COVID Vaccinated

Dress: Estate Blue Midnight Dot Perfect Faux Wrap Dress by Leota (size 4L) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: Dancing Days by Banned (size 4x) via ModCloth

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Mossimo, thrifted

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

David was taking these photos of me & he walked around to get a different angle, above...I guess I don't do well with change because I freaked out a bit & said...that's the wrong angle! Anyway, I actually liked the angle & decided to use it. I guess I could stand to do different poses & perspectives...I'm not sure why change is so scary to me. I remember driving back from Chicago...nearly 20 years ago, when you still needed change for the toll booths...Kate was in charge of handing it to me & she said, change...are you afraid of it??? Well, I guess it's funny because it's true. 

Typical well-fitting Leota dress in a dark navy. These are the perfect sexy office girl dresses, but as usual...I had to pin the neckline so it was decent & my bra didn't show. I liked the irregular shapes of the polka dots...they reminded me of snowballs. 

This is my first time wearing this cardigan I picked up several years ago during an after holiday sale at ModCloth...since the dots reminded me of snowballs AND it was actually lightly snowing out...snowflake cardigan. I am pleased the design continues on the back. 

This is my first time wearing both this necklace & bracelet. I had so many jewelry choices I could have gone with...all blue, yellow, or orange...but this won out, mostly because I'm trying not to pick the same jewelry over & over. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Goddess, Ciaté The Velvet Palette, UD lipliner in 714, Ciaté Glitterflip Holographic lipstick in Scandal, & Blue My Mind nail polish by OPI. 

David & I are in Tier 1a to get the COVID vaccine because we are therapists (falling under healthcare workers). Since we don't work for an organization & because the vaccine rollout has been incredibly disorganized...it took a while to get their attention. However, last Wednesday night we finally got an invitation to make an appointment & we both got a slot for the very next day! It was a drive-thru experience & that part was handled quite well...it took less than 15 minutes for both of us to get through the line & get our first shot. We had a fun nurse...he told me to keep my arm in the car, so I did...& he told me a lot of people argue about that with him despite him telling them it will be a less painful experience for them...I was like...why would anyone pick that fight...& he said, because people are special. Also, I didn't feel the poke at all & since it was on my farmers' market tattoo...he couldn't see the area he went in, so he said, we'll just give this squash a bandaid. Totally wonderful EASY experience. We'll go back in 3 weeks to get the second shot. I know things are not going to immediately change for us...but it's such a relief to know we have it...it's a step forward after a very long year. 

One of the lovely Etsy buyers I purchase beautiful jewelry from sent me these pretty green earrings as a thank you gift for being her customer...so sweet! Oh, look...we opened a bottle of wine that wasn't out of Kate's cellar...& it was delicious. It's so nice to sip a glass of red in the evening...it usually takes me a few hours to get through, but I really enjoy it. A new to me band...Yarn...playing live from the family living room. 

Look at the cute doggie helping his people pick up their farmers' market order! Market dinner...pork chops, roasted sweet potatoes, & baked apples...with the wine left from the night before. Scary Lady Sarah DJ-ing goth tunes...& Glenn Crytzer & his band playing songs from 1930. 

I ordered these spectacular purple Fluevog boots from Poland the day after Thanksgiving...& they finally arrived. Michael Waite playing songs to honor MLK day. Matt DJ-ing Britpop...lots of early 90s stuff I'd forgotten about. 

Charlie Parr & friends at First Avenue...they had a small audience...it was wonderful to hear people clapping. More Fluevogs I can't wear until my knee is fixed...Queen Transcendent Elizabeth in green, found through the Flummunity & one of my unicorns. Finally, I figured out how I wanted to finish the bottom of the Roman blinds so it looks neat from the back...not that anyone is going to look at the back. But I'll know. I've been following directions for these blinds from several different books, as well as ideas in my head. This practice shade is nearly done...& it's perfect. Which worries me...if my sample shade gave me no problems...how will the real ones go?? 

 

2020 Certificate of Achievement

Dress: Rose Scarf Maxi by City Chic (size XXL/26)

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Worthington, thrifted

Earring: Wendy Baker

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

I always think of maxis as summer clothing...but this one had longer sleeves...so I thought, winter dress it is...although it's certainly light enough to be worn year round...ideally, in spring or autumn. The fit & length were good, but it was a bit big all over. There was a tie at the waistband with tassels on the ends, but it didn't draw it in as much as I'd like. The fabric had no stretch & there were pretty brass faux vintage buttons all up the front which paired well with the boho look of the scarf patterned dress. 

I picked these shoes up at Savers years ago for a few dollars & I believe this is my first time wearing them...they appear to be vintage 80s shoes, but I'm not an expert. 

I've had one haircut in the last year...& now I'm regretting it. I am obsessing lately about growing my hair out...but on one side or both? Lately, I am leaning towards both which is why I regret getting several inches chopped off. Perhaps when it is safe to go places again, I'll get extensions to see how I feel about me & long hair. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in 1999, Dreamer & Rose Gold eyeshadow by Anastasia, Bite Beauty lipstick in Spiced Plum, & Queen of West Web-erly nail polish from OPI. 

After we took pictures...I came home & video chatted with Kate...it was *almost* like I got dressed up & had somewhere to go. Charlie Parr, continuing his January residency at First Avenue. 

On Tuesdays...we eat salmon. With fried garlic, dill, & Meyer lemons...& a side of cauliflower. Look at what my sweet girlie made me...a certificate of achievement for completing 2020. We all deserve that. Something similar was supposed to come with our Them Coulee Boys vinyl, but they forgot. Getting this from Kate made me ridiculously happy. And...I leave you with my Fluevog unicorns...Half Truth Tanyas in both green & purple rub off in a size 10, as they run a bit narrow. I didn't get them when they were available because I thought I'd fall in those tiny heels, but now I'm just sad they are not living in my closet for me to admire. 

 

Leopard Tights

Dress: Mini Dot Black & Fuchsia Dress by Gabby Skye (size 24) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: Merona (size XXL), thrifted

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Nine West, thrifted

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklace: Green Goddess

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

The colors & print on this dress were lovely...black with monochromatic polka dots & blurred flowers in purples, moss green, & burnt orange. The fit & length were great, the material had no stretch, but there was elastic at the waist. Light weight dress that is not lined...probably best for spring or fall. Conservative v-neck would be a good choice for work. For once, I did not mind the high-low hem as the back of the fabric was as pretty as the front. 

I considered floral cardigans & shoes...but went with leopard print

for some pattern mixing.

I believe this was my first wearing of this bracelet...not sure why, as I don't have a ton of purple jewelry. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Psychedelic Sister, Catherine & Egypt eyeshadow from Kat von D, UD Vice liquid lipstick in Flashback, & OPI nail polish in Feel the Chemis-tree. 

The fun portion of my Snag order arrived...leopard tights in both purple & red...plus rainbow stripped fishnets & plum argyle print. Glenn Crytzer playing songs from 1929.

My monthly Boxy Charm...I keep thinking I should cancel again because I get SO much skin care that I don't want...but then this month was totally worth it for the Bali Balm in sweet orange & coconut. I'm not sure I'd spend over $30 for lip balm...but it's a lovely luxury vegan option. However, bergamot & grapefruit and sandalwood & ginger both sound amazing. More Fluevogs. Don't judge me...they were on sale & I can't stop buying things to make me happy. And yes, I know *things* don't make you happy...but during the pandemic, they help. These shoes represent a happy life in the future where I can leave the house & go places AND not have knee pain so I am able to wear heels. It will happen. A farmers' market meal...cheddar bacon brats with roasted kale...nice & crisp. 

Planet Earth, David Bowie Birthday edition. There was an adorable video of Bowie & Annie Lennox rehearsing Under Pressure for a Freddie Mercury tribute concert & George Michael was watching from offstage & he knew all the words. 

 

New Fluevogs, Old Fluevogs

Dress: Orange & Navy Plaid Fit & Flare Dress by Eloquii (size 28)

Cardigan: Croft & Barrow (size 2x), thrifted

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Bandolino, thrifted 

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

I'm not sure I've ever paired my favorite color, orange...the color of fun, with navy before? It's spectacular. I popped the tags off this Eloquii dress & wore it out in the world briefly. The fabric is so incredibly soft & cuddly...like wearing flannel sheets. The fit on this dress was spot on, with a nicely flared skirt & deep pockets. Does anyone use the zippers on the back of dresses? 

I don't think I've worn this cardigan before? At first I thought, oh, sequins are too blingy for this plaid flannel dress...but then I remembered that I like everything to be special & I chose it anyway. 

This is also my first wearing of this lovely carnelian necklace from Gayle...she has such a good eye for putting things together in her vintage inspired jewelry. 

My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Deep Blue; Jasper, Agate, & Azalea eyeshadow by Natasha Denona; Pumpkin Pie liquid lipstick by Jeffree Star, & OPI nail polish in Rising Star. 

Another evening full of the music of my youth...Planet Earth...I was especially excited to hear Specimen...I bought that extended single when it came out because the band looked so spectacularly goth (which I don't think was even a term back then?)...

Glenn Crytzer & his boys playing the songs of 1928. Another wonderful wine from Kate's cellar...I nursed this one glass for over 2 hours while watching Charlie Parr play live...I really enjoyed & savored it. It was like being at a real concert, but with much better wine. Matt DJ-ing some David Bowie songs ahead of Bowie's birthday. 

New Fluevogs from their sale...David didn't want to buy these for me for Christmas because he didn't like them...I LOVE them...red & copper...I know the floral pattern is a bit soft & dainty...but I think these will look amazing with any number of Effie's Heart dresses with their beige backgrounds. And an old pair of Fluevog Swordfish Sinead shoes found for a steal on the Fluemarket...they are in great used condition...I'm going to gold up that skull buckle & they'll be perfect. They are crying out for pants though...hmmm...perhaps a midi length sweeping skirt? 

On the last day of 2020 I bought both Kate & I a copy of Them Coulee Boys vinyl...because it was supposed to come with a certificate of completion of 2020...but it did not. We both wanted the record anyway. Michael Waite plays songs online from my hometown. The first part of my Snag order arrived...not sure why they sent it in 4 shipments...red fishnets, pink tights, & some black sharkie fishnets with super large holes for layering over colored tights. Also, after the terrorists stormed the capitol...we watched as these idiots protested the votes of the people of Pennsylvania. Disgraceful. 

 

Happy New Year

Dress: Fishtail Velvet Maxi Dress in Midnight by Scarlett & Jo (size 30 UK) 

Tights: Snag

Shoes: But another innocent tale...(B.A.I.T.) via ModCloth

Earring: The Embellishing Room

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 55-50-70

My goal was to pick a dress to highlight this vintage Miriam Haskell necklace David bought me one Christmas. I last wore this fishtail dress 3 years ago, also for NYE. I stated back then that I felt sexy & luxurious in this dress...& that was true this year as well. Va-voom! 

I bought these blue velvet shoes on sale at ModCloth a few years ago. They were my first purchase of But another innocent tale...shoes (B.A.I.T.). How adorable is that name?! They make vegan vintage inspired shoes & have so many lovely styles. 

This amazing Miriam Haskell necklace has a water feature with stones & gold glitter floating in it...!!! It is spectacular & David picked it out himself. The seller was in Australia & also had a matching bracelet that someone had already bought...why would you split this set up?!? I wonder what fancy occasions this necklace has seen?

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in LSD, Sugarpill eyeshadow in Goldilux, Lumiere eyeshadow by Mon Ennui Cosmetics, UD lipliner in 714, Kat von D lipstick in Santa Sangre, Red glitter from Pat McGrath, & Ruby Pumps nail polish by China Glaze. 

I sent David to Costco to buy 2 lobster tails for me to eat on New Year's Day (our anniversary)...& he came back with 19. They usually have a guy giving you what you want, however, because of Covid, everything was by the box. I'm not exactly unhappy about this turn of events. Perhaps by my birthday we can gather together again? I'm being overly hopeful. If not, I guess I will be forced to eat them all myself. David & I went downtown on NYE day to pick up our holiday meal & take my photo at the capitol. When we got home I had a video visit with my girlie...who remains adorable. David & Jason joined us for a bit. 

A toast to the end of this year & the beginning of a better one. Kate picked out a champagne for us from her cellar in our basement...the bottle of hers was prettier though. 

David again did a marvelous job of reheating & cooking our meal from L'Etoile...there were a few bites that were not mentioned on the menu & honestly, if I had to cook these meals we've been getting to-go...I would have been in tears as the directions always leave important information out. But, amazingly delicious. 

This yellowtail tartar was exquisite. 

Every bite was heavenly, but to my surprise, my favorite dish of the evening was the Beef Wellington. I would never order basic meat & potatoes at a fancy restaurant...or really, ever...but of course, Chef Tory made the best version possible. It had a high standard to live up to for David, who had fond memories of taking his high school girlfriend to a place in San Francisco that was known for this dish. He said it exceeded his memory. 

This 20 year cheddar was the perfect bite of cheese to end the savory portion of our meal. Dessert had so many competing flavors, but it all managed to work together...such a fun ending. We saved our mignardise for the next day as we were too full to eat even a few more bites. 

Between courses, while David was cooking, & after our feast...I watched Carsie Blanton playing live for NYE...she played for 4 hours...until midnight EST. New Year's Day is our anniversary...Kate very generously let us drink this special champagne...champagne two days in a row. I did not imagine this bottle could be better than the one we drank the night before...but it was. I am spoiled. 

David bought me some pretty jewelry for our anniversary...he knows my taste SO well, that I already owned the purple set (he's trading it in for something else). I got him...nothing. I felt terrible about it, but we hadn't discussed presents. I told him...being married to me is a gift...he laughed so hard he couldn't breathe. I told my friend Michael about it the next day & he replied, not all gifts are good...which David thought was the perfect retort...so now we say those lines back & forth to each other. My favorite part of my relationship with David is how much we laugh. 

Anniversary dinner...David made lobster tail for me & lamb for himself...delectable & decadent. We finished with our mignardise from L'Etoile & almond cake that Angie made. 

David shared his lamb bones with the delighted doggies. Rainbow Girls played a show with some friends on New Year's Day...& a bit of 90s alternative music that night...Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, Jane's Addiction, Ani DiFranco, & Nirvana is the music that makes me relive the 90s...although I know there was other music I listened to as well...hard to believe the 90s were over 20 years ago...& other things old people say. Happy 2021!