How about some history?
One of my favorite tv shows when I was a kid was “The Monkees”. Did you have a favorite Monkee? I have always been the rebel…I liked Peter the best. I’m sure you know (if you’re of an age close to mine) the Monkees were like a spinoff of the Beatles. When they were originally cast, the music and singing wasn’t done by the quartet. Here are a few fun facts…Davy Jones was a jockey! And, Peter Tork was recommended to the producers by Stephen Stills. Michael Nesmith’s mom founded Liquid Paper! Mickey Dolenz was also a child star.
And, more…
On Monday nights, I would be in my bedroom in front of the little bitty color tv Grandma Rose had given us watching those four guys act like goofballs and play music. I think my older sister and my brother may have joined me, but I really can’t remember because I was laser focused on that show! I’m sure you can catch episodes on some streaming service. I loved the fashion, too! I remember Nehru jackets, psychedelic colors, and bell bottoms (oh, I love a bell bottom)! And, who could forget those goofy hats Michael always wore. Nigel’s hair did that little flip thing like Mickey’s and Michael’s back in the day!
So, here’s the thing…
Once upon a time, many, many years ago, I had this crazy notion that, at some point, I (and, by extension, all of you) would begin to live my life in reverse. I’d get to relive all of the crazy times of being a preteen, a teenager, and just age in reverse. And, I haven’t even seen that Benjamin Button movie! Then, one night, there was a reunion show for the Monkees. I saw these guys I’d loved so much when I was young, and they were older. It hit me. There would be no rewind of my life. I wasn’t going to get to go back and relive those wonderful moments of my younger self. I know this is slightly…ok, very…bonkers, but it really threw me for a loop. I think, it was then, in 1997, I truly understood my time on this earth was limited not limitless.
Lesson learned…
Oh, I wish I could tell you I’ve learned some huge life affirming/life changing lesson. But, the reality is…I haven’t! I didn’t change anything about the way I was living my life. In 1997, I was a special education teacher and raising three kids. I just went on with my life. But, in the back of my mind, there was still that nagging and hopeful thought that maybe, just maybe, there would come a time when I could rewind and relive.
And, yet…
I have had a wonderful life with very little I’d actually change! My biggest and really only regret is not having the campus experience when I went to college. I attended a local commuter school (go Hoosiers). Sure, there are little disappointments. But, those come with living life, right?
No regrets here…
I love this dress. I wore it to the grocery store the other day. A lady stopped me and said, “I love your dress!” Along with age comes the ease of accepting compliments. I smiled at her and said, “Thank you!” That is something I wouldn’t have done just a few short years ago. I would have just smiled and walked on past her. Learning to accept compliments is hard, right? I’m not sure why that is so difficult except it feels like bragging? Back to the dress…the Allie dress is rayon, a fabric I happen to love. It’s got lots of ease to it. One of the reviewers mentioned the buttons at the back that snagged in her hair. I didn’t have that problem. I do wonder if I should remove the bottom panel. Oh, who am I kidding? We all know I’m too lazy, and that won’t happen! Also, I love the contrast. And, look at me, I’m bookending the prints!!
The Lewk!
I always seem to default to green amethyst when I’m not sure what to wear! This ring is from Macy’s (maybe Effy) and is a really nice cushion cut. The earrings are from eBay and are also a cushion cut. The sandals are the Mirjana Wedges from Sarah Flint.
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I recently became a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. You can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
You are all probably just shaking your heads at how daft I really am! I have no idea where I got the notion time would reverse itself. And, I was into my fourth decade on this planet before I had my little epiphany (thanks, Monkees)! So, can we talk? Did you watch The Monkees? Have you ever had a strange idea that took you years to realize was really weird? Do you think I should remove that band at the bottom (knowing I probably won’t)? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you!
I want you to know I appreciate each and every one of you! I am especially grateful to my subscribers and those of you who spread the word about Marsha in the Middle! If you want to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also host Final Friday Print Mixing on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Such a great post. I just love your outfit so much.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/07/why-bright-green-is-this-summers.html?m=1
Thanks, Heather!!
The dress is perfect for summer and the sandals look cute on you.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks so much, Lovely!
My goodness, the Monkees! I had a crush on each and every one of them at one time or another. I don’t really have regrets but there are lots of things I’d like to do and certainly wish I had longer to live and do them all. Like go to law school and become a public defender.
Your dress is so pretty and summer weather perfect!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! You know what’s funny? If I had it to do all over again, I’d probably be either a guidance counselor or a school psychologist! But, I think you would be a wonderful public defender though I’m sure your heart would break over and over again. It’s never too late, my friend!
First off, I love the dress. It looks fabulous on you, and I would urge you NOT to cut off the turquoise at the bottom. I do remember The Monkees. It seems like I watched them on the weekend during the day (reruns or just a different time slot because I was in CA?). I’ve always enjoyed their music. No crushes here. I wasn’t prone to that – except for maybe Mr. Spock. LOL! (And you thought you were weird!) I think it’s interesting what our mind does to avoid the reality that we aren’t immortal. Religion certainly caters to this fear. I am one who would happily accept the challenge of being immortal. I know people say it would get boring. I don’t agree. There are so many things I would like to do and learn, but it would take me lifetimes to do them all (and they healthier body that I’d hope would come with that condition).
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks, Michelle! I don’t think I could cut off that band…it just makes the dress that much more interesting! And, I can totally see a crush on Mr. Spock. Are you watching the current Star Trek iteration? You would like this Spock, too! Hmmm, I hadn’t even thought about the religion standpoint. I don’t think it played a part in this goofy train of thought. I just always had it in the back of my mind that I would be able to go backward in time…like I would unage or deage or whatever you’d call it!! Immortality? Hmmm, I don’t know that I’ve ever given it much thought. I think it would depend on lots of things…like who else would be there, would I get to have some kind of super powers, could I change certain things. Food for thought, Michelle (or a blog post)!
I loved the Monkees. I got to see them in Merrillville around 1987. What a thrill thst was.
Dont take off the bottom. Instead do some pin tucks above it. It will shorten it just enough and add more detail. Just my suggestion its a cute dress ?
Oh, that’s a great idea, Ainslie! Do you remember helping me make my prom dress? I think you used the pattern, and I copied from you! We had such fun in the fabric department!!
That would have been a blast to see the Monkees…loved them!
I remember the Monkees! It would be on at my grandparent’s house when I would stay the weekend with them and it was fun seeing what hijinks the boys got up to, haha.
Doesn’t it just make your day when someone compliments something you’re wearing? It’s such a lovely feeling! I try to tell people whenever I’m out and I see someone wearing something cool/pretty/that I like. “I love your [insert that thing here]!” is such an easy way to make someone feel good.
Speaking of, you are a breezy summer dream in this dress! I love it!
-Ashley
Oh, Ashley, you can move next door to me any day!!! I actually think we would have lots of fun!! The Monkees was such a goofy show…you couldn’t help but love it!
And, it definitely makes my day when someone I don’t know randomly compliments me. Because I know how good I feel, I do make an effort to compliment others because we all need to feel good, right? (And, I wasn’t kidding…there is a condo just down the street from ours that’s on the market…you’d just be trading one hot and humid Midwestern state for another!!)
Love this adorable summer dress and that contrasting band at the top and bottom just make it.
Thanks, Joanne! That seems to be the consensus! A friend suggested I make horizontal pintucks to shorten it. I may give that a try…then again, I may not!!!
I loved the Monkees and Davey was my favorite. I always loved it when he got stars in his eyes when he saw a girl he liked. Lol! I adore this dress. The print is beautiful!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! Oh, I forgot about those stars!!! Davey was definitely a cutie (and he seemed to age the best of the four). It’s sad to think Mickey is the only surviving member.
I do love the compliment on what I’m wearing when I’m out and about. Rob has taught me that thank you is the way to go. It’s funny how it wasn’t easy to take compliments back in the day.
BTW, I’m with that lady…it’s a fabulous dress!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I love this dress a lot! It’s just so comfortable, twirly, and pretty! I don’t think I was even ever taught not to accept a compliment. It just became a thing, right? I try to sincerely compliment people all of the time because I know how it makes me feel. But, learning how to accept a compliment has been a difficult lesson indeed!
I can see why you were stopped for a compliment! It’s beautiful on you! I like the band of turquoise on the bottom. I remember watching The Monkees a few times. It was a funny show!
Thank you so much, Laura! I really like that band, too, but I was wondering if it made the dress just that much too long! I loved watching the Monkees!!!
This dress is adorable! I love how bright and flowy it is!
Thanks, Erin! I love it and wear it often!
Great dress for summer! I love the colors and floral print — it looks cool and comfortable. I never watched the Monkees – I think I was a bit too old by that time. But, I really like your idea about living your life in reverse – ha, ha. I wonder what I would say and do if I could go backwards 50 years from today? Like you, I was a K-12 teacher while I was raising my two sons — busy, busy, busy and just trying to do the best I could. I think we’re still just trying to be our best selves every day.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thanks, Carol! Did I know you were a teacher? I’m not sure. But, wouldn’t it be wonderful to unravel your life and fix the mistakes? I have no idea where that came from…but it was there for a good 40 years!
Cute little dress Marsha, and I love the sandals too. Jacqui x
Thanks so much, Jacqui!