Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Best Sale of the Year



 I've been having a ruthless clear out (must be done from time to time) and in the process have come across some items I'd forgotten about. Both this top and skirt are slated for moving along to new homes, but I might think twice about the top. I like Liberty (who doesn't?) but the Liberty for Target range was kinda meh. I like the print fine, but the fabric is synthetic and the ruffle at the bottom, annoying. It is too long for the 3/4 sleeves. I'm sure it would look great with a pair of skinny jeans, but that's not my look.

I'd forgotten about this pleated silk skirt. It has a Neiman Marcus label ("Needless Markup" as my husband calls it) and a Made in Korea tag. I'd call it 80's based on the length. I wore my share of long skirts in the 80's, with long blazers and massive shoulder pads. A long, white double breasted blazer would be lovely with this skirt-but I don't own one and don't plan to seek one out. I had one...in the 80's, and I wore it to pieces. Nice as the skirt is, I think it too shall go as it really won't play well with the rest of my wardrobe. I was attracted to the quality of the skirt, but that isn't enough reason for me to wear it. Long over long is back in fashion if you believe the magazines, but I think I'll leave that to the young (and tall).

Outfit Particulars:
Liberty for Target blouse-Goodwill
Vintage silk pleated skirt-thrift World
Vintage Walborg bag-Hand-Me-Ups
Clarks shoes-Goodwill
Large silver Sara Coventry bracelet-Can't remember
Earrings (part of a set with a brooch) Goodwill
Fragrance-Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan




 A peplum I could understand but this is a drop-waist with a ruffle also known as a WTF?
Anyway, in my zeal to rid my wardrobe of unworn items, I came across this jacket. I rarely wear it as there isn't much that it goes well with...or so I though. By a coincidence of summer meeting autumn in the same laundry basket I achieved what can only be called "Epic pattern mixing." Guess I'll be keeping the jacket after all. 
 I had to post some photos as it is unlikely to ever happen quite this perfectly again.

 We called in at Earl May garden centre to purchase some pumpkins for the front garden. I feel better now that there's pumpkins in my garden-it really doesn't take much to make me happy. I might need to go back for a pot of mums-I rather like the wine coloured ones.

Outfit Particulars:
Skirt-Goodwill
Coldwater Creek jacket-Goodwill
Tunic-Hand-Me-Ups
Carol Dauplaise necklace-Goodwill
Brooch-Goodwill
Vintage Naturalizer shoes-Thrift World
Vintage Spilene handbag-Goodwill
Vintage Niello earrings-Thrift World
Vintage belt-Thrift World
Large bracelet-garage sale
Small bracelets-both Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-none, it was allergy jab day

I dropped off two large bags of clothes at Hand-Me-Ups today, and a large bag at Sequels a few days ago. I hope they can sell them as the clothes are nice and in good shape. I washed everything, but I neglected to iron them. I mentioned to a volunteer that I was embarrassed and she looked at me like I'd lost my mind. I guess they're lucky if things come in clean, much less ironed. I should have a few more bags of clothes for them at the weekend. I managed to get out of the shop with only a couple small purchases (another vintage cake carrier, and a taffeta tartan dress) but really I should drop the stuff and leave so I won't be tempted.

I was doing so well until the annual Sarpy County Historical Society yard sale. I went the second day when everything was half price.

 Nothing here was originally over a dollar, and some items were only .25 cents to start. The large gold loopy cross brooch is Kenneth Jay Lane. There's Coro, Sara Coventry, Napier, and all sorts of good stuff.
 I'm not a virgo, but my mum was and I thought this little carved glass pendant would be a nice reminder of her. The bar pin with the tiny lapis stone is Victorian.
 This "Machine Age" bracelet was .50 cents. I love it so much I might never take it off.
I was thrilled to find a glove stretcher as I need one! They used to be common enough when I was in the antique business 25 years ago, but the passage of a quarter century is enough time that they've become scarce. The museum volunteer was pleased I knew what it was-most people don't, I guess.

I also bought hats, handbags, vintage dresses (including another 30's evening gown this time in celery green silk) shoes, spools of vintage ribbon, tea towels, silk scarves and more. I spent a total of $29.00. I'm absolutely exhausted, but it was worth it. I wasn't kidding when I said this sale is incredible. Mark your calendar for next September-it is worth the trip.
Still working our way through the apples. This is a Dutch Baby/Apple Pancake/Pfankuchen/calfouti/ or whatever they call an oven pancake where you live. It was okay-I have leftovers in the fridge which indicates to me that the boys weren't wild for it. I used the fancy butter from Finland to bake it. I don't ordinarily buy imported butter, but it was on sale and I was curious about it. It is very nice butter. I still wouldn't buy it unless there's a sale, but I'd also consider stocking up when there is.
I also made the yearly batch of apple cider doughnuts. The left are tossed with plain sugar, the ones on the right with cinnamon. They're easy enough to make but requiring boiling apple cider (cloudy apple juice) until it reduces by half and using it for the liquid in the batter instead of milk. The flour is a mix of wholemeal and white with spices (cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and nutmeg) added. Yes, they're work but it is only once a year. They freeze well, and there's nothing like a warmed-up cider doughnut in the dead of a Nebraska winter to convince you it is worth getting out of bed and facing the chores.
They're surprisingly light. The trick is getting the fat hot enough that they don't need to cook too long. I fried them in corn oil, as I do most things. It isn't as popular an oil as sunflower or soybean, but I prefer it. The smoke point is high enough that I don't need to worry about it catching fire, and it doesn't have a terrible smell like rapeseed/Canola. The day after cooking the house doesn't smell of cooking oil. Recipe Here.
 Cider doughnuts makes me think of Halloween. I adore Halloween. From the barmbrack to the costumes to the creature-feature midnight movies-I love it all. I used incredible restraint in not purchasing these lighted lawn decorations for $6.99 each.

There was a Dracula as well. Guess I'll make due with jack-o-lanterns instead, but I really do regret leaving these. I shouldn't shop when I don't feel well, it skews my thinking.
I've been wearing my Posada print tee shirt a bit more this time of year. I bought the shirt when I was a university student-trust me, it was a very long time ago. I'm glad I held onto it as Danny likes it as well. We share tee shirts-most of his are better than mine!


Outfit Particulars:
Posada tee shirt (I think it was the Mexican shop, in Evanston, but I can't swear to it)
Brocade skirt-Goodwill
Belt-came with a dress years ago
Sacred Heart bracelet-Goodwill
Deco bracelet-Sarpy museum sale
Vintage Handmacher jacket-Hand-Me-Ups
Brooch-Sarpy Museum sale
Vintage bag-Goodwill
Sara Coventry earrings-Sarpy Sale
Fragrance-Chamade
I can't keep myself away from the Halloween pop-up shops either! We visit to play with the motion-sensor displays. The stuff is very cool, but much more expensive than the $6.99 lawn ornaments we saw at Goodwill *kicks self for not buying those*.

I'll leave you with a peek at this vintage BSK Halloween brooch I bought at Thrift World last Spring. I love the expression on the ghost. I wonder what the witch said to him?

























13 comments:

Bibi Maizoon said...

I like that print on the Liberty blouse too but do not understand the ruffle. You see that style with the awkwardly placed ruffle at the bottom a lot in the plus size dept. I don't think most plus sized women ned a rufflle calling attention to their tummy & hips.
Love the blue ensemble & the brocade skirt.
Wow, all that for $29? Amazing!
Cider donuts sound lovely. Of all the American holidays i miss Halloween the most!
Hope you're feeling better!

Goody said...

@Bibi
I think the ruffle would be strange on anyone at any size-it just looks awkward and nothing (save for a pair of skinny jeans or leggings) looks right with it. I could of course cut off the ruffle and sew it on the ends of the too-short sleeves, but that would be work.

I'd offer to send you some Halloween candy but it would never make it through the heat.

I think the point when I knew this was going to be really bad was when I injured myself rolling a pie crust. I gave a yell, Danny ran in the room, and when he realised what happened started laughing that I gave myself "Nursemaid's elbow" rolling pastry dough! I mean, that's pathetic. I'm worried that the next joint to come loose won't pop back into place without surgery. But hey, the pie won a ribbon so...worth it?

Vix said...

That's based on the Hera print, one of my favourite Liberty designs. You were right to let it go though, I never understand the need for those weird ruffles.
The jacket is a triumph with that skirt and I absolutely love your last outfit. Metalics and quirky prints? Heck, yes!!
What a score with the vintage sale. Funnily enough i was looking at a set of Bakelite glove stretchers at the Classic Car boot last week and remarking to my mate that I hadn't seen any for ages.
xxx

Beth Waltz said...

The Liberty blouse long w/long look reminds me of Princess Di when she was experimenting with ruffles.

Aha. So the secret word is "serendipity" when working your magic with coordinating prints? My laundry sorting area is so dark I'd have probably missed the match. Lovely fall colors! As are the colors in your Goodwill ghost pix. (The fluffy 30s bob suits you, Goody. Reminds me of the actress who played Harriet in the upscale Lord Peter series on the telly.)

The dainty Virgo is an elegant reminder of your mum and buying it is a gentle gesture of recognition she'd appreciate. My mother and I were chalk and cheese; however, I sometimes feel moved to buy "her" yellow roses and pop them into a family vase.

Polyester Princess said...

Best sale of the year is no exaggeration, and you haven't even shown us everything yet! You found some seriously fabulous pieces of jewellery! The print of that Liberty top is divine, but you're right, that ruffle is a definite no-no. As for the apple pancake, it's "pannenkoek" in Flemish! The glove stretcher is a great find, didn't even know such a thing existed ...xxx

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

What a fabulous sale - the jewellery is magnificent!

I thought your blue jacket and skirt were a suit when I saw the photo until I read on. Lovely outfit and I loved your shoes. I also loved your brocade skirt outfit; very elegant. I think you were right about the liberty print top it does look as if it was designed to be worn by a six footer.

The only Liberty printed item I own is a cardboard cylindrical container which I bought in an Irish charity shop and it lives in the caravan. It holds all the small change which we use as gambling money when we play Blackjack and other card games with the grandchildren.

Those doughnuts look delicious; dribble, dribble...

Hope your week is going well.

ThriftyParka said...

That.Posada.T.Shirt!!!!

Happy thrifting ;)

Goody said...

@Vix
I think I'll try cutting the ruffle and sleeves off to have it as a layering piece-I'm loathe to get rid of such a pretty print. Maybe I'll finish the edges with pom-pom as I know you would!

@Beth
I've been forced to let my curly hair just go natural as the humidity of late defeats any and all efforts at control.

@Ann
Ah, another to add to the pancake vocabulary! I'm starting to wonder if this recipe is culturally universal in apple-growing countries.

@Veronica
My grandmother made us play cards for candy...and we had to put it back in the candy dish when we were finished playing!

@Thrifty Parka
I should do a feature on old tee shirts I've collected over the years-I have some strange ones.

Radostin said...

Ahh, hacking bits off that peacock feather print tunic until it works better sounds like the right way to treat it. I do find it hard to resist a nice silk garment such as your skirt, myself, but yes; even silk isn't worth keeping if you don't much enjoy wearing it. Your laundry pile pattern mix is indeed epic, I'm glad you found a way to wear that jacket. I could imagine I might be tempted to pair it with emerald green on a subsequent occasion.
The Historical Society yard sale sounds amazing, what a treasure trove. I would not have known what the glove stretchers were, unless they were found in a box of gloves. As for now-rare implements, recently I saw on instagram a garlic-press-like tool that was apparently intended for squeezing out one's teabag, something I have always done with my fingers... Dying to see your 30s celery-green silk, too. (Now I have to not only get my husband to attend a conference in Nebraska so I can tag along and visit; I have to make sure it coincides with the historical yardsale! This is getting complicated ;) )
I love that brocade skirt, and your tshirt print. Also both the curly bob and piled high hairstyles look lovely.

Miss Magpie said...

I always wash and usually, though not always, iron things before I give them away.

I am in awe of all your sparkly purchases judging by what you bought I fear I would have run amok!

Melanie Folly Bird said...

I would be tempted to tuck that top in, as the print is fantastic and I love three quarter length sleeves.

How lovely is your turquoise jacket! A definite keeper I would say.

We used to get real pumpkins, but last year picked up a ceramic pumpkin at a garden centre who I named Wilf. He's still out, just atop a cabinet, but soon it'll literally be his time to shine again!

Crikey! All the jewellery! And the donuts, yum!

Mim said...

Sounds like a fantastic haul - clearly your reward for being good and donating so much else previously.

Those doughnuts look really good. I'd get up for those. And then take them back to bed, with a cup of tea and a good book...

Goody said...

@Radostin
Visiting lecturer position at Creighton, perhaps? :)
Next year, I'm bringing a video camera so everyone can experience it better than my photos show.

@Miss Magpie
I'd have fought you for this haul :)

@Melanie
I've seen those ceramic pumpkins-they're so lovely. Good job naming it too.

@Mim
I've since off loaded another 7 bags of clothing-so the Universe really owes me now!