If You Really Like Something...

...buy it in every possible colour.

Yes, the faux-Mexican tourist skirt appears in yet another colourway.

 Someone removed most of the sequins from this one. That's actually okay with me-I might go wild and decorate it with rhinestone studs instead.

I can't wear them day after day, or it would start to look like a uniform, though as uniforms go, it wouldn't be a half bad one. I spent enough years in jobs where I had to wear "respectable" (read, "dour") looking clothes that I'm having the time of my life these days getting dressed. Nothing makes you appreciate a fun skirt like five days a week in a navy Brooks Brothers suit. God, I'm glad those days are over-not just for myself, but for the office workers of today.

 I remember a rather unpleasant coworker complaining to my boss that I was wearing an animal print scarf with my suit and that it didn't project the proper, "Decorum." That was 1986. I kept wearing it and no one else said a word, but I did feel slightly rebellious doing it. You youngsters that grew up in the era of, "Office Casual" have no idea what it was like. Of course we didn't have to go outside and stand on the street to have a smoke, so it wasn't all bad😉

Outfit Particulars:
Faux Mexican tourist skirt-Goodwill
Peasant-style top-K Mart about 8 years ago
Shell earrings-Cost Plus World Market
Sandals-Goodwill
Hand-tooled leather belt-can't remember
Vintage Mexican hand-tooled shoulder bag-New Life Thrift
Glass necklace-Shop Ko
Mayan calendar bracelet-Goodwill
Hair flowers-Tiff and Tam
Fragrance-Sunflowers (an Arden I don't hate!)

This skirt is 70's vintage, but it isn't Mexican either (though definitely done in the style). It is by Russ when it was still, Rrrrruss Togs. I always loved their logo with the red and yellow Rrrruss. I think the company is still around (probably bought and sold a dozen times over) but those 60's/70's labels were the best. Anyway, enough nostalgia about the brand, let's look at the skirt.

I wouldn't call the material burlap, but it is definitely burlap-like. That said, being so old, it isn't the slightest bit rough, and it was cool and comfortable to wear on a humid day. There's a pocket where the skirt buttons on the side, and the last owner took the skirt up several inches leaving a wide hem of the dark blue colour that could be lowered. It might leave a hem line, but it is good to know the extra fabric is there. The skirt is a vintage size 8 US. I am not a vintage size 8 US, so I employed a button extender to give me two more inches in the waist and no one would know if I didn't tell. If you like vintage skirts, but aren't willing to wear vintage undergarments to get a smaller waist, button extenders are a great way to expand (see what I did there?) your skirt/trouser options. That said, they only extend so far, and two inches is about all you can count on without the extender breaking. Still, if something is close-it might be worth investing in a few-they're quite inexpensive. You can sometimes link together two extenders but then it will definitely show, so you'll need a belt.

 Outfit Particulars:
Vintage Russ Togs skirt-Can't remember
Top-K Mart a few years ago
belt-came with a dress
Vintage shoes-Goodwill
Vintage bag-New Life Thrift
Shell earrings-Sears, ages ago
Hair flower-Tiff and Tam
Fragrance-Ma Griffe

We're back into the awful heat again by the end of this week. I hope my rubber chicken purse doesn't melt at the Wayne Chicken Show. Cock-a-dooodle-doo.

April ( Snow) Showers bring Frozen Spinach

Thought you might appreciate a photo in the powder room for a change. The mirror's divided which is awful for photos, so I made the youngster drag out the tripod and start snapping.

Do you see the applique hand towels behind me? Those were purchased for me in the mid 70's by our housekeeper Ella Mae. Why she thought a child needed fancy hand towels I'll never know, but I kept them for, "Someday", and here they are in my powder room. I also managed to hang onto a small plastic handbag she gave me when I was about seven, though I've long since lost the gloves that came with it. Everything I know that's useful I learned from Ella Mae-no exaggeration, my parents were hopeless. I don't know who Danny will learn anything from as we can't afford a housekeeper. Maybe I should just get him a Ouija board, and see if he can get hold of Ella Mae. 

I had a sort of achievement today-I drove from the north west side of town to the south east without getting lost at all. That's a first, so after two years in Omaha, I'm finally learning how to work the cross streets and number system. Each time we'd set off for our next destination, I'd get a grumble from the back seat about whether I'd like him to consult a map. Thanks, no. I managed rather well all on my own.

The child wanted a pair of summer trousers. I can't blame him really-jeans get uncomfortable in our heat and humidity, and khakis look terrible on everyone. We looked for a decently made pair of linen trousers to no avail, and finally settled on a pair of Ralph Lauren blue and white seersucker. I've made him promise under no circumstances to wear them whilst eating or drinking, and to never, ever wear them with the madras blazer I bought him. I know he'll do the later anyway, but I'm holding firm on the eating and drinking thing. It is nearly impossible to find well-made children's clothing, and almost never in thrift stores. He's just too tall (a ten year old with a 28 inch inseam) but his waist and hips haven't filled out, so he can't wear young men's sizes yet. Shirts are worse as his arms are already too long for most shirts, but his neck and chest haven't caught up. I'm not confident enough in my sewing skills to tackle dress shirts and jackets, but I may need to try my hand at trousers. Anyway, if anyone spots linen trousers in a boys 12/14, give me a head's -up (I'd appreciate it).

On our way back from purchasing the trousers, we stopped by the perfume counter at Dillards. The place was practically deserted and the sales assistants immediately fell in love with Danny. An hour later, we were on our way with an armful of sprayed (and labeled) cards.
"Oh god, what IS that?"  He gasped dramatically, pushing the card aside.
"Youth Dew" announced the lovely young woman behind the counter.
(looking at me) "Don't EVER wear that."


Some sort of aquatic Armani got a similar reaction from him to the amusement of all. I really did appreciate how patient and nice everyone was with him, but I had to drag him out of there before someone came along and offered him a job.

Because he already has a job as my official blog photographer.

Outfit Particulars:

80's Corduroy shorts-Gap (I have a matching jacket somewhere)
1970's Russ Togs polyester jacket-Thrift World
1970's Damon Turtle poloneck-Thrift World
Tights-Walgreen's
Bass Wejuns penny loafers-Goodwill
1970's vinyl handbag-Goodwill
1970's bracelet-Hand-Me-Ups (or Goodwill, can't remember)
90's Liz Claiborne earrings-Von Maur
1980's necklace with lapis-The Mexican Shop, Evanston, Illinois
Fragrance- Perfumer's Workshop Tea Rose (meh, better for layering but the kid likes it on me so I wear it)

 Danny has his own ideas about fashion. As they don't involve extreme body modification or inserting a plate in his lower lip, I let him do as he pleases.

When I spotted this vintage tie with the pheasants, I knew he'd love it. I can't remember where he picked up the tie clip, but that's another growing collection.

Our strange weather has really been testing the limits of my originality. This Pendelton wool skirt is great for spring days that behave more like winter. We had snowflakes falling a few minutes ago.

"Excuse me? Snow? In APRIL? Go get me some fucking raisins, and brush the snow off my beak, would you?"

Outfit Particulars:
Pendelton wool skirt-Goodwill
Vintage Designer Originals cardigan-Can't remember
Tights-Walgreen's
Easy Street Comfort Shoes (they're NOT comfortable!)-Thrift World
French made vintage handbag-Goodwill
Gloves-Can't remember
Necklaces-all over
Lisner brooch-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage Chez Original straw hat-Goodwill
Milk Glass clip earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Dans le Nuit, Worth



It has been so nice having this time off to go out and be in public spaces when all the other bastards suckers assholes people are at work. I've really enjoyed it! This weekend is the Weather Symposium in Lincoln, which is about the largest crowd I can tolerate (and they're all science nerds, so less awful). We're going to swing by Branched Oak Lake as the pelican migration has started, and I'm curious to see them. Mr. ETB was fishing there once at dusk and saw a huge flock settle in on the lake, but was without his camera. I don't know about you, but I can't even think of a pelican as a bird. They're so large, and stupid looking with that huge beak. Usually the size of the bird doesn't change my feelings about them (I don't like birds) but anything that looks that ridiculous deserves a bit of sympathy.  I mean, for god's sake, pelicans. Right?

 Thanks, Mother Nature.

Tomorrow is Friday!

The Angel Drank All My Booze

A couple weeks back at the art show, I spotted this cardboard angel at the booth of the woman who sold me the Tweed Perfume. I was attracted to it, but I didn't buy it. Today, I went to visit her studio during the Hot Shops open studio event, and the angel was still there. She offered it to me for a much lower price knowing I really liked it (or she was creeped-out by it and wanted it gone) so home she came.

"She reminds me of someone, but I can't place it" I kept saying to my husband. Then, in a mix of horror and amusement, I put it together.

Same pointy chin, eye colour/shape, and everything. Same icy stare.  So we named her, "Lolita", and stuck her on the piano. Then, because it's the holiday season, we got her a present.

Sorry Mum, they were out of, "Penis Coloda" mix, but a White Russian is nice too.

It was strange too, walking around the studios with Danny and Mr. ETB recoiling at an unfamiliar smell that I associate so closely with childhood and my mother's years at the art school. If you've never smelled clay, or clay in a kiln it can be hard to place. I find studios and art supply stores rather pleasant places even if I'm not artistically talented. Anyway, it was an interesting day. The only perfume I found was an old bottle of Rive Gauche from  the 70's. It is mostly gone, and there's been evaporation, but it has concentrated in to something really wonderful. I doubt I'd wear it as it feels too, "Time and place" for me, but I'll enjoy a sniff now and then. If Disco ever becomes a thing again, I'll be ready.

Oh hell, who am I kidding...I don't need Rive Gauche to be 1977 ready.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww.

 But don't worry, we found the glass blowing demonstrations.

They were all for sale. I didn't buy any this year. 

I did purchase a sea-horse brooch from a woman who took a look at my rings and remarked, "You like shiny things too." 

I do!

 Shiny and sparkly like a Christmas tree. This is all Danny's decorating work. I sat and watched whilst stuffing my face with lebkuchen.

Outfit Particulars:

Red velvet skirt-Thrift store in Seward, NE

1970's Russ polyester blazer-Thrift World

White poloneck-Gordman's

 Vintage Angel brooch-Thrift World

1970's Present brooch-Hand-Me-Ups

Christmas Tree Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups

1980's Cazal frames-Mum's

1970's felt hat-Hand-Me-Ups

1970's vinyl bag-Goodwill

Fragrance-Jovan Woman

Belt-Thrift World

Flower on belt-Tiff and Tam

Shoes-K Mart a few seasons ago

Rings-all thrifted

 The shoes that were always too big now fit perfectly. Thanks, localised swelling!

 Danny made this snowy owl tree topper years ago. Nothing says, "Owl Be Home For Christmas" like an owl atop your tree.

Two owls are sitting on a perch. One looks and the other and asks, "Do you smell fish?"
That is the best joke ever. A close second is...

Two vultures are eating a dead clown. One asks the other, "Does this taste funny to you?"

Right. I'll stick to the clothes and recipes.

Hope you're having a terrific weekend.

In A Country Of Three Hundred Million People...

...there must be at least a handful that aren't idiots. I keep looking, as I'm an optimist at heart.

I've worked retail, and it sucks. I try to be sympathetic to the over-worked, under-paid clerk behind the register. I really do, because I've been there. However, when you ring up my tights at $15.00 each instead of 3 for $5.00 I'm going to say something. I was nice about it, but she really thought I was just trying to make her life miserable, and should just take them so she wouldn't need to re-ring them. Right. Then, she got really hostile about it. If it had been a buck or two, I might have let it go seeing what a miserable, overwhelmed sort of day she was having, but $40.00 is a bit beyond my generosity.

 I mean, come on. I'm carrying a handbag that cost .75 cents. Does this look like the sort of handbag that could just blow-off forty bucks? Nice, yes but Prada it ain't.

Or the $7.99 boots? These don't even pretend to look like leather.

Anyway, I find that I like people much better when I don't have to deal with them, so I came home and put on a gigantic pot of vegetarian cabbage soup. Like rich people dine on. I suppose I'm labouring over it, but I do think young people don't really understand money, even when they're working for minimum wage. I'd say I'm more exasperated than angry-you want to pull their ear-buds out and scream some sense into them.

Right, now let's talk about something that brings some enjoyment into my life-great clothes.

I do like a bit of pattern-mixing. Mixing textures is nice too. I've had this leather skirt since the early 80's, and although I wore the hell out of it, I took good care of it. I'm glad I did, because after many years of thinking I couldn't wear a short leather skirt, I've finally come to my senses and realised, of course I can wear a short leather skirt. In fact, I should do it more often, as it makes me happy. Know what else makes me happy? Baked potatoes. I had one last night for the first time in I don't know how long-and it was a joy! Nothing fancy, just salt and butter. It was the best baked potato I've had in recent memory, and it wasn't even an exceptional spud to begin with. Sometimes you have to remind yourself of the things you like such as leather skirts and baked potatoes.

Outfit Particulars:

Russ Togs 1970's polyester jacket-Thrift World .98 cents
Jones New York top-Hand-Me-Ups
60's necklaces-Goodwill
Earrings-K Mart
Leather Skirt-hell if I can remember-80's
Boots-Hand-Me-Ups
Tights-Walgreens (NOT $15.00)
Fragrance-eau de metal-Paco Rabanne
Handbag-Appears to have come from a museum gift shop-Thrifted
60's chain and leather belt-Thrift World

Is it just me, or are people becoming more unreasonable in their expectations, particularly with respect to their failings? Is it the coddled generation that never heard criticism? Do I need to begin speaking by praising their efforts? "I see that you're doing a very good job of keeping your register area tidy, and you're working so very hard. Good for you! By the way, you overcharged me $40.00 but I know it was just because you were doing so well you got ahead of yourself. But good effort anyway. Let's see if we can fix this now..."

Gah.

Who wants a potato?

Transitioning-Sort Of

Our cold snap was short lived, and today saw our temperatures soaring back into the upper 80's with humidity to boot. Next week will be cooler, but still warm-ish in the day, downright chilly at night. I'm a reasonably stylish woman, but I have no clue how to dress for this sort of rollercoaster. Obviously, layering helps. Colour palette is quite another matter as almost nothing seems to work for me this time of year. I have plenty of Autumn clothing in appropriate colours-but they're all woolen. Gasp-I broke a sweat just typing the word.

I don't like to labour over clothing selection. A typical morning has me grab something clean that isn't too wrinkled, and I get dressed. I do get dressed each day as I couldn't conduct classes in a bathrobe. I'm not judging anyone that does-just pointing out that I mentally feel more prepared when I'm showered, dressed, and ready to tackle the day. But that's me. I've never been a sportswear sort of woman. This morning, I could not put together something to wear for anything. I was only taking Danny for his flu vaccine at the pharmacy-hardly an occasion to worry about wardrobe, but I wanted to look halfway decent as it is my day off as well. I just have tried a dozen combinations of shirts and skirts before finally selecting these, still not thrilled with the overall effect. Then, I brushed my teeth and managed to spit toothpaste all over my blouse. After all that fuss getting dressed, I wasn't going there again, so I dabbed it off as best I could, arranged the bow so it was less noticeable, and got the hell out of the house. Some days, you're only going to look so good.

Outfit Particulars:

1970's polyester blouse (Russ Togs, I think) Goodwill
1970's Fire Islander Polyester double knit skirt-Goodwill
Belt-Goodwill
Shoes-K Mart
Handbag-Thrift World
Earrings-Liz Claiborne (I think I bought them at Von Maur years ago)
1970's Polyester jacket-Thrift World

We did a bit of thrifting, and generally speaking, it was kind of a dud. I found a cache of old lady purses at the Goodwill for $1.99 each, and another (like I need more) robe and bed jacket. That was about it. I've been noticing the stores are putting out stuff that really ought to be thrown away. I mean filthy clothes that look like they were sitting in an abandoned house getting mould and water damaged, and things you wouldn't want to touch, much less buy. Thrift World has been especially bad lately, and they think they can slap a high price tag on any old polyester piece from the 70's, call it "vintage" and sell it for $15.00 or more. Sigh. That's fine if you are going to clean it, fix the tears, repair the hems-but otherwise, that is just silly. People think they're going to make a million dollars selling something just because it is old.

 

 I may not know everything there is to know about vintage clothing, but I know my way around 70's polyester http://thepolyesterwilderness.blogspot.com/ and I know you don't pay that kind of money for it. Polyester is typically on the stain resistant side, so if you find something that looks reasonably clean but has a stain, odds are you won't get it out (as someone else already tried). Oxy booster is good, but it has limitations.

Is the price of more recent vintage going up where you live, or are our yokels just trying to cash in on a trend without really understanding it?

 

1970's Russ Jacket

 

According to the label, it isn't Russ, it is Rrrrrrrrrrruss. So there.

I salvaged this jacket from a last-chance rack at a thrift store for something like .50 cents. It was in terrible condition, but the beauty of all those 70's polyester double knits is their durability. They clean up perfectly with some hot water, and strong soap. I was a bit worried the mildew smell might remain, but it didn't, and with no visible stains, I figured this beauty would be ready to last another 40 years with someone to love it. I really do love it.

Crazy lapels? Check. Strange colour combination? Check. Long enough to cover my gigantic behind? Yes, yes, and yes! What's not to love?

That there is some 70's suburban housewife chic.

Don't forget a pair of wedge heeled shoes.

And a suede bag. That wasn't even optional. You moved to suburbia, and they were like, "Here's your gin and tonic, and oh, have a suede bag." At least that's how I remember it.

Outfit Particulars:

Russ Polyester 70's jacket-Thrifted
Red cashmere polo neck-Marshall Field's, 90's
Red polyester double knit skirt-thrifted
Shoes-retail
Purse-Marshall's, 90's
Cloisonné beads-Mum's
Cloisonné earrings, Thrift America
Blue snood-ancient, bought it in the 80's
Rose pin-thrifted

 It was so cold today, I had to remove the earrings as my lobes felt in danger of frostbite! I blame the wind, as it was only about 5 degrees F. which is bad, but not "remove your earrings" bad. The week ahead isn't looking much better. On the positive side, polyester is quite warm, and I have a couple new (to me) suits waiting for a wear.

 

 

Keep warm out there!