Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Friday Happy Velour; Silver Sidney Shop; and Many Kitten Pictures

Welcome back, my friends! It's been a quiet weekend, punctuated by a Thrift Adventure in Sidney with a bunch of my besties. 

Let's kick it off with Friday's work outfit, a things that made me happy.

In retrospect, it didn't quite all gel together, but eh, whatever, it's just an outfit.

• Velour hoodie - Juicy Couture, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in October with bronze pleats for brunch
• Leather-fronted top - Danier Leather, thrifted; last seen here in October with a denim mermaid maxi
• Long-sleeved cotton top - Sonia Rykiel, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here in June, layered under teal pleats
• Wool skirt - Marc Cain, thrifted, Sidney; last seen here in March with a pink jacket (I let go of it - it wasn't right)
• Shoes - Star Wars for Irregular Choice; last worn here in January with a top and skirt that I moved to Limbo
• Leather jacket - Danier Leather, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) with this same hoodie in April 2024! 

The office was quiet, but I was busy - not many people saw me anyway. 

I always enjoy revisiting this comfy velour hoodie. 

It had the only pockets in the outfit! 

The last time I wore this skirt, I said I was moving it along, but I lied! I kept it! 

I like the low-slung fit of it.

And that it's not quite leopard, just some random spots. 

This leather-fronted tee is the problem - I really didn't need that extra layer. 

I also have a thin cotton long-sleeved top under that! 

And then I put another coat over it all. It's been over 18 months since I last wore this white leather jacket. 

I clearly don't reach for it (it doesn't have pockets), so off it goes to Limbo. I was originally going to draw on it, but if I don't like it as a garment in the first place, I'm not going to wear it once it's decorated. 

The stuff: 

I risked walking to and from work in my Luke and Yoda shoes - no rain, though. 

• PVC hat - Babaton, consignment
• Crinkle scarf - thrifted
• Studded gloves - Danier Leather

Chain bling: 

I should have worn my chain ring - a missed opportunity.

• Leather/metal bracelet - Jenny Bird, consignment
• Chain/leather wrist-wrap - local
• Gold chain - Dad's
• Star Trek Communicator badge - MoPOP gift shop, Seattle
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Square ring - thrifted
• Reversible necklace - Stella & Dot, thrifted
• Triangle earring - Glee
• Single Lucite earring - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L

On Friday night, L's out-of-town friend was visiting, so I hung out at home with the boys. 

"Hey, Whateley, are you awake?"       "I am now, Barnabas."

They were very cute, but cranky that L wasn't home! 

I was up early on Saturday for our long-planned shopping trip to Sidney! Six of us met up and ransacked 9-10 different shops over 5 hours. It was an intense day - some of my pals have never shopped Sidney with me, and were not quite prepared for how much work it would be! 

I picked an easy outfit for walking, plus possible sprinkles of rain. 

Cat generously drove us there and back, so I didn't bother with a heavy coat at all. I don't like shopping with a big coat - they just get in the way. 

• Upcycled jean jacket - Ricochetjackets, consignment; last worn here in April with suede and bits of lime
• Cotton t-shirt - Denver Hayes, thrifted; last seen here in July with jungle Adidas
• Silver knit dress - Zara, consignment; first worn here (3rd outfit) for a long weekend hangout at Christie's
• Boots - Original Samedi, Fluevog; last seen here in March to see Amyl and the Sniffers in Vancouver

This was perfect for a long day of walking around and shopping. 

I never needed to take the dress off, but it's super-stretchy and easily pops off over my head. 

I love all the embellishment on the jacket.

I have one of Caro's mom Hazel's brooches added to the front pocket - she gives me extra shopping good karma! 

I did remove the jacket briefly while we had a drink and a bite to eat after our marathon.

The shiny dress fit right in - the pub was putting their holiday decorations up (already!). 

I had extra warmth from the scarf and gloves, and they were simple to stash away while indoors. 

The scarf got tied to the purse strap, and the gloves fit in my purse. 

The stuff: 

These boots are looking none the less for wear after getting fully soaked in the rain back in March when we had a concert adventure in Vancouver. We had mostly a heavy mist out in Sidney. 

• Leather purse - Roots, thrifted
• Silk blende devoré scarf - thrifted
• Leather gloves - Danier Leather

Minimal bling: 

I tried on a few rings and had to ensure I disclosed my hands before - "I'm wearing 8 rings." 

• Silver/crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
• Silver/amethyst ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1985
• Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
• Silver earring - Israeli, consignment
• Celtic S pendant - UK, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1995?
• Silver/amethyst crystal pendant - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1989?

I didn't bother with bracelets, as they get in the way.

Hey ho, we're ready to go! Cat picked up me, Yvonne and Linda! 

We headed out to Sidney, planning on arriving around 11am, when all the shops open. 

We had two Saanich Police cars around us early on the highway. 

"We have a police escort!" I texted to Rosanna, who was on her way out separately. 

The Pat Bay Highway is the main way to get to the ferries to the mainland. 

Sidney is just before the ferry terminal, and is a lovely little sleepy town with an incredible array of secondhand shops. I last visited Sidney here in April, when L and I cancelled our anniversary trip to Vancouver following the loss of Vizzini. 

Some of the agricultural land is beside the highway. Beyond that horizon is the ocean. 

Oh, it's Michel's Farm! 

I should have known. 

You can stop there and buy local produce. 

Finally, we arrived and parked the car, and connected with Rosanna! 

Me, Linda, Cat, Yvonne and Rosanna. 

And here's what I got. Everyone found treasures, which is the goal! 

A pair of plastic/wooden ear-balls for $5.00; a Bakelite carved cuff for $20.00; a Mexican silver ring for $15.00; a 1950s copper cuff also for $15.00 and a strand of either glass or garnet beads for $8.00. The best stores were the Sidney Gold store, where I found the ring and both bracelets (like our old vintage mall, just case after case of great jewelry at very reasonable prices) and REUZ thrift shop (the ear-balls and bead necklace). 

The ear-balls were originally from House of Lily Koi (HLK) and sold for $18.00. 

I was surprised to see a "925" silver stamp on the ball! 

The lovely lady at Sidney Gold pulled out a few boxes of silver rings and let us poke through. 

I spotted the "Mexico" and "925" silver marks on this one. $15 was a great price for this. 

Cat spied this cuff first, but it was too small for her (she ended up with an amazing yellow carved Bakelite cuff). 

I suspect this is NOT Bakelite, as this isn't how most of the carving looks - I think this is probably a moulded high-density plastic. It has a hairline crack that has been repaired well, but still, for $20? I'm in. 

This bracelet is very much in the vein of the copper from the 1950s/60s. I believe this is by Ramé, a company that did very similar designs to Renoir/Matisse. About them here (link 'cause I love, of course).

I've never seen this big ball/hinged cuff before! I thought $15 was VERY good. Yvonne also bought a gorgeous copper bangle - she has another copper bracelet that she got from me ages ago. 

I liked the heft and the thin burgundy-ish beads (which are cold to the touch, so either glass or a red semi-precious stone). I'm holding them up to the light so you can see the pretty glow. 

They're strung on thread, and that's an old closure. There are irregularities in the beads, and there is no seam or mould mark. I like how they look on. And 8 bucks? Score! 

I spied these red boots right away and was sure they were the "Peter Pan Getaway Boots" of my teenage years (c. 1984).

I am always on the lookout for good red shoes! 

But no, they are not vintage - at least not from the 80s - as I recognize the brand.

I have this pair of shoes by MJUS - they are a current brand. Size 42 is larger than what I wear, but I remembered that my blue metallic sling-backs are a size 41 (I'm usually a 40 - around a size 9.5). 

I added a pair of insoles to them when I got home, and they are a great fit. 

I like that "Made in Italy" mark - they are indeed leather too. They were only $29.99! Add another 0 to that for original retail! 

I only bought one piece of clothing for myself, this greenish/grey pleated polyester skirt. 

I like how the pleats smooth out to a floaty hem in a paler shade. Note that this is also a "mullet" skirt - it's lower in the back. 

It's by Club Monaco, and is a more recent design (all of their stores closed down many years ago), likely bought via Amazon.

Still, $34.98 for a lovely skirt - I love how swooshy the bottom is! 

Full of our purchases, we went to waterfront pub Riva. 

All fogged up, but still quite a view. 

Caro handed out jars of her homemeade antipasto! "For the force of good" - love that! 

I'll be eating all of that myself. 

Thanks for the pictures, Rosanna! 

From left: Rosanna, Yvonne, Linda, Caro, Cat and me. That was such a fun time! Much love to you all! 

The kittens were full of cuteness when I got home. 

Whateley conked out near me while L and I played boardgames on Saturday night. 

Barnabas curled up near L.

They were perfectly behaved...until around 10pm. 

Then the Zoomies hit! 

"I know I can sit here!"

Barnabas, that is far too narrow for you to sit on, buddy. 

On Sunday morning, I found Whateley sitting oin the bedroom post. 

He poses like a supermodel! 

Two mischievous boys, hanging around. 

Barnabas is laying on his back with his tongue sticking out! 

We picked up a new scratching post for our den/closet room area, as they've been wreaking havoc on our desk by trying to get to the window. 

While Barnabas explored the bottom, Whateley immediately sat on the top and tested Paw Distance. 

Then vice versa. 

Hopefully this will reduce conflict while we're on the computer. 

Two boys looking somewhat angelic. 

It won't stay that way! 

Thanks so much for being here, my friends! I hope you enjoyed my weekend adventures! 

Mom-Day in the Rain With Mr. Darcy, and a Wee Shop

Welcome back to Mom-Day, my friends! Due to inclement weather, I bused out to Mom's place and we had some fun with fabric, then had lunch.

Mom and I both got the Blue Memo! We last spent the day at her place back here a couple of weeks ago in October. 

I dressed for the weather, which was RAINY. 

I went with a bunch of wool, plus my tulle skirt.

• Sweater - Missoni Sport, vintage 90s, consignment; purchased here for $63.00
• Taupe tulle skirt - no label, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in July for a wee shop
• Leather boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in February for brunch
• Mr. Darcy wool coat (below) - "Handmade by Sheila" (not me), consignment; first worn here in February with orange trousers

I remembered that this new-to-me wool/mohair sweater was going to be itchy and layered a vintage 100% silk thermal top underneath it. Not a bit of itch! 

I love the cut of it - it's a great fit. 

Any day that I wear a tulle skirt is a good day.

I also figured it would dry quickly when it got wet. 

I fished the Mr. Darcy Coat out of my cold-weather coats. I am way overdue to swap my outerwear! 

The coat was awesome in the rain - barely opening in the front (it has a big walking slit in the back). Some of the tulle got a bit bunchy in there, but not too bad. 

It started pouring just as I left the house, so I ended up tucking my hair under my beret to keep it dry. Only my bangs got wet.

On my walk out to Mom's after getting off the bus. I see the SHEEPS farm back there! 

Accoutrements: 

A horse scarf...and a horseshoe nail pin! 

• Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair
• Silk scarf - French, vintage, vintage fair
• Leather gloves - Ralph Lauren, thrifted
• Wool beret - Parkhurst, vintage, thrifted
• Gold/amber spider brooch - Russian, consignment
• Horseshoe nail pin - vintage, gift from Alison

The stuff: 

These are great walking boots - I've had them forever and have worn them in the rain so many times! 

Amber bling: 

More amber rings, please, Thrift Gawds! 

• Amber/silver bracelet - consignment, Powell River
• Glass necklace - vintage 1920s, vintage mall, gift from L
• Amber/silver earrings - thrifted
• Silver/amber thumb ring - consignment
• Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall 
• Silver/amber pinky ring - consignment
• Silver chain ring - Mexican, consignment
• Silver/amber bracelet - consignment

I walked to town in the rain. 

A few trees are still bold and bright. 

After a wet wait at the bus stop, and about a 40-minute ride, I was near Mom's. 

It's the farm...but where are the SHEEPS?

A path of yellow.

Lots of puddles too.

More puddles. 

I listened for birds here - lots of the usual, including a bald eagle soaring overhead. 

The red tree on Mom's street was empty of leaves, but this orange tree is still glorious. 

I have to take the colour where I can find it! 

I helped pick out some fabric backings for quilted coasters Mom is making (she sells them). 

I did some cutting for a while but it is not my forte. Sorry in advance for the poor work, Mom. 

I made up for it by bringing lunch! It's a curried chickpea chicken chowder, crackers, homemade banana bread and an orange each. 

It was very yummy. We just hung out after that, but when the rain started to let up, I thought I'd better make a dash for it. Thank you so much for having me, Mom! I love you! 

Back the way I came! 

I really enjoyed not getting soaked. 

Finally! 

SHEEPS! There were a bunch of them, but this one was closest. 

I had a browse in the Beacon Ave Thrift Shop, where I found two things, including these glorious gold velour lounge pants. 

They have giant pockets and are so slinky! 

They're by Rouie Dress, so I guess they are supposed to be worn as Real Clothes. 

I bet this had a fabulous matching jacket at some point! This is probably from the early 90s - not bad for $12.00. I plan to wear them around the house! 

I couldn't NOT buy this vintage corduroy dress - it's nearly identical to my "Today's Woman" burgundy corduroy dress (this one). 

I love the gorgeous shade of French blue. It has four pockets on the front, buttons from the neck almost to the hem, and has buttoned cuffs. 

It came with a surprise in the pocket - the original matching corduroy tie belt! 

The boys were circling, looking for their dinner. Buzz off, Whateley! 

One of the cuff buttons was broken. 

I can probably replace that...or ignore it. Note that the sleeve is lined right to the cuff. 

No label - it's been cut out. 

You can see the fine-wale corduroy there. 

It's been washed A LOT.

That is one well-worn label! This is probably 100% cotton corduroy, with nylon lining. 

I compared it to my other cord dress and the burgundy one is better quality. This is probably the Sears version to the burgundy Eaton's.

Still...for $12.00? I paid $46.95 for the other one! 

From there, I walked up the block to the big WIN store, where I had a good browse. I finally found a replacement for the pink turtleneck sweater I used to have that wore out. 

It's the perfect weight and colour. 

And 100% organic cotton.  

The Bangladesh part's not so great, but at least I'm supporting a local charity.

It's by Northern Reflections, a once stalwart mall store. 

Only $11.95! Awesome! 

I realized that I posted duplicates of the same kitten pictures two days in a row! My apologies - it's been a busy few weeks and my brain is tired. To make it up to you, here are a bunch of pictures to enjoy, as I'm signing off for the weekend. 

Whateley attacking my foot in bed, while Barnabas watches. 

They are both avid hunters of "bed mice."

Looking at me from the post. 

They love watching the birds and squirrels in the Garry Oaks. 

Barnabas sleeping on the stool in my closet. 

"I want to cuddle!"

Today, as I was getting the soup and other food together. 

So very helpful. 

Whateley flopped down in the bathroom doorway. 

He just flops wherever he is. 

Barnabas, are you going to flop too? 

"No...I want to cuddle!"

He ALWAYS wants to cuddle! 

Or play.

"I know you're there, Barnabas."       "Play with meeeeeeeee!"

Okay, I gotta go! 

"We'll survive."        "I'm going to hide all your lip balms!"

Thank you so much for being here, my friends! Please do pop back in on Sunday for tales of adventure!