Look! Free Coffee

Today I was an observer for my workplace's candidate interview process.  To ensure fairness - that all applicants are treated equally, I sat in on the interviews.  This is a month-long process; I can see how it can get very gruelling asking the same questions over and over.  

I have on my usual workplace "uniform": skirt, top, jacket.  I went for total black and white which I think is one of my winter stand-by colour combinations (the other is brown).

The jacket is a casual faux suede with eye-catching white stitching and gold buttons.  It's also a very dark black.

It was rainy and since I also had some client meetings, I didn't want to wear my army boots, so went with Franco Sarto double-zip booties.  Whoever invented the double-zip shoe - kudos.  Soo easy to put on.

And why do I have such a silly grin?

Well, our coffee supplier decided to toss out their packaged coffee today - yes, toss out.  They were introducing a new seasonal blend, so out with the old, in with the new.  Such a waste.

I stepped in and volunteered to take it home.  There was quite a bit so I sent round a note for co-workers to help themselves.  Even so, there was a lot leftover -- quite the haul for a thrifty person like me!

today i wore:

flower shirt ... jacob

scarf ... ?

jacket ... st john

skirt ... jessica

tights ... dollar store

booties ... franco sarto

That Paisley Shirt Again

Do you like to match your clothes to your bag?  I certainly do; so today was another brown day so as not to have to change my purse.

I think all the items in today's outfit have been seen before.  I have on my Wanko jacket again.

It has become a favourite; it's a knit jacket, so is curve hugging and the best part is that it fits easily under my coats.

I also wore that paisley shirt from Spain over a reddish/burgundy t-shirt.

It was quite cold yesterday so today I wore a longer skirt and my big-mistake tights. 

You can't see them because I also wore knee-high socks over them but here is a pic:  They are from the dollar store - can you tell? 

Actually, I think the dollar store got them at a liquidator's or something because the price stickers were stuck on (instead of printed on) and the tights had a manufacturer's name and address.

Surely this was a production line mistake?  Why would they make tights with a mismatched print?  and a big seam down the side of the leg?

I'm glad they only cost $1 and not the suggested retail price of $15 which was on the package.  Now I'll know to check the pattern before buying.

today i wore:

reddish t-shirt ... old navy

paisley shirt ... ? ... mercadillo, spain

brown jacket ... wanko

long skirt ... london fog

tights ... dollar store

knee highs ... secret

booties ... pera mela

These Boots are Made for Walking

Since it's still autumn here in Lotusland, I am still in fall colours.  Today's outfit is made for walking.  I had clients to see off-site so wanted to wear something comfy for travel.  What better than a jacket, flippy skirt and booties?

The jacket is super-old, yet I notice it has that faux fur which is still (I hope) fairly current.  I was feeling lazy, so just put on the same scarf from the other day which I've worn a lot already - whenever I'm wearing brown or similar colours.  This scarf was actually my Mom's suggestion and it has become a go-to item.

These are my favourite non-Doc boots.  They are peregrine or pilgrimage boots from Spain.  This is the traditional style which is for hot climes. (vs the rainy season boots from the Welsh Cape post.)

I've had them for years. They are hand-made and I had to eventually put topy soles on them so as not to wear out the stitching.  Having a wood heel they make that nice tok-tok sound. 

 
They are well worn and comfy. Don't they remind you of movies like The Magnificent Seven or Once Upon a Time in the West?

 
The strap criss-crosses in the front and they have the typical Spanish detailing in the back.

Wordless Outfit Post

My New Boots

I envy women who can wear high heels. There are so many great shoes that get bypassed in the stores due to their (for me) extreme heel height.

My highest wearable heel is about 2 inches, and even then only if I won't be on my feet much. So, I lean towards boots, usually Doc Martens and Spanish riding/walking boots.

Here are my newest boots. Bought them down south, so saved a bit on the price. They are knee-high and have a zip down the side for easy off-on.

These boots aren't for everyone - my kids hate them.  But Big J likes them, they are super comfy and amazingly warm.

I'm glad Agyness Deyn made Docs popular again. Aren't you?

Booting Up

Well, it's Fashion Friday again and since it is still cold and wet out, I thought a post about boots would be in order.

For me, boots are the almost ideal footwear.  Boots can be dressed up or down and you can wear them with pants, skirts or dresses.  They come in different styles and shaft heights.  They protect you from water on rainy days and the cold on freezy or breezy days.

Here are some coveted ones on my wish list:

This one is from the Valverde Boot company in Spain.

Spanish boots are extremely well made, usually by hand and the leather wears very well.  The riding and walking boots are super comfortable, and they look great with longer skirts. I've always had compliments on mine, and now that Kate Middleton has made them in vogue, I am definitely considering getting more.

The only problem with Spanish boots is that they are made for Spanish women who have no calf to speak of.  So quite often, the tall boots are not wide enough in the calf.

I'm also a Dr Martens fan and have several pairs of shoes and boots.  This one is the Sanrio boot, it's super-cute. 

Like many asian women, I'm a big Hello Kitty fan.  These are probably not that useful wardrobe wise though, so this might just be an admire-from-afar item.

The last pair which is my favourite are by Chie Mihara:

They look sort of Victorian, but modern.  I envision wearing them with a longish flippy-hemmed skirt and fitted jacket.