I will have to tell you because our cats, Opal and Otto, don't know how (can't be bothered ) to type...yet. For the record, I don't really like most perfumes, parfums, eau de parfums, eau de toilettes or eau de colognes myself because I don't find them pleasant. I smell overpriced pumps of chemicals in delicate, architecturally designed bottles that cost more than a week's worth of groceries. The only exception, in my opinion, is Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. fragrance. It was (I say was, because her company no longer makes the fragrance) a subtle, flowery scent that didn't offend my olfactory organs.
Anyway, I received free sample bottles of Elizabeth and James (a company started by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I didn't know this either.) Nirvana Rose Eau de Parfum and Nirvana Bourbon Eau de Parfum from Sephora yesterday. I spritzed a bit of the Nirvana Rose on my wrist. Naw thanks. Too chemical-like for me, and I quickly had to escape the bathroom.
Following me from the bathroom to the living room were Opal and Otto. They sometimes follow me from one room to another, but after the spritzing in the bathroom, there was purpose in their
Opal and Otto are not sold on the fragrance
stalking, something between confusion and fear. I sat down, opened my laptop, and the two of them surrounded me, invading my personal space. Otto sniffed at my wrist, then tried to bite me. Opal began frantically sniffing my wrist, and because she has a chronic nasal issue, I thought she might actually pass out from all the sniffing. What the hell?
Sephora describes the fragrance as, "A seductive floral blend embodying the heart of a dark rose with notes of rose de mai, geranium, and vetiver for a sultry, refined scent with intrigue."
My cats say, "If this perfume could conjure the feeling of being allowed to go outside, eat grass until we yack, roll around in the dirt, spar with a mole, then go back inside and suck down catnip smoothies for the rest of the day, we would buy the hell out of that shit. This does not. The rose nodes are more woody than rosy and if we could gnaw our mommy's hand off, we would. Keep trying Olsen twins."
My mom has of photograph of herself in a bikini in the 1960s, standing in front a picnic table on a bright day. It was one of those 'full coverage' bikinis, with ruffles. When I think of summer, I see that picture in my head. The ruffle bikini and huge honking sunglasses (don't worry Mom, I don't have the picture, so I can't post it) and a big smile on her face. 48.5 hours until our first beach vacation of the year. Man, there is nothing like summer.
On Friday, March 21st, The Smithsonian Channel aired Blondie's New York, an hour-long documentary on the making of Blondie's breakthrough album, Parallel Lines. Poseidon and I recorded Blondie's New York, and we finally watched it Sunday night. It was interesting, but short. I would have enjoyed seeing more, but the documentary focused on the making of Parallel Lines, more than 35 years since its release (can you believe that???). The Smithsonian Channel is airing the documentary, at least through April, so check their schedule.
Album producer, Mike Chapman is great in this documentary. He still seems 'giddy' when speaking about the making of the album, and using the Roland CR-78 drum machine on "Heart of Glass." I know nothing of drum machines (that's more Poseidon's area), but I was fascinated.
I have an aesthetic appreciation for all that is Debbie Harry. Always will. Not just anyone can rock pink.
This sun bunny is quite sad to have to wave goodbye to summer again, but this past Sunday (9/22/13), was a gorgeous day, the first day of fall, AND, I wore a sweater for the first time. I'll miss summer, but the fall is already proving to be lovely!
know, it's a first world problem, but to me, it is a problem, what with my anxiety over haircuts and all.
I've been growing it out, and because I like being able to braid again, I think I'll keep the length, and have my bangs trimmed. I don't know what to do about the color. As I type this, I'm thinking, "No one really gives two milkshakes about my hair," but I do, so it helps to talk (type) it out. I just want to wake up with Catherine Deneuve hair tomorrow morning.
Simple and manageable has been my mantra for today, so I think I'll apply that to the haircut decision as well. This time. My fall haircut will be a bit edgier. Something like this (only I imagine this looks better on a dude than on me):
Long story short, but 6 weeks post neck surgery and I got the thumbs up on Tuesday from my neurosurgeon! X-rays show everything is healing properly, the screws are still in place and I can now raise my arms above my head again, which is something no one should take for granted, not ever. Imagine, if you will, not being allowed to lift your arms above your head, or bend your neck forward for 6 weeks. All I can say, right now, is that my hair is in desperate need of the best shampooing of its life.
I can do most things again without fear of keeping my neck as straight as the proverbial arrow. I have had a weird feeling for the past 6 weeks, a feeling that if I turn my head too quickly or too far in one direction (you know, like an owl) that the plastic plate in my neck with snap, and the two screws holding it in place will float around on the inside of my body. Impossible for sure, but creepy to think about (even creepier if you've seen my x-rays).
So, now that I'm officially on the mend, and can begin incorporating more strenuous exercise back into my routine, I'm one happy girl. On a sad note (dripping with sarcasm), I no longer have to wear my beautiful neck brace. That thing can just about walk on its own now anyway...a turn through the washing machine would have been nice. I'm thinking a funeral for the neck brace may be a good idea, like a symbolic step toward normalcy. That and I'd be putting it out of its misery.
Sewing. It calms me and annoys the hades out of me at the same time, yet it's a creative outlet that I will still pursue. 60's fashion. My other love. Perhaps I can combine the two? My sewing machine meets 60's fashion, on the dining room table (that is where my sewing machine currently calls home). Tonight.
My friend T posted this on my Facebook wall and my twin sister's Facebook wall last week and I'm digging the cat dresses! Hmmm, I'm already picking out the fabric in my head.
Do I tell my twin sister, or just make the dresses first? What say you, Mel? Oh, and who gets the head and who gets the tail?
Source: Getty Images - Woody Allen at the premier of What's New Pussycat in 1965. Gals in pussy cat dresses, maybe twins?
Shopping for Christmas is one of my favorite things. The thrill of the hunt, finding cool junk that neither my friends nor family really need, is so much fun, I'm sure it's a sin. When I shop for gifts, I'm ashamed to admit, but , I do the "one for you, two for me, one for you, two for me" gambit.
Getting right to it, here is my list of 2012 fun gifts for fun, awesome women:
HOBBIES - Gifts
This is the lomography camera I have asked Santa for, and I'm told it is in his big bag of Christmas toys, just for me!
Photo from Lomography.com
Bird watchers out there? What bird would pass up a chance to feast at this mod house? This is a great Christmas gift for your female friends who like our feathered friends.
SOCKS - Gifts
I know, this year, the octopus is last year's owl, which was the previous year's bird, (Poseidon was a cephalopod fan way before they were hip), and those tentacled beasts are everywhere, but these socks are a great gift...oh, and the cardigan isn't a bad gift either:
Some people joke about getting socks for Christmas, but I am happy to get socks as a gift. Poseidon always buys me at least one pair of socks for Christmas. Socks are like a Linus blanket...to me anyway. These koi socks would have have been well received, but they are on back order. Frowny face. If you haven't noticed, I'm a fan of PlasticLand.com.
Alright, one more pair of socks before I move on to the next gift category. Something else I just noticed...I am definitely a Pisces, as all these socks have a 'water' theme.
TECHNOLOGY - Gifts
My old iPod nano died. I had to make a decision: Do I buy a new iPod or put all of my music on my iPhone? I know it isn't hard, but I like my nano, so I bought myself a new one. In red.
I was shopping for stocking stuffers yesterday at The Container Store. This store is an amazing place to waste spend hours and hours. Poseidon may get one of these laptop pillow thingys from Santa. It is called a Surf Pillow, and it is just as good excuse as any to go to The Container Store.
SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS - Gifts
I'm not sure why, but this year seems to be the year of the salt and pepper shaker set. Shakers have been a trend before, and eventually these will collect dust, or find homes in sad landfills, but for now, they are trendy and it seems every site I visited during the past few days...s&p shakers. Everywhere.
These are adorable and they are on sale (as of today at least):
These are hideous, (and sold out), but my grandparents had these, and they are taking me back!
JEWELRY - Gifts
What list of gifts for women would be complete without jewlery? I found a bracelet I thought might be nice, and I put it on my list to Santa. I've been underwhelmed by jewelry I've seen lately, but this black sheep brooch is worth a look!
ART - Gifts
Poseidon and I have art that we have yet to hang, display, dust, destroy, etc., but I'm always on the lookout for fun prints, like this (and they make great gifts for women)
...and this:
Awww, and this:
CLOTHES, BAGS AND SHOES - Gifts
Pretty, pretty shoes. Women (or many women) like shoes.
I WANT these! Anne Klein Plural Color-Block - I saw them at DSW two weeks ago:
I don't usually suggest buying clothing for women, unless you really, truly know their size, correct measurements, etc., but I'm in love with this dress, so I'll share it:
Just a note, if you are ordering from Mod Cloth, their sizes are never true to size, in my opinion, so read the reviews that others have written before ordering. I find the reviews helpful in determining which size to order.
I'm a fan of the Vero Moda brand on ASOS, and this wrap it dirt cheap and cute and would make a super gift:
This is a great looking bag...I asked Santa for one similar, but I think my camera trumped the bag:
MAKE UP, PARFUM and GIRLY STUFF - Gifts
One can always count on ThinkGeek.com for cool, geeky gifts for women:
Tokyo Milk brand - since Gwen Stefani's LAMB scent is no longer available, this is my favorite parfum:
BIKING - Gifts
I'll close with bike bells. Everyone fun chick needs a bell on her bike.
I also suggest FAB.com for gifts...you have to sign up in order to browse, but it's free. Just give them your email address. I get a headache wading through some of the pages, but you might find something that inspires. Happy shopping everyone.
Last year I did a series of "things I found aesthetically pleasing" posts in the form of a count-down-to-Thanksgiving or some nonsense. This year, I didn't have the time nor the inclination to do the same, but because we are just days away from Thanksgiving...would it not be amazingly absurd to go to Thanksgiving dinner dressed as the turkey?
I think, perhaps, this is a pheasant rather than a turkey?
Photo originally from Outdoors Delmarva
I might actually wear this (if I owned it)...
Photo from Tendhunder.com
I probably would wear this one (if I owned it)...
Gautier - 2008? - Photo from Rayela's Fiber Focus
I most certainly would wear this (if I owned it) while Poseidon and I watch television in the evenings. Seriously, this is beautiful! A Bob Mackie creation - it is a single-breasted evening coat-dress that was designed for and worn by Carol Burnett. I didn't realize this until today, but Bob Mackie designed many of the costumes worn on the The Carol Burnett Show.
Bob Mackie - designed for Carol Burnett - Photo from sfgate.com
OK, which one will you wear to Thanksgiving dinner (or while watching TV, because any of these would be appropriate for television watching)?
Sorry, this post will be devoid of witty commentary, serving only as eye candy.
We all have images our eyes are drawn to, and my eyes are always in love with photographs of mod sixties fashion, especially winter fashion.
I have a "60s Inspiration" board on Pinterest (I rarely go to Pinterest any more...time suck that I had to withdraw from...I thought it was going to involve medication, but I got through it), and I took a look at it today, but I also found some great images elsewhere around the internets, and yeah, I've added them here (so you don't have to go to Pinterest if you are in recovery):
I love, love navy blue, and the white fur is A-OK! Can I get an amen on the hair styles?
Source: 60smodfox.com
Coats in winter white take my breath away when worn by a svelte 60s gal. I love the stockings! I'm actually wearing some very similar, right.now. I just took a picture of them and added them below this photo. I apologize, in advance, for the hideous carpet in my office.
Source: theswingingsixties.com
My stockings (similar to the stockings in the above picture), oh, and my cute grey suede wedges.
Source: My iPhone : )
Sixties fashion cannot be discussed without Twiggy. 60s white jacket with over-sized buttons = perfection.
Source: londonse1.com
I'm not sure if this photo is actually new or taken in the 60s, but I'm going with new. I wish I had been born a bit earlier. This would have been me (not as pretty). This photo screams sixties love.
Source: refinery20.com
Fur again! I love 60s coats with fur and this deep burgandy is beautiful for winter. If I didn't already have 3 vintage coats in my closet, I would go on wild hunt for this one. Apparently this is from the Australian Wool Corporation fashion campaign during the late 60s/early 70s
Source: smh.com.au
Brigitte Bardot. Enough said. Sixties style gal forever...and she had the best hair
