Weekend Goodies

On Saturday, the handsome guy and I had our first day date in a while. "A while" being a couple of weeks, because we really wish every day was date day. While I've been graced with 2.5 weeks off from work, Jake continues to go to school and work, all day/every day. These special days are few and far between now, so we made the most of it.

We... 

...bought mussels and shrimp from our favorite fish monger to make po' boys and steamed mussels with wine and soy chorizo 

...stopped by The Boring Store, which supports Dave Eggers' youth writing non-profit, 826, and picked up some small gifts

...raided the fixture sale at Renegade's now closed storefront and got away with all of their markers, a tagger, shelves, and extension cords for dirt cheap

...perused the bins at Logan Hardware and spent some time battling it out on the Johnny Mnemonic pinball table 

...spent an hour browsing at the Broadway Antique Market and making a mental list of all the things we'll go back for when we're swimming in pools of money 

...and spent the evening with Jake's brother and "sister-in-law" getting burgers at the Bad Apple.  My favorite burger has the fig and bacon compote with goat cheese. MMM.

Whew! 

1. Waiting in line at Dirk's.

2. The Boring Store.

3. The Boring Store window display.

4. Beating me at Johnny Mnemonic.

5 & 6. Stack of twenty old 45s from Logan Hardware that will eventually turn into crafts.

7. The cover of one of my new miniature notebooks made from old slides.

Birthday Outfit

Dress: A very rare mall purchase! Divided by H&M, $20

Sweater: "Vintage Brooke", pushing ten years in my wardrobe! At this point, I'm calling it "free"

Necklace:  Statement necklace bought from 1st Class Finds, $4.00

Stockings: Gifted by Jake's mom, who has never seen me wear pants, free

Shoes: Grey pumps, not shown and bought new for a job interview, $15.00

Handsome Fella: Wearing all vintage (except the tasseled loafers, a gift from my mom) and constantly complaining about needing a hair cut, free but lookin' like a million bucks

Approximate Total: $39.00 (Whew! that's pricey in my book!)

As I've mentioned, I had a birthday last week. Among many really special gifts, I received The Boss's first ever piece of art (a lovely abstract, finger paint on canvas) and a couple of pitch-perfect vintage scarves from my boo. 

After a day at work, I was escorted by the handsome man above to play unlimited free pinball at Logan Hardware, have some whiskey at the dive-y Bob Inn, and indulge in amazing tapas at The Girl and the Goat, run by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. He sure knows how to treat me well. 

The whole night was sponsored by Templeton Rye, made in Iowa and oh-so delicious.

Outfit--Andy D and Electric Six

I was able to enjoy a sunny day off with Jake on Friday, so we ran around town before heading to the Electric Six show at the Double Door.

Top: Reconstructed by yours truly, $.50

Shorts: Old Steve & Barry's jeans cut off, $7.00 originally

Tights: ??? So old we'll call them free

Shoes: Beloved Justin's, $4.50

Earring: Unpolished agate studs, made myself

Bow: Included in my giant thrifted bag of 90's hair accessories, about $.05

Approximate Total: $12.05

The highlight of the night was seeing Andy D open. The D stands for "dreams." I can't recommend catching this guy live enough-- you'll laugh while you dance. Support his Kickstarter here, and do some dancing here:

On Dressing with a Motive

Whew. I just polished off my first 11pm episode of Seinfeld in probably two months. For a long while, it was my evening ritual to perch on my couch and enjoy a little Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. It's no secret that I am mostly annoyed by TV and its culture--and lived happily for a couple of years without a television or computer (or microwave!)--but I can't deny the appeal of daytime PBS or a little nighttime Larry David comedy. I've missed this!

That was a pretty weird tangent, but it illustrates how I feel about my day. It feels like summer out, even the late evening air feels warm. The sun was shining all afternoon, and I had a day equally accomplished and lazy. Today felt like the day that everyone was reminded how life is outside of the winter doldrums, and everyone began to feel like their ideal selves--their summer selves. That is probably a gross generalization. Geeeeeez.

Outfit, Boyfriend & Girlfriend Edition

Top: His: screen-printed by Ramona, $15ish. Hers: Thrifted men's button-up tied at waist, $1.00

Bottoms: His: Thrifted Lees that fit the rump perfectly, $3.50. Hers: Vintage pleated skirt, $2.50

Shoes: His and Hers: Loafers given as gifts, FREE

Sunglasses: His and Hers: Both thrifted at Thrift Mart at different times, $.50 total

Approximate Total: $22.50 for the two of us

 

To get our bodies back into their ideal summer selves as well, Jake and I have started limiting our dinner date nights. Tonight was our one for the week (or weeks?), and we chose a local pub-style restaurant for their in-house brewed beer and outdoor seating. Cedar Rapids, you disappoint with your lack of beer gardens and patio dining!  We were one of two "parties" outside enjoying the weather, the other being a young couple of co-ed friends catching up over some drinks. On her way inside, the girl next to us commented on my outfit, noticing how "adorable!!!!" I looked when we first walked out. She was pretty adorable herself in cowboy boots! Be still my heart!

Oh yes, it's flattering. Flattery is always nice, if not maybe a little awkward. There are a lot of politics that go into clothing and appearance and vanity and dressing for others, but my greatest issue is this: clothing can be the first word in a dialogue. Yes, wearing things I like gives me confidence, but wearing things I feel confident in also gives me the chance to promote possibilities. These are the possibilities within thrifted, recycled, and second-hand clothing. There is such satisfaction in letting complimentary strangers in on the secret that this SO ADORABLE! ensemble came from a thrift store. 

You spent HOW MUCH? on that pleated skirt from Urban Outfitters?! Because I spent $1.00 on this one! And there were three more in different colors for just as cheap.

The idea is that I am a walking promotion for attempting a more sustainable lifestyle. Yes, putting on a precious sundress only to cover it in coffee grounds every day has one foot in vanity, but the other is foot is strapped into advocacy. So maybe I like the compliments, but it's really all about you, Mama Earth.

YADA YADA YADA. See what I did there?

Hey, how'd you like those (unintentional) matching T. Rex arms?

Eco Arts Festival Wrap Up

Hey buddies, guess who survived participating in their first fashion show?

A: Sonya, myself, Carissa, and Mona enjoying fleeting sunshine and a dung beetle made of trash. B: Miniature craft pile. C: Workspace during our open studio. D: Getting ready.

The Eco Arts Festival, this past Saturday, was a smashing success! Sonya, Ramona, Carissa, and I had a surprisingly good turn out for our open studio during the day, and I was able to get more done than I would have at home. Creating in public while chatting seemed to get me further than it does at home (with cats and food and other distractions). Expect to see me sewing out on First Ave one of these days...

 A: Reconstructed shirt made from two tees, re-hemmed vintage skirt, and high-top white leather Keds. $7.00

B: Embroidered vintage blouse, red mini skirt, tiger's eye bolo, brown booties. $7.50

C: Once a one-piece business suit with attached jacket, reshaped with added lacy back, worn with patent leather pumps. $3.50

D: Two vintage slips (top is lace, bottom is sheer pink) worn with a tie belt from another dress and pumps. $5.00

The fashion show itself had an even better crowd. The number of people in attendance that weren't friends was encouraging, and the large crowd of friends was touching. What a supportive crew and community we have! 

A: Banana Republic military-inspired shirt dress over a leopard dress, worn with a white vintage belt and brown booties the day of the show. $6.00

B: Denim blouse embellished with stones and studs, southwestern vintage belt, and lace mini skirt. $10.50

C: Excuse this terrible photo! Vintage men's work shirt belted with cut off shorts for a casual summer look. $3.00

D: Pegasus shirt gifted to me by Jake on a bad day, vintage "B" sweater vest altered and gifted by Ramona, and a vintage snap skirt given to me by Carissa. FREE

Special thanks to Sonya (for allowing me this opportunity!), Ramona, Carissa, the New Bohemia District, Tom and the Gatherings crew, Ben (for making me fliers so people know that "Brooke isn't bad"), Cliff Jette and the Hoopla gang, and all my beloved family and friends for support.

*All items featured in the fashion show ensembles were purchased or received second-hand, including shoes, jewelry, and belts.

Wassup, B?

Wishful dressing works! The past two days have been over 40 degrees here, and the forecast is due to slowly creep up to 60 by Thursday. Iowa can be brutal, but waiting will inevitably bring you the occasional unseasonal weather. Here I am acting foolish and not wearing a coat in the 35-degree weather:

Enjoying the fact that there is ground space not wet, icy, or snow-covered.

Outfit seemingly inspired by Carissa.

Dress: My favorite and most-complimented dress. So comfortable. Vintage, $5.00

Cardigan: Handed down by my mom after an accidental shrink in the dryer, free

Belt: Thrifted, $.25

Earring: Upcycled from old jewelry, seen here, free

Socks: Target, $1.75

Shoes: Thrifted work (read:filthy) Keds, bought by my boo, free

Sunglasses: Douche-y, but it was legitimately bright. Vintage, purchased at Thrift Mart (my favorite day of the year!), $.25

Approximate Total: $7.25

Rather than gather at one of our usual drinking establishments, we (the crew) collectively decided to leave the success/raucousness of Friday's PROM! be and enjoy a quiet Saturday and Sunday. I spent my Saturday afternoon working with housemate Brandon, who was miserably stuffed up. I offered him some natural tips for relief. Witness:

Ingredients: a quarter tablespoon of "wasabi" paste and a whole lotta gumption.

Results: Major discomfort, but about 30 minutes of intense and immediate relief.

 Saturday evening, Jake and I had our Lincoln's-Birthday-Not-Valentine's-Day Date. If you ever want to take me out on the best! date! ever!*, I recommend you follow suit: Super burgers and cheeseballs at the Starlite Room, an hour of pinball at the local dive bowling alley, at least an hour in the store in quest for the perfect snacks, and way too much candy while watching way too much Party Down in our jammies. Swoon.

A handsome fellow posing in front of the Local Bowler's Hall of Fame. I'm a little concerned about Mr. Bottom Left.

 Can I just brag for a moment and say I earned 22 million points in JUST ONE TURN, and replay was 31 million on the Sopranos pinball game? Sure, I blew it and basically scratched my final two turns...but still! I grew up with a machine in my home and was raised by my dad to be a pinball wizard, touring the area for the best machines. It's one of many fun things my dad and I would do on "father/daughter days," my favorite days.

Do you know of any pinball machines open for public play in the Cedar Rapids area? Hit me up! They're tough to find these days. I'd love to make a database/locator!

*Just kidding, I am kinda-sorta-totally life partners with that guy up there. But I will gladly accept those activities under the (metaphorical) blanket of friendship!

Prom Outfit Rundown

Photos courtesy of Liz, found here.

My prom dress was a reconstructed version of a dress Carissa gifted me for the occasion. I'm terrible about doing "befores" to pair with the "afters," but the dress originally looked like a sky blue version of this:

Source

 To alter the dress, I cut off the long skirt, fitted the bodice, removed the sleeves, made a scoop-neck, and added a giant bow and bustle from extra fabric. I used elastic and more fabric for the hair bow, and one of the sleeve's cuffs for the corsage band. Of the entire ensemble, the only thing I spent money on specifically for the occasion was the $1.00 bundle of fake grapes for my wrist. All other pieces were already in my home!

Dress and bow: Reconstructed vintage, FREE

Tights: Betsey Johnson, $3.00 

Shoes: Not pictured. Thrifted floral and bow-ed wedges, $12.00 BIG SPENDER

(pictured above were my packed "comfy pair")

Bracelet: Rhinestone costume necklace, worn to my actual senior prom!

Corsage: Bundle of plastic grapes, $1.00

Approximate Total:  $16.00

Jake's Outfit

Shirt: Thrifted, $2.00

Bow-tie: Thrifted, $.50

Boutonniere: Clearance craft aisle, $1.00

Belt: One-hundred-thousand years old, thrifted rhinestone buckle, $.50

Pants: Thrifted, $3.00

Shoes: Thrifted Italian snakeskin "pimpin shoes," $5.00

Approximate Total: $12.00

HOT Mess of a Jess

This weekend was exceptionally good to me! I had a day off on Friday, and the sun was shining bright. Nothing motivates me better than a good dose of sunshine. After sleeping in, I tackled chores at a leisurely, day-off pace. Recycling was driven to the local center, I kept the sewing machine busy, tidied up...I find the more responsible and adult I act, the more I enjoy my free time. Doing dishes and vacuuming makes me happy!? That's messed up.

I rewarded myself for a day off well-done with food and friends at my "comfort restaurant," the Tic Toc, way too much candy, and a movie with Jake (who spent 4.5 hours fixing my car's shocks in my mom's garage...I guess having a car savvy boyfriend is a money saving tip...). We watched Easy A, which was significantly better than the average high school romantic comedy while still being a kind-of average high school romantic comedy.

Friday's outfit. Outtake photo face chosen for your pleasure.

Top:  Originally Old Navy (purchased about 4 years ago), appliqued to cover some holes and stains, $7.00

Skirt: Thrifted, cut, and re-hemmed. This was my first-ever experiment with using binding to finish off a hem. $2.00

Belt: Borrowed from a thrifted, gifted dress

Tights: Betsy Johnson, $3.00

Shoes: Not pictured, I wore white leather, high-top Keds, thrifted, $4.38

Approximate Total: $17.00 

Blue and purple placed so daintily in my hair by Kelsey at the Fix Salon here in Cedar Rapids. Kelsey uses Goldwell color (ammonia free and gentle on your hair) and has a real kack for putting in fun colors without making you look too "Hot Topic." I love it!

Saturday evening was devoted to Jessica, whose birthday falls right in the middle of the birth-dense month of January. Jessica has been a friend of mine for a couple years now, and an especially good friend recently. She is someone who grows more admirable every day, realizing and chasing her potential with serious momentum. Jess has her fingers deep in some of my favorite issues: the locavore movement, feminism, and general compassion for our people, our world, and all of its living things. Published and on a lecture circuit one day, I can't wait to be the friend giggling in the audience because I know why she army crawled that one time or how she makes use of the sports mode on her camera. Still, I will buy 100 copies of her book and make her sign every single one...and I won't even sell them on ebay. 

What a gal. Let's add the fact that she is one of the most classically beautiful people I've ever met, can sing like a diva, and has next to no shame. She's a keeper!

The birthday girl wearing her gift from Ramona to one of our favorite karaoke bars.

My own romper, worn in Jess' honor.

Romper: Vintage dress altered into a one-piece that fits my torso, $4.00

Belt: Thrifted, $1.00

Tights: Betsy Johnson, $3.00

Shoes: Black cowboy boots, free dollars

Earring: Single gold chain with heart, made from upcycled materials, $.50

Approximate Outfit Total: $8.50

I made this earring out of two old necklaces and a earring hook. I wanted an earring that dangled longer than my hair. I love it!

Mona wore this "expensive" thrifted gem ($7.00 in Canada) to her Roller Derby Black & Blue Ball, then met up with us. This girl looks better in stretch velvet than should be legal.

 Jessica began a new tradition this year of making a birthday speech addressed to each of her friends individually, detailing her feelings for us and making us generally emotional. If you plan on getting married, I suggest you rent Jessica to be your maid of honor--the girl was built for giving sappy speeches. She'll look great in your photos, too.

I have to say, though, there was one thing (and just one thing!) lacking from Jessica's speech addressed to me. Fortunately a neighbor strolling by as I unloaded groceries today picked up her slack.

"Girl, you have an ass that shows the sunshine!" And then he bid me a good day and went along his merry way, happy just to share a compliment with a stranger.

It was a really good weekend.

Winter Slap

Winter got me. Those doldrums are here. Hopefully I can kick them tomorrow with a healthy dose of positive attitude and lots of greens and almonds. 

I'm working on a legit, relevant post full of substance. But until that happens, here are some photos. Blogging for the sake of blogging. Or at least, for the sake of not not-blogging. Get it?

Disclaimer: living alone without a tripod or camera remote makes taking photos of yourself reaaallll awkward. Evidence as follows:

Monday, Takin' a lean in the kitchen.

Top: Thrifted, $1.50

Dress: Thrifted and cropped shorter, $2.50

Belt: Thrifted, $.50

Earrings: Handmade by Rusty La Rue, $7.00 (available at White Rabbit!)

Leggings: Target, years ago, $5.00

Boots: Second-hand, FREE DOLLARS

Approximate Cost: $16.50

What did I do? I made delicious chili verde from scratch! One secret ingredient: a can of Hamm's beer. The rest are secret secret ingredients.

Tuesday, Muschi Cat pictured in the chair.

Top: Reconstructed out of two thrifted shirts and some elbow grease, $1.00 (two shirts for 50cents each)

Skirt: Thrifted, a longer skirt that is comfy enough to roll if I choose to wear it "mini"--an excellent way to get more use out of it, $2.00

Tights: Years old, $2.00ish

Socks: Target, $2.00

Boots: Thrifted cowboys as usual, FREE

Bow: A gift from Carissa at the peak of my bow days, years ago

Approximate Cost: $7.00

What did I do? Sang karaoke stone-cold-sober and altered 2 skirts to wear this week.

Bow & junk pile.

more bang trimming

SATURDAY DATE NIGHT. Note Jake's "before" hair, and his ability to align himself exactly in the two right squares.

Skee-ball! One of our favorite date night activities. And so cheap!

After. More to note: his wide stance and the denim shirt to match my own.

More date night. Jake prefers colored pencils (top), I prefer crayons (bottom).

Erin and I brought identical snacks to work. Nothing gives me an energy punch like a handful of almonds and an orange. $6.00 worth of natural almonds has lasted me nearly two weeks at a handful a day.

Our espresso machine leaked (where the dial is), so we hired Macgyver to rig up half a paper cup and some cardboard. Busted and beautiful!

PS: Happy day-late birthday to my loveliest, lovely Jessica. A birthday post will follow, featuring lots 'o ladies in jumpsuits.

Shark Attack!

Half of my week is spent working at the coffee shop in the hospital. It's about as glamorous as it seems, but the coffee we make is still high quality, and I love the people I am surrounded by there. My co-workers are wonderful enough to be tolerated and enjoyed side-by-side in a glorified closet, and most of the customers are a real hoot. Still, it can't be a surprise that I don't have a lot fundamentally in common with the middle-aged nurses that overwhelm our clientele.

Here's an exchange I had with a very sweet customer as I pulled her some espresso, wearing my shark shirt:

Customer: I like your shirt! Did you get it on vacation?

Broke: Thank you! It's actually thrifted.

Customer: What?

Broke: Thrifted.

Customer: Where is that?

Broke: I got it from a thrift store.

Customer: Oh.

Broke: I sew, I bought it to cut the sharks out and applique them to other things, but I just can't stand to part the sharks from each other qiute yet.

Customer: They'd look great on a pillow or bed spread. For a little boy.

Broke: I'll probably put them on a dress.

Customer: ..............Oh.

Let's get it out of the way: I know this picture is ridiculous.

I want so badly to write a personal essay on the hidden meaning behind this exchange, how strange it must seem to some people that a GIRL! in a PRETTY FLORAL SKIRT! would wear a shirt covered in SHARKS! and dare to sew them onto something so feminine as a dress. But I won't, because it seems so cliche and obvious. Chances are if you read this, we share similar views on gender roles. So write your own damn essay!

Instead I'll tell you that this is an excellent example of how to remake your wardrobe for literally zero dollars. This t-shirt will stay in my rotation for as long as the magic lives, and then it will be transformed into something new and magical. For free! And there are so many sharks to use, I could probably create an entirely new, shark-based closet. Mmm hmm! (This also is a great way to extend the life of something dear but worn-out...simply cut out your favorite part(s) and reassign them to a newer t-shirt or skirt or bag or whatever you wish!)

Shirt: Thrifted, $.50

Skirt: Thrifted, $1.50

Leggings and Socks: Target, $6.00 and $2.00 respectively

Shoes: My beloved Justins, $4.38

Hair: Streaks of blue visible in the photo for once! Done by the very talented Kelsey Smart at the Fix Salon

Name tag: Required for work.

Approximate Outfit Cost: $16.50

So gender stereotypes, blah blah blah....After work I had a cafeteria dinner date with Jake (so romantic!), then went home to change out of my stinky attire for an evening of karaoke at Gatherings in the New Bo district. I'll close out with a few photo highlights:

Handsomest EKG tech you ever did see.

wa-POW! All I see is them legs and booty. Jessica sang Tina Turner at my request, Josh was her hype man.

Carissa proves that brown and black can look good when it's on a foxy lady. Not pictured: her yellow "safety flannel"

We spent a lot of time and energy taking glamour shots in these space dividers at Gatherings. Jake was a little uneasy and unbalanced, so we took a safety pose together. Black jeans, you are unflattering!

The back of the hoodie pictured above. Gifted to me for my birthday by my boo. This is made of 55% organic cotton and 45% recycled polyester, which makes it so soft and responsible! You can get one for yourself at Leslie Hall's site.

Crew Year, New Age

Crew Year's Eve 2011

An attractive bunch in an attractive home, right?

Party theme: ALL THAT GLITTERS

Dress: Thrifted show choir costume, with hand-cut sweetheart neckline for a rare cleav peak, $5.38

Tiny Hat: A gift from the party's hosts

Shoes: Hand-me-downs from a very generous purger (a hoarder's dream friend)

Hair: One night's uncomfortable sleep in foam rollers

Not pictured: Red all-over-sequined bolero, an old Leslie & the Ly's costume gifted to me by lead Ly, Ramona
Total outfit cost: Approx. $5.38

I am blessed and cursed with a birthday almost immediately after the first of the year. By the time the big day passes, I'm inevitably cranky and exhausted by the holidays (which, to be frank, I am not especially fond of). Still, with each new year and age I feel a sense of relief that I've survived the last 365 days and am ready to focus on what's next.

First things first: new blog!

I've been inspired and encouraged to follow in the footsteps of my bloggy buddy predecessors (and real-life super friends!), Ramona and Carissa.

My birthday, legit.

Photo courtesy of Ramona

Top: Thrifted, $2.38

Sweater: Thrifted, men's Docker's cardigan I originally bought for an ex-boyfriend but happily kept when he rejected it (jerk), $1.00

Belt: Belted (Gold, silver, and bronze braided makes it soooo versatile!) $.50

Skirt: Thrifted $1.50

Tights and Socks: Target and a Christmas gift from my guy's momma...the only non-thrifted items in the outfit.

Shoes: Thrifted and perfectly worn-in Justins. My very favorite pair, which earned me my tour nickname, BOOTS. $4.38
Approx. Outfit Total: $10.00

I love activities, so we organized an old-fashioned ice skating birthday party at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. My buddies don't fool around when it comes to dressing appropriately for any given activity. Here's Jessica in my favorite skating outfit of the night, looking graceful.

Vaclav was a great sport and came skating with us for the first time ever.

 Birthday Outfit, age 26 

Top: Christmas gift from Carissa, one of many many items in a huge box of very perfect things. The print is many creepy pink cat/chupacabras.

Belt: Thirfted, elastic gold scaled. $.50

Skirt: Thrifted that day! A new item to add to my square-dancing collection. $1.75

Cardigan: Thrifted, worn for warmth. $2.50

Shoes: Pictured below, brown leather Peter Pan booties also thrifted that day. $4 is so worth it for their buttery leather and they're totally mint!
Approx. Outfit Total: $8.75

 Here, my perma-boo and I are doing the traditional birthday slow dance to Beck's "Debra." I like to make him spin and dip me while I sing the silly lyrics at him. We're looking very 50's Country Western here, no? The boo, Jake, is wearing my favorite pair of thrifted Lee jeans, a Wrangler pearly-button-up, his favorite USA belt buckle (RIP!), and stained rubber boots (his winter staple).

Thanks for a wonderful, wonderful 26th, everyone. This lady is a lucky one.