Life on the island is considerably different than life in the city. Cycling and walking on muddy roads, clambering down slippery boat ramps, staying warm while crossing choppy waters, the pencil skirts and heels don’t always work here.
But it’s New Year’s Eve. While Pater and I will be happy to stay home eating a special meal while sipping bubbly and watching movies, a girl still wants a bit of sparkle. I resurrected this little skirt from the giveaway bag where it’s been languishing, awaiting its possible banishment. Added a Bompard cashmere v-neck for warmth and cuddle factor, some merino blend tights for even more of the same, threw a purple cashmere scarf around my neck for heading outside to grab firewood, and finally, slipped on my new Fluevog (Malcolm) boots.
These last are not yet as practical as they might appear here, requiring the application of rubber soles — I did a full-body plummet-and-sprawl the other day on the wet ceramic tiles outside our favourite yoga studio which had me lying still and checking for breaks. All’s well and the yoga class restored my calm and confidence, but it was a good reminder that what we wear should be suited to what we do. And don’t worry, as soon as I’ve given the boots another day or two of molding to my foot, the leather soles are getting topped with a more grippy layer.
Hence the practical sparkle here. I’m guessing, though, that there will be all kinds of glamour and shine and wonderfully impractical dress-up featured over at Patti’s Visible Monday in honour of New Year’s. I’m going to link up right now — see you there!
And Happy New Year to you!
Those booties sure look comfy with the warm tights.
You had a close call, luckily you did not get hurt. Take care and have a Happy New Year!
I was lucky, Mette, yes I was! Happy New Year to you as well!
I love the sparkle, cashmere and practical boot combo.
We'll be dancing the night away at the Ward Room – my once-a-year splash out. Happy New Year!
A night of dancing? Wonderful — have a lovely start to a marvellous 2013!
I love your remark about what we wear must be consonant with what we do. I love heels and platforms but since I walk one of the two dogs a few times each day, I have to remind myself of my real life activities as well as my occasional festive ones.
Heels and platforms and dog-walking don't mix well, do they? 😉
You look totally adorable. And about 22:). Which is perfect for the New Year. Have a happy one, F., I hope I see you again in 2013.
Wouldn't that be fun? I hope so too!
That skirt is really pretty!
Thanks, Marla. For cheap and cheerful, it's been worn quite a bit over the years.
I read "a girl still wants a bit of sparkle" and thought, why not, you look as young as one.
Well, I have those two generations right below me, so I know what young really looks like, but thanks. . . 😉
I love that skirt! I'm going out tonight so I'll actually wash my hair and put on clothes – but right now I'm very happy in ratty loungewear.
I think I got it at Smart Set years ago — so defying all that advice about buying quality, justifying cost, etc.
By now, you're out on the town looking very smart. Have fun and Happy New Year!
Oh, I can't believe you had banished this skirt – it's perfect for occasions like this, comfy but with sparkle. Enjoy seeing in the New Year and all the best for 2013!
By catching my eye with its sparkle in the dark of winter, its pulled its way back into my closet for another year or so. Happy New Year to you!
Love the little-bit-of-sparkly skirt and those boots. Oh, I've done that, taking a header on a slippery surface! Grippy soles, yes. I do that now for every pair of leather-soled shoes. Hate doing it on the Fluevogs as the soles are often so cute, but safety first. Happy New Year to you and Pater! Hope you enjoy a bit of quiet after the holidays.
It does seem a shame to cover the messaged soles of the Fluevogs, but I don't need any more tumbles! May 2013 be a fabulous year for you!
That's a great look and I love the subtle sparkle. The combination of fabrics and textures really works and you seem to be so adept at mixing them with panache.
Gosh falling on ceramic tiles and not breaking anything is rather like a miracle. Take care.
Happy New Year!
It did feel miraculous to me, after I'd done that first mental inventory and realized I was okay.
Happy New Year to you as well!
Cute, cute, cute…love this skirt!! Have a joyous New Year celebration!
Thanks Pam — May the New Year bring you much joy!
Such a cute sparkly skirt! And I love the boots – hope the sole gets stickier. Enjoy your evening. Happy New Year!
Have no fear — a Topy sole will remedy these boots' slipperiness very soon.
Happy New Year to you too!
oooh, sparkle and cashmere and Fluevogs – perfect for an island NY Eve. I hope you have a delightful one and thanks so much for sharing the joy with Visible Monday.
Thanks, Patti — Hope your 2013 began happily and goes on to be a fabulous year for you!
I'm so glad nothing got broken! That's scary stuff on ceramic tiles.
I laughed thinking of a pencil skirt on your little shuttle to the bigger island. Dressing for your climate, lifestyle and comfort is the only way to go. Also pulled something out of the donation bag myself last month. Proof it belonged in my wardrobe 🙂
Wishing you a glorious cozy celebration. Lets plan on that glass of wine on one of our decks this summer or at the pub in March when I'm up.
Jennifer.
I always keep the donation bag around for a while, 'til I'm sure!
I'd love to meet up this year — let's make it happen!
you're so wonderfull, mater .. best of the new year to you ..
Aw, hugs to you, Jane. Hope to see you soon and wish you a Happy New Year in person.
I love the sparkle. Happy new year 🙂
Right back at you!
Eek! Glad you weren't damaged in your fall. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too, Wendy, and thanks for stopping by — I get so much enjoyment from your lovely gold fleur-de-lis.
My first here via Visible Monday! When I saw your header, I thought BC coast right away. I'm over here on the mainland. I love your outfit. The skirt is oh so pretty! I just want to say Happy New Year, and I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Sue xo
A Colourful Canvas
So nice to have a new reader/commenter — especially another Coastie! Happy New Year! I'll have to pop over and visit your blog now . . .
Oh what a lovely outfit. I adore that skirt, it is just so pretty and sparkly.
Leather soles can be treacherous. The worst fall I ever had was due to some leather soles and I got all the skin taken off my ankle. I ended up with a bad infection and got really sick. I am scared of leather soled shoes and pretty darn careful in other slick ones too. Glad you weren't hurt badly.
So glad you kept that skirt, it's really cute.
Funny, isn't it — all of $45 it might have been, and every time I think it's had its day, I find I'm not quite done with it. Really works for this time of year. . .
I'm so glad you're fine after your tumble! I'm never sure what I hate most when that happens – the embarrassment or the physical pain, especially if it happens outside the art gallery downtown.
You look divine in this sparkly festive attire. I'm happy you're playing the practicality to the MAX.