Links

Home     About     Contact     Press     Yellow Skirt     SKETCHES

Monday 11 July 2016

Styling grey hair, and a blogger meetup

Oh dear, oh dear, I'm levitating again. There's something about orange and pink that defies gravity.


That's a new top from the $5 rack at My Sister's Closet eco thrift boutique - wispy orange chiffon, probably home-made, with open cape-style sleeves that shield my arms from the sun. I adore the people who sewed this and then donated it instead of chucking it. It looks so great with these pants. I'm also wearing my lace-up sandal-shoes with the block heel.


And my neon orange vintage sunglasses; I don't often wear them. My hair also defied gravity today. Speaking of hair...

This week I made a video about how I do my tower hairstyle. Simple. Here it is. I put it in the context of a series called Secrets of the Schtars in case I want to do more. Heh.

============
****Secrets of the Schtars!****

Styling Grey Hair: Tower Hair
============

I wore lots and lots of makeup because I can - actually I had planned on doing a comedy video but decided at the last minute to do a hair tutorial for my sticking-straight up hair.


I don't go to salons anymore. I don't colour my hair anymore either. For now at least. Luckily, O has a talent with scissors and he cuts my hair at home.

His cuts give me two go-to styles, which I LOVE, worn down like a pixie cut, as seen above in a still from the video. And straight up with tower hair, like below.


I know that a lot of you already do standing-up hair, in a variety of colours too! It's really so much fun. But I enjoy the down look as well, demure, sophisticated, and/or androgynous. I think I have all bases of my personality covered with these two looks.

Let me know in the comments if you have questions. It's pretty straightforward.

===============================

And a blogger meetup!

Last Friday I had the exquisite pleasure of meeting up with Vancouver Barbara, who attended the blogger meet-up in Vancouver last summer, Louisa of Damselfly's Delights and Sue of A Colourful Canvas.


We started out with lunch at the landmark Sylvia Hotel next to English Bay, as seen above, then made our way to Dressew fabric store and Atex Fabrics where we all happily added to our fabric stashes. We topped off the day with a stop at Purebread bakery.

Hats off to the one blogger, who, in her absence, still managed to be the life of the party - Suzanne Carillo. Off and on all afternoon we swore like sailors in her honour, especially in Barbara's car as we careered through Vancouver streets. Feckin' eh.


Everyone looked fantastic and was wearing something they had made or thrifted. In my case, my robe was from Shelley, Forest City Fashionista. But even more impressive was the warmth, humour, intelligence, and talent of these amazing women.

I didn't get many photos of the bunch, which speaks to how much fun we were having, but I did manage to get a few sidewalk shots for my street style blog, here.

Meeting people I've met through blogging in real life, that's the best, like meeting celebrities! I hope you get a chance to have meet-ups too.

============

One more photo of my orange outfit for the road.


Also, if you tried to listen to my CBC Radio interview and couldn't, I uploaded a YouTube version of the clip to make it more accessible. It's on this post.

I'm linking up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday and Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb for #iwillwearwhatilike.

Have a great week!

PS: Whew. Last night I was suddenly having quirky layout issues with Blogger! But a dear woman named Meutia posted a coding fix. Wow, I am soooo thankful for these people who share their expertise.


66 comments:

  1. You Canadian women and your swearing. It's f%$#$ing fabulous! Lucky all of you to get to spend a day together, and look groovy. xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In fact, when Suzanne was here in Vancouver I don't think I heard her swear at all! I'm jealous that you guys got all the action. I enjoy swearing once in a while - it makes me feel refreshed, like a diet 7-Up.

      Delete
  2. LOVED your video! You are such a natural in front of the camera. Plus I like your voice : ) There, have I sucked up enough? LOL I think I earned half of the oversized cookie you bought last week.

    Seriously though, I did love the video. I *almost* want to try it on my hair but of course that would mean I'd need help going through doorways as I'm sure I'd be 8' tall if my hair stood straight up. Tempting....oh so tempting...

    It does kind of make me want to have shorter hair so I could do something cool like this.

    Love that cape/blouse, and those lace up booties! Those are new thrift finds aren't they? They look like they might be comfy, are they?

    You guys all look like you had a blast. I'm delighted everyone was inspired to use some *colourful* language. We are breaking those misconceptions about Canadians one at a time. Mature women that aren't afraid to wear what they want and swear as they like, unite!

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't it a shame though we weren't there? I long for another Vancouver blogger meet up. Or should you never try to recapture such fun?
      Greetje

      Delete
    2. It was a huge shame you all weren't here. We would be able to recapture that time but we could certainly create something parallel.

      Delete
    3. You like my voice? Are you on drugs? Hehe. You can't have the cookie - I ate it ALL.

      I would LMAO if you did that style of hair, but you do a mean beehive. The shoes are really comfy except they bite my ankles at the front. I had to wear protective bandaid (you can just see a bit) but I was still bitten. Next time I won't lace to the very top. The block heels are winners.

      We wear and swear darn good. Yup. We need a Swear-o-lympics, Suzanne.

      Delete
  3. actually that is a super hero cape!!! for the super hero woman that you are!!!
    but i´m afraid i do not pass thru any door if i tower my hair up like you suggested ;-P
    on the other hand i´m very happy with the long gray hair - i can go from vamp to granny and vice versa in minutes! even a business women ´do is in the cards - to look the part although i´m far from business like the moon from the sun.......
    fabulous blogger meeting! looks like lots of fun! fabric stores!!! yay!!!
    <3 xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, it does have superhero qualities. I only flutter, not fly, sadly. I love your long, grey hair and the versatility you have with it.
      Too bad you weren't here!

      Delete
  4. That meet up looks like so much fun! If I ever get to visit my brother and sister in law again in Vancouver; we'll definitely meet up!

    Love your up and down hair - and do you know I had never noticed your hair was grey! Is it just a temporary measure? Anyhoo, you look fabulous as always and I love the pink and orange outfit.

    Have a fab up and down hair week

    xxx

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh - that would be wonderful if we could meet up when you come to Vancouver next time!

      My hair has been grey for a while now, more grey at the front than the back. Before this I bleached my hair platinum which I liked but it fried my hair. For now I'll stay grey. Who knows about later... Thanks for dropping by.

      Delete
  5. Alas, I am in a quiet waiting room so cannot listen to the video. But that cape top and outfit is gooooorgeous!!!! So pretty and bright!!! Rrrrrr!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie. My patience paid off with this top. I almost paid full price but was determined to hold out to see if it hit the $5 rack. Thankfully, I didn't lose it in the process. xo

      Delete
  6. Durn - I was so hoping there was a massive blogger meetup in the works.
    Is Vogoff put on hold? I hadn't seen any more about it ...
    Pinned you in all of your wonderful colorfulness ~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry there is no other meetup here, but Anne of SpyGirl is having her meetup in December in California, which is not far from you, right?
      As for VOGOFF, ooh, I just haven't been able to make it happen yet for reasons that I can't explain. I'm still excited about it though. I know you'll have something fabulous!! - if you can hang on.

      Delete
  7. your video makes me want to have short hair again. Wonder what that stuff would do to my long hair? Hmmm......................

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This glue in long hair would be interesting... hahaha. It's truly a wonderful product. But for you, you certainly don't need it. Your hair is fabulous already.

      Delete
  8. The blogger meet-ups are soooooo great---lucky u!!!! You're lucky to have such a pretty hair color and that O is so good with the scissors!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meetups are the BEST. As for my hair colour, the front I love, the back, well, it's okay. I am so relieved I don't have to go to a salon for my hair. I usually dreaded the small talk.

      Delete
  9. Let's see, how many times have I watched the tutorial??? And why? Because you make me laugh and it's such a good therapy, oh and also because now I can try a new hair product😂. Someday I'm actually going to get brave enough to try a pixie and go platinum!!! I need a Canadian meet up again, you ladies are fabulous💞

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Trina, it would be awesome if a bunch of us could meet up here again. Tonight was the fireworks and it really reminded me of a year ago. I can't believe the time has gone by. You would look stunning in short platinum hair!! You can blame me if you like.

      Delete
  10. Oh, so lovely to see everyone again! Hello, hello, lovely bloggers! I am growing my hair out into a Rock Schtar look (like Joan Jett and Florence Brady had a crazy daughter), and I definitely can see the benefits of wanting to have Tower Hair (TM) and sometimes also a sedate pixie look. Such a helpful video - you have such a wonderful face, my dear! I adore this red/orange chiffon thingy and love those rose pants! Fab, so much FAB.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do a mean tower hair yourself, Sheila. I love your hair and laugh at your Jett/Brady description - you've got the bases covered there too. Hahaha. The red/orange, it's on the border of edgy cool and wedding sedate depending on how it's styled. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  11. New to your blog (came over from Sheila's) and in the short time I've been your guest, I have become obsessed with the robe you are wearing in today's post and in Good posture and bog facials - the one from Shelley. Is it a particular brand? Do you know where she got it? If I owned that gorgeous thing I would have a hard time taking it off. Swoon.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Melanie, I just loved your video! So great to hear your voice and I kinda feel like we're better friends now. (Is that a bit weird for you?) That orange floaty top works so well with those fab trousers. It's a bloomin' amazing outfit, hurrah. Hurrah too, for your bloggers meet up. Such fun for you all. Am only a teensy bit jealous x
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna, I'm exactly the same way about hearing voices - I feel so much closer when I can hear someone speak. Not weird at all, hahaha!! I'm glad I know you through blogging - it's the next best thing to a real meetup. Who knows about the future.

      Delete
  13. Oh loving it all! Those pants too; I have such a thing for roses. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you have a thing for all the bright lovely things. Thanks, Maryanne. Mwah!

      Delete
  14. Hells Bells - I want to cut my hair now so I too can have a 'do' as perfected in Secrets of the Schtars.

    Wait - I have a fringe! I could go vertical at the front and braid up the back - awesome.

    Orange and pink are particular faves in ma wardrobe and that floaty cape-sleeved garment is just genius. The neon sunglasses are forever. However, no-one could wear it all as well as you do - truth.

    Also, think of swearing as some kind of Olde English dialect. Its the new Latin!!

    Delighted as always

    Elaine Monkeypaints

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also - I embedded your tute on my blog once I'd figured out how to do that thing. http://monkeypaints.typepad.com/monkeypaints/2016/07/anachronistic-legs.html

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately I can't figure out links and word justification xx

      Delete
    3. Vertical up the front and braid up the back. I'd like to see that! Hahaha! Thanks for embedding me - ooh, that does sound, um, naughty. Heh. I commented on your blog. But I'm so far behind now. Forgive me, dear friend. Hugs.

      Delete
  15. I need to make a cape like that, what a brilliant find.
    Hoorah for blokes nifty with scissors (and hair dye), I've got my own and haven't been to a salon in years.
    That meet-up looks a blast, I'm always suspicious of blogger meets involving lots of posing. If you're having an amazing time there just isn't the time for posing! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about with our hair. It's such a relief not having to go to a salon. Yup, meetups usually don't leave time for photos, and when the cameras do come out, the momentum slows right down.

      Delete
  16. What a coincidence! I am also wearing pink and Orange on the blog today! Great combination right!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loooved your pink and orange outfit. Sadly I couldn't comment...

      Delete
  17. You look like a supermodel (which you are) in your orange cape. And thank you very much for your video tutorial on creating tower hair. My hair is very short, but I could create a mini-tower in your honor.

    The blogger meet-up looks like so much fun! Blogging has brought so many wonderful connections to my life. The gift that keeps on giving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha, a mini tower. You would look fantastic no matter how you style your hair because YOU are the supermodel.
      The meetups have been the best thing about blogging, you are right. There are so many more people I would love to connect with in real life - including you.

      Delete
  18. Wow, everytime your outfits are so excellent meeting yourself! And a blogger-meetup, I know, it's allways a lovely event ;-). Summertime-greetings to you - Ghislana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, best and warm summertime greetings to you as well, Ghislana. Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by and comment.

      Delete
  19. ohhh, red floating gauze and big roses print!! and fab shoes too!! it's perfectly normal that you levitate wearing Red! it's magnificent!!!
    And a blogger meetup!!! fabulousness!!! and fun!!!!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you need to wear weights around your ankles so you don't float away, your colours are always so fabulous! Hahaha!! You know what I'm talking about.

      Delete
  20. So enjoyed your tutorial and if I ever cut my hair oober short again I will refer back to it, so THANKS!!! Another blogger get together, how fabulous, I quite like the idea of swearing like sailors!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I would have loved for you to be with us to partake in the swear session. Hahaha. So much fun. We don't usually swear so much, so when we do we go all the way!

      Delete
  21. Bloody fabulous! Just loving it. And how about a bloke who can wield the scissors like that! Wonderful. That looks a brilliant meet up and I approve of swearing like sailors. Everyone should have some blogger meet ups-they are a tonic for the soul!xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tonic for the soul is an excellent way of putting it. Thank you for visiting. My door is ALWAYS open even when it seems I'm not home. Heh. I appreciate it so much.

      Delete
  22. I luv your cape top. I want one too. Course it would look different on me...And the mini Vancouver Blogger Meet-up. I want to be there again. Can you guys do one in Chicago... or somewhere in between? and the hair product. I'll try it, I'll try it. Just you wait. I am in your command, oh fashion, art, comedy schtar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, yesh, a mini meetup, they are like snackies that tide us over for the big ones. You'll try it?!! Hahaha. That would be great. Your hair is perfect for it. I bet you would rock this style. Let me know how it goes if you do it.

      Delete
  23. I think I want that stuff. Just a little on my head, underneath my hear. Might work even better than the crude clay I use (which is nearly finished and not in the shops or online anymore aaagghh).
    Your video was instructive and fun haha. This is our future right? Video. Oh help. With my high pitched voice? I wouldn't know what to say either.
    Love you in your orange outfit.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think this product is better. Make sure you get the Glued, not the Ultra Glued which is not so strong and is a clear gel. For extra hold, you can put a dab in before you dry your hair. I think this would give your hair body. Plus, the style tends to hold even if you comb your hair afterwards as well. Of course you'll find what works for you.

      We always hate our own voices. You would be a natural for video, Greetje. You are so expressive!

      Delete
  24. I was having a blogger layout issue too. All the images on all four of my blogs where aligned to the left. The next day, they were back to normal. Weirdness. It was so cool hearing your voice by the way!! I love finally getting to hear bloggers speak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love to hear speaking too. It's much more personal. That layout thing freaked me out. I got advice on that Help forum and it worked. What a relief. I'm glad your problem got fixed on its own.

      Delete
  25. Girl, your hair looks good no matter what you do to it. Damn you. Heh. Fuggin' love those pants, too. Always. <3

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna, best hugs. I'd love to meet you in real life.

      Delete
  26. Lovin' the Lion's Mane of hair! When I see photos of your hair like that, it makes me yearn for my long swatch of hair that I could make into a upward swoop. I don't have enough hair at the moment for even a mini-tower :(

    I'm glad whoever made that floaty top donated it too, otherwise it would have never found it's place in a happy Mel outfit.

    So nice to see the Vancouver bunch hanging out together. I'm glad you're getting wear out of the purple/green coat thingy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ms. FCF,
      Oh where, o wear, did you get that "purple/green coat thingy" - is there another like it in the world? I am in love with it.

      Delete
    2. Hi Lesley - I don't know where Shelley got it. It only says 100 percent cotton, made in India. I'm pretty sure it's thrifted so chances are it's just one of those lucky finds. You can contact Shelley via her blog forestcityfashionista.com.

      Delete
    3. Lesley - there's a seller in the UK that does batik and over-dyed batik that looks similar (and I can recommend!) http://www.swirlclothing.co.uk
      or if you're in the USA there's always Sacred Threads and Lotustraders (if the pricing is a bit rich, try eBay)
      http://sacredthreads.com
      http://www.lotustradersclothing.com

      Why yes, I am an enabler :)

      Delete
    4. You had some awesome towers, Shelley. But your hair looks equally good short like it is now. And it really shows off your great glasses and gallery of cool earrings.

      Were your ears burning? We talked about you, all the good things!

      Delete
  27. Thanks Melanie! I'll go hunting

    ReplyDelete
  28. Looovveed the video Melanie! How could I not pop over and say hello? Seriously...anyone who tells me I'm a hooker after her own heart absolutely has to be my friend...lol! And besides you hang out with my hair twin a.k.a. Suzanne, so you must be fabulous. Speaking of fabulous...I am so digging the orange/red chiffon top. It was made for those pants.
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! I couldn't help myself with that comment. That article you were responding to was so stupid. Heh. Of course anyone who is a twin of Suzanne is my friend too. Thanks, Debbie.

      Delete
  29. A blogger meet up that included lunch and fabric shopping!!!! Too much fun! Dammit. I love watching the Melanie channel. You are indeed a Schtar. It was quite educational but alas I have cocker spaniel hair that just droops into my water dish no matter how much product or spit I put into it. But you really do have super hero hair and super model legs and a super O hair cutter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need a different brand of spit, Connie, definitely. Might I suggest Pancake spit? Heh. But your hair always looks so coiffed - what are you talking about?! Lunch and fabric shopping, yeah, it was pretty sweet. I only wish you were here!!

      Delete
  30. Orange and frothy and swearing like a sailor! Plus, you're becoming so famous now! I hope you'll remember us little people when you're a big YouTube schtar and doing chat shows all over the world. I haven't listened to the video because I'm in the library (shhhh) to do some surfing (still having connectivity problems at home - sucks to be rural). And you have a whole new banner and side bar! Wow! I am so out in the boondocks here. Good to see you're still shining brightly and kicking ass in Vancoolver.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I have one thumbs-up so I'm well on my way. Hahaha. A frothy swearing sailor - I like that image. Sorry to hear you have connectivity problems and hope you get them worked out ASAP!!! You noticed my sidebar change? Heh. Usually people don't notice these things. I count on you!! I am following your adventures, Dear Val, but I am woefully behind on my commenting. Hugs to you.

      Delete
  31. Your rose print pants are marvelous! I'm struck by how much they remind me of a dress I had as a young teenager. It was fitted and fabulous and so very grownup (to me at the time) looking. It was unlike anything I'd owned before and made me feel ten years older than I was. Interesting, isn't it, how one person's fabulous current look can spark memories of one of your own from a different time period. Thank you for the fun walk down memory lane.

    And many happy congrats on your exciting CBC Radio interview.

    Big hugs & joyful start of August wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...