The best kind of "bad"

First, a quick finger report. My Thursday follow up came with some unsettling news: instead of simply cleaving the tendon in two I also managed to separate tendon from bone. As a result, I may need a tendon graft. That's right, internet, when I do damage I go all the way. I should know more by next week. In the interim I'm developing some mad ambidextrous skills.

But enough about all that. I did something way more exciting (and far less excruciating) than injure myself last week.

I. Saw. Wicked.

via Broadway Artists Alliance

Ben got me tickets for my birthday (in August) and I thought the January showing would not get here fast enough. Totally worth the wait.

One caveat - this musical is not based on the book by Gregory Maguire.

Inspired by it, perhaps, but not based upon. It is more like the other other story of the Witches of Oz; the one acceptable for young audiences.

This is actually my first experience with a Broadway production. And oh! Oh, that set!

And the effects!

Jeanna de Waal as Glinda in the national tour of Wicked.

But above all, the pipes on this woman!

Christine Dwyer as Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked.

Christine Dwyer is indescribable. Her singing...the way she delivers lines...the way she moves on stage. Just, wow.

She'd be my number one idol if it wasn't for Susan Hilferty - the genius behind the costumes.

Elphaba

Seems I have a lot of work to do if I want to be like Susan. Better get to it!

Once upon a fashion era...

Isn't it amazing to think that something considered underwear a hundred years ago would now be thought of as "overdressed."

B. Altman & Co. silk and linen Petticoat at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Just look at those details - the stripes! the lace! ribbon and scallops too! In 1905 all that intricacy would be hidden under a Parisian woman's skirt. It seems like a shame. Then again, some of the things ladies wear today are pretty shameful too.

Amazing Grace

Please, somebody, anybody,  find a way to dress like Grace Kelly for one of your holiday parties.  Just look at this red ensemble from "Dial M for Murder."

That shrug! That lace trim on the sweetheart neckline! Those crimson lips!

I wish I could have found a better shot of the whole ensemble, but this'll have to do.

Oh, the way that dress swished about her legs when she walked.  If ladylike had a sound that swish would be it!

Almost 50 years after the movie was made Grace's costumes are still totally relevant. To me anyway. What about you?

Trend Spotting: Dapper like a Draper (and other Mad Men)

I'm not exactly sure how I missed the boat on this one, but I have never seen an episode of Mad Men.

via 5

Yeah, I don't know what's wrong with me either.

Even though I haven't seen Mad Men the series, I am seeing Mad Men everywhere! Mad Men style, that is.

For example, this modern office-appropriate outfit from Nordstrom.

Check out this fantastic red jersey dress from ASOS.  Add a cardi or a velvet blazer and is this not perfect for a picnic at the pumpkin patch?

ASOS Midi Fit & Flare Dress with Basqued Waist

I couldn't pick just one "cocktail" look. The Velocity Dress from BHDLN features the full skirt and nipped waist commonly seen in the late 1960s.

But oh I also love Karen Millen's sleek interpretation of the "wiggle dress."

Folded Satin dress via Pinterest

There is just so much to love about the feminine fashion of Mad Men and the 1960s.  Janie Bryant, Costume Designer for Mad Men and my future best friend, wrote the book. No seriously, she wrote a book.

photo and info via Hachette Book Group

I picked up a copy from the library and all but devoured it.  It is full of advice for shopping vintage, mixing vintage with modern, flattering your figure, etc. Oh and the photos! Go now and get your own copy.  You will not regret it.

Still feeling a little shy about flaunting your '60s fashion sense? With Halloween coming up why not try your hand at interpreting Mad Men fashion by dressing the whole family as the Drapers?

via Say YES! to Hoboken

Chicest Halloween Costume Ever!

Halloween is for the birds

This year, Emily is going to be a peacock for her trick-or-treating escapades.   I sort of wanted her to be an owl, but this was much more glamorous. The costume making is in full swing at my house, but I put together a treasury for anyone who needs an idea.  A little birdie told me some of you were stumped.

Click on the image to view any of the items in my treasury.

"I don't give a hoot about Halloween," said the little owl.
"Nevermore," agreed the raven.
"Trick or treating has me tickled pink!" protested the flamingo.
And so the peacock took her by the wing and strutted off into the night.

For every girl, a garter

I'm a sucker for a femme fatale. My friend Jessica says it is because I admire strong women. Whether or not that is a correct diagnosis, one of my forever favorite vixens is Poison Ivy.

As I originally saw her - In cartoon form

I'm also have a thing for red heads. Go figure.

Alas, I don't really see any day soon in which it would be acceptable for me to don red waves and/or green leaves.  So I leave it up to you, my internet darlings. Please someone dress up as Poison Ivy. I mean, I already have your garters ready and waiting for you.

Garter pair: Poison Ivy

usually I'd just stop the "For every girl" feature with a garter photo and go about my merry day.  But I love this character so much couldn't resist doing a little costume recon.

I can appreciate a comic book character's traditional leotard and tights uniform, but I think I prefer the skirted renditions.

via HalloweenCostumes.com

Samantha SamSam as Poison Ivy by Celeste Giuliano

via Nilla on DeviantArt

Amazing interpretation from Megan-Marie.com

Let's take a page from yesterday's post and focus on getting into character all the way to the tips of your fingers.

Even though it's Halloween it's still just a crazy outfit until you put your face on.

I love holidays that let you dress up. And seriously, be Poison Ivy.  She's undeniable.  If you do use the coupon code FemmeFatale at my shop and shipping is free.