I wore this outfit for a full 14-hour day, only doffing bits and pieces for the Accoutrements and Stuff pics below.
I did feel like a Badass in this, though - I mean, really, the silk satin coat-dress is stunning, isn't it? This is my first time wearing it as a coat/topper instead of as a dress, and it's a win.
"I love your outfit!" said a traffic construction worker in a bright yellow and orange jumpsuit.
- Coat-dress - Escada, vintage 00s, consignment; last worn here as a dress in October 2022 for Karen's memorial
- Top - Grey by Jason Wu, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in April with black and white Adidas
- Leather pants - Free People, Portland, OR; last worn here (2nd outfit) in October 2023 for brunch
- Sneakers - Findlay, consignment; last seen here for a Mom-Day in August
"I love YOURS! Neon's big for fall!" He laughed. Just another awesome Fashion Interaction.
The last time I wore this coat-dress was for my dear friend Karen's memorial (here), almost two years ago, and I first wore it on the day she passed from cancer in June 2020. It holds a lot of memories.
The book we discussed at Book Club was "The Weekend" by Charlotte Wood (Goodreads link here, link 'cause I love), about a group of four close friends - one has died and the rest gather to clean out her beach house.
Although we all had issues with the book, it made me think about the deep friendships I have with the women in my life, my closest friends.
It felt good to share this wonderful, vivid dress again with some of my closest friends, to reaffirm our bond. Clothing is powerful stuff.
I have always joked that my leather pants come from Space Cows to my coworkers.
The top is also silk, and is longer in the back - all the better to avoid crack-a-lackin' when the elastic back waistband goes south on the pants. I always have to cover that!
Incognito.
A scarf for the morning chill and evening breeze.
Accoutrements:
Belt as armour.
- Picasso scarf - thrifted
- Belt - BCBG Max Azria, consignment
The stuff:
- Brass necklace/bracelet - consignment
- Eelskin/gold hinged bracelet - vintage 80s, thrifted
- Amber ring - c. 1996
- Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
- Earrings - vintage, vintage mall
No Mom-Day on Thursday, as she'd had a very busy week, full of stress things that sapped her energy - a side effect of Post-Polio Syndrome. So enjoy your rest, Mom! Take it easy - I love you!
And just as I advised Mom, so I did for myself - a Mental Health Shop was overdue. Turnabout had advertised their final fall clearance, so of course, I had to check out the rest of Oak Bay Ave while I was there.
Just getting in a wearing of this Italian designer dress this season, worn open over a sleeveless shirt and trousers.
- Dress - I'M Isola Marras, Spring/Summer 2013, Florence, Italy; last worn here in August 2022
- Shirt - Denver Hayes, consignment; last seen here in August with a froth of tulle
- Trousers - Zara, consignment; last worn here in July with a denim fin
- Sneakers - Ryka, consignment, Powell River; first seen here in August with brunch sequins
My dresses have been working double-duty this week! I've worn this dress in many ways, a total of 15 times since I bought it in Florence in 2014.
I loved how this looked - it felt comfy, bright and most of all, ME.
My trusty pink sleeveless top is a workhorse in my closet, giving me a bit of warmth and coverage - note the collar flipped out over the dress' collar.
I love the interesting back.
One of the trouser hems undid while I was out - I'll stitch it back up...next spring.
These will be packed away for fall winter, as will the dress.
I'll miss your big pockets, chartreuse pants!
Incognito.
I had a few comments on my outfit as I walked down to the end of Oak Bay Avenue and back again, visiting a bunch of shops.
My little pink purse got a lot of love.
These sneakers were pretty good for a 4+ hour shop.
I debated these white shoes versus my pink sparkly Converse, but the white won out - matched it to the belt (I can't resist).
Accoutrements:
David at Turnabout admired my vintage scarf - the pattern is gold paramecium.
- Purse - thrifted
- Silk scarf - Smoking Lily, vintage 90s
The stuff:
Green and gold bling:
I was a little over-accessorized for shopping but nothing got in the way too much.
- Belt - Banana Republic, thrifted
- Gold bangle - thrifted
- Hinged enamel bangles - thrifted
- Silver/green stone ring - consignment, Sidney
- Coral/olivine ring - Hawaii, 1977, Mom's
- Earrings - vintage fair
My first stop was at A La Mode Consignment, where I found this leopard camisole on the half-price rack.
It's a silky polyester, trimmed with lace along the top. The straps are adjustable.
It's by Molly Bracken, a pricey brand. This was $28.00. marked down to $14.00.
This would have originally been around $50.00.
I also found this long crinkled vest.
It is very Rock Star, and I immediately started Darth-Vadering about in the store. I refrained from bursting into the "Imperial Death March"...barely.
It has snaps up the side, which can be undone.
It's a crepe-weave polyester, with good weight and swooshiness.
It was $62.00, and is by Marla Wynne - and it's new with tags!
I like her attitude - lots of positivity on that tag. She sells on the Home Shopping Network.
I spent a couple of hours in Turnabout, going through everything and trying on a ton of stuff. I was tempted by an Alexander McQueen skirt, but it was nearly $300. Ouch!
So these shoes are all I ended up with. But aren't they cool? They are a pointy-toe slingback with an interesting (and low) heel).
I love the detail on the back of the adjustable leather strap. Funky beadlike structures.
They're made in Italy.
And never worn! These are by MJUS and were priced at $149.99, marked down to $68.00.
She was only $9.00 and will make a welcome addition to my Hallowe'en décor!
I used to see this brand at a now-closed boutique in Vancouver's Gastown district - they retailed for $300 or more around 10 years ago.
I also spent a while trying things on at House of Savoy, but nothing was grabbing me. I popped into Good Things Consignment and found this spider. The head is solid and covered in feathers, and the legs are sparkly purple velvet and are adjustable.
And now, Gentle Readers, I'm signing off for the weekend. I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure - as always, I'm so grateful for all of you. Thank you for visiting!
I love both of these outfits. The green dress so works as a topper. Lise
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lise!
DeleteYes, of course. You are a badass. And I like how you can both express your personality through clothing and confirm its power.
ReplyDeleteIf I keep saying it, it'll eventually be true, Ally!
DeleteThe Escada coat dress is wonderful and I can understand why it has such a special place in your memory. I remember your touching text about your friend Karen and her memorial. It's very difficult to say that final goodbye to a friend. Friendships are really precious. Friends are our chosen family really.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these outfits are badass. The first outfit is very fun with those golden pants, and I like the second one a lot as well. I really like your shirt dress and how you paired it with those green pants.
I hope your mother will feel better soon.
The spider decoration is adorable!
Thanks, Ivana, yes, many BIG memories attached to it.
DeleteI just love your Fashion interaction with the traffic construction worker :-) And your emerald coat-dress and space pants outfit as well, of course! It must be really poignant to wear the former due to the memories it holds of Karen <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThursday's outfit really speaks to me and is indeed very you! I chuckled (and tutted) at you planning to stitch the trousers hems next Spring. It wouldn't be the first time I did the same and regret having to do it six months later when I've forgotten all about it :-)
I can fully imagine you Darth-Vadering about in the store, but that spider at the end of your post freaked me out! xxx
paramecium scarf omg! That is seriously cool.
ReplyDeleteugh blogger. That was me, Goody
DeleteHey, Goody, nice to see you! Smoking Lily used to be known in the late 90s for their "weird" prints of bugs, critters and other oddities - they're much more mainstream now.
DeleteRaising a toast to memories, friendships, clothing as armor, and bursting out in color. From you I first heard the term “friends are the family you choose’ and it fully resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteThat spider? I agree with Polyester Princess - freaky! And that makes it perfect for your Halloween decor. ;) The MJUS shoes are what appears to be a smashing blue color! I cannot imagine wearing such a pointy toe even though I know the pointy part is not meant to have toes in it. Nonetheless, the color and low heel are spiffy.
Hi Helen, hoping you enjoyed a restful Thursday and maybe were able to sit out in your yard, soak up sunshine and enjoy your lovely garden.maybe the neighbor’s cat ambled by for a cuddle. :)
Cheers, Laurie
Aw, thank you so much, Laurie! My Chosen Family are near and dear to me.
DeleteHa, not a fan of spiders, even cute ones? (I am with on real ones - NO THANKS).
I love the MJUS shoes and am excited to pair them with something...likely going to wait till after the closet swap-over, which will be this coming weekend!
That sounds like a lovely day for Mom - I don't think that's what she did (I believe some serious napping was on the schedule!), but she'll appreciate the thought. Thank you!
Mjus is a great brand with wonderful collections. I have a few pair and I love them all and they fit great. I'm in love with the golden trousers, must check freepeople on Vinted!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen their stuff in shoe stores and boutiques - so pretty! Thanks, Nancy!
DeleteI laughed at your construction worker comeback.
ReplyDeleteThe emerald green coat is absolutely stunning and I'm eagerly anticipating your Halloween decor!
So did he! :)
DeleteI'm excited to get my decorations out - maybe not for a week or so, though.
That Escada coat is beautiful all the more so for holding memories of Karen's memorial. xxx
ReplyDeleteAgreed - and it will always be special to me because of that, Vix. <3
Delete