Tennessee // Kentucky

Dress: Black Lavender Fit & Flare Dress by Eva Rose

Tights: Snag

Shoes: Fluevog, Go Groovy: Aubrey

Cardigan: The Limited, thrifted

All Jewelry: Colleen Toland

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

Another mushroom dress! Fruit & veggie dresses are the best. I adore these cotton fit & flares with pockets...always a great fit. And adding a cardigan to the sleeveless dress makes it colder weather cute. 

This is my first time wearing this dress, but I had rented it from Gwynnie Bee during the pandemic when we weren't leaving the house. I was staying at home & already lost nearly 100 pounds...it was the first time I talked about it on this blog. 

Purple & orange are fabulous together...

These Aubrey's look like mushrooms to me...

I should have worn orange lipstick...I like wearing purple, but it just isn't flattering on my lips.

I first wore this dress on the last full day we were in Tennessee visiting my parents. We went walking around Indian Boundary, which was beautiful.

A kind stranger took our photo...& we returned the flavor.

Ruger & Remy. A holly tree in my parents' yard. Driving to Knoxville for dinner...I paged through my mom's Bon Appetit magazine & took pictures of the recipes that sounded good. I subscribe online, but I miss having a physical copy...but then I remind myself I never get around to actually looking at magazines. 

Pictures outside the restaurant, Chesapeake's. Cocktails...

And dinner...

The clam chowder was wonderful. There was both a broiled & a fried seafood platter & I got the broiled, but asked for the cod fried...because cod is boring. 

Back at my parents' house...we watched A Very Murray Christmas...David picked it...because who doesn't like Bill Murray? We had watched Love Actually the night before. This was the most bizarre holiday special ever...& full of famous people...George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Chris Rock, Paul Shaffer, Jenny Lewis, David Johansen...how?! It is worth watching to see George Clooney peeking out from behind fake trees singing, Santa Claus Needs Some Lovin'. The next morning...I donned this dress again & we headed to Paducah...but first, we stopped at a cute local coffee place. Drive-thru liquor store in Kentucky. 

We enjoyed our dinner at Freight House so much, we had immediately made reservations to stop here on our way home...what a marvelous way to bookend our trip. We began with 2 cocktails we hadn't tried last time...for David, Freight House Express (Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Lavazza espresso, Chopin vodka, chocolate bitters) & for me, Ruby's Caboose (Stoli vodka, fresh grapefruit, dreamcicle cordial, ginger beer). And then the food started coming...we only got one repeat from last time. There were already several new things on the menu since we'd been there 10 days before. Brussels Sprouts Tart (whooped citrus ricotta, roasted garlic, dried cherries, hot honey) & our favorite dish from the first time, Pork Belly Tostada (cabbage & apple slaw, horseradish aioli, stout bbq sauce). 

We didn't have the same waiter as last time, but he stopped by to talk quite a bit & recommended the Turnip Soup (grapefruit, coriander, campari yogurt, sweet greens, almonds), which we wouldn't have picked on our own. French Onion Cabbage (charred cabbage, onion jam, grilled bread, gruyere, thyme) with added pork belly, & Loaded Butternut Squash (savory rice crispies, goat cheese, pepper jelly, cajun butter). 

For our final cocktails (we still had a long drive ahead of us), The Choke Artist (Appleton estate signature rum, cynar, green chartreuse, mint) & High Fashion (Old Grand Dad 114, Belle de Brillet, Giffard ginger, yuzu bitters, Pernod spritz), which wasn't for me & I traded for a Snake in the Grass (Teremana resposada, Lucid absinthe, naranja, carpano antica, fresh sour). I'd been eager to try their Local Catfish (braised greens, sweet potato, coconut, peanut, chili oil) since we just couldn't fit it in our stomachs last time. And finally, Shrimp & Grits (spicy pork shank, button mushrooms, New Orleans bbq sauce, pimento cheese grits). We skipped dessert this time so we'd have more room for savory. I enjoyed looking through this collection of cookbooks behind me. We're so happy we came here again...everyone remembered us & was so nice...& the food here is amazing...the perfect sweet/savory balance in every dish. Sara wasn't my favorite contestant during her time on Top Chef, but boy was I wrong. I wish we could come here every week. Driving home...this came up in my Facebook feed...this red velvet playpen is *just* what our wreck room needs...isn't it spectacular?! There's room for me, David, & the dogs. About an hour outside of Madison...it began snowing...welcome home to Wisconsin. 

 

The Garbologists // Violent Femmes // Brian Setzer

Dress: Veggie Garden Dress by Eva Rose 

Sandals: Fluevog, Picnic: Kerry

All Jewelry & Purse: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I love a veggie dress (fruit too)! I rented this a few times from Gwynnie Bee in various sizes & eventually bought it. Great fit & flare frock in a cotton quilting fabric that is ideal for warmer months. I adore this style of Eva Rose dress, similar to Cherry Velvet, but slightly less expensive. 

I used this 50s silhouette as the perfect excuse to get out a vintage handbag. 

My last wearing of these sandals for the season.

This vintage parure reminds me of fruit...

My make-up with this outfit included...NYX eyeliner in Jet Black, Tangerine eyeshadow by Make Up For Ever, Natasha Denona eyeshadow in Monroe, Urban Decay lipliner & lipstick in Bang, Clockwork lipstick from Sugarpill Cosmetics, & Essie nail polish in Sexy Plunge.

I first wore this dress to have these photos taken before seeing The Garbologists with David & Kate back in September. Mango Margarita in a can...not bad. They had an art exhibit on theme outside the theatre. 

I especially enjoyed this artist's found objects from a fire at her house. And cloth reimagined...pants made out of vintage sheets & a bedspread. 

The girlie!

Wall of garbage. A mediocre play with exceptional company. 

I wore this frock a second time back in October to see The Violent Femmes 40th Anniversary tour of their first album. I changed up my footwear to orange Docs worn with black shark bite tights. I managed to work my way up to about the third row on the main floor. Also, I bought a *white* t-shirt & a pack of buttons. I would have preferred black, obviously, but I wanted the album cover on the front & the dates of the tour on the back, so it was my only option. 

Elizabeth Moen & her band opened...which I thought was an odd choice, but the audience loved her. I saw her at The Shitty Barn this summer. Violent Femmes!!! I've been a fan since 8th grade. I've only been a member of 2 fan clubs...Culture Club/Boy George & The Femmes...their newsletter was called The Permanent Record...I wish I had kept them. 

This was my first time seeing them...what an amazing show! They did their entire debut album before launching into other songs. Gordon played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, violin, & banjo. 

They ended the evening with American Music...so much dancing & singing...the energy of the crowd was joyful...we were all reliving our youth...including the band...who were just having fun. 

I had a white Femmes shirt in high school, back when I had all that collagen in my skin & any color looked good on me. I am going to challenge myself to wear this t-shirt next summer at the barn. I wonder what I'll pair it with. In high school, I had a grass green mini skirt & the same color pants...that is what I used to wear my Violent Femmes shirt with...& various colors of lace tights. If only a camera in your pocket had been a thing back then...I have so few pictures of that time. 

The final time I wore this dress was shortly before I left for Mexico...at Target buying Halloween candy for the nurses there. A brief dash into the Eastside Goodwill...I don't go there often as the pickings are slim. And again, I changed up my footwear...this time it was shiny red Docs with black tights. 

Later that night...Brian Setzer at The Orpheum. I first started liking The Stray Cats in 6th grade & I think it's largely because of them & Cyndi Lauper that I got into vintage clothing. I would have bought his latest vinyl, but I thought $40 seemed a bit outrageous (it's $28 on his website). 

I was enthralled by this amazing standup bass with green flames. Again, my first time seeing this artist I've been a fan of for decades. I grew up in the U.P., so I wasn't able to see concerts since no-one toured up there. Although I did see Rick Springfield the summer between 8th & 9th grade. I wonder how that happened?! It was years after I was a fan & he was past his prime, but it was still exciting. 

There were 4 Japanese guys in the front row that have been following Brian around...they were fun to watch. Another show with tremendous energy...he even did 2 Stray Cats songs. 

 

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. 

 

 

Art Fair on the Square // The River Bride

Dress: Butterfly Print Teal Dress by Eva Rose (size XL) via Gwynnie Bee

Teggings: Re/Dress

Sandals: Dansko

Necklace & Earring: Wendy Baker

Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 40-37-53

I wore this dress back in April in one size larger (this one fits great)...even though it's more of a warm weather frock...& I have to say, I styled it better the first time. I love this pattern so much, but as I pointed out in my previous post, these are clearly luna moths & not butterflies. Cute cotton fit & flare with pockets. 

I should have gone with all burgundy & green accessories...the blue I chose is just the wrong shade...but does make it lighter & brighter for summer. 

We took these photos at The Shitty Barn right before heading over to APT...the light must have been just right as I appear to be glowing...or perhaps it was because I was with my 2 favorite people. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Junkie; Big Sky, Stranded, & Blaze eyeshadow from UD; MAC lipliner in Burgundy; Tannin lipstick by Bite Beauty; & A England nail polish in Dragon. 

I first wore this dress on a Saturday in July to go to the relocated farmers' market with David...

Then we headed to the capitol...where Art Fair on the Square was taking up the farmers' market space for the weekend. This art fair is something David & I look forward to every year. The first thing that caught his eye was the incredible craftsmanship of this rocker...he talked to the woodworker for a while & made him tear up. Unfortunately, it is not our style, so there is no place for it in our home. The octopus & elephant got my attention...but were not quite right for me. 

First purchase of the day...2 hats from a Madison maker...I had seen her at shows before, & with all the walks we've been taking...I really needed a hat with a chinstrap to keep it on my head in the wind...now I have a pretty one! I immediately replaced the hat I was wearing with the one on the right. I loved Artifacts by Nomad's stunning light creations...& marvelous displays. 

Fantastic vinyl creations by Deadwax Art. I'd love something by him when we finally get the wreck room finished...perhaps Billie Holiday?

I want a HUGE sunhat...hat envy. David played with this weighted hanging chess board...& Mrs. Peacock in the Conservatory with a Knife by Laura Harris. The artist who did our gypsy lady painting we bought last year also did the painting below with the dogs & animals. 

I got to meet Heather Renaux in person! We nearly purchased this original mermaid painting...but I really felt if it wasn't hung in our bathroom, there is no other place it fits in...& Day of the Dead stuff is not David's thing. I have several of her circus themed prints hanging in my make-up/jewelry room. Thomas Leather had some gorgeous purses that I adored...& a belt that David needed. 

I ended up taking this Black Eyed Susan hand carved & painted bag home...close enough to sunflowers...& David got the colorful belt, 3rd one from the top. And shortly after, we came across another leather artisan & David got 4 more belts. 

How cute is this dress with built in shorts?! Sunflowers & Jellyfish. Another lovely dress seen around the square. 

David has art by Jay Long in his office at home...so we always have to peek to see if there is anything new. I tried on several large silk shawls by Heather Laurie before deciding on one in greens & browns...it was our last purchase of the day. We didn't find as much as years past, but we both got some lovely art to wear. Tired cuties. 

We had special ordered some Argentinian Red Shrimp from Berke & Benham that were ready to be picked up...heads & all...yum. 

My hats, David's belts, & the silk scarf I chose. 

Purses...this is my 3rd from Mohop...they are beautiful & the perfect size for a crossbody to wear walking around or to concerts. I got a peacock (duo chrome purple/blue) one at last year's art fair, then David had them custom make me another purple one in a much larger size...now I've got this duo chrome green (they call it scarab)...there is also a ruby/rust color that I need...then I've got all my outfits covered. 

Later that same day...I went to APT with David & Kate to see The River Bride. I made us an olive oil poached salmon with fennel & citrus on an all local seasonal salad & David concocted a rhubarb dressing. Kate brought the perfect picnic Michigan sparkling wine to drink, of course. 

This was a lovely day for a picnic with people I love.

The first of the Door County cherries made the ideal dessert on a splendid summer's day. Kate wearing the dress I wore to Them Coulee Boys (the exact dress since she let me borrow hers).

Look how adorable we are!

The night was excellent for an outdoor play, but ours was inside...made to look like outside on the river. David took a picture from above of Kate & I in the front row...right where I like to be. We liked, but did not love this play. Driving home...lots of pretty fireworks.