à la moda.

Going for the Gold

2009-03-11T15:24:00.001-05:00

Style a la moda has a new home at Like Solid Gold

Starting fresh. Come on over!

I am lamelamelame.

2008-10-02T13:08:00.003-05:00

Fact: I suck at blogging.
Fact: I fantasize about having time to blog.
Fact: Theatre, writing, and school (mainly Russian) have consumed my life.

If I didn't feel bad about using this blog to write (read: bitch...probably) about my day, then I might be blogging more. We'll see. My monthly updates are pretty much lame-ville, though. All of you out there that are blogging all the time, you rock. And you make my school day so much more tolerable! Maybe someday I'll have more time to actually blog again...sighhh. Now, here's a pretty photograph to look at. I'm at least trying to contribute!

Karl: Now available to cuddle.

2008-08-27T16:20:00.004-05:00

Is it wrong that I want Karl in my bed? In teddy bear form? I guess Steiff, German teddy bear makers, don't see anything strange about it because they're offering you a teddy-version of the man for $1500 big ones. Guess those little plastic sunglasses must be designer. Maybe someone will get crazy and make a DIY Karl Teddy Bear? Someone with a lot of time on their hands should do that...

I'm not dead.

2008-08-16T14:53:00.002-05:00

So, I moved. I have no interwebs. I have serious interior decorating and organizing to do. I have yet to move my clothing into this very tiny closet. Adulthood is kind of lame. I'll be back when I have more to say on more important topics. There will be less fragments at that time. I hope.

I will be back!

New Vintage. Oxymoron.

2008-07-19T18:04:00.004-05:00

So, I've had my first free Saturday for what feels like the whole summer, and I managed to re-list some things that didn't sell, and list a few new things. A few really super crazy awesome things. I wish I could keep them, but one of you would give them such a great, stylish home! So, if you're looking for a cherry red leather motorcycle jacket, blazer like bodice on a mini dress, or a nautical jumpsuit--hopefully I've made your day. And if you weren't looking for them, you might be changing your mind. I re-listed that totally adorable white 80's party dress with the pink flowers and scalloped neck, too. Go to Solid Gold Vintage and bidddd. I need to pay rent in a month. As usual, I'm apologizing for NEVER posting. I have about 45 minutes of free time a day, and I use that for homework. School, Work, my sweet 45 minutes of free time for homework or dinner, and Grease rehearsals = my life. But, here are the top three items up for sale, as previously described:

(Old) Man Power.

2008-07-11T11:45:00.003-05:00

The Sartorialist always has impeccable photos of impeccably dressed older gentlemen. This man has the perfect cuffed trousers and the perfect blazer--I am obsessed with the pushed up sleeves and the shirt just peeking out around the collars and cuffs. I totally need this man's outfit. Whenever I bunch up the sleeves on my blazer, they just end up inching down and finding their way back to my wrists. Oh, to be old and worldly and well dressed. Anyone else weirdly obsessed with old-man clothing?

Stars and Stripes and neurosis (forever).

2008-07-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

You know those times when it's almost midnight, and you just put some homemade cupcakes in the oven, but you spilled flour all over the floor (as always) and you're down on your hands and knees with a paper towel and some Fantastick getting said flour all over the hems of your Marc Jacobs jeans and hoping to god that the internet wasn't lying to you when it said (as if it were an actual person) that sour cream was an acceptable substitute for buttermilk, and yet you justify it all because the cupcakes are for your brother's birthday and you're wearing that cute little vintage ruffled apron with the pineapples on it? No? Maybe it's just me.

I swear someday I will have actual posts. Long weekend away from home coming up. After that I'll be listing more vintage on eBay, doing outfit posts regularly (it's my independence day resolution), and working most likely long hours at night for Grease.

Happy Fourth of July to all who celebrate it. Now pull a Karl and get all patriotic-like!

Sites to love

2008-06-30T00:22:00.003-05:00

So, this is a random late-night post. I'm bored. I feel the need to share my love of a couple of sites with you at this very moment because waiting until morning just will not do. Especially because I will probably oversleep, and probably not by accident but just out of absolute anger about how my morning will be spent: In biology class. Science is not my forte. At all. So, anyways...how much do I love Missbehave?!

Quite a lot. Their daily blog gets me through the occasional bout with boredom while at work. Just when I thought there was not a fashion publication out there as random as I am, I was happily proved wrong. I only bought my first issue this month, and read it for the first time in May, but I am going to pay for a subscription! There isn't a Borders for an hour and a half away from my house, hence why I've been deprived. Any magazine that includes Dairy Queen, Aerobics, and advises you to deep fry everything all on their front cover gets a thumbs up from me.

Also, all Midwesterners should be super excited to check out The Midwasteland
Actually, everyone should be excited! It has a new look, and it's flyer than ever. Street style, features on fashion and culture written by contributers from all over the midwest, and (coming soon!) a regular blog. Check it out immediately if not sooner.

Now that I'm done rambling, I will continue to pick off chipping nail polish, ponder showering, and fighting with myself about how it's probably too late to eat but how I'm a little too hungry to care about that. I'm so inquisitive!

Making a lake of the East River and Hudson

2008-06-27T18:36:00.006-05:00

How much do I love New York? A whole lot. Probably even more. It is my favorite city in the world, after all. I really enjoy the scent of melting, glittering asphalt. I love taking the subway (when it's running on time and everything and not out to just piss me off), going to Brooklyn for my favorite meal of all time, the random things you overhear, the hilarity and ridiculousness of the catcalls, and all of the strange encounters I seem to have EVERY time I go--even after having been 17 times in the past 7 years. My brother used to call Williamsburg home, and I have fond memories of walking through his quiet Brooklyn neighborhood alone at eight am. Waving hello to the old man who owned the meat store or stopping to smile and fawn over an adorable dog. Even though I know living there would be far different than any of the trips I've taken, I think I'm going to be damned well equipped with at least some of the skills I need when I move. And I will! I swear. I could never go against the pact I made with myself at age twelve.

I did my fair share of shopping (lots of florals and the BEST marc by marc shirt ever), saw Crybaby on Broadway from the 3rd row, ate way too much good food (papaya dog, Spice pad thai, mac and cheese and wine at DuMont, pizza, Good Burger, Pirozhki from Veselka etc...blahh), and likely killed my arches due to all the pavement pounding I did in heels for wonderful nights out. All well worth it and in great fun, though!

Decorative parrot in our hotel room.
Russian ELLE. I am such a Russian Nerd.
We're weird and we know that.

As promised...

2008-06-18T22:33:00.007-05:00

Too many comments urged me to do this...you guys can talk me into anything! These are all pretty embarassing, really. Mainly because in most of them I'm young and awkward looking. Oh, well. Enjoy?

Mmm. Blue Gingham, hair ribbons, and ruby slippers...oh, my? Yes, I'm from Kansas and I did actually play Dorothy. Hilarious, right? I'm 17 here.
I really liked this one, actually! It was a green fringe dress with a purple fringed dress over it. Oh, and yellow tights with pink fishnets over them, and fishnet gloves. This is Godspell. I was the hussy who sings "Turn Back, O Man"
So, I could have included the photo of this show where my character is pregnant, but nah. The apron and strange head adornment are bad enough. Plus, my friend is back there playing a cow in this picture! I was 16, and this would be Into the Woods as the Baker's Wife. Our greens even match, how cute!
So, I am 13 here (eighth grade!), and wearing a bustier with more padding than you can ever imagine, and playing Scrooge's fiancee of the past in A Christmas Carol. Wrong, I know. All bra issues aside, this blue dress was probably one of my favorites!
So this picture isn't even a year old. Pretty, lacy dresses make me happy. That's my boyfriend looking super cute and super tall by the way. Thoroughly Modern Millie...and I was the only girl in the show not showing her goods off in a fringe dress because I was playing Miss Dorothy--the prude.
You can't see it, but I had to wear this giant, feathered tail as Gertrude (a bird...really) in Seussical. Pretty sweet glasses though, right? And I even got to wear my own converse.
Alright. This is bad. I am twelve years old here in the very first summer production I did for our theatre. I kind of wish I had a skirt like that, though. If you look closely, you might be able to see the ridiculously long fake blue nails I had to wear for this part.
Here I am with a cow--again. Hmm. Most embarrassing. Tiny little dress, poofy petticoat, BLONDE WIG. Oh, and the bonnet. Greeaaat. Age 15, in Gypsy as Dainty June. Vomit. I will never go blonde.
The glasses are back! Cute little catholic school-girl costume as Annie in Over the Tavern when I was 16. I also had to wear a beehive wig and shove a whole twinkie in my mouth for this show. Good times?
Nothing like Western attire to get the party started! I really like the guy who played Curly in Oklahoma's costume better than my boring costume as Laurie. I mean chaps? Really?
I loved this dress so much...sigh. I'm sixteen here, in Beehive which was a musical that revolved around 60's girl group songs. I had some killer go-go boots for a different song. I wish I still had those, too! Also, check out the wigs going on upstage of me. Amazing!

Well, I'm headed to NYC until late Monday night. Expect to see pictures...I am bound and determined to actually take some. Usually I always end up forgetting my camera, or feeling lame about taking pictures. Plus, my camera may be small...but it isn't quite small enough to not make my clutch have a strange, protruding tumor.

Grease is the Word.

2008-06-16T18:10:00.007-05:00

So, I'm a bit of a theatre nerd and have been for the past eight years. I've had the chance to wear some pretty ridiculous stuff. Fringe dresses, piles of petticoats, super tight bustiers, horrible wigs, feathers...I could go on and on with this. This summer should prove to be pretty exciting speaking in terms of costuming, though! I'm going to be in Grease as Rizzo, and she has some pretty rad clothing in the film! I'm just hoping the duds I get to wear on stage will be half as cool. As a little girl, I would dress up in a poodle skirt and dance to the Grease soundtrack in our living room and sing probably at the top of my lungs. Charming, I know. If there are some amazing costumes in our show, I'll be sure to take some photos. I'd love it if we wore some real vintage, and I know for a fact that our costume shop has some great stuff! But I'm really hoping to see some crazy, tight black pants on my friend who's playing Sandy! Maybe sometime I'll compile some photos of the costumes I've had to wear...embarrassing? There is a bit of a difference between an audience of 300 and....the whole interweb.

Vintage clothing needs good home!

2008-06-09T20:46:00.005-05:00

So, some things are back up for grabs at Solid Gold Vintage in the land of ebay! Not to my surprise, many of the last batch didn't sell and are back up! So if there was anything from the last round of vintage you wanted to nab but didn't, check to see if it's returned! Now for the new stuff! I may edit this post to include more depending on how my night goes...I have a few more dresses and shoes, though. Head to Solid Gold Vintage immediately if not sooner!

Bathing Suits and Cowboy Boots.

2008-06-08T00:47:00.004-05:00

My mom could not dress me. Well, she would attempt to, at which point I would apparently remove said clothing and put on whatever I wanted. And I would change outfits multiple times a day. It still pretty much holds true, actually. I'll put something on for awhile, get sick of it, change again. Maybe that's why my outfit posts on here are so sparse...I never stay in one ensemble long enough! I was looking through some pictures my mom had scanned, and came across these choice fashion moments. I guess I believed that bathing suits could serve as outer wear once paired with tights? Also included (just because) is a great shot of my dad circa I don't know when donning a white suit and strange mustache. It's all about class in my family.

I really need those sunglasses.
I should consider reviving the navy tights sometime.
Interesting choice of hat...and I am definitely rocking the off the shoulder look. Nice!
What a bad ass.

Light of my life, fire of my loins.

2008-06-03T21:41:00.004-05:00

Nothing gets a person's attention like a title with the words loins in it, right? Well, being the self-proclaimed Russian nerd that I am, I am reading Lolita.
Doesn't this photo from the film (which I refuse to watch...yet!) make you want to go out and lie shamelessly in the grass in a retro-inspired swimsuit and giant hat? What is that one made out of anyways, any guesses? If I were thirteen, I could be spending my summer doing that, but instead I'll continue to busy myself indoors with the mountain of things I have to do (and should be doing right now). When I finally do get some time to bask outdoors, I may want to do so a la Lolita...in a way that is far more legal, of course. Swimsuit and sunglasses, Urban Outfitters

I'm not a stripper.

2008-05-28T19:38:00.005-05:00

During the summer, I get strong, unusual cravings for tragically campy cinema. For the past four or five summers, I have gone to the video store (do they still call it that?) with my family seeking out horrible and hilarious movies. Typically it ends up being a horror film (I stand by the original Amityville Horror being THE funniest of the horrors), but once in awhile, something outside of the horror genre will produce glorious, golden camp. I give you Showgirls. If you haven't seen this movie, please, go watch it now. Well, maybe not all of you, considering it is NC-17, but you should at least catch the edited for tv version they show onVh1. The 1995 film stars Elizabeth Berkley (you know, Jessy from Saved by the Bell? Who can forget!). "A young drifter, named Nomi, arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer and soon sets about clawing and pushing her way to become the top of the Vegas showgirls." (thanks, IMBD) As if that shouldn't lure you into seeing this film, I have found upon recent viewing that the 90's threads Nomi (what a name) acquires after reaching some stardom are really kind awesome in the way that only early ninetie's clothes can be. She has a penchant for Versace, all things body concious, and fringe...or really anything that adds a strange urban cowgirl element to the ensemble. Unfortunately, there are very few photos of some of the costuming, so I decided to compile a little collage of WWNW -- what would Nomi wear? Try not to be too dazzled by my paint skillz, now.
I don't know how many strippers, I mean, dancers, should actually serve as inspiration for any wardrobe. But damn it, if loving Nomi is wrong, I just don't want to be right!

Up for Auction!

2008-05-25T23:38:00.006-05:00

So, I started my ebaying adventures today! I posted nine awesome vintage items up, although it took quite some time because of a tornado warning. Oh, Kansas! Here's some photos of what's up for auction at Solid Gold Vintage! Click if you like what you see and want to try your hand at being the highest bidder! The only thing that isn't actually up for grabs right this moment is the pair of light brown 1950's high waisted shorts. But they will be up this week! Thus far I have: high waisted acid wash cut offs, floral print hooded vest, tshirt dress, paint-stroke print mini dress, double breasted multi-colored dress, cropped leather jacket, tribal/plaid button up shirt, high waisted teal pencil skirt, and a bright red shrunken blazer with the cutest anchor buttons. All one of a kind vintage!

A little PS: The knee-high gladiators in the fifth picture are new to my shoe collection. And let me tell you, it's definitely love!

Keep on the lookout for more additions to Solid Gold Vintage...I'll always keep you posted with photos and more!

The Comeback.

2008-05-22T22:04:00.006-05:00

I have returned! I am really, honestly back for plenty of summertime musings. Been a little overwhelmed this week with moving my piles of clothing and shoes back home from college. I am not being a bit hyperbolic when I say piles. If I weren't so ashamed at the state of my bedroom, I would totally post a photo. I used one of those suitcases you joke about carrying your friend in when you take a totally enviable trip to transport my shoes back home, and get this: they wouldn't all fit. The very sad thing is, with the season morphing into summer, I feel only compelled to purchase more outrageous footwear. I also started a new job this week! A job that allows me to act on my urges of wearing pretty much whatever I want compared to my past employment ventures. Anyways, I feel like I could post about a thousand things right now, but I will try my very hardest not to do so.

Things that make me very excited for summer:

Seeing Death Cab for Cutie next Friday

Going to NYC with my best friend and mom(never gets old...even after 16 trips!)

My amazing new gladiator sandals

Prancing around the very green Kansas country side

My new eBay-ing adventures (henceforth referred to as Solid Gold Vintage...more info on that as it comes!)

Anyways, many real posts coming your way...if I have any more readers! I still want/need to know what you want to see being auctioned off on eBay so I can find it and it can make its way into your hearts, heads, and homes!

I also have an obvious affinity for green grass and all things sun-drenched.
Yellow gingham and floral print blouse, white belt, black pencil skirt, and sunglasses-vintage; white peep-toe jelly sandals-Urban Outfitters.

Still Fighting It

2008-05-04T19:37:00.003-05:00

Four day week this week, then finals week. I plan on studying manic amounts in hopes of maintaining the 4.0, but we'll see what happens! I also need to memorize a monologue for an audition Saturday...ahhh. That said, expect no spectacular posts until after May the 16th. I'm infinitely sorry because I wish I had the time to take photos and put up outfit posts nearly every day or at least give you guys something, but I just don't have it right now. I managed to get sick this weekend, so I am allowing myself to post this to keep my sanity before delving back into homework. I spent this evening helping Calvin Yordy, up and coming rock band, style their wardrobe for their upcoming album's photo shoot. If you're into rock and roll (and who isn't), check them out!

I was tagged by Sam of The Wandering Alchemist recently and I'm following through again yet again on the being tagged business.

5 Things found in my bag: I have a lot of bags? But I guess I'll stick with the contents of my trusty Marc by Marc bookbag? Russian work book, Russian text book, Lolita (the novel), Carmex tube, and my iPod (Edie).

5 Things found in my purse: There's a lot of stuff in all of my purses, but in my most used Marc by Marc bag is - giant green heart shaped cocktail ring, Carmex, MAC pressed powder, OPI Russian Navy polish, and a ticket from when I saw Young Frankenstein the Musical
5 Favourite things in my room: I guess I'll do my dorm since I can see what's in it... vintage album covers, vintage TV trays with creepy clowns, 'God Bless Our Trailer' plaque, anything from my boyfriend, photographs.
5 Things I always wanted to do: Write something significant, drive across the country, own my own apartment in New York, visit Russia, graduate from college.
5 Things I am currently into: rompers, drinking orange juice, Lolita, apartment hunting, and organic toaster pastries.

5 impressions of the person that tagged you: she is fantastically stylish, adorable, creative, articulate, and sweet!

By the bye, this summer I am thinking of doing an ebay store! My mom, aunt, and uncle have all been successful vintage sellers on ebay for years now, so I have plenty of help with logistics. I just want to know what my stylish readers would like to see in it! It would be less collectible/expensive vintage, and more trend driven, but beautiful, vintage finds from the 60's to the 80's. I plan on starting by cleaning out my own closet first, but I promise I won't be selling any chain store clothing...all vintage! Please let me know...it would be a great thing to pursue-- provided I survive the next couple of weeks.

Scarf Bandit

2008-04-26T13:20:00.008-05:00

So, how horrible of a blogger am I? Don't say it! I already know! Abandoning the blog for a weeks time is unfortunate. With only 9 days of classes left until finals though, I have been running ultra low on inspiration and even lower on the amount of time to devote to things that don't involve school/getting my life together to move back home for the summer. While I have to admit that during some lecture classes I've spent more time dreaming of the ultimate summer wardrobe or what I'm going to wear to see Death Cab For Cutie than paying the utmost attention to things like the correlations between unemployment and inflation, I swear I have had a lot of actual school work to do as I'm sure most of you have! With little time on my hands and chronically over sleeping, I have re-discovered the power of accessories. You could say I have somewhat of an affinity for scarves. They're so versatile, though. Worn around a neck (like Faye Dunaway as Bonnie), through belt loops, saronged at the waist, in hair, or even twisted into a makeshift top: scarves can do about a million things.

Although scarves in the hair have been a little too played out by Nicole Richie, they have roots! A head scarf was a necessity on a windy day as to not ruin a fly new 'do. I've always wanted to pull off this style, displayed here by icon Edie Sedgwick:

...But, I'm afraid it would turn out a bit too much like this:

This site includes directions and step by step illustrations on how to tie scarves into various kinds of tops, etc. For myself, I plan on tying scarves over a fitted solid t-shirt or tank, but for those of you who could pull off wearing a colorful square alone, do it! Floaty scarves can take an otherwise bland outfit to a different place with of the moment floral, batik, or neon color block prints. I have a pretty vast collection, ranging from birds perched on branches to surreal floral print with scalloped edges. All of them have been collected from thrift stores, and I'm sure I have yet to wear every one yet.

On a non-scarf note, I leave you with my newest vintage find. Cherry leather pixie boots that I will make appropriate for Spring!

I am it (and the Russian side of Spring)

2008-04-19T13:58:00.006-05:00

I have been tagged...the lovely Romany tagged me earlier in the week, and now I am finally following through!

Here are the rules:
1. Link the person(s) who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules in your blog.
3. Write about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.
So....I'm choosing to just write random facts about myself as opposed to 'unspectacular quirks.' I like it better this way...

1. I refuse to set my alarm at a time ending with a multiple of five. If I want to get up at 9:45, I pick either 9:42 or 9:47
2. I am strangely picky about meats. I will eat lunch meat turkey, but not a roast turkey. I will eat a corndog, but not a hotdog. I will eat glazed ham, but never lunch meat ham. I only eat chicken off the bone. And I just dislike beef in general.

3. I grew up in a town (or rather village) that consists of under twenty of my relatives. I played in fields and had picnics on railroad bridges. Actually, I still do that.
4. I HATE wearing heels under four inches. I feel anything less, even though I'm 5'8", makes me look stumpy.
5. I went to the same school, every school day of my life, for 13 years. And there were 32 people in my graduating class, probably over half of which I had been going to school with all of those 13 years.
6. I am in an eye-makeup rut. I have been wearing the same winged black eyeliner style for the past four years.

I tag...

EVERYONE. Seriously, if you're reading this...I just tagged you.

And, for your viewing pleasure, here are photos from an April 2008 Vogue Russian editorial featuring Sasha Pivavarova. I like to look at covers from Vogue Russia just to see how much I can actually read, but these photos really caught my eye. I love how even though the editorial is for April, they didn't feel the need to include obligatory (albeit fabulous!) neons, florals, or floaty dresses. I will always have an affinity for juxtapositions! I seriously want that USSR shirt, slick little leather jacket, sheer black dress with hardware embellishments, and of course those amazing heels that incorporate rope, wood, and metal studs. I also feel the need to find a deep crimson lipstick worthy of a 40's screen siren, smudge my liner and muss up my hair a bit. If only the outcome would look half as cool as Sasha's!

For more Russian Fashion check out the Facehunter! He's in Moscow right now!

photos, The Fashion Spot

Seeing Double

2008-04-14T21:56:00.006-05:00

Every time I go home, I spend my Saturday morning thrifting. I have a thing about buying boys' Ralph Lauren Polo plaids, and happened to find another one at my local DAV. I believe it to be the perfect (non-madras!) plaid for Spring. With short sleeves and bright colors, it will be easy to pair with nearly anything. After returning back to Lawrence, I got to catch up on my blog/website reading. And what did I see on the Sartorialist, but a photo of a girl looking fabulous in a similar style plaid to what I had just purchased! I really love her look, and it seems as if she is one of the few people who could pull it off. She keeps up the preppy trope with the khaki cargos, but adds some edge with the boots and utilitarian style belt. I think I may just take a cue from here and wear mine tucked in, probably to something high waisted, with a great belt. And since I am a huge advocate of feminine pieces being juxtaposed with boyish styles, the high-waisted something will probably be a skirt! Photo of my shirt, just for the record...

Some other vintage finds I amassed over the weekend. More cardigans in more colors, navy keds, Pierre Cardin 60's pajama top I plan on wearing outside my bedroom, leather skirt, and floral print bag with wooden handle and door-knocker style detail. Not as impressive as usual, unfortunately, but I should be slowing my thrifting down anyways. I have run out of drawer space and hangers...and I have to move all of my stuff back home in about a month. Yikes.

Milk-Maid Braids and Flowers.

2008-04-09T21:23:00.006-05:00

Now that I am (sadly) sinking back into reality and coming off of my National Championship high (but not completely! I will probably be on that high at least a little bit for life), I have returned! Today started out fairly nice, clear, and sunny. I even needed sunglasses most of the day, and shielded myself from wind with just my little leather jacket. I left my journalism class at 4:15 and the weather had become unfortunately overcast and chilly. I just want a big chunk of nice weather, is that too much to ask? My boyfriend and myself went out to celebrate our 20 month anniversary and it started to rain, a cold, visible breath kind of rainy-ness. So lame! No matter, though, I still wore milk-maid inspired plaits in my hair and a floral dress...One of my favorite dresses. Partly because I got it for one dollar, but mostly because it is the best floral print ever. Also, I don't know if anyone else does this, but I buy my opaque tights from the discount dance website. After being a dancer, I've realized that no tights are as durable and truly opaque. My recommendation to you.

Floral print mini-dress, leather belt, and bangles, vintage; tights, bloch dance; high heeled oxfords, built by elves.

PS: If you are a fan of street style, culture, clothing...hell, even if you WEAR clothes, you need to check out the Midwasteland based in Chicago. Another plus, I will be a contributing writer in the near future...thanks, Monica!

My apologies

2008-04-08T19:26:00.003-05:00

I must say sorry for my lack of posts. However, it has been an incredibly busy weekend with little time to ponder actual post ideas. Why? Oh, just because I go to a university that has the rad-est Basketball team in the nation. My KU Jayhawks defeated the number one team in the country, North Carolina on Saturday, sending us to the National Championship, which was in San Antonio. The last time we went was 2003, when we played Syracuse. I remember watching us lose and shedding a few tears as I sat on the rug in front of the television at my house. Last night though, we upset Memphis in overtime. It was incredible. I watched with 10,000 others at our legendary home court, Allen Fieldhouse. I laughed, I screamed my vocal chords raw, and I cried this time, too. Tears of unbelievable joy that our team held the title of best in the nation, one I knew they deserved after such a fantastic season. I could attempt to describe the situation, but that would be totally futile. Especially since I went into this just aiming to apologize for not posting. But, classes were canceled today. Festivities went on long into the night/morning on Massachusetts Street. Basically, life is great. I love KU.

The end of my 'sorry' post that was completely unrelated to fashion.

About Face.

2008-04-04T16:55:00.006-05:00

I, like many other fashion/culture obsessed folks, am pretty religious about checking out Yvan the facehunter. I can always rely on his photography to serve as some inspiration for my sartorial choices. There is always an abundance of unexpected combinations of colors, prints, and textures. Because of his photographs, I have seriously considered rompers (I have yet to find one that is just right), worn sequins casually for day, figured out how to work over the knee socks in a way that isn't reminiscent of a slutty Halloween costume, and have been totally saved in the crucial moments before I am about to go out for the night and have NO IDEA about what I'm going to wear and there are a million articles of clothing already strewn about my room. Yesterday was dark, gloomy, rainy, and so cold I could see my breath. So not cool for April! It's days like that when I have little to zero motivation to get out of bed let alone dress myself and face the elements. With such little enthusiasm, my inspiration for an outfit was running on empty. Then, I remembered the outfit I had saved to my desktop!

I am obsessed with the rosette skirt. If any of you know of where to find one: TELL ME. The dark floral is something I would like to see more of. It would be great way to wear florals on a night out this spring or summer. Beyond that first stunning point, there are the sheer tights, which I haven't really flirted with yet, but there is a sexy smokiness to them that makes me think more Film Noir and less Warhol Factory Film than my beloved opaque black stockings. Then she adds the fringed booties, which we know I have quite the affinity for, which adds a bohemian element to the dark look. I'm a big fan of this Urban Hippie look that's on the rise, and I feel that the suede fringe adds just the right amount of this element to the look. She also broke the whole, no-black-with-navy rule, which should definitely be thrown out, as most rules of fashion should. The glossiness of her jacket and supple looking bag juxtapose her delicate looking tights and moccasin booties to perfection. Obviously, I could not create a carbon copy of this bruise-palette ensemble, partly because I am not adorable and blonde, and partly because I am unfortunately lacking an amazing rosette skirt. I really wanted to add a pair of elf-like Steve Madden fold over flat ankle boots, but the weather would not allow...

Black Dress (worn under shirt), cropped leather jacket, and buffalo plaid rain boots, Urban Outfitters; Sheer Navy T-shirt, really old; Grey tights, DKNY.

Playing Favorites

2008-04-02T14:11:00.007-05:00

It all started with the t-shirt for me. When I really got into thrifting around six years ago, all I bought were strange, vintage t-shirts. My habits have yet to change. Every time I find myself in a DAV or Goodwill, I bolt for the kids' section in search of another gem to add my huge collection. With such an ample supply, it is hard for me to choose a favorite...kind of. I have narrowed it down with three to show you. All are thread-bare and soft as butter, some with questionable markings from owners past. The tags have frayed or just come off completely. And I love them just as I love some of the beautiful vintage dresses I own. I like to see myself as an equal opportunity wearer. Even if you consider yourself a fashionista of the highest standards, I don't care: Girl has got to have her t-shirts.

Pictured above is a shirt that I've only had for the past year, maybe. Yeah...I don't get it either.

Alright, so this isn't really vintage. Unless you see 1998 as far enough in the past to be considered vintage. This shirt I actually stole from my boyfriend. It's a souvenir from his boy scout camp. He got free reign to decorate a t-shirt, and this is how it turned out. Puffy paint never looked so regal.
Few things are better than sporting an artistically illustrated Captain Kirk and Spok. This shirt was wedged between about a million others in a huge, bi-annual, hospital rummage sale. The date of copyright on the shirt is 1985, I think. I'm not sure how successful Star Trek IV was, but I thank my lucky stars that it produced this t-shirt for my wearing pleasure. Not pictured (but should be!) is my "We are the World" shirt, which I WILL include on this blog sometime. Honorable mention to: My Alf 1987 shirt. You put up a good fight.

And, because I have pictures, today's outfit!

Eyelet Dress, Kimichi and Blue; Green Cardigan, pink 40's deco belt, vintage; tights, bloch; mouse flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs.