Inspired By a Joan Didion Quote

“I have already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be...”  Joan Didion

Years:
1987, 1994, 1998
1979, 2021, 1978
1971, 1976, 1980

I posted the above on Instagram, I thought I would go deeper into the images here.

Or at least pull away from the square crops.

There are some versions of me that I gladly leave behind (my married years especially).

Others, I want to keep in touch with the spunky young me.

In backwards order:

2021

Next to four of my map weavings
Holly Jolly art reception, Roswell Space.

1998

A place Severo and I stayed in Cambria.
We toured Hearst Castle that trip. So much fun!

1994

Final day of a week long summer workshop with Rafael Ferrer at Bennington College.
Holding a self portrait.

1987

Otis graduation, BFA in Fashion Design
Lisa on the left, Dad on the right.

1980

Xmas at my parents, Hampden, MA.
What am I doing in that preppie sweater???

1979

That time I was a bride.
Photo by Jamie Wolff.

1978

At Alines apartment, her birthday?
Ex removed from photo.

1976

Outside the art studio.
College of Creative Studies, UC Santa Barbara.
I quit after my first quarter of Junior year to move to NYC with the ex,
as a 20 year old know it all does..

1971

Freshman year at Emma Willard.
Music pod in the library.
Winter uniforms, mine is a micro mini version.

On to the new year and new adventures!

Linking up with

Shelbee's Spread the Kindess

#thevintagefashionchallenge Day 5: Pink

 I featured the Pink crinoline in today's Instagram post:

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A post shared by anne m bray (@annembray)

The first photo was at Otis College, Spring 1987.
I'm wearing a black boatneck top that I sewed out of blackout flannel, a black velvet belt with rhinestone buckle, the pink crinoline under a shirred prairie skirt, uncomfortable lace tights, the black "witch" shoes I featured on IG on Day 2.

The second photo was used in Bag and a Beret's  2013 edition of VOGOFF. 
See my post with outtakes

I'm wearing:
Black nylon/spandex bubble knit tube dress -- Trash and Vaudeville, NYC 80s
Pink petticoat -- Cowboys and Poodles on Melrose, LA? Screaming Mimi's, NYC? 80s
Red/black stripe cotton/spandex leggings -- Betsey Johnson 79(?)
Booties -- Norma Kamali 85
African bracelets + necklaces -- Jone Pasha, Providence RI, 80s
Jumbo Chain necklace -- Patucci, The Front Porch, Providence RI, 80s
Sunglasses -- vintage from optician Providence, RI 80s

I no pink patches from the quilt today.
Patch fatigue has set in (already).

#thevintagefashionchallenge Day 2: Throwback

 For the Throwback prompt, I give you the 50's Launay print that I sewed into a tunic in the late 80s.

The Textile Binder has two Launay swatches, I wonder what I did with the upper one...

I thought I'd written a post about the print itself, but can't find it.

I really like this scribbly print style, which to me has a Parisian 50's vibe to it.

On the quilt:

The outfit:

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A post shared by anne m bray (@annembray)

#tbt The Bathing Suit

Enter the time machine, back to the 80s again:

I'm in a sassy bikini that I sewed, camping in Mexico.

Ah, bikini days are long gone!
Add your summer-themed pictures and posts here:

#tbt Summer Sandals

Here I am, in my typical 1980's hiking attire:

Yes, focus on my feet! I am wearing Chinese plastic sandals.
You know, they're really great for hiking. Ha!

32 years later, I still wear the same style.

School may have started, but summer weather isn't over!
Add your summer-themed pictures and posts here:

#tbt Summer Sunglasses

Doesn't this photo from 1993 say everything there is to say about summer?
Reading a book on the beach, wind-blown sea-salted hair, happy relaxed smile.

The location is Watch Hill, RI. The book is "Morgan's..." [something from the canon of English literature -- can't ID]. Granted, the the book isn't your typical beach read, I probably found it on the shelves at the rental.

Here's another:

Summer 1982 at Jone Pasha's home in Jamestown, RI, watching the Tall Ships sail up Narragansett Bay.
(If I ever locate the rest of the photos from that party, I'll write another post about it).

I still have those sunglasses! And their sibling!

I got them from an optometrist who was located on Thayer Street in Providence.
He had an amazing collection of vintage frames.

Add your summer-themed pictures and posts here:

#tbt Reminiscing on Reminiscence

It's more family-portraits-for-the-Christmas-card outtakes, circa early 1980s:

Today, we put our focus on my legs! the 3/4 sleeve boatneck top, which I wore WAY tighter than this mannequin:

[I can't believe it still exists! Thank you Google! Source: Reminiscence] 

I had at least a dozen.

Reminiscence is a boutique in NYC that became well known for inexpensive garment-dyed and retro-inspired sportswear and quirky accessories and gifts. Aline Smithson first introduced me to the shop in 1978, when we both still lived on the upper west side. After I moved to Providence, and started a costume jewelry line, they bought my glass bead earrings and necklaces (I'm now slowly adding old inventory to Poshmark. You may have to sign in to see the link).

In Providence, my main form of employment was Patucci and Mark's store The Front Porch. They resold many items from Reminiscence, and I purchased a lot of their tops, jeans (the balloon leg jean! Yeah!), and shorts. Fun times. HOW did we ever make a living? I have no idea.

Did you have a favorite tee that defined a stage in your life?
Add to the Fashion Rosebud linkup!

SpyGirl Interviews Pinkie Ginger Pie

I saw these photos of Pinkie Ginger Pie on Facebook (I'm friends with her mom). She fashioned an amazing look for her school's 80s Day. The judge was sorely misguided when she awarded the prize to someone else. Pinkie is THE winner in my book. She recently turned nine -- Happy Birthday Pinkie Ginger Pie!

Did you have a muse (someone that inspired you) for your look? Was there any one particular person or was it a combination of sources or did you dream it all up on your own?
Cyndi Lauper was my inspiration, she always has crazy outfits! Her music videos helped me dream it up. And my Mommy loves the 80’s.

Did you do research? Where?
Yes, I watched all of Cyndi Lauper’s videos. And I have seen every episode of Punky Brewster!

Your rainbow tulle skirt is totally awesome! Did you (or someone, who?) make it?
Yeah, my Mommy made it for an 80’s party that she went to. I asked her if I could wear it. 

Your attention to detail was outstanding! Where did you find all that stuff? Rainbow suspenders? Jewelry? Glove!?
The rainbow suspenders and the glove came from Claire’s and the jewelry was Mommy’s that she got from the gift shop that she works at.

The socks! The secret mismatched socks! Where did you get that idea?
That’s how Mommy always wears them, so that’s how I wear them

Got any plans for your Halloween costume?
Not yet, but I am thinking about human Pinkie Pie (from My Little Pony: Equestria Girls) Mommy and I will make the costume together. I love helping Mommy make costumes because I want to be a fashion designer one day! I have A LOT of ideas!

May we check back with you in October/November to see it?
Yes! I would love to share with you :)

Watch out world -- Pinkie Ginger Pie is a force to be reckoned with!

52 Pick-me-up: Get Layered

CREATED/ PURCHASED/ PURLOINED/ LINKS/ 

This week for 52 Pick-me-up, see how many layers you can pile on.
Northern hemisphere, layers to keep to warm. Southern, floaty light layers.
Here's my version:

scarf -- piece of Italian rayon yardage, Warren Z, 1983
knit shawl -- Tibetan, Brooklyn
tunic -- my design, vintage rayon from Pilgrim Mills [closed], Providence
dress -- Old Navy, deep sale ($7.99)
leggings-- work sample
socks -- Happy Socks
creepers -- Fluevog, SF

I felt an 80's vibe wearing this. Maybe because I got both the printed rayons in that decade.
The black and white squiggle is sample yardage that I picked up when I worked as a sample cutter.
It was my first "fashion" job when I was at Otis.
I've made a couple of tunics out of the other fabric. On the selvedge, it says "'Parchment' a fabric styled by John Launay".
It reminds me of Parisian illustrations from the 50s.

And here's a rare closeup:

I wrapped the "scarf" on my head so that I could join in Judith's December Hat Attack.
Her linkup party is still open for a few more days, if you care to join in.

I'd love to see your layered look. Share below!

52 Pick-me-up: 80's

PURCHASED/ LINKS/

It's 80's week on 52 Pick-me-up. I seem to be stuck in Stripes week still -- I guess a vacation will do that!

VOGOFF Hits the Digital Newstand!

CREATED/ LINKS/ PURCHASED/ PRESS/

Melanie, of Bag and Beret, is the force behind a zany spoof on fashion magazines called VOGOFF.
She put out a call for submissions in April, which you really need to read -- so hysterical!

Here is my VOGOFF spread:

[image © Melanie Kobayashi 2013] 

I was working out my inner Nagel. I love how Melanie dropped me amidst the pansies.
[Side note: the landlady DREAMS that our lawn looks like that!]

Here are some more photos from my session, which was done with the camera placed high on a ladder set on a ten second delay self-timer. EXTREME pain resulted from the multiple times I ran back and forth from the camera to the set.
Oh, how I suffer for you!

I did lots of Fashion Victim poses

Close, but realized that I need my 80s sunglasses

Nothing like a good hand selfie

This one made the cut.

As did this. That rose is from my garden and I probably turned it into jam.

Here are my notes-to-self I typed here in a draft before I did my thing in the back yard. My photo shoot didn't quite go this way, but it makes for a fun fashion poem:

Me, the back yard, covered with the guest quilt, which will be PSed with all the +40 sketches
or printouts?
leopard pillows?
naked?
reading VOGOFF w/Mel's sketch?

victim of the 80s
fashion sketches from OTIS
spewed about back yard 

That last bit is almost a hiaku!
Let's make it a proper one (3 lines/ 5-7-5 syllables):

Victim of eighties
Crinoline and school sketches
Spewed about back yard

Thank you Melanie, for inspiring me to go even crazier than usual!
Joining up with Patti's Visible Monday -- click on over and join the party!

*disclosure note: I used Aloxxi Flexible Hairspray to get my 80s inspired updo, gifted at a LuckyFABB event. Everything else I purchased in the 80s and 90s, except for the currently available Cover Girl #305 Hot Passion lipstick. I'm still trying to remember where I got that crinoline...

Details:

Black nylon/spandex bubble knit tube dress -- Trash and Vaudeville, NYC 80s

Pink petticoat -- Cowboys and Poodles on Melrose, LA? Screaming Mimi's, NYC? 80s

Red/black stripe cotton/spandex leggings -- Betsey Johnson 79(?)

Booties -- Norma Kamali 85

African bracelets + necklaces -- Jone Pasha, Providence RI, 80s

Jumbo Chain necklace -- Patucci, The Front Porch, Providence RI, 80s

Sunglasses -- vintage from optician Providence, RI 80s

Gingham yardage -- Guess sample yardage sale, 86

Foot Fetish Friday: Fluevog Ad

I found this while looking for something else (I ALWAYS find something interesting when I look for something else).
It was in a box of old magazine swipe*. I'd say it's from Details from the late 80s.

you can click on this to see it even bigger!

*Designer technical term for inspirational things torn out of magazines. From the olden days before Pinterest.

I'm sure you Fluevog experts can pinpoint the exact collection and date.
Please share your arcane knowledge in the comments!

My Personal Punk xPerience

GIFTED/ LINKS

The reported dilemmas of How to Dress Punk for the Met Costume Ball have elicited some eye rolls and sarcastic snorts over here on planet SpyGirl. So many of the attendees had no clue! They either weren't yet born or ran in a more [cough cough] elevated crowd when Punk reared its ugly head in the 70s.

I never was a punk, just punk-adjacent. Although I lived in Manhattan in 77/78 and went into the city frequently in the early 80s, I never made it to CBGB. I DID sell DIY jewelry on the street as one of my last "jobs" before exiting the city, which is more wannabe-punk. And the fact that I got a street vendor's license negates any possible punk cred.

Surely somewhere there is a chart differentiating New Wave and Punk. I was New Wave. It was happier.

I moved to the greater LA area in the fall of 82. I'd say this this was the Rococo Era on the Punk timeline. The X was friends with one of the Perkins brothers, owners of Perkins Palace in Pasadena. He "helped out" in the concession stand (mostly throwing beers onto the audience) during many a punk show.

Here is my souvenir tee:

"A bill made in hell!
The Cramps with...
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds,
plus Die Schloflosen, Saccharine Trust
Perkins Palace Fri 22 Jun '84"

For your amusement, here are a few NYT links reviewing the Met's exhibition "Punk: Chaos to Couture": 1, 2, 3. [thanks to Ruth!]

Have you seen the show? What do you think?

Foot Fetish Friday: Krizia Shoes

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Seeing the film "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's" brought to mind my own Bergdorf's memories. This was a shoe that I obtained in the late? (maybe the mid) 80s. I drew it from memory on my iPad and concentrated on the golden scrolled piping detail on the vamp. Long gone, I wore them to shreds. Designed by Krizia, I'm sure they were super expensive. Lucky for me, I had a secret source. Richard dressed the Bergdorf windows then, and damaged goods couldn't go back on the selling floor. He gave these to Patucci, they were too small, so I got them.
I have a Krizia ad from W with the shoes pictured in it. If I ever find it, I'll add it to this post. Same for a photo of me in them. Smart phones weren't yet invented and we didn't take pictures of our feet that much (or at least I didn't).

Foot Fetish Friday: Norma Kamali Louis Heel Oxford

4.20.10
Norma Kamali
"Spanish"
Louis Heel Oxford
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Four Quarters
Pasadena
1985?
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I feel so pretty when I wear these 

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These are still in good shape. I've been diligent about replacing the heel caps when the rubber wears down.

Crazy Quilt -- Cotton Blend Rib Knit

I got this purple maxi at Lord & Taylor in the Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ. Going to the mall was a big deal then - we lived out in the country far away from department stores [in Dutchess County in upstate NY]. I eventually shortened this [to a below-the-knee length].

At a 4th of July party. Yikes! Hello, Morticia!
Wish this was bigger -- alas, my mom scanned it low rez.
I searched high and low for the photo album,
but had no luck in finding it.

The shortened version, at my art exhibition in 1980 at AnyArt, Providence, RI, with my Dad.
I like how we have mirrored poses here. I am my father's daughter in so many ways.

Crazy Quilt -- Indian Cotton Block Print

I got this skirt at a "head shop" in Troy, NY.
Eventually, I cut it up and made a bikini from it.

Here's the bikini style in other fabrics, worn camping in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico in 1982.

I still love this print. Maybe I should digitize it and get some yardage printed on Spoonflower.
You'll be the first to know if I do!