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Saturday, September 8, 2012

A Weekend in Black


Black is my fallback color.  If I'm feeling heavier, or not so cute or I can't find anything else to wear, I can always fall back on black.  I don't think a girl can own too much black or too many LBD's.

I found this pretty Evan Picone dress at...surprise surprise....the Goodwill on Friday morning and it was washed and ready to wear on Friday night to the Gotta Dance dance party. It's not so great for dancing...it kept riding up as I was dancing the 'contact' dances, but I love it none the less. 
 The  detail on the dress is very pretty; it's hard to see in the pictures, but there is subtle gathering at the waist and on the sleeves.  I have really good luck finding black dresses at GW and I'm so excited to add this to the collection.

The little polka dot bag on the floor is so cute; I found it at a tiny resale shop around the corner from my home for $2.00.  Its canvas and in perfect condition.  I use it as a dance bag to carry my shoes and other dance party/lesson accessories in.

Lia sophia necklace and pin.

Since we have a black dress theme going, my dance friend Karen agreed to pose for a 'little black dress' photo!  

Brooke (the same retro pin-up Brooke pictured in a previous post) and her student Rich kindly striking a dramatic pose per my request.
Last night's dance party was as enjoyable as they always are and I always appreciate the opportunity to burn calories in a way that I love.

Today, I kept the black theme going for my trip with Peyton to the Popcorn festival in Valparaiso, IN.  This town is the home of Orville Redenbacker popcorn and a huge festival ensues every year to celebrate this claim to fame.  It was cool and breezy this morning, so I dressed accordingly.

Peyton likes to capture me when I'm lease expecting it
The black twill pants have a subtle grey pinstripe.  They are also very comfortable and wearable due to the small amount of stretch in the fabric.  The best thing about these pants is that they don't bind or bag.

My Lia Sophia door prize

Giant orange gauzy scarf, J'C. Penney.

My beloved Clark heeled oxfords.  What's not to love...so far they have lasted my three  fall/winter seasons.

Cuff detail on my shirt.  Express shirt front he Goodwill on half price day; $2.50!

I fell in love with this belt; it came from a tiny little specialty store called 'Band Gear'.  As  you can imagine, the store caters to rockers and musicians, of which I am neither.  I loved to hang with the bands in my 20's but since I was never one of the 'special chosen girls' I was never a groupie.  I'm good with that, but I still kind of like the 'boys in the band'.

My leather jacket and scarf.  The jacket is a tad big, but its cute and perfectly distressed, so I ok with the size.

Peyton and I didn't really enjoy the Popcorn fest as much as we expected to; it was really super crowded.  We did duck into the town's museum which Peyton really enjoyed.  The museum is int he town's former jail and Peyton with his photographer's eye, wanted me to pose in front of the cell.  This is supposed to be my 'oh no please don't put me in that cell' look.

One of my favorite places to eat, Don Quijote, an authentic Spanish restaurant, is located in the town of Valparaiso, so I had to snap the pic.  Every year in October, the owners host a very moving Flamenco dance show that I never miss.  This year, we are taking Peyton.  They have also hosted a Flamenco guitar trio and we have taken Peyton to see the show.  I really love the intense staccato rhythms of flamenco guitar and Peyton enjoyed the sharp, speedy quality of the music.

If I leave the house tomorrow, I will once again be wearing black....
You can never go wrong with it!!!!  

32 comments:

  1. Lisa, you look lovely as always. I totally agree with you a girl can't get too many LBDs. I can't believe that you have found many of your beautiful dresses at Goodwill and similar stores. However, as they say, everything fits a beauty! Wish you a great Sunday!

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    1. Awww...you are so sweet! Thank you for your kind words. I have gotten very lucky with Goodwill, finding things that are in such good shape.

      BTW, I will send an email sometime soon if that is OK with you. I am very interested in learning more about the health care system in your country as it applies to the aging population.

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    2. I would be happy to answer your questions! Please use my job address for that anna dot dahl at ki dot se

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  2. "I don't think a girl can own too much black or too many LBD's."

    You're a lady after my own heart!
    what a great LBD too! I'm always amazed at the beautiful things people find at Goodwill over in the States.

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    1. Its a very disposable society here....which I don't think is a good thing, but it has allowed me to benefit by finding beautiful, gently used clothing at very good prices. That LBD cost me only $5.00!

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  3. You are so pretty in your LBD! You seem to always find some great dresses at great prices. Loving the Lia Sophia jewelry too. Sorry the Popcorn Fest wasn't what you expected. Those things always end up being so crowded. Have a great rest of your weekend!

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    1. Thank you for the compliment. Even though I couldn't dance in the dress, I felt good wearing it. It was like brand new.

      I do splurge on the Lia Sophia jewelry; its well made and they have a lifetime warranty if you keep the receipt. I won the long pendant at a LS event and I wear that thing all the time!

      We did make the best of the PC fest...Peyton (my 7 year old) loved going into the museum.

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  4. I'm a big fan of black. It's my go-to color. Always has been, always will be.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  5. Black is classic because it works so well. This dress is very attractive on you. And you accessorized it perfectly. Love the shoes.

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    1. Thank you for the compliment! Those shoes are so comfortable...I should have done a close up of the shoes.

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  6. I'm with you on black. You got a great score at GW. Also, I love the orange scarf it totally makes the outfit stand out:)

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    1. Thank you Joanna; I really love that orange scarf and wear it often!

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  7. Will there be dancers at the Flamenco Fest?

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    1. Oh yes.....thats the primary reason that I go! They are authentic Flamenco dancers and its a very exciting and moving show. I will try to get video this year and post it. If you haven't seen Flamenco dancers Terri, it is something you will want to see. Its breathtaking.

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  8. I really like that orange scarf! It really makes the outfit more special!

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    1. I love that scarf...one of my best accessory investments.

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  9. you have great luck at good will - your new lbd is so gorgeous!
    love your new necklace as well!
    Chic on the Cheap

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    1. Thank you Lyddie...there are two Goodwill stores very nearby one in each of the two cities right next to mine.

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  10. You have insanely good luck at Goodwill - that dress is lovely on you!

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    1. I have been really lucky lately with the dresses anyway. Thank you for the compliment. I adore my new dress.

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  11. What I want to know is... where could I get those pants? The look like they would fit my figure, as yours is a similar type to mine. My sis told me of the similarity.

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    1. I purchased those pants at T.J. Maxx. They are made by Land'N'Sea which I have only seen at that store. I had never heard of them. Typically I don't like twill because it bags and stretches,but these don't. I think it is because of the texture of the stripe that helps the fabric keeps its shape. I also love 7th avenue bootcut pants from New York and Company, but I have to baby them. I don't dry them. They also make a flare leg (not a wide leg...I don't care what anyone says, wide legs just make girls like us look block from the hips down!) that looks very flatting on a pear shaped figure. N& Co. also makes a curvy boot cut jean that works feel for me; its the only jean I will wear. Its a struggle to find goo pants, but I have a few that I like and I'm happy to share that information with you.

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  12. Thanks for the info, and I'm happy to be "exercise-pestering buddies"!

    I have a hard time w/flares and boot cuts b/c my knees are fat. Even when I'm thin :-/

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  13. That dress gives you sensational curves and the orange scarf is lovely with the black and white.

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    1. Thank you Sheila...I did a little happy dance when I found it....

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  14. Black is forever chic and elegant, and you look smashing in your little black dress! And I addore that bright orange scarf.
    Thank you so much for your lovely comment Lisa, and I do have pics of that ivory velvet dress "on" if you are interested at
    http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/velvet-y-moon-dress.html
    It is indeed a good basic :)

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    1. I'm going to pop over to the link to take a look at the dress!

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  15. Oh, I always like it when you post the dancing photos, they are always amazing and make me want to learn! This black dress was quite the thrifting gem, the shape is amazing on you. (But I can see what you mean, it does look like it would be a little hard to dance around in!) That pin on your necklace is stunning, it shines a spotlight on the dress.

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    1. Thank you for the compliments. Katie, follow your heart when it comes to dance. Its so much fun. I work very hard to achieve the meager dance achievements that I have had....but it can be an all fun experience for someone...you can dance just to dance; for you. I hope you will give it a try!

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  16. Love the black dress on you...when all else fails black is always there!
    Iva

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain