Junior High School Reunion

Photos via Google Images.

I recently ran into two old friends at thrift stores. They both evoked memories of junior high school. One’s name is Gloria Vanderbilt and the other is simply known as Gitano (now that's a name you don't hear everyday).

Over the years I’ve wondered what became of them. Gitano practically disappeared and GV was rarely seen in public. I think she was cast to the back the stores where she would hang out with lesser names.

I liked GV and Gitano because the others, Sergio Valente, Calvin Klein, Vidal Sasson and Jordache (*side note* It's pretty special to be known by one name, kind of like Rihanna or Cher) were mostly beyond my socioeconomic reach. I only got to mingle with them a few times, but boy, did I feel special when I did. You couldn’t touch me with a ten foot pole!

There was one other friend too, Chic. Yes, another one namer, but not quite up there with Jordache, more on the level of Gitano. Chic was on the fringes of the acceptable; just enough not to get laughed off the bus. Sadly, I thought Chic had been killed when a bunch of corporate stuffed shirts voted unanimously that Chic was no longer useful. Although, there’ve been rumored sightings in developing countries, K-mart and rural thrift stores.

I must say GV looked fabulous when I bumped into her, all tall, dark washed and skinny. I think she got a facelift and somewhat reinvented herself. Personally, I always thought she made my butt look good. We'll definitely be getting reacquainted. Gitano, on the other hand, lives quietly, but looked as good as ever. I took both GV and Gitano home when I saw them. They’re thriving happily in my closet.

Levi's is the only one I've really kept in touch with over the years. Levi's was always true to self, well liked by everyone and could move easily in and out of all groups.

Calvin Klein is still going strong; still a little on the snooty side, but more friendly than before. I can afford to hobnob with Calvin these days if I really wanted to.  Jordache, got knocked down a peg or two and can even be spotted at Walmart. Imagine that! Sergio Valente was an impostor all along. I though Sergio was special. I thought Sergio was an Italian playboy of sorts. My 13 year old self was under the impression that if I had Sergio clinging to the bottom half of my body, it meant he loved me. Come to find out, there was never a person by that name it was all a façade! Sergio hangs out at Macy’s on occasion tryin’ to be all that, but he’s a fake; Wikipedia said so. Vidal Sasson can only be found on ebay and sticks to doing hair and Levi's is still as popular as ever. The older Levi's gets, the better Levi's looks.

Who (of the denim persuasion) did you hang out with in school? Are they still popular? Would you be seen with them today?

Update: I'm probably really showing my age in this post. If you haven't already guessed, I've been talking about brand names of jeans and not real people...hehe. Hope your week is going well.

Yellow Jacket

London Fog Towne yellow jacket: thrifted

Izod navy/white striped sweater: thrifted

Merona boot cut jeans: thrifted

Born clogs via Dillard's

Scarf: thirfted

So Long Liz

Folks, this is a bittersweet post for me. I have to bid farewell to my good friend Liz. Liz works at one of my favorite thrift shops, Fauquier Community Thrift (the word "action" is no longer part of the name). It’s also a food bank and helps out many people in the community.

Let me tell you about Liz. She’s one of the most welcoming people you could ever meet. When you shop in her store, you'll feel like you’re shopping at Nordstrom. Liz points out things that she thinks I’d like such as this super red cape I’m wearing here ($2) and these awesome brand new Franco Sarto Metallic gold sandals worn here ($7). I also got a beautiful Noritake china set here. What I paid for at 40 pieces, is less than what one setting would cost! Oh, and did I mention that on most days, there’s cookies at the front door to greet customers and a back room, where you can fill up a big paper bag full of stuff for $5? It's dangerous to go back there. I've got a bag full of t-shirts waiting to be made in to a braided rug because I ventured there!

Back to Liz, she’s more than a sales person, she’s a friend. You, see I got a new job which I’m extremely excited about, however the new job will take me in the opposite direction of the thrift store. That means, not visiting Liz as often. Liz, if you’re reading this, know that I’ll miss seeing you on my lunch breaks and after work (and save me a jar of that yummy wild berry jam you make!)

If you’re ever in Warrenton, Virginia (about one hour from Washington D.C.) stop in at the Fauquier Community Thrift store; shop 'til you drop and meet Liz. You’ll be glad you did. 

So long Liz.

I See Dead People

Welcome EBEW.  I thought we might deviate from the usual cute dresses and shoes (but my monochromatic black dress is kind of cute isn't it? We'll talk about that later). Today, I'd like to show you something really interesting...a cemetery.  My name is Sheila and I'll be your tour guide.
Virginia is one of the oldest states in the union, and therefore, has some pretty old graveyards and I've come to have a real liking for them since moving here. Don't be afraid, come take a look.

 Before we begin, let me just say, we'll be keeping to the older part of the cemetery. The grave of a 32 year old who died in 2009 gives off a completely different vibe than that of a 32 year old that died in 1894.
Let's try to be as respectful as possible; no smoking, spitting or littering (it makes a mess when the lawn mower runs over it) and please turn off all cell phones.
Let's begin, shall we? Follow me...

What I really like about this old cemetery and all old cemeteries in general, is the way time and the elements have weathered the tombstones, making them lean this way and that. Look at this fleur de lis fencing. Isn't it great?

All right now, let's move on. Try to stick together.

Who can find the oldest grave or the oldest person? I know I'm contradicting myself, because earlier I said  I don't like recent graves, but Ms. Roberta Fletcher here is really a person to ponder. She lived through all the major wars, saw a horse and buggy evolve into a sleek automobile, the invention of the computer, cell phone and microwave, watched hem lines rise and fall, experienced segregation in one way or another and the election of an African American president. I suspect that Ms. Fletcher was thinking ahead and bought her plot quite some time ago and chose a spot in this part of the cemetery while there was still space available. 

While Ms. Fletcher was one month short of 106 years, little George Lawrence was one month short of a year...

Hark! Hooe goes there? he he. It's also amusing to look for quirky sir names. These are the most unusual I've found here.

Surprisingly, I think more about the lives of those resting here as opposed to their deaths. I wonder if they were happy? What they would think of the world today? What did they do for a living? If I'd known them, would I have liked them? Would they have liked me? What would the ladies have thought of my maxi I got on clearance at Sears? They might have approved of the length, but the neckline would be positively shocking!

Well, folks, this is where the tour ends. I'm off to another graveyard. You're welcome to stay and explore  some more. I suggest you not wonder off alone and don't stay too late. The gates are closed and locked at dark...

See ya back here on Monday at

Patti's and  Monday Mingle .

Kudos to JCP, Banana Republic and a Question For Tommy Hilfiger

Today I just have a few quick words. Three retailers have caught my eye with their ads over the summer. I rarely comment on such things but I couldn't let these fade into obscurity without putting in my two cents. I sure hope the folks that manage the social media departments for  JC Penny, Banana Republic and Tommy Hilfiger are paying attention, cause they're about to get some free press!

First off I want to thank Banana Republic for again featuring an interracial couple, specifically a black woman and white male. It makes me think of Stephen and myself. It happens in real life, but is so rarely depicted in the media. This particular pair don't look quite as romantically involved as the couple in the Christmas/holiday ad a few years back, but I like to think that they are.

Secondly, I'd like to thank JC Penny for featuring a real woman in a bathing suit. Nuff said.















 Have you noticed the older couple has  mysteriously gone missing from the last  Tommy Hilfiger magazine ads? What happened? Did they kick the bucket, get kidnapped, shipped off to a nursing home? Well, at least the dog made the cut.
You've got some 'splaining to do Tommy! And I want answers.
BTW, love those fall looks...




What ads have caught your eye this summer?

A Shoulder to Cry On

Maggy London dress via Belk, Franco Sarto gold metallic heels - thrifted.

I've noticed something about bloggers. They're not really complainers. So today, ladies, I offer you my shoulder to cry on (see, I'm even dressed for it). It's time for a good old-fashioned, belly achin' moan and groan, b!tch and whine session. No complaint is too big or too small. Each complaint is just as valid as another. The fact that one person had a fender bender is just as good (or bad) as the fact that a dress another was eyeing is no longer available in her size. If everything is hunky dory in your life you can complain on behalf of someone else. I'll get the ball rolling for this... violins, please...

You'll note I'm not smiling in this photo, that's because not less than one hour before,  my husband told me I needed to lose 10 pounds! Mind you, I'm the same size as when we met. Geeze! Is there any better way to wreck a woman's day? The nerve of that man! I didn't even get a chance to ask that age old question, "Honey, does this dress make me look fat?"
Well, I feel better already just talking about it with you all, my blog friends. I still love my hubby of course and this picture kind of made me giggle. I'm so in love with the beachy/nautical lifestyle, I'll take it any way I can get it. That includes posing with fake sea creatures in the middle of rural Virginia!
O.k. ladies, now it's your turn. Ready, set, complain!
I'll be at Patti's and Monday Mingle.

Summertime Tex Mex Western

Nobody loves western like I love western (clothes that is). I should have lived on the Ponderosa and married a man named Hoss. As a matter of fact, I'm so enamored with it, it was one of the first looks I debuted on this blog and this post is merely an excuse to show off my summer version. All that's missing is the pistols!

This photo represents my three great western finds for the month. 

The scarf immediately said "Tex-Mex" to me:

 $1

The white jeans are boot cut Meronas and still had the tag: $6

And best of all, these Jessica Simpson cowboy "boot" slides/mules: $3.50

(check out the close up below)

 The Crow's Nest is where all my fantasy western gear is. I go there for inspiration. It's kind of pricey, but a girl can dream right?

Well I don't know about you, but I'm ready to ride off into the sunset and start my weekend. See y'all back here on Monday. Hi-yo Silver!