Birthday Boo

Dress: Velvet Empire Waist Midi Dress by Anthropologie (size 16) via Nuuly

Tights: Snag

Shoes: Nine & Company, thrifted 

Earring & Bracelet: Vintage

Necklace: Wendy Baker

Purse: Bisou Bisou, thrifted 

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

The color of this dress made me swoon...I mean, I adore green...but chartreuse & olive are my favorite greens & this was both, depending on how the light hit the sumptuous velvet. Very renaissance dress with the empire waist, wide square neckline, puff sleeves, & layered flowing bottom. It was lovely. And it had pockets, for those that like those things. I know, not traditionally "flattering", but fuck flattering, right? I felt like a saucy sexy strumpet in this gorgeous green gown. 

I pulled out these orange sparkly Snag tights for the first time...because plain tights just seemed so...plain.

Green brocade shoes with a bit of sparkle & a kitten heel.

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mildew; Ignite, Blaze, & Mildew eyeshadow by UD; Kat von D eyeshadow in Electric Warrior; Pumpkin lipliner from NYX; MAC lipliner in Chicory; Hypnotic Rust lipstick by Make Up For Ever; & OPI nail polish in A Woman's Prague-ative. 

I wore this outfit to spend a Wednesday with David...on his birthday. We took our knives in to get sharpened, & visited some other shops next door while we waited...Conscious Carnivore & Vom Fass. Then after we picked our knives up...we stopped by Madison Chocolate Co to pick out some birthday chocolates. 

Homebody...this patch reminded me of a few of my friends. After chocolate, photos of me at the capitol...then on to I/O to kill some time before dinner...this was my first time checking out this arcade bar...it's great...appropriate wallpaper. 

Me with my favorite game from back in the day...Ms. Pac-Man. I used to be really good at this in middle school...back when my dad owned an arcade & they had the tabletop version at their restaurant that I played all the time.

I love that they have board games & a nice area to hang out & play them...I didn't have a drink though, so not sure how the bar is. 

A Pig In A Fur Coat...I don't know what it means, but it's a fun name. I sent David a menu of options for restaurants & this is the one he picked...I had only been here one other time with Kate back when they first opened...this was David's first time. I would come back just for this focaccia with rosemary, roasted garlic, olive oil, & balsamic...it was amazing.

Next up, we tried Foie Gras Mouuse (bombolini, guanciale, fig jam, balsamic)...& cocktails...my first was One of Seven (Mi Campo Tequila Reposado, green chartreuse, pomegranate, citrus)...& David had a Scarborough Fizz (Vikre Cedar gin, egg white, soda water, lemon, orange flower). 

Our next course was Fischer Farm Beef Tartare (caper, cornichon, parsnip)...SO delicious. Then, Beef Tongue (black truffle grenobloise, creamed leek, garlic confit braised kale), Risotto (bacon, morel & hen of the woods mushrooms, parmigiano  reggiano), & Au Bon Canard Duck Leg Confit (lentils du plaine, rainbow carrot, spinach, frisée).

Finally, for our last course, we devoured Stuffed Rabbit Leg (garlic sausage, caul fat, wild rice pilaf, velvet pippin mushroom, pickled shallot). And two more drinks...for me, Peachy Sheets (peach pit bourbon, cognac, dry curaçao, lemon, Demerara) & David had a Revolver (bone marrow cognac, Ancho Reyes, honey, orange bitters). 

After dinner, we went back next door to I/O...where I played Ms. Pac-Man, of course. I'm no longer good at this game & David beat me. Sharing chocolates in the car...yummmmm. 

One last stop before heading home...Dark Horse to see their Valentine art show. David Bowie! 

Some of the things we picked up during our wanderings. And...Super Boo Birthday Week continued with meals I made that he chose...starting with Marcella Hazan's Pork Loin Braised in Milk, served with Brussels Sprouts with Peanut Vinaigrette. 

Hi, Rye! I love it when he hangs over the couch & looks at me. I finally tackled Coq au Vin...& it was time consuming, but delicious...I served that with Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Mustard Butter. Then the next day, another classic I'd never made...Beef Wellington.

Isn't it pretty? I served roasted mashed sweet potatoes on the side. Then, since Estrellon is no longer open...I attempted to recreate their Basque Cake, which I added brandied cherries to. It wasn't bad for a first try. It was a delightful birthday week...& David was ridiculously excited by the socks I got him from Pantherella.

 

Dots & Stripes

Sweater: Polka Dot Sweater by Fever (size XL) via Gwynnie Bee

Skirt: Kiyonna 

Socks: Sock Dreams

Shoes: Clarks, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace & Bracelets: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

I'm not sure what I was thinking...a pullover sweater?! I'm into polka dots...it was alright, nothing special. It wasn't the sweater, it was me...just not my thing. I prefer cardigans. I'd say this sweater ran big as I could have definitely gone down a size. 

Also, none of my hundreds of skirts fit...so that didn't help me feel any better about the shapeless sweater. I chose this new with tags Kiyonna stripy one that I folded over & pinned on both sides so it wouldn't fall off. I only wore this outfit to work for a few hours & to an eye appointment to check the fit on my contacts. 

I got to wear jewelry that doesn't get out often...

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Sabbath, Nars Mediteranee palette, Pumpkin lipliner from NYX, Bite Beauty lipliner in 72, Nectar lipstick by Sugarpill Cosmetics, & OPI nail polish in Magnifico Mexico. 

This is how big this skirt was on me...this is without stretching it at all. Car selfie & sexy knee high photos at work for my boyfriend. Back at the eye doctor tweaking my contact prescription. 

 

U.P. Tattoo Brainstorming

Dress: Deep V Tiered Maxi Dress by Cecilia Prado (size 1x) via Nuuly

Shoes: Chinese Laundry, thrifted

Earring: etXarte

Necklace: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

I loved everything about this sweater dress...the style, the colors, the stripes...so warm & wintery. It felt a bit Edwardian to me. The deep v twist front, the balloon sleeves, the contrasting trim...it was just all so lovely...great fit & length. 

This dress needed heels, but I didn't have many shoes that coordinated with it...which surprised me as these are my (earthy) colors. 

I definitely had the make-up & accessories to match...

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Roach & Lucky; Blood Moon, Blazing, & Nefertiti eyeshadow by Huda Beauty; MAC lipliner in Chicory; Hypnotic Rust lipstick from Make Up For Ever; & OPI nail polish in Magnifico Mexico.

I wore this dress to make dinner, Low & Slow Rib Roast with Rosemary & Anchovy with Three Cheese Cauliflower Casserole, then run off to see a show at Slowpoke Lounge...where I had one of their fantastic cocktails, my favorite...the Aviation. 

The Lately // Little Earthquakes. I ended up not loving either band, but it's the chance I take going to see bands I'm not familiar with...& often it is magical...so it's worth it to see a few bands that turn out to be not for me. And another marvelous meal the next night...Pork Chops Puttanesca, served atop roasted cauliflower with garlic, alongside Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo. 

After dinner...I ran off to see Mar at Giige to discuss my next tattoo with them...the U.P. on top of my right foot. They had some fabulous ideas & as always...I'm excited to get started. My first appointment is April 21st...which seems *much* closer now than it did in February. 

 

The Conscious Carnivore

Dress: Sunflower Daydream Dress by Effie's Heart (size 1x) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: ?, thrifted 

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Dansko 

Earring: etXarte

Necklace & Bracelet: Vintage

Photography: Super Boo & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

Super cute sunflower dress from Effie's Heart...I adored the color, however it came to me a bit worn out. These EH dresses are always a dream fit...great length & useful pockets. 

I love all the colors this cardigan added to the outfit...with its greens & bright orange...easy to match, whereas the dress color was a cross between mustard & green. 

I wish I had a few hours each night to alter these cardigans I wear so they'd fit me without having to tie them...however, it is entirely too time consuming. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Mildew; Cube, Destiny, & Edge eyeshadow from Anastasia Beverly Hills; NYX lipliner in Pumpkin; Bang lipstick by UD; & OPI nail polish in Race Red. 

I've been searching for a replacement to the cashmere/wool Italian socks I used to buy David from b.ella...these English socks have so far come the closest...they are a bit more subdued & not quite as bright & fun...but I still liked them enough to take a chance. Socks for David's birthday. I came across this cute Taurus purse while searching for one I saw from Anthropologie in an OOTD post...this will be a good casual summer purse. Selfie for my boyfriend. 

I found this pretty peacock mirror for my cosmetic bag on Amazon...it's slightly smaller than the one I'm used to...but it was falling apart. David putting together another shoe rack for me...exclusively for my Fluevogs. 

Shopping for the weekend meals. These Triple Cross tangerines are spectacular...& are my favorite citrus I look forward to all year. Neither the co-op or my regular butcher, Meat People, had the bone-in rib roast I was looking for...so I went across town to The Conscious Carnivore. When they first opened someone told me something about them that made me stay away...I don't even recall what it was...but am I ever glad I finally went in. They are fantastic...the selection, the knowledge, & friendliness have made them my default place to go for meat. 

Salmon with Sizzling Olive Butter, served atop roasted cauliflower & Hashed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon. After trying half a dozen varieties of Wanderstate Coffee, this is my favorite so far, Driftless. Working on my frame project...there is glitter every where. And another delicious meal...Anchovy-Butter Chicken with Chicken Fat Croutons alongside a salad of Blood Oranges with Crunchy Red Onion & Avocado. 

 

Kate's Birthday Dinner

Dress: Veggie Garden Dress by Eva Rose (size 1x) via Gwynnie Bee

Cardigan: ?, thrifted 

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Express

Earring: Vintage

Necklace & Bracelet: Wendy Baker

Photography: Super Boo, Kate, & Me

Stats: 5'7" 43-41-57

Like all of these cotton Eva Rose dresses...perfection. Great fit & length, with pockets. This was an especially fun print as I LOVE veggies...this would have been cute to wear in the summer as it's sleeveless & would have gone perfectly with my farmers' market tattoo.

I kept this dress from Gwynnie Bee at home for 2 months, as there never seemed to be an occasion to wear it...until Kate's birthday dinner. I guess the perfect occasion would have been shopping at the outdoor market with the girlie, then out to brunch. But that is still months away.

I'm not sure why I chose to dress like an elf with this dress...I wanted to bring out the green, but the bright red shoes were probably a bit much.

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Electric Empire; Legend, Vinyl, & Misfit eyeshadow from Kat von D; MAC lipliner in Cherry; Deep Ruby lipliner by Sephora; Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Red Dragon; & OPI nail polish in Friar, Friar, Pants on Fire. 

I wore this dress to go grocery shopping for Kate's early birthday dinner at our house. Some salmon from the co-op & chocolate from Gail Ambrosius. 

Me cooking & David putting out the appetizers. 

Kate & Jason being cute.

Drinking wine that Kate curated for the evening. 

A recreation of food I've made & we've loved...unfortunately, I added too much soy sauce to the pan & it was overly salty. Sesame-Crusted Salmon with Butter & Ginger Sauce, served with, Broccoli with Fried Shallots & Olives. 

Chocolate for dessert...I had a brandy old-fashioned truffle...Also, I may have had too much wine. After dinner, we retired to the living room.

The original rug we ordered for the living room...the color was stated as purple & brown...however, the reality was navy & grey...I was SO in love with the design, but we sent it back. Kate fainting onto the fainting couch. 

Me & the birthday girlie.