I Pull My Blue Jeans On

Well that was a fucked-up week. As the fallout will probably be unfolding for a while, and my stress level is currently off the charts for myriad reasons (and violent insurrection ain't helping) I'm going to do an outfit type post. I'm not ignoring the situation (I mean, how could I when I keep getting emails and DM's from friends in other countries thinking I can somehow explain what the fuck is going on, or do anything about it) but like everyone else, I could use a breather. 

 

Never mind that I can't breathe in jeans😀.

I've never understood the appeal of jeans, but every once in a while I wear them to remind myself how much I dislike them. Aside from making my legs feel like sausages forced into casings, they aren't any warmer than a skirt with tights. Anyway, here's an attempt at being fashionable but now that's out of the way, I'll content myself with being stylish instead. 

Good earrings though. Hard to go wrong with big hoops.

Still making an effort to wear things that have been languishing in my collection. I can't remember the last time I wore any of these bracelets. I'm a hopeless accessory collector. They're small, inexpensive, and do so much for an outfit, yet it is easy to amass loads of stuff that rarely gets worn. I'm a little embarrassed, but have a look.

Honestly, I don't ever need to buy another...well anything, really. At the very least I need to be more selective when I start shopping again. February will be a year since I've been in a thrift shop. 

Finished reading Aubrey Gordon's book in a day. There's nothing here that hasn't been said by every fat person, over and over, but she's a good writer and it might resonate with thin people behaving badly. That's probably optimistic. Suggesting that fat people be treated as human, and believed when they share their experiences of horrific treatment shouldn't be a radical act, but here we are. 

Last post I mentioned my 70s dishes. There's several mixed sets, but these are my favourites. They're Homer Laughlin Golden Harvest. Homer Laughlin is the company in West Virginia that makes Fiesta Ware. I don't care for Fiesta, but I really love these. 

Admittedly, there's only so much nice plates can do to make curried lamb and cauliflower rice look attractive. I know, I know, we eat with our eyes too, but food styling is asking a bit more of me than I'm capable of delivering. 

This meal looked a bit better. "Asian-style" (It has sesame oil, soy sauce and 5 spice but I see the goofiness of calling it  generic Asian) cod cooked in foil pouches and served over vegetables. Threw some chopped peanuts on top and they were both happy with it. Trying to cook for two people with very different dietary restrictions is challenging. I say two, because I've been feeding myself without anything involving cooking for years. I usually get their dinner served and keep them company with a yoghurt or something because there's no way I could cook two, and now three different meals. Sometimes I just do the dishes while they eat, but we're together all the time-I don't need to sit at the table for quality time. Not once has anyone offered to make me something. Ever.  Anyway, nice plates. 

Not to brag, but would you admire how nicely I cut those vegetables with just a  knife? I have a mandoline, but am more comfortable with a knife. I also (touch wood) still have all my fingers.

I do like to get things ready through the day so I can just put it together quickly. I'm tired by dinnertime.

When I posted this outfit on Instagram, it got a laugh because the jacket used to belong to Danny. As I was clearing out all the clothes that no longer fit him, I was acquiring a new wardrobe for myself. That's sort of like thrifting. 

It was definitely cuter on him. I think he was six or seven here. No visiting the car show this year as climbing in and out of cars everyone has sat in doesn't seem all that appealing in a pandemic. I'm wondering if it ever will again. That's also the closest Danny will be getting to a sportscar as I drive a Honda Civic and his dad has a Ford Focus. We're practical car people. If her wants a fancy car he'll have to buy (and insure) it. Anyway, I continue to steal my kid's clothes. 

I didn't steal this outfit though. I've had this coat (it has a matching shift dress) for years. It goes so well with this too-big Frank Usher dress (which I will never get rid of because I adore it) and scarf/shawl that matches so well it looks like it was part of a set (it wasn't). The lilac boots were purchased from an online friend just as lockdown was starting back in March. I've yet to wear them further than a walk around the block. 

The handbag didn't go anywhere either. I have my "going out" bag that can be easily wiped clean. 

Being home so much, I finally fixed the zipper on  this vintage 50s dress that had been waiting for repair since be fore we moved (almost 8 years ago!). Where does the time go, eh? 

Here's the last time I wore it circa 2013

That was the old Crossroads Mall. They've finally started tearing it down. 

It is nice to be able to wear it again, even if only  to stay at home. The 70s belt is another rarely worn accessory, though no idea why as it is fab.

Not the easiest thing to photograph though, being so reflective. The dress is a shiny taffeta with a flocked floral print. Quite a bit of the flocking has worn away over the years, but the dress is still wearable. Someday I should try it with a fluffy crinoline. 

Anyway, that wasn't the only repair I managed.

Both this black dress and robe needed small repairs. Since I had the sewing basket out, I went ahead and did what needed doing. 

The dress is an absolute nightmare to photograph, but take my word for it that the scalloped ruffles are much better in person.

The dress is a very sturdy crepe material from the 80s. It would probably be better on someone taller, honestly. I will probably move this one along at some point. Would be nice on an art teacher.

The capelet had a first wear of the year. I wear this one quite a bit in the house when it is cool. More substantial than a cardigan, but less restrictive than a jacket, it turned out to be one of my better purchases. I remember thinking at the time that I'd never wear a purple, tartan cape. 

The 70s wool skirt has a matching jacket that is just a bit too narrow in the shoulders for me. I rarely wear suits anyway, but it is disappointing. I'm built like a stork with all my weight balanced atop spindly legs.

I decided it was probably time to do something with my skin besides Ponds Cold Cream and Pears soap. So far, I've been pleased with The Ordinary products. The cleanser is a bit tricky as you're supposed to rub it between your palms and the heat of your hands will liquefy it. Ha! Not these freezing, arthritic hands. Instead, I rub it onto my forehead and then spread it out to the rest of my face. It does an excellent job of removing eye makeup without any cotton pads, which is nice. I haven't had any trouble with the retinol on my sensitive skin, and the foundation is a better match than products I've tried costing much more. I have a very pink complexion, and matching foundation can be tricky. Overall I'm pleased, and the  price is very, very good. Free shipping too. 
 

I look ten years younger already...

We're expecting a blizzard tonight and through the day tomorrow. They cancelled school (even though they have the remote capacity, so that's nice for the kids) and Danny is planning to sleep through the day. Part of me is thinking, "This is exactly the sort of driving conditions you need to learn how to navigate in the Midwest", but maybe I'll just make him dig the car out for me. That's part of learning to drive as well. At most we'll have half a foot of snow, but 60 mph winds are going to make it impossible to see and the rural roads will be a mess. I really hope we don't lose power, but at least if we do it is cold enough to put the contents of my fridge outside in a snowbank. That's Midwestern living for you! 

I've got my vintage Snowland boots ready. 

Going to be a strange seven days or so. Stay safe, and good lord willing I'll see you soon.