Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Lace Zigzag Dress Flashback; Betty-Day Adventure

Hello, and welcome to an extra bonus day off post - I booked a date with my former coworker and friend, Betty, so I thought I ought to get dressed. I also realized I do not have a single picture of Betty, much less one of the two of us, so I took my camera along. 

Betty picked me up, and I had no idea what we were going to do. A walk? Coffee? I dressed for any eventuality.
Jammy dress time! I also factored in a possible walk and wore my sneakers. 

  • Dress - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here in June with a pop of red (and the same jacket)
  • Shoes - Steve Madden, thrifted; first worn here (2nd outfit) a couple of weeks ago with all the metals
  • Coat - Club Monaco, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit), with these shoes

I had a lovely view of the Castle. 
It was windy, cloudy, sunny and cold. Welcome to west coast weather! 

As it was only in the mid-teens, I decided to wear this light coat. 
I started with the zigzag dress, though. After a quick search in my Flashbacks (here), I discovered I have not yet subjected treated you to a Flashback on it, so we'll have a little peek back at the ways I've worn it shortly. 

Jacket done up. 
It has a small hook-and-eye closure at the front. I paid $19.99 for this coat years and years ago at Flavour Upstairs and I've easily worn it a hundred times - don't worry, we won't be Flashbacking it! 

Jacket off. 
I hoped it would be sunny (hence the sunglasses in most of the pics!) and I wouldn't need it, but I was really glad to have it. I also wore micro-fishnet nylons for a little extra warmth.

Glasses on - I like the contrast of turquoise and copper. 
This dress is not a print - it's woven lace. 
Just a single zip down the back. No pockets, but otherwise it's perfect. 

Masked up - just in case we went indoors. Didn't end up needing it.
I'm feeling very zingy in my neutrals! 

And of course, I had to carry a copper bag. 
I was ready for any eventuality! 

The stuff: 
Okay, I am getting the allure of sneakers/trainers with "real" clothes. These are insanely comfy, especially since I bought new inserts (Dr. Scholl's) for them. I discovered that the original insoles had been removed (which is probably why they were only $16.95!). Once I had proper inserts in there, they fit perfectly. Further disappointment for covetous Mom! (hi, Mom!).

Copper bling: 
I like adding copper as my metal, and it's a nice chance to wear some of my collection.

  • Brooch - vintage, thrifted
  • Earrings - vintage expo
  • Necklace/cuff - vintage 70s, vintage expo
  • Copper bracelet - Renoir, thrifted
  • Copper rings - Glee
  • Silver/onyx feather ring - c. 1986, gift from Mom & Dad
  • Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair


Flashback: Talbots Lace Zigzag Dress

I purchased this dress at the Patch here in June 2016 on a shopping-filled weekend. Although the entire bottom floor of the Patch is vintage, I often find mall brands there from the last 10 years. 
I fell hard for the zigzag pattern of this one. I am a sucker for a black and white/cream patterned dress!

I know Talbots can size large, but this is marked a size 2! 
Still, it fit me perfectly, and $24.00 is a great price - especially when you can see that the fabric is actually lace, not a print! This would have retailed for around $200 new. 

I wore it right away as a work outfit in June 2016. 
I did all blue accessories, including the one and only time I've done a belt with it. I used to carry a whack of keys for my job, so a belt was always needed. 

I didn't wear it again until the following spring, in May 2017. 
This time with orange accessories. 

I wore it again only a couple of months later, in July 2017. I'm growing my purple hair out long! 
This is the first wearing of my pink shiny Fluevogs. 

One year later in July 2018, my hair is LONG (it grows really fast), and I'm doing silver and black with the dress. 
Oh, I miss those sandals - they cracked in half. 

Wearing all yellow accessories here before an Ultimate Frisbee game in June 2019.
It took me another year to grow out my grey and see what that looked like. 

And then we have my last outfit with it, last year in June 2020.
I'm impressed that I managed to wear different colours with this dress every single time! 


Mathy stuff: I've worn this dress 7 times in five years, which is pretty good, since I basically only pull it out once a year - I have so many dresses, and so little time. That's a cost-per-wear of $3.43. Awesome! 



Betty-Day Adventure! 

Betty and I meet up regularly, every 2-3 months or so, since we stopped working together at Weight Watchers/WW in August 2019 (my last day here). We usually go for walks or lunch or dinner - and when this walk came up in the calendar I realized, I do not have a single picture of Betty, much less one of me and Betty! Rectified!
"Shall we take our sunglasses off?" Betty asked. "Nah, we are too cool," said I. 

Betty picked me up and we drove to Willows Beach at Oak Bay, where we parked. This along the same coastline as the Oak Bay Marina, where I Mom and I had lunch on a previous Adventure Day (here), and the marina is in the distance in some of these pics. 
This is a hugely popular beach and park area. I haven't been here in well over a decade, but have been here many times for the Oak Bay Tea Party (kind of a fair type of thing with rides and a parade) as a teen. I'm pretty sure Janet and I wandered up and down the beach in our bikinis back in the 80s too. 

The Kiwanis kiosk sells burgers, chips and drinks. 
It has that deep-fat smell that takes me back! There are picnic benches all throughout this area (it's a big field). I have memories of a windy lunch here with Mom, Dad, my brother Dave, my Grandma J (she of the copper jewelry, and Dad's mom) and L, very early in our dating - I think that might have been the last time I saw Grandma as she died around 1995-6.

Looking south - that distant point is where the marina is. 
This is probably Victoria's best sand/ocean beach. Lots of driftwood and sea grass.

Looking north. 
We're headed that way, towards Cattle Point. 

There's a sidewalk all along the upper edge of the beach. 
Cars are all parked along this area. In "normal" summer, this would be packed with people. 

There are art installations all over Oak Bay. 
This is "Bodhi Frog" - it's a windmill/weathervane type of thing.
The houses on the other side of the road are mostly massive. 
Any of those would sell for around $1.8 million at least. Oak Bay is a very high-end neighbourhood.

A dreamcatcher made from rope. 
It was so weathered from the salt air that the sign was faded white. 

We stopped and watched this dog bring in a stick. 
He looks so pleased with himself. 

There were a lot of people relaxing on the beach. 
The weather moves fast - it was hot and sunny, then cold and windy. 

A dreaded staircase, but at least the stairs were shallow. 
This way to Cattle Point. 

This area is full of native plants and trees, including many Gary Oak meadows. 

I love these scraggly trees. 

People with boats can launch from Cattle Point. I like that the point itself is mostly left natural. 
What a view! 
Looking back...

And looking to the next bay, which is Cadboro Bay.
Mindy from Book Club lives on the other side of this bay. 

This is a war memorial (link here about it, 'cause I love).
This is a distinctive sight if driving the coastline Beach Drive. 

Coming back to Oak Bay, which is the name of this specific bay, as well as the municipality that surrounds it.
Such a lovely place.
Hard to believe these pictures were taken only minutes apart, right? Crazy weather. 

When we passed this piano the first time, it was under its cover. Oak Bay has several of these (about them here). 
We heard this woman playing slowly but well, and almost recognized the song. 

Her husband was filming her. "Circle of Life!" I remembered. 
She told us she and her husband had been here two years ago, seen the piano, but she didn't know how to play. She vowed she'd learn and come back the next year and play on it. The pandemic got in the way last year, but she made it this year. They were all the way from Arizona! Ack, US tourists! Betty gave 'em the business about masking up (once a teacher, always a teacher, hee hee). 

Edited to add: I'm not anti-American! It was just startling to run into US citizens, as the border has been closed for so long, and we've been hearing horror stories about the pandemic situation there. Victoria is a tourist town, and we rely on and are grateful for our visiting American neighbours. 

Robert Amos (a famous local artist, painting website here) painted that scene on the back.
Isn't the front awesome? It says "Sub Quercu Felicitas" which means "happiness under the oaks" (it's the motto of Oak Bay), and you can see the oak leaves on the sides and under the keyboards, plus there are two acorns on the seat! The blue mountain is Mount Baker, often visible from here. 

We spotted a group of ladies at the far end of the field (near the food kiosk/parking area). 
At first I thought they were doing Tai Chi, but they were doing some sort of synchronized dance. 

A pretty poppy. 
There are gorgeous gardens everywhere! 

We kept going a bit south, past where we'd parked. 
Betty said the volleyball net is up for much of the season. 

Looking back. 
The ginormous tree in the two pics above is one of the actual few willows at Willows Beach. 

As we walked back to the car, we spotted some succulents planted in driftwood, plus some painted rocks, just behind a wrought-iron fence. 
A little fox? Dog? on a rock. The other rock says, "Do small things with great love." Aw!

Betty and I both smirked at this message on a garbage can at Cattle Point. 
"What made you smile today" (I'd be happier if that had a proper question mark!). 

Betty made me smile! 
Thank you so much for the fun afternoon! 

28 comments:

  1. I love all the matching copper in your outfit - I adore a bit of matchy-matchy! And I love that sneakers and dresses are so fashionable as it makes me feel less like I stick out in a bad way having to wear sneakers so often with my dresses, haha!

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    1. Thanks, Mica, I liked how it looked with the neutrals, and *fist bump* - fellow matchy person! I am coming around on this look, but not for an everyday thing, I think. It looks best when it's intentional, like you do!

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  2. I love the zigzag dress and it looks gorgeous on you. It seems you've had a lovely day out too, how lovely. I think it's a cat on the rock.

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    1. Thanks, Anca! It was so fun! Betty said that too, but it doesn't kitty whiskers.

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  3. Yay for the dressy sneakers that are earning their keep! They go perfectly with your dress and copper jewelry, no surprise. ;) Another yay for the jammy dress, another of my favorites of yours. Actually, come to think of it, I likely delight in ALL of your jammy dresses!

    Saved the biggest YAY for last, which is having an adventure with Betty and pictures to mark the time together. Thanks for a tour of another area of Victoria. After posting my comment am going to explore the link for the pianos.

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    1. Two wears already, Laurie! This could be a habit! Thank you so much - I really liked all the colour in this. Neutrals can work so well this way. I do have a lot of awesome jammy dresses!

      Yeah, it was special. I always love seeing Betty and catching up. Isn't Willows Beach lovely? Have fun exploring!

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  4. That is a lovely dress and the sneakers looked so cool with it. I'm not a fan of 'trainers' as we call them here ('runners' in Ireland) but yours are uber cool; I think it's the metallic stripe. Loved the copper jewellery with the outfit, too. I have a very similar coat to yours and must wear it more often.

    I enjoyed your trip out and about - the piano was fabulous. We have the same at King's Cross/St. Pancras station; there are about 3 and people always stop and play them p often beautifully. Isn't it fab to be able to go out with friends again?
    xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, Vronni! Yes, I wouldn't wear ordinary sneakers with my outfits - they just wouldn't look right to me. I love wearing my copper. Oh nice, we're twins!

      Isn't that a cool idea? Oh, how lovely you have them too - I've been to that station! Yes, it's so wonderful to be out and about. Take care!

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  5. I'm still trying to get to terms with sneakers worn with "real clothes", or at least with dresses and skirts rather than trousers, but I keep on struggling with the concept. I love it on other people - your outfit is a perfect example - but I usually end up feeling not quite right. Now, if they started making more sneakers without the white soles, I'd be willing to give them another go. I must admit I'd be willing to make an exception for the pair you are wearing here. They actually look amazing with that wonderful zigzag dress and classy black coat. I'm loving your copper bling and I'm positively swooning over your brooch!
    It must have been lovely meeting up with Betty, and I absolutely loved tagging along on your Oak Bay walk. That missing question mark would have irked me no end :-) xxx

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    1. I know, I am still not sold on the concept overall, Ann, but I think the sneakers need to be dressier in order for it to work right. I hadn't been tempted until I spotted these sneakers. There are non-white soled shoes out there - I bet you will find something. Thank you so much - I love this dress, and wearing some of my copper. I think I paid around $7.00 for the brooch - a bargain!

      It was so nice to catch up with her - she's a lovely person, and we get along so well. Gah, punctuation, people! ;-P

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  6. Good evening Sheila, I know you love colour so guess what colour I am? ha ha green with envy that jammy dress is so gorgeous! I would wear it in a heartbeat. I love black and white, I love shift dresses and I love lace swoons all over key board;) Your trainers are perfect with your copper collection. This is such a great outfit and your trainers give it some edge. Betty looks a "warm" person and the scenery as usual is stunning. A lovely post to read on a grey evening. Take care Shazxx

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    1. Hello, Shaz! Ha ha, yes, that's a good colour! I do love neutrals too - not just all colour - and this sometimes surprises people. It's a great jammy dress. Thank you - I like these shoes, and am just figuring out how to make them "me."

      Betty is warm inside (I was scared of her when I met her!) and we connect on all kinds of things. Glad you enjoyed our little adventure! Take care, my dear.

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  7. Wow, I'm loving your jammy dress, loving black&white dresses and loving that this one is made of real lace (so cool!). Obviously, I love your copper jewellery matching your shoes and bag, and you rock your 'insanely comfy' sneakers!
    Glad you enjoyed a walk with your friend Betty and took photos of you together!, Thanks for these pics of the marina, the oaks, the seaside views, and your fabulousness, dear ladies!.
    besos

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    1. It's a fabulous jammy dress, and I'm reminded how much I love it every time I wear it. I know, real lace - such a beautiful detail! I really liked how the copper worked with it, shoes too!

      We had a lovely time - glad you enjoyed the pics! Thank you!

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  8. Gorgeous zip-zag dress; I love the copper jewellery and again, those cool sneakers.
    Looks like you enjoyed a lovely day out.
    Precious time with your friend. x

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    1. Thanks, Phyl, I appreciate that. We did - it was a really nice visit. Yes, I treasure every time I get to see one of my friends.

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  9. Oh that piano is so beautiful! And how nice that the lady learnt the piano to come back there!
    I love it!
    Your zig-a-zig-AHHHH dress is brilliant- so funky and super versatile- you can wear it with any colour!
    Great you got to see Betty!

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    1. Isn't it the coolest thing, Kezzie? I loved her story.

      Ha, Spice Girls! I love it too - it really amused me that I've worn it with so many colours!

      We had a fun visit. :)

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  10. I was going to ask who is the artist who painted the piano (because I really like what he did with it) so thank you for beating me to my question and answering it.
    Once a teacher, always a teacher. That's so true.
    I love that zigzag dress. The light jacket is very chic and the sneakers are beautiful. I love the combination of sneakers with that dress. You reminded me that I haven't worn any of my sneakers in a while.

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    1. I think it is actually high school students who did the piano itself, but the painting on the back is by Robert Amos.

      It's such a cool dress, and I was so pleased with how well the sneakers worked with it. Thank you!

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  11. An outfit this pretty really really makes me want to emulate how you dress. But I can't right now due to my personal situation. As soon as I can change that, I will. Your role-model behavior is encouraging and adding fuel to my fire.

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    1. Go for it! But I know your situation and I understand your hesitancy. I want you to be happy as YOU. :)

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  12. Yeah, guipure lace like that does not come cheap - you probably paid less for the dress than a metre would retail for!

    It looks like you and Betty had an excellent day.

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    1. Oh, thank you for the name of the lace! It looks very complicated and therefore expensive.

      We did, thank you!

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  13. Seriously love your vibrant copper hued bag. It immediately made me wonder why we don't see that colour far more in the world of handbags? Given its relatively rarity, that makes your purse all the more of a treasure.

    And speaking of treasured things, how wonderful that you and Betty were able to spend a lovely day together in what surely has to be one of the most gorgeous parts of BC (if not the world - yes, I'll make that claim and happily stand behind it regarding Oak Bay :)).

    Autumn Zenith �� Witchcrafted Life

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    1. I'm boggled that copper has not really had a moment, fashion-wise, Autumn - I find it such a warm and comforting metallic. I do love this purse.

      I totally agree - it's a gorgeous part of the world, never mind Victoria!

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  14. Sheila, welcome to the dark side of styling a dress with sneakers. I knew we'd get you eventually, bwahahaha. No joke, this combo is fabulous and that dress is out-of-the-world. What a great find. And it sounds like you had a wonderful afternoon with Betty. Thank you for sharing the pics.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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    1. Ha ha ha! Yes, I've come around, but I won't be wearing these that often (she said). Thank you so much. We had a great time hanging out - so good to catch up with Betty!

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