Gypsy Blues and Purple Velvet People-Eater

Woo! Friday! To reward myself for getting through the week, I had a slice of pizza and a glass of wine on the way home. That's decadence!

I kind of didn't go casual today:

I felt like a gypsy (in the best way possible) in this. All rich embroidery and swooshy light skirt and lush purples. I think the belt lends an important neutral element and grounds this, along with the tan in the sandals, and a titch of neutral (just a smidge) in the embroidery. And I wore a shark.

This is my most-cherished black velvet embroidered jacket, last worn here (3rd outfit) in October.

A nearly exact matching set of camisole, tights and shoes made my purple-loving heart feel good.

The wonderful blue skirt hasn't been worn on its own for a long time! It wasn't in any of the capsules a year+ ago, although I wore it a couple of time during the capsule as a layering piece. It accidentally got tucked into the costume box, and I'd forgotten about it! It's by Noa Noa - that's a brand I really miss buying from Dots, but all their stuff, no matter how nice it is, is manufactured in China. Can't do it. Women of Victoria! Donate your Noa Noa to the thrift shops, please, so I can buy it with a clear conscience.

It's lined in blue cotton (I have a half-slip on to prevent Tight Creep), and the outer layer is a fuller skirt of stripes of sheer blue netting and cotton. It has amazing motion.

Here's how I've worn it since I got it in June 2011. It was a sample piece, with a retail price of $125.00, Dots price of $49.99, then further marked down to $18.00. The colour is called "Honor."

June 2011: one of my favourite looks: cowgirl! There is a picture of the original price tag there.
August 2011, 2nd outfit: worn as a skirt and t-shirt for a casual dinner out;
April 2012: as my first outfit of the 3 day Victoria Steam Expo, as one of many layers; and
September 2012, 3rd outfit: layered under my Spanish ladies dress for Winesday.

Here's something I don't think I've ever worn on the blog:

It's a 1940s purple velvet coat. I've had it for over 20 years - I used to wear it all the time in the 90s - and wouldn't have paid over $25 for it. It has no labels, and the lining is close to falling apart (the pockets have been replaced), but it's heavy and gorgeous.

I see this oversized style of coat is in style again - isn't that funny? Everything comes back.

I felt regal in all this purple.

The stuff:

Fab Fluevogs! I last wore them here (2nd outfit, once again there's the Spanish ladies dress!) back in July with my black shirtdress.

Local bling:

The belt is vintage 70s, but all the rest is locally-made.

Jacket (Le Chateau, consignment), cami (InWear), skirt (Noa Noa), shoes (Bellevue Pearl Hart, Fluevog), belt (vintage 70s, thrifted), shark ring/earrings (local), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl).

Vizzini was bugging me to feed him while I was taking pictures of the stuff when I got home.

"Don't make me eat your shoes. Feed me!"

He's all happy now he's had his food.

Have a wonderful weekend! To my fellow Canucks, peace and thanks on this Remembrance Day to those who fought and died for us.

Catch-Up: Blue and Birds, Vizinni, Lounging and Aqua Fringe

Whew! It's been a whirlwind of stuff the last couple of days. Miss me? I've been working late, going out and generally living a very busy life.

Here's Thursday's outfit:

I had intended to wear a cardigan and sweater with the Happy Wanderer skirt, but I'd forgotten that the skirt is way too big on my waist (it has gone to the giveaway pile), so I had to scramble to put an outfit together at the last minute in the morning. I already had the jewelry and boots assembled, so I had to work with them. Plus I had the socks on and I wasn't going to go hunting for tights when time was a-tickin'.

This is my chunky indigo blue sweater, last seen here (3rd outfit, after the Mad Hatter) in October.

The skirt was adored by me when I wore it in the October 2012 capsule (recap here), where I wore it three times (last time here). I thrifted it for only $7.50 and I totally scored there. The quality is superb.

The boots are my similarly adored Babycakes Minis boots, last seen here (3rd outfit, after the golden disco girl!) in early October.

The stuff:

Put a bird on it! It makes everything better.

A less-dark picture:

Yesterday after work, Elaine and I went out for dinner, then went to see "Out of Africa" - we're reading the book for Book Club and neither of us had seen it. It was good, but very long. I got home quite late. *yawn*

Sweater (Dex, thrifted), skirt (Julius, with a W&J Wilson label, thrifted), boots (Babycakes Minis, Fluevog), belt/earrings (Plum), necklace (gift from Mom), key ring (Oscar & Libby's), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl).

One of my coworkers told me I was on the Unlimited Woman's Facebook page, so I grabbed the picture.

L calls this “Delightfully overwrought and romantic.”

See? I really do lounge around on the floor.

A few of you have asked about Vizzini - he's been around. He's full of beans.

"Go away...unless you're going to feed me."

He's been acting very silly lately.

"What, can't a cat sit in peace?" 

I love the look on his face. He was biting the couch. I think he is trying to eat it. Yes, the whole couch.

Today, I had to work late to finish the newsletter. My boss is back from vacation on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday here, Remembrance Day), so I had to finish it before then, and I'm definitely not up for working late on a Friday night before a long weekend!

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! I love this skirt. It makes a loud noise when I walk.

I last wore this fabulous fringed suede skirt in the January 2013 capsule (recap here), last time here with my embroidered black velvet blazer. I paid only $10 for it a few years ago. Score!

I wore my new-to-me thrifted black suede shirt today - oh, it was marvellously soft and pliable to wear. Love love love it. I purchased it here for $24.99.

The boots are my grey wooly Fluevogs, last worn here (2nd outfit) to the Vintage Fair.

The stuff:

My lovely Shi Studio belt. I like the nubby texture of the leather.

Leather shirt (True Character, thrifted), suede skirt (vintage 70s, thrifted, Pioneer Wear), boots (Prepare Volunteers, Fluevogs), "S" charm (gift from Mom & Dad), earrings (Oscar & Libby's), Fulvia Ring (Wendy Brandes).

Plaid and Leather Down on the Farm

Ack, running late today as the computer decided this would be the best night to act up. Yes, thank you.

My tattoo is starting to heal up nicely. Still, I'm in "lock and load" mode to keep everything on the upper half gentle.

I love that it's lighter in the mornings now, but I know it won't last long. Gah, winter months suck for pictures.

The jacket is a lovely plaid one that I've had for a few years - it was last worn in the October 2012 capsule (recap here), where I wore it twice (last time here, with these same booties!).

I've worn it layered under this leather vest before (here) - I like how it looks. Have you ever layered a jacket under something else? I last wore this leather vest layered over a blue satin blouse here in June (I got rid of the blouse - good colour, too shiny).

The skirt is a thin silk and it has barnyard scenes. I last wore it here in July with much frilliness (and I need to wear the Happy Wanderer skirt soon!).

I like how the jacket is lower in the back. Groovy, man.

The stuff:

My Coffee Kope Tiam booties by Fluevog, last worn here (a few outfits down) in August with my cowgirl dress. They are so comfy - I ran an errand in them today and they were awesome.

Bling:

Light-as-a-feather earrings.

Jacket (Armor Jeans, thrifted), cami (Mexx, thrifted), vest (CAbi, thrifted), skirt (Gap, thrifted), boots (Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevog), belt (Plum), spinner ring (Twang & Pearl), floral ring (vintage, Sarah Coventry), earrings (Adore Jewelry, local).

Photo-Shoot in Plaid, and the New Tattoo

Another week - but I don't think I've ever had one that started with such a bang! Today was the drop-in for the photo-shoot for the Unlimited Woman awards* so I had to make sure I wore something suitably outrageous. 

*linking 'cause I love

Positively plaid!

I had to factor in washing my tattoo a couple of times today. Which is on my back. Which is hard to reach by oneself in a work bathroom. I also wanted something very light touching my back, so nothing rough.

The skirt is my fabulous 80s taffeta number, last worn here in August with red and purple.

It's so swooshy!

The silky red top underneath is such a vibrant colour - it was really a great find at the WIN Boutique. I last wore it here (2nd outfit) a couple of weeks ago under my leather shirt for Chris' surprise birthday.

I adore this jacket - seriously, it's just awesome and was perfect for dashing around my office. It was featured in my Art Gallery ensemble (here, second outfit) a couple of weeks ago.

The stuff:

Big red shoes! I actually walked 5 blocks each way to/from the photo-shoot in these - so freakin' comfy! I last wore them here in that same birthday outfit as the red top above. Not very creative of me, but at least I changed up the rest of the outfit, right?

Bigass bling.

I need some mondo big earrings to go with this necklace. Those bitty ones just don't cut it!

Jacket (Danier Couture, consignment), blouse (Spense, thrifted), skirt (Roland Kerry, vintage 80s, consignment), belt (consignment), shoes (Marc), necklace (vintage fair), ring (local, Oscar & Libby's).

So, the photo-shoot was awesome, although I couldn't stick around for long. I met Carolyne Taylor, the woman who's organizing this event, and some other lovely ladies whose names have already slipped my mind (gah, brain like sieve!). I ran out of my blog cards - must stock up my cardholder!

But I know you are all waiting to see what my new ink is. Here ya go:

It's a big dandelion plant! I really like dandelions: they are hardy, strong, tenacious and persistent. Things I would like to think I could be one day when I grow up. I also have a huge soft spot for Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine" and this reminded me of it.

When L took this picture, he said, "Your mom is going to flip her can." Heh, sorry, Mom. Here's what my full back looks like now.

I am much happier with how it's all balanced out - I felt that the ivy on the right was too dense compared with the ribbons on the left. This helps fill it in a bit, and I love that there's more colour! I have a second session booked in a month or so, to do a bit of fill-in in the ribbons to help balance it some more.

Anyway, it's a little achy now, and I worked an extra 2.5 hours tonight on the newsletter, so I'm going to go lie down on the couch. Have a great night!

A Day with Auntie, Drinkless Gathering, and a Long Session

Weekends go so freakin' fast! How can it possibly be Sunday already?

The delayed Shopping Day with Auntie Sheila happened with my niece Zoe on Saturday. She is a lovely 14-year-old, bursting with excitement, ideas and personality. I love teenagers! 

I dressed for shopping:

Tights, easy-on/off boots, simple skirt and a thin sweater with cami. I could have tried things on out in the street and not had any trouble (I've done that!).

This is my blue sweater, which was last seen here in May with graphic black and white. I have a grey cami on under it.

The snakeskin printed leather skirt was last featured here in an all-leather outfit in September.

Add my black riding boots were last worn here in October to a hockey game.

Mostly, I had my full outerwear on in various stages (with/without scarf or gloves). It rained a bit yesterday - rather blustery, but cleared up for our ramble through thrift and boutique shops.

Zoe got the full treatment from me: all my thrifting secrets, what to look for, how to figure out vintage and European sizing. We found her some awesome items, including a vintage Ralph Lauren Polo sweater (for $4.00) and a vintage 70s suede jacket for only $27.99. She even humoured me and tried on a few vintage dresses (she's got that little size 0-2 frame...*sigh*).

Sweater (Smart Set, thrifted), skirt (INC, consignment), boots (Aldo, consignment), silver feather earrings (local).

I even found a couple of cool things for myself! Duh, of course I did...

Yes, this is a black suede shirt:

It was $24.99 - but it's machine wash/tumble dry! Woo! It's a more Western-cut than my other leather shirt, with snaps up the front and two patch pockets. The hem and cuffs are slashed open. Very cool, and I thought a good score. It's by True Character.

I have been looking for a warm winter coat. This isn't quite it, but it fit so well and was so cute, I had to have it.

It's Betsey Johnson New York and is actually made in the US. No idea how old it is, but it's not recent. It was $44.99, and I'm sure I was paying for the name. If it had been a no-name, it would have been less than $30. Oh well, I love it anyway, so it's all good. It's 100% wool.

I also found this fabulous sleeveless blouse:

I like that the design looks like scales.

A close-up of the neckline:

I love that there's a heavy brass chain under a layer of mesh. And only $14.99 for Rachel Roy? Yeah, I'm happy with that.

As well as our good thrifting finds, we went to some of my favourite boutiques along lower Johnson Street (known locally as Lo-Jo, of course), including my favourite jewelry and accessory store, Adore*.
*linking 'cause I love

Once I saw this purse, I knew I wouldn't be able to leave without it.

It's called the Leashed Clutch and is by Fiveleft *of Vancouver. It was $120.00 but every bag they make is done by hand in their studio. The leather is vegetable tanned and sourced from a family-run tannery in England. Every bag is one of a kind. I chose the clockwork gears in this lovely honey and dark brown mix, with black accents.
*linking 'cause I love

It will soften with age, and is meant to last a lifetime. I love the sturdy hardware and the absolutely perfect shape and size.

It's numbered and signed by Lincoln Heller, the maker.

After an exhausting 6+ hours of shopping, L drove Zoe home and I got ready for Winesday. I wanted to be uber-comfy, but still casual.

The winey-rusty sweater was last seen here in April with zebra. I accented it with a turquoise cami and earrings.

The skirt is my fabulous wool maxi that was last seen in the November 2012 all-neutral capsule (recap here). I last wore it in this outfit with olive and mustard, for Megan and Kiki's Fall Fashion Challenge.

Yes, I built my outfit so that I could wear my new coat with it!

That's actually me at 1am (2am if you don't count Daylight Savings), since I had to run out the door to make my bus.

The boots are my brown Miz Mooz, last seen here (way way down at the bottom) a couple of weeks ago.

The stuff:

I got quite a chuckle when Zoe and I went into a boutique that sells Brave Belts. They start at over $160.00 - I thrifted this one last November for $6.50. Score!

Sweater (Bandolino, thrifted), skirt (Animale, consignment), boots (Miz Mooz), jacket (Betsey Johnson), belt (Brave Belts, thrifted), cuff (SkinZnHydez), earrings (Oscar & Libby's).

Although I had a late night, due to time change I was able to sleep in - I also didn't drink at Winesday because today I had a tattoo appointment! This is this year's birthday present to myself - I went to a new artist (hi, Ghengis Shawn!) at WolfSheep*.
*linking 'cause I love

It's generally not a good idea to drink the night before you get a tattoo, as it causes you to bleed more, and for your skin to get puffy. I just don't like having to deal with that - a tattoo is painful enough!

I wore my comfiest clothes for lying on my face for 3 hours.

My Smoking Lily Hama Hama moose shirt (lovely soft bamboo), last worn here in March (it's a wear-around-the-house/sleep-in-it shirt now). The ultra soft and comfy black slouchy skirt, last seen in the January 2013 capsule (recap here), and lastly in this spacey outfit.

I walked to town, bought groceries (for delivery), then went to my 12:30pm appointment. We didn't finish until 4:00 so I am pretty tired and achy. I wore my loose cotton Smoking Lily Octo-Coat, this lovely big silk scarf, and my purple leather gloves.

Same Aldo boots as Saturday.

I'm linking up to Patti's "Visible Monday" at Not Dead Yet Style - get your arse over there!

Top (Smoking Lily), skirt (Isda & Co.), boots (consignment), scarf (gift from Megan Mae), coat (Smoking Lily), gloves (Danier Leather). 

I can't take a picture of the tattoo yet, as it's still under the bandage for now - tomorrow, I promise! - but it's a dandelion plant, so let your imagination run wild. It fills in the blank space on my back below my other tattoos.

I thought I would show my crazy bra adaptation! I took an extender piece from one of my La Senza bras to lower my regular bra strap. I will have to wear my bras like this for a few days, until the tattoo is to the point where it's starting to heal.

This is going to be a challenge: I have my photo-shoot tomorrow during the day for the Unlimited Woman awards! Yikes!

A Good Sport - Casual Friday Dress Code Violation

My work doesn't have an explicit dress code that I'm aware of. It's business casual, and in BC we have Casual Friday, but it's not like that's the rule or anything. However, something that is not generally appropriate for work in that environment is a sports jersey. 

Boo yah!

Dear giant football organization that shall not be named (not linking because you're a massive conglomerate, but I do love your sport):

Thank you for recognizing that some women like sports. That they might want to wear a jersey of their team that isn't pink. That they actually might want to wear this in public and still be stylish. I saw your advertising in one of those fashion magazines - 4 pages! - and thought, "Wow, I could do something like that!" Very clever of you. 

Sincerely, 
Sheila

I really enjoyed wearing my team's jersey today. I had a lot of reaction from people asking me about my team or chatting football with me. HR saw it and was like, "Whatever."

This is how I wore it for most of the day - I took the blazer off to show a few of my coworkers. I went very simple but graphic black and white to help ground the jersey.

This is my black light wool blazer, last seen here (way down, past the 70s party pics) in mid-October.

This is my lovely houndstooth pencil skirt, last seen here with giant green ruffles in September.

Who has two thumbs and loves football?

Barely made my bus, but caught an outerwear pic:

It's getting colder in the mornings!

The stuff:

I found one of the straps of these awesome shoes chewed when I unpacked them in September. Little bugger, Vizzini...

I was happily reminded of how much I love these shoes. They are miracles of engineering. They have absolutely no cushioning other than that narrow little piece you can see in the picture above. They do not bend and are clompy when I walk. And yet, they are amazingly comfortable and after a full day of wearing them (including walking home a few extra blocks), my feet aren't sore.

I last wore them in the November 2012 all-neutral capsule (recap here) where I wore them a whopping 5 times. They're vintage 80s and I snagged them on consignment in October 2012 for $18.00 (about them here)

The stuff:

The earrings remind me of drawn-up football plays.

Jacket (Banana Republic, thrifted), jersey (NFL), skirt (Nygard, consignment), shoes (vintage 80s, Bata, consignment), cuff (Guess, thrifted), earrings (gift from Lise), lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring (Wendy Brandes).