where was my consciousness?

Time Flies...

2011-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey there ladies & gents! I sincerely apologize for the disappearing act. I can't believe I haven't posted since July!!

I'm back in school, which is taking over most of my free time. I've decided that in order to keep up with classes, but still have this blog running, I'm going to update once a week. Most likely I will post on Tuesdays or Thursdays since they are my days free from work.

I'm also going to be on television! My friend was on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress and it will air sometime next spring! I will let you guys know more details when the time comes.

Here's an outfit I wore in August! I know that I should be posting fall clothes now that the weather has finally turned, but I have some outfits I kept meaning to post last month! We took a little detour at a nature center on the east side of town.

T bought me this ring when we went to Pittsburgh!

Ducks!

Outfit:
Tank top: Anthropologie
Shorts: LOFT
Shoes: Target
Purse: F21
Earrings:F21
Necklace: F21
Sunnies: Target
Ring: Jupe Boutique

Ciao!

Sun Hat Reverie

2011-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hoooollaaaa'!

Sorry for disappearing like that on you ladies & gents! It's been a hectic month and I thought I'd be good for one update a week...seems like I'm not even able to do that! I don't know what my excuses are other than I hate summer school & therefore dress like a bum. However, T & I are having our one year come up! I can't believe I've been able to stay with one person for a year now. Usually my heart is so fickle, but T keeps me on my toes. Anyway, I need to dress fancy for that night so maybe I can finally have a post worthy for you fashionistas!

I've been looking at all you beauties in your sun hats and I've been jealous. So I finally picked one up and wore it to go cherry picking. It really just emphasizes how pasty I am. It makes me look like a vampire hiding from the sun.

Sun hat: UO
Sunnies: UO
Top: LOFT

Aaaaand that is all I have for you guys. Literally. I've been reading your posts but not commenting lately due to having a 100+ to read a day. I'm getting a break this weekend, so I hope to catch up with you all personally!

Ciao!

Chi City Part II

2011-07-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the small disappearance! I try to update at least twice a week and I have been slacking! Mainly because school has started for me: AHHHH! A summer class for 6 week, a short break, and then fall semester! I will definitely update once a week while in school, but I can't promise much more. I have to really buckle down so I can finally graduate next year and be rewarded with a poor job market: HA. Lucky me.

Anyway, here are the last few pictures from my trip to Chicago:

Me with the Bob Newhart statue. I love him.

Vegetarian lunch special at OYSY. It was super yummy!

Outfit #1
Sequin tank: Ann Taylor
Shorts: LOFT
Sandals: Target
Sunnies: F21
Yeezy necklace: F21
Bunny necklace: F21
Bracelet: F21
Purse: F21

Outfit #2
Frill tank: LOFT
Skirt: LOFT
Necklace: Gift from T
Purse: F21

I'll be doing my best to catch up on all your posts I've missed!

Ciao!

Chi City Part I

2011-06-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies & gents! I am back from the windy city & missing it already. Cleveland is a nice place to be, but it doesn't compare to Chicago in the least bit (except for maybe the food scene, thankyouverymuch midwest)! T & I had a wonderful time & took a good amount of pictures. I've decided to break up my trip into a few entries, so here is part I!

When we arrived we went to lunch at a place called grahamwich where upcoming chef, graham elliot, makes beautiful sandwiches. I had the Mediterranean: roasted veggies, goat cheese, basil pesto on a foccacia bread. Mmmmm!

Dress: H&M
Scarf: F21
Shoes: Target
Bracelet: vintage-- it was my great grandma's
Earrings: F21
Yeezy Necklace: F21

After lunch we went shopping the entire day & I bought some fancy new items at F21. T bought me a lovely vest from Banana Republic, where we found him some new duds. We took a cab to a restaurant called Mindy's Hot Chocolate which was the BOMB. My parting picture is of our dessert there: donuts in a hot chocolate sauce & homemade caramel corn.

I neeeeeeed it everyday!!!

To be continued!

Ciao!

Drank

2011-06-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Remember when I posted how it is not okay to go out in public like a bum? Unless it was for a few reasons? Well I think I need to add hungover to the list of excuses.

The culprit:

It is rare for me to have a night of drunken debauchery. However, I took part in one on Sunday & had a hard time recovering the next day. So here is what I wore:

Now let's break it down! Because even though this isn't the most ~~stylish~~ wonderful outfit it really is functional and sometimes fashion needs to be functional.

Sunglasses: UO
Midget hoodie: Target
Grey capri: Gap
Flip flops: Old Navy
Hair: natural effect of drunken sleep & teasing by Allison

Three more days 'til Chi city (& back to real fashion)!

Ciao!

Japanese Maple

2011-06-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the little disappearance! I haven't been home the last few days except to sleep. I'm taking off next weekend to Chicago where I promise to be shopping & taking lots of pictures! Chicago might be my favorite city in the states. It has so much to offer with the arts, shopping, parks, entertainment etc etc etc. So my entries will have lots to show!

My parents beautiful Japanese maple in the background! I look like a dear in headlights though.

Lacey top: H&M
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Steve Madden
Glasses: Urban Outfitters
Bracelet: Thrifted
Necklace: Gift from my friend Jackie

Have a lovely weekend!

Ciao!

Outfitting Fictional Characters: Emma Pillsbury

2011-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Being a graduate student with a research assistantship, I have pretty free reign in what I wear. Rompers, mini dresses--all fair game. However, I realize that if everything goes according to plan and I get a job as a professor, I'm going to need to start dressing like a grown up instead of a giant toddler. With her cardigan sweaters, bow blouses, and novelty brooches, I think Emma Pillsbury from Glee makes a good model on which to base an adorable professional wardrobe, even if all the Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs she wears is a bit unrealistic for a high school guidance counselor.

Things We Love

2011-06-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jenni loves...

Karen Walker sunglasses

This ASOS short suit

Totebags

Lauren loves...

This Beautiful bathing suit cover up from Anthropologie.

Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet book & website (http://www.thekindlife.com/).

Peach colored love.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

2011-06-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

When I watched The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, I knew I had to do a post on it. The film follows a group of six wealthy friends whose attempts to dine together are repeatedly thwarted in a series of surreal events which expose some of their less desirable qualities. It's probably not for everyone, but if you don't mind a little surrealism, it's a really fun movie to watch, not least of all because of the amazing 70s fashions. It was a little hard to screen cap, but I hope some of these pictures give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

House 2330

2011-06-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken by T outside his home. He lives in a beautiful apartment that was built in the 1920s. It has real class & still has an old fashioned, gated, elevator! He is getting better at taking pictures of me, although I'm not sure if he still gets why I'm doing this.

T-shirt: LOFT
Skirt: a boutique in Columbus (wish I could remember the name)
Metallic semi-wedges: Target
Earrings & Bracelet: F21
Sunglasses: F21

I wanted to say how glad I am to see Jenni is back on board with the blog! We are going to attempt to make this a super, groovy, blog & hope you followers will stick with us!

Also, thanks to all the new friends who added me on IFB! I love making new blogging buddies!

Ciao!

Romper Stomper

2011-06-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Romper: Vintage
Purse: Vintage, eBay
Shoes: Thrifted

As you can plainly tell from the photographic evidence, I am quite a fan of the onesie. I can't quite explain the attraction. When you think about it, rompers have quite a few drawbacks--the need to disrobe with every trip to the restroom, the inevitable wedgies--but by God, I love 'em.

On an unrelated note, this is something that has happened:

Pee Wee and Regis, via awesome people hanging out together.

I'm a little bit in love with this Tumblr. I have about a hundred pictures saved from it, but this one really takes it to the next level.

Casey He Waltzed with the Strawberry Bag

2011-05-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's tough to be a fashion lover in Cleveland. Why? We are always a year behind the trends, we have some major sales tax going on (7.75%), and most people prefer sweats over style. It disturbs me to see people wearing sweats as every day wear. No! It is not meant to leave the house unless:

a)You are dying and need to get to the hospital ASAP.
b)You are going to the gym on a cold day.
c)It's midnight and you need to run to the 24 hour store for tampons.
Where is all this going? Well, my lovely friend, Brittany, lives in England. For my birthday she sent me some candy (mmmm, flake bars!), a beautiful compact mirror, & a strawberry print bag! Fruit print as been making its rounds for awhile but has NOT hit Ohio. While I am not huge on a lot of the clothes I've seen with fruit on it I was in love with this bag.

Jacket: LOFT
Dress: H&M
Bead Headband: F21
Rose pin: J Crew
Ring: F21
Flats: Steve Madden
Strawberry Bag: Gift from Brittany :D

The dress was only $10 at H&M. What a steal! It is very versatile. I've used it as a bathing suit cover up as well.

Ciao!

There's No Sunshine When She Gone

2011-05-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

So while Ohio has been conjuring up tornadoes & severe thunderstorms I've been rocking jeans & a tee everyday. The weather has been so violent that I've been dressing more to suit the atmosphere. Until the weather perks up I have my other outfit from my lovely vacay!

Top: H&M
Skirt: LOFT
Metallic semi-wedges: Target
Earrings: F21
Bracelet: LOFT
Necklace: Gift from BF :) (J Crew)
Sunglasses: F21

Those are my only two pictures because my Erma (the name I have given my double chin) popped up in every other photo Tim took. I have a serious hate relationship with Erma. No matter how skinny I get she never goes away. She is the barnacle to my whale, the toadstool to my tree trunk, the crabs to my...well. You get what I'm saying. She is an addition that I will never love.

Ciao!

Goodbye Sunshine

2011-05-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

I just got back from our little trip to Biloxi, MS! The weather was beautiful for a Clevelander-- high 70s with sunshine just beaming down. I didn't get burned for once & the beau treated me to a cabana on Monday. All I did was read, which helped me to conquer my reading list (anyone on shelfari, btw? I'm obsessed), & drink pina coladas.

The pool! Aaaaa~

The cabana. I miss it so!

Sunglasses: F21
Dress: J Crew
Flip-flops: Old Navy
Earrings: F21
Emerald ring: Gift from my grandmother
Nailpolish: Essie's coat azure

I apologize for the lack of fashion savvy shoes. I didn't pack too many pairs because I don't have very big luggage (it's the same one I've had since I was 10) & I figured I'd be needing pool worthy footwear. I really hate flip-flops, but they are very useful.

I have another outfit from the trip, but I will save it until the next post. Until next time ma fashionistas!

Ciao!

Back in the saddle again

2011-05-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Jenni again! Sorry again for being M.I.A.! I've been pretty busy with school, but now that the semester's over, I tried taking some more pictures. Or... my partner did. They were all terrible, but here's some shoes!

Shoes: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Socks: Hansel from Basel. $2. Get you some.

Also--things on which currently I am digging:

This sweatshirt

Shadi Ghadirian photography

Blue (and pink, and yellow, and green) haired ladies

Not Without Incident

Buster Keaton and a puppy

Senorita!

2011-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, the closet project isn't going very well as I am now being whisked away to Biloxi, MS by my senor. I will be gone until next Wednesday but will make sure to get some pictures for when I get back! Until then here is what I have for you! Last week T & I went to Momocho in Ohio city for some awesome Mexican food in celebration of Cinco de Mayo!

Mmmmm margaritas! Mine is on the right-- blood orange! Jealous?

My eyes are betraying how many drinks I had!! :X

Jacket: Loft
Striped top: J Crew
Jean capri: Target
Flats: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: F21
Bag: H&M

Also, I turned 25 on Wednesday. Ahhh, quarter life crisis! I will have pictures from that event soon!

Ciao!

Featured Blogger: The Styling Dutchman

2011-05-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

Today I'm really excited to introduce our next blogger of the month! It's Annabeth from The Styling Dutchman. I've been ~~stalking~~ following her blog for the last few months religiously She is super adorable & always looks fly. If you guys aren't following her already you really should. Like right now. She was kind enough to let me interview her!

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi guys! I'm Annebeth, a Dutch girl living in a small Belgian village with her boyfriend and four cats. I study Communication Sciences in Antwerp, and I love expressing myself through writing and fashion. I started my blog to hone my skills and to put on my resumé (eventually). I love everything retro/vintage, Mad Men, blogging, my boyfriend, movies, the 60s, music and Lauren for being a fan of my blog! Thanks babe!

How would you define your style?

Slightly retro, girly/feminine, innocent, colorful, prints, classics, wearable and quirky :)

Favorite color combination?

I basically throw anything together with anything, but I feel like rusty orange + dark blue works extremely well.

Who are your favorite style icons?

Lolita (Nabokov) will always be my icon. The book does include descriptions of some of her adorable outfits, but I am especially inspired by the vibe she gives off: innocent but sensual, impulsive but calculating, girly and tomboyish, wise beyond her years but gullible. I would like to maintain her childlike pureness throughout my life. Also: Erin from Calivintage <3

One thing in your wardrobe you couldn't live without?

UhmMmMmMmMM has to be my three buttercup ring by Alex Monroe, my boyfriend gave it to me for our 5 year anniversary and I wear it almost every day :-)

One thing you wish you could have?

A better camera :-) an 80 buck point and shoot camera only gets you so far. I think I might buy one for my birthday. I just need to find a good but affordable secondhand digicam!

How long have you been into fashion?

For as long as I can remember! Where other girls said they wanted to become princesses when they grew up, I was torn between becoming a journalist and a fashion designer at age 6. I guess I'm combining my two loves right now! I used to handsew dresses on my barbies with scraps of fabric my mom had lying around. I remember a very sexy fashion forward piece made out of balloons! Barbie latex.

Favorite food?

GOSH this is my type of question. I'm a total food lover. I love anything italian, sushi, lamb, fruits and cheese, but my alltime favorite is plain old bread and butter. Hardly anything tops fresh baked bread with a lovely creamy butter melting into the warm loaf of bread. GAH I'm salivating thinking about it!

Lastly, what is one thing you'd like to do before you die?

That's morbid! :-D I guess I'd love to travel before I die. My family is quite big and not that rich so we never went on holiday abroad (except once to Spain years ago), and right now all my money is going towards my education. Once I start earning money I won't be saving up to buy the next designer it-bag, no, I'll be discovering the world! :-D I'd love to visit Japan some day. I'm totally one of those anime geeks who fell in love with everything about Japan.

Thanks again to Annabeth for being such a fun lady to interview! Make sure to go visit her at her blog: The Styling Dutchman!

My Heaven, My Hell

2011-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

See that heavenly glow above my clothes? The warmth radiating out of my closet? The inviting presence? Yuh right.

The above disatser is my closet. The sad thing it isn't even holding all my clothes. How is it fair that a fashionista has such small closet space? Does anyone else have this problem? Any organizing tips? I actually have a second closet that is home to all my American Girl dolls from my childhood. I've decided to renovate it & use it for my clothes overflow.
But this means that I will be working hard on organizing fashion & not taking pictures until next week (with the exception of tomorrow- the beau & I are celebrating Cinco de Mayo). However, you guys can look forward to an interview this weekend with another great fashion blogger! It's a secret for now though... :)
Ciao!

Black n' Yellow

2011-05-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

The beau & I went to Pittsburgh for the day. We walked around downtown, hit the Warhol Museum, ate awesome seitan chicken wings, & did a little gamblin' on the side. The weather was threatening to turn ugly on us, but held out. I dressed for the rain just in case!

Trench coat: Old Navy
Bird scarf: H&M
Heart earrings: Forever 21
Skinny jeans: The Loft
Rain boots: Sperry Top-Siders
Purple cardigan: Banana Republic
Pink button down: H&M
Purse: H&M

Needless to say, this camera is 1000000000x better than my previous. Also, you all get to see what my hair looks like short!

And, of course, one more with my ever so generous & loving boyfriend. He takes me on so many lovely trips. <3

Ciao!

9-5

2011-04-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Sorry for disappearing a bit. My boyfriend's mom was very ill & passed away last week. I have been taking care of the poor fellow during all my free time, but tomorrow we are going on a day trip! So I had today to go out, do errands, & most importantly purchase a new camera! I'm hoping it will improve the shooting quality. I also got a case for it & a mini tripod, so now I can take my own pictures whenever I like.

I got my hair chopped off. It looks pretty good, but I don't have any pictures of it right now. I will make sure to be taking tons of pictures when we go to Pittsburgh & you can all see it then.

'Til then here is my last photo I took with my long hair (although it's pinned into a bun so I guess you don't see it)!

Jacket: The Limited
Scarf: Forever 21
Tank: The Loft
Skinny Jeans: The Loft
Bracelet: The Loft
Shoes: Target

I wore this for a job interview, but it was a lame opportunity, so I turned it down. Still stuck at the grocery store!

Also, totally obsessed with Essie nail polish. This one is their chinchilly color. I love, love, love it.

Ciao!

Cooking with style

2011-04-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

When I did my photo shoot for the blog, which I have yet to still post, I also did some for my friend Tori. She has an etsy account and has been making cute retro-inspired items. She needed a body, I needed someone with camera skills, & so our photo shoot was born. Below is one of the cute aprons she made and had me model:

More of her handiwork can be found here at toribeth!

In other news....I made an appointment for the big haircut of 2011!! Next Monday I'm attempting the messy crop I posted last entry. If it turns out horrible I might have to wear a bag over my head for future posts, so be prepared!

Ciao!

Crop it?

2011-04-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, pals! Sorry I didn't update at all last week. My friend ended up doing a photo shoot of me, so eventually I will get those up when she sends them. Until then all I have is a purse & a serious haircut decision for you.

I bought a new purse a week back. I spotted it in the H&M display window and was able to get them to part with it. I usually like longer straps, but I made an exception with this beauty:

And I really want to get my haircut. Jenni has been doing adventurous things with her hair lately, as she is always the epitome of style. However, I just get long layers or swoop bangs and call it a day. So I was on Yahoo when I saw the latest celebrity spring hair styles and made me wonder: is it time to try something new? I liked Brooklyn Decker's the best, especially since they said it's a good cut with someone with fine hair. What do you guys think? Shall I crop it like below?

I'm more of a long hair gal because you can do more with it, yet I never do! It will just be my summer cut, so if I end up hating it I'll just grow it out as fast as I can and go back to my usual in the fall. Thankfully, my hair grows pretty damn fast.

Ciao!

M.I.A.

2011-04-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lauren got her laptop just in time for me to disappear! Sorry for being a little MIA lately. I've been so busy, I almost forgot to pay my rent! Getting back in the swing of things, here's an outfit I wore a week and a half ago:

Jacket: Thrifted
Pin: ban.do
Dress: Jovovich-Hawk for Target, via Buffalo Exchange
Socks: Hansel from Basel
Shoes: Thrifted

I took my first comprehensive exam and then immediately had to work on a conference presentation. It was my first time presenting on my style blogging research and it was a resounding success. I received a lot of really positive feedback and there were a lot of interested questions. I think this project really has a lot of potential. I'm thinking of maybe starting a separate blog about it. Not sure though--I have so little free time as it is, the last thing I need is another project!

On another note, Hansel from Basel is having an insane sale right now. I bought eight pairs of socks for the price of one. It was glorious. I recommend you check it out.

Eat your heart out

2011-03-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday there was a fabulous chow down event in Tremont. It consisted of 7 or so food trucks gathering in the park & serving up some serious grub. Thanks to northern Ohio's notorious weather it was sunny, yet 30 degrees. It wouldn't have been so bad if the wind chill wasn't in the low 20's.
Therefore I dressed a bit more warm for the occasion by layering.

Tunic: Forever 21
Undershirt: Forever 21
Belt: Target
Jeans: Loft
Boots: Payless
Here are some pictures from the event!

The crowds. It ended up getting so crowded there was an hour long wait in each line.

My friend Katie eating some concoction from Fahrenheit

My friend, Rachel, freezing.

Me & my man. (hat from Anthropologie)
Ciao!

Finishing the Skirt

2011-03-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a piece in your wardrobe where you say to yourself, "Gee, I'm really not sure why I was so wild about this thing"? I do, or I did about this particular skirt down below. I saw it at the Limited & fell in love with it three years ago. I wore it for New Years & don't think I've worn it since...until the other day! I usually shop at places like Banana Republic, Limited, Loft etc with the goal of only buying from the sales rack & if there are additional discounts on said rack. This skirt was the exception, because I paid full price. Due to the money invested in it I refuse to give it away, but wouldn't wear it because I wasn't sure what to do with it. The intense pattern attracts, yet, terrifies me. I finally came up with this ensemble:

Top: Ann Taylor
Skirt: Limited
Belt: Limited
Tights: Target
Boots: Shii's
Scarf: Ann Taylor
I see my portly Jack Russel, Jack, wanted to get in on the shoot. Sadly, he is more photogenic than myself.
Ciao!

Kate the Great

2011-03-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

So I finally got my laptop! I will be able to update more regularly and allow Jenni to peace out more with school being hectic.

The Velvet Tango Room didn't happen due to the usual snow storm, but I was able to visit the Kent State fashion museum for the marvelous Katharine Hepburn exhibit. I'm a sucker for classic 40's & 50's cinema, fashion, and art. So Kate Hepburn's wardrobe on display was basically a piece of heaven. Kate definitely had a defined style & I have always admired it. Here is the trouser loving woman herself:

To start the day out I did a bit of tribute to Kate by attempting a modern spin on her look.

Sisters? I feel so.

Top: The Limited
Pants: Loft
Shoes: Target
Purse (in first picture): H&M
Belt: The Limited

Then we went to the museum where we saw dozens of her clothes from different movies & plays. The three below were my ultimate favorites.

I am a teeny bit depressed by the size of her waist. How do you DO that? Well, I'm starting a more healthy life style that is heavily influenced by diet so maybe you guys will be seeing a few inches off my waist! If anything it will bring about more shopping, which means more posts!

Ciao!

Calvin Droolidge

2011-03-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling very avaricious right now. I would give both ovaries and a few quarts of blood plasma for these dresses. Does blood plasma come in quarts? Would that mean I would die? Regardless--I really want these dresses.

Orla Kiley, Rachel Antonoff, Chloe Sevingy for Opening Ceremony

Cats in boxes: Cheaper than Zoloft

2011-03-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Dress: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Purse: Vintage D&B, Buffalo Exchange
Socks: Hansel from Basel
Shoes: Thrifted

I originally bought this dress to sell, but after wearing it a couple times, I've decided I like it too much and need to keep it.

You're probably sick of seeing this purse. Too bad! I love it.

Excuse the rogue cat hairs--they manage to get on everything! I am obsessed with these shoes and these socks. The shoes look vintage, but they're actually from K-Mart originally--who woulda thought it?

As you've no doubt noticed, shit continues to be crazy the world over. Jenny at Fashion for Writers had a really great post about it not too long ago. I'm not going to talk about it too much, but suffice it to say, there are a lot of forces working in American right now to gut people of their power, and a lot of people either don't care or actually support it. It's really not enough to be complacent anymore. People have to start standing up and telling the government what they want, the way they've been doing in the Middle East and the way people are starting to do across America.

Then of course there's the disaster in Japan. What scares me is that some people are talking about it like the Japanese deserved what's happening. You've gotta be pretty messed up to wish that on your worst enemy, let alone a nation that has been our ALLY for fifty years. Sigh. I've donated a little money to the Red Cross to help with relief--it's not much, but every little bit helps.

Sorry to be such a downer! Here's a video of Maru trying to jump into a giant box to lighten the mood a bit.

In other news, we've passed the 50 follower mark here at "Where was my consciousness?" headquarters. We'll be hosting a giveaway just as soon as I get the time to take pictures of the glamorous prizes. If you'll excuse me, I'm off now for some very important cupcake procurement.

Featured blogger: Strawberry Moth

2011-03-14T13:10:00.001-07:00

I recently discovered one of THE most adorable blogs, Strawberry Moth. Looking at her blog, I think she probably has the dream life of a lot of bloggers—going on gourmet picnics with her fiancee and their adorable dog, playing dress up in beautiful vintage clothes, and running a vintage shop, Time Traveling Empire, where you can find such awesome pieces as these:

I had been mulling around the idea of having a regular blogger feature for a while, and when I found her blog, I knew I had my first feature. Jessica was kind enough to answer some of my dumb questions wit some very thoughtful answers. Enjoy this interview and the accompanying pretty pictures!

How would you define your style?
Vintage Ragdoll! I am extremely inspired by decade fashions and am constantly pairing different eras together for a unique look. That's the biggest gift vintage clothing gives us ...the ability to be uniquely your own creation. There isn't much in my closet that isn't at least 30 years old. I feel like, in many ways, I'm collecting history and giving it new life.

What do you like about vintage?
I love the story vintage tells! It's so exciting to imagine where a certain piece has been and who wore it before. The magic of wearing vintage now is being able to take the journey its already started and make it something totally new. Fashion has come so far in just the last century, each era is so unique, so when you style your look with vintage pieces it's like you're carrying a piece of history with you. I've been a vintage collector and stylist for the past 7 years. I recently opened Time Traveling Empire, an online vintage shop offering up one of a kind vintage clothing, accessories, and handmade items for the fellow vintage lover and style savvy vixen. I plan on also starting my own line of retro reproduction and refurbished garments in the future. One things for sure, I've been bitten by the vintage bug and this obsession's going nowhere.

Who are your favorite style icons?
Susan Dey, Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly, Mia Farrow and last but not least...fellow fashion bloggers (you all are the biggest inspiration!)

Favorite candy?
Anything with Chocolate. It's so deadly.

If you could live in any historical period throughout time, what time would you choose?
Hands down my favorite era is the 1920s. Fashion changed so drastically for women during this time. You can see the emergence of female independence and sexuality in both clothing and common lifestyle in a time where corsets and conservative beliefs confined and ruled the woman world. You can also see a strong art deco influence (my favorite movement in art) in the 20s textiles and accessory design and both Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin got their big start during this decade. What a dream it would be to pop on my cloche had, don a detailed drop waist dress, and skip off to see a Mary Pickford film with my oh so handsome jazz singer boyfriend. I recently chopped off my long tresses and traded them in for a haircut inspired by 1920s model and star Louise Brooks.

Last but not least, tell us three random facts about yourself.
1. I moved to Canada for a year after I graduated college to study special effects make-up. (I have a secret love for zombie movies) 2. I have an unhealthy collection of vintage group photographs. My favorite is a 1940s wrestling team (you can see some of the guys pushing up their muscles) 3. I'm Engaged! My boyfriend and best friend of 6 years proposed in October. The ring he gave me was his great grandfathers who won it on a gambling steamboat in the 1920s.

There you have it! I want to thank Jessica for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope you give her blog, Strawberry Moth, and her shop, Time Traveling Empire, a visit or two or twelve. You will definitely not regret it!

Pretty girls in pretty clothes

2011-03-13T13:02:00.001-07:00

Sally Jane Vintage, Calivintage, Kennedy Holmes, Mousevox Vintage, Lost in the Forest, Helmi Otsalla.

Beige alert

2011-03-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Blazer: Thrifted
Top: Thrifted
Necklace: Thrifted
Shorts: Queen's Wardrobe
Bag: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Anyone who says you can't mix certain neutrals together is a fool indeed. I am a major proponent of all manner of neutral mixing. As I put this outfit together, I kept thinking of the Neutrals from the Neutral Planet on Futurama.

I took approximately ten million pictures today and managed to look like a major league nerdlinger in at least 100% of them. Eventually, I gave up and just embraced the nerdiness.

I wanted to try to wear an almost 100% thrifted outfit to send into Meagan's Thursdays are for Thrifters challenge. The shorts and bag aren't thrifted, but otherwise I came pretty close! I haven't been doing as much thrifting as I used to since I moved to Las Vegas--I don't have as much time to dig through the shops, and the selection isn't as good as the Ohio thrift stores. I'm on spring break now, though, so I think I'll try to fit in a couple thrifting trips between all the work I need to catch up on.

These shoes are getting a little beat up due to my wearing them so much, but I wanted to share them anyway. I've heard some people have trouble thrifting shoes, but that's never been a problem for me. I'm looking at my wall o' shoes right now and I'd say at least half of them are thrifted. You can't really go in looking for something specific, but if you keep an open mind you can find some good stuff.

It's my first day of spring break. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go work out, make a Powerpoint, and write some annotations. Woo! Spring break!

My beating heart

2011-03-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Vintage, thrifted
Heart pin: ban.do
Shoes: Forever 21

I wore this outfit to eat tofu panang and drink Thai iced tea and listen to a paper on prostitution in mid-20th century Chicago. It was a good day, overall.

I'm really digging my ban.do hearts--I bought one in red and one in pink, and I will probably wear them every day of my life until I die. They are very excellent.

I went to a protest against the proposed cuts to education over the weekend. It went pretty well--good turn-out, a lot of people showing their support, especially the guys driving the "Hot babes direct to you" trucks. I don't think a single one went by the protest without laying on the horn! I think a lot of the more extremely anti-intellectual people have been the most vocal, so it was refreshing to see that there are a lot of people out there who do value education.

Other than that, I've been reading a lot of fashion theory and cyberfeminist stuff. All this work is exhausting, but it's really fascinating. In an ideal world I'd like a little more time to myself, but I still can't complain too much.

How's life been treating you kids?

Pretty girls in pretty clothes

2011-03-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite outfit pics from the past week or so...

Stolen from Grandma, Snail and the Cyclops, Style Scout, Tick Tock Vintage, A Curious Fancy, Vintage Portalen.

Darling, don't you go and cut your hair...

2011-03-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

I gone did it! Don't mind my cowlick!

I got two very gendered sets of reactions to my new haircut:

Women/Gay men: You got a haircut! It looks so cute!
Straight men: You got a haircut.

Ah, textbook man repeller! Regardless, I love it. My stylist was really excited to cut it, and I think it turned out awesome. I was getting really anxious about how shaggy it was getting, and it was a big relief to have some style put into it.

Jacket: Thrifted
Dress: Vintage, thrifted
Bag: Vintage D&B, Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange

I look very salty in all these pictures for some reason. Here's one of me smiling like a goon to put things in balance.

I wanted a fancy mod outfit to go with my fancy mod outfit, so I put on this vintage shift dress. I've found my fashion comfort zones are really expanding. I usually don't like shifts or this kind of floral print, but all of a sudden it started looking pretty good to me. I guess I'm evolving!

Yesterday was my first time wearing these shoes out and about. As I walked to the gym, they felt completely fine, but when I got to the locker room and started changing, I noticed that my heels were COVERED in blood. It was like something out of Pet Semetary! I really like them, though, and they really didn't hurt at all when I was wearing them. I'll just have to take some precautionary measures next time I put them on.

Allow me a moment to get up on my soap box, if you please. Things are pretty stressful at school recently. Nevada has been slashing the education budget for the past four years, and the governor seems dead set on cutting the budget even further. The only difference is that this year, there's not much left to cut. Last year UNLV lost seven departments, displacing 2000 graduate students, and this year it seems inevitable that we'll lose more. Obviously, as a graduate student in Nevada, I have a personal stake in this, but there are wider implications that make this so scary. Nevada's looking at a serious brain drain if these cuts are allowed to continue. The caliber of the schools will only worsen and students who can't afford to go out of state will have to suffer. Tuition will go up, putting higher education out of reach for more low- and middle-income students. Higher education is not optional in today's economy. Governor Sandoval says he wants to diversify our economy, but all he really wants is to scratch the backs of the casino and mining interests who put him in office. If any of you could take a minute to sign this petition, we Nevadans would really appreciate it!

Support Higher Education and Faculty Rights in Nevada

Inspired by: Peggy Moffitt

2011-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm seriously considering a trip to the hair salon today. I'm getting a little tired of the Andrew Jackson look, and I need a change to get me through this growing out process. If I come out looking one iota as cool as Peggy Moffitt, my hairdresser will have earned one fat tip.

Pictures via Child of the
Moon

Like a magpie

2011-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Purse: Vintage, gift via Vanessa
Shoes: Thrifted

Coat: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange

Welcome, folks! First off: Shiny sparkly dress! This is why I can't stick to shopping bans. I pass Buffalo Exchange on my way to and from school every day, and every time I step in there I find something awesome. Take this dress--I've been wanting a 60s metallic cocktail dress ever since I went on a "Jaan Pehechaan Ho" kick in December.

I step into Buffalo Exchange and what do I see but this vision in synthetic fabrics. It was fate, I tell ya! Or at least that's the story I'm stickin' with!

In other exciting news, as you can see, we went ahead and changed the layout. We've had the same layout forEVA, and I thought it was about time for a change. There are still a few kinks, but I'm working it out. I've gotten to kind of a crossroads where I'm either going to give up blogging or get more serious about it, and for now I've decided to get more serious--hence joining IFB, Bloglovin', and Tumblr, and changing the layout here. I'm also playing around with photo editing... I may be in love with the Cinemascope effect on Picnik, as evidenced by today's pictures!

I mentioned a while back that I wanted to be better about bringing my camera with me and taking pictures. Well, I have half that down... I remember to bring my camera, but I never wind up taking pictures! For instance, last night--Aaron and I met some friends at the Artisan. The hotel has a purple glow, they were playing Fritz the Cat on a TV in the lounge, adorable-but-none-too-bright hipsters abounded... Perfect photo op, right? But no, my camera remained firmly tucked inside my purse. Afterward, we got breakfast food in a diner in the back of a drugstore. There were vaguely-recognizable amateur celebrity paintings all over the place, and a little museum of kitschy memorabilia. Again, almost no pictures! I think my reluctance to take pictures is part and parcel of keeping this blog on the DL... I need to start coming out to my meat world compatriots, slowly but surely!

I did manage to get one picture there for Lauren:

Bing Crosby ice cream--it combines two of her favorite things in one!

I'm off to enjoy a day of work and pizza bagels--and by "enjoy", I mean "be subjected to". I hope everyone else is having a little more fun out there!

You're gonna make it after all

2011-02-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage, thrfited
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted

I wore this outfit to my partner Aaron's birthday breakfast the other day--29 years young! Let's give the boy a hand!

We went to Omelet House for breakfast per his request. It's a glorious, wood-paneled place, home to omelets as big as the night sky and lots of perfectly earnest 70s kitsch. If you're ever in Las Vegas, you have to go. Seriously--Aaron's omelet lasted him for about three days. They do not skimp on the portions.

Case in point.

In any event, I fit right in in all my earth-toned, polyester splendor from my latest thrifting trip. Huzzah for Saver's President's Day sale! It's been a stressful couple weeks, and being able to squeeze in some thrifting was kind of relaxing.

My Favorite Holiday

2011-02-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hey there my peeps! I have returned from my usual hiatus. Times have been tough for this fashionista, but hopefully things will soon change! I'm going to get myself a laptop & finally be able to update properly. The timing couldn't be more perfect since my cohort, Jenni, is swamped with school & won't be able to update as much as she has in the past.

President's Day is a special day for Jenni & I. We have a voracious love when it comes to all things presidential. Just something about learning & reading up on our country's leaders gives us a thrill. Tonight I am properly celebrating this wonderful day by dressing up snazzy & heading over to the swank establishment known as The Velvet Tango Room. I will update next time with pictures from the event! Until then here is my ensemble from the previous day:

Top: Banana Republic

Jeans: Loft

Belt: Target

Bracelet: Family 'heirloom'

Boots: Payless

I decided to knot my hair & it's been my new look since. (sorry about the shot with the toliet in the background...I'm just that classy)

Post-Valentine's

2011-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day was kind of a bust over in these parts. My partner was sick and I had a giant pile of work to do. The day after, though--that's a different story!

Dress: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Purse: Iron Orchid Vintage
Socks: Forever 21
Shoes: Vintage

I put on what was supposed to be my Valentine's dress and went to a free Black Rebel Motorcycle Club concert at the Cosmopolitan. I had my first celebrity sighting--Patrick Carney from the Black Keys was in the audience! Hooray for things that happen!

Valentine's Day Eve

2011-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hat: Buffalo Exchange
Dress: Dear Creatures, via Swirl
Bag: Vintage D&B, via Buffalo Exchange
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Vintage

I bought this dress on Swirl with a store credit I had. It's my second time wearing it in three weeks--a pretty good investment, if I do say so myself. The bag is getting even more wear. There were two vintage Dooney and Bourke bags at Buffalo Exchange the other day. It wasn't easy picking between the two, but I think I made a pretty good choice.

I have no desire to act like a responsible adult today. I don't want to go grocery shopping, make dinner, do dishes, work out, finish writing my papers, read for my classes, do laundry, or any of the other responsible-adult-type things I need to do today. I just want to do my nails, watch a movie, and eat some frozen yogurt. Maybe I'm excited for Valentine's Day. I'm usually anti-Valentine's--you see, I'm an angry feminist, and we tend not to like much of anything. This year, however, I have a fancy dress, and fancy dresses have a way of making me forget my principles.

This outfit brought to you by horses

2011-02-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hat: Buffalo Exchange
Dress: Between the Buttons Vintage
Jacket: Thrifted, vintage
Bag: Buffalo Exchange
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted, vintage

Do you ever have a day when you can't think of anything to wear? It took me all morning to figure out what to wear today! In the end, I wound up wearing the first thing I had tried on. I guess I shouldn't have second guessed myself.

I went to the student union for lunch and a girl stopped me and asked what my style inspiration was. I said horses, because my dress has horses on it. On second glance, though, I think they're zebras. So I guess my style inspiration is zebras?

In other news, my adventures in lipstick continue--this time it's pink. I have no idea what colors look good on me. My method is to choose the brightest, most obnoxiously awesome color I can find. So far, so good!

Emergency

2011-02-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

I need this entire outfit transmitted onto my body. Stat.

Via Helmi Otsalla.

Dear Creatures Spring 2011

2011-02-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Some pictures from the Dear Creatures spring 2011 collection are floating around, and I must admit I am utterly and completely smitten. This might be my favorite collection from them since fall 2009. I'm looking forward to picking up a couple of these dresses on sale in six months on Swirl!

Will the junior senator from Virginia take the floor?

2011-02-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

Sweater: Vintage, thrifted
Shorts: Queen's Wardrobe
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

My hair is bordering on awkward. I feel like it's making me look like an antebellum politician right now. I should probably just embrace the look and invest in more waistcoats and cravats.

Wearing this outfit gave me a great deal of pleasure--not in a creepy way, just in a happy way! I love this amazing giraffe sweater, the shorts, the minty fresh tights, and of course the single greatest pair of shoes I've ever thrifted... Putting them together was pure joy. I didn't start out wearing this, though. I started the day out in a very short, very lightweight dress. The gale force winds we've been having recently were posing a very real and immanent threat to my sense of feminine modesty. I was made to go home and put on something a little more substantial. It gave me a good chance to eat the Nutella tiramisu my friend got for me.

You heard me. Nutella tiramisu. Did I stutter? Eating that was one of the single greatest experiences of my adult life. It's a tough order to beat.

I'm rambling now. I think I may have a bit of a caffiene high... Or maybe I'm just excited about the book on vice presidents I bought today.

YES.

Alex Prager

2011-01-30T15:39:00.001-08:00

There's nothing earth-shattering or new about this post, but I was just looking through some Alex Prager photography and feeling extremely nostalgic. There's something about her work that's very relatable and reminds me of extremely boring summers with nothing to do. At the time, they were miserable, but now the prospect of being bored sounds extremely appealing. Sigh. What a responsible old woman I've become!

Awards Season

2011-01-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! It's been a little while, eh? First off, I want to thank everyone for all the super keen comments on my last couple outfit posts. I always like seeing new visitors and getting to check out everyone's blogs and such. If any of you follow us here and would like your blog followed, just leave a comment saying so and I will do just that!

Dolly the Bird over at The Knack... And How to Get It presented me with the Stylish Blogger Award. I'm pretty stoked, seeing as how it's my first blog award and all, and it's coming from a super cool mod girl. Apparently, I'm to list seven things about myself and then pass the award on to ten more groovy ladies.

Seven things about myself

I'm really excited about this. It reminds me of those email surveys that used to go around--remember those? I was crazy about 'em. Here goes:

1. I can name all 44 US presidents in chronological order.
2. I have harbored a lifelong crush on Niles Crane.
3. My ultimate goal in life is to appear as a contestant on Jeopardy.
4. I never learned to ride a bike.
5. I am physically incapable of winking my right eye.
6. I have been a vegetarian for ten years. I have never once seriously considered eating meat again, although I have had at least one dream about steak.
7. I'm planning on doing my dissertation on personal style blogging. I'm pretty stoked.

As for the ten blogs to award? Well, in no particular order...
1. Cupcake's Clothes: Princess colors and princess silhouettes. Who can complain about that?
2. Sueperblog: A super stylish vintage lady!
3. French for Cupcake: I just recently started following her. She wears fancy tights and whimsical bird jewelry and does her nails like a MACHINE. Love.
4. Mamushka Marie: The place to be for romantic outfit pics and style inspiration.
5. Dear Beatrice: Another stylish lady who can rock a knit beret like no one else.
6. Drops of Jupiter: She always posts a lot of great inspiration posts, and I've been a fan of her Ebay and Etsy wares for ages!
7. Height of Vintage: Another great spot for style inspiration--and she has a dudetacular Etsy shop to boot! :D
8. Night Lights: I love this girl's style. Girly, romantic, thrifted goodness.
9. La Ville Inconnue: Gotta love Carys and her esteemed photographer, Henri! Outfit pics that look like they came straight out of a period piece on 1940s England.
10. Playing Dress-Up with Kellie: A lot of great style inspiration here!

School looks like it's going to be kicking my ass in a very big way this semester. On top of my classes and my assistantship, I'll be taking my first comprehensive exam, giving two conference presentations, and doing some work on the side conducting interviews as part of a large research project. And I'm taking French. And Pilates. In May, I will likely have died from exhaustion. I love it, though. I'm doing things I really love and enjoy. I'll try to be a little more diligent about taking pictures in the next couple weeks, though! Until then, look at this picture of a girl with frizzy hair and a bevvy of surly looking Persian cats.

Picture via Vixen Vintage

Nerdlinger

2011-01-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

I'm in the midst of baking some dinosaur cookies, so what better way to pass the time than post by back to school outfit?

Tie: French Toast
Shirt: Paul and Joe for Target, thrifted
Blazer: Thrifted
Shorts: Dear Creatures
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

One of my professors informed me that she used to have a pair of shoes just like mine, but in maroon suede. Amazing.

This next picture didn't turn out as awesomely as I would have liked, but I want you all to see my super keen suspenders. Aaron called this my "Super Mario outfit", but he's in the next room listening to "Ridin' Solo" on a loop, so that officially negates his opinion of everything.

It's only the first day of the new semester, so I'm still bright eyed and bushy tailed, despite the lack of food and sleep I've had in the past 24 hours. I anticipate this will last for about two weeks before I turn into a crankosaurus rex.

Hair anxiety

2011-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going to grow my hair out.

I THINK. I'm not sure. I love my pixie cut, but there's only really one way to wear it, and I'm way too capricious for that. I've been thinking of growing it into a long bob, like Abby Lee Kershaw in this picture:

Abby Kershaw pic via Hair Moodboard.

I'm just anxious about the growing out period--if I decide to grow my hair out, I am facing at least half a year of looking like a Jonas Brother, followed by several months of looking like the Little Dutch Boy. It's a hard, long slog, and I'm not sure if I have the fortitude to endure it. Where is a wig vault when you need one?

I can't think of a title and I want a latte.

2011-01-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Blouse: Thrifted, vintage
Skirt: Thrifted, vintage
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted, vintage

Another almost 100% thrifted outfit! I'm on a roll! And I'm wearing lipstick!

This is most unorthodox.

Remember how I was saying I need to remember to bring my camera with me more often? Well, I'm working on it. The other day I did remember my camera--but I forgot my phone. And the only picture I took was of my fat neighbor.

I told you--I'm working on it! It's a process!

I scream, you scream

2011-01-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Sweater: Thrifted
Bracelet: The Red Geranium
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted

I always get kind of excited when I wear an outfit that's almost all thrifted. It's a source of pride. Anyone can put together an outfit with money--it takes time and effort to dress yourself head-to-toe for a twenty spot.

This is an all-time favorite sweater of mine. I've had it from high school. The ice cream cones emblazoned across the chest really say a lot about who I am, in that I really like ice cream.

Dewey decimal system

2011-01-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

I always forget how much I like this dress. It's kind of ugly, but in a good way. It makes me feel like a librarian from 1968.

Dress: Vintage, thrifted
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Vintage

Delicatessen

2011-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

I've been on a Jean-Pierre Jeunet kick lately, and by lately I mean the last two days. I've always loved Amelie, and yesterday I got around to seeing Delicatessen, which I may love even more.

Delicatessen takes place in what seems like a post-apocolyptic alternate universe in which at least one building full of people have taken to eating other people to survive. The story centers around the butcher's daughter and her attempts to save the oblivious handyman and former clown destined to be the next victim. It doesn't sound like it from the description, but the result is a very quirky, sweet, darkly funny, and beautiful movie. It's on instant on Netflix, and I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Growl!

2011-01-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today I learned a valuable lesson: I need to bring my camera with me more often. I met a friend for coffee at the only independently owned coffee shop in Las Vegas, which is located in a renovated hospital where local artists rent out studio space and set up shop. Needless to say, it was pretty nifty. Afterward, we walked around Fremont Street, where there was no shortage of people in tacky costumes, as well as the world's most unfortunately named strip club, Glitter Gulch. We then consumed delicious pie at an awesome diner whose name I've forgotten. I have no photographic evidence that any of this took place, but here are some pictures of what I wore during this undocumented excursion:

Coat: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Dress: Juicy Couture, Buffalo Exchange
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted

First off, this coat: I love it. I've wanted a leopard print coat ever since I first saw The Graduate about eight years ago, but I've never been able to find one I like in my price range. When I saw this one at Buffalo, I had to have it. The dress is Juicy Couture, which used to be a deal breaker for me. I associated them too strongly with velour tracksuits to give their clothing a chance. This dress made me change my mind. It makes me think of a weird 60s baby doll, and that is always a good thing in my book.

Collegiate

2011-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wear something with kind of a collegiate feel to it today, so I started with a vintage sweater and pleated skirt, and went from there!

Collar: Thrifted
Sweater: Vintage, thrifted
Blazer: Vintage
Skirt: Vintage, thrifted
Shoes: Buffalo Exchange

In theory, this is one of my favorite blazers. I love a crested blazer, and the color is amazing. In practice, though, I tend not to reach for it too often. I'm glad I decided to today!

I sent Aaron off to Cleveland earlier today, so Maggie and I are going to spend the next couple weeks living like the swinging bachelorettes we are. It's gonna be off the hook, believe you me.

American girl

2011-01-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

I trust everyone had a satisfactory new year! Aaron and I had a quiet night in, complete with nachos and a movie marathon. As sick as I am of staying in all the time, I have to admit it was pretty amazing.

Right now I'm working on one of my New Year's goals: a shopping ban. Yeah, I know, I go on a shopping ban about once every other month, and they usually last about a week and a half. Fortunately, I'm completely broke right now, so when I see something like, say, the new "All American Girl" lookbook on Asos, I'm guaranteed to stick to my ban no matter the temptation!

And believe you me, the temptation is great. The eyelet dress and the striped skirt inspired 90 minutes of Etsy browsing in a search of vintage equivalents. Last summer I found myself woefully unprepared for dealing with 5 months of 90+ degree weather, so I've gradually been working more warm-weather clothes into my wardrobe. Now I have a little more inspiration...

That was the year that was

2010-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the end of 2010! I started blogging here in April, and I've really enjoyed it thus far. I decided to post my favorite looks from each month I've been blogging.

When I think of what happened to me in 2010, I can't help but be struck by how quiet it was, especially compared to 2009. That year, I finished my MA, I went to my first two academic conferences, went to San Francisco and Las Vegas for the first time, moved out on my own, started working on my PhD, not to mention all the time I spend hanging out with all my friends and family before I moved away! This year was Aaron and my first full year in Las Vegas, as well as our first full year living on our own. We're still having trouble settling in and adjusting to living on a fixed income, and the results have been... boring. I'm determined to see that change in 2011.

I'm also planning some improvements to this blog. I hope in pursuing a less boring life I'll also have less boring content, and I'd also like to improve my outfit pictures. I don't live in a very picturesque area, but I figure I can at least get my apartment in order so that I can have a more interesting background than my ugly balcony! :D

Here's wishing everyone a happy 2011! Anyone have any good resolutions? :D

Christmas puppy

2010-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Jacket: Vintage, gift
Scottie pin: Vintage, gift
Blouse: Vintage, thrifted
Shorts: Queen's Wardrobe
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted

I don't know why all my pictures look like they were taken from about a foot and a half overhead. Aaron is five six and takes my pictures at chest-level! Oh well--just gives me more incentive to finally break down and get myself a tripod!

I was excited to wear the celluloid Scottie pin Aaron bought me for Christmas, so I built my outfit around it. See how great it is?

Aaron and I didn't exchange gifts last Christmas and it was God-awful lame. We learned from our mistakes this year. We set a spending limit, which we each went on to exceed, albeit slightly, and we all got to open presents Christmas morning--even Maggie! Aside from the pin, I got an adorable navy cotton skirt from Q's Daydream Vintage and the Ryan Berkley cheetah portrait I blogged about earlier. I bought Aaron three shirts from Buffalo Exchange, a video game he's been wanting for a long time, and some vintage WWE (nee WWF) action figures. The cat got some toys which kept her entertained for all of one day before she forgot they existed.

After presents, we went and saw True Grit, which is probably the best western I've ever seen. It really exceeded our expectations. After that, some Chinese delivery. I certainly can't complain!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Velvet (!) dress: Vintage
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted

Merry Christmas, everyone! Just posting an outfit from one of the many festive holiday occasions I attended whilst in Cleveland. Isn't that ceramic tree the absolute most? It was my grandma's originally, and now it's my mom's. Here at Chez Jenni Christmas is going pretty dudetacularly--I'll share more of the festivities later. I hope everyone gets everything they wanted and looked as foxy as Grace Bradley when they got it!

Picture from silent_screen_queen.

...and I realize I'm going home

2010-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

As I write this I'm still in Cleveland, but I'll be on my way home tonight. I don't think I've ever been so excited to go back to Las Vegas since I moved there. I love Cleveland and I love seeing my friends, but I'm definitely the black sheep of my family. I have nothing in common with anyone in my family, but what's worse, I don't even think they realize it. I don't think they have a frame of reference for the kind of person I am, so they figure I'm a younger version of them. My grandma actually referred to me as "a country girl". I had a severely negative physical reaction to those words.

All in all, it's been an exhausting couple weeks. To celebrate my going home to my beautiful partner (a fellow black sheep) and our beloved cat child, I'm posting an outfit I wore right before flying out to Ohio. I didn't know how good I had it then--back when I was a couple pounds lighter, a few dollars richer, and way less stressed out.

Sweater: Vintage, thrifted
Dress: Vintage, thrifted
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Velvet Goldmine

2010-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

The holidays give me the perfect opportunity to wear one of my favorite fabrics: velvet! I've already done an ode to velvet in recent memory, and if I keep doing velvet-related posts I'll run out of velvet-themed post titles, but I can't help it! It's so soft and fancy and makes me think of Christmas, my favorite holiday. And wouldn't any of these make the most AMAZING holiday dresses?

Keiko Lynn knows what's up. She's a velvet-wearing MACHINE.

I'm updating this via my mom's Stone Age computer, so posting is still going to be a little sporadic the next week or so, and I may not be too speedy replying to comments and visiting blogs. I promise I'm not a jerk--just technologically challenged!

Sweater girl

2010-12-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

Sweater: Thrifted
Bag: Buffalo Exchange
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted

First off, I'd like to apologize for my hair. It's getting so long! I'm starting to look like Daniel Radcliffe.

This is my standard kind of outfit for when I'm at home in my robe and find myself needing to leave the apartment--wacky sweater, workhorse skirt, oxfords. I've had this sweater forever and the skirt I've had even longer, and they're two of my favorites.

I'm leaving for home tomorrow, so the partner and I spent Monday together. First, we went for some light thrifting at my favorite thrift store, where I bought a cat painting, two shirts, and a couple Christmas presents for my mom. Then we went to the dollar theater to see a movie and got ice cream afterward. All in all, a stellar day, combining some of my favorite things!

While I'm gone, my Internet access may be a little sporadic, but I have a few posts lined up, and hopefully I'll be able to write a few more. If you need something to keep you entertained, just watch this video on a loop:

Take a look, it's in a book...

2010-12-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Picture via style rookie.

As soon as I finished posting yesterday about librarians of varying sexiness, I read a post over at TLo about up-and-coming French handbag designer Olympia Le-Tan. Let's just say I may well be in love.

Good stuff, eh? There are some more pictures in the original post. The price tag for these bags is a little steep, to say the least--the only ones I saw online were going for about $1500. Kate Spade has a few titles available for about a fourth of the price.

However, if you're like me, $325 is still way too much to pay for much of anything, besides maybe a car. In that case, there are a few Etsy shops stocking some handmade options. My favorites are from the seller Retrograndma.

Or, if you'd prefer to personalize things, there's a tutorial here that tells you how to make your own! I'm thinking I might have to try this once the holidays are over... If I can do it, I know the more craft-inclined members of our society would be able to, no problem.

Marian the librarian

2010-12-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted

I used to aim for a little more of a glamorous look than I do nowadays. Notice I said "aim"--this does not mean I succeeded. I was always pretty clueless about hair, mostly clueless about makeup, and too much of a goon to pull off glamorous even if I tried. I still have most of my clothes from those days, including a few beautiful wiggle dresses that I feel just a little weird wearing these days. This one I feel still fits pretty well within my style--the gray and blue plaid and little waist bows give it kind of a sexy librarian feel, and pairing it with brogue-type shoes keeps it a little more librarian than sexy!

Wish, wish, wish

2010-12-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

The older I get, the less into getting presents I am. It has nothing to do with becoming more selfless and giving as I grow up--no, I want just as much crap as ever, it's just that I'd rather buy it for myself. Otherwise, I wind up getting a bunch of scented candles (I don't have matches!), crappy candy (Note to gift givers: you can never go wrong with Reese Trees.) and corny knick knacks from some store in the mall (I don't have shelves!).

So now that I've made myself out to be an ungrateful bastard, here is some quality merchandise that I guarantee will not languish in a forgotten corner of my closet.

Ryan Berkeley print

Out of Print clothing

Mad Men: The Illustrated World

Fancy dress

Fifi Lapin

Law and Order art

Carousel ring

Busby Berkeley movies

Bunny wall hook

Grandma coat

2010-11-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Beret: Buffalo Exchange
Blouse: Thrifted
Skirt: Vintage, Etsy
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted
Coat: Thrifted

When I bought this coat, Lauren told me it looked like the coat one of our elderly customers at the grocery store wore. And it does! What can I say? When I'm not dressing like a preteen, I'm dressing like an octogenarian. It's a look!

Outfitting fictional characters: Enid Coleslaw

2010-11-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

Like all nerds, I love Enid Coleslaw from Ghost World. I saw the movie for the first time during my Steve Buscemi phase of sophomore year of high school, and was immediately drawn to Enid. I can't count how many times I've seen the movie and read the comic since then. I've taken the liberty of putting together some Enid-inspired outfits for any occasion, from stalking satanists to shopping in seedy porn shops.

Pre Thanksgiving festivities

2010-11-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

Blazer: Thrifted boys' blazer
Blouse: Thrifted
Shorts: F21 via Gabriel Bros.
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Target

This outfit was really exciting to me. I was really excited to wear the tights and the blouse for the first time, and they did not disappoint.

All you USians prepared for Thanksgiving? I sure am! It's our first Thanksgiving on our own. I have a menu planned of stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, and French silk pie. Prepare to see me double in size by Friday.

Fall back...

2010-11-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

Just some fall-inspired outfits I had laying around my Polyvore. Thought I'd post them before Thanksgiving is over and I get into full-on Christmas mode!

Mere Exposure Effect

2010-11-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Dress: Vintage, Mission Thrift
Bracelet: Thrifted
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted

I decided to wear one of my fancy new dresses today! I used to hate paisley, but thanks to the mere exposure effect, it's really grown on me.

I talked to my committee chair today about my personal style blogging project, and he seemed pretty enthusiastic. This project seems to be off to a pretty good start thus far. I'm off to watch Footlight Parade and finish up my lit review now. Toodles!

I left my heart...

2010-11-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday I flew back into Las Vegas, only to be reunited with a messy apartment, a sick partner, a resentful cat, and a mile high pile of work. I love traveling, but I hate the effects of it--I always come home fatter, poorer, with a ton of work and two tons of laundry to get done! I did have a pretty swell time, though. I could take or leave the conference, but I got to do a lot of eating, a lot of shopping, and a lot of sightseeing!

First off, the shopping! I managed to squeeze in some alone time to check out the thrifting in the Mission, and I came out with some pretty swell finds:

We went to Alcatraz, which was quite the treat for the true crime weirdo and history nerd in me.

Banksy!

The Mission had some pretty cool looking old buildings:

This is my third time in the Bay Area, and there's still so much I'd like to see--the Cartoon Art Museum, the Crown and Crumpet tea room, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, and I could stand to check out the vintage shops in Haight-Ashbury again! Looks like I'll have to find more excuses to go out there on school funding. :D

Collegiate

2010-11-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today I practiced presenting a paper I'll be presenting at a conference this week. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm a bit nervous about the whole ordeal!

Maggie was eager to look out the window when I opened the blinds. But onto more serious matters: not only is this entire outfit thrifted--it's all thrifted from the same Salvation Army! I think most of it is vintage, too, except for maybe the knockoff Dooney & Bourke purse.

I might not be posting too much in the next few days, seeing as how I'll be out of town, but I'm sure I'll come back with a plethora of pictures from San Francisco!

It warms the cockles of my heart

2010-11-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

One thing I don't miss about Ohio is winter. For almost half the year, you can be guaranteed the weather will be cold, gray, wet, and dark. The one good thing about that, though, is that it gives me a chance to indulge my vintage outerwear fetish. Oh my God, I love coats! The buttons, the collars, the shapes, the colors... I have about a dozen, each one purchased for less than $25. I really can't justify buying many more, but that doesn't mean I can't dream!

Parkrose Vintage

Becky Drolen Vintage

Vintage Special

apricot.baby.baby

Sally Jane Vintage

Grande dame

2010-11-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hat: Buffalo Exchange
Amber necklace: Hand-me-down
Fake fur collared cardigan: Buffalo Exchange
Blazer: Thrifted
Dress: Modcloth
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Rachel Comey for UO, via Buffalo Exchange

I love fake fur collars. They make me feel like a very fancy lady indeed.

I want to devour your heart

2010-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try and learn French. So far I've been going about it by watching a lot of France Gall videos on Youtube. I'm a little obsessed with her, particularly any video in which she gets passed around like a football by her flamboyant back up dancers. Case in point:

Bebe requin, bebe velours, bebe requin, bebe d'amour. Got it. That should let me get by in France for a few weeks, right?

Sans titre

2010-11-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dress: Vintage (Thanks, Vanessa!)
Bag: Buffalo Exchange
Boots: Vintage, Treasures in the Attic

I finally got a chance to wear the awesome dress Vanessa from Height of Vintage got me as part of the vintage package exchange we did a while back. It's been bizarrely warm, so the long-standing plans I had for this black, polyester beaut had to be put on hiatus for a little while. I wore it to school and to a talk given by Janice Irvine about the stigma attached to doing sex research. It was fantastic! I love learning about the seedy underbelly of history, and sex research is considered the seedy underbelly of science!

Velvet Underground

2010-11-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Once the mercury starts to drop, I find myself completely smitten with all things velvet, and browsing the offerings on Etsy is only exacerbating my velvet craving!

Rhinestone velvet dress from Golden Afternoon Vintage

Floral velvet skirt from Cheddar Pink Vintage

Saffron velvet dress from Tiddleywink Vintage

Velvet bow mini dress from Niche Style

Velvet purse from PurpleDeer Vintage

Jonathan Logan dress from daisyandstella

Civic duty

2010-11-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dress: Vintage
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted

I hope all you USians voted today! Living in Nevada, the election is pretty contentious. I'm crossing my fingers for Harry Reid. The political landscape today reminds me of that old Chinese curse--may you live in interesting times. I can only imagine what historians will say about us fifty years down the road.

Boo!

2010-10-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, my partner and I went to a Halloween party the other night, so it's costume time! As promised, I went as Ducky, from Pretty in Pink.

Obnoxious jacket + obnoxious shirt + obnoxious vest = costume! No one really got it, but it was still a fun costume, and it only cost me $12 to put together!

Why am I laughing? Maybe because this was going on about two minutes before the picture was taken:

That's my partner Aaron as Duncan McCloud, the Highlander, in a sword fight to death with our cat. For those of you unfamiliar with the storied Highlander franchise, the TV show opening tells you pretty much all you need to know, and includes the musical stylings of Queen:

Happy Halloween, everyone! I'm off to make a Powerpoint and watch The Exorcist, maybe eat some pumpkin muffins. Don't eat too much candy!

Bewitching

2010-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

I saw this ad on Sociological Images and thought you all would appreciate the sixties-ness of it.

Spooky little girl like you...

2010-10-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm getting excited for Halloween. Last night my partner and I went to a haunted house out in the mountains. Tonight we're going to a Halloween party, and I have a few more horror movies to check off my list before the month is over. To get people in the spirit, I though I'd share some Halloween pin-ups via Silent Screen Queen!

Dudetacularity

2010-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

I had already planned on blogging this bomb-ass dress from Beta Boutique today when I found out via Fashion Forestry that they're doing a giveaway! What a coincidence!

Dress: Vintage, Beta Boutique
Bag: Buffalo Exchange
Tights: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Thrifted

Not much to say, except that this dress is super stellar, and stellar is apparently my new favorite word, as I've been saying it constantly. It joins the ranks of previous favorite words like "surly" and "ridonkulous" and future favorite words like "dudetacular". I'm saying it now--I'm gonna make dudetacular happen, just wait and see.

Also, I know everyone in the world is already well aware of the Like and how stellar they are, but I've been listening to this song pretty much non-stop since yesterday, and wanted to share with the group!

Etsy update!

2010-10-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

I finally managed to put some new things up on Etsy! I'll be putting some more up in the next week or two... Or at least I should, considering I'm planning on moving! It's not like I don't have enough clothes to lug around as it is!

Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages

2010-10-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

In honor of Halloween, I thought I'd post some screen caps from what might be one of my favorite creepy movies--Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages.

Now, Haxan isn't necessarily supposed to be a horror movie per se. It's a Dutch documentary on witchcraft made in 1922, and it combines recreations of inquisitions, torture, and witches' sabbaths, alongside images from medieval books and a bit of moralizing on the importance of caring for the infirm and mentally ill. It makes for some really bizarre imagery, including hysteric nuns, an old woman giving birth to demons, and a monk's flagellation.

I can't think of a title!

2010-10-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty stellar day yesterday. One of my friends asked me and another colleague to give a lecture on feminist research methods in her methods class and it was a total blast. We got a little off track at some points, but overall the students were engaged and knowledgeable and asked really good questions. Since I'd be in front of an audience, I wanted to get a little gussied up, so here's what I wore:

Dress: Vintage, eBay
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Thrifted

I'm off to do a bit of work, maybe watch some horror movies on Netflix. I'm thinking Dr. Caligari. Cheers!

Doom and gloom

2010-10-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was a gray, rainy, gloomy day yesterday. I kind of liked it, aside from being rained on--it was a nice change of pace!

Jacket: Thrifted
Dress: Modcloth
Bag: Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Thrifted

I usually don't include bags in my outfit posts because I tend to use the same giant hobo bag all the time, but I recently found this sweet leather tote at Buffalo Exchange and wanted to show it off a little!

Polka dots make everything better

2010-10-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

One of my esteemed colleagues noted that this was my second polka dot look in a row. Perhaps I'll rock some polka dots every day this week... I should have enough polka dot clothes to where I could!

Jacket: Thrifted
Dress: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Thrifted

A glorious return!

2010-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Has it seriously been almost two weeks since I've posted? I guess it has! I'll start with the usual blogger mea culpas--I've been busy and have faced some technical difficulties. But you don't really care about all that, do you? It's outfit picture time!

Sweater: Vintage, thrifted
Dress: Modcloth
Brooches: Vintage and craft fair
Shoes: Vintage, eBay

The first style blog I ever followed was Ranna's, a couple years ago. Ever since then, I've been completely fascinated. Part of the appeal is pretty simple: cool girls wearing fancy clothes. There's nothing much better, right? But as a feminist and an academic, my interest runs deeper. The practice brings up questions of identity, gender construction, heteronormativity, race, class, privilege, consumption, community, body image, the changing nature of celebrity, the transformative powers of the Internet, and probably more that I'm forgetting. I'm getting to the point in my studies where I can start pursuing my interests a little more strongly, and I'm really thinking about doing a project on the personal style blogging community. I did an article search and found out that someone in the UK beat me to the punch a little, but I still feel pretty good about it... I'm stoked!

Mercury dropping

2010-10-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Jacket: Thrifted
Blouse: Thrifted
Skirt: Vintage, Mila Treasures
Boots: Vintage, Treasures in the Attic

I think I got a little prematurely excited about fall yesterday--I was a little overheated by the time I walked the miles long trek from my car to my office, and everyone around me was still rocking t-shirts and jeans, but can you really blame me?

In other news, I won the Iron Orchid Vintage giveaway hosted by Keiko Lynn--score! I've been a giveaway-winning fool. This is the fourth giveaway I've won in about four months. Granted, I think I've entered several thousand at this point, but it gets results!

I'm off now--I've been conscripted to make pumpkin muffins. That's what happens when you bake for people, they start to get greedy! :D

Spooky ghost orb!

2010-10-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

So in the one good picture I thought my boyfriend took, I happen to be making a face like Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel, so please, enjoy this ghost orb instead!

Blouse: Thrifted
Shorts: Queen's Wardrobe
Shoes: Thrifted

I normally would not shell out as much for these shorts as I did, but seeing as how they're freaking sweet and all, I think they were a pretty good choice. Seriously--aside from being adorable, they seem well-made and fit amazingly. I have it on good authority that they will no longer be reordering them, so if you want a pair, you'll have to act fast.

I had a pretty sweet weekend. I didn't really do anything exciting, but I watched seven movies--and they were all so good! I especially recommend Badlands, Manhattan, The Masque of the Red Death (creepiest Vincent Price ever!), and I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang (I'm still thinking about the ending!) Also, I caught the end of Touch of Evil again and I may have judged it too harshly for having Charlton Heston in the role of a Mexican police officer. It actually looks pretty sweet.

Um... you guys?

2010-10-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

I think I've found my Halloween costume.

I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop

2010-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Is that you bloggers? It's me, Lauren.
I keep telling Jenni that we should make this "The Jenni Fashion Blog Show". I feel it's a lot similar to I Love Lucy: Jenni is Lucy in this situation, constantly entertaining our fans without her Ethel. Hell, I can't even compare myself to Little Ricky: he even showed up more than I do. I am a bit more rare...sort of like the episodes when they went out to California & ran into the occasional, random, star. William Holden getting his nose caught on fire? Yeah that would be me. I'm here for a minute to entertain you & then I disappear for months at a time.
I've been having a tough time during my personal recession. I have been a hermit as far as shopping is concerned. Mall? What is that? I spend free time browsing online stores & weeping. My wardrobe is so stale & it doesn't help that I lost a few inches in my waist making all my decent skirts unwearable. Then I did something stupid where I donated most of my old threads, because I barely wore them & poor people need clothes too. Who would've thought I'd wish I was more fat & selfish?
So I've felt like I have nothing of interest to post until today. Tony Curtis died &, while he was never my favorite, I felt a little sad. He appeared in one of my favorite films of all time: Some Like it Hot. While perusing pictures from the film I had an epiphany: Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe kind of sucked.
Am I the only one else who feels like this? She is one of the most iconic people in the history of our culture. Her body was worshiped for its sensuous curves but, more so because she wasn't afraid to be naked & people wanted to see that naked. However, how could such a crime be committed? A woman of such beauty & with a beautiful built should've been given amazing garments instead of the same old titty-bearing dress or tiny swimsuit. Fashion designers should be ashamed they didn't dress her better!
Yet, Monroe still carried a sense of style. I like to attribute it to the fact that she wasn't as dumb as people play her out to be. I still like some of her clothes & what she did wear she wore very well.
So I am going to honor Marilyn & in some of the pieces I find to be stunning!

Pretty in cliched post title

2010-09-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of pink in my wardrobe. There's something about it that makes me feel a little weird. Maybe it's the tomboy in me coming out, but it just seems so... girlie! But this dress was cheap, cute, and made by Bleeker Street, so I could hardly be expected to resist.

Dress: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Scarf: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

I guess I should just man up, realize what a fancy lady I've become, and embrace pink, once and for all!

The great experiment!

2010-09-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

I've been in a bit of a rut, style-wise. Truth is, I'm sick of summer! We've had highs in the hundreds all week--ridiculous! It's almost October! I wanna wear some tights already!

In order to get myself out of my jorts and ratty t-shirt rut, I've decided to wear something different every day until the end of October. Here's outfit number one:

Dress: Vintage, The Cleveland Shop
Bracelet: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted

Excuse my sour face! I was really way more enthusiastic to be wearing this than I look like I am. One of these days I should really make a Cleveland thrifting/vintage shopping guide. The Cleveland Shop is one of my favorite spots for vintage--they don't have a ton of merchandise, but what they do have is beautiful and well-displayed. Pretty boss, if you ask me.

Well, I'm off to read some Erving Goffman. What a wild and crazy gal I am!

Knit one, purl two

2010-09-21T01:36:00.001-07:00

This gal's making me want to break out the ol' knitting needles! I really need to get crafting again!

Celluloid Heroes

2010-09-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce you to my new love: celluloid brooches! Simultaneously cute and creepy, they're pretty much irresistible and on Etsy, there's a little something for everybody, be you a peasant enthusiast, voracious Oregon Trail player, or lover of dogs wearing hats!

Filmore Jive

2010-09-17T00:52:00.001-07:00

Well, it looks like I have a touch of the insomnia, so that means it's time for a blog update!

Scarf: Vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Dress: UO, via a friend
Belt: Vintage, Passport Smiles
Socks; Cynthia Rowley
Shoes: Thrifted

Woah-ho, that's a lot of sun! Ahem. Yesterday I was hanging out in one of my friend's offices when another friend walked by and told me she had something for me. I was stoked! I love presents! When I saw it was this dress, I was even more excited--the buttons, the collar, the print, the length--all perfect. I love it. It's about a size too big, but for a free dress, I can't complain--just gives me an excuse to wear the adorable butterfly belt I won from Passport Smiles Vintage a while back! As much as I love the dress (and the belt... and the shoes... and the socks...) I think my favorite part of this outfit might be the scarf. Check out this stellar print:

What did I tell you? Stellar! And for $1, no less! Probably one of the better dollars I've spent in my day.

Well, I'm off to try and go to sleep. I'm hopped up on Advil PM and Midol, so who knows what's liable to happen if I stay up much longer! Nighty night.

An outfit post? Preposterous!

2010-09-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever planned on wearing something, were completely confident that it was clean and unwrinkled and in its proper place, only to discover that when you went to put it on it had temporarily vanished from this mortal plane? No? It's just me? Okay then...

Blouse: Thrifted
Shorts: Forever 21, via Gabriel Brs.
Socks: Cynthia Rowley
Shoes: Thrifted

Brown vintage oxfords with a two-inch heel? For $4? Yes, please. The Sandusky Goodwill is where it's at!

So, can we talk about street harassment for a moment? It's balls. It makes feminist rage boil up inside me. What could possibly make a dude think asking a lady if she needs a ride is a good idea? Oh, hey, yeah strange man who tries to pick up women off the street! Sure I'd like a ride ten yards up the road to the bus stop! I mean, you're PROBABLY not a serial rapist or anything, so it should all work out in the end! Seriously, dudes are gross!

Car broke down for the gajillionth time yesterday and all we have to eat is old broccoli and some Lay's Stax original flavor potato chips. It's liable to get a little Donner-esque up in here, that's all I'm saying.

Package Exchange Project!

2010-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit late posting the contents of my package exchange, and I hope the lovely Vanessa of Height of Vintage will excuse my tardiness! I got my package about a day after she told me she sent it... What service! Inside I found...

Polka dot scarf (a little wrinkly now... I wore it a couple times before I took the picture!)

Perfect little white gloves--with bows! How sweet is that?

This book made me LOL a little... Reminds me of my childhood love of Nick at Nite!

Seriously bomb-ass purse... I love it!

Awesomely tacky cat cross stitch--I am a sucker for ugly animal art!

But that's not all! She told me I had another package coming my way, and when I got a mystery package from Virginia I found...

A dress from my Etsy favorites that she had bought for me! What a peach! I can't wait to wear it!

I'd like to thank Vanessa again, as well as the lovely Teresa from Old School Cool for organizing this package exchange! I had so much fun.

Double take!

2010-09-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

If you're not already on Swirl, I recommend you sign up immediately. They're selling Dear Creatures stuff for $40! A lot of it is sold out (sniff... I guess I'll never get that Scout Blouse...) but they still have some sweet suspender shorts, as well as this little number, which should be in my mailbox in the coming week:

Happy birthday to me...

2010-09-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our poor little blog has been subject to neglect! What can I say, school keeps me pretty busy--too busy to do laundry, for one thing. Also, as you can imagine from all the food pictures, I've gained some weight over the summer and things don't fit quite as well as I had remembered. On top of that, I'm in a kind of a hot weather fashion rut. I want to wear blazers and tights and wool skirts, but the weather is not cooperating. So until I can resolve these issues, here are some pictures of my birthday gifts to myself:

HMS Pinafore, via Modcloth

Soda Fountain Dress, also via Modcloth and, most exciting of all...

A laptop! Squeeeeeee! I've never had a laptop ever before! Now I can watch Netflix WHENEVER I WANT!

Er, and do homework and stuff. Yeah. Homework. That thing I'll be postponing for another hour or two while I go hang out at a bar right now. You can't say I don't know my priorities!