Work & Thrifting, Again

Dress: Polka Dot Fit & Flare Dress by Lands End (size M), thrifted

Teggings: former Re/Dress

Sandals: Franco Sarto, thrifted

Necklace: The Embellishing Room

Earrings & Bracelets: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I just love polka dots...& this dress has 2 different sizes + stripes...yes! Great fit in this comfy summer stretch cotton dress...ideal for work. 

I first wore this dress back in May, then again last month. Pairing bracelets with it was too much fun as I couldn't decide...so I just wore them all. 

And these oversize earrings from Elkhorn...I'm obsessed with getting other colors now. Sometimes I don't want long dangling earrings. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Zero; Clinique black liquid liner; Strange, Burnout, & Darkside eyeshadow by UD; UD lipliner in 714; Russian Red lipstick by MAC; & OPI nail polish in Red Heads Ahead. 

Trying on clothes back in May at the Middleton Goodwill...martini dress!

Pants! Those will be worn this fall for sure. The teal lace dress had this note pinned to it, never worn needs to be rehomed. 

I have quite a collection of winter coats accumulating in my closet...but I needed this b&w houndstooth as I have nothing like it. And I *do* live in Wisconsin so I have many opportunities to wear coats. 

I wore this dress again last month to pick up my fixed glasses from Ulla (one of the lenses got scratched)...while I was waiting for them to pop the lens in...I wandered around Anthropologie. I could spend $1000s of $$ every time I walk in there. If money were unlimited I would have purchased that fruit skirt, mixed pattern dress (on sale, but the wrong size)...Those plaid pants (they are quite similar to the ones I got for $4 at Goodwill above, yes?) & dotty pants. I just can't pay full price there...it's too outrageous. That orange poufy dress was on clearance for $25...the small was too small, but even if it were available in a medium I don't think I'd be tempted. I had to try it on though. Eastside farmers' market...& getting dressed in thrifted workout clothes the next morning to go to the gym.

 

John R. Miller with Todd Day Wait // Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Dress: Polka Dot Puff-Sleeved Maxi Dress by Porridge (size M) via Nuuly

Sandals: Chie Mihara via Poshmark

All Jewelry: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

This was an incredibly fun dress...it makes me smile just to look at it...all those colorful dots in an unusual color combination. I rented this back in fall of '21 & I was elated that it was still available. Great fit & the ideal maxi length for me...just short enough to show off my shoes. I adore how the polka dots are smaller on top & bigger through the body of the dress...great dramatic balloon sleeves that look even cuter pushed up. This can be worn on or off the shoulder...& with that open back...sexy. It was difficult for me not to buy this...but it's too distinctive to wear often. 

The plus version of this dress did not have an open back, which worked for me at the time since I needed to wear a bra. No bra required here...

Off the shoulder...

Just loosen the tie in back...

How adorable are these Chie Mihara polka dot sandals?! Over $400 new...$40 on Poshmark. After Fluevog, this is my second favorite brand of shoes. 

I'm delighted we picked up these earrings & necklace at Elkhorn...& those bracelets were practically made for this dress. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Zero; Clinique liquid liner in black; Blood Moon, Celestial, & Desert Sand eyeshadow by Huda Beauty; NYX eyeliner in Pumpkin; Hypnotic Rust lipstick from Make Up For Ever; & OPI nail polish in A Woman's Prague-ative. 

I wore this dress to work...but first, Pilates. I usually go to Family Dollar for cards, but I was close to a Dollar Tree...& my goodness...2/$1 Hallmark cards?! I stocked up. Our CSA from Tipi Produce. I know veggies are grown in dirt...but I am used to buying from farmers who wash the produce...I have to run Tipi's stuff through the salad spinner 4+ times before I get rid of the grit. That, coupled with no close pickup location, has made David question if we should just stop bothering...but we already paid for the year, so it seems silly to keep getting it. Next year, we'll either go back to Harmony Valley or try Troy Gardens since I already go to their Thursday market as it's in the neighborhood. 

I also wore this dress while Brian was here visiting to take him to The Shitty Barn for his first time. As usual, Sharon beat us. Me taking a picture of Brian taking a picture. Pretty picnic salad. 

The traditional usie...

Picnic...I made us cumin salmon salad with pistachio cilantro pesto. We also had some bakery from the farmers' market (Honey Bee), a brown butter chocolate chip cookie from Wander Provisions, & a bottle of fancy rosé from the barn. A woman walking by remarked, I don't know where you're from, but it looks like Paris. The opening act, Todd Day Wait. 

John R. Miller. The bands were both good, but not as amazing as I was hoping for for Brian's first experience. We both thought the slide guitar player was hot...I'm not sure we've ever agreed on that before?! Another lovely night at the barn. I'm so happy I got to share it with Brian. 

The final time I wore this dress...to get a lymphatic massage from Courtney, then a stop at Goodwill on my way home. I tried to go to the Troy Gardens farmers market, but there was no one there. We had air quality issues quite severely that week due to the Canadian wildfires...so they cancelled it. Sadly, the night before, Kate & I had tickets to see Garbage // Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds & they called it off because it was difficult to breathe outside. I was extremely sad about that. It was to kick off 4 concerts in a row for me.

Eileen Fisher uses such nice fabrics...often incredibly boring clothing though...but I'll wear this bubble hem black dress. Chie Mihara shoes from Poshmark. This pistachio color is quite light for me, so I'd like to try painting them a darker green. Stay tuned...I always have these plans, then don't follow through. 

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! Remember them from the 90s?! 

I had a front row seat...I bought some signed vinyl & a Moscow Mule. I resisted the urge to get popcorn, even though they use real butter...it always smells better than it tastes...& I prefer an entire stick of butter on my popcorn anyway. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is celebrating 30 years together...& they are still as on fire as ever. 

Scotty & the rest of the band were swinging...they put on a spectacular show...the only downside being you can't stand up front & dance at The Barrymore. I was rocking out in my seat. 

 

Brian Visits: Mint Mark & Aaron Lee Tasjan

Dress: Helena Square-Neck Babydoll Dress by Anthropologie (size S) via Nuuly

Sandals: Born, thrifted

Earrings & Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelets: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

This dress was incredibly voluminous with an empire waistline which I did not find flattering...but fuck flattering, right? I adored the prodigious polka dots atop the gorgeous reddish brown background & the substantial straps (which fell down occasionally). This dress is lined & has deep pockets...the elastic back helps it fit well, but I'm not sure my boobs would have been comfortable had they been any larger. Typically, I find cotton dresses favorable for hot weather, but I think all this fabric would be a bit much for temps above 80°. I sized down one to a small per the reviews & it was the right call.

This dress was a twirler for sure...& I had fun with that.

This color was difficult to pair with shoes...so, even though this isn't the right shade of brown, these shoes were also warm & worked for me. 

Adding a touch of leopard print with my glasses...which I don't typically wear in outfit shots so my make-up is more visible. 

I'm thrilled I found this brown polka dot bracelet years ago at a garage sale...I haven't seen another ever (& then I went down a rabbit hole on Etsy looking at dotty bracelets). I thought I might need a cardigan, but it didn't turn out to be necessary. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Bourbon; Dirty Talk, Honey, & Ounce eyeshadow from UD; MAC lipliner in Chicory, Gothica lipstick by KVD; & OPI nail polish in Brisbane Bronze. 

I wore this dress on the first day Brian visited us in Madison...I told him we'd take him out to Mint Mark if he could get into town by 4 so we could secure a table outside...& he made it! David began with his favorite drink from last time, their Sangrita (Espero Blanco tequila, ginger, lime, orange, chili, mango) on draft that the waitress said they just updated...however, it turned out to be the same as he had the week previously...which he loved. I believe Brian had a Blinker (Limousin rye single barrel, raspberry shrub, grapefruit, Bittercube Jamaican #2). David with a sample of the other sangrita that they still had some of so he could taste the difference. 

I started with their rotating draft cocktail, which was a Cherry Spritz & I don't recall what was in it, but it was a sweet summer sipper. And like the week before...we had arrived early, so the kitchen wasn't open yet...so round 2 of cocktails before food. David ordered a Mint Mark Raspberry Martinez (Death's Door gin, Elena vermouth di Torino, raspberry infused dry vermouth, benedictine, citrus cordial, cardamom rose bitters) & I chose Somewhere That's Green (El Tesoro Blanco tequila, heirloom creme de flora, grapefruit cordial, basil syrup, pink peppercorn tincture, lemon). And then there was food! First up, Brian picked Cauliflower (Bangna Cauda, golden raisins, crispy cheese, herbs)...which David has not been a fan of in the past, but this time he enjoyed it...yay!

Brian savoring an X Marks the Spot (Hamilton white stache rum, Tattersall coconut aquavit, black sesame coconut syrup, pineapple, lime, pebble ice). We had a different server than last time & our food came so quickly, 2 at a time & then more before we finished that...I asked her to slow down, but she said that's how the kitchen works...which really spiked my anxiety, but it was still an amazing meal. Cheeseburger, Wisconsin Fish Fry, & the Tajarin we liked so much on our last visit (Steve's golden oyster mushrooms & pecorino served atop homemade pasta...tajarin is the Piedmont regions name for tagliolini & is made with egg). 

We also got a Terrine, but food was arriving so swiftly that there were a few things I didn't photograph. Cucumbers (Ajo Blanco, almond fermented honey, pickled ramps) & Anolini (sprouting broccoli, ricotta, rhubarb dashi, pecorino). The surprise palette cleanser was not a surprise this time, but still welcome...orange sherbet with sparkling rosé. 

Espresso martinis for everyone!

One more bite before dessert...totally new to us...Biscuit $5...can you see why we had never considered it? Oh! My! These were heavenly...transcendent...sublime. What made these so delicious...lots of butter, for sure...& they fried them in more butter, then they dolloped cultured butter on top...crispy, tender...it blew all the other food away...served with garlic honey...I could be happy just eating these for the rest of my life. Brian said they were better than sex...so I dubbed them, Sex Biscuits! I think they'd sell more with that eye-catching name & accurate description. Brian ordered another round for dessert...& we also shared a Skillet Cookie (rye chocolate chip, brown sugar bourbon ice cream, butterscotch). 

After a delightfully delicious dinner...we went home to sit & visit in our backyard to further enjoy the glorious weather & each other's company...frolicking dogs...a tiny apple on one of our trees...we planted them 4-5 years ago & this is the first year they are giving us fruit...so exciting! Awwwwww, hugs...

Aaron Lee Tasjan was playing at Sessions/Pursuit of Happiness music festival...a free event that books great bands. I told Brian it was up to him if he wanted to leave the house again...& I'm glad we went. I'd seen Aaron at The Shitty Barn several years back & liked him. And...fun fact...Jessica Lee Wilkes is his bass player...she used to be married to J.D. Wilkes from The Shack Shakers. A perfect evening. 

 

Sal's // The Nutcracker

Dress: Amelia Midi Dress by Lisa Says Gah (size XL) via Nuuly

Tights: Snag

Shoes: Chie Mihara: Ulmer in Black Suede & Gold via Poshmark

Earring: etXarte

Necklaces & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-45

This dress was a dream...cream polka dots on three different background colors...just lovely...& that blush color on top was oh, so flattering to my complexion. I felt both pretty & sexy. Plunging neckline, chiffon fabric, lined...this would be ideal for every season but winter. I could have worn a cardigan but I didn't want to break up the already perfect lines. Great vintage vibe. This dress runs a size big...I'm more of a medium now (in dresses that flare below the waist), so if I'd gotten this in a large, I would have been tempted to buy it. 

This was my first time wearing these black suede & gold polka dotted Chie Mihara shoes I found for a steal on Poshmark ($60 vs $350 original price). I mean, not as good a deal as the ones I found at Vinny's for $8 (~$500 new)...but that doesn't happen every day. It's a good thing I had these shoes as I didn't really have a second choice option other than plain boring black. 

This dress felt soft & ultra feminine to me...so I broke out the pearls. It was blowing & snowing when we took these photos...so there are snowflakes in my hair. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Bourbon; Golden Nugget, Jackpot, & Millennial eyeshadow from Too Faced; NYX lipliner in Nectar; Nars lipstick in Rikugien & Bad Girl, & OPI nail polish in What Wizardry Is This?

I first wore this dress on a snowy day...it was the kind of heavy wet snow that coated all the trees & made everything a winter wonderland. Feeling cute...took truck selfies while David ran back into the house to grab something. 

Better photo of my shoes. Dinner at Sal's in Sun Prairie. We had intended on going to our usual favorite Livingston location, but this menu looked better to us. David had a Smoke & Mirrors (Plantation original dark rum, rosemary honey syrup, Suze, served with a smoked rosemary sprig). My drink of choice...Winter Spiced Marg (ginger infused Lunazul Reposed, St. Elizabeth allspice dram, simply syrup, bitter, lime). 

For starters...we ordered Calamari with Fried Brussels Sprouts...these were amazing. How did I not know they serve these with in season vegetables all year round?! I think the last time we had them was back when they moved into this location & there was no veg. So, it's been a while. Chicken Wings with Alabama White BBQ dipping sauce. This was a rare Sal's miss for us. The first plate our server brought us was so salty they were inedible...& the second try was only a bit better. We had a phenomenal waitress...she was warm & friendly...even when we were complaining. David ordered a Terrance's Favorite Pie (WI mozzarella, house red sauce, Italian sausage, roasted red pepper, goat cheese, caramelized onions). I had to have comfort food...Canestri & Cheese (house made canestri pasta, Hook's 2 year cheddar, cheese sauce, bacon, Calabrese chili, breadcrumbs, SarVecchio, grilled chicken, scallion). 

After dinner...we popped into the Sun Prairie Vinny's...Oh, my goodness...cardigan jackpot! The checker stuffed it all into a big black garbage bag. That pile on the kitchen floor, which is bigger than it looks, is what over $300 in thrifted cardigans looks like. 

The second time I wore this dress...I made David & I a yummy meal from Andy Baraghani's book, The Cook You Want To Be...both recipes were outstanding. Spicy Chicken & Tomato Confit, served with Parmesan-Kale Chip Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing. After dinner...we went to the Overture Center early to look at the current local artist displays. 

Hi, we're cute...

I was especially interested in the fiber arts...so much amazing talent...how do you make pictures with fabric?!

This veggie one was my favorite...Roots & Shoots by Susan Jackan. 

After soaking in the art...we headed back upstairs to find our seats for The Nutcracker, which Madison Ballet has been doing every Christmas season for 45 years. We'd both seen The Nutcracker before, but not this production & never together. 

We were in the 3rd row & had a great view of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. It was truly lovely & it may just become a holiday tradition...or perhaps we'll alternate between this & A Christmas Carol.