.......when I would be wearing Dr. Scholl's. But it arrived Friday. Just thinking about Dr. Scholl's made me cringe. Remember those hideous wooden clogs of the 70s? Every loser wore them, thinking they were the latest in fashion statements........for the boring and monotonous, maybe. They were replaced a few years later by the famous Birkenstock -- another replusive item.
(You know, I have to confess I actually bought a pair of Birkenstock's one summer, when we were guests at a friend's cottage. I had recalled from a previous visit that every woman up there wore Birkenstock's, so in a delusional and misguided effort to "fit in", I actually bought a pair. What a mistake. They went with none of my outfits, were ridiculously expensive, gruesome and downright ugly. I mean, what does footwear such as that do for the calf? Zero.)
Anyway, needed new winter boots, the $19.95 "Bum" ones I had had for four years having finally died. Purchased at Walmart, they had done yeoman service, so out we struck for the nearest Walmart.
Unfortunately, they no longer carried "Bum's". "But these Dr. Scholl's are excellent," said the clerk, leading us over to another aisle. Dr. Scholl's, I thought, me? Never! But after thoroughly researching every boot in the place, I realized they were actually the best buy. And at $49.95, they were good value -- even though they didn't come close to the $19.95 of yesteryear. I am damned if I will pay more than $50 bucks for boots -- and that's tops.
So, much to my chagrin, diedhard high-heel lover that I am, I am also now the wearer of Dr. Scholl's.
Will wonders never cease.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Geez Wendy......!!
More often than not, CBC's Wendy Mesley dresses -- if not fashionably -- then appropriately when she anchors The National. Tonight she looked like a waiter: black, tuxedo vest over a bulky white shirt. And a string of pearls to top off the mis-match. Yikes!
It was a fashion disaster.
She needs to take a page from CTV's Marcia MacMillan. Coincidentally, Ms. MacMillan also wore black and white tonight, but her outfit positively dazzled. The so-elegant Marcia has it going on, as they say. And why is Wendy slavishly devoted to those boring diamond studs she sports every friggin' evening?! OK, OK, some guy gave you diamond studs. We have all had guys give us diamond studs, but get over it and wear earrings with a smidgen of style to offset your cropped hair -- which, by the way I love. That "do" works for her perfectly.
Well, now that I've blown that off my chest, I feel better.
p.s. Just had a flashback. At a Knights of Columbus dinner a few years ago, a wife approached me and announced she had just graduated as a "professional stylist". Standing there, in her plastic, black dress, ugly low pumps and dyed-blonde hair, she said, "I could help you accessorize. What I do is come into your home and go through your closet to help you dress better." All this while she bold-faced stood there, sporting pathetic 1/2-inch gold and diamond mall earrings and a cheap gold chain around her neck. Girl, I could give a clinic on accessorizing. The nerve!
Je pense que non, I don't think so.
It was a fashion disaster.
She needs to take a page from CTV's Marcia MacMillan. Coincidentally, Ms. MacMillan also wore black and white tonight, but her outfit positively dazzled. The so-elegant Marcia has it going on, as they say. And why is Wendy slavishly devoted to those boring diamond studs she sports every friggin' evening?! OK, OK, some guy gave you diamond studs. We have all had guys give us diamond studs, but get over it and wear earrings with a smidgen of style to offset your cropped hair -- which, by the way I love. That "do" works for her perfectly.
Well, now that I've blown that off my chest, I feel better.
p.s. Just had a flashback. At a Knights of Columbus dinner a few years ago, a wife approached me and announced she had just graduated as a "professional stylist". Standing there, in her plastic, black dress, ugly low pumps and dyed-blonde hair, she said, "I could help you accessorize. What I do is come into your home and go through your closet to help you dress better." All this while she bold-faced stood there, sporting pathetic 1/2-inch gold and diamond mall earrings and a cheap gold chain around her neck. Girl, I could give a clinic on accessorizing. The nerve!
Je pense que non, I don't think so.
Playing grandma for the day
Daughter Susanne just dropped Reed off for the day. I have often had him for half days, but this will be my first full day. Boring as it will be to most of my readers, I will tell you that he is a very busy boy with a hearty appetite!
Snack this morning was chunks of toast with a little jam slathered over them. Then it was story time and then snooze time. He is getting used to napping here, which is a good thing -- for all of us! Usually we go swimming, but today when he wakes up, it's off to Market Mall and the kiddy area until lunch.
With babies, you just try to keep them busy and fill in the time between meals and naps...anything goes, as long as they're happy!
On another completely unrelated subject, watched "Casino" again yesterday for about the 10th time. Never get tired of that four-hour spectacular movie. Who's better looking than Sharon Stone? And what a fabulous actress. I think the other cast members brought out the very best in her.
Snack this morning was chunks of toast with a little jam slathered over them. Then it was story time and then snooze time. He is getting used to napping here, which is a good thing -- for all of us! Usually we go swimming, but today when he wakes up, it's off to Market Mall and the kiddy area until lunch.
With babies, you just try to keep them busy and fill in the time between meals and naps...anything goes, as long as they're happy!
On another completely unrelated subject, watched "Casino" again yesterday for about the 10th time. Never get tired of that four-hour spectacular movie. Who's better looking than Sharon Stone? And what a fabulous actress. I think the other cast members brought out the very best in her.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
More action from the lobby bar of the Hotel Saskachewan
"Excuse me," he said, "your husband looks important, is he important?" asked the young guy to my right when B had left our table to chat with one of the conference presenters at the recent Friends of the Canadian Crown gathering. "He's a nobody," I replied. "Well, there are a lot of people in here tonight who look important, who are you all?"
B may have looked "important" because he was wearing a bow tie and a dark blue pinstripe suit. The chap introduced himself as "John" from South Carolina, a tomato farmer. "I'm up here hunting," he said. When I told him what we were doing, he was amazed. I think many Americans forget -- or don't even know -- that Canada has a Queen, The Queen, as head of state. Very interested, he then asked me to explain our Parliamentary system of government, which I did happily.
The conversation then switched to American politics. "I've already voted Republican," he said. "Obama was hopeless." I asked him if it was difficult for families to have to be either Republican or Democrat for generations; he hadn't really thought about it. When I explained that we have many parties in Canada and that people vote differently in elections at different levels, he was again amazed. And the fact that neither our judges nor crown prosecutors are elected was another puzzle to him. "And we have an appointed Senate, so no gridlock. Legislation actually gets passed." An eye-opener to someone from the US who lives with a no-legislation form of government.
Americans know practically nothing about their neighbour to the north, but John now knows a smidgen.
B may have looked "important" because he was wearing a bow tie and a dark blue pinstripe suit. The chap introduced himself as "John" from South Carolina, a tomato farmer. "I'm up here hunting," he said. When I told him what we were doing, he was amazed. I think many Americans forget -- or don't even know -- that Canada has a Queen, The Queen, as head of state. Very interested, he then asked me to explain our Parliamentary system of government, which I did happily.
The conversation then switched to American politics. "I've already voted Republican," he said. "Obama was hopeless." I asked him if it was difficult for families to have to be either Republican or Democrat for generations; he hadn't really thought about it. When I explained that we have many parties in Canada and that people vote differently in elections at different levels, he was again amazed. And the fact that neither our judges nor crown prosecutors are elected was another puzzle to him. "And we have an appointed Senate, so no gridlock. Legislation actually gets passed." An eye-opener to someone from the US who lives with a no-legislation form of government.
Americans know practically nothing about their neighbour to the north, but John now knows a smidgen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Man haters
Lunching at "Joey Tomato" in Crowfoot today, after my dental* appointment (B's idea), I watched as two middle-aged women greeted each other with air kisses. Always on the lookout for blog fodder, I sensed these two would be great material. I was not wrong. Shamelessly, I eavesdropped while pretending to watch the sports channel above the bar.
"He had the nerve to ask what the charges were for on the credit card," complained one. "When I told him they were for glasses and a new dishwasher, he actually offered to pick one out and install it!" "It's a control issue with him," stated her luncheon partner with unwavering feminist authority.
I hate to say "I told you so", but both were "dyed blondes". They then spent the next hour complaining about the men in their lives --both past and present. "And there he is, living with another woman!" What was clear to me was that the "dishwasher" woman was having a paid-for affair with the "installer" guy -- else why would he be permitted to question her credit card statement and offer to pick out and install the thing?
I mean, come on. Their whole lunch was a man-hating diatribe against the men who were financing them overall and paying for the lunch they were enjoying at that particular moment -- one because of a divorce, the other by means of an affair. My philosophy is if you are pocketing a guy's money, button it.
As I have always said, women are their own worst enemies.
* It is a "dental", not "dentist" appointment. Just to be a grammar natzi for a minute, a "dentist appointment" would be a generic appointment most dentists have. A "dentist's appointment" would mean a specific type of appointment a dentist might have. "Dental" is an adjective, just as is"educational". Too many times we see "education system", instead of "educational system". Depressing.
"He had the nerve to ask what the charges were for on the credit card," complained one. "When I told him they were for glasses and a new dishwasher, he actually offered to pick one out and install it!" "It's a control issue with him," stated her luncheon partner with unwavering feminist authority.
I hate to say "I told you so", but both were "dyed blondes". They then spent the next hour complaining about the men in their lives --both past and present. "And there he is, living with another woman!" What was clear to me was that the "dishwasher" woman was having a paid-for affair with the "installer" guy -- else why would he be permitted to question her credit card statement and offer to pick out and install the thing?
I mean, come on. Their whole lunch was a man-hating diatribe against the men who were financing them overall and paying for the lunch they were enjoying at that particular moment -- one because of a divorce, the other by means of an affair. My philosophy is if you are pocketing a guy's money, button it.
As I have always said, women are their own worst enemies.
* It is a "dental", not "dentist" appointment. Just to be a grammar natzi for a minute, a "dentist appointment" would be a generic appointment most dentists have. A "dentist's appointment" would mean a specific type of appointment a dentist might have. "Dental" is an adjective, just as is"educational". Too many times we see "education system", instead of "educational system". Depressing.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I was an "N/A"
Among the constitutional experts, the PMO folks, the deans of law schools, the historians, the authors, the professors emeritus, the treaty commissioners, the senators, the representives of The Prince's Trust, the chiefs of protocol and even our host, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan herself, I was an "N/A". That's how I was billed in the list of participants. Sort of took me down a few pegs, sitting among the constitutional "who's who" and gliterati, listening to men and women who are so knowledgeable.
When you convene a conference of The Friends of the Canadian Crown, you attract the top people in the country in their fields. I knew Canada was a constitutional monarchy and that the Queen was our head of state, but there was so much I didn't know. Bulletin to all those disgruntled letter writers who call every Victoria Day for the abolishment of the Canadian Crown: dream on. It will never happen simply because it would require the agreement of all provinces and territories at the same time. And even then each body would have another three years to think about it after-the-fact and change their minds. "Too much mischief would be made by the provinces," said one expert.
Right you are, then. It's the Queen, followed by Charles. Period, the end.
Frivilously, the only file on which I was the expert was "fashion". The few women in attendance dressed "sensibly", whereas I sported orange heels and earrings one day and blue the next. For the final formal dinner, I didn't wear my usual plain sheath, dressed up with spectacular earrings and shoes. I actually wore a Richard Robinson original, haute couture, sheer grey organza evening jacket over a long black sheath; yes the earrings were gold chandelier and the shoes matched.
Not to blow my own horn, but I did get many compliments on the jacket. "I must say, your wife looks lovely," said the Lieutentant Governor to B, "and she certainly knows how to dress," she added. That was some compliment from on high and I grabbed it. I add this only because afterall, this blog is about fashion.
Note to Dan: It was "diva on a dime".......except for the jacket.
When you convene a conference of The Friends of the Canadian Crown, you attract the top people in the country in their fields. I knew Canada was a constitutional monarchy and that the Queen was our head of state, but there was so much I didn't know. Bulletin to all those disgruntled letter writers who call every Victoria Day for the abolishment of the Canadian Crown: dream on. It will never happen simply because it would require the agreement of all provinces and territories at the same time. And even then each body would have another three years to think about it after-the-fact and change their minds. "Too much mischief would be made by the provinces," said one expert.
Right you are, then. It's the Queen, followed by Charles. Period, the end.
Frivilously, the only file on which I was the expert was "fashion". The few women in attendance dressed "sensibly", whereas I sported orange heels and earrings one day and blue the next. For the final formal dinner, I didn't wear my usual plain sheath, dressed up with spectacular earrings and shoes. I actually wore a Richard Robinson original, haute couture, sheer grey organza evening jacket over a long black sheath; yes the earrings were gold chandelier and the shoes matched.
Not to blow my own horn, but I did get many compliments on the jacket. "I must say, your wife looks lovely," said the Lieutentant Governor to B, "and she certainly knows how to dress," she added. That was some compliment from on high and I grabbed it. I add this only because afterall, this blog is about fashion.
Note to Dan: It was "diva on a dime".......except for the jacket.
Monday, October 29, 2012
"You've slimmed down"
Music to my ears. After having shed almost 20 pounds, it's nice to have it noticed. Arriving in Regina last Thursday for the conference, I was thrilled to hear chair Michael Jackson utter those lovely words when he greeted me on the street as we checked in. We stayed in the old-fashioned "Hotel Saskatchewan", one of the grande dames of the CPR chain, now owned by Fairmont.
"After you," said the HUGE gentleman holding the door as I walked in. "Thank you, you guys must be football players," I joked. "In our spare time," they replied. I later learned they were members of the Argo's, in town for a final game with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Man, were they big! And charming. And polite. I, of course, chatted shamelessly with all of them whenever I spied one in the lobby. Had my picture taken with three or four.........will post later.
Another gem: the lobby bar of these old hotels. What great places! The food is great, the servers fabulous and the ambiance sublime. Everyone walks through the lobby and many take a break in the bar.
"Excuse me," I said to one perfect specimen sitting at the bar, "Are you with the Argo's?" "Yes, M'am," he replied. "Could I have your autograph please?" Certainly. He scribbled something unintelligible, so I asked him to print his name. "Ejiro Kuale". I then pronounced it and he was dumbfounded. "You are the first person to pronounce my name correctly, ever," he said. Ever? Apparently, yes. "Most people pronounce it "Koo-hail". He was Nigerian, but raised in Florida. "We have quite a few Nigerians in our parish and I guess I have picked up on name pronounciation here and there," I offered, thinking of our friends the Osakwe's -- Ejenna, the pharmacist, and Carlton, the economics prof at Mount Royal. With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out two 50-yard-line tickets, row three, and invited us to the game as his guests.....and all because I pronounced his name correctly.
Googled him and it says he was born in Daytona Beach, but really it was Nigeria. He also played for the New Orleans Saints. Also met and had my picture taken with Tony Washington and offensive coach James Stanley. As B says, "Nancy talks to everyone." True, how else can you meet people and learn new tidbits?! Nonetheless, I am ashamed to say we watched the game from the comfort of the lobby bar; it was way too freezing to actually attend.
More about the conference tomorrow.............
"After you," said the HUGE gentleman holding the door as I walked in. "Thank you, you guys must be football players," I joked. "In our spare time," they replied. I later learned they were members of the Argo's, in town for a final game with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Man, were they big! And charming. And polite. I, of course, chatted shamelessly with all of them whenever I spied one in the lobby. Had my picture taken with three or four.........will post later.
Another gem: the lobby bar of these old hotels. What great places! The food is great, the servers fabulous and the ambiance sublime. Everyone walks through the lobby and many take a break in the bar.
"Excuse me," I said to one perfect specimen sitting at the bar, "Are you with the Argo's?" "Yes, M'am," he replied. "Could I have your autograph please?" Certainly. He scribbled something unintelligible, so I asked him to print his name. "Ejiro Kuale". I then pronounced it and he was dumbfounded. "You are the first person to pronounce my name correctly, ever," he said. Ever? Apparently, yes. "Most people pronounce it "Koo-hail". He was Nigerian, but raised in Florida. "We have quite a few Nigerians in our parish and I guess I have picked up on name pronounciation here and there," I offered, thinking of our friends the Osakwe's -- Ejenna, the pharmacist, and Carlton, the economics prof at Mount Royal. With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out two 50-yard-line tickets, row three, and invited us to the game as his guests.....and all because I pronounced his name correctly.
Googled him and it says he was born in Daytona Beach, but really it was Nigeria. He also played for the New Orleans Saints. Also met and had my picture taken with Tony Washington and offensive coach James Stanley. As B says, "Nancy talks to everyone." True, how else can you meet people and learn new tidbits?! Nonetheless, I am ashamed to say we watched the game from the comfort of the lobby bar; it was way too freezing to actually attend.
More about the conference tomorrow.............
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