I Demand Spring
In which I am DONE with this greyness, and attempt to snap out of it by wearing things I love...and also let things go (such is life). Let's put some silly things on!
Hello, my friends, and welcome new folks, faithful regulars and the Sheila-curious. Come on in, grab a seat, something to drink? Would you like to look at some outfits? I promise I don’t dress like other people, as I am a feisty Gen-Xer who loves vintage, wacky treasures and mostly secondhand pieces from near and far (in time and space). I’ve been doing this fashion-y thing *waves airily* for nearly 20 years, first at Ye Olde Blogge Ephemera1, est. 2008, and here on Substack since 2024.
This week has no theme but I’m really done with February, aren’t you? I’m aching for colour that isn’t this weak tea winter crap. I am feeling the pressure as the Official Change of Season looms, and I think about (slowly) paring down my wardrobe. I promise lots of rambling about feelings.
Let’s get this show on the road!
PS - Substack ALWAYS whines that these are too long for email, but Logan reads the whole damned thing in email, so it’s a SCAM to get you to click through.
Per Suede
We all get attached to certain special pieces in our wardrobes.
This suede “drummer boy” jacket was so weird that I had to have it (it was $42 back in 2012), wore it once, and then mentally labeled it Save For Good. I styled it as outerwear for an awards ceremony a year later (nominated, did not win2), then it sat in a box for seven years until I hauled it out for my and Logan’s Vampire Anniversary.
And then…LANGUISH…not again until our 2024 Hallowe’en party3.
So I hung it up back in early October at the start of my 6-month wardrobe…and never once reached for it. I thought I might throw it into one of my casual fit formulae (band tee, cool skirt, groovy shoes, rockin’ jacket), but it didn’t feel right.
It doesn’t help that it doesn’t have pockets!
I was in a state of general FUCKITedness on Monday, not helped by having to go back to work. Bah, this work thing is bogus!
I recognize this as the Fucking February Doldrums. So much grey, rain and cold, and it’s DAMP on the west coast. Dreary. Depressing. All the Ds.
The boots cheered me, but I wasn’t feeling a whole lotta joy. Thank goodness for the cats.
Branded items: Monet brooch. Roeckl gloves. F-Trip Warhol boots by John Fluevog. Cat is Wizard Whateley. Alexis Bittar “fang” Lucite bracelet. Monet necklace.
Yvonne Copy
I loaned this embroidered, studded jacket to Yvonne for the recent VFF Gala, and loved how she styled a plain shirt under it.
A Packed Schedule Gone Awry
Hello, dear friends! Come on in, get out of the weather, find a seat and settle in. The world’s a scary place and I’m here to welcome you to a quiet little corner where we can hide and look at pretty things. You can count on mostly secondhand, lots of vintage, a plethora of colour, and not the kind of outfits you see on most people. Yeah, I’m a wacky Ge…
I had yet to wear this jacket for the season (oho, a backward hanger!) so even though it just had an outing a few weeks ago, I decided to play around with my collared shirts and found a vintage blue silk beauty that was juuuuuust right. I hoped the embroidered roses and flowers on the jacket would help manifest spring.
I could have worn the pink tulle skirt too (it’s mine, was also loaned to Yvo) but why not get another wearing in of this dusty pink-y rose suede skirt? This was a good Tuesday office outfit, as I was up on ladders and stuffing things in cupboards. Comfort first!
I was utterly crushed to find that the back of the neck and collar of the FAKE leather jacket is degrading and peeling off in big chunks. UGH.
In contrast to Monday’s suede jacket, this one has always rung my bells4. It’s embroidered everywhere: back of the neck, the back panel, the waistband, the ARMS, and even the panel on the front that would be hidden when it’s zipped.
The studs are actual metal balls - no expense was spared…EXCEPT for making it from PVC/plastic. It’s a shame! Wouldn’t this be incredible in real leather?
Anyway, it might surprise you to know that I’m keeping it - for now. The peeling isn’t super noticeable at the nape when it’s on, and until the rest of it starts peeling like a bad sunburn, it still has a place in my closet.
Branded items: Fluevog scarf. Swordfish Marquis shoes are by John Fluevog. Belt is Madewell. Lapis lazuli ring is by Wendy Brandes.
This outfit has a high percentage of new retail purchases! The jacket, the scarf, the shoes, the lapis lazuli ring and the bug pendant. Huh.
By Request Interlude: Jewelry Storage
Hey, thank you, Cheryl Wischhover, for asking how I store my massive jewelry collection. Also, rock on! You’re a very cool person.
Ahem! Anyway, this is how I stored my jewelry before we had two kittens:
Things are grouped by type, eg. big bracelets, copper, Brutalist, small earrings, big earrings. I’m a very visual person, so I need to see everything or I forget I have it.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Anyway, I’m going to have to re-jig this set-up, as this has been how I’ve stored my jewelry since adopting two kittens:
It’s a bit of a pain in the ass to cover/uncover constantly, but at least it keeps my favourite pieces from being gnawed on! I’ll be doing my 6-month closet swap-over in early April (I’ve already booked off the weekend for it) and will update y’all then on any changes I make to my storage5.
How do YOU store your jewelry? Do you forget what you own? How do you deal with cats that are THEEEFS?
Back to our scheduled programming…
Pink Shirted
Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day, something I wholeheartedly support, as the target of bullies several times in my life6. I’m better now, thanks for asking.
I had a totally crazy day, to the point that one of my colleagues came to see me, to see if I was okay (no, just a really hilarious-in-retrospect email string full of date errors that had zero impact aside from showing that even I make mistakes). I was on the verge of hysterical laugh-crying at one point7.
Deep breath…and let’s revel in the glory that is this utterly fabulous sweater.
It never fails to make me happy. The sheer amount of work that went into creating it alone is just boggling. It’s also REALLY heavy - I mean, those are glass and metal pieces sewn onto a thick wool sweater. It’s gotten a bit of patina in the 8 years that I’ve owned it, as I wear the thing regularly during the colder months, with a few beads gone astray.
And isn’t the skirt delightfully goofy? It’s like, “Garbage bag, only FASHUN.”
The people I interacted with today were the best, from my caring colleague to the lovely person who said, “What is all this?” about my fit. I promoted myself - I’m on Substack!
Branded items: Parkhurst gloves. Sarah Coventry brooch8. Fluevog silk scarf. Wonders Ayers shoes, also by John Fluevog. D’Orlan fancy bracelet. Frances Jewelers gold/amethyst ring. Givenchy necklace.
Will collar points be the next button-covers? Check with your dads/grandads to see if they have any. They’re GOLD9.
Teal Appeal
Thursday was Mom-Day, involving walking, buses, sheep, Mom. She’s healing well from her dislocated elbow and is planning changes to her house to make it easier on her as she ages.
I always dress up for Mom, but I am also cognizant of the weather. Predictions of rain and wind meant I had to start with the shoes and seal it with a good warm coat.
I’d had this outfit’s bones already set aside: the new-to-me silk Escada top, the jean skirt and the cardigan, but nothing else.
When I realized these ginormous NEON waterproof boots would match, I added a long-sleeved mesh top - the colours go! - for warmth. Snap! That was easy.
Off goes the cardigan! I was sweating by the time I made it to Mom’s, as I’d had to walk to town after missing two buses, then an extra couple of kilometers to her house (having missed the “good” bus that gets me closer, dammit) as the wind tried to knock me off my feet.
Mom had never “met” this coat - she’s encountered most of my wardrobe in the 6 years that we’ve been doing Mom-Days. I happily turned it inside out so she could coo over the leather lining.
Branded items: Perlina Studio purse. Smoking Lily leather heart. Parkhurst Beret. Soul Speed Fury boots by John Fluevog. Myka crystal/pearl brass cuff. Tom Binns shark jaw cuff. Raphael of Canada brass/glass ring. Le Chateau bug pin. Roberto for RFM fish necklace. British Museum cat earrings.
Most of this is secondhand - I bought the bug brooch back in the early 00s. The cat earrings were a gift to Mom that she gave back to me. My Fluevogs are usually bought new (often on deep sale, or via gift cards!). If you ever have any questions about my stuff or its provenance, feel free to ask.
Weird Adidas Tulle
I felt like this outfit pushed the envelope slightly for the office, but fuck it, it was Friday10.
I would never have put this outfit together if I had not bought a jacket with a challenging colour combination: bright orange and pea green. I mean, WTF do you wear with that?
Don’t say jeans and a white top11. But neutrals - like black or denim were what I looked at first. And because the jacket has a white zipper, I yanked out this joyful tulle skirt.
I was chuffed to find a print in my collection that also went with/matched the outfit, and it helped me bring another colour into the mix: sky blue12!
I was hoping to test it out in the rain - I wear all my leather in the rain, it rains here a lot, okay? - but darn, only sunshine. I suspect this jacket will work better with my spring/summer closet palette, which tends to lean to more citrusy and vegetal shades13.
Branded items: Belt is by John Fluevog, as are the Groovy Aubrey orange shoes. Scarf is fake L. (stands for Lewis) Vuitton. Gloves from Danier Leather. Silver/blue topaz Fulvia Ring is by Wendy Brandes. The earrings are marked Brenda Schoenfeld 1992.
Time to Rate the Work Fits
Can’t choose? Tell me all about it.
Snakes in the Garden
As the week drew to a close, I reminded myself of my goal: Demanding Spring! I’ve been cheered to see daffodils starting to bloom, along with the plum trees’ pink fluffy flowers in Victoria. I always keep a few bright colours out in my fall/winter closet to remind me of the warmth and joy of spring/summer.
Our Saturday brunch routine: I sleep in/read in bed with coffee and the cats while Logan writes. I get ready for brunch, we go to our favourite diner, John’s Place (usually with Nick), and I often have a 5-Minute Shop in the Beacon Ave Thrift Store next door. Sometimes we do our weekly grocery shop afterwards. It’s very exciting (snort), but it’s an opportunity to dress up and feel good and spread cheer, so why not?
I woke up with a blank slate fit-wise, but with this reminder of the upcoming change of season (and CLOSET) my brain said, “Yellow boots!”
Yes! Good call, brain!
The pink and yellow scarf14 came next and then a coat that I ultimately rejected15 in favour of my fringed pink suede jacket. Working backwards, this pink sweater had been awaiting its seasonal wear and I was so pleased anew with it, I’ve moved it into the empty space left from letting go of some less “me” things.
Pink needed green - of course! spring is all about the green! - and that led to a flower pin and then…SNAKES.
Branded items: Alexander McQueen scarf. F-Trip Etta boots are by John Fluevog. Coil snake bracelet is Whiting & Davis. Earrings are Betsey Johnson.
This outfit was a HIT in public. People love colour! They also really liked that my outfit had a Name.
Look at me, spreading sunshine.
After brunch, Logan agreed to a 15-minute shop - he browsed CDs and books (and I found him a shirt for $4.50), while I had a quick run-through of everything.
Notes:
The sandals fooled me! I thought they were leather! Considering they are likely 15ish years old, they’re in excellent shape. They zip up the back of the heel, so you can just set the buckles/straps. Do you remember Fergie from Black-Eyed Peas’ footwear line? These were probably sold at The Bay department store.
I adore this sparkly sleeveless knit, even thought it is by a repulsive person. I donated an extra $5 to the thrift store with my purchase for extra good karma.
No More Outfits, I’m Gaming All Weekend
Personally, I think outfits are like blowing bubbles. Each one is precious and beautiful, and then it’s gone. Pop! Oh, look, another one!
These Are My Cats
The boys are in that lanky teenager stage, all legs and arms.
They’re enjoying the sunlight and finding beams to sleep in.
Well, another week over, and that was relatively painless. Did I get the spring I demanded? Kinda! We’ve had lovely weather and things are blooming and pushing up through the dirt. I’m champing16 at the bit to have my spring/summer clothes back, but reminding myself that March is a month for rewearing some of my favourite things.
Thank you to all the new subscribers - I hope this was all you expected! - and I do massively appreciate everyone who pops in and says hello. I’m so very grateful to have you readers out there, and every heart/like is an encouragement and validation. I do respond to every comment, so please feel free to chime in if something caught your eye, or if you have a question or are curious.
And now…let’s wrap this up, shall we? Done!
Cheers,
Sheila
LIGHT BULB MOMENT, yes, that’s why I’m (of Ephe…you got it. While I have you, this is the first of many footnotes, and be warned that I am a salty swearer! I also link ‘cause I love, and I will not steer you wrong. And…what else…eh, polls, cats, husband, enjoy!
The Unlimited Women Awards, which existed for one whole year. Enjoy the outfit and the joyful and goofy pictures.
I bought it for $177 with birthday money in January 2018 at the MALL (I had mall gift cards). I’ve worn it 16 times!
Yes, there will be pictures, so many pictures! Here, enjoy the early October 2025 swap-over.
Elementary school, then twice in my adult career, the last 15 years ago in the workplace. It’s taken a lot of self-examination, forgiveness and growth to get to wear I am now, in my late 50s. Menopause is so awesome - all that stuff just fell away.
I played the Perspective Game to get my head off this hamster wheel. How much will this matter in an hour? A day? A week, a month, a year? Will I even remember it? Nope, turns out this is just a minor thing, nothing to see here. LOOK AWAY!
Every vintage fair I have ever been to has had one of these exact brooches. Sarah Coventry is the Tupperware of costume jewelry, marketed in home sales. I hosted a Tupperware sale in the late 90s. I still have and use my hostess gift, a spoon rest, ha ha.
Not the metal, more of a “Stay golden, Pony Boy,” kinda way.
And ask me how much I care! Muahahhaha!
I mean, you do you, boo - but I don’t even own a pair of blue jeans. They are utterly NOT me, but I reserve the right to change my mind.
Belt, rings. Extra colours don’t have to be in your face.
Despite wanting to amalgamate all of my clothes into a “seasonless” closet, I do enjoy the distinct fall/winter colours vs. the bright hues of spring/summer…which is why I’ll probably never have a fully integrated closet. I just want my swap-overs to take a couple of hours, instead of a couple of days.
My first (of three) Alexander McQueen scarves, all bought secondhand. I love the pink and yellow together!
If you say, “chomping” I will smack your hand. Champing is what an eager horse does to the bit in its mouth (a bit is part of a bridle).
I like the idea that each outfit is a bubble that’s gone after it pops! Even the same clothes worn on a different day has a slightly different mood. A reminder to live in the moment…
I have 4 hooks I hang (costume and semi-precious) necklaces from, a tiny box for REAL jewelry, a small mother-of-pearl dish, a 1950s ashtray with match holder (Fornasetti!) that also holds perfume samples, a crystal salt-cellar and a rose pink china dish. Whatever doesn't fit goes into a drawer and I forget it exists. Veronica has never been interested in any of it or it would all be under the sofa.