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Tuesday 6 June 2017

Blogger meetup with zombies and opium

Suzanne Carillo and Sherry Dryja (Petite Over 40) of Toronto and Seattle came to town and met up with me and Sue (A Colourful Canvas) this past weekend. The times we had! 

We are proof that you don't need tons of money to have a blast, only a meeting time, a few great outfits, an imagination, a camera/cellphone (we had 3), a thrift shop or two, and a generous dash of bravado. We didn't need the photos but they sure added gasps and hilarity. 

Photo by Sherry, Petite Over 40

Day 1. We hopped the SeaBus to North Vancouver to explore a few thrift shops. Of course we worked up an appetite and stopped at Lonsdale Quay, an indoor market, for nibblers.

Photo by Pizza Shop Woman

On the way back to Vancouver Sue knew exactly how to secure an unobstructed view of the advancing city skyline: the man-spread, such an exemplary example - she really nailed it - but the photo self-destructed. Hahaha!!

That night Suzanne, Sherry, and I went to the Comedy Mix to see some stand-up. The most laughs came when it was over and we discovered that all three of us wanted to walk out; we didn't because we were afraid the comedian would beat us up and laugh at our injuries. In fact, we found ourselves in the next days frequently riffing on his vicious rants, then wondered with alarm, does that count as success!?

Day 2, off to Talize thrift store in Delta by elevated train and bus. So many modes of transportation! Happily, Sue was able to join us.

Photo by Sue, A Colourful Canvas

Of the outfits above, I think only Suzanne bought her dress. Note the squared wings sticking out at my hips - always a flattering look. They were designed to be tucked in and tied inside at the front but I liked them out better. Now I regret not getting this dress, but we had two shopping carts piled mile high with options.

Our intrepid photographer takes a break on the bench conveniently located outside the change rooms. Man-spreading was not required. Sue made that fantastic duster.


On Day 3, in the morning Suzanne, Sherry, and I went on a 90-minute Sins of the City Walking Tour, "Vice, Dice, and Opium Dens," hosted by the Vancouver Police Museum. I highly recommend it. The two others on offer are Red Light Rendezvous and Walking the Beat.

Then in the evening we met up at their hotel dressed roaring '20s style (brilliant idea by Suzanne) to go to the club "Speakeasy." But first, since Suzanne and Sherry had scouted cool locations for photos at the hotel the night before, we needed to explore our inner divas fully. So many great shots...these are only a few.

Photo by Suzanne I think



Of course luxe locations in a fine hotel make it easier to set up interesting scenes, but that wasn't a prerequisite for getting good footage. Sherry farked and posted one of my favourite clips on YouTube. Warning: DON'T WATCH THIS AT WORK!! She calls it Copy of Dancing for Real. I call it Roaring '20s Zombies on Brain Detox.


We filmed this right downtown, a prime example of what I meant by "a generous dash of bravado." Heh. They are awesome!

We also swanned over to another hotel lobby for photos. This place has always been a favourite.


And then we went for a late bite. We tried flirting with our handsome server, aged 24(?) but that was simply wasted energy. He did, however, crank up the charm just before handing us the bill. Do we look that gullible? Heh. 

Later, after we had gone our separate ways and called it day, we realized that we had totally forgotten to go to the Speakeasy. Hahaha!!

On Day 4, we went to My Sister's Closet thrift boutique, of the famous $5 rack, followed by brunch. Then Suzanne and Sherry both returned to family. In this photo Suzanne is wearing the gold booties that she, Sue, and I all tried on during her last visit, HERE.



Whew! Blogger meetups are the best! It was the first time meeting Sherry and I can't wait for us to get together again. It was also a special meetup because Suzanne was celebrating her birthday. By chance my schedule was fairly free too - it's something I can never be sure of in advance - so I could take full advantage of their visit.

That's all I've got for you this week. It was a good week. There are many more hilarious photos from Talize. I dressed in BEIGE, on purpose. And Suzanne, Sherry, and I all tried on gowns - Suzanne was Molly Ringwald from Pretty in Pink, Sherry wore an '80s Dynasty series dress, and I was Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman. If nobody else posts them, I'll post them later - already this is photo-heavy.

I'll link something up to Catherine, Not Dressed as Lamb, #iwillwearwhatilike. Patti is on a break.

What would you do? Big tip or little tip for the last-minute-suck-up server?



36 comments:

  1. I think you were meant to be a flapper ghost zombie, Mel! These are fantastic pictures, so much fun had by all, I can tell. I think I used to have that same coat/jacket as Sherry (the pale blue one, mine was by Danier).

    I adore the dancing in traffic. Hi-larious! I would have stiffed (pun not intended) the stoopid young waitron. Duh, suck up to posh ladies early and often, and we will tip you! Suck up right before the bill and I'll give you an unimpressed look.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh, I quite agree. I felt very at-home in the role of flapper ghost zombie. Hahaha. You should see some of the other footage. It sounds like the title of a horror film we should make. Heh. I wonder if that was a Danier coat... I love it though.

      Those guys totally cracked me up dancing like that. They started and I hit record. Women without borders - it's so excellent. And you know it first-hand too. xox

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  2. This is glorious!!!!!!!! Who is near Asheville??????? lololol

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    1. Asheville is just a leeettle weeny ways away. Git out here!!! Hahaha!!!

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  3. OH, you are brave...putting up that horrendous photo of me, hahaha. Hey, I wonder if the man pose caused my sore back?

    Good times...yes, good times!

    And last, but not least...Sherry, I want all your shoes and boots castoffs! No, not kidding! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That photo may not have caused the sore back but perhaps an aching head? No matter what, it's best not to have to look at it. I hope you feel better SOON!!

      I can see how you might be partial to Sherry's footwear, Sue. You'll love what she got at My Sister's Closet. Well, maybe not, but I DO! I tried to get my flipper feet in there - big fail!

      xo

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    2. Ha ha! Sue, that manspread you did could cause even the most flexible yogis a backache! It is a great photo, though. So rebellious. So in-your-face to the manspreaders of the world. :)

      The shoes I got at My Sister's Closet really should have been Mel's--they are so you! Maybe the universe is trying to tell me to get in touch with my inner Mel-ness? I still can't believe I paid only $5 for them!

      Sue, you and I will need to go shoe shopping together! I love shoes.

      Hugs,
      Sherry

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  4. What a fab post! You look like you had an absolute riot. Those 1920s inspired outfits are perfection.
    Suzanne and I are now boot twins.
    Our blog meet-ups end up in Wetherspoons, tipping the staff isn't a thing. xxx

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    1. Yes, we did have a riot! We talked about you and Suzanne being boot sisters. I'm so jealous that tipping isn't a thing where you go. Everywhere you go here tips are pretty much required. All that math is exhausting. xo

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  5. Love the speakeasy theme ( yay- Suzanne!) and you ladies knocked it out of the park! Love the mood and each of the pieces, and the video was such a ball to watch. I hope you go back and buy that first dress, Melanie,
    Never let a full cart stop you from buying something that perfect. YOU can quote me on that. Ha.
    Best shot for me was in the gym...
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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    Replies
    1. You are right about the full cart. Heh. I could probably find that dress again - it's like a siren on the racks. And I agree about the gym shot - that is a classic in its quirk and style.
      xox

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    2. Full cart syndrome... always pretreat with a full wallet and foldable shopping bag ( in your tote ) like a true shopping ninja.

      BTW, the striped bag? Where, when, and is it still available?

      No go get that dress. No excuses this time

      xx Elle
      http://www.theellediaries.com/

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  6. You all had way too much fun! Love the '20's look.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, too much fun was had by all. Hahaha. Time flew by. xox

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  7. This was the most fun I've had in quite a while! It is enriching, to say the least, to be around such gregarious, creative, generous-of-heart women. I've spent the last several days just letting the experience wash over me to see how I can turn it into something worth sharing back--and I do have something percolating.... Muh-ha ha ha!!

    But seriously, I can't wait for the next time we all get together!

    - Sherry

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Back at you, Sherry. My percolator broke so I just put this up. I was late posting and felt a sense of urgency. Heh. I look forward to your post! Already the video is excellent. I always laugh at loud when I watch it.
      I can't wait for next time too. And we are not that far apart... Hmmm.

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  8. Oh, the flapper zombie outfit is FAB!!! Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Now where's that speakeasy??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Want to go?!! I know the password.
      We had a great time, drifting from Phryne Fisher to The Overlook Hotel.

      Delete
  9. loving the flapper girl outfits! Loving this era myself these days... Timeless!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I saw you had some great '20s-looking pieces too. But yes, timeless!

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  10. Definitely a tiny tip for the last minute suck-up. He should have been treating you like QUEENS! The 20's theme was a great idea, and your outfits are freakin' fabulous. The shot of you in the elevator looks like a great starting point for a mini-film. Blogger meetups are the best, especially when you've met up before and you know it's going to be a free-for-all ;) I'm sorry you didn't get the flowered caftan-thingy - it looks kind of awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dress-up was Suzanne's idea and so inspired. We could have just dressed up for normal dress-up but this pushed it to a new level. Free-for-all is a good way of describing it - all creative stops pulled out. And I do regret not getting that caftan thingy. But then I would have had to put back the traffic cone dress. Heh. xoxo

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  11. Oh what a time we had! It was so much fun seeing you all again. It is true that we are our own entertainment.

    I salut your ability to get this post up so fast.

    I'm still trying to recover from the flu my family lovingly gifted me. Seeing all these photos again put a big smile on my face.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had to get this post up fast because I missed the week before; otherwise I'm sure I'd be the last out of the gate. But what a shame you got the flu!! Reliving the meetup is good distraction. So enjoyable all around spending time with you, Suzanne. xoxo

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  12. What fabulous photos! I love, love, love the 1920s flapper theme outfits. Your lurex tights/stockings are amazing and you look the part perfectly. Love Suzanne's dress and those fabulous shoes...

    It's obvious you had a brilliant time.

    Yes, you should have bought the dress...

    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, about missing out on that dress. It reminded me of one of Vix's curtain dresses, although less fitted. The fabric was divine and the colours not my usual but so lovely. Oh well. xoxo

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  13. Oh my, you should be in movies. Oh, right. You are in movies. And it's a great one. I think it most certainly will catch on. You know, zombies and all are so IN. And adding the 20s, well, what more can be said. Just too much fun. Keep it going, coming, round and round.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hahaha. These pale colours on me added to The Shining vibe we had going on for a while there. And I loved how Suzanne's and Sherrys' outfits matched by chance. I'll sign you up for our next film! xox

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  14. Terrific post. It made me feel as if I was there with you for a short while. You know how much I would have loved that. Sherry seems to fit right in with you idiots haha (meaning that lovingly). The photos and video are fantastic. Magazine worthy. Just iPhones? Tsss. And where you lot got all the gear from, I don't know. Especially Suzanne and Sherry. They didn't have their closet with them.
    And did you remove a photo of Sue in an awkward position? As I read about that in the comments but don't see it. Mind you, I haven't got my reading glasses on.
    Greetje

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    Replies

    1. Suzanne and Sherry brought their outfits. Dedication, right? So wonderful of them to do it. And yes, there was a photo of Sue manspreading, but magically it disappeared. Heh. It's still in Sherry's movie though but not quite so obvious.

      These were a combo of iPhone and camera photos. I think Sherry's movie is fantastic! I'm so glad she has returned to the medium. I can't wait to see what she makes next.

      We were loving idiots and you would have fit right in, Greetje. Hahaha!!

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  15. Class, madness and fun! This is (yet again) a FAB post, Mel, thanks for sharing your amazing time with these fabulous friends. xx

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    1. Sorry this was so very long but I had to cram it all in. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! xox

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  16. woaaa, such a fun time you had!!, love blogger meetings, and yours are the best ones (for sure!!!), all those flapperism, coolness and sassiness!
    I would love to go thrifting with you, yeah!, you're so fabulous ladies!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Flapperisms, oh yeeeah, that was fun. We strolled down the streets for a while too, ready to break into the Charlston at any moment. Suzanne and Sherry "danced" for a bit too. Hahaha! I would love to go thrifting with you! xox

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  17. Riotous fun! The infectious energy that you created leaps off the screen. Visiting your space is the perfect way to start my day!

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    1. Yes, we did have a good time with all bits of emotional and brain states thrown in, like a huge jumbalaya. I feel the same about visiting your space too, Judith. xox

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