My life in pictures

My grand plan of taking daily outfit photos has gone by the wayside, but I have managed to scrounge up a few shots to document some special looks from last fall, the spring, and now. Many of these shots are courtesy of friends, since I don't have a great camera and I forget the one I have every time I have an event.

This was taken in the photo booth at Johnny Brenda's at the race to raise the roof benefit. Mary, Alex, and I tried to actually use the photo booth, but it wasn't working, so we improvised. I really love this photo strip, not only for the strip itself but of the good memory and the great people there at the show.



T-shirt is from Sexy Dynamite London


Okay, this is from early last fall. I was having fun with a wig I got on sale...



Wig: hair store, shirt: H&M, shorts: thrifted, shoes: vintage from Gretchen

Halloween at the Henri David Ball. I was an ex-expendable crew member of the starship enterprise.



Dress: thrifted, boots: Doc Martens

Dance of Vice: Shipwreck ball! Carla and I decided to go as drowned pirate sisters. This photo was on metromix:



A comparison: A shot of me with Brian Viglione (the best half of the Dresden Dolls, in my opinion) at the shipwreck ball and also one from last spring's ball ( I went as a Phoenician goddess.) He is a wonderful person and it was great meeting him and seeing him again!





And here are Carla and I at Dances of Vice: Trouble in Toyland!



I made the tulle skirt and sash thing. Rocking horse shoes are Rose Chocolat, socks are from Angelic Pretty

I got this Air Force coat with matching pants at a thrift store and I wear both pieces a lot (though not together.)



This is at Mary's caroling party before Christmas. I had just gotten my hair cut that day at Jean Madeline. Miakoda and Kristin also made the shot.



Dress: Liz claiborne, thrifted

Sandra and I met Claire during her early spring break for korean food. This was my reaction to mugwort cake (though not really, it's actually delicious.) During the cold months, this was part of my staying warm wardrobe. The scarf is from scotland, courtesy of Mary. The wool sweater thing is vintage and a life saver.



I met Mary for brunch at the Standard Tap. The pashmina (thnaks Caitlin!) was another wardrobe staple during the cooler months, and was often wrapped around my head for protection from wind and rain (bring back babushka!) Sorry for the sideways view...



Blazer: thrifted, pants: Uniqulo, blouse: thrifted ($1) shoes: Nine west, thrifted, pashmina: gift (from n. africa)


Me, Miakoda, and Rachel are doing our best white hipster dance impression at the somewhat horrible Major Lazer show. Mary took this one.



dress: thrifted

And here is Genni, my sister, and I, pretending we can stand each other. She is in her horrible, moody teenage girl faze at the moment, sadly.



hat: vintage, yard sale, shirt: thrifted

I'm sure there are more shots floating around somewhere. Maybe I'll actually attempt to get some things posted more often! To end, here is me right now, in an H&M boys t-shirt:

Oh, I think I remember you...

Well, it has been quite a while since I updated this blog. Things have been quite hectic but I've been holding it together for the most part.

Some updates about my life in general:
- I finished my spring semester and passed everything! I did very well in every class, except for the repeated one. Let's just leave it at the fact that I am no seamstress. I enjoyed my CAD for fashion class, learned some italian, and really loved my history of costume and textiles class.
- I have become quite a commited vegetarian. I still eat eggs on occasion and dairy, but no other animals or products! It's really fulfilling and I feel like I am eating better. I have developed a fierce love of cooking and trying new things, even more than when I was an omnivore. Everyone should go veg!
- I just started a summer class: Flat Pattern. A bit mundane and frustrating at times, but I really get the sense that I'm learning a lot. We have to make a final menswear and childrens wear outfit, so I am happy to finally being able to design and create! So add this to my two jobs and possible internship, and I basically have a limited amount of relaxation time.
- My moods and health have been relatively stable, though there's a lot more to work on still. I'm not used to taking daily meds, though I am on two that are helping my allergies and general health. I still can't remember to take my vitamins and calcium supplements, though.
- I got very beat up at the Gogol Bordello show in Philly in may, but it was amazing all the same. I was front center, against the barricade. Eugene spilled wine on us and I got some all over my face (and in my eye, ouch.) And at the end of the show he walked along the barricade and I got to touch him. Yes this is very important.

All in all, things are okay. I am ready to go to London right now, but I have to wait until next spring. Knowing I'll be studying there is really keeping me going through everything. I keep thinking of moving out, being independent, but I need to save up and really get ready. Everyone around me is moving on and I want to as well.

Anyway, I think a good picture post is in order. It's been so long, so I am going to include some older pics that I never got around to posting. Look for that later today!

You're always waffleing about!

A shot of me last night after a fantastic dinner with my and Cait's family that we hosted. I am wearing a vintage 1950s sundress from Gretchen. I got my hair cut a few days before christmas and I love it!

So 2009 is over, and 2010 has started, bringing with it many things to ponder. I very rarely write/blog/what have you anymore, but I think it may be a good thing for me to do. Especially considering all of the thoughts occupying my mind as of late.

Where to begin? Last year was quite a year. Bullet list of topics/thoughts:
- First year of college completed successfully. Second year started, not so successful at half way point
- New job at LDC of U Penn (still at the cafe as well)
- Realized who my real friends are and started phasing others out of my life
- Lots of trips to New York, hanging out with Carla, and all those amazing Dances of Vice Events
- Saw some of the best shows of my life: Franz Ferdinand, Mischief Brew, and the big one: Gogol Bordello
- Failed a class for the first time ever. I am still bitter, confused, and upset at myself over this
- Discovered a real love for fashion illustration
- Became even more active, working out when I could
- Became a total foodie and a brunch addict especially


It was my first year as a college student. That in itself has brought on so many changes, challenges, and adventures. Being a freshman was fine. Nothing was really as hard as I made it seem at the time. I learned a lot about myself and my friends. I tried to be a bit more social, while at the same time only per suing friendships I knew were real and lasting. I became really close to a few people, and they have helped me make through all of the crazy things that happened over the year.
The summer was fine, minus the tragedies that seemed to surround those I care about. One in particular was very tough. Despite this, many good things happened around these instances and over the summer in general. I worked a lot.
The fall and end of the year was tough. The semester nearly killed me, and I failed my most important class. I am not happy with myself and I am questioning everything.

So enough of this kind of thinking. I've decided to make some changes for this year.

- I have decided to fully become a Vegetarian. I ate a mainly vegetarian diet before, but I want to take it a step further. I am doing it for my health and for my beliefs. I am not just upset by animal cruelty, but by the way animals are raised, processed, and sold to consumers. We are not eating what we think we are. We are not tasting what meat should taste like. The factory farming industry, all of it... it scares me and has pushed me in this direction. Anyway, it will be difficult, but possible. My family isn't vegetarian and are a little bit thrown off by my decision. I have to also over come my own challenges. I like some meat dishes; I love food and tasting new things. Also, there is the cultural significance of certain foods and meals. I think I will still eat some fish and make exceptions for certain dishes. This may seem like a half-assed approach, but I am doing this for me and no one else.

- As a part of being healthy, I want to work out more. I did all summer at home and it was great. My dad joined the gym and I have been going with him over the break. I also have access to my school's gym, which is great. Not only do I want to work out for my physical health, but for my own sanity. It really helps to work out all the aggression and frustration and stress. I was in a horrible mood the other day, and I felt on the verge of tears all day for no apparent reason. So I left work early and went to the gym with my dad. After some vigorous exercise I felt great and my mind was at ease. I have to keep up with it and hopefully it will help me stay in control this year.

- I need to read more. I hadn't read much throughout my first year of college, which was huge change for me. I've always been a big reader. I've been doing more reading since the summer and throughout the fall. I take public trans, so why shouldn't I read? I'm currently working my way through the Dexter series and Jonathan Safran Foer's books.

- I want to join more activities/clubs/find a hobby. I would love to take up ballet again, but I am also looking into swing dancing.

- I want to educate myself more on: global issues, current events, ideologies, different cultures, languages

- I need to start really saving up for my semester abroad in London. It is the only thing keeping me going through school and work.

- I want to learn to cook more. Becoming a vegetarian has helped fuel my desire to cook. i also set a challenge for my family: at least one brand new dish made a week.

I am sure there are other things I want to blather on about, but I'm going to go relax and get some sleep. Tomorrow is my last day of winter break and I am going to enjoy the hell out of it.

Oh, and just so this post is a bit more interesting:





A great shot from the Gogol Bordello show in NYC on December 29, 2009. Yes, I love this band and I love Eugene Hutz. That is all I will say about that for now.

Please...

Everyone, please read this and repost! Thank you!

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/daniel_rubin/46890867.html

Early may outfits

Yes, I somehow am managing to post in relatively quick succession. Here are some outfits from the start of may.




I wore this the day after my school's fashion show. I went out to dinner at Rangoon, a delicious Burmese restaurant, with Sandra, Gabber, and Krystal. We also got gelato and saw some fireworks (in the distance.) It was a great night, made even better by the fact that I took off from work.



Rundown:
Dress: From Retrospect
Platform creepers: Philly Aid Thrift
POF/inspiration: a night out after a crazy week

My mom and I did some shopping. My orginally planned shoes for the outfit were damaged, so I just substituted with these slip on wedges.



Rundown:
Shirt: Terranova (in L'Aquila)
Pants: Target
Socks: Forever 21
POF/inspiration: platform sandals (that I didn't get to wear!)

We had our last FIA meeting, which ended very early. I needed some retail therapy, so i went shopping.



Rundown:
shirt: Alexander MQueen for target
skirt: H&M
tights: Target
platform creepers: Philly Aid Thrift
POF/inspiration: all the snazzy hair dos on my shirt

I wore this the day after I saw Franz Ferdinand perform at the Electric Factory in Philly. I can't get over how good the show was! They were even better than I thought. Anyway, I always buy a tour shirt and wear it the day after a show. Sandra and I met up for gelato to celebrate the near end of the semester.



Rundown:
shirt: Franz Ferdinand concert
pants: Target
shoes: saks fifth avenue (from a thrift store)
POF/inspiration: Franz Ferdiannd (and Alex specifically-shoes inspire by his amazing blue sexy shoes. God he was so attractive.)

Last day of finals and last day of my first year of college!



Rundown:
shirt: Sexy dynamite london
tulle skirt: H&M
plaid skirt: thrifted and modified
socks: Charlotte russe
platform creepers: philly aid thrift
POF/inspiration: last day!

This is a monumental outfit. Why? Because I wore shorts! If you know me, you know how I am with shorts. But they're not that bad. I went to visit Gretchen and walked all over.



Rundown:
shirt: street vendor in L'Aquila, Italy
belt: Buffallo exchange
shorts: thrifted
jacket: thrifted and modified
platform creepers: philly aid
POF/inspiration: OMG shorts


I went out with Mary to celebrate the end of classes! We went to rangoon, had a chinatown adventure, then ended up at Reading Terminal. I had a great time! I had to go to an awards ceremony for my sister. Everyone stared at me.



Rundown:
blouse: charlotte russe
skirt: forever 21
tights: target'
Rocking horse replica shoes: Lolita Lola, bought from Carla
POF/imnspiration: food and friends

A couple more shots....









That's all for now!

April Outfit Post

So I have a slew of outfits from the month of April. I should not wait this long to upload everything, but oh well. These are in no particular order and i don't even remember when I wore most of them!



So this was an outfit I wore for a group presentation in my Environmental science class (that class was such a waste.) Anyway, she told us to dress professionally. So I did. Well, sort of. She was fine because she said this was acceptable for a fashion design major. Haha.



Rundown:
Cardigan: H&M
skirt: Thrift store
Creeper platforms: Philly aid thrift
POF/inspiration: "Professional" and patterns


You get an added bonus in this outfit picture. Daisy, the German Shepherd we fostered and then adopted! She's about 8 years old and the sweetest thing ever. She is cuter than me.



Rundown:
Hat: vintage
cardigan: kohls
dress: thrifted
tights: target
creeper platforms: Philly Aid thrift
pof/inspiration: black and gold vintage hat

An outfit I wore to work. This dress is so comfortable and I love it!



Rundown:
Dress: H&M
shoes: Sailor Jerry
pof/inspiration: red and day of the dead skulls

I had to work on a saturday, and afterwards I went to a battle of the bands at my old high school. I felt so old, and it's only been a year! anyway, self timer shot at the end of the night.



shirt: Trash & Vaudeville
skirt: thrifted
cardigan: Kohls
pof/inspiration: seeing some shitty and not so shitty high school bands


I hand painted this Adam and the Ants shirt a couple years ago, so I based the outfit on that.



Rundown:
shirt: handpainted by me
skirt: H&M
tights: gift
shoes: vintage, gift
pof/inspiration: my shirt

My mom was off, so she took my sister and I to the movies (we saw Monsters vs Aliens), out to lunch (at Noodi) and then shoppping at Trader Joes (i have an obsession.) I got calle din early to work, but I looked cute so it was fine. xD



Rundown:
cardigan: Kohls
shirt: Sailor Jerry
skirt: H&M
tights: Target
Creeper platforms: Philly Aid thrift
pof/inspiration: a nice day out

Another outfit I wore to school. I have a slight obsession with pink/hot pink and teal/mint green/pale blue.

Rundown:
dress: Heatherette
belt: from a vintage shop in Lancaster (came with a dress in a $1 bin)
tights: Target
Creeper platforms: Philly Aid Thrift
scarf (on my head): flea market
pof/inspiration: Party Monster soundtrack


I had to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to research for my paper. I braved the rain and had a nice day. I met up with a friend and we got froyo afterwards. I had to go to work too, so the walking around all day wasn't the best idea, but oh well.



Rundown:
shirt: Tiger Army concert
skirt: thrifted
Over knee socks: gift
shoes: my old school shoes
pof/inspiration: Roses

Just a nice, casual look for school.



Shirt: H&M
cardigan: Kohls
pants: Target
shoes: vintage, gift
pof/inspiration: black, white, and red

This dress came with a matching red bolero jacket, which I wore in a previous outfit.



Rundown:
dress: thrifted
tights: target
shoes: vintage, gift
pof/inspiration: 80s dress

Met up with Sandra, Gabber, and Dennis. We were supposed to go get crepes at a little cafe, but we were too late, so we ended up getting Kabob.



sweatshirt: H&M
shirt: Terranova (in L'Aquila)
pants: Trash & Vaudeville
shoes: Doc Martens, thrifted
pof/inpsiration: quest for crepes

So one week later, we actually made it to the the Cafe. The crepes were absolutely delicious! And well priced for the quality. Everyone, go to Cafe L'aube. Afterwards, Gabber and I wandered around a bit, did some thrifting, and got froyo.



Rundown:
cardigan: thrifted
Cutsew: Emily Temple Cute
skirt: thrifted
shoes: Philly Aid Thrift
pof/inspiration: CREPES!

Another outfit for school.



Sweathirt: H&M
shirt: Toki Doki
skirt: H&M
tights: Target
Boots: Doc Martens
pof/inspiration: drawing class

I love this Heatherette dress!



Rundown:
dress: Heatherette
boots: Flea market
pof/inspiration: Heatherette dress

Went out for lunch with my mom before work. The dress is vintage barbie print! i got it very cheap at a vintage shop that was closing. Another after work self timer shot. I also wore red tights with this.



Rundown:
Dress: Nicole Miller, thrifted
cardigan: kohls
pof/inpsiration: old school barbie

It was hot, so I wore a vintage nightgown as a dress. I got my hair cut after this picture (no shots in this photo post of the new hair though.)



Rundown:
dress: Vintage slip
necklace: street market in L'Aquila (I've been wearing it a lot lately, especially since the earthquake)
Shoes: thrifted
pof/inspiration: It's too hot

Neon green skirts are the best.



Rundown:
sweatshirt: H&M
shirt: Horrorpops concert
skirt: Trash & Vaudeville
boots: Doc Martens
pof/inspiration: psycho-neon green-walk like a zombie!

I wanted to wear my cloche hat, so I wore a shirt with a lady wearing a cloche hat to match!



Rundown:
Vintage cloche Hat: thrifted
cardigan: Kohls
shirt: Terranova (in L'Aquila)
skirt: thrifted
shoes: vintage, gift
pof/inspiration: old lady chic

I slept over at Cait's house and we hung out.



Rundown:
shirt: Philly Aids thrift
Sweatshirt: H&M
pants: Trash & Vaudeville
shoes: Sailor Jerry
headscarf: flea market
pof/inspiration: gorillaz going wild

I'll finish up with my Easter outfit. I had to work though, so it's casual. The dress has flowers and I was wearing some bunny clips too. Irene came over and had dinner with us (I got out of work pretty early.) My mom got us some delicious Bayards chocolate!



Rundown:
dress: Rave or Ma rave or whatever
shoes: Sailor Jerry
pof/inspiration: easter

Rococo Picnic and Isaac Mizrahi, PhilaU Fashion shows

Here are some pictures from a few special events I've atended/been a part of recently.

First, a few pics from the Rococo Picnic, hosted by Martha. I was looking forward to this day for a long time, and it was wonderful! We had a fabulous spread of food, a fun game of croquet (I won! haha) and just an amazing time. Spent some time with Mary and Millie afterwards, whixh was also wonderful. I am now hooked on sabrina's Cafe and must go back for brunch soon.

Anyway, a few shots of my outfit.






I didn't have time or the material to make an authentic period outfit, so I threw together some things I found in my house. I was inspired by Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon looks and sackback dresses. I did my hair all by myself, including the powder. I found some fake hair to stuff inside to make it bigger. I promptly cut my hair a few days after this, but the style was so fun (though I think the flour started baking in the sun!)

Rundown of things I can remember:
overdress: vintage slip (given to me by a friend)
blouse: Forever 21 (or something)
skirt: My mom's bridal petticoat
socks: gifted
shoes: Irregular Choice ($3 at Philly aid thrift!)
hair accessories: made by me
jewelry: made by me, vintage pieces, and things that belonged to my grandmother

A few more shots from the day...



Gorgeous long skirted ladies! Me, Kelsey, Martha, Bianca



Tyler, Mary, Miakoda, and Mille, looking stunning!



Kelsey in a tree!

My school's fashion organization, FIA, always gets asked to help with the Saks Fifth Avenue fashion shows. This year, it was the Isaac Mizrahi show at the Bellevue. a few of us signed up to be dressers. It was a fantastic experience! The clothes were so great, and Isaac was there! He was hilarious. I got to talk to him too, though only briefly. My model, Camille, was super sweet and I had a great time.



Camille and I. That cardigan was so soft (if a little Bill Cosby haha). I just cut my hair and I'm wearing a dress i bought at a street market in L'Aquila last june.



Some girls from school and I.



backstage at Isaac!

The next day was my school's show at the Academy of Music. Camille found me at dress rehearsal and I was her dresser again (we use professional models for our shows.) All of the looks were really creative and many were impeccable. School shows are fun because everything is fresh, experimental, and new. I can't wait to be showing my outfits one day!



In front of our rack.



Laura was my dressing partner. Here we are with Camille.



Backstage picture.



Camille and another model.



More backstage shots.



Ready to start!

Expect a huge outfit post in the near future, hopefully later today or tomorrow.