We are already barreling through the first month of 2019 and I have yet to post a single word to this blog. So much has transpired since my last post in November. Where to begin?
For now, let’s just stick to the most relevant fashion-related stuff and I’ll do my best to summarize rather than bore you with details.
When Opportunity Knocks, Hop a Seaplane
Happily, much of the goodness that transpired over the last several months starts and ends with a good friend: the Ab-Fab Mel from Bag and a Beret. As many of you know, she was chosen as “Headmistress” (my word) for Nordstrom’s “True Nord” advertising campaign in Canada. She was originally featured in this ad and it gives me happy goosebumps to watch it:
Then in September, Mel emailed and asked if I’d like to be an extra in the second ad for that campaign. We had barely swapped emails before I arrived on the shores of Vancouver via seaplane to participate in this fantastic opportunity. The best part of the trip, though, was hanging out with Mel and conspiring…er…strategizing projects together.
The flight over and Vancouver’s Coal Harbour were stunning:
Weeks Later, a Nordstrom Holiday Celebration
The resulting commercial landed in time for the holiday season. Not surprising, Mel lights up the screen with her costars. Unfortunately, the backgrounds in which I lounged were not included in the commercial. But, nevermind. I had an absolute ball being on set, feeling the vibe and energy of a commercial production, and watching Mel do her thang.
From Memories to Action
The experience of participating in a production like the True Nord campaign took me back to a time when I worked in radio and television. I was reminded of the hectic but vibrant energy it took to produce a talent show hosted by the radio station I worked for. And watching the creative team come together to make the commercial happen reminded me of the camaraderie of the news station where I served as an in-studio camera operator. These memories and their energy filled me up and made me feel boldly alive.
That feeling stayed with me after I left Vancouver. I wanted more! And I wanted to share that with others, to bring some of that same vibrancy and joy to a hurting world. Thankfully, Mel was eager to join me in my efforts and, together, we created a series of mini “Laugh In” parodies called LOL 40-UP! Each episode is under 1 minute in length, yet they’re complete with corny jokes, groovy dancing, and fabulous outfits.
Do-Do-DO!!! Presenting LOL 40-UP!
Those who follow us on Instagram and Facebook have already seen all three episodes. Thank you for hanging out for this part of my post. To those who haven’t seen it, I hope you enjoy our homage to all you fantastic over-40 women who follow our blogs and social media. We wrote these jokes with you in mind. They are corny to the max, but they are written with love.
That is just the beginning. More episodes to follow in the weeks to come. And, when I finally get my act together and finish editing it, I’ll share a five-minute version which includes a sketch from Mel that is pure Carol Burnett hilarious and a poem from me entitled “Menopause.”
Fashion From Episode 1
Mel has covered one of her Super Cool outfits from our comedic adventures in her blog post here.
Below, are two outfits I wore for the dancing transition scene and the ending credits in episode 1. Bear with me–I didn’t think to get still photos of my outfits. I was too focused on capturing the video! So, I created a couple of quick video snippets for you to see the outfits in motion and I took screen shots to slow everything down.
Go Go Go, Groovy Cat!
Each outfit represents a different character in my mind. This character could care less that she’s in her late 40s. Age is just a number, not a definition. She’s carefree and happy and GO GO GO, Groovy Cat!
The Go-Go Gal is wearing a secondhand romper from Thredup and iridescent pearl vintage boots from eBay. Wig is from Amazon and tights are HUE.
Fashion Flair Don’t Care
This next character is so super cool that she’s completely bored with everything and everyone. Don’t try to impress her. You can’t do it.
Look out for that lethal side-eye, though. With one look, she can take down a room of misogynists and mean girls. Some say she’s working with Mel to thwart the bad guys but she’ll never reveal the truth.
Also, karate hands are the universal dance move for telling the world you’re bored.
Miss Thang’s outfit is 1960s vintage from eBay. Her shoes are Sergio Rossi from about 2003. Her headband is from Etsy’s SmithLab. And her tights are Wolford.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this first episode of LOL 40-UP!, along with the outfit showcase. I’ll do my best to not let another two months pass before creating another post. There are two more episodes to go!
Outfit Details
White Romper Outfit
White Romper: Thredup. Similar here.
Pearl Boots: eBay Vintage. Similar here.
Pink tights: HUE. Available here.
Pink wig: Amazon. Available here.
Gold Lamé and Black Velvet Dress
Dress: eBay Vintage. Similar here.
Sergio Rossi heels: Old. Similar here.
Headband: SmithLab on Etsy. Available here.
Tights: Wolford. Available here.
Linking up to the lovely Patti’s Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.
Affiliate link disclaimer: Please note, although I paid for the outfits and accessories in this post, some of the items linked above may be affiliated with companies I am associated with. By purchasing from these stores, I receive a small commission and you support the work I do here. Thank you for your support!
Love the dance moves… that shimmy is to die for. But you’re probably way too young to remember the shimmy! Ha.
Oh girl, you can dance! I love the bunny hop and the fabulous 60’s fashions. What talents you and Mel are – the world needs to recognize your funky fantastic creations! xox
Thank you, Patti! I would love to be able to do things like this all the time!
Hugs!!!
I can’t wait for you to teach me the squirrel dance! I’ll try not to bore you, LOLOLOL.
I learned The Squirrel dance from Mel! Ha ha ha! We’ll have to don our pink wigs and do it together on the streets of Vancouver when I’m in town next. Come to think of it…I love that idea! Ha ha ha! See? I told you I was plotting…er…planning to include you in future vids. Hugs to you, Sue!
Sherry, you are such a talented writer, actor, and editor. Plus, you can dance!! Seeing you here in the summer was one of the highlights of my whole year. My stomach was aching for hours after laughing so hard with you – I’m so glad you could come.
And your LOL 40-UP! idea was a fabulous project – I was happy to join you. The adrenaline. Yeah! I hope your artistic pursuits fly even higher this year, Sherry. I can see it.
Thank you, Melanie! Thank you for all your cheers and encouragement, for your example, for your ideas, for your openness, for giving me opportunities, and for your spirit of great fun! I am sincerely grateful for you. Here’s to a year of great creative success–however we wish to define it!
Hugs,
Sherry
That video is hilarious, and so much fun. Thanks for the laughs! Love both of your groovy outfits! xxx
Thanks, Ann! I’m so glad you enjoyed our silly antics. Here’s hoping you’ll get a kick out of the next two as well! More soon! Hugs to you!
I’m thinking that your absence from blogging has proven to have been advantageous to the creation of secret collaborative hijinx! Bravo Sherry and Mel! This was worth waiting for!
Yikes! Just being whisked away to Vancouver via seaplane holds a lot of excitement! I didn’t quite understand…was there a possibility that Nordstom might use you in the campaign? Whatever the reason I’m certain it was delightful and it most certainly resulted in entertaining girlfriend theatrics…
Laugh-In was revolutionary/ corny in it’s time. I can’t think of two more perfect gals to revisit a mid-century modern fashion vibe. What a fun production!!!!
Thank you, Jude! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I was thinking of you as I put together this blog post. I hope you’ll enjoy the next couple of episodes to come as well!
I was an “extra” in the Nordstrom commercial. I sat in the background and chatted to fellow extras while Mel and her costars “partied” in the living room of a lovely Vancouver home and the production crew filmed it. The footage they ended up using for the commercial did not include the background I was in. I don’t care at all, though. You’re absolutely right–I had so much fun being there with Mel, laughing until our bellies hurt, watching the production come together, seeing behind the scenes…. It was a blast! And it spurred so much possibility within me, which led to the Laugh-in parody.
More to come of our corny, silly antics! I hope you are well! Miss you!
– Sherry
Oh what fun! You guys look like you had an absolute blast. I really enjoyed it : ) Thanks for the smiles!
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thank you, Suzanne! Just wait! I have plans for you as well. Moo-ha-ha-ha! 🙂
– Sherry
You two are peas in a pod, and what a fabulous opportunity. Even if you didn’t get to be seen…being there must have been SO fun!!
And including that old photo?? That’s just priceless!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you, Jodie! It was fun to be a part of that production, even if my part was ultimately invisible. I was buzzing with energy for weeks after–and I still get giddy when I think about it.
Hugs to you, Rob, Charlotte, and Nancy!
Sherry