Saturday, October 30, 2021

Final Elkhorn Antique Flea Market of 2021

Dress: Bondi Blue Nyla Dress by Lauren Ralph Lauren (size 18) via Gwynnie Bee
Sandals: Alegria 
Necklace & Earring: Wendy Baker
Bracelet: Vintage
Photography: Super Boo & Me
Stats: 5'7" 45-42-59
This dress was fine. Boring. Fit was good. I liked the two different patterns on it...I wore it to work & to go to the final Elkhorn of the season. I need to stop wearing dresses I don't love. 
I liked the shoes with it...I think this was my first & only time wearing them during this sandal season. I wore this back in September...too busy doing fun things to blog. 
I wonder why I always chose pink to pair with blue...like a gender reveal party?
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Abyss, Cotton Candy & Totally Fetch eyeshadow by Too Faced, NYX lipliner in Fuchsia, UD lipstick in Big Bang, Winterberry lipstick from Bite Beauty, & Morgan Taylor nail polish in I'm From The Fuchsia. 
The final Elkhorn Antique Flea Market of the season! This was my last time in the wheelchair, & I walked at much of this market using the wheelchair as a walker. I spied this spinning bookcase & I swooned...I've wanted one of these since I saw one in a movie when I was little. This one is mahogany that someone put a light coat of spray paint on...easy to strip. This lamp! I am just a cherub lover...& always will be. I am going to use this for my bedside table lamp. 
This photo is not doing these bronze naked woman bookends from the '20s justice...they are striking. And I can't resist anything with faces on it...& I love a huge finial. David fell for this old updated work table & tool box. We'll use the table for eating in the wreck room...it's now a TV tray. Me & David leaving the market...it was a windy day & my hat kept flying off. We did not look as thoroughly as we usually do, so did not find as many treasures. I think it's just because we already have SO much stuff. On our drive home...I saw a most Wisconsin thing...this bar offers drive through drinks. 
I adore elephants. Although I don't like elephants being used in circuses. David bought this metal map drawer to use in his shop. We managed to find 8 different ceiling tiles, but I only took a photo of one...we may cover part of the kitchen wall with them. And...more ceiling fixtures. We have SO many things that light up...it's embarrassing...& we can't stop. I'd LOVE to put these in our kitchen to replace the ones David picked out that I've always disliked. They may hang too low for that though. 
We also have a thing for door handles & really liked this matching set. We don't need any more door knobs either...in case you were wondering. However, they really are objects of beauty on their own & will look pleasing just as a display. We considered a lot of jewelry, but this is the only piece that came home with us...it's very old heavy glass...& I've never seen a clasp like this before. It was another amazing year at Elkhorn. I love the element of surprise...we never know what we'll find & that's exciting. 

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Art Fair on the Square // Visit with Mom

Dress: Tiered Colorblocked Maxi Dress by Farm Rio (size 2x) via Nuuly (use my link & we both get $20 off, normally $10)
Sandals: Born
Earring: Kerala Rose
Necklace & Bracelets: Vintage
Photography: Super Boo & Me
Stats: 5'7" 45-42-59
This was the ideal dress to wear on a warm autumn day...or two. I mean...it would be perfect for a tropical vacation or a hot summer's day...but this was what was happening. So cheerful & bright! I loved wearing it, but it ran big & since my chest is small...there was a lot of room there...& the cups were pointy. Not sure if that would have been the case had my boobs filled them up? I adore anything off the shoulder...it just feels sexy to me...& those dramatic puffy sleeves were fabulous. Great maxi length on me. 
Hello Madonna boobs...
I love that the orange portion of the dress was up top near my face...& this bohemian dangling blue earring & all my jewelry was just a lovely combination. Jewelry always makes the outfit for me. 
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Sabbath, Flamepoint eyeshadow by Sugarpill Cosmetics, Neon palette from Huda Beauty, NYX lipliner in Orange County, NYX Liquid Suede lipstick in Orange County & Foiled Again, & OPI nail polish in Summer Lovin' Having a Blast!
I first wore this dress back in September to attend Art Fair on the Square with David. It was the last weekend he had to push me around in the wheelchair. We found so many lovely things. Our first find was a lazy susan wooden puzzle trivet that will be a perfect cheese board. Next up...we got a 2 person swing that we will hang from our pergola. 
This woman from Chicago had so many lovely colors for her purses, I didn't know which to choose...she only had this one with flowers all over it though...so purple it was. Had there been one with flowers in the orange color, I probably would have gone with that. It came with a long cross body strap, but I prefer a wristlet...so she sent me one. And you know what? I am LOVING carrying a small purse around my body...hands free. I doubt I'll ever use that wrist strap. I use it all the time...so much, that I might have to see if I can get it with flowers in other shades. Shocked. Next up, we bought a naked hanging woman. And a few prints from this woman who comes every year that I'll hang in my office at home. These stained glass windows in old window frames caught my eye...so pretty. 
This guy makes amazing replicas of buildings, cars, trains...so realistic & detailed. And then there was this guy, Vladimir Ovtcharov. We ended up buying an original painting from him because he didn't have any prints & we both loved it. That doesn't happen with art often. The fortune teller will hang in our living room. 
The second time I wore this dress was when my mom was visiting. We went to Stoughton on Saturday during the day & wandered around the shops. Then we had lunch at Viking Brew Pub where I had a most delicious smoked salmon salad. Later, my mom & I sat outside & played cards. I changed dresses for dinner...so the rest of that day is with another outfit. This whole out of order thing is driving me a bit crazy. However, I'm SO behind on posts that I can't even imagine how bad it would be had I not repeated wearing dresses. 

 

Monday, October 25, 2021

Bubbles Brown // Visit with Brian

Dress: Polka Dot Puff-Sleeved Maxi Dress by Porridge (size 2x) via Nuuly (use my link & we both get $20 off, normally only $10)
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft, thrifted
Earring: etXarte
Necklace & Bracelets: Vintage
Photography: Super Boo & Me
Stats: 5'7" 45-42-59
I am in LOVE with this polka dot dress! I would buy it if I knew what size I will eventually end up. It's just full of fun...& I adore that the top has smaller dots than the bottom. Good fit, runs slightly big. I loved the sexy off the shoulders & open back. I felt beautiful in this dress. 
I'm smitten with the unusual color combination of the dots. 
My polka dot bracelets look like they were made to match this dress. 
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Lucky, Huda Beauty eyeshadow in Blood Moon, Damaged eyeshadow by UD, MAC lipliner in Chicory, Gothica lipstick from Kat von D, & Morgan Taylor nail polish in Sunrise & The City.
Fluevog was having a little sale & I just couldn't stop myself from getting these pretty purple paisley boots. Also, it was our yearly new iPhone time...in gold. The first time I wore this dress I went to see Bubbles Brown at The Shitty Barn. And I dressed on theme with bubbles in my dress & bracelets. 

It was cold & a bit rainy...so I hung out inside eating raspberries & reading a book. I went to enough shows alone at the barn this year that I was able to finish a book. Spring Green Musician in Residence, Bubbles Brown...it was a great show. I mean, there was a banjo & that is always a good sign. And another local artist, a painter...painted while he played. 
The second time I wore this dress was in Munising to visit Brian...this was my first full day there. I made us a bacon omelet with Hook's 5 year cheddar that we split for breakfast. Then Brian had to go to his salon to do his nephew's fiancés hair for photos. I was captivated by his curling iron thing...it grabs your hair & twists it. I was trying to do it myself, then Brian took over. Not that we went anywhere, but my hair looked cute. Also, the only make-up I wore the entire time I was in the U.P. was eyeliner & mascara...that never happens. 
For dinner...Brian made us grilled chicken & peaches with a balsamic glaze & basil...I made us a spinach salad with radishes, cucumbers, green onions, pea shoots, broccoli, raspberries, & raw cashews with a poppy vinaigrette. And a Gewurtztraminer to drink...that we drank in Brian's mom's glasses she got for her wedding back in the 50s. 

 

Friday, October 22, 2021

Sleepy Gaucho // Visit with Brian

Dress: Floral Fit & Flare Dress by Eloquii (size 20) via GB Try Then Buy
Cardigan: ?, can't read the cursive tag (size 2x), thrifted
Shoes: Basic Editions, thrifted
All Jewelry: Wendy Baker
Photography: Super Boo & Me
Stats: 5'7" 45-42-59
I first rented this dress from GB back in February 2014 & immediately regretted returning it. I found it in the GB Shop, but the largest size they had was a 20...so I bought it. Why? It was stretchy...it might have fit? So, I waited too long & now it's too big on me...but at least I got to wear it again. I still think it's gorgeous with all the pretty watercolors, but I'll be alright letting it go to a new home. 
With cooler weather, I can break out the cardigans (this was September...so one day cardigan weather, the next sandals) & wear some of my too big dresses before saying goodbye to them as the cardigans hide some of the excess fabric & provide more of a shape...or that's what I think anyway. 
I nearly went with orange tights...but I hardly ever have occasion to wear magenta...& I wear orange all the time. The first time I wore this a woman asked me if I painted my shoes to match my dress...I just got lucky at the thrift store. 
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Electric Empire; Ten, Candles, Libra, & Lime Crime eyeshadow by Lime Crime; NYX lipliner in Orange County; NYX lipstick in 507; So Chaud lipstick from MAC; & OPI nail polish in Orange You Going To The Game?
DJ Baby Berlin DJ-ing on Twitch on 2 different nights & DJ Shok. My gout was finally better enough that I dared to try driving around the neighborhood. It was really emotional for me as this was my first time behind the wheel since my knee surgery. A bit of freedom. 
Music on Twitch & a surprise live from New Zealand, Amanda Palmer. And the reason for me attempting to drive...I drove myself to The Shitty Barn to see a show. I was still walking with a cane, but I was able to get around enough to be out in the world. 
I didn't walk around much & ate my food sitting inside instead of standing outside. Red curry tofu & blackberries from the co-op. The first band, Graham Hunt, was LOUD...my only ear protection wearing show of the season. The main band, Sleepy Gaucho...they were good (sorry to the band member I cropped out of the photo here), but mostly I enjoyed how happy they seemed to be playing & the guy on bass really threw himself into the performance. 
The second time I wore this dress was on my last full day of visiting Brian in the U.P. I was going to make us salmon salad in cucumbers, but I didn't bring mayo...because *everyone* has mayo, right?! Miracle Whip *blech* So I had a meltdown, then Brian suggested we make some...of course! So he did & it was delicious. Then we ate it in front of the tv while he & his mom watched the Packer game. So confusing. 
Later, we went to Brian's salon where we spent 5 hours cutting & dyeing my hair...how lucky am I to have such a patient & talented friend?! I need those sunglasses in my life!
We went with 4 shades of copper & a royal purple. Brian painted each section on & wrapped it...so time consuming. I LOVE the hair color SO much! I don't love the haircut (too short on my short side & not enough spikey bits around my face), which I felt really bad telling Brian since he worked so hard. BUT...the hair color is marvelous. It's fun to have multicolor hair since I typically do it myself with just one shade. 
After finishing my hair, we went back to Brian's where I made us dinner...pan fried pork chops with honey nut squash, baked apples, & roasted garlic. We ate at midnight. But it was delicious. Brian had never had honey nut before & as he claimed them his new favorite squash...I sent him a box. The U.P. is stunning, but you can't find anything out of the ordinary up there. Also on this day, Brian's nephew made me tear up because he was so kind to me...sometimes that still can take me off guard. We had a wonderful visit...our first since Labor Day weekend 2019 (stupid pandemic). There will be other days of my visit coming up since this is now out of order. Then, very sadly, I drove home the next day.


 

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

A Phoenix Too Frequent // Them Coulee Boys

Dress: Toucans Wrap Maxi Dress by Farm Rio (size 2x) via Nuuly (if you use my link now, we both get $20 off, it's typically $10)
Sandals: Born
All Jewelry: Wendy Baker
Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me
Stats: 5'7" 45-42-59
This was my first time trying a dress by Farm Rio...I've been following them on Instagram for a while & their clothes always make me smile. I'm thrilled to be able to rent them from Nuuly as I wouldn't pay over $200 for such a memorable dress that I wouldn't wear that often. I say that, but I've hardly ever worn a dress more than twice. Perhaps I just need to stick to renting. 
This dress was a super light weight viscose fabric that I actually got out my iron for...worth it. Perfect fun summer dress. Great fit...I'd say it was true to size, but it's flexible as it's a true wrap dress...I could have just as easily worn the 1x. The straps are adjustable, there are pockets, a hook to keep the neckline closed, & beaded tassels at the ends of the belt. I liked it so much, I wore it twice. 
My largest Wendy Baker necklace...it's a doozy & I've only worn it a couple of times. Also, stunning. I got SO many compliments while wearing this. 
My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Overdrive; RSVP, Candles, & Lime Crime eyeshadow from Lime Crime; NYX lipliner in Orange County; MAC lipstick in Habanero & Dozen Carnations; & OPI nail polish in Living On The Bula-vard!
Close-up of the necklace...because it was too big to fit in the photo with the make-up.
New antique Czech jewelry in bright red & orange. 
I first wore this dress to see a Sunday afternoon play with David back in September, A Phoenix Too Frequent. Two APT plays in a row. It was an early play, so we picnicked after (pictures are not in order). David made us a tasty shrimp salad & we drank some sparkling Michigan wine.
It was a gorgeous day in the 80s & I was still using my wheelchair. 
Fern's raspberries for dessert. The drive to Spring Green is so pretty & Veronika & David make it fun (he's a good driver & takes risks that make me squeal with fear & delight). We finally stopped at this historical marker on the way home that we pass all the time...it was just about Frank Lloyd Wright because his house is 6 miles away...um, not sure how that qualifies as an historical marker, but now I don't have to wonder what it says. The set of the play, which was good, not great. 
I wore this dress a second time (oh, no! things will now be out of order!) to see Them Coulee Boys at The Shitty Barn with my mom, Kate, & Jason on the first day of October. I wore this dress a second time because I loved it & because David was out in California visiting his parents & I didn't want to have a backlog of outfits he needed to take photos of (I prefer to take pictures the day I actually wear the garments)...also, other than stuff I rent, none of the hundreds of dresses/clothing in my closet fit me any longer. This makes me sad. The photographer taking pictures of the boys before the show. And then it unexpectedly rained on us for ~10 minutes...& there was a rainbow. I hid out under the bar overhang & I managed to stay relatively dry...until they opened the doors so we could set up our chairs in the barn. There are no gutters & I got drenched. I made us a roasted salmon salad with whole lemon dressing & Kate & Jason brought garlic-y roasted broccoli salad. Delicious...I love picnics. Look, it's a soaked girlie & a dry girlie...at least it was warm out. 
My mom & me in the front row, because I'm full of anxiety like that. WE BEAT SHARON! She was just down the street walking there when we pulled in to park. I can't believe I nearly forgot to mention that. It was the first (only) time. The opening band was good & mellow, Coyote Brother. Them Coulee Boys set list. And...they ended with a fantastic cover of The Rolling Stones, You Can't Always Get What You Want. 
Them Coulee Boys! Kate backed their Kickstarter for me last year at the level of...they'll play an acoustic show anywhere...& they are going to play for me next summer on Lake Superior. Don't I have the sweetest girlie?