Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Fuzzy-Head and Velvet Skulls

Not many more days before Hallowe'en! 
I have to get all my spooky-themed things into outfits, like this sheer black top that's covered in velvet skeletons (picture link here).

  • Sheer/velvet top - True Religion, consignment; last seen here in October 2024 with satin leopard
  • Velvety cocoon dress - Magic Yous, consignment; last worn here in December 2024 with red and roses
  • Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last seen here (4th outfit) in September with a pink mesh butterfly dress for Rifflandia
  • Coat (below) - Auckie Sanft, vintage 60s, vintage fair; last worn here in April

My morning picture-taking was interrupted by this little lovey boy. 
"I don't know what you're doing, but I want to be part of it."

Oh, my gosh, what a sweet kitten. Dat face! 
"Who are we talking to?"

Look at those big feet and floppy paws! Aw!

And then it was over. Totally made my morning.
"I aim to please."


This dress, coincidentally feels just like Barnabas' tum and the top of his head. I could stroke the dress and imagine I had my little boy in my arms. 

Incognito. 
"We love your style!" said two lovely young people. "I noticed yours too," I said back with a smile. We Fashion People have to support each other. 

The stuff: 
I thought it might rain, and I had an appointment after work, so I walked both ways in these badass boots. 

  • Purse - Lodis, thrifted
  • Scarf - Metrowear, San Francisco, 2006
  • Hat - Babaton, consignment
  • Leather gloves - vintage, thrifted

Bold and gold bling: 
Folks in my office liked the wee cat pin.

  • Hinged eelskin bangle - vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Chain/leather bracelet - locally made
  • Wooden cat pin - Katti by Aarikka, consignment
  • Necklace - Monet, vintage 80s, vintage fair
  • Silver/obsidian ring - consignment
  • Smoky topaz/silver ring - Anneli Neuman, Sweden, vintage mall
  • Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
  • Earrings - vintage, vintage fair

I found the thin silver ring on the sidewalk on my way to work in the morning. It fits my ring finger perfectly, so I've stacked it with my other permanent silver ring. It's a gift from the universe!

But wait! More cat pictures, you say? What's this?
"I am a gargoyle cat!"


Barnabas sat on the mat snuggled up to our bathroom gargoyle. 

And no fear, Whateley's here! He was all up in my face while I talked to Mom on the phone last night. 
"Is the Mom-lady in that thing? I know her voice!"

They are little gifts from the universe too. 

Back with Mom-Day tomorrow! 

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Spooky Critters: Spiders, Snakes and a Vest

Long-time readers will recognize my "ribcage" sweater - I always wear it at this time of year! 
It's quite spooky - there's a spider on there, as well as a face and a bird. 

  • Vest - Indochino, consignment; purchased here for $16.20
  • Wool sweater - Jean Paul Gaultier, vintage 90s, consignment; last seen here almost exactly a year ago in October 2024 with tulle and a different vest
  • Faux croc trousers - FRNCH, thrifted; last worn here in April with leopard and paisley
  • Pony-hair boots - Matisse, thrifted; last seen here a few weeks ago with a cold shoulder sweater
  • Suede coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment; last worn here in September (the day we met our kittens!)

I loved the addition of the menswear grey vest to the outfit - I still got to show off the top while it added a bit of structure (and pockets, which I've unstitched/opened). 
My faux croc pants are fun and also have enormous pockets. I am set! 

Incognito. I forgot to include my hat in my Stuff picture, so have a good gander. 
I LOVE this bright orange coat - I felt like a vivid leaf. 

The stuff: 
I like the spotty wedge booties. 

  • Belt - Notes du Nord, thrifted
  • Silk scarf - Jay Sutton, vintage mall, gift from L
  • Leather gloves - Coach, consignment
  • Bucket hat (not shown) - Picabo, vintage 00s, vintage fair

Critter bling: 
All very dangerous! 

  • Snake coil bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
  • Spider brooch - vintage mall, gift from L
  • Spider earrings - can't remember
  • Silver snake ring - BC Museum gift shop, 1985
  • Silver/onyx spider ring - c. 1986, gift from Mom & Dad
  • Lucite/gold bracelet/earrings - Alexis Bittar, consignment
  • Gold claw necklace - Ambush "Holy Mountain" collection, 2012, consignment, Vancouver, gift from L

The kittens were crashed on the couch with L last night. Whateley on the left was zonked right out, all that kitten energy quiet. 
Barnabas likes going under blankets, and has overheated, so is half-in, half-out and resting his head on L's hand. AWWWWW. 


Monday, October 27, 2025

Monday Mummy and Amber

Hello, my friends! This is going to be a quick one, and I'm also going to refer you to the Bigass Weekend post here, if you're wondering if you missed it. It was just a crazy weekend, and I ran out of time/energy/brain. 

This week, I'll be getting my theme on and dressing for Hallowe'en, my favourite holiday. 
This is my "mummy" jacket.

  • Cotton jacket - Jean Paul Gaultier, vintage 00s, thrifted; last worn here with a big pouffy skirt in July
  • Wool sweater - Bartolini, consignment; last seen here (3rd outfit) in February for brunch
  • Skirt - Zara, consignment; first worn here in September with cream wrinkles
  • Shoes - Mission Monica, Fluevog; last seen here in March with a wooly bell skirt
  • Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in April

 The strapping reminds me of mummy bandages - there is more strapping on the right sleeve.
The twisty skirt also reminded me of dusty mummified wrappings. Add a little orange to the mix and boom, good to go. 

Incognito. 
All bundled up - it's suddenly COLD out. I liked wearing this trenchcoat again. 

The stuff: 
Comfy shoes, for not much walking. I was training my Vancouver counterpart most of the morning. 

  • Silk scarf - Lanvin, vintage 70s, thrifted
  • Leather gloves - consignment

Amber bling: 
Fossilized tree sap is totally an October-y thing! 

  • Large amber bracelet - consignment
  • Small amber bracelet - consignment, Powell River
  • Amber necklace - vintage mall, gift from L
  • Silver snake ring - BC Museum gift shop, 1985
  • Silver/smoky topaz ring - Anneli Neuman, Sweden, vintage mall
  • Silver/amber thumb ring - consignment
  • Silver/amber teardrop pendant - vintage mall, gift from L 
  • Silver/amber earrings - vintage 1920s, vintage mall

No kitten pictures, but there are lots in the weekend post, so make sure you check it out! 

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: The Beaches Concert; Saturday Burlesque Gala; and Shopping With My Besties

Hello, my friends! This was a PACKED weekend, with barely any free time, and I have a lot to share with you, so settle in and get ready (yes, there are cat pictures!). 

First up is Friday's casual office outfit, which I also wore that night to go see The Beaches in concert at the Arena. 
"What's that beeping?"


Barnabas Photo-Bomb! 

We last saw the Beaches here at Rifflandia in September 2024, and before that, here in July 2022 at Philips' Backyard "Tilt" show, and here in February 2020 (a small, intimate show), AND we first saw them here in April 2018.

  • Neon cotton sweater - Zara, consignment; last seen here in September under a cocoon
  • Snakes and skull sweatshirt - The Kooples, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in October 2024 to see a comedy show
  • Velour skirt - Sonia Rykiel, vintage 00s, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in May 
  • Boots - Soul Speed Fury, Fluevog; last worn here in March to visit Mom
  • Leather/fur-trimmed capelet - no label, consignment; last seen here in March

I started with the boots because it's rainy season! I did a lot of walking in these, at work as well as to and from the concert.
"You guys go out a lot."

Barnabas is always up for a cuddle!

I layered my comfy snake and skull-printed chi-chi designer sweatshirt over the cotton sweater.
More cotton, not too heavy, as it's not that cold out. 

The skirt is my vintage indigo-blue velour Sonia Rykiel.
"I love you! Rub my tum!"


Like I could resist! 

Outerwear - it was so dark and gloomy that sunnies were not required. 
"I'd like to chew on those lights up there..."


My capelet may actually be leather! I tried jamming brooches through it and they would not go! One of them bent slightly, so I retreated. PVC/faux leather is very easy to punch through so signs point to this being leather.

The stuff: 
An easy bag for a concert - there's room for a couple of merch tees! 

  • Leather purse - Roots, thrifted
  • Silk scarf - Krizia, thrifted
  • Wool beret - consignment
  • Leather heart pin - Smoking Lily
  • Spider earring - can't remember
  • Cthulhu pin - gift from Cat/Ross
  • Leather gloves - Danier Leather

The boots are fantastic in the rain and very comfy to bounce around in and splash in puddles, as I am wont to do. 

Pointy bling: 
I wore the non-coloured side of the reversible necklace. 

  • Necklace - Stella & Dot, thrifted
  • Green stone bracelet - vintage mall
  • Multi bracelet - Jenny Bird, consignment
  • Earrings - Glee
  • Silver/onyx spider ring - c. 1986, gift from Mom & Dad
  • Silver snake ring - c. 1985, BC Museum gift shop

Our little buddies were handing out in/on the sink in the morning when I was getting ready. 
Seriously? Move it, monkeys! 

L and I stopped for a couple of slices of pizza for dinner on the way to the show, scoped out the merch table (nah, we were picky) and got to our very good seats nice and early. 
I need to do this for my crowd anxiety. Doesn't look like much now...but it was full later.

Me and my guy! 
L's shirt is from the 2018 show. May we always rock! 

The opening act was Valley, a band I thought I'd never heard of. 
Until I heard some songs and recognized them from the radio. I know this band! 

And then it was the Beaches! 
They are kind of like a more rock-punk version of the Go-Gos. 

If you get the chance to see them, do it! 
They're fantastic performers. They opened for the Rolling Stones in 2024. 

You can read L's review of the show and their current album here
Way more people! Although this is a small arena, not like those giant ones in bigger cities.

We walked home past the high school.
We managed to avoid the rain. 

On Saturday, we skipped brunch, as L was expecting a delivery. 
"Is this bed taken?"     "I want to sleep on you!"

Such cuteness. 
Aw, they are just so sweet. They hung out with me for a while.

I had a light nap in the afternoon, in preparation for that evening's event. 
Whateley and Barnabas slept with me. Aw...

I went to Aged to Perfection, a burlesque event at the local casino. You might recall I went to this last year as well (back here in October 2024).

Winesday Women Sarah, Rosanna, me and Yvonne, picture taken in the show's photobooth.

I wore this lovely thick knit dress and leopard gloves. 
Oh, I have a photo-bomber, hello, Whateley! 

  • Dress - Rachel Roy, consignment; purchased here for $63.00
  • Shoes - Steve Madden, San Francisco, 2006; last worn and Flashbacked here in May 2021
  • Coat - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here in October 2022...that can't be right?!

Showing the side slit.
I loved wearing this dress - it's a good addition to the gown archives! 

A little cropped faux fur leopard jacket to match. I was positive I'd worn it a couple of times in the last few years...but I couldn't find a record of wearing it. Oh well! 
This was a super comfortable outfit, and warm enough for the very rainy evening. 

The stuff: 
I can't even remember where I got these velvet leopard gloves. Value Village around 20 years ago? Maybe? 

  • Purse - Lewis, vintage 50s, consignment
  • Gloves - can't remember

These shoes are in my Archive section of my closet (i.e. way up high) due to the VERY high heels. I was okay walking to/from the car and some light walking/standing around at the gala in them, but OOF, I was glad to have them off at the end of the night! 

Animalistic bling: 
I rolled with the animal/claw theme! RAR! 

  • Gold-by-the-inch chain - vintage 80s, Grandma J's
  • Leather/gold claw cuff/necklace - Ambush "Holy Mountain" collection, 2012, consignment, Vancouver, gift from L
  • Hinged eelskin bangle - vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Droopy leopard brooch - Park Lane, thrifted
  • Vermeil ear-cuffs - consignment
  • Lucite earrings - Alexis Bittar, consignment

Yvonne and Randall came over early to meet the kittens, and do any extra styling for Yvonne. Rosanna picked us up and got to meet the furry boys as well - and she brought me a present! 
WOW! That is one vivid bag! In case you couldn't guess, it's L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani's former clothing/accessory line (according to Wikipedia, it's been eyeglasses only since 2015). 

Lots of custom hardware. 
I love the pink/orange/yellow rainbow colours of the background. 

A nice plate on the strap. 2003 is when LAMB launched, not necessarily the date this was made/issued. According to Wiki, handbags were a collaboration with Le Sportsac, and ranged in price from $80-$825 (link here 'cause I love). 
A bit of interwebz digging leads me to believe this is from the 2008 line, which featured a "Rasta" theme. 

Lovely striped interiors and more branding. 
Unfortunately, it's not real leather, but I love it! Thanks so much, Rosanna! 

Yvonne borrowed a gown from my archives for the evening - most people don't own a bunch of long dresses.
Isn't she stunning? I last wore this dress here (3rd outfit) in December 2022 for a party at Chris/Ali's place.

I took a few pictures at the event - I've never been in this casino before! 
We headed up the escalator - the food, bar, silent auction and stage were all in the upper section. 

My colleague Kristina looked amazing. 
She borrowed my vintage c. 1999 silk velvet fringed wrap for the evening. 

A final shot of all the performers.
They're all over 40, with Judith Stein (in the aqua) aged 77. She was the first Canadian to be inducted into the Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame! About her here

Sarah left afterwards to meet up with a friend, so Yvonne, Rosanna and I took one last selfie.
And headed outside. 

Where we dashed to the car in our soon-to-be-soaked glamourous duds! 
"It's only water!" I kept saying to myself. 

While we'd been enjoying the show, we were getting pictures from L and Randall, who hung out while we were gone. 
"I like this man!"


Not being a cat person, Randall hadn't made any overtures, but our kitties have no fear! 
"We like sitting here!"       "Yeah, this man doesn't seem to mind."

This just melted everyone's hearts. AWWWW.
"We'll make a cat-lover out of him!"


I joked that we'd need to search his bags before Randall left to make sure there were no kittens tucked in there! After dropping us off, Yvonne and I hung out with our guys until the wee hours. 

Back up on Sunday, and I rushed around to get ready to meet up with Cat, Vero and Yvonne to help them all spend their Turnabout consignment gift cards (you'll recall, I also had one!). 
Easy shopping clothes, and weather-ready as well. More rain was in the forecast! 

  • Patent leather jacket - Burberry, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here in February
  • Mesh top - Trickz N' Treatz, consignment; first worn here (2nd outfit) in October 2024
  • Skirt - Zara, consignment; last seen here in February with Adidas and my L7 merch tee
  • Boots - Mamzelle, thrifted; last worn here in March for a Mom-Day 

The mesh top has skeletal versions of the Mona Lisa (the front), the Birth of Venus (the sleeves) and a Renaissance painting of Marie Antoinette (the back). It was a big hit with my friends and the Turnabout staff. 
I saw a few similar (only designer, not Zara) skirts to this at Turnabout. I love the asymmetry of the hem. The pleated section is separate to the shorter plain skirt. 

Incognito. Ready for rain (scarf), cold (gloves) and shopping hands-free (bag). 
I wore this wonderful bronze leather jacket as my outerwear so that I wouldn't have to deal with a heavy coat. 

The stuff: 
My beetle brooch lived on the furry cross-body purse. I didn't need the scarf at all, so it stayed tied on the bag. 

  • Purse - Niko and..., consignment
  • Leather gloves - Ralph Lauren, thrifted
  • Silk skull scarf - Alexander McQueen, consignment, Vancouver

Bronze-y bling: 
The earrings weren't very practical, but I had to have more spooky stuff! That single leopard ring simply won't cut it! 

  • Stone bangle - consignment
  • Eelskin bangle - fake Gucci, Italy, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1987
  • Stone ring - thrifted
  • Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, Finland, vintage 70s, vintage expo
  • Brass leopard ring - thrifted
  • Brass Brutalist ring - vintage mall
  • Snake earrings - local

I had a $150 gift card, a $100 gift card from my work, plus cash I'd earned through my Limbo/pop-up sale. Talk about a circular economy! 

Anyway, I did not have to dip into any of my bank accounts, as everything I bought was covered by gift cards/Limbo cash. L also had reminded me to "Buy that thing you think is too expensive!"

So I did! Sorry this is hard to see (ugh, black clothes), but it's a tuxedo jacket with tails...and a hood! 
It has elastic cuffs, and it's made of cotton-based sweatshirt material, lined with that perforated "athletic" nylon fabric (like basketball shorts or jerseys are made from). 

Back view (again, sorry, I know it's hard to see). 
A big hood, the split tails and two covered buttons at the top of the tails. 

A blown-out view of the top half. 
It only has one pocket, which I unstitched/opened. 

I found this 11/08 tag inside, so it's likely from 2008. 
When I realized it was Adidas (!!!), I grabbed it and tried it on right away. 

It's by Jeremy Scott (designer for Moschino until 2023), and from his first big collection with Adidas, known for the sneakers with wings. I saw a pair of them once at Turnabout, and still kick myself for not getting them! 
New with tags! Woo! I spotted a grey version of this online that sold for $400 Euros (abt $800 CAD), but very few of these seem to be out there. This was $289.00, the most expensive thing I bought, but I LOVE it! 

I actually started in the menswear section, to see if there was anything that L might like for Christmas. I didn't anything for him, but I did pick two things for myself! 
The vest is by Indochino and was marked down to $16.20. I like menswear vests better than women's - because I get FOUR pockets! 

I also spied this gorgeous cobalt blue sweatshirt-style top (it's 100% cotton, but is not a thick fleece). 
It's by Kenzo, and the letters are used to create a stylized Eiffel Tower.

It was $58.50, marked down from double that! This is from the 2013 "Holiday" collection, and they sold for $337 US. 
This will work well in my wardrobe. 

The last thing I bought was this ultra-crinkled dress. 

It's a dark emerald green - I struggled to get the colour to come out right. 

It's got pockets! 
It's very much in that Issey Miyake wheelhouse, with a similar cocoon shape to the Pleats Please line. 

But it's by Adolpho Dominguez, and it was new with tags as well. I can see that it sold for 169 Euros (about $325 CAD). 
This was $54.00 for me! We all found excellent pieces, spent our gift cards, and replete with our treasures after 3+ hours of shopping, we headed down to the Penny Farthing Pub for a quick drink. 

Me, Cat, Yvonne and Vero. 
Love you guys! So glad we could find a day for us all to shop together! 

L joined us, and we both had dinner at the pub.
I was exhausted and still needed to blog!

Randall also joined us! 
What an awesome day! 

And lastly, a couple more kitten pictures. 
Sniffing around on the desk. Barnabas is up to No Good, while Whateley behaves. 

They are just a delight. 
"I need a nap!"

Me too, buddy! 

Sorry this was a little late, but it's been a crazy weekend! Thanks for being here!