Weekend Wrap-Up: Jimi Velvet at the Pub, Walk With Betty and Plenty of Kittens

Welcome back, my friends! I hope you've had a lovely weekend - I sure have, and I'm eager to share it with you. 

On Saturday, we met up with our Chosen Family at the Garrick's Head Pub to celebrate dear friend Casey's birthday. I wanted to wear something that made think of him.

And as you can tell, we had nice weather, so I leapt at the chance to wear my Nutcracker velvet jacket. Very Jimi Hendrix! 

• Velvet jacket - Zara, consignment; last seen here in December 2024 with green pleats
• Duthie Books tee - gift from Casey, not tracked, but worn here in 2023 to Vancouver
• Pin-corduroy pants - Diane Von Furstenberg, vintage 00s, thrifted, Seattle; last worn here in December 2024 for a day off with L
• Boots - Go Groovy Huysmans, Fluevog; last seen here in October with Issey and gold lace

What Would Jimi Do? was my guide, so I picked this pair of flared, cuffed cords in a beautiful cherry red. The graphic tee was covered in layers of chains, and I had a hanging gold chain belt with a piece of Spanish lace tied to it.

I also wore my poppy with a cluster of brooches and red/burgundy/black rose-patterned Fluevog socks, plus a red pendant. 

More Jimi-fringe with a burgundy velvet scarf.

I had several comments while we were out and about - L and I walked to town and bused home several hours later. 

I felt very much a rockstar.

I buttoned up the jacket when I was walking around. 

The stuff: 

My brooches from Alison were on display - the angel and the horseshoe nail pins. 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
• Velvet scarf - thrifted
• Wool gloves - Parkhurst
• Angel brooch and horseshoe nail pin - gifts from Alison

I picked easy shoes for the walk.

Excessive bling: 

I wore two bracelets per wrist and four rings, plus two different earrings and a couple of ear-cuffs. 

• Lace - Spain, gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1997
• Chain belt - thrifted
• Leather/stud wrist-wrap - Kipling Leather, thrifted
• Leather/chain wrap - local
• Lucite/gold bracelet - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L
• Chain bracelet - Dad's
• Wooden Klimt ring - consignment
• Stone ring - thrifted
• Brass leopard ring - thrifted
• Bronze ring - P. Sarpaneva, vintage 70s, vintage expo
• Carnelian/silver pendant - consignment
• Gold necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s vintage fair
• Rose earring - Betsey Johnson, swap from Cat
• Gold hoop earring - 2002, gift from L
• Vermeil ear-cuffs - consignment
• Glass/vermeil cross necklace - Lalique, vintage 00s, vintage fair, gift from L

Woo, that's a lot! 

I popped out midway through the revelry to have a mental break, and had a browse through nearby Upcycle Vintage where this studded belt called to me. 

It's leather and the studs go all the way through. 

It's by Madewell, and I know their belts are very expensive. This is similar to their Flat Studded Western Belt, currently on sale for $106, regular price $134. 

I paid $50, which is high for a belt - for ME - but my grommet belt is starting to wear out a bit, and this is a nice thinner alternative. Plus, I supported a local business! 

One slightly tipped picture of our Chosen Family, celebrating at the Garrick's Head (there's the head there, above the reputedly-haunted fireplace). 

People came and went over several hours. From left going around the table: me, Rosanna, Katya, Michael, L, Jay, Greg, Casey (in the black velvet), Cat, Ross and I think that's Randall's arm. 

We headed home to hang out and play games and spend time with the boys. I take so many pictures, that I always have a backlog. 

Barnabas protects my cashmere dress. This is from Thursday, when I was out there sewing.

Whateley slept in the old chair out on the deck. It probably still smells of Vizzini.

They're so small when they're curled up! 

Late in the evening, sleeping on a folded-up blanket along the back of my couch. 

The toe-beans! 

Whateley is just totally conked out. 

Such a pretty boy. 

Barnabas curled around my arm. 

My heart just melts.

I was up early on Sunday to get ready for a walk with Betty! It's been ages since we got together - we visited the Art Gallery here in January.

No one saw my outfit, as I was only in my outerwear in public, but here it is anyway. 

• Leather jacket - Maison Rabih Kayrouz, consignment, Vancouver; last worn here in April
• T-shirt - Mother Mother merch, thrifted, not tracked
• Mesh top (not seen) - Noisy May, consignment; last seen here in October with Diwali velvet
• Black jeans - Scotch & Soda, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) in September for Winesday
• Floral boots - Doc Martens, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) in September 2024 for a Dots shop
• Sweetums cape (below) - vintage, consignment; last worn here in January for a Mom-Day

A less glary look.

Getting the new-to-me belt worn right away. 

Oops, rather blurry.

I managed to button up my cape incorrectly for the entire time I was out with Betty. 

The stuff: 

I'm surprised I haven't worn these boots that much recently - they're insanely comfortable. 

Minimal bling: 

Some of my older pendants, for good vibes. 

• Belt - Madewell, consignment; purchased above for $50.00
• Earrings - consignment, c. 1995
• S silver Celtic pendant - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1997
• Amethyst crystal - gift from Mom & Dad, c. 1994
• Glass pendant - Raven's Roost, Vancouver

Me and Betty! 

And yes, I can clearly see that the chestal seams on my cape are not lined up. Ha ha! 

We parked in Oak Bay and walked along the water, starting at the Marina. 

I always have memories of "Sealand of the Pacific", a marine park that had captive orcas, seals, sea lions and other aquatic creatures. It was a major tourist attraction for years. 

A peek at the marina.

The leaves are still colourful and hanging on after the recent storms. 

I see the tree where Mom and I did the "un-boxing" of her book (here).

There were lots of people around, enjoying the sunshine. 

The water is so clear.

Kelp bobbing in the ripples. 

The wolf sculpture.

The plaque for Queen's Park. 

Mt. Baker in the distance. 

Lots of boats.

This whale tail sculpture is new. 

We approved. 

Glimpses of the water through the trees. 

We walked for over and hour, just catching up on each other's lives. 

We worked together for nearly a decade at WW/Weight Watchers. 

At Willows Beach. There were tons of people around. 

Another view of Mt.Baker

I cropped all the people out of the foreground. 

A fairly high tide.

The line of mountains in the distance are in the USA to the south, Washington State. 

Crows were everywhere. 

And so many people. 

As Mom and I have grumbled, there's no easy access down to the beach, so we stayed on this upper path and headed back the way we'd come. 

It was still lovely being out in the sunshine. 

One last look at Mt. Baker and some sailboats. 

That was a wonderful walk, Betty, thank you! So awesome to see you.

And now, more kitten pictures. Barnabas sprawled across our board game box.

"I know how to sit in boxes!"

On Saturday night, they slept the entire time that L and I hung out. I'd made little sleeping areas for them.

"I approve of this spot."      "I love you!"

Later, they each took a side of the couch.

Oh, my goodness, such sweet kittens. 

But this made me laugh. Whateley's sprawl! 

"I'm feeling very relaxed."        "I love you!"

And there you have it, my friends! I'm off now to spend the rest of the weekend with my furry/human fam. Thanks so much for being here. 

Bonus Friday Blues - and Some Kitten Pictures

As you may have guessed, there was no Mom-Day yesterday - this time of year is hard on Mom, with the temperatures. Plus it absolutely poured and stormed all day, so neither of us wanted to be out in it. Instead, I stayed home and spent a much-needed quiet day getting a few small things done and letting my brain decompress. 

And all of a sudden, it was Friday! 

I've had this outfit waiting for a rainy day. Blue boots! 

• Sweatshirt - Kenzo, consignment; purchased here for $58.50
• Sparkly turtleneck - Jacob, thrifted; last seen here in September layered under a Kenzo dress
• Wool skirt - Kate Spade, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in December 2024 for some holiday shopping
• Underskirt - Luc Fontaine, thrifted; last seen here in June 2023 on a Day of Indolence, layered under a tulle skirt
• Boots - Original Sabado, Fluevog; last worn here in September for a Mom-Day of birding
• Suede coat - Tadmor, Israeli, vintage 60s, consignment; last seen here in February

A typical November sky over the Castle.

The glowing tower light warms my heart. 

I layered my sparkly turtleneck under this thin fleece top. 

I added a sparkly brooch at the top of the Eiffel Tower, to make it look like fireworks. 

I love the colour of this sweatshirt - it's such a lovely blue. 

You can see the little floofy underskirt there - I'd forgotten I had it and rediscovered it on a slip rummage. It gave me security with this short-ish skirt. 

Incognito. I loved wearing this gorgeous suede coat again - it's getting softer every year. 

It wasn't as rainy or windy as predicted, which was good. I still hopped the bus home. 

The stuff: 

My colleagues gasped at my boots. Big blue boots! 

• Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, thrifted
• Wool gloves - Parkhurst
• Fur scarf - thrifted
• Angora beret - Parkhurst, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Umbrella brooch - vintage, gift from L

Sparkly bling: 

Some of my favourite pieces, including Grandma's necklace. 

• Lucite/silver bracelet - Alexis Bittar, consignment, Vancouver
• Hinged crystal cuff - Swarovski, consignment, gift from L
• Silver/sodalite ring - 1995, Scotland
• Fulvia Ring/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Jet necklace - vintage 60s, Grandma J's
• Earrings - thrifted
• Starburst brooch - c. 1999, Eaton's

Some of the many pictures I have taken of the kittens recently. Enjoy! 

I washed all of my moth-eaten wools and cashmeres then laid them over my chair to dry. 

"A good napping place!"

Barnabas, you naughty boy. Those are still damp! 

"I heard this was a good nap place."

You guys! 

L discovered this when he got up on Thursday. Whateley, did you do this? 

"I did! I'm a good boy!"

He proceeded to destroy the rest of the paper towel roll, and looked at L for praise. 

Whateley has the ability to flop anywhere. 

Barnabas coming in for a wrestle. 

I did my moth-hole mending out on the deck while the rain pattered down above us. I let the kittens join me, and of course, they went to sleep on my cashmere and wool again!

 "This is the best bed."       "What's that thing?"

Barnabas has spotted something! I assumed it was a leaf due to the high winds, but no, it was a wasp! 

Wasps wiggle their way into our deck every few months. 

"What is it?"        "I want to smell it!"

I got the kittens locked back inside then disposed of the wasp safely. Crisis averted! 

And then there was cuddling in my closet. 

"Who do you keep talking to?"     "What's on those shelves up there?"

And now, off to go find out what those little scamps are up to! I hope you all have a lovely weekend, my friends. Please do drop back in on Sunday for tales of adventure! Thanks so much for being here. 

SLEEVES, Tweed and Copper

I pulled out the big guns for today's outfit - giant SLEEVES! 

They're so puffy! 

• Cotton blouse - Recollections, vintage 80s, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
• Wool/cotton vest - Tai Chiu Kuei, thrifted; first seen here in October 2024 at a Mom-Day at the Gorge Waterway park
• Wool pinstriped trousers - Red Valentino, consignment; last worn here in October with a cold-shoulder sweater
• Sandals - Chie Mihara; last seen here in July with regret-me-not mustard
• Leather trenchcoat - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here in October

It was a burry morning. 

The vest and Boss Pants help counteract the very Victorian vibe of the blouse. 

I loved wearing this vest again - I had forgotten that I'd only worn it once! It has nice big pockets too.

I didn't do up the waist buttons, as it causes the velvet ties in front to bunch up. This does make me look very wide, so mental note: I should do them up in the future. 

Incognito. It was supposed to rain all day. 

It did not rain at all, but a week of solid rain is coming. You'll see this coat and hat again! 

The stuff: 

I'm glad I wore these sandals to give me a bit more elevation - I wore them with a little lacy anklet. 

• Silk scarf - Janie Besner, thrifted
• Wool hat - Delux, Saanich Fair, c. 2008
• Leather/cashmere gloves - Club Monaco, consignment

Copper bling: 

I think of my Grandma when I wear them, and her giving them to me c. 1985.

• Copper brooch (not shown) - thrifted
• Copper "88s" bracelet - Renoir, vintage 50s, consignment, Seattle, gift from L
• Copper cuff - Renoir, vintage 50s, Grandma J's
• Copper necklace/earrings - unmarked, vintage 50s, Grandma J's
• Wooden ring - Dots
• Copper ring - consignment
• Stone ring - thrifted

Whateley's found a new spot, L's pillow. 

"I love the Man."

We heard a rustling the other night. 

"This is for sleeping AND playing."

And where's Barnabas? 

"This is for laundry AND playing!"

Such cute kittens.

Green Cocoon, Blue Velvet and a Poncho

Still cocooning in my new-to-me green pleated dress - it did give me an excuse to wear these gorgeous velvet boots (not that I needed one). 

This is the best the colour is going to get so enjoy! Note how the dress does a knife fold where my lap is here - I played with this all day. 

• Mesh top - Mexx, vintage 90s, consignment; last seen here in May on the Day of Indolence
• Pleated dress - Adolpho Dominguez, consignment NWT; purchased here for $54.00
• Velvet boots - Chatterbox Ishshoes, Fluevog; last worn here (2nd outfit) in March for brunch and a wee shop
• Leather blazer (below) - Danier Leather, vintage 00s, thrifted; last seen here in March
• Wool poncho (below) - no label, Welsh, vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here way back in September 2024! 

The rains are coming...

I probably won't have a view like this again for a long time. 

I layered my lime/blue/turquoise mesh top under the dress - I also have a camisole under that for extra warmth. Single digits!

The dress is a very generous XS and was incredibly comfortable to wear - it stood out from my body and as noted, it made knife-pleats but didn't wrinkle at all. LOVE. 

Pockets! 

I carried my phone around in my pocket, which dragged the dress off to one side. Mental note: don't do that. 

I like the box pleat in the back, which gives the upper part  some structure, so it's not so baggy back there. 

It makes a slight rustling noise as I walk - it reminds me of the Bark Skirt. 

Incognito, and part one of my outerwear. 

A dark cobalt blue leather jacket for pockets and support for...

The poncho! 

It's an incredible piece. I carried my bag so as not to destroy "the line." 

The stuff: 

These boots are such a deep rich cobalt blue, but they don't photograph well. Under the office lights, they GLOW. 

• Silk scarf - Yves Saint Laurent, vintage 80s, thrifted
• Angora beret - Parkhurst, thrifted; purchased here for $1.00
• Wool gloves - Parkhurst

Blue bling: 

First wearing of the hinged silver and turquoise bangle. I filed down some slightly sharp edges, but otherwise it was excellent. 

• Hinged silver/turquoise bracelet - Mexican, consignment; purchased here for $68.00
• Lapis lazuli bracelet - Nepalese, consignment
• Fulvia Ring/lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
• Chain necklace - consignment
• Silver/Venetian glass earrings - local

Cuddly kittens! 

There is quite the power struggle between them. Whateley is the bigger, more dominant one.

But Barnabas is smarter and sneakier, often launching himself onto his brother.

I think they sleep here all day when we're gone!