Red Eye Makeup-for a stylishly ghoulish look

 October is finally in full swing-hooray! Time for red eye makeup. I confess, I didn't think this would be a look I'd wear, or that it would last more than a season. The thing is, red is so wearable-on just about everyone. You'll need to find the right shade for your complexion, but once you do there's something so wonderfully dramatic and unexpected about red eye makeup.

 I went somewhat tame here as it was a daytime look, but I will be posting a more elaborate red look at some point. Today, I wanted to show you how a subtle bit of red can enhance your eyes.

Here's another confession-that's a deep red blush on the lids and lip liner around the eye. Yup. I have recently purchased some proper red shadow, but this works as well.  To prevent looking like a bunny rabbit, I also used a bit of black eyeliner marker on the upper lid and a white pencil on the wetline. When your nose and cheeks are always bright pink, the bunny issue is a real concern (particularly in cold weather) but you may wish to try out one of the red mascaras available in the Halloween makeup lines. Stock-up too, as it often goes on deep sale 1 November.

Don't forget to pull your very best scary face-it is October, after all. BOO!

I manage this quite easily. Maybe she's born with it...maybe ...well yeah, I was definitely born with it. 

I snapped this seasonal photo of Danny outside Hy-Vee. They always have such lovely displays this time of year. I'm not sure what, "Little Reds" are on the sign above (I didn't notice that until I loaded the photos) but I can only laugh and think, "I certainly hope so."

 Outfit Particulars:
90's skirt-Marshall's (I think)
Coldwater Creek blouse-Hand-Me-Ups
Koret jacket-Hand-Me-Ups
Boots-Hand-Me-Ups
Napier brooch-Goodwill
Vintage earrings-New Life Thrift
Bag-Goodwill
Fragrance-Samsara
Lippy-Revlon Black Cherry applied over a plum stain

 The blouse has so much going on with pleats and smocking and a bit of tulle peeking out at the hem. I do love it, but that middle band is really meant to be worn tighter and it is so loose it disrupts the line on me. It will be a fab piece on someone built for it, but alas that's not me and I am letting it go. I don't like the look of a sloppy blouse. The colour is great though, so I'll be looking for something equally shimmery in a wine colour.

 The skirt has an even more interesting underskirt that *just* shows through the sheer top layer. The effect is pretty neat, but unfortunately it doesn't photograph well.

I've had it for years, but I've yet to grow tired of it. I'm glad I kept it as sheer 90's skirts are having a moment again.

Have you tried wearing red eye makeup, or is it just strange for you?

2016 The Last

I'm having a small celebration tonight to kick 2016 the fuck out of here celebrate New Year's Eve, but those outfit posts will have to come later. Today, I have half of a vintage silk suit to talk about.

 Last winter, I purchased a late 80's/early 90's silk suit by Anne Crimins. I have another that I bought new for an obscene amount of money. Knowing what they retailed for at the time, I couldn't pass up the bright floral silk suit for less than a fiver. Only problem? The jacket is so asymmetrical it can only be worn closed. That wouldn't have been as issue in the 80's, but my menopausal self can't be buttoned up to the neck in a silk jacket. I've looked at the suit in my wardrobe all year trying to figure out a way to wear it where the jacket wouldn't look stupid flopped open at an angle. This morning, as I applied my palm to my forehead muttering something about a lack of brains, I decided to just go ahead and wear the skirt and matching scarf. Duh. It took the better part of twelve months to figure that out. Ah well, better late than never.

Outfit Particulars:
1980's/90's Anne Crimins silk skirt and scarf (part of suit)-New Life Thrift
Blouse-K Mart
Vintage faux seal jacket (it weighs a tonne)-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage Velour hat-Thrift store in New Hampshire about 25 years ago
American Duchess shoes
Vintage needlepoint bag-Gift from an old neighbour
Necklace and earring set-mother's day gift from Danny when he was about seven
Fragrance-Chanel #22
Vintage brooch-Hand-Me-Ups
Tights-Walgreen's

                                                               
This New Year's Eve, why not try a Baccio?

8 oz, gin
3 oz. anisette
8 oz. grapefruit juice
1 split champagne
Orange and lemon slices
Sugar syrup
16 oz. soda water

Combine gin, anisette, grapefruit juice, and champagne in a punch bowl over ice. Add sugar syrup to taste. Stir in fruit slices and soda water before serving.

Have fun, stay safe, and review the Recovery Position before heading to any parties tonight. See you in 2017!

Clothes I Forgot I Own

How could I forget a paisley, Shantung silk blouse from Talbot's?!

 I don't wear many blouses as our weather goes from tee-shirts to sweaters (jumpers) without much seasonal change between. There's probably two weeks a year in Omaha where wearing a silk blouse makes sense. That hasn't stopped me buying them, but I tend to forget what I have the other fifty weeks of the year when I can't wear them. This year has been an exception where we're having a proper autumn. I found the blouse in a box looking for a jacket, and I thought it best to hurry up and wear it before we have a foot of snow.

 The only thing more impractical than a silk blouse in Nebraska is a satin skirt. I've owned this one since 2012, but am only figuring out how to wear it now. This outfit is far outside my comfort zone...and I'm a slob. Nice fabrics are wasted on me as I'll catch the skirt in the car door or spill coffee down my shirt. Thankfully, the clothes came through this wear unscathed, but I did lose an earring. Grr.

 This is the jacket I went looking for when I found the blouse. Being patchwork it should go with nearly everything-it doesn't. I like the velvet and silk fabrics, but I'm afraid it has to go. Space is limited, and I can't keep clothes that don't play well with others unless they are exceptional. I've been ruthless in my clear-outs of late, but it must be done. Being able to bring home quality clothing for .49 to .99 cents does lead to over-doing it.

Outfit Particulars:

Satin skirt-Hand-Me-Ups
Talbot's silk blouse-Salvation Army
Coldwater Creek jacket-Goodwill
Boots-Hand-Me-Ups
Valdrome purse-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-gift
Vintage chain belt-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Venezia Pastello (hell, it feels like spring, might as well wear a light perfume)

Today's drink is from the sixties when it would still be acceptable to order a drink called a

"Naked Lady."

1 oz. rum

1 oz. sweet vermouth

4 dashes apricot brandy

2 dashes grenadine

4 dashes lemon juice

Shake well with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. 

I unpacked my winter China today, and it finally feels like the holidays even if the weather is a balmy 60 degrees and raining. I still have borage and nasturtiums in the garden! If you've been around this blog for a while you know that Birthday Cake Mania is about to begin. I've made some strange ones over the years, but Danny's request for his 12th Birthday might be the oddest yet. I have three weeks to pull this off. I'm going to need a cocktail (or three). 

Purrrfection

 I'm digging deep into my wardrobe for this early 90's Carole Little animal print skirt. Yes, the material is furry, and no, it isn't warm. Next time, cable knit tights!

I can't remember where I bought it. Probably Marshall Field's, on a visit home to Chicago, but it might have been Jordan Marsh in Boston. Sadly, both stores are now long gone, but I still have this rarely worn mini skirt. I considered wearing it with my leopard coat, leopard boots, and matching hat-then, I thought better of it. The skirt is wearable in a non-ironic way, so I decided to play it straight and see if I could style it for modern day wear. 

I wore my ugly but oh-so-comfortable Siebel shoes. At least I can't be accused of accessorising it too sexy...unless you're into women wearing orthopaedic shoes in which case, I'll see you on the shuffleboard court, grandpa. Bring condoms coupons. 

I kept with a feline theme for the handbag and my necklace has a tiger's eye in the centre. Can you guess what fragrance I'm wearing? 

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage Carole Little skirt-Probably Field's

Sweater-Target about 15 years ago (I stretched it out beyond all hope wearing it through my pregnancy, but I still wear it because I can't find one I like better)

Vintage disco purse-Hand-Me-Ups

Shoes-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage necklace-Hand-Me-Ups

Bracelets-Claire's

Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups

Fragrance-Tigress!

I finished sorting out my winter wardrobe and made a few discoveries. I think there will be an upcoming, "Jumpsuit Week" here at Eat the Blog as I seem to keep acquiring and never wearing them. My inner-Elvis is screaming to get out. Additionally, I own a lot of velvet, A Lot! Last year I did Plaid Tidings for Advent, so this year I am thinking of showcasing the velvet pieces. As with the plaid, I could probably do a few pieces each day, and still have enough left over to go through New Year's. I'm also considering a Brooch of the Day feature, but perhaps after the winter holidays. I'm open to suggestions if there's something in my collection you'd like to see more of (Perfume of the Day? Hat of the Day? Vintage cookbook of the day?).

I'm off to go watch the World Series. Go Cubbies!

A Nice Old Bag

No, not me silly-the purse!

I like accessories that can do double-duty, and having a large coin purse affixed to the front of a bag is my idea of convenient. No more fumbling around in a dark bag looking for a quarter to feed the metre. Yes, it is otherwise boring looking, but the feature makes it more attractive in my eyes. Sure, I reached "Peak handbag" a long time ago, but when something this useful comes along, I must make an exception.

(Sorry, squinting in the sun)

I'm still looking for a pair of trousers that don't make me feel like A) I'm wearing a sausage casing, or B) My husband's clothes. I'm just too damn short for them, generally, but now that the fashion is to have them pool about your ankles I can look on-trend and stupid. Thank you, Instagram. Before the Internet I just looked like an eccentric old lady in poor fitting trousers. 

 I like the idea of a disco-ish belt with tweed trousers and a polyester shirt. It shouldn't work, and yet...

Outfit Particulars:

Tweed trousers (fully lined, and have a matching waistcoat)-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage polyester Act III blouse-Goodwill

Belt-Sequels, Council Bluffs

Handbag-Goodwill

Coldwater Creek jacket-Goodwill (.99 cents!)

Earrings-Can't remember

Know what else shows up around the same time I reach for wool trousers?

Bambi.

This fawn (and its sibling) were less than a foot from me on the trail at Fontenelle Forest. I was wary as I didn't feel like being charged by Mum or Dad, but they weren't around. Consider this a reminder if you live in the Northern hemisphere that deer like nothing better than jumping in the road, and it seems to peak around October and November. Just slow down if you're out around dusk or dawn, and know that even if you don't see them, they are there. 

This is a bad photo of my dirty penny loafers. Mim had mentioned liking loafers, but not being familiar with the practise of putting pennies in them. This has fallen out of fashion in the US, but being the sort of person that still stoops to pick up a penny off the sidewalk, I'm of the belief that those two cents might come in handy. Besides, bending to pull a penny from your shoe for someone needing it for a purchase is second only in nerd-street-cred to pulling a slide rule from your handbag when asked if you have a calculator. Now get off my lawn you damn kids. 

Do you hear something under the boardwalk? 

 ...must have been the wind. Or zombies. You never know.

Hand-made duck purse. Not surprisingly, it gets compliments in nature centres. 

I had to get "Old Man" shades that fit over my specs as they were unable to make a matching clip when I had the lenses made. I will probably turn one of my other frames into prescription sunnies, but until then, well, you know. Get off my lawn, etc. etc. Oh, and bring me a beer on your way back. Damn lazy kids. 

Hope you have a nice weekend. 

Back to Ghoul

Sooner or later, summer had to end. Good riddance, I say. Bring on the decaying fallen leaves, the bonfires, black lipstick.

Black lipstick! Wait, What?!

Don't forget over-the-knee-boots.

Outfit Particulars:

1980's polyester crepe dress-Goodwill
1990's rayon crepe coat-dress-Goodwill
Over-the-knee boots-Goodwill
Vintage needlepoint handbag-gift
Necklace-Can't remember
Earrings-K Mart
Black lippy-Katy Kat matte lipstick by Covergirl (Sigh, yes I bought Katy Perry lipstick)

Danny seems to be going through a Helmut Newton meets David Lynch phase with his photography, but it worked well for this outfit. I'm not sure we've ever taken photos in the cellar, but he seems pleased with the effect of the low light photos.

We're off to the fair tomorrow, so hopefully we'll have good news when we return. They have a website, but no one has bothered to post the winning entries on it. They've been slow to adopt technology, so maybe next year. There's free wi-fi being offered this year at the fairgrounds, which seems like a step in the direction of progress. They probably know you can't get anyone under 30 to go somewhere without wi-fi.

Be good little bats and ghouls while I'm gone.

Look Out Summer, Here I Come!

This bag is about forty years too late in my life (where were you in the late 70's when I desperately wanted one?) but I bought it anyway as it was in excellent condition, and I'm sure I'll eventually find an occasion to wear it. The thing is heavy -literally, not in the sense of, "Whoa dude, that's heavy."

I completed the syllabus and paperwork for next year's classes and posted them off to the Board of Education for approval. If all is well, I should have my certificate back in a couple weeks. When I was putting together the second semester history course on the Roman Empire, I tried to include some popular movies for fun. Spartacus, Ben Hur, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, all made the cut, but I knew I'd never get away with Life of Brian. Overhearing me complaining that I needed more Roman farces, Mr. ETB went ahead and ordered something for me as a surprise. Well! That certainly was a surprise. I can't use it for class (I don't think some of the jokes would play well in 2016) but it will be fun to watch. I have no idea where in the world he found it.

I've been promising to show some more of my Collins-style bags. There's one more in my collection that didn't make the photo. I recently bought a large bucket of assorted plastic gems, so I am prepared to do the repairs required.

As we approach the Fourth of July, I've been getting wear out of my favourite pieces of Americana. This skirt, hand-sewn by a quilter in Texas is one of my all-time favourite pieces. I'm not a huge fan of flag motifs, but give me an eagle, or Washington crossing the Delaware, and I'm all over it! This skirt has a bit of the "Stars and Stripes", but in a way that's more historical than in-your-face, nationalistic. I get a bit fed-up with our symbols being hijacked by people that wish to use them in an exclusionary way. 

Outfit Particulars:

Texas-made skirt-Goodwill

Cotton peasant blouse-K Mart

Vintage Hand-Tooled shoulder bag-New Life Thrift

Vintage tooled belt-Hand-Me-Ups

Bracelet-Goodwill

Necklace-Yard sale

Earrings-K Mart

Sandals-Goodwill

Fragrance-Taylor Swift Incredible Things (Not terrible, in an air-freshener sort of way)

 The garden is coming along nicely.

I was a bit disappointed with the cone flowers as they were expected to be pink and green (they're neither). They haven't really taken on the cone-flower shape either. Oh well, sometimes you don't get what you expect in gardening. 

I dug this beaded, lacy skirt out for one last wear to decide if I'm keeping it, or moving it out. Not much goes with a black lace skirt (except black, of course)but I gave it my best effort layering a waistcoat (or is it a "sleeveless jacket?") over a sleeveless blouse. In the end, I feel the skirt has potential-for someone else. My wardrobe rarely includes something this delicate, and black. I'm sure there's a Goth teenager out there that will wear the skirt much better than I ever will. That belt is really a necklace but shhhhh, don't tell anyone!

Outfit Particulars:
90's silk/lace/beaded skirt-Goodwill
Necklace worn as a belt-Garage sale
Shoes-K mart a few years ago
Blouse-K Mart
Waistcoat-New Life Thrift
Earrings-Had them since University!
Necklace-"                                         "
Faience and silver bracelet-Goodwill
Handbag-New Life Thrift
Prisim ring-Nordstrom's, 90's
Fragrance-Vintage formulation Cabochard

I'm going to take the next few weeks easy before State Fair preparations begin in earnest. I'm entering pies and breads this year (though not in any divisions Danny is entering because I don't want to compete with him-he'd kick my ass!). Danny will be entering jams, chutney, pickles, baked goods, and possibly some nature photography. I have a quilt to finish, and I might finally get to my repair basket (maybe). Still, all of that is on hold until I get my time relaxing at the pool. We have the July 4th holiday coming up which means a picnic, and watching fireworks from the parking lot of the college next door (they're at a much higher elevation above the tree-line and there's a magnificent 360 degree view of the city). In previous years we were able to watch the local fireworks as well as those across the river in Iowa from our excellent location. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate as it has the last couple years. July can be murderously hot in Nebraska, but I think we've managed to get that out of the way in June! We're still in the heatwave, but I think I've become acclimated to it. I went outside wearing a cardigan, and my young neighbour just looked at me like Id lost my mind. Perhaps I have.

Last one in the pool is a rotten egg!