Like New Again

Well back into the 80's, a neighbour noticed that I liked vintage, and presented me with a bag she'd made from a needlepoint kit. The kits were quite popular in the 50's and 60's. You'd do the needlework, then send it in to have it made into a bag. After many years of use, one of the handles finally gave way. The leather trim was looking tired as well, so I took it to the cobbler for a bit of repair. As you can see, he did a beautiful job, taking it completely apart, adding new trim and handles, and polishing the bottom and sides to mirror-like perfection. I am so happy with the results, and look forward to many more years with what has become one of my most reliable handbags.

Goody and her handbag-together again at last! Reunited and it feels so good...

 I do like a good bow. I already own a nearly identical blouse and skirt-with a different neckline. These things matter...to me anyway. Do I question your hang-ups?

 I can't quite figure out when this brooch is from. The style looks old, but I suspect it is from the 70's, and trying to echo something else. It reminds me of the rhinestone studded hair grips my Nan used to wear in her fancier roller-sets.

This cloisonne clamper bracelet is (I'm fairly sure) 70's.

Please excuse the mirror photos-we're having some extreme weather today with rain, wind, flooding, and a tornado watch until this evening. I thought we might get through spring without anything terrible, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Might be a long night, so I'm blogging now in case we lose power.

I just adore the sheer sleeves on the blouse. That's a style I'd be happy to see return. The way people run air conditioners, a little something light on the arms would be welcome on summer clothes. After trying out some different styles of late, I'm happy to be back in my polyester 70's skirts and blouses. I know what works for me. I don't mind experimenting, but in the end, the clothes I turn to when I don't want to spend too much time fiddling with, "Making it work" tend to be from the mid-late 70's, and more often than not, of are made of synthetic fibres. I have enough to do without ironing. If I have to pull out the iron, it had better be something really spectacular to be worth the effort.

 No ironing boards were assembled in the process of getting dressed.

Outfit Particulars:

1970's Lady Carol polyester shirt and skirt set-New Life Thrift ($1.97)
Vintage needlepoint bag-gift, brought back to life by Caniglia's Shoe Repair (You can trust them with your precious vintage shoes as well)
1970's cloisonne clamper bracelet-Goodwill
Shoes-Goodwill
Brooch-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-Filene's (RIP)
Lippy-Revlon Frosty Lilac mixed with Wet and Wild stain crayon
No fragrance as I was headed to an, "Owl Thing" and didn't want the pheremones/civet/whatever, to case some flapping, screaming, shitting thing with claws to decide it likes me or something.

 I'm still not convinced as to the merits of purple eye shadow. On paper, it should work with my skin tone, but I dunno. Note the lovely mosquito bite on my face. By the time I felt it, the damage was done, but I did brush him away with my hand, revealing a trail of blood. I rarely get bit-even all those years on the farm, but our damp weather has been breeding the little bloodsuckers like crazy.

Speaking of insects-I haven't seen or heard any cicadas yet. We're expecting the emergence of the 17 year ones, and I was looking forward to it (because clearly, my life lacks excitement) but thus far, not a sign of them in the city. I might need to take a drive in the country to find any.

Finally, I'll share a photo of this pretty purple ring I bought at K Mart.

I hope all is well in your part of the world.