Let's start with Friday's work outfit, another pre-planned post-Swap-Over ensemble. I'm leaning into an architectural element in this. Warning: my building may be rather askew.
Woke up to torrential downpours.
Ugh, I hate the darker mornings.
- Vest - Sun Kim, thrifted; purchased here for $24.95
- Blouse - Cos, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit)
- Skirt - Oska, thrifted; first seen here in February for a jaunt to Powell River
- Boots - United Nude, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in April with an all-neutral look
- Raincoat (below) - Ilse Jacobsen; last seen here in September
A very blurry view of the Castle. You could hear the rain splattering on the trees.
I built this outfit around the new-to-me vest, which made that "zip zip" noise like rustling track pants when I swished it around.
And yes, there was swooshing. I layered my favourite white shirt of the moment under it - this shirt has a peplum in the back, but I didn't take the vest off at all to show it.Lovely pockets! Nice and big, perfect.
The skirt is destined to be a fast favourite. It's pleated here and there and reminds me of crumpled tissue paper.
The skirt is destined to be a fast favourite. It's pleated here and there and reminds me of crumpled tissue paper.
Done up, although I didn't wear it like this, except under my coat or when I was outside.
More pocket showing off action.
More pocket showing off action.
I was delighted to see the skies clear and gorgeous warm sunshine beaming down by the time I left the office. I scrunched the Pickle up in my bag (it does collapse up quite small).
Incognito and feeling tres chic. Oui, oui!
Incognito and feeling tres chic. Oui, oui!
Accoutrements:
I noticed that my new-to-me gloves went perfectly with all the funky neutrals. They got soaked on the way to work, so now they are Sheila's Hand-Shaped. I never worry about leather or suede getting wet - it's skin!
I noticed that my new-to-me gloves went perfectly with all the funky neutrals. They got soaked on the way to work, so now they are Sheila's Hand-Shaped. I never worry about leather or suede getting wet - it's skin!
- Scarf - MetroWear, San Francisco, 2006
- Gloves - Gestuz, consignment; purchased here for $38.00
The stuff:
Colleague Lesley was entranced with the booties. They are see-through reinforced nylon with "iron-on" reflective and black strips. That's a comfy heel, by the way. Claw bling:
I was so excited to unpack these gorgeous pieces. Welcome back!
I contrasted the dressy look of these tweed trousers with my band tee.
I was so excited to unpack these gorgeous pieces. Welcome back!
- Necklace/cuff - Ambush, "Holy Mountain" collection, 2012, consignment, Vancouver, gift from L
- Earrings/bracelet - Alexis Bittar, vintage mall, gift from L
I raced home after work to get dressed - my colleague Kristina was the producer and host of "Aged to Perfection", a burlesque event featuring women over the age of 40. I had to represent for my friend...and it was the perfect opportunity to wear a new-to-me dress that I picked up secondhand in Powell River.
The vivid reds, pinks and purples in this outfit made me feel happy and sexy. This was a very comfortable dress too! I flat-ironed my hair, as it had gone all frizzy from the wet weather earlier.
The dress has a full beige slip under it.
The dress has a full beige slip under it.
It attaches to the dress at the shoulders, a nice feature.
I had oodles of compliments on my outfit all night, and I felt fabulous!
I had oodles of compliments on my outfit all night, and I felt fabulous!
I'd considered adding things like gloves, a hat or bold jewelry, but after a test run the night before (always do a test run before an event, especially if you've never worn the garment before!), I decided to let the dress speak for itself.
Loud and clear!
Loud and clear!
It didn't need much.
I added darker burgundy shoes (after trying about 6 other pairs in various shades of pink, red and purple), and a red/black purse.
I added darker burgundy shoes (after trying about 6 other pairs in various shades of pink, red and purple), and a red/black purse.
- Purse - FiveLeft, thrifted
I dove into my coat storage for the Grape Ape!
It's still a little too warm for her, but I wasn't sure if I'd need to stand around in the chill waiting for an Uber. On a side note, I booked/called/paid for my very first Uber! I've joined the 21st century! Go, me!
It's still a little too warm for her, but I wasn't sure if I'd need to stand around in the chill waiting for an Uber. On a side note, I booked/called/paid for my very first Uber! I've joined the 21st century! Go, me!
The stuff:
These are fairly comfy shoes for a day at the office, but after 3 hours of standing, my poor feet were howling.
These are fairly comfy shoes for a day at the office, but after 3 hours of standing, my poor feet were howling.
Snaky bling:
And one spider!
- Silver snake ring - 1986, BC Museum Gift Shop
- Silver/onyx spider ring - c. 1985, gift from Mom & Dad
- Snake earrings - Red Sky
The earrings are locally made.
Here's Kristina, in "Shirley A. Tease" mode (her burlesque alter ego). You can just see the daring slit up her leg - she's styled the train here.
Holy smokes, you look gorgeous, K! My voice was rough after all the hootin' and hollerin' I did for the performers.
Friends Janice and Tony, looking spiffy.
Love that bow-tie! I met these wonderful ladies, a mom-daughter duo, outside the event centre while we waited for the doors to open.
Myra is on the left and daughter Chantelle on the right. I love that all the attendees dressed up to the nines!
Myra is on the left and daughter Chantelle on the right. I love that all the attendees dressed up to the nines!
I didn't take any pictures of the burlesques themselves, but these are the performers after the show.
The woman in front crouching is 67! You are never too old to get your groove on and put yourself out there!
The woman in front crouching is 67! You are never too old to get your groove on and put yourself out there!
Kristina in her post-performance outfit, getting teary as she thanks everyone. The event was a fundraiser for Women's Transition House.
I contributed a "Shop With Sheila" session for the Silent Auction - the last I saw it had sold for $150.00, so I'm excited to be contacted by the winner!
My lovely friend Jessica was there, and we did a pic together in the photobooth.
Some of you may recognize her skirt - it's an old J. Crew one that I passed along a few years ago. Jess drove me home (thank you!), and with amazing timing, L arrived from his hangout session at a pub with friends just as I was greeting Vizzini. We chilled out for a bit before crashing on the couches. We headed to town for brunch at John's Place, splitting up after for L to shop for someone's birthday presents (ooh, who could that be??), and me to have a long leisurely shop at the big WIN store on Pandora.
Another pre-planned outfit, incorporating a new-to-me item (the tweed trousers) with existing closet denizens.
- Fleece cardigan - Agnes B., thrifted; last seen here in August 2023 with white jeans
- Cassette tee - Frank Turner tour, not tracked
- Trousers - Part Two, thrifted NWT; purchased here for $24.95
- Sneakers - Adidas Harden Vol. 3 "Imma Star", consignment; last worn here for our trip to Vancouver in September
It was another beautiful day - not too cloudy, not overly sunny, not cold, but not too hot. October is the best month!
I'd forgotten about my Agnes B. cardigan, missing out on wearing it this past summer/spring, and rediscovering it when all my folded cardis fell down on my head while doing my closet swap-over. I love this chartreuse colour.
The trousers were marvelous to wear - warm without being too hot. The lining (to just past the knee) kept them from being scratchy, as they are wool. And as you can see, they have nice big pockets - I stashed my sunglasses/glasses in them while I was out and about.
The trousers were marvelous to wear - warm without being too hot. The lining (to just past the knee) kept them from being scratchy, as they are wool. And as you can see, they have nice big pockets - I stashed my sunglasses/glasses in them while I was out and about.
I like the look of overly long trousers puddled at the foot, but found I was stepping on the hem while I walked around the house.
I don't want to hem them, but what to do?
I pulled up about 3 inches at the heel and safety-pinned them!
This actually worked brilliantly, and I didn't trip or step on them once. I felt pretty proud of myself for this simple fix. And because it's not permanent, I can still wear the trousers with a heel. Accoutrements:
Another Powell River find from the thrift store, this is a lovely small-label purse, likely from the early 00s.
Another Powell River find from the thrift store, this is a lovely small-label purse, likely from the early 00s.
- Leather purse - Aimee Kestenberg, thrifted, Powell River
- Scarf - MetroWear, San Francisco, 2006
The stuff:
I like the greenish tone in the gold on the shoes - it worked well with the cardigan. My feet were VERY happy to be in these after the heels of the night before.
I like the greenish tone in the gold on the shoes - it worked well with the cardigan. My feet were VERY happy to be in these after the heels of the night before.
Spooky bling:
While L waited for a table at John's Place, I had a 5-minute shop at the Beacon Ave Thrift Shop next door.
I spotted this set in the case right away - the cuff fit my small wrist, hooray! I put it on and shook my arm around vigourously to make sure - I hate it when my bracelets fly off. As you can see, it was $10.00 for the set.
I wore the spider brooch on the cardi, but moved it to the other side as it was fighting with the cross-body purse strap.
- Leather cuff - Guess, thrifted
- Leather/metal cuff - thrifted
- Spider brooch - vintage mall, gift from L
- Cat earrings - Winnie Tam
- Snake/spider ring - as above
I liked all my sneaky spooky jewelry, and really like to pile it on this time of year.
While L waited for a table at John's Place, I had a 5-minute shop at the Beacon Ave Thrift Shop next door.
I spotted this set in the case right away - the cuff fit my small wrist, hooray! I put it on and shook my arm around vigourously to make sure - I hate it when my bracelets fly off. As you can see, it was $10.00 for the set.
I checked very carefully - not a single crystal was missing.
They're slightly mismatched colour-wise, but eh, who cares?
They're slightly mismatched colour-wise, but eh, who cares?
The earrings are also stamped.
The earrings were originally $29.50 retail, and I'm sure the cuff was around the same price.
The earrings were originally $29.50 retail, and I'm sure the cuff was around the same price.
After brunch, I enjoyed a leisurely full browse of the Women In Need store - it was packed with shoppers, which is awesome. I love that more and more people are finding the joy (and cheaper prices) in thrift stores!
I'd rather buy from WIN than the Dollar Store (although - guilty! - I'll be picking up a few things there again this year). I have this same spider in pink glitter.
I'd rather buy from WIN than the Dollar Store (although - guilty! - I'll be picking up a few things there again this year). I have this same spider in pink glitter.
I only bought things that I really loved.
I've been looking for a good quality black sleeveless turtleneck for a couple of seasons, so I was really happy to spot this one.
I've been looking for a good quality black sleeveless turtleneck for a couple of seasons, so I was really happy to spot this one.
This is a viscose mix, so it'll retain its true black colour when I wash it (I avoid 100% cotton black garments as they fade quickly). It's by Contemporaine, a Simons brand - Simons is a really expensive department store in Canada that carries a lot of designer brands.
It retailed for $29.00-50.00 - that punch in the tag means it was 50% off, so $7.48.
It retailed for $29.00-50.00 - that punch in the tag means it was 50% off, so $7.48.
One of the ways I ensure that I buy things that will work in my closet is to remind myself of my current style descriptors: Rock & Roll, Badass, and Sporty.
I'm not really into ruffles these days, but a beautiful wine-coloured sleeveless top will give a Rock & Roll vibe under a jacket.
I'm not really into ruffles these days, but a beautiful wine-coloured sleeveless top will give a Rock & Roll vibe under a jacket.
I found the spare button.
And noted that this lovely top is 15 years old! Fall 2009 seems like a long time ago!
And noted that this lovely top is 15 years old! Fall 2009 seems like a long time ago!
It's by Eddie Bauer, a very outdoorsy-sporty chain. I can't imagine them selling a silk and cotton ruffled blouse now - they've very much rebranded into athleisure.
This has no wear on it (no armpit stains), so it's probably been sitting in someone's closet for a decade-plus. It was also half off, so $5.48.
This has no wear on it (no armpit stains), so it's probably been sitting in someone's closet for a decade-plus. It was also half off, so $5.48.
I had seen this vintage early 60s beaded and sequined top at WIN on previous visits, but I try not to pick up things I know I won't wear very often.
It's a beautiful butter yellow, covered in hand-sewn iridescent sequins, bronze beads and amber glass "stones".
It's a beautiful butter yellow, covered in hand-sewn iridescent sequins, bronze beads and amber glass "stones".
It's by Lady Gaye, "A Quality Product Made in Hong Kong" - note the metal zipper up the back.
It's fully lined in acetate - the surface that's beaded is the wool part. It's very heavy.
It's fully lined in acetate - the surface that's beaded is the wool part. It's very heavy.
Back detail and a look at the gorgeous beading.
Some of it has inevitably come undone but that's part of a garment's history.
Some of it has inevitably come undone but that's part of a garment's history.
She was also half off, for $19.48.
At that price, I had to take her home with me. It's rare that you find these in larger sizes - women were tiny and wore a lot of support garments back in the 60s - I've been watching "Mad Men" to help me date some of the styles I see on my secondhand adventures.
At that price, I had to take her home with me. It's rare that you find these in larger sizes - women were tiny and wore a lot of support garments back in the 60s - I've been watching "Mad Men" to help me date some of the styles I see on my secondhand adventures.
I waffled over this sweatshirt, but gave in due to its extreme softness and the pristine inner fleece - I don't think it's ever been worn!
Guess who it's by??
Guess who it's by??
Shocker, it's Adidas! I found a 2022 date inside it - and based on how it fits (wide shoulders, narrow waistband), it's likely menswear.
This retailed for $62.95 - I knew $16.95 was a bargain! I've been wearing it non-stop at home, but might bring it out to play in a "real" outfit at some point.
This retailed for $62.95 - I knew $16.95 was a bargain! I've been wearing it non-stop at home, but might bring it out to play in a "real" outfit at some point.
I'm a sucker for a stripe, and the more I looked at this dress, the more I liked it.
It's white with black and the thinner stripes are grey.
It's white with black and the thinner stripes are grey.
The stripes are knitted, not printed. and there are two side slits.
The slits are lined with a grosgrain ribbon.
The slits are lined with a grosgrain ribbon.
It's by Massimo Dutti, and made in Portugal.
It was only $19.95 - I spotted a couple online for double that. This will be in my regular wardrobe - it's lovely and looks great on.
It was only $19.95 - I spotted a couple online for double that. This will be in my regular wardrobe - it's lovely and looks great on.
Big woolly dresses are my jam. This one is olive green and the flecks you see are SPARKLES.
It's new-with-tags (NWT), and very oversized.
It's new-with-tags (NWT), and very oversized.
I spy a branding tag.
Faithful readers will know that I'm a sucker for Scotch & Soda and Maison Scotch. They make very cool and interesting clothes.
Faithful readers will know that I'm a sucker for Scotch & Soda and Maison Scotch. They make very cool and interesting clothes.
It's mostly wool, with synthetics to help it keep its colour and shape.
I spy a 2022 date.
Not even 2 years old!
I spy a 2022 date.
Not even 2 years old!
And indeed, it is by Scotch & Soda Amsterdam, from the "Winter Edition" collection.
I recognize the price tag on there as being from A La Mode Consignment, just off Oak Bay Avenue, one of my usual haunts. It had been priced at $148.00, then marked down to $74.00.
I recognize the price tag on there as being from A La Mode Consignment, just off Oak Bay Avenue, one of my usual haunts. It had been priced at $148.00, then marked down to $74.00.
But for me...only $48.95.
This was the most expensive thing I bought. It might be worn around the house...but I can also see it with a pair of boots for a chilly fall day.
This was the most expensive thing I bought. It might be worn around the house...but I can also see it with a pair of boots for a chilly fall day.
My friends, this next item...I'm FLABBERGASTED that I found this in a thrift store.
It's a tie-dye jacket...covered with straps. It reminds me of a straitjacket...or a mummy!
It's a tie-dye jacket...covered with straps. It reminds me of a straitjacket...or a mummy!
When it was hanging in the store, all these loops were hanging loose.
I slipped the sleeve back through them and straightened them out again. Only one sleeve has these - that's purposeful, they have not been removed.
I slipped the sleeve back through them and straightened them out again. Only one sleeve has these - that's purposeful, they have not been removed.
This is Jean Paul Gaultier's "Jean's" line, a play on his name. This is likely from the early 00s.
You may recall I have these fabulous "jean's" here (styled up 5 ways during the pandemic), which are currently a bit snug on me.
You may recall I have these fabulous "jean's" here (styled up 5 ways during the pandemic), which are currently a bit snug on me.
There's the tag - this is a cotton/elastane stretch blend.
Vizzini, what do you think of all this business?
I dug around online and found this same jacket for $291.00 - it seems to be pretty rare.
What did I pay??
$24.95! And it fits perfectly, although I had already committed to buying it regardless. I am so excited to wear it! "I think you should sit down so I can sleep on you, Woman."
He pointedly looked at the blanket, then at me, then at my pillows - repeat! But we were midway through our boardgame session on Saturday night so he didn't get his cuddles until later.
And now, off to rest up and enjoy some football (and a happy kitty). I hope you enjoyed my weekend adventures! I'm so appreciative of all of you out there - thank you so much for your comments!
Wow! The dress for your night out is extraordinary. Beautiful. Exactly what I picture fashionable Sheila wearing on a special occasion. Also love the booties in the first outfit. These choices exude taste.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ally! I actually thought of you when I wore it - "I bet Ally will like this!"
DeleteThat mesh dress is fabulous on you, Sheila! You look amazing in it.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt in the4 first outfit is such a great shape, so sculptural and interesting and the trousers hack is inspired (I do this for customers who buy stuff that's too long for them at festivals but want to wear the garment straightaway).
Love the Hong Kong cocktail top. The style of that JPG jacket is so you with or without the fancy label, it's got a Steampunk escaped from the asylum vibe going on - could be a great Hallowe'en costume!
What a fabulous and fun-filled weekend, friends, shopping, cats and football - perfection. xxx
Good to see you back, Vix, and I so appreciate the massive comment-a-thon you did in catching up!
DeleteThank you! I love the odd crinkly skirt too. Great minds think alike re: the safety-pins! I know, I have been thinking about the jacket and if I can incorporate it into a costume...for an upcoming party.
Oh my gosh, the AFRM pink patterned dress that you wore for the benefit is FABULOUS! It fits like the dress was made for you! Simply stunning. :) Yes indeed, how perfect that folks dressed for the occasion. I remember my parents dressing up in the 1960s when they would go to the city or local events. My Mom had some amazing gowns and knew how to style them.
ReplyDeleteAppreciating your brunch outfit for its look of classy comfort. The crystaled wine colored earrings and bracelet are a nice find and I sense the earrings will not be heavy, which is a consideration for my ear lobes these days. Yay for the black turtleneck and thanks for the tip about 100% black cotton fading over time.
Hazaah I have a very similar black striped dress, same cut, as the one you found (mine is from Talbots) so am especially interested in how you style yours. I love the dress for its comfort and because it’s like nothing else in my closet. Ha, my brother-in-law said it looked like a jail outfit. While his comment stayed with me, I was pleased that it didn’t diminish my like of the dress or the positivity I felt wearing it.
The vintage beaded and sequined top is an amazing piece of art! Have you weighed it? Is it comfortable on? And three cheers for the tie dye Gaultier jacket! What a find!
Vizzini you look quite earnest and handsome. :)
Cheers, Laurie
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment, Laurie! Isn't that the best dress? When I tried it on in PR (over my clothes, lol) I knew it would be a stunner. I wish I had more events to wear gowns to!
DeleteYes, the earrings are not too heavy, and they have those nice wide backs to keep them from swinging around.
Oh, nice! I'll probably wear it with colourful shoes and perhaps a bold cardigan or jacket over it, or I might just wear it on its own. Never listen to people who label your clothes - they know nothing!
I haven't weighed the top (I don't own a scale), but I'd guess 2lbs? It's comfortable and fits well.
Vizz appreciates your kind words, thank you! <3
Such magnificent thrift finds this week, from one thrifter to another :) Love the first two outfits. Lise
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lise!
DeleteGorgeous outfits. Love all your shoes and accessories as well. You are a styling master!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hena! Aw, that's so sweet of you!
DeleteCan I just say that you look absolutely amazing in your Powell River dress and flat-ironed hair? Just wow! Not that I didn't like your other outfits, mind you, but that one was a stand-out in all senses of the word. As for your finds, I'm totally swooning over that 60s beaded and sequined top! xxx P.S. Sorry for the shortness of my comment, have a lot going on at the moment :-(
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ann! I felt amazing!
DeleteThat top is so pretty - I couldn't resist her at that price.
I hope you're okay - sending you good vibes, my dear friend.
You indeed look very sexy in that long, tight dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThat Powell River dress is stunning...from fit to fabulous print. It was made for you!
ReplyDeleteI also love the new sleeveless vest and those wool trousers. I shall adopt that hack when I inevitably find myself in a similar position. I think designers create trousers for super models' legs!
Thanks so much, Claire - not a bad find for $39.00! I agree, what's up with the extra-long legs??
Delete