Outfit Particulars:
1980s dress-Goodwill
Dior slip-Thrift World
Frock coat-Goodwill
Boots-K Mart
Tano of Madrid handbag-Goodwill
Belt buckle-Hand-Me-Ups
Jet brooch at neck-can't remember
French Jet (glass) beads-Goodwill
Fragrance-Maroussia (heavy on the civet, but still wearable. I'm indifferent though. Probably wouldn't buy more).
This outfit was easy to style as it was full-on 70s. A Gitano denim skirt, Cyn-Les novelty sweater, and a wooden box bag only needed a pair of clog boots to complete the look. Basically, that's me circa 1978, except the sweater would say, "Hug Me" because the adults in my life were trying to torture me. Thank god no one actually tried hugging me.
The detail on the sweater is remarkable.
Outfit Particulars:
Cyn-Less 70s sweater-Hand-Me-Ups
Gitano denim 70s skirt-Goodwill
Boots-New Life Thrift
Handbag-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Avon Charisma (I have a lifetime supply stockpiled)
This was snapped in the basement of the Swanson Library in Omaha. I live across the street. On Thursdays and the first Saturday of each month the Friends of the Omaha Public Library have a used books sale that is spread over three rooms in the downstairs area. Some books are withdrawn library editions but many are donations. For a very small sum you can find all sorts of wonderful books, which we took full advantage of over 10 years of homeschooling. The volunteers run it like a bookstore, and it easy easy to search by subject for titles that might interest you. There's a rare book room as well. If a trip to Omaha is in your future, I encourage you to visit the sale. In addition to books there's vinyl records, ephemera, movies, DVDs and more.
Built in 1966 on an oddly shaped parcel of land, the beautiful building more than makes up for the impossible to navigate parking lots. That the architect had the vision to plunk this brutalist style building into a tightly settled residential neighbourhood on one side, and the thoroughfare of Dodge Street on the other is something to appreciate. In 1966 this area of Omaha was still emerging from being farmland, but the city was expanding west. Originally, the library was planned for the even more residential neighbourhood of 87th and Pacific. When this land became available the plans changed. Inside, the building is flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The library wasn't the only reason we moved to this part of Omaha, but it was certainly a consideration.
Later that day, I stopped by another favourite piece of Omaha architecture to grab some photos before it is gone. The building has recently sold, and I wanted to capture the iconic sign for the Shorthorn Association before the new owners take it down. I hope they don't raze the building, but that's always a possibility. Let me tell you, standing in front of the Shorthorn Association building in Western wear gets some laughs from passersby. Thankfully, I didn't cause any accidents. It was heartening to see how many people wanted to wait until we finished before turning and ruining our shot. In this photo, I'm waving someone by. At the time this building went up in the 60s, this was considered, "The country." Anyone that's been stuck in traffic at 84th and Center lately could be forgiven for not believing it.
Outfit Particulars:
vintage skirt-Goodwill
Vintage ultrasuede jacket (part of a suit)-Goodwill
Sweater-K Mart
Vintage tooled bag-New Life Thrift
Square-toed tall boots-Goodwill
Fragrance-I'm pretty sure I wore Bandit that day because I have a sense of humour
This 70s wool skirt has several colour matching opportunities. The herringbone texture adds some interest. I didn't need another wool skirt, but it was nicely lined and although no one sees it, the skirt hangs nicer for it.
Outfit Particulars:
vintage wool skirt-Hand-Me-Ups
L.L.Bean lambswool cardigan-Goodwill
60s purple acrylic mock-neck sweater-Thrift World
Boots (I think) Goodwill
Fragrance:Vintage L'Origan
I paid .99 cents for that bottle at Goodwill. It was unopened. I just adore it on an autumn day.
So, I have some good news/bad news/don't know yet news I'll slip in here since some of my Instagram followers already know I had a breast biopsy last week. The good news is that it is benign. I am relieved most of all because I don't know how on earth I would have paid for surgery/treatment/etc. I have insurance-very good insurance actually, but in the US that doesn't mean much if you still have co-pays, deductibles, and your 20% of god knows how many thousands of dollars. Just the diagnostics alone are putting a serious dent in my savings. So yes, it is a giant relief.
I also had an abnormal Pap test. That happens, but once they ruled out infection and sexually transmitted disease, it started looking like I might have a problem. I have another biopsy scheduled for that at the start of next month. I'm not terribly worried, and should it come to a hysterectomy, that's fine-I am long through with having babies.
The really scary problem, which we know is a problem is cardiac. Oh, I hear you all going, "Well duh! You've known about this for ages." That's true. Imagine my surprise when everyone suddenly decided it was a very serious problem that needs to be addressed now! Look, I've lived though a direct hit from a tornado. If I didn't panic then, I'm not going to panic now. I did realise that part of the reason I was ignoring it was because I loathed my GP. I've only seen him twice in several years and once was for a concussion. I knew with all this potential medical stuff ahead of me that I didn't want to be dealing with him, so I called the hospital and asked to be referred to a woman doctor, preferably younger. They sent me to an osteopath instead of an M.D. I didn't notice that until they sent an appointment confirmation but I went, and I like her! I really detest the medical nonsense (and arrogance) so this was a happy accident. She can still prescribe medicine and order tests, do hospital admissions, etc. If I'm looking at a bunch of crap from illness, the less time I spend dealing with Mr. Lab Coat's ego, the better. But hey, there's more good news-I'm not diabetic. I didn't think I was, but if you are a fat woman walking into a doctor's office the first thing they want to check is your blood sugar. I am not even remotely diabetic. At all. What's more, my "Good" cholesterol is very, very good (because I am a distance runner, duh) but the bad is very, very bad. I've been a vegetarian since 1983 and that's probably a very good thing. So no Christmas cheese for Goody this year, unless they make one laced with statins. I did buy some vegan Parmesan which isn't the same but also isn't terrible.
Then Danny got sick. He's been dealing with this particular issue for over a year, but it has escalated and well, yeah. I won't go into detail out of respect for his privacy but will say contracting e coli in addition hasn't been fun. If you ever need to find a toilet in Omaha-just ask, he knows where they are. All of them.
Okay, enough about all that! I just wanted to post an update to no one starts thinking the worst. It was funny that all this started happening after we wrote wills and set up power of attorney in the event of illness. Talk about being Nerfed by the universe! In the process of pre-planning my funeral arrangements I found out Launer will make bespoke handbags. I think that would be an awesome final resting place for my ashes unless they can make me a bespoke bodybag to be buried in. It would probably still be cheaper than a casket-and better constructed. I'm guessing they wouldn't do a body bag (LV would do it for sure, but where's the cachet in that?!) because it would "dilute the brand image". I mean, maybe if the Queen requested it, but not for someone like me. If I croak I'm counting on you guys to help crowdfund my Launer final resting place!
More outfits to get our minds off all that?
Dress like a 70s geography teacher day, 2019.
just add a corduroy blazer...
...with elbow patches. That's it! Sorry, that's
a blurry photo!
This time of year the indoor light at our place is terrible, but I try to work the shadows to an advantage by taking "atmospheric" photos on the stairs.
This early 80s polyester dress is brown with pink/mauve details. The boots are brown as well though they look somewhat purple in the photo. I have purple boots-perhaps I'll try that next time.
Can't go wrong with vintage plastic on your arms
Outfit Particulars:
80s dress-New Life Thrift
80s cardigan with Korea label-Goodwill
vintage bracelets-mostly Goodwill/Thrift World
Belt-Goodwill
Boots-Goodwill
Fragrance-Ralph Lauren, Romance (I used to loathe this but now suddenly appreciate the rose/oakmoss/ginger thing. Found a large bottle for a buck in the thrifts and have completely come around on this one. Sometimes I like bright scents, and there's no denying it is that).
Finally, the best thing I bought recently! We had several different meals from it including a lovely curry made from the greens. I've never been a meal-planner. Instead, when I go to the market, I buy what's inexpensive and looks nice, then build meals around what's available. For a few dollars this cauliflower kept us well fed, and on budget. The eagle eyed might have spotted several canisters of Pringles on the counter behind me. Those are not mine. Pringles are disgusting. If I'm going to eat crisps, they're going to be worth eating. I do not understand teenage tastes😀.
Whew, that was quite the update! Here's hoping your November is going well.
