• art,  creativity,  design,  fashion,  local,  madison,  style,  wisconsin

    Read(y) to Wear Benefit Fashion Show

    Most of the time, being a writer is decidedly NOT glamorous. I shudder to think how many hours I’ve spent sitting in front of my laptop, shoulders hunched over the keyboard, with coffee stains on my leggings. But every now and then, the author life opens the door to a “pinch me I’m dreaming” type of opportunity. The Read(y) to Wear fashion benefit was one of such opportunities. On April 29, 2017, I got to “model” a paper dress made by fellow writer Holly Tierney-Bedord, and walk the runway with several lovely literary and design-minded people from Madison and surrounding areas. Proceeds from ticket sales went to Madison Reading Project, a…

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  • decor,  design,  old houses,  remodeling

    Writing and Remodeling Don’t Mix

    My husband and I are remodeling a house, a 1920s bungalow just a few blocks from where we currently live. So lately my life–when I’m not working, writing, or toddler wrangling–consists of making decisions on plumbing fixtures and watching a lot of Rehab Addict.  I’m finishing edits on my novel, Vintage, and working on my next book, which takes place in the vineyards of Spain.  Sometimes, late at night, all of these various thought trains  crash into one another, and I end up with a little something like this.     Photos from Etsy shops ChicFrangine and Juliette’sJewelShop.

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  • decor,  design,  holiday,  modern,  retro,  vintage

    The Modern Vintage Table

    The holidays are here. It’s time to take down that platter or roasting pan you keep on high shelves or in the back of the cupboard. One of things I love about Thanksgiving, besides the license to stuff myself silly, is that it provides an excuse to use seemingly impractical, single-purpose items like gravy boats, table runners, and brandy snifters. Unique vintage items, like those pictured below, suggest a time when people didn’t eat dinner in front of the TV or lunch hunched over a desk. It’s as if they say, Sit down. Linger. This is special. Stay awhile. That’s the kind of holiday spirit I can get behind. [topcollage]…

  • art,  design,  fiction,  film,  storytelling

    Moonrise Kingdom: A Study in Styling and Storytelling

    Over the weekend, I went to see the new Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom. It was delightful in every way–a study in styling and storytelling. First, there’s the story itself. There’s nothing unusual about the plot, and I mean that as a compliment. The story is a straightforward one, of friendship and family. Of community and outsiders. Of innocence and coming-of-age. But, in its very simplicity, the story is extraordinary because of the way it is told. Wes Anderson is a master of setting. Moonrise Kingdom takes place in the summer of 1965 on a fictional island called New Penzance. And, from the opening to the closing credits, every detail…

  • art,  booze,  decor,  design,  modern,  style,  vintage

    Are You Ready for the Madness?

    I’m not talking about basketball. It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Mad Men. My thirty-first birthday fell on the premiere night of the fourth season, and I somehow convinced my husband and friends to come dressed in costume. The start of the fifth season on Sunday doesn’t fall on my birthday, but that’s okay. I’m not sure I could wait any longer, anyhow. It’s already been a year and a half! In the meantime, I’ve been feeding my addiction for all things mod on Etsy and Pinterest. A peek at some of my favorite Mad Men-inspired items: Each row, left to right (all images from Etsy): 60s rocks glasses…

  • creativity,  design,  fashion,  handmade,  style,  upcycling,  vintage

    Why I Won’t End Up on Hoarders

    I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with my new friend, Helga. She doesn’t have much of a brain, but she’s got a killer bod. Helga is a dress form mannequin. Yes, I now own a mannequin. And I named her. Let me tell you, doing Google searches for mannequins ends in some creepy results. I know my husband loves me because he didn’t bat an eyelash when I took Helga out of her giant box, assembled her, and immediately proceeded to play dress up. I bought Helga to aid me in styling clothing for my shiny new Etsy store, CleverlyCurated. I’ve been amassing a collection of vintage and…

  • art,  design

    CSA: Community Supported Art?

    I’ve finally started to work my way through my pile of Food & Wine magazines from the last several months. While I was pregnant, F&W just made me angry because (1) I couldn’t drink the cocktails and Cabernets on its pages and (2) it made me crave elaborate meals that I didn’t have the energy to create. Now that I’m spending a lot of time glued to a chair while breastfeeding, I’ve been catching up. A short article about CSA shares in the September issue of Food & Wine caught my eye. The article discussed an art subscription program based out of Minneapolis. The program is modeled after the Community…

  • budget-friendly,  design,  family,  green living,  vintage

    Baby, You Look Fabulous

    Those who follow this blog know that I am expecting a baby boy any day now. I don’t write much about kid or baby stuff because (1) I have no idea what I’m talking about and (2) I’m sure my life will be consumed soon enough with thrilling topics like nursing bras and cloth diaper covers, so why blog about it? Given that I’m just four days from my due date, though, I thought I’d allow myself a baby-themed post this week. I have to admit that when I found out we were having a boy, I had to give myself a day or so to get used to the idea.…

  • budget-friendly,  decor,  design,  fashion,  food,  green living,  local,  style,  upcycling

    A Green Wedding Fit for a Queen

    Today is the last post from college guest blogger Dorothy Munholland. She’s braving her last round of finals before moving on to graduation and beyond. Best of luck to you, Dorothy, and thank you for your contributions to Glossing Over It. Hope to see more of your writing in the blogosphere soon! A GREEN WEDDING FIT FOR A QUEEN By Guest Blogger, Dorothy Munholland I’m only slightly embarrassed to admit that I was awake at 4am on the day of the royal wedding, anxiously awaiting the first glimpse of bride Kate Middleton, while at the same time conducting an extensive Google search on Prince Harry’s relationship status. I say only…