The Harvey House // MSO with Alexander Sitkovetsky // Hadestown

Dress: Burnout Velvet Dress by Anthropologie (size 10) via Nuuly

Stockings: Sock Dreams

Shoes: Fluevog, Poser: Shiloh 

Earrings: Heidi Daus via Ebay 

Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet & Purse: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I was IN LOVE with this dress...I have it at home right now in a size 8 & I plan on making my first purchase ever from Nuuly...I'm waiting out the month, hoping they send me a discount...but of course that won't happen until the day after I buy it. Obviously, I think this maxi is perfection...I wouldn't change a thing. 

And how could I not own this dress...I have the ideal shoes to wear with it. I received endless compliments while wearing this outfit. 

These Fluevogs are gorgeous, comfortable, & go with so much. Also, this bag we found at Elkhorn last year is fabulous. 

I've had this bracelet since high school...I've always had excellent taste. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Torch & Lucky; Cosmo, Turkish Delight, Nefertiti, & Oud eyeshadow by Huda Beauty; MAC lipliner in Chicory; Hypnotic Rust lipstick from Make Up For Ever; & OPI nail polish in A Woman's Prague-ative. 

I first wore this dress for pictures outside & inside the capitol on a snowy day...before heading over to The Harvey House for dinner with David. NYT called them one of their 50 favorite restaurants last year.

Harvey House is a "celebration of Wisconsin's iconic supper clubs." 

But with better cocktails...to begin, David had a Penny Whistle (gin, Cappelletti, St. Germain, lemon) & I sipped a Bar Germain (St. Germain, lemon, Prosecco).

Our starters...Smoked Kielbasa In A Blanket (whole grain mustard jus), Chicken Liver Mousse (pickled shallots, port wine jelly), 

New England Clam Chowder (little neck clams, Nueske's bacon, oyster crackers), & Sizzling Shrimp de Jonghe (garlic butter, crispy shallots, toasted sourdough). The chicken liver mousse was everything we remembered it being...delicious. There was oozy cheddar inside with the sausage. The shrimp was good, but we probably wouldn't order it again. That clam chowder was the best either of us had ever had. Second cocktails: Hotel Washington Punch (rum, grapefruit, lime, Door County cherry) & Pago Pago (run, pineapple, green chartreuse). Our mains: I had to get the same thing as last time because it was spectacular...Superior Walleye (pumpernickel, savoy cabbage, spatzle, horseradish sabayon), while David chose All Day Braised Lamb Shoulder (puff pastry, root vegetables, rosemary).I also added a side of creamed spinach...which was delicious, but WAY too much food. But wait...there's more! A la mode Brandy Alexander (brandy, crème de cacao, cream, nutmeg) & Butterscotch Pudding (gingersnap crumble, whipped créme fraîche). And I also opted for an ice cream drink, (I wish they'd just get a blender & make actual ice cream drinks) Pink Squirrel (creme de noyaux, cacao, cream, amaretto)...SO good...& a marvelous way to end a delightfully delicious dinner. After our feast...David & I headed over to The Overture Center...

We were attending our first ever indoor Madison Chamber Orchestra concert. I've been going to their Concerts on the Square for decades, so I'm not sure why I've never bought tickets before. This violinist was riveting (but I wish he'd update his website so I knew where he was playing), Alexander Sitkovesky...total rockstar...he became the music & was so playful...just a joy to watch & listen to. This was the best classical performance I've ever seen...it was my dream orchestra...all strings...including a harpsichord *swoon*. Also, I'm used to getting a lot of compliments on my outfit...but I lost count...the shoes put it over the top.The elegant Capitol theatre, the original. Back when I first moved to Madison in 1989...this was called The Civic Center & it was where I saw my first concert in my new city with my boyfriend, Chad...Love & Rockets with The Pixies opening. I like how they had the stage blocked in to look like a room with wallpaper. It's been a month & I'm still thinking about this performance & music. What a spectacular evening with my love.  The next day at the co-op...yummmm...cheese samples. I came home & prepped dinner for later...before heading out in the snow to pick up the girlie. Look! It's Kate! They left the house & went out with me! This happens so rarely now it requires lots of exclamation! Back at The Overture the very next (very snowy) day...wearing the same dress. The girlie gazing at art...Kids in The Rotunda concert going on below...& a craft project was taking place...Constructing tissue paper carnations before Hadestown...Flowers in our hair...Kate changed their flower up a bit...this called for more selfies. I bought us matching flower pins. The stage & a terrible photo of both of us...it's only fair. We saw this for the first time last year in Minneapolis...I thought it was good...Kate was disappointed in some of the acting, but wanted to try again with a different cast. We were blown away by how much better this production was. Hadestown is my favorite musical ever...I could see it over & over & over again. I started crying when Hades & Persephone began dancing, & pretty much didn't stop for the rest of the show. Don't turn around Orpheus! Kate gave the ultimate compliment when she stated, the only way Hermes could have been better was if he was André De Shields. Walking back to the truck...I don't know why Kate likes taking pictures of me walking. I love going places & doing things with my girlie. Back at home...I made dinner...

 

90s Vibe // HIR

Dress: Smocked Waist Ditsy Floral Fit & Flare Dress (size 10) by Taylor Dresses via Gwynnie Bee

Tights: Snag

Shoes: Fluevog, Minis: QTee

Earrings: Wendy Baker

Necklace: Colleen Toland

Bracelet: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I liked this dress WAY more than I anticipated...as usual, got the wrong size...but when things don't stretch, I'm afraid to get an 8...even though I've tried enough thrift store dresses on to know that is fairly reliable...I mean, as far as women's sizes ever are. The fit was still alright on this as it had a smocked waist...I loved everything about this dress with the exception of the useless ties at the neck...which I loosely draped over each other & let hang. 

This whole outfit was giving me a 90s vibe...so I was reliving my youth a bit. 

I just adore these Fluevog QTees that I found on Poshmark...that little bit of piping is orange...

In real life, I hate my hair...but in photos I don't mind it. After losing weight (& maybe having knee surgery?)...my hair started falling out from the trauma. And then it grew back much more wavy/curly...but it still hasn't gotten back to its usual volume...not sure it ever will. One thing I am grateful for is that I didn't lose a significant amount of hair after my last surgery...I was really worried about that. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Perversion, Carnelian & Agate eyeshadow by Natasha Denona, UD eyeshadow in Hell Ride, MAC lipliner in Burgundy, Golshan lipstick from Bite Beauty, & OPI nail polish in ? (their labels come off way too easily). 

Every Monday & Wednesday morning...pilates! I've been recording these & now have quite a collection of videos to do at home (usually Fridays). Car wash photo...Veronika gets a bath most days we drive her. Trying on dresses at Goodwill...before heading to my first bellydance class at Dance Life. What a great energy this place has...but they were in week 3 of learning a routine to a song & I was completely lost. I spoke with the teacher/owner afterward & she told me to return in 2 weeks when they were going to start new choreography. 

This is what I wore to class...I found this hip scarf Kate had gotten me ages ago when we took a bellydance class together...now I need to get some cute bellydance tops so I don't have to wear sports bras. I ended up with 3 dresses & a black slip from my Goodwill trip...I never do as well there as Vinny's. I was driving to work...it was like -30° out & this car in front of me had the back windows rolled down for their adorable Rottweiler...& it made me smile...also, I love that his people didn't mind freezing for their beloved dog. 

Selfies at work because I think I'm adorable. After work...a bit of co-op shopping & to the library to pick up non-alcoholic cocktail books for Kate. Making a simple dinner... 

Dry-aged local ribeye with miso butter shallots & roasted sweet potatoes...YUM. Afterwards, off to see the play that was cancelled a few days prior, HIR. 

What a devastatingly dark dysfunctional family drama...so well acted too. I'm really glad we didn't miss this one. 

 

Restaurant Week // Burlesque Brunch

Dress: Marny Tiered Dress by Saylor (size L) via Nuuly 

Tights: Sock Dreams

Shoes: Fluevog, Super Fine: Honour

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet: Heidi Daus, gift from David

Purse: Vintage

Photography: David & Me

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

What a sparkly dream dress...& those ruffled shoulders...like bitty wings. I felt like a wedding cake, in the best way. Great fit & length. It was not the most flattering dress as it gave a column shape & didn't really accentuate the natural waist with all the tiers...so if you care about that, it may not be the dress for you. 

My only regret was below the hemline...I knew these shoes weren't quite right...also the gold/black glittery stockings were too dark. I fixed all that with my second wearing...I didn't get new outfit photos, but pictured below. Mermaid Docs to the rescue! Perfection. 

These shoes are gorgeous, they just needed another outfit to shine. 

Iridescent peacock jewelry...I believe this was my first wearing of all my jewelry...I *might* have worn the earring previously, but I don't recall. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Voodoo, Cyber Punk & Purple Dust eyeshadow by UD, Huda Beauty Amethyst Obsessions eyeshadow palette, Goldilux eyeshadow from Sugarpill Cosmetics, Grape lipliner from MAC, UD lipstick in Flashback, Ultraviolet lipstick by NYX, & OPI nail polish in Leonardo's Model Color & Glitter All The Way. 

I first wore this dress to go to Heritage for dinner with David. It was restaurant week, which usually means mediocre food, however, we were seeing a play next door at the Bartell, so we decided to take the chance. First, photos outside & inside the capitol. 

Right before ordering, I checked my phone (an unusual thing for me to do when I'm out with David) & discovered an email from Stage Q letting me know the performance was cancelled for the next 2 nights due to a death in a cast member's family. David walked next door & rescheduled our show.

Cocktails to begin...David with a Mulled Us Operandi (Tito's vodka, manzanilla sherry, mulled wine syrup, acid-adjusted orange juice, Angostura, & Bolivar bitters)...mine was The Cornerstone (J. Henry 5 year bourbon, Sfumato amaro, apricot liqueur, rosemary syrup, lemon & lime juice). The first courses arrived...David & I usually just share everything...Pork & Shrimp Meatball (lobster tom kha, crispy rice, scallion), along with Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Soup (duck confit, poblano, toasted pepitas, jalapeño crema). 

Second course: Heritage Pork Duo (chili crusted pork loin, sweet Italian sausage, crispy polenta, roasted fennel, arugula, citrus olive tapenade, pine nut gremolata) and Beet Roasted Arctic Char (roasted beets, charred Cara Cara orange, braised chard, roasted garlic sabayon, pickled chard stems). 

And that brings us to dessert: Flourless Chocolate Cake (hazelnut mascarpone cream, Door County cherry coulis) and Caramel Profiterole (Wisconsin maple ice cream, toasted pecans, salted caramel). This was by far the best restaurant week meal we'd ever had...we enjoyed it so much that we walked over to Merchant & tried their offerings as well (we eat a lot). 

Merchant has the best craft cocktails around (they are Lucille's sister restaurant). David started with a Paper Plane (Buffalo Trace bourbon, aperol, amaro nonino, lemon juice), while I tried a Gin Sling (Death's Door gin, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Valencia orange liqueur, Cerasum aperitivo, pineapple & lime juice, seltzer, bitters). Starters: Roasted Beet Salad (crème fraîche, pickled shallot, citrus gel, hazelnuts, tarragon) and Bibb Lettuce Salad (green goddess dressing, fried capers, shaved market vegetables). First course: Crispy Duck Leg Lyonnaise (frisée, bacon lardon, sauce gribiche, brioche croutons) and...

Mushroom Risotto (arborio rice, roasted local mushrooms, crispy sage, SarVecchio). I finally got to try the winning drink of Madison Old Fashioned Week...Crème Brûlée Old-Fashioned (Limousin rye, vanilla, burnt sugar syrup, angostura bitters, cherry bark vanilla bitters, smoked rosemary). And finally, more desserts: Meyer Lemon Tart (mascarpone whipped cream, blueberry) and (winner of best dessert) Flourless Chocolate Brownie (dark cherry-chocolate ice cream, Luxardo cherry, flake salt). 

David's final drink: La Paloma (Altos tequila, ginger-infused Banhez mezcal, chili bitters, grapefruit & lime juice, seltzer)...& Luxardo cherries David asked the bartender for...BEST old-fashioned EVER...however, it needed some cherry. 

My gold & purple sparkling nails...& these mermaid Docs were made for this dress. This is what I had on my feet the second time I wore this outfit...to attend Burlesque Brunch at Bur Oak for my friend Michael's birthday. Ahan shares this space with them...so yummy food was ordered. The chef & owner, Jamie Hoang, is a James Beard Award semifinalist this year in the Emerging Chef category. 

I had my usual: Chèvre Wontons (cream cheese, chèvre, scallion, sweet & sour) and Praram Long Song (fried chicken, delicata squash, broccoli, cauliflower, scarlet turnips, carrots, cremini & shiitake mushrooms, scallion, cilantro, peanuts, fried garlic, with a side of peanut sauce & jasmine rice). I've tried other dishes here, but this is what I come back to again & again. Michael & me! The second photo was taken by my friend, Anna...she & her husband are the photographers for the show. 

Mama No Shits MCs the show...& performs...I took this just before she said no photos, but she's still got all her clothes on...I put my phone away for the rest of the performance. The person I was most blown away by was Belle Folle...she did some amazing floor work. AND I found out she teaches a burlesque class. Group photo!

Back at home...I made dinner...Sheet-Pan Chicken with Artichokes & Herbs, served with Petite Salad Greens with Sweet Potato Croutons & Blue Cheese. 

I talked myself into signing up for Belle's burlesque class, only to discover it was full. I wrote to her to ask to be put on a waiting list, but didn't have much hope of that panning out...so I signed up for bellydancing & burlesque classes at Dance Life instead. 

 

Back at the Gym: Weight Lifting // Pilates // Rowing

Dress: Hedgehog Geo Dress by Eva Rose (size L) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: ?, thrifted 

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Me Too, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

Cute kitschy dress covered in hedgehogs. Fit is tts, I'll go with a medium in the future, but GB only went down to a large in this. Cotton (with a bit of stretch) fit & flare with pockets. Great dress, I'm just not particularly into hedgehogs. 

Bringing out the orange in the triangles with my accessories. 

Leopard is a neutral...why not?

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Bourbon & Torch; Baja, Accelerate, Blaze, & Double Life eyeshadow by UD; NYX lipliner in Pumpkin; Heat lipstick from UD; & OPI nail polish in A Woman's Prague-ative. 

I wore this dress to work a few times...but first, we begin our day at the gym. Our routine has been Mon/Wed/Fri...lift weights, then Pilates class. We do kettlebell deadlifts, Pilates videos, & Turkish Get-Ups at home on the other days. I've been keeping a few books from the library in my office...1 book of fiction & a cookbook...for when I have breaks in my day...or on the rare occasion a client no-shows me. Boxy Charm was having a sale...I sure don't need any more make-up, but...

I've been having David shoot a few little videos of me at the gym so I can see what I look like...I post them to my heath instagram, becomingmeshel. Also, for the first time ever...I tried a rowing machine (my belly used to get in the way)...I liked it so much, we bought one for home. We went to Peloton & tested theirs, but ended up with an Ergatta...because it looks like a gorgeous vintage wooden rower...& it's fun to use as there is a gaming aspect.