Last weekend I got an itch to go and see. That translates into a need to do something a little different from my routine. I took advantage of the nice weather and headed out to The Flea… Continue reading “Even if it’s old junk…”
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks in my life, beginning with excruciating back pain and ending in an amazing new career which has made me feel like I’ve won an award for Best Job! In between (and because I’ve never met an awards show I didn’t like) I’ve also watched the Golden Globes, Super Bowl LI, the Grammys and in a few hours…the Oscars.
I’ve only seen 3 of tonight’s contenders; Hell or High Water (which accurately sums up the movie’s chances of winning best picture), Captain Fantastic (Viggo IS fantastic in this role) and Zootopia (animation – and a whodunit – at its best). Regardless of how many of the nominations I’ve see, each year I fill out a ballot with my predictions and then tune in for the fashion and the flubs. This year will be no different, but if the show gets too boring or the speeches too political I’ll end up exploring newest favorite web ‘rabbit holes’, including…
Hope your next week is award worthy…
For me, a denim jacket is one of THE fashion classics, never going out of style. I own two jackets that have been part of my wardrobe for 30+ years. These jackets have transitioned from their initial indigo brilliance to a beautifully faded cornflower blue that evokes memories of past adventures each time I wear one.
Levi’s makes the penultimate denim jacket, averaging around $100, but you can find jackets everywhere from Walmart to Bergdorf Goodman at every color, style, and price point imaginable.
The embellished denim jacket is another ‘Statement Jacket ‘ for spring (see the statement blouson here) which makes for a really easy DIY project (limited only by your imagination and/or craft skills).
A Google search for embroidered patches (including shapes, florals, and slogans) results in endless resources to choose from. You could also use studs, rhinestones, fringe, fancy braid, safety pins, fabric, or anything else you can think to turn your generic jacket into an embellished statement of your own!
This spring fashion is all about the Statement Jacket! The variety of styles and treatments available to buy or make is endless and only limited by the wearer’s imagination (or pocketbook). Today I’m showcasing two versions of the bomber jacket that would be easy to make if you are so inclined.
I really like Joie’s Mace Floral Silk Bomber Jacket. If you are going to make a similar look there are endless fabric choices to choose from. Silk, cotton, velvet – almost any fabric would work well. I’m leaning toward some sort of silk brocade with cord trim and a satin lining to make my own version of the look.
The Elie Tahari Glenna Sheer Floral Lace Bomber Jacket is another favorite of mine. It’s a look designed for casual sex appeal and could be dressed up or down. I’d love to make something similar in the sequin and beaded tulle (which would weigh a ton but look awesome!) but will settle for using a burnout fabric instead. Once I’ve finished I’ll wear it with a black tank, faded boyfriend jeans and black sandal – the perfect outfit for a night of clubbing in Miami next month.
Next up…denim jackets done 3 ways.
It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day on February 14th. If you are looking for love remember to use a condom when you love so you can continue to love for a long long time. If you plan on staying home to spend time with those you already love have a wonderful day celebrating why you love each other. And remember…no matter how you love, or whom you love, or if anyone else understands your love…today of all days, love on.
I love – and hate – when I begin a book that I can’t put down so I speed read late into the night just to see what will happen next and before I know it I’ve finished the tale. That’s what just happened with Emma Donoghue’s The Wonder.
The story takes place during the late 1850’s in a small out-of-the way town in Ireland and revolves around two characters: Lib, an English atheist and Florence Nightingale trained nurse and Anna, a devoutly Catholic 11-year old who has survived on ‘manna from heaven’ for 4 months. We follow Lib and Anna over a two-week span of time, as they go from wary strangers to fast family. Along the way questions of family, faith, science, service, media, and fame are explored. Ms. Donoghue is so adept at weaving a nuanced, layered tale I found myself going from ‘no way’ to ‘what if’ before ending in ‘of course’ after finishing the last page and then immediately wanting more.
This is the third Emma Donoghue book that I’ve read and she has become one of my favorite fiction writers. I first read Room, which I found to be claustrophobically incredible (although it left me with no desire to view the movie adaptation). My next Emma book was Frog Music , a murder mystery about a cross-dressing, bicycle riding frog catcher that I learned was based on actual people living in San Francisco during the smallpox epidemic and heat wave of 1876. After reading a bit more about Ms. Donoghue I am adding The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits , Life Mask , and The Sealed Letter to my must read list. If these books are half as good as the first three I will be in for a real reading treat.
How about you. Have you read any of Emma’s books? Which was your favorite? Id love to know…
It’s been fifteen years since the first National Wear Red Day, which sought to educate women about the number 1 lady killer – heart disease. A decade and a half later heart disease still kills too many women, often because they fail to recognize the warning signs specific to females. Help your heart stay healthy by exercising, following the food pyramid eating guidelines, quitting smoking, and having your cholesterol levels checked. You can also sport some red this Friday to let the world know just how much you value your heart – and the hearts of those you love!
For the past week I have done nothing but lie flat on my back, trying to recover from a bulging disc. I’ve binge watched so many episodes of Real Housewives (Atlanta! Beverly Hills! London!) and Fixer Upper that I am feeling an overwhelming need to get a spray tan and a tight dress so I can shiplap my entire house. I’ve played endless rounds of online Scrabble (W 10 L 2) and surfed the web for anything to keep my mind off the pain. Here are a few things that caught my eye:
Hoping you have a lovely – and pain free – weekend!
I always like to wear something stylish on my birthday. I received some lovely clothes for Christmas and have been saving some of the items to wear on my big day. Since I have to work I don’t have anything special planned but I am counting on a nice homemade meal followed by a few episodes of The Crown and Vikings with occasional pauses for phone greetings from my loved ones. All in all a perfect way to celebrate another year of life!
If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know I love to travel. Whether it’s a day trip, weekend get-away, or week long adventure I am always game to go. Next up – Miami and Havana!
I spent 5 years in the 80’s living in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach so going back to South Florida to visit my old haunts (and friends) is going to be a blast. As if that weren’t enough I am also going to spend a few days in Cuba – a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting but never thought I’d actually get a chance to see in person.
I know plenty about South Florida and next to nothing about Cuba so I’ve purchased a few tourist guides (Fodor’s Cuba (Travel Guide) and Lonely Planet Cuba (Travel Guide)) and created a Cuba Ricky! inspiration page. I also sent off for a new passport, since the last time I traveled out of the States was to ring in the 21st century at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.
I love the endless possibilities and the planning that go along with travel and over the next few months I will be sharing my plans with you. Have you spent any time exploring Miami or Havana? Do you have any tips you can share that would help me plan my trip or suggestions for places to go, things to do, and – perhaps most important – restaurants I should visit? I’d love to know…
The Grey Goddess 