In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines,
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.
In two straight lines they broke their bread,
They brushed their teeth, they went to bed.
They left the house at half past nine.
Rain or shine, two straight lines,
The smallest one was Madeline.
_
Those are the first few lines of every Madeline story ever written. No, I didn’t copy those from wikipedia, or reference my Madeline anthology. Those seven lines are stuck in my brain for good. What’s a Madeline story? It’s a story, written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelman, about a little red-headed girl named Madeline, and her adventures in and out of a Parisian boarding school. Though the books were published in the 1940s, they dominated the 90s for me. Every year at Christmas for nearly a decade, I’d recieve a new Madeline doll. Every doll had the same distinctive traits – stringy red hair, a crooked smile, and a little scar on her tummy (left over from her appendectomy in book one).
For this reason, I was delighted when a co-worker offered this observation on my outfit “You look like Madeline!” Of course, I had to be “that guy” and tell her that Madeline’s trademark outfit was a blue coat with a yellow hat, but I still see what she was saying. I didn’t tell her, though, that while I don’t get a new Madeline doll for Christmas anymore, I do set up my collection like a weirdo in front of the tree every year.
That’s what traditions do: they morph. Tomorrow, even though it’s tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve in Georgetown with my family, we may very well host the gang at my old house, covered in vines (as both my sister and my parents are still without power from the CRAZY-ASS ice storm that skipped downtown Hamilton). While I haven’t really prepared for that, I have set up my Madeline dolls in the back of the living room, just in case my nieces want to play with them while the grown-ups play wine-infused Catchphrase. That would seem a very nice take on tradition, I think.
To borrow a few more words from Madeline: That’s all there is; there isn’t any more.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Angora Hat: Salvation Army | $2.99
Sweater: Salvation Army | $5.99
Blouse: Salvation Army | $1.99
Skirt: Talize | $9.99
Booties: Talize / $12.99
My very favourite childhood books! You do look like Madeleine, and I can’t believe you got that adorable outfit for such a reasonable price! Happy holidays xxH
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, I love Madeline! I have a big hardcover version that I read to my class when we discuss what it means to be brave and what it means to be a friend. You’re right– you don’t look exactly like Madeline but you resemble a spirited version of her. Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie! xo
LikeLike
That’s just adorable Linda. I wish you were my teacher.
LikeLike
Oh I used to looove the Madeline books! I had almost forgotten about them, thanks for the reminder! Gorgeous, gorgeous outfit!! Merry Christmas! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much! I’m glad to remind you of that spunky little red head!
LikeLike
Love the outfit – I got the same skirt at Salvation army – love the classic look of it…
LikeLike
Twins! I love that we both got it at a thrift store. Shiny things come to those who wait 😉
LikeLike
I just love your blouse! What a sweet outfit.
LikeLike
Thank you! Can’t go wrong with polka dots.
LikeLike
Loooove this outfit! I don’t know Madeline too well, but you are spitting image of Cher Horowitz and she’s my favourite! Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
An even better icon to emulate! Thanks Hannah 😀
LikeLike
What a cute story – and I love your outfit!
I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas!
xoxo,
Laura
lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com
LikeLike
Thanks Laura! Happy new year!
LikeLike
Oh, I just loved Madeline as a kid, and I’d forgotten all about her! Thanks so much for reminding me.
I am so jealous of your doll collection, by the way!
LikeLike
Thank you! I still take some pride in that collection, I’ll fully admit!
LikeLike
Julie – loved this post, your lovely outfit and of course all those Madeline dolls!
LikeLike
Thanks Kim! I still fancy my little collection quite a bit.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas, Julie! I love this outfit, you look adorable and I want to fist bump you for thrifting it all. You rock, and I look forward to following along with your blog in 2014!!
LikeLike
Merry (late) Christmas to you too Meg! If I rock, you rule.
LikeLike
I love Madeline, and I love your look! Very European! Happy New Year hun!
~Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
LikeLike
Merci Zhenya! 😉
LikeLike
Retro fabulous, smart geek chic and funky all in one! Love the colour scheme too!
x
http://fashionthatpays.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Love that description!
LikeLike