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Sunday 18 June 2017

Maxi skirts, meetups, movies, and dressing like a bouquet

Vintage bias-cut maxi skirt from the $5 rack. Ack!!! What luck. From My Sister's Closet (MSC), don't you know. I got a whack-ton of '70s treasures in a two-day spree there. Again, eagle eyes and persistence, my friends. 


"But I'd rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself," persisted Anne mournfully," speaking about her love of puffed sleeves on dresses, from Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. 

I have that puffed-sleeve love for this top, silk, hand-painted, by a Nordic company, I don't remember which one because I cut out the label when I decided to wear it backwards (I like to see the faces on the front) and then hid it in a safe place. 

The big earrings are from MSC too.


Below is a skirt that Suzanne of SuzanneCarillo.com gave me when she came to town recently. I wore it for the first time to an afternoon's 2017 Resort Wear Trunk Show by designer Rabia Dastgir. The event sounds rather lah-ti-dah but I met a great bunch of people there. I did a brief post about it on my culture/style blog HERE.

The skirt says, "THIS KIND OF MEMORABILIA, IT IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION." Haha, yes! I tell you, Suzanne is the wicked wizard of bod. Although I would have admired this skirt for its design and colour, I would not have picked it out for myself - far too fitted. Thankfully, Suzanne is not so short-sighted. She always picks out winning pieces for everyone when we shop together. 

Bare legs? Body con? Suzanne said, yes, please.

I love the simplicity of this piece with its elastic waist (more food for me!). And I love vintage typewriters with their satisfying Ding WHAM refrain at the end of each line, not to mention the hard clacking of keys, sigh. It makes me think of snappy dialogue between Rosalind Russel and Cary Grant in that screwball comedy His Girl Friday. Another sigh.

There's also a 2012 French film called Populaire set in 1959 about a woman who reluctantly enters speed typing contests. I thought it was charming, with just enough style gluttony to fuel my popcorn hypno-feast. Beware. It was on Netflix.

I bought those beautiful red sandals at Talize thrift store in Delta during our meetup too. I walked all the way across town in them for the trunk show - so glad I took my runners to wear home. 


I have to say, if you're in the Toronto area and need a wardrobe pick-me-up, you MUST contact Suzanne. No kidding. I'm just throwing this out there without consulting her, heh. She sees things you wouldn't even consider but look great. Or check some of her amazing vintage finds in her Etsy shop, HERE.

And next, for your entertainment -
A real movie! Sherry of Petite Over 40 made it from footage we shot during the meetup with me, Suzanne, and Sue of A Colourful Canvas. (I posted on it HERE.) It cracks me up every time I watch. Sincerely, Sherry has a talent for this stuff. She used to work in media so this marks a return to video after a long hiatus. So glad she's baaaack!! 


And that's not all. There's a video clip of Suzanne riding Vancouver's SkyTrain public transit in novel and exciting ways HERE. Hahaha! This is what happens when you give Suzanne a dare. Nobody even batted an eye! 

Another Blogger Meetup
No, it didn't take place in a pool but I just thought I'd put myself there using a stairwell photo I took in the outfit I wore to the meetup.


With the cold and rain, a frigging cornucopia of flowers was required. Thank goodness I had this vintage rear-zip jumpsuit for such an emergency. Also, when meeting one's fellow bloggers it's always a nice gesture to dress as a bouquet. I'm wearing my vintage angel-wing top underneath. O had just cut my hair so it's extra-special sticky-uppy too.


So whom did I meet? Lisa (Amid Privilege) and Susan (une femme d'un certain âge), who had flown into town to spend time with their friend of many years, Frances (materfamilias writes). I was happy that this trio set aside time to include one more. Left to right in the photo below: Lisa, Susan, and me. Frances had left by the time we took this shot.

We convened at Thierry café, which often wins Best Dessert and Best Pastry in popular Vancouver eatery surveys. And it is also a fancy chocolatier. What better place for a blogger meetup? 


I'd met Frances before for a sketching outing but this was my first time meeting Susan and Lisa. What a bunch of strong, smart, stylish, and supportive women. We had an intense and satisfying discussion on the issue of invisibility and aging, as well as techniques I can use to take over the world. Hahaha! I was moved by their generosity of heart, thought, and laughter. 

After "coffee," I showed Susan and Lisa around a few stores, including Holt Renfrew, which they had asked about. As a staple in my eye-candy diet, I know that place inside-out. And then I took them to Italian Kitchen restaurant before we parted ways. It was a brief meetup but worth it. I hope we can meet again! Susan's writeup is here and Frances' is here. [Edit: Lisa also put up a related post here.]

And now, what I wore just for nuthin'
This next outfit I call Fake French De Niro Style or How to Look Tough in Ballet Flats. "You lookin' at me!?" 

Skulls, chic high-waisted fit and flare skirt, sparkly clutch from MSC, ballet flats, Lagerfeld sunnies, fun fabric flower clip/pin hand-made by Suzanne as a goodie bag gift at the blogger meetup two summers ago, and my magic loupe. (Thanks to all of you who bought a loupe! O has had to restock.)


The skirt was originally a dress for a woman with a Barbie doll figure. I would have had to remove a couple of ribs and had massive implants to make it fit. So I hacked off the top part and farked it into a bolero jacket; the rest became this high-waisted skirt. Below you can see the subtle patterning on the fabric. I bought the dress at a movie lot sale of costumes.


Poking my bag to make sure it's not moving. Always a good idea.

This next red outfit is called Failed Highland Dancer or Weak Scottish Gladiator. The dress was oh-so-flat-falling on the front so I added some thrifted suspenders from MSC to create interesting draping and a wonky hemline. The back is also clipped up in one place. Those are my white Reebok sweat socks with my sandals. They save me putting four band-aids on my ankles - these sandals bite.


That's the tartan jacket I farked from dumpy to punky, HERE. It's one of my favourite farked pieces. I can't believe it's mid-June and I still wear wool jackets!



If you've made it this far you deserve cake! And ice cream!! I missed posting last week and the backup just came tumbling out this time. 

I'll find something here to link up with Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style and Catherine's #iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb. 

Now I'm tired. Heh. What's up with you? Share it in your comments. Thanks so much for visiting!!


34 comments:

  1. Oh my! You HAVE been busy.

    I would have wrestled you for that first maxi skirt and blouse...even though neither one would have fit me. They might have fit my leg. Ha ha!

    You really stood out amongst your peers in that photo. It reminded me of that Sesame Street song, "One of these things doesn't belong." Now I want the scoop on all the world domination tips they gave you. Throw a gal a bone will you?

    As usual all of your outfits are creative and inspiring. I think your last one might be my favourite of the bunch. So much "out of the box thinking" that ones begins to wonder if there ever was a box to begin with.

    Sherry really does need to be our resident director. She did such a brilliant job on that movie.

    Thanks for the shout-out and I'm happy you were willing to give the skirt a try. I knew your styling would surprise and delight me. The ability to surprise people on a continuous basis is a very special skill set. That is your super power.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. That's exactly the Sesame Street song that ran through my head at one point, although I never felt that I didn't belong. Heh.

      I was going to use mitten clips for the last outfit but remembered that I just bought some suspenders at My Sister's Closet and why not use them instead?

      I agree that Sherry is a star at video-making. I really hope she does more. I hope you do too - that clip you made was creepy excellent!

      And finally, I LOVE that skirt. Really, you know how to pick 'em, Suzanne. xoxo

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  2. Fabulous selection of ensembles, Melanie! I think farking is your superpower. And that movie was hilarious! I'm still chuckling. Sherry is genius at consolidating everyone's antics.

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    1. Thanks, Louisa. Yeah, Sherry outdid herself on this one. And to think she hasn't done this in ages. So good. xo

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  3. So much fun here! The meet-up was great, wasn't it? Thierry didn't know what hit it! ;-)
    I saw Populaire a while ago as well and second your recommendation. Good accompaniment to popcorn!

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    1. Yes, it was so much fun. I was happy to get together with you again. Let's not leave it so long for next time.
      I was surprised how much I enjoyed Populaire. I'd watch it again if I had munchies. xo

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  4. Melanie, it was such a pleasure meeting up with you in Vancouver. I'm happy to help you achieve World Domination in any way I can...and your floral jumpsuit was such a spot of sunshine on a grey day!

    Always love seeing how you arrange and style various pieces. That tartan jacket is one of your Greatest Hits.

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    1. What an absolute delight to meet you, Susan. I had been hoping we could meet some day. With you guys backing my World Domination I'm sure I can't go wrong. But the poor world...hahaha. I needed a colourful pick-me-up for such a grey day. Your support gives me a big boost. Thank you. xox

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  5. Sometimes I am just struck dumb by your uniqueness and talent and your truly eclectic tastes!
    You are just the sweetest in that little puffy sleeved backwards blouse. Of course the children's faces should have front billing! The typewriter skirt is brilliant. Suzanne id's apt in recognizing that it was meant for you. This is my favorite outfit. Surreal stenographer I'm calling it. Whatever you did to float yourself in the pool is Hollywood level til farking. The plaid jacket is avant garde Cinque and perfect with the suspendered red dress. Then the big finish with the black skull blouse and brocade skirt...WOW! WOW! WOW!
    This post was like attending a premiere runway debut. ( It's me , Jude )

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jude! I love the name Surreal Stenographer. Heh. I shall have to use that in the future with credit to you. I shouldn't have put so many photos but I had a log jam that needed clearing. Thanks for making it to the end. Hahaha!! Love your comments! xox

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  6. I adore all your outfits, and so many fun finds! You have such a good eye for these things, Mel. Love: backwards painted blouse, typewriter skirt (WANT!) worn with red shoes that I had to check were still in my closet (yes! I have those too!), the entire farked red Scottish dancer outfit, tube socks and all.

    I was in your fair city this week, but it was such a whirlwind we were not able to visit anyone! I looked for you, though!

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    1. Yes, I remember your red shoes - you implanted the longing for them in my brain. I love them. Bummer that we didn't cross paths, imagine if we had. Hahaha!! I'm glad you had a great time at the concert. Too bad about the weather though. xo

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  7. omg, a cornucopia of fabulousness. I adore the De Niro pose, and yes we ARE looking at you. Lurve the movie - starlets!! xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. I love how Sherry chose the starlet theme. Hahaha! Excellent way to thread everything together. Thanks, Patti. xox

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  8. Oh wow! The video cracked me up!! Wonderful entertainment,starlets! So much to read and see here, thanks Mel. xx

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. Sherry was great putting the video together. Can't wait for part 2. xo

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  9. I really don't know where to start , so much joy in one post , each outfit so different but always a treasure . The stars shine in the video - a new career is calling.

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    1. Hahaha, I think even if we had planned a story in advance while we were playing around Sherry couldn't have done a better job. Thanks, Elizabeth. xo

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  10. Hello Mel!

    What utterly fabulous and amazing clothes - and such brilliant farking, too! I love the skirts, the stripey top, the wonderful movie dress farked skirt, the fab blouses and the amazing floral jump suit. You look wonderful in all the outfits.

    I can see you've had a fabulous week!

    Loved the video...
    xxxx

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    1. Hi Veronica! It's been busy here, which has been a great distraction from the cold, grey days. (warming up now I'm happy to say) So happy you dropped by. Thanks. xox

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  11. This is too much. I loved your post, but you silly should have made four posts from it. Too much my dear I don't know where to start. Loved the videos. Wished I had been there. Was surprised by the black skirt outfit. Wouldn't think this is you as it is me (haha). Love the "Suzanne skirt outfit" on you. And the new red sandals. Want to know how the back of the top with the puffed sleeves looks like. Etc etc.
    Greetje

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    1. Of course you are right, Greetje. This should have been several posts but I had to bulldoze my way through and get an all-in-one post up to feel calm. And if I post several in a row I'm afraid people will miss them. This way people have the option to just stop reading.

      The back of the top (which is really the front) has a bigger scoop neck and no faces. I usually avoid skull clothing but I liked how it went with the chic cut of the skirt and Suzanne's fabric flower which I love.

      Glad you made it to the end of this mammoth post, Greetje. Heh. xox Next time you come you can be a starlet too.

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  12. I'm loving that tartan and red draped look there at the end!!!

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  13. Just discovered you. I'm buddies with Lisa and Susan. So you're a new fun addition to the mix. Love your whole look, vibe and attitude.
    Sandra Sallin

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    1. Hi Sandy - Susan and Lisa are wonderful people, as you know. What a treat to meet them. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.

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  14. So much to love here. Outfits. Meetups. Humor. And more! Suzanne really has an eye. The dress looks fabulous on you. I've experienced her kindness and generosity! You look gorgeous, as always!

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    1. I know - Suzanne has so many talents and such a fun sense of humour. It's a privilege to count her among my friends. xox

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  15. First of all, you're the coolest. Just had to get that out of the way because I know you wouldn't say that about yourself and someone needs to say it.

    All of these outfits are inspiring in some way and one day I will be able to put something together that you can look at and go, "Yes! I see myself there!" Maybe I need to put together an outfit of mirrors that you can look into. Or get Anne Bray to create an entire swath of fabric with your picture all over it Andy-Warhol-style and then ask Sue to create an entire suit out of the fabric.

    Okay. Okay. I'm getting ahead of myself. But I kinda like these ideas.... heh heh.

    But seriously, seeing you have fun with your outfits makes me want to join in the fun, yet I know you are a True Original. There is so much here I could comment on -- the awesome sports socks with the suspendered red dress. The typewriter skirt and the visual audio you created with your words: ding WHAM! The flowers for days with new friends. The "kick booty" skull blouse with the high-waisted black skirt. That tartan jacket!!!! More more more!!!

    I continue to be thankful for the time we had together and I hope we can do it again sooner than later. Thank you for your kind words and your repost of my video! I'm keeping my eyes peeled for ideas on what to create with video next!

    Hugs,
    Sherry

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    1. Your cheque is in the mail for these kind words. Hahaha!! Seriously, I can't wait to see your next video, Sherry. And I look forward to our next get-together, obviously. I'm enjoying your dresses-for-a-month project on your blog and how you push your boundaries, keeping things fresh and alive. More more more back at you. xox

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  16. Just wow for the tartan jacket! It doesn't important if it's June, it's perfect for the chilly Summer nights.

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    1. Yeah, this jacket always makes me warm and happy. xox

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  17. Oooh, what fun was had!! I love the Silent.movie! So funny!!
    Your outfits never fail to inspire me! What Amazing looks!!x

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