It really shouldn't be questioned. It shouldn't be an ordeal... When your beloved one, phones from the office...
And proceeds to ask you out on the town. Shouldn't you say yes? Shouldn't you just look forward to dolling up, gettin' a chance to don a lovely frock? Shouldn't you squeal as you hang up the phone. A date???
I certainly loooove to play dress up, and go out for a bit of magic... But, it seems that lately, I am more inclined to stay in. Beckoned to play in the studio by a bit of this...
As much as I loooove my creative time, I had a huge feeling that this one time, I shouldn't say, "let's stay in..." I had a feeling, we needed a fun night... I had to put down my oil sticks. Wash out my paint brushes and enjoy a beautiful evening, out...
The books will still be there tomorrow... The paint will be waiting... But a night with your beloved, you must plunge into sometimes...
So, I decided to take the day off yesterday. Play dress up. Find something nice to wear with what I have with me. You see, my entire wardrobe + shoes + accessories are at my home in town. I just have a few faves with me at our country house...
Truth be told. This girl, that used to play dress up every day, her whole life, hadn't been doing much of that for the better part of a year. I have not been to a shop or a mall (don't like malls anyways), in a year. Oh wait, white lie. I went to Anthropologie twice in the last year...
I don't know what is hip or new. I never much cared about that anyway, because I dress to the beat of my own tune... My sis will attest to that ;) (What is she wearing??? hee heee)
I just wanted to feel pretty. A far cry from the regular prairie girl gown covered in paint, and no shoes...
Soooo, with the few treasures I have at the country house, and the few frocks that have traveled here with me, I decided to give a go at consulting me crystallll ballll..... (any excuse to play, right?)
At first I was getting nothing. No signs, no help with what I should wear, where we should go. Nada...
Then all of a sudden.... Presto!!! Magic!!
The crystal ball said I needed a hair cut. My hair has arrived at the waste line. Fun to have grown it a wee bit longer than normal. However, it was just too long. And getting too straight. Curly it bounced up a bit and doesn't look soooo long. But blow dried, it was looking a bit over the top long... So I hacked off three + inches. Made a layer go back to it's ear length and not chin length... And, gave myself a a too short pedicure... Now it was time for the attire...
So, what look was I going for?? And what price of pain was I willing to go through?? Was I willing to go, extra silly shoes (by silly I mean, tall, delicate and impossible to walk in) and giant squash blossom?? (new hair below, still longish)
Or was I going for black puff sleeves and lots of coins?? A bit gypsy romance...
Or was I feeling a bit over the top?? An up do?
With vintage flair?? A bit of vintage AB Swarovskis with a bakelite drop?? Ooolala ;)
Or do you think?? Carved bangles?? I am always going to be a bakelite, lucite & carved bangle lover...
Maybe I should wear these?? Although, they are impossible to buckle.. Don't you hate shoes like that??? The buckle is too stiff...
Oh ,wait, I have my vintage Kimono... Oh no, I save that for realllly fancy occassions ;)
Just then I have a brilliant idea!! I have this wall hanging with these fabulous leather slippers...
I wonder if they fit????? OH me, oh my!!! This is fun!!
Hahahaaaaaaaaaaa!!! They fit!! Isn't that soo funnnnny????? I could pry them off and wear them!! Oh my goodnesssssss, I had a good laugh about that!! Who knew they were my size?? 7.5, hee heeee!!
I have my favorite green and gold Anthropolgie shoes... Although I never wear them anymore because they are quite frail from over-usage... But perhaps? Just out to dinner??
All of a sudden, I am exhausted from playing. I have no make-up on yet (which is why you are getting no face shots) and, Mr. Lovee is saying he will be home to get me in 15 minutes. What???
I throw on my favorite flouncy black skirt... A new top (online shopping is still being done a tiny bit), a thin cardigan, my long necklaces... a sleek side ponytail, long earrings... And these...
I race out the door... Hop in the car (and remember to bring my camera). We decided that since we want treats from a few different places, that we will go to all of them. I look at Mr. Lovee and ask, remember me? He charmingly smiles...
We have Margaritas, something we never do (or, I have one, Mr Lovee hates them). Actually, this Margarita on the rocks, is the size of my head. I grab my camera. It is still "on" from dress-ups. The battery is dead. I am sad. But perhaps, I am simply meant to enjoy the evening... I don't have my cell, so I can't use my camera phone...
We laugh, we chat, we whisper... We joke... We laugh hysterically some more... We talk. We reminisce... We are the only ones in the restaurant. One that is normally packed. We are shocked.
We go to Vitello's for dessert... Cappuccino, cannoli & bliss. I am getting loopy. Some lovely people who own a piece of my art, are having wine and dessert there. It is lovely to see them...
I remember we have Mr. Lovee's camera phone. I then take these for you ;)
Bad Camera phone shots...
We get home. I am not used to anything spiked. I am exhausted. I am thristy. I am not 23 anymore. Still young, just not 23 young.
So, in the morning, my 32 year old face has, I had a giant Margarita last night, written all over it. As does the inside of my head. And has only one dream in life... COFFEE. Or tea...
So, tell me, are you a stay in kinda person? Or, a jump at the chance to go out and play, kinda person?? Do you want to come play dress-ups at my house?? Just, no Margaritas, k? I like Shirley Temples better...
Well I best be on my way. I am quite certain I have bored you silly... Annnnnd, I have to finish packaging the wee elves!!! Who are eager to arrive at their new homes!! Thank you new homes!! You make me soooooooo delighted!!! See you sooooon ;) xoxo
Oh PS: On a random note... Last night, we had to stop at the grocery for a few supplies... When all of a sudden as we drive through the plaza, I see the SUSHI CAT!!! In the window of a new place!! I SCREAM!!! THE SUSHI CAT!!! Mr. Lovee almost crashes... Ooops! But, you know, that decorative big cat that is seated atop most sushi bars?? I saw him!! That means, in the humble wee village, in the middle of Arizona and nowhere... We are going to have a SUSHI BAR!!! Woo hoooo!! No more driving into town for that!! I will have a sushi place, 2 minutes from the studio ;)
I haven't talked to you forever. I miss you!
Posted by: sarah | June 07, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Oh, it is always a party with you miss vanessa! I wish we could have seen all of you, I bet you were just beautiful! Although I do think pink hair would complete the ensemble (hehe!). My brother in law said I looked like the girl in doodleboops (disney kid show!)! So glad you had a lovely night. I think I wouldn't mind one of those myself! I would love to play dressup and I am definitely a shirley temple girl, so yummy and a pretty color too!
Posted by: michelle | June 07, 2008 at 01:31 PM
When my own Mr. Lovee comes along, I'll make the effort. I'll even wear heels. But, but, but, at the moment I tend to stay in and make things.... I LOVE YOUR SHOES, every single one of them.
I think you've become my best friend!!!!!
And not because of the shoes.
Have a great weekend, ma très adorable Vanessa. xoxo
Posted by: Colette | June 07, 2008 at 01:55 PM
OH MY!! An evening out with Lovee!!! All dolled up and a night on the town! Tres elegant! I haven't been out in so long with Steve! He is busy working and training for a new career...no time for play I'm afraid!
We do relax and have fun by watching movies together late at night! That's pretty much our entertainment at present.
I'm glad you and Lovee and a fabulous time together and the dessert looks ever SO SCRUMPTUOS!!!
Love your crystal ball, many pairs of fabulous shoes and new up do!
Posted by: Tricia | June 07, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Oh Vanessa!
Such great photos!
So glad you took time out and had a night on the town with Mr.Lovee.
I'm sure you looked adorable in your evening attire:)
Smiles, KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | June 07, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Oh that was such a fun read.
I am definitely a stay in type of gal.
Nothing nicer than dressing up at home, light some candles play the soft music open a bottle of wine and have a yummy candlelit dinner. Doesn't have to be home cooked if you are too busy a good take out meal will do.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | June 07, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Your night out sounds like fun! And I can't drink much either, or I feel it the next day. Love all your clothing ideas - can't believe you chopped off your own hair! You are a true original, dear Vanessa. Glad you and Mr. Lovee had a lovely night out. Are you sure you can't be persuaded to come to San Francisco in July? Miss you! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | June 07, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Anthropologie!!! That is the only store at the mall I LOVE. I hate mall shopping, too, but if I had the money to shop there ... I promise when I lose the 20 pounds I gained when I quit smoking, I will buy an outfit in there. So you dress to the beat of a different drummer also? My mother always teases me and calls me "raggamuffin." I like wearing clashing prints and she can't stand it.
Sorry you are feeling your margarita. Once in a while I anger myself, because I will have one drink past my two drink max and ruin the whole next day. No fun!
I have to force myself out these days ... I am a solo kind of girl who could spend days and nights in my studio. But my boyfriend plays jazz and sometimes I force myself to dress up and go with him. I am always glad when I do. He plays some amazing bass.
Posted by: Kandes Lee | June 07, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Oh, what fun! A night out! But actually, I prefer to stay IN. Very much so, to a flaw, some might say.
I am sooooo excited about the wee creatures, but still mystified about the one still in your shop.. He has cast a spell on all of us..."I'm staying with Vanessa! DON'T BUY ME!!"
I love sushi!!
Posted by: Martha | June 07, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Sounds like you had a fun night, and from the bits of you we can see in your photos, you looked fabulous. Love all those shoes.
I'm usually very much a stay in person, except at the moment I'm going a little batty studying for exams so it was nice to live vicariously and discover that there is still a world out there!
I admire your bravery in cutting your own hair!
Posted by: kate | June 07, 2008 at 04:45 PM
That was sooo much fun to read!
I used to be the go-out girl. My friends and I used to dance the night away with too much alcohol and nonsense.
Don't get me wrong-- I still love to go out, once in a while. Now I am mostly home and in paint or book or cleaning (how responsible of me). And when I do go out, it always does entail an hour (or four) of dress-up beforehand, and then running out of the door at the last minute.
So much fun to read-- thanks! And I'm glad you've got sushi coming to town :)
Posted by: Erin | June 07, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Going out, staying in? It depends on my mood. Right now, to go out means at least a 35 minute car ride, so mostly I stay in, but, see, staying in all the time makes for a dull girl and really the fact that I HAVE to stay IN, makes me WANT to go OUT.
don't mind me, i am terribly complicated....
Posted by: Erin Kleider | June 07, 2008 at 06:46 PM
OK, I'm still laughing because the slippers that were on your wall actually fit you!! That is soooo funny!
In or out....hmmm....I've been both and ya know what? I now prefer in...I seem to get in much less trouble!
I am so glad though that you and Mr. Lovee had such a wonderful night out, we do all need that sometimes. And though I would have loved to have seen photos, I'm glad your camera died...it was a night all about romance!
As for the dress-up part. Ya know what? I totally picture you being one of those very rare girls who looks fabulous and gets tons of attention no matter what you're wearing. Your unique style no doubt works for you and rather than following any fashion "trend", you create your own individual look that makes the rest of us wonder "where'd she get that?!?" :-)
Posted by: Nancy | June 07, 2008 at 07:22 PM
The last couple years I've really loved getting dressed up and going out - even more than Trina these days, which is a sort of reverse situation for us :) There's a kind of country mexican food place in Portland called Nuestra Cocina, that has out of this world Sangria... oh, it's so good. We could guzzle it :)
It helps for me wanting to go out to have nice stuff to wear, which I really have never had before the last couple of years - now I have a suit and some nice blazers and a really nice felt fedora and some brown leather wingtip shoes - stuff I actually feel nice in, which is great :)
So great about the sushi place! I hope it's yummy! If/when you ever come visit in Portland, we'll take you to the best sushi place, the fish is so nice it just melts in your mouth, it's soooooooooo good. Mmmm.... albacore tuna and ahi tuna and salmon and scallops and octopus... oh man, I'm hungy :)
Have a lovely rest of the weekend!
Posted by: Dave | June 07, 2008 at 08:30 PM
All those shoes are like ART! I love them!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | June 07, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Love the shoes.. all of them! And, the toe polish.. hair and earrings! What a night! :)
Posted by: tiffany | June 07, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Wow your blog is so much fun to read, and your photos are like eye candy! Glad you had fun going out. Take care, ~Martha
Posted by: Mermaid Queen | June 08, 2008 at 07:46 AM
My hair is in need of cutting soon,too...oh to cut, or not to cut!! AArrrgh!! :) What a lovely treat this going out can be!! :)
Your hair (and glorious shoes) are so pretty!!
Posted by: marjorie | June 08, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Hey! I could have written this post except I too was 'out' last night (Australian wine was my margarita head). I can SO relate to this. But 'dates' once in a while are the best. And when the tall shoes come out, it's officially a date. But the last minute phone call throws me. I'm not 23 either ..or 33...or...43..you get the picture.
Now as for your shoes and jewelry, very over the top just like you. And the mermaid bracelet- did she go out, too?
D.
Posted by: Donna O. | June 08, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Oh my, I have been away for so long....I miss reading your blogs. You have some amazing shoes, I must say....I think I'm the only girl I know who has a pair of boots and a pair of sandals...I'm much more of a purse girl! :)
That's so cute of Mr. Lovee to take you out for the night....I love quiet nights out with Jeff, although, they seem to be few and far between these days.
Oh! And, yes...I too LOVE margaritas! A little too much sometimes and have had many mornings waking up with an ice pick drilling into my skull! haha Don't you hate that?!?! hahaha
Posted by: Beth | June 08, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Just before opening your blog I said to my husband, "Let's not go to mom's for lunch this week. Let's stay in and have a restful day before we have to start the week all over again." So... I guess I'm a stay home gal =) But I really need to work on putting on the makeup and wearing something decent more often. We both work from home so there's this tendancy to stay in a sweatshirt all day. I've GOT to work on that!! Sure is deliciously fun over here! Miss talking with you. I'll have to get myself dolled up and stop over more often =) Blessings.. POlly
Posted by: Polly | June 08, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Good choice, going out with Mr. Lovee! And what fun in your sharing. Cheers!!!
Christine ~ Zwee!!!!!!
Posted by: Christine LeFever | June 08, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I am so happy you and Mr.Lovee had such a wonderful date...I am certain you looked ALL THAT and more! You have amazing choices!
As for me, I am definitely the "let's stay in" gal......BECAUSE I have become so casual, so non-fussy, so jammies or jeans in the studio that I don't have "Dress up" clothes anymore. A last minute invite from G or even friends I would have such a scramble...such a dilemma, such limited choices that I would be frustrated and FINALLY after all the clothes were flung to the floor in exasperation (and shoes making my feet feel strangled after bare feet all the time)I'd declare "you know what, let's stay in". [can you tell this has actually happened?]
I am pretty much a one drink gal...do NOT like that next day thing AT ALL.
So, if we ever go out together can we wear jammies and have only ONE drink? ha! We're so silly we don't need it anyway to ACT like we've had 3! LOL!
Love you darling girl,
Lisa
XOXO
dang, this was a long comment, eh?
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer | June 08, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Well I'm usually the stay in type because I actually have things I love to do here so my husband is the one who has to convince me there's something better to do or see . That being said I'm one who can change her mind on a whim and go out some where last minute. I love clothes and jewelry but as I get older it doesn't matter to me so I just look for the nearest coat and add some blush and go, probably to the dismay of Mark but hey I just want to enjoy where we're going or doing. Last night was one of those rare nights where my two guys didn't want to go out and I did. They're having "Balloons over Bend" weekend and last night they had about twenty hot air balloons lit up down near the river and I wanted to go. I should've just gone anyhow !!
Love the leather shoes you had on the wall! Next time have Mr. Love take a good shot of you so we can see all of you. I have this problem too as the Mom taking all the shots (or is it calling all the shots) as I have to ask to have my picture taken. These guys of ours should be falling over begging to take our pics..lol. maybe for me it has to do with that not dressing up bit I mentioned..ah well. Have a great weekend..A margarita sounds good though I wish someone around here would serve some good Sangria:)
Posted by: Du Buh Du Designs | June 08, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Oh a sushi place? What marvelous news!! I love to play dress up for a night on the town, but I don't usually do that too often...I have an art opening to go to later this month for my sweetie's photographs and I already know exactly what I'm wearing! I am so very excited...I love to stay in as well though, I think that switched at some point during the last 10 years...I sometimes like to stay in rather than go out...but, I hardly ever pass up the chance! Your bangles and baubles are so lovely...
Posted by: sadira | June 08, 2008 at 10:10 AM
You are incredible as always Vanessa.
You really did the most out of your date :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild in Norway | June 08, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Vanessa, I love how you can tell a story and create wonderful photographs to keep everyone's interest. I lived in Asia for five years and the Sushi Cat is a good luck symbol in most stores. So glad that you little creations have found new homes. Karen
Posted by: Karen | June 08, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Oh My Gosh, you are so funny! I loved following your adventure on being dressed up and going out...and your elves are soooooo cute! Thanks for entertaining me today!
Posted by: Sandra | June 08, 2008 at 03:03 PM
well,
i must say...
what a WONDERFUL
golden mermaid bracelet!
:-)
**WONDERFUL**
when you have that sweet treasure
what else do you really need?
a golden mermaid bracelet!
if that was mine
i would wear it everyday of the week
that ended in 'y'.
i would,
truly...
Posted by: somepinkflowers | June 08, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Home is my haven,( fabulously crazy with 5 kids, lots of glitter and echos of laughter everywhere), but when the weekend comes around we dress up and head out on a date, where we flirt with each other like crazy, loving that there is no interuptions, and it's just us,and I didn't have to cook.....
sorry about the run on sentence.
Your shoes are fabulous, I wonder what enchanting things you left behind at the house????
Posted by: suzi | June 08, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Hey Miss V...I loved your getting ready process, you have some FAB FAB shoes sweet!! im much a homebody myself but my friend Tammy was here last week all the way from the USA and gosh did we have fun...i was out so much and my poor Andrew was home a lot with the boys...they missed me which is a good thing I guess!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2008 at 04:26 AM
Mmm...cannoli. I love the stuff, but every time I eat some I feel as if I've been drugged. It's the craziest (and a bit nauseating) sugar rush...ever!
As for your question, I must say I am very much the let's-go-out kind of girl. I don't really enjoy the club scene though. And margaritas are bliss :)
Posted by: Cassandra | June 10, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Oh I forget what it's like to be called on the spur of the moment, to play dress up, to just go out and have "fun"...I still have fun but it seems to happen less and less. I think it's a reminder that I need to do this more often, even if I just do it for myself and go to lunch now and then.
By the way- love the shoes you chose to go out in -- I loved all the shoes (I am a shoeaholic!) but these were incredible!!
Posted by: sherry | June 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I'm a stay in kinda girl... mostly because my bed time is 9 o-clock sharp! Can't seem to help it. Last night was my hubby and I's 1 year anniversary. We had an early dinner, and yet I was still sleepy. But getting dolled up is sure fun! I'm jealous of all your pretty shoes!
Ohhh and Sushi! Yeah... the quicker the better!
See you Saturday!
Posted by: chelsea Ann | June 24, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Can I come over to borrow some of your jewelry, please!!!!!!!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | February 28, 2009 at 10:15 AM