A Whale of a Swooshy Duster

Thank goodness, we made it. Everyone good? Okay...then...time to chill...

Some of my coworkers were taken aback by my casual outfit today - this is about as casual as I go, though!

• Sweater - C. Wonder, thrifted; last worn here in September 2016 in a similarly-titled post
• Skirt - Tulle, thrifted; last seen here in August 2016 with mint wings and Kermit shoes
• Shoes - Miista, thrifted; last worn here a week ago with all the colours
• Duster (worn as a coat, below) - Emporio Armani, thrifted; first worn here in January as Darth Sheila

This skirt is actually super-high-waisted (go look at last time I wore it for proof), and although it looks like denim, it is actually a fine linen/cotton blend.

The sweater is a favourite piece that I found last year.

I'm so happy to have it in my closet again.

I wore my fabulous Emporio Armani (I paid $6.00 for it!) as a coat to and from work, and a few times in the office for extra warmth.

It's windy again today, and the billow I had going with it was magnificent. I just wanted to swoosh about like that all day. Funny how such simple things (a duster) can give so much joy (swooshing!).

The stuff:

My feet are tired of pointy toes and heels, so nice cushy flats were so nice.

Silver bling:

Vizzini really likes these earrings - he kept trying to chew on them!

• Earrings - local
• Shield ring - Nine West
• Death Star ring - Soul Flower

I'll be back on Sunday, and I'm sure I'll be moaning and groaning - tomorrow is our first day of Ultimate Frisbee! I'm so excited! This is our 17th year playing. Don't know what it is? Check it out here.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

All the Silks, Some Made of Kittens

Another crazy day, but I'm hanging on...nearly at the weekend. 

I didn't even realize until I got to work that every article of clothing I'm wearing is silk.

• Velvet jacket - Boden, thrifted; purchased here for $8.95
• Sleeveless top - Jones New York, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September 2016 with pewter leather and a feather fascinator to see "Spamalot" with Mom
• Skirt - vintage Pierre Cardin, thrifted; last worn here in September 2016 with jungle and lace
• Shoes - First by Feet First; last seen here in June 2016 with black and white chevrons
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted 

The jacket was a pleasure to wear - so soft! As soft as kittens...so me being a goofball at work, I told people it was made of kittens. Only a few people weren't quite sure if I was joking (yes, I was!). Tee hee! I am a scamp!

I wore it unhooked all day, like so:

The silk top is sleeveless and is beaded front and back - it's quite an amazing piece. As I have no defined waist in this outfit, no doubt this outfit will not ring a lot of bells for you (hello, readers!), but it was lovely in person, and I felt good in it. Which is what counts!

The skirt is also quite long, but I'll never hem it - it's vintage 1960s silk creation by THE Pierre Cardin, made in France. Originally I thought it was 80s vintage, but I've since done some research on the label, and it matches up to the ready-to-wear pieces from the 60s. So, 60s it is! How cool!

Every detail on this skirt is exquisite, and much of it is hand-stitched. Forget serging - the raw edges of the fabric are hand-stitched, everywhere. There is an incredible amount of work in it. If you'd like some detail pictures, scroll down here on our annual Vancouver trip from 2015, where I found it in a Vancouver thrifty/vintage store for only $24.00. So I live with the hem that's a little long. Maybe I'll grow.

Outerwear. Oh, I could feel it today - although the wind was chilly, it won't be long before I don't need a coat! I can't wait!

Never seen this jacket before, nope, seldom worn, hee hee. I'm in a mischievous mood today. Must be nearly the weekend!

The stuff:

 The only reason it's been nearly a year since I wore these beautiful blue suede shoes is that they've been hanging in a bag to go to the cobbler to have the heels redone. Did it. Now they are back in rotation, baby!

Round bling:

One of my WW people tonight commented that "none of it matches, but all of it goes!" That was intentional. 

• Earrings - gift from Lise
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

Faux Batik Peasant Outfit

I felt very swooshy today! Very late 50s/early 60s-inspired, with just a dash of peasant. A glamourous peasant!

I am completely infatuated with this vintage circle skirt.

• Blouse - H&M, thrifted; first worn here earlier this month with purple velvet
• Skirt - no label, vintage, thrifted; purchased here for $14.99
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last seen here in March with a killer leather and tweed outfit
• Jacket (below) - Le Chateau, consignment; last worn here in March with a metal skirt 

"Come play with me, or I'll eat your purse."

 I may have twirled in this a few times, tee hee. I also discovered it had a pocket, which filled my heart with joy. I struggled with what to wear with it and ended up with neutrals, and I'm glad I did.

What top would you wear with this skirt?

A true circle skirt!

Unlike my picador skirt (here), the fabric on this one is cheaper and the print is not hand-done. Real batik feels different and looks less like a pattern that's been printed. Faux batik! However, it was so fun to wear, and I really loved it by the end of the day.

"The purse gets it right after I eat this moth."

 It was blustery today, and my skirt swooped and swirled. I wore a full vintage slip under it for coverage and warmth - a good thing, as I pulled the Marilyn Monroe skirt "whoops!" while I was walking to the other office.

Outerwear. Warm enough for a light jacket or blazer pretending to be a jacket.

It's been positively springy the past few days. I took some pictures on the walk to and from work.

The stuff:

Best copper shoes ever. I wore the fur pom pom on the lapel of my jacket.

Copper bling:

My copper pieces felt like the right choice with the vintage skirt.

• Enameled cuff - Matisse, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Hinged cuff - Renoir, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
• Earrings - Renoir, vintage 60s, Grandma J's
• Copper/turquoise ring - vintage 70s, Grandma J's
• Turquoise/silver ring - local

I took pictures - of blossoms! The last of the plum trees are blooming.

These are my favourites. They're big fat clusters of pink, soft as feathers.

There are several of these trees on the avenues and streets. It's such a pleasure when you find one.

On the way home, beautiful blue sky.

When the blossoms fall in the wind, it looks like snow.

Cranes and Goldenrod

Another day of being slammed by work. At least the days go by fast. Zoom, there they go.

A favourite top from last year makes its first appearance, with a new-to-me skirt today.

• Top - H&M, consignment; last seen here in July 2016 with black and yellow
• Skirt - no label, handmade, thrifted; purchased here for $14.99
• Shoes - Gentle Souls; last worn here in March with a strapless dress
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted 

I was quite happy with this outfit - I have done this top (the pattern is flying cranes, by the way) with a yellow skirt before (here), but this skirt is shorter and a smaller size. I still have the other yellow skirt - it's such nice quality, and because vintage wool skirts don't have any stretch, it's handy to have them in a few sizes.

One of my coworkers called this "goldenrod" today. Sure, that will do - I need a name for this skirt so that I can search for it (to do those "last worn here" links). Henceforth, it shall be the goldenrod skirt.

The top has a slight trapeze shape, normally a shape I steer clear of (doesn't work well with boobs), but I love the wrinkly fabric and the pattern so much.

Outerwear. Getting close to not needing a jacket, but I'll always need a layer for physical sunblock.

 I sweated through my top on the brisk walk home, though, so in the wash it goes.

The stuff:

Hurray for comfy shoes! I was pleased with how nicely this grey suede went with the top.

Bold bling:

Favourite cuffs, and classic earrings (all the way from Nashville!).

• Cuffs - both thrifted
• Earrings - gift from Megan Mae
• Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

 You might have noticed that I didn't have my nails done yesterday, but don't fret - I did them last night. I am gradually weeding through what I've come to realize is a 20-year-old collection of nail polish. That teal one I wore back here in January? I strongly suspect that's the polish I wore for my wedding 20 years ago!

This one's another Rimmel, called "Climax" (oh, I don't get it, whatever do they mean?? har har). Another 60 Second one. I believe this is from the late 90s, based on the colour, which reminds me very strongly of grad/prom gowns from that era. I love this nice rich purple, though - it's slightly matte texture with a pearl finish. Pretty!

Who is super not impressed?

"Guess."

We had a cuddle here this morning, and he curled right up. Wish I could have stayed home too, bud!

Lavender, Lace, Houndstooth and...Orange!

I know, right? Orange shoes with this outfit?

Hint: the necklace has orange in it. And of course you can wear lavender and orange together! I've done it before (here)!

• Jacket - H&M, thrifted; last worn here in September 2016 with sheer dots
• Lace shirt - Abercrombie & Fitch, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) just a week or so ago for weekend shopping
• Skirt - Bianca Nygard, consignment; last worn here in October 2016 with a once-worn sweater
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last seen here (2nd outfit) in February in the snow and rain for the VFF Gala event 
• Coat (below) - Lord & Taylor, thrifted

This is basically a variation on a theme, swapping the black culottes for a black-and-white houndstooth skirt. I had created this ensemble for theatre with Mom on the weekend, but ended up going with a dress instead - this outfit felt too "worky" for me for going out.

I have mixed feelings about this lavender blazer, though. I'm not a fan of the one-button stance, being gifted in the boobular region.

 However, I'm a fan of this skirt, which I kept out for spring/summer, as it's such a nice pattern. It will be too hot for summer, but good for these slightly chilly days.

Outerwear. Still required, as the day called for rain, but it ended up lovely and sunny.

Spring is so changeable here, but it's so fresh and bright this evening. Love!

The stuff:

I adore these shoes so much I have them in three colours - and you know I so rarely do that!

Purple and orange bling:

See, orange! It totally all goes together.

• Necklace - thrifted
• Earrings - local

Weekend Wrap-Up: Mom Stuff - Brunch, Theatre and Movie

Not much left in this weekend, but here's a quick post before I run off and enjoy the rest of it. And has it been fun so far? You bet it has! 

Let's kick it off with Friday's brunch outfit, featuring my DIY harem pants.

• Jacket - Helmut Lang, thrifted; last worn here in March for Women's Day with leather pants
• Sweater - Ralph Lauren, thrifted; last seen here in December 2016 with glitter and shine
• Pants - Design Lab by Lord & Taylor, thrifted; last worn and DIY'ed here (2nd outfit) in August 2016
• Shoes - Modern Vintage, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September 2016 with Spanish ladies 

A bit of cover, a bit of bare ankles. These pants are gloriously billowy when I walk.

L and I strolled to town and met Nick for lunch, grabbed a few things on the way home, and then had a nice long nap.

Outerwear - surprise! I just did my jacket up!

However, it did rain, especially on the way home. I was dripping purple from my hair.

The stuff:

I noted last time I wore these those that it was time to get them re-heeled, and lo and behold! I actually did it!

Boho bling:

This triple chain necklace tangles a lot.

• Necklace/earrings - Mango's
• Ring - local
• Cuff - vintage 60s, Mom's

Mom found this in her jewelry box and thought I would like it - I do! It's a bronze cuff lined with leather that she bought when she and Dad (possibly me, but she can't remember) went to a craft/artisan fair at the Bay Street Armoury in the late 60s. She said she paid about $10 for it then.

I think it's a look out a window at the sun, moon and stars, mountains in the background, and waves on the ocean in the middle, with stairs leading down. No idea what it's actually supposed to be, though - any other guesses?

It's signed.

That's the alchemical symbol for Jupiter, bit in the late 60s, that could have meant anything! Anyway, a very cool piece. Thanks, Mom!

After our nap, L went to the memorial for our neighbour Murray, and I got dressed to go to the final play of the Belfry Theatre season, "Alice Munro Stories " (about it here).

Theatre always means dress-up for me.

This is my entry for Patti's "Visible Monday" over at Not Dead Yet Style. Go, go, go!

• Blouse - no label, vintage, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in March for a weekend with the inlaws
• Dress - Tangerine Jill, consignment; last worn here in December 2016 with this same blouse
• Shoes - Effortless Vivian, Fluevog; last seen here in April with rainy pleats
• Coat (below) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here in February with plaid pants and leopard

"My paw is so much more interesting than you."

We both enjoyed the play (actually, two short stories performed, so more like two plays), and then went for dinner at the local pub afterwards.

"I express my disdain for this by standing on three legs."

I have "nap hair" - that's what you get for sleeping on wet hair.

I love how the ruffled cuffs of the baby blue blouse poke out of the big bell sleeves of this thin coat.

Obligatory Wonder Woman pose!

Take that!

The stuff:

A comfy low shoe for walking to and from the theatre.

Silver bling:

I wore the pin at the throat of the blouse.

• Pin - thrifted
• Earrings - Brighton, furniture store
• Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

L and I stayed up late playing boardgames and drinking wine! After a nice long sleep-in, I headed off to town to get groceries.

Hard to tell what the weather's going to do, so my clothes are all over the place with warmth.

• Sweater - Gap, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in March with my tulle ballet skirt
• Skirt - Mario Serrani, thrifted; last worn here in September 2016 with green sleeves
• Shoes - Miista; last seen here (2nd outfit) in February with that rainy floral pleated skirt again
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment 

I met up with Mom again in the afternoon and we went to see "Beauty and the Beast" - it was such a treat to have fancy reclining seats in the theatre!

We both enjoyed the movie (seriously, what is all the fuss about Lefou? it's NOTHING), especially the spectacular visuals (the costumes were amazing).

Outerwear was called for.

It was rainy, cloudy and sunny. Make up your mind, weather!

The stuff:

Simple earrings, easy shoes.

• Earrings - Stella and Dot, consignment

 I had an hour to kill between getting the groceries and meeting Mom, so I popped into the WIN Warehouse store.

Success! Check it out, Wolford!

I don't wear knee-highs that often, but I still do sometimes.

My cheapie drug store ones will be replaced with these uber-high-quality ones.

Regular price $34.00 at Holt Renfrew, but for me, only $1.95. Seriously, that's less than 6% of the original price.

I also found this wonderful silk and viscose dark grey velvet blazer in the thrift section.

It is so soft!

I can only conclude that they've never heard of Boden...

Or this would have been more than $8.95! A little Interwebz digging reveals this is from 2011-2012, and probably would have been around $250.00 new. Score!

I was drawn to the pattern on this dress.

"I am drawn to this loose thread."

This is a dress, by H&M, and it's a dark green with pale pink and chartreuse yellow flowers on it. The side are slit about 12" and it has a deep slit in the back of the neck (you can see a bit of this below).

It was only $9.95. It's also labeled a size 12, but fit me perfectly in the shoulders, so I just ignored that. Should be fun to wear! 

...And how was your weekend? Up to any shenanigans?