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Sunday 28 August 2016

Yellow Skirt Freak Show Update!! And a power suit and arty video

Choppity chop chop - the hair came off.

So I wanted to wear a power suit yesterday. This one is by Vancouver-based designer Jacqueline Conoir. I loved the subtle circle pattern in the fabric, which is more visible in the third photo. It was cool when I went out, but by the time I got home my belt was in my bag and the jacket was flapping open - an in-between season.

Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret in a Jacqueline Conoir suit with ruffled blouse and fake flowers

The next photo is aspirational.

Melanie Kobayashi's Jacqueline Conoir suit on Bag and a Beret

AND...

Freakish Yellow Skirt Update!!

a desert island & naught to sustain LIFE
and the artful talents of her fellow castaways
URGENT CALLS to NASA with blips of YELLOW orbs
spotted by boats buzzing the ISLAND and the freakish delights
dips twirls whoops hollers 
not for rescue - for life
tremendous applause to

ANNA of 

GO GO NOW!!!!

Such a fun, fun styling of the Freakish Yellow Skirt!! Anna, skirt, ocean - a perfect storm of joy, especially knowing how Anna is a strong woman of art, style, and the sea. Thanks to her husband for his stunning photography. Plus, blogger Kezzie also dropped by to join in the celebration later on and her mum took the best photo. You can see it all on Anna's blog here. Thank you, Anna!
AND...
An arty video. Like most fellow bloggers, I wonder from time to time why I keep blogging. So I made a video. If you come here expecting just style or a chuckle, now you'll be even more confused. My world. I filmed most of this last November, by myself, somewhat awkwardly.


AND some upcycling...
I did a post a while ago here about a men's tuxedo shirt I was given and upcycled with basic downsizing and a little redesigning, and thought I may not be done with it; I wasn't. It was missing a monster truck. I cherish this shirt now. The horizontal flaps under the truck transfer are double layers of fabric removed from the side seams.

Upcycled men's tuxedo sheet with monster truck, by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret

Upcycled overalls, NOT PLAID, worn with sequins, by Mel Kobayashi

And these are my upcycled overalls worn with my gold spangles and Fluevog booties. This was a fun project.

PLUS, I met up with Vancouver Barbara and posted her photo on my street style blog here.

I'm going to link up with Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style and Catherine's #iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb. Maybe I'll see you there!


40 comments:

  1. Oh, a new stop of the yellow skirt on its journey around the world, great! Best wishes for you - Ghislana

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    1. Yes! The Skirt is still crossing the globe and Anna looks great, right? I'm so glad you also took part, Ghislana.

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  2. Love this smorgasbord of a post today Melanie. The trouser suit is wonderful, made all the more so by the addition of that frilled and flounced burst of colour. Fab diy projects to inspire too. And thanks again, for allowing me to take part in the journey of the Yellow Skirt. I had an awesome day. Kezzie and I were like excited kids dressing up in my garden as the sun beat down on us and we jiggled about trying to pose like schtars. Gave up and decided to be ourselves. I too, love Kezzie and our day together was all the more special thanks to our shared moment in yellow x
    Anna
    www.annasislandstyle.com

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    1. Hahaha, I can almost hear you and Kezzie laughing huddled in the Skirt. And your photos and styling of FYS are perfect, Anna. Thank YOU! Scilly is paradise, as you say.

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  3. I really think this post is a perfect signature post for you. So many of your loves are included here, videography, art, up cycling, the Yellow Skirt, fashion and your unique perspective on it.

    I loved the video. It resonated with me since I also wonder why I bother with blogging anymore.

    Why did the blogger cross the road? They didn't. They just stood in the middle and took selfies. A metaphor for going nowhere? I'll let you answer that ; )

    Your hair looks GREAT! So chic in that suit with the ruffles. I'm all over that massive floral boutonnière too.

    You always inspire me with your fantastic creative abilities. Your posts are the ones I always read first.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. The joke - HAHAHA!!! Yup.
      For the video I just wanted to make something non-specific that mirrored ambivalence and contrasts and a touch of pissed-off-edness. Yes, all my loves are in this post. I just can't seem to focus on one for better or worse. Heh.
      Suzanne, thanks for this comment. It makes me feel better.

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  4. What a great post! Has the yellow skirt been to England yet?

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    1. Oh yes, she has been, a couple of times. The wait list is at least a year long now and I know she'll be headed there again. Thanks for commenting.

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    2. Just have to butt in here to add that Scilly (aka the Isles of Scilly) is actually in England. Cornwall to be specific. Sorry to be so bloody pedantic - one of my worst traits!
      Anna
      www.annasislandstyle.com

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    3. Hahaha, thanks, Anna, for that clarity. And I live in a Commonwealth nation (heh).

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  5. How many different Melanies can fit in one blog post? Answer: As many as she wants! I love the variety here, but the suit is my favourite - beautiful collar, the blouse is just so ruffly without end, and the corsage is a presage of greatness. I also love the painted overalls, especially the paint rag bit on the inside, like a little secret.

    Oh, the video! Yes, arty, but you are an artist in 3D or 2D, motion or stillness. And oh, the TYS - Anna and Kezzie together?!?! How cool!!! Why don't I live where Anna lives - it's paradise!

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    1. Yes, it's official - Anna does indeed live in paradise. Sigh. Anna posted a great photo of her AND Kezzie in FYS together.

      I'm glad you're not confused when you come here. I often think visitors expect Just One Thing and leave in disappointment when they are hit with something else. But I can't separate these pieces of me into different blogs - that would be weird.

      Thank you for this comment, Val. It makes me feel more relaxed.

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  6. You are so compelling and artistic in your blogging! You do make us think about why we do this and we better come up with good answers for our own selves. Looking powerful in your power suit, and oh god I love the monster struck so hard. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    Replies
    1. You said it exactly - "for our own selves." It's that struggle between "for my own self" and making money that's ruffling. Self satisfaction/bank satisfaction - can the two meet while meeting both requirements? You should have been at dinner with Suzanne and Sue and me. Hahahaha! Thanks, Patti.

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  7. I am agog at your brilliance! Okay, that suit, and the ruffled shirt - awesome job on the hair, BTW. Then the upcycled shirt - totally, why don't all tux shirts have monster trucks on them?? And then finally the plaid bib overalls (not plaid). And you top it off with that astounding video?? Why do I even bother blogging when you're here? :-P Mel, you rock!

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    1. Hahaha, Sheila. I totally see you in this blouse - I think I say that every time I wear it. The monster truck DEMANDED to be on there and it effectively obliterated any traces of the former owner - whew! I am always inspired by your blog, Sheila - it seems we are all connected on this David Lynchian blogging highway.

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  8. Excellent choppy hair. That's how I wanted my bangs to be when I had bangs, but my hair styling person never cut big enough chunks out of them. I LURV that ruffly blouse - it adds just the right amount of fancy-schmancy to a suit.

    I wish I had the nerve to make videos like you. I think I have good ideas until it comes time to actually do it, and then I blank out, and I need to get some editing skills. Next time I visit I'd like a video tutorial, K?

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    1. Cutting chunks OUT is easier than putting them back. Gelling the ends of the hair also help make that scraggy look.

      "Wish you had the nerve"? You DO have the nerve. Go out. Do it. Tell yourself you're making garbage - which is my mantra - and in the end you will find bits you love. I guarantee. Start farking, Shelley! You would be good at editing.

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  9. Holy moly what a brilliant outfit! The overalls and the sequined halter. Are you serious?! AWESOME!!!!

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  10. I have tried many times - and failed (but I also happen to like my super short hair) -to grow my hair long enough to have your style - it's amazing on you! In fact, any hair style would be amazing on you, Melanie. I LOVE your artistry - the video is fabulous, please, can we have more? - which is reflected in your clothes and everything around you. I smile, I laugh, I always FEEL something when I open your posts. Thanks heaps. I remember the shirt, love what you've done with it. xx

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    1. Oh, sweet words - that you like my video. It's a bit intimidating to put something nebulous out there. I LOVED making it, especially editing it together, not knowing what I wanted to say, still don't.
      And thank you so much for your comment that you FEEL something. That makes everything okay, know what I mean?

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  11. I saw Anna's yellow skirt post. So great to see the love spreading around the world.
    I think your suit is marvellous. Looks sooooo good on you. Love it with the fuchsia blouse and the tight belt. is the suit purple or grey? Also think the not-plaid overall is a hit. Especially with the golden sequinces underneath. Woman, where do you get these fantastic arms from? your skin looks so lovely. To die for.
    Anyway, watched the video, saw your post, loved your outfits. And your hair. And you know how I love the white shirt and what you did with it.
    Greetje

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    1. The suit looks very dark purple/black. I wouldn't have looked at it twice if it wasn't for that groovy circle pattern. And it was made with a belt, missing when I bought it, which is why I put my own.
      Thanks for making your way through my post, this one is a bit long. I always love your feedback.

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  12. The painted overall trousers are the BEST! Combining them with the gold sequin top makes the whole look better than the best!!! (what word covers that?)
    The subtle print in the trousers of the black suit...is it checks or dots? Doesn't matter I love it either way!
    You are so avant-garde Mel, so wonderful. I always look forward to being intrigued and delighted.

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    Replies
    1. Glad you like the not-plaid. I knew immediately that I would paint them like this and wear them with sequins.
      The pattern has circles, which you can only see when the light hits them the right way.
      Thank you for your comment, Marilee. It means a lot.

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  13. love all the looks! every style is pur art and full of life!
    and you wear like a diva!! you are a diva!!!
    xxxxx

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    1. Hahaha, Beate. Full of life? - what a wonderful compliment. Thank you so much!

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  14. This post is such a cornucopia of all your talent and creativity.The power suit with the ruffled shirt is glorious on you.Monster truck shirt and painted overalls as only you can. Thank you for adding your video.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment, Jill. Working in solitude I always wonder if what I'm doing will be accessible by anyone else. I appreciate your feedback.

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  15. Was literally discussing 80s power suits with a lawyer today!!!!

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  16. You slay! Every post! The fact that you did this video by yourself amazes me. You are a constant inspiration to me. You give me ideas and make me laugh. I love how you wore the belt. xo

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    1. I look forward to more of your videos, Judith. You are a star in your latest Hat Attack! Thank you for this wonderful compliment.

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  17. Oh jeez ... your upcycle projects - I heart. xooxoxoox

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  18. I love it all - especially the monster truck tuxedo shirt ! xoxo, w

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  19. ohhhh, love your power suit!, really powerful and absolutely cool! your blouse is my favorite!, and also love to see your revamped shirt once more, yes, that's revamp coolness and it rocks!, and no plaid overalls, mwahah, best no-plaid piece I've ever seen!!
    Fabulous!!
    besos

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  20. You are so cool I can hardly stand it or up and then have to sit down to take my breath and come back again. and again. still. and can't keep up with all the breaths of fresh air coolness at speed of light to the moonness, bay-bee. Hey, you rock, girl. xoxo

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  21. This particular posting seems to have hatched additional chapters???? OR, I somehow received a new version with a sequel included????
    ANYWAY I just HAVE to say this!
    I'll preface by saying I'm NOT a blogger myself, so possibly my opinions on this topic won't hold any weight or impact... Also, I haven't been following bloggers for very long so that's another reason that you may reject my views...SO! Now that I've given you lots of reasons to skip it the next comment :-(
    PLEASE continue to WRITE and include still pictures in your blog Melanie (and all the rest of you incredible women). I don't think I would have nearly the sense of who you are, and what you're humor,intellect,passions, angst,curiosities and point of view are in the way I do now.
    I LOVE your videos for the icing on the cake of how you move and talk and the additional sense of one facial expression leading into the next (and Melanie, facial expressions are a HUGE part of your personna!!).
    I suspect video would be a great "addition" to all of your blogs but please continue to write as well... (!!!!)

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  22. This is too much wonderfulness for one post, and I haven't even seen the video yet!

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