Equestrian Pink and Brown

When I was a little girl, I was mad about horses. I rode on a horse (once), but mostly admired them from afar. So it's not a complete surprise that I grew up to love the equestrian look. 

Today's equestrian theme is brought to you by this pink shirt with all the chains and bits and buckles printed on it, a leather vest, vintage 70s skirt and some great boots. 

• Vest - Cabi, consignment; last worn here (and Flashbacked) in November 2020 with dragonscale and marigold
• Blouse - Cache, thrifted; last seen here (3rd outfit) for a shop in June 2021
• Skirt - Kelco Leather, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in October 2021 with dark florals and a different vest 
• Boots - Rockport, thrifted; last seen here in December 2021 with brown bookends
• Coat (below) - Donna Karan, consignment; last worn here in December 2021

All thrifted and bought second-hand, all different eras. 

I have always liked a fitted vest. 

This one is probably from the early 00s - I've had it since 2011 and this is its 24th wearing.

This is one of the nicest leather/suede skirts I've ever owned. It's heavy but still swooshy - Swoosh Factor 6.

Masked up: 

I only spoke to a few people in person today: one colleague, the Purolator driver and the building security guard. 

Outerwear:

I do like a monochrome look. 

Accoutrements: 

Milind's scarf makes my burgundy "set" complete! 

• Scarf - gift from Milind, India
• Hat - Principles, thrifted
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

Brown boots - classic. That's a very short heel when you factor in the platform. 

Chain bling: 

The two long necklaces and the earrings have been in my collection since the late 90s/early 00s. 

• Bangle - faux Gucci, gift from Mom & Dad, Italy
• Chain bracelet - thrifted
• Silver/amethyst ring - vintage mall
• Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
• Earrings - c. 1998
• Chain necklace - 2028, the Bay, c. 2000
• Glass bead necklace - Oscar & Libby's, c. 2002

I'm off now for the weekend, my friends! Thank you so much for visiting my little corner of the blogosphere. I'll be back soon with tales of adventure! 

PANK, Zebra and a Black Skirt

I was reminded with my pop of marigold yellow in yesterday's outfit how important it is to include colour in my ensembles. I always keep some brights out in my fall/winter wardrobe specifically with the purpose of cheering myself up through Colour Therapy. 

So today, we have...PANK. It's so pink...it's PANK. 

This wool moto jacket is one of my favourites in my closet. I adore the rock & roll cut of it, the thick wool, the matching pink satin lining and of course, that glorious colour. 

• Jacket - Gap, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in November 2021 with pink and red
• Shirt - Yest; last seen here in December 2021, layered under mustard
• Bustier - Wrapper, vintage 90s, thrifted; first worn here in April 2021 with lemon and spots
• Skirt - Ronen Chen, thrifted; purchased here for $23.95
• Shoes - 5yMedio; last seen here in November 2021 with red plaid and wings
• Coat (below) - L'Atiste, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here a couple of weeks ago

This is the first wearing of this new-to-me black skirt by Ronen Chen. I had vague ideas to paint on it or decorate it when I first bought it, but those urges have passed. I like the sewn folds and tucks down the front - I felt like I was wearing a cocoon or some kind of carapace.

The skirt is too big on me, however, and I have a kajillion black skirts, so I'll likely put it in the giveaway pile for someone else to enjoy. No need to decide this minute.

I appear to have forgotten to do my back view picture. Ah, well. Use your imagination.

I matched my jacket and tights, and layered this funky zebra bustier over a basic white shirt. I didn't take the jacket off all day - it's part of the outfit - but I thought you might like to see it without.

The skirt portion of the outfit could be swapped for any black solid. I would wear this with my Adidas tulle skirt or my black leather pants, for example.

Masked up: 

You know I had to match the bustier since I have a zebra-striped mask. 

Outerwear: 

More black and white.

Accoutrements:

My pink set. 

• Fur boa - thrifted
• Cashmere beret - Club Monaco, thrifted
• Leather gloves - consignment

The stuff: 

I've realized I need a pair of black and white shoes. I've been peeking into the spring/fall Fluevog collection and there are some definite possibilities there (and gift cards to spend!). I love these white ones, though - they've been a good purchase so far. That's a really comfortable heel. 

Bold bling: 

And a couple of snakes and a cat, just for fun. 

• Necklace - Zsiska, gift from Mom
• Snake brooch - c. 1985, gift from Mom & Dad
• Wood cat pin - Charmaine's
• Snake ring - c. 1986, BC Museum Gift Shop
• Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair
• Silver earrings - Israel, consignment

Are you deploying Colour Therapy to chase away the greys? 

Tweed, Swirls and Marigold

I'm nearly out of my pre-planned outfits - I'll have to spend some more time in the closet putting together another round of things. Every time I do this, I see fewer and fewer backwards hangers, so I know I'm slowly but surely making my way through all my clothes. 

Today's outfit features this not-yet-worn-this-season wool tweed jacket. It is always a pleasure to wear (it has silk lining!), but it's an unusual cut and shape, so requires a bit of planning. 

• Jacket - Julie Haus, Fall 2011 RTW Collection thrifted; last worn and Flashbacked here in March 2021
• Blouse - H&M, thrifted; last seen here in October 2021 with orange and plaid
• Skirt - Nine West, thrifted; last worn here for brunch in December 2021 with greys
• Shoes - Mission Monica, Fluevog; last seen here in November 2021 with stripes and a tube dress
• Coat (below) - Apparence, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here in December 2021

I had intended on wearing my cream Victorian blouse with this, but as I sat on my stool in the closet with Vizzini on my lap (purring away as I scritched him under the chin and neck), looking at my outfits last night, I realized that the little tan bits around the zippers (front and back) on the jacket went really well with this marigold blouse. 

Once I had the blouse, I started hunting for the right pair of shoes, and my eyes landed on these orange ones. They don't match exactly but they go, and they're far enough away that it all works.

The skirt is suede - isn't it cool? 

I loved how funky it looked with the jacket. These swirls are practically neutral! 

Masked up. 

The office is dead right now. I spoke to only one person face-to-face (and we wore our masks), but it was my colleague Sheila, and I got to give her a twirl and waggle my shoes at her. 

Outerwear - it felt like an Unsafe Polar Bear kind of day! 

I'm going home to hibernate until this is all over. 

Accoutrements: 

I probably should have worn a hat, but none of mine caught my fancy this morning. 

• Scarf - gift from Mom, Italy
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

These are "difficult" shoes in the same mold as today's jacket - they require a bit of work to make them harmonize with an outfit. However, they are insanely comfy (the soles are rubber and very squishy). 

Copious bling: 

I positioned the umbrella brooch vertically on the breast pocket, so that it looked like it was hanging off my pocket. 

• Choker - Myka, thrifted
• Necklace - POLY, thrifted
• Bracelet w/amber glass - R&G Co., vintage 1920, vintage mall
• Silver/gold bracelet - JPL, vintage fair
• "C" floating bracelet - POLY, thrifted
• Green stone bracelet - vintage 30s, vintage mall
• Earrings - vintage fair
• Umbrella brooch - vintage, gift from L
• Shiny ring - POLY, vintage fair
• Matte ring - POLY, Hamilton Art Gallery

I pulled out four of my Christoph Poly pieces - one of my mini-collections. I'm wearing all my armour!

Weekend Wrap-Up: Grape Ape and ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS, and Mermaid for Book Club

We're still trying not to have much face-to-face interaction with people over the next few weeks, but we couldn't miss out on our usual Saturday brunch with Nick - he's family! I went a little over to the top for it, wearing a look that I put together the other night in a fit of mental health exercise. 

Fortunately, Nick is used to my whackadoo stylings, and did not blink an eye at my ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS (my apologies, they insist on all-caps). 

• Blouse - Halston III for JC Penney, vintage 80s, thrifted; first worn here in May 2021 with Big Boss Pants
• Sweater top - INC, thrifted; last seen here in September 2021 with PANK
• ORANGE LEATHER SHORTS - Danier Leather, vintage 80s, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in July 2021 with a long denim vest
• Shoes - Groovy Aubrey, Fluevog; last seen here in November 2021 with pink Boss Pants
• Grape Ape coat (below) - Forever 21, thrifted; last seen here in November 2021

It was super foggy out! 

If you stare in the centre of the picture, a Castle spire may appear. 

I really wanted to try layering this vintage Halston (yes, that Halston) blouse - it's so oversized that it needs reining in.

This little black sweater top is usually worn like a camisole, under jackets and things, but it worked really well with the blouse. Hooray! 

I almost always wear a pair of thick tights with these shorts (note the pockets above, yay!). 

I showed off the 7" zipper to the servers at the Ruby - they were very impressed. "OMG, those are leather??"

I was happy at how well they worked with my orange Fluevogs. 

Masked up: 

I only had my coat and accoutrements off while we were having our food. 

Afterwards, L and I ran some errands and did our weekly grocery shop. 

I decided - since I'm already full-on sartorial madness - to wear the Grape Ape coat. 

So this is how most people saw me. 

There were a few double-takes. 

Accoutrements: 

The weather's been mild and there has been no line-up at the Ruby since before Christmas. Everyone's in hiding until this whole pandemic thing blows over. 

• Purse - Ted Lapidus, vintage 90s, vintage fair
• Gloves - consignment
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

Comfy shoes for walking a few blocks. 

Badass bling:

Just a few bold pieces. 

• Leather studded wrap - Kipling, thrifted
• Chain/leather wrap - local
• Bug pendant (don't remember)
• Wood ring - Dots
• Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair
• Gold hoop earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L

L and I watched football and dozed all afternoon, then enjoyed a late night of board games. On Sunday, I made us breakfast, then got ready for Book Club. Due to Covid exposures/keeping safe, half of us met in person and Zoomed in the other half. 

No one saw this outfit, as I was swathed in layers for us to sit outdoors. 

• Turtleneck - Yest Basics; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2021 under brocade
• Mermaid skirt - no label, vintage 70s, thrifted; last seen here in February 2021 for two Zoom calls
• Boots - Arnold Churgin, vintage, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in September 2020 for an outside Winesday
• Coat (below) - Danier, consignment; last worn here a week ago under my plaid cape for the periodontist
• Cape - Bodybag by Jude, consignment, gift from L; last worn here over this jacket 

Isn't the skirt cool? I love this mermaid shape - this is its 5th wearing and I'm under $2/outfit. 

I normally would not wear this sweater on its own - it's very thin and shows every little bump. 

But that's okay. No one saw it! 

I masked up, but didn't need it - I thought I might have to bus home, but L drove me both ways. 

I'm wearing the same coat/cape combo that I did for the dentist a couple of weeks ago. 

This is how I looked for Book Club, plus I had a blanket on top of me while we Zoomed outside. 

Accoutrements: 

I like a mix of red tones. 

• Scarf - gift from Milind
• Beret - Parkhurst, consignment
• Gloves - Parkhurst
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff: 

I can't believe it's been 14 months since I've worn these boots. They were one of my tried-and-true shopping pairs, and I just don't shop with the same frequency I used to. 

Brass bling: 

Only my earrings were visible, but I was still armoured up! 

• Brass/leather cuff - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Poe cuff - Jezebel Charms, gift from L
• Mexican horoscope necklace - vintage 70s, Mom's
• Earrings - Mom's, Fiji
• Klimt ring - consignment
• Silver/smoky topaz ring - Anneli Neuman, Finland, vintage mall

We discussed Ciara's pick, "The Mercies" (my last book read of 2021), and Carolyn presented her pick, "French Exit" by Patrick DeWitt. We read "The Sisters Brothers" by him many years ago in Book Club and enjoyed it (the movie is not good). 

I'm excited to read this (and am giggling at the cat on the cover). Caro included a bookmark for each of us from her mom, Hazel, who is an artist. Mine's called "Valentino."

And how was YOUR weekend? Any adventures? 

Fancy Friday: Brown and Triple Leopard (and One Ocelot)

Happy Friday, my friends! I'm going to be brief, as I want to go hang out with L and Vizzini.

Today's Fancy Friday features this new-to-me leopard top. Going forward, it will be more of a layering piece, but for this outfit, it's the star! 

• Leather jacket (sans lining) - Boss by Hugo Boss, consignment; last worn here in September 2021 on a Mom-Day Adventure
• Top - Gilmour, consignment; purchased here (new with tags!) for $12.00
• Skirt - Gunex, thrifted; last worn and Flashbacked here (3rd outfit) in November 2020 with pink angora
• Shoes - Banana Republic, consignment; last seen here in October 2021 with gold pleats
• Coat (below) - Hilary Radley, thrifted; last worn here in December 2021

Aside from the pattern, the top is a basic thin long-sleeved turtleneck. I liked the feel of the fabric, very soft. 

I was happy to get another wearing in of my "bark" skirt. This is its 17th outfit! 

I know, I noted that my brown velvet blazer the other day was my Best Brown Blazer...and yet, here I am with another brown blazer. Tsk.

We could say it's the Best Brown Leather Blazer...And this is how you end up with a massive wardrobe! A bit of my full coral vintage slip is showing there. 

Masked up:

I have three different leopard masks - this one is lighter tones. I have a mid-brown one, and a darker brown as well. There are different leopards! 

Outerwear:

I may not have a winter leopard coat (I have a spring/fall one!) but I do have the Unsafe Ocelot! It's so cozy and warm. 

Accoutrements:

Just the unusual suspects. 

• Scarf - Pierre Cardin, vintage 70s, thrifted
• Leather gloves - thrifted
• Mask - by Mom

The stuff:

I'm still on the lookout for the Best Leopard Shoes - I don't like this loafer front on me, but I do love the block heel. If these had a scoop vamp, I'd be thrilled. As it is, I am merely content. 

Brown and gold bling: 

So many classy names: Fendi, Givenchy...and fake Gucci.

• Belt - Fendi, thrifted; last worn here in December 2021
• Necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
• Earrings - 5th anniversary gift from L
• Gold chain - vintage 80s, Grandma J's
• Bracelet - fake Gucci, gift from Mom and Dad, early 90s, Italy
• Amber ring - c. 1996
• Brass brutalist ring - vintage 70s, antique mall 

Have a good weekend, my friends. I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure!