It’s a funny thing, how our senses have the power to take us back in time…
THE STORY
…and I mean full-on back in time like you just hopped in the phone booth with Bill and Ted. For me, it’s smell and sound that are the strongest in regard to time trippin’. This weekend I was fast tracked back to the 80’s/early 90’s with a double whammy of smell and sound. I had to pick up some hairspray on my weekly Walmart run. In light of the fact I use very minimal hairspray (only on my bangs and only occasionally), it’s one product I have zero brand loyalty to. So on a whim, I grabbed Aussie Headstrong Volume Hairspray. When I got home I tried it out just to see what it was like…you guysss…it has that exact same sweet slightly grape-like scent from back in the day! Remember Aussie Sprunch Spray? Omg. I used that stuff like the government was about to ban hairspray.
Remember when you were young and clueless and your weekend nights were comprised of getting ready to go out with your girls all decked out in your best Madonna-esque outfit with an arm party of rubber bracelets, piled on makeup and your hair fluffed to the point you had to walk sideways through a door? And you reeked of Designer Imposters body spray and Aussie Sprunch Spray? Okay, maybe that was just me, but you get the idea. One whiff of that sweet grape smell and I was right back there baby.
The second trip in the phone booth (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, Google Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure) happened Sunday. My husband decided to sort out and organize our cd’s (yes, we still listen to cd’s…don’t judge) and came across one of our all time favorites. As a matter of fact, I just repurchased it for him a couple years ago because we played the first one to death. Monster Ballads; it’s a compilation cd of all of the finest power ballads the 80’s had to offer. Hey, I’ve never claimed to have high end musical taste. Needless to say, we blasted it from beginning to end. Nothing says “80’s” quite like Whitesnake, Poison and Cinderella now does it? Was I sitting at the computer paying bills? No, I was the assistant manager at National Record Mart all over again. Come to think about it, I just waxed poetic about my National Record Mart days a few months back. Good times my friends, good times.
THE OUTFIT
Yes, I’m aware the sunlight is a bit too bright, but you have to work with what you’re given. Know what’s ironic? I recreated this outfit Saturday because when I wore it Wednesday we were in the midst of the big winter storm/monsoon. Too much rain, too much sun…what’s a girl to do? #bloggerproblems
I already have floral tunic dress in gray. I really love it and have been on the prowl for the navy version since last fall. The thing is, as soon as either color is in stock somewhere, it sells out like, instantaneously. I finally found it at Pink Blush, but alas, it’s sold out again. I topped it with my trusty and always versatile denim vest which nipped it in a bit. The chiffon extender gave it the length I needed to wear it as a dress, and since it was warm enough out, the otk boots sans tights were enough to keep my legs covered.
THE TIP
Most of the time I don’t concern myself with the loose flowy nature of tunic dresses. I like the comfort and I like the look, but I know a lot of people are overwhelmed by the thought of wearing something with so much volume. Hence, the vest. If you want to wear a loose fitting top or dress, but are concerned that all of the fabric will make you appear blimp-like, simply layer a vest over top like I did today or here and here. It gives the tunic some shape without having to worrying about the sleeve bunching that would occur with a blazer or jacket.
**I’m so having a stellar blog week! First, I made the Stylish Over 40 bloggers list at Not Dressed As Lamb, then to make things even better Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish featured me in her “Spotlight On:” interview Friday. The cherry on the proverbial sundae? Ann at Krembdelakremb chose me as one of her Style Stories favorites. I’m feeling so blessed in the blogging world right now. Please take a minute to stop by and visit all three of these fabulous women!
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Tunic: Pink Blush (Similar); Boots: Charlotte Russe (Similar); Vest: Similar; Jacket: Forever 21 (Similar)
