Sharing a sneak (or two).

The going-ons in this life of mine.

 

When I first talked about what’s been going on in my world, I really had no idea what to expect.  As in how you’d react, whether anyone would even bother to leave a comment because we all know I don’t precisely lead the most exciting and wild of lives.  I occasionally very seldom eat out thanks in part to health as well as fitness goals, which are the same reasons why I hardly, if ever, attend events.  It’s hard to when you can’t (a) drink anything except water (b) eat anything without asking a million questions on what’s inside, what it was cooked with, even spices used to marinate/flavour the damn thing (c) stand for long because your knees will swell and let’s face it, no one looks good hobbling on 5″ heels, no matter how killer their shoes may be.

I was pleasantly surprised when that post received one of the highest number of comments.  Ever.  In my blog history.  Thank you very very very much.  It made me feel all good and warm and fuzzy on the inside, really really.

So here we go, one more time, me and my last week (or thereabouts).

First, I had a shoot, the results of which you see here (and in Wednesday’s post).

It’s been increasingly hard to find locations to take photos in Houston.  Well, locations that are of the vibe I prefer.  A lot of bloggers here tend to be partial to pretty surroundings, pretty and/or artsy (read: 3D installation projects, murals, and other painted walls of that nature), of which there’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed, let me hasten to add.  But personally, I like a raw, industrial atmosphere.  Something in complete contrast with what I’m wearing.  I find beauty in what society typically labels as “ugly“.  I like warehouses, and metal recycling dumps, and abandoned cars/buildings.  I find the idea of traipsing around farms in the most dramatic of dresses (and the prospect of chickens, ducks, maybe even horses, as impromptu props), immensely appealing.

That’s probably why today’s line-up of photos is one of my absolute faves.

And have I mentioned we’ve been shooed off several seemingly public locations?  There was this deserted spot behind the sleep centre (just about 5 minutes from my house) which we’d used before in the past (here, here, here, here).  One day, about a month ago, Eve was striking a pose when this insane creature of a woman started screaming from a window, all the way up the top floor of a building adjacent to this spot (adjacent, mind you).  She was banging on the table and yelling her head off, threatening to call the police if we didn’t leave.  Our photographer, and videographer, and Eve, were petrified.  I, on the other hand, was pissed.  Like WTF.  I just looked at her, turning red, and shaking her fist at us, and calmly told the ladies to finish what they were doing, and only then would we leave.  I couldn’t believe what was happening!!!!

Then on Tuesday, I had a professional cleaning lady come in.  It was the very first time I’d used a service.  Elia, our housekeeper, has been with us since 2010, and we adore her.  However, in 2011, they found a tumour in her husband’s brain which he had to have removed, something he refused to do.  That is until two weeks ago.  Since then, she’s been staying home to take care of him during this recovery period (the surgery was a success, incidentally, thank heavens).  In the meanwhile though, the house continued to get dustier and dirtier as any house is wont to do when (1) people live in it (2) the kitchen is used most extensively to prepare and cook 3 meals each and every single day (3) I need a break, like seriously.

Have you ever heard of Living Social?  I use that website, quite a bit in fact, because there are a lot of deals on it, and I like a good deal, don’t you?  So when we were hunting around for someone to keep things together whilst Elia is out of commission, I went straight there (no, I’m not an affiliate, I just love them).

IT WAS AN INTERESTING EXPERIENCE

See, I feel extremely awkward and uncomfortable when someone older (than me) is doing any form of manual labour (for me).  I’ve always been that way.  It’s like asking my dad to wash my car, you know?  Or my mum to do my laundry.  I feel all sorts of guilty and weirdness although I know that I’m actually helping them earn an honest living, and that they feel wonderful when they feel needed and valued.

To cut a long story short, June (the lady the service sent over) was nothing short of lovely, the house looked and smelled clean yet again, and I need to get over feeling odd about these things.  If I can.  I have to, actually, because she’ll be here again come Monday.

Fast forward a few days.

Since nothing interesting happened in between.

My man and I, we went for our very first Tango Dance lesson!!  It was such a long time coming.  Pierluigi has been wanting to learn how to tango since the first day we met so that would mean he’s been harbouring a (not so subtle) desire for the last 14 and a half years.  A desire I decided to turn into reality when I purchased a session of three lessons as a Christmas gift for him, cough, in 2015.  Yes, he sat on it for almost an entire year.  Honestly, I think the fact that the voucher was about to expire was what catapulted him into action.  Sigh.

We had a lovely time 🙂  like a date night.  Not like.  It was a date night.  We learned the basics of the Tango, the Cha-cha-cha, and even managed a brief Rhumba routine.  I don’t know if you caught any but I did manage to slip in a few videos on my Instatories.  I’ll share more next week, from our next lesson, on whether we manage to keep it together, or just end up in a tangled, sprained heap on the dance floor whilst Dimitri (our dance instructor) looks on.

Gold Baptismal Bracelets (borrowed from husband) | Camel & Black Panther Embellished Velvet Kimono (Jaded London, option, option) | Strapless Black Jersey Dress (thrifted, option, option) | Genuine Snakeskin Boots (Bakers, option, option) | Wool Beret (Forever21, option, option) | African Kente Fabric & Leather Clutch (option, option) | Rings (gifted)

And that’s it, my friends.

A rather uneventful week and a half. 

DON'T WANT TO BORE YOU WITH MORE TALES OF ELLIOT, MY THERAPIST

Plus I’m celebrating having lost 45lbs thus far, just another 25lbs more to go.

Now, I’m happily welcoming you to the third (and final) episode of the “no such thing as a gender-specific item of clothing” movement, jointly presented to you by Jodie and her ladies, Eve, and myself (see the first installment here, featuring our men’s shirts, and second part here, wherein we borrowed their accessories).  For our concluding story, we’re telling style tales of metal and of gold, and of silver.  This time around, we’re celebrating the use of jewellery from our menfolk in the form of tie clips and cuff links and bracelets.  Tell me what you think.

Eve, Teens (the world according to eve)

I know you can’t really tell from this photo but baby girl here, she took a Peace symbol cuff link from my man and pinned it on her choker, and voila.  Can we also take a moment to appreciate the gorgeousness of her velvet burnout dress???  It’s rare that I get to see her in a dress, and a short one, for that matter, so this is a very special moment for me.  To witness Eve embracing her femininity in a strong, confident fashion.  I’m so proud.

Sheela, 40s (sheela writes)

I wanted to really play up the pair of gold baptismal bracelets I found carefully stored away in delicate tissue.  To me, they epitomised everything wonderful about my husband.  Beautiful, inside and outside.  Enduring.  Strong yet yielding when needed.  Precious.  I’m having such a sappy moment.  Anyway, I like love this look.  It came together as I’d envisioned, which doesn’t happen very often, as you know from my rants.

Jodie, 50s (jodie’s touch of style)

Here’s Jodie, wearing her husband’s leather choker stud accessory with such flair.  Deftly turning it into something completely non gender specific (as all timeless pieces tend to be) and fresh (white skinnies, yo).  It’s interesting to note that despite the perceived “manly” elements worn (jeans, brogues, blazer), her outfit looks completely feminine and female yet remaining very powerful and empowered.  I heart.

Nancy, 60s (jodie’s touch of style)

That poncho drapes ever beautifully, Nancy, like ripples of the softest, most plush fabric.  And it doesn’t hurt to have that polka dotted blouse underneath it, providing an endearingly whimsical touch to the entire look.  I like that the pants are kept sleek to not detract, and that she chose to wear silver slip-ons for a touch of cool.  You so cool, Nancy.  And clever.  To use that tie clip as an accent brooch.

Charlotte, 70s (jodie’s touch of style)

Finally, we have Charlotte, in an interesting cardigan.  Or is it a knit blazer?  However you call it, the colour is GORGEOUS.  And provides the perfect foil for a twinning of cuff links dotting the collar like the prettiest of pins.  I wasn’t expecting the lavender turtleneck nor the jeans, to be perfectly honest, so thank you, for these sartorial surprises.  I’m going to have to give this outfit a try, I feel, with a Sheela spin.

There you have it, friend, our take on the world of menswear.  Which of the three segments has been your favourite?  Mine is probably today’s with the one on Wednesday coming in a close second.  And no, this won’t be the last time we do something together (Jodie, her ladies, Eve, me), watch this space for another special collaboration coming up next month.

Until then, don’t forget to link-up.

And never forget that you’re magnificent, you’re wonderful, you’re loved.

Love, Sheela

Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps. 

Pretty please?

p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa

I link up here.

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