Year of the Rat and Regrets

Ah, we made it to Thursday. Except it's my Friday, as I'm taking a couple of days off. 

 I spy an early - and long! - weekend in my future!

• Jacket - Tian Art, thrifted; last worn here in November 2018 on a discombobulated day
• Turtleneck sweater - M&S Collection, consignment; first seen here in December 2019 with red and denim
• Trousers - Zara, thrifted; first worn here in November 2019 with a vintage shirt
• Shoes - Shoe the Bear, consignment; first worn here in December 2019 when they fooled me
• Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here yesterday

Isn't this jacket amazing? I've had it for 7 years and this is its 9th wear. I paid $8.00 for it.

I have worn it open, done up and belted, and paired it with long and short skirts, wide and skinny trousers, and over a dress. It's always worn with red, burgundy, pink, blue, white or black.

Today I wore it with pink and blue. If this is your first time meeting this jacket, you may be wondering why.

Bwah! Because it's entirely lined in hot pink satin! Isn't it fabulous?

I love all the embroidered details - the thread is variegated pink/blue/white with a sparkle thread trimming the whole thing, and red embroidered shapes over that, and it trims the collar, cuffs and hem (close-up here).

It is split up both sides, and the embroidery extends up along the edges. The frog-style knotted "buttons" up the front are completely hand-stitched.

I knew I'd have a really busy day today, just dealing with my regular work-day as well as prepping for being off for two whole days.

This outfit was awesome for all the running around I did (with one exception) and as a bonus I was themed to all the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year decorations in my office. It's the Year of the Rat!

Done up. This is my preferred mode of wearing the jacket, but it is a wee bit snug right now and it has no stretch.

I had originally planned a different pair of shoes (these ones), and instead decided to wear my navy blue loafers. And how did those shoes repay me? By killing my foot. The first time I wore them, they were fantastic, but this time, I had severe pain between my toes. I suspect Morton's neuroma (link to the Mayo Clinic here) as I have Morton's toe (my second toe is longer than all the rest) and the cause is often bad shoes.

Sigh, shoes will be the death of me. I have very few regrets in my life, my friends, but wearing ill-fitting cheap shoes that were too high, for too far long (including walking and standing for hours in them) when I was younger is the one thing I would change if I could go back.

I've had several pairs of shoes over the years that hit that one bad spot on my left foot, and they just can't stay.

Outerwear - pink to go with the jacket. I like the clash with the caramel brown.

Rain, rain, and more rain.

• Toque - Club Monaco, thrifted
• Fur boa - thrifted
• Leather gloves - consignment

The stuff:

I gave my shoes to my coworker Christina before I even left work - she was thrilled. Bye, shoes! I didn't really like how they looked on, anyway, so no regrets there.

• Silver earrings - Brenda Schoenfeld, 1992, vintage mall
• Lapis lazuli/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

Signing off and wishing you all a fabulous weekend. May all your shoes be comfy and all your cats be cuddly.

"Woman, stop hogging my picture."

I'll be back on Monday with tales of adventure!

Amber Show-Off

After the grey day yesterday, today ended up being much more mellow. It helped that I had this golden light in the morning (even if it was from the stairwell lights!). 

And it helped that I wore a mellow colour! I browsed my closet last night and looked for things I wanted to wear - this blazer jumped right out at me.

• Blazer - InWear; first worn here in a Hallowe'en-y outfit in October 2019
• Sweater - Talbots, thrifted; first seen here in November 2019 with dragon scales
• Skirt - Tribal, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in November 2019 for a shopping expedition
• Shoes - Matisse; last seen here in December 2019 for a second-hand shop
• Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here a couple of weeks ago

Orange is one of my favourite colours. Well, ALL colours are my favourite, with my least favourite being oatmeal (oatmeal is for eating, not wearing) or beige, which are so darned blah. This particular orange is not as bright as it looks in the stair picture, but more pumpkin-y.

I like the is-it-still-trendy? shape of this boxy jacket. I felt dressy without feeling too overdressed.

I save a lot of my short skirts for warm weather wear because I always wear tights with them (I have nylons on).

My longer houndstooth skirt (yes, I have two) is in my spring/summer wardrobe, ready for my bare legs. Brrr, can't think about bare legs now!

A plain white sleeveless sweater for more brightness overall and to help tie the shoes in. I go through one of these sweaters every couple of years, and always find them thrifted. After two wears, I'm already down to $3.50 per wear!

It's a nice breathable cotton and the V-neck showed off my necklace well.

I only buttoned my jacket to put my coat on over it for my walks to and from work.

I did shove my sleeves up - I've always liked that look - but it was chilly this morning.

Outerwear - I've managed to dodge the rain for a couple of days without getting wet, but I was in it both ways today.

I love this vintage fedora - it fits my head perfectly, and didn't blow off, even though it was very gusty.

• Fedora - Edward Mann, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Scarf - gift from Mom, Italy

The stuff:

These may be the most comfortable dressy shoes that I own. After two days of heels, I needed a low shoe. I liked the pattern mixing with the skirt, and how the brown heel went with the orange jacket.

Amber bling:

And there's what I built the entire outfit around: my new amber and sterling silver earrings that L got me for Christmas this past year.

• Earrings - vintage, gift from L
• Necklace - vintage, gift from L
• Ring - Past Times, c. 1995, gift from L

I actually picked these out at Vanity Fair Antique Mall for my Christmas present. I'm very fussy about my jewelry, and L had...not quite gotten it... on a couple of previous years' gifts. So this year, he scouted out 4 or 5 pieces he thought I would like (I didn't - told you I was fussy), and had the lovely lady at the Mall hide the prices from me. While we were waiting for the proprietor to open a case, I spotted these in another case. "I like these! A lot." L knows, when I like something, that's the thing.

Anyway, I do love these, and they were awesome to wear, not too heavy at all - all that openwork keeps them lighter. Here they are on, as they are so swingy that they're blurry in every picture - you can barely see them, but they are a big statement.

Ignore my glassy stare - I hadn't had my coffee yet!

Planning my outfit around my special amber jewelry - L bought me every one of these amber pieces, going back 25 years! - was a fun challenge. They deserve to be shown off!

Last Grey Beads and Fluff

As you may have noticed, my second-hand shopping has slowed considerably in the last month or more - I just haven't had time! It's all good, though, as I have a rather large wardrobe and have no shortage of things to wear. 

It was bright this morning - look, colour! Ha, but I'm wearing greys anyway.

• Cardigan - Cable & Gauge, consignment; last worn here (3rd outfit) in December 2018 for theatre with Mom
• Skirt - Zara, thrifted; first worn here in March 2019 with a leather peplum (same shoes!)
• Shoes - Amante, thrifted; last seen here with all greys in October 2019
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, consignment; last worn here in December 2019

One of the very handy side effects to shopping one's own closet is that you quickly realize when you do not love an item.

 Both this sweater and skirt are now in the giveaway pile.

While I like the cardigan sweater, it's just not me. I bought it a few years ago for $22.98 and this is only its fourth wearing. I never reach for it.

 And while I love the pale grey extra-fluffy texture of this skirt, it's itchy and it feels cheap.

Which it was! I got it in a Buy One-Get One Free deal for free!

It cost me nothing, so off it goes.

Outerwear - it's rainy and not overly cold now, our normal winter.

I don't have to fully bundle up, hurray! I even took my gloves off to cool me down when a hot flash hit me on the way to work.

• Scarf - Roots, thrifted
• Gloves - Danier

The stuff:

I love the classic shape of these snakeskin print shoes. They're not going anywhere! I've worn them at least 20 times, bringing them down to 50 cents a wear.

Grey bling:

A mix of thrifted stuff, plus Grandma J's jet necklace.

• Jet necklace - vintage 60s, Grandma J
• Silver/onyx ring - Tocarra, vintage fair
• Hematite ring and bead bracelets - thrifted at various times
• Chain bracelet - thrifted
• Earrings - thrifted

Mixed Foxy Blues

Although it's starting to stay lighter longer in the evenings, it's still dark out when I take my morning stair picture.

I'm hoping another couple of weeks and then I'll have "normal" light again.

• Sweater - Gap, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in November 2019 for brunch
• Skirt - Andre Courreges, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here in November 2018 with a whack of colour
• Shoes - Modern Living Slant, Fluevog; purchased here for $169.99 with gift cards
• Coat (below) - Sfizio, consignment; last worn here a couple of weeks ago

I had a different top planned for this, but didn't like it on - this fun foxy sweater rang my bells and worked well with the rest of the outfit, even the jewelry!

 The little bits of blue in the fox's eyes picked up the mixed blues in my outfit.

Isn't this skirt amazing? It's wool and cashmere and is incredibly thick.

I don't wear it too often, but as it's one of my "real designer" pieces, it's a forever-keeper. Can you believe I paid $5.00 for it? For Andre Courreges??

I like how this longer length suddenly looks current, as longer mid-calf skirts are on-trend.

How fickle fashion is!

Outerwear - we're back to our usual winter of rain, clouds and wind.

It's very mild out, so I didn't even need a scarf.

• Beret - consignment
• Gloves - Danier

The stuff:

These shoes were very good for about 6 hours. When I did my decorating for Chinese New Year at the end of the day, I switched over to my Docs for climbing up and down ladders.

Blue bling:

I liked all these blues - it's a good mix.

• Necklace/earrings - Sherman, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Fulvia Ring/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes

And how was your Monday?

Bigass Weekend Wrap-Up: Tiger Fleece and Fringe, Family Brunch

Hello, my friends! It's been a lovely and relaxing weekend, as I surrounded myself with friends and family to help soothe my Rage and get me back on an even keel. 

On Friday, I covered myself in thick fleece and a tiger (just to let everyone know I was still a little Rage-y (rar!).

• Fleece dress - Kenzo, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2018 for brunch
• Boots - Minnetonka, thrifted; last seen here in February 2019 with my PANK dress
• Coat (below) - L'Atiste, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in December 2019

I adore this dress - it's the thickest fleece I've ever felt. Several of my coworkers felt it and were suitably impressed.

 Guess who it's by? Can you tell by the giant KENZO emblazoned across my stomach?

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

The tiger itself is embroidered and is rather rigid - several people who saw me sitting asked me to stand up so that they could admire him (rar!).

 The "skater dress" shape of this is...questionable for me, so I have to be in the right mood for it, but I love the statement it makes. I'm here and in your face!

Pockets! I am also wearing a short skirt-slip under it due to the open, short, flared shape.

The dress is really tight, with no stretch (it has a side zipper), so I have to be feeling good about my weight before I'll wear it. It's also really WARM, so I can only wear it on really cold days. It was just right on Friday. I have worn it once a year (5 times now) since I bought it for $24.95 in 2016.

Outerwear - in retrospect, not the most insulating coat I own, but because of the flared skirt on the dress, I needed something with room for that. I usually wear a cropped or short jacket with this.

All my pink pieces for warmth and colour.

• Cashmere toque - Club Monaco, thrifted
• Cashmere pashmina - Portolano, thrifted
• Leather gloves - consignment

The stuff:

Although I love, adore, am delighted by these boots, they are not staying with me. This is only their 3rd wearing and the wedge heel is just too high, and they are a size too big (even with insoles). If they were flat, I'd wear them constantly. However, they are going to my colleague Camille, who is super-excited to get them.

• Earrings - consignment

After work on Friday, L and I trekked down to Outlooks for Men where he bought two new suits for work, and then we went for Thai food for dinner. We spent the evening playing boardgames and listening to music. It was heaven.

On Saturday, I passed on Mental Health Walking on black ice near the water (no, thank you!), and instead of brunch, L and I caught the bus and met up with my family at Montana's restaurant to celebrate my brother Dave's 50th birthday.

Being warm, comfortable and suitably Aunt-Sheila-is-wacky for my nieces and nephew.

• Vest - Pink Martini, consignment; first worn here in December 2019
• Dress - Karen Millen, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in October 2019 for dinner at Mac and Petra's
• Boots - Truths Teah, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) for brunch in December 2019
• Coat (below) - Vassali, consignment; last seen here in October 2019

A nice stretchy stripey wool dress, and then the layered light grey knit vest/duster over it.

 Unfortunately, all the decorations, buckles and gewgaws of my boots snagged the vest really badly when I was walking, and destroyed the bottom 4 inches of it. Despite my (sort of) patient gentle pulls and repairs, the vest is not worth all that effort and is now in the giveaway pile.

I felt badly about it until I saw that I'd only paid $12.50 for it and wore it twice. I'm good with $6.25 per wear.

 A bummer, though.

I like this look, so I'll probably keep my eyes peeled for another long grey vest for layering.

After lunch, we bussed back to town to pick up groceries for Winesday (my evening event with the gals) and MANday (L's evening music-listening group).

Outerwear - it's quite a lot warmer and most of the snow is in dirty, slushy piles. It even started to rain.

I've never been so glad to see rain. I'm done with snow - bring on spring!

• Fur boa - thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Leather purse - Danier, thrifted

The stuff:

Knits + boot decorations = bad things. Sigh. Live and learn!

Silver bling:

Easy stuff.

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

I took a few pictures of my brother - Happy Birthday, Cowboy! I did a tribute to my little brother for his 40th birthday, 10 years ago (here, including why I call him Cowboy)

 Aw!

Montana's is a steakhouse-themed restaurant - note the deer head behind Dave.

Can't believe my little brother is 50!

Dave and his two youngest daughters.

That's Hannah in the middle (17) and Sydney (10).

My nephew Matt is 25 and the oldest of Dave's kids.

I love this pic of him and L.

All three girls - Zoe (on the right, 21) arrived late.

She was over from the mainland (Vancouver) - she goes to university there.

All of us.

 Syd looks fearful - it's okay, honey, wackiness doesn't run in the family (yes, it does).

And with me.

The restaurant does brown paper on the table and supplies crayons, and we all got a little colouring in.

I wrote "Happy Birthday, Dave" at my spot.

"Really. More pictures."

The server noticed and brought Dave a bowl of ice cream, a chocolate cookie and caramel sauce all over it.

"If I give it to you, you have to share the cookie."

All the best to my dear bro!

It was great to see everyone!

As I wore the same outfit for Winesday (minus the vest), and I spent Sunday watching the NFL football playoffs, that's it for outfits! I really needed a quiet weekend, and this was just right.

Thank you so much for dropping by!