Friday, October 30, 2009

Last of the Halloweenies

October 31 is just hours away! Have you planned your costume yet? Unfortunately, since I am now in Tennessee, I don't think I'll be dressing up. As you may have noticed, most of my costumes are very last minute, so unless a full costume shows up in my hotel room, I'll be thinking of the Halloween festivities from afar. Sigh. Below are the last couple of costumes from my vault (there are so many more that aren't digital though). The first are from 2006, Chris and I spent hours on our make-up, and went as "Catholic School Drop-outs" (but really we were just zombies). My favorite part was the decapitated hair model.
This last one is from a school Halloween party in 2003. Another of my favorite costumes, I went as 90's era Courtney Love. I wore a pink Betsey Johnson babydoll dress, ripped fishnets, and 16 eye combat boots, and accessorized with a Jack Daniels bottle (it was filled with earl grey tea). I stayed in character all night, which lead many to believe that I had a legit drinking problem (not true)! I wish I had a full body shot, but it's proving difficult finding all these old pictures!
I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween, I can't wait to see all your costumes!

Ps- A BIG thank you to Fashion Therapist and Marta Castellanos for the awards, I'll be posting my answers on Monday night!

A treat!

In honor my my arrival in Memphis this afternoon, I have a little treat to get your weekend off right: the late, great (and handsome) Johnny Cash impersonating and Elvis impersonator. This man was amazing!
Tomorrow I have a whirlwind day planned: hopefully hitting up Graceland before my event and then touring Sun Studios! I'm open to suggestion too, if there is a place you know of in either Memphis or Nashville, let me know!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Daily Style / Halloween Past...

Shirt: H&M (20.00 sale)
SKirt: Thrift (1.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Target (6.99)
Necklaces: J.Crew (14.99) and H&M (9.90)
Bracelet: gift from Grandma
Travel Bag: Tag Sale (1.00)
I admit: I bought this shirt impulsively and had no idea on how to wear it up until today. I looks funny with jeans, but I love how it almost transforms into a dress when paired with this wool skirt. This kind of baggy silhouette is not a norm for me either- look at me, breaking out of the comfort zone! The skirt was also something in my wardrobe that didn't quite have a place- the waist is elastic, so it always fit a little funny. So, moral is: two wrongs can sometimes make a right, I guess! By the time I returned home from work, it was quite chilly out, hence the indoor photos. I think I finally found the one place in our apartment that I can adequately take pictures. Finally. Our place isn't necessarily un-photogenic, it's just arranged in such a way that every corner is taken. I should also say that Zephyr is in the bag in that right hand image, I was trying to get him to poke his head out- but, no dice.

So, in continuation with my Halloween theme, the below images are from the same week as yesterday's Royal Tenenbaum costumes:
When you go to art school (especially one that is down the road from Salem, MA...yes, the Salem), Halloween is not just one day, but sometimes the entire month of October. Meaning: lots of parties. These images are from the Halloween party hosted by the College in 2005. I was the official photographer of the evening, working in the studio taking pictures of everyone's costumes. I'll admit, my costume kind of sucks- I had just come from my other job at the time and decided to just wear the clothes I had on (if you recognize the shirt, I'm a big psychobilly fan) slap some black make-up on and go as a zombie. But, everyone said I just looked like I got beat up. Oh well. Adria is (again) Richie Tenenbaum and Emily is a Troll Doll (complete with jewel belly). Emily is amazing.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I think we're just going to have to be secretly in love with each other and leave it at that, Richie.

Oh, What a rainy day!
Vintage Plaid Shirt: Thrift (1.00)
Vintage Suede Skirt: Thrift (3.00)
Shoes: Target (6.00 sale)
Tights: from Adria (free)
Necklaces: both H&M (both about 9.00)
pictures by Chris
Today, another round robin high school fair, except this time there were four schools. I'm exhausted- especially after sitting in Boston traffic for two hours on the way home. Luckily for me, it's pouring outside so I didn't feel the least bit guilty for coming home and crawling back into bed. This is an outfit that I picked out ahead of time this past weekend, which made getting dressed at 5 am so much easier! The shirt I picked up at a Salvation army in Fitchburg last week and the skirt is from one of my trips to Maine (I think I found it at a Salvation Army in Raymond?). The shirt has that perfect worn-in pre-loved feeling! Now, the image below is in honor of ChicFaced's comment from my last post. I've been posting costumes from halloween past, and the one below is from about four years ago when my friend Adria and I went as Margot and Ritchie Tenenbaum:
Adria is far more convincing than I (note her hand drawn striped shirt- such commitment), and I have no idea why I'm wearing pantyhose, but we had a good time reciting lines from the movie all night. As you may come to realize, most of my costumes are thrown together last minute. This one is no different. I think I decided to be Margot as I was walking to Adria's house. Also, on a side note: that terrible celestial poster in the background does not belong to either of us.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

From the Halloween Vault...

Since Halloween is only a few days away, I thought I would share some of my costumes from recent years! Last Halloween, Chris and I were scrambling for costumes, really not sure what to be. We had always talked about going as Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World", and decided that 2008 was going to be "the year". Unfortunately, we decided this on halloween night. So with just an hour to go until the party, we threw these costumes together. I wish we had better pictures! Below the belt we are both wearing ripped Levi's and I (Wayne) am wearing a flannel around my waist. Chris (Garth) accessorized with drumsticks. We had a very good time and stayed in character all night. Sha-wing.
I've been shuffling through old files trying to find costumes from further back, so I'll post more later on in the week. What are you planning on being for halloween? I'm sorry I don't have an outfit post today, I got home from work after dark, the days are getting so short! I'm going to have to take my pictures earlier and earlier! Don't forget that this weekend is daylight savings time! On another subject, I've been nominated for a blog award! The lovely Jane St. Clair of Little Violet Dress has picked me to tell you a few things about myself:
blog award
1. I went to an all-girls summer camp for nine years. Up until I was 15. I had the best summers ever.
2. I go to the gym almost every day. It's the one time of day that I don't have to think about anything for at least 45 minutes.
3. I really like going over tall bridges but I hate heights. I love driving to places I've never been to before.
4. I like to take music out of the library that I've never heard of. I judge the CD's by their covers, sometimes they are good, sometimes not. But this means that I have a pretty well rounded taste in music.
5. I hate cotton-balls. I refuse to touch them.
6. I really like waking up late on a rainy day and having it stay rainy for the whole day. I hate it when it gets sunny half-way through.
7. I love reading cookbooks.

Ok, now the rules of this award state that I am to nominate seven other bloggers. But, I like to break rules, so instead I would like you all to leave me a comment with something interesting or special about yourselves! Ready? Go!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Daily Style/Over the Weekend...

Monday just comes all too soon...
Dress: Forever 21 (19.00)
Shirt: Hand-me-down (free)
Shoes: Target (9.00 sale)
Tights: TjMaxx? (5.00)
Belt: Thrift (1.00)
Necklace: H&M (9.90)
Oh, I'm not ready for it to be Monday at all. I just want to crawl back into bed and wait for the weekend to come back around. This morning I trekked up to Plymouth, NH for work- which was a pointless drive- the kids just weren't into it. The good part was that I got to meet up with a friend for lunch, so my trip wasn't a complete time waster. My weekend was pretty lack-luster, a family event took up most of Saturday, and Sunday was spent (finally) doing laundry and cleaning my half of our bedroom. I feel like life hasn't been very exciting lately, I guess that's just to be expected when work is a little too exciting. Chris and I did go to see Where the Wild Things Are last night, critics can say what they will about the plot, but I thought the cinematography and camera work was beautiful- so dreamy! Below are just a couple of shots from around the house, we picked up some candy corn at Target! Yum!

Friday, October 23, 2009

I Heart...

Orchid Grey Hearts ModCloth.Com!
Go here to see a (very excited) familiar face!
Have you shopped Mod Cloth yet? I pretty much covet everything they have.
(shameless self-promotion....I know)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Daily Style...

Velvet Elvis...
Velvet Blazer: Jack by BB Dakota via TjMaxx (19.99)
Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (gift)
Tee-Shirt (worn underneath): J.Crew Outlet (9.99)
Scarf: H&M (12.00)
Heels: Guess via TjMaxx (24.00)
Gold and Onyx Bracelet: gift from grandmother
(Photos by Chris....whoops!)
I love this blazer, it's one of my favorite TjMaxx finds, one of those treasures that catches your attention just before you leave the store empty handed- peeking out from a cluttered rack. Maybe that's setting the scene a little too dramatically, but the fit alone sold me on this jacket instantly. I love the fabric too, it's perfect with jeans and a tee-shirt, anything more and it would be too much. Today was a good day: I actually got to see the inside of my office! It was nice to just sit at my desk instead of running around frantically from school to school. I did have a (very) early AM presentation at Beverly HS, but that was easy- it's just down the road! This next week will be the calm before my storm- next Friday I leave for Memphis and Nashville where I will be attending National Portfolio Day, then I fly back on Monday only to leave again on Tuesday for two weeks (two freakin' weeks!) for upstate New York. So, yes, I am savoring these next few days of relative calm. Anyone have recommendations on what to do in Nashville and Memphis?!

Decisions, Decisions...

Well, It's almost that time of year! My Cute Overload Page-a-Day at work and my Nuns Having Fun wall calendar at home are both showing the tell tale signs that the year is almost over- I can't believe it! Time to choose a new calendar!
I think this cute French Bull Dog Calendar would be perfect for my desk at home. Chris and I are both dreaming of the day when we can afford our on little bat-eared cutie, so this little calendar would be a reminder of our future pet! French Bull Dog calender: $11.99 at modcloth.com

Now, work calls for something more grown-up. I know I spotted this first on someone's blog, but I'm not sure who (if it's you, let me know). I love that the images can be clipped for later framing! 2010 calendar: Blancucha via Etsy.com.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Daily Style: Inspired By Art

Top: H&M (24.90)
Skirt: Thrifted in Maine (1.99)
Shoes: Forever 21 (13.99)
Necklace: J.Crew outlet (14.99)
Belt: J.Crew outlet (4.99)
Bracelet: Gift
Photos by Chris
Today I used a painting done by my friend Adria for my inspiration. It is actually a painting she did using one of my self portraits taken senior year of college, so this is an older piece, maybe fours years now? I love the areas of light and dark and bright poppy pinks. I think pairing this peach chiffon top with the black leather skirt softened my whole look, I really don't do the whole rocker look- especially during work hours- so I was trying to avoid too much of a night-time feel. I love the seams on this skirt, I had been trying to find the perfect black leather skirt (and was close to buying one full price), and finally found this beauty on one of my business trips to Maine. The pink belt is actually quite long, so I wrap it in on itself when I wear it higher. Don't you love the little elephant? I found this necklace on Monday while killing time between presentations in New Hampshire.
I've got the house to myself tonight, as Chris is driving one of our friends home to North Conway, NH. I've rented The Proposal (filmed right up the road in Rockport, MA!) and am planning on snuggling up on the couch with my kitties and trying to spot local artist Karen Tusinski's paintings which were used in the movie!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Daily Style: Seven Minutes is Far From Heaven

Oh, Wow. One of those days. I Tell ya.
Necklace: Forever 21 (5.99)
Cardigan: H&M (16.00)
Dress (belt included): H&M (24.00)
Tights: Target (5.00)
Shoes: Target (sale 6.99)
Today started out on a very low note. I awoke feeling abnormally well rested, "this is too good to be true" I thought. It was too good to be true, I was so well rested because it was 6:53! I needed to leave for today's college fair in seven minutes! Somehow the stars aligned and this outfit emerged from the mountainous pile on my floor. What's this? I actually feel like I look nice today?! Yes! Despite forgoing all makeup, save for a swipe or two of mascara, I'm feeling good. Finally. I wish I could say that this college fair was worth scrambling for, but it wasn't. Just a lot of standing around and repeating "no, we don't offer a nursing degree, we're a fine arts college, see, it says that right there on my sign." Work has been stressful lately, I'm counting down the days until the end of my travel season in December. I can't wait! Did I mention it snowed the other day?
Jen, from JenLovesKev is wearing the same tights today! Yeah Target!

Forget that last watch...

For superior time-telling, one must look into the emerald eyes of a serpent!
Watch: Urban Outfitters ($28.00)
Perfection. And inexpensive!
It comes in silver too, but who wants silver when you can have gold?

Monday, October 19, 2009

Daily Style/Over the Weekend...

I'm sorry for the lack of creativity here...
Hat: Burton (Chris')
Overcoat: H&M- last year (69.90)
Dress (worn underneath): American Apparel (40.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Socks: Target (6.99)
Boots: Alice & Olivia for Target (39.00)
I'm definitely having one of those weeks (sad, considering it's only Monday). This weekend was another weekend spent working my bum off: Saturday I attended a portfolio event in Cape Cod and Sunday involved driving to Worcester for an incredibly unproductive college fair. To be honest, I'm feeling a little blah about these photos, I've got some major skin issues right now- for some reason every Fall, my skin goes berserk and all of a sudden it's like I'm 16 again- and yes, I'll admit to some light photoshopping of one specific problem area right between my eyes. I did get to go to a party this weekend, where, as exhibited below, I had a lot of fun. It was my friend Bea's birthday and we celebrated with cake, beer, and dancing! Also, notice Chris' GOLD LAME' MAINE HAT. How amazing is that? I picked it up at Goodwill during a day trip to Brewer last week for work. Win!
Also, a big welcome and thank you to all of my new followers! The fact that I broke 100 last week hasn't gone unnoticed, and I'm going to try and plan something for the near future!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Art Notes: A Must See

Now at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA:
Iris Apfel signifies what I can only hope to become: a true fashion icon for the ages. Her use of color and her signature round glasses embody her bold character. I just heard about this exhibition this afternoon and have Sunday plans to see it now. I can't wait! Visit the Peabody Essex Museum's website to read more about this fabulous woman!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Daily Style: Inspired By

Ok, Back to business...
Dress: Target ($39? - last year)
Specs: Forever 21 (5.99)
Belt: UO bargain basement (9.99)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: UO bargain basement (19.99)
Bracelet: Gift
Photo Credit: Chris
Today I used a painting by an artist named Shawn Salinger who participated in our gallery show a couple of months ago as inspiration for my outfit (If you haven't read about the show you can go here). The painting is in the image below on the right (I couldn't get a good shot of it today):
I love the colors in this piece. The reds and oranges go so nicely with the aqua and green tones. It also makes me think of a flaming hotdog. So, that's nice. Today I took the main color in the painting (mauve/red) and made it the main focus of my outfit- my dress. Just as the red is accessorized by other colors in the painting, I added hints of other tones in what I put together. I really like how the blue of my glasses complements the warmer tones in the red and purple. My only wish is that I had a different belt. But, oh well. I had been saving this dress to wear later in the fall and early winter, but when I woke up this morning is was 43* and frosty outside! This, paired with my grey overcoat (not pictured) ended up being very weather appropriate. There have already been snow reports further north!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Inspired By...Rain

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Sweatshirt: J.Crew (24.00)
Button-Up: Gap via Thrift (3.99)
Jeans: BDG (gift)
OTK Socks: Target (6.99)
Wellies: Hunter via Ebay (60.00)
Rain sure has a way of putting a damper on things (get it? Damper? har har). Waking up this morning was made nearly impossible by torrential downpours and 40 * weather- late fall has arrived ladies and gentlemen- soon it will be snow! I decided that todays outfit is not inspired by art, but by rain. When it's raining outside, all I want to do is sleep, but work needed to be done today so the next best thing is wearing comfy clothes. This sweatshirt kept me toasty warm and layered over a white oxford, looked professional enough for work. That last picture is of me talking to one of my landlords, every time he catches me taking pictures, we end up in a lengthy discussion about something or other and then I take pictures of him. It's always a strange interaction. And always awkward. Also, I'm sorry about that car in the shot, the only way I can take photos outside when it's raining is to set up the tripod inside our building's foyer and shoot looking out the door- and this is the view!

I Covet

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Above (Left to Right): Ecote Patchwork Hobo Bag (sale $48) Suede Oxfords ($48)
I just received Urban Outfitters Holiday 2009 lookbook in the post the other day, the photography is outstanding! Every year UO and Anthropologie never cease to impress me with their styling and photography, it's all so beautiful, the way the shots are set up...you just want to live in them. The suede oxfords above are just one of many things that caught my eye, at $48 too, very affordable. They also come in a beautiful jade color, but I love grey, so grey it will be!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Daily Style: Inspired By

The first of an ongoing series...
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Dress: Forever 21 (7.99)
Belt: Thrift (1.00)
Tights: Vera Wang for Kohls (7.99)
Shoes: Clarks Wallabees (gift)
Beaded Pouch Necklace: Sempre Mas in Portland, ME (3.00)
Glasses: UO (4.99)
Bag: Cole Haan via Thrift (2.00)
A couple of posts ago fellow blogger UnBelOiseau commented with the idea that I do a post featuring the artwork in my apartment, what a great idea! But, rather than just writing about the art that I have (some owned, some on loan) I thought I would combine my duel love of art and fashion by creating outfits inspired by the art on my walls! Since this is the first in the series, I figured I would start with some artwork created by me:
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This photo was taken with my Diana camera this past summer on one of my many trips to Maine. Even though it was taken in July, the colors within remind me of October and also remind me of my outdoorsy Mother. In my outfit, I combined similar colors: blue, brown, red, orange- and a lot of natural fabrics like cotton and leather/suede. This is something I could imagine my mother wearing when she was my age, and I tend to find myself emulating this kind of style every fall. I think it has something to do with the weather that makes me want to start listening to more Joni Mitchell and Buffy Sainte-Marie, go on a late fall hike, and seek out the smell of woodsmoke. Today was a perfect day for it too, very cool with yellow and orange leaves blowing everywhere!