More Black and Yellow

At least it is a change from wearing brown all the time.

So here we are again in the black and yellow section of my wardrobe. I haven't wortn this dress on the blog since 2014, so it seemed time to revisit this loud Frocky Horror.

There's a Made in Korea tag inside the dress which supports my theory that it hails from the 80's (we imported tonnes of stuff from Korea in the 70's and 80's). No shoulder pads, though something makes me think there might have been originally. The top is quite roomy (but the buttons still manage to gape) and would accommodate some padding through the shoulder area. I suspect it would have also had a fabric belt, though I see no sign of belt loops. The wide sleeves are meant to be cuffed, though they never quite stay that way. Being linen, I suppose the dress could be starched and ironed but ....oh ha ha ha ha ha! You don't really think I'd do that, do you?! Good lord, no. So I'm going with the "lived-in" look here, which is a more truthful way to wear linen anyway. Yes, it creases-badly. *Shrug*.

 I was thinking about ways to incorporate more colour into the yellow/black look. A deep green might work here, and I did wear green earrings, but otherwise I think it can be difficult unless you get just the right hue. Dark red might go as well, which also shows up in the multi-coloured brooch I selected. Still, in the end I kept the outfit rather plain because with a print like this I didn't want anything trying to compete with it. This isn't the time for purple boots. Well, scratch that-it would depend on the boots. You see the dilemma.

Outfit Particulars:
1980's linen dress-Goodwill
Tights-K Mart
Vintage velvet shoes-Thrift World
Belt-Hand-Me-Ups
Gold bangles-all over
Earrings-Goodwill
Vintage brooch-Goodwill (I think?)
Vintage handbag-Goodwill

I'm not sure how long I can keep this colour theme going, but I might be able to eek out a couple more days. I like a challenge. 

Double Your Pleather

Over-the-knee boots aren't typically my thing, but these are so trashy I made an exception. I'm not sure if there's a good way to wear them other than perhaps with leggings, but I went with an otherwise not-too-racy outfit to counter the impact of the "Fuck-Me" boots.

 The 80's silk blouse had very large shoulder pads, which I removed. The blouse buttons up the back with tiny buttons which is a bit of a pain, but I can do them up halfway and pull it over my head before buttoning the top. I don't know why buttons up the back keep coming back in fashion, but they're having another moment, so it was time to wear the blouse.

Outfit Particulars:
1980's pleather skirt-Goodwill
1980's silk blouse-Hand-Me-Ups
Belt-Goodwill
Brass purse-New Life Thrift
Vintage metal earrings-Goodwill
Cat brooch with moving tail-Hand-Me-Ups
Boots-Goodwill

For those of you unfamiliar with the jingle for Doublemint Gum.

I was still feeling the bumblebee look the next day, so out came this circa 1983 linen jacket.

The collar stands up like a funnel when fully buttoned, and the shoulders have those distinctive wings I associate with clothes Michael Jackson wore in videos. The jacket can be worn buttoned so that it rests at the waist and blouses out on top. I never liked that look, so I've opted to wear it long. The jacket is large enough that I have the option of buttoning it un-bloused as well.

I don't purchase many 80's items unless they are terribly iconic. This jacket ended up in my cart because it is so well made. The lining is perfect, the buttonholes done correctly, the quality of the linen-it would have been mad to leave it for three bucks and change. Made by Capri New York, this would have been an expensive item of clothing at the time. I'm happy to have it, and wear it. I do love well-made clothing.

Outfit Particulars:
1980's linen jacket by Capri-Goodwill
Wool Pendleton skirt-Goodwill
Poloneck-K Mart
Vintage Kadin (the Famous) Rambler handbag-Goodwill (read about Kadin bags in a fascinating post HERE)
Boots-K Mart

Finally, I'll leave you with the Pan de Muerto I made today. The recipe may be found HERE.

The entire house smells of oranges and aniseed. I can't think of a better way to usher in November.

"You Look Like a Lawyer on the Way to Sue Someone:"

 Okay, but I'm billing for this time.

I wasn't exactly offended by the observation as I was thinking this suit was a wee bit too professional looking for my life at the moment. I couldn't pass up a vintage Pendleton linen suit for $7.99, but I really don't have much occasion to wear it. The skirt will get tonnes of wear though. I recently bought a vintage Dior linen suit in pale pink that is also completely useless for me, but it was too good to skip. I'll try to get that one worn at least once before summer is over.

 Outfit Particulars:
Pendleton vintage linen suit-Goodwill
Laura Ashley sleeveless top-Hand-Me-Ups
Brooch-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage clutch-Goodwill
Shoes-K Mart
Pearls-Filene's about 25 years ago
Lippy-Revlon Super Lustrous in Siren (finally, the perfect coral shade for my skin tone!)
Fragrance-L'Air du Temps

I managed to get fifteen miles in today, but I'm really struggling with the crazy schedule I've been keeping and the serious lack of sleep. Thrice in the past week I've woke in the dead of 3 AM with a baking dream. This morning, I woke to the sensation of wrapping a loaf of bread in cling film. I'll be glad to see this over. I don't know why this year seemed worse, though obviously having a flare right in the middle of it all hasn't helped. I'm looking forward to getting my routine back even if I need to work school around it. I hate grading papers, but not as much as I hate doing dishes. I can promise you, I'll never wake in the night dreaming about calculus. Ever.

This plum pie needed five minutes longer to prevent the extra liquid. I've made a note to correct that, otherwise I'm really happy with the pie. Plums are underappreciated in pies, but they're delicious and you can't beat that colour. I might do a spiral top on the final pie to show off the filling. I'm saving my lattice for the cherry pie.

Finally,

It has been brought to my attention that I have been neglecting the flip-offs of late. Here you go. See you in court on the flip (off) side. 

Last One in the Pool is...Wait, Where is Everyone?!

We had the pool to ourselves this morning. We were there for an hour and a half without anyone even poking their head through the gate. It was a bit cloudy, but no rain in sight. School is out-where is everyone? I really hope they aren't spending summer sitting at home texting their friends on smartphones rather than getting outside and you know, interacting.

Outdoor photography has been a challenge of late. The high humidity fogs the lens on the camera the moment you step outside.

Frequent lens wiping helps-but you need to snap the photo quickly as it will only steam up again. 

Outfit Particulars:

Eileen Fisher linen-rayon blend suit (also has a matching skirt)-Hand-Me-Ups

Tank-can't remember

Straw bag-Goodwill

Sandals-Goodwill

Earrings-K Mart

Fragrance-Cabotine Rose

 I'm a day late with Caftan Sunday, but I hope you'll find this one worth the wait. It is a silky, nylon parachute material, and judging by the uneven seams-home sewn. I paid .49 cents for it figuring I'd recycle the material into something else.

When Vix mentioned how much Indian block print gauze skirts and dresses were selling for, I nearly fainted. I have some I've been wearing (to shreds) since the late 70's, but this one was something I happened upon in the Goodwill last week. I paid .99 cents for it-and it has the all-important (to young people paying crazy amounts of money for these) metal bells at the end of the drawstring waist. I don't really care for it, so I'll look for someone with more money than brains to take it off my hands. 

The sleeveless shell and matching linen jacket were purchased years ago at Talbot's. There was a matching skirt as well, but I have no idea what became of it. I don't wear the pieces often, but when I do it is always a delight. I like the embroidered pattern on the linen, and though it wrinkles a bit, I still feel wonderful wearing it. It might seem strange to keep something that gets worn once or twice a year, and I suppose it is. That said, I wouldn't dream of parting with either piece and will probably still be wearing them when they're threadbare. Quality Irish linen is worth hanging on to. 

Outfit Particulars:

Linen shell and jacket-Talbot's, early 90's

Indian block-print skirt-Goodwill

Straw bag-Goodwill

Quartz necklace-garage sale

Quartz bangle-Goodwill

Shell earrings-World Market

Fragrance-Eau de Gaga (BEST ten bucks I've spent in a while)

"Stand like this and act like you're flapping your wings!"

"Like THIS!"

Sigh. I suppose the neighbours already know we're bonkers, so no point denying it. 

Well what do you know? We've made it through Monday. Onward!

The .49 Cent Pure Linen Dress (and more)

Goodwill started doing a .49 cent sale that changes each week with the colour on the tag. As it is random what items will go on sale, the best day to get there is Monday. I rarely get to Goodwill on a Monday, and as a result rarely get the fantastic deals. Well. Last Monday was a holiday, and this dress was hanging on the rail waiting for me. I figured, if it didn't fit I could always make place mats and napkins from it.

Luckily for me, the dress fit, and is comfortable as well. The linen is quite heavy, and resists wrinkling too horribly. Mushroom/stone/greenish-grey, might not be my best colour, but a dress like this will be indispensable once summer kicks into high gear.

I believe it is from the 90's, as I had similar long dresses at the time.

For once, the leg slit isn't so high it borders on obscene. That's a feature I have trouble with on dresses and skirts. At least this one is on the side-why oh why do designers place them in the front? There's no way to sit politely.

The dress hits just about at my ankle, which is perfect as I wanted to wear fairly low heels. My memory of this sort of dress in the 90's involved much hemming, so I was pleased that this was likely designed for a shorter person. I won't say, "Petite" as that would imply generally small which I sure as hell ain't no more.

This necklace is a personal favourite I've had since student days. As I recall, it was a bit out of my limited budget, but I purchased it anyway figuring it was timeless and I'd always wear it. That turned out partly right, and after neglecting it for a couple decades I have started wearing it once more. I can't wear it for an entire day though-not without risking a neck sprain. This sucker is

Outfit Particulars:
1990's grey-ish linen dress-Goodwill
Naturalizer sandals-Goodwill
1970's Collins-esque bag-Goodwill
Necklace-The Mexican Shop, Evanston, Illinois, 80's(The shop wasn't limited to Mexican items, as the name would imply)
Bracelet-Garage sale
Vintage carved Bakelite earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance- Vintage formulation Coty Muget de Bois
Lippy-Estee Lauder Maplesugar

What is this? Bananas growing in Omaha, Nebraska? Why yes, they are-inside the new conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens.

It was an unusually pleasant day weather-wise so we set out to walk the grounds (and the glass house) at Lauritzen. We didn't linger too long inside as it was like being in a sauna.


























 For a small city, Omaha has so much to offer nature-wise, and I'll try to feature some of these wonderful places to visit on the blog. Perhaps you'll be inspired to visit our city-and me! I'd love to show you around.














































You would think a glass house would be the perfect place for natural light photography.

Outfit Particulars:
Blouse-K Mart
Organza palazzo pants (lined)-Goodwill (another .49 cent steal)
Vintage brooch-New Life Thrift
Belt-Von Maur more than a decade ago
Earrings-K Mart
Vintage bag-Etsy

Finally, I'll leave you with this branding that made me laugh.
"Duh, lookit what happens when I put my foot on the lever!"

Have a great weekend. I'm putting mine to good use sleeping.

Yellow and Blue, That'll Do

Guess what? We made it through another workweek, and Friday is finally here. If that doesn't deserve a cheerful yellow dress (and a gin and tonic) I don't know what does. I don't know about you, but I always find the week after a holiday difficult, and I am looking forward to a couple days of loafing. 

I'm back to doing snaps in the bathroom mirror again as Mr. ETB changed the bulb in the hallway ceiling fixture and it isn't working well for photos. It was an energy saving LED light, and the shadows are just horrible. I'll have him change it back at the weekend, but for now, I'm back to the mirror. Admit it, you missed my shower curtain. 

 See what I mean about the strange light? This was earlier in the week. Anyway, I'll need to deal with that.

The kitchen light isn't much better as I have a fluorescent overhead fixture. Believe me, I've tried every room in the house and it turns out the best light is upstairs in the bathroom...at least until we need to replace a light bulb, and we'll be back to square one. First World problems, I know. 

Outfit Particulars:

Late 70's/early 80's polyester dress-Goodwill

1980's linen jacket (part of a suit) New Life Thrift

Shoes-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage handbag-Fairy Tail Costumes

Necklace-Goodwill

Bangles-both Goodwill

Earrings-New Life Thrift

1970's brooch-Hand-Me-Ups

Fragrance-Chanel #22

I love the ties on these sleeves are just so nice however...sometimes I forget what I'm wearing and they start feeling like something is crawling up my arm! After all those years on the farm living with wolf spiders, I'm still a little paranoid. I had one run over my bare foot once as I was hanging laundry and it was HUGE! We get Brown Recluse spiders here too but as the name suggests, they avoid people and they're so small you'd hardly notice. I use caution going into undisturbed boxes, drawers, and closets, but otherwise I don't spend too much time worrying about them. 

I spent a few hours today making pot sticker dumplings with Danny. He'd been interested in learning, and as he cooks supper on Friday, I thought it would be a good opportunity to show him how it is done. The dough for the wrappers is just flour, water and salt but learning how to handle it takes some practise. I'm pleased to say he did a great job, and we now have several dozen dumplings in the freezer for future meals. The way my hands have been lately, my dumpling forming days might be nearing an end (last night's meal slipped from my hands and fell flat on the floor beneath the casserole dish. I laughed as I scooped it into the bin, but only to keep from crying) and if he enjoys eating this sort of thing it might be best to learn how to prepare it himself. 

I'm off to buy a better light bulb. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.