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Monday 26 November 2018

Furry things, dingle bits, and Turnipheads

I went down to the scary storage locker where my alien pods are hibernating, pods referring of course to my clothes in their vacuum-sealed space bags. There was definitely a rustling sound, maybe even muffled giggles, as I tugged open the padlock. 

The key to survival in there is to be quick and efficient and carry a big vacuum hose. It helps that I have an Excel spreadsheet now that catalogs my clothes by description and bag number. 


One reason I went down is to pull out this ice-blue faux fur because I knew it would go magnificently with a new addition to my closet - a luxury bag from Jamin Puech Paris. It was a gift, a mini collaboration, but rest assured my opinions are my own: I LOVE IT!!

The next photo is what happens when I get excited by a new bag - I wave it about so much you can't really see it! Please kindly skip to the photo after this one for a calmer view.


This bag, Chair, is from their Tingshas line. Dingle bits, velvety softness, high-factor swingability, and satisfying planetary orbs that click open and shut. It is a truly unique piece of handbag art, which is why I was so happy to accept this collaboration. Even the packaging was exquisite.

And look, the cuffs of my thrifted Scotch & Soda blouse match the dingle bits perfectly. Spooky, right? Hahaha. And I didn't even plan it. I'm also wearing my fake stripper track pants that zip all the way down the sides and my brown cowboy-style booties.


No one comes between me and my Jamin Puech. 


Seriously, this is a fine bag and I know I'll use it often. It was very difficult choosing which bag I want - all their designs are absolutely stunning, and I don't say that lightly. Go have a look and you'll see what I mean. Thanks, Jamin Puech

And below is the Chair with another outfit. I like this pairing equally well, especially with the silk velvet scarf in the mix.


Now moving along. Tra-la-la, tra-la-la, lounging on the concrete steps in outdoor wear, as one does, leafing through my journal.


What am I wearing? All things from my closet, thrifted or gifted:
  • black-and-white graphic print vintage coat with red lining from my friend Su
  • heavyweight vintage jacquard pants 
  • men's pointy brown shoes 
  • silk velvet scarf
  • "Soho" glasses, gift from Vint and York in NYC in the summer
  • Jamin Puech Paris handbag
Just so you know, below is the kind of sketch that litters my journals. I have hundreds of them over many years, mostly featuring Turniphead (that's me), wearing the same thing I was wearing that day, and Kitty, often Royal Kitty, wearing whatever strikes my fancy. If you spot me in a downtown cafe, chances are I'll either be sketching or colouring one of these with pencil crayons.

I also wore this black-and-white pattern-mix outfit a week ago to a Uniqlo store in Burnaby, which is a 30-minute transit ride from downtown Vancouver. Uniqlo is an international fashion retailer headquartered in Japan and I went there not necessarily to shop but to hunt for a photo of me from a global print and commercial campaign I did with them earlier in the summer. And look! 


My friend Elizabeth (IG and website) accompanied me and took the photo. I was featured in the stretchy pants section. Awesome! Hahaha. 

I hadn't mentioned the campaign to anyone because I didn't know what happened to it. Then, cincinnata_demetria, whom I know from IG, wrote that she had seen me in the Amsterdam Uniqlo. What a surprise! When I asked, she kindly sent me a photo that I posted on my IG, HERE

That same night, people O and I know in Japan also called, surprised to have seen me in their local Uniqlo as well.

Of course I was excited and contacted Greetje of No Fear of Fashion, who lives not too far from the Amsterdam store, and she generously went down and took a bunch more photos. Huge thanks to Greetje! And to her husband Ron, who drove the getaway car. She has a funny story about that on her blog, HERE. One of the photos she sent me is below. 


That's me in the commercial above the photo too. I'm an architect. Greetje didn't even notice until she got home that I was in there and she'd captured my scene by chance. I'm not keen on the camera angle in the ad and told Greetje, DO NOT USE!!, but I'm over it now, it's life. This was an awesome shoot. 

That's about it from here. I'll finish with this photo - showing the wall who's boss. ???!!!


I'm wearing a short lurex dress with sport-style neck and cuffs. Those are Zohara tights, which they sent me over a year ago. They have a great collection. 

Nothing else to say really. I'll end with this little journal sketch.


It's a giant cat or a little tree. You decide. A windy autumn day. 

I'll link up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for her Visible Monday, and Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb for her #iwillwearwhatilike

Thank you for visiting!!! I hope you all have a stellar week. Until next time...



28 comments:

  1. Yay! We're all just one step away from international superstardom by knowing you. I love your beautiful new handbag - great choice! I reckon if Greetje hangs around in Uniqlo for long enough she could be giving her autograph as "close friend to the international superstar".

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  2. mwhaha, I love everything in this post!, you look fabulous showing us your cute handbag (such a wonderful piece of art!) with lots of enthusiasm!. I love your black&white outfit and great attitude 'lounging on the concrete steps' and reading!! ;DDD I think that an orange lining makes everything better!. And you rock in your lurex dress and fab coat!
    Love to see you in advertisements, in massive pictures everywhere!. Rockstar!!!
    besos

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    1. Mwah mwah! It's so weird seeing myself. Now I have to work on the rockstar part. Yeaaaah!!! I'll start with the tambourine. Heavy metal tambourines. Heh.

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  3. I already read about it on Greetje s blog! It s fantastic that you are seen here in Amsterdam! Great job!

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    1. I can't believe Greetje went and checked that store and took photos for me - not once, but twice. I thought I might have been there before and she checked it out and I wasn't. So that's amazing, right? Thanks for your comment, Nancy.

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  4. That handbag is a work of art.

    Too funny that Greetje captured the ad too. I didn't even notice that when I looked at the same photo on her blog.

    You should publish a book with your sketches. They are brilliant.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    Replies
    1. Those dingle bits are awesome, and the large closure orbs. I definitely have enough sketches for a book - thanks for that compliment, Suzanne, knowing what awesome talent you have yourself.

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  5. Like S. said, your sketches deserve their own book! I'm lucky to have one displayed in my living room : >
    Your new handbag is exquisite - the colors and shapes and all the dangles. You wear it so well. And more big congrats and hugs for your Uniqlo campaign - worldwide!! xox

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    Replies
    1. Yes! You have the kitty on the couch one. I love that one. Hahaha. I had almost given up on the Uniqlo thing but knew I was definitely in it. Thank you for your cheering, Patti. Friends make such a difference.

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  6. Wow! It's all too awesome to take in, Ms. Melanie of the World. Mel-o-World, that's the way I like it, uhuh. Besides that, what a cool purse, sashaying like it does with all its bells and whistles and going with everything/anything. Like the example ensembles you've provided for it. Tres groovey. And nothing says it better than colored pencil sketches with Turniphead and her kitty consort. yeah.

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    Replies
    1. We need Mellow World right now, for sure!!! Kitty brings me joy when I can't find it on the news, definitely. Thanks, Pao.

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  7. Worldwide super-star! My mom called me to tell me "That friend of yours is on TV!" when she saw the new Nordie's ad (the one where you "host"). I love that you're totally FAMOUS now - although I have to say, as gawjus as you are, these ad campaigns do not capture your impishness.

    Love the outfits (Muppet sweater! funky bag that needs to be waved about! black on white action!), and your sketches are always a joy. You should definitely publish a book of them. Stellar idea, Suzanne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was ultra weird the other day walking downtown - I saw some Nordie ads on bus shelters, then in the mall I saw Debra Rapoport, who wore the Yellow Skirt too, on a huge H&M ad. I felt watched in a way. Twilight Zone. A book, yeah. Hmm.
      xox

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  8. Oh wow - I might become obsessed by your look Melanie! I keep going back to re-look at your photos. Course I didn't know you before you became a super-star ;O) Fab post! Love Greetje xx Maria

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    1. Greetje is a wonderful, funny, gracious, and generous friend. And of course super stylish! I'm a super-star in my own little world. It's great! Hahaha!!! Thanks for your comment!

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  9. It seems a bit odd that you would be learning about the increasing extent of your world fame by way of ad campaign sightings by friends. Seems like you should be informed about the use of your image. Guessing you sign over that authority in your initial contract. I'm guessing it's a nice surprise to find out about each new appearance you've made.
    I love Turnip head and her feline buddy. They're charming and sweet and they seem to have little idea how the brink of fame and fortune feel.
    The video of the leather artisans creating your French handbag is amazing. You own a treasure! Also, You are a treasure! Love, Jude

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    Replies
    1. It is odd finding out through other people. Apparently, you are not told where you images go, so it is like a board game - spotted in (fill in the blank). Of course Turniphead and Kitty have no idea of the fame, much like it doesn't really register here either. I'm glad you saw that video. Their work is amazing. Thank you so much, Jude, for your always-thoughtful comments. xox

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  10. I really love your photographs underneath "No one comes between me and my Jamin Puech". They have indeed very luxurious bags. Too boho for me, but you wear it so well.
    Great that you have a photo of you in Uniqlo beside two posters featuring you. And I am glad you got over the camera angle. When you look at the photo "No one comes between etc etc" you hardly see a wrinkle.
    My dear, you really look good.
    Greetje
    PS Suzanne's idea is very good: publish you lovely drawings/sketches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As soon as I saw their bags I thought, really? These are soooo cool! And I knew the ice blue had to be fetched from its bag.
      THANK YOU and Ron for going to Uniqlo, not once but twice!! Really, these are the only real keepsakes I have from that campaign (no photos on set). I'm glad that at least you and Ron had a lovely snack and drink after. Again big hearts and smiles to you.
      A book. I don't know. But thanks for the encouragement!

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  11. First of all, I am so impressed with your spreadsheet and bag number method. I might steal your idea and do the same with my pods! That bag is divine, and you're so right: it's absolutely perfect with the ice-blue faux fur! I'm also loving your black and white pattern mix outfit. I couldn't resist going into the Uniqlo shop here in Antwerp today, a shop I'd never been into before. I spent most of my lunch break looking into its every nook and cranny, but apparently Antwerp hasn't caught on to Mel-o-mania, as you weren't there. I was given strange looks as I kept going up and down the stairs in search of you, but alas. I actually felt like shouting where the hell is Mel? So sorry, as I would have posted a picture ... xxx

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    1. The storage method really helps me, especially if I'm hunting for a specific piece in a hurry. But I have to keep up with the spreadsheet as I take things out and put them back. Tricky. Poor Antwerp, no photos of me! Hahaha!! The one in my own suburb was just one of thousands of photos, tucked high above this women's stretch pants section. I can picture you scouting the store. Hahaha!! Thank you for trying. Five stars!!! xox

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  12. Yes, you are kicking it with that little dress and fabulous striped tights,
    The chair bag is gorgeous with the tassels and swing factor! Glad you braved the storage unit and retrieved this fabulous blue furry gem !
    I love all of the signs featuring You!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    Replies
    1. This dress is a delight, sporty and glam at the same time. And not prickly! I've been taking this bag out with me more often these days. I have to bring a second bag when I bring my journal with me, though, because it won't fit in the Chair.
      Thanks, Elle, for this great energy. xox

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  13. If I had a storage locker (or a storage room) I would steal your idea of the vacuum sealed bags and spreadsheet. As it is, most of my clothing is on view 80% of the time so I can see what I have (the better to be overwhelmed by it).

    I've missed your blue muppet coat! Accompanied by that delightful bag, you are a collage of cool colours and textures. Dingly dangly bits are awesome.

    That was was nice of Greetje to get the photos of your ad. Congratulations on another campaign. You look both chic and professional in the black and white outfit in the ad. Of course, not as fantabulously cool as in the other black and white outfit of mixed prints though.

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    1. The space bag thing is tricky, Shelley. I'd rather have my things within eyesight, but there's just no damned room! Heh. All the muppets will soon be coming out, ravenous and ready to hit the streets, begging for treats after hibernation.
      My thanks to Greetje is huge! And Ron, driving the getaway car, almost for real with that ticket situation. Yeah, the campaigns are great for choosing women we can identify with, and I guess a slightly softer Mel has wider appeal. I get that, but I'm so glad I am free to wear the sproing whenever I want in my own time. xox

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  14. You're Fabulous!
    That is all.
    XXX
    Samantha

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    Replies
    1. I'll be looking for you in your own global campaign, Samantha.
      xox

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