Birthday Shopping in Bold Brights

Mom cancelled our planned adventure - she's worn out after all the excitement of her brother's visit and woke up tired. Rest up, Mom! Dr. Sheila prescribes a long nap and some chocolate. 

It ended up working out well, as I needed to do some shopping for L's birthday next week. 

I walked to town, and spent over 5 hours going through some stores, trying not to shop for myself (I did get a few things, spoiler). 

• The Completely Impractical Raincoat - Animale, thrifted; last seen here in August 2025 with bright florals
• T-shirt - Adidas Farm Rio, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) in June 2025 for a games night
• Nylon skirt - Love Tree, consignment; last seen here in June 2025 at Elk Lake with Mom
• Sneakers - L'intervalle, consignment; last worn here in December 2025 for shopping with Emma

It was supposed to be a hot day. 

Hideous castle view! 

I only had my orange cropped jacket off when I tried things on. 

This was a nice comfy outfit for a lot of walking. I ended hopping the bus home. 

I love the extra low cargo pockets on the skirt - I stashed my sunglasses in one. 

I prefer wearing my cross-body purse UNDER my jacket, so as not to ruin the lines. 

Voila! This is how most of the world saw me. It was a gorgeous day - I hope it holds up for the Annual Day of Indolence tomorrow! 

I had some lovely interactions while I was out and about. Hello, if any of you made it here!

The stuff: 

I played around with the brooch placement on the jacket. 

• Leather purse - Fossil, consignment, Powell River
• Wood/metal brooch - Aarikka, Finland, consignment
• Enamel cat brooch - gift from Yvonne

These sneakers are awesome, but my feet are still tired! 

Bold bling: 

Just some favourites. 

• Black and white cuff - vintage fair
• Bakelite red/black cuff - vintage mall, gift from L
• Silver/green stone ring - thrifted
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Silver fingerprint earrings - Daisung Kim, MoMA gift shop, thrifted

I got all kinds of goodies for L, which I'll reveal AFTER his birthday. I always find a few things for myself while I'm out and about though...

This polyester shirt is from the early 80s - it's got matching shoulder pads, and that stand-up collar reminds me of blouses I wore as a teenager. 

Of course, I adore the red/black/yellow plaid. 

It's by Compositions and was marked down to $10.00 at Luna Boutique. 

It's fun and will work with a lot in my closet. 

I found this dress at Flavour Upstairs. 

It's a double V neckline, with inline pockets - do you see them? 

They're massive! 

And so perfectly sewn in! 

I was thrilled to find another Babette! This dress is an X-Large, and made in the USA. 

100% polyester crimped into pleats with giant vintage presses. Amazing! I love the colour.

Very detailed washing instructions. 

Style# 001! This is a much earlier piece than my previously found skirt, probably from the 90s. 

It was marked down to $22.99. 

I know one of my friends will LOVE this dress! It will be in my next Limbo sale, if not loaned out before then. 

I fell for this amazing rock and roll blouse. 

I adore the louche vibe and the ruffled down the front (two rows!), and the way the sides dip down. 

Big ruffled sleeves. 

The dominant accent colours are yellow, pink, red/orange and purple. 

I can think of a few things to wear this with. 

It's by Nicole Benisti, and I'm sure it's 100% silk - it's so soft. It was $34.99.

I had a quick look through the big WIN store (I had a coupon about to expire!), and found this skirt for myself - at least for one wearing. I do have a lot of black skirts, and I have a black tulle that already fulfills this "full long black skirt" slot.

This is a really heavy piece, with lots of swing in the pleats. It feels like quality. 

I didn't realize until I got home that it has a wrap/cross front. 

However, I wore it around the house and it doesn't open up - I might need to wear shorts if there's a heavy wind! 

It's a Uniqlo collaboration with Theory. 

I was surprised to see it still on Uniqlo's site, on sale for $59.99. I paid $14.95. 

I'll be back in a few days, my friends, but I'll leave you with some kitty pictures. 

Me and Whateley out on the deck (glasses off for reading). 

A visitor while I talked to Mom this morning. 

He snuggled under the covers up next to my legs. 

Then he kicked all my little socks out of their storage bag and slept on it. 

"Deal with it."

Barnabas is always so cute. He goes into this pose when we come near him. 

My friends call him Burt Reynolds. 

Diving off the ledge. 

He's been patrolling, watching the starlings and seagulls nesting. 

Also checking me out. 

"That cereal bowl needs inspection, ma'am."

Ha! 

See you soon!