Sunday, March 10, 2024

Weekend Wrap-Up: Ariana's Silent Auction Lot Breakfast and Shop, in Actual Beige

Back in early December, I participated in a Silent Auction fundraiser to raise money to support my work's "give back to the community" committee - I donated a "Learn to Shop Second-Hand With Sheila" session, and my lovely colleague, Ariana, won the lot! 

We discussed, scheduled and Saturday was the day! We met up for breakfast at John's Place, had a delicious meal, and then headed for the shops. I'd guaranteed that my prize would take her to at least three shops, where I would show her How To Find The Good Stuff
There's me in the mirror, holding a bunch of clothes, and coaching Ariana on posing in front of a mirror.

But before we get to more pictures (and what I bought, because of course I found a couple of things that had to come home with me!), here's what I wore - my entire outfit is second-hand.
In a turn of events that is sure to shock the blogosphere, I am wearing beige. Actual beige! 

  • Jacket - Kelsey T upcycle, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) with a vintage skirt in September 2023
  • T-shirt - Rebecca Taylor, consignment; purchased here for $25.00
  • Skirt - Ganni, consignment; last worn here in January with mismatched purples
  • Boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in December 2023 for brunch

Temps are finally warming up a bit - there has been weather gossip about "double digits" - so I risked not wearing an additional piece of outerwear. 
I like my layering simple when I'm shopping. 

All second-hand, leading by example for my fine colleague. 
I enjoy a good "all neutral" outfit once in a while, as a palate-cleanser from all the colour. 

This jacket is so cool - I love all the bits on it. 
And this denim leopard skirt is a firm favourite. 

It helps that it has enormous pockets. 
So let's address the beige elephant in the room - this leopard-trimmed tee. 

I would not wear an entire top in this colour - oatmeal is for eating, not for wearing! 
The leopard bits elevate it, and so I'm not mad at it. I would normally have a necklace to fill in the chestal region so that it's not so darned beige and blah. 

Ready to shop, Ariana? 
We spent an hour in the big WIN store on Pandora, then visited C'Sino's Vintage on Yates Street, popped into a new plus-size shop on Fort Street for a quick peek, then strolled further up to the Velvet Crease (another hour there), and a dash into MONA next door. 

We shopped for close to three hours, so kudos to Ariana for her stamina! Not many people can keep up with me! 
We were warm enough in our light layers, although it rained (while also being sunny) near the end of our time. 

Accoutrements: 
This lovely silk and cashmere scarf was a gift from Mom, from one of her trips to Italy.

  • Purse - Aimee Kestenberg, thrifted, Powell River
  • Scarf - Italy, gift from Mom
  • Gloves - Thinsulate, thrifted

The stuff: 
I've had these boots for so long (9 years!), but they are just getting better. 

Minimal bling: 
I wouldn't normally wear bracelets and dangly earrings for shopping, but this trip was not about me. Ha ha, I won't be trying anything on, of course not! Don't be silly.

  • Belt - Roxy, thrifted
  • Brass/leather cuff - vintage 70s, Mom's
  • Brass ring - vintage mall
  • Cuff/earrings - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L
  • Leather heart brooch (not shown) - Smoking Lily

Oops, I forgot to take the anatomical heart brooch off the jacket - and I did buy that new at Smoking Lily more than 10 years ago, so my outfit is only 99% second-hand.

Ariana at WIN - she was gravitating heavily to houndstooth, and really liked this jacket. 
She ultimately put it back (it was a smidge tight, plus had some wear/balling under the arms), but did find a faux leather waterfall cardigan and a long swooshy bohemian-inspired skirt. 

I'd swooned over this gorgeous jacket before but it was a little too pricey for me. 
I made her try it on...but it wasn't her vibe...so I tried it on...

Reader, I bought it! 
It's an amazing piece, very much in the classic Chanel-inspired tweed vibe. 

Woven check, black trim all over.
Two plastic buttons. It does not do up down the front and is a straight up and down boxy fit. 

This was a perfect opportunity to compare the quality clues between the two jackets - we started our detective work on the tags inside.
Ooh, a Union label! This one matches the last series of Union labels used in Canada, between 1968-1984 (see here at Vintage Fashion Guild, all links 'cause I love, of course). So that narrows down our date range.

More info - the contents tag. This is 48% wool, and 52% "Fibranne" - I have never heard of this material before, so let's do a little digging. 
It's a cellulose-based fiber, similar to rayon or viscose. Not much else online about it, though. 

I knew this would be made in Canada (due to the Union label). 
The CA number traces back to "Imperter", a Montreal-based company. No hits on that - it's long defunct, apparently. 

The crowning glory is this old "Gibson's" label from Victoria - Gibson's was a very swanky boutique on View Street in downtown (there is a sushi place there now), and which probably closed some time in the 70s. I also have this sweater worn here by Dusia Knits that was sold there.
I'd originally seen this at full price - $26.95 - but it was reduced by 50% off. This was a mere $13.47. 

I was drawn by this glorious yellow skirt. 
It's a good length, full (but not too full), big pockets....

...look at that - so roomy! 
It's a lovely wool as well. 

I noticed that the back skirt slit was suspiciously short. 
And that's an odd placement for a button. 

Then I realized someone's hemmed this from a below-the-knee full skirt to a knee-length. 
A good job on the lining, kind of a half-arsed job on the outer layer (no judgment - I've been known to half-arse a sew-job myself).

It's by Mr. Jax, which was around in Vancouver as a manufacturer for many years, finally closing in the 80s, I believe. 
$26.95 for made in Canada lined wool. Take my money! 

Ariana again at the Velvet Crease. She bought the striped long cardi, the skirt (it has stud details), the red leather boots, some leggings and a couple of other things. The red top was a no (not quite right) but filled a need for a red top to make an outfit while trying on.
Consignment stores are great because everything's better quality...but you pay more, that's the trade-off. We found Ariana a beautiful swooshy maxi dress at MONA after this, then enjoyed a cup of tea, and gabbed about our purchases and life in general, before I met up with L to get groceries and Ariana headed home. Phew, a long day! 

L and I hung out and played boardgames in the evening, and I hosted Book Club on Sunday...followed by the Oscars (just L and I). 
"I'll just sleep here then, shall I?"


Oh, Vizzini, get out of my scarf box! 

Off to watch the Academy Awards! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! 

10 comments:

  1. What a amazing thing to give for a auction! I would have made a offer to that! Love the leopard print skirt and the studded skirt Ariana is wearing. I hope she learned a lot from you!

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  2. I would love to shop with you! If you ever visit the Black Sea coast.... :) Lise

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  3. Like Nancy, I would also have bid on your donation! Looks like Ariana made out with some sweet items and a smile (always important!)

    Fred and I were oblivious to the Oscars till this morning when we were reminded by seeing the headlines. Of course, truth be told, I go for The NY Times slide show of “what they wore” and am about to go take a look as soon as this message is posted!
    Cheers, Laurie

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    Replies
    1. Here’s the link:
      https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/10/style/oscars-red-carpet-photos.html

      Delete
  4. I would have been another bidder in the auction! What a lovely thing to donate!
    Ariana did find some wonderful stuff ... and so did you!
    I'm loving your "neutral" outfit ... I wouldn't exactly call a leopard skirt or that amazing jacket "neutral" though :-) xxx

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  5. I too would be another bidder! Ariana and you both had some excellent finds! I love the look she put together in the end, and I am also enamored of your new yellow skirt. More and more, I am insistent about the need for pockets (and they better be big enough, unless the garment is practical/gorgeous enough to overcome that feature.)

    Some day, I am going to make it to Victoria, and I hope to do some visits to these shops. . .but even more, I hope we get to meet in person. With my increasing time visiting Seattle (with my new granddaughter there) it is not going to be too hard to do at some point.

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  6. Oh well done, Ariana for winning and well done you for the shopping trip. Ariana looked great in her red and black outfit. I loved your outfit and what you found, too - you naughty thing!
    xxx

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  7. What a fun prize for Ariana to win. I'd love to go shopping with you. X

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  8. Wow! What a great idea and lucky Ariana!
    You both did well. I'm glad you bought the Chanel inspired jacket. They're so versatile and timeless.
    Frustratingly, the Oscars ceremony didn't start until 11 pm our time. I caught the highlights though. So happy Cillian won! x

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  9. What a brilliant and generous prize, Sheila! Lucky Ariana.
    I love her in the stripy waterfall cardi and red boots, she looks so relaxed and confident. If you're going to do neutrals, those gorgeous boots, amazing jacket and leopard print are the way to do it.
    I was so happy that Emma Stone & our Cillian won , both films I loved especially Poor Things! xxx

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