Thursday, July 4, 2013

O Say does that star-spangled banner yet wave...

Happy July 4th to my American Friends!

I must admit something: I love the American Flag.  I mean, I REALLY love the American Flag.  It is so iconic and has been so lovingly adapted to home decor and fashion, something which is only just beginning to happen in any meaningful way here in Canada.

Some favourite Americana images for the day and then I am going to make you look at a pictures of me and confirm my thoughts (or NOT!) please!

I wish I had seen this star sweater from Gap before - would be wearing it today!

Star sweater


What a lovely spot for having an ice tea on the porch:

A Stars & Stripes Salute


Or maybe you want a simpler look...
Fourth Of July American Flag Front Porch...
But in my fantasy Music Man nostalgic world, every american house has a porch and every porch will fly the flag....

Love everything... the picket fence... the flag... the porch... etc.


But of course that cannot be true....

But I will turn on the TV later tonight and watch the Boston Pops and the fireworks and raise a toast to you all!  Happy July 4th!!!

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We are having a good day - the weather is fine and my Brother and sister-in-law arrive with my niece and nephew this afternoon.  Tomorrow we will all head out of town for the night to go bury my dad.  Today we will BBQ and swim and enjoy ourselves.  They live very far away so it is always a treat to see them!

Now a question.  I have one item still left in my closet of my summer wardrobe that I am not positive I am keeping - a creamy double breasted linen jacket.  Barry likes it - I think it makes my shoulders look broader and is not as flattering as it could be.  Would love your thoughts!


even looking at this picture confirms I need to let it go!  Your thoughts?

Have a wonderful day and stay safe out there!


40 comments:

  1. Men know nothing! (Hope Barry isn't reading this!) You, on the other hand know that this jacket doesn't especially flatter you. It would look good with wide-leg navy pants and a floaty scarf but with the skirt the effect is too boxy. A little skinny waisted jacket, a neater, more feminine style would be much more you.
    You've got enviable pins. And a load of red hair, how good is that!

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    1. Yes, Wendy, your hair is truly a marvel. Mine has been a little frizzy and lacking volume. Darn salty hard water!

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    2. Thanks Ladies! I put it on and then take it off - that is a sign, right? Share my garden - I am on the lookout for just that kind of jacket! As for my legs and hair - I cling to them - one must take one's comfort where one can!

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  2. Happy 4th! I think you look lovely but I've seen more flattering jackets on you. Do you feel great in it? I think that's what it comes down to.
    And I hope you can have a beautiful moment with your family. I'd like to think you're not saying goodbye, rather, you are conferring your dad the gift of being with you at all times. May that be the case, and may you find peace in this difficult moment.

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    1. thanks Anthro Blogger! I think it will be lovely, but am taking kleenex along, in case!

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    2. I'm keeping your family in my thoughts this weekend. Much love through the internets, across country lines WMM!

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  3. STAR SPANGLED Wendy, will you reach for it and wear it? That's the big question. Share my Garden has a good outfit idea for you. But you know my mantra about pieces that only go with one outfit.

    Very happy flag waving, parading, BBQing, fireworking 4th to each of the the American club members, inc. George of course. And a big welcome home to your bro. and his fam. So lovely both you and DBP are enjoying reunions this week!

    When you come west you will see I have the tiniest "walk-in" closet evah - and I have to share. So happy to read I have clothes org-mad pals like BB and AB.

    If you can't find what you need on home turf to polish off the job, always happy to do a container store or Target run with ya. There is a place right down street from us (pricier for condo dwellers than big box, but super-functional) Called "Neat."

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    1. GF, you are giving mr serious Canada envy with "Neat". And organizing/cleaning is my idea of a good time. I love throwing stuff out! Sometimes I dance while I organize. And yes, I do birthday parties and bar mitzvahs :)

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    2. Okay - you two are seriously KILLING me!!! Went to bed bath and beyond last night and they didn't have exactly what I wanted, but am confident I will find it this a.m.! I actually got Barry to clean his side of the room and he is keeping it up which makes the whole room look lovely!

      I think the jacket has moved to the giveaway pile...

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    3. GF, thanks for your reply about Outlier and for offering to send pics. I think they do sound like my kind of pant. You also made me realize that I really need to bite the bullet and start altering pants beyond hemming.

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    4. Anthro Blogger, will take some pics, maybe with WMM in situ, and ask her to post. I am a believer organising starts with bin bags, not buying more stuff. But it is one of my retail "spiritual homes" iykwim. WMM, so proud of B-the-B! A bit of tidy every day is generally better/ easier than explosion and overhaul. Abby, I promise getting trousers that fit your toughest parts and altering the waist etc. to fit you is SO worth it. Plus I really don't think anyone notices if you wear-wear-wear same few great pairs of black/ navy/ grey/ brown bottoms if you have different tops, a few accessories.

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    5. GF, I've already got the repeat trousers thing down pat, ha. I need to start getting the waist taken in, etc. I don't have a good tailor here. I am learning to do some alterations on my own, but I find the waist one a little ambitious for my current skills. I have some pants that don't fit that I'm keeping around to practice on.

      And speaking of good tailors, do you know of a good leather repair person in T.O.? My much beloved leather jacket got a tear in it from a construction barrier :( I don't know anyone here and was thinking I might bring it to T.O.

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    6. Well, Abby, the Sandalman is worth their city-wide rep (they'll even line your leather jacket with thinsulate or quilting and do a fab job.) But they are usually busy = wait times. Although I am sure if you went in on a weekday and said "leaving country again" they would help. Also know good places on Pape and in Kensington neighbourhood (bit of a reformed bag & vintage leather freak) Email me > getfreshpress at outlook dot com Ditto if you want to bring pants along in that suitcase with donations. The Korean lady on King W. that does most of my stuff is a speedy doll, and used to dealing with shorties overall, not just the hems. I think she has nip-tucked 90% of what I own outside of sweaters and tees, so definite trust.

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  4. Happy Fourth!

    Two national celebrations in a week :) I always like this week, though I rarely do anything to celebrate either holiday.

    That jacket is a little "meh" on you. The fit is off. You could maybe make it work - do you need it? Would you miss it?

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    1. I forgot to say the most important thing - I am happy that your whole family will be there and I wish you the best this weekend.

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    2. thanks Abby - no do not need it and since it has sat in my closet two years in a row, likely would not miss it...

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  6. From here, the jacket has a bit too much fabric for you so looks a bit overwhelming. It may not be IRL, though.

    I've just spent 2 hours on my porch overlooking the harbor, reading and checking things out with the binocs, having coffee. The free world is a fine thing. Time for the garden.

    Blessings to your family on this weekend.

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    1. Thanks Lane! I am glad you are keeping watch for the rest of us!!! YOu have quite the slice of heaven there!

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    2. So true Lane, just your comments make me want to come visit, like now!

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  7. Double breasted anything is not flattering on a woman with a generous bustline. The lapels are too wide for your height and it doesn't do you any favours. You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. Have fun today!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! I was pretty sure what you would say!!! :-)

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  8. Happy forth of July Wendy!
    I wish you the best for the weekend.

    Agree with eveybody else that the jacket doesnt do you any favor.

    It is just regular weekday here,but we will celebrate 4th of july next year big time!!!

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    1. that will be so much fun for you! how goes the packing!

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  9. I love the design of the flag too.
    I don't think us busty folk should wear anything double breasted, I think we need a more streamlined jacket. Looks like it's been given the thumbs down - it's off to the gallows!

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    1. maybe i should have a service for it...

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    2. Such a Maritimer, anything for a wake and a memorial "dram". ;-)

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    3. And oh to join the busty folk vs. the fried eggs.

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  10. Happy 4th! I have the sangria made, the ribs are rubbed, and the watermelon will be balled later (sounds odd but ya know what I mean). We are having family over for dinner and then will celebrate with friends Saturday...the weather may cooperate for fireworks then. Right now we are under flood warnings til Friday late afternoon. I agree with the above, big boobs and double breasted do not mix. Have a lovely ceremony for your dad. Peace be with you. Much love.

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    1. BB, you strike me as the ballsy as well as closet org'd sort! Stay dry/safe and happy celebrating. I'll have sangria!

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    2. BB - you ball, girlfriend! I am in 7th heaven, since after constant whining the NB Liquor corp has FINALLY bought in provencal rose!! I bought 2 bottles this a.m. am almost giddy. this does not say a lot about my sobriety..

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  11. chiming in - why is that jacket still here? it is not your friend.

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    1. Fred - blame it on the Barry! I knew better... it is gone... (hangs head in shame, bumps chin on chest... sigh...)

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  12. Glad to hear you are ditching the jacket! You can definitely do better. Happy Fourth of July!

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  13. Hello my Canadian friend! Thanks for reminding me of that starry sweater, I don't have that one but I have one from Madewell I'll be wearing today. Oh yes my house looks like what you've pictured ... I wish. I love the red, white and blue too and have so many things collected I wish I could change multiple times today like contestants in a pageant.

    As for the jacket ... for once I'm glad I'm late as I would have tried to say something hopeful like alterations to help it flatter you. But then, why bother. ;)

    Have a fun day, a squeeze of the hand and a hug to you for the weekend.

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    1. Hey ms America! Hope you changed 40 times! Jacket gone - even more room in closet! ;-). Thanks for nice thoughts - sure tomorrow will be good!

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  14. I usually don't like anything holiday themed, like heart sweaters for Valentines Day or anything Christmas related but I am a sucker for red white and blue, stars and stripes etc and I want that GAP sweater too. Agree with everybody about the jacket, too top heavy, meant for taller, pear shaped folks methinks. Never listen to the man in love, they are blinded ;) Sorry Barry, you know you are a great guy otherwise.

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Kindness is a virtue...