Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Orange Pleather and Marimekko; Picador and Primary for Brunch (and a Wee Shop); and Sequined Club Dancing

Welcome back, my friends! It's been a whirlwind of a weekend, with a rather spectacular suit, brunch, and a dance party at an actual club(!) celebrating a whack of things. Sit tight and let's go! 

Did I say spectacular? I did!

This outfit rang all my bells. 

• Pleather jacket - Only, consignment; last seen here in December 2023 with a green blouse
• Pleather pants - Only, consignment; last worn here in that same December 2023 outfit
• Tee - Marimekko X Uniqlo, thrifted; purchased here for $22.99
• Sneakers - L'intervalle, consignment; first seen here a couple of weeks ago with orange, black and white
• Sleeveless coat - Only, thrifted; last worn here a week ago

The few colleagues that I saw were mighty impressed with it, as were the shredder bin guys. 

I dressed for my bestie Janet - we had a quick dinner at Zambri's after work to catch up. 

This orange suit is supremely comfy - it's a very stretchy fake leather and it's lined in fleece in the pants. 

The jacket is fully-lined with two generous pockets. 

I always feel great in it. 

However, it was rather sweaty-making after climbing all the flights of stairs, though - I'll be packing it away for spring/summer. 

My new-to-me Marimekko X Uniqlo tee debuts - it's a winner. 

The perfect cut and a fabulous print. 

I have a great fondness for good black and white prints.

Love it, good purchase. 

Done up. 

Feeling good from the outside in - clothes are so magical. 

Outerwear - spitty rain in the forecast. 

The lobster brooch had admirers too. 

Accoutrements: 

I love that scarf - it's so soft. 

• Puffy scarf - Marimekko X Uniqlo, consignment
• Gloves - Roeckl, consignment

The stuff: 

I was very pleased with how well these sneakers worked with the suit - they added just the right amount of "zhuzh." I walked to work in them - so comfy! My feet were very happy.

Silver bling: 

All of the silver jewelry is actually silver (not the rivets on the leather cuff). 

• Leather cuff - Guess, thrifted
• Silver cuff - thrifted, Powell River
• Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Silver/obsidian ring - Tocara, vintage fair
• Silver/concrete ring - Raul Caballero, Oui Jewelry

The earrings are hollow - they're really light and are clip-ons. 

L and I hung out and played board games in the evening, then slept in a bit on Saturday morning before heading down to John's Place for brunch.

I had put this skirt in Limbo (my new term, stolen from Wayne at Fluevog, for the former "Giveaway Pile") for possible sale/consignment, then shook off that urge and took it back. Regret-me-not! What was I thinking??

• Sweater - Tabi, thrifted; last worn here in March 2023 for a Mom-Day at Beacon Hill Park
• Picador skirt - no label, vintage 50s, thrifted; last seen here in that same outfit in March 2023
• Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last worn here a couple of weeks ago for a different Mom-Day at Beacon Hill
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last seen here earlier this month over a coat-dress

In a weird coincidence, I wore this same combination of items back here on March 23rd, 2023...exactly a year ago! 

Anyway, the skirt is staying - it's just too special, it still fits, I still love it, and I'm not letting it go. 

It's a full circle skirt - must show it off.

The image on the front is a picador - a dude on a horse, stabbing a bull. The picador uses long sticks ("pics" [peeks]) to agitate a bull for the bullfighter or toreador. 

You can see a splash of blood on the bull. What a gory thing to put on a skirt! It's worth keeping just for that. 

In exciting news, I got my list of consigned items from House of Savoy and picked up the (very) few things they didn't want. If everything sells at full price, I'll be shopping with my store credit for a long, long time! 

Accoutrement-ed.

These are the things I carried. We were at a tiny table in John's, so I stashed my hat on the floor under my chair. 

It rained all day, which was disappointing, but eh, I'm not going to melt. 

I loved the bright reds popping against the blue. 

Accoutrements:

The hat is a dark green, and kept my hair looking decent. 

• Purse - Bruno Magli, consignment
• Scarf - Halston, vintage 70s, thrifted
• Gloves - Picabo, Powell River
• Hat - thrifted

The stuff: 

Good boots for a rainy day. 

Blue and green bling: 

I split my rings/bracelets by hand - one hand was all green, and one was all blue! 

• Silver/malachite bangle - Mexican, thrifted, Sidney
• Two-tone cuff - consignment; purchased here for $8.00
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Silver/kyanite ring - consignment
• Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
• Silver/malachite ring - consignment
• Silver/onyx necklace - Mexican, consignment, Powell River
• Earrings - Israeli, consignment

Someone was lurking around, looking for some lovin'.

"You do give good cuddles, Woman."

Old man kitty Vizzini. He is 13 years old now, and his kidney disease is progressing - he had a poor night with his eyesight not working fully, which happens every so often. There's nothing we can do about that, as it's just part of the kidney disease. It's been a little over a year and a half since we were given a 1-3 year estimate of his time left with us...which is hard to think about. Every hug is a gift. 

Anyway! *sniff* Enough sad thoughts! Let's move on!

As I usually do, I had a 10-minute browse in the Beacon Ave Thrift Shop while L held our spot in line, and I found a couple of treasures. 

That is one gorgeous blue blazer in a wool/poly blend. It's too big on L, so I've offered it up to my gent friends. 

It's by Matinique, which I've seen at local boutiques, retailing for around $400.00.

Lovely lining and inside pocket detail. 

Are you kidding me? NINE DOLLARS? 

I'll be charging whichever lucky guy it fits a whopping $10.00 for my shopping expertise. You're getting a bargain, gents! Ronnie has put his hand up, followed by Chris - my male friends are loving this personal shopping from me. 

I also fell in love instantly with this amazing horse scarf, which was buried in a bin of scarves and toques. 

All of the horses are different! Some of them look a little...odd. Looking at you, centre white horse! 

I like this one. 

The print is a little loosey-goosey - it has no tags or name anywhere, but it's got hand-rolled edges and the backside is almost as crisp as the front. I'd guess it's from the 60s or 70s, probably viscose. However, for $2.00, I'll give it a whirl. 

I gasped at this beautiful skirt, which is similar to the picador one I was wearing. 

You know I love a black and white print. 

Is it a full circle skirt?

Oh, it is!! And I spy a stylized tiger on the left border, and a butterfly further to the right. I hadn't noticed those until I looked at these pictures. 

That's a vintage-y zipper, and I like the big secure hook. 

I was happy that this fits me. Hooray for core/stomach workouts! 

I steamed it inside and out when I got home and was excited to find a label! 100% cotton is always nice to see. 

Washing instructions have been required on garments internationally since 1963, so we know it's after that date. 

I was gobsmacked to see that it was made in Finland! It says "Muoti-Tuote" at the top, and "Leona" at the bottom. According to Translate online, "Muoti-Tuote" means "Fashion Product." That makes sense! 

I think this is probably from the 60s or maybe 70s. $12.00 seemed like a good price! I'm excited to put this in my spring-summer wardrobe.

I recognized this era of dress right away - mid-80s! I wore dresses like this back then! 

It has a dropped waist with two ruffles at the bottom, and a straight "pencil" hem below them. 

Buttons up the back (with a nice snap-fastener at the top to hold it in place.

The cuffs also have big black plastic dome buttons. I adore all the colours in it! You can see a bit of the textured dot fabric near the neckline/shoulders, above, and in the picture below.

I recognized the George Straith name, a family business and purveyors of very fine clothing in Victoria since 1917 - they had two stores (shown on the label - Victoria and Vancouver, located in the Hotel Vancouver) as of 1986, so that fits in perfectly with my estimated date. They operate now in a small store in downtown Victoria (about them here, all links 'cause I love, of course). 

I recognized the actual brand of the dress (George Straith is just the store, not the brand) - Akris - from my browsings in Turnabout. You may recall I have a pair of Akris Punto trousers (seen here) that I bought for $89.99 there last year. 

Akris the company is still based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and their most basic, plain dress on their site retails for $2,890.00 (fancy ones are close to $10,000.00), and I spotted an 80s dress with a few more ruffles and dots on 1stDibs for $1,180.00. Yes, you are reading those prices correctly! Thousands! Not bad for $23.00. 

Someone had (poorly) sewn in shoulder-pads, which were disintegrating inside (gross, the foam was all crumbly), so I removed them - I don't believe they are original to the dress (different thread), as shoulder-pads started to trend in clothes closer to the late-80s/early 90s. This dress fits me, and I plan to wear it at least once before I turn it over to the Limbo pile. 

So, as mentioned at the top, we went dancing at an actual club on Saturday night. Pal Linda was promoting and working at a fundraiser for Ironic Spin (link here) at Hermann's Upstairs Lounge (link here). In a dazzling array of coincidences, the following facts are presented: 

• The club was announced as closing on March 31st (it's since been rescued)
• Winesday Woman Sarah's 40th birthday is this week
• L and I celebrated 27 years of marriage on Friday
• L and I met at this venue when it was called The Drawing Room, 29 years ago
• I also met adored friends Nick and Casey there the same evening

So...a massive group of the Winesday/MANday crew bought tickets and showed up! I exhorted my gals to dress up.

This is what I'm wearing! 

• Dress - Esprit; last worn here in December 2022 for the office
• Boots - Warhol F-Trip, Fluevog; last seen here (3rd outfit) in February with a different sequined dress
• Coat (below) - BB Dakota, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95

Boot shot! 

Pictures taken in our hall hat/coat stand, with our tiny galley kitchen behind me. 

Bathroom selfie. 

Make-up! I put on a little bit more than usual, although this is one of my favourite red lipsticks that I frequently wear. 

This is a thin cotton-blend t-shirt fabric tank dress with flat, in-line sequins all over it, which gives it a liquid metal sort of look. 

This is its 13th wearing - I've had it since 2011! 

I layered a thin black cami under it. 

And my sporty shorts too - I also have nylons on. 

Dance pose! 

This is 100% what I looked like dancing. I wave my arms around a lot.

L and I walked to town, and strolled home afterwards. 

We'd had rain all day, but it finally let up in time, so no hat or brolly was needed. 

I took the opportunity to wear this new-to-me coat. 

I adore the bright colour - it was easy to spot in the coat-check - and the crinkly texture. 

The cuffs and collar don't look too overly ruffled. 

However, I discovered why it had gotten donated in the first place. 

I think someone pulled one cuff out (the underlayer is very stretchy) to the point where the top/plasticky layer cracked. 

It's only really noticeable when I'm wearing it - I'd inspected it in the store and didn't see it at all. I'm going to still hang onto it, because it's pretty and gives me joy, but Limbo awaits...this will not be a long-term keeper. 

Accoutrements: 

I needed the silk scarf and fluff-lined gloves for the brisk evening. 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Scarf - Janie Besner, thrifted
• Gloves - Lord & Taylor, thrifted

This was the perfect purse for the event - I wore it cross-body all night. 

The stuff: 

As noted, we walked both ways to the club and back, and also stood around and danced all evening. My feet were very tired on Sunday. 

Gold and black bling: 

Sparkly things to show in dim lighting. 

• Eelskin cuff - vintage 80s, thrifted
• Bangle - thrifted
• Brass ring - vintage 70s, vintage mall
• Brass/glass ring - Raphael of Canada, vintage 70s, consignment
• Earrings - thrifted

Before we left, we had our farewell cuddles with Vizzini, who got very cranky and bitey with L.

"I resent you leaving!"

L handed him off to me to calm him down (it always works). 

I didn't take any pictures at the event, but my friends did - thanks to Ali for these. This was an interactive wall that you could draw on with a "light stick" or a laser. 

After a few minutes, the light would fade. You can just see a unicorn head/leg that I drew just below the circle/arm. 

Showing Chris how the light sticks turn on.

There were a total of about 15 of us - there's a reason we call ourselves "Party in a Box." 

You invite us - you get an instant party! 

Randall trying it out. I love it when there are artsy activities at a crowded social event - introverts like me (and Randall) appreciate it. See here (scroll way down) for a wedding I went to that had a colouring/activity book (many pics of my creativity there). So awesome! 

And Yvonne sent this hilarious shot of Caro, Cat and me.

Well...our shoes anyway! 

L and I stood under this massive flowering plum tree on the way home, mesmerized by the streetlight shining through the blooms.

So pretty! 

On Sunday, we briefly ventured out into the bright sunlight to get groceries. Vizzini, are you going to sit out there until the sun hits you? 

"Probably."

It's pretty cold out here in the morning - I see fog on the windows above you. 

"My blanket keeps me warm."

Aw, I hope the sun hits you soon, little bud.

And my friends, I'm exhausted from all that weekend fun, so I'm off to enjoy the last hours of it with my two favourite guys. I hope you enjoyed our shenanigans - thank you so much for stopping by.