Sequins and a top hat!

We went to the local strip mall in Cape May looking for New Year's decorations but most of the stores were sold out.  We ended up at this little privately owned store, "Cindy's Cards & Gifts" located at 3845 Bayshore Road.  They graciously hosted us for a photo shoot.

Since we don't have any plans for tonight I decided to put on my tackiest sequin clothing and make my own party at the store by playing with all the toys and modeling all of their gorgeous paper apparel!

 So Happy New Year everyone

and don't forget to kiss the ones you love!

xoxoxox

penelope

What color should I wear today?

I love color, so dressing myself in all black is not something I usually do.  There are times, however, when it works perfectly.  Today I went to the The Magic Gardens in Philadelphia and the color was so vibrant there that any color I could have worn would have paled in comparison. I also like the way the black looks in contrast to this incredibly colorful fantasy world created by the artist Isaiah Zagar.  Fashion may be art but art definitely takes center stage here.  Maybe my next project should be a mosaic dress!

Bicycle wheels were used to create windows onto other parts of the mosaic landscape.

Small tunnels lead you to small rooms like going through a maze or a labyrinth, and every square inch is covered in mosaic. If you are ever in Philadelphia, The Magic Gardens is definitely a must see.

You never know what you will find...

After spotting this funky box in a corner of Etcetera Thrift Store in North Cape May, NJ I just had to open it...

... and voila!  Sensational vintage "Roller Derby" skates!  So of course I tried them on and they fit perfectly, only I almost fell on my butt immediately and knew that I was not destined for the rink.  Oh, did you see the price tag on the box?  $5!  I could at least use them for decor - maybe tuck a vase inside and display some pink roses.

But I did this instead...

...and then this!  What do you think of my new shoes?

Slow down and check out this outfit!

Shopping at the Goodwill during this season of goodwill is a really good thing to do!  Yesterday I went to their store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ and bought these fabulous suspender pants and a retro paisley shirt.

I upcycled these high top sneakers by cutting out the tongue and the top part of the rubber toe.  Then I laced them with black and white satin ribbons.  People always do a double take when I wear these shoes.  I love to catch them smiling or giggling.

I have these beautiful earrings which match the shirt perfectly that my friend Annie made.  I visited her last January and you can see a photo of us making art together in her amazing studio in Ben Lomond, CA  here.

Anyone want to go shopping with me next time?

My Best Christmas Outfit

This dress is like an old fashioned hoop skirt.  It swings when I walk and usually gets where I'm going before I do.  Sitting down in it takes a lot of practice.  It has a tendency to pop up and hit me in the face!  

This is the Christmas tree that my husband and I made out of an upside down garden trellis spray painted green.  I like to dress my trees almost as much as I like to dress myself. 

Merry Christmas everyone and have fun wearing something festive today!

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Christmas Coat

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I bought this fantastic coat at a consignment shop in Wildwood, NJ called 

"Turn Around Boutique." 

The buttons have been upcycled with leopard fabric to match the collar.

I love red and green together.  Why do we limit ourselves to wearing it for only one month of the year?  Lets go wild and wear it next summer too!  Maybe a cherry red bathing suit and a bright green sarong?  But its too early to be thinking of summer yet.  Thank goodness I still have a lot of great winter outfits to carry me through!