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.

Day Tripper

2008-03-28T17:06:00.006-05:00

Beautiful Fridays may just be life savers. What started out as a chilly, fog blanketed Friday morning ended up being a sun-soaked yet cool Friday afternoon. My boyfriend and I hopped on a downtown bus to mingle around the shops, which was a fantastic way to start the weekend! It's nice to watch the bright sidewalks fill with people from behind a nice pair of shades. Or perhaps shades are more of a necessity for my boyfriend who makes some ridiculous faces while sporting the vintage aviators I got for him at the DAV.

Tortoise wayfarer-shaped sunglasses, blue blazer with gold buttons, leather patchwork purse, steer printed maroon shirt, all vintage; denim skirt, made by myself from a pair of mom's 1992 lucky brand jeans; moccasin booties, Minnetonka

Now if only the grass could turn a little greener and my wallet could become a little fatter (in hopes of purchasing much more for spring and summer...sigh), life would be even more exquisite than it is right now, on the cusp of Friday evening.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

2008-03-26T19:05:00.009-05:00

I have always had a soft spot for Mr. Rogers. Who else puts on a cardigan and changes their shoes upon entering their own home? Having worn cardigans from the mens' section for several years now, I have always thought fondly of him as I slipped one on to shield myself from a wind chill. Since today was incredibly windy and strangely cold (and I was feeling really lazy and had to spend most of time studying for a test and not choosing an outfit!), I decided to channel the neighborhood man and wear my oversized butter-yellow men's cardigan. Paired with a super simple v-neck, my standard grey skinny denim, high-heeled oxfords, and my favorite vintage ring, it made for a decent cold/dismal/Wednesday/I-have-a-test-today outfit! Please excuse the boring outfit, boring post, and horrible dorm lighting!

Cardigan, vintage; v-neck top, H&M; jeans, Cheap Monday;Oxfords, Made by Elves; Ring, Vintage

1,000 Words

2008-03-25T13:59:00.005-05:00

The fantastic news is: I finally got a digital camera. I know, you're probably all questioning yourselves as to whether I have spent some of my existence under a sizable rock. I have to ask you all something, though. While many blogs on my link list, whom I love, post their own outfits, is that something you'd dig seeing here? I know a lot of people find inspiration in photographs of ensembles, including myself, so let me know. I'll wait to hear back from some of you before my next post!

Sarcoxie, Missouri- Blouse, vintage; Cut offs, once H&M jeans; tights, bloch; moccasins, minnetonka.

Spring Broken

2008-03-19T13:42:00.010-05:00

I know I've already neglected to post for far too long, and now I am announcing yet another hiatus. As it is Spring Break, I am going out of town. If I have some brilliant stroke of genius while in the Ozarks, and internet access, then I may just surprise you all with a post! Until then, I'll leave you with some photos I took the other day with my spectacular cousin as the model. All clothing with the exception of purple headband, heart necklace and black patent platforms are mine. Excuse the poor quality of the scans!

Day: Tuedsay, March 19th, 2008
Location: Verdi, KS
Styled by: Myself
Modeled by: Ashley

Coral Lace Dress, printed Scarf, and flower brooch: Vintage; heart necklace: model's own

Yellow Gingham Blouse: Vintage

Deer print scarf, Bowling Ball shirt, leather belt with tooled butterflies, button up skirt with flower print: Vintage, patent peep toe platforms: Target
Pink slip with chiffon overlay, floral printed babydoll blouse (worn under), and brown tweed blazer: Vintage; Ballet slippers: Capezio
Tuxedo shirt, mirrored sunglasses, floral print blouse: Vintage; Purple tights and black patent platforms: Target

Mirrored sunglasses, sheer printed blouse, black knit skirt, and white belt: Vintage; braided headband: Urban Outfitters; flat ankle boots: Steve Madden

Happy Spring Break to all!

"It's like...a totally important designer!"

2008-03-12T17:49:00.008-05:00

Ahh, the nineties. Being a kid was fantastic during that decade. It meant I could wear whatever I wanted and people would smile as I was a funny and charming little girl, not a seriously deranged young adult. I was introduced to grunge by my older brother and suddenly found it imperative that I wear the same combination flannels and converse--hot pink high tops with tweety bird, of course. A Green Day shirt was worn probably every other week of third grade. I sported my side pony-tail with pride and a scrunchie. I donned an oversized t-shirt and leggings with my socks scrunched up over them and was so hip-happening (in my opinion). However, I had a fashion epiphany after the viewing of a certain film that somewhat snapped me out of my Teen Spirit obsession.

It was 1996, and my mom purchased Clueless on VHS for me. Cher Horowitz became my style icon. After viewing it multiple times and sufficiently memorizing the script (my first introduction to Alaia!), I wanted to appear as if I had stepped right of of Cher's Beverly Hills High School--even if I was only seven years old. White knee socks and pleated skirts dominated my wardrobe, and I became strangely obsessed with plaids and argyles. Luckily, I didn't gain a penchant for odd fur covered accessories ("It's faux!").

So today, I looked down at my black over-the-knee socks and thought about Clueless, and how my seven-year-old self would be so jealous of said socks. My life doesn't look like a Noxzema commercial, but since I can get that pleasure from sliding the same VHS (yes--VHS!) out of the beat-up-but-loved box, it doesn't have to! So whether you prefer, "fashion victim or ensemble-y challenged," there is absolutely no reason any fashion-loving human being with a sense of humor should by pass seeing Clueless.

Athletic Support

2008-03-09T19:37:00.008-05:00

I understand that on the surface, fashion and athletics aren't typically complements of one another. Not exactly the you-got-peanut-butter-in-my-chocolate type of romance that fashion has with say, music. However, it is March. Thus, it is time to go mad over college basketball. After seeing that my beloved Kansas Jayhawks are now Big 12 regular season champions, I came to the conclusion that that this blog could benefit from a little bit of athletic support. While I couldn't come across any vintage photos of eighties KU basketball, this photo does the job of invoking some retro urges to wear hot pants in electric color combos, like saffron yellow and eggplant.

Fashionistas everywhere are jumping on the thigh-high sock train. Whether or not you've got Dr. Jay's moves, you can still sport these athletic striped marigold (or whichever color you so desire!) socks from American Apparel.

Of course, basketball would be nothing without the hip footwear by Chuck Taylor. While most ballers would require some ankle support, I'm opting for the low-tops in white (considering I already have seven other colors).

While these classics would perfectly complement any easy spring ensemble, you could always add a little more urban pep to your step with some colored trainers, like these fabulous Nike Dunks. Great with colored skinny jeans, or even with a pretty dress, a la Lilly Allen.

Cheering for the team is so much more fun in cool sneakers or colored socks than in a mini skirt turning cartwheels. But even if you've got no team to support this year for March Madness, you can at least rock some of the aforementioned items--you'll be such a good sport!

Breaking a Sweat.

2008-03-07T09:51:00.007-06:00

Firstly, I feel I should apologize for my week-long hiatus. The Russian language took over my life for awhile this week, but things have since cooled down. Also, to add to the delightfulness that this week has brought, I somehow managed to get sick. This means the motivation I usually have to get dressed in the morning dropped to a somewhat nonexistent level. This past Wednesday, as I was feeling particularly dismal, I wore my boyfriend's XL size grey thermal tucked into very worn in (read: worn to near-shreds) black skinny denim and a super awesome, vintage, buttery taupe leather belt with a huge gold buckle as my saving grace. My boyfriend saw me and said I looked, "hastily dressed." While that was indeed true, I was mostly thinking I was rocking a look inspired by Yves Saint Laurent! Alright, so sweatshirts aren't exactly a Le Smoking jacket, but when paired with the right belt, high waisted mini skirt, or slim pant, they have the ability to add a slouchy sophistication.

You can test out the above YSL Spring 2008 look yourself, sans monogram, with any supple grey knit you so desire! I am lucky enough to have pilfered the aforementioned top from my boyfriend, but this one from American Apparel is unisex, and doesn't appear to have too much bulk to it.

Of course, YSL should be commended for bringing sweatshirt dressing onto the runway, but we all know Jennifer Beales should probably be getting some credit for making the sweatshirt an actual trend. So go ahead, find a sweatshirt and wear it like a maniac.

Lovely Weather We're Having

2008-02-28T17:23:00.006-06:00

On the cusp of March, the weather here is finally beginning to show some signs of promise. The ice is melting, my chances of slipping and falling on campus have lessened, and sunny days over 35 degrees are starting to outnumber those that are subzero and overcast. I admit, I cannot go play outside, barelegged, in a dress, but just forgoing the extra layers I usually require in the morning is beyond refreshing. Warm spring days remind of a few things: track meets in junior high, walking on barren railroad tracks, and The Virgin Suicides. While the book by Jeffrey Eugenides is fantastic, allowing you to create your own perception of the Lisbon girls and how the light may hit their identical blonde locks while they lounge on the lawn, the images in the Sofia Coppola film version are beautiful. Although the subject matter is dark, the light-soaked motif, breezy 70's threads, and green grasses are anything but. Something about watching it just makes me yearn to throw on something made of sheer cotton, let my hair air dry, and lay out on my old high school's football field at dusk in the dewy grass. Rent and/or read it, and find your own inspiration in the words and images surrounding Lux, Cecelia, Mary, Therese, and Bonnie. You may even find yourself in a new, sun-drenched light.

Squeaking By

2008-02-25T21:23:00.009-06:00

Holly Golightly had Cat. I want Rat. It is true--while most fashionistas would likely squeal and run away in their platform ankle boots from a rodent, I have recently gained an irrepressible affection towards rats. I cannot afford to keep a dog or a cat, but a rat, with their little pink hands and a helpless look in their beady black eyes seems realistic! What is unrealistic, is the Willard like existence I have envisioned for my squeaky little companion and I (minus using the rat for purposes involving revenge and/or death). My rat will walk on a leash. I will train it to use a litter box. It will watch tv and read magazines with me. So clearly, I am insane. But, before all of you exit this blog totally dismissing rats and myself entirely, I thought I would highlight some moments rodents have had in fashion.

I don't know how many people actually read this book, but, come on, look at that little guy. He is totally popping a wheelie with style--and safety!--with his white helmet. But, I feel that Ralph S. Mouse is lacking something and should be sporting a little leather motorcycle-inspired jacket. Perhaps that's more of a style reserved for non-mice?

If that is the case, this slick number from Urban Outfitters could add some edge to any of the spring frocks you may donning (off or on a motorcycle, crazy girl).

Alright, so how many of you are into polka dots, brightly colored pumps, and bows of any kind? Plenty, I'm sure--myself included. While I have never considered the fact that my fashion inspirations and choices may mimic those of mouse girlfriend Minnie, I am becoming more aware of the fact that I truly need a pair of yellow pumps. Yellow is a fantastic color for spring, and it is actually quite wearable and versatile, adding punch to any outfit.

Pictured above is a sunny, Minnie-esque pump from Steve Madden. The pointed toe isn't too severe for a casual ensemble, and the heel height makes it great for walking comfortably on campus or hitting the dance floor!

These are the rodents that are keeping me company until I find the genius-rat of my ridiculous dreams. They are also the most awesome mouse-moment in fashion history. These Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats are adorable and quirky, complete with whiskers and metallic pink nose and ears! Unfortunately, mine have yet to debut because of snow and slush. So whether you're a fan of motorcycles, Minnie, or Marc give it your own little twist--and don't get caught in a fashion trap!

Like a Rhinestone Cow(girl)boy

2008-02-21T15:52:00.006-06:00

Do not be fooled. Despite the fact that I am what could best be described as a slave to fashion, I grew up in a land very far away from fashion civilization (although with the help of a stylish and vintage obsessed mother, I learned to cope through thrift stores). As a child, I eagerly gathered eggs from the hen house, went fishing, and played in fields. I can count baby chicks, a miniature horse, a lamb, and a pot belly pig as pets from my past. Rodeo grounds were a block from my school. Naturally, a part of me has a fondness for small-town charm and western nostalgia--and fashions. While I understand that cowboy boots reached their peak of popularity when Sienna Miller had everyone under a 'boho-chic' (what a hyphenate) spell, I have been having a yearning for my beat up black cowboy boots lately. Without them being in reach, I perused a website called bootbarn.com, and discovered the standard cowboy boot's softer, girlier, side-saddle riding cousin: The Roper Boot.

With a tapered toe and shorter style, these boots seem more flirty than farmhand--plus, this pair is red! The ones pictured above are Justin brand, from bootbarn.com (yes, I am serious). Lucky for me, there are western stores left and right back home for me to peruse and find the little roper boots of my urban cowgirl dreams, sans shipping and handling prices! It makes me want to go frolic on the river bank! I imagine the crimson boots adding some toughness to one of spring's swingy, high-hemmed floral numbers, or perhaps with colored denim tucked into them for a cool downtown vibe. Or, you could channel your inner country girl and go for Marilyn Monroe as Roslyn in The Misfits. All you would need with your ropers is a button-up and a pair of vintage, high-waisted Levi Jeans. Oh, and the ability to pull off pig-tails. Yeow!

Designer Impostor

2008-02-17T21:47:00.007-06:00

There are few things that get me more excited on a boring day than the blossoming idea of what could be a fantastic Do-It-Yourself fashion project. In junior high, I transformed rad childrens' vintage T-shirts into slouchy (read: ill made) totes. In high school, I took old jeans and destroyed them into then-trendy perfection (read: I fell in the school parking lot in my vintage Lee's and tore a huge hole in the jeans and an even bigger one in my knee). Alright, so I admit that some of my DIYs were shotty and unplanned, but I am feeling some confidence with the ones I am about to present to you, dear, chic readers! With all the time I have on my hands being inside away from the dreary cold, snow, and ice, I will continue my obsessive daydreaming of spring.

Firstly, there is the lego-headband! Inspired by Marc by Marc's Spring 2008 RTW runway. Hot pink Manic-Panic streaks and fierce Ali Michaels eyebrows are optional (and totally rocking!). Nicole at http://ohredlipstick.blogspot.com/ has a great DIY project for a Marc-esque lego ring, too!

Ingredients for this DIY include:

Headband (color of your choice)

Hot Glue, or other crazy adhesive

Some assorted legos

Off center, create whatever kind of geometric lego monument you would like, cementing the pieces in place with glue as you go. I've even considered mounting a little lego man on the headband as well, but it's up to you how you create your fashionable homage to childhood! Let it dry completely, wear, and let the spring sunshine beam against the shiny plastic masterpiece!

Next, I give you Pollock BVDs, courtesy of Spring 2008 from Dolce and Gabbana.

Ingredients:
Mens oversized grey undershirt

Assorted Fabric Paints

I chose to leave the style of the undershirt open, because this would look way cool on a V-neck, crew-neck, or any other shape you may want to cut yourself! As for the paint colors, the Dolce T-shirt smears dark, bruise-colored paints on the fabric, but I think some neon paint splatters would be really fresh and on trend. After you've figured out what kind of T-shirt and colors you want to feature on your work of art (quite literally), go to town! Brush, splatter, and splat all the fabric paint you deem necessary. Directions vary on fabric paints, so be sure and see what is directed for your brand as far as what to do post-painting goes. Once that is completed, your shirt is as ready-to-wear as the D&G version above! I plan on tucking mine into something high waisted, like the tulip skirt in the photo, accenting it with a belt, and adding a little slouchy cuff to the sleeves. Jackson would be proud!

If I get my hands on the materials and a digital camera, I can post a follow-up on my own encounters with these DIYs. In the mean time, let me know if you try them! I'd love to see and post photos! Email me at style.alamoda@gmail.com

Hopefully these little projects will put a smile on your face and a Spring in your step!

Coming up Roses

2008-02-14T19:09:00.006-06:00

It can be a safe assumption that this is a day reserved for beautiful flowers. And lovers. And hearts. And chocolate...whatever. Since I am sitting in my dorm room watching Sex and the City DVDs and studying for a potentially heinous Russian test, pretty blooms have clearly not been a big part of my Valentine's Day (which isn't over! I'm optimistic). All of these Valentiners have it all wrong though. Floral arrangements are not meant to be purchased today and wither after a week! The florals I'm thinking of are sprouting up all over the place and are staying that way for quite some time. While flowery prints were the object of many a designer's affections for Spring, they're also going to be hanging out come Fall.

Karen Walker's Spring 2008 Runway

Fall 2008 from Erin Fetherston

My personal floral purchase from Urban Outfitters. Lilac with neon, impressionistic flowers. I love it, but unfortunately the weather here has been so dismal that I have yet to take it out on the town. I also feel I need a perfect pair of cerulean tights like those in the Erin Fetherston photo to complement the dress. I love how florals are still present for fall in deeper shades. Perhaps designers are realizing that flowers need to come out to play even in weather they can't typically survive in! Plus, flowers have been known to make many a girl feel a little bit happier! So, even if you're spending this Valentine's day alone, treat yourself to some flowers...on a pretty new frock, that is!

Sloane, darling

2008-02-12T19:47:00.001-06:00

There are few things that cure what ails me when I'm feeling particularly under the weather than a nice film from the 1980's. The summer I got my tonsils out, it was a marathon of John Hughes. Sadly enough, I sit in my room sniffling due to a cold with no rad films in sight. Thus, I am forced to go off of memory...day-glo, shoulder padded, acid washed, memory. That being said, I am dedicating this post to my favorite fictional eighties gal: Sloane Peterson, from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." There is something about Mia Sara's Sloane that is ridiculously cool. I'm not too sure if it's how effortlessly volumuinous her hair looks, or if it is the fact that I'm jealous that she ditches school to tool around Chicago and press her forehead on the glass of the Hancock building next to Cameron and Ferris. Although she radiates enigmatic cool, she always has me seriously considering high waisted shorts, fringed jackets, and oversized wayfarers every time I view the film.

Dapper Detective Work

2008-02-11T16:55:00.000-06:00

Although it is eighteen degrees this very moment, I am having beautiful delusions of springtime. Visions of riding a vintage Schwinn in a circle skirt and yellow keds with something like fresh flowers in the basket. This is totally ridiculous 1) I am a total klutz on a bike, 2) wearing a skirt would only complicate this, and 3) the hills on my college campus are brutal even to look at, and I imagine myself pedaling away and getting farther downhill than uphill. While this chic little fantasy of mine is clearly not as attainable as I would like it to be, I have found that one of my spring sartorial desires is completely do-able (and will more than likely bruise my ego less than attempting to maneuver a bicycle). It is the trench coat, but of course! My drive to buy a new trench coat was first fueled with this photo of a seemingly perfect addition to my devoid-of-amazing-trench-coat closet:

It is the Kimi Trench Coat from Urban Outfitters. The swing-like cut! The sash belt! The incredible wide lapels! Every time I look at this jacket, my heart breaks a little bit. With this trench coat, my inner Nancy Drew girl detective can converge, and thus, party, with my more dominant inner fashionista. Alright, so perhaps I don't have many Nancy Drew sleuth skills to my name, but I still feel as if this garment and I are meant to be, no detective powers required. Now, for a few of my favorite trench coat moments:

Macgruff: one distinguished dog detective in khaki. Woof.

Carmen Sandiego: Angering ACME agents everywhere in red trench and fedora.

The greatest trench coat moment ever. Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard as Holly and Paul in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Brilliant.

So whether you're taking a bite out of crime, hanging out with V.I.L.E. henchmen, or kissing in the pouring rain while matching with your man...a trenchcoat will serve you well!

Sixteen (19) Candles, and other things 80's.

2008-02-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

Ahh, birthdays. One day I will come to dread them, but for now, I'm digging the birthday celebration scene. What a perfect reason to get way overdressed! In my case, I'm wearing my bright yellow, tiered trapeze dress from Zara, cropped purple vintage jacket, opaque tights, vintage jazz oxfords, and a crazy-printed Marc by Marc purse. All I want now is big piece of cheesecake with my name on it...

In honor of this day of birth thing, I want to show off the woman who made it all possible: Mom. She was pretty rad in the 1980's. I often look to faded photographs of her in her impeccable vintage attire (anywhere from the 1940's-60's) for inspiration. So, since I shared that memorable photo of Dad, here are some of my rocking Mom (and a couple of cameos by me). No one did the Billy Idol haircut or high waisted pant better. Cheers, Mom.

Hat Tricks

2008-02-06T14:28:00.002-06:00

Two days ago it was sunny and seventy. Yesterday is was thirty-five and raining. Today? Five inches of snow on the ground. Thus, classes have been cancelled and I have only left my room to sled on storage container lids and eat chocolate chip pancakes. Obviously, pondering the stylistic details of a potential sledding outfit is a rather ridiculous idea. I put on my oldest, sturdiest jeans over cable knit tights; layers of shirts; and even let my ugg boots out for the day (probably the longest they've seen daylight since my sophomore year of high school). Then, in a strange turn of events, my friend and I were plucked from our private sledding soiree of sorts and interviewed by our television news station about our spectacular snow day. Suddenly, we both became very aware of how ridiculous we looked. She in her purple ear-flapped hat with the pom-pom on top and floral print wayfarers, and I in my buffalo plaid news boy cap and sea foam green flat top aviators. And I cannot be happier. I hope that the good citizens of our town watch the news tonight and chuckle at the girls with sunglasses covering half their faces and snow in their hair.

However, I am feeling a little bitter about the weather. Mostly because I am craving springtime. I find it so impossible to dress the way I want and keep warm on campus while the biting wind nearly cuts right through my flesh and manages to almost whip my little red beret off of my head. It's really easier to just stuff my hat in my backpack and hope that my forehead grazing bangs will provide some kind of miniscule amount of warmth. With flimsy, adorable berets beginning to distress me more than aid me as an accessory in the cold (more like freezing) weather, I have begun to explore Russian Trapper Hats. It perfectly incorporates my love for the stranger side of fashion and my love for Russian culture!

Just look at how happy (read: creepy) this mannequin is! Her painted smile tells me that a Russian Trapper Hat may be just the thing to keep my ears from falling off while I wait for the bus to take me to Russian class! Brilliant! After viewing the Fall 2008 line from Boy by Band of Outsiders, my ache for a hat of the warm, fuzzy, and Russian kind only grew. Preferably if I can wear one with a cute little plaid dress and grey tights. Somehow I'm thinking that the open toe heels just would not do.

Russian Trapper Hats: я люблю! Я хочу! мне нужен!

I'm okay with being unimpressive, I sleep better...

2008-02-04T17:19:00.000-06:00

When approached by mediocrity, I typically exude some kind of equally apathetic response. A shrug works nicely. However, when it comes to this, I'm feeling a little more outraged than lukewarm. This being The Lauren Conrad Collection at shopintuition.com. First of all, I have to admit that I felt a little bad that I wasn't giving her the benefit of the doubt. So what if she's had everything handed to her on an MTV platter with a latte on the side? So, I optimistically clicked away. Firstly, I giggled at the fact that she named pieces after her co-stars...I mean, friends. Then I delved deeper. However, I only found myself in a sea of white, black, and indigo blandness. Do people actually still wear tube tops on a regular basis in your world, Lauren Conrad? Because honestly, when I imagine a woman in a tube top, I think of some kind of roller disco nightmare complete with hotpants. Then there's the price range. Clearly, Ms. Conrad hasn't received the memo that her biggest fans are mostly fourteen-year-old girls who can't personally afford $48 leggings and believe that being an intern is an real, paying job (which, even though it doesn't pay, I'm still infinitely envious over). The description that accompanies the photo of said leggings advises to buy them, "while they're hot!" Wait, so,that would have been about three years ago when leggings were removed from a 1980's time capsule and made cool again. The description also says that Lauren "has been inspiring young fashionistas since 2004 with her hip, laid back California style." I'm not sure if I find much inspiration from someone who gets paid way too much to appear on a 'reality' television show. I suppose her ripped jeans, haviana flip flops, and the idea of a perpetual head band could have been groundbreaking ideas after all? Well, Lauren Conrad is probably sleeping pretty well, then. And dreaming only in black, white, and blue.

To check it out for yourselves, head on over to Shop Intuition's site...

Family Icons

2008-02-03T21:06:00.001-06:00

While MK and Sienna are both very qualified to earn the status of a style icon, perfecting effortlessness and making disheveled look stylish, this post is dedicated to someone a little different. A little older. A little...male-er. Meet my dad.

This is his senior photo. Classy guy, eh? It was the seventies then, but can't you just imagine some skinny hipster kid walking down Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn sporting similar threads? I think it's very geek chic meets retro prep. Plus, look at the man's impeccably glossy and wavy hair. I know that most people aren't actually advising you to dress like their fathers, but this look is not meant only for the boys! To be a super happening chick in a groovy sort of way (Thanks, Greg Brady), check out these items:

The white ruffle top is the Emma Ruffle top from Delia's, and it's $32.50. I know it's not a snazzy pink color like my dad's, but the ruffles give it a nice feminine embellishment. The sweater vest is also from Delia's. It is the Cacey Sweater Vest, on sale for 29.50. The side button detail on the vest is cute and intricate. The Rihanna Sweater, $34.50, from Delia's, replaces my father's dapper choice of a red blazer with blue, but keeps the nifty top stitching. Now, if you want to go all out, Iekeliene style, and sport some faux specs, these are the unisex Brock eyeglasses, $50, from American Apparel. Finally, I imagined this look with a great pair of colored skinny jeans, although in all likelihood my father wasn't decked out in purple trousers. The BDG Bright Skinny Pants, $49, from Urban Outfitters are a great addition to this preppy gone awry look. Now wear your look with pride! You could even immortalize it forever in your yearbook...

Waving Hello and Jumping for Joy.

2008-02-03T14:52:00.001-06:00

Style and substance.

Great fashion is more than often better and infinitely more satisfying than a perfect triangle of diner apple pie and a scoop of melting vanilla. Actually, great fashion is better than nearly everything. A perpetual motion machine of change, the fashion world is awe inspiring, beautiful, and my personal obsession. So why not celebrate all things style?! More to come, so come back for more!