Oct 11th - Outfit #10 - Brown and Tweed and a Silly Cat

It's definitely autumn now! It's very chilly in the mornings (gloves are required) and I'm really happy that I've put so much tweed and thick clothing into this month's capsule.

I've been very lax this week with actually planning out my outfits the night before; normally, I would have everything ready for getting dressed in the morning, right down to the last detail of accessories. This week, I've had a top, a bottom and a shoe ready. I'm actually surprised that so many of these outfits are working!

Anyway, this is my green tweed jacket that matches the green tweed skirt that I wore here for my birthday. I took the faux fur collar off for this outfit. As mentioned with the history of the skirt, I've had this suit for several years - it was part of my big shop after I'd lost 50 lbs. It's a silk and wool blend and it's by Precis Petite. I think I paid around $125 for the jacket, marked down from close to $400. Considering I've had it since 2007, I think that's been a good investment.

I first wore the jacket on the blog for my birthday (with the matching skirt) in October 2008. I've also worn it in here in December 2008 (with boots that I recall smelled really bad - no more vinyl boots!), December 2009 (with some killer shoes that I no longer have), here in November 2010 (ooh, I still have every piece of that outfit), and the last time twice in February 2011 (with a menswear-inspired look). I haven't gotten too much wear out of it, as it's only wearable in cold weather, so I'm glad to be giving it a good airing this month.

The mustard blouse is turning out to be a salad dressing magnet! It's soaking in the sink to get the oil out of the ruffles at the front. I last wore it here.

The brown A-line skirt is fresh this month! It's by Liz Claiborne (I have a tendency to mix that up with Jones New York) and is a lovely thick ultrasuede. I thrifted it at the Hospice store for about $7.00, probably in December 2009, since my first wearing of it was here in January 2010 (I vividly remember what a pain it was to try on clothes while wearing that outfit!).

It's been previously worn in October 2010 (in an Annie Hall-ish ensemble), November 2010 (with my green bell-sleeved sweater that's in this month's capsule, hmmm, I'm so original), in February 2011 (with this month's mustard sweater; again, F for originality!), in November 2011 for a casual day shopping, and I last wore it here in December 2011 (with yesterday's plaid jacket). It's also strictly a cold-weather skirt, but it's great for layering.

I didn't wear any tights today due to the thickness of the skirt and the high-ish boots, my wonderful Fluevog Babycakes Minis (last worn here, scroll way down past my b-day party dress pals).

Vizzini helped me photograph the stuff:

He really desires the mink rose; he keeps trying to eat it. I have to store it up high where he can't reach it.

Let's try again:

I'm really grooving on the finger party - wearing lots of rings - lately.

Jacket (Precis Petites), blouse (Gap, thrifted), skirt (Liz Claiborne, thrifted), belt (Le Chateau), boots (Mini Babycakes, Fluevog), mink rose (consignment), earrings (Plum), horseshoe nail ring (Club Monaco), wood ring (Dots), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl).

I went to say goodbye to Vizzini this morning (what? You don't say goodbye to your pets?), and found him in a curious position:

"What? I'm sitting on the chair!"

A normal cat would sit on the chair. Not Vizzini (check out his past odd sitting here, scroll down).

He seems to know I'm mocking him.

"If you post this on your blog, I'll attack your feet at 4am."

Silly cat, you already attack my feet every morning!

Oct 10th - Outfit #9 - Now That's a Red Belt

I woke up this morning to fog, thick layers of it over the treetops. This called for warm layers.

This is my stretchy peplum jacket by Armour Jeans that I got in September 2010 for $6.00 thrifted - I first wore it here, with a lacy skirt.

I last wore it here in January 2012 with a leather vest over it (one of my favourite outfits ever!), and previously here last December with a simple ultrasuede skirt, and in August 2011 with some two-tone shoes that haven't made it into a capsule just yet, and in April 2011 with my denim maxi skirt (I just love that skirt). And let's not forget my "rusty blah" outfit of December 2010.

I'm just wearing a red cami underneath it. And there's my Smoking Lily linen skirt again (last seen here with my orange velvet jacket), although today I had to wear a slip under it to ward off serious tights-creep.

The boots are my Coffee Kope Tiams again, last worn here with blue and gold.

A look at the peplum back of the jacket (and my wrinkles from sitting!).

I liked how the orange/rusty tights worked with the dark red belt - the skirt has both colours in its patterns.

L got me this wonderful obi belt for my birthday - isn't the colour amazing?

It's a thinner leather than my black leather obi, and the straps are much longer. The front is also roughly pleated so that it gives it a more rustic look than smoother, thicker leather. It's locally made, but I don't know the maker.

For my jewelry, I hauled out some oldies: my Bakelite beads. I made the earrings from a strand off each side of the necklace. I also have a matching bracelet.

I bought them in an antique shop many years ago, to celebrate getting a job. Funny, I can't remember which job it was now!

Jacket (Armor Jeans, thrifted), cami (Ricki's), skirt (Smoking Lily, consignment), booties (Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevogs), belt (gift from L), necklace/earrings (vintage Bakelite), floral ring (Sarah Coventry, vintage 70s), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl).

Thank you all for your sweet comments on my birthday party and my actual birthday - I so much appreciate each and every one! Sorry I haven't been visiting blogs lately - so busy...will come by soon! And last, but not least, thank you to the new people who've found me through other blog friends. You're all awesome!

Oct 9th - Outfit #8 - The Actual B-Day

Happy Birthday to me! For those of you who thought you missed it, today is actually my birthday. Yee haw! I am 45. Yikes. 

Anyway, this is what I wore:

Green, green! This is my new-to-me green cashmere sweater by Daniel Bishop, that I bought in June (here, scroll down) for...oops, I forgot to write down the price. I'm going to say $32.00 - that seems about right for the Velvet Crease.

This is my green tweed skirt again, last seen here this past weekend, way down past the party pictures (woo woo!)

The shoes are ones I've had for a while, and I've worn them a lot! I got them in September 2009, and first wore them here, with a whack of accessories. They're by Seychelles, and they're sized wrong (they say 8, I'm a 9-9.5), so I bought them brand new at a consignment store for $45. A little on the high side, but hey, they were new!

I last wore them here in January 2012 (with one of my old-lady chic outfits), and also in July 2011 (2nd outfit, with zebra print!), May 2011 (with ruffles and pearls), January 2011 (with contrasting hosiery!), June 2011 (with a really cool blouse that I rarely wear anymore, aw), in April 2010 (stop! disco pose!), February 2010 (with some girly florals), December 2009 (with my green lame -that's lam-ay - skirt), and in October 2009 (with my mystery skirt).

The outerwear:

I didn't really need my leather jacket and a scarf - it was so nice and warm and sunny today!

The stuff:

All vintage, all different eras!

Sweater (Daniel Bishop, consignment), skirt (Precis Petite), shoes (Seychelles, consignment), green bracelet (vintage, early 60s, Mom's), earrings (vintage 50s), silver bracelet (Coro, vintage 70s, Mom's).

Oct 6th & 7th - Outfit #7 and Wild Card Party and Dress Round-Up, and Happy B-Day, Hannah!

As the weekend winds down, I'm looking back at my party with very fond memories! Thank you so much to all my dear friends for being so generous and wonderful (and for putting up with me!). You all looked so fabulous in your party clothes!

So, I used my October Wild Card for my birthday party:

This is my designer Bridget Savard dress that I bought for $25.00 here last month. I loved wearing this all night (the party went on till 4am!). It was like wearing pajamas!

I'm linking up to Visible Monday with this fun party outfit! Go to Patti's Not Dead Yet Style, and see all the gorgeous participants!

Those are my new Gap tights that I bought back in June on spring clearance for $4.95 (regular $15), and my Jessica Simpson silver ankle strap shoes. I bought those at Towne Shoes 5 years ago in 2007 for my 40th birthday party. I wear them for parties only - check out some previous party outfits here: last December, for my office's Christmas party; in April 2010 for my former boss's 50th birthday (that's my Betsey Johnson party dress), for New Year's Eve 2009 (again in my Betsey dress), in December 2008 for our Christmas party, and out dancing with friends in May 2008.

To give you a better look at the dress and its construction. The front and back are gathered into a knot in the centre that gives the dress a nice hourglass shape.

I look unamused, but I'm just doing my Serious Face - don't mess with me

I like the deep slit up the front - it keeps the dress from looking too frumpy, due to the length.

The back:

Rockin' my ink

You can see how the sleeves fill out when you move your arms. The tops of them have those nice little thread/snap fasteners that go around your bra to keep the sleeves from falling off. This was essential as the party wore on!

The sides:

Someone's coming in to say hello. He hid under the bed for the entire party. What a chicken-cat.

A box pleat is on each side, which pulls it in slightly and gives the dress really interesting movement.

I found the knots at the front and back made the dress a little too blousey for my curviness, so I added my black satin stomacher and my metal 80s stretchy belt over that.

For accessories, I wore my two leather cuffs, a finger party of rings, my silver feather earrings.

I also added my "teeth" necklace later on, because I liked how it looked.

A better look at the belt and my rings.

Dress (Bridget Savard, consignment), stomacher (InWear), belt (vintage 80s, thrifted), necklace (The Bay), earrings (locally made), rings from left to right: Nine West disc; spider, gift from Mom & Dad (80s); snake, vintage 80s; red stone, gift from Cindy.

A huge hug to all my amazingly beautiful real-life and blog friends. When I told my girls that the blogosphere was dressing up with me, they all wanted to be at the virtual party as well as the real thing!

Beware, we've all been drinking!

Karen is such a wonderful woman. check out her oxblood shoes, checked dress (with black ruffly flower trim), and her fab fascinator!

My dear Cat:

She's doing a very architectural black dress with enhanced hip pleats, oxblood tights and riding boots. Rock on!

Elaine channeled her inner Gatsby:

I love the polka dot tights with the red patent kitten heels. The pearls are the perfect addition to her flapper-style dress!

Tracy wowed us with her stretch faux wrap dress:

Blurriness due to the photographer...

Looking gorgeous, hon!

Marian always looks spectacular, and Saturday was no exception:

Her sheer coral top had a slit up the back and an industrial zipper.

It also has subtle layers in the front.

Perfect with skinny trousers and graphic heels!

The ever-sexy Caro did not disappoint:

Rocking the heck out of that steel grey silk jumper, and keeping accessories simple with the bold sandals and her naturally-curly hair - all that was needed.

My dear friend Vero is a burlesque performer, and she came in character:

Long feather earrings, corset top, platform sandals with OTK hosiery, and arm warmers.

Yowza!

You're amazing, Vero!

New friend Dawn wore the most beautiful wrap tunic top:

We all squealed when we saw her Fluevog black Munster shoes! Best shoes of the night, for sure!

Joining us in spirit if not in actual body, my virtual friends rounded out the party in excellent style!

Amber of Butane Anvil was resplendent in her cropped velvet red jacket, blue bird dress and chartreuse purse:

Fluevog Minis capped it all off perfectly! Visit her post, "Of A Feather" for more pictures (and please leave a kind word for the loss of her dear lady-pet, Mrs. Rosie Guidolin).

Beth of The Fashionable Adventures of Bethie the Boo showed her sexy side in this fabulous halter dress:

Pippin said a kitty hello to Vizzini - it's an homage!

 Love that pattern, and such a great dress on you, Beth!

Go to "Get your party dress on" to read her full post.

Heather sent these wonderful pictures of her party dress:

I love the pops of red in the belt, shoes, and flower, and even the back of the dress. Wicked ink, and don't you just adore the crinoline! Love this, Heather - you look beautiful!

The gorgeous Lynne of Practical Paralegalism brought her A-game (and her wine glass) to the party!

Check out her "To Sheila With Love" post for more pictures! I love that so many participants' pets made a good showing! Pets are always welcome at my parties!

Mica of Away from Blue brought a sweet little party bear with her:

What a stunning dress!

The top-secret Secret Squirrel of fashion maths sent her action shot!

We did have some dancing, and by the end of the night, we all had our shoes off! Lovely dress, SS!

The ever-fab Sheila (all Sheilas are fabulous, it's the law, btw) of Style Agent 909 rocked her military-style vest over this snakeskin dress.

Love the two-tone shoes! Go to "The Serpent and the Cargo" for her original post, and go here for her birthday horoscope (complete with Melanie illustration)!

Tamera of Menopausal Supermodel showed off her vintage autumnal dress and vest:

She only paid $2.00 for that classic 70s vintage purse - what a steal! Go here for her "Puttin' on My Party Clothes" post.

Tamera also dressed her fur family up for the party, but since Mr. Bill looked so traumatized, I'm only posting Ms. Kae Kae's candy-corn dress:

She's got her diva pose going on!

The beautiful Monica aka Izzywizz of Colour makes people wore this glorious purple floral dress:

I adore the black cardigan - so perfect! Go check out her yellow skirt in her "Missoni Pt 2" post here.

Speaking of Melanie of Bag and a Beret, she really went all out!

I see that bottle's already been opened! Good thing it's only sparking apple!

Melanie posted this hysterical entry, "Did shomeone schay birthday party?" I love this stripey gown of happiness!

The lovely Ally of Shybiker joined the party in her trademark "I can do anything" style!

That fringe is perfect for shakin' it on the dance floor!

Ally's always ready for a party - check out her post "Oddity" for more pictures:

Someone always loses a piece of clothing at my parties!

I love your fearlessness, Ally! Never lose that!

I know the wonderful Lisa of Dangerous Curves wanted to join the party, so I nabbed this beautiful dress picture off her blog:

Sadly, Lisa lost her mom yesterday. Please go send her your best vibes and peace to her and her family. We all raise our glasses in a toast to Patricia - I hope she is dancing somewhere for her dear daughter.

Sadness is balanced with levity in life, so let us all remember to take our happiness where we find it, even if that's in a pretty dress!

The amazing Megan of MMD wore this beautiful shirtdress and harness (and I sent her that necklace!) for my party.

Go here for her "Happy Birthday Sheila" post! Love the star boots! Party on, Megan! I saved the goat cheese just for you.

I can't forget Lorena at Lorena's Every Day Wear - she's been a blog-friend for years and years!

She's got the best big couch for hanging for a schmooze, and look at that sparkly bag! So fun!

You guys ruled! Thank you so much for dressing up and attending my virtual party!

Sunday morning, I dragged my sorry, hungover butt out of bed and got dressed to take my niece Hannah out for her birthday. Hannah's b-day is the day after mine. Happy Birthday, Hannah!

I wanted to be comfortable.

Niece's legs in the background; crazy Auntie Sheila looking a little ragged...

I love this mustard sweater - it's such a great colour. I wish it held its shape better, but that's my only beef with it. I got it at Winners in November 2010. It's by Pria and I don't remember how much it was, but it was probably on sale for under $20 because I'm cheap that way! I first wore it here, with my maxi olive suede skirt.

I've worn it a few times since, including again in November 2010 (with my prickly floral mini and long-gone cowboy booties), and here in February 2011 (with loads of browns), I last wore it here in December 2011 with my Smoking Lily cape (as skirt) and leopard tights and cowboy boots, but that's it. Seriously, it needs to be worn more. Hence the challenge!

The skirt is part of my Precis Petite suit (I used to have pants in this fabric as well, but they were too short so I got rid of them). Perhaps the suit jacket will appear this month?? I bought the suiting new when I first lost weight, and invested in these quality pieces; I think the skirt was around $80 on sale and of course, that was deeply discounted - the original was around $260.00. This is wool and silk and is soft as a dream. The skirt has multiple kick-pleats at the back for ease of walking.

I last wore it in November 2011 (with lacy legs!), and have worn it prior to that in January 2011 (with my cranes cardigan), in June 2010 with purple sequins and pale yellow, in May 2010 with my then-brand new Manolo Blahniks, in October 2009 (with my Smoking Lily obi - gosh, my hair is long there!), in January 2009 with pale yellow and my zebra kitten heels, for my birthday in October 2008 (there's the whole suit!), and in June 2008 (with lovely bright orange - I miss that sweater, but it got pilly).

My fabulous Mini boots make another appearance - I last wore them here with secret octopi! The belt was a gift from Mom on one of her trips to London - I moved it up to my actual waist as the day went on (and the sweater lost its shape).

Sweater (Pria), skirt (Precis Petites), boots (Minis Babycakes, Fluevog), belt (gift from Mom from London), cuff (SkinzNHydez).

Hannah and I walked for close to 5 hours (thank you, Fluevogs, for making such comfy boots!), then I came home and slept. Today - Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends far and wide! I hope you enjoy your turkey!