I missed you today, Mom! But I did have to get crackin' on my shopping for a certain birthday guy, whose special day is coming up soon. Time for a Mental Health Shop! And I totally wore a dress.
I can only wear this dress on a hot day, as it needs to swing free! No coat wanted!
It wasn't too hazy out, and there was a strong wing. It was even slightly cool at times, although the temps climbed to 22.
I happily showed this dress off to the appreciative employees at all the stores I visited up and down Oak Bay Avenue.
I am still boggled that I only paid $22.95 for it.
I am still boggled that I only paid $22.95 for it.
It would have retailed for over $2,000.00. No, I didn't add an extra zero!
It's 100% silk, even the lining!
It's 100% silk, even the lining!
Off to shop.
The stuff:
Nothing too fussy - I don't like my accessories to interfere when I'm shopping. The shoes are fantastically comfy - I walked/shopped for about 4 hours.
Nothing too fussy - I don't like my accessories to interfere when I'm shopping. The shoes are fantastically comfy - I walked/shopped for about 4 hours.
- Pendant - Miracle, consignment
- Kyanite/silver ring - consignment
- Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
- Glass earrings - local
One of my stops was at Good Things Consignment Vintage, where I found this lovely silk scarf.
It's folded in half here - it's roughly 12 x 72 inches. I like the orange stripe and the amoebas/coffee beans/not-quite-leopard-spots pattern.
I've never heard of Janie Besner and the interwebz doesn't reveal much.
House of Savoy was closed, which is just as well - and it means I have to go back! - as I had a nice long leisurely shop at Turnabout. I look at every item, and I did find some things (not necessarily at Turnabout!) for L that I'm excited about.
I saw a few mid- to late-00s references to this brand, and the CA number hiding on the back of the label pinpoints it to 2003. It was $16.00.
I popped into Lazy Susan's and couldn't resist these cheery enameled metal flowers.
They have no marks on them, but these are from the 1960s, according to my jewelry reference book. The set was $25.00. These jeans are fantastic! I adore the groovy floral print - and it's perfectly lined up front and back.
They are high-waisted and have slash pockets, plus patch pockets on the back.
They are high-waisted and have slash pockets, plus patch pockets on the back.
The brand is Sun.Deh, which is a stupid name. They originally retailed for $118.00 at Aritzia, a swanky Canadian mall chain.
These were marked down to $25.00 from $49.99.
These were marked down to $25.00 from $49.99.
I blew the light out on this picture so that you can see the seaming details on this top - it fits like a glove. I already have plans for an outfit, but it will not be worn solo like this!
It could be, but would require a fancy bra contraption to wrangle myself into something workable. Eh, I can't be bothered with that, but it was so nice on, and the price was right.
It could be, but would require a fancy bra contraption to wrangle myself into something workable. Eh, I can't be bothered with that, but it was so nice on, and the price was right.
I could tell by feel that it was wool, and the lining felt very slinky - I was pleased to see my own guesses confirmed.
Yup, that's silk lining, as are the wide chiffon straps. The "trim fabric 1" is the long loops sewn in to support the garment on the hanger.
Yup, that's silk lining, as are the wide chiffon straps. The "trim fabric 1" is the long loops sewn in to support the garment on the hanger.
It's by 3.1 Phillip Lim - I used to have a skirt by him (this one - that's a fabulous outfit from a few years back).
It was also half off from the original $89.99 (so, $45.00), but would have retailed for between $400-600.00 new.
It was also half off from the original $89.99 (so, $45.00), but would have retailed for between $400-600.00 new.
I found a fun green dress which will also not be worn on its own due to my lack of enthusiasm for complicated bra shenanigans.
But the style was so cute and I love the pea-green colour.
But the style was so cute and I love the pea-green colour.
It's 100% polyester (washable) and is fully-lined.
Aw, it has "slip lace" trim on the lining, what a wonderful detail.
Aw, it has "slip lace" trim on the lining, what a wonderful detail.
I do believe that style number contains the year this came out - 2004.
That seems about right. Hard to believe this dress is nearly 20 years old!
That seems about right. Hard to believe this dress is nearly 20 years old!
It's by Trina Turk - I used to have another Trina Turk dress that had that same lace-trimmed lining (this one here).
This was also $45.00 (half off the original $89.99), and would have retailed for around $300.00 new.
This was also $45.00 (half off the original $89.99), and would have retailed for around $300.00 new.
Not a bit of wear on them!
They've never been worn. They are marked a size 8 1/2 - which is not my size. I'm usually a 9 1/2 (Euro size 40).
They've never been worn. They are marked a size 8 1/2 - which is not my size. I'm usually a 9 1/2 (Euro size 40).
Good solid metal fixings too. They are made by Seychelles, a good brand that used to be carried by She She Shoes when they were in town (they closed 3 years ago).
They retailed for $139.00, and I happily paid $57.99 for them. I bet someone ordered them online and they were way too big! My good luck...and also, another reason why you should shop in person!
They retailed for $139.00, and I happily paid $57.99 for them. I bet someone ordered them online and they were way too big! My good luck...and also, another reason why you should shop in person!
Ah well. Enjoy the sunshine!
Very flattering fit!
ReplyDeleteYES to this dress and all your hauls from shopping! I especially like the patterned pants and the fishermen’s sandals. Alas, right foot with bunion keeps me from wearing certain shoe styles, so I will take vicarious pleasure when you wear these!
ReplyDeleteHappy extra-long weekend!
Cheers,
Laurie
Thanks, Laurie!
DeleteAnother fabulous dress and oh wow bare legs! I can't even contemplate that right now. Apart from anything else there's the varicose veins and Bess' scratches. Oh the horror!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your Miracle pendant again and thanks so much for the shout out!
And oh my, what a fantastic haul from your mental health shop! Loving the groovilicious trousers, the enameled metal flowers and the pea green loose dress the most! Can't wait to see how you'll style the latter! xxx
I just pretend the varicose veins aren't there, lol. I'll be wearing the green dress this week.
DeleteAmazing dress. Fabulous price. You're burnishing your rep as a Shopper Extraordinaire.
ReplyDeleteIt helps that I read a lot about fashion, so I know the big designer names.
DeleteThat is a beautiful dress on you and I like the matching navy accessories - you know I love the matchy-matchy, haha! I cannot wait to see how you wear the gorgeous pieces you found! The printed pants and that green dress are stunning!
ReplyDelete$2,000.00?!?!?!WOW! It is a beauty though! I really like it! You look super pretty in it. I really like what you bought, esp that green dress! Cannot wait to see that. When will get its premiere!?!?!x
ReplyDeleteI know, right? That's how much their dresses cost new! I'll likely wear the dress later this week.
DeleteI've just come inside after spending the day in a bikini so I'm happy you're able to bare some skin in May, too!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is lovely, great colours. I'd be all over those fisherman's sandals, too - I love them.
That Philip Lim top just screams designer with the boob pockets! xxx
The dress is ace and the enameled flowers terrific. My taste as well.
ReplyDeleteFisherman's sandals are hip and happening right now. And I am a size 8 1/2 (European) by the way. Just saying haha.
Greetje
I think Janie Besner is a Canadian designer? I have one of her scarves coming in the mail - I am excited!
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense. I hope you like your scarf.
Delete