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Sunday 17 September 2017

How to be in Vogue and not know it

Sequins for lunch? Of course. Although to be accurate, these are really paillettes, which sit at the apex of Sparkledom. And then I like to add a little toolbox hand bag chaser. Quite satisfactory.


This week, having linked up all my interviews with Margaret of Sixty & Me and Elaine of MaturePreneurial, I decided I should update my Press page HERE, so I went rummaging online, which I haven't done in a long time, to see if I've missed anything I should add. 

Gaaa! - big surprise!
asdlkjao iapo iapri ar aoiaitp UT 9ITU ALKJLKJ LJ lj lkj okesjaogija[oijaroiuaeiaoai oaij aori[ ru ari reijrijroij aj ia[[a9u09utm09um[09eum[09eum[q09umq09

And a stark reminder of how the web never sleeps. 

Unbeknownst to me, I have been leaking all over the place, mostly into posts about "old" Instagrammers and bloggers or "women ten years over half a century," aunts, grandmas, seniors, and the aged - in a good way I guess, right? Right? (often Google translations)

Overall, I was 1) shocked, 2) flattered, and 3) delighted to find myself in the fantasy titles of my youth: Vogue (Korea), Elle (Serbia), Cosmo (China), Marie Claire (Hong Kong), as well as other big-timey sites in Hungary, Mexico, Vietnam, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Czech Republic, Thailand, Indonesia, Netherlands, Australia, US, Romania, Estonia, Japan, UK - I think that's all. 

Starrett toolbox hand bag from O's height gauge with my big, side-button, high-waisted palazzo pants

Try and picture it, me slouched over my laptop, slurping my room-temp decaf, dressed in my slobblish oversized pants and a men's button-down, scrolling, then suddenly spewing decaf, my eyes like pie plates. 
"O, guess what? I'm in Vogue?! Gaaa!" He raised an eyebrow (sign of being impressed).
Many of the posts were a couple of months old so it felt a bit like winning gold after the original medalist is busted for doping. No podium moment for me! Heh. Unless you count my red carpet walk in the concrete box wearing this fabulous paillette jacket from eco thrift boutique My Sister's Closet.


What I liked was I got into those sites not as a model but as who I am, me, Mel, and the photos I took in the concrete box were up there alongside big name bloggers with pro photographers. That made all my bungling that much more satisfying.
Definitely, time for a real drink, coffee with caffeine, and raisin toast.
But the big revelation is that none of this has had a direct impact on my life, except I was jittery for hours and will have to buy more raisin bread. Sure, my Instagram followers have been going up, but I haven't known why. And all along I've had sponsorship offers, almost all of which I ignore or decline because they don't fit with my style/vibe.

Demonstrating the latest trend of having your tag sticking out. Awesome corset t-shirt from Shelley, Forest City Fashionista, with my uni-suspender. I love the lighting I get with this black velvet backdrop.

So my conclusion is: what matters to me is the real-life stuff, enjoying the company of friends, many met via blogging, and being receptive to new experiences. For example, last night I went to a Fluevog cocktail party for Silver Foxes and Vixens  - how cool is that?! The store was debuting its new season of shoes and I got to chat with John Fluevog himself. And next week I'll attend a Vancouver Fashion Week gala, invited by a friend. Sometimes I get asked because I have a street style blog, but I could probably wangle an invite without it.

These online discoveries have also underscored the reason I'm on social media at all:
To grab the most I can out of what my closet and imagination have to offer and to share that good feeling with people who share back. I love that loop of positivity. 
That's what the Freakish Yellow Skirt was about. Remember her? (see paragraph at end of post for brief update)


My blog is where I get to do a big show-and-tell of all my little projects and Turnip Head and musings about the absurdities of life and of course my outfits, like that sweet tiger zip jumpsuit with matching quilted skirt, for example. In.love.with.it. A gracious gift from Pao of Project Minima, whose Mum used to rock it.

Of course, if Madam Big-Time Producer called me on my Bat Phone and said breathlessly -
Mel, my Lear Jet is in the no-parking zone of your building waiting for you. I need you here PDQ (NY or London, Berlin, Paris) to host our new show Farknation!
- I would oblige. It's the polite thing to do. Heh. Wearing these stripes and honkin' huge earrings, I'm ready to go!


It's all part of the fantasy: blogging, dressing up, going to galas. I'll take them where I can get them.
Fantasy and styling are not escapes from reality; they are the armour and strength that help me deal with it and shape it to my liking. (mel said)
Sometimes I wish I were born with more business genes, so I could squeeze more from the things thrown my way, but I y'am what I y'am. Or maybe an assistant would help.

But that only happens in Farknation. 

In Farknation, there's a parking space for jets on the street and my umbrella, below, is a riding helmet.

I was feeling very Horse & Hound in this outfit. Tally-ho. Or this is what I would wear to walk the corgis. I'd just need a kerchief and an HRH or HM in front of my name to bring this fantasy to life.

I hope all of you have had a lovely week and are enjoying your own fantasies, played-out or not. I'm going to link with Patti at Visible Monday on her blog Not Dead Yet Style and Catherine at #iwillwearwhatilike on her blog Not Dressed as Lamb. I'll see you there?

FREAKISH YELLOW SKIRT UPDATE:
FYS is back in Vancouver after almost getting stranded. I have to recover from that before/if she goes out again. It's nerve-wracking being the caretaker of FYS because so many women have a stake in her well-being. She has put on weight since I saw her last with all the awesome embellishments that have been added. I'll do a post about it sometime soon.


60 comments:

  1. Your blowing my mind with that tiger suit and your worldwide DOMINATION!!!!!!!!

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    1. This tiger suit is one of the most amazing pieces I've ever seen. Cheers to domination. Hahaha!! xo

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  2. You most certainly should be in Vogue, and I am delighted to hear that you were, even if you didn't know it at the time. You are FABULOUS and the world needs to know of you. I adore the pailette jacket (would have wrestled you for it).

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    1. If we lived closer to each other we could share it as long as you let me get my mitts on some of your stellar pieces too!! It was a shock to see the Vogue thing. xo

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  3. If there were more women like you in Vogue I might even break the habit of a lifetime and buy it! You + that tiger print ensemble = Fabulous xxx

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    1. I don't know if this Vogue article made it to print or not. Oh well. But I do care enormously about this tiger suit. xox

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  4. Every picture on your blog is a podium moment! If the Vogue editors had any sense they would follow your blog closely. You turn out the most amazing outfits, all so inspiring! Even in the concrete box!

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    1. Hi Tine. Thank you! Hahaha. The Vogue editors would see my concrete box and faint. xo

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  5. You most certainly belong in the pages, or cover, of Vogue and all the other sparkly mags. In fact they should devote a full edition to you and your gorgeous, creative, Style-History-making outfits. I know you're not in it for the glory, but who wouldn't like a private Learjet parked right outside?? I'd fly to see you every weekend, for a shop-and-cocktail event. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. I think we must all have private Lear jets, run by solar power of course, so we can have a good conscience about it. Shopping and cocktails all week long. Heh. xo

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  6. Your are authentic in a way that 'big media' cannot afford to be, darling.
    Hold that thought.
    I wonder if it even occurred to them to check that you're happy to be featured without the courtesy of being asked first lol. It seems very bad form to feature your fabulousness without sending you a copy or tear-sheet. What ARE those interns doing? A case for Miz Bagg - surely.

    Keep on doing your thing - loving the hauteur xx

    Elaine Monkeypaints Tra-la-la

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    1. I don't know if I made it to the print versions of any of these new magazine finds. I was just amazed to find these ones. As for using my photos, well, my image is out there and I'm glad they liked Dick's (remote control) shots. I don't know how pro photographers would feel.
      Thanks, Elaine. Always so great reading your comments. xo

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  7. I can only echo the applause of everyone else.

    I think it is hilarious that you have VogOFF and then are featured in Vogue.

    I agree though that they could have notified you in advance. Seems rather lazy of them and shows just how rampant the usage of other people's photos without permission is online.

    My fav outfit is the one Pao gave you. It is so amazing!

    bisous
    suzanne

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    1. The irony of the VOGOFF/Vogue did not escape me. Hahaha! I think having photos out there online makes for easy pickings. I was surprised when Pinterest opened, founded on the concept of taking others' photos. But these magazines are commercial ventures. Oh well. The tiger suit is AMAZING! Mental thanks always to Pao and her mum when I wear it. xo

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  8. Mel you have some wonderful clothes and you put them together in such a beautiful, elegant but fun way. You fully deserve your international super stardom!

    All those different Vogues featuring you is wonderful and I agree with Vix; if Vogue featured more women like you and the many other wonderful bloggers out there I'd fork out a fiver for it, too!

    I love the sequinned bomber jacket with the palazzo pants and the fab jumpsuit and the Tally ho outfit - loved them all!!

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    1. Well, Veronica, I'm out there but the super stardom eludes me. Heh. I haven't bought a Vogue for a long time, not since another blogger was in there a few years ago. And I don't know if I'm in their print version. Thanks for your kind words! xo

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  9. I'm sure I'm amongst the many readers that aren't in the least bit surprised at your leap into fame and stardom. About time too! is more the sentiment. What better accolade could there be for your Most Awesomeness?
    Loving that mega seqinned jacket - do remember me when you need to pass that on. And I have to agree with you about that black velvet backdrop as it makes your skin look even more luminous! You rock, baby.

    Anna

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    1. My "leap" was more of a lurch, and the fame and stardom are just feel-good words as I go in and out of the concrete studio! Sigh. Hahaha. I could totally see you in that jacket. The black velvet is a wonder fabric as a backdrop. Try it! You rock, Anna!

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  10. Lady, in THAT tiger print outfit (I want it so much I can't even think straight) and in THAT silver paillette jacket, you are officially my girl crush. Your style is bangin' and you deserve every magazine feature you get. xx

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    1. Ah, thank you kindly Madam Sequinist. I was just thrown in there and didn't even know it. Sigh. As long as I can keep finding cool pieces, I'll be happy. xo

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  11. You are a world traveller now - at least your image is anyway. I think that is so cool that you are popping up in all kinds of exotic places. As you pointed out, it doesn't change your day to day life, but it looks damn good on a media resume.

    The word Paillette reminds me of Paella, neither of which has anything to do with the other than the "pie" sound. That jacket is a swooner for sure, but my heart belongs to the tiger print jumpsuit/skirt combo. Pao's Mom would be thrilled to see the new life you have given to it. If "Farknation" happens, could I be a guest on your show? I promise to be extremely entertaining and somewhat inappropriate.

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    1. I wish I could personally accompany my image. I'd have tons of air miles! And no change in real life.
      I would LOOOVE to have you on my show. You are officially booked! Hahaha. But only if you promise to do your laugh. Inappropriate behaviour is of course a prerequisite. Our people will talk. Hahaha! xo

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  12. What the heck? Vogue is getting rich off of your beautiful squinch? Those dirty rats. I can't say that I blame them, though. Your style is legendary. Estonia. Wow!

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    1. I LOVE Estonia. I went to an exhibition here of fashion in Estonia. Blew my mind - so beautiful. I wish Vogue were getting rich off my squinch; then I'd really be a contenda' (say it like Brando). Hugs, Connie. xox

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  13. oooooo! An International Mel! Just like the traveling yellow skirt, you're both on your own unique fashion/ style trip. And you did it all your way too. Same with the yellow skirt. (well, I mean everyone did that their way too.)

    Farknation: the final frontier. I want to join up. Vogoff, Vogonn. Speaking of which, my mama never looked like THAT! Wowser. And how about pairing that spangle bomber jacket with those knee high tennis shoes...yeah, bay-bee. Digging it all.

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    1. Yeah, the Skirt. It's back home now. So heavy. It feels important beyond myself. I'll send you a new passport to Farknation, you meet all the qualifications: smart, arty, styling, funny. That tiger suit - gaaaa! I love your combo idea. I'll try it. xox

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  14. Did you hear my hoots and cheers all the way from Seattle? Your news is absolutely fabulous, Mel! You deserve all the features in those magazines -- and MORE!

    One of the reasons you're getting those features is because your outfits are works of art, expressions of you in some way. Your photos are amazing. Your awesome hair alone could have its own feature. I love it. And the animal print outfit. Love that too. Aw, heck. There's nothing about this post I don't love! :)

    Here's what I'm hoping: the advertisers in those magazines see you popping up all over the world and decide they want you--no, NEED YOU--to be in their next campaign. And then--KERPOW--Mel takes the world by storm and the moolah starts pouring in.

    Congratulations!

    Hugs,
    Sherry

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    1. So that was you I heard?! When I was going through my birdwatching site I couldn't match your voice to any existing species. Hahaha.
      I love your idea of me taking the world by storm and making tons of moolah. Hahaha!! They NEED me; I NEED them. What's not to get? Hahaha. xox

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  15. WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP! You may be famous now but your posts still resonate! Your dialogue is all you all the time. And yes of course. Your photos also. {That black velvet!}

    So was the coffee a 'one of' or shall we convene at our usual haunt for a cuppa?

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    1. Hahaha! Yesh, so verrrry famous. You should try that black velvet. Actually, I should make a cape of it and carry it to the alleys with me when I shoot there too.
      The caffeine was a one-off for sure. Yes, the usual haunt for cuppa. Hope to see you soon. xox

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  16. So pleased and proud for/of you! And your integrity is inspiring. . . xo

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    1. Thank you. But I don't feel any change at all. Oh well. xo

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  17. I'm sitting here drinking leftover tea from this morning and toasted french bread with jam. I raised one eyebrow because that's the only one that moves in the present but if I could, they'd both be jumping off my face in delight.

    To say I'm happy is an understatement. It's wonderful confirmation that you can truly be yourself, keep your integrity, and look fabulous doing it. Sharing that joy, in your own inimitable way, is a GIFT!!! Thank you!!!

    xoxoxoxoxo

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    1. Well, I was too amazed not to share this with all my friends here. Right? But now it's back to Dick and me in the stairwell, as usual. I raise my decaff to the return of your second jumping brow ASAP.
      Jean, you're the best. Big hugs. xox

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  18. You are so much more than a fashion or style blogger - you are a creative universe! To have your photos and interviews with you all over the web and magazines is A MUST! I am so happy that A) you got recognition, it always feels great, and you really deserve it, Melanie! and B) that in mass media finally people like you, unique, fierce, talented started appearing, so people of the world will start seeing that not everything is about commerce - that life is supposed to be a creative fun genuine whirlwind, such as YOU ARE!!!

    It was strange of them to not even inform you in time, though. It's not like we are living in the age of technology or anything - people are so hard to reach these days... :)

    Lots of love!

    PS I've been thinking about what happened to the FYS and checked your account many times for news. Glad that it is back to your caring hands! Eager to learn more!

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    1. That's funny and true what you say - we are in an age of technology and hard to reach. I am not sure how I got in there but I was pretty happy about it. I suspect these are just online articles, but I have no way to know. And there is no impact on my life. So, I shrug my shoulders and carry on.

      Thanks, Natalia. xox
      Yes, the Skirt, I still have to do that post. She's resting comfortably.

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  19. That's so cool you're in all those magazines, Mel! But I'd swap that in a heartbeat for a chance to chat with Mr. Fluevog. :)

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    1. Yes, that was amazing. I looked over and there he was, wearing this amazing fuzzy powder-blue pullover. He came over as soon as he saw my classic Fluevog shoes from the late '80s. He told me they didn't make many of them. Great to meet him and his wife. xo

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  20. Of course you should be featured in every glossy magazine. You know I second that. What I didn't get is something technical. You say you saw this: " asdlkjao iapo iapri ar aoiaitp UT 9ITU ALKJLKJ LJ lj lkj okesjaogija[o" and knew you were leaking all over the place. Like into Vogue. But these letters say nothing to me. Care to explain?
    Of course you look good in your all three outfits. Remember how impressed I was when you first put Pao's mum's outfit on? Anyway congratulations. When you are a star I know you will not forget or forsake me. That would not be you.
    Greetje

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    1. The letters are just jumbles of shapes - no words intended. I liked the ragged edges the letters made. Leaking, yes. There is nothing there to comprehend.
      I remember very clearly wearing that outfit during our blogger meetup. You'll have to wait a long time for me to forget you, as my voyage to stardom (and world domination) goes by the back roads which are always under construction. Heh.

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  21. Congratulations and as everyone has said so well deserved, your own style and creative talent shines through- you are a true star.

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    1. Thank you for this. You know I'm just a blogger trying to have fun. xo

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  22. Here's to looking fabulous in leopard, spangly jackets and palazzo pants, being honored across the world, and to raisin toast: and lots of all three!
    --------
    ❤️🌸❤️
    Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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    1. Especially the raisin toast! And the caffeinated coffee - not such a great celebratory drink after all. Hahaha. xox

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  23. That is so much fun Mel! How awesome is that you are in these magazines! You deserve it. You are unique and so much fun!! (I made the press page) Yahoo!!

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    1. Mwah mwah mwah, Madam!!
      You made the press page? Show me!! Cool!!

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  24. Your blog makes me so happy! I love your style, and your writing style as well.

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  25. I truly don't know why you aren't already on network/cable/movieland SD how. You're a beauty and a style icon. And your voice! Your voice is gorgeous (I listened to a video interview you did). And you move and photograph like a beautiful giraffe/tigress/eagle.

    Truly, all you big-time producers out there ... what are you waiting for????

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    1. Bwhaha! I hope their people get in touch with my people. Heh.
      I'm glad you like my voice - that's encouraging. I always wanted a Demi Moore voice. And I love the animal reference. Heh. xo

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  26. Sparkledom sounds like my kind of thing, indeed. And all those paillettes (such a fab Word!) and palazzo pants. You rock palazzo pants, well, You Rock!!! lots of enthusiasm would be transmitted to your brain from here!
    You're a schtar!, totally rocking your attitude, your style and all your f*ck*n'fabulousness. That tiger jumpsuit is too good to be described using my poor english! estupendísimo!!!!
    So glad to see you in all the international press. International Press!!!! woaaa!
    besos

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  27. An AWESOME AWESOME post, Melanie! xx

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