Sunday, September 30, 2018

Rocktober Fest

 Having been around when this look was popular the first time there are people that would say I shouldn't wear it now. I don't listen to those peoplešŸ˜€.
 I can't say I have a favourite era for vintage-I look for interesting pieces and put them together. Sometimes, as with this outfit they look period correct, but this long sleeveless coat would work equally well over a modern dress, or with jeans.
 I will always love a big medallion necklace, probably because my mum wouldn't let us wear them. There was a big scare in the early 70s about a woman being struck by lightning wearing one! I suspect it was a bit of urban folklore, but everyone insisted they either read it in the paper, or knew someone that knew someone (in folklore terms that's what's called a FOAF-Friend of a friend) and my mum wasn't risking her children to cool necklaces. If I am struck by lightning wearing one of my many pendants or large medallions, I'll apologise to her in the afterlife.
 Mum had no such fears regarding rings, thankfully.
Outfit Particulars:
Vintage sleeveless coat (is there a better term for this item of clothing?)-Goodwill
Trousers-Target, about 18 years ago
Vintage shoes-Goodwill
Blouse-Goodwill
Medallion necklace-Goodwill
Handbag-New Life Thrift
Bangles, rings-all over
Earrings-K Mart
Fragrance-I think it was vintage formulation Azuree that day. That's my favourite hippie fragrance.

 If I don't hold up this door, who will?!
 This style of dress is something I also remember well. Made to look like separates, it is a two-fabric sleeveless dress with an overshirt/jacket to match the skirt. This look stayed popular for years, and I even had some based on a similar idea when I started working in the 80s. I guess a good, practical idea resists change. With the current 70s revival in fashion I would fully expect Gucci to bring this back for F/W 2019.
 This brooch has matching earrings. I'm trying to avoid doing anything with my hair, if you were wonderinmg what the headband was about. They're hard to manage with gigantic eyeglass frames.
Outfit Particulars:
Vintage dress and shirt-Goodwill (I think)
Vintage handbag-Thrift World
Vintage shoes-Goodwill
Vintage brooch and earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage bakelite stretch bracelet-Goodwill


 So now, we have a bit of a 70s theme going, haven't we? Fine by me, if the Polyester Wilderness beckons, might as well answer.
 I would have bought this set for the buttons alone.
 I'm helpfully holding up another wall. I remember my grandmother wearing outfits like this, with slightly tamer accessories (though she loved a good handful of rings). If I wear it again, I'd stick to a solid poloneck beneath as there's just too much going on here. I like pattern mixing, but the blouse detracts from the wild pantsuit pattern.
Outfit Particulars:
Waistcoat/trouser set-A Goodwill in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Red polyester jacket-Goodwill
Blouse-Thrift World
Earrings-World Market
Handbag-New Life Thrift
Amber cha cha bracelet-Goodwill
Other bangles-mostly Goodwill and Thrift World
Scottie brooch-Etsy

 When I bring out the corduroy you know I'm really feeling the retro. And yes, the handbag is corduroy as well.
 I do have a great deal of brown in my wardrobe, but I'm one of those people that's blessed with an ability to wear it. My dark eyes, dark hair and pasty ghoul-like complexion works well with most shades of brown. I'm in my fifties-I know what works for me by now. Anyway, if brown isn't your thing, I've noticed it can still be worn successfully near your face with the addition of a bright scarf, and brown works so well with red, orange, yellow, and green.
 This acrylic cardigan was a bargain [piece of vintage (.49 cents) and it is incredibly warm. I could probably make it through early winter wearing this thing. I'm not generally a fan of belted sweaters, particularly ones that button on the hips, but this is slouchy enough that it has the "Boyfriend" look though no boyfriend of mine ever wore anything like this, even when it was contemporary. I tend to date (and marry)slobs. That's ok-don't want someone prettier than I am, do I?
Outfit Particulars:
1970s corduroy skirt-Goodwill
19709s acrylic cardigan-Goodwill
Esprit 80s handbag-Thrift World (I think)
Clog/boot hybrids-New Life Thrift
Hoop earrings-K Mart
70s bracelets and rings-all over

 Finally, this dress which longtime readers will notice makes at least one appearance each autumn. Sometimes I wear it with green, sometimes with orange. This year I've gone with mustard yellow as I have a new (to me) pair of suede shoes. Yes, sometimes I plan an outfit from the feet up!

 I had forgotten about this pale yellow snakeskin bag. I should have taken a photograph of the beautiful leather lining. They just don't make bags like this anymore and for the sake of the bag's longevity, perhaps it is best I forget I own it. I'm always torn about using really nice things, but as I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, it is probably best to just use and enjoy things.

 The 40s wood brooch is one of my favourites. I really enjoy the Thermoset Lucite earrings as well.

Outfit Particulars:
Chadwick's dress-Thrift World
Bolero-Goodwill
Shoes-Goodwill
Handbag-Hand-Me-Ups
Earrings-New Life Thrift
Brooch-Etsy
Bakelite bangles-all over

I have a busy week ahead starting with Danny seeing his allergist. We are hoping he can discontinue the last of the steroid medications, which would be good news. As we'll be so close to downtown and his appointment is midday, we'll use it as an opportunity to visit the Joslyn art museum a few blocks down the street. Going home and doing math would be my idea of fun, but I'm going to give the kid a break. I'll have to pick a painting for him to do a close study of to make it a fully educational trip. That, and I can go grab coffee while he spends an hour in front of a paintingšŸ˜. I grew up around an art school, and I am now using my mother's play book. At least I'm not making him clean brushes for me!

The autumn bird migration is just barely underway, but we are continuing to visit birding hotspots anyway. Danny's group that he assists with banding birds will be resuming this month, and as these banding sessions are open to the public it gives him an opportunity to share what he knows with other young people. If you are in the Nebraska/Iowa area and would like to attend one of the bandings, you may find the information HERE.

If you like orchestral music and Halloween, The Heartland Philharmonic has the Hauntcert for you! Come in costume and join the fun. More information HERE.

If opera is your thing (it isn't mine, but Danny really loves it and I get to be sung to sleep for a minimum of three hours so everybody wins) the Metropolitan Opera simulcasts in HD at participating theatres is a great way to see a season of opera without going broke. More info HERE.

Finally, it is never to early to start planning your barmbrack recipe for Halloween. In recent years I have been making this one. Recipe HERE.

Hope your Rocktober is rockin'.





16 comments:

Bibi Maizoon said...

Superhits of the 70's! Loving those far out earth tones on you! I recall when those faux patchwork prints were in too- (inspired by Holly Hobby & the TV show "Little House on the Prairie" perhaps?) Every time I see one of those cardigan sweaters I immediately think of Starsky & Hutch. I was forced to wear so many polyester pantsuits in my pre-teen years (either homemade or from Montgomery Ward) that I am permanently traumatized.
That medallion necklace is the cooliest!

SeƱora Allnut said...

Lovely 70's style and lovely mixed prints and sleeveless coats. You totally rock in every ensemble! I love the first sleeveless coat and the big pendant, so groovy!. And I've never heard about anybody being struck by lightning wearing a pendant!, it has to be a really big pendant to cause this effect!! I think you're totally safe (and fabulous!) ;DDD
I really love how you wear these earthy colors, love them with orange and green. And such gorgeous brooches, I'm loving the 'autumn leaves' one and also the big green rhinestones!
Brown color is not my cup of tea, probably because of some childhood trauma, but I'm working on it!
besos

Mim said...

Happy Rocktober to you too, Queen of the Polyester Wilderness! I guess I'd call the sleeveless coat a longline waistcoat, though really that depends on the back... I dunno, otherwise. A jerkin?

That brooch on the two-part dress/jacket is a winner.

bahnwƤrterin said...

at design school we called it "chasuble" (french spoken) - it came into fashion again right then with the early-90s-hippy-revival.....
you´r wearing some groooovyy outfits! and as know the cool 70s fashion mostly from the telly - 1970 GDR was very dowdy - i´m partying in front of the screen with a big happy smile on my face :-D
and as always - you have the most gorgeous accessories!
fingers crossed for the doc appointment & have fun the the museum! xxxxx

Vix said...

You are totally rocking these outfits and if you didn't look so good in that long waistcoat in the first photo I'd demand you sent it my way!
Always good to see the peacock feather dress!xxx

Polyester Princess said...

Happy Rocktober, Goody, and you're certainly rocking that cool, long sleeveless 1970s coat. Not sure what to call it either, not even in Flemish! I agree with you that it's high time these dress suits are back into fashion, as I love them. And oh, that polyester pant suit. Be still my beating heart! I'm swooning over the amber bracelet, too. But my favourite is your last outfit, which is gorgeous! I love all the mustard shades, and that snakeskin bag is divine. I'm not surprised that autumnal wooden brooch is a favourite! Crossing my fingers for Danny's allergist appointment! xxx

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

Goody, you are looking so fabulous in your 70s themed outfits! The sleeveless coat is amazing; the shape, the colours, and the pattern. Pant suits, faux patchwork faux two pieces; that wonderful dress and all the amazing bangles, brooches, rings and earrings. I have fallen for your yellow suede shoes in a big way; they're magnificent.

I don't really like opera either so good luck to you! Good luck with Danny's appointment, too.

I would love the recipe for the plum whatsit you posted in your last post; I looked through the recipes part of your blog but couldn't see it. I love plums....

Hope your week is going well.

Mrs Rat said...

Your fall wardrobe colors are wonderful, as is the way that you mix them. As always, I am so impressed by your accessories, especially the knitting-style bag with the bird print. And I like the patchwork print two-piece dress very much---it's both playful and serious.

Goody said...

@Bibi
I can see that being trauma inducing!

@Senora Allnut
Thank you! Isn't it strange how things we wore as a child can leave us traumatised as adults? I feel the same way about Hudson Bay blanket coats.

@Mim
Jerkin is probably the correct term-thank you for the reminder!

@Beate
The dowdy look is fashionable now with the millenial kids. They're even wearing horrible shoes ;)

@Vix
The coat is made from some sort of upholstery fabric, and definitely home sewn-I'll bet you could run one up in an hour with the wild fabrics in your stash.

@Ann
You are my fellow polyester lover, so I know if you admire it, the outfit is good! Danny's appointment went well-he's now down to only 2 medications and a monthly allergy jab. Thanks for the good thoughts!

@Veronica
The recipe is one that I use with whatever fruit I have to hand. It is very plain, but here's the recipe (in US measures, but easy to convert online):

You Will Need:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup soft vegetable shortening (or butter)
1 large egg
1/2 cup of milk (any % milkfat is fine)
1 1/2 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruit, butter, and brown sugar for topping and a dash of spice (I like allspice with plum)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 inch square tin. Mix together well the sugar, shortening and egg. Stir in the milk. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Pour in tin. Slice and arrange fruit on top of batter. Sprinkle with sugar and spices and dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Bake 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centre of cake comes out clean. Serve warm with cream.

Hope you like it.

Beth Waltz said...

Your autumn wardrobe should inspire the trees to get on with their fall display! Moi, I'm admiring the bags, especially the 70s tapestry/velvet and the yellow snakeskin. (And for the record, I still wear a Bean catalog corduroy shirtdress that's laundering well, now in its 3rd decade of service. Good corduroy improves with age!)

Goody said...

@Beth
Our trees are being a bunch of lazy loafers! They had better get on with the show before the wind and rain blow them all to the ground green. L.L.Bean used to make some excellent quality stuff-not shocked you're still wearing it. My younger self was partial to Land's End as I lived near an outlet store in Illinois and could buy great stuff that was returned from catalog purchases. Yeah, sometimes it had the wrong monogram on the cardigans but I liked being mysterious ;)

Emily from Etsy said...

Your autumn outfits are a feast for the eyes! I never know what to wear with purple, but you've inspired me with your oranges and yellows and bold jewelry. I'm rooting for Danny as he gets closre to finishing his allergy treatments.

Propagatrix said...

Anna Netrebko’s singing AIDA this Saturday. It’s the Frisell production: horses AND elephants!!! Danny will love it.

Goody said...

@Emily
It went well. He doesn't need to carry an eppi pen anymore either which means he can ditch the fanny pack. The medical ID bracelet gets to go as well. He's really happy. There's still 2 years more of monthly allergy injections, but then he's done.

@Propagatrix
We are going to the re-broadcast Wed. night because he has bird banding this saturday, but I always think opera is better at night ;)

Emily from Etsy said...

That's wonderful news about Danny! It's so freeing not to need all those medical devices and accessories any more.

Radostin said...

I'm very glad you don't listen to those people. Some people should just not be listened to. I really love that sleeveless jacket - a fantastic print & I love the colours. Would it go at all with that amazing bluey Vera skirt from a post or two back, I wonder? I feel you were feeling particularly loud, I mean. I rather like the trouser suit with the patterned shirt, myself, though I see what you mean about letting it shine, too. The peacock dress with mustardy yellows is a stunner xxx jessiejessyg