Bigass Three-Day Catch-Up: Holiday Plaid, The Tree Skirt Skirt, Chicago Class, Purple Brunch, Monster Vest Returns! (and Some Cat Pictures)

This will be my last post before Christmas - I'll be back mid-week with my usual wrap-up of what I wore for my shenanigans. 

Thursday's outfit was chosen for my dear WW group. Such a wonderful group of inspiring people - thank you to all for keeping me on track. Yeah, I look pretty good for a fifty-year-old gal. 

 Super-duper traditional holiday look here, with the bookends of red and green and this fabulous plaid skirt. This look got a lot of love from everyone at both jobs.

• Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last seen here in November with silver flounces
• Skirt - Roland Kerry, vintage 80s, consignment; last worn here in December 2017 with these same shoes (shocking)
• Shoes - Marc; last seen here in October with acid yellow and floral 
• Coat - Stop Staring!, thrifted; last worn here over the same outfit as the sweater in November

I love this gorgeous vintage 80s taffeta skirt - it has a net crinoline built in, as well as a lining. I discovered two tiny holes in it this year - it's not silk (it's polyester), aka "moth-bait", so not sure where those came from. I'm okay with a hole or two, though.

I knew I had to wear this bright emerald green sweater with this.

 I forgot to steam the skirt the night before, so it had more of a pleated look to it for the day.

Outerwear. This was highly impractical and not warm enough for the day!

 L and I went for dinner after my meeting and walked home in the brisk winter air.

The stuff:

 Love these shoes. They are one of my very favourite pairs.

Seasonal bling:

 I wore the two pins offset - it's a forest on my chest!

• Pins - gift from Evelyn
• Earrings - Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop

On Friday, I'd anticipated my boss' usual bottles of Bailey's circulated around the office all morning, followed by a gentle suggestion to go home early. I wore my office jammies.

 A fluffy-as-heck sweater/top and my Christmas tree-skirt skirt - there is none more Christmassier!

• Top - Hommage, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here in November with a circus skirt by Dries
• Skirt - no label, handmade, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in December 2016 with a different cream top
• Boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in October for a Saturday brunch
• Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 80s thrifted; last worn here a couple of days ago

 Alas! There was NO Bailey's, and NO nudge to leave early! Not cool, Boss. Disappointed! However, listen me, what an entitled, privileged whiny baby I am. I don't need the Bailey's, and I reminded myself that I'm thankful to have a job, awesome coworkers, live in a gorgeous city, have a wonderful husband (and a cute cat), have great family and friends, and a roof over my head and plenty to eat. STFU, Sheila, and count your blessings.

After my stern talking to myself, I spent the quiet afternoon going around and giving awkward sideways coworker hugs, fist-bumps and waves to my colleagues, and wishing them a Happy Holidays, and telling those that matter to me...that they matter to me, I felt much better, and in the spirit of the season.

 My wonderful skirt was admired, while I was snuggly and warm.

I caught the bus home at my usual time, and got ready for my evening out with Mom.

 I only wear this lovely skirt once a year, but it's still forever-keeper.

Outerwear - I was still chilly in this. We're getting to full-on Unsafe Ocelot season if this cold weather keeps up.

 The ever-klassy Unsafe Polar bear!

• Toque/scarf - Danier Leather
• Wool gloves - vintage, thrifted

The stuff:

 I thought I'd worn these boots more recently, but I guess time just flies by so fast. Carpe Diem!

• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
• Amber ring - c. 1996

Mom and I went to a Broadway production of "Chicago" (local paper review here) on Friday night. I had to get dressed up, but be comfortable, and be warm.

 I managed two out of three. I was FREEZING all night!

• Jacket - Danier Leather Couture, consignment; last worn here in October with chevrons
• Sleeveless sweater - no label, thrifted; no idea when I last wore it and I don't feel like searching for an hour for it
• Skirt - Kensie; last seen here in December 2015 with green top and toes
• Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) a few weeks ago for a weekend brunch

Jacket off - no one saw this. I kept my leather jacket on all night, even in the sold-out theatre.

 The skirt is a show-stopper all on its own, so I went with neutrals and metallics to complement it. This top is black with copper thread lame (lah-MAY, darlings) - it reads as brown in photos.

Jacket on - my indoor look.

"There, these pictures needed more cat."

 I wore black fishnets, but should have worn an extra layer under the sweater for warmth.

"The Woman is always getting in the way. My fans demand more pictures of me."

 Mom and I drove to town early to snag a close parking spot then walked to a local pub for a quick dinner before the show.

"Okay, bored now."

 It was clear, cold and windy. Brrr! Wind-chill of -7.

Bundled up. NOT ENOUGH.

 I wrapped my hands in my fur scarf throughout the excellent show - the crowd was hooting and hollering, and the performances, dancing, singing and musicians were uniforming top-notch. I believe the entire run has sold out, and it's entirely justified. Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful Christmas gift! I treasure our dates.

• Fur scarf - thrifted
• Wool gloves - vintage, thrifted

The stuff:

 I decided partway through taking my (very few) photos, that I should pin the feather fascinated into my hair.

Black bling:

 Carrying on the metallic neutral theme. I had to wear Mom's hematite necklace and the earrings she gave me.

• Graduated necklace - gift from Mom, Alaska, bought in 1997
• Hematite necklace/both bracelets/both rings - thrifted
• Earrings - gift from Mo
• Chain cuff - thrifted
• Amber ring - c. 1996

I got home late (L was out at another event), watched a movie and went to bed. Up bright and early today/Saturday for brunch with L.

 I'm shocked that I haven't worn this dress yet this year - it's a strong favourite, but so many clothes, so little time. That's why I get dressed for every occasion - when else am I going to wear these lovely garments?

• Dress - Max & Co., Florence, Italy; last seen here on my last day of work in December 2016
• Shoes - Miista; last worn here (2nd outfit) with vintage brights in November
• Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen on Friday, above

 I love the shimmer of this dress, and I nearly always accentuate it with golds (and these purple tights).

 I also usually wear a belt with it, because the waist is set too high for my natural waist and tends to ruck up under the boobs. I hate that, but I only showed it off briefly while having breakfast at Floyd's Diner.

Outerwear - better! I was warmer on our walk downtown (it was sunny!).

 After brunch, we shopped for lunch things to take for Christmas Day, and Vizzini's stocking presents (spoiler: he's getting new mousies).

• Toque/scarf/gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

 Easy shoes, simple bling.

• Necklace - Nygard, consignment
• Random earrings

Vizzini's been very lonely, since both L and I have been out so much lately.

"No, I'm not, stop telling lies, Woman."

 He snuggles at every opportunity, including intermittently on my lap while I've been writing this post.

"Merely trying to stay warm. Affection is not involved." 

 He's a cuddly cat when he wants to be, including being a total purr-meister and drooler.

"How dare you tell my fans I drool! This post is your leg! I scratch it in fury!" 

 He pretends not to want to be with us, but he's always lingering near us.

"Are you still here? Don't you have somewhere to be?"

 As a matter of fact, yes! I'm off to meet up with a few friends visiting from out of town. I know it'll be dark by the time L and I get home, so I'm going to be warm, dammit.

 Monster Vest meets Sleeping Bag Skirt! It's a match made in heaven!

• Monster Vest - Zara Woman, consignment; last seen here in December with bigass pants
• Sweater - Jean Paul Gaultier, consignment; last worn here (3rd outfit)...with Monster Vest! in November for a party
• Skirt - Wei Peng Padding Down, thrifted; first worn here in November with teal velvet
• Boots - Clarks; last seen here in November with classic cowgirl
• Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here earlier this week

 Some of our friends saw me in this top/vest combo before. Gads, whatever will they say, ha ha.

I am going to be warm! I anticipate that this skirt will be even better in this cold than the first time I wore it. It's been lovely and toasty as I've worn it while typing this post.

 I'm headed off shortly, and plan on doing nothing exciting for the rest of my weekend. Chillin' with my dear L (boardgames! football!) and Vizzini (cuddling! naps! drool!). I hope you all can enjoy your own version.

I love this funky vibe. It's very "me" feeling.

 I never thought I'd groove on neutrals so much. This year has been good for me in terms of a style evolution, from growing my hair out, changing the colour and really paying attention to classics (but also enjoying my klassics, you know what I mean!).

It's important to pay attention to how we present ourselves - it's part of my self-care.

 When I look good, I feel good.

Outerwear - looking warm, this is good.

 I'm about to put all this stuff back on and walk to town (I'm running a bit late).

The stuff:

 Caramel boots - love these.

Bronze and brass bling (say that three times fast).

 Wearing my anatomical heart locket over the ribcage print of the sweater, and wearing a feather ring with my Poe/raven cuff - those things make me happy.

• Cuffs - Jezebel Charms, gift from L
• Locket - gift from L
• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
• Spinner ring - Twang & Pearl
• Feather ring - Fossil, thrifted
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s, vintage fair

I will leave you with my good wishes for the holiday season, and a little game of "Spot the Cat."

"Hee hee hee, no one will ever find me."

 He's that lump in the centre, curled up under my TV blanket. Wish your fans a Merry Christmas, Vizzini!

"Love to all my fans. You complete me."

Enjoy your holidays, my friends.

Acid Yellow and Badass Black

I had the idea for this outfit based around a totally different skirt - but I didn't like how it looked, so at the last minute, I swapped it out for this yellow skirt instead. 

 Winner! I like this look a lot better. I 'll wear the other skirt some time next week - it's a very shiny one.

• Vest - 2b Bebe, consignment; last seen here in August, worn briefly over this same blouse
• Top - Free People, thrifted; first worn here - yup, in that same outfit with plaid pants in August
• Skirt - Firenze, vintage 80s, thrifted; first worn here in October with red and embroidered florals
• Booties - London; last worn here with a glamazon tiger dress in November
• Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here last week for the trip to the dentist

 This skirt is your classic pencil skirt, but totally non-classic in that yes, it is acid yellow, leather, pearlized...did I mention butter-soft leather?

I hadn't realized that I'd done this vest and top combo before, but it worked for me again. Something about the badassery of the faux leather and the studs with the sheer shirt with the ragged cuffs and ruffles (I have a black cami on underneath for extra coverage and warmth).

 I had a crazy-busy day once again, but I'm determined to knuckle down and slam everything through tomorrow. There are fewer and fewer people around at work as the week goes on, so I'm hopeful I can clear the decks a bit for my time off.

Outerwear - the rain is done and now it's clear and cold. Brrr! Thank goodness for the Unsafe Polar Bear, here to keep me warm.

 First wearing of this new-to-me massive scarf - it was lovely and cozy, and as you can see, it settles down to a very reasonable size when worn.

• Scarf - Masai Clothing Company, thrifted for $7.95, first wear
• Leather gloves - Danier

The stuff:

 These boots get a lot of love. I had a chuckle with one of my coworkers today that in 10 years, we'll be saying, "Oh my gosh, remember 2017? The Year of the Black Bootie? They were everywhere!" They are certainly popular out here on Canada's west coast.

Sparkly bling:

First wearing of this new-to-me necklace, purchased for $5.95. I liked how nicely it went with these dangly earrings - the earrings have a matching necklace but I like how this one fills in the neckline more.

• Necklace - thrifted, $5.95, first wear
• Earrings - Plum
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Sparkly green ring - consignment

L and I are off to see "The Last Jedi" tonight! I'm so excited! I've heard great things!

Finally, a note to all my readers, friends and relatives (hi, Mom! hi, Lois!) - I will be posting more sporadically over the next little while, as I let myself relax into the holidays. I'll still be around, and there will be posts, but my daily frequency will drop to every few days instead.

Wishing every one of you a very Happy Holidays! All the best to you and your loved ones (human and furry fam) for a safe, healthy and sane season. Thank you all so much for reading, and a huge thank you to the people who take the time to comment - it is the greatest gift to know that you connect with someone out there! Hugs from me to you!

Tube Dress with Lace and Magenta Tassels

I'd planned to wear today's outfit with this vesty doohicky over it. It didn't go well, so one more attempt at making an outfit out of it, and then it's gonzo for that sparkly thingamabob.

 I went with the original outfit on its own, though, as I love this dress. I was a little chilled on my arms in the sheer lace, but I felt comfy and snuggly all day otherwise.

• Top - Express, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit) in November for a chill afternoon meet-up with friends
• Tube dress - Dolce & Gabbana, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in October with a floral blouse under it
• Shoes - Coclico; last seen here in August with a metal dress (same earrings, of course)
• Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here last week with Space Pants

 Dang, this dress is sexy, if I do say so myself. It is a very nice thick stretchy wool, and just hugs all the curves. I do get an extra thrill that it's a Dolce & Gabbana from the 90s. Real designer! Made in Italy too (super klassy).

I also like showing off a bit of my ink through this top.

 I had a scotch with my boss in his office today (with two other VPs) - they are so sweet, they gave me another Fluevog gift card for Christmas. I then went out with one of my colleagues who works for our landlord, and we commiserated over how stoopid people can be. Don't get me wrong - many people are awesome...but many people are also stoopid, especially when you work in a service-oriented job as we both do.

All bundled up in my classic winter uniform - the Unsafe Ocelot and my furry accoutrements!

 It poured this morning, so I also carried my umbrella, which I forgot at the office, so now my fur is drying out.

• Fur toque/scarf/leather gloves - Danier

The stuff:

 I'm surprised that I haven't worn these since August, but really - so many shoes, so little time!

Metal bling:

These earrings are always worn with the pink tasseled shoes!

• Leather/chain cuff - local
• Earrings - consignment, Vancouver
• Hematite ring - thrifted (first wear, it was $1.00)
• Gold/amethyst ring - Dad's, c. 1965, France Jewellers