Bright and Shiny in Brocade

More rain today, but I'm not one to let the weather get me down. I have all kinds of shiny things to help me feel cheery.

It was so dark this morning, I'm blurred!

And the brocade too!

• Jacket - Danier, consignment; last seen here in February with a mishmash
• Sweater - Lacoste, thrifted; purchased here for $22.95
• Skirt - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here in March with shiny pink
• Shoes - Two Lips, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit) in October for a stroll out and about

After yesterday's shoes and body-con dress, I needed an easy outfit.

Big jacket.

For Anna, who wants to know where I store it all - here, in my closet (scroll down to the bottom of that post).

Sans jacket:

This Lacoste sweater is wool and polyester (and made in France!) but it's itchy! I'll have to wear a slip or camisole under it next time.

The stuff:

I can't resist showing people the sole of these shoes whenever I wear them - they have $4.00 written on the bottom. And then I drop the bomb: I only paid $2.00!

Amber bling:

Modern and vintage is the way to go!

• Necklace - vintage 20s, gift from L
• Earrings - Plum

I went for a wee thrift shop after work, but nothing grabbed me - my coworker, Nelly, found a huge bag of stuff! Hey, sometimes you win, sometimes...not. I'm thrilled for her, though!

Rack-tastic Red Dress

Well, it's Tuesday, I've had two big glasses of Strongbow cider, one small slice of pizza and I am ready for the couch, after shmoozing for 2 hours at a work event. 

I felt very Christmassy in this bright red dress all day. Zing! It's red. Really red.

• Dress - Olsen, consignment; purchased here in Sidney for $25.00
• Shoes - Chie Mihara; last seen here in September with the last lemon dress

My coworker Gord dubbed this dress "rack-tastic" - ha, thank goodness for him, I was beginning to think it did nothing for me! I love the skimming fit, the full-ish sleeves and the non-choke-y turtleneck.

I have a full vintage slip on underneath for its magical smoothing properties. I'll have to layer the dress next time, with a jacket or something, but for the first wear I wanted to show it off. It really felt like pajamas all day!

The stuff:

Lovely shoes - relatively comfy, although after standing and shmoozing for that long, my feet are tired. I changed back into my runner to walk home in the downpour.

Gold bling:

This necklace had many fans - it's a lovely yellow-y gold, although I don't think it's real (likely plated).

• Necklace - D'Orlan, thrifted
• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L 
• Ring - late 90s

Now, time to chill...and dry out!

Reverse Mullet Skirt, Plus Leopard and Leather

I'm probably the only person in the world who considers leather, leopard cashmere and a reverse mullet skirt to be conservative, heh.

It must be the pearls.

• Jacket - Danier Couture, consignment; last worn here in September with magenta fringe
• Sweater - Magaschoni, thrifted; first worn here in September with the same pearls
• Skirt - Jacob, thrifted; purchased here (waaaay down) last month for $4.00
• Shoes - Ralph Lauren; last seen here in January with neutrals

I love this gorgeous soft black leather jacket. It gave the right edge of badass, especially contrasted with the leopard. 

I really liked this skirt - winner! It has lovely bounce and flounce in the lower ruffle - so much fun to walk in. You should see it billow when I do stairs! I felt like Cyd Charisse!

Check out the bizarre hemline.

I do not have it on backwards - I swear! It's a rear zip with two tailored darts at the back. Despite the odd visual (maybe my eyes just have to get used to it), having a higher back hemline made it much easier to walk in.

The stuff:

I am surprised that I haven't worn these shoes in nearly a year, but they are a smidge high for me. Such a classic shape, though!

Pearly bling:

The clasp on it is so shabby, but I love the way the collar feels when I wear it.

• Necklace - vintage fair
• Earrings - Aldo Accessories

Muppet Mohair Skirt Two Ways: Casual Brunch and Christmas Carol

Ah, what a lovely weekend! And I feel like I've spent it wrapped in a cocoon of snuggly pink. 

Gee, I wonder why?!

• Sweater - August Silk, thrifted; last seen here in September with mod
• Skirt - Joy Nilsson, thrifted; purchased here for $17.99 last week
• Booties - Dirty Laundry, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in November for a casual Winesday

"Is there something around here to eat?"

It's quite a glorious skirt. Magnificent!

"Perhaps the Man will feed me?"

I felt like I was wearing a cozy blanket all day!

Outerwear-ed up.

L and I went for brunch, then hung out at home...until the power went out! It was a very blustery day.

The stuff:

Comfy boots.

Lacy bling:

I love that cuff.

• Cuff - locally made in Nashville
• Earrings - Glee

Since the power was out and it was still light, I gathered all the candles and matches and our flashlight just in case.

I also put on my outfit for the evening and did my stair pose, in case the power wasn't back on by dark.

• Sweater - Adrienne Vittadini, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in July 2014 with yellow
• Boots - Marc; last seen here (3rd outfit) last weekend with leather

Fortunately, only 20 minutes before Mom arrived, the power was back! Quickly, reset all the clocks and take pictures - it might go out again!

Mom and I went to the Belfry Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol" (linking here 'cause I love). We walked down, then had dinner at the pub afterwards. The play was excellent; I always tear up a bit at the end. Ah, perhaps there is good in people after all.

This sweater top hasn't been worn that much - it's a very heavy piece! Each of those silver sections is made of hand-sewn glass bugle beads and silver thread. It's a true work of art!

Bundled up for the wind and chill.

The Unsafe Polar Bear goes with pink very well, I think. My skirt did pick up assorted twigs, burrs and garbage on the walk to and from the play - I'm glad I found out I can wash this, as it's going to need it every other time I wear it!

The stuff:

Easy walking boots!

• Ring - Soul Flower
• Earrings - Jacob

I hope you had a warm and snuggly weekend too!

I'm linking up with "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style, as well as Anne "52 Pick-Up" theme this week - "Reflection/Integration" over at SpyGirl.

I definitely felt visible in my skirt (I was mobbed by 3 of the staff at Floyd's Diner who had to touch and feel my skirt!), and I tried to make both outfits reflect my personality and style, while integrating this crazy statement piece skirt into my wardrobe!

I'm Bringing Mom Jeans Back!

This is it! Friday, the tree and decorations are up at work (my poor ragged, scratched-up hands), and lo and behold...

Mom jeans! That's a whole lot of hip action there.

• Jacket - Le Chateau, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) in March with aqua fringe
• Shirt - LL Bean, consignment; last seen here in October with plaid
• Jeans - Versace, vintage early 90s, thrifted; purchased here for $25.00
• Shoes - Half Truth Veda, Fluevog; last seen here for Hallowe'en

I decided to keep the top half of the outfit fairly tame, with a white shirt and a black blazer. Yes, it's black velvet with embroidery, but this is tame in my wardrobe!

What's it like wearing super-high-waisted jeans (again, I admit it - I wore 'em the first time 'round)? Things are suspiciously erm...binding in the crotchal region.I seem to recall this was an era of camel-toe (if I may be so crude).

I did have to make sure my underwear would forestall any of that - thank you, granny panties.

But look at my butt! Doesn't it look awesome? I had my jacket off for at least half the day while I did the Christmas tree at work.

The stuff:

Comfy shoes, but I was on my feet all day, so my dogs are howlin' now.

• Necklace - Nygard, consignment
• Earrings - local

I have some fun things going on this weekend, so see y'all Sunday!

Ms. Mellow Mustard and Vizzini's Lab

Yikes, looks like the weather matched my hair today! 

Once again, I dressed to decorate the company Christmas tree. No such luck.

• Blouse - Banana Republic, thrifted; first worn here (2nd outfit) with my birthday suit in October
• Skirt - Julius via W&J Wilson, thrifted; last seen here in February with a fuzzy beaded sweater
• Shoes - Poetic Licence; last seen here ...yup, at the same time, in the same outfit in February

I was a little slippy-slidey in this top - I should have worn a better camisole with it, and had to keep adjusting my boobage area so that I didn't reveal myself all the way down to my waist.

Despite my efforts to drink lots of wine, and eat lots of chocolate and chips, my weight has decided to hover 5 pounds below my goal weight. I'm a little ticked, because all my clothes are a bit big. I know, what a terrible problem...but I happen to love my clothes!

The stuff:

My WW members gasped in wonderment at these yellow beauties. They are rather awesome.

Gold bling:

Real gold! And crystals!

• Earrings/necklace - Plum
• Ring - late 90s

Not the ring, though; it's just crap, but I still really like it. I love honkin' rings.

While I was doing my pictures this morning, I heard a noise. With a cat like Vizzini, this means I have to investigate. What the heck are you up to, cat?

"The secret switch...must be here...somewhere."

We have a double-double closet in our hallway - this section houses my Christmas decorations and L's coats (my coats are on the other side, along with my vintage archives). We refer to this as Vizzini's Lab, where he is an Evil scientist going in there to plot how to kill us. You can't see it here, but the bifold doors are masking-taped shut to keep him from getting in. That large crystal vase keeps my coat door closed.

I haven't put my Christmas decorations up at home in over 4 years, coincidentally, since we've had Vizzini.

"Yes, you foiled my plans...this time!"

I have a ton of gorgeous Christmas ornaments (check out my tree here and my village here - I used to do another big tree as well), but since Vizzini is the Eater of All Things, I'm terrified to leave him alone in the house for several hours a day alone with things that I value.

Even though he's quite Evil, I love my cat more than I love my things.

"Fine way of showing it - I promise I'll only eat half your ornaments."

I can see why the top picture is blue! It was blue out this morning!

Seasonal Burgundy and Houndstooth, and the Angelinas

All week, I've been trying to wear sort-of practical (as in MY sort of practical, ha ha) clothes with the anticipation of putting up the office Christmas decorations. 

They are still not up. I'm aiming for Friday. There might be a pair of high-waisted Mom jeans making an appearance!

• Jacket (part of a suit) - Hettemarks from W&J Wilson, vintage early 60s, thrifted; last worn here in January while being Agent Sheila
• Top - Plum, consignment; purchased here a few weeks ago for $14.95
• Skirt - Bianca Nygard, consignment; last seen here in March for St. Patrick's day
• Boots - Miz Mooz; last seen here (3rd outfit) in October for voting

I got a few comments about looking "seasonal" in this. Must be the houndstooth skirt.

Or all the dark red.

Pretty sure it wasn't this oily-look tee, though. I loved wearing this. I have a feeling it will be in my wardrobe for a long time. A good black top is always a keeper.

This jacket is such a nice thick wool. I wore the Unsafe Ocelot coat over it, but I probably could have gone with just this jacket (and my scarf and gloves). It's been a little warmer - not as frosty!

The stuff:

Mmmm...Miz Mooz red boots. These are getting a little beat up, but I still love them.

Zippery bling:

I like the zipper rose.

• Brooch - Victoria & Albert Museum gift shop
• Serpentine bracelet - Ellandemm, thrifted
• Chain bracelet - thrifted
• Earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L
• Death Star ring - Soul Flower

Um, I might have ordered myself some booties from Fluevog when they had free shipping on Monday...

Introducing the Sopranos Angelina! They were on sale for $199, which is cheap for Fluevog. Here's the link - linking 'cause I love - go ahead and buy them in this lovely coral-pink (they are not red, as they say on the box - lies!) or black and we can be Vog twins!

I like how some buyers have folded the top down into a wee cuff, or not laced them all the way up. I might also have to get some matchy ribbon for alternate lacing.

My shoes came with "Holiday Button"

What colour ribbons would you do with these?

I was sure L would hate these because of the wide rounded toe, but he actually liked them.

On the sole, they have soul.

It says, "Hey Minstrel. Your Love Makes Me Sing! Arise! Come! My Darling My Beautiful One, Come With Me."

Aw, that's so nice.

Presenting Plaid (and Leather)

Seems like everyone got the memo today about December 1st - wear red and black! 

I will, thank you very much!

• Jacket - Bianca Nygard, consignment; purchased here for $25.00
• Skirt - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in September for CR Avery
• Shoes - Marc; last seen here in October with big red plaid

I was also told that I look like a box of Macintosh Toffee (linking 'cause I love!). Yup, just give me a whack on the counter, stuff me in your mouth and chew...yeah, that analogy doesn't hold up. Let's just enjoy this wonderfully matched plaid pattern on this glorious jacket.

"No one cares about your stupid jacket, woman."

But generally, aside from Vizzini, everyone at work loved this outfit. Black leather, red plaid, big honkin' red shoes. Look out, here I come!

The stuff:

Yep, those are red shoes.

• Earrings - thrifted

Resembled any candy lately?