Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Roland May Get A Body Yet*

 


Hello from the second week in January. I hope everyone is doing well. School is cancelled tomorrow and likely the day after as we are awaiting a major snowstorm. Unlike the powdery snow we typically get, this began as the rain flooding California and will be heavy wet snow by the time it arrives in Nebraska. Great news for kids building snowpeople, less great for adults digging out their cars. I'm glad I no longer live in the rural part of the state-Central Nebraska is looking at the possibility of a couple feet of snow. Been there, done that, don't miss it.
Let's get things started with some 70s/80s vintage. Ultrasuede coat? Check.
Pointy collar? You bet!

Gitano denim skirt and blue leather boots? Done and done!

Provenance? Yep, thanks Mrs. Hauptman.

And a brooch. Because there's almost always a brooch.

Everything here is 70s/80s vintage except the poloneck which is proving a more practical item than expected. I have the jacket tucked in as it is a bit long on me. 



In other news, Douglas County has another registered voter. The woman who registered him seemed happy to see a young person celebrating turning 18 with a voter's card. You can register to vote at the library, and the DMV as well, but as it was his first registration, I took him to the county election commission building. Then, I took him out for some overpriced non-dairy ice cream (in January) because when he was little, we'd always go out for ice cream after voting, and now election day has become ice cream day. I'm proud of him. 

Dan had his online meeting with the university in Brussels, and he's getting his paperwork together (their admissions are later than the US schools). Meanwhile, the school he applied to as a lark has now offered him a $25,000 USD scholarship for up to 5 years, which sounds great until you see that the tuition is over $60,000 USD a year. That $14,000 a year in Belgium is sounding pretty great right now! But in the spirit of keeping an open mind, we're visiting the school next month so he can meet with people from the department and if they really want him that badly, maybe they can cough up a few thousand more. He's not ruling anything out. The University of Nebraska (conveniently located 5 minutes from home) is a full free ride, which is awfully hard to say no to. I'm keeping my mouth shut though, and whatever he decides we'll figure out a way to make it happen. I am looking forward to visiting St. Louis. Last time I was there I was newly returned from fieldwork and in hospital recovering from amoebic dysentery. Dan made me promise not to share that story with everyone that asks if we've ever been to St. Louis. It will be a sacrifice, but we do those things for our children."By god, I had stuff coming out of so many orifices I didn't know whether to use the toilet to shit or barf!" 

Back to the clothes. This dress and matching jacket (an ensemble, if you will) is made of wool and the collar appears to be faux, but I am bad at telling faux from mouton without taking it apart to see the backing. I think it is fake, but it is quite solid and soft, so who knows. Good quality either way.

I think this is a 60s piece, but it is so classic it might well be 70s.


No trouble finding accessories to match, as so much of my wardrobe is brown.



The hat is 70s
Not able to find much about the maker.

Bracelets were a gift from Dan


So, What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

Souffle made with non-dairy cheese and milk. It worked, though my souffle dish was a bit large and it didn't puff up over the rim. It didn't sink either, so that's a success. Other than being time sensitive, a souffle isn't hard to do. 

A few months back, there was a sale on standing rib roast (Prime Rib) at a local grocery. Even on sale, it was a bit on the expensive side, so I waited until Wednesday (aka, the Senior Citizen Discount Day) and with the additional 5% off, it was a less extravagant purchase. I wrapped it carefully and froze it knowing it would be a perfect birthday dinner for Mr. ETB. Because it was such a large roast, we were able to get 4 meals from it, ending with a beef stew. It isn't something I'd do often, but the boys both enjoyed it. I'd never made one before and was a bit worried about ruining it, but I followed an Ina Garten recipe and it was perfect.

So were the puddings. I don't make these too often, but as I had beef drippings to work with, I figured why not? 

After all that beef, some tofu and vegetables were in order. This one had an orange and ginger/star anise sauce. 

I don't remember purchasing this knit dress. I mean, ZERO memory of it. Could have been last year, could have been 1990. I have no idea. Pastel purple wouldn't be something I'm typically attracted to, but after discovering it packed away, I decided to see if it fit. It does, though a bit big in the shoulders.

Do I like it? Maybe? I don't know. The colour is awful, but the dress is nice. What a conflict. 











It did give me an opportunity to wear my 40s swing coat. I don't know, if I were more confident, I'd chuck it in some dark blue dye and be done with it. Maybe that's the answer. 

This shade of purple is much better for me.






The plaid suit came with matching wide-legged trousers and a waistcoat. I get a lot of wear from the pieces. 

More brown


More Ultrasuede

Reproduction Scythian stag brooch

Close-up of the skirt's weave
Some 80s style

Big gold pieces

Heh, yes that dress is hideous. I have a Laura Ashley in this style that's much nicer, so I think this home sewn (not by me) attempt will be moving on. It was fun for .99 cents. I'm sure the fabric to make it cost more in the 80s. Some teenager will love it. 

90s piece that is printed with what appears to be lifted word for word from a programming textbook (Dan found it online-some long defunct language (ACD) no one has used since the 90s). 

The better question might be, how do I keep finding these things?! Remember the Test Print trousers?


The capelet was worn



Necklace was another gift from Dan

Valentino skirt
Victorian brooch

Handbag made by an old neighbour and given new straps a few years ago.

 

 Hopefully, we keep power tomorrow and I can get things done around the house. I've got my snowshoes ready. 

*Roland is the head of a snowman from something like 8 years ago that lives in my freezer. He's even survived a multi-day power outage because he's little more than a ball of ice now. If we get wet enough snow to pack, I'm going to make him a body.

See you later.


11 comments:

Emily said...

Oh, such fabulous food and clothes! I especially love your sleek all-brown ensemble. Something about it looks almost Flapper-era to me, even if it's 50 years younger than that.

It is so sweet that you and Dan have an ice cream tradition that is tied to voting. I can just picture him voting for things many years from now--in the U.S. or perhaps in Belgium--and immediately feeling the urge to run to the nearest ice cream shop after his ballot has been cast. And maybe by then, he'll have his own spouse or kids in tow so that more people can get hooked on this tasty ritual.

I do hope you can resurrect Roland with a brand-new body. I think of him every winter on the rare occasions that it snows here.

How is it possible that affordable college tuition in Europe is such a well-kept secret? If everyone knew, no kid in America would bother to stay.

bahnwärterin said...

hope the storm and snow did not cause a power outage.....
....please show pictures if you can make a new body for roland!
fabulous outfits in front of your heart embellished wall - valentines day deco? my fav are the valentino skirt and the 60s ensemble. gorgeous jewelry too.
happy birthday to mr.ETB - you made him a very delicious looking rib roast......
its very gorgeous that dan has so many options for his further education! the nabraska university is a bit to convenient ;-D but brussels still sounds like a good place for new and different experiences.....
stay warm! xxxx

Polyester Princess said...

I don't envy you your snow(storm), even if it might finally get Roland a body!
Well done to Dan for registering to vote, and I'm pleased to hear his video call with Brussels went well. Checking out other options is a great idea, but I'm agreeing with Beate on the new and different experiences he'd get in Brussels. And I'm not just saying that because it's in Belgium, honest :-)
Lots of fabulous outfits again, but my favourite must be the lilac/pastel purple dress, which I wouldn't mind having in my wardrobe. And check, I've got the same brooch, or a very similar one at least. xxx

Vix said...

You look like a vintage sleuth in your brown hat and suit, move over Miss Marple! Loving the pendant you're wearing with the word processing outfit.
The figures for Danny's studies are mind boggling. I'm sure he'll puzzle it out, he seems to have his head screwed on.
We've got snow here, too - nothing like anything you're used to but I'll be glad to see the back of the hateful stuff! x

Señora Allnut said...

Love your vintage fabulousness, particularly those 80's pieces you styled, so lovely!. Because I love ultrasuede, brooches, a magnificent plaid suit (my favourite thing!), textures, big bold pieces, graphic prints and (last but not least) your capelet!
Glad to hear that Dan has so many options, great news!.
And I'm admiring your soufflé and the delightful roast you made for Mr.ETB's birthday (such a banquet, puddings and all!)
Sorry that you'll have to deal with so much snow!, not a huge fan myself!. But hope that you can make Roland a body! ;DD
besos

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

What fabulous outfits! I loved the fur collared jacket suit and as for the knitted dress; it was gorgeous. I'd love to find something like that in the charity shops. Loved the plaid suit with the addition of the wide legged trousers and waistcoat - they got everything covered didn't they? Fab bags, shoes and jewellery. Your son has very good taste in jewellery! Congratulations on registering his right to vote. My grandson informed he signed up for it online last year and is now eligible to vote in our upcoming May local elections.

I think you did so well to get 4 meals out of your beef joint. I cooked tofu for the first time last Sunday. It was really tasty.

I hope you're not snowed in but Roland will love it!
xxx

Beth Waltz said...

This wet snow winter has me looking favorably upon layers upon layers. Your T capelet in berry tones over a full skirt is a timeless look, perfectly accented with that broach. The 40's swing jacket has a sleeker silhouette -- have you any boxy 40s trousers to pair with it, a la Katherine Hepburn? It is a vintage treasure, but if a dark blue dye job would make it more wearable, don't hesitate! Perhaps a dry cleaner's will tackle it?

Delighted that Dan has so many excellent options!

Sheila said...

Ack, I'm so far behind, I'm reading your posts backwards. Love the hearts on your photo wall!

Great outfits - loving the Ultrasuede and that plaid suiting (you have pants and a vest too!? how fab!). A Valentino skirt! Awesome! I have an old Valentino suit I found a few years ago (very 80s, massive shoulders).

Mim said...

Some very nice outfits there - I really like the skirt on the 90s test print one, and the 70s hat.

I'm guessing Danny met the other school now - I hope he's found a place that he really likes and suits him. Education is so expensive now! But I don't think anything over here is 60K expensive. Ow.

winniesgirl said...

Hi Goody, I have been following your blog for several years now-l love your gorgeous thrift store outfits(love thrift stores!),and your cooking posts, and your writing…hope you and your family are safe and all is well. Please post again soon to let us know that you are okay! Kathy Mueller

Cee said...

Oh, God... I remember my " brown " fashion phase from circa 1980.

I'd be going out in a beige ribbed turtleneck layered under a dark brown velour V-neck sweater with a diagonal striped pattern on the front with brown corduroy flares and brown leather brogues... and I thought I looked a million dollars :D