Polly-O String Cheese!
Item: Tank Color/Fabric: Salmon, cotton/spandex Designer: Viola Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years owned: 2+
Tonight is a strange night. Indeed, strange. There is a fearsome wind blowing, and my dogs are crazier than usual. I foresee a long night, with little sleep. So I may as well write, yes?
This is a top that I loved from the instant I first saw it. It reminded me of an old fashioned swimsuit, and my addiction to vintage clothing instantly took over.
I’ve worn this many, many times. To see shows, to shop. And even on stage.
That’s how I remember it best.
Which leads me to discuss another strange fashion compulsion I have, similar to the one where I start liking clothes less after I’ve worn them. I have a hard time wearing clothes again after I’ve worn them in a show.
It’s not a negative thing, at all. I think it has more to do with the fact that I always want to remember the show most of all, and I’m concerned that if I wear it again, another memory will eclipse that of the show. Like I should put them in a glass case or museum of some kind. This is silly, I am fully aware. I just can’t seem to help it.
The show I wore this in was Psycho Beach Party, which is a very fun if very crazy sort of show. I mean that it is seriously nuts. But such a great time!
I was so glad to have this top, since I was supposed to wear a 60’s style swimsuit, and this worked perfectly. I wore it with a little pink striped swimskirt,and felt like I was wearing actual clothing instead of swim wear. That’s important to me.
Nate and I had very small little roles- pretty much cameos. But it was surprisingly difficult. I had to dance on the stage and in the aisles as the audience entered the theater, and it was such a weird feeling. I’m not sure why. I guess that I am just not used to such blatant interaction with the audience.
But however slightly awkward I felt, Nate had it ten times worse. He sat on stage by himself, beating out a slick rhythm on a bongo. Occasionally he would stop, and interject a random phrase, usually given by us backstage. Such things as “Chocolate babies”, “Extra long chili conies”, “Milk, milk, lemonade”, and my personal favorite, “Polly-o string cheese.” Just completely random phrases. It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed. I never got sick of it! It’s one of my favorite theatre memories ever.
And Nate had fun, too, although the improv was really difficult for him.
The show itself was wonderful, directed by my gifted friend Lisa, and starring some of the most talented people I know, like my friend, Tori, who gave a truly inspired and hysterical performance. Here we are in our costumes:
It was a delight to watch backstage. I have to admit that it made me feel really rather old. The cast was all so very young.
I am so proud to have been a part of it, though.
And I still love this little top. It looks so flattering on Trixie. But I don’t think I’ve worn it since.
Here’s hoping that this tempest calms and I can get some sleep.
**This sort of makes me feel like a Pin-Up Girl. I will wear it a while longer!
The LBD, Part Two.
Item: Little Black Dress Color/Fabric: Black (duh) and fabric, unknown Designer: Kenneth Cole Where Purchased: kennethcole.com Years Owned: 2
Today I started to see a little glimmer of my old self, my not sad and angsty self. My name-is-Kerry-I’m-so-very self. Just a little peek. But it’s nice to know that she’s coming back. Since I need her around.
I figured it would help if I wrote about positive, empowering sort of things.
Actually, it will help if I just write, period.
I love this LBD. Nate bought this for me during a crazy online sale almost two years ago, and I’ve worn it two times. The first time was on our ninth anniversary. We were either rehearsing or performing in Tommy, one of my favorite shows ever. We have been either in a show, or rehearsing for a show, for every anniversary for the last five years. So usually we just go out to dinner, and this time we went to Terrapin. It was very chilly for July, and we sat outside. And I wished that I had not chosen this dress.
The second time I wore this was here:
I love this picture. It reminds me of Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistable” video; the paleness, the crazy makeup, the black dress. The hair is a little out of place, though.
My hair and makeup are so crazy because this was after a performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and we were having Gala, which meant a dj dance party and costume contest.
It was awesome.
We got to stay in costume for the gala, and, sadly, there weren’t many non-cast members in costume. I didn’t even stay to see who won the contest. I was unbelievably tired.
I had wanted to be a part of a production of Rocky Horror for years, and I was so thrilled to be able to do it.
It was a really hard time for me, though.
My hip surgery wasn’t even three months before rehearsals, and I was still on crutches for the auditions.
I did sort of lie a little, though. I said that my surgeon had cleared me to do the show. He hadn’t. I didn’t even ask him for fear that he would say no.
I just really, really wanted to be in the show. And in the long run, I think it was the best thing for me. It meant that I never, ever skipped physical therapy, that I did all of my exercises, every day, and that I was extra cautious at all times.
And my recovery was so much speedier than many people who have my surgery.
I’m proud that I made it through that. It wasn’t the easiest experience, but it ended up being a fantastic show, and I made wonderful new friends.
My favorite memory was when Annie and I went to Hanniford still in full hair and make-up to buy water and salads and Monsters. We were doing two shows that night, which was one of the most exhausting things I’ve ever done. But no one even batted an eye at us in the grocery store! Well, except for one man, who could not stop staring and almost fell over himself.
My least favorite memory was my hair. Not that I didn’t love the way it looked- it was indescribably awesome! The process was painful and long. Annie spent a ridiculous amount of time and product on it every night. She is a genius with a bottle of Pump-It-Up. But it hurt. A lot. And it took forever to return it back to normal. And a ton of shampoo. Totally worth it, though.
Anyway, the dress. It really doesn’t look as garbage-bag-like as it does in the picture. It just has a subtle shimmer. And I think the neckline is very flattering, as are the pleated on the top. Anything that adds substance to that area is a winner for me! I did have to repair it, though, and I’m not sure I did a good enough job. Some of the pleats don’t lay exactly right now. It’s such a tiny thing that probably no one will ever notice except me. But it’s just enough for me to wonder if it’s worth keeping. Thoughts?
**I still love this dress, tiny flaw and all. It stays.
Onward and Upward!
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Butter, cotton Designer: Free People Where Purchased: TJ Maxx Years Owned: 4
Oh, I hate so much that I’ve been away! But I am so glad to be back. My little hiatus was born of a combination of laziness, self-pity, time thievery, and a disorganized closet. I haven’t wanted to go into my closet because it’s just too hard to find anything in there at the present moment. Hopefully this weekend I’ll be able to return it to its color coordinated glory.
And lately I just haven’t had much that I’ve wanted to say. Every so often, usually at this time of year, I find myself suddenly unable to handle such a thing as life. It’s best for all if I don’t do much communication during that time.
But I’m going to try.
Here is something that I thought of this weekend, after I had a crazed boot buying relapse (Four pairs. I know.) and I confessed to Vicki that I never try anything on. Usually I just buy things and if they don’t work when I get them home, I’ll return them. Usually.
Sometimes I am so positive that something will work that I rip off the price tag and then try it on with the intention of wearing it instantly. Then I’m stuck.
Like this blouse.
This one has always been sort of a problem for me. I can’t quite figure it out. When I first started to work at Next Boutique, we carried this in black, and I adored it. It sold out right away.
Then, one day, I unearthed this one from the clearance rack at TJ Maxx. I was thrilled! I bought it without trying it on. I saw no reason why it would not be just as adorable as it darker twin.
But. It just wasn’t. The sheer panels in the front are kind of odd. I have to wear something under it, and usually I have a hard time finding something that works. It’s also not really the best color. It’s a step above cream and a step below yellow, so it’s hard to work with. Also it’s not quite long enough to be a tunic, but not quite short enough to be a blouse. It’s puzzling.
The first time I wore it was for an annual Manager’s meeting for the gym. I whipped this out and ripped off the tag and threw it on. And was disappointed. But I really just didn’t have time to conjure up an entirely new outfit, so I was stuck.
The manager’s meeting was, I think, the first big, company wide meeting I went to in a management capacity. I don’t remember much, besides hanging out with Annie, eating tons of delicious food,and talking about future goals.
I never do that well in those types of situations. I remember being really nervous. But it ended up being kind of fun. Long, but fun.
That day I wore this with skinny jeans and glittery flats. I have also tried it with a wide belt and heels, and with wide legged trousers. Nothing quite works.
I want to love it. I feel like I am not being creative enough with it.
But I haven’t been able to bring myself to get rid of it. Maybe it’s time.
**This never really lived up to my hopes for it, so I’m setting it free. I think someone else should try it! Want it? Purchase here:
Bliss! Joy! Salmon!!
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Blue/green/purple, silk Designer: Max Studio Where Purchased: A consignment shop in Perrysburg, Ohio Years Owned: 1
I had a lovely evening last night. I had no rehearsal for anything for the first time in what feels like months, and so Nate and I went on a date. It was our first proper date since Spain. On second thought, I guess that it wasn’t really all that proper, as I was wearing yoga pants and running shoes. I didn’t get home from work until 7:30, and was too hungry to worry about proper attire.
In 45 minutes, I ate more than I have all week. Combined.
It was magnificent.
We really don’t go out to eat all that often, because Nate likes to cook and is very good at it. Which is a wonderful thing, but means that our kitchen constantly looks like a tornado went through it.
So going out to dinner is a much appreciated treat.
Of course I started to think about the last fine feast we ate together (outside of the many multitudes in Spain).
It was in July, our tenth wedding anniversary.
Ten years!
In one thought, it feels like a blink of an eye. And in the next thought, a deep ocean of time has passed.
A decade of marriage.
I remember thinking about what it would be like to be married, and the tenth anniversary seemed like such a milestone. Monumental.
In actuality, there was little circumstance, and hardly any pomp.
We didn’t get each other gifts, because we were saving for Spain.
We didn’t have time to write elaborate cards in the secret language of the heart.
We were simply too busy, both working full time and rehearsing for The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
But we at least eked out a few hours for dinner.
I wore this dress for the first time. It was something I had picked out with my mother at her favorite little consignment shop, and even though it was new, with tags, it was a fabulous deal. I find consignment shops are hit and miss. Sometimes you unearth little diamonds for the price of a piece of coal, sometimes they ask for $20 for a used Old Navy sweater. It’s odd.
Anyway, I put on the dress, moving quickly, since we had to be at rehearsal, and these shoes, which I love:
I love the chunkiness and architectural curve of the heel, and the vividness of the green.
I asked Nate where we were going.
“I was thinking of trying this place in the Entertainment Book, Louie’s Fine Dining.”
A little bell started ringing in my head.
First, I wasn’t that excited about the idea of using the discount book on our Epic Anniversary, but I was willing to cope, since we were saving for Spain.
Two, I am a little scared of places that put ‘Fine Dining’ in the title. That’s one of those things that should go without saying. If said, I tend not to believe it.
“Maybe we could just go to Le Canard,” I suggest hopefully.
Nope. Nate had his heart set on Louie’s.
We used the navigation system to find it, and it looked like it was very near to my work.
The bell in my head gathered intensity.
“But I’ve never heard of it,” I say warily. “If it was good, shouldn’t I have heard of it?”
Nate clung to his hope, saying that it was probably a hidden little gem.
Then we found it. In the Holiday Inn.
By this time the bell in my head had turned to an actual siren. I did not want to go to a restaurant at the Holiday Inn on my tenth wedding anniversary. Not to sound snobbish, or anything, but, no.
We ended up at Le Canard after all, and it was perfect. We opened the door, and were transported to a cozy cafe in Paris. I had vichyssoise, and the most meltingly delicious salmon I’ve ever had.
Dinner magic.
A few weeks later, we did brave Louie’s. It was not bad, except for a moment when an employee came out of the kitchen and grabbed some carrots from the salad bar with his bare hand.
Fine dining, indeed!
Now about this dress. I know there are wrinkles, but try to look past them. If I wear it again, I will steam it. Which, ok, might put a damper on the wearing it again thing. But it’s sweet, and a nice little summer frock. Hmm.
**This is pretty, but I’m not in love with this. I can let this one go. Any takers?
The Wrath Of A Freighter.
Item: Jacket Color/Fabric: White, cotton Designer: Cino Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: 3
Well, this is it. The final installment in my brief outerwear diversion. I’m not sure if I will get rid of one or two coats. I said two because I imagined myself posting many more jackets than my schedule ended up allowing me to. But we’ll see. I might find more strength than I know I have, and be able to eliminate two.
Tonight will also have to be brief- I am having weird pain in what I formally called “My Good Hip,” and sitting isn’t very pleasant right now.
Yes. I am an elderly woman.
Anyway.
This is a light little jacket that might technically be called a wind breaker, if I wasn’t so certain that wind breakers as a rule are not this cute. I like this very much, but I really haven’t worn it very often.
I do remember the first time I ever wore this, in New Paltz. A man stopped me to tell me how sharp my jacket was.
Usually I consider it a good sign if complete strangers approach me to say that they like something I’m wearing.
This man may have been a teensy bit nuts, though, so I’m not sure how much his opinion counted.
My favorite time I wore this was on a boat. Kevin and Michael took Nate, Lizzie and me sailing. It was Lizzie’s first time sailing, and she wasn’t so sure about it.
I think there was a fear of sea-sickness.
But we had a great time! See:
That Stone Roses tee Nate is wearing is a story for another time. It has seen many, many triumphs and tragedies, and it may in fact be older than I am. Someday I might tell some stories about Nate’s clothes. It could be interesting! He keeps things even longer than I do.
Well. We were having a lovely time on the boat, as we always do. The company was wonderful, and the scenery couldn’t be prettier. It’s so peaceful on the river. Even when it’s packed with boats, the Hudson has a serenity all its own. I love it.
As you can tell from the picture, this day had some real wind in it, too. Sometimes we just float or putter around, but on that day there was actual sailing. Lizzie helped, and did very well for her first time.
There was only one thing that could make the day better- Chinese food! So we went to the far bank and tied the boat to the pier and ordered China Rose.
The food took forever. By the time we got the food, it was almost dusk.
I think that we all saw the freighter go by, but it didn’t really seem like a big deal.
We were almost all back in the boat when the waves started coming.
They crashed.
Over and over.
Nate had been on the dock, and he hit the deck. The boat was rocked completely sideways- it felt like it was air-born at times. I was terrified it would land on top of Nate, and it seemed like the thrashing would never cease..
Thankfully, it finally did. And no one was hurt, not even the boat. Everything was tossed about and out of place, but we were all fine. Most importantly, the food survived! And we all enjoyed the deliciousness.
Now we know to beware the freighter.
Lizzie might not have sailed since, and I might not have worn this jacket since. I’m not sure, but I hope the answer is yes in both cases. I did think this would be nice to bring to Spain, but it didn’t make the cut. Should it now?
And PS. Now you can go back and vote on all the coats- even if you voted before, you can vote again and change your mind if your opinions have changed now that you’ve seen the whole line-up.
**I like this, but I’m still not sure if it should stay. I could use more feedback!
Stop. Change!
Item: Coat Color/Fabric: Tan, suede Designer: ?? Where Purchased: A Thrift store, unknown Years Owned: At least 10
I feel like my brain has turned off. I’m not sure of the reason for this happenstance; perhaps I’ve scared it away. Or maybe it got sick of my whining about everything all the time. I just don’t know. But it has really not been working at full capacity for quite some time.
Maybe I just need more sleep. Says the girl who is up beyond midnight to write about an old suede coat.
I just feel like it’s not going to happen tonight. The sleeping, I mean. It is such an elusive, crafty creature. The more I want it, the less of it I get.
Anyway, tonight I had a lovely impromptu girls night with Annie and Vicki. It was very relaxed, as we are all busy and tired. We watched All That Jazz, which is much more strange and much less musical than I thought it would be. I found it very interesting, and I think this coat would have looked great in it.
It might have even come from the movie. I don’t remember where I got it, nor when. But I’ve had it forever.
It is a surprisingly warm and weighty coat. I think it might weigh five pounds. It’s heavy. But I haven’t worn it all that often. Mostly because the suede is old and stiff, and hard to button. It is a finger workout to maneuver the buttons into their proper homes, and sometimes I just haven’t got the strength!
When I pulled this out today, I did the first thing I have done each time I brought out a coat these last few week. I went through the pockets. This time I found a movie ticket.
Apparently, I wore this in 2005 to go see Star Wars, Episode 3; Revenge Of The Sith. We went to the midnight showing with a gaggle of IMBers. It seemed like an appropriate event to wear a suede trench coat.
Many other people found it appropriate to dress up as Sith Lords.
To each his own.
That was a fun night, as it always is with Nate’s co-workers.
The other time I remember wearing this was the only time I’ve ever gone to New York City on my own. I had to go pick up tickets to the MTV Woodie Awards, (an event I wrote about here) and it could only be done the day before the event. And so I left work early and hopped on a train.
It was exhilarating.
When I came out at Grand Central Station, I felt dazed, even though I had been there so many times before. It was unbelievable to me that just a few short hours before I was in Kingston, and working. And now, a whole new world!
I felt a new and welcome sort of confidence as I maneuvered the streets on my own.
I made a quick stop in time square, where the March wind whipped and tore ruthlessly. I felt very sheltered by my heavy suede coat.
I had made a date to meet Kevin, who was working in the city. We had just said “Times Square,” without feeling the need to be more specific.
Once I was there amidst the neon and the car horns and the camera flashes and the super heroes and the paper pawners, I felt that it was very unlikely that we would ever find each other.
And then, as I stood right at the point of the square, I turned, my hair blowing across my face, and then I saw my friend, rushing towards me. It was like a movie, like we had not seen each other in years. A happy reunion!
Kevin walked me to the theater to get my tickets, and then had to go off to work. I think that I picked up some food, and headed back home.
Such a simple journey.
Nothing exciting really happened.
But it was a magical day, just the same. I don’t know why.
There was just something about being in the city on my own that made my heart happy. I felt like an adult. I felt capable.
I always imagined going more, bringing my laptop, finding fun and inspiring places to write. I just never found the time to do it. Maybe I will try again.
I think maybe is a word I use all too frequently.
As for the coat, well. I like it. I don’t think I’ve worn it since. But I love vintage pieces, and I think it looks great on Trixie. It might be time to dust it off a bit.
**I am still intrigued by this. I think I should hang on to it for a bit.
The Show Stealer.
Item: Coat Color/Fabric: Spring Green, cotton Designer: Express Years Owned: 6
Tonight I am contemplating something to remind me that, eventually, it will be spring. That no matter how much more horrible this winter can possibly get, it can’t last forever. That there is a light at the end of the snow and ice covered tunnel. The light will be Spring!
I remember the thrill that overtook my heart when I first laid eyes on this coat. It was such a functional, traditional form, with such a feminine, breezy pattern. I wanted to be that feminine, breezy girl!
I had big plans for this coat. I imagined that I would wear this until all the buttons fell off.
And then…I didn’t. It’s much harder to wear then I ever dreamed. It sort of is the outfit. It never fails to steal the show. It’s all about this coat.
It’s hard enough most of the time to coordinate a complete outfit. But then try to have your entire outfit match your outerwear, and things get much more complicated.
I mean, one simply can’t wear this coat with jeans and black boots. Or with a bright red flowy skirt. Or with blue herringbone trousers. Well, maybe the trousers could work…
And so I would try to plan entire outfits around the coat. And then I would usually get frustrated and decide to wear something else.
The one time I did manage to get it right was when Nate’s mom Kathy came to stay with us for a while. It was, I think, just about a year since we had moved here, so 2005, maybe April or May. It was close to Mother’s Day, but cool enough to warrant a spring coat.
We bought Kathy tickets to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway for Mother’s Day.
I wore a lime green blouse that is history, and a darker green flowered skirt that I still own. Plus the jacket, and white flats, and I felt pretty adorable.
And we had a lovely day. We visited the Met, and marveled at all the grandiosity for a while. Then there was a stroll through Central Park, dinner at Broadway Joe’s, where Kathy only got cheesy potatoes (but they changed her life!), and then cheesecake at Ben’s Deli.
It was splendid!
And then the show. I wasn’t quite sure how she would respond, having heard that there was a bit of bad language and crude humor. However, she loved it. Loved it! Laughed harder than anyone in the theater.
And my mother-in-law’s laugh is really something to hear. It’s high and loud, chock full of joy, and never ceasing. It’s one of my favorite laughs in the world. When Nate and I were in Chicago, there were talks of hiring her to be in the audience every night.
But not everyone loved her laugh in the Broadway theater. People would turn in their seats and give her the nastiest looks. It made me so angry. I mean, why weren’t they laughing, too? It’s a comedy! Did they think that a show entitled Dirty Rotten Scoundrels might be some sort of tragic drama? I think their lives were just so miserable that they just couldn’t let go and have an enjoyable night. It’s sad, really
Kathy didn’t care, however. Her laughter rang from the rafters until the curtain closed. It was a great show, with such an amazing cast. I really wasn’t prepared to like it as much as I did. And we had a wonderful time!
The coat, I’m sad to say, I haven’t worn much since. I’m even sadder to say that as I was putting it on Trixie, I noticed that I never even opened the kick pleat in the back. So I had been walking around with it all weirdly closed before. Embarrassing.
But I am ever so fond of it. Dusting it off today cheered my heart a little with thoughts of Spring. And I feel like I should wear it at least one more time, to see what it looks like with the pleat opened. Yes?
**After much deliberation, I’ve decided to part with this. It’s headed to my dear friend, Lizzie!
While You Debate Half-Empty Or Half-Full…
Item: Cropped Pea-Coat Color/Fabric: Plum, wool Designer: Bitten By Sarah Jessica Parker Where Purchased: Steve and Barry’s Years Owned: 2.5
Uuuugggghhhhhhh. I had to let that out. At this point saying that I am sick of snow is like saying that I enjoy breathing. We’re all in the same boat, so there’s really not a point in discussing it. Unless you happen to drive a snow plow. Then you’re definitely not in my boat. You’re in your plow, laughing all the way to the bank as you assume right of way at all intersections and drive through my yard.
My gut feeling, and by that I mean my clairvoyant arthritic hip, is telling me that there will be snow, but not a ton. Just enough to have some cancellations, but not enough to stay home warm in my bed without crippling feelings of guilt.
So. Another coat! This one was the best find ever at Steve and Barry’s. The best thing about Steve and Berry’s was that it was next to my work, and I could go there and sort through cheap jewelry and funny tee-shirts when I needed a quick escape. Oh, that and the giant boxes of shiny wooden hangers I got for two dollars when they went out of business.
I was sad when they went out of business. I was hoping against hope that a TJ Maxx might go into the space. Or if I couldn’t have another discount clothing store, at least a Starbuck’s.
But no. I get a bank. A Wells Fargo, to be precise. When there is already a Wells Fargo in the Kingston Plaza.
Anyway, this is another little jacket that’s a little puzzling. It has a little more substance then my white wool coat, but it’s still not for the dead of winter. Again, no bum cover. I really like it, though. I’m pretty sure that I got it for $6.99.
Yes, I know I’m not supposed to say things like that any more. But once I mention that something was purchased at Steve and Berry’s, it just doesn’t make sense not to brag about the bargain.
I’ve worn this one a few occasions. The one I remember most was to see a production of Oliver! somewhere I can’t remember.
The trip was organized by our friends Herman and Andy, who directed the show a short time before this field trip. And I can’t remember exactly how many of us there were, but it was enough to warrant renting a van.
Andy has a storied career in event planning, so of course he made this an event!
He made a Candy Van.
It really is as wonderful as it sounds. A van. Filled with candy.
Ok, perhaps filled isn’t quite the right word. That just conjured up an image of opening the van door as a flood of Tootsie Rolls and Snickers bury your feet.
No, it was more like a garland of Christmas lights and greenery with delicious candy bars and candy canes thickly and generously interspersed throughout.
To the surprise of absolutely no one, my clearest remembrances of that evening involve the ride to and fro. It was a lovely time. I think we even had mugs of delicious hot liquid. It was festive.
I also remember singing “Don’t Stop Believin’!” as loudly as possible. And Andy showing me a way to button the collar of this so that it hangs open in a sort of ripple. I tried to duplicate it on Trixie just now to no avail.
Also that I wore impractical shoes- suede fuchsia peep toe heels. I always love the look of a peep toe heel with tights. But it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense when there is snow on the ground. Which is prime tight wearing weather. A poor decision on my part.
Now for a decision about the jacket. Do I like this? For sure. Do I need to keep it? Not quite as sure.
**I have worn this a few times this winter, and really enjoyed it. It stays a while longer.
The Final Reckoning (For A bit, At Least)!
Ah. A crazy week! It’s been an emotional roller coaster. Many great things, many awful things. And I still feel a little nauseous.
I hate that I was only able to write about three pieces this week. I really attempted to write every night, but many times I was just unable.
The positive side is that after this reckoning, I will be that much closer to being up to date!
On that note, the first decision of the evening is a lovely sweater (here). I’m surprised that this received such a solid show of support. I’m not sure why, I guess just because it’s old. But it’s still in great shape, and since everyone wants me to keep it, I will. And I love Kev’s suggestion to wear to shreds- I might try that… And Angelica, you are so, so wise. I love your comments.
Next, an aside. I love all of the pieces I wrote of in my One- Hundredth post (here), and even though I regret to admit that I still haven’t worn any of them yet, I can’t get rid of any of them yet. I have big, big plans.
And now for some irony (here). Two days after writing this, with the exclamation to “Let the madness begin!” I decided to wear this to see the Spider-Man musical, and it happened to be the night that an actor was seriously injured. Terrible. Can I keep this after such trauma? Oo, I don’t know. I did quite like wearing it that night, until the accident. I think the only thing to do is to place it on probation. I may have to write about this one again, and take another poll…
And, a skirt (here)! This is a hard one, and my voters didn’t really help that much, as 36% are undecided. Usually, that would be enough to make me want to toss. But I love that picture, and the way the skirt sort of drapes. I think I need to put this on probation, also. If I don’t wear it this winter, it’s done.
Next, something else that I love (here)! I know that I’m being too easy tonight. But it was a tough week, and clothing comforts me. So…keep.
Now, a blouse (here). This one was a tie, since we all know that I will never iron this. It is cute, but I this I have too many similar things. It is painful, but this one is my first cut of the night.
Here is a dress (here). I know that it’s dark, and somewhat boring. But it is classic, and I feel that I need to own at least one piece of this nature. The smart decision is to keep. I know that if I didn’t, the situation where I would need it would immediately arise.
And the sweater I wore when I held Bono’s hand (here). I love this sweater. And only one person wasn’t sure about it. Plus it has been in Bono’s presence. I will keep.
Next, a well-traveled tank (here). This is tough. I haven’t had this that long, and I’ve only worn nce. It doesn’t seem fair to blindly toss. And yet, it only received three votes to stay. I do find Annie’s comment helpful though. I think it deserves another chance. Probation. But a really serious probation.
And now, tee-shirt dress (here). I’m not head over heels about this dress, but I think I just haven’t bonded with it yet. I’m still maybe a little bitter that it isn’t the Robert Rodriguez flapper dress. But I have been dying to winter-fy it and see how it looks. I think it could be great. I’m going to hesitantly keep.
Next, Nicole Miller (here)! I’m glad everyone likes this dress. How weird that no one would touch it at Next. I guess it was just waiting for me. Carolyn, you can borrow whenever you wish! Otherwise, I will keep and hope for more weddings soon.
A cape. I mean, a shawl (here). This got no for sure votes to keep. I have pondered- and I’m still not sure. I think it’s going. Just to the costume closet, though. I just can’t toss this. It has mystified me.
And lastly (here). 81% says to keep. I think I have to, and wear it the very first day of something. Actually, this does have another, and happier, memory. A story for another day. Keep.
I know I am not being tough enough. I can’t help it at this moment.
I did just donate a plethora of pieces to the Center, though. That should help.
I can’t wait to see what February might bring me. I hope it’s less white.
And next weekend, my first recap!
Win Some, Lose Some.
Item: Jacket Color/Fabric: White, wool Designer: Lux Where Purchased: Urban Outfitters Years Owned: Fourish
Here is a little jacket that truly isn’t very practical. I suppose that it’s nice in the fall or spring, when it’s not too cold. It’s wool, so it is a little on the warm side. It’s just so darn itty bitty. The sleeves are not full length, and it’s very cropped.
Therefore, I don’t think I’ve found the occasion to wear this very often.
I bought this in Philly with Annie, on a break from a business conference. It was, I believe, one of our first true bonding experiences. We listened to Justin Timberlake in the car. It was a great time.
I wore this, most likely the very day after I bought it, to Next Boutique, and the Next girls adored it. Which helped raise it up in my esteem level.
So of course I brought this on our little jaunt to Gatlinburg.
On one of Nate’s days off from judging, we visited the Biltmore mansion in North Carolina, which is the “Fancy” Vanderbilt mansion. This:
Yes, the house was amazing, and I was having a great time. But clearly I was also very pleased with my outfit. I think the most amazing part of it are my Grandmother’s golden gloves. And so I posted this on something online, I think it may have been Myspace then (is that even still around?). Feeling sort of proud of my shiny belt and cropped military jacket.
And my freind Luke commented “Looks like someone is stuck in the eighties!”
Sound of ego, deflating.
After that, I don’t believe that I wore this jacket much more.
We did have a delightful time during the rest of our Tennessee trip. We went all “Tourist” and bought a package of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not attractions. But only because it was off season and Dollywood was closed. I am sort of fascinated by the idea of Dollywood, and someday will concquer it.
The package we bought included a haunted house, the museum of crazy things, a ride of some sort, an aquarium, and some themed mini-golf courses. There was a package where you could choose to go to just a few of the attractions. But no. We wanted the lot!
Some of it was oodles of fun, such as the ride thing that did something specific that I can’t recall but did enjoy, and the aquarium. Some was very disappointing, such as the museum of crazy crap and the haunted house. And some of it was just plain closed, such as the themed mini-golf.
So before we left, we stopped to see if we could downgrade to one of the smaller packages since the mini-golf was not an option.
“Of course, no problem,” the ladies said, refunding our money.
“Here’s my credit card to charge the other package,” said Nate.
The woman pushed it away. “Shhh,” she said.
“But, we didn’t pay,” Nate protested.
“Shhh” the woman repeated.
And so we left, feeling slightly guilty, but most likely paying those Ripley’s people what their attractions are worth.
I mean, I have been to Disney world, so… Ok, perhaps I’m a bit of an attraction snob. I admit it. But there’s no way that mermaid was real. I mean, seriously.
And now for the jacket. I stare at it and argue with myself. Yes, I love it! No, it’s odd! I can’t live without it! I don’t need it at all!
Is it cute or is it useless? I can’t decide.
**I have loved this so long, but it’s time to say goodbye. Want to say hello to it? You can buy it here! https://posh.mk/yOWzGdr6q9
I Am What I Wore 