The temps have dropped quite a bit, and I ended up passing on the dress I'd planned to wear. It'll get worn soon, as those temps are predicted to go back up in time for the long weekend!
Instead, I pulled out this easy red denim suit, and added an easy tee and shoes.
I walked to town and hopped on a bus out to Mom's neck of the woods.
I love wearing this suit - I always feel amazing in it.
What a good purchase it's been.
I finally added some insoles to these sneakers, and they were even more comfy!
I had my sunglasses on most of the time, as I could see my shadow here and there.
I took it off while we enjoyed a yummy mushroom/bacon/swiss burger and side salad at the tea room for lunch, along with a pot of Rooibos vanilla tea.
The next Rifflandia festival is coming up, and L and I are going for three days! I love local festivals - no travel!
Accoutrements and stuff:
- Purse - Roots 73, thrifted
- Belt - gift from Ruth, c. 2007
Silver bling:
There are always tiny cyclists in the distance.
I wore the snake pin on my blazer lapel.
- Snake pin - thrifted
- Multi-stone/silver bracelet - Salt Spring Island, gift from L, c. 1999
- Steel cuff - Lakeland Art Metal Work, thrifted
- Silver chain ring - Taxco, Mexican, consignment
- Anneke & Lars silver ring - vintage mall
- Silver earrings - consignment
I saw this cool car on my way to town.
I don't know what it is, but it's very compact.
And now, many pictures of tunnels through towering trees. Enjoy!
They zoomed past us - a few rang bells or alerted us to their presence.
And we saw some cute dogs.
Isn't it lovely?
A few leaves are starting to fall.
Isn't it lovely?
It's still very green, though.
The maples are looking beautiful.
A tree had been cut down here, on the right.
Just the usual chirpers.
It looked like part of it had fallen, and then it all had to come down. There were branches on both sides of the path.
We didn't hear many birds.
I did hear a Northern Flicker, which is a bird I've only gotten once before.
The air was heavy with the smell of greenery.
I love this big old Dougie, aka a Douglas Fir.
They are trees I've known my whole life.
As are the maples, which formed a canopy overhead.
We could hear light rain pattering down on the leaves.
A squirrel paused in its scampering.
Just long enough for me to snap a picture.
Mom was feeling good.
We walked to the first crossroad and did the turn, going around the stiles (an old habit from out-and-back races).
Time for lunch!
It's even prettier on the return.
I picked blackberries along the way.
"Mom, look at the camera."
These will sustain us until lunch.
I forgot to take Mom's portrait, so you'll have to suffer another one of the both of us.
"I'm looking at the trees."
Well, okay.
The afternoon was waning as I had a quick peek around at the WIN Boutique. I poked into the housewares, finding us some new shower curtain hooks ($4.95) and a new soap dish ($2.95), plus a brand new pack of cotton wipes ($.95). Amazing what you can find!
Some winter stuff was out - I had a choice of berets, but settled on this marled grey one.
They were $1.95.
I know I'll wear it a lot! I also picked up this pack of what I hoped were short anklets.
I was right!
The beret is by Wardrobe la Mode and it was $9.95.
A great price for a wool beret!
Oh, maybe the brand is Wardrobe Essentials. That won't be hard to search for (sarcasm).
It has a CA number, so I looked it up. It's by Emanuel Geraldo Accessoires Inc. which has been around since 1982. They are importers based in Montreal.
No idea how old this is, but at least it's 100% wool!
I found a bin of Hallowe'en stuff and picked up this Blood Drip Jewel Kit.
I might have to wear this for a special occasion...
I found a bin of Hallowe'en stuff and picked up this Blood Drip Jewel Kit.
It's from Claire's and sold for $8.50.
The fabric is thick and the corduroy soft.
Only $3.95 for me.
These rust-orange corduroys caught my eye.
Nice slash pockets and tab button.
There's the size: 32R.
As I looked at them, I noticed more and more marks of quality.
The waistband has an inner button, a slide-hook, AND an outer button. The label hidden, and says StudioSuits Handcrafted.
I couldn't try them on, but they seemed like they would fit me, so I risked it. When I looked at them at home, I was astounded at some of the details and quickly turned them inside out.
Look at the size of those pockets! They almost reach my knees!
And the back pockets are reinforced onto the waistband, and LOOK HOW HUGE.
They are meant to be MEN'S trousers. All those pockets, all that quality. Of course! The made-to-measure pants on the StudioSuits site are $158.00. I paid $19.95 - and they fit me perfectly!
I recognized this beautiful dark plum sweater as quality immediately.
It's a crew neck with ribbing detail around the neck and cuffs.
And the back pockets are reinforced onto the waistband, and LOOK HOW HUGE.
There's even extra fabric near the waistband to let it out.
I started to become very suspicious at all these details, and noted the "Bespoke" ribbon all the way around the waist.
I recognized this beautiful dark plum sweater as quality immediately.
Found a tag down the side.
That's a great image.
It's the Merino Crew in Plum Heather, from Fall 2015 (shipped in April), from...
The Gap!
I like older Gap, it's really nice quality often. $34.95 is a bit pricey, but it was still New With Tags (NWT). They retail for $69.99 now.
This t-shirt caught my eye.
A bunny, looking at the stars...in a desert? It reminds me of Le Petit Prince.
I like the note about washing: "If it's not dirty wash at 25."
I noted the Paul Smith signature - I recognize that name. He's a British fashion designer, famous for men's suits and striped shirts (about him here, all links 'cause I love).
It's 100% cotton, that's a plus. Although highly flammable? Really?
I noted that Whatever It Takes.org on the neckline (note the velvet reinforcing trim! so fancy!), and again on the front hem. Well, this has to be SOMETHING. I discovered it's some sort of UK fundraising charity for raising money for various things, tapping into the power of celebrity to raise money (read about it here).
Only $9.95! I found this article here from 2009 listing this image, along with Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen's designs! I spotted one on UK Ebay for over $45.00 Canadian. Only $9.95 for me!
And there you have it, my friends, week over! I'll be back on Monday - as it's a long weekend - with tales of adventure! Thanks so much for dropping by!
Could this outfit be called a jammy suit? ;-) Almost any color and type of top would suffice because it's the suit (color, pattern, style and pockets!) ) that makes the grade. In any case, agreed it is a FABULOUS suit! Yay for the silver jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI love the two photos of you and your Mom. ❤️ Most soothing to walk down the tunnel of trees with their greenery and arched branches. It's as if they were cradling all walkers, offering protection from the elements.
Blood drip jewel kit? Ah:Halloween…Vampires. It took me a double take to appreciate what this is. ;-)
As for the rust-orange cords, men's clothing is more often than not so much better made and so much more accommodating to one's needs (ie pockets!). These pants exemplify what I discovered as a teenager (men's work boots were much better made than women's) and parent (clothing for boys was sturdier, though the color choices were blah). I still question why zippers are typically on different sides based on the idea of which gender would be wearing the clothing. Found an interesting YKK article explaining the possible history of why there were different sides for buttons and zippers: https://ykkamericas.com/why-does-womens-clothing-zip-on-the-left/
Well, whatever the case, those are nice looking cords. Also am a fan of your bunny-tee. :-) Reminds me of the book Guess How Much I Love You. https://www.guesshowmuchiloveyou.com/the-story
Have a lovely long weekend! Cheers, Laurie
Ha ha, I think it might be called a Jammy Suit! It fits all my criteria!
DeleteI love this spot for a walk because of that "tunnel of green" - it's a very comforting and soothing place (when bikes aren't whizzing up behind us!).
Yes, I'm right into the whole spooky season, and will be indulging in some fun dress-up soon!
I was astounded at the quality of the men's pants - wouldn't it be nice if we had the ability to order our own custom-made pants like that!?. I have read about the button/zipper reversal - thank you for the link!
Aw, I've never heard of that book! Thank you!
Happy weekend to you and Fred! <3
That red suit is fabulous and I’m astounded at the quality items you found at the second hand shop! That Paul Smith T-shirt would have been pricey indeed. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Louise! I am all about the quality first - I look for textiles, good patterns and prints, and quality details.
DeleteI always love seeing you in that suit, it's absolutely fabulous! I'm swooning over that snake pin too, something that's still lacking in my collection.
ReplyDeleteI loved your walk on those tree-lined paths, and how fantastic is that squirrel shot!
Never mind them being men's trousers, those rust coloured cords are gorgeous. As is the Paul Smith tee, which would have come home with me as well.
Enjoy your long weekend, Sheila! xxx
Thanks so much, Ann! I have two snake pins now - sending you good snakey vibes and hope you find a good one in your travels/shopping.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed our walk.
I know, right, doesn't matter who they are made for - it's the details I love. I really like the tee - it's so unusual.
Happy weekend to you too, thanks!
love Mattick's Farm but surprised there was no ice cream. Hard to do for me anyway.
ReplyDeletethis bike trail from Victoria is lovely - a fav of mine when I visit Victoria.
Your red suit is very smart. VERY put together for a casual outfit.
The Ice Cream counter was open when we were there! Thanks, Judith, and welcome. Yeah, I don't really do casual like other people.
DeletePaul Smith is really good quality too, as you know. I have never seen a washing instruction that said "If not dirty wash at 25 degrees". Wow.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your sentence "The air was heavy with the smell of greenery". So poetic.
The suit is marvellous, as I have said before. It reminds me to get out my red suit with black and white tigers. Great idea to wear that with All Stars. Well, I would, as I don't have your sneakers.
Greetje
Yes! That's why I looked at it a second time. I have never seen those instructions before either.
DeleteAw, thank you, Greetje! You have some great sneakers!