Listening When You're Lost

When my children were little, we were all a little easier to shop for in our family.  The girls wanted toys of course, and always needed a few winter things, and if any of it was pink and girly, they were happy.  Mr. Bleu and I had very limited income and rarely treated ourselves to the things we wanted since all of our finances were usually relegated to bills and other needful things.  To be honest, I kind of miss that.  Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that we have a little more freedom in our finances, but it's come at the cost of all of us going our separate ways.  

My children are grown or nearly so and they have developed their own senses of style and tastes that I really know little to nothing about so that I am almost paralyzed when trying to choose something for them for Christmas or birthdays.  As far as Mr. Bleu and I, we're kind of at a point where if we want something we may save up for a bit, but then we either go ahead and get it or decide it's not worth it, so there isn't really anything left to be surprised with when the holidays roll around.

My favorite thing about these gift giving holidays is listening to the people I love, usually for months in advance, and then surprising them with that special thing or tickets to an event, etc that they mentioned maybe only in passing or maybe a hundred times.  I love showing them that they are being heard and that I value them enough to listen and try to make their dreams come true.  So, although it's not so easy anymore, I guess that just means I'll have to put in a little extra time, start a few conversations, listen extra closely now that everyone is growing up and changing.    That's just part of it, and I'd rather do the work and show I care, because this is part of the joy of the season and it matters.

You may find that what our loved ones need isn't always a gift under the tree.  Sometimes it's a bill paid, or a hot meal delivered when they're stressed, or a little babysitting while they go do their own holiday shopping.  If, like me, you're feeling the pressure at this time of year and also feeling a little clueless as to how you will show the people in your life you care, don't get discouraged, just listen.  They'll let you know what they need and how you can show them you care.

Christmas Colors

Christmas is the one time of year when it's perfectly acceptable to society and our retinas to wear red and green together, so I intend to make the most of it and absolutely wear the heck out of all my Unicorn Defends print dresses.  

Red and green are directly opposite on the color wheel which means they are a very harsh combination to our eyes to take in, but at the time of year when the world is so devoid of any other colors, I guess it makes sense to combine the things that really standout.

It's so interesting to me how I wear this dress throughout the year and it's just a regular green dress, but add a red petticoat and some red accessories and suddenly all the reds in the print standout and it's the perfect unconventional holiday dress.

You may remember this dress from earlier in the year when I did a little alteration to take it from a sugarfrill style to a plain puff.  For Christmas, I think the sugarfrill is perfect because it's a little over the top as so many good holiday dresses are, but for me personally, no regrets about taking away the lace.

I am excited for the holidays and once again bringing out all my beautiful dresses to add to my own enjoyment of the season.  I hope you have some beautiful pieces that you enjoy wearing at this special time of year and if you're feeling the Christmas spirit, leave me a comment below telling me about your favorite holiday piece that you own.

Shopping Info: Unicorn Dress from ZJOAN, Margot Flats from VIVAIA

Holiday Gold with Ivy City Co.

There really is something to having seasonal items in your wardrobe.  I look forward to wearing certain periodic favorites each year as a part of the traditions of the holiday or highlights of the season and so it is with this gold Coco dress from Ivy City Co.  

Granted this dress is still new, only purchased in March, but since Gold is such a tricky color to wear year round, I've been waiting to wear this dress with almost as much anticipation as I have for all the other December delights.

Since I've had eight or so months to think about how I will style this dress, (I took these photos in March) I don't mind telling you that I have decided to wear my hot pink Mak waffle cardigan with it instead of the more traditional red or green.  I will try to take some photos, but if I fail to post them in time, use your imagination or procure this dress and style it your way.

Outfit Info:  Coco Gold Dress-$138 from Ivy City Co.  Use my link to save $10 off your purchase.  City Classified Heels

First Snow

Whether it's thick wooly layers or only a few floating flakes, the first snow of the year is always the most magical.  Unfortunately for us, the first snow doesn't usually reach us until it's nearly spring.  Although winter begins in December, we'll likely have our first snow in late January or some years not at all.  Then again, some years, it's a veritable winter wonderland as you see me walking in just now. 

But, whenever it arrives, the first snow is always the most magical.  Knowing that it usually arrives very late where I live, I saved a few pics from an earlier snowstorm to publish now at the beginning of winter with all the other influencers who all seem to live in a place with four distinct seasons that each arrive in full splendor and precisely on time.

As we kick off the winter season here in the northern hemisphere, remember to take a moment as soon as those first lovely flakes start falling to admire their beauty and the glory of winter, because seriously, it gets old really quickly and after a few weeks of this stuff I never want to see it again.  So, here's to winter!

shopping info:  Van Gogh Sunflower dress by Selkie, headband from Shein

What's the Deal With Chenille?

Before we get started, if you didn't read the title of today's post in a Jerry Seinfeld voice, please go back and do so now; I will wait..........Ok, now we can move on to today's topic--Chenille.

Blame it on the 90s, but I have been in love with all things Chenille ever since I saw all those silly robes on all those silly t.v. shows and movies, and since I've been talking about them a lot lately, I thought maybe we should really explore this subject thoroughly.  It wasn't just the 90s that made me love these robes, I'm convinced I would have loved them anytime because really it was the vintage vibes in bright colors and cheery designs of cowboys, coffee mugs, and peacocks that made me feel like I could just see some 1950s-1960s era housewife cooking breakfast with her hair in curlers donning a robe like that or straightening up a rumpled corner of a chenille bedspread and oh how I wished I could have a few pieces of that magical fabric so I could look like that too.

Chenille fabric is made by pulling soft fibers such as cotton into tufts and then cutting them short.  Tuft after tuft is created in long rows and so chenille is born.  The word chenille (boy you're going to read that word so much in this post that it's going to lose all meaning!) comes from the French word for caterpillar and is so named because those long fuzzy rows resemble the chubby grubs.  While it can be made in very tiny tufts and thin rows so that it's difficult to see without your reading glasses, in my world, the most well recognized type of chenille is in the form of those chunky tufted bathrobes and blankets that have rows as thick as icing piped onto a cheap wedding cake.

Advertisement for “Swirlaway” gingham and chenille robes

Originating sometime in the 18th century in Lyon, France, which was already renowned for its silk industry, it stands to reason that such skilled artisans in silk weaving would eventually get a little bored and start experimenting with new techniques, and so this remarkable new weaving technique was created.  It produced a luxe fabric that had the elites losing their minds.  Initially this fabric was used as decoration for tapestries and upholstery in their grand mansions and palaces, later transitioning to bedding and finally winding up on the backs of stylish ladies of the 1920s and onwards. 

Mrs. Ralph Haney wearing a candlewick kimono with a peacock design, ca. 1920. Via Ornament Magazine.

In the late 1930s America was experiencing the Great Depression and yet fashion always soldiers on.  It's in this time that we begin to see more chenille robes being featured in cinema and therefore being desired by the masses wanting to mimic the style of their favorite cinema starlets during Hollywood's Golden Age and perhaps also just reaching for comfort in a time of such uncertainty.

Carole Lombard and Jimmy Stewart in Made for Each Other, 1939

Whatever the case, these darling robes and bedspreads stuck around for decades, until styles changed as styles have a way of doing.  Things went in a totally different direction and quite suddenly during the 70s when fashions tended toward quilted looks, flannel, slinky nylon with matching nightgowns 

And of course the 1980s brought us that polyester color block robe that everybody's mom received in some unholy color trinity for at least one Christmas between 1980-1984.  My goodness......just look at them:

Fortunately you can't keep a good style down!  Classic fashion always comes back around and sometimes even better than before.  When they made a comeback they were better than ever.  Yes, these robes only got more creative over time until we see the pinnacle of their whimsy in a company called Canyon Group.  Most of the early chenille from this brand was 100% cotton and just like my own robe from this time, very heavy.  Modern chenille is usually a 50/50 blend of cotton and synthetic fabric which is lighter but often labeled as feeling cheap by those familiar with the original.

Chenille robes are still around (albeit less interesting in my opinion) but Canyon Group is evidently not as I can find no current website, distributors, or mentions of them on the internet past 2018.  I still have hope that that famous coffee robe will make a comeback but for the moment if you want chenille like this you've got to buy vintage and expect to pay an arm and a leg, but if you have the budget for it, there really is nothing quite like these lovely pieces of fashion history.

Sources:

Photos from: https://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2018/05/chenille-robe-history.html

https://nancysnotions.com/the-history-and-origins-of-chenille-textiles/

https://cottagedivine.com/canyon-chenille-history/

Cinema with Style: No One Will Save You

There are so many streaming services out there and it seems like they are all offering their own movies only available on their platforms that unless you have a subscription to everything it's impossible to stay all caught up with the latest silver screen gems.  It was actually Mr. Bleu who brought this movie to my attention and quite frankly the majority of movies released in the past 10 years or so have been so predictable and unimaginative that I rarely get my hopes up for anything being good.  Most things are just something to watch, but as we were in the mood for "something to watch" and nothing else sprang to mind we decided to give No One Will Save You a try.  So, I went into this experience with very low expectations and was delighted to find myself enjoying this movie.

In the vein of Signs and Cloverfield, No One Will Save You is an alien invasion movie that follows an ordinary individual coping with extraordinary circumstances.  I enjoyed this movie and the others like it because it seems so much more realistic when an average person responds in an average way rather than rising to the ranks of unlikely hero.  Now, to be fair, Mr. Bleu did not enjoy this movie as much as I did, and my girls found it to be fair to middling, enjoyable but not earth shaking.  I think the real reason I liked it so much was two fold.  1.  The beautifully and thoughtfully styled home, wardrobe, and life of main character Brynn played by Kaitlyn Dever as she lives a life of an outcast in a forced seculsion.  2.  I can relate to her in many ways.  *At this point, let me just apologize for the potato quality of these photos.  Because this isn't a blockbuster, there are basically no studio released photos available. 

Brynn has evidentally spent her years of alone time creating a magical world for herself and building an enviable wardrobe.  (Check out that vintage Canyon Group Wedding Cake Robe!)  She wants everything to be lovely and good.  And yet, she is rejected by her community at every turn.  While her community has every right to be a little standoffish (really trying not to give anything away here)  I think to some degree every introvert feels this way about themselves and their place in the world as always being on the outside looking in and eventually just trying to make the outside as wonderful as possible since there seems to be no hope of ever getting inside while simultaneously continuing to try to get in.  Case in point, on her way into town to run errands, she spends time trying to decide which dress to wear and opts, in my opinion, for the safer less standout choice of a green floral.

In spite of her attempts, we see Brynn rejected and struggling until this Alien Invasion thing changes everything.  Because Brynn is so rejected she is unable to warn others, and so isolated we only see events unfold from her perspective.  This is the area in which Mr. Bleu took issue.  A movie like this typically offers some sort of self-sacrifice that leads to saving the world and redeeming the main character.  Not so with this movie, but again, this is where I found it more endearing.

 

Ok, so the more I talk about the movie, the more I am giving away and I would really rather let you watch it with as little info as possible, so let's get back to the clothes.  I love that everything Brynn wears is just so.  It's clear that she has put a lot of thought into her wardrobe by choosing elegant vintage pieces that she incorporates into her everyday life rather than having them be part of an untouched collection.  This is always the struggle I face when it comes to vintage things.  I fear that using them will tear them up, but what's the point of having them if you're not going to use them?  Brynn gets it, life is for the living and everyday should be beautiful.  Check out this extra ruffley powder blue peignoir set.  After watching this film I decided to invest in some vintage nylon nightgowns and they are so comfortable and pretty that I can't believe I ever lived without them!

Even her casual wear is filled with delicate details.  This outfit was hard to capture with screenshots because this is when the action really picks up, but this top is hardly a basic floral.  The print and design remind me of heirloom brand, Doen.  It's such an intricate pattern and the sleeves have some puff to them and some ruffle at the cuffs.  The trousers have a high waist and belt and the shoes even have lots of personality.  So, although this is still quite an understated look, it once again shows us that Brynn puts a lot of thought into every area of her life.  In fact, her time spent in reflection, perhaps over thinking to the point of being unable to esacpe her past, is a main theme. 

 

Later in the film, Brynn's personal style has evolved to bolder/larger floral prints, brighter colors, lipstick, and genuine smiles instead of desperate attempts to fit in.  This is reflected in outfits such as this embroidered folk blouse (which costume designer, Natalie O'Brien, had custom made for the film) and her party dress which you can see below.  Her hair has more volume and she wears lipstick once again as a way of saying she is Ok to standout and be herself.

So, was No One Will Save You a timeless classic or a solid gold hit?  Probably not, but I did really enjoy for reasons I can't discuss without ruining it for you and the art direction and costumes alone were enough to make it one of the most enjoyable movies of my year.

Graduation & The Next Step

Today I have officially completed my certification and am ready to start working in a new career field.  There will be more certifications to come, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and this was that first step.  These past eleven months have been extremely challenging as I worked two jobs, interned at the place I hope to begin work now, and did my coursework.  For the most part, I loved the challenge of it all, but this last mile of the first step (i.e. the past two months) has definitely been the hardest and I'm glad that I can now scale back in some areas.  I'm looking forward to leaving one of my jobs and beginning work in a new field and just generally working less hours...hopefully.

Because I am a Type A, high-achieving personality, the people in my life have become very blasé about my accomplishments.  While I am flooded with relief and excitement, the most I'm likely to receive in the way of kudos from those closest to me is an even-toned "congratulations" usually accompanied by a confused look as I implore for more.  This is then followed by a phrase like, "I never doubted you would finish this," which when uttered has the distinct undertone of, "Duh, we all knew you would do it."  And that's it.  No cheers or warm hugs, no greeting cards, or getting taken out for a celebratory dinner.  (Although after writing this, my mom did come through and get me a congratulations cheesecake and it's going to be delicious even though I will be eating it with a side of crow)

As much as I am glad that the people in my life can count on me to see things through and do my best, it almost feels like a dismissal of all the hard work I've done.  These moments need to be properly acknowledged and celebrated in some way, even if I have to do it myself.  So, I did.  That's right, my shopping challenge ended and while I do intend to pick it back up again, I also need a break for the holidays anyway, so I splurged on something I have been wanting for several years now, a vintage chenille robe.

I was fortunate enough to be given a Canyon Group robe back in the 1990s when they were all over media.  Fran Drescher's character wore them in The Nanny, Jane Leeves character wore them in Fraiser, and most famously, Brad Pitt wore one in Fight Club.  There were so many cute styles and for Christmas one year I asked for the one  with mugs or the wedding cake design as shown above on Nanny Fine.  They were pricey even then and I wasn't sure I'd really get one, but Christmas day arrived and I was given this one------------------------>

It was excited that someone remembered and shelled out the money for any kind of robe of course, though a little disappointed it wasn't the design I wanted.  Still, it has been a very nice robe and I have worn it for over 20 years.  I wore it all through college, in my very first apartment and later my first house.  I wore it while I learned to cook and caught the sleeves on fire more than once.  I wore it while I walked the floors for hours on end trying to soothe cranky babies back to sleep.  After so many years, it is finally starting to look rough as the back has gone bald and the sleeves are forever singed.  And not to sound like a brat, but since this was not my favorite style to begin with, I have wanted to upgrade for years.  The trouble is these robes have only appreciated in value since the 90s and now typically range from $350 to $1,500.  I know, it's sounds crazy, but people pay it (evidently?).  I also know that I myself have spent, what to others would seem like, crazy amounts of money on pretty dresses, so I try not to judge, but I also just couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a used bathrobe.  

So, I watched and waited and eventually I saw a dreamy robe that was smack dab in the sweet spot of my price range (under $100!) turn up on ETSY and just in time to mark the milestone of graduating from my program, so I decided to treat myself to this quirky ruby gem:

Now, truth be told, this wouldn't have been my first pick in vintage robes.  It's so lovely, but I'm not really a red & black kind of girl.  When it comes to color palettes I prefer pink and ivory or other wedding cake pastels, but beggars can't be choosers.  Besides, it really is a lovely piece, very funky and unique which I love!  It's in very good condition, and it even still has a belt!

While I was at it, I also bought a vintage Miss Elaine nightgown in nylon and seriously where has this been all my life?!  Nylon is a fabric that has fallen away in popularity, but I adore this nightgown because it doesn't get all bunched up when I turn over, etc.  It maybe the most comfortable sleepwear I own!  I also picked out some vintage but NIB Daniel Green house slippers to complete this blast from the past glam ensemble because, as I mentioned, I don't really have anything in the way of red or black and it would kind of drive me crazy to have a robe this cool and not have the proper pieces to accompany it.  Or at least I didn't, but I do now.  And just to note the night gown and slippers were very inexpensive, so I didn't feel bad about adding them on.

You know I have been on a spending freeze because it's all I talked about for like two months now, and saving money is wonderful.  And challenging ourselves to put down our habits and hobbies and take some time away to refocus on what's really important is something we should all do throughout the year and throughout our lives.  It's surprising how many little things start out as something we enjoy and over time begin to control us.  I don't want that, which is why I did my month long spending challenge.

But, there is also a time to celebrate, a time to enjoy, and yes, even a time to splurge.  And while I think it's perfectly fine to be mindful of eating habits around the holidays, I'm certainly not going to be fasting through the time of feasting.  The same goes for my spending.  I am definitely going to be mindful of when I spend, but I'm not doing a spending lock-down during the most generous time of year.

The spending challenge will have to wait to carry on in January (actually, I am hoping to get the whole family on board) because it's important to mark the milestones and observe the rites of passage, to do something as a sign of recognition of all the hard work I have done this year, and looking back I can tell you it has really been a very hard, insanely busy and full year.  I will likely and hopefully wear this robe for another 20 years and I will think of this milestone every time I do.

(**Note the dazed look in my eyes in the photo below,  that's really how I feel at the end of all this).  So, in honor of completing this phase and really, really busting my bum for the past year in order to do it, not only in class work but also in working a second job to help pay for it, I thought this robe would be the perfect token of celebration as it can symbolize the beginning of a slower paced, less stressful way of life (at least for awhile).  

Outfit Info:  Vintage Robe from Etsy, Vintage Miss Elaine Nightgown, Vintage Daniel Green House Slippers