Saturday, April 20, 2013

Random Saturday Musings

Happy Saturday! 

Lots to talk about this morning! 

1) Boston

Like many of you, I was riveted about the events in Boston yesterday.  I do think CNN was a bit histrionic at times; if everything is BREAKING NEWS, then really, nothing is.  However, I do admit that when they had the 2nd suspect cornered I did watch and I prayed for all concerned and thank goodness, it appears no one else was hurt yesterday, except the suspect, who had sustained injuries in the events of the night before.  It was quite a scene when the police were pulling out of their area and the citizens lined the street clapping and cheering; you could feel the release of tension and fear.

Bostonians will get on with their lives.  But a new normal has been defined for them.  I guess it was defined for all of us.  While the numbers dead in Boston do not approach the fatalities that occurred in New York City, London, Madrid or Oklahoma City, the terror created is the same.  The events of this week remind us that vigilance is warranted, though we must keep on keeping on.  I am glad for Boston, terribly sad for the victims and their families, and feel for us all. 

2) The Ziggy Stardust Classic Albums Live Concert

Ziggy played guitar, jammin' good with Weird and Gilly,
The spiders from Mars, he played it left hand
But made it too far
Became the special man, then we were Ziggy's band
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, released in 1972, is one of our favourite albums.  We were not original listeners; we discovered it in the early 1980s at university, when we were listening to Scary Monsters and other albums.  In the end, there was no album that we didn't own and no album we didn't know.  The Ziggy album, along with Hunky Dory, remain my favourites and are nearly perfect albums.  Years ago, Barry and I quit our lives in British Columbia (yes, it appears we do this kind of thing every 25 years!) and moved back home to Atlantic Canada.  Canada is a big country to drive across.  We had an old boom box, a 1979 Toyota Celica packed to the gills and lots of hope.  The album (well it was a cassette in those days!) was the Ziggy album, which I consider an almost perfect album. 


As I have mentioned, we have seen David Bowie in concert once, many years ago.  Maybe the new album will coax him out?  But imagine out delight when our local Playhouse announced that Classics Albums Live would be bringing a note-for-note recital of the album, with amazing musicians.  We got tickets lickety split. 

Wikipedia sums it up nicely:  Classic Albums Live is a concert series based in Toronto, Ontario, in which musicians perform a classic rock album in its entirety. The series was founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, a musician who had previously produced a series of boutique cabaret shows as well as composed music for television and film.

The musicians go to great lengths to faithfully recreate every sound on the original album. They have performed with orchestras, sitarists, choirs and schools. The shows are treated like recitals with the album being performed in its entirety followed by a 'greatest hits' set of the featured artist.

Barry has been to several of these shows, but told me that this was the best by far.  It was amazing.  The musicians were top-notch.  But really: it was the young lead singer.  This young man managed to sing as well as David Bowie and hit every intonation, every note, perfectly.  This kid had amazing looks, talent and charisma and both of us believe we have seen someone who could be a major star someday.  I must write and find out what his name is, so I can say I saw him "when".

Here is the funny thing: while it is a "recital" of sorts, it is a rock concert at the same time!  So I dressed for a rock concert - my H&M faux leather moto jacket, my skinny jeans, a black t, green silk J crew scarf that was a gift from a good friend, high black leather boots.  Oh and i put on a lot of blue and green eye makeup.  I mean - it WAS Ziggy right?  But I appear to have been the only one to make the effort.  Everyone else looked like they were going to a violin recital or a reading at their local library.  It was funny!  But I rocked and bopped along and had a great time and honestly, if you get a chance to see one of these shows, it is amazingly good.  If I closed my eyes, I would have sworn it was Bowie singing on the album!

This the outfit I wore:





AJC posted on a similar jacket she got at Uniqlo on her blog yesterday that is also really nice. 

3) Search for a Skirt

You and I can blame this on M from the wonderful blog, Shopping with M.  The other day, I was on her website and saw a polyvore set that she had made with a Madewell skirt:

"cashmere, flutterfall" by shopwithm on Polyvore

Okay - I have to say that for me, this is one of the chicest outfits ever.  I adore it.  Of course, I rushed to get the skirt and it is no longer available.

I am crazy about this kind of style, it is reminiscent of lovely summer days and is very chic.

It reminded me of a similar look I had pinned recently as well, though it is the warmer weather cousin.  The skirt in the picture below is from Ralph Lauren, but I can't seem to find it, which makes me think this could be a year or two or older picture:

A black shirt (Thomas Pink) gets a lift from a khaki skirt (Lauren by Ralph Lauren), woven purse (Hobo International), cuffs (R.J. Graziano and Ben Amun), and zebra-print shoes (Anne Klein).  Adam-Glassmans-Summer-Fashion-Advice

You are all much more professional shoppers than I, so I am asking your help - I have been searching, but have not come across anything like these two thus far.  I have only one skirt in my entire wardrobe that is like this, so I think this is a gap! If you see something like this, will you let me know? In the meantime I will continue to look!

4) the Rest of My Weekend

It will be a full weekend, I don't want to brag.  There will be housework and laundry.  I have to clean out the Sea Monkey home.  Have any of you ever had Sea Monkeys?  They are given to your children and then your kids forget about them and then you end up caring for them.  I am a sucker for this, and this batch I have managed to keep alive for quite awhile!  My husband thinks this is very funny, but I always remember the pictures of them in the back of my comic books, sitting around and watching little sea monkey TVs and I cannot resist them!


I don't know if they are a bowl full of happiness, but it does make me happy to keep them alive!!!

I have also now gotten out all of my spring/summer clothing; the shoes are next.  It has been helpful to see what I have and that I don't need much else.  I have picked up some casual clothing over the last couple of months and will be looking for a casual pair of sandals.  I am looking at the ones that Fabulous Florida Mommy had on her post yesterday - they look wonderful and comfy!  If you haven't seen yesterday's styling inspiration that FFM put together - head over right now - it is wonderful!  I need to start putting together some outfit combinations - FFM has completely inspired me!

5) Bargain of the Week

Was downtown this week and stopped into one of our little shops.  On the counter was a lovely little orange straw clutch, with lovely blue piping.  I did not need this clutch.  But I looked on the price tag and saw it was only $10 marked down from $50!  It was last year's stock that they were trying to get rid of.  Well, for $10, they could get rid of it via me!  I will be using it in some of my colour story ideas!



And the same blue in the polka dot lining!



 Oh, I love a good deal! 

So have a wonderful Saturday and stay safe out there!







57 comments:

  1. HAH, ORANGE CRUSH WMM, I think I know some skirt sources for you. Off to double-check and then will reply comment. I often do a simple, 3/4 sleeve blouse and a patterned fuller skirt for semi-fancy (as it is far easier for me to fit off rack than dresses). Oh, and I've heard about those concerts but never been to one or made the connection that's what you were seeing until this post. Very curious now. <3 ur rocker chic!

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    1. Oh I was hot all right, and especially since everyone else was dressed so differently! Thanks for checking - I definitely want a nice neutral light bottom. I am crossing my fingers that better shoppers than I will prevail!

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    2. Here's the casual one I was thinking off, still looking for the non-drawstring version I spotted (that's not Philip Lim $495 natch). Coldwater Creek runs big like LE and you do want petites. More to come...
      http://www.coldwatercreek.com/product-detail/65223/72089/linen-cloudwash-skirt.aspx?colorid=010&refLink=petites-skirts.aspx

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    3. Talbots pleated sateen in British Khaki is fuller but might work with tee or button down
      http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/category_landing_galleryview.jsp?id=cat80016&rootCategory=cat70008&section=Regular&pageStart=1&targetPage=1&SORT_PROPERTY=Default&selectedSize=&selectedColor=&selectedColorName=&selectedPrice=&conceptIdUnderSale=

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    4. Eileen Fisher A-Line Linen in driftwood (but has knit waistband)

      Nygard version in jute tan (but has waist yoke)
      http://www.thebay.com/eng/womens-skirts-Pleated_Flared_Skirt_w_Yoke_Lined-thebay/315120

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    5. Not same flowy style, but, sorry, can't snap if you tried BR circle skirt in new khaki? Regular would give you plenty of length

      http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=410221023

      I would also keep an eye on Loft, ship to Canada now and usually do a similar style to the Madewell one you like in summer

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    6. A silk version:
      http://www.yoox.com/us/35189548KF/item?dept=women&tp=11227&utm_campaign=affiliazione_us&utm_content=10&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_source=linkshare_us#cod10=35189548JK&sizeId=

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    7. Oh this is great! So far is good and Talbots, but I may wait to seenew arrivals as you recommend above! Ralph Lauren had perfect skirt, but was only available in pink!

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    8. Oh, I know exactly the skirt you mean, it's on The Bay's site. Did you want something chiffon-y specifically. If yes, try Yoox.com and maybe also See by Chloe.

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    9. You are amazing - don't know how you can remember! I will sift through all! Thanks!

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  2. I also luff a full skirt very much, I wonder what our GF will come up with! That bag is darling. I've never known anyone who has kept sea monkeys alive!
    Your Ziggy outfit was perfect, I can't believe you are the only one who dressed in the spirit of the concert. I would have dressed up with you!

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    1. It is odd, isn't it? Was a funny crowd - most of the people were over 50 (no surprise), but I have discovered that how people look between 50 and 70 years of age is quite expansive! You gotta take care of yourself - that is my motto! I am following some of our lovelier ladies who are only a wee bit older than myself and look fabulous! Well, these sea monkeys are on month 16 - they must be the ancients now, and sea monkey lore will tell tales of a small woman from Canada whose sole purpose in life was to keep them alive....

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    2. I also cannot believe that you've kept them alive!

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    3. The sea monkeys are hilarious-- they were in comic books when I was a kid. My mum did not buy them for us.

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  3. Love that clutch, not my colors but I would have snatched it up anyway.

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    1. I couldn't wear that colour neat my face, but I snatched it up some quick!!!

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  4. The clutch is adorable - whimsical and charming. I had those Bernado sandals and they weren't comfortable on me - flopped around too much. Can't wait to see what GF comes up with in skirts.
    I would love to see a concert like that, and have heard they're great fun. Sometimes the problem with living in a big city is that there's too much going on and I don't hear about a lot of stuff that I miss. Will have to be on the lookout for one of these concerts.

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    1. I though of you when they said they go to LA sometimes - it is quite fun! Well the Bernardos are sadly off the list no matter what - with shipping and duty, they are $150!

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  5. What a lovely compliment WMM! It was a skirt from last year that I picked up quite late in the season, so only was able to wear it a couple times in the fall. Am looking forward to wearing this outfit as soon as it warms up. Alas, this morning I saw snow on the ground! I will keep an eye out for a similar skirt for you. I think it's nice to have a lightweight, floaty neutral skirt that can be worn three seasons.

    Love that you dressed for the concert -- I would have as well!

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    1. Thanks m! I always love your polyvore sets, but this one was just DIVINE!

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    2. I was obsessed with that skirt, it was in the lookbook and I tried it as soon as it came out. Very chic but not easy to pull off IMO. You have to be very thin at the waist and have no hips. Plus it came out in the Fall and it was a bit lightweight, I thought I would be to wear it only a couple of times and it was pricey.
      I saw an almost identical one (but not silk) at F21 but it was last year. I would try ASOS if they ship to Canada.

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    3. Ok, so if you go on the asos website and type midi skirt there are several nice and inexpensive options, including a black linen one. Have a look and let us know. They ship to Canada and they have free shipping/returns (at least to the USA). I recommend to order different sizes in case of doubt because the shipping timeframe can be long, since they are in the UK.

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  6. Have you ever worn Jack Roger's sandals? They look great with dresses, skirts and pants - and once broken in, incredibly comfortable. They're so classic too, and like the Bernardo's, a favorite of Jackie Kennedy's. So many great colors as well.

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    1. Hi Kathy - I haven't but will search around today. I know they don't sell them locally, but am hoping to find a good deal!

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    2. Does Zappos.com deliver to Canada - that's where I get mine.

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    3. Sadly no - they stopped delivering to Canada last year I think.

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    4. I have a platinum pair-- they are fun.

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    5. I think I can order from amazon.ca. lane - do any stores sell jack Rogers down your way? I love the platinum, btw!

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    6. Not that I've seen but will keep my eyes open.

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    7. The platinum are beautiful and go with everything.

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    8. I think they may be better as well than the gold I was thinking of - more versatile

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    9. Piperlime is having 20% off sandals and the JR Navajo are included.

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  7. SEA MONKEYS! And yes I did scream that! Are they really little one inch tall gorgeous people, all naked, lithe and beautiful They aren't aren't they? When I was younger I spotted an ad for them in an American comic and and I asked my parents for Sea Monkeys non stop - they had no idea what I was babbling about, I honestly thought they were some kind of tiny little humanesque sea people.

    The clutch is so summery, I love it too.

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    1. Yes - their TV is divine! I will take some pictures today for you! and I am pretty sure you need your own set!!! Keep you company when Hubs is away!

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  8. Ah WMM...I too am searching for that khaki skirt. Ten black and khaki are so chic together...As classic as Navy and White. I've never known anyone who actually had Sea Monkeys, and you've kept them alive too!

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    1. Well if I get a lead, will let you know! I need a flowy khaki skirt and a bicycle with a wicker basket on front. Oh yes, and a baguette!

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  10. WMM- you have to take a pic of the sea monkeys for me!

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    1. Yes! Pictures please of the Sea Monkeys! I want to know if you have names for them too!

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    2. No worries - will post some tomorrow - just hope my zoom is strong enough!

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    3. I cannot wait! I have always wondered what Sea Monkeys really are.

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  11. Thought of you today as I read the comics. Not sure if you have seen Bizarro (couldn't find it on line). Title was First Signs of Spring. A couple were eating breakfast and outside their window was a Robin (from Batman and Robin) hiding behind a tree. Have a lovely week end. Hubs is sick and pitifully whiny.

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    1. Okay - that is seriously funny! I will have to see if he is in my backyard yet!

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  12. Hi WMM, I have never even heard of sea monkeys before so I looked them up and, to be honest, the idea gives me the heeby-jeebies for some reason!

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    1. Patricia, you only say that because you haven;t seen them in all their earnest, cheerful swimming... okay - they are not that cute. But you get kind of attached to them!

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  13. Hey WMM -- I was watching the CNN coverage too last night and all that blathering on and on plus the interrupting got me too annoyed, so i switched to CBS coverage. Way better. Glad the police caught the guy alive, it was really a fantastic effort by law enforcement and everyone involved to get him.

    So glad you got dressed up for the concert! SO FUN! I would have done the same thing! Remember, You are fun and those fuddy-duddys are not! LOL Apparently there is supposed to be a concert announcement on Monday that Paul McCartney will be playing here (here's hoping!) I told my bro and my sis-in-law to give them a heads up and they are both freaking out, they are huge fans.

    That's cool, I didn't know you lived in BC (I knew you lived in SK briefly!) Where did you live in BC?

    Have a good one, Hubs and I are vegging at home for what seems like the first time in a month!

    p.s. love the clutch!

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    1. Hi LR,

      We lived in Parksville, about 1/2 hour north of nanaimo on the island. So beautiful there!

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  14. I have very distinct memories of receiving "Ziggy Stardust" for my 16th birthday in 1982. Even though we kids were "New Wavers" then, we considered Bowie to be a godfather of Wave. Hard to believe that "Ziggy" is 40 now--you inspired me to dust of my commemorative 30th anniversary CD, which of course is now getting old itself.

    After all these years I have an increasing respect for Bowie as a songwriter. Cover versions of his tunes, such as the bossa nova versions in "The Life Aquatic" and even Barbra Streisand's strange cover of "Life on Mars" really highlight his remarkable melodies.

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    1. I probably got my album around same time as was a new waver, too. When I watched this fantastic young singer work his way through the notes and mop lex melodies and hard he was working to do so, I was reminded of what a fantastic singer/songwriter Bowie is!

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  15. Love your concert look! Good for you. D.B. is popular with the college set, too; he has that authenticity for them, like Tony Bennett has.

    I actioned Sue's( View from Great island) breakfast granola tart for dessert last night. It was gorgeous and delicious! You could make it with seeds instead of nuts. Today is totally lazy day.

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    1. Oh I have to go look that up ASAP - sounds yummy. I have been doing housework and we ordered the new basement windows today - is always something!

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  16. I hope you can find a skirt, that one pictured is really cute. It seems like there is not much of this style skirt for sale right now. Inquiring minds want to know, what were the other concert-goers wearing? I liked your outfit!

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    1. Cate - they were wearing mom and dad jeans and polyester tops. ANd I am not exaggerating! Barry came down in a nice sweater and camel corduroy trousers! I said "Jesus Murphy Man! We are going to a concert!!!!!" and sent him back up stairs for his black jeans and tshirt!

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    2. Oh dear! lol! And for David Bowie no less.

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  17. Never heard of sea monkeys before, now I am really curious. My daughter wants,a cat for her birthday, maybe I can give her sea monkeys ;-).
    I saw you jacket yesterday at H&M, it looked great (the one I was talking about on ajc blog is not the same) especially for a DB concert!

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    1. Hi Ema! Sea Monkeys ARE fun! Every Toys-R-Us, which by the way, was called "TOYS-FOR-US" by my son when he was little, has them!

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    2. Oh and now I need to go back to H&M and check out the other ivory one - there was only that one style when I was there in March!

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