Back in early December, I participated in a Silent Auction fundraiser to raise money to support my work's "give back to the community" committee - I donated a "
Learn to Shop Second-Hand With Sheila" session, and my lovely colleague, Ariana, won the lot!
We discussed, scheduled and Saturday was the day! We met up for breakfast at John's Place, had a delicious meal, and then headed for the shops. I'd guaranteed that my prize would take her to at least three shops, where I would show her
How To Find The Good Stuff.
There's me in the mirror, holding a bunch of clothes, and coaching Ariana on posing in front of a mirror.
But before we get to more pictures (and what I bought, because of course I found a couple of things that had to come home with me!), here's what I wore - my entire outfit is second-hand.
In a turn of events that is sure to shock the blogosphere, I am wearing beige. Actual beige!
- Jacket - Kelsey T upcycle, consignment; last worn here (2nd outfit) with a vintage skirt in September 2023
- T-shirt - Rebecca Taylor, consignment; purchased here for $25.00
- Skirt - Ganni, consignment; last worn here in January with mismatched purples
- Boots - Matisse, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in December 2023 for brunch
Temps are finally warming up a bit - there has been weather gossip about "double digits" - so I risked not wearing an additional piece of outerwear.
I like my layering simple when I'm shopping.
All second-hand, leading by example for my fine colleague.
I enjoy a good "all neutral" outfit once in a while, as a palate-cleanser from all the colour.
This jacket is so cool - I love all the bits on it.
And this denim leopard skirt is a firm favourite.
It helps that it has enormous pockets.
So let's address the beige elephant in the room - this leopard-trimmed tee.
I would not wear an entire top in this colour - oatmeal is for eating, not for wearing!
The leopard bits elevate it, and so I'm not mad at it. I would normally have a necklace to fill in the chestal region so that it's not so darned beige and blah.
Ready to shop, Ariana?
We spent an hour in the big WIN store on Pandora, then visited C'Sino's Vintage on Yates Street, popped into a new plus-size shop on Fort Street for a quick peek, then strolled further up to the Velvet Crease (another hour there), and a dash into MONA next door.
We shopped for close to three hours, so kudos to Ariana for her stamina! Not many people can keep up with me!
We were warm enough in our light layers, although it rained (while also being sunny) near the end of our time.
Accoutrements:
This lovely silk and cashmere scarf was a gift from Mom, from one of her trips to Italy.
- Purse - Aimee Kestenberg, thrifted, Powell River
- Scarf - Italy, gift from Mom
- Gloves - Thinsulate, thrifted
The stuff:
I've had these boots for so long (9 years!), but they are just getting better.
Minimal bling:
I wouldn't normally wear bracelets and dangly earrings for shopping, but this trip was not about me. Ha ha, I won't be trying anything on, of course not! Don't be silly.
- Belt - Roxy, thrifted
- Brass/leather cuff - vintage 70s, Mom's
- Brass ring - vintage mall
- Cuff/earrings - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L
- Leather heart brooch (not shown) - Smoking Lily
Oops, I forgot to take the anatomical heart brooch off the jacket - and I did buy that new at Smoking Lily more than 10 years ago, so my outfit is only 99% second-hand.
Ariana at WIN - she was gravitating heavily to houndstooth, and really liked this jacket.
She ultimately put it back (it was a smidge tight, plus had some wear/balling under the arms), but did find a faux leather waterfall cardigan and a long swooshy bohemian-inspired skirt.
I'd swooned over this gorgeous jacket before but it was a little too pricey for me.
I made her try it on...but it wasn't her vibe...so I tried it on...
Reader, I bought it!
It's an amazing piece, very much in the classic Chanel-inspired tweed vibe.
Woven check, black trim all over.
Two plastic buttons. It does not do up down the front and is a straight up and down boxy fit.
This was a perfect opportunity to compare the quality clues between the two jackets - we started our detective work on the tags inside.
Ooh, a Union label! This one matches the last series of Union labels used in Canada, between 1968-1984 (see
here at Vintage Fashion Guild, all links 'cause I love, of course). So that narrows down our date range.
More info - the contents tag. This is 48% wool, and 52% "Fibranne" - I have never heard of this material before, so let's do a little digging.
It's a cellulose-based fiber, similar to rayon or viscose. Not much else online about it, though.
I knew this would be made in Canada (due to the Union label).
The CA number traces back to "Imperter", a Montreal-based company. No hits on that - it's long defunct, apparently.
The crowning glory is this old "Gibson's" label from Victoria - Gibson's was a very swanky boutique on View Street in downtown (there is a sushi place there now), and which probably closed some time in the 70s. I also have this sweater worn
here by Dusia Knits that was sold there.
I'd originally seen this at full price - $26.95 - but it was reduced by 50% off. This was a mere $13.47.
I was drawn by this glorious yellow skirt.
It's a good length, full (but not too full), big pockets....
...look at that - so roomy!
It's a lovely wool as well.
I noticed that the back skirt slit was suspiciously short.
And that's an odd placement for a button.
Then I realized someone's hemmed this from a below-the-knee full skirt to a knee-length.
A good job on the lining, kind of a half-arsed job on the outer layer (no judgment - I've been known to half-arse a sew-job myself).
It's by Mr. Jax, which was around in Vancouver as a manufacturer for many years, finally closing in the 80s, I believe.
$26.95 for made in Canada lined wool. Take my money!
Ariana again at the Velvet Crease. She bought the striped long cardi, the skirt (it has stud details), the red leather boots, some leggings and a couple of other things. The red top was a no (not quite right) but filled a need for a red top to make an outfit while trying on.
Consignment stores are great because everything's better quality...but you pay more, that's the trade-off. We found Ariana a beautiful swooshy maxi dress at MONA after this, then enjoyed a cup of tea, and gabbed about our purchases and life in general, before I met up with L to get groceries and Ariana headed home. Phew, a long day!
L and I hung out and played boardgames in the evening, and I hosted Book Club on Sunday...followed by the Oscars (just L and I).
"I'll just sleep here then, shall I?"
Oh, Vizzini, get out of my scarf box!
Off to watch the Academy Awards! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
I paired it with a simple grey top. 
And the sleeves are sheer silk. And it has that funky neck and V-opening in front. 
I haven't put any of my cashmere coats away just yet (and my mink coat is still waiting, just in case we get some late snow). I am looking longingly at my thin jackets...
It worked! By the time I walked home, it was sunny. 
The usual suspects. 
This might be the last wearing of these gorgeous boots for the season - I don't keep them out for spring/summer. 
Just a few of my faves. 
