We last visited here in May, when I laid down in a field of daisies.
I did a Stair Pic today with the full outfit, outerwear included, as this is how the world saw me.
"My blackberries."
"Did you bring me something to eat?"
"It's warm and sunny here - why wouldn't I?"
I did a Stair Pic today with the full outfit, outerwear included, as this is how the world saw me.
I realized while reviewing my Summer/Fall coat closet selection that I've been severely neglecting my gorgeous capes. As we're entering Cape Weather (and Leather Weather, woo!), I'm making an effort to wear them all in the next while, until it's too cold out
- Cape - Coracle Clothes, Welsh, vintage 60s, pass-along from Sheila; last worn here in March 2023(!!) for a Mom-Day
- Sweater - LL Bean, consignment; last seen here in April 2024 for yet another Mom-Day
- Skirt - Sonia Rykiel, thrifted; last worn here in March for a wee shop
- Trout shoes - Miista; last seen here in September 2023 for work before going to Rifflandia
How do I know I haven't been wearing them? I do the same backwards hanger trick when I refresh my coat closet for the season. There is much languishing of outerwear during the hot months, when I wear my blazers/jackets instead of coats.
This beauty is a weave of deep indigo, forest green (really!) and aqua, which results in an overall blue hue. Note the two pockets in front - yes, yes, yes!
Bum coverage - important if it's a little chilly out.
The temps hovered around 20 degrees, although it was sunny, and I knew we'd be in the shade here and there.
I layered a camisole under this cotton LL Bean sweater.
Long sleeves are needed with a cape (or long gloves, but it's not Glove Season quite yet).
The velour (so KLASSY) skirt is by fashion legend Sonia Rykiel.
I have little sport shorts underneath, and am still defiantly doing bare legs. I'm also taking a leaf out of the cool kids' trend of wearing visible socks - it's fun to play with clothes! These are old socks that I thrifted ages ago (a pack of 5 mixed patterns, I vaguely recall) that I wear near-weekly around the house.
Incognito, and demonstrating the easy way to carry a purse with a cape. However, this means one hand is occupied, and that just will not do.
I prefer cross-body purses - I have shoulder/nerve issues from years of heavy one-shoulder bags (beware!) - and finally figured out how to deploy them.
They go UNDER the cape!
Like so! Tah-dah! This cape has an added bit of trickiness due to the separate belt that loops around the small of my back, but if I do it up right I can slip the purse off by dropping it to my ankles and stepping out of it (and vice versa for putting it on).
Accoutrements:
I'm not much of a purse person (said the woman with 20 purses), so tend to stop when I have one that's the right colour. I'll upgrade if I ever find a better blue purse, but this Danier bag has been awesome.
- Leather purse - Danier Leather, thrifted
- Silk scarf - Fluevog
I had visions of wearing the scarf at my neck, but it ended up being too warm out.
The stuff:
My beloved Trout shoes - never wear out! I'm surprised that I haven't worn them in a YEAR, but my tastes have veered over to sneakers more. I still like the lace-up look, though.
Silver bling:
And a lobster!
- Lobster brooch - Bermuda, Mom's
- Silver/onyx necklace - Mexican, consignment, Powell River
- Earrings - consignment, c. 1996
- Filigree cuff - St. Paul's Cathedral gift shop
- Crystal cuff - Juicy Couture, consignment
- Fulvia Ring/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
- Silver/sodalite ring - Scotland, 1996
- Silver/kyanite ring - consignment
Mom gave me a present - this crow coaster was from an artist demo at her art group. She'd forgotten about it and thought I'd like it.
I do! It has a nice cork back, and that is a very fine looking crow. Thanks, Mom!
We parked at Rithet's Bog and walked along the sidewalk in this fancy/expensive neighbourhood to the far path entrance.
Massive houses, very posh.
This is the bog, in the centre area.
No water visible, but there are signs warning you not to go off the paths.
The blackberries were lush and bountiful.
Nom nom nom, Mom and I filled up!
A squirrel chittered at us.
I see you!
Raptors circled, riding the thermals.
Looking towards the highway - see the mountains in the distance? Hello, USA!
I was enraptured by this giant spider web.
Yes, ma'am!
We've arrived at the path.
This was a lovely little walk.
I mean, if you like enchanting tunnels of branches...
Bikes are not permitted here, as the Bog is a wildlife sanctuary. We saw a few people.
A giant Douglas Fir.
We sometimes call them Dougie firs.
We're cool west-coasters, hee hee.
They are pretty awe-inspiring trees!
More arching branches.
It smelled so green and fresh and clean. Ahhh...
A forked path.
To the left was a chi-chi mansion. We continued straight ahead.
We sat a bench for a while and took it all in.
The blackberries are taking over that Dougie.
I thought this bird had some sort of crest on its head.
But it's just a branch.
Time to head to Floyd's Diner for lunch!
I'm hungry!
A window of blackberries and fir.
Nature is so soothing.
Puffy clouds, and lines of light on the ground.
I should bring L out here to walk all the way around the Bog. Thanks for reintroducing me to the "other side," Mom!
Caught actually laughing, as I tease her.
It's an inside (out) joke. *wink* Thanks so much for the lovely day, Mom, I love you!
I bussed back to town and had a quick browse in the WIN Boutique on Quadra Street.
I'd looked at these trousers the last time I was in, but waffled. Wide leg, high waist, giant front and back pockets...what's not to like?
They are cotton with vinyl coating, pressed into faux crocodile pattern.
They're by FRNCH and these are the Pyrenee pantalon.
They retailed for between $120.00-130.00.
For me? $34.95. They are an oversized fit and meant to be cropped but because I'm short (5'4") they are the perfect length. I can picture these with a chunky sweater, a funky jacket, bold shoes...all kinds of things. This is how I do a black pant!
Of course, I could not resist this urban camo patterned top.
I have shoes in all of those colours.
It's a silky polyester, and the parent company is Chapter One, out of Montreal.
I've had silk versions of blouses like this, and have had to eventually move them along, or I'd have ruined them from the bloody hot flashes. This is washable!
It's by Haver, a cheap brand.
The buttons are all actually shell, which is nice, and the cuffs are adjustable and can be flipped back. However, it does not button all the way to the neck. So odd!
I thought about this a while - I have a brown velvet Talbots blazer in Limbo, and do I really need another brown velvet blazer?
But this one is LEOPARD velvet. I consider that an upgrade, don't you? Always Be Upgrading!
The lining is lovely, a brocade floral, with a white grosgrain piping.
Someone's cut out the label, likely because the owner of the line is horrible person - Peter Nygard, who was just sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexual assault.
But my money went to the good folks of WIN, and I will never promote that swine.
The CA number confirms - the brand is Nygard. It's still really good quality - soft cotton, three real pockets, double split in the back.
$24.95 is a great deal.
I plan to enjoy my rock and roll leopard velvet blazer!
WIN's opened up a "craft and remake" store across the street, so I popped in for a look - it's a great spot for costumes, wool or other crafty things.
They were about to close, but I found these two picks of feathers that will surely come in handy for events in my future. The red feathers are a mix of rooster and pheasant!
The pink is not real feathers, and there are a bunch of little picks bundled together. They were 50 cents.
The red feathers were $4.95.
I had to put the feathers up out of reach of this little monster.
As you can see, he's making good use of his new scratching post/bed. NOT.
Vizzini, must you sleep on the laundry?
He's got a point! May your days be full of naps on warm laundry in the sun. That's the life!
I'm signing off for the weekend, Gentle Readers, but I'll be back...probably on Monday this week. There are plans afoot, so make sure you stop by! Thanks so much for being here.
