3.30.2012

OWOP DAY SIX: DRINKLOG, JUST POUR ME SOME WINE

(a little updated pre-script, my family thanks you for the warm and fuzzies.  i know i often confuse the issue by writing about stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the dress i'm showing off.  i wasn't super close with my nana, but i'm hella close with my kalkatroonaans, and the miles of exorbitantly priced separation fueled my typing [see; face in shot below]. but we're all good, and happy we'll be together.  okay bye.)




i woke up one morning finding myself wanting to work with this felty black lace from my last visit to the mood remnant box.  i tried to blame it on the poly dye fumes,  on Tigress' chic eyelet mini, on the alcohol.  but really, i just thought it was cool in all its blackness.

as i was stitching, i mused: this is the kind of rift in the fabric of reality that provokes a funeral. 

so, not that i control the universe or anything, but my maternal grandmother is gone this morning at the age of 94.

we spent a maddening morning on phones and computers, operators telling ruggy the special emergency discounted bereavement fare would be $1200, online searches dangling inexpensive fares just out of my grasp. (they've got these great little dinky smarmy toolbars that'll show you the low fares other people got just the day before YOU started hopelessly searching! because it's helpful!)  i was enraged that we couldn't make some attainable airfare appear, because after all, I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO.   even when i don't mean to! doesn't the universe know this?  see: rift in fabric, black dress.



(i swear to god i'm wearing a slip under this.  mount crackatoa isn't imploding, so you know i'm not lying.  but it sure as hell looks like i'm nekkid.  perhaps a colored slip next time?)

i joke, but really.  i wanted to be with my family.  not surprising.

which prompts the question: what the hell is wrong with the world?  at one point, an airline told ruggy they could have me there one day after the funeral, and oh, BONUS, after the scant five hours of daylight they'd give me at my destination, i'd need to get back on a plane, sleep in a frigging airport, and catch another plane home.  for only $700, ONE WAY.  and i lost count of how many agents told us to "have a nice day" after they were unable to help us with tickets.  to a FUNERAL.

it's not the operator's fault, but it is not the computer's fault either.  ultimately, some fellow human sets these rules.  the fact that we don't do the right thing for each other, in so many circumstances, is some human being's fault.  

you can see i started down a slippery slope.  so i stopped.  and got dressed up. 


and then felt absolutely stupid stomping around in this getup, considering the situation.  but i needed a break.  it was always my intention to look model-irritated in these, but now i just look... pissed.  

shoot over, rage still high, brother beast called, and his confidence in my persuasive abilities got me to try one more avenue.   eureka, american airlines frequent flyer program came through and released a couple of seats for me.  i told the operator i wanted to jump through the phone and hug her.  she was happy.

i think she had a good day at work.



this is my "look at my pretty hem and don't think about airlines" picture.  but really, i just look inebriated.

you wanna know about the dress?  okay.

i didn't finish the neck and armhole edges (you can see the shoulder edge flipping out say hello to the world above) because i'm not sure how i want to finish them yet.  maybe flesh toned organza?  maybe just leave it raw?

for the hemline, i cut around the design to create scallops.  when the hem refused to lie flat, i backed it with another line of scallops.  worked like a charm.

there wasn't much of this material, it said half a yard, and it meant it.  if by "meaning it" you mean "eyeballing it while intoxicated".  but the bolt had been wide, the half yard was long and skinny, and fancy cutting prevailed.  i have about a four inch square left.  lots of strips joined forces to make the gathered square skirt.


of course, there was no black zipper to be found in the west coast kalkatroonan residence. in my kaleidescope of coils, this shiny silver separating zipper was the winner.  i inserted it upside down so that the zipper head hangs down at le booty.  i thought that was fun.   the lace being quite... holy... i turned it under 1/4 inch, sandwiched a thin strip of interfacing into the ironed fold, and topstitched it onto the zipper.




yes, that's purply midnight blue thread.  WHAT.  my only spool of black thread resides in east coast digs.   it shall not have any californian mates.

OWOPS are documented and drinks ready, after all, i'm going to the land of parental kalkatroonans.  much will be imbibed.  as mama kalkatroona said, ninety-four is a big damn number, that's a lot of toasts.

(but i can't promise you i'll be wearing said outfit in public.  i sure as hell won't be wearing this to the funeral, i'll tell you that much.  Not.  Appropriate.)

outfit:
dress:  PR's gathered sundress, modified skirt
glasses: etsy
hoops: vintage
shoes: zara

drink:
wine, godammit.

95 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm so sorry, Oona. Internet hugs, and may your flights be much less eventful than trying to book them was. I'm so glad you were able to come up with some affordable tickets in the end, but how rotten what you had to go through to get them. Grrr.

    I would probably finish the neckline and armscyes with thin black bias-binding, nothing too heavy.

    And I'm so, so sorry about your grandmother. Have some more wine, for me, in her honour, k?

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  2. So sorry to hear about your grandmother and the airplane ticket stress, which you could do without this time. Your dress is bangin as usual.

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Doing the right thing seems to be rare these days, unfortunately. I'm glad it all worked out. You look smokin' in that dress.

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    Replies
    1. doesn't it though? i'm trying to let that be inspiring rather than depressing.... (and thanks for the dress love)

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  4. That story is heartbreaking! I don't want to rant about greed and yada yada, but I know that I would be in the same boat if something happened to one of my family members. I'm so glad it worked out for you to be with your family. My heart goes out to you all!

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. There is no feeling more helpless than wanting to be with your family at a time like this and not being able to get there. Don`t ask how I know. I am so relieved that you are able to make it. CYH (consider yourself hugged).

    The dress is gorgeous, and I really like your choice of zipper, so unexpected. I would think about maybe using a tear away stabilizer at the neck and armholes and serge a rolled hem, or what Tanit-Isis said.

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    1. i hope your knowledge of the how meant you got to be there...

      i like the stabilizer idea!

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  6. So sorry to hear you've had such a horrid time booking flights. Yes, I can see the rage in your face! 'I'm smiling, but don't cross me - you'll regret it.' I hope the next few days are as bearable as they can be. Will be thinking of you. Twas indeed a great age.

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    1. thanks karen. ruggy saw my face at one point and went back in the house :)))

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  7. Ugh. That's awful. Happy it worked out in the end. Plus the dress is adorable.

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    1. thanks suzanne. me too!

      working on wearing the dress for a happy occasion...

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  8. Oh, what sad news. I will keep your family in my thoughts. I am so pleased you managed to sort out the flights. What a stress!

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    1. thank you. i had a virtually stress free flight, i feel my airline agent gave me the perfect seat :)

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  9. Well damn. Just... lots of swearing and hugs and pouring of wine here. Looks like my drama llama went to visit you after stopping off here for a while. Next time we'll have llama steaks instead.

    Um *HUGS* and my hubby, who was cat whistling at your photos, felt sheepish after I told him what happened and sends his love and sympathy along with mine.

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    1. oh tell him don't feel sheepish! i'm the wierdo mixing metaphors. or something like that. love and thanks to you both:)

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  10. My deepest condolences, Miss Oona. To you and all the Kalkatroonans. I'm so glad you gave it one more go, and were able to find a flight. Big hugs and safe travels. It's such a horrid, helpless feeling, being across the country/world, wanting to be magically whisked home in a family emergency. My experience with this makes me more patient with my fellow travelers. You never know what they're facing, or where they're returning from. :*

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    1. thanks lavender. i can't tell you how happy i am to be here right now!

      and the whole day of traveling today, i thought about that last sentence. it made me so much more patient towards my fellow sky warriors.

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  11. So sorry to hear about your grandma and the travel hassles. Black may not be your favorite color, but you are rockin' the black lace. Safe travels and hugs.

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  12. Oh Oona I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandmother! I never met her but I bet she was a grand dame of a woman!

    I was doing lots of funeral flying a few years ago and I'm CONVINCED that airlines actually hike up prices once you check that little "bereavement" box because they know you are desperate to get where you're going and, in your grief, will shell out more than you might if your eyes were dry. I think its a scam and a dirty dirty business!! And shame on them for not doing right by humanity!!!

    okay, end of rant. The dress is beautiful and I love the lace - but I also do not believe in wearing black to funerals! Save that one for a baby shower..... ( i kid! sorta...)

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    1. seriously, they DO! i found cheaper regular fares (though not by much!). i'm so sorry you've had that much recent experience with it.

      (i love the baby shower comment.)

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  13. Replies
    1. Sorry for the short comment above, I always rush in and drool over the photos before I read.

      I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother, my deepest condolences xo

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    2. no worries neeno, thanks for your thoughts. i have been equally guilty of seulement picture peepin:))))

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  14. Aw, hon, I'm sorry to hear about your Grandmother :( What a bummer :( I bet she was a bitchin' lady, too!

    I think airlines jack up the prices when they realize it's for bereavement... just how companies jack up the prices for wedding-related anything. They KNOW people will pay it because they are desperate, but I think it's totally fucked up. Anyway, I'm glad you were able to score tickets AND you have a hot black lace dress. I say keep the current slip - looking nekkid under lace is awesome. At least, in my warped view of awesome trolololol

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    1. you don't even know the half of it...

      and i like your warped view :)

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  15. So sorry about your grandma. And I feel your airline ticket pain. Just went through something similar last week (but not for a funeral).
    And I think your dress is so pretty.

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  16. So sorry to hear about your grandmother. Glad you managed to sort out the travel issues.

    Your dress is stellar by the way.

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  17. Sorry to read about your grandmother and dealing with those callous airline fares. I'm glad that you managed to find a flight and you'll be with your fam. Hugs. You're dress is beautiful by the way, I like the raw edges and big silvery zipper juxtaposed with the lace. Nice work. Wishing you safe travels.

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    1. thank you graca.

      i'm a fan of the juxtaposition too, especially when i never have a matching zipper handy :)

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  18. Oh dear, I can't imagine how stressful it must have felt to be so far away and feeling trapped by circumstances. I hope the time with your family is full of grace and rich memory. (Great dress. I love the upside down zipper--good idea!)

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    1. it was not fun being 3,000 miles away!

      everything went as well as it could.

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  19. The pissed-off model face is awesome, the dress is awesome, and yes, you CAN do anything you set your mind to.
    Sorry to hear about nana. Have a safe trip.

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  20. Replies
    1. You and your family are in my thoughts.

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    2. thanks miss crayola (you've got a handle that just makes one smile) for the thoughts and the pin :)

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  21. that is a stunning dress, you deserve the Keys to the City for piecing together such a fab Mod Mini from that tiny remnant. So sorry about your Nana, thinking positive thoughts for you. I used to work for United, so on behalf of the airline industry I apologize for the insanity. I had the same kind of "what the f*** is wrong with the world" day yesterday. It's all rather depressing sometimes.
    X

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    1. i didn't have much choice, as you know!

      i hope your days have been better since. it seemed everyone was in an unhelpful mood for a minute there...

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  22. I'm a bit behind and just read this. So sorry about the sad news. Egads, the airlines can be such bastards. Hope you have a good visit with the Kalkatroona tribe. I really like how you snipped the hem and back neck with the patten of the lace. I wonder how that might work on the front neckline.

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    1. thanks sigrid, mission accomplished.

      i thought about the front too, even photoshopped it on my dressform to see. unfortunately i wasn't thinking when i cut the neckline, i should've left excess. but i might still pull it off.

      Delete
  23. Oh, Oona, I am so sorry. Prayers of comfort for you and for your family.

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  24. I am really sorry to read this terrible news. I just lost my grandma in October. Still pretty raw. I am glad the airline stuff worked out, even after frustrating rounds. Airlines can be stupid.

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    1. i'm so sorry christina. my nana and i weren't very close, but i know how it feels to lose one that is.

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  25. Oh dear so sorry to hear about your granny. It's a pity you had to go through such shit at a time like this. Good thing you had a nice scallop hem to keep the sanity levels up though (??). I think that dress rocks big time.

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  26. So sorry to hear about your grandmother. Thinking good thoughts for you and yours.

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  27. 94 is a damn big number, but still doesn't seem long enough, does it? I lost both my in-laws in the past year, and every time I called the airlines, the quoted price for bereavement was *higher* than the seat sale prices. hunh?!?

    On another note, I have a vintage black lace cocktail dress from the '50s that is lined with nude silk, and I feel waaaaay nekkid wearing it. In fact, I've yet to wear it out of the house. Maybe a fushia lining is in store.....

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    1. i'd like 9,994 to the gazillionth power, please.

      i'm thinking of slips in every rainbow color, just because.

      Delete
  28. Awww, crap, I'm so sorry about your gram. Glad you were able to travel and be with the folks.

    You look way sexy in your lacy black thing! I like it with the nude look underneath-- it breaks up the black a bit (not a huge fan of solid chunks of black). Nicely done!

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    1. thanks ginger...

      (and you know me, hate the solid black too. maybe that's why i could deal with this?)

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  29. Sorry to hear about your grandma Oona. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts. *Huge hug*

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  30. my condolences, lovely oona..
    on a brighter note, that dress is amazing.. i love it with nude cami underneath.. and i would finish armscyes and neckline with nude satin bias tape

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  31. So sorry to hear about your grandma, Oona. I'm so glad you found an affordable flight so that you could get there. The dress is amazing, and I'd wear the hell out of it--especially with a bunch of brightly colored slips underneath for fun. :-)

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    1. i think it's settled, a bright closet of rainbow slips for me.

      and thank you for your thoughts :)

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  32. Oh, darling, I'm sorry about your grams. I am glad you'll be able to be with your family, even though the whole process was a headache. Thinking of you, my dear! Your dress is lovely, of course; the hem is delicious.

    XOXOXO!

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  33. Ninety-four is a big number. A huge number. A must-have-had-a-lot-of-life-and-toasts-and-seen-lots-of-fireworks number. I think she'd be happy knowing everyone will be there celebrating her :)

    ****

    Dress. Hot. No idea for finishing the arms & neck-holes but the scallops are pure perfection. Man it feels weird writing these two paragraphs in the same box. Drink up. Get cuddles. x

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    1. yes, that's my fault tho, always typing up stuff that doesn't live in the same universe as the photos...

      thanks for your thought on both worlds. toasts: check. hot: check.

      :)

      Delete
  34. So sorry to hear about your grandmother, glad you got some reasonable tickets. Love your dress.

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  35. Grandmas are such a special part of who we are. I am sorry you will have to miss her but glad you had her for so long.
    I wouldn't wear that dress to the funeral, but with your legs, wear that thing as much as possible!

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  36. Utmost condolences. So sorry the airfare fiasco had to make this process that much harder. Glad you're with your family now. Dress is great, of course, but feeling all sorts of feelings for you and your family well over all of that hottie black velvety lace.

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  37. hi oona! i'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother! on the bright side, your dress is sublime and your posts this week have convinced me to buy that dress pattern! best wishes to your family!

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  38. I'm sorry to hear about your grandma. Never a fun phonecall to get. I hope there were many toasts... and your dress, despite the stress , is STUNNING.
    On a completely unrelated note, J is highly amused by the naming of Mount Crackatoa. He says to tell you we have mountain here in NZ with similarly badass names, one of which sounds so naughty in English I shan't repeat it here!

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    1. yes, many toasts :)

      and please repeat the name! it is always my wish that the comments section be treated like a bar. all language allowed.

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  39. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, dear. It's so hard to lose someone, especially when you're far away. I went through something similar with the airlines when my grandmother passed, and I remember being in tears, telling the person "helping" me that she was a horrible person. Eventually, J called back for me and was able to stay calm, and after many many requests to speak to a supervisor, someone helped us. I'm glad you were able to get tickets. Safe travels. I hope that time with your family gives you peace.

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    1. thank you mick. i'm so glad J got you settled, i know exactly the feeling.

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  40. Sorry to hear that. My condolences. The dress is, as usual, uber-fab. Try your best to focus on the happiest memories.

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  41. Oh Oona! late to reading this, I'm so glad you were able to sort a flight and I'm so sorry for you family's loss.
    ...you look TERRIFIC.

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  42. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, it's so frustrating when the corporations seem to just be interested in taking advantage of your situation to make money in those awful situations, and just plain WRONG!

    On another note that dress is just GORGEOUS and looks absolutely amazing on you! Definitely a head turner!

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    1. thank you fiona.

      i wonder if heads turn because the poor girl forgot underwear?

      Delete
  43. So sorry to hear about your grandmother. ((big hugs))
    I used a similar (if not the same) lace in my Christmas Party frock last year :)

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  44. Just catching up on my blog reader. So sorry to hear. Glad you're with your family. I, too, was outraged when told I could have the special bereavement fare of $1500 to get home to my grandfather's funeral several years ago. I think they even asked to see paperwork to ensure that I wasn't just trying to get a good deal. All my best.

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    1. PAPERWORK?! are you kidding me? for that horrible fare? i swear.

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  45. I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandmother, but glad you were able to get a flight and spend time with your family (as painful and enraging as the actual flight getting process was).

    I think that hemline is amazing and the purple thread is perfect. Also, that slip is some kind of mind tricking magic.

    I got to the end of your post, to the tags and read, "You might like more: alcohol". I thought to myself, "Yes indeed I would" and so raised a glass of wine to toast your grandma, her life and her loves.

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  46. Aww, sorry about your granny and all that airline trouble! I'm glad someone came through for you! That dress is smokin' as always, especially that scalloped hem!
    Hugs from faraway!

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i thankya truly for taking the time to comment, i love a good conversation-- and hope you know my thanks are always implied, if not always written!