Three out of four (movies) isn't too bad

Here at the Estates this week-end (if Thursday counts) we had four movies; National Treasure with Nicholas Cage, Ferris Bueler's Day off with Matthew Broderick, Best years of our Lives with Myrna Loy, and Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn. I liked all but Funny Face.

National Treasure (2004) follows historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) "as he uncovers clues tied to the legendary Knights Templar treasure, setting him in a high-stakes race against a ruthless rival to protect the Declaration of Independence. This globe-hopping, clue-solving adventure blends American history with fast-paced action, offering plenty of thrills and family-friendly fun. While its plot is improbable, reviewers praise its entertainment value, likening it to a modern-day Indiana Jones." 21 Years Later, Nic Cage's $347 Million Adventure Movie Is a Sleeper Streaming Hit

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) stars Matthew Broderick as "a charming high school senior who fakes illness to spend an unforgettable day exploring Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend, while evading his principal and suspicious sister. . . sharp humor, memorable characters, and moments of heart, making this a light, witty, and culturally iconic coming-of-age comedy that remains a must-watch for its rebellious spirit and timeless charm." Ferris Bueller couldn’t take his day off in 2026 - The Observer

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) follows three WWII veterans from different walks of life as they return to their hometown and face the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. With themes of post-war trauma, disability, love, and shifting social roles, William Wyler’s moving drama blends realism with heartfelt storytelling. Acclaimed for its performances, human depth, and sensitive direction, it remains a timeless classic and one of cinema’s greatest portrayals of veterans’ experiences.

Best years of our Lives I'd seen before but even with its age it points to problems of veterans we've come to expect--alcoholism, disabilities, PTSD, and family break-ups. The home front is also not without its casualties movie review

Funny Face (1957) "follows a shy Greenwich Village book clerk whose unexpected discovery by a fashion photographer whisks her into the world of haute couture and Parisian romance. With dazzling musical numbers by George and Ira Gershwin, chic Givenchy costumes, and the charm of Audrey Hepburn alongside Fred Astaire, it’s a stylish, lighthearted satire of fashion and beatnik culture. Critics praise its elegance, wit, and visual flair, making it a timeless classic worth watching."

Although it had good reviews, by the end of the movie all of us had left Funny Face before it was over. But the clothes were gorgeous. I don't think it worked as a musical and the 30 year age difference between the stars were really off putting. 

I'm not sure the small reviews are AI generated or Wikipedia, but I didn't write them.

My new old jeans, Laurie Felt

It appears to me that the Laurie Felt brand was on QVC maybe a decade and then closed down sometime in 2023 saying she wanted more time with the family.  I looked through some old websites and found this.

The Laurie Felt jeans fabric is made of rayon, cotton, polyester and spandex and the various styles are extremely comfortable. It has a very nice feel.  They look very traditional, but there is no zipper behind the stitched fly, mine looks like 5 pocket, but in the front there ae no actual pockets (no bulk).  But the waist has a nice stretch for a pull on. Marc's which is an Ohio grocery and remainder store had a few on the rack and among the XXXXL and the XXXXXS I found a plain old L for $5, and it fit perfectly.  I'd never heard of the brand. 

"They pull-on — and stay on. We’re all about using technology to its maximum, creating special fibers that give a firm hold and an amazing recovery every single time. It’s all in the construction. The higher the construction, the tighter the weave, the softer the fabric, the higher the quality. All cars drive, but a Bentley drives better than a Volkswagen… same concept.

“There is so much stretch that just the slightest little shimmy gets you in. Once you’re in, everything looks lifted, shaped and great at the start of the day and when the day ends,” said QVC show host Jennifer Coffey, after rocking a pair of our Silky Slim Pull-On Jeans on air.

My new church lady dress

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Light, breathable chiffon
Ruffled mandarin collar with picot edge
Keyhole neckline with self-covered button and elastic loop
Long sleeves with shirring at the shoulders
Elastic waistband with self-tie belt
Tiered maxi-length skirt for effortless movement
Pullover style for easy wear

That's what it said in the review, and it looked blue so I thought it might be nice.  However, it was very sheer and the weather had turned cold.  I looked for a jacket, but instead of blue, it really looked dark gray. My solution was to wear a very dark gray, long sleeve t-shirt underneath it. I was nice and toasty, and no one knew the difference since it was exactly the color of the dress. It's definitely a "maxi," and goes to the top of my shoes.  But I look about 20 lbs. heavier.

  

Antiques Roadshow pt. 4, the purse

On an Antiques Roadshow rerun (possibly 2018) I saw a lovely, 19th century beaded purse. I was surprised it was valued at only $385. It was beautiful. I wouldn't carry it, but I do have an antique purse. I get a lot of compliments on this purse--a few a week. I'd buy another one if I could find it. A faded denim which can hold my i-pad or phone, with two nice side pockets. Walmart--$9.00. I purchased it about 6 years ago, although I really don't remember, so it could be older. Since it began life faded and worn, it's hard to tell, but it's starting to develop some holes from my pencils.

A tiger by the tail

 The clerk said there is a tiger face on this sweater, but we had to take a photo to find it.

Pants for fall, Talbots catalog

The September Talbots catalog just dropped through the door slot. How many ways can it name the slacks/pants? Over 30. Almost all have spandex. I did this for the Spring catalog, but only recorded 17--perhaps I collapsed a few.  And no, I don't know the difference between high waist and above waist.  I think it's safe to go to a resale shop and pick out anything.  Looks like anything goes.

1) above waist, wide leg (Greenwich)
2) high waist, straight leg
3) above waist, flare leg
4) above waist, wide-leg crop
5) at waist, ankle length, relaxed
6) above waist, boot leg, ankle length
7) above waist, straight leg, full length
8) above waist, demi boot, crop leg
9) above waist, wide leg, full length (Weston)
10) at waist, skinny leg, ankle length
11) at waist, straight leg, ankle length, front zip (Hampshire)
12) above waist, flare leg, ankle length
13) at waist, slim leg, ankle length (Chatham)
13) balance legging
14) Modal cropped pants
15) balance joggers
16) pajama pants
17) at waist, full length, flared (Portland Trouser)
18) at waist, skinny leg, ankle length (Portland Pants)
19) at waist, flare, full length
20) at waist, tapered leg, ankle pants, lined (suit)
21) above waist, skinny leg, ankle length, jeggings
22) same as 21, but with slimming panel
23) at waist, slim length, slim ankle, slimming panel (5 pocket jeans)
24) below waist, relaxed leg, ankle length (Chino)
25) above waist, boot leg, full length, slimming panel
26) above waist, straight leg, full length (jeans)
27) above waist, straight leg, ankle length (chino)
28) out and about stretch wide leg [no information on waist or length, but photo is over the shoe]
29) everyday stretch leggings [waist & length not described,
30) out and about stretch jogger
31) sporty leggings with attitude
32) everyday, stretch, straight leg pants

New Easter frock

 https://www.talbots.com/talbots-effortless-jersey-tie-detail-floral-dress/P231036224.html?

  

Update:  I wore this on Easter Sunday, and purchased a dark navy short jacket to wear with it at a resale shop--for $2.00, although I'm going to look for something else.  Fits well, and I'm glad I bought it.  Perhaps the best thing was it didn't cost me anything.  It was on sale, with "take another 25% off, and I had a $20 off coupon and a store credit from a Christmas gift, so it came to zero.

Mom Jeans

Usually, you would not trust a librarian for fashion advice. It's not just a stereotype. . .

 
Mom jeans. Remember that term? I'd never heard of it until they made fun of Obama wearing "mom jeans" for riding a bicycle. My friend Bev says it was a popular term in the 70s. But I saw jeans at Wal-Mart labeled, "Mom Jeans," and bought a pair. Great fit and comfort. High rise with extra room in the thighs. Soft, slightly faded denim. I bought up a size since I had no idea of the fit or how they would wash. I only found them in junior size which I probably haven't worn for 60 years. Love them.  Went back and got another pair in a darker shade.

"The mom jean silhouette is a specific one. Its defining features include a high-waist, which helps to streamline the figure, as well as an ever so slightly baggy leg. Most purists will say that mom jeans fall straight on the legs, but the truth is that there are already an infinity of silhouettes within this category, as long as they keep the high rise: Flared, baggy, and balloon are some of the most popular variations." Vogue, April 15, 2022

What not to Wear—what a fun show

I used to enjoy watching “What not to Wear” and came across it today trying to NOT watch all the impeachment coverage on Fox. Adam Schiff is such a joke; it’s DNC—Democratic National Circus. So I watched the story about Angie, a 38 year old New York City wife, mommy and business woman who had changed her life style.  She went from party girl to schlump—stopped drinking, smoking, staying out late, and lost 35 pounds.  She had no style sense, hated to shop. She loved her new physical, healthy life, but looked like she hated it.  So her husband, friends and co-workers, nominated her for a make-over, and boy did she look sharp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIrhdXzgFpI

The show ran on cable for 10 years, 2003-2013, and the theme of this reality show was two fashion stylists with a team of hair and make-up stylists ambush (since it’s a reality show,  who knows if they are actually surprised).  A person (usually a woman) is nominated to get a do over which includes ridiculing her old look and throwing most of her outlandish wardrobe in a trash barrel. At the end, the ambushee always looks fabulous. Stacy London https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/what-not-to-wear/bios/stacy-london and Clinton Kelley are the hosts. 

It is perhaps being remade. https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/tlc-is-rebooting-what-not-to-wear-will-stacy-london-and-clinton-kelly-be-back-for-the-new-show.html/

Christmas party attire

We attended a lovely Christmas dinner with our Conestoga group (Ohio history) last night in Clintonville.  I wore a nice black dress, with full coverage, but that makes no difference when it’s made of a synthetic fabric.  I was freezing, and since we were there early because the couple we went with had some responsibilities, I wore my coat for about an hour before dinner.  We have another dinner tonight with our Lakeside friends at the Conservatory on the east side of Columbus. I’m still not going to wear slacks like most older ladies do, but I’m thinking of a black sweater and skirt with a red jacket with a nice seasonable pin so I can at least be comfortable.  In the “olden days” of wool winter clothing, drafty banquet halls were not such a problem, or else my blood was thicker.

I thought my mother had stopped by

but it was just me.

The Christmas sweater--almost

I almost had a beautiful, new white fluffy sweater for the holiday season. On one of his daily walks my husband thought he was picking up trash as he does on these walks, and he found a sweater and sports bra, both with all the tags attached. The sweater was about $100 and the bra $28. The next day he found the sack, all torn up. They were from Victoria’s Secret, (Madewell brand, also available at Nordstrom's) so we have no idea if they were thrown out a window by a passing car, or left somewhere and a dog dragged them into the ravine. Only one sleeve was damp on the sweater (there was snow on the ground), and it was my size, so after I advertised it on Facebook and got no response from my local friends who might have been driving on Kenny Road, I washed it on gentle and air dried it. It was unbelievably soft and luxurious. Although it was a “small”, it was sort of baggy and loose with little white “snowballs” attached. The bra had "Victoria Sport" printed across it and was so small it probably wouldn’t make it around one of my thighs. How do people wear those torture garments that cut off circulation? Anyway, the softness must have been created by short threads woven into the yarn, because this sweater fuzzed all over everything. I didn’t dare sit on our dark couch, and my dark slacks looked like I’d been in a snow storm. So it will go to the clothing donation box.

Clipped from a Nordstrom ad.  I wouldn't wear it with jeans.