Desktop, April 22, 3:12 PM

Desktop, Tax Day, 2:34 PM

My New Operatic Clothing

So there I was quietly not minding my own business when I overheard:

girl 1: go my od - they re giving away shoes in the wardrobe department since they have to move.

girl 2: od my go. I'm going.

girl 1 and 2: go my oddz!

With that little tip I followed them further into the caverns that compose the belly of the NY state theater and eventually landed in the soon to be re-modeled wardrobe room. After some snooping around I found that not only was the footwear up for grabs, but selected costume pieces as well (!!!). Herewith is my new wardrobe amassed in the bowels of the opera...



I love this jacket. No clue what Opera it's from, but the leg o'mutton sleeves say turn of the century. The collar is leather, as are the veins riding the front of the jacket which come to button loops. It's very thick and would be a great little diddy for grabbing a latté on a brisk fall day.



I saw this clever red vest and immediately fell in love. The color is so vibrant - very Radio City Music Hall. The medals I found on another jacket that I wound up jettisoning (RIP) with other garments I just couldn't take. Edits had to be made somewhere. PS - the small medal says "Excellent Service". Yay.






This is the top of a monk's tunic from the opera Tosca, by Puccinni. While I decided against the bottom half, the top is fierce and fabulous. Kinda Legend of Zelda too. It would be great in the spring running about town dodging the PANDA haters in the wings. I love it's quilted fabric as well. So soft, but so musty. Needs a good washing before I start sporting it at the office, my new workplace priority.



This brilliance was not my find, but that of my colleague Sharon. I love it so much, although it does make me wince with nostalgia. It would've come in so handy at The Limelight. I have two sleeves, but I think I'll sport only one at a time. (Secret: the material is this kinda stretchy fabric that has been colored to look like chainmail. The fabric is of a decent weight and makes you feel bulletproof for sure)




I have never seen a vest like this. It's short back and long in the front. It's great just like this (with a t shirt underneath). I think I'm going to wear it this spring. With a great bag, it'll be fab. AND I'll get to show off my man globes. Yay.




This top coat is another item from an Opera that takes place at the turn of the century, Madame Butterfly. It belongs to the character Goro, the marriage broker that introduces Pinkerton to Cho Cho-san. Turn of the century Japan is characterized by fashion that is unmistakenly Japanese (Kimonos and Jimbes) but peppered with hints of the occidental (bowlers hats and top coats). This Coat fits me perfectly (!!!). Don't know if I should wear it to the next ballet I attend or to a game night of monopoly since I look like that monopoly man. Both, I suppose.




Two classic, black vests. Each individual in the velvet it's composed of. I love them both. PS- the buttons on the double breasted one go for $1 a piece I learned from a new friend in the wardrobe department, Bobby. Their chrome composition and unique design make them desirable by project runway-ers err'where.



I kinda think I'm fierce and fabulous in the coat. I kinda think I'm Keanu from the third Matrix. It's Plum and wool. We'll see how much play it gets next winter. The flare waist is priceless though. Amen.