Minimal Work, Maximal Fun

In which I drop a few "fit bombs" in the office before gallivanting off on my annual June vacation. Come, be indolent with me!

Hello, my friends! Welcome to my little corner of the fashion discourse. Consider me your Gen X fairy gawdsister - I have a closet full of wacky clothes, a decades-curated jewelry collection and all the funneroo shoes, and most of it is pre-loved. I do not dress like other people, and that’s the way I like it! Take up space, be seen and wear all the colour!

Circular fashion is my ultimate aim - I only shop in-person, locally, 95% secondhand (I have a Fluevog thing). I sell - again, in-person only - clothes that didn’t quite make the grade to other fashiony folks, and the money I earn from my sales is my budget for shopping.

I’ve been at this wardrobe journaling thing since I started my blog, Ephemera [insert service announcement below]*, way back in 2008 - every outfit and purchase have been recorded there, along with major (and minor) bits of my life. Here on Substack (since 2024), I share a week’s round-up with you Gentle Readers, and blather on about whatever’s on my mind. Doesn’t that sound divine?

*Hello, I’m Sheila of the blog Ephemera. I like to swear (clutching pearls and fainting couches sold separately), I link ‘cause I love (no affiliates), and I do not use AI - I’ll make my own fucking typos, thank you!

Hello, Gentle Readers! So good to have you here. By the time you read this, I’ll already be well into my June vacay, which always features the Day of Indolence and other Fun Times (including Logan’s birthday party - but I’m getting ahead of myself, as that will be NEXT week).

But I still had to work the first three days, SIGH, life is so HARD, why must I WORK for a living? I kid, but yeah, I could get used to this time off…Anway, let’s go - good fun ahead!

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Sequins and Denim

I totally broke the rules and wore a ginormous denim mermaid skirt to the office. On a Monday! Put me in Office Jail! Lock me up and throw away the key! (That totally wouldn’t work, as I have master keys to everything. I AM the Pumpkin King!).

I figured the sequins on top would go a long way to countering my rebellion, plus when I’m at my desk you can’t see the skirt.

That’s a sequined cardigan - it’s thick knit inside! - from Zara, bought NWT at Turnabout. The top is a cotton sleeveless thin sweater by Contemporaine, a thrift shop find. The skirt is Levi Strauss (100% cotton, she HEAVY), and also a thrift find.

Anyway, I felt MAJESTIC in this - there’s something about a mermaid skirt that just makes me want to swank around. All that fabric makes noise in motion, a very satisfying and comforting flapping, like great wings or sails.

Without the scarf, which kept me dry from the drizzly rain. Blurry because this newsletter is FREE and I only take a few pics, also, whatever, you get the idea.

The cardigan is a bit prickly and wants to stick to itself, but it reminds me of cloisonné enamel and it has pockets, so it gets a pass. I pinned the top of it together with the cat-in-the-mirror brooch, which gave me a Secret Theme. Catsssss…

There's a Bug Bag in the V&A Museum. Clompin' shoes. Four cats and a cobra!

Branded items: Backpack is a vintage Craig Morrison rubber “Bug Bag.” Silk scarf is by Maxine Noel. Shoes are the Summertime Moonbeams by John Fluevog. Belt is by/from Leatherworld. Belt buckle is Zara. Chain/leather bracelet is Jenny Bird. Porcelain cat earrings are by Winnie Tam.

This is the bag I mentioned last week, “just hanging on the wall and not being used”:

It’s a Craig Morrison “Bug Bag”¹, probably from the early 90s? I’ve looked at what’s out there (your jaw will drop at the prices) and compared all of its characteristics (silver lining, the logo, etc.) to help date it. Mine has some degrading of the rubber on the tips of the spiky bits where it’s gone crusty (it’s soft rubber), and since I don’t want to sell it, I really need to WEAR IT and USE IT. Otherwise, what’s the point? It’s meant to be used.

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Menswear and Tulle

I have been a fan of menswear on women for decades - I borrowed my dad’s clothes when I was a teenager (I still have three of his sweaters²) along with raiding Mom’s jewelry and closet.

And yet, the most boring item in my wardrobe is always my white shirt, which up till now I have always bought whenever I found a good one (seldom) as I pits-out all my shirts eventually. But a white shirt is USEFUL.

The Eddie Bauer shirt was bought on consignment a The Velvet Crease. The vintage 80s corduroy studded vest (the pockets are leather-trimmed! eee!) was found at the Vend Collective (curated pre-loved). The tulle skirt has no label - I got it at House of Savoy.

And now I’m thinking…why have I not been buying myself MEN’S shirts? Mind blown! I see men’s white shirts all the time when I’m out shopping. The men certainly aren’t wearing them…

I am totally going to be on the lookout now for a Good White Shirt, as this one is on it's last legs/pits.

The best red lining ever! The long blazer/light jacket is by Cache, and is probably early 00s. Found it at House of Savoy.

Anyhoo, the outfit! Isn’t it fun? This is a big yes for me. It’s everything. EVERY. THING.

I’m a Rocka AND a Rolla. Bag is Craig Morrison’s “Bug Bag”, c. 1993.

It was cold and spitty rainy that morning, so I needed the coat, but got rather GLOWY on the way home in the sun. Oh, yeah, spring.

Aw, Whateley love. Groovy men's shoes. Amber, amber, amber, GLASS.

Branded items: Babaton PVC hat. Shoes are the Catalyst Shapers by John Fluevog.

Everything is pre-loved except for the shoes, which Logan bought for me.

I liked how the glass necklace looked like a tie at the neckline of the shirt. Told ya I’d be wearing my amber again soon!

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Nearly Identical Fit

Wednesday’s office fit hit my sweet spot: I love every piece I’m wearing and they all work so happily together. I’ve actually worn all three main pieces together but due to the MAGIC OF ACCESSORIES, it’s a completely different outfit. See?

Big Clothing Energy

I was more surprised that I hadn’t worn this most Bigass of Bigassiest necklaces with it.

Said tunic is by Miting and is linen/cotton, found in the dress section of the Velvet Crease (consignment) NWT. The 100% silk (with POCKETS) trousers are Stella McCartney, found cheap(ish, under $80) on consignment in Vancouver a couple of years ago due to an unstitched hem. I SEW.

How to do red and green and not look like Christmas. There’s probably a scientific explanation for it, but I just mix colours until it looks right. Red and olive is always a yes.

Yar, I be a feathery pirate. Check out the shoe change!

I debated over which shoes to wear, and then - in a FLASH of brilliance - decided to wear them both.

The heels are done-for once I’m retired³, but they look so good, they’re shockingly comfortable, and those wedges (which are WOOD) are loud and clompy and oh, my friends, it is a good noise. It delights me. I’ve had them since October 2012 and have worn them pretty regularly. I got them a local shoe shop (Heart & Sole, when they were on Cook St.) on final clearance for $54.00. What a steal.

But then there’s the whole comfort thing. Me knees!

I have had the lace-up flat version of this matchy leather for 11 years, and I’ve worn them to death. It’s testament to the quality that they’ve been worn in the rain, I can wear them barefoot (as I did this day), and they still look great. Logan probably bought them for me at Outlooks For Men while he was buying a new suit - they were on clearance for $71, and yes, they are men’s shoes. Feet are feet! If the shoe fits…

Fluevog went all in on this leather print/colourway c. 2010-2013. That necklace is so heavy, it left a dent on my nape. Some details for ya: I didn't fully detangle the chains, the medallions are actually screwed onto the holders. All Saints Spitalfields is on all of them.

Branded items: Ralph Lauren silk scarf. Faiths Low Reumah wood/leather wedges are by John Fluevog. The lace-ups are called the Down to Earth Hadfield and are also by John⁴. The chestpiece is the Cinta necklace by All Saints UK, probably from the early 00s.

Aside from the shoes, it’s all pre-loved.

I used to have the most fashionable coworker, Dominique - this would have been around 2017-2018. Before she moved away, she gave me this necklace, another All Saints one, a Prada baguette bag, and a gorgeous cocoon coat by Zara. I gave the baguette away (not my vibe) and moved the coat along (regert⁵). What an amazingly stylish person - I loved our daily Outfit Checks.

The necklace is HEAVY. The cowrie shells are cast in brass, as are the coins (look at all the designs! a skull! an owl!), which are screwed onto the holders with teeny-weeny screws. It’s a work of art and must have taken so long to make.

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Birthday Shop Bolds

Mom cancelled our Mom-Day, which was fine with me, as I needed to do Logan’s birthday present shop - I like to spoil him, and buy most of his gifts secondhand (not the candy!) or direct from local shops.

Cotton cropped jacket is by Animale, found at the WIN Boutique thrift shop many years ago for cheapy-cheapy. The skirt is nylon, by Love Tree, and was purchased with store credit at House of Savoy (so, consignment).

It was windy, a bit chilly, but also hot in the shade, so I layered up. A t-shirt, the Completely Impractical Raincoat, a nylon skirt. Skip the tights, but wear socks and a pair of wee shorts (for thigh security). I didn’t take a scarf because they are fussy when shopping, but could have used the hair wrangling as it was windy.

I regretted the sticky lip gloss.

The t-shirt is Adidas Farm Rio, another thrift store find (WIN again).

I like to be mostly hands-free when I shop and walk around. Pockets on the skirt are handy indeed.

WHAT. Black brooches. Bold bling. Fingerprints.

Branded items: Fossil leather purse. Aarikka Finnish wooden brooch. L'intervalle sneakers. Wendy Brandes made the silver and lapis lazuli ring 10+ years ago. Fingerprints on the earrings belong to Daisung Kim c/o the MoMA gift shop (but thrifted).

Pre-loved tally: it’s all secondhand (either thrift shop or consignment/curated) or gifted (the cat pin), except for the lapis ring, which I bought from Wendy directly in 2012.

The whole outfit made me happy - colour, pattern, texture. If you ever have any questions, please leave a comment or reach out. I love talking clothes and brands, and I do not gatekeep.

What I Bought For Myself When I Was Ostensibly Shopping for Logan⁶:

Compositions 80s blouse was in the $10 basket at Luna. 1990s Babette dress found at vintage resale Flavour Upstairs for $22.99. Also found the silk ruffled Nicole Benisti top at Flavour Upstairs for $34.99. Uniqlo X Theory wrap pleated skirt is current(!) - found it at WIN thrift store for $14.95.

Notes:

• Check out how perfectly this blouse’s pattern lines up - on the sleeves too! The stand-up neckline is very high-volume hair and big shiny earrings 80s - it’ll be fun to play with this goth-y plaid. It feels more autumnal, but I’ll definitely be styling it soon. Summer goth is just around the corner!

• Eleanor, I found another Babette dress! They’re coming out of the woodwork! This one is much older - I suspect 90s - and is noted on the tag as Style #1. Did you spot the two massive pockets slipped onto the front? Incredible design. This is too big on me, so I’m going to find it a home. I couldn’t leave her behind.

• I’m still swooning over this very Joan Jett ruffled silk blouse. It’s amazing. Must wear soon! Don’t you just love that feeling of excitement when you envision how a piece is going to integrate into your closet? Eeee!

• I have less of an enthusiastic reaction to this thick poly pleated skirt. It feels like good quality, but I have a kajillion black skirts and have at least two full long black ones (two in tulle alone!) that I like better than this. I’ll still wear it once to make sure, then move it along to the Limbo pile⁷. Also, Whateley is obsessed with it, so I’ve had to store it where he can’t get at it. What a weirdo.

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DOI Layers

And then…

It was Friday and LO, the Day of Indolence was upon us! Some of you longtime blog readers (hello!) may recall this from times gone by (we’ve been doing these shenanigans for, oh…16 years), and a few of you new folks (welcome welcome!) may be wondering, “What the hell is she blathering on about?” It’s probably best to just show you…⁸

Shenanigans with a Capital S! The only thing planned is when to meet for breakfast. There is much wandering, drinking, lounging about louchely. Rash purchases of wool and chocolate were made. The shadows are long at the end of the day...

What is the DOI? It’s a day for being indolent, not for plans, schedules, or Things We Must Do. The only timed event is when we meet for breakfast, and the rest is all devil-may-care. There is day-drinking, veering off into this shop, or to that sunny patio, or to this refuge from the wind (or people). Participants come and go as their lives permit.

It is a day for being chill, relaxing and spending time with the people we love.

I highly recommend you steal this idea and immediately enact it with your friends (but be chill, my dudes and dudettes, ‘tis a day for letting go of that which matters not). I know our crew looks forward to this all year!

Planning what to wear involved checking the weather. It was still May - technically spring, meteorologically speaking - and the weather is ERRATIC. It could rain, it could be smoking hot, it could be windy, it could be cold. Or, all of the above.

Layers, my friends. LAYERS.

1970s vintage Welsh wool cape was a thrift store find years ago. Confetti skirt is a Tangerine Jill (found last week for $42).

I have so many “secret” layers going on: a camisole under the mesh top, the mesh top itself, barely visible for most of the day, socks and nylons with the boots/skirt, and even this silk scarf, tucked under the poncho for neck warmth.

Nylon jacket is an Ed Hardy, covered in beads and crystals, found on consignment at Cherry Picked a couple of years ago.

I had visions of hanging in just this jacket, or maybe tying it around my waist, or even having to strip off the long-sleeved top, but NO, it was windy and chilly all fucking day, and I was GLAD of the wool poncho and my awesome foresight (pats self on back) in wearing it.

Banksy exhibit t-shirt was found in the thrift store, and I found the Noisy May top at Upcycle Vintage last year? the year before?

I like to pile on a lot of stuff, as it’s something to look at (you introverts out there get it, right?) and talk about while everyone around you is getting drunker⁹. It’s also a bit of armour while being out and about.

Welsh weave, bees around a flower. GREEN boots and matchy gloves. Dragonfly fringe. Low-profile rings (for gloves), a bit of Karen, mismatched REBEL.

Branded items: Suede boots were Anna Sui X John Fluevog (called the Bond Girl). Leather purse is by Aimee Kestenberg. Silk scarf is Laurel Burch. Leather gloves are Martin Ria’s. Gold/amethyst ring is from Frances Jewelers (local). Martha Sturdy earrings.

Pre-loved: I bought the boots new a few years back. Everything else is secondhand/previously owned.

A small purchase during the day:

The lavender-haired lady holding a $5.00 ball of lavender mohair/blend wool, wearing a long-sleeved lavender mesh shirt, drinking a lavender lemonnade.

And I’m the one who bought the chocolates. And I ate them ALL. Did not share.

Well, that was a fun, funner, FUNNEROO day, made so much better by being with my wonderful friends. I never regret a single second of our time, and days later, was still smiling. Good times!

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Sheila Sells Seashells

Y’all know I love a theme, and whenever possible, I like to work a Secret Theme into an outfit. It’s usually not on purpose, as I suddenly realize, hey, pearls, shell, OCEAN THEME woo-woo, full steam ahead, cap’n!

Blondie t-shirt was thrifted and is for sleeping in. The fin denim top is by 3.1 Phillip Lim, bought on consignment at Turnabout, as was the Ralph Lauren bronze silk skirt.

Both the Fin Top and the swooshy skirt were on clearance when I found them years ago, due to being Weird Things that only I like. Sometimes it’s very handy having “out there” taste - the weird shit usually gets marked waaaaay down.

I actually started my outfit with the skirt, as Saturday morning dawned sunny and windy again. Logan subjected himself to playing Ulti after a full day of drinking (silly man), but I rotted in bed and read Substacks and drank coffee before I developed the skirt idea into What Else Would Be Fun To Wear?

Denim jacket by Plu++ Plulavie, found on consignment at Turnabout.

Taking the skirt down a notch with denim. This is a good strategy for those things that feel Overly Dressy for everyday use. The long Fin Top goes with the sneakers, and then of course, we need to add more denim!

In a rush, need to leave, this purse will DO.

The devil is in the details, and the Fashion People are all in on necklaces. I took inspo from Kendall Flavin’s recent post about stacking them:

Stacks on stacks on stacks

Well, I have a lot of necklaces, I can do this shit!

First up is my chunky 80s real Givenchy (costume/"gold-tone”, found at a vintage fair for $5), followed by a thrifted pearl pendant, and then my Robert Larin gold-plated pewter 1970s Brutalist chain/pendant. It’s a neck party and everyone’s invited!

Sea shell. Pearly things. Necklace stacking!

Branded items: Sneakers are Converse. Brooch is by JJ. Silver/crystal ring is from the Uffizi Gallery gift shop in Florence. Vintage 1985 pearl ring is from The Pearl Factory in Honolulu. Robert Larin Brutalist pendant. Givenchy 80s necklace. Martha Sturdy spiral earring. Aldo faux pearl stud.

Pre-loved reckoning: I bought the sneakers at the mall a few years ago. The Pearl Factory ring was a gift from Mom; I bought the crystal ring in Florence years ago. The rest is all pre-loved, from thrift shops to consignment.

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These Are My People

The usual suspects! More pics from the DOI, hope I didn't duplicate any, but don't care if I did.

Here’s to never acting one’s age!

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And These Are My Cats

Barnabas likes to lurk around. Whateley is a secret lover.

Happy Birthday, little buds! Officially one year old!

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Well, here we are again, my friends, another week in the bag. Looking back, I’m pleased with how I clad myself, both for office armour and for maximal fun. Mission accomplished!

I am honoured to have you all here - THANK YOU. For some reason, I have a large number of new subscribers lately (totally not complaining!!), and have passed the magic number:

500

Holeeee shit! Wowsers. Thank you SO MUCH. Gratitude, “aw, shucks,” and I’m-not-worthy mumbles, and all that. And a quick reminder to please like/heart, comment (I always reply!), restack, whatever you’re moved to do.

Next week? I am still on Stay-Cation, baby! What kind of mix of introverting and extroverting will happen? Could it be ending with a PARTY? Stay tuned, and if you’re not already in the know…

And now…gone.

Cheers,

Sheila

1. Cue hordes of people contacting me - IT’S NOT FOR SALE, I mean it, fuck off.

2. Two that Mom knit herself, that I wore to high school in 1983-4. The other is one I bought for him - it still smells like him.

3. Two years!

4. I call him John.

5. Yes, I said “regert.”

6. Yeah, this tends to happen when I’m shopping for other people. You too?

7. Yvonne has loved wearing my tulles so I’ve been keeping an eye out for something similar.

8. And if those wacky pictures were exciting, please do head on over to Ye Olde Blogge, where I dump ALL the pictures. So! Much! Fun!

9. 8.5 years booze sober! Go, me!