PRP

Dress: Accordion Pleat Royal Blue Dress by Jessica Howard (size 24) via Gwynnie Bee

Boots: Steve Madden

All Jewelry: Vintage via Flora Lynn Antiques

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

The color of this dress was magnificent & of course I was smitten with the pleated skirt...but *really* conservative for me. The fit was good & I liked the buttons on the sleeves & the ruching at the waist. Nice details. This dress would be perfect for work...just not my work. I wore it once. 

My favorite part of this outfit was that the solid jewel tone was a lovely backdrop for some antique Czech jewelry. I got all of these pieces from the fabulous Flora on Etsy, with the exception of the light blue necklace. 

I hated to add the black boots with this all blue outfit...but as you can see...it was snowing. I briefly considered wearing shiny red Docs, but it didn't seem to be the right look for this uptight dress...but perhaps I should have tried it?

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in LSD,  Thorn & Shine eyeshadow by Natasha Denona, 714 lipliner from UD, MAC lipstick in Russian Red, & Tell Me About It Stud nail polish by OPI. 

Two of my favorite ASMR artists, Certified Mood ASMR & Gentle Whispering. Do you have ASMR? I've experienced it for as long as I can remember. As a very young girl, I can remember two things I loved...watching my friends pick out outfits to dress their Barbies & my aunt drawing things on my back with her hand & having to guess what she was drawing. Both of those things gave me ASMR tingles. Oh! And of course, Bob Ross on PBS. 

I drove to Appleton last Monday for another PRP shot...this time it will be a series of 3, each 3 weeks apart. It's really my last option for my injured knee before I have to start exploring getting a knee replacement. All the roasted veggies...I adore veggies, but especially when they're roasted...cauliflower & broccoli for me, eggplant & red peppers for David...although we had a few of each others...with a horseradish dipping sauce. 

What?! More new to me Fluevogs?! How does this keep happening??!! The top pair I found on Poshmark...my intension is to paint the brown parts olive because I think it will be stunning with the sparkling purple patent. The red & burgundy metallic shoes were a Fluemarket discovery...I have another pair of shoes with the skull buckle...but who doesn't need more skull buckles in their life??? 

Looking to the future when we can travel again...I bought this make-up case to carry my jewelry & make-up for travel. I've been eyeing the purses at Lux de Ville for years, but as gorgeous as the glittery vinyl bags are, they are a bit too rockabilly for me...but I definitely needed this red glitter coffin case with leopard lining...right?! Michael Waite & Dan Rodriguez playing beautiful music on the internet. 

 

All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go

Dress: Green Velvet Slit Maxi Dress by Torrid (size 5x) 

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Super Fine Cardinal by John Fluevog 

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: Vintage Miriam Haskell, gift from David

Bracelet: Vintage via Grandma 

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

I nearly wore this dress for NYE this year...you know, to stay home...but the blue dress won out because I thought it went better with this Miriam Haskell necklace David bought me...but it clearly looks better with this dress...don't you think? This dress was a bit too big on top & the armholes were enormous...but soooo luscious & elegant. 

Gotta show off the Fluevogs! I was rather impressed that I could walk in these heels...considering I can't hardly walk. They were comfortable enough that I could have worn them out to dinner or to a play...when those things exist again...I am ready. This bodes well for all the Fluevog heels I've been collecting. 

This was a true to the floor maxi dress...I needed the heels to keep it from dragging on the ground. 

Gold shoes peeking out...

This necklace takes my breath away...not sure why it took me 3 years to finally wear it. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Overdrive; Stranded, Radio, & Big Sky eyeshadow by UD; Lovedrunk lipstick by UD; & Morgan Taylor nail polish in Stop, Shop, & Roll. 

Michael Waite playing some Mardi Gras tunes from the Yoop on Fat Tuesday...& later, Baby Berlin spinning 90s alternative & DJ Starr Noir playing Darkwave. 3 new to me artists on Green Note...I've discovered so many amazing musicians during the last year. 

We went somewhere! It was so...normal. It's been a few weeks since David & I have gotten our second Covid vaccine...so we feel we can actually go places now, still masked up of course. Who would have guessed the first place we'd go was to the gym?! Lifting 10 pound weights...it's a start. I want to build up some real world strength...my goal is to be able to pull the comforter over myself without using all my might. I wish I was kidding...this is how weak I am. Them Coulee Boys made a video of themselves eating hot wings, progressively getting hotter. They promised to release it on Friday if their Kickstarter got to $70,000. The fans seemed to think it was funny...I don't enjoy watching people hurt themselves, but I did enjoy them answering questions Facebook followers had sent in. DJ Starr Noir again, playing goth/punk/new wave/90s...a really great mix. 

DJ Po spinning vinyl...80s, post punk, darkwave. New to me shoes from Fluemarket...shiny olive patent Malibrans...in love. This classic style has been around for years & I've always been drawn to it...with the exception of the typically brown wooden looking heels...but these are GREEN. I am considering painting the white stitching black to match the buckles...but I am afraid of painting Fluevogs. DJ Baby Berlin playing 80s new wave/dark wave/synthpop. And a bit of 80s from Planet Earth/Late Bar Chicago. 

Last week was the 25th anniversary of The Hotel Washington burning down. I still remember Michael coming home to the apartment we shared with Shane & telling us about it...walking past it on his way home from work that early morning. I spent a lot of my youth there & have especially fond memories of drinks at The Barbers Closet with Shane & with Brian. The Oscar was Shane's favorite drink. One of the people who used to work at the hotel has the original Rolodex full of drink recipes from The Barbers Closet & she posted some...she said it still smells strongly of smoke from the fire. DJ Davide from Canada playing New Wave/Alternative/Post Punk/Synthpop. 

Sunday morning UnderCovered covers Fiona Apple...& The Glenn Crytzer Quartet plays tunes from 1934. 

 

Midwest Gypsy Swing

Dress: Poseidon Blue Perfect Wrap Dress by Leota (size 4L) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: Isaac Mizrahi Live (size 3x)

Tights: Snag

Shoes: JJ's, vintage thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Flower Necklace: JaelDesigns

Long Necklaces: Green Goddess

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

Another lovely perfect wrap dress from Leota...the autumnal hues of the flowers were just gorgeous against this bright sapphire blue. Leota is always spot on for fit, with the exception of having to pin the neckline closed, not for modesty, but to prevent my bra from peeking out. 

Of course, I wanted to play up the mustard, so I went with that for accessories. 

We have had many days of below 0 temperatures...but on this day, it was up to 9! So, picture day it was. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mildew; Carnelian, Azalea, & Agate eyeshadow by Natasha Denona; Gothica lipstick from Kat von D; & OPI nail polish in At Your Quebec & Call. 

I've been trying to throw some shoes out, specifically black shoes...because I have so many. These Fluevogs were a favorite for a long time & I nearly tossed them because they looked terrible...but I decided to try to revive them first...not so bad! I oiled them, glued the strap back on, & painted the buckles an antique gold. These shoes are from the Time family, but I can't seem to find the name of them. 

Oh, look! I bought a new pair of black shoes. I couldn't resist the low sale price or that adorable lace window. And Keith from the Portland store is my new favorite...look at those kick ass Barbie shoes he packed up for me...& the hearts on the box really made me smile. David's birthday was last week & we got takeout from Sal's...it was the most disappointing meal we've ever had there. His burger was overcooked, as well as over seasoned & they forgot to give me my Caesar salad. The manager was incredibly nice & refunded our entire meal. It is one of our favorite restaurants & I know everyone has a bad day once in a while...I just wish it hadn't been on my Boo's birthday. 

DJ Baby Berlin spinning great music on her birthday. Tracey making a dresser pretty...she has since painted it bright red. Michael Waite playing some Brazilian guitar music. 

We are continuing to cut into our fabric for the dining room Roman shades...it has been easier to get a straight line from the back since there are some lines there. We now have all 5 fabric pieces cut out & are tackling the difficult task of getting the design to fall exactly in the middle of the shade. My favorite boots to wear in the snow...these Fluevogs have been with me a long time. These also had a spa day & I meant to post a before & after pic...but you just get before. 

Canned salmon with bones! Oh, how I've missed you...the salmon at Costco is boneless...the bones reminded me of Kate. When we first met she would make Kraft Mac & cheese & add peas & canned salmon & I'd never had it before. I just added a bit of full fat yogurt to this for a quick lunch. Another marvelous set from Baby Berlin. And my February Boxy Charm...the brushes are spectacular! The clear handles are filled with water & pink sequin hearts that float around. They make me ridiculously happy. 

This past weekend was Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest, hosted by Harmonious Wail here in Madison, online. Many fabulous groups played both days...I watched them all. Them Coulee Boys playing a new online concert to promote their Kickstarter...such great energy.

My new favorite lunch...Vitruvian Farms mixed micro greens, with a can of sardines in olive oil & Parmesan crisps in everything. So easy. So tasty. Sometimes I use canned mackerel instead. More bands from the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest. 

Check out these glorious olive tights I ordered off Etsy from Ireland...the entirety of Sylvia Plath's Mad Girl's Love Song is printed on the lower legs...this is one side. I have the first sentence tattooed on my right leg. More gypsy swing. 

And to finish out the fest...my favorite group from the last fest, Bruskers Guitar Duo...from Italy. DJ Baby Berlin playing songs from the 80s & 90s. VJ Ant playing New Wave 80s music. 

Social Distance Live UnderCovered was doing Dolly Parton songs on Sunday...so many good covers. I especially enjoyed 5 Cent Coffee...& Schlee & John Courage's rendition of Islands in the Stream was spectacular. 

Glenn Crytzer & the boys playing songs from 1933. And a surprise online live from Mary Lou Lord. Valentine's Day calls for some bubbles. David & I don't really celebrate VD, however, it is the anniversary of our first email exchange...18 years ago. 

David made himself steak & lobster tails for me, yum! Sean Hayes playing online after taking ~4 months off. Davina & The Vagabonds playing a live show at The Hook & Ladder for Valentine's Day. 

UnderCovered was back again that night playing duets from previous shows...here is 5 Cent Coffee again...doing a Tom Waits song. DJ Baby Berlin & DJ Starr Noir doing anti-VD shows. 

 

Put A Bunch of Mushrooms On It!

Dress: Mushroom Print Fit & Flare Dress by Eva Rose (size 3x) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: Yours Clothing (size 26/28)

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Worthington, thrifted

Earring: The Embellishing Room

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

I can't remember the last time I was so excited by a dress from Gwynnie Bee...actually, I'm going to go look now because I'm curious. I looked back an entire year, & this Effie's Heart dress is the only one that comes close...but as much as I adored the print, it wasn't quirky like this one. I've never understood put a bird on it...but, put a mushroom on it...or any fruit or veggie really. Do you recognize this dress? I got it for Kate for her birthday. I didn't keep mine though. This print comes in mustard as well...which is much more me. I took a chance & went down a size in this brand & the fit was perfect. I loved everything about this dress. I've been losing weight though, & I have hundreds of unworn dresses...so I am not buying clothes right now. 

I guess I've been avoiding talking about it here because I'm not a fan of weight loss talk. I believe a person is more than a body & other people's bodies are none of our business. However, I can't really avoid it forever. I've lost just under 100 pounds. The number on the scale was really high for me, so I know it may not look like I've lost that much weight. The reason I've been losing weight is complicated...because the reason I'm fat is also complicated. We've been staying mainly at home for the past year & it's given me a lot of time to think & one day out of the blue I realized I've spent my adult life being fat as a big fuck you to my mom. I'm not going to go into that back story right now...but I was shocked. I have loved myself & my body as a fat person. I have never loved my body as a thin person (because even as a size 6, I was told & thought I was fat). I don't really think of my body as a size right now. I'm concentrating on eating foods that make me feel good & stopping when I'm full. I've never done that before. It's all new to me & the reason it's important to me at this time in my life is because it's been over a year now since I've been able to walk without a cane. I fell when we were visiting my parents in the fall of 2019 & I've been in pain ever since. In addition to that, I've had two medical issues with my legs in the last few years that have also caused me much pain & suffering & permanent scars. I would have most likely not had these issues if I hadn't been carrying around so much weight. My goal is to feel good about myself & not to be in constant pain. I've gotten two different kinds of shots to try to heal my knee...PRP & Prolotherapy. The single PRP shot helped my knee feel about 30% better. I no longer cry when walking the short distance from the house to the car. The prolotherapy was a one time series of shots & made no difference at all...so I didn't go back for more. Today, I set up appointments for a series of 3 PRP shots, each done 3 weeks apart. I am hoping that helps me feel less pain. I miss taking the dogs to the park & walking around with them. I miss going into the kitchen & making dinner. If the shots don't help enough, I'll have to get a knee replacement...which they won't do until I lose over 100 pounds more...or at least that was what the specialist I saw in 2019/2020 told me. Perhaps that is just where I need to be for insurance to cover it. I'm not sure. None of the shots I've been getting are covered by insurance. I have a friend who had a knee replacement at Mayo Clinic & she is about the size I am now & they never mentioned her weight. I think she may have paid out of pocket, so that is why I am wondering if the weight limit has more to do with insurance. Anyway, that is what is going on with me & my body right now. 

This was my first time wearing this super sparkly cardigan I bought years ago. I had to take it off to get one picture without it...it is sad covering up any of this adorable (summer) dress. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mildew, Huda Beauty Amethyst Obsessions eyeshadow palette, Flashback liquid lipstick from UD, & OPI nail polish in Dutch 'Ya Just Love OPI? Those mushrooms though!!!

I finally did it...we did it...we cut into the first of our REAL fabric for the curtains I'm making...this fabric is going to be the Roman shades in our dining room. I successfully made a practice Roman...& it went well...too well. David & I are working together to cut out 5 of the correct size fabric pieces...because that is the trickiest bit...getting them square AND getting the pattern to be exactly centered in the middle. We stopped by work after taking these outfit pictures to pick up a heater for my office at home...I am cold all the time. It has been nearly a year since I've been inside this building to do in person therapy with our clients. While I feel lucky we are able to do teletherapy, I miss in person therapy quite a bit. I got these amazing green Fly London sandals for only $20 on eBay...never been worn. And tights from Italy. 

I am subscribed to Signature Sounds on YouTube...they have had some good concerts during this year...& I saw I had missed one where Joe Pug was the interviewer...so I watched it, unlive. Some cute sale shoes from Fluevog's end of season sale (all sale shoes are another 15% off)...I continue with my fantasy that I will someday be able to walk again...while wearing heels...& how cute are those brown plaid 90s retro shoes that I can definitely walk in?! Have you noticed I have a thing for Mary Jane style shoes? AND...the big news...David & I got our second COVID vaccine last Thursday! In 2-3 weeks we'll be much safer than we have been. I have hope that someday I will have my life back. 

Them Coulee Boys...speaking of having my life back. They started a Kickstarter to put out their new album...& my girlie, the sweetest girlie ever...has gotten me my own private concert by them! We are thinking summer of 2022...on the beach of Lake Superior...either in Marquette or Autrain. I missed out on my 50th birthday last year...so we'll celebrate it when I'm 52. It seems like a fantasy to plan something that involves travel & people...but I believe. Blue Ox did a live watch party on Friday of Them Coulee Boys set from last summer to help get out the word on their Kickstarter. John Davey playing from Marquette. And Baby Berlin playing a DJ set of fabulous music. 

Saturday...the DJ I love the most, Sonic Marchesa, was back doing Planet Earth...it has been sad with other DJs I have not enjoyed. I threw away 3! pairs of black shoes. It's a start. Some shoes I had from the 90s & two pair of preppy loafers that are SO not me. I have close to 100 pairs of black shoes...& I rarely wear black shoes any more. Sunday...Social Distance Live did an UnderCovered of Nirvana...it was spectacular. I have discovered so many new groups because of that show. I have enjoyed all of them, but this one & Amy Winehouse have been my two favorites. They have some good shows coming up, but the one I'm most looking forward to is Elliott Smith next month. 

Rainbow Girls is another band I discovered during the pandemic...& it was through them that I found Social Distance Live...when they did a show of Rainbow Girls covers. I included a photo of Caitlin Gowdey covering Nirvana because I was thrilled to see her wearing a CRAMPS t-shirt. I love music. Also on Sunday...The Glenn Crytzer Quartet played songs from 1932, Caffè Lena had a live watch party of a show Robyn Hitchcock played there in 2019, & a surprise short show by Bret Helm...that I missed, but watched as soon as I noticed. 

This is the end of outfit pictures for now...it was -14˚ out when I woke up yesterday...& since going inside is not an option for photos right now...I'm going to wait until it's back in the double digits.