Vintage Hat Friday!!! Mod Girl vs. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm!

This weekend we will camp in the prefab house kit...
With all this snow and rain, it became apparent we need to focus on the north side of the home site when I spied some water on the edge of the house kit on our last visit and *freaked*.  You may recall we haven't infilled yet, haven't finished grading as we instead focused on the house kit construction and systems.

My horror was put to rest when the contractor told us it came from the water splashing up from the roof when it hits the ground, which is why we need to get those scupper boxes and drain spouts installed asap.

As you know, it really has been UNUSUALLY wet this month; normally this north side wouldn't be an issue. But it's a good excuse to get back on track with the home site grading and plantings, and finishing that exterior area.

SO, this weekend we will be swinging pick axes, shoveling gravel, and grading... manually.
I mean, at least if I had committed a horrible crime it might be worth this Chain Gang weekend...
Well, who am I kidding.
Our prefab house kit is worth doin' the Chain Gang Moves more than anything devious I could ever plot! Plus I need the exercise!


So... think of us this weekend as you relax... we will be busy, again, makin' Something Outta Nothing.

Also: Today I sow the spinach seeds and break out the cold frames.
That can only mean one thing: Vintage Hat Friday ends soon!
In the meantime...

Amy: Red and Blue and Mod All Over

I wore this out today. Oh, oh yes I did. And I’ll have you know I’m going by the hardware store today after work. Good thing I don’t mind expanding people’s horizons a bit at the expense of my own perceived normalcy ;)

Fabulous mod 60’s dress was acquired at (surprise, surprise) the St. Catherine’s’ Theater Sale. Navy blue, red and cream polyester with lots (and lots) of buttons. It took me half an hour this morning just buttoning this thing. Red and cream striped Jean Michelle scarf from Paris was picked up at goodwill YEARS ago. I wanted to wear the dress and had NO IDEA what headwear to pair with it, til I lucked out in my big box o scarves and realized that this one matched perfectly, right down to the off white background colors. Hilariously, I’d always had trouble wearing it with things because it was off white and not white. But today it alllll fell into place.

Bright red tights from Target, chunky brown/black leather shoes from goodwill. I keep that place in business, I tell you.

The whole outfit was less than $20 by a long shot.

Vote for me. Because I brushed my bangs in a new direction and didn’t wear a coat because it simply ‘would not go’. Fierce.

Copeland: Copeland Of Sunnybrook Farm
So, as I shovel and swing a pick axe tomorrow, I will get through it by reminding myself that this outfit portrays the look of success one might achieve through hard work, thrift, and somehow resolving to emanate a feminine demeanor.It is also a good journeying outfit, and these days we embrace new opportunity, so why not be at the ready with your bags packed?
(Note: Our prefab house kit work is even taking me to Switzerland this month, unless I can push one of the architects on the plane instead.)

One can project a sophisticated, feminine, pulled together look merely on a dime or two. 
You don't have to tell the world that...

• the blouse is from a suit bought for $3 at an estate sale
• the hand made, hand knit skirt was purchased for fifty cents
• the hat is often used in Vintage Hat Fridays, a $4 purchase from a vintage shop this summer
• the heels have tripped and wiped out in more nightclubs than you ever should know about yet add that "I can match my dog" touch o' class.

So.... Vote Fer Meeeee!

 

Vintage! Hat! Friiiiiday! The Music Video Version.

I deeply apologize for that recent endless spate of Vintage Hat Friday posts - everyone must bear them, but never has it been one post after the other due to being snowed away from the net zero prefab house kit for so long!
: )

I was just thinking today: Almost time to pull out the cold frames...
When the seeds sprout, Vintage Hat Friday ends for the year!

And, thinking of seeds, there was a great article this week on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, where we've purchased our seeds for years. They are not just a company, but also a community. http://bit.ly/9pUkii [LOVE THEM!]

Of course this brings me back to the subject of intentional community, and recent thoughts on the "luck-of-the-draw" when you randomly purchase a home (we had always been really fortunate and are still close with our old neighbors)...

We have always been SO community oriented / have such great friends in The Fan, North Side, now in Pamplin... we have lived in great communities but you have to realize that when you buy a house it really is LUCK that enables you to have fun people with similar humor, schedules and interests.

Choosing neighbors with similar mindsets (intentional community) is really not such a hippie thing (hey look at the gated communities!); but is an opportunity to put it all together as a full lifestyle: literally, just build your own vibrant community.

*Believe me, we now know.*...
A gorgeous mid-century house can't buy me love. ; )


I just want to say to my community:
Talk to me dah-lin', with the message of LOVE!
(And thaz right, Chrissie, you save them thar trees!)


Our friends get that. Tonight we'll be going to Girls Night (where the guys are of course invited too but we just call it that to make them mind their P's and Q's) one block away from where Decrepit Crappy Fan Farmhouse We're Considering sits. You know, the ill-built urban farm house with which we are falling in love. Yet we are also still in love with our solid, responsible, in the West End, mid-century modern house.

I feel like I'm on the Bachelor: "But I'm in love, with many houses!"
But only one gets the ring. And we're leaning towards the shabby sistuh, honeychile.

NO we don't aspire to own multiple homes.
The plan, from the beginning, was to slowly make Something-Outta-Nothing on the land so we could move there after our children finish the international program they are *fortunate* to be a part of, to be sustainable, while, hopefully, possibly, maintaining a ROOM in Richmond so we wouldn't have to rely on friends to always put us up, giving us access to my home town, where we have lots of friends, and the James River.

We know that urban farmhouse we're considering has no insulation, is poorly made, falling apart.
But you know what Bo would say...


Wait. Did I just mention Bo Diddley? Have you not gotten enough of him?
What, you need to see more? Ok.
Hey: Bo! C'mon and high jack this thread heah fer a moment!


I don't know...
I *do* know that we are feeling the wind shift, sniffing the air, testing the boundaries of what we want and expect for ourselves.
At night, I look about the warm glow within the mid-century, the comforting brick walls, the dogs and children sound asleep, mouths open, breathing gently in their slumber and I wonder,
"What if this is the biggest mistake we ever make?"

And I suddenly yearn to be on the land again, when it was just us and a camper, for it to be cold and clear with endless stars and for the dogs and I to be the only ones awake inside, listening to the outside: alive and aware of our intrusion.


After I finish volunteering Saturday for the Children's Home Society of Virginia, we are going to look at that urban farmhouse.  It's a strange feeling: it will go either way, but whichever way we choose we will be giving up a part of us, a part of a dream... it is not a good feeling but at the same time...


Sniffing the wind, adjusting the sails, preparing to batten down...
Yet, in juxtaposition, it's like a palm falling slowly open against a pillow, releasing all.
I release it.



We are ready for the next steps.
Even if we grow where we are currently planted.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is probably the longest introduction to Vintage Hat Friday ever.

Copeland: Carmen Miranda Dolled Up Fer A Journey

So if I'm subjecting myself to all this angst and thoughtful dilemma, I'd better be ready to travel.

I wouldn't dream of doing so without

• my Italian 1960s Callaghan wool tulip dress
• 1950s white shrug
• properly embroidered gloves and hankie
• a fruity hat that declares I am ripe for a journey, and, to further show my willingness for adventure.

My decoupage purse serves dual purposes: The owl represents my readiness for flight; the sturdy wooden construction doubles as a weapon to whack anyone that gets in my way!

So take that!

Vote for meeeeee!

Amy: Olive and Draaaaaaab

The outfit reflects the weather and the season. Gray, brown… and just a hint of green.

The season is teetering on the brink of spring, but with the unseasonably cold temps and leftover snow still in piles everywhere, things just don’t seem as warm as you’d hope. I love the snow, I really do. But it’s about to be March, and I need some serious rain to wash the roads down and get things back to standard operating procedures…

All that in mind, this outfit is about end-of-Winter doldrums, trying to stay warm while still pulling out the Spring skirts, and wishing for motorcycle weather that is tantalizingly just around the corner.

Boots: you’ve seen them before. A lot. Still weatherproof and waterproof and upholding their rather extensive money back guarantee promises. Sometimes it pays to pay… but not often. As the rest of my outfit attests: Cable Knit thigh highs: on sale from Target $4, Skirt was $6 at Goodwill, Buell Motorcycles Tshirt $7 on sale from the Harley store, Scarf $10 on ebay, Purse and Bomber jacket both from the St. Catherine’s Theater sale, Belt - $2 at Diversity Thrift, and the gloves were a gift.

The Hat was yet another acquisition from a thoughtful friend who enjoys watching me embarrass myself here weekly. And knows I have a penchant for green and brown.

Snow is cool November through Feb, but I’d like my Spring now, please? Vote for me! And nice weather. We get to vote for that right?

 

Vintage! Hat! Friiiiiday!

Great news, prefab green house kit enthusiasts! IT DID NOT SNOW.
So Handsome Husband WILL be trekking out to the off grid net zero SIPs house tomorrow, and will take pictures of the interior walls that were just built!

So you will see some changes in the prefab house kit this weekend.
Currently we are still saving money so that we can pay in cash for our systems and labor costs.
Unfortunately we do not think we will have enough saved before the next Prefab Off Grid House Kit Open House to have everything paid for and installed...  But certainly by the following Open House this fall you should be able to peruse the house kit with the systems incorporated. I mean, heck, the house kit itself has been done for a year, all the other stuff (systems, finishing) are up to you, any-hoo... but it *will* be fun and amazing when we are able to see our prefab green home complete.

So, there will be a pause, then further fast construction and activity.  (And don't forget that after we finish the off grid net zero house, we move on slowly to create a sustainable farm!)

But wait.
What day is it, you say?
(Oh, yes, I can hear your groans... don't worry, spring is coming, which will soon mean the end to...)
Vintage! Hat! FRIDAY!!!!!

Amy: Giddyup Gallantly!
(Ok Copeland named this one since Amy is telecommuting today and didn't send in a title...)

Every season this skirt ends up in a vaguely equestrian getup.

Burgundy hat with net and feathers? $6

Hand dyed silk scarf from etsy? $25

Silk blouse from consignment shop? $20

Vintage velvet vest? $3

Ruffle backed skirt? $13

Leather Gloves? A gift.

Boots? well... Alot. But they'll last.

Always being prepared for spontaneous foxhunting? Priceless.

Copeland: One Night In Bangkok

Remember last weekend when we had NO KIDS and went hiking in Richmond's Fan District for hours? Well, in the course of our adventures, we stopped into Fan Thrift.  And I found the *perfect* navy with gold sparkly bamboo print dress to wear to the Museum Director's Chinese New Year Party that evening.  I couldn't help but blurt to him, upon arrival that...

"Hello, welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Casati..."
"I'm wearing a Dollar-Ninety-Eight Dress, Mr. Museum Director. Oh yes I am, $1.98."
"Um... Please come in..."

The orchid in my hair? (for the museum party) Was severed from one of my plants by a seven year old playing Star Wars with a light saber. Stuff happens, put it to reuse.
The hat? Another find from years ago... can't remember, sorry!
The gloves? From the fab estate sale last summer!

The dress? DID I MENTION THE DRESS COST A DOLLAR-NINETY-EIGHT?!? Unfortunately the photos don't show the GLITTER of the gold, it is rather fantastic.
The Goblet? Oh, the goblet! The gobletS! For three years I have kept an eye out when trolling thrift stores for a nice set of wine glasses for the prefab net zero house kit. You want something heavyish so that it's durable, and as a hostess you imagine the scenario of shattering glasses on your polished concrete floors... Well. Look what I found: Silverplated goblets. Handsome Husband is horrified, "You look like you're from the Knights of The Round Table, not some coolio modern house." No, really, they'll go with everything mod, I have it all planned out.

He just doesn't get it yet: See, when we have a mad party at the off grid house, and when you guys let those 1960s silver plated goblets purchased for TWO DOLLARS apiece (yes, $2.) slip outta yer hands... I won't cry, they'll just bounce off the concrete floor and all tha' more patina to 'em!

So VOTE FOR ME!

P.s. Here, in our business, in our lives, what holds us together is strength, and although we celebrate design and recycled, reused glamor, remember:
I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine...
(Ok I found this video and just had to play it, so pretend that's my brilliant segue into this just for fun. 'K?)

 

And Then There Was Snow

Oh, in case you are wondering, SNOWPOCALYPSE continues...
And they are calling for MORE SNOW this weekend.
S(n)o(w), no: No visit to the prefab passive solar house kit this weekend. 


Prefab construction enthusiasts take heart: I *will* have a systems post for you on more to consider when building your *own* house kit this week, as well as a post on the energy audit, AND a post on land preservation, inheritance!


But let's face it: This weather is wreaking havoc with EVERYTHING.

You can either rail against yer bad luck, or...
you can enjoy it.



So we went to Maymont...

Maymont from Copeland Casati on Vimeo.

Magnolia cave at Maymont from Copeland Casati on Vimeo.

Then we headed over to the H's to warm up in The Fan, a neighborhood in Richmond.


The Fan in the snow... from Copeland Casati on Vimeo.

...Despite not being able to visit the prefab net zero energy off grid house kit, we are  having a nice time with our friends.
'Cause... that's what friends are for!


We shall see if there are visits to the prefab green home any time soon... 
*sigh*

But wait. What's this? Is it FRIDAY you say?
It's for bleak, dark winter days like this that we created...
Vintage! Hat! FRIDAY!!!!!

Amy: “These Boots were Made for Rockin’ ”

For the first time in my life today, I asked myself ‘Boots or Legwarmers?’ and my wardrobe answered… ‘Both.’

This fabulous hat (I’m pretty sure ‘fabulous is the only adequate term’) was acquired from a  good friend who happened upon it in a thrift store and thought I’d find a way to do it justice some Friday (or perhaps he thought it would simply look hilarious). Either way, I’m grateful that it found its way to my head in all its silver ribbon-ed, horsehair accented, rhinestone bedecked glory. I have something of a large head by the standards of vintage fashion, so finding one that actually fits is always a joy.

The black jacket and the dress are both from goodwill and purchased for about $7 each. The leggings and legwarmers were hand me downs. The boots were picked up from Diversity Thrift for $12. The purse (yes, you’ve seen it before, it’s quickly becoming a staple) was a mere 50 cents at the St. Catherine’s theater sale… I’m beginning to think that one will go down in the history books around here for years to come as the near-mythic thrift highlight of our considerable experience.

Copeland: Rainbow Rosie

Hat: High school theater sale
Coat: Disgruntled Mother In Law From Europe - check out the gradients - it goes from mustard to olive, awesome!
Dress: A friend's mom
Shoes: 1980s Yves Saint Laurent

Gotta run to another meeting! Vote for meeeeeeee!

 

No Trip To The Prefab Net Zero Home... Again. But wait... what day is it?

School is canceled. Again.
It has begun snowing, AGAIN, clearly because my children wore their pajamas inside out last night... Dag it, that trick WORKS. They now have their noses pressed to the window, chanting,
"Don't stop, snow! Don't stop, snow!"
And the snow is responding strongly to their encouragement.
*sob*

So no, no visit to the off grid net zero energy prefab house kit this weekend.
Yes, I am miserable.
I would *really* like to see my supposedly existing interior walls!
I would *really* like to sleep in the bedroom spaces, now that they are REAL ROOMS!
I want to feel the spaces about me, to sleep in a different room each night just to see what it's like.
(I was beginning to think they were Imaginary Walls, just like our Imaginary Chickens...)
But it's days like this that...


 .

 .

 .


 .

VINTAGE! HAT! FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
was invented!

Bring it.

Copeland: Red Revolt!
Today is National Wear Red day, and I am wearing red to fight heart disease.

The Dress: I had no idea it was a mystery to wear, much less that it was without a zipper, until I put it on. SO, although I felt a bit unfair using it against Amy when the vintage dress is from Amy, because this dress is so screwed up (I still don't think I have it on right) I am certain I have no advantage.

The Ring: On my 25th birthday I bought this for myself in Finland. It is by a famous craftsman. I did not write down his name. I was too focused on proving to myself I would never want to be married and resolved to never fall in love and this was a symbol of a Gal Who Only Earns Her Own Way And Buys Herself Her Own Jewelry And Needn't Ever Rely On ANYONE. Yeah, yeah... Handsome Husband sure screwed that up...

The Coat: My Handsome Husband-That-Wasn't-Supposed-To-Happen found this vintage coat from Finland (note: I adore Finland. File that under "Subject To Avoid Bringing Up" unless you want me to go on, and on, and on...) in a local thrift store and gave it to me as a gift.

The Hat: A happy purchase from Bygone's annual Get Rid Of Stuff sale! I think it was $2. I love it.

The Boots: Well, if you're going to have a proper Revolution, you need a good sturdy pair of boots, and these are just the trick: my awesome riding boots, ready for the slushy snowy fight!

REVOLT AGAINST THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!! Vote for meeeeeee!
(Please note: if you vote for me that you need to also comment, "Wow what a great photographer!" as a certain out-of-school 7 year old took those blurry pictures..)

[Amy is telecommuting from Fredericksburg. She sends this in:]

Amy: Be vewy, vewy quiet. I am huntin' snowflakes.

An authentic coonskin cap paired with some completely inappropriate camo, given the current weather conditions. But vote for me, cause clearly Hell has frozen over as I'm wearing camo and holding a rifle... (that *is* a rifle, right?) Oh, and apparently the rifle is *also* vintage. So sayeth my sources.

Oh, and the wicked awesome pair of snow boots? Those ARE mine. I bought them at goodwill for $4 back in November, Just. In. Case.

Happy Snow Day :)

[Copeland's note: That IS something I never ever thought I'd see sweet Amy be holding! Much less wearing camo!  Ironically I almost used one of my handguns as a prop but didn't go the Dr. Zhivago route I originally planned! Geez... I think I might have to vote for her!]

 

Vintage! Hat! Friday! Bring On The Snow!

Didja hear it's gonna snow? Didja hear it's gonna snow? Didja hear it's gonna snow? 

Now this would have been an example where, upon seeing the big snow forecast and knowing our children already don't have school on Monday, we would have grabbed our closest friends, piled into the car, gathered lots of provisions and headed for the prefab net zero energy house kit to get snowed in!!!

I haven't really shown people the land yet as we're focused on the prefab green home construction, but know it is PERFECT for sledding and skiing.  The house kit and fields sit atop the highest point; then it descends to the tobacco barn, where it climbs and winds back into the hills. It is PERFECT: you could climb then sled / ski down -or- you could have fun hiking / cross country skiing over the field and along the beautiful roads, passing nothing but old farms and woods.

To see another opportunity like this pass us by simply because we have no heat is painful...

BUT: On the prefab net zero energy passive solar house kit front... WE HAVE INTERIOR WALLS!!!!!!!!!!!

So you can imagine how much I am *dying* to head out to the land and see for myself what it feels like to have ROOMS, *real* *rooms*!  We may still have no systems, but we have WALLS! 
We can now invite friends over and give them a BEDROOM!

[Picture by the ever-awesome Shawn Stanley, who gave us the mod fireplace...]

Interior wall pictures of the prefab house kit soon... as soon as we can get OUT there...
In the meantime... it is... VINTAGE! HAT! FRIDAAAAAAY!
(Oh yes, it is. And you thought this was going to be a construction post.)

Amy: “Bonjour, Paris!”

Last week you CLEARLY stated a preference for quiet, understated hats. I’ve heard you, masses.

As opposed to last weeks’ Italian frippery, I’ve donned a compact velvet French number I dug up for $7 in an antique store.

If I have to cover all of Europe to find something you approve of, I shall. Don’t make me do it!

As for the rest of the outfit: the jacket was $8 at Goodwill, also where I bought the Guess Jeans for $3.50. 

The double sided hound’s-tooth scarf was inherited from my grandmother, the lovely cameo brooch was a gift from friends, and the belted shirt a gift from another friend. 

The purse was 50 cents at the St. Catherine’s theater sale. 

The gloves were from Halcyon I believe? 

The boots were my personal birthday gift to moi, While they were more than I usually spend on boots, they are insulated, weatherproof, SLIP PROOF!, and my friend assures me that they put me “perilously close to looking like you’re always ready for a Foxhunt.”

I’m so Okay with that.

Vote for me; because if I lose in another landslide of scorn again this week I’m throwing darts at my hatboxes to figure out what to wear next Friday.

Copeland: Bring On The SNOW!!!!
I am ready. The vintage coat is from Finland, my FAVORITE country (The architecture! The Moomins! The Forestry Schools! The Midsummer Parties! The mosquitoes the size of a large puppy!).

The shirt? Vintage, probably purchased from Fan Thrift for a few cents... I can't remember...

The hat? FINE, I stole it from my dad a few years ago... hey, at least I'm not like my brother, heck, he stole my dad's GUNS, I just borrowed a vintage tweed hat that doesn't even fit him!

The SKI SUIT.  This was purchased from a thrift store when everyone was doing the disco theme in the '90s - I permed my stick-straight hair into an afro, teased it up, popped in some tight glittery barrettes on either side a la Shalom Harlow, and wore these ski pants to clubs.   

Oh yes I did, I have pictures, and no you can't see them.

The boots: I have had 'em for twenty years so that counts as vintage, kinda?

The ring: Purchased from random thrift stores, I collected 1960's lucite rings when I was a lil' punk rocker kid. Still wear 'em regularly.

And thaz it! Vintage Hat Friday continues... vote for meeeeee!

P.s. Later note: I was disappointed to realize that no, I didn't steal the hat. I realized that there's a reason it wouldn't fit my dad's head: the hat is actually my GRANDMOTHERS!

 

Rainy Vintage Hat Friday

Next up is a systems post where we talk about HRV/ERV, etc. so stay tuned.
But it is Friday, at a certain time o' the year, where we celebrate reuse and recycling of discarded clothing in the workplace so you are just going to have to put up with (or ignore) our seasonal silliness.

Because, yes, it is... Vintage Hat Friday!!!!!!!!!!

Copeland: I woke up demure.
I have no idea why...
Maybe it is the remnants of being sick all week. I think I have walking pneumonia, so maybe that's why I gravitated to this navy blue 1940's (? '50s?) dress, does blue symbolize health? I have no idea, I'm just delirious.

I bought this dress, used, in a thrift store in my teens, and wore it paired it with combat boots... then later, in my 20s, re-discovered it for swing dancing.  Now, it looks perfectly appropriate to offer you tea on a rainy day, comfortable to spend the workday in, to lounge, yet still look pulled together and dainty.

The hat came from the high school theater sale we visited this summer... the gloves, well, those were worn for a season in my 20s...

You have to take a close look at the earrings, some of my favorite! Dogwoods, to symbolize Virginia. I found them at a backyard yard sale an older woman was having and fell in love with them, wear them all the time.  And the tea set... another yard sale, yep, a mid-century silver tea set at a YARD SALE. It's amazing how many people have no idea what is underneath old items with black tarnish...(?!?) I can't tell you how many silver mid-century things we have picked up cheaply just because they weren't polished...

Vote for me!!! Miss Demure!!!! (for today, at least...)

Amy: ".... Nice Hat..."

...Were the words that greeted me from a pleasant passerby this morning when I arrived at work. I wasn't sure whether that was a good sign or a bad one, but either way I sashayed my way into the office. You gotta have a lot of confidence (or at least a capacity to fake confidence) if you're gonna wear this hat.

I can tell you only 3 things about this hat:

1. I inherited it from my Grandma.
2. It's from Italy (so sayeth the Tag)
3. And it looks like nothing so much as an ill kept poodle decided to roll about in some really huge pieces of glitter, and then nap on my head.

Hat aside (if that's even possible at this point) the coat is my favorite vintage London Fog trench picked up at a sale at Nonesuch (when it was still on operation *sigh*) and the dress was a lovely bargain over at the St. Catherine's Theater sale late last year. The shoes, as per the usual, are from Goodwill.

Comeon. Look. At. This. Hat. I wore this out of the house this morning. VOTE FOR ME!

 

Vintage! Hat! Friday!!!! La Grippe Edition

I hear a rumor that an Energy Audit might happen in the prefab net zero passive solar house kit this weekend IF it doesn't conflict with meetings with the fireplace installer OR the carpenter OR the electrician... Regardless, there will be updates on the prefab green home forthcoming after the weekend.

On To Vintage Hat Friday!

Now, now. Just because we have a little touch o' tha grippe doesn't mean you'd think we'd cancel our so-recently-resurrected Vintage Hat Friday, now, do you?

Oh, no. We have eager minions awaiting in the wings to step into our Recycled & Reused Clothing At Work Spotlight when the divas fall ill.

In Amy's corner:  ROMEO
Romeo is modeling a pancake.
I have no idea WHY Romeo is modeling a pancake, because Amy is in a client meeting off site today.
I can only hope his pancake is not VINTAGE, yet am confident it is home made from this morning's breakfast.I await further comments from Amy... But am certain Romeo is whispering...
"Vintage Hat Friday! Vote for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

On Copeland's side: We present... FRENCH FRY!

French Fry has decided to reuse a vintage hat from Season 1.  

French Fry, please explain to us all your strategy and the history of this outfit.

French Fry: "Bok."

...And there you have it!!!!  
Vote for French Fry!!!!!

 

Vintage! Hat! Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiday! Yes, it returns. At least until the seeds start sprouting in the cold frames.

We are supposed to go to the net zero prefab SIPs house this weekend.
It is supposed to be TEN DEGREES tomorrow.

Please know we are not usually this talkative as we have been in the past week or two - usually I post about once a week, maybe every ten days. I can only blame my tallkin'-up-a-blue-streak on the dark, frigid winter and my anxiety over immediate heat in the prefab green home!

And to truly test your patience...
Vintage Hat Friday is back!
Vintage Hat Friday helps us get through the black winter days, until seedlings begin to sprout in the cold frames and Friday's are again welcomed with garden experiments and warmth.

The holidays are over, there is snow on the ground, it will be TEN DEGREES... yet Vintage Hat Friday proves that recycled, reclaimed style can still BRING IT, adding affordable sparkle and style to our workplace.  To vote, just add a comment below telling us for whom you vote.
[And remember... Vote for ME!]

Amy: More Bogart then Bergman Perhaps…

"But really, if I had a hat as fabulous as Ingrid Bergman’s in Casablanca, I’d never take it off, and this competition would get very boring indeed.

I won’t lie, we’ve had a busy, productive winter at work. So much so that despite my best efforts to be whimsical today, I still came up all business. This was partly my own doing, and partly the result of a good friend telling me that I shouldn’t “Showboat” on the first Vintage Hat Friday of the season (he clearly didn’t know Copeland had a green mink… heck, I didn’t know Copeland had a vintage green mink!) but either way I think I could sweep a long scarf over my shoulder and board a plane in style in this ensemble.


The Hat: Yes, yes, you’ve seen it before. It was my grandfathers, and is quite, quite old and beautifully preserved, despite the fact that my brothers and I used to fight over who got to wear it as kids when we were playing ‘Indiana Jones’. I swear there are some new hats in the running this season, but there’s no shame in reusing a fabulous hat!

The Rest: The coat is a White House, Black Market brand trench I picked up at Goodwill for $12. This is the crown jewel in my thrift accomplishments of 4th quarter 2009. I was floored when I found it, and I love it to bits. The brown leather gloves: lovely gift from a friend, nice, warm, chic, and go oh-so-well with the shoes. Shoes: Another Goodwill find, $4 brown leather penny loafer styled high heels. Skirt is a black wrap style pencil skirt from Target (on clearance for $14) Shirt was on clearance at NY&Co, and the vest, well I paid full, blasted retail price for that vest. But every now and again, something warrants it. This did.

The Briefcase! I almost forgot the briefcase! This vintage lovely briefcase given to me by a friend, purportedly obtained in Germany while her family was overseas serving in the military. Fabulous in form and function, sleek and so very, very useful. I’ve been dragging it everywhere since I got it. And if I do say so myself ties the Hat, shoes, gloves, and all together rather nicely.

Happy Vintage Hat Friday and Vote for Me! Because this week it’s all business, but there are hats with bows and silver ribbon and sparkly bits in your future. Well… My future. I promise."

Copeland: Bring it, Marchesa.
[Amy's talking about business makes me realize, Dag, she's right- we've touched Colombia, Switzerland, Virginia and Texas all in one week for work, no wonder I'm exhausted! ]


"Baby, it's cold outside. But that doesn't stop me from donning my score-of-the-summer:
A vintage Guy Laroche dress purchased at a high school theater department sale! Yay vintage, yay reuse, yay spending money recycling for a good cause! The jaunty hat is from the same sale, and when I add the vintage coat my mother-in-law gave me (I would never *purchase* fur. It was a gift, and dead before I was born. These temperatures are what the durned coat was made for. But do know I'm very against fur for fashion. At least the coat is warm on a subzero day.)...  

Together, it makes me feel like The Marchesa Casati.

That is, if the Marchesa were a business lady with pink hair. Ok, maybe Marchesa Casati in her more bedraggled years, tearing through the dumpster in the early morning hours, sporting gold lame and a gown. Um......never mind.
BRING ON THE COLD, BABY, I'M READY TO HEAT UP THE PREFAB!"

 

Vintage! Hat! Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiday!!!!!!! Rises from the dead... Halloween Edition!

Oh yes, Vintage Hat Friday is back, a special Halloween edition before the real competition begins in the dark and gloomy winter. 

But beware: We take challengers DEADLY seriously... especially on Hallows Eve.

So if your company enjoys celebrating reuse, recycling, and stylish second-use clothes in the workplace [that means you, Eric Drivdahl of Seattle's Gelotte Hommas and our prefab Green Cottage Kits!], toss your hat in the ring now to compete in the upcoming Vintage Hat Friday 2010 Edition. We will resume our Vintage Hat Friday's for the season once it is dreary and dark enough - the purpose is to add a little humor to dark winter days, and ends with the first signs of spring, once you start to think about seedlings in cold frames and new growth of the garden season ahead.

If you are new to Vintage Hat Friday, here's how to vote: Tell us whom you favor and why by adding a comment, below.  The key to this competition is to remember: you always want to vote for ME. (Me as in Copeland. Just so yer not confused.)

Amy: Guten Morgen!

It may be a day early, but we here at C3 believe you can never have too flimsy an excuse for dressing up in something vintage and fabulous. I think that may actually be one of the bylaws in our company polices. So when I saw this sweet vintage Austrian dancing dress on Etsy back in August, I knew I’d hit the jackpot for costumey-goodness this year. It’s even got a dancing couple on the zipper pull! This dress is ready to ROCK! … Or possibly Polka. Whatever the case, paired with some knee highs, a pair of vintage styled heels I snagged from Goodwill, and a button down shirt I already owned (but which also came from Goodwill), I’m ready to….

Wait. What?

This is supposed to be a Vintage Hat Friday preview? Why wasn’t I TOLD? I thought we were just dressing up…. Uh… hang on. I need to go get my hat. I… um… left it… ‘in the car.’

OK… well....… I’m making a statement about remembering to be environmentally friendly this Halloween by using green materials for my head accessory. And for you diehards who aren’t buying it: you’ve heard the expression “old as dirt?” The bush grew in the dirt. The flower is full of nutrients from the earth, and that’s really, REALLY old. So this flower is practically super-vintage.

Vote for me!

Copeland: I call this outfit, "Out, Out, Danged Spot!"
After having the flu invade last week, and preparing for Halloween and a return to the land / prefab modern house kit this weekend, the chores and catch-up have been overwhelming.  The spot on my hand symbolizes all that frustration:

I want it out, gone, removed. So....  
Out, OUT, Danged Spot. 
'Cause we have living to do.

The gown I acquired, already used and threadbare, half-a-lifetime ago, in a dingy Broad Street shop (where I also found my prior Halloween dress).  The "veil" is made of a bolt of vintage fabric found in the same time period, and the hat (oh, I have to wear a proper hat for all of you bickering critics who insist the 'hat' has to be structure, no?) found and reused from an estate sale last year.

VOTE FOR MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!


So there you have it: Vintage Hat Friday: Halloween Edition.
We now sink slowly back into the dark mists to await the winter re-awakening of...
Vintage.
Hat.
Friday.
[Creepy ominous laugh inserted here...]

 

Last Vintage Hat Friday!

Yes (tolling bells slowly across the land)...
It is the last Vintage Hat Friday.

Vintage Hat Friday helped us to bear those dark winter days in the workplace, an excuse to celebrate second-use clothes and show that you can be stylish and reused savvy in the workplace!

But now our work breaks turn towards spring- where you will find us crouched over cold frames eagerly tending the first crop of the season.

So, in the spirit of Vintage Hat Friday, we thought we'd end with a twist:
For all you loyalists, we decided to SWITCH OUTFITS of previously shown vintage duds!
So thaz right, peeps- Amy is wearing one of MY outfits, and I am wearing one of HERS!

So who ya gonna vote for NOW?
(Vote For Meeeee! ; ) )

Amy: Ode To Scrap Bar, NYC!

So this is it folks, the last 08-09 Vintage Hat Friday, and I’m trying very hard to look disenchanted with the establishment. I have to admit, I thought that cutting up shirts was something people in the 80’s did because they wanted to look tough, or perhaps just show cotton who’s boss, but frankly, it’s darned comfy. About 5 minutes after getting into this getup I started cataloging the shirts I have that could stand a little scissor action.

So, why should you vote for me? Well, I’ve managed to not only squeeze my size 8.5 feet into Copeland’s ladylike size 7 platform Converse sneakers, but I have done so with an injured toe! (Hey, she’s gonna play the “woe is my I skinned my knee!” card, so I’ve got to employ countermeasures where I can!) And then managed to climb on top of the vintage Lane chest without falling off! Since I’m more accident prone than a dizzy knife juggling clown that is quite the accomplishment.

I have never attempted to ‘stick it to the man’ before, but I seem to be managing pretty well J Look, I even put on extra eyeliner for you today! I’m going to miss our time together on Fridays, but hopefully we’ll see you again next fall for… Vintage Hat Friday! (Vote for Me!)

Copeland: “Social Net-Working?”
This hat gives new meaning to networking. I love the details, and the way it shows so nicely against the pink hair.

Now on Amy, this outfit looked rather prim and '50s.
But I am TOTALLY feeling the New Wave 80s vibe when I put these digs on!

I feel elegant in a "I'm off to The Ritz to see the Flock of Seagulls" kinda way.

So, Don't.
Don't You Want Me...


The skinned knee? (Flutters eyelashes) I wasn't going to mention it, but SINCE Amy did, yes, I had an office mishap earlier this week.
It was a rather spectacular wipe out...
I wish we had filmed it!

So vote for me, Miz Wounded Knee Social Networking New Wave Princess Gal!

 

Vintage Hat Friday! And lotsa house kit pics this weekend!

Vintage Hat Friday is almost over!
And modern house kit enthusiasts I have good news- the Amish have installed the cladding, the last large doors on the south side, so tomorrow I will be taking LOTS of house kit pictures now that the exterior is finished!!!!

Copeland : Swing On Sally
My friend Leah (who is now a naturopath in Portland) and I were in our teens, shopping at the local thrift store (Fan Thrift) when we spied a PAIR of dresses with matching jackets for two dollars! Back then we thought that was expensive but could not resist getting matching vintage outfits- which, years later, we wore swing dancing, then to cocktail parties...

The hat is another local find, and the gloves were purchased at an estate sale.
The cocktail shaker is a family item from the 1920s, I mean, hey, it's Friday and five o'clock somewhere, right?

So c'mon out and Vote Fer Me, Swing On Sally!

Amy: Navy Nightingale

This hat was purchased on the very last day of an estate sale, haggled for and acquired in a moment of “well, it’s a hat. I’m sure I can use it…for Vintage Hat Friday!” It came with a lovely rhinestone brooch attached, and while I thought in the dim interior lighting it was black, it turned out to be Navy Blue.

Well now. I have plenty of uses for a black hat, but only one for navy. This dress. It’s a lovely wrap dress I purchased from my hometown CHKD thrift store in high school. It is elegant, slimming, and a disaster on a windy day *ahem* Ah, those wrap dresses. I don’t know how women wore these out of the house and maintained their dignity, but I know I chickened out and brought a suit to wear out the door today so I would not suffer misfortune at the hands of a capricious cross-breeze.