The Thanksgiving Issue
During the pandemic, I've figured out something about gratitude, and for me it was radical. Rather than make lists of abstract things I'm grateful for, I've focused on being grateful for the things that are bothering me. For instance, although I might have less work now, I have more time to think about what I want my life to look like. I can't hide behind my busy schedule. Although I can't see friends like I used to, I'm realizing just how special some of them are to me (and, I have to admit it, which ones are a net drain). This new perspective has really helped. To use a gentle descriptor, we're facing an "unusual" holiday season. To the extent you can--obviously, it's super hard when you don't have a job or are in ER--try my trick of being grateful for the challenges you face. The facts of the situation may not change, but how you feel about them can. As always, find me here on Facebook and at angela.m.sanders on Instagram. Keep in touch!
|
|
Vintage Outfit of the Month
People who know me will not be surprised to see a plaid coat. I adore vintage plaid, and I'm wild for it in a Lilli Ann coat, as you see here.
To me, plaid is loaded with undercover glamour. A retro plaid is like Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island. Sure, she's a country girl in shorts and a gingham blouse, but you know she'd kick butt in an evening gown.
Lilli Ann is known for its crazily patterned mohair and other innovative fabrics. Supposedly, Diana Vreeland called the brand gauche and groaned at the ads they bought in Harpers Bazaar. Me, I'd happily toss all my other coats for Lilli Anns, and if I had this number, I might not take it off until June.
This coat is from the heavenly Xtabay, model for Tallulah's Closet in my Vintage Clothing mystery series.
|
|
|
|
The Latest
The release of Bait and Witch is a little over a month away! I've been busy lining up interviews and blog posts, including a big, multi-author launch party on January 5. Details to follow.
Those of you who preordered paperbacks through Amazon might have had your order refunded. Amazon screwed up for a few days and listed Bait and Witch as "unavailable," but everything is running smoothly again. If you do preorder--which I encourage you to do!--check out Vintage Books. They're a wonderful indie bookstore run by wonderful people. Plus, if you preorder Bait and Witch from them, I'll sign your copy and include a special gift I'm making with artist Calli Rampton. Here's the link to order. It's a super idea for a holiday gift, too--just saying.
Otherwise, my state is on lockdown, and I'm getting way too familiar with the napping schedules of my cats. Thanksgiving dinner will be lasagna. Zoom fried my old computer, and I'm typing this from its replacement. I talk to myself way too much. Finally, thank goodness for fiction--both reading and writing it. (I just finished Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder and loved it.)
Please take care of yourselves! I hope you are being kind to yourself and taking life slowly and thoughtfully. This Thanksgiving, I'm very grateful for you.
Click links for more about my Joanna Hayworth vintage clothing mystery series, the Booster Club Capers, Josie Way witch librarian cozies, and my alter ego Clover Tate's Kite Shop mysteries. To subscribe to this newsletter, hop over to my website, angelamsanders.com.
|
|
Vintage Wardrobe Advice
Do you watch the National Dog Show every Thanksgiving? I love it, even though I'm a firm believer in adopting rescues rather than buying dogs from breeders. (A dog show that specialized in mutts would thrill me!)
Besides admiring the dogs, I can't help but critique what the handlers wear, too. It turns out that Edith Head gives advice on this very matter in Dress Doctor (1959). Here's what she advises a dog handler to wear:
"Obedience. Straight skirt + blouse or sweater, or one-piece golf dress with fairly straight skirt (stripes will make you visible to your dog--avoid green or colors with a similar tone which your dog could confuse with background greenery); + walking shoes.
"Breed (where kneeling is necessary). Full-skirted shirtwaist dress, or slacks or full skirt + blouse or sweater; + walking shoes.
Field Trials. Wool slacks or safari-type pants; + sweater + windbreaker jacker + cap with earflaps + wool socks + 5-/or 9-inch boots."
[Note that nowhere does she mandate suntan pantyhose, 1990s above-the-knee suit skirts, or collapsed flats.]
|
|
|
Vintage Cocktail: Hot Rum Toddy
It's hot drink season, and a toddy is the ticket. Here's a basic recipe from The Bartender's Book (1951) by Jack Townsend, president of the Bartenders' Union of New York.
1-1/2 oz Jamaican rum
slice of lemon
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cloves
stick of cinnamon
Scald an Old-Fashioned glass. Put ingredients in and fill with boiling water. Dust powdered cinnamon on top. Stir. Serve with a small silver spoon.
[Ed.'s note: if you don't have rum and spices on hand, a Hot Whiskey Toddy will do you right: 1-1/2 oz of rye, juice of half a lemon, and a teaspoon of sugar--plus boiling water.]
|
|
Vintage Fragrance: Molinard Habanita
I'm in full cozy-perfume mode now. Give me a fragrance that feels like a cashmere shawl. Habanita by Molinard is perfect.
Habanita was first created to scent cigarettes, but its full, rich waft of tobacco, vetiver, vanilla, and wood was too beautiful not to wear on skin. In 1921, Molinard released it as a fragrance.
Habanita is not sheer, and it's not timid. But neither is it the demanding diva so many 1980s fragrances are. Instead, wearing Habanita is like settling on a velvet sofa trimmed in fringe in a fireplace-warmed, Turkish-carpeted library, with a snifter of dessert liquor at your elbow.
Despite being an easy fragrance to wear and to like, I don't smell much Habanita on the streets anymore. Maybe it's your perfect holiday scent.
|
|
Cat Lady Entertainment: Mo the Cat Rapper
Okay, cat ladies (of which I am one), follow @iammoshow on Instagram, and prepare for some awesome entertainment. Fairies were definitely sprinkling magic dust over Mo's cradle when he was born. His raps about his cats--last night's special was "Kitty Treats"--are hilarious and touching.
|
|
|
|
|
