Siboney, Connie Francis

Woe is me: White blouse blues.

This feminine winter white summer weight blouse is gorgeous, and available at Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy. I've had fabulous luck shopping there, but sometimes there are things that are just not my size, sending me into a spiraling depression that lasts at least 4 solid minutes.

Find the shirt here. And shop Dear Golden here.

Party etiquette: How to get more invitations!

We throw a lot of get-togethers at Chez Charles, and have noticed there's some bad behavior going around regarding invitations, feelings, and RSVP's. Here are some of our thoughts on being a thoughtful guest, and gaining more and more invitations for yourself.

Accept invitations

My rule of thumb is that if I extend more than three or four invitations to someone, and they don't show up, I stop extending them. Invariably, there's always a bit of sulking if word gets out to a neglected non-attendee. Generally, these sulkers are people who never RSVP, rarely inform anyone they aren't coming, and also, never show any genuine interest in anything anyway. These thoughtless people are more interested in stroking their egos (receiving invites) than actually socializing, and Mrs Charles has no sympathy.

Extend invitations

To get invitations, give them. People cannot be expected to remember you, if you don't make yourself memorable. One of the very best ways to make yourself memorable is to show others a good time. Invite them somewhere! Museums, lunch dates, your own parties or movie night--all are great reasons for someone to associate good times with you. If you like someone, ask them somewhere once in a while. There's a saying "one good turn deserves another", and this is certainly true with extending invitations. You'd be amazed how quickly the karma pays off. (Beware that invitations don't turn into a game of cat and mouse where you extend one just to be "courteous" with no intention of ever getting together. No one likes their time being  held hostage by plans that never seem to come to fruition.)

RSVP, for heaven's sakes

There's nothing worse than sending out an invite and having everyone wait until last minute to decide to come (which is very inconsiderate to hosts), or not responding at all. Hosts need to prepare food and drink, and a head count is a very helpful thing to have. It also shows interest from attendees, which gets the hosts pumped. Showing appreciation is as simple as clicking Yes, No, or Maybe, and thanking the host and letting them know you're sorry to miss, hopeful to rearrange your schedule, or very excited to get together soon.

And, finally, don't be insufferable.

Most importantly, be a good guest. Socialize and circulate; participate in activities. Don't complain if you hear of a party you weren't invited to--that just annoys the host and makes them deliberately avoid inviting you in the future.Considerate people are charming people, and those who show genuine happiness at being thought of and invited out, will most likely be invited out often.

Now, Mrs Charles must excuse herself and finish making her Summer Pink Sangria.

green vintage pumps: I wish they were my size--a tale of woe.

Insanely awesome emerald green 1940s heels, at Prance and Swagger on Etsy. I am passionately sad that these are not my size. I hope they find a great home and are worn within an inch of their lives!

I made my first pie...

I was looking for recipes for pies utilizing honey instead of sugar (I read "Sugar Blues" for the second time and was feelin' the fervor) and instead found the holy grail: Apple Gruyere Pie, ala "Pushing Daisies".

I set to work in the kitchen and made my first...yes, first...pie! Below are the pictures (pretty ugly). I have to say, baking pies is pretty fun, even for an utter spazz like me! I make yummy cupcakes (I got a good recipe) and good muffins, but I am not presumptuous in the kitchen in the slightest.

The verdict: I don't think a pie is supposed to look like this, but it doesn't taste bad. I put too much Gruyere on top (wasn't called for), and that made it saaaaaalty for my taste. Not bad for a first time pie, but could be better. I should have added more apples, possibly used leaf lard as recommended in recipe (couldn't find it). Otherwise, crust is nice and flaky and buttery, apples are yummy, too.

Edit: This pie is really good! Even other people said so! YAYAYAYAY

Movie costumes: Frida. Part One.

It is fitting that a movie about legendary painter and style icon Frida Kahlo would be visually stunning. Sets, costumes, casting, everything is just wonderful. Here are a few of my favorite costumes from the movie. Since there were so many, this is part one.

Frida tangos with Tina Modotti. Frida's dress is a sumptuous red velvet with drop waist and ruffled hemlime (and contrast coloring on edge?), Tina's it an open-backed beaded black with draped beading details.

Another shot of Tina's dress. It was stunning.

Diego and Frida are married. She looks heavenly in rich forest green and vivid red. Love her chunky necklace.

Her arracadas look awesome. This is a nice solution when your earrings don't match your gemstones: wear pure metal earrings.

Simple blue dress. Love the style and color.

This white dress was my favorite of the movie. Simple, crisp, white dotted swiss in a lovely feminine pattern. I would have gone absolutely nuts for this dress as a teenager--and still do. I believe this is a German-style dress--it struck me immediately when I saw the movie that this dress might represent Frida's German heritage, as it does resemble a dirndl. I will correct this info if I find it's false.

The pie maker: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie