Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: The Last Shopping of the Year, Times Two

Welcome to the last post of the year, my friends and Gentle Readers! It's been a year of change, but one thing that doesn't vary is my love for shopping. I spent Friday and Saturday in the company of pals, and I might even have bought a few things. 

Here's Friday's outfit - L met up with Nick, Arnold and Casey at the Garrick's Head Pub downtown for some socializing and beverages...

...and I spent an hour in Cheers (no luck) and another two hours in WIN (much luck). 

• Wool sweater - Banana Republic, thrifted; last worn here with sparkly sequins earlier this month
• Sparkly tee - Ted Baker, consignment; last seen here in May with spring blossom colours
• Skirt - J. Crew, thrifted; last worn here in February with purples on a Mom-Day Adventure
• Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last seen here in September for another Mom-Day
• Coat (below) - Elizabeth & James, consignment; last worn here in October

My view of the Castle in the erratic light - mixed clouds. 

I caught local seagulls Bert and Ethel just as they took off. 

Nothing terribly exciting to see here - just getting some wearings in of this skirt and the sparkly tee I layered under the blue sweater.

If I'm going shopping, I need thin layers and to be able to try stuff on in the aisles (no change-rooms at WIN). 

I had a lot of comments on my blue outfit. 

People do love to see all this colour. 

I enjoy the limited interactions I have when I'm out and about. 

It's all about good karma. 

You get what you give in this life. 

I give colour and fun outfits, and the Shopping Gods smile upon me in return! 

Accoutrements: 

"Walk in Peace" says my Fluevog scarf. I'll try! 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, thrifted
• Silk scarf - Fluevog
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff: 

I had footless tights on, so wore just socks with these boots, which created a blister on one heel. Arg. 

• Silver/onyx ring - Tocara, vintage fair
• Earrings - vintage fair

I meant to put another ring on, but forgot. 

I spotted this glorious blue woven silk 80s dress right away in the vintage section. 

It's very "Stranger Things." That classic boxy top, with a wide full skirt is very much the mid-80s style. 

Although this dress fits me, it's just not my vibe these days. 

I bought it with the intention of consigning it at House of Savoy - I've started a bag with spring things to take in and start building up a store credit for more shopping. 

Look at these amazing details. 

The backside of the matching belt has a hook and two loops for adjusting the waist. 

There are snaps near the double-breasted buttons to hold it closed securely. 

You can see the gorgeously woven fabric well in these pics too. 

There are even bra strap holders at the shoulders! 

I would have worn this 10 years ago, maybe even 5, but my style is skewing more rock and roll these days. 

It's by Perry's Thai Silk and was handmade in Thailand.

The punch in the tag means it was 50% off - so $18.50. I sure I'll get more than that when I consign it! 

I picked up a pair of smoky black nylons for $1.95. 

I was horrified to see they are up to $18.99 a pair in the drugstores now! Yikes! 

I snagged this chartreuse coat off the "new things to go out" rack.  

I'm always on the lookout for brightly-coloured outerwear! 

I love the snug cuffs, which have an extra liner. 

That will keep my wrists warm. 

Nice big side pockets. 

With zippers! 

And one ginormous inside pocket. This is the perfect zip pocket for a phone (I have to think about these things now!).

Having looked up their products, now I know that this big pocket is so that you can squish the entire jacket into it and make a pillow! How awesome!

I was sold when I spotted that it's stuffed with actual feathers - most coats are now 100% polyester filling. This will be snuggly warm if it ever gets cold here. 

Noting the hem adjustments available there too. 

It's by Stormtech, a Vancouver company. 

This would have retailed for around $150.00 new - and it was mine for only $34.95. 

I am a sucker for this dusty rose. 

It's a long tunic-y shirt, in a lovely soft velvet. 

Real shell buttons, with the bottom ones hidden behind the placket. 

A nice detail. 

I could tell by feel that it had silk in it.

It's likely from 2005. 

Nearly 20 years old! 

It was $19.95, which felt reasonable. 

It's worth 20 bucks. 

This was a treasure - I bought it for art-pal Rosanna as she appreciates a good textile, clean lines and good quality clothing. 

But she hates shopping! 

I sent her pics to see if she wants it - if not, I'll consign it as well. 

It's a pretty classic style. 

Lovely seaming and details. 

The colour is brown with a hint of green in it. 

The pockets are lined in satin, as is the entire blazer. 

No one has opened the pockets, but they are there! 

It's by Dries Van Noten, and made in Belgium, so old Dries. 

Are you kidding me? $16.95? This would be at least $300 new, probably WAY more. 

I waffled over a few skirts, but this is the one that made the cut. 

It's a double-thick fabric tube with lovely draping, in a rich cobalt blue. 

It's by Lord & Taylor, and is a rayon/spandex blend. 

It probably retailed for around $75.00 new. I thought $19.95 was fair. 

Vizzini, what do you think of all these purchases?

"Put them down for me to sleep on, and I'll tell you."

Yes, I did give him snuggles - he's so cute sitting there, catching the hot air wafting up from the electric baseboard heater under the bedroom window. 

After shopping, I joined the boys at Garrick's, and L and I walked to Cactus Club for dinner, then hopped a bus home (darned blister!). We hung out and played boardgames till the wee hours. That's the best! 

On Saturday, L and I had brunch at John's Place with Nick, and then L dropped me off in Oak Bay for a round of shopping with Yvonne. 

I had $400 in Turnabout gift cards burning a hole in my pockets! 

• Sparkly denim suit - Cappopera, vintage 90s, consignment; first seen here back in September with pinks
• Bodysuit - Escada, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in July with a gone rose duster
• Boots - Rieker, consignment; first seen here in October with red and leopard

A bit seasonal-looking still in my sparkly denim suit. 

It's woven with gold, sewn with gold thread, and has dangling gold charms all over it. 

It had many admirers. 

I popped into House of Savoy to confirm when to start bringing in spring things (in a month or so). 

Then I strolled down to Turnabout where I scouted and started pulling things for Yvonne and I to try on. 

She joined me shortly after and we continued to shop. 

Cat was able to make it too - the three of us enjoyed a giggly shop/browse/try on and Yvonne and I did very well. 

It was clear and dry when I started out, but it quickly changed to rain. 

• Scarf - thrifted
• Purse - Banana Republic, consignment
• Gloves - Parkhurst

I tied my scarf to my purse and stashed my gloves for shopping. 

I did get a bit wet once we were out in the weather again. Eh, I'm not made of sugar - I'll live. 

I never took the jacket off except when trying stuff on.

The bodysuit flummoxed me briefly - I'd forgotten I was wearing one! "Why can't I get my underwear down to pee?" Ha! 

The stuff: 

Very comfy shoes (with an inside zip) for walking and shopping. The velvet was fine in the light rain. 

Minimal bling: 

Sadly, the crystal rose lost its link/loop and fell into my clothes while I was trying things on. Oh well, I found it on the street years ago, not a big deal. 

• Chain - Karen's
• Crystal - found
• Earrings - Betsey Johnson, swap from Cat
• Brass ring - vintage mall
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Bowie wooden brooch - vintage fair

I spent a whopping $11 and some change after my gift cards at Turnabout. Thanks for all the lovely presents, L! You sure know my taste! 

I grabbed this beautiful amber/silver bracelet from the jewelry case. Each link is a different size and shape. 

It's Balkan amber, with a strong magnetic clasp. 

It was $89.99, discounted to $72.00. 

I loved this quilted nylon skirt. 

It's a grey-ish green colour. 

It unsnaps on either side of the waistband, and then unzips down each side.

The zips also undo from the bottom/hem. 

Nice big pockets! 

Pockets are often a deal-breaker on purchases for me - you too? 

It's by Ilse Jacobsen, a name I know from Dots, which has had a bunch of samples from this brand for a few years. 

It's helpfully labeled "Skirt" in case you forget what it is, ha ha! This was $40.00 reduced from their original $79.99. It was likely around $170.00 new. 

I loved the knitted stripes in this long A-line skirt. 

Blue, black, white and marled grey. It's slightly longer on the side seams. 

A viscose blend. 

It's by Sportmax, and was marked down to $27.00 from their $89.99. 

Not bad for a skirt that would have retailed for over $300.00. 

This dress/coat/vest enchanted me. I was happy to see the pattern lined up symmetrically. 

It's a thick woven coat material, and I think it's meant to be a dress. 

You can wear it with the lapels out like this. 

I also tried it worn open, and it looked great. It would be a great travel piece for versatile layering. 

Pockets! 

YES. 

Made in Italy! 

A wool/acrylic mix. I forgot to take a pic of the tag but the brand is Saxx, a Croatian brand (link here 'cause I love). It was marked down to $40.00 from $79.99 - I think it would have been around $200 new. 

And lastly, my splurge - L specifically told me, "I'll be there in spirit to push you into getting something that you think is too expensive." I get cheap when it comes to consignment/designer clothes because I'm spoiled by thrift store prices! 

This dress looks like...not much on the hanger, but it's gorgeous in person and on me. 

The designs remind me of a kaleidoscope - they are digitally printed - and phew, thank goodness, it is lined up evenly on the front and back! 

The neckline and buttoned front are trimmed in stuck-on crystals - it's very sparkly! 

A look at one of the sleeves. 

I like the bits of purple - this toned well with my freshly-dyed purple hair. 

Sparkles! 

It pulls on over the head (have to undo a couple of buttons), and has an elastic waistband. 

A big slit up the front for walking and gliding about. 

I was happy to see that the back-side of the fabric is not solid white. Quality! 

I didn't realize when I tried it on - it has pockets! 

Woo! 

It's 100% silk, designed in Australia and made in India. 

It's by Camilla. 

It was made with love. 

And it was $195.00, marked down from the original Turnabout price of $389.99. If that seems expensive, have a gander here at their maxi dresses, which run between $799 and $1,199 USD. Oh my gosh, what lovely clothes! 

Cat, Yvonne and I had a quick look in House of Savoy, where Cat bought the most glamourous black coat (many gold buttons) ever, then walked up to Christie's Pub, where L and Randall met us for a few beverages and some food. L and I hung out for one last night of boardgames, music and chilling with our furry boy. 

"Happy New Year to my fans. I love you all."

Thank you to L for all the happy spendy gifts, and for putting up with me for another year. Wishing all of you out there a very Happy New Year - here's to the best in 2024. 

I'll be back tomorrow with our New Year's Eve bash outfits, along with this year's list of Books Read. Stay safe, warm and cozy, my dear friends!