After a quiet evening on Friday, I was up at 7:30am to go for my Mental Health Walk (new day/time due to work schedules), followed by heading down to the Ruby for our usual Saturday brunch. Cat and Ross had planned to meet us, but Ross had to bail, so it was just us three.
I absolutely loved wearing this dress and swooshing about in it.
Both the sleeves and skirt at pleated more closely where they are attached at the shoulder/waist, and then the pleats widen until the fabric is flatter near the cuff/hem.
I didn't realize until I wore it that the hem is actually uneven.
Some of the black lining shows in the front. Not a huge deal at all - it reminds me to appreciate that clothing is made by hand, by actual people.
It was a mercurial day, but I didn't wear a slip.
Showing off my funky boots - I'm happy to have these back in my closest.
Who is that birthday girl? It's me!
Masked up.
Outerwear - I didn't get an outfit in with my Yeti jacket last season, I so wanted to wear it right away.
It's such a fun party-type of jacket.
Incognito.
Plus some extras for the chill while we stood in line to get in (always count on at least a 30 minute wait for brunch here!).
Accoutrements:
- Wool/fur gloves - vintage, thrifted
- Fur scarf - Danier, thrifted
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
After lunch, Cat and I strolled over to Dots for a look around, and ran into Nick and Spence, who was over from the mainland for the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Birthday bling:
I wore one of my birthday present right away!
- Celluloid snake cuff - vintage 1920s, vintage store, Sidney
- Silver/amber earrings - vintage 1920, vintage mall, gift from L
- Silver/smoked topaz ring - Anneli Neuman, Sweden, vintage mall
- Bronze Brutalist ring - vintage 70s, vintage mall
- Pewter/gold link bracelet - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, vintage mall, gift from L
I love my vintage jewelry, and now I have a lovely new piece - but we will get to that in a bit. First, I love to show off my birthday presents.
"I'm all the present you need, Woman."
My dear Caro dropped by briefly on Friday night to bring me this bouquet of 20 fat pink and white roses (she thoughtfully brought them in one of her own crystal vases, which I'll be returning).
I also picked up my gift card, which came with a postcard, from the Fluevog store from Mom - thank you, Mom!
The card is really sweet and even choked me up a little. Aw!
At the crack of midnight, I got to open my presents from L.
"These are not edible!"
My old umbrella's handle went goopy and sticky (so gross) and one of the spines had snapped, so I asked for a new one. Instead, I got two!
L went to the local Umbrellatorium (a real place, link here 'cause I love) in Fan Tan Alley and bought me a practical rain umbrella AND a more fashionable "pagoda"-style leopard print umbrella.
"What thoughtless presents. You can't even eat them."
L also gave me two presents from Vanity Fair Antique Mall. I picked these out about a month ago - as I'm very fussy highly particular not easy to buy for, L likes me to give the stamp of approval before he busy a pricier gift.
I love them! New bracelets!
Each link is identical, and the little balls are cast in real gold. The material is pewter.
The pewter one is another Robert Larin piece, a Canadian jewelry-maker who worked in the Brutalist style in the 1970s. He only employed deaf workers, so that the noise of the studio wouldn't damage their hearing.
One link is signed.
Robert Larin. This was $125.00.
L also generously bought me this stretchy cuff - I would have bought this myself, for sure.
I love the black and red, and the channel inside makes the bracelet more comfortable. This is Bakelite and was $25.00.
L also bought me some books for my stack - all from Russell Books, so all second-hand.
Andre Norton was one of my favourite sci fi authors when I was a kid, "The Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time" looks fun, and Erik Larson is a writer that L found who delves into murder and mayhem - it's non-fiction, but told in a very fiction-ish way.
He also found me two CDs of a Montreal/Canadian band from the mid-80s that I used to have on cassette back in the day. The Box is classic 80s (enjoy the "real crime" video for this song here, and this one here was their biggest Canadian hit).
L also spoiled me with another Fluevog gift card! Ooh, I'll be able to find something good, I'm sure! Vero and I have a shoe-shopping date in a couple of weeks.
I did pick up a stock of tights from Dots - I got four pairs of thick sweater tights for $2.99 a pair. Two pairs of black, one pair of a wine mix and a grey tweedy mix.
I also got one pair of opaque tights in a cool shade of green for $1.99.
We headed home and I changed. L met up with Nick, Spence and Casey for some drinks in the afternoon, and my plan was to spend a couple of hour browsing in the Patch for treasures.
I couldn't shop in my beautiful birthday dress - it would be too hard to take off and on, and all that fabric would be risky for snagging/stepping on.
I wish I'd worn tights, though, as this dress felt very short with ankle boots. I do have nylons on.
The weather also got nastier as the afternoon went on.
Outerwear - ironically, the woman who got two umbrellas for her birthday got caught in the rain.
"Useless presents."
I walked to town with L, but to my surprise the Patch was closed! I bet they didn't have enough staff - we have so many shortages in all service jobs right now.
"You should have just stayed home."
I walked down to Verve, Duchess & Duke, Vintage After Death, Upcycle...and not a lick of luck in any of them.
Accoutrements.
Different gloves, but otherwise the same stuff.
- Scarf - Danier, thrifted
- Gloves - Parkhurst
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
I regretted wearing these boots for a 3-hour shop - especially after walking several blocks in heels that morning, and doing a 7K walk. My dogs were howlin' by the time I got home.
- Ear-balls - Dior, consignment
I popped into Lazy Susan's on the way to get some groceries (and chocolate!), and immediately saw the quality of this bangle.
It's nice and small on my hand, and is Bakelite. It was $15.00 with an extra 10% off, so $13.50.
I spent a quiet evening at home on my actual birthday (there's a party coming in a couple of weeks), playing board games with L and chilling out and listening to music.
On Sunday, we slept in, had our big breakfast and watched football all day until we went to Chris and Ali's for Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted to be comfy, thematic and warm.
I felt a bit like a pumpkin in my orange and green, but since it is Thanksgiving, I give myself a pass.
And I was snuggly warm the entire evening.
Isn't the vest amazing?
Just the dress.
I never took the vest off, though.
It's like walking around with a blanket on.
Incognito/masked:
We drove over so that we wouldn't have to deal with cabs on a long weekend evening.
The stuff:
Loads of bling!
- Belt - Sand Castle, thrifted
- Mask - Lazy Susan's
- Gold necklace - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, gift from L, vintage mall
- Brass cuff - Karen's
- Twisted cuff - Midzo, vintage fair
- Bronze Brutalist ring - vintage 70s, vintage mall
- Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl
- Bronze pinkie ring - P. Sarpaneva, Finland, vintage 70s, vintage fair
- Earrings - Biko, consignment
Boots:
I only wore them briefly.
We had a wonderful dinner prepared by Chris and Ali, and us and Nick had a grand time, chatting and watching the football game. I took my tattoo jacket over and worked on it while we hung out - I even taught Ali to draw the roses. She loved doing one on a piece of paper.
On Monday - ah, so nice to have an extra day! - L and I met up with Mom at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel's Snug (a wee pub) for brunch.
Rich purple velvet is the way to go!
I didn't take the leather jacket off all day, but here's just the dress.
Pockets!
I added the grey leather belt.
Lace nylons.
The purple velvet is a really rich colour and doesn't show that well in pictures.
I was glad it was a sunny day.
Done up - I actually forgot to take the scarf with me!
Left it at home on my "stuff" table. Oops!
- Hallowe'en mask - Lazy Susan's
The stuff:
Grey bling:
My spooky jewelry gets a wearing.
- Belt - Shi Studio
- Buckle - Shi Studio, thrifted
- Pearl/crystal ear-balls - Swarovski Crystal, consignment
- Silver snake ring - BC Museum Gift Shop, c. 1985
- Silver/onyx spider ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1985
L took a picture of me and Mom.
"Yes, of course you did."
After our brunch, L and I drove to Turnabout on Oak Bay Ave - I get their emails (dangerous!) and knew it would be open, plus there was 10% off everything for the holiday weekend, and they have a pretty good collection of menswear. L found a jacket that is the match for a pair of suit pants he bought over a year ago (yay, now he has a complete suit!), a pair of jeans and a cool shirt.
I did rather well - I'm spoiled, as L bought all of this for me. Thank you, love!
You know I'm a sucker for a bold pattern. This zips down the front.
It's a Topshop piece and was $29.69 which felt about right.
I have loads of things that will go with this. It's a cotton blend, made in India.
This skirt looked amazing on, very sexy. I do love a long pencil skirt.
The pattern is blurry roses, and I love the pinky-red-orange colour.
It's made of neoprene, and is by Richard Quinn x Debenhams. I've heard of Debenhams via my UK blogging friends, and I know Richard Quinn the designer.
This was $62.99 and retailed for close to $95.00. It's from his debut collection for them, launched in May 2018, just after Amal Clooney wore a dress by Richard Quinn to the Met Gala (article here, link 'cause I love).
I fell hard for this beautiful skirt.
Chartreuse AND pale pink? Be still, my heart!
It's a woven fabric, and the skirt is nearly a full circle.
Of course, it's a Dries Van Noten, one of my favourite designers ever.
As you can see, it's 100% silk (it's not lined, so definitely a spring/summer skirt - but I'll wear it once before I tuck it away). As it was made in Belgium, it's pre-Vogue.com's digital runways, but I went through all of them just in case. Nope, it's pre-2000 (he's been around since the 80s). It was $206.99, which seems pricey until one looks at re-sale sites and skirts are listed for between $800-1,400.00. Zoiks!
I fell in love with this fabulous snakeskin printed wrap jacket.
I like the detail of the flap across the back, plus the epaulets.
It has a slit at the back for walking too.
It was so soft and heavy that at first I thought it was suede/leather, but it's actually a nice thick fabric.
I recognize River Island from my UK friends too! And when I saw size 16, I thought, "That's UK sizing"...and I was right - this is a 10-12 Canadian sizing. It was $71.99 but it retailed for $260.00, so not bad!
Vizzini helped me when I got home.
"I'll just supervise from here."
Ah, there we go...long weekend all done! I hope you all had a delightful few days yourselves, and a very Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!
Oh my, what a delightful post full of swoon-worthy clothes and stuff! You surely celebrated in style and weren't you a lucky girl to get all these presents! I'm loving the two bracelets, in particular the pewter one, which OF COURSE you had to wear straightaway! And I'm sure you'll take us along to the Fluevog store soon!
ReplyDeleteOutfits! I'm loving the swooshy dress worn with the yeti jacket. The Desigual dress worn with the yellow jacket is gorgeous too, but I'm hearing you: I would have frozen in just a thin pair of nylons!
Sunday's sweater dress and Phool vest outfit is my favourite, closely followed by Monday's sumptuous purple velvet dress. Loving your Mom's jacket too!
And oh my, didn't you do well at Turnabout! My favourites are the Dries Van Noten skirt - obviously - and the snakeskin print jacket! xxx
Aw, thank you, Ann! I am very lucky, thankful and enjoyed being spoiled. Yes, I'll take the camera to the Fluevog store and let y'all shop vicariously with me.
DeleteThank you! I liked that too. Such fun outfits! I love all my new pieces - I love finding amazing skirts.
Happiest of birthdays to you, my lovely friend! I'm so sorry to be late to the party. Happy Thanksgiving, too!
ReplyDeleteYour floaty maxi looks like it should be in my wardrobe, I love it! the orange dress with the Phool waistcoat over the top is phenomenal and the purple velvet is very classy indeed!
How funny to see Topshop, River Island and Debenhams on your blog - good old British brands! The world really is a small place. That DVN skirt is lovely.
Love the photo of you and your Mum and Vizzini, of course....of to catch-up with what else you've been up to over the last fortnight! xxxx
It's Birthday Month so you can't possibly be late, Vix. Thank you!
DeleteI know, it was odd to see them in the store - we don't see that many UK brands over here.
Enjoy, thanks so much, Vix!
This is just the coolest, chicest birthday outfit imaginable. It has the best boho meets rocker chic vibes imaginable, and more over looks like a million - nay, a billion - dollars on you, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
I take Vizzini was not impressed with the umbrellas? Lol!
ReplyDeleteYour outfits were wonderful. I am in love with your Phool vest; it looks so cosy and warm and goes beautifully with orange knitted sweater dress. The purple velvet was positively regal and you and your mum look fab in the photo. I also loved your maxi dress; such a beautul fit on you and I bet it swooshes in a perfect way.
Not one but 3 skirts? Not 1 but 3 bangles? Didn't you do well, birthday girl!
Have a great (short) week!
xxx
Not unless he can chew on them, Vronni!
DeleteThank you so much! I had fun dressing up all weekend.
I know, I did very well, and was thoroughly spoiled, lucky me!
Happy Birthday belatedly. Looks like you scored on your special day. Red print pencil skirt is to die for. Enjoying your blog very much.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Claire! I like that skirt too!
DeleteFlowing, swishing and scoring lovely presents (I quite like both umbrellas!) on your birthday, perfect! Hello to the Yeti, I am a big fan and delighted it joined you for your birthday outing. The Desigual and leather jacket look like they were made for each other. I think the dress will need a redo so you can add tights to the outfit. (I am on my own personal tight wearing challenge of one dress a week with - preferably - tights, unless I don't have the color needed, in which case leggings will suffice.)
ReplyDeleteI find the outfit you went out to eat in with L and your Mom, from head to toe, elegant and peaceful and perfect for Autumn. All your other adventures are icing on the birthday cake long weekend!
Thank you, Laurie! I had fun in every outfit (mostly), and am happy with my looks. I like your dress challenge, and leggings work well instead of tights (esp with boots).
DeleteAw, thank you!
I love all of your dress outfits but especially that first one! I'm glad you had a great birthday and got to celebrate with family and friends after the tough year last year! :) And that you had such good luck thrifting - I really like the snakeprint trench!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mica! We had a great time celebrating, and we're not done yet! Oh, this was consignment (very different from thrift!). I love that trench too.
DeleteHappy, happy birthday, my friend! Mine is on the Thursday of this week! All of your looks are dynamite! I really couldn’t say which is my favorite…oh, yes, I can! It’s the sweater dress with that amazing vest! You have the most delicious sense of style! (Shall we count how many exclamation points I use?) If you tire of that Dries Van Noten skirt, your neighbor to the south could find a use for it! Nigel also has me pick things out for gifts as he’s afraid I won’t like whatever he gets me…silly man! I do hope I can come to Vancouver some day and go thrifting with you. I should probably start saving now! Again, have a simply superb birthday celebration!
ReplyDeletehttp://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you, and Happy Birthday right back, Marsha! Thank you so much - I like that one best too (and it was the most comfy). Lol, no way, back off from my Dries! If you ever make it to Vancouver, I'll make a special trip over (I don't live there). :) Thanks!
DeleteI'm so happy that the birthday spoiling was so perfectly accomplished! L certainly outdid himself and you a very lucky girl :)
ReplyDeleteI'm drooling over the purple velvet. So lush. All of your outfits and your purchases are spot on and I'm a little green with envy. I think the pencil skirt in particular will be smashing.
Your mum is just so darn cute.
Thank you so much, Nana, and I am ever grateful for L's generosity. He is the best.
DeleteIsn't that a lovely dress? It's very swingy and fun to wear. Aw, thank you!
She is lovely, isn't she? :)
Now that sounds like a good cozy weekend. What a lovely surprises you received. Can't wait to see what shoes you will be buying.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous weekend, Nancy! Shoe shopping is next week! Woo!
DeleteBeautiful outfits Sheila. The maxi dress is fabulous and I love the orange dress on you. It's lovely to see you had a great birthday weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ivana, those are my favourites too. I felt so loved and happy all weekend. :)
DeleteYour outfits are all quite special Shiela. You look lovely in all of them.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite…..the Desigual dress and jacket. Gorgeous! x
Thanks so much, Phyl! I love getting dressed up, and it was a treat to do 4 outfits in one weekend!
DeleteWow...so many lovely things to see and nice stories to read. I'm glad that you had such a good birthday weekend.
ReplyDeleteAre the Dior ball earrings from one of our shopping trips a few years ago? You know that I'm a sucker for Betsey Johnson so I loved the velvet dress, however all of your outfits were stunning.
I also like the feathered hair style.
elaine
Thanks, Elaine! I bought the Dior balls at that little place off of Oak Bay Ave, down in the village - then I told you about them, as they had other colours. Didn't you get mint green ones?
DeleteI love the Betsey too - thanks so much! Eh, the hair is bugging me a bit - she cut too much off, and it's finally getting a little longer.
Oooh, didn't you do well on the present front!!! Your presents are wonderful! I love a proper umbrella. (One Christmas, I was bought 2 frilly umbrellas from 2 seperate men as presents- one white, one black and was gutted when I lost the black one! I always lose decent umbrellas (or rather my husband does!)
ReplyDeleteI love your outfits. So glam and cosy. The orange sweater dress is amazing. I have some weird feeling of deja vu about it though...like I used to own the same one!
I totally did! How lovely to get two - that sucks that you lost one!
DeleteThank you so much, Kezzie! Maybe you did??
You chose the perfect outfit for all your events in this post - beautiful birthday dress, funky and cozy Thanksgiving, and a chic dress for brunch. I love all of them. Nice scores at Turnabout too - great additions to your skirt collection. You definitely did well for your birthday this year. I've read a couple of Erik Larson's books and enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Shelley! I have loved wearing all of the skirts, so yay!
DeleteL loves his stuff, but I haven't read one yet - glad for the recommendation!
Wow, so fabulous outfits!, love the swooshy dress, the cute minidress for shopping, the orange sweater dress and stunning vest, and the purple velvet dress, all of them are magnificent and have lots of details and interest and fabulousness!!!
ReplyDeleteyou Rock It! and glad to see that you've been adequately spoiled!, the bracelet is so perfect!
besos
Aw, thanks, honey! I had a lot of fun in my clothes that weekend.
DeleteI love that bracelet!
You DID have a good birthday! And you made some great finds when shopping. (Debenhams is no more in shop form, it was a casualty of the 'rona and got bought out by an online-only retailer.)
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet is so covetable! It's really beautiful. I've a friend who collects Scandinavian Brutalist jewellery, the textures are always interesting.
I did! Oh, thanks for the info on Debehnams, interesting!
DeleteI love this stuff - the textures really appeal to me.
My goodness, you were spoiled on your birthday, especially by L. So many great gifts. I am looking forward what you will get with the two Fluevog giftcards.
ReplyDeleteAll your dresses were spectacular. You really celebrated well.
Greetje
He does spoil me. :) I hope you like the shoes I got (more recent post).
DeleteI did! Thanks, Greetje!