Bigass MASSIVE Rifflandia Music Weekend: Ruffled Cowboy, Brunch and Bedazzled Business, and Layered Animals

Hello, my friends! It's been an absolutely BONKERS weekend, and I'm just trying to get caught up. I have a bajillion pictures and exciting things to share with you, as L and I attended the annual Rifflandia Music Festival (link here, 'cause I love - as always - and here's last year, from September 2024)

Unlike last year, L and I did 3 of the 4 days of Riff - that meant he took the Friday off work, and I skedaddled out of the office a couple of hours early and headed straight to the Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, in the downtown area next to the industrial zone. It's right on the water (although you can't see it), so it gets cold when the sun goes down. We had to dress for all weather and temps, plus on Friday, I had to be work-appropriate.

Friday: Ruffled Cowboy

The themes this year were announced well in advance by email, which I loved, as it meant I could plan ahead. 

I knew that when I bought this silk skirt in Powell River that I'd be wearing it for this day's festivities. 

• Silk/cotton blouse - Eddie Bauer, thrifted; last worn here in July with my peacock duster on a Mom-Day
• Acid wash denim vest - Chiqle, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) at Winesday in July
• Silk skirt - Essentiel Antwerp, consignment, Powell River, consignment; first seen here in August for a Mom-Day at Rithet's Bog
• Cowboy boots - 1883 Luchesse, thrifted; last worn here in November 2024 to see Corb Lund live
• Suede coat (below) - Mangoon, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) a couple of weeks ago for our long weekend park hangout

We had a lovely Friday morning, with a warm glow coming from the rising sun.

Castle view! 

I also had a view of Kes, who was watching the birds.

Such a cutie! I love tuxedo cats. 

This is how I looked for most of a day's work. 

It was busy and the day flew by! 

I layered my acid wash vest for extra pockets and warmth.

I had socks on with my boots, plus wee shorts and a full vintage slip. But bare legs for when it was hot! 

I didn't take the vest off at all, but this shows off the belt and bolo tie and the red ruffled front blouse.

I forgot to take a picture of my ancient cowboy boots. 

Incognito. 

Carrying all my accoutrements - remembering previous years, I brought a scarf and cashmere-lined leather gloves.

I was able to bundle up after the sun went town. 

I was so glad I'd done this - it got very chilly! 

I mostly looked like this. 

I had loads of compliments on my outfit and delighted in telling people it was almost entirely secondhand. 

Accoutrements:

I bought this straw cowboy hat for this reason - I removed the crappy 90s hatband, and slipped a sequined flapper headband onto it. Perfect! 

• Straw hat - thrifted; purchased here for $5.00
• Hatband - vintage fair
• Silk scarf - thrifted
• Leather gloves - Coach, consignment
• Belt buckle - Shi Studios, studio sample
• Leather belt - Leatherworld

Of course, I planned to wear my Shi Studio cowboy pieces. 

Belt buckle detail. 

Forget the girl, those cowboys have chemistry! Steamy! 

More accoutrements and stuff: 

Oops, no boots. We went straight from the office to the venue to get our weekend wristbands, and then off to the venue to enjoy some music! 

• Bolo tie - Shi Studios, thrifted
• Lace cuff - handmade, Nashville, TN
• Green stone bracelet - vintage 30s, vintage mall
• Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
• Silver/green stone ring - thrifted
• Silver square earrings - consignment
• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Glasses - Theo
• Prescription sunglasses - WOOW

Bold bling:

My other "cowboy" themed thing: the bolo tie! 

This cowgirl doesn't look like she takes any guff. 

She might shove that sandwich in your face! 

L came to meet me at the office, where I snapped a pic of his outfit. 

His 2007 "Chaos" jacket from San Francisco, a thrifted vest, a vintage 70s shirt he's had since the 90s, Balmain zipper jeans, Fluevog boots, a rattlesnake belt buckle, a piece of Spanish lace (brought back from Spain, a gift from Mom in 1997), and his cowboy hat from Nashville. 

Arriving at Rifflandia! 

We loaded up our wristbands with money, and waited around for Linda to show up, as she had our Pod passes. 

As we were standing around looking cool, one of the event photographers took our picture (we had our pictures taken A LOT over the weekend), which showed up on Instagram that night. 

What an awesome shot! That's Tweed-cover level! Much gratitude to my coworker Emily for sending it to me. 

I have crowd anxiety, so I like to get there early and scout out where everything is, sightlines, etc. 

Big striped astroturf carpeting for sitting/standing on in front of the main stage. All the rest is concrete/gravel. 

This is the Dome, where electronica/thumpy-thumpy DJ sets happen. Not our jam. 

Food truck city on the left, Spliff-landia (the pointy tents) for smoking. 

From the left side of the stage, looking towards the right side of the stage, where the pods are. 

See the row of white umbrellas? That's the pods where we were for the entire Fri-Sun weekend! 

We also checked out the merch, where I made my only purchase.

Adding to my Cool Factor! This was $50 (I know, for a t-shirt!!), but eh, I'll have this forever. 

Dear friend Linda helped L and I get onto a Pod list. 

Looking very fine in her festival outfit! You can see that the pods have railings, chairs and our own astroturf. 

We also had a sweet view of the main stage.

Pod 2 was us! We also had a disco ball, lights, plug-ins, and Pod-side servers for drinks and food, AND we had our own dedicated, larger porta-potty. SO NICE. 

Our non-Pod pals stopped by to visit many times. 

L with Zeb, Nick and Linda. 

First up for our viewing pleasure, Hollow Coves. They were okay (I don't remember them). 

The early shows were more sparse, so I risked going up front to check it out, and found...

Casey! 

Looking spectacularly dapper! 

Come join the gang, Case.

L, Casey, Zeb and Nick. 

My colleague Glenn is in the Choirs of YYJ (that's Victoria's airport code, FYI), and performed in 3 of the 4 days' lineups. 

Awesome outfit! The cowboy hat lit up, so you could see him after dark! 

Next up was Macy Gray. 

We had a lot of Cloud Drama over the weekend. 

I thought Macy was awesome (love her gravelly voice), and she did a super cover of Radiohead's "Creep." 

A shot of her on the big screen so you can see her red driving gloves, a spiffy accessory that reminded me I need to wear mine more. 

Kadriya and me - we used to work together, and she was the primary Pod Owner who wrangled all the folks who came and went over the weekend in our Pod. 

I so appreciate it, thank you, K! Great to see you! 

Ronnie's here! 

And there was much rejoicing. 

A shot of the Dome as the sun started to set. 

Thumpa-thumpa-thumpa. 

Back to the Pod for the Descendents! 

I'm so behind on this post, so I'm not going to link to all these bands - you can Google them and enjoy. The Descendants are old school punk, kind of in the Black Flag/Henry Rollins vein. 

There was a cube/stage/viewing platform next to the row of Pods. 

We're in the industrial area of downtown, near the water, hence the big cannister things. I don't know what's in them. 

More Cloud Drama! 

It chilled very quickly once the sun was down. 

After the Descendents, the red-trousered gent onstage directed us to...

A surprise set from local metal band Reign Down. They did a tribute to Ozzy Osborne and played some Metallica. 

Time for Shakey Graves! 

He's from Austin, Texas. 

L and I have a couple of albums by him. 

He was solid, a good show. 

Caught a shot of my guy.

Being able to sit down when we needed to was awesome. There is NO seating at Rifflandia otherwise, unless you sit on the ground (everyone's standing on the striped carpet by evening). 

Ron and Nick. 

Hey, Party Boy! 

We had about 30 minutes between sets - Reign Down played another quick set - and then the Funk Hunters came out. 

They had special guest Chali 2na (sounds like Charlie Tuna) from hip-hop band Jurassic 5. 

Chali 2na was awesome! 

Amazing flow to his rapping, and this set really got the crowd revved up for Friday night's headliner...

Public Enemy! 

That's Flavor Flav in the white pants! We were so excited! 

Bring on Chuck D! 

This was a fantastic show! 

And who should pop by as we were getting our funk on? 

Marian and Rod! With a big poutine, yum yum! 

There's Chuck D.

Lots of images on the screens.

The show lasted about 40 minutes and ended just before midnight. 

Considering we started at 3pm...

...and I worked 6 hours as well on Friday...

...as soon as the show ended, out we went.

Walking past the Chinatown gate with L and Nick. 

We all literally staggered homeward. Our legs, hips and feet were KILLING us from the dancing, grooving and standing. 

We were up early to go for brunch. 

This calls for an outfit! Time to wear this mini-skirt and recently acquired tee. 

• T-shirt - Paul Smith for WhateverItTakes.org, 2009, thrifted; purchased here for $9.95
• Mesh top - AWear, vintage 90s, thrifted; last worn here under "office pajamas" in May
• Skirt - Mexx, thrifted; last seen here in February for a Mental Health Shop
• Leather boots - Stuart Weisman, consignment; last worn here (3rd outfit) for brunch in June with camo
• Leather jacket (below) - Banana Republic, consignment; last seen here in March

I layered an orange/yellow mesh shirt under the tee. 

My usual trick for minis: tights and tall boots. 

We ran a couple of quick errands after lunch.

Then came home and got ready for another several hours of Rifflandia.

Incognito.

This orangey-red leather jacket is so lovely. I am happy that we're nearing coat weather again. 

Accoutrements and stuff: 

I used the same purse all weekend, and was thoroughly sick of it by Sunday night, ha ha. 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment

Bold bling:

Big brass balls! 

• Gold-plated shark jaw cuff - Tom Binns, 2012, consignment
• Gold bangle - thrifted
• Square ring - sidewalk find
• Brass leopard ring - thrifted
• Wooden ring - Dots
• Stone ring - thrifted
• Cord/brass ball necklace - consignment

Oops, missed my earrings: 

I usually give myself a pat down to make sure I don't miss any! 

• Brutalist earrings - consignment

Saturday: Bedazzled Business

After brunch, we quickly got dressed and headed back to town for a shorter Saturday. We weren't as interested in the bands, so enjoyed an abbreviated festival day.

I've worn my red leopard suit at a previous music festival, so I decided to bling out my newly-acquired teal suit. 

• Suit - Soaked in Luxury; blazer worn here in July with rainbows; full suit first seen here in May with orange
• Shirt - Eddie Bauer, consignment; last worn here in August with olive and pleats
• Fake leather bustier; Gentle Fawn, purchased here for $25.00 in Powell River
• Sneakers - Converse; last seen here in August with a different suit for Mom-Day

This was the most comfy outfit to wear of the three Festival looks. 

A plain white shirt, my PVC bustier that I found in Powell River. 

Suit. 

And my chunky sneakers that I recently stuffed with insoles. 

The weather was hot and bright - I ended up taking my jacket off, and shoving my shirt sleeves up.

You need lots of layers at these things! 

Unlike Friday, I didn't do scarf and gloves. 

My hat was great for both sun coverage and for warmth later. 

L and I both suited and brooched up. 

He's had this olive green/mustard yellow plaid zoot suit since the late 90s, bought in Seattle from Leroy's Menswear (which closed in 2018 as owner Leroy had cancer). 

Accoutrements: 

This purse was useful - it's nice and flat and holds a lot.

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Grommet belt - early 00s, gift from Ruth
• PVC bucket hat - Babaton, consignment

The stuff: 

A mix of business and bling. I was so happy that these shoes had insoles in them! My feet were thankful. 

• Silk scarf - Escada by Margaretha Ley, vintage 80s, thrifted

Blingy bling: 

Lots of sparkles! 

• Crystal cuff - Swarovski, consignment, gift from L
• Crystal heart cuff - Juicy Couture, consignment
• Crystal scarab ring - Heidi Daus, vintage mall, gift from L
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
• Crystal necklace and earrings - Sherman, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Extra silver necklace - can't remember! 

I used the fine silver chain to extend the Sherman crystal choker so that it laid comfortably over my tie. 

And my brooches! 

From left, scooping down in a U: 

• Bee brooch - gift from Megan Mae
• Bar brooch - Fairweather, c. 1984, gift from Mom & Dad
• Salamander brooch - consignment
• Bug brooch - Le Chateau, c. 2007
• Bee brooch - consignment 
• Blue crystal brooch - vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Moth brooch - vintage fair
• Frog brooch - thrifted

Another look at L's outfit, which he put together himself (I have input/suggestions, but he does most of his own styling). Except for the dragon brooch, all the pins were borrowed from me. 

The toque and Converse sneakers make the look. I see Party Boy is in the house too! 

Show me the lining! 

L wore my Givenchy chain in addition to his lion-head pendant (vintage 90s). 

I found Casey down in front watching Wyatt C. Louis.

A gorgeous tux suit, embossed loafers and a swanky cravat. Awesome! 

Wyatt was solid. 

Lovely folk/country sound. I was right up in front of the stage here.

Selfie! 

I can see those apartment buildings in the background from our house - I love the different views of the city. 

Glenn returned, looking for help in choosing his tie for the Choir's next set. 

Looking spiffy, G! 

Billianne was next. She was good - a beautiful voice. 

It was baking hot in the sun, so I retreated to the Pod. 

Double Party Boy! 

These shirts will live in infamy. 

L got a text from pal Amanda, so we went looking for her. 

We went over to the left side of the stage. 

Here she is, looking very glittery! 

Again, I was baking in the sun. 

Back to the Pod! 

Resting my feet while L and Linda hung out with Casey and Nick. 

Put your Party Boy shades on, Nicky! 

Aw, yeah, there we go. 

Linda was looking fabulous in her dress and sequined cape. 

Oh, that's the Choir setting up behind her.

I walked around and took a couple of pictures. 

I see Glenn! 

I believe this was the day they sang David Bowie songs. 

It was still early, not too many crowds. 

That way lies "Kid-landia" and the Merch area. 

We had some wonderful folks in the pod with us.

L chilling out and Pod-pal Cindy. She had a heater, a heated seating pad, and was generally a lovely companion for the weekend. 

L and the boys having a chat.

Awesome satin bomber jacket, Nick! 

Up next was the act I was MOST excited about: Sleater-Kinney! 

All women, all amazing! They are from the 90s grunge-era, but are still making (excellent) albums.

You might recognize Carrie Brownstein from the 2011-2018 series Portlandia, that she did with Fred Armisen ("put a bird on it!" is a phrase L and I use often). 

This was similar to last year's experience seeing L7. 

I texted Cat: "I want to be in a band!"

Just so darned cool. 

Carrie looked amazing too. 

Sheer white shirt, wide-legged pants, and kicking ass on the guitar. We left after this set, as we were both exhausted, and really needed some non-festy time to recover. 

We hung out and played boardgames and had a delightful time. 

Sunday: Layered Creatures

This theme inspired us the least - three looks is a lot! - but we still looked awesome, and I was so glad we put in the effort. 

This wonderfully comfy dress comes back out to play. My creatures are snakes with a few butterflies here and there. 

• Dress - AFRM Shailene dress, consignment, Powell River; first seen here (2nd outfit) in October 2024 to a burlesque event
• Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last worn here in August with my Murder Mystery dress
• Suede fringed coat (below) - Prosper & Devine, vintage mall; last seen here in December 2023 (that seems wrong)

This dress is sheer mesh from neck to fingers to ankle - good thing it comes with a beige slip! 

It's nice and stretchy, easy to move around in, sit and do a lot of walking.

Despite the glaring sunshine in the Stair Picture, it had rained overnight and the temps had dropped again. 

I never had my dress on just like this...

I had my feather boa on! 

My same purse, plus this fluffy boa that I've had for over 25 years. I store it in a moth-proof box high up in my closet. 

I donned my suede tentacle coat to go with the feathers - more creatures! 

Feather boas are very warm, did you know that? They're like wearing fur, and I was VERY happy to have this as the afternoon wore on. 

I wired my boa with a string of purple battery-operated lights. 

You can see the wires in a few of the pictures - the battery pack was in my purse. 

• Boa - Tony's Trick & Joke Shop, c. 1998

Accoutrements: 

Good ol' purse. It holds quite a lot! 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Velvet gloves - Fairweather, 2000

I bought the gloves when I worked at Fairweather while I went to university in 1999-2000.

The stuff: 

These boots were excellent for another day of standing, dancing and walking, but my feet were beginning to feel it (as were my knees and hips). 

Snake bling: 

So many snakes! 

• Snake necklace - vintage 90s, vintage expo
• 3-coil snake bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
• Black snake bracelet - vintage 90s, consignment; purchased here for $28.00
• Earrings - Biko, consignment
• Brass leopard ring - thrifted
• Crystal double snake ring - consignment

And now, the last round of Rifflandia pictures! 

We arrived just as Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys were starting. 

They were excellent, very much in an old-timey vein. 

I checked them out from up close to the stage. 

Amazing outfits too! 

We chilled out in our Pod after their set.

A close-up of my sparkly red crystals - I found these at the thrift store some weeks ago and thought they would be fun. And they were! I'd wear them again.

Linda looked fabulous in her handmade festival dress complete with hood. 

Gorgeous colours! 

Ha! It's got big googly eyes! 

So fun! 

Nick arrived. 

It was pretty cloudy and quite windy - not as conducive to wandering around or standing. 

We were excited to see William Prince, who we're both a fan of. 

We have a bunch of his albums. He's got a voice made for heartbreak. 

Dirtwire was a really weird band. 

Kind of dance/electronica. I noticed right away that they had a pileated woodpecker on their backdrop! 

Hail to the king, baby. 

I did a half-arsed job of stitching a pair of sparkly socks around the rim of this otherwise bare brass crown, to make it more comfy for L. 

As the sun started to set, we were getting chilled. 

Can we make it? A whole day, till 11pm? 

Marian came by! 

I hope you made it into the VIP section! 

Walk Off the Earth was...okay. 

But that sunset...

Yeah, I don't think I can do the rest. 

Sorry, Charlotte Cardin and Alessia Cara! 

Bye to all our awesome Pod-folks! 

Thanks for being so awesome to hang out with! 

Those skies were the curtain coming down for me.

We headed home, to grab a few hours of quiet before heading back to work on Monday. It's all been a big blur! 

Thank you for always being here, my love. 

May our festivals always end when we say so! 

Thank you also, dear readers, for being here! Monday's work outfit will be caught up in a Two-Fer post tomorrow.