What I've Been Missing...

Ladies I've been waiting 40+ years for this to happen. It's been a long time coming, and now my world is forever changed. I know what I've been missing in my life....




           A RED DRESS !




I'm now the proud owner of a red dress. Me. Can you believe I own a red skirt, blouse (multiple), socks, undies, sweaters, pants (again multiple), jackets, coat, cape, shoes, scarves, but never a red dress...until now...

I just love the hemline on this.

I like red, but I just never felt the want or need for a red dress, but when I saw this beauty hanging in the Goodwill, I knew this is what's been missing in my closet all these years. Is a red dress just as essential as a LBD?  How does somebody get to the ripe age of 43 and not own a red dress? I tell ya, if you don't own a red dress, you don't know what you're missing.  And let's not even talk about the holiday possibilities... Valentine's, Christmas, St. Patrick's. Ok, scratch St. Patrick's.  I'm so excited about this I ripped out a page from the August 2012 "Lucky" magazine which just happened to have lots of red dresses (I swear I didn't plan this)  plus I've searched the net and found a few others for you. None of these are as cheap inexpensive as mine; gotta go to thrifting for that, but they're still fun to look at. Enjoy.
Oh...wait a minute....
There's one more thing I've been missing, and thank goodness for Lynne over at Practical Paralegalism for pointing it out. All this time I've had my comments set to "word verification". This is a real pain in the arse when you have to type in those letters and numbers. Well, I reset it, no it's no longer there. Thanks Lynne. And thanks to all of you who've put up with it and still left comments for me. I appreciate it. If you want to know how to reset it Robyn at Robyn's Nest wrote a great post on how to do stuff like that.
O.K... Now have a look at all these pretty red dresses!

                                                        Badgley Mischa
                                                        $266.99

                                      Issue 'Flaaper Dress'
                                      $98.99

                                           London Style V-Neck Dress
                                           Sears $39.99


Are you missing anything from your wardrobe?
Do you have a red dress?

Sheila E. and The Glamorous Life

Since I seem to be on a trip down memory lane lately. Here's another tidbit circa 1985...

I was  out Goodwilling, minding my own business, when I passed this old building (you know how I love those) with an E on it. It reminded me of the singer Sheila E., best known for her song "The Glamorous Life", back in the mid 80's. Also around the same time, there was a popular group called Ready For The World or RFTW for short. They sang a song called "Oh, Sheila". I was in high school when these two songs came out. Everybody either tacked an E onto my name, (my name is also Sheila) calling me Sheila E. or would sing the first few words of RFTW's song... oh, oh Sheila...
To this very day, people will sometimes call me Sheila E., mind you, I look nothing like her or they'll sing "Oh, Sheila" to me. It happens at least several times a month. Really.  In high school this brought lots of unwelcomed attention. Now, as an adult I find it mildly irritating. Mostly, because I don't know how to respond. Should I do a little dance when they start singing or what? (sometimes I do).

Do you have a name that's been made into a song that everyone sung to you in school? How do you respond when people sing it to you now?

If there's no song with your name in it, don't despair, there's always that tune "The Name Game" where a rhyme can be made from anyone's name. For mine it would go something like this...
Sheila, Sheila, bo beila, banana fana fo feila, fe fy mo melia, Sheila...

Now let's try that with your name...

I'll be sharing this little slice of life with the gals at Patti's and Mingle Monday and EBEW.
Remember the upcoming clothing swap party. This is your official invite.

Ready, Set, Repeat

Girlfriends, it's Friday and I'm ready for the weekend! How about you? It's still warm and humid, so this is what I'll be sporting. I actually wore it last weekend, but only to the grocery store and the Goodwill, so I feel justified in wearing it again. I doubt the lady at the deli counter or the guy in produce will remember it and besides, it shouldn't count if I had it on for less than 3 hours right?

 Ann Taylor dress: in store, clearnce
No name vinyl bag: thrifted
SoHo Cobbler platform flip flops: thrifted




















 Did any of you get the memo that platform
flip flops are woefully out of style and one of the worst fashion disasters ever?
I got that notice about a month ago via an article on the internet, but I'm going to pretend I didn't read it, because I frickin' adore this pair of shoes!







                                                                              

                                 Have a stylish weekend. See y'all back here Monday at the usual hangouts.

Plaid, Vintage Pleats And a Dose of Leopard

Happy Sunday/Monday Gals. I sure hope you got an extended weekend. I did, and I'm luxuriating in the thought of painting my toenails and rearranging my sock drawer tomorrow. I know, sounds boring, but to me it's heaven!
On to the outfit. I stopped by a charity yard sale this past Saturday and picked up a bag full of clothes for $1. Do I need to tell you I was just tickled pink over that? There was table full of vintage clothes, hence this lovely pleated skirt with ruffled bottom. I really have no idea what to wear with it (yet), so I paired it with this plaid shirt since it has a similar color blue in it (and it was the first thing I could put my hands on). It's kind of June Cleaver meets Grizzly Adams. I'm biting my nails over the cost of having it dry cleaned. They charge $3.98 plus and additional 10 cents per pleat. I could end up paying more to have it cleaned than the darn thing probably cost new! At this rate, it may be in the line up for the Shop N' Swap party. I know these shoes will.
Oh...you didn't know about the Shop N' Swap party? Well just click here. Everybody's invited so spread the word.

Liz Claiborne blouse: thrifted
No name vintage skirt: yard sale
No name belt: thrifted
Steve Madden leopard shoes: thrifted

I'm headed to Patti's Visible Monday
and Two Thirty-Five Designs.
Monday Mingle

HAVE A LOVELY WEEK!

9/3/12
Major update!!!!                                 
Frannie Pantz is getting married and e-invited
her blog friends to attend. I think I'll wear this skirt
with my silvery Ralph Lauren sweater and strappy
BCBG Girls sandals (all thrifted).
Congratulations Frannie Pantz. Wishing you many
happy years of marital bliss.

Shop N' Swap

Yes. This is my closet, but I'm not ready to talk about it yet.

                                 

A lot of bloggers have been doing some downsizing of their closets lately and I find myself wishing, I could just get my hands on some of that fabulousness they're tossing out! Do you find yourself wishing the same? So all you downsizers out there, stop! Put your hands up, and step away from the clothes and nobody gets hurt. Let's have a clothing swap before you throw out another scrap.

Here's what I'm proposing: Choose as many or as few items as you want. Anything. Accessories, shoes, scarves, sweaters, jeans, or even partially used fragrances (the spray kind), unopened items like cosmetics or tights and create a post. A brief description of the items and why they no longer work for you would be helpful.  It'll be a link up style party in a format like Patti's Visible Monday  OR send me a photo of one of the items with your blog name and email and I'll link back to you. I know it takes time to get stuff together take pictures, so how about we plan on Saturday, September 22.  Arrangements for shipping can be made between individuals. So who's interested?
I have all sizes of things, because I always have plans to alter or modify.  Sometimes I get around to it and sometimes not. Please don't be discouraged and think anyone wouldn't be interested in what you have. You'd be surprised! Someone just might be looking for a purple polka dot raincoat.
Oh...and you might want to create a wish list so, others can know what you've got an eye out for.  My list is at the bottom...but it's just a partial list. Chances are, you've got something I'd love to have and I just don't know it yet :)
Styleagent909@gmail.com

Here's a preview of just a few of the things I have to swap...

Betu Sport skinny python pants. Size 8.
 Waist 29", hips 43", total length 40". Zip front. No pockets. 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
I seriously want a pair of python pants so bad, I was going to sew an insert into the sides of these to make them larger, but decided it would wreck the look.
Wouldn't these look fabulous with some boots?

9/1/12 update: I was in Macy's yesterday and found a pair of python print jeans. I'm just over the moon about them!

a.n.a faux leather jacket. XL.
Underarm to underarm 44", Neck to bottom 22", shoulder to cuff, 25.5".
In general, I'm not a fan of faux leather. But I really liked this jacket. The photo doesn't do it justice. I has a "broken in" look. Because it's an XL there lots of room for layering thicker clothes underneath. Drawback, no pockets. I recently replaced it with a nearly identical one that does have pockets.

Levi's denim shirt. Medium.
Bust 40", Waist 35", neck to hem 29", shoulder to cuff 24".

The southwest look is going to be big this fall. This shirt is a must have. Soft, 100% cotton. It's slightly fitted and just doesn't have the looseness I'm looking for plus I have at least 3 other denim shirts.

Gap linen biased cut skirt. Size 8.
Waist 32", length 28", hips are very generous.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this at the thrift store. It's the exact same one I'm wearing here. The only difference is that this one has dark stripes where mine are light and visa versa. This could work in any season. I was going to cut this one up and use it as a pattern, but I decided one skirt like this is enough.
I really should have ironed it, but I'll leave that to the new owner.

Express faux fur jacket. Size Large
42" bust, 25" shoulder to cuff, 22" neck to bottom. I know there's somebody out there who can really rock this like it deserves to be. I think it's sooo cute. The only problem is, it makes me look like Sasquatch. If you have a small frame there's lots of room for layering. If you have a larger frame like me, try wearing it with a light weight garment underneath.





Here's my wish list:
1. Python print jeans.  
1. Big rings
2. Scarves (can't get enough of 'em)
3. Anything made of colored suede or leather
4. Small to medium cross body type purse (I have red, black, and white ones already).
5. Vests
6. Patterned tights
7. Chunky necklace
8. Boots! I love boots!
9. Basic black blazer (I know, I can't believe I don't have one either.)
10. Long cardigan (really long, like this one). I have a brown one and a gray one already.
The specs:
shoe: Sometimes and 8 or 9, but usually 8 1/2.
dresses, pants, jeans: 12 to 14
Blouses, sweaters, jackets: 12 to 14,  medium to XL.

Sizing also depends on the fabric of certain items. If you have something you think I'd like, but it's not my size, give me a holler anyway, maybe I can make it work!

Y'all let me know if a swap party interest you. I've never done one online, so I'm open to suggestions to make it fun and easy for everybody.

I'll Have The Liebster Please, With a Baked Potato.

 Folks, I feel pretty darn special right now, because the ever stylish and creative Melanie of Bag and Beret nominated me for the Liebster Award. Thanks Melanie. Now I have no idea what "Liebster" means, but it sounds like 'lobster' in German; and I like lobster...a lot.
If you haven't been to Melanie's blog, then don't log off your computer today without doing so. Her style is like nothing you've ever seen, it's highly individualized and perfectly suited to her personality. Whether you're 22 or 92, you'll enjoy her humor, art and style.
This award couldn't have come at a better time, because I've discovered some blogs over the past few days/weeks that I think are just great. They're listed below, so please check them out.

Before accepting the award I must do the following:

 Answer Melanie's 11 questions:

 1. On a desert island, which would you choose, a pocket knife or a solar-powered e-reader?

I'm going with the solar powered e-reader. Hopefully I can get a wireless signal and still check up on my fave blogs. 

 2. As one of 27 island castaways, what would be your job: hut-builder, chef, caregiver, tailor, banker, other?
Banker. That would be a really easy job. Money would mean nothing in that situation!

3. Would you like some fries with that?

Yes...or onion rings if you have them.

4. What's the meaning of life (in ten words or less)?

Thrifting, thrifting, thrifting.

 5. Zip-lining in a rain forest, deep sea fishing in the Bahamas, or spelunking in Brunei?

I don't know the meaning of the last one...I'll take it!

6. What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

"The Exorcist". I can't even watch it in the day time.

7. One night of guilt-free lust, who with: Prince Charles, Steve Buscemi, Mister Ed (a talking palomino horse from a 1960s American sitcom by the same name), Portia de Rossi?

Can I get back to you on that one? The choices are too overwhelming. 

8. What's your favourite flower?

Calla Lillies. 

9. Do you ever dream that your teeth are falling out?

Oh man! I thought that only happend to me. I have that dream at least 6 times a year!

10. Which is your favourite: mice, spiders or snakes?

Mice. They're so cute.

11. Which way is north?

Up. *points toward Canada*

 List 11 facts about myself:
1. Sometimes I forget how to spell simple words.

2. Autumn is my favorite season.

3. I like watching reruns of  "Painting With Bob Ross". His voice is so soothing.

4. I don't know what "Liebster" means.

5. I don't like drinking out of colored glass.

6. I love line dried laundry.

7. I still think about my second grade teacher, Miss Erving. She was so nice.

8. Sometimes I buy a Happy Meal just for the toy.
9. I still own a VCR.
10. I think panties and a t-shirt is the sexiest lingerie.
11. I think Progresso clam chowder is pretty darn good.

Name 11 new awardees (and notify them of the award).  

Simply Chic....I just love her style!

Newly Loved ... She's so cute!
Satin and Salt... She's quite a dresser and decorator.
My Peace of Jewelry....She's a jewelry designer and a sculptor.
Material Fixations... I really like how she brings attention to things I might otherwise miss.
The Other Side...She questions "fashion".
Science of Styling... This girl knows how to thrift!
H&K Style Journey... A mother/daughter blog; how awesome is that?
Style That Moves...I wish I'd dressed like this in my 20's
One Sister's Rant...She just so real and I love her dog Roxy!
Thrifted or Scripted...I love her easy going style, and she's a thrifter, yay!

Ask 11 new questions of the next awardees:

 1. You just found $20 in the pocket of your winter coat you forgot was there. What will you do with it?

2. What’s the best thing to make with lemons?

3. I can’t eat a hamburger without _________?

4. What item do you most want for your wardrobe this fall?

5.  What was your most memorable Halloween costume…?

6.  What colors if any, do you never wear together?

7. You’re given 1000 popsicle sticks (craft sticks) what can you make with them?

8. What book or movie would you like to change the ending of?

9. What’s for dinner tonight?

10. If you could have one piece of famous art work for your home, what would it be?

11. Which Would you rather have, a cabin in the woods, a beach house or a loft in New York?

Here are the terms for accepting the award:
  1. The new nominee must post 11 things about him/herself.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the person who gave you the award.

3. Choose 11 new nominees and link them in your post.

4. Create 11 questions for the bloggers you've nominated.

5. Go and tell them that they've been nominated.

6. No tag back! (I don't really know what this means...so I ignored it.)

That Is One Uuugly Dress!

Ladies, can we all agree from the get go, that this is one uuugly dress! It's a vintage Leslie Fay, multicolored hounds tooth print, with 3/4 length sleeves and an elastic waistband. It just doesn't get any worse than that. Oh, wait a minute, it does. It has a matching fabric belt and shoulder pads, which I promptly removed.
Have you ever encountered something so astoundingly hideous, that the feeling of repulsiveness actually turns to fascination? After circling the thrift store three times I finally allowed myself to touch this thing. Holding it between my thumb and forefinger, I inspected it and came to the conclusion the previous owner(s) probably realized their mistake in purchasing it and never wore it, because it looks new. I figured I'd do the same. I plunked down two whole dollars for this beauty monstrosity and took her home. Here's what followed.....

This is how I look when I don't smile.

I topped it all with a vintage wool fedora (Charles Knox, thrifted). I know, I know, I'm going out of order. The hat should be last, but with a dress this ugly who cares. The length is awkard, so I already knew leggins were part of the equation. And the bacelet...I didn't intend to wear it with this outfit, I just forgot to take it off for these photos.

Do you need a barf bag yet?

Next, I slipped on a French Cuff olive green jacket (thrifted) to pick up the olive green in the dress. By the way, the dress colors are: blue, olive green, forest green, black and red...horrid!

How's this for a man repeller?

 I pulled on some black a.n.a mid calf booties (thrifted).

...added a wide belt for definition.

...wrapped a coordinating scarf (via Bakers shoes, clearance)... grabbed a vintage Ettiene Aigner clutch (thrifted) and/or controversial art book by Joel Peter Witkin (estate sale).

I'm now ready to head to my locally owned coffee shop, sip on a chai tea and pretend to have intelligent conversation. My husband said it looks 'very European'. I think that's his way of saying he likes it ??

You're probably thinking, "Sheila, all you did was cover up the dress. Why not just make a skirt out of it?" I admit it's kind of like just putting a bag over it's head, but if I convert it into a skirt... well, all I'd end up with is one uuugly skirt.
Linking up with Patti and the ladies at Monday Mingle.

So what do you think?
	It's still one uuugly dress!
	Needs improvement
	The ugly duckling has turned into a swan. (it's cute now)
	It looks European
pollcode.com free polls

Update: I'm submitting this dress to Sheila of Ephemera's Dress Week of Horrors. Check it out!