Month Review: Best of August

Today, I'm turning twenty-seven and what better day than a birthday to introduce a new feature to the blog? This will be an evolving feature, but starting this month, once a month I'll do a round of up of some of my favorite posts you might have missed!

Adventure:
Its been a whirl-wind of travel this month between concerts and summer fun and vacations, but our San Francisco Trip  takes the cake. We explored the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and even got a tast of the "real" San Francisco with the Real San Francisco Tour. Closer to home we went Kite flying in the mountains.

Mail:
 I sent out some care packages, many letters and even posted a few suggestions for getting mail of your own with my Subscription Box Post, but  sending a Puzzle Letter was my favorite mail of the month!

Movies: 
Looking for a good classic film? We kept it classic 40s and 50s fare here at Never Fully Dressed this month I reviewing: Sabrina, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Adam's Rib.


What I Wore: 
This might have been my favorite outfit: Boho and Beehives ,and I had my moment in the sun with this Fashion Moment.

What I Wore: On Top of Ole Smokey

First off, thank you for all your kind comments and concerns. Things have quieted down a little around these parts. My grandmother, whom we are all the main caretakers of, had a hospital visit but is recovering well. At the same time, I also chose to resign my job at a school as support staff to pursue the riskier but more rewarding subbing avenue. I'll be taking the plunge into this new career in a little over a week. So as you can see it has been an exciting (but ultimately positive) time of change around here. No need for any worry though!

We stopped to take these photos coming home from a hospital visit last weekend. The orangish tint is due to all the smoke in the air (hence the title of this post). We're actually in some mountains called the Beartooth Mountains though, not "Ole Smokey." And truthfully, it might still be a bit hot out for this look if we were anywhere but in the mountains. But I was feeling so inspired by the film Sabrina and her outfit when they went sailing and sang "Yes, We Have No Bananas!" Such a charming scene! Of course, Hepburn's sophisticated makeover in the movie starts by chopping off her ponytail, but I like my long locks, so here they are in the ponytail. Wedges, flanel, shorts- an easy, do-able look!

Care Package for Danyon

With my sister moving to a new town, a small care package seemed like a great house-warming present (sent several days after I knew most of the unpacking would be done, so it didn't get lost in the shuffle as one more box to move). This darling Momiji doll, a souvenir from our trip to San Francisco's Chinatown, and this comb from a trip to Fargo, ND set the tone for this care package. To keep with the cute/Asian theme, I also got her a few cute animal erasers, a pretty set of tweezers, some of her favorite puzzles (sudoku), and got a pretty magnet (inspired by a package someone sent me!)  and a back-to-school sticker (she is in her last year of college).

Happy homecomings, Danyon!

Weekend Review: The Good along with everything else

Truthfully, a lot of crazy things have been happening around these parts, not all of it sparkly-good. Or even regular good (but some is good. No need to unnecessarily bum you guys all out. I just wanted to take a moment to be real with you). But some good moments were there (see above). Always remember to take in the small good things amongst the  big changes too.

Film Flick Friday: Sabrina

That name? Why Sabrina, of course. The classic film tells a love story between the social classes, when the chauffeur's daughter catches the eye of the second son of the powerful Larabee family. Romantics will remember this story fondly, and I will agree it is charming, as only Hepburn can be. Its a film I love, but- I am going to be voicing an unpopular opinion here. This film is far from perfect, even given the time it was made in.

My major objection to this movie is how it presents love. Or, to be more accurate, a few messages it sent about how to behave when obtaining love. Several points in the plot shocked me and my feminist ways. The film starts with Hepburn's Sabrina attempting suicicide, complete with a teen-angst filled note to her father. Only Bogart's arrival saves her. It is played with a light humor, but does not endear her character to us. Another  plot-point is when Bogart's character, Linus Larabee, makes up a lie about almost killing himself after being spurned by a lover. Uncomfortable messages once again flit about. Yet another objectionable bit, is that Sabrina declares she doesn't care that the second son, her original love interest, is engaged. "He's not married yet," she explains. Married men are off the market, but anything up to that point is fair game. And, Sabrina's character essentially succeeds in luring the second son away. David stays with his fiancee because he figures out Sabrina is in love with Linus...not due to any sense of honor he posesses, or because of the girl he's engaged to has done anything, or even because of his interest in the family business. He easily drops one girl and just as easily picks her back up. And the kicker here, is that we are suppose to like David, even if he is an ass...

Likewise, the age difference between Bogart and Hepburn is large. To be fair, it is a major plot point that what we see is a May-December relationship. In both other movies and in his private life, Bogart had romantic relationships with much younger ladies, but it is a little bizarre here....

All this said, however, I  still enjoy Sabrina. The charm so overhelms the senses that you do take the story for modern fairytale complete with fairytale logic and these other parts fade into the background. La Vie En Rose plays in the background, giving way only for such songs as Isn't It Romantic?  Charming French men mentor, and the servants are all in a titter. Whether in shorts or designer clothing  Hepburn seems at her most beguiling here with a delightful accent trilling off her tongue. It all makes one want to watch. Additionally, there are underrated comedic moments that pop up every so often to pay off the audience for their attention. And really, seeing two of Hollywood's most enduring names together is also a delight, which is ironic considering on-set, Bogart actually disliked both Hepburn and Holden, who played the part of the second son, David. Bogart wanted his young wife, Lauren Bacall, who had starred opposite him in several films, to play the role of Sabrina (and what a different film that would have been!). Meanwhile, in real life, Hepburn and Holden had a relationship that developed during this movie. Yet, the audience truly buys the relationship between Sabrina and Linus as the truer one when compared to that of Sabrina and Davi'ds (even with the age differences too!). Now that's acting.

Write a Puzzle Letter

Exactly what it it says on the tin, a Puzzle Letter is a letter written on the back of a puzzle.

How to Make a Puzzle Letter:

1. Get a Puzzle
2. Write a rough draft (optional, but highly encouraged)
3. Put puzzle together
4. Write letter on the back of the puzzle
5. Break the pieces apart
6. Get a manila envelope and mail it (Optional: Use a water bottle cut open and then reseal it together, or use a box).
7. Mail

Remember if you want to make it harder, choose a harder puzzle, or choose a blank one with no picture and write on one or both sides. 

Have fun with your correspondence!

What I Wore: Ice Cream Sunday

Dairy Queen has always been something special in my family. Maybe it was because it was in the next town over, so you couldn't get it regularly (yes, I lived somewhere so small even fast food chains over looked it...). Or maybe it was the saddles they had in place of bar stools,  the "jackaople" head mounted there, or maybe it was just my father's grin when we went.

Special though, for sure.

Still, I'd never thought to have a photoshoot there till Selective Potiental's fun Dairy Queen  photoshoot. Hope you don't mind me borrowing the idea, Tieka.  But  butterscotch ice cream + sunshine yellow dress= a Whole Lotta Sunshine for my day! So that's where we went last Sunday.

Plus, they even have a sign telling you how far to your next ice cream treat. How is that not fun?


The dress is one I got in Portland at the Buffalo Exchange (in case you were wondering recycled clothing stores are also something we don't have around Wyoming, and they are also fascinating to me). It was one of those magical moments where you walk out of the little dressing room to look in the mirror, and you know you found the perfect item for you.

I wore it to the Zoo that next day in Portland, but this is the first time its had its own outfit post. Sadly its been too hot to wear till now! Now, though,  its time has come.

What I Wore: Vintage Dress (Buffalo Exhange), Black flats (Famous Footwear) + black slip (old)

Getting to know you...

Elana from Room 334 tagged me for this and it seems like a good get-to-know-you-exercise. So, in place of the Weekend Review, here's the..... 

The Liebster Award is for blogs with up to 200 followers. The story goes that "Liebster" is German for kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, valued, cute, pleasant, endearing and welcoming- Oh stop it, you're making me blush!

RULES:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then create 11 new questions for the people you tag with the award.
3. Chose 11 bloggers (with less then 200 followers) and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them about the award (social networks accepted).
5. If you have not done so already, follow the tagger and visit at least three nominees. Spread the love!
6. And remember, no tag backs! 

Eleven Facts  About Myself

1. I'm left handed, but I cut things with my right hand.

2. I love all things Oz (as in Wizard of Oz) related. 

3. I grew up very immersed in theatre. We had a little children's group that put on plays with literally no funding at all. I joined my high school theatre group in my sophomore year when a new director came and we put on 17 productions in three years. I was involved in all of them, including acting, directing, and designing at different points. 

4.  I wanted to BE Carol Channing for, like, six or seven years growing up. She's such an amazing- albeit very quirky and larger than life- woman. 

5. This summer I travelled about the US a fair deal (as you've seen on the blog), but the past two years, I spent the summer teaching English abroad. 

6. Despite living close enough to Yellowstone Park to go every year, we never saw a bear till I was 13. I think I've seen at least one on every trip since then though. 

9.  My father is a photography professor and my boyfriend takes photos for his work too.

10. I am a certified teacher, who works in an elementary computer lab. 

11.  The Boy and I have been taking dance classes once a week for a little under a year now. We can do the country two-step, waltz, swing, and cha-cha. A new found passion, for sure. 

My 11 questions to answer:

1. If you could steal one movie character's wardrobe, who would it be?

Ha! A hard! Probably Sabrina's from the original film, Sabrina. (by the by, guess what movie is this week's on Film Flick Friday?)

2. Who is the one person in your life you trust the most?

I think there are different people I talk to about certain topics more than with others, so everyone has a special trust, but...Probably The Boy, or my mom, who is also one of my best friends.

3. Which blogger would you love to trade closets with?

All of your closets! Quit making me jealous!

But if I had to choose just one, probably Keiko Lynn. Amazing taste and I'd love to half her style, let alone her wardrobe.

4. What do you want your last meal to be?

Something tasty, I suppose (this probably means Italian Food).

5. The song or album I currently have on repeat is...

I seem to be on repeat between several playlists, for the most part, 1) Chris Isaak songs (we just went to a concert with him in it!), 2) A bunch of songs about San Francisco (still obsessing over our trip, I guess!) and 3) A mix of up-beat swing songs like Peggy Lee and the Andrew Sisters made. 

6. What is your favorite magazine?

I....don't read magazines much, not even fashion ones (Do I have to turn in my blogger license?!)

I like to get National Geographic everyone now and again. And I AM lusting for a Wish Magazine made in part by fellow blogger, Carrie of wishwishwish. 

7. What is one trend you hate?

Neon. Sorry, everybody. I just don't like my eyes to hurt if I am looking at something. 

8. If you could have one designer design your clothes for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Um.... I don't follow designers that much either. The internet makes things smaller but Wyoming is still about as far from anything ever you could ever wish to get. 

I'd probably go with Orla Kiely or the designer who made most of Audrey Hepburn's clothing. 

9. What company would you kill to work for?

I am actually certified as an elementary teacher and would pretty much like a job at any school. 

But in the fashion world? Modcloth- because they have such a fun, lively blog community in addition to cute clothes. 

Or Quarterly Co. I think putting together packages for people would be the most amazing job.

10. Coffee or tea?

TEA!

11. What fall item are you looking forward to wearing the most?

My owl sweater (it is the cutest!) and a shirt with an apple print on it!

Tagged Bloggers (I have no clue if any of you have less or more han 200 followers. I just want to ask you questions):

Midwest Muse

Ginger Diaries

Treasure Tromp

Virginie's Cinema

Thrift Eye

Voila!

The Antique Pearl

Hattitude

The Demure Muse

Casual Glamour

Leopard and Lillies

And the questions I'm asking you:

What inspired you to start blogging?

If you could steal one character from a movie's wardrobe, who would it be?

What are your three favorite films?

Describe a fun weekend for you.

What trend do you not like?

What (blogging-related) thing would you like to learn or do?

What are other hobbies you have?

You never leave the house without....what?

What is some of the best blogging advice you've had (or would give?)?

What is a favorite trip?

What is one of your favorite meals?

FIlm Flick Friday: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Famously informed that she was not the star of the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe replied, "Well, but I'm still the blonde." And she was- eventually. 

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes started out life as a Broadway musical, with Carol Channing playing the ditzy blonde. The studio purchased movie rights to the script as a possibly vehicle for Betty Grable and her long, long legs, but then decided that they had a much cheaper and more potent sex symbol in Monroe. Jane Russell was then cast after Yvonne Lumbergh, the star of the oringal Broadway play, refused the role unless Channing starred opposite of her.

In retrospect, its a big leap from Channing to Monroe, who, despite their blonde hair and prechance for playing the ditz, have personas miles apart. And yet, the pairing worked wonderfully! Monroe and Russell got along well on set and off- a rarity for Monroe who often caused problems due to her (likely accurate) perception that her fellow moviemakers had little respect for her. This friendship translated well onto the film; for a person whose fame is based on her appeal with the opposite sex, what I love most about Monroe is how genuine her relationships with women seem to be on the screen.This film was charming and funny, with snappy numbers. The scene with Monroe in her shockingly pink dress and a ransom of diamonds does indeed live up to expectations. More than anything though, it is the genuine ease the ladies have with one another that engaged me.



The story starts with Two Little Girls from Little Rock boarding a cruise line bound for "Europe, France." Lorelai, played by Monroe, is hoping that absence really will make the heart grow fonder, and that her going to Paris will inspire her rich beau to buck Daddy's expectations and marry her. Jane Russell's character, Dorothy Shaw, is coming along as "chaperone" and friend. On board, these two lounge singers get into all sorts of highjinks including flirting- and duping- the private eye Daddy's hired to dig up dirt on Lorelai's behavior. Unfortunately, some compromising issues arise, and what transpires illustrates the hilarious, but true fact that, while Gentlemen may Prefer Blondes, every lady knows that it is Diamonds that are A Girl's Best Friend!

What I Wore: At Outdoor Concerts

These were also taken this past weekend at the Magic City Blues Festival. Most of the festival is strictly an 18+ affair, but the last night, with Allison Krauss headlining, the entire festival moved over several blocks from the historic downtown district to a park and opened the doors for kiddos as well as adults. If you were five and under it was free even- which might explain my plethora of little friends I got.

Not one, not two but three little ones were interested in dancing for us, playing peek-a-boo, making faces and starting the always interesting game of Tip-Over-The-Cup. When The Boy left our picnic blanket (which was admittedly rather far back to take advantage of the shade) one little man got especially bold and gave me a cloth flower and a pinecone he'd "made fat for you." Though he later wanted his squished pinecone back, I got to keep the smile that came with his little gift.

It should go without saying that the music was fantastic. Not only was it Allison Krauss, but the man who sang in O Brother Where Art Thou also played with Union Station! It was also unbelievably hot, which accounts for this outfit. My one goal was not to die of heat. The flower in my hair was a gift from The Boy.

15 Things to Put in a Care Package (12th Edition)

You can purchase 3D glasses and cards from the etsy seller deKrantenkapper

1. Handmade Twister
2. Pinwheels
3. Old fashioned 3D Glasses (and a 3D illusion to look at of course!)
4. Legos, K’Nex, tinker toys, blocks or other “construction toys”
5. Hawaiian lei
6. Masks
7. Mini flags
8. Bird Seed packets
9. S’more Kits (ie chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and some instructions!)
10. Heating pad
11. Build Your Own Fort Kit (i.e. Send clothespins, sheets, and maybe even hooks along with instructions to make your own fort)
12. A Banner
13. Bannagrams
14. Door Wreath
15. Quotes

P.S. Looking for more ideas? Check out the other 11 lists in this series of 15 Things to Put in a Care Package!

What I Wore: Having a "Fashion Moment"

Independent Fashion Bloggers announced its 60th project on Saturday, and I thought, well, its kismet. Surely, serendipity. Because I was having a "Fashion Moment" on that day, right before they posted their current project.

My family, The Boy, and various family friends were all up in Billings for the Magic City Blues Festival (see more with my Weekend Review). The nights were long and rocking, but the day were fun too with shopping and a Farmers' Market. What does this have to do with a Fashion Moment? Among the radishes and fresh baked bread at the Farmers' Market that day, a very stylish girl came up to me...and asked to take my photograph for a "local free fashion 'zine." Oh my! That is the first time that has ever happened.  Above is the outfit I was wear that this photographer liked.

Unfortunately, I was so excited and flustered by the feeling of being a "real" blogger that someone would ask for my photo... I forgot to ask for any additional information about the 'zine! If any locals know...pass on the info to me too!  Add this to the Billings Gazette snapping a photo of The Boy and I dancing at the festival (posted to their gallery page) and I felt like a celebrity indeed!

The next day, of course, I was back to being a face in the crowd, and everything is back to how it (probably?) should be. But a moment of paparazzi was a nice fashion moment indeed.

Weekend Review: Magic City Blues Festival

The Blues came to town this past weekend for three days of good food, good company and the rockin'est, honky-tonk-iest outdoor concerts you can imagine. Every year Billings hosts the Magic City Blues Festival and this year saw such headliners as Allison Krauss and Union Station, Chris Isaak, and Counting Crows, among many others. One of our other favorites was Little Freddie King in his only engagement outside his hometown this year, and swing dancing to Rick Estrin and the Night Cats.

Photo 1: Advertising the Festival  |  Photo 2: Hamburger Mac and Cheese at the Montana Brew Pub
Photo 3: Rick Erstrin and the Nightcats
Photo 4: Photo taken at the Farmers' Market  |  Photo 5: Radishes
Photo 6: Daily Morning Routine  |  Photo 7:Venue for the Festival
Photo 8: Family and Friends at Allison Krauss Concert
Photo 9: Fresh Berries  |  Photo 10: Flower
Photo 10:  Balloon artists at the Market  |  Photo 11: Chris Isaak's Pretty Woman 

Film Flick: Adam's Rib

Hepburn and Tracy- one of American films' best star pairings, and certianly one of the most prolific. The couple made a whopping total of nine films together. Arguably their best, Adam's Rib, was number six.

When a woman tries to murders her philandering husband, Adam Bonner is assigned the case for the prosecution. What first looked to be just annother work-a-day task becomes a battle of the sexes that threatens to tear his marriage apart when his wife and fellow laywer, Amanda Bonner, takes up the case for the defense! Hepburn, as Amanda Bonner, gives impassioned arguments to paint the accused's case as a campaign for the Feminist Cause whereas Tracy, as Adam Bonner, is stuck trying to hold up the letter of the law even as the courtroom turns into a circus (literally!). Tension mounts at home as courtroom rivalary leaks into the marriage. And the neighbor who admires Amanda certianly isn't helping things! Can this marriage be saved or will the next court they meet in be divorce court?!

Spousal laywers duke it out in one the nation's courthouses? Sounds outlandish, but in fact the script was based off of real life events! Script writers Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin saw a newspaper story about a lawyer couple fighting it out in court. While it wasn't over attempted murder, as in the movie, they knew a good story when they saw it. The script was made especially for Hepburn and Tracy, who were their personal friends. Hepburn also got to have her favorite director onboard, adding another level of comradery to the mix. Famous "woman's director" George Cuckor was at the helm for Adam's Rib. It wasn't just old friends on set though; several now-famous stars also found their way onto the silver screen in Adam's Rib. Kathrine Hepburn took a liking to Judy Holliday after seeing her in the Broadway production of Born Yesterday. Most who saw her thought she was a smash hit, but the studio didn't want an unknown in the lead role of the movie version. So Hepburn got Holliday the part of Doris, the trigger-happy wife, and considered it as Holliday's "screen test" for the film Born Yesterday. Hepburn even went so far as to spread rumors that Holliday stole the show out from under her and Tracy's feet. The ploy worked for, as any Holliday fan knows, she not only got a part in Born Yesterday, but it was her break-away role! Another now-familar face on the film is David Wayne as the songwriter-neighbor Kip Laurie, who writes the popular song "Farewell Amanda" much to Adam's chargin. Rising star Frank Sinatra even got a cameo too as the voice on the radio and record singing "Farewell Amanda!"

All this talent comes together in a perfect meld to create far and away one of the single best romantic comedies of all time. Kathrine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are often said to be at their best fighting and sparring to develop a sense of equilibrium in all their on-screen relathionships. They balance each other out, Hepburn giving Tracy class, and he giving her warmth. Its not the spars that drew me in this time though, but the warm, loving marraige this picture drew. This is a couple with dreams, with love and fun as well as work. Just as the couple is given both soft and hard sides, the script also manages that careful balancing act, givng both good lines and good points in the debate on gender-equality that is so central to the plot. Adam Bonner is not drawn as a boorish traditionalist. Even if he admits he wants two seperate sexes, he explains there's only a little difference between the two but he wants that little difference. And anyone who has admired the opposite sex will hardly disagree! Amanda Bonner too is never caricatured, or comes across too harsh. Her points are valid, if her demenor haughty, and the tricks she has up her sleeve will keep you laughing. There is little more to add, except you will be at the edge of your seat waiting to see who wears the pants in this family!

What I Wore: Beehive and Boho

What I Wore: Cami (Forever 21); Shirt (borrowed/Primark); shoes (c/o Rockport,won in a contest); Necklaces (1 a gift, the other from Questhaven); shorts (Old Navy); Headscarf (PodMod)

We took these photos much earlier than has been usual this summer because a fire has made the sky unusually hazy. We figured it was a case of now-or-never for photos, since the further the sun was sinking the pinker/oranger the light. Rather a relief not to have to wait till eight or eight thirty, and we go back in time to put some steaks on the grill and enjoy eating outdoors. 

What you see above is my very first attempt at a beehive hairdo! It was, um a liiittle messy. Still looked neat (no pun intended), but messy. Hence the headscarf. As for the outfit itself, quite a bit came to me from other people. This fun shirt is actually my sister's, who is moving soon, so its likely the only appearance it will make on this blog. Not only is it hers, but she got it while studying abroad; they are unlikely to sell these kind of shirts around my neck of the woods. Too unusual. The shoes were won in a giveaway, and necklace was given to me, along with a whole box of other costume jewelry, by a co-worker one day. I don't usually wear costume jewelry that much, but talk about generous. And this necklace is rather fun and vintage-y, isn't it? Sometimes infusing your wardrobe with another's tastes can really bring out the unexpected in your style, I think.