This is Friday's work outfit, worn to the office on my actual birthday!
- Velvet duster - April Cornell, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in December 2025 for brunch in pink and olive (can't wait to wear that vest!)
- Sparkly paillette vest - Bianca Nygard, thrifted; last seen here in November 2025 with tulle and a cool blazer
- Cotton blouse - J. Crew, consignment; first worn here in September with a fin for Lyle Lovett
- Plaid trousers - H&M, thrifted; last seen here in April that time I went to the mall
- Duckie shoes - Catalyst Shapers, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) in September for a Mom-Day in my post-it-notes skirt
It was a beautiful sunny day!
The Castle looks warm and inviting, doesn't it?
I am officially 59 years old now. Should I start dressing my age?
SNORT! What does that even mean? I don't plan on ever abandoning my sparkle! Or my plaid - I rescued these skinny pants from the Limbo pile, so they are now officially a regret-me-not.
This is my front-side-only paillette sweater vest worn over my new-ish-to-me white shirt with neck and cuff ruffles. I liked how the ruffles poked out from the sleeves (flipped back to show the black brocade on the back) and the neckline.
Incognito!
Just a few accoutrements and I was ready to go. My colleagues loved this outfit.
The stuff:
Birthday present time! Two new books, a couple of pairs of socks, a fancy box of chocolates, and a $200 Turnabout gift card, and a $150 House of Savoy certificate. I am going shopping!
Work was quiet, although there was a wee round of "Happy Birthday" sung to me in the lunchroom over pumpkin pie and cream puffs. I love my coworkers!
- Wool beret - consignment
- Scarf - Givenchy, consignment, gift from L
- Studded leather gloves - Danier Leather
- Spider brooch - vintage mall, gift from L
- Star brooch - consignment
Sparkly bling:
I doubled the necklace and wound it around the asymmetrically-tied silk tie.
- Silk tie - Escada by Margaretha Ley, vintage 80s, thrifted
- Crystal necklace - thrifted, Vancouver
- Heart crystal bracelet - Juicy Couture, consignment
- Crystal cuff - Swarovski, consignment, gift from L
- Silver/obsidian ring - consignment
- Silver Anneke & Lars ring - vintage mall
- Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
- Hammered silver ring - consignment, Sidney
- Earrings - thrifted
After work, L and I had a quick but delicious dinner at Baan Thai (pad Thai and cashew chicken), then came home to hang out and play games.
Oh, and this Best of Tony Orlando & Dawn!
I grew up with this, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing it again! Thank you, L!
The kittens got some new catnip toys, and promptly got gooned.
Whateley's letting it all hang out.
Barnabas gives his ice cream cone a sniff.
We were up early on Saturday to join Nick and Casey for brunch at John's Place, followed by me tootling off for a wee shop in the wilds of Oak Bay. Those gift cards won't spend themselves!
The vest was handy for extra pockets (see the little kitty pin peeking out?). I LOVED the skirt, and when I got home added it to the collection, although I did let go of two more that I was feeling iffy about. My friends love these, so I'm going to let them go at next week's Limbo Sale.
Dude, Whateley, know when to stop!
We were up early on Saturday to join Nick and Casey for brunch at John's Place, followed by me tootling off for a wee shop in the wilds of Oak Bay. Those gift cards won't spend themselves!
Although I planned on selling this plaid pleated tulle skirt, I loved it way too much to let it go. By the end of my very long day, it was a YES.
- T-shirt - Eddie Bauer, thrifted; purchased here for $4.98
- Leather jacket/shirt - Danier Leather, consignment; last seen here in March in a Spring Goth outfit
- Linen waistcoat - no label, consignment, Powell River; first worn here in September with white jeans and a tabard
- Skirt - Lili Sidonio by Molly Bracken, thrifted; purchased here for $7.48
- Boots - Jose Saenz, consignment; last seen here in August for a Mom-Day in cotton Kenzo
This is why I like a plain white t-shirt. It's just a good base layer under the vest.
Ready to shop!
This was just right for layers, warmth and being physically comfy all day.
By the end of the evening, I was glad I had this silk fringed scarf and gloves.
But for most of the day, they lived on/in my purse.
The stuff:
So many neutrals! Who am I?
- Suede purse - Dooney & Burke, consignment
- Silk scarf - thrifted
- Velour gloves - Principles, vintage 90s, thrifted
Amber bling:
Love my two oldest guy-friends!
All that amber felt so lovely on.
- Cat pin - gift from Yvonne
- Amber/silver thin bracelet - consignment, Powell River
- Large amber/silver bracelet - consignment, gift from L
- Large amber/silver ring - consignment
- Amber/silver thumb ring - consignment
- Square silver/amber ring - consignment
- Silver/amber necklace - vintage mall, gift from L
- Silver/amber earrings - thrifted
Nick and Casey at John's Place.
Casey gave me a book for my birthday.
I destroyed my last white shirt by washing it with something pink or red (you would think I would know better...).
I'm excited to read it! Thank you!
I had a 5-minute shop while we waited for our booth (it was very busy in town with the Royal Victoria Marathon), and found a couple of treasures at the bit WIN store.
This one fits the bill for layering under sweaters, vests and jackets.
Only $14.95! Perfect!
Oh, no, not another tulle skirt, Sheila!
What, like I was going to LEAVE it? No way! It's black with a dark green large-scale plaid.
It's by Taba, same as one of my other tulle skirts.
After brunch, I hopped a bus to Turnabout and set out to spend my gift card from L.
These are super-comfortable too.
Hard to read, but that says $11.95. I don't like the green/black, so into Limbo this goes.
After brunch, I hopped a bus to Turnabout and set out to spend my gift card from L.
Despite letting go of most of my heels recently, these suede brown leopard/ocelot print booties caught my eye.
It's a tiny heel, totally doable!
They're by Wonders - I've had several pairs of shoes by this brand, and loved them.
These were $89.00, and barely any wear on them. They retailed for $189.00, and were likely bought locally.
This 100% cotton denim dress caught my eye.
Three pockets! It's a nice shape on.
It's by COS, and was marked down to $34.20.
This will be good for layering.
This lamb leather skirt was "from L" with the gift card.
It's a low waist, with that twist, and the slash/slit goes up to that. Very risque! I'll be wearing it with tights/nylons or another skirt layered under it.
It's by Lamarque, made in India, and it's call the Nubia - it retailed for $573.00!
It was $153.00 for me, marked down from $195.00. Thank you, L! I love it!
From Turnabout, I walked to House of Savoy and had a good browse. Both stores were hopping and busy, and the staff at both stores noted that it's gotten busier in the last few months, hooray! That means people are starting to realize you can't buy this stuff retail anymore.
Yes, you know me - I can't resist a cool leather skirt!
And it has giant pockets!
I'll just call this place when I need to clean it, shall I?
I was supposed to say NO?
I nodded at the sizing inside - it's not a US/CAN 14, more like an 8.
I also know of River Island from my UK friends.
I couldn't find this exact one, but their leather skirts seem to go for around $200+ on the secondhand online marketplace.
This was $125.00, so thank you, L, you bought this too.
I liked these white/grey/black spotty jeans.
And they fit perfectly, so I bought them!
I liked these white/grey/black spotty jeans.
They're the "Ella" by Kensie Jeans.
They retailed for $88.00, but only $35.00 on sale for me.
I couldn't resist this scarab brooch for $10.00 either.
But first, cuddles with big boy Whateley.
L had made us a dinner reservation at Vista 18, a rooftop restaurant at the Queen Victoria hotel. Hideous views, ha ha!
This is looking south-ish, towards Fairfield. You can see the mountains of Washington State in the distance.
So cool!
I made it home, dumped off my bags, and then L and I headed back out.
L had made us a dinner reservation at Vista 18, a rooftop restaurant at the Queen Victoria hotel. Hideous views, ha ha!
More to the west, looking directly south.
Those are the Sooke Hills in the distance.
All those trees are Beacon Hill Park.
As it was Thanksgiving, they had a turkey dinner special, which we both had.
It was SO GOOD, and what a treat!
More setting sun, looking almost all the way to the west.
No touch-ups! It was so bright!
I wandered around like a tourist, hee hee.
Looking slightly to the north.
Thank you, L! I felt so special.
Those hills are towards up-Island.
What a lovely birthday dinner, spent in the company of my best person.
We finished our dessert of fresh-baked cookies.
Watched this cruise ship coming in for an overnight stop.
And then we hopped a cab home (my feet were so sore from all the shopping), and hung out and played board games all night.
And I had Whateley near me.
Such sweet boys.
On Sunday, we headed back to town to meet up with our pals for the long weekend.
Add a blurry cat! I paired them with this neon blouse, and then tossed the nylon dress (with pockets!) over it all.
A bit of copper for excitement.
I'm hungry, let's go!
On Sunday, we headed back to town to meet up with our pals for the long weekend.
Just a small gathering, as most people were doing the full Thanksgiving thing with families.
- Blouse - Rock & Republic, thrifted; las seen here in July for a Mom-Day in taupe and silver
- Dress - Motion, vintage 90s, consignment; last worn here in December 2025 with red bits
- Boots - Slackers Vagabond, Fluevog; last seen here in April with pink and cornflower
- Sweetums Poncho (below) - vintage 60s, consignment; last worn here in February
I needed comfy shoes/boots as we walked both ways, so I started with these lime green beauties.
One more thing - it's Sweetums season!
I had so many compliments on it!
The stuff:
Simple pieces - I was glad of the gloves by the time we walked home with some groceries.
- Leather purse - Arcadia, consignment
- Wool gloves - Parkhurst
- Copper enamel brooch - Matisse by Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
Copper bling:
Another beautiful sunny day! We had gorgeous weather all weekend.
It looks like a lot but didn't feel like much on!
- Copper hand party - Raphael of Canada, vintage 70s, vintage fair
- Copper bracelet - Renoir, vintage 50s, thrifted, Sidney
- Copper ball ring - consignment
- Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s, vintage expo
- Copper necklace - Renoir, vintage 50s, vintage fair
- Large copper pendant/chain - vintage 70s, consignment
- Copper earrings - vintage 60s, vintage fair
A selfie on the way!
My lovely friends.
Nick, Yvonne, Randall, L and me!
L and I chilled out on Sunday night, played board games again, and then on Monday, enjoyed a very quiet day (I did all my writing - much to catch up on!).
Barnabas, what are you watching?
It's the maple tree's leaves - they're all falling.
The boys are fascinated!
Well, there we go, thanks so much for reading! Back to work tomorrow...
Happy Birthday and Thanksgiving, Sheila! My 59th year has been good, I'm wishing the same for you!
ReplyDeleteLove that photo of you and L at Vista 18 and yes, that is some view.
Gorgeous outfits especialy the tartan trews and sparkle, no wonder your collegues loved it. That white tee does look good, youve got me thinking about one now!
Smashing pressies from L, he know you so well. Those bird socks are ace.
Some great purchases, I have that scarab pin, too. Yu're going to rock those leather skirts!
Many thanks for the cat photos, always appreciated! xxx
Thanks so much for leading the way, Vix! It's a big number ahead...
DeleteIt was a great view, excellent company and delish dinner.
I took the time to test-drive that outfit, and the results show that pays off. A plain white tee is always a handy piece (same with a plain white shirt), I find.
I love the Bird Nerd socks! Great gifts, I agree!
Nice to have another "twin" item with you! Aw, thank you, I hope I rock them.
Your FIRST Birthday weekend as well as your ACTUAL Birthday weekend, but I know there will be more to come! Chuckling because, while you reclaimed those cool red plaid pants, over the weekend I put my cool blue plaid pants in the donate bag. I've had them for close to 20+ years but the waist line - though it starts out comfortable in the morning - becomes uncomfortable by day's end. I figure there is no point in keeping uncomfortable clothes!
ReplyDeleteI quite like your tulle skirt with the vest and all that gorgeous amber jewelry! To my eye you look comfortable and the outfit has texture and visual interest. :-) Wonderful Sunday brunch outfit - another comfortable looking outfit with the copper necklaces and lime green shirt and boots taking the dress into the realm of the interesting (rather than a more 'typical' color like white. ;-))
Repeating the thought from my comment on your substack… the pictures of you and L are lovely! 💕 Here's to enjoying the rest of your BIRTHDAY MONTH! Cheers, Laurie
Yes, much more to come - it's a month-long celebration, Laurie!
DeleteThat's so funny - plaid in, plaid out! - I hear you on that. The skirt I'm wearing today is a regret-me-not, and now I remember why (it's too small). Sigh.
I liked that tulle skirt - I thought I'd be selling it, but it stays!
That black dress is a great backdrop piece for fun jewelry and bold colours!
Thank you!
Belated happy birthday for Friday. You are definitely too young to give up on your magical extremes of styling that you come up with regularly! So glad the cats got catnip treats to celebrate. I think tulle skirts have a way of finding you! That's a neat dress with the bouncy hem and what a wonderful cape!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will not be giving up any extreme styling (for now!). The kittens were very excited at the wrapping paper, but their catnip was the real treat. Yes, what is up with all the tulle skirts? Thanks so much for your kind compliments!
DeleteHappy birthday, happy Thanksgiving! What a marvelously joyful weekend with your sweetie and your friends. Love all of the outfits so much, and your shopping finds were incredible.
ReplyDeleteI recently turned 62, and I'm not dressing my age either, whatever that might even mean.
Thank you so much, Julia! It was such a great time, shopping, seeing friends, spending time with L and the kittens.
DeleteYay, good for you - and I will take heart from your example!
Is there anything sillier and more aging than "dressing one's age"? One of my former classmates recently shared some gorgeous outfits on her Facebook, saying she would wear them if she was in her twenties, but felt that she was too old for them. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you were to get an additional day off for Thanksgiving to add to your birthday weekend! Three-day weekends are the best :-)
And what a fabulous time you've had. Presents galore and meeting up with friends, what could be better? xxx
In complete agreement with you, Ann! I hope I never feel too old for anything in my closet!
DeleteWell...I was born on Thanksgiving, so it's kind of like having Xmas as your birthday - everyone celebrates the holiday and you're kind of on the side.
I had a wonderful weekend, very grateful for the amazing people (and kitties!) in my life.
Your style is ageless so please don't ever abandon it. Besides, you're almost exactly a decade younger than me so... you're not old!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Ally! Age is relative!
DeleteTotally age appropriate outfit, dear Sheila, as it's Totally Fab!, love that plaid&sequins&velvet ensemble, so rock'n'roll and so You!
ReplyDeleteAlso love that tulle skirt with vest and cool boots and amber bling (what a fabulous collection!) And obviously, you look fab too in that dress with limegreen boots and neon blouse, and That Poncho-Cape which is stunning!. Love how you style those capes or ponchos or whatever their names, gorgeous layering pieces!
besos & feliz cumpleaños
Thank you, Monica! It was a fun outfit to wear, very appropriate for me!
DeleteThanks - I love my amber, so always welcome an outfit that shows it off. This is the perfect time of year for ponchos (over the head, arms free, usually no closure) and capes (no sleeves, but arm-holes sometimes, fasten up the front or at the neck).