage, vintage fair
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair

Mom was with me via her necklace - she also "bought" me the cuff via birthday gift money. 

The indoor pics make this skirt look peacock blue, but it's actually a dark greeny-teal.

I'll just lean on the concrete for strength. 

I found Vizzini ensconced on "his chair" with "his pillow" before I left. 

"Don't wake me unless you're going to feed me, Woman."

Wish me luck at the periodontist, Vizzini! 

"Are you serious?"

I am not allowed to leave the dental office alone (due to the happy pill), so Mom generously picked me up - thank you! I'm pretty sure she just wanted to visit with Vizzini. 

"The Mom-Woman is in my chair!"

Mom was very spiffy in her red shoes, new chambray button-front maxi skirt (with pockets!), and blue patterned top - she had a matching mask too (of course!).

We just sat, drank iced tea and chatted for a couple of hours while Vizzini lurked around. I gave her some books I thought she might like. 

"Okay, now you get up, and I take the chair."

He popped one of the hall closet doors open, trying to get our attention...

"Heh heh, they will come looking for me and I'll leap out and scare them!"

Mom and I found this hilarious, just the twitching tail sticking out. Yes, you're so good at hiding, Vizzini. 

"I'm going to sit here until you feed me."

After L got home, I crashed and slept for a couple of hours before dinner. On Friday morning, I was up early and rushing around to get to work for my important meeting...only to find that it had been moved to Monday! Arg! I wore my best armour for it too! 

I doubt I'll ever wear these new-to-me sneakers with anything overly dressy, but I did want to do at least one outfit with them. As they have shiny copper and gold fabrics, I mixed all the metals in my Friday work ensemble. 

• Leather-front tee - Danier Leather, thrifted; first seen here in July for Space Brunch!
• Space pants - Free People, Portland, Oregon; last worn here in July - same outfit
• Shoes - Steve Madden, thrifted; purchased here for $16.95
• Coat (below) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here in June

My view of the Castle was obscured by fog this morning. First fog of the season! 

I will admit, it felt deliciously cool and soothing. 

I repeated the combination of this awesome studded/beaded leather tee and my Space Pants from earlier in the summer. I knew I wanted to wear these shiny leather pants with my new shoes. 

Since the morning meeting was moved, I dashed to the drug store and picked up some sport inserts for the shoes. I figured out why they were so cheap! The previous owner had ripped out the original inserts and put in a thinner pair. Ah, they feel much better now, and fit me perfectly. Sorry, Mom, you can't have them! 

I chatted with various coworkers in the office today, who all appreciated my leather outfit and shiny bits. 

And I felt strong and in control. Clothing as Armour does work! 

And I felt a lot of the stress seep away...

Masked up. I caught up with one of my favourite colleagues in the building lobby - she was here to pick up a package. 

She appreciated my Clothing as Armour. We had a good chat and shared a big hug. 

Outerwear - it was chilly enough to warrant a coat in the morning. 

I didn't need it on the way home, but it was still cloudy. 

The stuff: 

I used my steamer to make the laces nicer - they were wrinkly and messy-looking. I actually walked to and from work in these - normally, I carry my "good" shoes in my pack, wear sneakers/runners for walking to and from, and then change at work. 

All the metal bling: 

I love mixed metal jewelry. Many people have a "block" when it comes to mixing metals, but it's totally fine. Give it a shot! 

• Necklace - Stella & Dot, thrifted; purchased here for $7.95
• Copper earrings/rings - Glee, local
• Metal/stone bangle - vintage 1920s, vintage mall
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Mesh bracelet - Stella & Dot, consignment

First wearing of the new-to-me necklace, which I wore "all metal" side out. It wanted to flip around a bit, but I resolved that by doing it up at the smallest link. 

After work, I dropped by the Button Boutique to see if I could find some cool buttons to replace the leather ones on the jacket I plan to illustrate. 

These are glass from Czechoslovakia, and they were $3.75 each button (nearly the full cost of that jacket! I like the dots of gold (those sections are raised) as they remind me of snakeskin.

And now, I'll leave you with one last cat picture. 

"I'm full of fury! Give me treats!"

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend - I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!