Edwardian Ball

 Hat: Audra Jean..... Top: Sequoia and Gita....  Skirt: Fanplusfriend Garden....  

Jewelry: gifts....  Velvet blazer: a gift from Sal....  Boots: John Fluevog

Last weekend we attended the Edwardian Ball again, which is interesting because it certainly doesn't seem like it's been a year since the last one. Anyhow, here's what I wore. Mark and I went with my friend Laura and her husband, who had never been before and were duly impressed. The ball was amazing as always; the costumes were wonderfully creative and elegant, and the entertainment was great. There were musical acts, acrobats and trapeze artists, Can-Can girls, and of course, the ever-popular absinthe bar. The wonderful Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were there, looking gorgeous and exotic and... tall. Really, really tall. Where do they find those platform heels? 

And for Sal: Your former roommate was performing. I gave her a long, evil glare, but I don't think she saw me.

Mark and I both wore my handmade hats.

Layered Nudes

I hit on the bright idea to layer nude fishnets over nude nylons, the idea being that the nylons would keep my legs warm and the fishnets would sort of hide the nude nylons. It definitely did keep my legs warm, and it had the added benefit of making the fishnets a LOT more comfortable, because these are really course and leave an imprint on my butt when I sit down (sorry for the TMI). However, it still didn't hide the weird color of these nude nylons, which I've realized really need to be replaced. The shade just doesn't look very natural to me, and they aren't quite sheer enough for my taste. But, the idea was still a good one, and I'll definitely try it again with some better nylons. Or maybe better yet, I'll find a good pair that has the fishnet pattern woven right in. Anyone have any recommendations?

Capelet: Forever 21
Shirt: Target
Belt: Red Dress Shoppe
Skirt: Eva Franco
Shoes: John Fluevog

Nothing But Neutrals

Drat, once again my dark olive skirt shows up as black. I assure you it is green, which makes for a far more interesting outfit than if the skirt were indeed black. You'll just have to take my word for it.

I love how versatile this floral top is; I've worn it with soft pinks and purples in the spring, I've paired it with bare arms and legs in the hottest part of the year, and here I've layered it up with nothing but neutrals for a winter look.

The tulle skirt serves two purposes here: warmth and contrast. Without the white border peeking out at the hem, the outfit felt way too dark to me, and there was nothing to anchor the brightness of the top. The tulle also set off the dark green skirt from the black leggings and made the difference in color more obvious; at least, it did in person.

Cardigan: Express
Top: Mica
Skirts: Noa Noa
Boots: John Fluevog

Bullet-Proof

I've had this vintage cardigan for a long time, but it doesn't come out very often because it requires a particularly cold day in order for it to be comfortable. The reason is that the fabric is astoundingly dense, and I'm pretty certain I know the reason why.

I can tell you the tragic history of this little cardigan as surely as if I was there to witness it myself. Originally purchased in a much larger size, the sweater's heartbroken owner removed it from the dryer (perhaps it was carelessly thrown in there by a well-meaning but unwitting spouse) only to find that it had shrunk considerably and was no longer wearable. Well, it wasn't for her, anyway. It had decreased by at least two sizes and the sleeves were now hopelessly short. There was only one thing to do; donate it to the Goodwill and hope that someone else who fit it didn't care about the 3/4 length sleeves, or else had really short arms. And that that person lived somewhere cold enough to warrant a nearly bullet-proof knit sweater.

You can see for yourself how well the size and the sleeve length worked out for me; 3/4 sleeves are my favorite and although in the sweater's time they probably didn't look right, to my modern eye they're perfect. But the undue warmth is still a bit of a challenge here in mild San Francisco, so I have to bide my time until an exceptionally chilly day comes along. If I'm lucky I might get one more wear out of the sweater before the season is out, but that's okay; I can always take it with me traveling... if I decide to go on an expedition to Patagonia in winter.

Cardigan: vintage
Necklace: Dana LeBlanc Designs
Dress: eShakti
Belt: Red Dress Shoppe
Shoes: John Fluevog

Bullet-Proof

I've had this vintage cardigan for a long time, but it doesn't come out very often because it requires a particularly cold day in order for it to be comfortable. The reason is that the fabric is astoundingly dense, and I'm pretty certain I know the reason why.

I can tell you the tragic history of this little cardigan as surely as if I was there to witness it myself. Originally purchased in a much larger size, the sweater's heartbroken owner removed it from the dryer (perhaps it was carelessly thrown in there by a well-meaning but unwitting spouse) only to find that it had shrunk considerably and was no longer wearable. Well, it wasn't for her, anyway. It had decreased by at least two sizes and the sleeves were now hopelessly short. There was only one thing to do; donate it to the Goodwill and hope that someone else who fit it didn't care about the 3/4 length sleeves, or else had really short arms. And that that person lived somewhere cold enough to warrant a nearly bullet-proof knit sweater.

You can see for yourself how well the size and the sleeve length worked out for me; 3/4 sleeves are my favorite and although in the sweater's time they probably didn't look right, to my modern eye they're perfect. But the undue warmth is still a bit of a challenge here in mild San Francisco, so I have to bide my time until an exceptionally chilly day comes along. If I'm lucky I might get one more wear out of the sweater before the season is out, but that's okay; I can always take it with me traveling... if I decide to go on an expedition to Patagonia in winter.

Cardigan: vintage
Necklace: Dana LeBlanc Designs
Dress: eShakti
Belt: Red Dress Shoppe
Shoes: John Fluevog