Always Be Upgrading: Best Brown Blazer and Leopard

I had some good news yesterday - it is my time to get the booster vaccine! I went online and booked it...for TODAY! I had to wear something that would expose my upper arm, but also be Clothing As Armour (I am always nervous about such things).

I also had a small collection of as-yet-unworn "stuff," so I built my outfit around my accessories. 

• Blazer - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here in February 2021 for Cat's 50th birthday
• Sweater - Tatyana, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in August 2021 with my picador skirt
• Skirt - Rena Rowan, thrifted; last worn here in October 2020 with orange to vote
• Shoes - Half Truth Tanya, Fluevog; last seen here in July 2021 for a Mental Health shop
• Coat (below) - Jeno de Paris, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in December 2021

As I have a rather large jewelry collection, sometimes I don't get around to wearing my new-to-me things right away. I do reach for the same things over and over, like everyone else, but I noticed that my trio of new pieces all kind of went together, so I built the outfit around them. 

I have a few of what I consider basics in my wardrobe. This green sweater is one - I bought it, along with a matching same-brand black sweater in 2017 for a mere $6.95 each, and I've worn it close to 20 times. It will be hard to replace - this is the Best Green Sweater! 

This lovely cotton and silk velvet blazer is another basic - it was $16.95 around 4 years ago, and I'm just under 10 outfits with it. 

It is the pinnacle of brown blazers: the Best Brown Blazer Perfect fit, great fabric (it's so soft - I love a silk/cotton velvet), amazing quality. The same goes for this plush vintage leopard skirt. I've followed the "Always Be Upgrading" rule with leopard skirts (I think I have had 4 or 5 over the course of my blogging career) and this one is the Best Leopard Skirt I've ever found.

For my jab, I just pulled my sleeve up over my shoulder. I was in and out of the pharmacy in about 15 minutes. 

The sweater is a true vivid emerald green (I will be happy when we get daylight in the mornings again).

Masked up. Leopard - matchy! 

I wore the blazer all day over the sweater. 

Outerwear - we're in for more "atmospheric rivers" (this is a thing now!) this week. 

I am mostly waterproof! I swapped out my new usual black grommet belt for my brown leather belt - the buckle is removeable/interchangeable. 

Accoutrements: 

Look at all that matchy! That just makes me happy. So harmonious. 

• Fedora - Edward Mann, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Silk scarf - vintage, vintage fair
• Belt - Leather World
• Buckle - Zara (cut from existing ugly belt), thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Mask - Lazy Susan's

The stuff: 

Heavenly shoes. After work, I swung by the Fluevog store (they have a massive sale on and I have gift cards practically burning a hole in my pocket!) and picked up their spring/summer newsletter with previews of next season's shoes. I'm drooling...but I resisted! 

Green bling: 

There are my three pieces of jewelry, all getting worn today: the necklace, the brooch and the earrings. 

• Necklace - vintage 50s, Lazy Susan's; purchased here for $32.00
• Brooch - Continental, vintage 60s, swap from Caro (acquired here)
• Earrings - gift from Mom (here)
• Celluloid snake bracelet - vintage 1930s, antique store, Sidney
• Leopard bangle - vintage, Lazy Susan's
• Nuwite bangle - R&G Co., vintage 1920s, antique mall

I gave the necklace a scrub with a soft toothbrush and soap and water, and cleaned it up. The beads are glass and plastic, and it's threaded with a thick floss, so the water didn't hurt it. And the gentle cleaning removed the iridescent coating from the "pearls" (which I'd hoped for, as it was flaking off and gross), so now I'm much happier with it. 

I had a haircut after work (hence the dangerous side-trip to Fluevog while I killed time), and Kaitlyn remembered our previous chat about me drawing on jackets and brought and old one of hers in for me to play with.  

It's a lovely aqua blue, flap pockets, front zip, nice seaming details. It's by Guess and probably wasn't cheap. 

Due to the dark colour, I won't be able to do anything other than black, maybe some gold or silver, but not much due to the "dusting" issue of the metallics gradually sloughing off. 

I noticed that the shoulder had some damage - Kaitlyn wasn't aware of it, but this is why leather is better than PVC, kids. 

It will only get worse over time, sadly. I'm going to pop into Lazy Susan's or the Patch and check out their selection of embroidered fabric patches (like what the cool kids wore on their jeans back in the 70s/80s) and see if something catches my eye that I can sew over that. The design could come from that patch - I'd like to find either a rose or maybe an animal (a tiger would be cool!). 

"Do whatever you want," she said. Heh...be careful what you ask for, Kaitlyn! I promised it would be done by my next haircut in early March, so I have a deadline to work towards. Fun! 

And now, I'm going to rest - my arm is getting a bit sore and the couch (and a furry kitty) calls. 

Difficult Black, Pleated Red and a Side of Orange Plaid

I've been staring at this black blazer in my closet since I bought it months ago, wondering what to wear with it.

I mean, it's a black blazer - this should be easy, right? But it was more difficult than I anticipated. 

• Blazer - All Saints, consignment; purchased here for $72.99
• Blouse - L'Wren Scott "A Tropical Conversation" FW 2011, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) on our anniversary weekend in March 2021
• Skirt - Zara, consignment; last worn here in November 2021 with blues
• Shoes - Summertime Moonbeams, Fluevog 2007, consignment; last seen here in November 2021 with aqua plaid
• Leather trenchcoat - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in December 2021

I wasn't sure if it would work worn open, plus it has big belt loops and I have Issues with designers Telling Me Where My Waist Is. 

I tried it on again last night and discovered anew that it's an awesome cut and fit. It does have a very wide V in the front, though, so I needed something to fill that in.

I also experimented with the belt - do I want it over the blazer? 

Or on the skirt? 

As you can see, I decided to do the belt on the skirt.

Isn't the shirt cool? It's a Real Designer item (runway and all!) and the pleats down the front are adjustable. Compare the above with the below, where I've made an S with the pleats.

The hem is falling down on this skirt - I'll need to avail myself of my mad sewing skillz and fix that. 

In meantime, we shall admire the ruched sleeves. They are not as big of a Statement as I'd thought. 

Masked up:

I actually wore the jacket open all day, doing up the front snap when I put my trenchcoat on.

Outerwear: 

We're in for rain. I am ready! Bring it on! I got soaked on the way home. 

Accoutrements: 

Hat for rain, scarf for warmth. 

• Hat - vintage, thrifted, Vancouver
• Scarf - Elaine Gold, Lazy Susan's
• Gloves - Echo, consignment
• Mask - by Mom

I swapped these red leather gloves for my black velvet ones (Cejon, thrifted), as the red gloves' long wrists fought with my jacket and blouse sleeves. 

The stuff: 

I needed a heel for the long pencil skirt, otherwise, my proportions are all wonky. 

Minimal bling: 

Bigass earrings and that's mostly it. 

• Earrings - Biko, consignment
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Snakeskin belt - Yves Saint Laurent, vintage 80s, thrifted

Brick Red and Gold, and a Fine Gift

Happy Monday. Or not. Mondays don't really care if you're happy.

I spent a bit of time on the weekend putting together some outfits, to help me feel cheerier. At least I know my outfits work, even if my brain is telling me to hibernate for another year. 

• Jacket - TeenFlo, consignment; purchased here for $70.00
• Sweater - Blue Grey, thrifted; last worn here in February 2021 layered under lumberjack
• Skirt - Jones New York, thrifted; first seen here in January 2021 with more patterns
• Shoes - Mini Qtee, Fluevog, consignment; last worn here in March 2021 with a jungle bomber
• Coat (below) - Mallia, consignment; last seen here a week ago

This jacket doesn't look like much on the hanger, but it fits perfectly. 

It works best buttoned up (three big fabric-covered buttons) to enhance the peplum hem. Such a perfect fit! I'm also a fan of this brick red - it reminds me of my favourite lipstick from the 90s. 

The "belt" starts midway across the front, then folds over and buttons in the back. It's not removeable (not that I want to - but I like to know these things, don't you?). 

This is only my second wearing of this skirt. It's two layers of silk - the outer layer is sheer (you can see this in the top pic), and the inner layer is solid. I'm not 100% on the skirt, but I like the colour combination of red/black/cream/tan. I should pair it with my Tattoo Jacket! 

Masked up: 

The pattern in the mask echoes the pattern of the skirt. I'm also wearing a full vintage slip under this for warmth, plus nylons. 

Outerwear: 

We're expecting a deluge of rain over the next few weeks. According to the weather report, this is how it is now during our rainy season. Rain, all the time! 

Accoutrements: 

I like my red "set" - wool, silk and leather for the win. 

• Scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
• Gloves - Echo, consignment
• Beret - Parkhurst, consignment
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

These are amazingly comfy shoes. I can run in them (not that I did - but I could!). 

Gold bling:

Shiny shiny. 

• Leather/chain cuff - local
• Necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
• Flower brooch - vintage 60s, Mom's
• Earrings - thrifted
• Chain bracelet - thrifted

My colleague Milind is one of the few people who's worked in the office over the past 2 years. He visited his family in India over the holidays, and brought me back a present! 

It's a lovely burgundy scarf - it matched my jacket exactly! It's polyester, but is woven very finely and is so soft. Of course, it's made in India. 

I love the note - it says, "A gift from my favorite office manager, Sheila. - Milind Tc [take care]  XOXO. 

What a sweetheart! I've missed him over the past month - he was gone a long time, as he got COVID while in India, poor guy! We had a nice chat, catching up on the last month. 

It's a massive scarf! 

"No one cares about your stupid scarf, Woman! Feed me!"

I had better obey the seething, blurry ball of fur before he destroys something I love. How was your Monday? 

Weekend Wrap-Up: Brunch Adidas; Peacock Jacket Sleeves

Welcome back, my friends! I hope you all had a safe, healthy and chill weekend. We've been basically watching football and playing boardgames, but we did do our usual Saturday brunch with Nick. 

I wanted to build a winter outfit with my new-to-me Adidas tulle skirt...so I did! 

• Cardigan - Kenzo, consignment; last worn here (4th outfit) in February 2021 for a Zoom chat with Greetje!
• Turtleneck - M&S, thrifted; last seen here in October 2021 with neoprenes
• Skirt - Adidas, consignment; purchased here for $29.00
• Shoes - Hispanitas; last worn here (2nd outfit) in January 2021 with mixed patterns
• Coat (below) - L'Atiste, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here in November 2021

I seem to have started this year off in a mental funk - I don't have much enthusiasm for anything. Wearing black doesn't really help, but overall this outfit did make me feel better. 

Part of it was this very fun skirt. I wore thick sweater tights with it, along with my spring/summer petitpants (a wee nod to when we wore bike shorts in the 90s under our dresses!) to keep it all decent. 

My cardigan is also longer in the back, so my bum is covered. 

If you look closely, you can see the pink sweater peeking through the knit around the shoulders. This cardi is by Kenzo (a classy designer!) and I chose it because of the white stripes and detail around the flipped over sleeves (it says "Kenzo Paris"). 

Hark, 'tis the sound of Vlad the Jag revving his engine. The snow had melted enough that we could drive again! 

The staff at the Ruby were agog over my striped skirt. I will likely put it into my spring/summer wardrobe as I already have a (much floofier) black tulle skirt (this one). I like having seasonal versions of the same thing. 

Although I look very "be still, my heart" here, I'm actually showing off my rings. 

This is the face of me with only one cup of coffee. 

Which matches my general sentiment so far this year: F#@!

Outerwear and mask. 

My glove did not like going on over the spiky rings. 

Ah well, don't care. 

Let's go have brunch. 

Accoutrements: 

I didn't really need the beret - there was no line-up at the Ruby! 

• Beret - Club Monaco, thrifted
• Gloves - consignment
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

I was shocked that I haven't worn these shoes in a year! They are one of my favourite pairs - top 20, at least. 

F#@! bling:

These rings injected some much-needed badassery into my attitude. 

• Swear rings - Wendy Brandes
• Earrings - gift from Petra
• Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair

Art Project: Peacock Jacket, Sleeves

I haven't been working on my art project(s) as much as I've wanted lately, but I squeezed in a few sessions here and there and have finally finished the sleeves.

Here's where we last left off, with the back finished and all the gold accents done:

I've noticed that the colours fade over time (much like a real tattoo!). 

I finished one sleeve a few weeks ago. I do one, then the other and mirror them, although I always mess a few things up. Eh, no one will notice that I didn't mirror the roses exactly. 

Two roses, two peacock feathers (copying the design from the back), and "loops" of the filigree design down the upper arm. 

Darkening up the black sections and adding shading. This part takes the longest. 

The intent of the big loop hanging down is to mimic the look of a chain, like on a biker or punk jacket. 

It gives it a "tough" edge, to counter all this fussy detail. 

Cuffs:

None of it is perfect, and I didn't do any design on the inner arm, where the jacket would rub next to the body. 

Adding colour and "halo" shading. 

When I finished doing this, I felt it still looked a little bit bare - there's too much "white" space in the upper arm area. 

So I added some curlicues, leaves and dots to the design. 

Drawing on a jacket - since it's a 3-dimensional object - means I handle it a lot. As I'm doing colour or shading, it's turned and twisted around and around. 

Unfortunately, this meant that a lot of the gold I'd done on the back rubbed off. 

The red arrow shows a section that I redid in gold - you can see how much the other areas (green arrows) have faded/rubbed off due to my vigorous manipulations. 

Because of this, I will be adding all of the gold and redoing the back gold sections when I'm completely finished the jacket. 

So although I'm "done" the sleeves, they won't be fully done until the jacket is finished. 

I'm still thinking about what I'm going to do on the front. 

But you can see what a difference the sleeves make. Both took about 5-6 hours to do in total. 

Extra bonus pics! 

This is a terra cotta pig statue that I've had since about 1986 (I would have been around 18-19 years old). I paid $10 for him back then from a local shop, and I bought this one for me, and a skinnier version for my best friend Lynette. 

I put him in the TV unit with an LED candle. I like that it looks like he's telling a campfire story, you know, a scary one involving a call coming from inside the house. Scary pig! 

On Sunday morning, we found Vizzini had claimed my Monster Vest as his own. I wear it around the house to regulate my temperatures, and had tossed it onto the gold chair the previous evening during a hot flash. 

"I accept this offering."

Vizzini, I need that back, bud. 

And now...off to enjoy the rest of my weekend! 

Stay cool, my friends.