Just a pleasant sabbath day...circa 1940

I love Lucy, anyone? At least, that's kinda what I felt like today. And loved every minute of it.

So here's the deal. I got this dress a few years back, and I love it because it appears very simple but it's got a lot going on. Like a thin black pinstripe, full skirt, full-front buttons, a matching sash belt, tuxedo-ish pleats on the bodice, and a demi collar. (Okay, actually, I've never even heard of a demi collar. TOTally made that word up, but can you see what I'm talking about? A collar that isn't really a collar? What's that called, anyway?) I've always worn the dress with the matching sash belt and called it good.

Not today, my friends. I needed COLOR today. So I pulled out my trusty cardigan-o'-brightness and, if that wasn't blinding enough, added a silky red sash for shine. And polka dots. And shine.

[Editor's note: I'm naturally built like a square. A big hunk-o-box in girl form -- no waist, no hips, no chest to speak of. So. I wear belts to pretend I have a girlish figure. Sometimes I worry that I'm just emphasizing the fact that I am, in fact, a box. But today I got over it and wore the belt anyway because, hey, box or no, who can resist a little polka dot action every now and then?]

Ahem. Anyway. In the true spirit of midcentury womens wear, I added a feminine pearl necklace. And the closest thing I had to a corsage. (Recognize the flower? I wore it in my hair here.) And some --surprise!--bracelets. Pull on some classic black houndstooth tights and my trusty chunky mary janes, and we're good to go.

[Editor's note: I feel like I owe you all an explanation about the shoes. I know chunky mary janes are out of "season" or whatever. But I have an especially soft spot in my heart for all things mary jane. Period. Including those with chunky heels and unsightly rounded toes. I've had these shoes for years and still love them. So scoff all you like, you fashion purists, but I wear them happily and will probably continue to do so for the next 23 years, much to the embarrassment of my kids. I hope.]

[Assistant Editor's note: The Editor can occasionally be a pompous windbag and was becoming such in the course of this post. I've sent her to the office kitchen to find a cake to nibble on while I wrap up here, which, without Editor, should take about two seconds.]

Happy Sunday.