My brain is finally coughing up that big social hairball built up during a whirlwind of activity these past couple of weeks, hence, my tardiness in posting.
And then, several days ago, another media opportunity came up (tba) so I decided I needed a bunch of new photos of springish looks taken in natural light. But there was a tight deadline. So in driving, freezing-cold rain, I trudged downtown in my shaggy muppet coat, lugging a heavy bag and fighting a weaselly umbrella. The afternoon was kind of like that game Whack-a-Mole as I scurried, frazzled, from one dry spot to another. I had fun in a push-my-limits way.
What I wore to the Press Preview
On March 8, I attended a Press Preview reception for Eco Fashion Week, Mar 31 - Apr 2, where I practised Extreme Hobnobbing. Armed with my bonafide business cards, as seen here, I was no longer a fish out of water like last year; I was more like a mud-skipper or other walking fish that fins its way across the mud, awkward, disheveled, and flapping about with bug eyes. Some kinds are alien invasive species. Yup.
Next is my friend Colleen at the Preview. She keeps me apprised of all the fashion events in the city and runs a great blog, Clothes Line Finds, with her daughter Anthea from Toronto. I take notes on her mingling expertise. What a fantastic outfit! Don't miss the glimpse of shoe.
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The BEST thing that happened lately was a blogger meetup. Hurray!!
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Look at those happy mugs, would ya? Sue, A Colourful Canvas, Suzanne Carillo, and moi (those choppers!). Suzanne came to town and we got two days of her all to ourselves. This photo was taken at Earls (where we ate at the big meetup a couple of summers ago). Suzanne instructed our handsome, young server to keep away our fans, and despite his professional demeanor, he told us he was a wreck inside with the thrill of meeting us. He got a good tip.
We shopped and talked and shopped and talked and ate and ate and ate, like what happens at all blogger meetups, except we didn't have goat yoga, which Sherry offered at her meetup in Phoenix. Just as well - there was merciless schlain (slushy rain) the whole time.
We all tried on these marvellous leather gold booties. Can you believe how fabulous they are? - I'm of course referring to the women, Suzanne in her vintage and Sue in her self-sewn dotted coat with buttons she also made.
I'll let you decide on your own whether Sue and Suzanne bought these outfits. It's kind of a no-brainer. I got a great haul too but my stuff is still bagged awaiting processing.
During our two days' together we also hit Used House of Vintage store, where Sue also shot some great iPhone footage of me and Suzanne goofing off, and the Hermes boutique, where we didn't goof off, a stationary store, Holt Renfrew, and The Room at The Bay for getting ideas - and keeping warm and dry. And we dined at Cactus Club. I swear, meeting blog friends is the best thing!
Edit: ALERT ALERT!!
SUZANNE put up her post on the meetup HERE. It's PERFECT.
And it includes video from the vintage shop & Talize. You MUST SEE IT. Hahaha!!
Shameless, shameless
Suzanne flashes a bit of leg in the star dressing room at Used House of Vintage, the most glamourous vintage change room in town.
And below, my entire Press Preview outfit. I love it, especially with my tidy Kim Novak hairdo, all slicked back like that, my black eyeshadow, and Poe lipstick. I used my uni-suspender to hoist the waist of my fisherman pants and a kimono-fabric shoelace around my neck to secure my wallet holster. The day of this function was also terribly windy, cold, and wet, no surprise there, but my hair didn't budge. Hahaha.
All this rambling is what happens when I miss posting for a while. As I said, social hairballs - processing everything that's been going on takes time.
I'll link something up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style, her Visible Monday party. I'm exhausted! I'll be the one snoozing on the lawn. And next weekend is another big meetup, which, by the way, I'm looking forward to.
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I just found out that the Marie Claire Brazil magazine article I was in is also online.
You can see it HERE.
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Please tell me I've covered everything now. Please. Heh.
Oh yeah, I have also been obsessing over a series on Netflix called Velvet, about a couture ladies' department store (Velvet) in Madrid, Spain, in the late '50s, and the lives and forbidden love between one of the store's heirs and a seamstress/designer who boards in the store. Don't watch it! There are 54 episodes and each one is over an hour long. The fashion, the music, the language... Sigh.
I've got to say it, you and your friends are just like the Herrey's, Swedens 1984 contribution to Eurovision: If you don't speak Swedish, the song is about their golden shoes... Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZMV6qCkRnU
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I watched the Herrey's video. That is EXACTLY who we must have been channelling when we went bootie shopping. They are so... perky! Thanks for letting me know.
Deleteso much fabulousness to enjoy!!, you look fab in your big fisherman pants (unisuspender is a great Word!) and that kind of japanese vibe coolness!
ReplyDeleteAnd obviously, a blogger meet up is the best thing ever!!, I'm overwhelmed by so much glamour that you spread, all that rockin' and thrifting and eating and chatting!!! oh yeahhhhh!
(and it's really shocking to know that you're watching 'Velvet', which was produced here in Spain, glad you enjoy it!)
besos
Oh thank you, thank you. I never even thought of the Japanese vibe and now you mention it, I really love it. I wish you lived closer so we could hang out. I know we would have fun - and maybe we could talk and talk about Velvet. I am ADDICTED to that show, everything about it. I want to speak Spanish now!
DeleteThe Japanese-esque uni-suspender is a winner ...although it could be renamed a mono-brace for your Scottish fans?! (suspenders are something totally different here!!)
ReplyDeleteI love your billowing trousers and neat hair.
I wish I had been gold-boot shopping with you. XXX
That is a great new term, mono-brace - it glides off the tongue much easier than uni-suspender. Definitely it will be the European term. I'd use it here too but then we'd have the reverse problem. Heh. You would have loved those boots. And we would have loved having you with us. xo
DeleteOh to be at the gold-boots store (or any of the eat-places) with you three! What a dreamy get-together, so much brain and beauty in one spot. Love your drama-eyes and sleek hair, and all the rest. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti, at least we got our chance with Suzanne too after you got to spend time with her in Phoenix. Too bad we didn't get any of the Phoenix sunshine here though. It was downright miserable weather! But of course we made the best of it, sashaying down the sidewalk with our umbrellas. (You are right, Ms. Novak doesn't get enough credit.)
DeleteOkay great now I gotta check out the series on Netflix ;-) Suzanne's dress is a killer. Looks wonderful. Congrats on the feature in the magazine and your look reminds me a bit of pirates? Thats why I did not see the cross-body bag but took it for a dagger ....xo Sabina
ReplyDeleteBe careful checking out that series. It lasts FOREVER, which is great when you enjoy it as much as I do. When Suzanne stepped out of the dressing room I think I gasped. And I LOVE the reference to pirates! I DO look rather piratical. With a Japanese twist. Hahaha. The dagger would certainly complete the look. xo
DeleteBloggers certainly know how to have fun!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous with your tidy Kim Novak hair and I love your outfit - the suspender is a brilliant idea!
Hope your weather improves - ours is pretty weird at the moment...
xxxxx
Well, now that spring is officially here I expect sunshine every day, well, except for today, and the rest of the week, and... Heh. I hope yours improves too. Walking in sunshine is always so much better. Thanks, Veronica. xo
DeleteYour picture in the Brazilian Marie Claire is so "artful picnic". Those sparkly tights are yummy special and dammit they look warm too! I couldn't find a translation option for the text but I'm sure they commented effusively about your multitude of talents.
ReplyDeleteYour recent meetup with Suzanne and Sue looked delightful. Isn't it cool that after fifty we feel so free to just express our joyful glee without self censorship?
Remember that song that goes,"catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day. Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away" You three will never fade away!
Hahaha, artful picnic. I like that description. I had a helluva time getting that shot, running to the camera and back to the bench while my heels sank in the mulch. That is a good thing about getting older - we just don't give as many fecks as we used to. There's definitely freedom in that. And the lyrics, so very, very kind. We vibrate with energy when we are together, that's for sure.
DeleteYou look like a fierce fashion forward gangsta especially with that wallet holster that you're prepared to quick draw on at the first $5 rack you see. This is truly what I'd call a "killah" outfit.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that is just my leg showing there! Ha ha!
Oh the fun we had : P It's going to be harder and harder to top our meet-ups.
Congrats again on your HUGE article! Now I can say I've had my photo taken with you. Just promise you'll remember the little people. And by little people I mean Sue. Ha ha! (Something tells me I've said that joke before, nevermind, when it's good I figure I can repeat it.)
bisous
Suzanne
Okay, I've got the Japanese gangsta pirate thing going on apparently. Hahaha. Not a bad image at all. If someone told me to create that image, I don't think I could! That dress slit was definitely crotch-cut high. Hahaha. I think for the next meetup we'll have to drink absinthe first. Heh.
DeleteThe article, heh, what can I say? My imposter syndrome is exploding right now.
LOLOLOL
DeleteTalk about a terrible trio (in the best possible way!). I wish I could have teleported out there to play with you in Talize; I'm positively green with envy.
ReplyDeleteSue's coat is so pretty, and your press preview outfit is STELLAR. I love all the bits from head to toe.
Shelley, I kept thinking about you. I just wish everyone could move out here. Hahaha! I'm so selfish! Although it would be impossible to maintain such a high state all the time. Still. Missing you!! xo
DeleteWow, so much fun - I am so sad that I missed this (I hope Sir Elton was appropriately impressed that I did so on his behalf). You're just the most fun person to hang out with! I love your slicked-back hair and that Eye Make-Up (it demands capitals). You always look so stylish and sleek. Congrats on the Marie-Claire! I am hobnobbing with famous people, I tell ya!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Sir Elton appreciated you being there! Hahaha. But it's too bad you couldn't make it. It's the company we keep that makes it all so much fun. I can't wait to do more hobnobbing too. Everybody is a star! I hope you love those shoelaces - heh, cryptic remark.
DeleteGreat photos of the dynamic trio! I can feel the fun across the miles. You all look spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your hair slicked back and the ensemble that you put together for the Press Preview! Congratulations on Marie Claire Brazil. You are the most amazing star!
We had a blast together. It's like a soul-onic cleansing I suppose. The hair is great because after I gel it I don't have to think about it again all day. Heh. And the magazine, thank you, Judith. It took be by surprise. xo
DeleteYou look amazing! I love the dark eyeliner and slicked back hair. Sue's coat is gorgeous and Suzanne looks stunning in the fitted dress! I'm going to start using the phrase "social hairballs"...it's got to catch on ;-)
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
www.style-splash.com
It's more makeup that I am used to but I like it sometimes. Sue and Suzanne are awesome. They both have such a fabulous style sense. I couldn't find another way to describe how I was feeling - that was the best I could manage at the time. Heh. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteYou're in some pretty famous company in the Marie Claire article, but you're the only one I follow. Take that, Sarah and Lynn and Iris! You and Sue and Suzanne always have the best fun. And best clothes. And best waiters, evidently. And I really want some fisherman's pants. Can I get them at the bait shop?
ReplyDeleteAh yes, we do have fun. Were your ears burning? We talked about you. We all said how we would like to meet you. These are apparently called Thai fisherman pants. If you went to Thailand you could get them for sure. Me? Three bucks at the local thrift. Heh. And I follow you too!! Good balance.
DeleteI'm both honoured and apprehensive that you were talking about me! Wish I could have been there to set you straight on the truth rather than all the wild stories I'm sure you made up. ;-)
DeleteI love you with black eye shadow. Looks very good on you. And whatever you decide to do with your hair, it doesn't matter. You always look good. Smashing outfit for Press Preview.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are so right: nothing beats a blogger meet up. Friends that think alike. Wished I had been there to join you.
Greetje
The black shadow is growing on me, literally - it's hard to get off. Hahaha!! I have seen so many cases of black shadow which I haven't liked that I was scared to really DO it. Yes, the meetups - no words for how great they are. We wished you were there too. At the restaurant we practised saying your name. Heh.
DeleteI will have to send you lot a video with me saying my name over and over again....
DeleteAnd about Marie Claire Brazil... don't go on holiday to Brazil for the next couple of years. You won't be able to move cause of the fans.
ReplyDeleteGreetje
You'd have to come with me dressed as twinsies! Together we could handle them. Hahaha!
DeleteHairball, that's it. I am so clogged up I can't. Even. THIS is fabulous though!!!
ReplyDeleteRight? Have a little drink, it may help.
DeleteThanks, MrsC!
I wanna go bootie shopping with you guys!!!! also... hairball.... haha! I love reading your blog, always such fun! Also, thanks for recommending velvet, I HAVE to check it out. Should make a nice change from my annual rewatching of Buffy.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like Velvet and each episode is a satifying 1hr 10min. It really grew on me. I can't wait for Season 4 with subtitles, maybe this summer. It'd be so fun if you could come bootie shopping with us. At least we can meet up online. xo
DeleteGawd, you hang out in all the best places Melanie. Love your new shots, particularly the sleek hairstyle.
ReplyDeleteYou gals always seem to have the most outrageous times in your meet ups. Please tell me someone bought those gold boots!
Anna
That hairstyle is so low maintenance. Sadly, none of us bought the booties. Suzanne almost did but in the end we all walked away. Plus, we're all pretty hardcore thrifters and thought if it's meant to be we'll run across them again. Hugs to you, Anna.
DeleteI'd give up all the goat yoga in the world to have been there with you three! It looks like you had a great time. I'm especially jealous that Suzanne has been photographed in the inner sanctum--the recycling room! Looking fab as always and congratulatory cheers for the recent press!!
ReplyDelete- Sherry
www.petiteover40.com
Sherry, wouldn't I love to meet you! Sue and I heard all kinds of glowing things about you from Suzanne. Hahaha. I don't usually entertain guests but I forgot my camera and had to head back home. On the way we got those photos on Suzanne's phone. Thanks for the congrats. What a trip! Hahaha.
DeleteAs I said to Suzanne, this blogger meetup looks SO MUCH FUN IT COULD BE ILLEGAL (and if it were, keep it going!) And feeling slightly envious but so happy that there's this thing called blogging where I can "visit" with you. I love your Kim Novak look, the whole Preview look is FABULOUS, Melanie!I love the way you colour and rock the world out of the mundane. You look awesome in MC magazine, and those other fabulous women with you.What great company they keep! xx
ReplyDeleteYes, we do have fun, and we worry about what we can possibly do to top the next meetup. Hahaha! It's a good problem to have. Online is the next best thing and what leads to the real-life stuff. I still can't believe I'm in MC and I keep telling myself, it's just a photo. Get over it. But still, thanks for your too-generous compliments. mwah!
DeleteI loved watching Velvet, but I enjoyed all of you gals escapades even more!! Great entertainment, hahaha
ReplyDeleteHahaha, thanks, Anja.
ReplyDelete