No loitering.

Drinking a coffee from a colorful mug while leaning against a building, especially while wearing a fake fur coat, does give the impression of being a vagrant. I realize that now.

Jeans: Blank

Flannel: Vintage Sears, MC's

Wool Socks: MC's

Vintage Style Ankle Length Hiking Boots: ASOS

Faux Fur Coat: Thrifted

Insulation.

My best friend Margaret gave me this vintage wool cape for Christmas a few years ago, and I always save it for a terribly frigid day in winter, since its ability to insulate is truly mind-blowing, and should be fully appreciated.

And before you even ask: yes, it does insulate so well that I can leave the tops of my thighs exposed. The cloud of warmth it coats my upper body in totally makes up for the difference!

 

Dress: Free People

Dance Leotard Underneath: Capezio

Over-the-Knee Socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Mini-Cape: Present from Margaret

The Collar.

Sorry for the holiday hiatus! I have lots of great pictures from Christmas, but while I'm busy resizing all those, here's a basic outfit post for you featuring one of life's simple, fashion pleasures: a button-up collar over a crewneck sweater.

Polo Sweater Knock-Off featuring a Unicorn Logo: Vintage

Suede Mini-Skirt: Vintage via the Getup

Wool Over-the-Knee Socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Random 6pm clearance buy

Sunglasses: Thrifted

I can't possibly photograph this outfit without a creepy twin shot of me and MC.

How's this for oversharing about our outfits: for YEARS, MC and I worked at the same office as I silently obsessed over him, secretly in love but entertaining not so much as the wish -- let alone hope -- that he would one day be mine. On frequent days when he wore a perfect, trim little sweater with his oxford collar peeking out, I looked on longingly and thought "Oh, to be Matt Collar's collar...."

Adding to the entertainment value to this embarrassing story is the fact that my ardent attraction to the well-dressed MC led to this:

Secretary

  The inspiration for a song I recorded with Bulletproof, the pop punk band I was in back in 2006.  

That was three full years before MC and I even started dating. 

Girl Panic!

MC and I are so crazy about this music video from Duran Duran -- a concept vid in which a handful of 90's glamazons (Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Eva Herzigova) actually play the members of the band.

My sweater moment continues.

Okay, I admit it, I'm too busy to wear anything but sweaters and tights.

Sweater: Pierre Cardin, Thrifted

Scarf: ASOS

Motorcycle Boots: Harley Davidson, Thrifted

Canadian Army Surplus Coat: Armynavydeals

Sunglasses: Vintage

What do YOU wear on days you're too busy or wiped out to be creative?

TCB.

Cream silk wrap blouse: Thrifted

Tweed skirt: Thrifted

Grommet lace-up boots: Seychelles

Cami: VS

Does everybody remember the meaning behind the letters TCB? That's Taking Care of Business, and it's arguably one of my favorite activities. And it might as well be, because I have had a lot of shit to do lately! So here's a business inspired outfit to celebrate the act of TCB. 

Cat nap.

I can't believe I'm posting this.

Picture taken by MC, who rightly thought that this cuddly moment was worth documenting, despite my puffy face and bedhead. I really love my cat, you guys.

Vid from The Canastas Last Thursday at Woodruff's!

Check out this video from The Canastas' show last week! The sound is slightly out of synch with the video, leading to the unsettling effect that I am snapping my fingers out of time with the music. But other than that, it's JUST THE SAME AS BEING THERE. ;)

Also: I'm so digging this shot of me and MC taken by Del Villreal. :)

Trying not to slip.

I came pathetically close to slipping on the near-invisible ice in our alley about four times while posing for these pictures. Just FYI.

Jeans: Radcliffe

Sweater: JCrew via my Aunt

Silk Scarf, belt: Thrifted

Sunnies: Modcloth

Okay, wrap it up.

Between hair cuts (not to mention *ahem* colors), there are days when a blow dryer and an extra 10 minutes in front of the mirror just doesn't pass the cost/benefit analysis. Those are days for a little '40s headscarf action.

Burgundy Dance Leotard: Sansha

Wide Leg Trousers: Victoria's Secret (you heard me!)

Shoes: Vintage Enzo Angolini via Purevintageclothing

Brooch: Alessandra

Silk Scarf, Belt, Faux Pearls: Thrifted

While there are many fashionable examples of the 40's headscarf, I think it's safe to say the classic version is the one worn by Rosie the Riveter. But maybe I'm biased, since Rosie was based on a real woman, who worked at Ypsilanti's Willow Run plant making B-24 bombers with my grandma. My grandma is now 98 and still says working the pallet driver at Willow Run is one of her favorite jobs she ever had.

Of course, the dance leotard and Zingerman's coffee are slightly less period, but they're more or less an every-day occurrence. ;)

The Canastas at Woodruff's -- Opening for JD MCPHERSON!!!

As I spastically alluded to many times, my band The Canastas got the chance to open for JD effing McPherson last Thursday. Musical venues tend to be dark, but our bassist's beautiful wife was still able to get some pictures.

When JD actually went on, I took the reigns of the camera, though I must admit I only snapped pictures for a few songs before I got busy dancing.

I already posted one fan picture that I got with JD, but it wouldn't please the universe if I didn't post this one too:

 

Bizarre toys in the mail? Must be from Margaret!

This particular package of goodies sent in the mail from my bestie Margaret contained a strange selection of items purchased at her neighborhood Japanese dollar store.

The highlight of this was, of course, what appears to be a goose-shaped codpiece. 

Why does this exist?!

She also included a card that plays Lullaby Baby when you push a little button on the front. Said button is extremely sensitive, leading to an incessant, beeping serenade.

And what package would be complete without a choking-hazard eraser meal and some classy lip gloss, which smells exactly like polyurethane? As usual, Margaret has outdone herself. Excuse me, I need to asphyxiate on a delicious looking rubber curry and rice...

Hero worship.

Just in case you were wondering, my roots rock band The Canastas' show on Thursday, opening for none other than the golden god of retro rock and roll himself JD McPherson, went awesomely! We couldn't have asked for a better crowd, and apparently it rocked so hard that it burned out my blog's servers with raw psychic energy, because it went inexplicably down for a day.

As I'm sure you can imagine, I have MANY pictures. But the only one I have uploaded yet is this BFF shot of me and JD, taken moments after he congratulated me on my engagement -- which I'd alluded to on stage, directly after one MC's particularly kickass solos by exclaiming "I'm MARRYING that motherfucker!"

Anyway. More photos to come, hope your weekend is equally warm with musical afterglow.

Ill Prepared.

Protip: Don't wear a super long maxi skirt on rainy day unless you're totally cool with the hemline acting as a sponge.

Tuxedo jacket: ASOS

Pale chiffon maxi skirt: ASOS

Boots: Kelly & Katie via 6pm

Tank: Target, decorated with Sharpie

Necklace: Gift from Alessandra

I actually own a real, richy rich vintage tuxedo jacket with tails that was originally worn by some dapper, apparently very small man. But this one is just a hipster knock off from ASOS that I dig because it's thin enough for me to roll up the sleeves.

Oh, and just FYI: a rainy December day in Michigan is COLD! I didn't last long in this ensemble without proper insulation.

Fair representation.

Wearing an oversized sweater as a dress is not necessarily the most adventurous outfit, especially for Midwest gals like me, who spend much of the year finding new and creative ways to incorporate knit tights and wool into every ensemble. But seeing as how it is something I wear multiple times a week, I should probably blog it as a matter of best practice.

For the record: I am wearing shorts underneath. Just in case.

Giant tennis sweater: Thrifted

Bamboo tights: Foot Traffic via Sockdreams

Boots: UO

Bag: Cynthia Rowley

Coffee: Zingerman's Coffee Co.

I'm counting down the days until The Canastas help open for JD McPherson Thursday night! Michigan based folks should come by Woodruff's in Ypsi starting at 7 and see the show. :)