The Inner Closet

Some friends have wondered what's still in my closet, that I'm keeping. Here are three things that I'm wearing today and have enjoyed year after year.

In the heat and with a large population of bugs outside, I decided to stay low and finish the latest Sherman Alexie book, War Dances. Nah, I don't need a hat inside, but I've taken it on and off so many times today and lost track of it, that I finally surrendered and just left it on till we go to a neighborhood picnic soon.
I wore this same hat and shirt, different pants, when we went to the Asticou Azalea Gardens in Bar Harbor a number of years ago. Theory shirt from Barneys New York, circa 2003, vintage straw hat from Italy found here at the annual Wayne Grange sale.

And these In The Wash strawberry capris, need to be seen close up to be appreciated. Bold print, beautiful cotton with a bit of spandex, lovely fit and $5 at Mardens some years back. There are four more pairs of these capris/pants in my closet; an outrageous skunk print with a chartreuse background, Gay Paree print that is funky and fun, and a art nouveau botanical print, sort of like Lily Pulitzer which you can KIND OF see in the photo above.

I'm not even close to being ready to get rid of any of these things, but it gives you an idea of why I was motivated to get rid of other things. One only has so much room in one's closet.

Free Stuff, Day Seven: MORE Converse, pants, shirts

Non-local folks: Don't forget I ship. I also don't do First Come, First Served. I'm looking for wide distribution, so Don't Be SHY! Say what you want and we'll see what happens. I can kind of picture certain people in certain things.

I'm getting a lot of pleasure out of this project. I could have taken all this to Goodwill, but this is way more fun.

Today is hot and humid and I'm not in the mood for modeling. Temperamental, huh? So here are the daily goods, flat and simple.

Katie and Jan, whadaya think? Here are two more colors - classic RED and PURPLE CLOUD. Don't be alarmed; I still have a very worn pair of black which need replacing, a virgin white pair, sea grass and maroon and pine. FIVE pairs still puts me over the top for All Stars. Ethan: YES, I am hoping to replace that black pair this year!

Two pairs of pants that fit GREAT, but I never ever choose them. I got them at Mardens a bunch of years ago when there was a sale of sample sizes from the label, In the Wash. Since then, I have seen this same label at the chic store, Black Parrot/Portland and Rockland. Uh, Mardens' prices are better than Black Parrot. WAY better. These sit just below your waist. Sz 8, but they fit like my current 6s do.

Love the zipper detail, and YES, real pockets!

They're about ankle length, with slits and purposely ragged hem.

Three long sleeve shirts. You can see why I didn't try them on today in the 80s.
J Crew shirt with pleats all the way down the front, size S, fitted and flattering, NOT loose. 100% fine cotton. I actually ordered this from the catalogue, something I hardly ever do. I was feeling remote in Maine.
Flowery, breezey Old Navy shirt that is dreamily summery and pretty. I got it at Goodwill and wore it once. It's just not a style I wear, even though I am attracted to it. It has hand tailoring detail (probably imitation hand detail). size M as well, so plenty of room, flowy and loose on me. For you botanical print lovers or Audubon aficionados, this might be your cup o' tea.


Maybe this is viyella. It's a heavier shirt and a man's shirt. It's a M, I suspect. Label's gone. I used it as a work shirt for years and still love it. The colors are good for me. How about for you? BIG and roomy. (Elisa - How about a Big Dane??)

Free Stuff, Day Six: Chinese dresses anyone?

Here's a blast from the not too distant past. I'm considering relocating the dress I wore to Ethan and Cindy's wedding in Winnipeg. I can't believe how much older I look these seven years later. But it's time for a reality check. I haven't used this dress since and am not likely to. It's for a younger woman, I think. As usual, it's about a 6-8 size.

It's a two piece ensemble, a luxurious silk and rayon blend, completely lined in silk. The dress has short, cap sleeves and the jacket is 3/4 length sleeves. There are modest slits in the sides of the dress. The photos below show color more accurately than the shiny, gold full length shot above.
The details are exquisite, with binding all around, frog clasps, and a higher than usual mandarin collar. That collar is snug. I don't have a fat neck and it's almost uncomfortably tight.




Around the hem, both in front and back, there is bead work that is Oh-So-Subtle.
You don't really notice it unless the light hits it just right and you happen to be looking. It's a dress for a princess....or mother-of-the-groom.

Some years back (I'm not telling how many), I had a collection of these Chinese dresses. To me, they were and are timeless and flattering. However, I also find them confining as one can 't sit or move too easily in them. That being said, they are still exquisite costume wear. I just feel too old for them. Are you seeing a theme here, to my closet over-haul?


As far as comfort goes, this black number is probably highest on the list. There's one more emerald green and turquoise blue one that I'm keeping that has the friendliest features in case I get homesick for Chinese style. This black one is all rayon and...get this...comes from HAWAII! It's real vintage. All these dresses have limited room for bust, so not very good for the big bosom.

The one garment I brought back from our Japanese mountain hiking trip was this jacket. I haven't worn it once. Don't know why. It's roomy, nubby, fun styling. I think it would be good for ANY size, with big bat-wing sleeves, short cut so maybe not so good for tall people, and pockets set on a slant on each side. Coconut buttons (?). Relaxed mandarin collar. Adopted by L.S.

Funny thing, I discovered when taking these photos, it was made in THAILAND! haha. Japanese label, though.


OOOOOH, I hate getting rid of this sexy dress! I loved it for a long time and it is so basic. It's a jersey knit with a shelf bra. I had fun wearing this in a multitude of ways and occasions, but PLEASE- a sixty-something wearing it???? I modeled it for you so you can see that it's flattering but consider the neck, arms and wrinkly face around it. uggh. It's okay with me, as I don't mind aging, but I'd like to do it gracefully. This is a size XS. Don't think it would look good on size 8 or above.

Free Stuff, Day Five - White Shirts, Converse All-Stars

Those of you who know me realize I have a collection of All-Star sneakers that date back to 2003. That is when Converse sold out to Japan. The factory in Somerville, MA sold their inventory at a discount and I came home with nine pairs. It was a fun ride, but excessive. (not that I don't embrace excess under certain circumstances)

The Bright Moon Blue pair have matching shoe laces. They are very comfy as they were made in the U.S. of A. The pink ones were made in China and I can feel the difference. They're a bit stiffer. Both are size 6/mens, 8/ladies, unisex. JL or KJA want to strut in these
Crisp, white Banana Republic, size S shirt. I tried to capture the woven texture. It's lovely, but hard for my camera to seize. I'd describe it as basket-weave. It has pearlized buttons and is pristine and elegant. I acquired this when I thought I would wear different white shirt every day in the summer. Again - Excess. Still available/ 5-26-11
Here's my problem (one of them): I can't resist bargain textiles even when rationally I know it is unlikely I will use them. This shirt comes from Goodwill, and is a Jill Mcgowan shirt. She's a local ME designer and these shirts run $150 +. So, of course I could not resist a Goodwill shirt price tag of $4.99. But I NEVER used this shirt. It is a fine voile with embroidered circles in purple, turquoise and citron. Maybe you could use it? Size S/6-8 JM is going to give it a try!
Another voile shirt, perfect for summer. This is a Garnet Hill offering size 6. It is fitted with princess line styling, very flattering and pretty. Problem for me is that it is short. When I bend or raise my arms, flesh shows. :- p Not happening. I love the way the first button begins below the detailed placket front. The sleeves are 3/4 length with a slit. L.S.is giving it a try.

Trio of White Shirts, Waiting for Adoption

Free Stuff, Day Four - Ethnic tops

These tops are all a bit big for me, though I enjoyed them in their days. I'd say they're solid Mediums.

Polyester beaded kurta, made in India, ends at top of thigh. I wore it to a friend's wedding several years ago. Scooped up by MSM !

Cotton beach cover-up, also beaded. This one is made by Matta and has fine detail. If you know Matta, you know what I mean. Very soft, hand printed fabric with hand bead work around flare cuffs and neckline. Falls off my shoulders, so would be good for someone larger than I am. Close-up below. Can't figure out why I can't upload the photos in the order in which I want them! An addition to JM's wardrobe!
Silk and rayon Chinese jacket with hand embroidery. Label says size 36, which is probably right as I measure 34" at the bust and this is a bit roomy. Off to ASC in CA!
Here's that Matta cover-up again.

Free Stuff, Day Three!

Ensembles that can be snagged either as a group or individually - Here we go!

Lucky brand sweater that imitates an Indian paisley in a wool blend - rayon, wool, cashmere, nylon- soft and snuggly - open front, no closures. I loved this, but am through with it now. Size M claimed by LSH
Lemon Twist skirt, made and designed in San Francisco, similar to black denim dress from yesterday's offerings - oversized pockets attached with gussets of brown denim! Cool! I love this print with little polka dots. size M, 6-8. The skirt is fun over leggings and capris. claimed by JPS
I love the sweater and top together, a happy coincidence, not purchased together. I'd like to give them away together, but am open to separating them too.
Not really an ensemble, but could be - these are gaucho pants (?), very wide legs so it appears to be a skirt - dark wash denim with spandex and sitting below the waist. Very comfy and flattering. Canadian designed and made, with four snaps securing it below the waist. Frontal view of these pants/skirt are shown in last picture. Still Available/5-26-11


Pull on stretch jersey skirt, purchased in Canada, but made in China (sorry), irregular hem and lots of detail. Too much for me, as there is a sort of ribbon hanging down in back which makes it kinda young for this 65er. GREAT travel skirt and pulls on cutely over pants.
Back view -hard to see, but there are ribbons, though black. Still Available/5-26-11
Finally that gaucho thing again, but also the ballet sweater which is "on the block" too. It's a Sundance sweater of fine merino wool in dark wine color. Versatile. I used it in lots of different ways. Size S. claimed by JPS

SIZING - Grrr. It's always hard to figure out, but keep in mind, I am basically between a small and medium, a size 6 to 8 generally but sometimes a 4.

WHO RECEIVES THIS STUFF - If there is more than one person who wants any item, I'll figure out a fair way to decide. I will love seeing this stuff going to lots of friends.

Free Stuff! con't'd

Dresses! Free to good homes -
Designed and made in San Francisco, this black denim dress is under the label Lemon Twist. It has great big pockets lined with bright, bold cotton. It's a size S, but obviously generous sizing. I had planned to use it as a jumper with a long sleeved cotton T underneath, but actually never did. It's very comfy and barely used. claimed by JPS
I wanted a flannel shirt last fall, so went to Goodwill for it. This is cowboy style with pearlized snap buttons and all the cowboy detail. It's size L and very soft. claimed by BW


Canadian designed and made, I bought this in Stratford, Ontario when I attended the Shakespeare Festival in 2003. I then wore it to Cindy and Ethan's rehearsal dinner and therefore it is rather sentimental. But at 65, I don't care for the wrinkly neck and turkey wattles with shoestring straps. I'm sad to let this one go - size 8, but European sizing so really more of a 4 to 6, a CITRINE label. Fully lined. Beautiful quality cotton. claimed by EMC

Free Stuff!

We've had lots o' rain in the last couple of weeks and there is no sunshine in the foreseeable future. I'm driven to do things like clean my closets. GASP! My plan is to post garments (and maybe other items) here and anyone who wants to claim them can have them for FREE, as long as you pay postage. I won't charge anything for handling so it should be minimal.

My first two offerings are shirts.


Argyle Sweater, sleeveless, in extra fine merino wool. It's luxurious feeling. Size S-M, 6-8, originally $75 snagged by PRS


Kookai silk shirt, used once for a wedding. Mandarin collar, oriental style closures, raw edges on the 3/4 sleeves. Size 1, but I think that means small, about a 4-6. It's really a great shirt but I just haven't used it. It was $200 in about 2008. If you're interested in the whole outfit, I have beautiful brocade pants, size 6, that look great with it, and a bright orange silk camisole. Snagged by PRS along with brocade pants.

My Newly Found Offspring

I had a epiphany recently, that is making my life sweeter, and those around me too. I'm treating others as if they are my offspring. As a mother, there is no bigger love than that for my children who are now grown. Especially when I was responsible for their care entirely, I felt everything they did, their pain and joy. I was hurt when they were injured and elated when they were happy.

As a teacher, when I had difficult students, I tried to think of them as my own children and asked myself, How would her/his mother want her/him treated? The answer was with kindness and respect. And yet, relationships with adults seem more complicated. I have found it much more difficult to accept and honor every adult in my path, especially those who pushed my buttons and irritated me. Often the people we see the most are just such people. (smile, blush)

This week I had the realization that if I really applied myself and committed myself, I could transfer my feelings for children, my own and others, to adults. With this new perspective I find that I have less resentment and more compassion toward those who challenge me. Those challenging ones are the gifts, right? How else can we grow? Not through comfort, not through insulating ourselves with those who agree with us, not through avoiding conflict and pain.

Kindle Reading

Lucky me; I received a Kindle as a Christmas gift. I wasn't sure I even wanted one, but once gifted, I no longer had to decide. I immediately downloaded Dickens' Little Dorrit, a hefty 1.000 page tome. I have enjoyed traveling with my kindle, am impressed with the policy of allowing downloads of first chapters before ordering books and love the light weight and small size of the unit.

That being said, I have not given up hold-in-my-hands-books. I haven't ordered a single new book on my Kindle since my original three. In fact, most of my reading is still from the library or the discount table at Brookline Booksmith. Along with The New Yorker, I still choose hard copy reading over Kindle reading. It's a great way to take a lot of books on a trip though, and I'll be taking it with me whenever I do long distance or long term traveling.

By the way, my new favorite author is Sherman Alexie. T and I have both completed Ten Little Indians, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian and War Dances. So far.


During the Super Moon in March, I read my kindle all through the night.