Merry and bright
Midwest thrift scene report, Hoosier cuisine, and holiday watchlist
Nothing more intense than coming off a hectic period in New York to the quiet, emptiness of Bloomington, Indiana over the holidays. I’m beginning my holidays here and I’m fully basking in the long periods of down time. In between all I’m really doing is making grocery runs, reading books, watching Vanderpump on the treadmill, and hitting the little shops downtown.
Midwest thrift is, as everyone knows, the best. It’s been years since I’ve really tapped into the stores in Bloomington, but it of course has its gems. Not all, though.
I made stops at Goodwill and some smaller stores that seemed new, but it was pretty lackluster. It might’ve been an altogether bad batch at Goodwill, but quality in any of the items was nowhere to be found - from home goods to apparel.
I think I saw maybe two pairs of Levi’s jeans in an endless sea of strange, off-brand options. Thanks to Shein and all of the fast fashion offerings, we’re at least a good decade into people having almost no access to buying new, real clothes. Everything that is spit back out to us at thrift stores is likely to be a synthetic-blend item from two bizarre trend cycles ago
I found a pair of Clarks clogs that I previously owned that were in great condition. My last pair eventually crumbled to pieces and I was fearful the new pair might end in the same fate, so I put them back.
After hitting three very weird thrift stores, I went to Cherry Canary, where I knew I’d be taken care of. Cherry Canary is the only store in the area to my knowledge that carries a vast collection of true vintage. It is mostly women’s clothing, but they have some men’s items and other collectibles for the home. I go every time I visit my parents, not always to buy, but to just study the clothes. It really has a wide range of items showing how clothing should be done.
There’s of course some funky 70s polyester and and colorful rayon sets, but you can find beautiful pieces made entirely of silk, suede, linen, leather, and fur for a fair price. If I were attending a formal gathering for the holidays, I would have had at least 5 options to choose from at Cherry. Everything was so good…
I remembered seeing this dress that last time I visited, and it was taunting me again. I didn’t end up buying it, but it was a perfect condition, 100% cotton Gunne Sax dress for about $40. Truly an unbeatable deal and such a beautiful dress, but with my severely limited storage at home, I don’t want to let myself shop out of season. It also felt a little too costume-y for the life I lead. I don’t know that I would grab this piece on any other day aside from Easter. I’m certain it will end up in the right hands.
I also tried on this unbelievable suede coat with rabbit trim. It was pretty much the perfect coat, but about two sizes too big. It could be adjustable, but I pictured myself trying to A. Wear this through the airport while stuffing my heavy wool coat in my luggage or B. The reverse, and I got overwhelmed and put it back. This coat will either end up in the right hands or it will still be there when I come back and then I will ultimately have to buy it. It was too good…
I purposefully came to Indiana with a light coat in hopes of thrifting a better wool coat and I was successful. I bought an incredible dark gray wool, made in USA coat from Cherry. I didn’t get any pictures of it, but surely it will be revealed in due time. The sleaves fit perfectly and it has really unique shoulder pleats, but is overall a very classic coat. I’m soooo happy I found it, it rocks.
I also got a cute dress that I will wear for NYE. This will also be revealed in due time.
Hoosier cuisine
I revisited an Bloomington institution on Saturday, which is Janko’s Little Zagreb. I’m not sure what the connection is to the Croatian capital, but the restaurant is just a very Midwestern steakhouse. The cuts of meat and wine list are very upscale, but everything else about it feels extremely relaxed. Almost like a brewery or a classic barbeque joint.
A lot of football and basketball recruits will get treated to a nice meal at Janko’s to really get the feel of the town and the Indiana University spirit. The whole establishment is decorated in IU cream and crimson.
It is truly a one of kind place and the food really exceeded my expectations. I went once when I was probably in high school, so I’d been urging my parents to go back to see if it stood up to its reputation. We ordered a bottle of Chianti, a shrimp cocktail to share. The cocktail sauce was incredible, heavy on the horse radish, but not too much.
For me, I got the filet, salad with blue cheese dressing, baked potato with sour cream, and of course a basket of grilled rolls.
Non-optional Christmas Viewing
Here’s what I think you should watch while parked on the couch this holiday season.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
Everyone obviously needs to catch up on the Great British Baking Show Holidays new season. This show is incredible in that it can put family members of all generations in a trance and get along.
I looked up pictures of young Prue Leith for some reason and she is giving young Kris Jenner. She is fabulous and one kooky lady. She needs to be added to the circulation of ladies in food mood boards along with Ina and Martha.
Carpool Karaoke with Chappell, Dua, and Gaga
This is streaming on Apple TV, but hopefully there are bootlegs on YouTube if you’re not on Apple. I saw a lot of clips on Twitter and TikTok, but please make sure you sit down and watch the whole thing. Chappell’s segment got most of the love and I was a sobbing mess the whole time.
It was really surreal to see the Pop Star Chart Topper version of herself cruising around Missouri. She is such a star and really a divine person. I found the whole thing extremely touching and showed the Midwest so lovingly. It was too much! I love you Chappell.
Dua’s segment was short and kind of random, but I still love that girl. Gaga was also amazing and she is forever a joy to watch. I wish they’d flown all those pop divas to the same place at the end to link up, but I guess that wasn’t in the budget this year…
A Very Gaga Thanksgiving
Speaking of Gaga…. I know this is Thanksgiving-coded, but I promise it’s fine for winter holidays. I completely forgot to watch this over Thanksgiving, so it goes here. Gaga got to do this in 2011 on ABC and really showcased her range. This totally paved the way for her pivot to jazz. Wonderful holiday magic in here folks.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
This is my family’s Christmas movie, so it must be stated. I love how everyone is insane. It is cozy and charming, but everything in the plot is ridiculous.
I also die for the sexy pool girl, played by Nicolette Scorsese. No one has ever looked better.
I am handling Christmas dinner, so my preparations begin now. I have short ribs to start seasoning, desserts to make, presents to wrap, and surely more. I’m winging all of my holidays this year, but I’m having fun every step of the way!
Cheers!! Merry Christmas and may your holiday be merry and bright xoxo.