Weekend Wrap-Up: Jimi Velvet at the Pub, Walk With Betty and Plenty of Kittens

Welcome back, my friends! I hope you've had a lovely weekend - I sure have, and I'm eager to share it with you. 

On Saturday, we met up with our Chosen Family at the Garrick's Head Pub to celebrate dear friend Casey's birthday. I wanted to wear something that made think of him.

And as you can tell, we had nice weather, so I leapt at the chance to wear my Nutcracker velvet jacket. Very Jimi Hendrix! 

• Velvet jacket - Zara, consignment; last seen here in December 2024 with green pleats
• Duthie Books tee - gift from Casey, not tracked, but worn here in 2023 to Vancouver
• Pin-corduroy pants - Diane Von Furstenberg, vintage 00s, thrifted, Seattle; last worn here in December 2024 for a day off with L
• Boots - Go Groovy Huysmans, Fluevog; last seen here in October with Issey and gold lace

What Would Jimi Do? was my guide, so I picked this pair of flared, cuffed cords in a beautiful cherry red. The graphic tee was covered in layers of chains, and I had a hanging gold chain belt with a piece of Spanish lace tied to it.

I also wore my poppy with a cluster of brooches and red/burgundy/black rose-patterned Fluevog socks, plus a red pendant. 

More Jimi-fringe with a burgundy velvet scarf.

I had several comments while we were out and about - L and I walked to town and bused home several hours later. 

I felt very much a rockstar.

I buttoned up the jacket when I was walking around. 

The stuff: 

My brooches from Alison were on display - the angel and the horseshoe nail pins. 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Velvet scarf - thrifted
• Wool gloves - Parkhurst
• Angel brooch and horseshoe nail pin - gifts from Alison

I picked easy shoes for the walk.

Excessive bling: 

I wore two bracelets per wrist and four rings, plus two different earrings and a couple of ear-cuffs. 

• Lace - Spain, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1997
• Chain belt - thrifted
• Leather/stud wrist-wrap - Kipling Leather, thrifted
• Leather/chain wrap - local
• Lucite/gold bracelet - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L
• Chain bracelet - Dad's
• Wooden Klimt ring - consignment
• Stone ring - thrifted
• Brass leopard ring - thrifted
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s, vintage expo
• Carnelian/silver pendant - consignment
• Gold necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s vintage fair
• Rose earring - Betsey Johnson, swap from Cat
• Gold hoop earring - 2002, gift from L
• Vermeil ear-cuffs - consignment
• Glass/vermeil cross necklace - Lalique, vintage 00s, vintage fair, gift from L

Woo, that's a lot! 

I popped out midway through the revelry to have a mental break, and had a browse through nearby Upcycle Vintage where this studded belt called to me. 

It's leather and the studs go all the way through. 

It's by Madewell, and I know their belts are very expensive. This is similar to their Flat Studded Western Belt, currently on sale for $106, regular price $134. 

I paid $50, which is high for a belt - for ME - but my grommet belt is starting to wear out a bit, and this is a nice thinner alternative. Plus, I supported a local business! 

One slightly tipped picture of our Chosen Family, celebrating at the Garrick's Head (there's the head there, above the reputedly-haunted fireplace). 

People came and went over several hours. From left going around the table: me, Rosanna, Katya, Michael, L, Jay, Greg, Casey (in the black velvet), Cat, Ross and I think that's Randall's arm. 

We headed home to hang out and play games and spend time with the boys. I take so many pictures, that I always have a backlog. 

Barnabas protects my cashmere dress. This is from Thursday, when I was out there sewing.

Whateley slept in the old chair out on the deck. It probably still smells of Vizzini.

They're so small when they're curled up! 

Late in the evening, sleeping on a folded-up blanket along the back of my couch. 

The toe-beans! 

Whateley is just totally conked out. 

Such a pretty boy. 

Barnabas curled around my arm. 

My heart just melts.

I was up early on Sunday to get ready for a walk with Betty! It's been ages since we got together - we visited the Art Gallery here in January.

No one saw my outfit, as I was only in my outerwear in public, but here it is anyway. 

• Leather jacket - Maison Rabih Kayrouz, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in April
• T-shirt - Mother Mother merch, thrifted, not tracked
• Mesh top (not seen) - Noisy May, consignment; last seen here in October with Diwali velvet
• Black jeans - Scotch & Soda, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in September for Winesday
• Floral boots - Doc Martens, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September 2024 for a Dots shop
• Sweetums cape (below) - vintage, consignment; last worn here in January for a Mom-Day

A less glary look.

Getting the new-to-me belt worn right away. 

Oops, rather blurry.

I managed to button up my cape incorrectly for the entire time I was out with Betty. 

The stuff: 

I'm surprised I haven't worn these boots that much recently - they're insanely comfortable. 

Minimal bling: 

Some of my older pendants, for good vibes. 

• Belt - Madewell, consignment; purchased above for $50.00
• Earrings - consignment, c. 1995
• S silver Celtic pendant - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1997
• Amethyst crystal - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1994
• Glass pendant - Raven's Roost, Vancouver

Me and Betty! 

And yes, I can clearly see that the chestal seams on my cape are not lined up. Ha ha! 

We parked in Oak Bay and walked along the water, starting at the Marina. 

I always have memories of "Sealand of the Pacific", a marine park that had captive orcas, seals, sea lions and other aquatic creatures. It was a major tourist attraction for years. 

A peek at the marina.

The leaves are still colourful and hanging on after the recent storms. 

I see the tree where Mom and I did the "un-boxing" of her book (here).

There were lots of people around, enjoying the sunshine. 

The water is so clear.

Kelp bobbing in the ripples. 

The wolf sculpture.

The plaque for Queen's Park. 

Mt. Baker in the distance. 

Lots of boats.

This whale tail sculpture is new. 

We approved. 

Glimpses of the water through the trees. 

We walked for over and hour, just catching up on each other's lives. 

We worked together for nearly a decade at WW/Weight Watchers. 

At Willows Beach. There were tons of people around. 

Another view of Mt.Baker

I cropped all the people out of the foreground. 

A fairly high tide.

The line of mountains in the distance are in the USA to the south, Washington State. 

Crows were everywhere. 

And so many people. 

As Mom and I have grumbled, there's no easy access down to the beach, so we stayed on this upper path and headed back the way we'd come. 

It was still lovely being out in the sunshine. 

One last look at Mt. Baker and some sailboats. 

That was a wonderful walk, Betty, thank you! So awesome to see you.

And now, more kitten pictures. Barnabas sprawled across our board game box.

"I know how to sit in boxes!"

On Saturday night, they slept the entire time that L and I hung out. I'd made little sleeping areas for them.

"I approve of this spot."      "I love you!"

Later, they each took a side of the couch.

Oh, my goodness, such sweet kittens. 

But this made me laugh. Whateley's sprawl! 

"I'm feeling very relaxed."        "I love you!"

And there you have it, my friends! I'm off now to spend the rest of the weekend with my furry/human fam. Thanks so much for being here.