Wonder Woman...and Her Cat

Finally got around to wearing this lovely cerulean blue dress today! Isn't it a beauty?

 I had oodles of compliments on this outfit, capped off by my dear Yvonne exclaiming, "You look like Wonder Woman!"

• Dress - Liz Claiborne, vintage late 80s, thrifted; purchased here for $18.75
• Shoes - Big Presence Desmond, Fluevog; last seen here (2nd outfit) in January with royal purple for a double-mom-daughter date for the theatre
• Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage, thrifted; last worn here for New Year's Eve December 2018

Maybe Diane Prince? I could totally hide a sword down my back in this fabulous silk dress.

"Who are you talking to, Woman? Are you blathering about your clothes again?"

Such a gorgeous cut (not "cat", Vizzini!) - it pulls on over the head, and that wrap top did not budge at all. I noted anew the tacked stitches where the shoulder pads used to be. I wore a full vintage slip under this. 

The dress is unlined silk, and it has a "swoosh" pattern woven into it for textural interest (close-up here). It also has an elasticated waist that doesn't quite match where my actual waist is, so a large belt was required to cover it.

"I require your attention!"

The waist has thin belt loops on the side, and one at the front where the faux wrap ends, so I suspect its original belt was a sash, meant to be tied there.

"I'm fit to be tied if you don't stop yakking."

As you can see, it's got pockets! What a lovely surprise.

Outerwear - due to the large dolman sleeves* I can't shove my arms into a regularly-cut coat for fear of sweating on the silk, so I wore the Unsafe Polar Bear, which also has sort-of dolman sleeves. Well, maybe not, but they are wider than most of my coats.

*Dolman sleeves are very wide at the armhole and tight in the wrist, often cut in one piece with the bodice, according to the interwebz (but I knew it already).

"You lost me at dolman. What's in the hallway?"

I was overly warm in this, but I could easily adjust my furnace by removing gloves or scarf.

• Pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
• Leather gloves - consignment

The stuff:

 So much shiny! Driven by the need for a big belt, once I'd chosen it, these were the only shoes that would work, as they read as both gold and copper, depending on what I wear with them. I did feel a bit like a superhero in all this shiny gold.

Gold bling:

My Christian Dior belt and the gold torc necklace were the stars.

• Belt - Christian Dior, vintage fair
• Torc - vintage fair
• Bracelet - Lia Sophia, thrifted
• Earrings - Biko, consignment
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

And now, my friends, off to watch some Project Runway All Stars and chill out! I will be back on the weekend with tales of adventure.

Double Velvet and Bag O' Shoes

You guys are the best - I so appreciate your good wishes, advice and positive vibes. I kinda feel like now I'm getting sick (like flu sick), but I'm willing myself not to be sick. NO.

Carrying on with being comfortable and cozy at work, I played the double velvet card today. Velvet everywhere!

• Blazer - Vero Moda, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in October 2018 for some weekend shopping
• Blouse - Renuar, thrifted; last seen here under my $1000 sweater in December 2018
• Skirt - Yves St. Laurent Rive Gauche, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in March 2018 with a tweed vest and ruffled shirt
• Shoes - Queen of Prussia Louise, Fluevog; last seen here in November 2018 on a discombobulated day
• Sleeveless coat - Only, thrifted; last worn here eight days ago

Due to it being really dark out this morning (rain clouds), the colours of both velvet pieces look much gloomier than they are. The velvet "boyfriend"-cut blazer is a rich burgundy (view here for a better look at the colour).

 And the skirt is a dark purple (view here for a better look). It's also Yves St. Laurent, baby! Classy!

I had my coworkers feel both the velvet* on the jacket and the velvet on the skirt and guess which one was better quality. It's the skirt, of course! Some people gasped when they felt the skirt, it is that nice.

*Strictly speaking, the jacket is velour, since it's on a knit vs. on a weave. Velvet is like a mowed lawn. Fuzzy lawn on knit = velour. Fuzzy lawn on weave = velvet. The actual fabric can be cotton, polyester or silk (or a mix), and all of them can still be velvet.

 Ugh, I hate that bad hem on the back of this blazer. That could be a deal-breaker for me. Is velvet still trendy or is that over now? I can never keep up!

The skirt is the real "keeper" item - it's gorgeous, and it has pockets! Big ones!

 It's absolutely wonderful to wear.

Outerwear - I was overheating right and left all day. I'm not sure if it's hot flashes or feverishness.

 Our bout of warm-ish weather continues. At least there wasn't any rain today.

• Scarf - thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 I love these shoes. They are awesome to wear.

Crystal bling:

 I have a set, and it's even by the same maker: Myka. They are very glittery under my office lights.

• Necklace/bracelet/earrings - Myka, gifts from L
• Brooch - c. 1999? from the Bay
• Amethyst/gold ring - Frances Jewellers, c. 1965, Dad's

I wore the brooch pinned at the top of the blouse's neck.

Reader Cathy asked yesterday if my velvet boots held up in the rain. No way for that to happen, because I never wear them outside!

Most of my good shoes are "office only" and I am extremely careful with them - I very, very rarely wear them out on sidewalks, aside from weekends and Fridays. I might dash out for a quick errand or to grab lunch, but it's Bag O' Shoes for me otherwise.

I double-bag my shoes to make sure they stay dry (from both weather, and my drippy coffee mug), and I wear my Doc Martens leather floral boots in autumn/winter to walk to and from work. For this coming spring/summer, I'll be wearing velvet Vans that I recently thrifted (pic here) - Docs are too hot in warm weather, but they're fabulous in rain and snow.

Take care of your shoes and they will last for years!

Cocoon of Comfort

Thank you all so much for your good vibes - I'm feeling much better today, well-rested, and while I'm not 100%, I am in the 80% range. Which is good enough. 

 What to do when feeling blue? Wear a dress!

• Turtleneck - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) in December 2018, over the holidays
• Dress - Romeo Gigli, vintage, consignment; first worn here (3rd outfit) over the November 2018 long weekend, with burgundy accents
• Boots - Ishshoes Chatterbox, Fluevog; last seen here in December 2018 with florals
• Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here in December 2018

And when you want to feel like you're in a cocoon of comfort, you wear a sweater dress. And a sparkly turtleneck under it.

 And throw on a belt to look like you made an effort. There you go.

Second wearing of this lovely wool dark grey dress. It's a gorgeous piece, even with that "Flashdance" neckline (hence the turtleneck - which I did not need for warmth, just coverage).

I happily showed this off to my fashion-forward colleagues - Romeo Gigli! Linking here just for fun to this listing on 1st Dibs for a similar 80s dress by him, also with really long sleeves, listed for over $2,000! Woo, and mine was only $27.50.

Where have my hands gone? Could they be hiding under these long, long sleeves?

 It's certainly possible.

Outerwear - it rained all day today.

 This plus my umbrella, and I was good.

• Fur boa - thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 Playing with my accessory sets - I knew I could do an all-blue look with these wonderful velvet boots.

Blue bling:

I enjoy getting wear out of my vintage leather/elastic waist-cincher belt too! Dig those 80s snakeskin inserts!

• Belt - vintage, thrifted
• Earrings - thrifted
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Sodalite/silver ring - Scotland, 1996

Weekend Wrap-Up: Plaid Cowgirl, Olive Leopard-Bee, and Cat Pictures

Hello, my friends! I am back, but I've been sick this weekend: a nasty UTI (urinary tract infection) hit me this weekend, so I've been laying low and taking my antibiotics. 

Saturday: L and I had some household chore-y things to do, so I geared up to face the world. 

 Plaid flannel, to pretend I am still in bed; and cowboy boots, for kicking butt (mentally, of course).

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

• Dress - Naughty; last worn here in February 2018 for last year's VFF Gala evening
• Boots - 1883 Lucchesse, consignment; last seen here in December 2018 (another cowgirl look!)
• Leather coat (below) - Danier Leather; last worn just a few days ago here

This dress is one of my few retail purchases - I got it at Dots around September 2011 for $30, and first wore it here. It's going on 8 years old this year!

 I love all the swoops and swaths of fabric.

I'm wearing a red vintage slip under it for coverage and warmth, as the dress is unlined.

 It's a 9/10 dress for comfort, fun, and style. I dock it a point for lack of pockets.

Outerwear - should have worn a scarf, although it was a lovely sunny day.

 Klassy, changing up my purse, even.

• Gloves - Danier Leather
• Purse - Steve Madden, consignment

The stuff:

 Easy boots. We did a lot of walking and busing around town.

• Belt - Gap, consignment
• Black cuff - Guess, thrifted
• Red cuff - Rimanchik
• Earrings - Tanya Gleave, Granville Island

Before we leave the house, we always check for Vizzini, as he often gets shut in a closet (he's very sneaky). Look where we finally found him!

"Really, Woman? I'm trying to nap here."

 Having gotten a new bathrobe for Christmas, I cut up my old one (which he liked to sleep on), and lined his scratching post house with it.

Such a cutie! Let's use the flash! Ha ha!

"You have a sick sense of humour, Woman." 

 That's for all the times you wake me up at 4am.

On Saturday night, things were not feeling good. I came down with the aforementioned horrendous UTI, only my second one in 23 years! I barely slept that night, and got up very early on Sunday to get in line at a local medical clinic (my province's huge lack of doctors being readily apparent). Close to 8 hours later - so much waiting! - I was home again and taking antibiotics. I didn't do much on Sunday at all, except lie on the couch and doze and watch football.

Today, up and ready to go to work. I had this outfit sitting in reserve for a day when I didn't have anything planned.

 I look like an olive bumblebee with leopard arms. Perhaps that is the sleep debt talking?

• Blouse - Planet, consignment; last seen here in February 2018 with yellow
• Sweater - Tuzzi, consignment; purchased here for $11.50
• Suede/leather skirt - Ann Taylor, thrifted; last worn here with green and snakes in November 2018
• Shoes - Chie Mihara, consignment; first worn here in November with green rabbits
• Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last seen here a week ago

I did manage to freshen up my lilac colour on Saturday before all hell broke loose.

 This outfit was fine, but I left work early today. I was still feeling really wiped out, and a few of my coworkers noticed I was looking pale. Gotta listen to my body, and not push through!

I'm not 100% on this weird sweater - it was itchy, even with a blouse under it - so it's in the giveaway pile. It was worth a shot at less than $12, though. Always attempt the weird, even if it fails.

 The bottom half of the outfit is pretty standard, and I was reminded how nice this suede skirt is.

How I really felt this morning.

 Don't want to go to work. Nope Face!

Outerwear - it's clear and cold, and I wanted to be warm.

 I was.

• Toque/gloves - Danier Leather
• Fur scarf - thrifted

The stuff:

 Second wearing of these wonderful shoes. Sorry for such a short outing, shoes. Another time.

Minimal bling:

 Tip #34 for How to tell Sheila isn't feeling well: I don't bother with jewelry.

This is what I really need.

"Woman, I protest this shot of my butt-hole!"

 I'm sorry, buddy, I didn't know it was showing!

This is waiting for me now...

"I shall sleep on you."

On my way.

Casual Friday: Monster Vest and New Boots

Friday is here, and ooh boy, am I glad. As a special treat, I am actually posting on Friday instead of saving this for Sunday, just to remove some of the time spent on the Bigass Weekend Wrap-up. 

 Another ruffled blouse, Monster Vest and my new boots. Oh, and jeans.

• Monster Vest - Zara, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) for our trip to Vancouver in March 2018
• Silk blouse - Emporio Armani, thrifted; first worn here with red suede in August 2018
• Jeans - Levi Strauss bike commuter jeans, thrifted; last seen here in December 2018 with my $1,000 dollar blouse
• Boots - Truths Teah, Fluevog; purchased here for $299.00
• Coat (below) - Zara, gift from Dominique; last seen here in November 2018

I reassured many of my coworkers that Monster Vest was not actually made from real Muppets.

 I see these faux fur vests in thrift stores frequently - if you ever get one, be warned. They are HOT to wear. As in sweaty. Very sweaty.

Back into the wash goes my silk blouse (I sweated in it last time I wore it too).

 The colour does appear to match my hair perfectly, but the silk is actually pale grey with burgundy dots (proof here).

I still felt badass all day and strode about my office gleefully shaking my fur at my colleagues.

 Looking forward to the weekend.

Outerwear - this is one of a few coat that fits over Monster Vest. I went with this one because, did I mention? this vest is HOT to wear. Also, it's a really groovy shape.

 A snuggly fur scarf and elbow-length leather gloves and I am set.

• Fur boa - thrifted
• Gloves - Club Monaco, consignment

The stuff:

 First wearing of these boots, and they were fabulous. The shaft is quite stiff, but the ankle area loosened up quite a bit over the day.

Badass bling:

Nothing that would catch on the faux fur.

• Grommet belt - gift from Ruth
• Crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Obsidian/silver ring - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1984
• Earrings - Glee

And now, I am off to make dinner and chill out.

"And letting me in the hallway!"

No, buddy, you are not allowed out there.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend!

Snazzy Plaid and Ruffles and Velvet. And Sparkles.

My outfit is all the adjectives today. 

 Velvet. Gold. Pleated. Ruffled. Paisley. Plaid. Wool. Glitter. Snazzy!

• Blazer - Pink Tartan, consignment; purchased here for $38.98
• Blouse - CABi, consignment; last seen here in February 2018 with Monday's velvet dress (I love that outfit)
• Trousers - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here (5th outfit) in October 2018 - first outfit of autumn
• Shoes - Seychelles; last seen here in December 2018 with black and shiny paisley
• Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here a couple of weeks ago

Today was an okay day, but I'm feeling emotionally worn out. Dealing with people is hard! I am feeling the need to introvert. So today's outfit is about faking it till you make it, and clothing as armour.

Keeping in theme this week, and starting with this lovely pleated ruffled blouse - it has pleated ruffles at the cuffs as well, although they're mostly hidden by the jacket.

Isn't this green velvet piece of amazeballs the BEST? Some of you might recall my old grass-green velvet jacket, last seen here in May 2017. It didn't make the cut and I've since given it away. This jacket is so much nicer, but the same colour. What a win!

However, like my old jacket, this one is going into my spring/summer wardrobe, where it will not ever be worn under a coat again. This much velvet and my trenchcoat? It was like wearing velcro in a room full of wool.

I wore it buttoned thusly, to allow the ruffles to escape.

 I love these fully-lined wool trousers. They have a touch of dark green in the plaid.

All buttoned up. Two of the buttons popped off near the end of the day.

 The gold buttons are really lovely - very heavy and detailed (pic here). It will be a joy sewing them back on (*snort*).

Outerwear - I did not need any of the accoutrements all day.

 I wrestled with this coat every minute I had it on - the lining was like sticky-tape on the velvet.

• Toque/scarf/gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

 So glittery! I liked the way these anchored the outfit and balanced with the bits of gold from the buttons.

Sparkly bling:

First wearing of these thrifted earrings. I declare them: Adequate!

• Earrings - thrifted; purchased for $3.12 here - first wearing
• Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy