Stars and Stripes and neurosis (forever).

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!

Squeaking By

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!  

Designer Impostor

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!