Thursday, July 9, 2020

Gone Grey and the Audrey Dress

I've been feeling out of sorts lately. A touch of depression (understandable), anxiety (usual) and generally just being in one of my "down waves". I know I'll feel better soon, but when I'm feeling down, that doesn't always help. 

What does help me - although the effort sometimes seems insurmountable - is doing some self care from the outside in. I went for my Mental Health Walk (heavy, foggy misty rain), showered and drank coffee. And with a wee push from Vix (thank you), I got dressed up today. 
I also dyed my hair. Yes, it's steel grey!


  • Dress - handmade, vintage late 50s, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in February 2014 for the Victoria Film Festival 20th Anniversary Gala (loads of pictures!)
  • Shoes - Effortless Bebe, Fluevog; last seen here with a vintage skirt for brunch in June


Okay, first the hair. Like all of you, I've been enjoying my Flashbacks, and looking at how I've changed through the years, especially hair-wise. I do change my style up a lot - always have, always will. However, I have not been that happy with my new 'do: it doesn't really feel like me right now. You know what does? A side part and more length. It's easy enough to change a part and my hair grows fast. Done!
Pin curls which last 15 minutes

I have also not been entirely feeling the colour lately either, so I picked up some Feria Smokey Silver at the drug store last night and BOOM, I have smoky grey hair. L really likes this, and so do I. It will fade out from this darker tone to a more silvery colour. Eh, it's just hair. I can always cut it or change the colour. But this feels good.

The dress! I rescued this from my giveaway pile on Tuesday, setting it aside for "sometime later, when I can dress for a party." Well, no time like the present, since we aren't going to be having big house parties anytime soon. And dressing up makes you feel better: it's SCIENCE.

As this dress has no label, I've always guessed at it as being from the 60s - it's a very Audrey Hepburn look, very Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). I was enjoying a post full of vintage wedding and bridesmaid sewing patterns (here, link 'cause I love), when I noticed the wedding/bridesmaid dress pattern labeled as "late 50s" here - check out the dress in the lower left corner. Totally this exact style! It could still be a dress from the early 60s, though, as styles hung around a lot longer back in the day.
This is fully-lined, very nice crepe fabric, with a plastic invisible zip (more common in the 60s), and hooks with thread loops at the top and rear waistband. It also has bra strap holders at the shoulders, although only one still has the loop (I probably forgot about it on one of my previous wears and ripped it off by accident). Some of the hem is coming down, so if I do plan on wearing this out, it would behoove me to take a needle and thread and sew that to avoid any actual fabric ripping.

There is a floppy bow on the front of the waist, to which I've pinned a brooch. I safety-pinned the sides of the bow from the inside at some point in the distant past, to keep it from flopping forward.
I adore the defined waist with the rounded hips on this - it's so pretty on, especially when walking (small-ish steps). Speaking of walking, the dress makes a lot of noise - all that fabric swooshing around!

The stuff:
 Only worn for the pictures - I'll do a Flashback on these at some point, but not today.

Pearly bling:
The necklace belonged to my Grandma J - it's just costume. I wore it in this outfit with the clasp in front as the two faux pearl strands are different lengths, giving it a slight drop in the back view.


  • Necklace - Grandma J's, vintage 60s
  • Brooch - Sara Coventry, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Earrings - Aldo
  • Pearl/gold ring - Erth, consignment
  • Onyx/silver ring - Tocarra, vintage fair


I don't have much of a Flashback, since I have only actually worn this dress twice in nearly 25 years! I last wore it for the VFF Gala (the first one we ever went to), in February 2014 (link above). The theme was the 60s, so I went full Audrey.
Ah, I see the bra strap thingy was not working there, so the damage predates this wearing. I'm wearing my Mom's pale pink ruched gloves (vintage 60s), and my Grandma J's parure of Aurora Borealis Sherman jewelry (also vintage 60s). The "flying saucer" hat is vintage, bought back in the late 90s at a vintage store, and the shoes are one of many pairs of black kitten heels that I've had over the years.

I did a series called "Never Seen" back in May 2010 (here's the full series), where I modeled everything I owned but had not worn on the blog in my first 2 years.
No styling, just showing it. I noted then that I paid around $15 for it at Value Village 12-ish years earlier.

This is the first actual time that I wore it, for my 30th birthday in October 1997 (these are pictures of actual photographs). I threw a funeral party (for the death of my 20s), and decorated for Hallowe'en. I made a black crepe paper spider web on the ceiling, strewed black balloons around the floor, and served orange and black food. This party is infamously where I served black Jello shots made from vermouth. A bad idea. Our apartment smelled really weird.
This is my brother Dave (a wee child at 27 here), and his girlfriend Cindy. We're all former roommates, and Dave and Cindy got married, had two kids and then divorced. She's awesome.

I'm wearing Grandma J's Sherman here - this is probably its inaugural wearing, as Grandma had died the year before, I think.
Our neighbour Jess crossed the hall to join us. I spy my Hallowe'en decorations and my whole collection of gargoyles, how lovely. We still have most of that decor. I've always been prone to collecting stuff.

Party shot! Our friend Chris' first wife Jennifer has red-eye and looks demonic in the background (nice 90s shoulderless dress! ), and Dave and Cindy are looking at some of our stuff. All the little tiny things you see are our painted miniatures, a hobby I have barely touched since I started blogging.
This is one of my favourite early pics of L and I. What a babyface he is! I'm not used to seeing him without his long wild hair and handlebar mustache. He's still uses his Goblet of Rock, decades later.

Ooh, technology! I can crop to get in close. Ha, Jennifer is trying to get her vermouth Jello shot out of the too-big paper cup with a spoon. Party treat FAIL - I do much better now!
Dressing up and looking at these pictures did make me feel better. A shout out to L (who's a reader too), for being my rock and helping me through these grey times. You're the best, love.

44 comments:

  1. I love this hair color on you. I can’t wait to see it turn silvery. Rather like your natural color?

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    1. Yes, close to it - I have more white on top, but more of my natural brown in back still. This will help even it out there.

      Thanks!

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  2. You look absolutely stunning with your new hair colour and the Audrey dress! So elegant! Sending hugs :)

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  3. Well va-va-va-voom. That is for sure one glamorous dress. The pin on the bow is a great addition as it breaks up the black and adds some lovely shine. Steel grey really suits you; excellent choice.

    I hope you feel better soon. You've had a lot to contend with lately and I'm sure it is taking a toll. Not sure if this will help at all, but when I'm down I play I Got The Music In Me by Kiki Dee. It is the most upbeat music that I know of. Sending you virtual hugs (()).

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    1. Thanks, Nana! Isn't it a lovely piece? I love pins at the waist to break up a big expanse of colour. Glad you approve of the hair. ;-P

      Thank you, my dear - hugs back to you. Music is a big help - I like the Xanadu soundtrack!

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  4. Such a nice hair colour on you and I love that you got dressed up in such an elegant dress - the few times I did dress up in a maxi dress over home iso it did really help boost my mood! :)

    Hope things get a bit easier and better soon - be kind to yourself! It's been a tough year, especially for you with the loss of your friend.

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    1. Thanks, Mica! It's fun to try something new every so often. Dressing up really does impact our moods.

      Much appreciated, my dear. It has been a rough year. I share because this is a regular thing with me, and it's important to open that up and not hide it.

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  5. OMG, your hair looks so good! Both the color and styling. Very attractive. By sheer coincidence I just posted about hair on my blog. Best wishes.

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    1. Thanks, Ally! This feels much for more me, or at least me-for-now. :) I know! Grow your hair!!

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  6. Oh sigh! Such a beautiful dress Sheila. I'm stealing your style nowadays, placing a little pin /brooch /embellishment on tie belts. Thank you for the idea!
    I love the new hairdo too. It's a great colour on you.
    Hope you feel better soon, it's been a tough 2020 so far and you're suffering a bereavement too. Keep being kind and gentle to yourself. Hugs to you and L during your sadness. x

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    1. Thank you, Juliana! Yes, please do - we are all inspiring each other, aren't we?

      Thanks - I like the grey, and L loves it.

      Hugs to you, thanks. I recognize that my head does this to me every so often. It's good to talk about it - it helps to share it.

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  7. Yes the hair completes the very elegant look! Perfect! And I know, pincurls don't last very long on my hair either, but it's a whole fun procedure to try! Way to turn your blues into greys!

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    1. Thank you, Carrie! Pincurls are fun, and they do give my hair a bit more texture and wave than doing nothing. Ha, I love that: turning my blues into greys!

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  8. I've been feeling very much the same, Sheila, and indeed knowing it will soon pass doesn't really help at all. I'm glad to hear you're still getting dressed up, in spite of the effort it takes. Hurray for Vix giving you a little push, which often is just what we need. That dress! I actually gasped here. I couldn't really fathom its awesomeness from its picture on the hanger, but you are looking absolutely va-va-voom wearing it. The brooch pinned to the bow is inspired. And I love, love, love your hair. The colour really suits you, and I love the side part and the pin curls, even if they only lasted 15 minutes. Lovely to see your mini flashback. I can't believe you've had that dress for so long. Love the crazy party pictures, and the photos of babyface L. and you! Sending hugs from across the ocean xxx

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    1. Exactly, Ann. I know I just need to ride this out and take care of myself until this passes. It's still an effort, as you know. I am grateful for the push from Vix.

      Isn't it amazing? I'm so glad I kept it. I feel like a movie star in it! Thank you - I love changing up my hair, and I really love this colour. I know, where does the time go? 25 years of having this dress? Wow. Hugs to you, my dear friend.

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  9. I'm sorry to hear you've been down but you'll bounce back up again. I'm sure of it.

    I am loving the hair colour. Do you know when I decided to stop dying my hair in December 2014 I tried everywhere to buy grey/silver hair dye to cover up the brown til the grey grew fully out. I couldn't fin any anywhere and my hairdresser told me no one makes grey hair dye. It seems they do now!

    The dress is beautiful and the brooch on the waist was a touch of genius, Sheila. It lifts the black and emphasises the waist. It is a lovely dress on you and you as Audrey Hepburn were gorgeous! I have similar gloves to your mum's but in emerald green.

    L really does look baby faced as do you!!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. I'm sure of it too, Vronni - I'm somewhat used to my peaks and valleys after all these years - but knowing doesn't help too much when one is in a valley.

      Grey is a totally trendy colour now! I am not surprised that you couldn't find anything 6 years ago - this colour has only been around for a few months.

      Thank you! I love the dress on - it felt great to wear it - and I also really liked the brooch at the waist. Oh, nice re: the gloves - those sound lovely!

      Ha, well, that's what 23 years will do, eh? ;-P

      Hugs, thank you.

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  10. The hair is AMAZING.I have been loving all the color-depositing conditioners like Overtone and KeraColor to keep my own pandemic color "fresh". I know I have not commented in years, and I was surprised I could. Of course I know longer blog, shop, or even try to inspire peeps to find gently used affordable business clothes. Whew, especially since our country is not doing so well with the 'rona and we're all wearing pjs for Zoom conferences. But I do check in on your once in a while because your clothes and style make me happy.

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    1. Hello! I totally remember you - Lynne, right? I'm so glad you're still out there and cared to drop a comment. So great to see you! Thank you!

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  11. Hi Sheila,
    I am a fan of your hair style! I think it is lovely, soft yet strong, and the style is enhanced by the color, which I also find a wonderful "wow!" Just noticed, on looking back at the pictures, that your new style is a bit like your 30th birthday hair style with the side part.
    As for the dress, glad that it will spring back into your closet and not spring out of the house from the give away pile! The dress looks smashingly beautiful on you, and you have the verve and style to wear it well.
    Take in all the vibes from your loyal blog readers and know we send gobs of smiles and hugs!
    Cheers, Laurie

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    1. Hi, Laurie, so nice to see you! Thank you - I like this style too. Yes, it's just like my 30th birthday style (only parted on the other side) - I've gone back to this style many times over the years.

      I agree, and I'm glad I rescued the dress. It's such an amazing piece, and I'm happy to have rediscovered it.

      Hugs to you - thank you, my dear.

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  12. I'm so sorry to read that you don't feel good. But it's only what can be expected isn't it. Missing someone hurts. But a black dress is always a good idea. And I love the color of your hair. Get some fresh air this weekend, that really realy works.

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    1. Thanks, Nancy. I go through waves of depression every so often - I've accepted that this is part of who I am, and I feel it's important to share that with my readers. It's not always sunshine and roses over here.

      I will get out this weekend, good advice.

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  13. Your new hair colour really suits you. Steel grey looks great on you. That black dress is a beauty. How lovely to have a dress that's probably from fifties or sixties. It's a very glam dress for sure. I'm not surprised that you haven't worn it that much, despite its beauty, because I imagine it is not easy to style it for everyday wear, it feels more like a special occasion piece. However, as Vix always says every day is a good day to get dressed up. It is lovely to see you in this dress with those lovely shoes, pearls and a brooch. I love how the brooch makes the waist the focal point- great thinking on your part. I'm happy to hear that dressing up improved your mood but sad to hear you haven't been feeling well and that you're feeling down. It is only to be expected perhaps with the loss of a close friend, but I know saying that doesn't help. When I feel depressed, different things help, it is sometimes about figuring out what one need in a certain moment. Sometimes there is nothing we can do but wait it out. Sadness comes and goes, sometimes we can send it away sooner than later and sometimes we have to wait.
    It is so fun to see photos from your thirtieth birthday. How funny you celebrated it with Halloween decorations as it meant the death of the twenties. The dress suited you as well as it does now.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana! I really like the colour too. The dress is definitely not wearable on an everyday basis - it's way too formal unless I'm going to an event.

      Thank you for your kind words - I know my depression will eventually lift, but waiting it out, and taking care of myself, is all I can do.

      It helps that my birthday is in October, too! Thank you!

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  14. Oh I love these photos! You look glam as heck in this gorgeous dress! I would TOTALLY wear that for orchestra concerts!! You look so gorgeous in it! I also really love the photos of you from years ago! You look so cute when you were young- I love seeing you and L (and the *shudder* black jelly!) from before! He looks TOTALLY different!!!
    Your new hair colour is gorgeous!
    Sorry to hear about feeling depressed and anxious. Totally understandable. I definitely agree about the power of dressing up- it's been one of the things I've liked about Lockdown- having the time to dress a bit more carefully every day and being able to do things with my hair. xx

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    1. Thanks, Kezzie, yes, it's a very good formal black dress, isn't it? Aw, thank you! The black Jello was blackberry or black cherry, I forget - it didn't taste bad (aside from the vermouth). I know, L's whole look has changed so much!

      Thank you, I appreciate that. Self-care, in the form of dressing up, is really helpful when I'm feeling like this.

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  15. I'm so glad you're doing some self care, Shiela. Bouts of anxiety, depression or feeling down are common especially after losing such a dear friend.

    You look FANTASTIC on your Audrey dress and I loved seeing photos of you and L at your 30th birthday! X

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    1. I'm trying, Jess. These are common waves for me, just exacerbated by Karen's death.

      Thank you so much! I love it.

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  16. What a gorgeous dress! I love your hair too! The whole outfit with your hair is absolutely stunning. So much fun seeing the pictures from your thirtieth birthday party. I've always wanted to paint miniatures, but I can't seem to get going on it. Cool gargoyle collection. Sending you positive, feel better vibes. Take care and enjoy the weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much, Cheryene! It's fun to look back - I'm glad I have pictures of me wearing it back then. Minis are a huge time suck, not like a blog, har har. Thank you, my dear.

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  17. Love your silver hair and you absolutely rock that wonderful dress, Sheila (love the placement of that brooch - I have exactly the same brooch in goldtone). I have been dressing up on Friday and Saturday nights throughout COVID-19 and it really cheers me up! Love and best wishes, Alli Australia

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    1. Thank you so much, Alli! Oh, how cool, you have the same brooch! I have seen many in silver, but never one in gold. Good for you! It really makes a huge difference, doesn't it?

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  18. Extraordinarily gorgeous ensemble + new hair colour. I am an immense fan of silver/grey hair and actually look happily + excitedly forward to the day when I opt to start sporting it myself (of course, I could do so anytime, but am keep to stay auburn-y red for a while longer).

    With all my heart and understanding (anxiety and periods of extremely severe depression are a long-standing part of my existence), I am sorry about the storm clouds that you're experiencing presently. Now granted, a great many things can contribute to one's mental health at any given moment in time, but I find it interesting that the summer months - despite their abundance of sunshine and ingrained sense of cheerfulness - can sometimes cause or exasperate lower points on the MH front. Almost as if dealing with the intensity of the season is taking a serious toll on us on some levels at least.

    It is my steadfast hope that brighter, lovelier days will return again swiftly to your life, and want you to know that I am always just an email (autumnzenithwitch@gmail.com) away if you ever want/need to discuss anything privately, my sweet friend.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Aw, thank you so much, Autumn. I am enjoying my silver hair. You do whatever you're feeling with your hair (as shall I!).

      I hugely appreciate your empathetic comment. Summer can contrast with how we feel and and even highlight that due to all the supposed "happiness" that the season brings. I so agree.

      Thank you, and that is very kind of you. Hugs.

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  19. Oh Sheila, you've cheered me up so much. A blog friend who I've never met but have followed and chatted to for years has just discovered that she's terminally ill, I've been so sad and you've been in my thoughts all day, having lived through heartbreak with Karen.
    That dress is utterly wonderful, it still fits like a dream and I loved seeing your 30th birthday photos with you and L. There's so much joy and happiness woven into the seams of that dress, even if you only wear it a handful of times it's so much a part of your life.
    I love your silver hair! You are a superhero even if you don't always feel it. xxxx

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    1. Oh, Vix, I am so sorry to hear about your friend! That is horrible, and I am sending you the most immense good vibes (your friend too).

      Thank you - I agree. Even if it's not worn often, it's still such a memorable piece, I just have to keep it.

      Thanks, my dear. Hugs.

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  20. woww, looking absolutely stunning in this!, really Audrey's style with some modern coolness! and fab hairstyle and colour!. Totally like a Star!
    Sorry that you've been dealing with sadness and anxiety, sending you hugs!.
    besos

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    1. Thank you, my dear friend, I appreciate the hugs. It's been a hard week.

      I love my new haircolour - I really needed the lift that this outfit brought me.

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  21. Never throw this dress out. It is heaven. Indeed Audrey Hepburn.
    Greetje

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Sheila