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Saturday 4 March 2017

Squash and styrofoam and the ultimate in leisurewear

A colourful silk blouse. Which I love. Thrifted, of course. By Scotch & Soda, a slightly upscale brand from the Netherlands. The original tags were still attached, as well as all the brand's signature chains and metal gewgaws, which I find irksome, but I got it for a steal. I won't tell you how much I paid to spare your feelings. 

I'm standing in the viewing area of my building's squash court. The match I'm watching has apparently made me catatonic - or looking uber-boring fashiony. Heh.


Everything but the pants is thrifted and fine quality. The oversized men's overcoat below is British, vintage wool blend and water resistant. I thrifted the Miu Miu boots for $10 several years ago because the store thought the crackled leather meant they were worn out. The day after I bought them, I saw the exact pair in an editorial ad for Harley Davidson(?) in Vanity Fair magazine. I cut out the ad and hid it someplace so safe I'll never find it again.

The paisley pants are by some mid-tier brand, I forget, purchased at a consignment shop. They are awesome. And there's my "magic loupe" of course, a handmade gift from my partner O, worn daily for years not only as a talisman but also as a quick and easy substitute for reading glasses.


And below, I'm trying to be very cool in the stairwell. Val of Muse Fondue suggested on my IG post that I just need a candy cigarette to make the look complete. I so agree. Or a pink bubblegum cigarette because sometimes when you'd blow on them, powered sugar would puff out the end like real smoke. They probably don't make either anymore; I wonder if they sell candy fatties now.

In my mid-20s I decided to take up smoking for my New Year's resolution. I choked down about two half cigarettes and promptly gave up. I'm so glad I did. I couldn't even hold them in a cool way.


Below is the same outfit but with my shaggy coat and DIY faux fur collar thing. I'm reading in the styrofoam recycling room. Bwahaha - no I'm not. I always do flash photography in there, meaning I take my pictures in pitch black and the flash only lights up for a split second, which would give me time to read one or two words max if I were on a roll. Rather inconvenient.


I needed this book, reading glasses, and stool as props this time in case people came wandering in. What would they think finding me in the styrofoam recycling room not actually doing anything? This way I could say, "I'm reading, what does it look like?!" (And hope they overlook the fact that it's dark and there's a tripod and I could ask them the same question.)

I'm wearing my denim sweat pants, distressed denim on the outside and soft fleeciness on the inside, hip slung with a drop crotch and a sweatband ankle and waistband missing its tie. Thrifted, all thrifted, except my reading glasses, which I bought at the Art Gallery gift store, and my magic loupe.


The book in my hand is called Lady's Maid by Margaret Forster. It is a fictional account of the maid of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, single and later as wife of Robert Browning, based on scattered real life records. I've read the book several times and every time I scream in my head, Run! Sadly, my esteem of EBB plunged after this book, although my distaste was no doubt coloured by the conventions of the class structure of the time. I would not recommend this book if you want to maintain your high regard of this poet. But I enjoyed the book in an annoying (but good) way.

I'm linking up to Patti at Visible Monday on her blog Not Dead Yet Style. I'll see you in the garden. I'll be the one trying to look aloof in the reclining lawn chair, getting sloshed on low-salt V8 juice, and smoking bubblegum fatties.
________________________________________________________________

In other news...
The near-impossible has happened - I was featured in Marie Claire Brazil magazine, their print March issue, along with Sarah Jane Adams, Lyn Slater, Iris Apfel, and Helen Winkle (Binkie Winkle). Ouch, ouch, ouch - that's the sound of me pinching myself. Hahaha! That was an honour, I can tell 'ya (being in the magazine, not pinching myself). If you are reading this MC, thank you! I have a pdf of the article and I'll get a hard copy later this month and share more.

The only reason I was in there was because you guys give me such AMAZING support. I'm not all cool like other mega-stars who rack up this kind of thing all the time; I'm just a woman who wanders around Vancouver trying to grab at the little good things, wearing stuff that makes me happy. So thank you!



40 comments:

  1. woo-hoo, you are too cool, in other news, babe. And you did it my way, I mean, your way. yeah.

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  2. WOWWW Congratulations on your Marie Claire feature!! That's the most fabulous and awesome news!! And my dear, you ARE cool, far far cooler than the mega-stars. I LOVE your outfits, and your blog. You're amazing xxx :)

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    1. No, Carolyn, YOU'RE amazing - making ALL your clothes AND shoes! ???!!! Unbelievable. But thank you for the compliment. I was shocked to be asked and ever so delighted. xo

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  3. What they said, Mel darling! Remember "Comparison is the thief of joy" and that the others you admire are probably wishing they were as cool as you are. So there!

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    1. Well, I maybe have less pressure than mega-stars...? Or not. Heh. I guess the freedom is not HAVING to be cool, which makes me feel free to be cool, or not. Hmm. xo

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  4. You're in a print magazine?? What! that is the coolest thing ever! I'm so chuffed to know you - can I stand near you and bask in your magnificence? Pretty please!? Bwah! I adore that silk blouse, and your faux-trashed boots, that lovely men's coat, and what kind of building has a styro recycle room and a squash court? You must live in some sort of fashion goddess mansion, I can only conclude.

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    1. I know, print with ink and paper and everything. Hahaha. Soon we'll be basking in each other's magnificence. Yay. Yes, excuse me now while I go off to the thumb massage room followed by the toenail craft room. (gross!) Hahaha.

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  5. That last picture of you among the Styrofoam cast offs, peering expectantly over your coat's neck opening is a Melanie classic moment.
    Marie Claire Brazil!! Congratulations you authentic *Schtar*!!!
    Outside of myself I'd never heard the term "gew gaws" come out of another person. Does that qualify me to call myself an official Canadian?
    I can't wait to see the follow-up(s) of your Marie Claire gig. You make us hopeful, happy and proud Mel.

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    1. Yes, I had to include that last photo. Looking serious is hard work. Heh. I mean, looking serious without looking angry or sad or nasty is hard. YES - you are an official Canadian but I didn't know this word was peculiar to Canada. But I welcome thee. Thank you for your too-kind words, don't you know. xo

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  6. Glad the Marie Claire thing came through - can't wait to see it! (BTW, I'm pretty sure it's Lyn Slater, not Slader). Your hair is doing great things lately - I'm envious. You are working the "sullen artist" thing to the max in your black turtleneck and denim. I love the fit of the men's overcoat.

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    1. Thanks, Shelley, re. the spelling, which I fixed. Just when I get the Lyn not Lynn right, I get the other one wrong. Heh. "Sullen artist," yes, I am feeling the role with all this SNOW!!! out here.

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    2. The men's coat is actually very large front to back but you can't see it. And sullen artist, heh, I'm workin' it, workin' it. Why does it come so naturally to me? Gaaa!

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  7. wow! it's so nice post . I'm so happy to visit here .

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  8. HUGE congrats on the Marie Claire - I gotta find it and drool over you brilliant ladies. And I love the story of you hiding the ad for the boots - I would so do the same, fearing a call-back from the thrift shop. I smoked for a couple of weeks in my 20's too. Hated it. xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti. Because I am grievously late replying, my next post gives a link to the article because I found it online. Yay. I don't have the hard copy yet. Smoking is hard. I'd say kudos to those who have perfected it, but no. xo

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  9. Congratulations on your MC appearance. I don't know why you're not in it more...

    I can't get over the fact that you have a) a squash court b) a styrofoam room! Do you also have a cardboard room? A paper room? A glass room? I could go on...

    I loved your outfits and that is a beautiful man's overcoat - quality, quality, quality.

    I've read the book you're re reading by Margaret Forster; she's a favourite author of mine and I have almost all of her books on my shelf. She died last year - did you know?

    Have a lovely week and I can't wait to see the MC appearance...

    xxx

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    1. Thanks! It was quite a thrill to be asked. I couldn't believe it. Oh, we have it all in this building. Hahaha. I told Sheila that next I'm going to the thumb massage room and the toenail craft room.

      And the quality, you better believe it. You know of course what I'm talking about.

      I didn't know that Margaret Forster passed away. I love that book. I haven't read her others, but I shall make a point of it. xo

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  10. So much to comment on: first your apprearance in MC: please mail me the pdf. I want to see that. High praise. Good on you, you exceptionally creative design animal.
    Now for the outfits: anything you put on, looks good on you. That man coat: terrific. The Dutch shirt (yes very well-known brand here): I love that shirt. Have you noticed that all the stripes match in the sleeves and bodice? Would never match it with those fun trousers, but there you go, I am not creative. The boots work very well with the outfit.
    Now my personal preference: the jeans with black top, the rebel without a cause. LOVE IT. Next time we meet I will wear my boyfriend jeans with a black sweater and you will wear yours and we say we are twins hahaha.
    Greetje

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    1. You got my email but the online version is better. My photo is turned the right way around but they credited Sandra for the photo, even though I took it. I understand how it happened because most of the other photos I sent it were taken by her. But no sweat.

      I didn't notice that all the stripes matched - that makes me love it even more. And definitely, we would have a blast going around town in our jeans as twins. Hahaha. Let's do it!

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  11. Congrats! I love the Styrofoam room shoot :)

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  12. Styrofoam recycling room, that's cool.

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    1. It's definitely a weird place. It's new since our building started recycling every. single. thing.

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  13. So many things to comment!. First, I love your silk blouse with those pants and fab coat, and how your outfit kind of matches all those green colors on the wall!. Second, I feel really identify with somebody who 'hid it someplace so safe I'll never find it again'. That's my Real Life.
    Finally, You put a smile on my face, everytime I think on you waiting for the flash in that dark styrofoam recycling room, and thinking on what reason give to possible visitors about your activities. Mwahaha, lots of Real Life Glamour!!
    Glad to see your glorious coolness in a Magazine!, that makes me utterly happy!
    besos

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    1. Yes, I have many, many buried treasures in my home. Waaa!! I always say to O, "remember that I put this [here], in a safe place." It never works. Hahaha. The flash in the dark is the most fun part of being in that room. Of course I could turn on the lights, but that would be too boring, right? If I can make you smile my mission is accomplished. xo

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  14. Congratulations on the MC feature. So exciting and totally deserved. Your talent, creativity, beauty and humor are irresistible.

    Love your post! So much eye candy and brilliant ensembles. And your hair!

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    1. Thank you so very much. I always look to you for inspiration. Your words means a lot. xo

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  15. I am so excited that you are a Brazilian style star!!! Did they send you a big fat check? I certainly hope so. You have magical style. Honestly you can wear anything and your genius shines through. I expect to see you in a styrofoam council ad quite soon. Oh yes. That low salt V8 juice is quite the good invention! Sluuuurp!!

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    1. Well, I got some fat, not sure if it's from Brazil, but no check. Heh. I would proudly bear the Styrofoam Council banner and styrofoam crown. I'd have to write a speech. The juice is even better with vodka but I don't have any. One tablespoon would do be anyway, of juice and/or vodka. I'm such a wuss. Hugs, Connie. xo

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  16. Melanie, wonderful photos, writing and humor! So much fun to go to events with you. The long and short of it, for sure. Keep smiling and keep up your vibrant salute to fashion! Congrats on modelling success. You deserve it!

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    1. Hi, Colleen. I had a blast going out with you and the gals the other day. Terry Sasaki's store and gallery are fantastic! Thanks for keeping me up to date on what's going on and your kind words.

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  17. Can I say how proud of you I am without sounding like your mother? It's International Women's Day and somehow this is very fitting that you're our very own International Woman!

    The paisley pants are awesome x
    Anna

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    1. Kind words are never taken astray. Thank you so much, Anna. You'd look good in those pants, I have to say. xo

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  18. I have put so many things in such safe places. I usually come across them when looking for something else that has been put in another safe place!! So excited for you about being in a fancy shmancy mag! We all knew you were a mega star, just took the mags a bit longer to catch up. Maybe they had you in a safe place? Looking forward to seeing some of the article.

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    1. Yes and yes about the safe storage techniques we have honed over the years. Hahaha. I know, a fancy schmancy mag, right? Too unreal and thrilling. Thank you for your shared excitement. I'd come over to your place for drinkies in the garden but I don't like driving that long. Heh. xo

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  19. Congrats on the MC inclusion. I think I said in a previous post response that you're a rock star!! And because you are - YOU - is why you're up there with the "big names" (who I also admire heaps). Love your backdrops - and the whole post actually! xx

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    1. Well, the way I see it, we're all SCHTARS! SCHTARS!! Hahaha. But thank you so much for this. I am never really sure who I am, which maybe gives me a little freedom to play around. Finding backdrops is always a problem with my tripod but we work with what we have, right. xo

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