Sleeves? Can't Be Bothered

 Our summer weather finally arrived even if accompanied by loads of rain. At this point, just being able to go sleeveless is cause for celebration. I'd been waiting since winter to wear this vintage 70s sundress I bought at Goodwill during a snowstorm. What a difference six months makes!

Isn't that print incredible? I had to remove the crumbling built-in-bra and elastic, and I still need to fix some repairs made by a previous owner, but all-in-all, I was pleased with being able to rescue this dress.

The dress had such beautiful coppery tones that I wore my vintage 50s Renoir set with it.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage 70s sundress-Goodwill
Shoes-Et Cetera, Seward
Renoir copper set-Goodwill
Vintage handbag-yard sale
Rings-all over
Fragrance-Balenciaga Portos

So, my arms aren't the only thing I like to get out in the summertime 😀 (ooh-er). Truthfully, I didn't notice how revealing this dress was until I posted it on Instagram and was met with some playful comments, but eh, whatever. They're just boobs.

 Outfit Particulars:
Eyelet dress-Goodwill
Shoes-K Mart years ago
Vintage straw and wood bag-can't remember
Brooch-Goodwill
Bracelet-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Laura Ashley No. 1

 This sleeveless, polyester maxi is a summertime favourite. How can I feel anything but fab in something this cheerful?

Outfit Particulars:
1970s polyester maxi dress-Salvation Army
Handbag-New Life Thrift
Necklace-Goodwill
Bracelets-all over
Fragrance-Bvlgari Omnia Coral

 Something bright, you say? I've got bright! How's this Hawaiian number?

 Pardon the stern expression-this is one of those tight-fitting dresses where smiling would take away energy from shallow breathing. Hope you understand. There aren't many items of clothing I'd suffer for, but this dress is an exception. It isn't horribly tight, I'm just not used to such close-fitting clothes.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage Hawaiian  dress-Goodwill
 African wax cloth handbag-Goodwill
Shell earrings-World Market
Fragrance-Guerlain Terracotta

I bought this gorgeous vintage  cotton dress to wear as a cover-up at the pool, but then thought better of it-this is far too nice to waste walking to and from the pool. I am only a 3 minute walk to the pool.

 Outfit Particulars:
Vintage sundress-Hand-Me-Ups
Handbag and necklace-both World Market
Vintage straw shoes-Goodwill
Vintage earrings-New Life Thrift
Fragrance-Balahe

 I saved the best for last. Anyone for a cocktail print? Paper umbrellas, citrus slices, and olives decorate this fun vintage rayon playsuit from the 80s.

 Outfit Particulars:
Vintage 80s playsuit-Hand-Me-Ups (from the .99 cent room!!!)
Embroidery under plastic handbag-antique mall
Vintage shell earrings-Goodwill
Vintage cherry brooch-Goodwill
Fragrance-Sofia Vergara, Sofia (cheapo but delightful and the body lotion sparkles like starlight!)

What about you? Is sleeveless something you do in summer, or do you have a better way to stay cool?

Two New Trained Storm Spotters-and Other Items of Interest

We finally did it! Storm Spotter training only took a couple of hours, and was time well spent. After taking a direct hit from a tornado (4 June, 2008-photos are in the archive if you're interested) Danny became interested in weather. Now that he's finally old enough, he was able to take the course. I joined him because it lit a fire under my ass to get my radio license. So we're ready for severe weather season, but I really hope I don't need to call anything in. After the floods, it would be nice for Nebraska to get a break.

The mobile Doppler was at the weather symposium. Danny had the opportunity to climb inside and see the operations.

Anyway, if you live in the US and are interested, take a look at the NWS website and see when there's a class near you.

So this crap is still happening. My heart rate is pretty low to begin with, but after a long run (more than two hours) it plummets about ten minutes after finishing. I don't feel the drop, but I can feel when it starts coming back up-and that's when I can look at my data and see what happened. Occasionally it happens when I haven't been running, but that's less common. If I lived in a country where I could afford a doctor, I might have this checked out, but here even with insurance the co-pays and deductibles the various tests would cost more than a used car. I suppose after a few years of this I'm less concerned, but I really wish I knew why the hell this happens. I don't suggest Googling it-online medical stuff leans a bit hysterical. Anyway, for a fat, old lady I should be pleased I can run as long and far as I can. My lungs and legs are really good😀.

This year, Pesach and Easter overlap, which means no Easter baking as we can't have bread. I'm getting around this by baking and freezing for after the holiday, but the boys wanted some Hot Cross buns now. I used my same recipe (in the archives) but tried replacing one cup of plain flour for bread flour. It helped the buns hold a better shape but didn't sacrifice lightness. I also didn't have any currants so I used raisins, sultanas, and some dried cranberries which were met with great approval. I've been using a small bit of strong flour in laminated pastry for years, but this was a first in the buns.

We are still several months out from Nebraska corn, but Florida's crop is here. At ten ears for a dollar, it would have been foolish to pass up. Danny had these ears for a lunch and I roasted the rest with cumin, coriander and chili powder to use in various meals for the rest of the week. I personally stay away from sweetcorn as it upsets my stomach, but the boys adore it, and it certainly kept them well fed at bargain prices. And yes, I have corn shaped dishes to serve corn in because...I am a Midwesterner! I also have a sour cream dish shaped like a baked potato!

I've been stuck in the seasonal no-man's land between winter and spring. One day it is shorts, the next a sweater and parka. This outfit is a nice compromise. The skirt is polyester that's dyed to look like denim. At the time that sort of thing was popular I swore I'd never wear such an abomination. Then, forty years passed and well....never say never, I guess! The acrylic 70s sweater still had the original belt-a very lucky find. I wore it with clogs for true mid-70s accuracy. I look like my mother, except she'd have worn it with polyester flares. I like the lines of this-I'm thinking a cotton tunic in a similar shape would make a nice summer look with a linen skirt.

 One of my favourite Mexican necklaces getting a wear.

 Time to break out the macrame bags!

 Hoop earrings for the 70s win. (No, not Whip Inflation Now. That's a different WIN. And it lost)

Outfit Particulars:
Sweater-Goodwill
Skirt-Thrift World
Clogs-Dillards, about 12 years ago
Handbag-Goodwill
Necklace-New Life Thrift
Earrings-Target

 This dress has been lingering in my wardrobe for years. I've only worn it once in all these years, and I have no idea why, as it is a wonderful piece of vintage.

 As you can see, it is quite sheer, but nothing a lacy black, full slip couldn't solve. The maker is Wildman, which is such a fab name for a women's dressmaker. Perhaps that's what happens when men catch sight of women in such sheer dresses? For the record, I could walk around stark naked and Mr. ETB wouldn't notice. He did mention that he liked the dress though!

 Outfit Particulars:
1950s Wildman dress-Hand-Me-Ups
Clark's shoes-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage jacket (part of a suit)-long gone vintage shop in Brookline, Massachusetts
Clutch bag-Goodwill
Necklace-Goodwill
Earrings-New Life Thrift
Brooch-Salvation Army store
Belt-Thrift World
Bakelite bracelets-Goodwill and Hand-Me-Ups

A bag as big as my ass! Bet you didn't think it was possible. The shoes are kind of cool...

 The shorts have crane/stork-ish type birds on them. Yes, I am the mother of a birder, and I describe birds as "storkish." He'd be horrified if he heard me.

Outfit Particulars:

Shorts-Goodwill

Top-Goodwill

Shoes-Goodwill

Straw bag-Goodwill

Earrings-Target

That's about it for now. Tomorrow I'm off to buy patio furniture and hope that we get decent weather to sit outside and enjoy it. But if the weather gets scary, well...I know what to do!

I Said I Wasn't Shopping

The more I insist I don't need anything, the more determined the thrifting gods are to toss me great finds. When we made the trip to Grand Island to drop off Danny's fair entries, we called in at some of the shops along the way. In Grand Island, there are two Goodwills. One was a bust, but the other had fantastic baubles. I left thinking it was a very good day-little did I know what the universe had in mind.

On the way home, we stopped by the Mennonite thrift store in Seward. I filled another bag with baubles, shoes, and vintage clothing. Surely, it couldn't get better, could it?

Yep, it got better. The Salvation Army store in Lincoln was a treasure mine of vintage clothing, some of which I'll show later in the post. It was only 125 miles from home, but it might as well have been another country for all the great discoveries. If the jewellery and clothes in Omaha can seem picked over and slightly over-priced, it only takes a trip a couple hours west to remind me what a great place we live in for second-hand shopping.

This is one of the dresses I picked up at the Lincoln Salvation Army store. 1950's square dancing frock? Don't mind if I do! Or do si do.

  It can be worn off the shoulder as well. It was under five dollars, so absolutely money well spent.

Get yer tits out.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage square dancing dress-Salvation Army, Lincoln
Shoes-Goodwill
Handbag-Goodwill
Rings, bakelite bangles, earrings, brooch-all thrifted various places

 This dress is a rare, purchased-new item from the sales at Lindy Bop. I'd been watching it and hoping it would go on sale. It is too large in the bodice but I love it so much I might spend the money on alterations.

 Fine, I'm afraid of birds, including waterfowl, but the print was still impossible to resist.

I would have no difficulty resisting this duck. *Shudder*

Outfit Particulars:

Dress-Lindy Bop

Vintage Naturalizer shoes-Thrift World

Nantucket Basket handbag-Antique mall

Rings-all over

Victorian bracelets-both thrifted

Belt-Goodwill

Necklace-Goodwill

 Our weather has been strange-autumn back to summer in the span of a few days, but I've slowly been bringing out the lighter weight clothing in autumn hues. This 60's maxi probably started life as a robe, but I won't tell anyone if you don't *wink*.

 I do love a good sleeve and this certainly satisfies that desire. I wouldn't want to wear this if I were a smoker. I don't know how we all survived the 70s without accidentally setting ourselves alight.

That massive bakelite stretch bracelet was something like $1.99 at goodwill. Looking at it in the case I was sure it was modern, but as soon as I picked it up, felt the weight of the thing and noticed the aging string, I knew I had Bakelite. I can't wear it long as it is seriously heavy. The wood and plastic medallion was something I picked up at a yard sale and then forgot about. I find long necklaces hard to wear but with just the right maxi dress they can work. I do like a long bit of wood. Ahem. 

Outfit Particulars:

1970s maxi dress-Antique mall

Vintage bucket bag-Hand Me Ups

Vintage white shopper tote-Goodwill

Vintage bakelite bracelet-Goodwill

Vintage necklace-Yard Sale

Shell earrings-World Market about 10 years ago

 This dress is 90's does 50's and I just adore it. There's a bit of tulle sewn into the bottom of the lining acting as a mock crinoline which gives it just enough shape to look retro and still be easily wearable (I drive a very small car that isn't a good match with puffy petticoats etc.).

 Finding turquoise jewellery that isn't set in silver with a Southwestern theme can be tricky in my part of the world, so I always grab bangles when available. The blue ones aren't bakelite but the look right at home with the others that are.

Outfit Particulars:

Dress-I can't remember! I bought it new.

Bolero-Goodwill

Earrings and necklace-both Thrift World

Brooch-recent trip to Grand Island Goodwill

Talbot's belt-Thrift World (that is one seriously well made leather belt!)

Vintage handbag-Goodwill (I think)

Shoes-Goodwill

Large brown bangle-Hand-Me-Ups

Blue bangles-Hand-Me-Ups

There's me, getting my leg out on the side of a highway. As you do.

 I have no idea if this piece is vintage or not as the label was missing. It feels a little too well made to be new, but I could be wrong. It only has a few buttons at the top and I assume is meant to be worn over a skirt or trousers. I stuck a tunic beneath it as well for the sake of modesty (it is very revealing) which also makes me think it is vintage. That much skin wouldn't have been shocking in the 70s (well, maybe on someone my age it would have been). No matter, I love it and plan to get plenty of wear from it.

Outfit Particulars:

Tunic and leggings-both Dots about 17 years ago! Not bad for fast fashion.

Shoes-Goodwill

Top/dress-ish thing-Goodwill

Necklace and matching earrings (bought on 2 different trips)-Goodwill

Brass evening bag-New Life Thrift

Fragrance-Probably 24 Faubourg which I have been wearing constantly day and night since finding a full bottle for $4.99 at Goodwill. This stuff is addictive. How I ignored it so long is beyond me, but it is definitely my fragrance of summer/autumn 2018. I wonder if I will like it as well in winter? Hard to believe the same nose was responsible for that reeking Celine Dion nightmare, but I guess everyone's entitled to one really big mistake in their life. Anyway, yeah-24 Faubourg is magical. 

This silk dress was another purchase from the Salvation Army store in Lincoln. I would guess it is late 90's/early 00's. The beaded 80's jacket was probably overkill for daytime wear but...well, you know me. 

I was a little worried I might catch the attention of the bees happily collecting pollen on the flowering melon vine but they left me alone. There's a risk in wearing yellow this time of year when there's less food around for the bees.

Outfit Particulars:
Dress-Salvation Army
Jacket-Goodwill
Vintage straw bag-Hand-Me-Ups
Bangles and rings-all over
Shoes-Goodwill
Necklace-K Mart
Earrings-yard sale

 After returning home, the Omaha thrift stores must have heard about my success in Lincoln, Seward, and Grand Island. Not wishing to be outdone, the local shops promptly presented me with a nice selection of inexpensive baubles.

This Victorian holloware brooch is missing a few leaves, but given the age and the practically free price, I couldn't resist buying it. I don't mind less than perfect pieces.

I will leave you with one more outfit from the trip to Lincoln.

That's some heavy, vintage polyester action!

Somewhere between Minne Mouse and a stewardess uniform.

Outfit Particulars:
1970's polyester dress-Salvation Army store, Lincoln
Vintage handbag-Goodwill
Vintage brooch-Etsy
Vintage shoes-yard sale
Rings, bangles, earrings-all thrifted various places

Today and tomorrow the annual Sarpy County Museum yard sale is going on to raise funds for the museum. I have a serious upper respiratory infection at the moment and will have to miss it this year (unless I make a miraculous recovery overnight which I'm not expecting). I'm bummed about it, but looking at this post I clearly don't need anything! I certainly don't ever need to purchase another piece of jewellery as long as I live. I'd also planned a trip to the orchard this weekend for apple picking but that's going to have to be delayed as well. I'm pretty stoic when it comes to cold, flu, etc. but this is really kicking my behind. Danny has a milder version of it (thank god) and so far (fingers crossed) Mr. ETB has escaped it.

I hope autumn/spring (depending where you are) is treating you well. Spare a thought for the people in the path of the hurricane if you can-it sounds horrible.