Halloween is Here-Orange You Glad?

Happy Halloween. Today I have an 80's vintage mini skirt I wore to death in my younger years, but haven't bothered with in recent years. I kept it figuring I would hand it off to someone but no one wanted it! Fine then, I'll wear it myself.

This shirt was something I bought about fifteen years ago and wore quite a bit when I was expecting. It has quite a bit of stretch to it, and it gets plenty of use under suit jackets as well as beneath pinafores. I've sewn the seams back together several times as it was an inexpensive top never intended to last this long, but I love the print so much I'd be sad if I had to be without it. I know the day will come, but for now careful hand washing seems to be the care it needs.

Outfit Particulars:
1980's corduroy skirt-Field's, probably
Top-Gordman's about 15 years ago
Tights-Walgreens
Clogs-Goodwill
Beaded belt-Express about 25 years ago
Earrings-Garage sale
Bangles-all over
Fabric clutch bag-Hand-Me-Ups (probably best suited to holding hankies)
Fragrance-L'Air du Temps

The annual Hauntcert was great again this year, I was able to sneak a quick photo as they warmed up.

I made a pizza to watch the World Series (Go Cubs Go!)

 And because I grew up in Chicago, I did the funny style of cutting we do (you get more pieces and funny little corners).

Okay, my cutting technique is rusty, but I left Chicago when I was 24 and I don't (won't) tell you how long ago that was.

Two more wins to go!

On my way back from the book sale, I stopped at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was a lovely day for late October.

Lookit that old coot standing there like he owns the place...

...Not him, I meant the duck.

I don't expect to get many trick-or-treaters tonight, but I'll keep the light on and door open in case we get a few. Our neighbourhood is older, and we don't get much foot traffic as we're practically on a college campus. We share security guards with the school which is a good thing, though it probably does discourage kids coming through our street.

Hope you have a Happy Halloween if you celebrate it.

Brocade Tights

 I've recently reorganised my wardrobe and as a result made a discovery-I own some very strange tights.  What possessed me to purchase shiny black and purple floral tights, I can't say, but I was happy enough to try them out on a chilly autumn morning.

Er...maybe not.
Something about autumn makes me want to focus on leg wear-perhaps the knowledge of snow to come, and heavy boots until spring is a motivation. In a few weeks, I'll forget about whatever great tights are lurking in the drawer as I pull out the fleece-lined leggings, wool socks, and long undies. ,Until then, I'm enjoying the mild weather, and my collection of" WTF Was I Thinking?" tights.

 Outfit Particulars:
Vintage 70's sweater-Can't remember
Canadian Made jacket (more like a tailored sweatshirt)-Can't remember
80's mini-Can't remember
Tights-No clue
Necklace-Garage Sale
Earrings-Garage sale
Bakelite carved ring-Hand-me-ups
Bangle-Salvation Army
Vintage handbag-Goodwill
Boots-K Mart
Fragrance-4711 (I needed an inoffensive fragrance to wear in a crowded space)

I'm getting ready for the holidays today by putting up a couple jars of vegetarian mincemeat. It needs at least a month to properly soak up the booze, so although it doesn't feel like mincemeat weather, I'll be chopping/grinding fruit today. I use fresh cranberries in mine which isn't traditional, but it adds a nice contrast. Cranberries also gel quickly which helps move the cooking along. I haven't tried using a slow cooker for mincemeat, but I'll bet it would work. 

The Barmbrack is baked for Monday (it does better stored a few days before eating) and another malt loaf which has become a staple item at our house (it also requires a few day's storage). Next week there will be Election Day Cake (essentially a fruit cake) and Parkin for the 5th. Then, the serious baking begins. I don't do a large Thanksgiving, but we put up the (artificial) tree that day, and there must be gingerbread men to hang on it. I seal them in clear plastic treat bags and tie them with ribbon so that they can be eaten should anyone be overcome with a desire to steal one from the tree. The boys blame that on the squirrel but as he has his own special biscuits we bake for him I consider it unlikely he's the culprit.

 The Haunted Physics Lab was great again this year.

 Oooh, scary!

 Ha ha!

 Nerds!

Have to run-the game is on. Go Cubs!

Distraction-Oooh, Lookit the Vintage!

I built today's outfit entirely around the blouse I wished to wear. 

There is a matching skirt, but it is a rather formal, crystal pleated, maxi and I didn't really feel like sweeping the streets of Omaha with my dragging hem today. I was surprised how well the peach colour goes with brown. I found the blouse and skirt on a rail of Halloween costumes at the thrift store. 1970's formals are Halloween costumes now? Who could you possibly be dressed as wearing a ruffled, chiffon maxi? Betty Ford? Anyway, I was happy enough to bring the set home because as I always say, "Everyday is Halloween in my world."

I nearly got rid of this skirt last year, but decided the hem was interesting enough to make up for the clingy cotton sateen. The length is terrible (Who wears a skirt at mid-knee?) though I suspect on a taller woman it might look better. Still, I'm glad I kept it as it goes so well with the drop waist blouse and oversized-sash. here's a bit of a late 20's vibe to the shirt and skirt. The coat is  later (40's? 50's?) but I rather like the way it came together. I grew up thinking you had to match your shades of a single colour exactly, and as you can see the brown skirt and coat are miles off. Today, no one does that but I'll admit to feeling a bit of unease looking at the photos-sort of like the pit in the guts I get when I see white shoes or a handbag after labour day (and yes, I've seen Serial Mom-now there's a character I can identify with!).

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage wool coat-Fairytail Costumes
Blouse (part of a set)-Goodwill
Skirt-Thrift World
Shoes-K Mart
Vintage Corde bag-Hand-Me-Ups
Brooch-Yard sale
Earrings-K Mart
Gold Bangle-Thrift World
Avon brooch (on blouse) Thrift World
Fragrance-Parure (could have done Crepe de Chine, but didn't)

You might have noticed an uptick in the number of posts lately. Largely, I'm posting as a distraction from the ugliness of the news. I fully expect to sink into a funk shortly, so think of all these posts as making up for my absence in advance. Between the vintage clothes and baseball I'm still holding it together. Sort of. 

The Haunted Physics Lab begins tonight!

We go every year, and though it is pretty much the same, we still enjoy playing, "Stump the Graduate Student" with complicated physics questions. And you get to play with lasers so, fuck yeah, Haunted Physics Lab! 

The Lincoln City Library Book Sale begins tomorrow. Unlike the weekly sale at Swanson library, this is a big, annual sale and worth the road trip to Lincoln. 

Finally, the Heartland Philharmonic presents their annual, Children's Hauntcert at UNO on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. This is a shorter version of the concert given earlier this week with the members of the orchestra in costumes. Yes, Danny is too old for it, and yes, we're going anyway. You're never too old for the Hauntcert. 

While I'm mentioning upcoming events, there's an eclipse in August 2017 that we'll be in a rather special spot for viewing in Nebraska. Admit it-you've been looking for a reason to visit Nebraska but didn't think superb thrift shopping, crane migrations, and hanging out with me were reason enough to book a flight. Well, you've just run out of excuses. You'll want to start planning your visit now. 

I'm off to think up some physics questions. 

Embroidered Polyester

 Polyester weather is here at last, and I'm celebrating with my favourite 70's colour combination of cranberry and pink ( I knew there was a reason I bought pink tights).

 This hideous jacket was, according to the label custom made by Marshall Rousso who has boutiques in  Las Vegas hotels/Casinos. As tackiness goes, I consider it an achievement-though by Vegas standards in the 70's, perhaps it was less impressive. I can't recall ever seeing embroidered Dacron Polyester this elaborate. I'm not really a gambler, but I have an overwhelming desire to go shove quarters into slot machines in Council Bluffs.

 As we snapped photos, the police helicopter kept circling overhead. I thought perhaps they wanted a better look at my magnificently ugly jacket, but Danny reckons someone probably robbed a liquor store.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage Polyester Dress-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage Polyester Jacket-Thrift World
Vintage Earrings-Garage sale
Boots-Hand-Me-Ups
Tights-Walgreen's
Vintage purse-goodwill
Fragrance-Balahe

I'll, "Sit like a lady" when I damn well feel like it...and I don't feel like it. Maybe tomorrow.

Purrrfection

 I'm digging deep into my wardrobe for this early 90's Carole Little animal print skirt. Yes, the material is furry, and no, it isn't warm. Next time, cable knit tights!

I can't remember where I bought it. Probably Marshall Field's, on a visit home to Chicago, but it might have been Jordan Marsh in Boston. Sadly, both stores are now long gone, but I still have this rarely worn mini skirt. I considered wearing it with my leopard coat, leopard boots, and matching hat-then, I thought better of it. The skirt is wearable in a non-ironic way, so I decided to play it straight and see if I could style it for modern day wear. 

I wore my ugly but oh-so-comfortable Siebel shoes. At least I can't be accused of accessorising it too sexy...unless you're into women wearing orthopaedic shoes in which case, I'll see you on the shuffleboard court, grandpa. Bring condoms coupons. 

I kept with a feline theme for the handbag and my necklace has a tiger's eye in the centre. Can you guess what fragrance I'm wearing? 

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage Carole Little skirt-Probably Field's

Sweater-Target about 15 years ago (I stretched it out beyond all hope wearing it through my pregnancy, but I still wear it because I can't find one I like better)

Vintage disco purse-Hand-Me-Ups

Shoes-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage necklace-Hand-Me-Ups

Bracelets-Claire's

Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups

Fragrance-Tigress!

I finished sorting out my winter wardrobe and made a few discoveries. I think there will be an upcoming, "Jumpsuit Week" here at Eat the Blog as I seem to keep acquiring and never wearing them. My inner-Elvis is screaming to get out. Additionally, I own a lot of velvet, A Lot! Last year I did Plaid Tidings for Advent, so this year I am thinking of showcasing the velvet pieces. As with the plaid, I could probably do a few pieces each day, and still have enough left over to go through New Year's. I'm also considering a Brooch of the Day feature, but perhaps after the winter holidays. I'm open to suggestions if there's something in my collection you'd like to see more of (Perfume of the Day? Hat of the Day? Vintage cookbook of the day?).

I'm off to go watch the World Series. Go Cubbies!

Great Scott(ie)!

 Because celluloid heroes brooches never really die...though they can start to decompose.

 Now that I need a coat most mornings, I also require interesting brooches that are large enough to be worn on a coat. The Occupied Japan vintage celluloid brooch caught my eye, and for a few dollars on Etsy, it was mine. I already own a grey celluloid Scottie, so obviously buying the pink version to match was a no-brainer. Scotties are best as pairs.

I am thinking of making a white faux fur collar for this coat as it seems to require something at the neck, but perhaps the right scarf will materialise. I should go raid Danny's scarf stash (shhhh, don't let him hear that). I bought the coat last year, and didn't like it. Pulled it on yesterday and couldn't for the life of me remember why. Just fickle, I guess but I'm glad I kept it.

The coat was off by mid-morning when (as you can see by the badly lit photo) the sun came out in full force. 

Outfit Particulars:

1960's coat-Can't remember, probably Goodwill

Vintage wool skirt-Thrift World

Top-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage handbag-Goodwill

Suede ankle boots-K Mart

Belt-Shop Ko

Vintage Celluloid brooch-Etsy seller Lucra

Vintage clip earrings-Garage sale

Fragrance-Dana Forbidden (if only someone had forbidden my wearing it! Pheww *holds nose*)

Staying with the pink theme for a bit, I wore this lace 60's suit for the first time. I'm not really a pink suit sort of woman (Danny thinks it might be generational with the JFK assassination being the first thing that comes to mind when I hear, "Pink suit") so to save it from being hopelessly twee, I accessorised with black. You thought I was going to say, "Brains" didn't you? 

 I think the pieces will work better as separates, but for the sake of the blog I wanted to wear them together at least once.

 Outfit particulars:
Vintage lace suit-Can't remember
Tights-K Mart
Polo neck-K Mart
Vintage clutch-Goodwill
Shoes-K Mart
Flower pin-Tiff and Tam
Pink bangle-Goodwill
Reverse carved glass pendant-Hobby Lobby
Vintage Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Vintage formulation Vent Vert

The Halloween sign on the postbox had been on our door...until our neighbour put up a sign that reads, "Boo!"

I promptly went out and bought one for our door that reads, "Ekk!" I mean, I had to. Last year we had ONE trick-or-treater. I'm not buying extra candy this year because I don't wish to be stuck with it. I'll buy stickers and pencils and if no one shows up, at least we'll put them to use. I don't need a special day of the year to dress silly-every day is Halloween in my world. 

I will however bake a barmbrack, complete with charms as I have done each 31 October for as long as I can remember. I can't believe we're this far along in autumn without snow yet. *Fingers crossed*. 

Anyone doing anything special for Halloween? 

Liberty and an Echo

 I finally succeeded in finding a Liberty scarf in the wild. It cost me a dollar, and was in good condition free of snags, stains, or holes. Oh sure, I could buy one online, but as a matter of principle, I wasn't going to spend much money on something everyone else seems to be able to locate in the thrifts with little effort. I don't mind waiting for something I want at a price I'm comfortable with.

 I love the print, which makes it all that much more enjoyable.

 Outfit Particulars:
Vintage polyester blouse-Thrift World
Vintage 80's suede skirt-Goodwill
Suede jacket-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage suede and leather Johanssen handbag-Hand-Me-Ups
Shoes-K mart several years ago
Tights-Walgreen's
Liberty scarf-Goodwill
Large bangle-Salvation Army
Earrings-yard sale
Fragrance-Bandit (This much suede in an outfit needed something that could stand up to it)

Did someone say something...say something...?

 (I think there must be an Echo (scarf) in here).

Dumb joke, awesome scarf. 

 With my hair worn up, I really need something on my neck this time of year-might as well make, "something" a nice scarf.

Hairdo? Couldn't be bothered. Thank God for combs to hold it all in place.

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage Echo silk scarf-Goodwill

Top-K Mart

Vintage double-knit poly blend skirt-New Life Thrift

Boots-Hand Me Ups

Vintage jacket (part of a suit)-long gone vintage shop

Brooch-Goodwill

Belt-Goodwill

Earrings-Yard sale

Vintage Damascene bracelet-Goodwill

Vintage Handbag-Goodwill

I had to go somewhere looking "Normal" and this was the best I could come up with (The clothes anyway-my face is beyond all attempts at normal). My wardrobe really doesn't do, "Normal" without much difficulty. 

As they say, "Normal is overrated."

I have a few other odds and ends I've worn recently that don't quite deserve their own post, so I'll share them here.

 The tights were cool, as was the spectacularly ugly pink handbag from Harrods. Everyone knows the only thing worth shopping at Harrods for is perfume, certainly not an ugly pink bag with the "H" logo embossed all over it. I bought it at a thrift store for .99 cents as a joke. I can't imagine anyone carrying something like this with a straight face.

 "Hey, nice pumpkins"

Why, thank you!

I love this ankle length suede skirt, and wear it to death this time of year. As it can graze the ground, I don't wear it when there's snow/road salt on the ground as that's murder on suede. Hopefully, we have a bit of time before that shows up.

The robins are still here. They don't all migrate, but it was odd to see a tree full of them...and they were singing!

Ugly shades, but they do the trick.

In the same week I found the Liberty scarf, I also found both a blouse and dress from the Liberty collaboration with Target a few years back. Feast or famine around here, I guess. If I wish hard enough, what do you suppose the odds are of finding another Hermes scarf and a handbag?

Hope the weekend is treating you well.