Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Happy Birthday To Me, In Gaultier and DVF, With Presents

Hello, my friends! As you may have intuited from the post title, today is my birthday! Wee! I am 57 years old - or 19 for the 3rd time, heh heh.
I put together an outfit based around my newly-thrifted Jean Paul Gaultier jacket. How could I not?

  • Jacket - Jean's by Jean Paul Gaultier, vintage 00s, thrifted; purchased here for $24.95
  • Camisole - Molly Bracken, consignment; purchased here for $14.00
  • Wool-blend skirt - Diane Von Furstenberg, thrifted; last worn here in May with Missoni
  • Boots - Kope Tiam Coffee, Fluevog; last seen here in February with a drapey outfit

As part of my morning routine, I pick up Vizzini and carry him around the house, looking at things ("don't look at the bear!" is a favourite). 
"I would like to chew on that scarf."


Here we are, captured in the hall mirror. He sits outside the bathroom door (next to the mirror) and waits for me to notice him and pick him up. Aw, what a sweet boy. He did drool on my shoulder. 

I wanted to wear this jacket for my birthday, so I played around with it on the weekend and matched it up to this lace-trimmed leopard camisole, picked up a couple of weeks ago on a Mental Health Shop. 
I adjusted the straps to make it work-appropriate (i.e. no cleavage). Not that I needed to bother - the office was empty! 

The skirt is a much more vivid grape-y purple (gah, the light this time of year sucks).
I matched my tights to it (my little matchy heart was happy). 

Isn't the jacket the coolest? 
I showed this off to my few colleagues who cared, ha ha. 

Done up - fits perfectly! 
I didn't wear it like this at all, but nice to know I can. 

Incognito. Who is that 57-year-old person?
After work, I bought a few things at the Dollar Store for Hallowe'en - I can't resist all the glitter! - and then met up with L for dinner at Baan Thai. 

Accoutrements: 
Sometimes you just want a field of galloping horses, you know? 

  • Silk scarf - France, vintage, vintage fair
  • Gloves - Principles, vintage 90s, thrifted

The stuff: 
I waffled over the shoes - these boots are a little on the tall side for me these days, but they are still comfortable enough for a few blocks' walk. 

Bold bling: 
Only the classiest things for my birthday! 

  • Necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
  • Eelskin bracelet - fake Gucci, Italy, c. 1988, gift from Mom & Dad
  • Chain/leather wrap - local
  • Glitter double snake ring - consignment
  • Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Earrings - vintage 80s, consignment, Powell River

My work-friend Carol-Anne bought me this glorious dahlia: 
So sweet! It has a light delicate scent. 

And bestie (since I was 14!) Janet sent on this goofy pic of me from several years back: 
Once a goofy gal, always a goofy gal.

I had all kinds of texts and emails from family and loved ones during the day, plus pings from my coworkers. I felt very special. And when I got home from dinner - after talking to Mom and my brother Dave - I unwrapped my presents from L. 
As usual, the man spoils me! Two books, chocolate truffles ("the gross kind you like," said L), gift cards to Fluevog and Turnabout, "Big Ol' Word Nerd" socks, Fluevog socks and an amazing scarf. 

"I had help from the Turnabout House of Savoy people," confessed L.*
      *updated as L misspoke, per comment
"I also supervised."

Look at that amazing scarf! The pattern is abstract...fighter jets?? Jet engines? Definitely has a military vibe about it.

"Oh, you spent too much!" I protested weakly.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that this is from 2012. 

It's a silk/cotton/modal scarf, made in Italy.
And it's by Givenchy. It feels like my Alexander McQueen skull scarf - same fine texture, like cobweb. 

Cat-approved. 
"Wait, I think I should chew on it a bit first."

And...cat OFF the Givenchy scarf! 
"Well, at least let me sit on your lap..."


I can do that. My actual present from Vizzini - some drool and a sleeping cat on my lap. What I always wanted! Best birthday ever! 

32 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Sheila! Your birthday outfit is fabulous, of course. I probably would have missed that fab jacket in the thrift shop with all the unwound straps, etc. It looks sooo rock and roll. I especially love it done up. Looks like it was made for you. I am one year older than you, long live rock chics (who have a great sense of style).

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    1. Thank you, Lise (I see your comment below)! Yup, the straps helped it stay there for me! It's so cool - I'll be wearing it a lot, I'm sure. Long live the rock chicks!! <3

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  2. It is Lise, oops need more tea!

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  3. Happy Birthday, Sheila! We're the same age for the next seven weeks, 57 in fabulous!
    I'm glad that new jacket was worn on your birthday, it looks fantastic. The scarf L got you is amazing and I'm delighted Vizzini approved, too! xxx

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    1. I appreciate the reassurance, and love that, thank you, Vix! I loved that jacket so much, and I was awed by the scarf - what a gift! And cat-approved too - doesn't get much better.

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  4. Woohoo for celebrating 57 waltzes around the sun! L has excellent taste ie he knows your taste. :) (By the by, I thoroughly enjoyed Starter Villain and all of Martha’s Murderbot Diary series.) The dahlia from Carol-Anne matches your glasses and goes well with your outfit! And fun to see the expression on your face in the photo from Janet. :) I think Vizzini is wondering where his special treats are. ;)
    Cannot leave out your outfit - I’m a big fan of the skirt color and the toppers. The jacket is just right. Would it be sacrilege to embellish the back with some of your art? I have visions of teeny tiny flowers and Forest sprites peaking out from the folds or from under the front collar….
    Once again, Happy Birthday Sheila!
    Cheers from a sunny and chilly NY, Laurie

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    1. Thank you, Laurie! Sending you good vibes on this cloudy and grey morning - stay warm out there!
      Thank you so much - ooh, cool, you read those! I loved the Murderbot books too! Ha, yes, Janet and I have known each other for so long - I had no idea she had that pic!
      Ooh, I think I will not be doing that...unless it gets damaged somehow. Great idea, though!

      Thank you, my dear! <3

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  5. Happy Birthday. I've been following your site for years and never say anything. I love your taste in clothing and colours. Thanks from Matt UK

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  6. Happy birthday Sheila! I love Scalzi. Martha Wells Murderbot is also great but Witch King is still on my TBR. Looks like just a perfect bday for you.

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    1. Thank you, Charlotte! I've only read the "Red Shirts" novel by him, so excited for this one, and I LOVE the Murderbot books! It was a lovely day. :)

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  7. Happiest of birthdays to the style queen!! Such a fabulous outfit to celebrate the day at work. So many great presents! I hope you continue to celebrate through the weekend <3

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    1. Thank you so much, K! Oh, I'll be celebrating all month!

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  8. A Happy Birthday and 57th year to you! May it be filled with nothing but joy!

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  9. Best wishes for a fabulous 57 and beyond! Happy Birthday!!!! May your personal holiday week be a delight😊😊😊 readerrita

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    1. Thank you, Rita! I'll be celebrating all month - this week is only the start!

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  10. Happy belated birthday! Sounds like a perfect one to me. And what a fabulous gifts! Of course you're guy knows what you love!

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  11. Happy Birthday Sheila!
    Love the scarf, as does Vizzini. I hope he kept those claws retracted! :-)

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    1. Thanks, Claire! Ha, yes, as soon as I snapped the pic, I grabbed Vizzini. "No more scarf for you, buddy!"

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  12. Actually - I got help from the wonderful ladies at House of Savoy, but blurted out the wrong name during gift opening. Many thanks, House of Savoy! - L

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  13. Happy birthday Sheila! Oh and haven't you been spoiled, by L. in particular, even if he got some help from the House of Savoy ladies :-)
    I love your and Vizzini's morning routine! As much as Bess loves climbing on our laps, she absolutely hates being picked up! xxx

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    1. I have been thoroughly spoiled, that's for sure! I'd rather he have help than get me something that isn't "me."

      I have always picked up our cats - ever since they were kittens. It helps them get socialized and used to being touched on our terms. I love our little routines. I will miss them when he's gone.

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  14. Happy (Belated) Birthday, pal! I need to write the date down so I remember in the future.

    It always surprises me when I recall how you're (almost exactly) a decade younger than me. You seem older and wiser than I am, at least in important areas like fashion.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ally - no worries! <3 I don't mind you thinking I'm older - sometimes I feel that way...and sometimes I feel younger!

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  15. Happy belated Birthday! Many happy returns!
    You've got some lovely presents.
    It's great to know you had a lovely birthday.
    I wish you all the best.

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    1. Thank you so much, Ivana! I have very generous people in my life, that's for sure.

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