Corporate Olive and Brown Suede Flashback

Three days of work in a row, and phew, I am exhausted already. My work has ramped up substantially in the past week, and it's almost like old times. 

I stayed late at the office today to catch our annual "how we did" corporate meeting, so even though I am not onscreen at all during it, I thought I would dress business-y.

As the leaves turn, I find I'm drawn to autumnal hues, so after a summer of brights, I hope my more low-key colours don't throw you off. Don't worry, I still have lots of colour in my fall wardrobe!

• Blazer - Helmut Lang, vintage thrifted; last worn and Flashbacked here in November 2020 with 
• Blouse - Le Chateau, thrifted; last seen here in March with cream and green wool
• Skirt - Ann Taylor, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in June to meet up with a friend
• Shoes - Wonders Ayers, Fluevog; last seen here in March with tweed and Valentino
• Coat (below) - Auckie Sanft, vintage 60s, vintage fair; last worn here in April

I try not to fill up my closet with jackets (it's tempting - I love them), but this beautiful Helmut Lang blazer always makes the cut.

I buttoned it when I was standing, although I undid the single button when seated at my desk. Pockets! I roll the sleeves on my blazers before I  put them on, to get them just so. 

The blouse underneath is just a cheapy one but as it has no sleeves, it's good for layering. 

I like the subtle floral of it - not too overtly girly - and the drapey bits down the front.

I have a thing for brown skirts in addition to black skirts. This is my "Always Be Upgrading" Best Brown Leather Skirt, not to be confused with any of my other Best Brown Skirts, heh. 

And we'll have a little Flashback on it so that you can see all the ways I've worn it. What fun! 

Masked up - I decided to go with a rosy dark red to pick out the colour in the blouse. 

Gotta have my colour somewhere, right?

Outerwear - it's Fuzzy Flamingo season! Now, there's some colour!

Yes, my coat is named the Fuzzy Flamingo. You'll note that she now has a permanent accessory of my recently fixed articulated salamander brooch. 

Accoutrements: 

I just love a silk scarf, they are so snuggly when there's a chill in the air. 

• Scarf - Zhensi, vintage, Lazy Susan's
• Leather/wool gloves - consignment
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

I always feel close to my Winesday women when I wear these shoes, since they "bought" them for me, with a birthday gift card many years ago. 

Brutalist bling: 

My vintage 1970s Brutalist jewelry collection is growing - the cuff and earrings have that distinctive style. 

• Cuff - Robert Larin, vintage 70s, gift from L, vintage mall
• Earrings - vintage 70s, vintage mall
• Brass/jade ring - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Steel ring - POLY, Art Gallery of Hamilton gift shop

And now...

Flashback: Ann Taylor Suede Skirt

I found this skirt here in April 2018 at the big Women In Need (WIN) store downtown for $29.95. 

I am a sucker for leather/suede - just look at that gorgeous leather trim! I also really like the front slit - it's easy for walking.

It's by Ann Taylor, and I suspect it is from the early 00s. 

$29.95 is a little high for a thrift store, in my opinion, but I can begrudge them - they are a charity! 

I wore it right away in April 2018. 

That "top" was actually a dress I chopped in half - it didn't work out for me, which is why you've never seen it since.

Another amazing blouse in November 2018 - it has a beaded snake pattern on it.

I love the matchy green tights in this outfit. That blouse was impossible to get off and on, as it had no zipper - it's in Vero's closet now!

Oh, dear, this skirt seems to curse the tops I wear with it! 

This was the one and only wearing of this mohair striped hoodie sweater, in January 2019. It was just not me.

However, the leopard shirt I wore under it - seen again here in October 2019 - is still in my closet. 

It's my Best Leopard Blouse (ever!) and that's one of my favourite outfits - so snazzy! 

I snuck in a wearing of this off-season yellow vintage top just after I purchased it in December 2019.

I love how a brown skirt can just let colourful items shine! 

I adore this "Darth Sheila" outfit, which I wore in January 2021 to stride about the hardware store in an intimidating manner (L is "good cop" in these situations). 

I can't wait to wear that wonderful green Anokhi vest again soon. 

And here is the last time I wore this suede skirt, in June 2021 to lunch and shop with my friend Jen. 

Again, the brown skirt is a solid foundation for other items to shine. 

Mathy stuff: Today's outfit is the 8th time I've worn this skirt, which brings me to an average of $3.74 per wear. As I've now found the Best Brown Leather Skirt.

Are brown skirts a go-to for you?