According to the Urban Dictionary, a complisult is “a backhanded compliment.” Example: “That’s such a nice dress. It does wonders for your figure.”

One night a few years ago, through an amber haze of whiskey fumes and cigarette smoke, a close friend of mine confessed, through tears of laughter and apologetic overtones, that I had unwittingly acquired a nickname amongst my friends – “The Complisult”. She explained to me that I have this “endearing” way of paying people compliments by insulting them.

As soon as she said it, I realized just how horrifyingly appropriate my nickname was. I’d never been able to put my finger on it – this thing that invariably happened when I tried to joke with others – and now here it was, staring me in the face. The Complisult. It’s a little like thinking you’re Batman and suddenly discovering you are in fact The Joker.

Now that I’m aware of my hapless talent for complisulting people, I diligently monitor my words. But old habits die hard, especially when one was only made aware of said bad habit a relatively short time ago…..so at times The Complisult still makes a vengeful return, giving me a nasty case of foot-in-mouth disease.

The silver lining to this affliction is that it’s made me work damned hard to make lasting friendships. The evening these photos were taken, I had the good fortune of hosting a few of my most prized friend acquisitions – Jessica, Kelly, and Bethany – three of the five other women who post on this blog. Not to mention, I have one hell of a manfriend, who built our lovely home, and a dog, Ed, who is so devoted to me that he lays at the foot of the tub when I shower and hugs my hand with his tiny white paws every time I scratch his furry little chest. Just look at those eyes he’s giving me! it’s love.

All of my loved ones, save Ed of course, have fallen prey to The Complisult a time or two, but they stick with me, and we adore and revere each other. It’s a fine thing. So I raise my Tyrconnell filled glass to the FU broads, Dustin, and my Edmund – here’s to sticking with it, and building love.

About the Outfit: This fantastic vintage cocktail dress was designed by Julie Miller, and made sometime in the mid ’40’s. Kelly gave it to me for Christmas, that classy dame! The boots are made by Classique, so essentially they are cheap knockoffs of some designer brand. But hey – they are actually leather, and I picked them up for $4 at a thrift store, so……

And in case you’re wondering, that stunning painting pictured behind me is by one of my all-time favorite Boise artists – Erin Cunningham.

About the Jewelry: My earrings are, no surprise here, handmade by Hazel Cox. The watch was Dustin’s grandmother’s, and is by Voumard. The gold bracelets are from my great-grandmother in Greece. The ring on my left hand is gold, diamond, and elk ivory – designed and made by Glade Davis. The one on my right ring finger is a Greek gold filigree piece from my great-grandmother, and the one on my middle finger is a gold and opal piece from my grandmother.

Jessica and I, extolling the virtues of quality-made vintage clothing in my cozy home office. Many thanks to Bethany for another round of fantastic photos.