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Vintage Style for a Steal
Got a wedding or other summer soiree on your calendar that calls for a dressy handbag? Whenever I’ve had to buy a purse or clutch for a special event, I’ve always been disappointed at the slim selection available at department stores. Many of the dressy bags are cheesy and reminiscent of prom, and the nicer ones come with price tags I can’t justify for an accessory I’ll only use a handful of times, at most. Rather than scrambling around at the last minute for the perfect special occasion bag, I’ve started to keep my eyes open at garage sales and secondhand stores for versatile vintage pieces. During a quick spin…
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Whatever Happened to Fancy Hats?
As I approach my due date, I’ve been spending more and more time on the couch watching movies. My husband and I have long since burned through the new releases on our Netflix queue, so we’ve been working our way through some oldies but goodies. This past weekend, we watched the “The Maltese Falcon,” which I am ashamed to admit I had never seen. There’s a lot to be said about the film. It’s a noir classic. It’s based on a mystery by acclaimed American mystery writer Dashiell Hammett. What really stuck with me, though, was the abundance of fabulous hats on screen. Why don’t people wear fedoras or other fancy…
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June Morning
If it weren’t for having a dog, I wouldn’t get outside in the early hours of a June morning, long before the thermometer creeps past 90. I wouldn’t see the lake, calm and gray in the mist, nor the bunches of peonies at their peak, which will probably wilt as the day wears on. I wouldn’t get to watch the progress of neighbors’ front-yard vegetable gardens, or listen to the kid crossing guards chatter at the corner. I wouldn’t get to start my day in such a pleasant way.
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A Sunny Springtime Recipe
It’s been awhile since I’ve featured a recipe on this blog and, since warmer weather is finally here, I thought I’d share one of my favorite springtime meals. I first had this dish a few years ago when a friend made it for me from her Barefoot Contessa cookbook. I have made it several times since, and have modified it slightly to lighten it up. Though it is still by no means a diet dish (nothing dreamed up by the Contessa is), it tastes light and has less fat than Ina’s version. This pasta dish also tastes great leftover, even if served cold. LEMON FUSILLI WITH ARUGULA Modified from a…
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Pucci: Antidepressant in Fabric Form
At the same time I’ve been nurturing a baby boy, soon to be born in July, I’ve also been nurturing another baby: the manuscript of my novel, GENTLY USED. It’s a multi-generational tale about a vintage clothing store and the stories behind the clothes on the racks and the women who work and shop there. Doing research for the book was almost as much fun as writing it. Over the last year, I amassed a lot of pictures and information, uncovering more vintage fodder than I could ever include in a single novel. And, of course, I stumbled upon some new obsessions. What I didn’t have room for in the…
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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…
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Local Spotlight: Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar
It’s unfortunate that the grand opening of Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar on Madison’s East Side occurred just a few weeks before dump trucks and fork lifts rolled in to tear up Willy Street in a major road construction project that won’t conclude until October. Umami is located at 923 Williamson Street in a building that, from the outside, just looks like a renovated house. Inside, though, the space is modern and I dare say hip… all this in a neighborhood where tie-died shirts and Crocs are considered appropriate dinner attire. You can still wear your Crocs there, but you might feel upstaged a bit by the sexy lighting, bamboo…
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Mix Classic with Bold, Warm with Cold
By Guest Blogger, Dorothy Munholland While the weather tries to make up it’s mind this season, I’ve decided to put my foot down and get serious about spring. The winter boots have officially been put away and even though snow and sleet have both been on the menu in the past few weeks, I am no longer willing to wear a hat or gloves to class. Still, the inconsistent weather makes being prepared for all temperatures a must. Too often I’ve found myself wandering campus wishing I had just one more or just one less piece of clothing to battle the elements. With that in mind, it has become necessary…
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Here Comes the Sun
Chilly, damp, and dreary spring weather, you are officially banished. My spirit and my wardrobe can take no more. I’m ready for lighter, brighter clothing, like this floaty dress from Twigs (1925 Monroe Street, Madison). I would put it together with a wide-brimmed hat, classic shades, and a handbag big enough to hold enough stuff for a whole day’s adventure. The ensemble is ready for anything a warm day might bring: a stroll to the farmer’s market, an outdoor concert, or drinks on a restaurant patio or a friend’s porch at twilight. Never mind that this summer, I’m more likely be found waddling in flip flops and maternity shorts. (Just…
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A Recipe for Wintry Weather
It’s been snowing all day here in Madison. My daffodils and hyacinth are covered in glistening chunks of ice. There’s almost nothing good about winter weather in spring, except for the fact that it gives me an excuse to make just a few more hearty meals before turning to lighter, springtime fare. And nothing says hearty like beer and cheese. As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a stipend from New Belgium Brewery to purchase their beer and create a recipe with it. Since I can’t drink beer these days (I’m 28 weeks pregnant), the next best thing is to cook with it. Most of the alcohol cooks…
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