Bigass Long Weekend Wrap-Up: Pank Dress, All Greens, Vintage and Dries, Leather and Lace

Oh, my friends, what a weekend! We in Canada have today/Monday off for Remembrance Day, and this has been just what I needed. It's been a wonderful mix of friends and being out and about, and staying home and getting "me" time.

Are you ready? We have a lot of ground to cover, starting with Thursday. I wore pink. No, we need a new name, as this dress' colour is not adequately described by "pink". 

 It's PANK. So pink, it's pank. New word - you heard it here first!

Linking up to "Visible Monday" over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. I was VERY visible in my pank dress!

• Dress - Essentiel Antwerp, consignment; purchased here last weekend for $60.98
• Boots - BCBG Max Azria; last seen here in October with a leather dress
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) for shopping last weekend

I wore this all day for work, then to my WW meeting, and then to a local pub for Book Club (our host had to cancel).

 You can tell by the look on my face that I loved this piece! It was so much fun to wear! Swoosh Factor 10!

I added a polka dot scarf to the elastic holding my hair in a little ponytail. Voila! The look of a bigger ponytail without the hair.

 I like how the back of this dress dips down.

Pockets! And a peek at my pink dotted tights!

 Glimpses of them showed every so often, causing "oohs" of appreciation from my coworkers, WW members and my Book Club babes.

Bundled up for spitty rain and chill.

 One of my sets of fur/leather by Danier. Gosh, I miss that store!

• Hat/scarf/gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

 I still need to get new grippers for the soles of these boots. I walked very carefully, since they are slippy! I don't need a broken hip!

Circular bling:

 I forgot to put the scarf in the photo, oops!

• Earrings - 10th anniversary gift from L
• Hematite ring - thrifted
• Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop
• Scarf - thrifted

On Friday, I just wanted to be green!

 I tried both of these pieces on together when I bought them, and really liked how they looked. Why not build my first outfit with them together?

• Sweater - Smart Set, consignment; purchased here for $20.98
• Skirt - Benetton, consignment; purchased here for $20.98
• Shoes - Fly London; last seen here in August with pink pants and parachute
• Leather trench - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in March

This is one of those outfits that I loved wearing, but did not like how it looked in the pictures.

What if I just called in sick and went back to bed?

 That's my favourite pictures of it, and I like how you can see all my hand bling.

I wore the sweater with the neckline high in the front, and with a vintage cami under it to help take care of the sheerness, but I think a darker cami next time.

 I love this skirt length, but the long sweater over it made me feel droopy. It didn't look right tucked in, even though the skirt has a nice banded waist.

I did show a substantial portion of my ink! One of my coworkers thought for a second that I had a pattern on the back of my sweater.

 Nope, that's me.

Outerwear - I realized too late that I'd popped a button right at the top of the coat, but didn't have time to switch coats before I left for work.

I love this butter-soft piece - first wearing of it this fall, and I wore it again later this weekend!

• Scarf/gloves - Parkhurst

The stuff:

 Comfy shoes - good for clomping around in the office.

Brassy bling:

 Many sparkly things!

• Faux tortoiseshell bracelet - J. Crew, thrifted
• Brass bracelet - Club Monaco
• Earrings - Weiss, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Amber ring - c. 1997
• Floral ring - Sarah Coventry, antique store, Powell River

L and I chilled out and played board games until the wee hours, then were up early to meet up with some friends for brunch at Floyd's Diner. I was a little overdressed for a diner!

Doesn't everyone dress up for breakfast? Ha!

This is my entry for November's "Hat Attack!" over at Judith's Style Crone - go see what wondrous creations we're wearing on our heads this month!

• Sweater - Dalkeith, vintage early 60s, thrifted; last seen here in May with a flowy Chloe skirt
• Skirt - Dries van Noten, thrifted; first worn here in September with a statement floral
• Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; first worn here a week ago with a Dries circus skirt
• Coat (below) - Stop Staring!, thrifted; first worn here just a few days ago

In addition to breakfast in a diner, I was also dressed for shopping at the Christmas Vintage Fair with Elaine, followed by a movie ("Dries", a documentary about the designer Dries van Noten, link here for those of you interested), followed by dinner out.

 I had to wear a piece from my Dries van Noten collection, and went with this lovely black satin pirate skirt (named by me because of the sash on the hip). I've collected five pieces by Dries over the past several years, all thrifted/second-hand. I admire his aesthetic and attention to detail - he is also one of the only designers left who hasn't sold his licence and/or name to a huge conglomerate. I can't afford new pieces, but I am always thrilled to find a piece in a thrift store!

I went with my simple green vintage sweater, to show off the hat and my grandmother's necklace.

 I found these seamed stockings in the clearance bin at the Bay recently - they're by Calvin Klein. Unfortunately, my ring snagged them and they laddered down the front of one thigh. Sigh, into the garbage.

Most of my day was spent in my outerwear, so my outfit was built around the coat. Of course, I wore this fabulous vintage-inspired coat again!

 I had many compliments on it, especially at the Vintage Fair.

I happily swooshed it for people.

 Such an elegant piece!

• Gloves - Danier Leather

The stuff:

 I was thrilled to finally wear this lovely polka-dotted straw and feather hat for the first time. I bought it from my friend Tammy's store about a year ago.

The shoes were perfect for a full day of walking around. I even walked home in them from town after dinner!

Vintage bling:

 Only the necklace is vintage, actually. It's jet and rhinestone.

• Hat - Catawumpus, first wear
• Necklace - Grandma J's, vintage 50s
• Brooch - c. 2000, The Bay
• Hematite ring - thrifted
• Snake ring - c. 1986, BC Museum gift shop
• Earrings - thrifted

I wandered around the mall before I met up with Elaine. Aldo always has some fun accessories.

 I limited myself to the blush and black (a pair of each) sheer socks, and the sparkle tights, both $5.00 on sale.

Elaine and I bused to the Vintage Fair, where I immediately snatched up these two pairs of earrings.

 I appreciate the little piece of sheer fabric used to jazz up the card that the earrings are stuck to. The rhinestone/pearl earrings were $10, and the funky green ones were $12.00.

I seem to be amassing a bit of a hematite collection! I only like the round beads - they remind me of black pearls.

 This lovely necklace will look great with my other, longer one. This one has large and small beads alternating. It was $18.00.

I was tickled by the vintage tag on this set of three plastic bangles.

 Never worn, likely from the 60s or 70s. Coro - only a dollar! I used to have similar bangles of Mom's, which have been long gone...somewhere? I think I got rid of them decades ago. Silly me.

I found this amazing Helmut Lang top. Sorry for the blur, but it's all about the drape anyway, right?

 It's a camel-y/taupe-y colour, and feels like silk, but it's a very fine polyester.

Made in the USA, and only $30. It is from 2012 and is called the "Helios" top - it sold for $275 Canadian, so I got a good deal!

 I had a struggle trying this on! I had not planned on buying any clothes! Elaine guarded my purse, bag, coat and helped me manage my hat, thank you! There was a bright blue dress by Helmut Lang as well in the same booth (also for $30), but I couldn't get it over my hips. Aw.

I consoled myself with this bit of craziness.

 Oh, yes, please! Silver lame (lah-MAY, darlings!), ruffles and a whole lotta WOW. I steamed out all the ruffles and this is one very fluffy skirt!

It's by Mondi, made in West Germany, and is a size 40.

 Only $7.95? Yes, yes, yes! Women in Need (WIN) had a full section of their curated vintage items in a giant display at the fair. I'm always happy to give them my money!

 Adding to my collection of partially metal clothing - this skirt is 18% metal.

I also found this amazing blazer, and bought it for L.

 Sorry for the blur, but it was incredibly wrinkled, like it had been in a ball in the bottom of someone's closet for the past 30 years.

It's by Lane Crest of California, and was only $9.95. If it hadn't fit L (which it did), I would have kept if for myself. I might still borrow it. Look at that rich brocade!

 Probably from the early 60s. It has very narrow lapels and is cut quite full in the body.

It had two splits in the back, both of which still were still stitched shut.

"This post is sadly lacking in cat pictures. Let me remedy that."

 I cut those open - much better! The pockets were also still stitched shut, so I opened those too, and found two extra little buttons inside.

Vizzini helped me document my purchases.

"This is my good side."

 He has been very good lately. Makes me wonder what he's up to...

I turned the jacket inside out and steamed the lining, then turned it back right-side-out and did the outside.

 Much better!

The sleeves were about an inch too short for L...and then I noticed that they'd been taken up. So I picked the stitches out, and sewed the extra button on each cuff (which is probably where they were from in the first place). I also sewed the button back on my leather trench coat and another jacket that had loose buttons.

 I steamed out the creased seams - and there you have it. Perfect sleeves.

I had a quiet evening in on Saturday, all to myself (and Mr. Kitty). After a bit of a sleep-in on Sunday morning, L and I headed out to meet up with a bunch of friends for an afternoon of socializing at the Commons pub.

 Easy clothes for sitting, rainy weather, and walking to and from town.

• Top - Express, consignment; first worn here in October with soft cream and pink
• Skirt - Danier, thrifted; last seen here in February with greys
• Boots - Adrian Agnes, Fluevog; last worn here in April with other pops of red
• Leather trench (below) - last worn on Friday, above

I wore a red cami under the top for coverage and to emphasize the pattern of the lace top.

I'm not feeling this skirt so much. I have a lot of brown skirts, and this one doesn't ring my bell anymore.

 I paid $10 for it two years ago, and wore it 5 times. I am good with $2.00 per wear. 

I deliberately planned this outfit so that I could wear this snuggly silk and wooly scarf over it. I vaguely remembered that the Commons is cold - which it was!

 I wore the scarf for nearly the whole afternoon like this.

Draped with my coat and gloves.

 But make no mistake, I bundled up to be out in the weather.

• Scarf - Song of Shanghai, thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst

 I also carried my umbrella, but the rain held off.

The stuff:

 These boots are a commitment. They're very tight in the calves - I have to elevate my legs to zip them up! - so I tend to wear them when I don't have to put them on or take them off. The harness pieces around the foot have to be removed to get the boots off and on too.

Copper bling:

 Pretty pieces.

• Copper cuff w/red enamel - Matisse Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage fair
• Cuff - Grandma J's, Renoir, vintage 60s
• Earrings - vintage fair

And now, it's stormy out and the couch calls to me.

"We should take advantage of this time to cuddle."

Agreed, Vizzini! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Shades of Blue, and a Fab Coat

I'm in one of my low moods, gritting my teeth and getting through the day. I have so much on the go, but I just don't want to do anything at all. What to do?

 Wear a dress, dammit! And since it's cold out, put a blouse under it. There, I feel better already.

• Dress - Comrags, thrifted; last seen here in March with a ruffled blouse (my hair's so short!)
• Blouse - St. Michael, vintage 80s, thrifted; first worn here in June with mint green and a brooch
• Shoes - Esoteric Temptations Odette, Fluevog; last seen here in March with white pleather and a beetle
• Coat (below) - Stop Staring!, thrifted; purchased here for $16.95

I didn't really feel much like "me" until I put the coat on, but still, it's a good dress.

The Plaid Origami Ringmaster

We talk a lot about loving our clothes, and only putting on things that make us feel great. I was 100% feeling awesome about today's choices. 

I used to rely on colour to lift my spirits (and I still do!), but texture and pattern can also do that for me.

• Shirt - Cartise, consignment; last seen here in February with Orange Leather Shorts (yes!)
• Trousers - Pariscope, vintage 90s; last worn here in August and admitting to my fear of pants
• Boots - Coffee Kope Tiam, Fluevog; last seen here in October with leopard jammies
• Coat (below) - Rodarte for Opening Ceremony, consignment; purchased here on the weekend for $42.98

From coat off...

Falling Leaves, Raising Hemlines

In the span of about a week, autumn has fallen. The leaves are swirling on the sidewalks, the air is crisp and cold. 

 So, of course, a very short skirt was in order!

• Cardigan - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here on Saturday with pretty plaid
• Top - Kut from the Kloth, thrifted; purchased here on the weekend for $12.95
• Skirt - Oui Set, thrifted; last seen here (4th outfit, way down) in February for theatre with Mom
• Shoes - Teapot Sencha, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit) in March with a sailor dress
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather; last seen here in October over autumn camo

I'm probably causing collective gasps and pearl-clutching for wearing such a short skirt...when I'm over fifty! Heavens to Betsy!

Weekend Wrap-Up: Plaid Brunch (and Shopping), and Sunday Shopping Scores

Oh, the weekend has just gone too fast! I don't feel like we should have to go back to work for at least another few days...

Ah, well, enough whining. I did a couple of casual outfits for the weekend, and poked around in a few stores, and went shopping with a friend - so, you ready? Here we go!

Brunch out with L - our usual Saturday thing. We walk to town, so I always wear comfy shoes. I also planned to have a little thrift shop after that, so I dressed for easy-on/easy-off.

• Cardigan - Jacob, thrifted; last seen in October over my jumpsuit
• Top - Dana Buchman, thrifted; last layered under my funky tweed blazer in October
• Skirt - Jones New York, thrifted; last worn (2nd outfit) in February with blue for brunch
• Shoes - Clarks, consignment; last seen (2nd outfit) in September with copper armour
• Grape Ape coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last worn on Friday with the sleeping bag skirt

I like this skirt, but it's far too big in the waist, so never falls quite right (I have pinned it tighter with safety pins). Since I'm never going to pay to fix that, into the giveaway pile it shall go. I paid $15.95 for it and wore it three times, so $5.32 per wear. Pretty good! Less than a coffee and a muffin!

 I only had my coat off for lunch - most of the time I was walking from the St. Vincent de Paul, to the Patch, to the WIN Resale store and then walking home.

Outerwear - brr! It was cold out! I wished I'd worn a hat!

 My delightfully insane and warm Grape Ape coat was snuggly warm.

• Gloves - Parkhurst

 My wool gloves are all from the same store - Roberta's Hats, whereI tend to buy a new pair every year - and they are fingerless. I do get freezing fingertips, but I like having my fingers free when I'm out shopping. I need to touch fabrics!

The stuff:

 I've discovered that with a shoehorn, I can slip these shoes off and on - screw the buckles! So now I keep a shoehorn in my bag along with a mini tape measure for when I go shopping.

Black bling:

 Leather cuffs that don't snag, and my bird skull earrings.

• Studded cuff - vintage 80s
• Leather cuff - Guess, thrifted
• Earrings - locally made, Vancouver

No luck at the StVdeP this time, so off to the Patch I went. I only found one blouse there, but I love it.

 Such a nice mix of colours! Red, orange, pink and green. This will go with a lot in my wardrobe, and will be nice layered under my blazers.

It's by Kut from the Kloth.

 I love that it was made in the USA! Their tops range from $35 on sale, up to about $68 for a style like this, so I guess my $12.95 was not too shabby!

I wandered over to the WIN store and had a little poke around, lucking out in the accessory department.

 That top fuzzy thing is actually navy blue, and it's a velcro band that wraps around your head and keeps your ears warm. It was $2.95, and I wore it home!

The bottom thing is a bracelet, all beaded. I remember pieces like this being popular around 1999-2000. It was $3.95. It'll look good with my hematite stuff.

I really scored with this gorgeous coat. It is fabulous on, very much in the 1940s style, with a really full skirt, and a wide neckline. The waist is snug.

 I actually recognized the brand, otherwise I would have passed it by (grey tweed, yawn). Then I took a closer look.

Stop Staring! is a brand that specializes in vintage reproduction/inspired pieces. I have an insanely-flattering navy blue polka dot dress by them (3rd outfit here in April). I happen to know that their sizes fit pretty small, so a Large it is.

 All of their items are made in the USA, and a coat by them would be in the $200+ range, easily, which is what my polka dot dress cost.

 It's polyester and wool, and the lining is a polyester satin - it feels incredible. Of course it has pockets!

I might switch up the belt.

 Yes, I really did pay only $16.95 for it! Score!

Today I was up bright and early (due to the time change), and ready to go get groceries and meet a friend at My Sister's Closet for a little consignment shopping.

 It was bright and sunny - but brrrrr, very cold. Petra and I both had great luck shopping - I can't go to MSC too often! Bad for my budget!

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

• Top - Jacob, thrifted; not tracked, I just wear these tops for layering
• Dress - vintage 90s, Danier, thrifted; last seen here in March for our annual trip to Vancouver (hi, Melanie!)
• Booties - Dirty Laundry, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in October for another grocery/shopping weekend expedition
• Coat (below) - Danier Leather, thrifted; last seen here over my troubling tribble outfit for Hallowe'en

Down With Velvet, and Better Copper

Velvet, a down-filled skirt and new Fluevogs? It must be Friday!

 Considering how warm it was last week, I found it a shock to wake up to 3 degrees today!

• Velvet jacket - Jacob, thrifted; last seen in February over deconstructed poppies
• Cashmere/wool sweater - Hawick of Scotland, consignment; last worn in July with pink polka dots
• Skirt - Wei Peng Padding Down, thrifted; purchased on the weekend for $14.99
• Boots - Conquer Maleika, Fluevog; purchased with birthday gift cards last weekend
• Grape Ape coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last worn rockin' it over a tube dress in October

We had a mini-blizzard overnight! Look what I woke up to:

 Are you freaking kidding me? Snow, in Victoria, on November 3rd?

 Layers and warmth were needed!

Tribble Sweater and the Circus Skirt

Well, bam, there is November in your face! It's dark out! 

 I actually had to use the flash, and don't I look like a deer in headlights? On the plus side, my metallic frost frames on my glasses are extra snazzy.

• Top - Hommage, consignment (Vancouver); last seen in September with purple boots
• Skirt - Dries Van Noten, consignment (San Francisco); first worn in September with my Disco Dutch shoes
• Shoes - Truths Makena, Fluevog; received in the mail yesterday, woo hoo! 
• Coat (below) - Samuel Dong, thrifted; last seen in April over pink plaid

Soft Textures and Hard Leopard, Plus New Truths

Ah, I feel all warm and fuzzy today. Must be the weather - look, I'm fuzzy!

 Welcome to the dark part of the year - it was gloomy out this morning, and my wee camera struggles with the lack of light. However, you can see my outfit, if not my face, so I'm cool with that.

• Cardigan - Edinburgh Tartan Shop, thrifted; purchased here for $19.95
• Sleeveless lame sweater - no label, thrifted; last seen here in March with the yeti jacket 
• Skirt (part of a suit) - Precis Petite, c. 2007; last worn here in March with my leather peplum and copper (one of my favourite outfits)
• Shoes - Steve Madden, 2006, San Francisco; last seen here (2nd outfit) in July 2016 with blue and bronze leather
• Coat (below) - BCBG Max Azria, thrifted; last worn here in October

I'm fully aware that this is a grandma cardigan - I'm okay with that too. It's 100% cashmere and is so freaking soft and warm. I did have to take it off several times throughout my workday, flashing all my ink in this sleeveless copper lame (lah-MAY, darlings!) sweater.

I have been reminded how much I love this beautiful skirt. When I was digging around last night for my previous Hallowe'en costumes, I found my Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" one from 2012, and resolved to wear that suit again.

The whole suit thing didn't quite work for me when I planned this outfit out last night, but I'll wear the jacket separately soon. Both pieces are a silk/wool blend, and the texture is a slightly nubby herringbone tweed.

 Such a lovely length, two box pleats at the hem, and it does nice things for my bum. Hee!

Outerwear - I'm a fan of this awesome coat. It's perfect for fall, especially with long gloves, and helps me be visible in the dim autumn mornings and evenings when I'm walking to/from work.

 Ooh, I'm a Lady. This is a pretty girly outfit for me, but I like to indulge my girly, especially as my hair is getting longer. It loves to go into the flip when it hits my shoulders.

The stuff:

 Oh, my old leopard shoes. Not worn in over a year, because they are hard on my feet. That's a 4" heel there, and even though these are relatively comfy for that height, my feet are sore. I thought it was going to be quieter today than it was, dang! Flats tomorrow!

Copper bling:

 I've decided to get rid of both bangles, even though the left loopy one (and its matching earrings) are marked "Renoir". I like them both, but I don't love them, and I want to love my jewelry as well. I have better copper bracelets than these (and I wish I'd worn them instead). Into the giveaway pile they go, won't miss 'em, and happy to see them go to a new home.

• Loopy cuff - Renoir, vintage 60s; vintage fair
• Hinge cuff - vintage later 60s; thrifted
• Earrings - vintage fair
• Pendant and necklace - vintage 70s, consignment, first wearing

I curate my jewelry the same way I curate my clothing: I let things go when I don't feel them any more. Not sure how long the necklace will last, but I like the pendant and long chain option. It's different.

I bought a new pair of shoes! When I was in Fluevog last weekend, I tried on the sister shoe to this one (that our local store doesn't have in stock) for size, then ordered the style and colour I wanted online. I very rarely do any shopping online, but I'm happy to do so for Fluevog. I knew which store these were coming from (Edmonton, Alberta!), they had a handwritten note in the box and some other goodies - they make you feel special.

 Introducing the Truths Makena (Truths is the family/heel and last; Makena is this particular style). Here's a link (they come in black too!), but it is only because I love! I'm a loyal customer.

I love the metallic pewter colour (very soft leather), the studs on the vamp (there's one at the back of the heel too), and the loose ring. These fit very narrow (I have skinny feet), and true to size (I'm a 9.5, these are 9.5s - I probably could have fit a 9, but my toes would be a bit pinched).

 Nice heel, eh? It's very sturdy and balanced well, and the soles are rubber, so these are going to get worn a LOT. I will get excellent cost-per-wear on these. I might be wearing them tomorrow...

Check out all the goodies I got in the box.

And I forgot to put in the Fleuvog shoehorn, and I left the rubber orange lizard and pink pegasus toys on my desk at work.