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Sunday 2 July 2017

Special going-out pyjamas and vintage hat

Canada Day needed me downtown ASAP so I sprang into action.

Red! Red! I must have red, the colours of our flag. Swoosh swoosh swoosh - I ploughed my way through the closet. Nuthin'. So I went to the other closet. Swoosh swoosh swoosh. Zilch. So I went to another closet - no hangers in this one.

And aaaa (sound of angels), there it was. My soft, quality-cotton, red-and-white "pyjama" set, well, it was sold as a pyjama set even though each piece is by a different label. I think it could easily be leisure wear or, yes, Canada-Day wear.

I carefully applied red and silver glitter eyeshadow under my brows, on account of the flag issue, and towered up my hair. Then, when I was about to put on my Converse sneakers I remembered I should bring a scarf to protect my neck from the sun.

Back to the closet. Rummage rummage. And RRRrrrr! (sound of hard brakes) What's this?! My vintage hat, my long-lost vintage hat.

At the Orient Express station. "Porter, oh porter, can you please take my bags? But leave the phone. I need to call my manicurist and Jean-Jacques, captain of my gorgeous yacht." 

Tower hair be damned. You're goin' down! And on went the hat.

And be gone, sneakers! Quickly I strapped on my geta-style sandals and wide black belt, then the crown, this majestic chapeau. Thankfully, there were not high winds today - this hat's perch is rather precarious. There is a small elastic to help with hold though.


And the finishing touch was this wonderful teacup carrier I made a few years ago from a wooden matryoshka. O created custom brass hardware to twist the top securely onto the bottom, and for the inside I sewed a satiny red pouch to cushion my family heirloom teacup. Sometimes I use this carrier as a handbag.

A generous smudge of sunscreen on my nose, vintage sunglasses, camera. Done!

Hmm, shall I buy the paisley Dior gown or the black vinyl Chanel hot pants? Everything is so complicated. "Please, garçon, can you bring me another Russian mule?" 

Frankly, I had more fun getting ready to go out than actually going out. It was so crowded and hot at the main area of festivities that I was forced to shuffle. Shuffle?!! In a divine hat?! And my wondrous pyjama set? Don't be preposterous! 

COMMERCIAL BREAK 
just like real entertainment. 
I made a 10 sec video on how I do my tower hair. Skip it if you've seen it on Instagram. It's the same one. This was not sponsored, pffft. 


Back to regular programming - now that you're all stocked up on chips...

For daily wear I'll probably give the red eyeshadow a pass; it was simply a noble gesture. On any other day it would look like I haven't slept in a year or I've been in a barroom brawl with Suzanne fighting over her latest vintage finds. (Of course she wins but I grab some loot while she fist-bumps her fans, see HERE.)


One good thing was that Vancouver Convention Centre was open to the public. I could live in that room, except for the vacuuming and changing light bulbs problem. This is the biggest ballroom in the place with stunning views across Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver.


And below, a little more drama. Because it's fun.


Canada is 150 years old now as a country. That's not very old. And the US has its big Independence Day coming up on July 4, so the city is still hoppin' with revellers. Me? I'm just workin' and readin' (fiction, The Woman on the Orient Express, great cover) and sketchin' - and planning, always planning. And I met up with Vancouver Barbara this week too. See her on IG.

That's all. I have other photos but, really, you have been so patient with my overloaded posts lately I thought you deserve a break. I sometimes post outfit photos on my Instagram, ones that I can't fit into a blog post. If you're interested you can have a peek HERE.

I'll link up to Patti and Catherine again, at Visible Monday, Not Dead Yet Style, and #iwillwearwhatilike, Not Dressed as Lamb. AND I'm happy to be joining Judith at Style Crone for her Hat Attack #48. FINALLY, I'm wearing a hat. Cheers!


This post has been brought to you by the mischievous, often missing, letter G at the end of "ing."

Thanks for stoppin' by! Where have your clothes taken you recently?

_____________________________________________________________________
Edit: I almost totally forgot. I am in Silver Magazine, based in the U.K., an article called "The 50plus fashionistas." They put a huge photo of me with the headline. Heh. I look so serious but only because I am an extremely serious person. See it HERE.

That's all. I swear. I tried to keep this post short but look what I've done. I just keep dribbling.


36 comments:

  1. Nice!! Loving the red glitter eye shadow <3

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    1. It was fun to wear but getting it off - gaaaa! xo

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  2. There are many many very good things about Canada but you are one of the very BEST! Even though you are most certainly a person, not a thing and a very chic person at that. This is so 1900's at the beach. I'm lovin' it. And I just added that book to my readin' list on GoodReads. It IS a nice cover. Happy Belated Canada day. And think of us next week here in the lower Americas while we try to figure out why we ever left England. Mwah!

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    1. I'm not done the book but am enjoying it so far. The cover definitely sucked me in. Canada has seen an unprecedented level of patriotism this year, which kind of freaks me out. It seems like a celebration not necessarily of what binds us together with the world but what sets us apart. I'll go to England with you. Muse Fondue is there too. xox

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  3. Ha ha! G is now sponsoring your posts! How did you land that HUGE sponsor? He is normally so elusive.

    Shuffling in this ensemble is a big no-no. I HATE it when it is that crowded in the streets. That is when you need to be carried above the crowd by your man servants.

    I didn't even go out for Canada Day. But I did manage to have an hour long fireworks show from my guest room last night. Our neighbourhood always puts on an amazing fireworks display.

    It would have been a parade here though had you shown up in your outfit.

    I love how your tea cup holder is black and white on one side and colours on the other.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I'm angling to get "E" as a sponsor next, but her agents are real vagina-busters and her druggie clients are against it. I'm glad you got a free fireworks show. I heard them here. O and I said, oh, fireworks, then went back to what we were doing. !!! Hahaha. At least I did my part by getting out in an uncomfortable crowd with glitter red underbrows. I didn't even use my teacup! xox

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  4. Sooo glamorous, complete with personal precious teacup holder. Only the poshest people come equipped. No plebeian takeaway cups for moi!
    It is so weird seeing you in places I have walked. You were probably in Vancouver when I lived there... 1989 to 1991!
    Happy Canada Day from your younger sibling. According to Suzanne we didn't become a country until 1901, although I distictly remember our bicentennary in 1988...cheating?
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. It is strange seeing people we haven't met in the same places, I agree. When you were here, I think I was living in Japan. Apparently, Canada got its Constitution in 1982 and you got yours in 1988, but you are definitely older as a country. My question is, why can't I work in England when technically I am a subject of the Queen?! I feel ripped off. Hahaha!!!

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  5. I love the way you changed up the outfit around the hat Melanie! Thank god for Canada with the way the US is going------

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    1. The hat changed everything. Yes, I am grateful to be Canadian this year.

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  6. I will come back later to read properly. Just wanted to say: brilliant outfit. Love it
    Greetje

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    1. OK, I am back. And I left a comment at Silver. Speaking highly of you. This PJ suit is one of those things that amazes me: I think "How can anybody look good in this?" But you do, you do. Add belt, hat and shoes and voila... you look fab. Truly amazing. The stuff you use for your hair... hmm. I might need that. Only less of it.
      Greetje

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    2. And another thing:... that bag!! Where do you get the inspiration from? It is better than the best IT bag of this moment.

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    3. The hat made this particular outfit gel. I was so happy to find a completely unexpected styling. And the hair product, I don't think you would have a problem with the wind if you put a thin coat on your hair, but I can't guarantee you would like it. They sell travel size units of this product now. That would be a good way to try it.
      The bag, I confess I love it. We bought some blank matryoshkas and I took it from there.
      Thank you for your comment at Silver!

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  7. I thought I was missin' the G. You're looking fantabulous for your holiday celebration, and I swoon for the teacup holder. You're my role model as we all wear jorts and beer tees here in lower Canada, for our big event. Thanks for linking! xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. That G needed a break anyway. I'd say I hope you had a great 4th but now you are in Toronto. Gaaa! - And I know you're having an incredible time. I look forward to hearing all about it!

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  8. Ahhhh pajama dressing! It happened to me too, and this very week. Love your stripes and the entire ensemble has me swooning. Was so excited to see your gorgeous self appear on Hat Attack. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Love the video. It should go viral!!! And congratulations on Silver Magazine! Well deserved!

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    1. I was sooo happy to join your Hat Attack this time, Judith. And I saw the Dior Autumn Winter collection which featured fedoras. Wow. I have a fedora and I know it will be in circulation again soon as well. Thanks for your kind words and support, seriously.

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  9. Hi Mel
    Your lookin god. I lik stripes. I lik tee too.
    Your frind
    J EAN

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    Replies
    1. I like to look like god! Hahaha. Big hugs to you, my most excellent friend. xox

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  10. PJ Canada Girl is so glamorous. How does she do it?! The girl can't help it, that's how. + she's in every magazine across the universe. woo-hoo. I knew her when...

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    1. Hahaha! Pao, you're the best. PJ Canada Girl cracks me up. PS: I'm conniving with Barbara. xox

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  11. I didn't leave the house on Canada Day, but had I possessed a pair of striped red and white PJ's, it may have inspired me to. You look like you could join Greetje in the Cote D'Azur and you would be the best-dressed, chic-est creatures there. Isn't is cool that a hat can change the whole vibe of an outfit? Congratulations on the photo in Silver Magazine. Your plans for a subtle, understated world takeover are going well.

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    1. If I was in London we could have hit the festivities too. I'm sure you have pyjamas around. And maybe we could have rollerskated our way downtown. With little pinwheels. And get some candyfloss. And paint flags on our cheeks. But, yes, the Cote D'Azur must have its charms too. Heh. Big hugs, Shelley. xo

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  12. Dribblin'? I think you mean, bwah ha! You are brave to venture out into the masses on a holiday - me, I hid from the crowds, mos' def (as the kids used to say a few decades back). Looking fab in your loungey pjs, and how do I love thee, O Glorious hat! So much fun! Congrats on the magazine entry UH-Gain! You are just too famous for words.

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    1. Bwahaha, yes, indeed I did. I braved the crowds and the crowds won. I went home, not defeated, but definitely fatigued. I'm glad I had my hat, it was hot. You and L did it right. xox

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  13. PJ's never looked so glam my darling! Cograts on another fab magazine feature - global domination here you come.

    Anna x

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    1. Thanks, Anna. I'll know I've hit the big time in terms of global domination when I get my headquarters in the side of a volcano, accessible only with little motorized thingies you use with scuba gear, and a custom soundtrack.

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  14. This outfit smacks of Oo La La and Chic, Chic... Congrats on another magazine feature - the magazine's colour, spark and all things fabulous and creative leapt to new heights with your in it! Sounds as though dressing up to stay in and have fun and commit loyalty on your Canada Day is the thing to do... xx

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    1. It was just a sporty outfit until I found my hat. Next time, I'll plan my day differently. The coffee shops were not crowded. Maybe have a lovely drink and a brownie. And thanks about the magazine. xox

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  15. Congratulations on being featured in Silver magazine!

    I love your pyjama suit - there's a pyjama thing going on- Sacramento recently posted wearing fab pyjamas...

    I love the oitfit and you look totally gorgeous; the sandals are fab as is the hat.

    Happy belated Canada Day!
    xxx

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    1. I am glad I live here, never so much as now. I have to see Sacramento. I am erratic and skip posts so thanks for the heads-up.
      Thanks for the Canada Day cheers and your positive vibes. Hugs to you. xo

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  16. The best pjs ever!!! Love this! And I seriously think you could cosplay Romana from The Leisure hive in Dr Who in this outfit. Google it and you'll see what I mean!!

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    1. I DID Google it and I see what you mean. Truly, I have to check out that show. I seem to channel a lot of it. But you are the true master. Thanks, Kezzie. xox

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  17. That is the most fabulous outfit, who'd ever think it is a PJ set! Nonsense! I adore your matryoshka purse (cup holder) - brilliant! I'd love to have one myself!

    I totally get you when you say that the preparations were more fun than going out. I stopped going to crowdy events - too stressful - but I do love the preparations! So I just dress up and go without any events (or to a theater or symphony - works for me).

    Your "advertisement" is so wonderful that I just had to watch it again, even though I saw it on IG. I won't be too surprised when they call you for an actual advertisement!
    Then it will be all just play-play-play - and hopefully more create-create-create! What a wonderful life that will be!

    And again, congratulations on the magazine cover - you are gorgeous and so unique, I am happy that you get recognition to your talents!

    Lots of love!

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    1. What an uplifting comment, Natalia. Thank you! Yeah, the process is such a high in terms of going out. Like travelling, I sometimes like the going more than the getting there. Like you I dress up without events, it feels too good to let the opportunity pass.

      Well, I'm glad I can still play-play-play create-create-create without being in an actual advertisement. Whew. If I couldn't have fun blogging, I wouldn't be here. You know what I'm talking about. xox

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