Tidings of Comfort and Joy

No folks, it's not Christmas just yet, but I was getting a feeling of comfort and joy from this outfit. Comfort from this old denim shirt that has just the perfect amount of wear and softness plus a couple of holes in just the right places (thrifted that way) and also from the fact that there wasn't a single thing that was pulling, tugging, riding up, sagging down, rubbing, poking, itching, sratching or restricting about any of these garments. Nope, not a single thing; not even an irritating tag (because I cut them out).
The "joy" part of this outfit, well that came from the polka dots, because everybody knows polka dots = joy.

I wore this a couple weeks back (before the weather got real cold) when I took my dear mother-in-law out to lunch and shopping. We always have a fun time on these little outings. She's full of life stories and at 84 she's still a fashionable lady, so shopping is quite an adventure with her.  I tell you friends, it's great when you have in-laws that you like and vice - versa.  I equate it with polka dots... a pure joy.

The holidays are fast approaching and things are about to get real hectic for some of us. So, I'll take this opportunity to wish you all the comfort and joy in the world, if not from your in-laws and other relatives, then at least from the clothes you grace your body with.

Do you anticipate spending the holidays with in-laws or out-laws?

New York and Company vest: thrifted
Liz Claiborne denim shirt: thrifted also worn here and here.
Polka dot dress by local company, but can't remember name - cut out the irritating tag: thrifted
Fly London booties: via Saxon Shoes. Sooo comfy!
Vintage Ettienne Aigner purse: thrifted

I'm linking up with Patti's Visible Monday. Come join me.

Bring on the holidays!

Fly London via China to America

What a confusing title. But it'll all come together in the end.
Today I'm linking up with Marionberry for her Trend of the Month party which is all about boots and booties. Perfect timing for me because I just got these Fly London booties that I'm sooo loving!  I haven't been this happy with a pair of shoes in...in three weeks!
Now, when I first became familiar with this brand I assumed because of the name (Fly London) they were made in the U.K., wrong. They're made in China. But I assure you they don't feel or look cheap in person. Even the box they came in looks like quality. I'm seriously considering framing the top.
So far I've only worn these booties for weekend wear. I'd love to sport them to the J.O.B. but not sure how to make it work; Any ideas?
Speaking of weekend wear, you might be wondering where I wore this outfit to. Well, there's a reason I'm dressed military style. I was at an auction and in full commando mode. Wait 'til you see what I got... stay tuned.
Meanwhile, if you've got a thing for boots, drop on by Marionberry's to check out a whole slew of  'em. Better yet, link up and show off a pair of your own.

Cato camo tank: thrifted
Eddie Bauer denim jacket: in store clearance
Eddie Bauer cargos: in store clearance
Fly London booties: via Saxon shoe store
also found here.
Purse made from rug: thrifted

I'm a Bond Girl

Happy Halloween folks. Hope you all are going to do some fun stuff tonight! Can't wait to get around to everybody's blogs to see what they've cooked up for costumes. Ally's having a Halloween party, so that's where I'll be. Swing by and join the fun.
About my costume, well, it's only a costume in my imagination. You see, when I thrifted this sweater dress a few months back I thought it would be a way of taking the maxi dress look into fall/winter. Then I read an article tilted "A common Bond" in InStyle magazine featuring all the Bond girls over the years (minus Halley Berry! More on that in another post) and I then the light bulb came on in my head. I bet a Bond Girl would wear a long black sweater dress like mine. All sorts of weapons could be hidden under it! So there you have it. I'm a Bond girl. O.K. so it might be a stretch, but it was either this or one of those t-shirts that says "BOO".  Happy Halloween! Remember to drop by Ally's today... or the next.

Red October

Ambassador X along with two of her cohorts have been held against their will by Rupert Retail and his henchmen in an abandoned warehouse. Her special thrifting powers have been reduced to fatally low levels because she's been deprived of seeing the color red for months.

 My mission: To infiltrate the building undetected and allow Ambassador X to see my outfit in all it's red glory to restore her mega thrifting powers. The fact that it's mixed prints and mostly thrifted will only maximize the effect.
I must hurry and locate the shut-off valve. The effects of the spiked frozen yogurt I gave the guard will wear off in mere minutes!

I really hope the Ambassador likes my outfit. I kind of put it together at the last minute. This sassy red trench's last appearance was back in February here. The skirt was last seen in action here, and the blouse here.

If I'd been called upon to complete this mission just 5 short years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I just absolutely did not wear red! I felt it wasn't my color, but I decided to give it a go one day and realized it suits me after all. I've been hooked ever since.

Mixing prints has never been a problem though, I was doing that back in high school. My feelings are, as long as the colors coordinate, then it's ok to mix the prints. Easy!

Have you ever become fixated with a color or particular pieces of clothing in your closet and you just wear them to death for about a month? I'm obviously going through a red phase. I believe it all started with the acquisition of this red dress. For some reason I've also been obsessed with this skirt and plaid blouse. I've worked out at least three other ways to wear them together.

There's nothing like a comfy shoes, easy fitting skirt and blouse and a trench in a fun color to get a lady through the day's missions. 

Ambassador X is safe, her thrifting powers have been fully restored. The thrifting community can breath a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, in the fray Rupert Retail escaped. No worries though, he can't run forever. Sooner or later, he'll end up in a thrift store or yard sale and I'll nab him!

 

October isn't over yet and neither is my red phase. What are you fixated with this month, a purse, an accessory, a piece of jewelry? Hope you're indulging some of your own obsessions as well. I'll be linking up at Monday Mingle and  Patti's Visible Monday.

Until we meet again, live long, thrift, wear red and prosper.

The End.

Style Agent 909's wardrobe on this mission:

Gallery red trench: thrifted

Liz Claiborne plaid blouse: thrifted

Jones New York skirt: thrifted

Gianni Bini sling back clogs: via Dillard's

Fossil purse: via Dillard's (on clearance last year)

Decisions, Decisions

Paper or plastic, credit or debit, left or right, heels or flats, this or that? These are the mundane, non-life-altering decisions I'm sure most of us make on a daily basis.  And let's not even talk about the most mind boggling question of all: "What am I going to wear today?"
This past week, though, I had a serious decision to make, at least in my book. I was half way to work (about 20 minutes into the trip) and realized I'd forgotten my cell phone at home, something I rarely do. I almost broke out into a cold sweat! Barreling down the freeway at 75 70 mph, I couldn't decide if I should turn around, go back home and get it or live without it for a day. Mind you, there's computers with internet and phones at work, but there's nothing like having my own little link to the world right in my hot little hand. Well, I quickly checked my purse to make sure I at least had my wallet. I did. Whew! I decided I could live without the cell for a day. At least I had money with me to buy something at the thrift store. Which would be worse for you, leaving your wallet or leaving your cell phone?

Here's another situation I'm often faced with, more so in the big city than out in the  rural area where I live. I'm approaching a traffic light and have to stop. And right outside my window is a guy with a sign indicating he's homeless, lost his job, broke, war vet, blind, deaf, hungry, etc. Sometimes he may even have a dog with him. To make matters worse, I'm usually chowing down on a hamburger or something at the time. I have to make a split decision about what I'm going to do. I'm sorry to say I haven't developed a standard response to this situation yet and that my decision usually depends on my mood. Sometimes I give some spare change, sometimes I offer to buy food, and other times I just quietly ignore the person.  What do you do when this happens? When I approached the blind, deaf, homeless, broke (and thankfully dogless) guy at the traffic light this week. I didn't give him any spare change. I was selfishly saving it for a cup of frozen yogurt.

I have a great camera. But I'm still learning how to use it. So sometimes my photos aren't really what I'd like them to be, but I post them anyway. The flip side of that situation is feeling like I said something really stupid in a post or it just didn't make sense. Which is worse in your opinion; stupid posts or bad photos? Sometimes I do both
 . . . at the same time!
 I've been wanting to thank you all, my fellow bloggers for helping me make  a decision couple of weeks ago when I purchased a pair of sweats that I wanted to refashion. You offered all kinds of great suggestions. Thank you so much. Turns out though, that they weren't too small after all and I kept them as they were.
I need to call upon you all again for help. A few posts back, Madame Lotta Prada posted a horoscope. It got lots of views, but not a lot of comments. So I'm putting it out there for my fellow bloggers to help me decided if it should continue to be a monthly feature. The poll is at the bottom of this post.

Here's a couple of things I don't even need to think twice about: linking up at Visible Monday and Monday Mingle. Those are no brainers!
What decisions (non) life altering or otherwise, have you had to make lately?

Pendleton plaid wool jacket: thrifted
L.L. Bean Slim Leg jeans: thrifted
Van Heusen blouse: thrifted
a.n.a denim vest: thrifted
Gianni Bini boots: via Dillard's (clearance, last year)

Do you like the idea of a monthly horoscope?
	Absolutely!
	No Thanks. I'll get mine from the newspaper.
pollcode.com free polls

Date 'Night'...I'm Feelin' Lucky

Gap t-shirt: in store purchase. Spiegle metallic leather skirt: thirfted.

Lucky Magazine is hosting a "Date Night" contest where contributors can submit their best outfit. I really want to participate, trouble is, Stephen and I don't really have date nights per se. We have "date days". And to be perfectly honest, I prefer it that way, because I'm pretty useless by the time 9:00 p.m. rolls around.

Unlisted pumps: thrifted. Vintage Coach bucket bag: yard sale. Bracelets: thirfted.

Now about the date "night" outfit, as long as it's comfortable and has pockets; it's a go. I like this one because the t-shirt keeps it casual, but the skirt has some shimmer and shine...just in case we actually do make it a real date and do some fine dinning at McDonald's.

I love these old vintage cameras, but can't download any pictures with them.

A typical date day will usually involve exploring some old country back roads and me practically jumping out of our moving vehicle every time we pass a yard sale, thrift or antique store. Stephen has to throw on the breaks and avoid swerving into on coming traffic, make a quick U-turn and backtrack to said store/sale. Right now vintage suitcases and cameras seem to catch my eye. Come to think of it, everything catches my eye. That's how I ended up with this vintage Coach bucket bag, shimmery skirt and crazy retro looking pumps. I also must confess it's not just the vintage luggage, cameras and coach bags that catch my eye... the hot hunky husband does too and that's what date night day is really all about.

Let's make a date to meet up over at
Patti's Visible Monday and Monday Mingle.

Cozy Coats Circa 1978

When Disco ruled...

Last Saturday I was doing my usual thing; yard saleing. I came across a box full of ladies' magazines all from the same year, 1978. I thumbed through them and was instantly transported back 34 years. Now for those of you who didn't even exist back then, are too young to remember or were merely existing in a haze, here's a short recap: Jimmy Carter was president, gas was .63 a gallon, people were shaking their thangs to Y.M.C.A, Stayin' Alive and Gloria Gaynor's, I Will Survive. Must see T.V.  included The Love Boat, Three's Company and Charlie's Angles (the original). Oh yeah, and John Travolta was the sexiest man alive. It was a good year in my opinion. I was young enough to not have any responsibility other than taking out the trash and old enough to pick out my own clothes.
Some of the 'must have' coats of the season were featured the September issue of Good Housekeeping (then .95). Seriously, I could have been looking at the 2012 issue of any fashion magazine (now ~4.99). I'd pretty much rock any of these coats. I've numbered them from left to right. Which one would you wear this season?

  1 ,2, 3

4, 5, 6

7, 8, 9

10 (my favorite), 11, 12

13, 14, 15

16, 17, 18

19, 20, 21

22, 23, 24, 25

What were you up to in 1978?
Do you buy a new winter coat every year?

Hangin' out at the usual spots, Patti's Not Dead Yest Style and Monday Mingle.