sing before seven

NEW BLOG!

2011-10-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I've been posting on this baby, and honestly I really did love every moment of having Sing Before Seven. Yet life changes, and therefore blogs change to. And with that, I want to introduce everyone to something that I'm very proud of:

I have a new blog! It's different from Sing Before Seven in that it doesn't focus on my life and what I'm wearing, which is refreshing. Instead it's a street style blog (think Satroialist) focusing on people at my school, UCLA, the LA area, and wherever I happen to travel.

My fondest memories of Sing Before Seven always involved interacting with my lovely followers and readers, and I would love it if you all checked out my new blog.

http://www.royceandwilson.tumblr.com

Thank you :]

sinking like a stone in the sea

2010-10-12T01:48:00.001-07:00

Hey hey party people! I HAVE A TUMBLRRRR! Follow* and we can be friends and oh man it'll just be one big adventure!

www.americanindian.tumblr.com

DOIT!FUNTIMES!

*family members that happen to see this, this is not for you.

here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

2010-10-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I love UCLA. I love my roomie. I love the rest of the people in A6. I love having a meal plan. I love going to class with people who actually want to go to school and learn. I love being around so many ambitious people. I love the fact that my room has really high ceilings. love love love love love.

a change instead of an end

2010-09-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

1. My life is different here at UCLA and it doesn't lend itself to a semi-fashion related blog. So if I keep this blog up, it won't be the same as it used to be.
2. I should be doing the massive amounts of reading I need to do instead of reading poetry butohwellwhatever.

days with glass edges

2010-09-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my best friend since pre-school turned 21 - making her the last in my trio of besties to do so. We celebrated with a pretty epic carnival themed party. I mean, I don't think you've seen anything as ridiculous as a bunch of inebriates bouncing around in a not-quite-fully-inflated bounce house.

Let's all take a moment to look at this photo and bask in the amazing dance moves that I possess. I mean, I should proably join a dance crew asap or something (totaljokesi'mtheworstdancerever.)

It was a costume party, so I bought this dress from H&M (on sale for only $5!) and went as a flapper. The boy next to me went as a tetris piece, but took his costume off for dancing/eating/drinking/all around comfort and ease-of-movement.

Two weeks till I move into my dorm at UCLA! I've got so much cleaning/organizing/shopping/packing to do, it's utterly ridiculous.

half asleep or fully alive

2010-09-03T13:59:00.001-07:00

Watch this video and feel completely inadequate with how you've been living your life so far. [It's even better if you go to the actually vimeo page and watch it in a bigger size.]

//finding forever// from gnarly bay productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

Seriously, this video has made me realize that I have to go on the post-college cross country (and maybe some Canada?) road trip I've always wanted to go on. It also makes me think that I really need to save up to buy a Nikon D90 (I currently use a D40) so I can start messing around with video.

she' mad but she' magic. there's no lie in her fire.

2010-08-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Finally, an outfit post!

While all my friends are getting ready to go back to college tomorrow, I'm still just walking to thrift stores, organizing my closet and gallivanting to lighthouses at sunset. I don't start UCLA till September 20th, so I've got a few weeks of summer left.

Yeah, this may be bragging. But I haven't had more than two weeks of a summer break for three years, so I think I deserve it!

Let's all please turn or attention to that lovely tan line going on on my feet. The camp I worked at had a strict shoes and socks at all times rule, so while the rest of me got a nice little tan this summer, my poor little feet remained pale.

I am absolutely in love with this skirt. It's a little school girl-esque and it's probably not the right choice for a "young lady," and Stacy & Clinton probably wouldn't approve, but c'est la vie. I love it, so I'm going to wear it.

This isn't a very substantial blog post, but I'm hungry and I've got to go get ready for lunch with my bestie. We're getting indian food, which I had for the first time while I was in San Francisco a few days ago and I am kind of addicted now. Paneer Tikka Masala, here I come!

skirt - Target ; tank top - H&M ; cardigan - Target ; bag - thrifted ; shoes - Minnetonka

to strike lightning in dark waters

2010-08-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

I'm back! After spending another summer working at a camp in Pennsylvania, I'm back and ready to enjoy the month I have before school starts.

It would be kind of ridiculous to try and summarize everything that goes on in one summer at camp, so instead I'll just bombard you with random photos that hopefully sums the summer up pretty well.

I'm pretty sure I'll no longer be happy at a party that is lacking in a kiddie pool filled with balloons.

Buzz Lightyear - an amazing 21st birthday present. Emma, the girl next to me - camp biffle.

My official job at camp was "Web Director and Digital Photographer," but I think I should just drop that and become a professional blindfold for games of Pin the Leaf on the Apple.

BIEBER!

"Sorry guys, I can't go to the talent show. I've got to edit photos," might actually mean "I will die if I see one more 11-year-old booty pop to California Gurls so Emma and I are just going to set up a projector in my office and watch Heavyweights."

3 year t-shirts for staff members who have been there for, you guessed it, 3 years!

My staff and I had a hard time taking a serious staff photo.

I miss Pennsylvania, and normally I spend a week after I come home just being a loner and not going out much. This year is different though, as two of my camp friends, one of which is from England (the "Justin Beiber" from above) and one of which is from Scotland, are flying into Los Angeles tonight. I'm pretty excited to show them my city, and it's kind of nice bringing a part of camp home with me.

I'm also quite excited to start wearing something other than denim shorts, a t-shirt and converse again! Oh dresses, how I have missed you!

it's the rich who have dreams and rockets

2010-06-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Meow! I'm alive! Don't let that convincing $1 face paint job fool you, I am not really a cat. Also, I know you think that might be an actual owl face on my cat head, but it's just a mask I colored. So, now that that's settled, let's get down to business.

I've been gone for awhile, I know, and instead of going into a long spiel explaining why, let's just say school/getting ready for UCLA/getting ready for camp/having a ridiculous ear infection/always feeling like I have nothing to wear has left my dear ol' blog neglected. Apologies.

What's even worse is that I'm going to neglect it for another two months! For any possible long time readers I might have, it's the same thing as last year. I'm going to be spending this summer working as the director of the photography department at a camp in Pennsylvania, and blogging isn't only really difficult to do while I'm there (basically the camp is in the middle of nowhere and has THE WORST INTERNET SERVICE EVER! It's so bad it justifies all caps!) but I also signed a contract saying I wouldn't blog while I was there, so there you go.

This hiatus should be good for my blog though. When I come back from camp I should be ready to stop wearing denim shorts and a plain v-neck t-shirt daily and dive right back into blogging. Not to mention I'll have a month break between camp and UCLA, so I'll actually have time! Hallelujah!

I hope everyone forgives me for being a terrible blogger, enjoy your summers, and I'll be back around August 17th.

whatever the mess you are, you're mine, okay?

2010-04-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

We live in a great world. Yeah, there's wars and starving children and homeless puppies* and whatnot, but there's also an annual grilled cheese invitational in LA. So, I mean, just that alone makes the world pretty fantastic.

I went to the 1st 8th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational in LA on Saturday, and the whole place was just enveloped in a cloud of eau du grilled cheese. The invitational is basically just a giant grilled cheese cook-off. I got there a bit late so I missed out on judging, but I did get to eat the delicious grilled cheese from the grilled cheese truck (like a taco truck, but with grilled cheese... seriously) that you see falling out of my mouth in the above photo.

Even better than the grilled cheese invitational is the fact that I GOT INTO UCLA! Seriously! I only applied there on a whim and I really didn't think I would get in. But alas, I did. Now I've just got to wait for the Berkeley decisions to be posted on April 30th, and then I get to decide for sure where I want to go. As of now I'm leaning towards UCLA though. Anyone who has any insight into either of these schools would be helpful.

Okay, I promise I'll try to get back into a normal posting schedule again!

[skirt - thrifted ; shirt - H&M ; cardigan - Gap ; shoes - Rite Aid]

*I'm aware that grilled cheese doesn't cancel out the negative things in the world, no matter how delicious grilled cheese sandwiches may be. So stop wars, feed children, and adopt puppies!

the main thing was being alive. that was the main thing.

2010-04-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not being a very good blogger recently! I was in Utah last week for spring break (which was quite a nice trip, in which I got to make a lovely snow angle!) and I just haven't taken any outfit photos the last couple of days. I'll be back soon, I promise! Now, back to listening to songs from today's episode of Glee on Youtube. I mean, uhm, drinking red wine, reading Tolstoy and doing other mature things. Yeah, that's it.

Wake up! It's morning. This is a real world and we're a real, dirty people.

2010-04-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Super quick outfit dump post! Good times to be had by all!

This sweatshirt actually has a lace front that you can't see in these photos, which is a shame. But you can see the cotton candy that I bought at school, which I believe makes up for it.

sweatshirt - Forever 21 ; dress - Forever 21 ; tights - Hue ; flats - Target ; hat -Forever 21

These photos were taken outside of this little hole-in-the-wall Salvadorian food place near my school. They have some delicious, and deliciously cheap, papusas. If you haven't had a papusa yet I say you go get some right now.

dress - H&M ; top - Target ; tights - Hue ; shoes - Converse ; bag - Target

I was in quite a print-mixing mood when I wore this outfit, which is kind of silly, seeing as I wore it to a Geography lecture. You're supposed to wear tweeds and tasteful pencil skirts when you go to lectures, right? Or maybe the part of me that wishes life looked like a retro east coast boarding school thinks that. Whatever.

dress [worn as skirt] - H&M ; t-shirt - H&M ; cardigan - thrifted ; tights -Hue ; shoes - Target

Yes, I do realize that I wore black tights in every outfit. I'm trying to stop, but it's difficult.

Ok, back to watching Clueless! The part where Cher realizes she loves Josh is about to come on, and I can't miss the Paul Rudd montage!

...yeah, I'm not creepy.

we were and still are a lost people

2010-04-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

Did everyone have a lovely Easter? Did you eat tons of Cadbury creme eggs? Did you look at pictures of creepy Easter bunnies? Did you attempt to scrub off the Easter egg dye from your hands only to give up and submit to the fact that you're going to have to go to school tomorrow looking like you have jaundice? Yeah, you did all of this? Well did you have to stop dyeing Easter eggs because THE EARTH STARTED SHAKING!? No? Yeah, you're lucky. I hate California.

Really, I make way too big of a deal out of earthquakes, especially since I'm a geography major. But alas, I don't care if my friends say this was the most pleasant earthquake they've ever felt. I am going to publicly complain about it on my blog. So there, tectonic plates!

I feel like white tights are an Easter requirement. I didn't even care that the 10-year-old girl who passed by me on my way out of breakfast also happened to be wearing white tights. She was probably a very cool 10-year-old, and I am not ashamed to have something in common with her.

I got this dress a day or so ago on one of the best Goodwill trips I've had in while. I think I picked up around 2 dresses, 3 skirts, a sweater, an over sized old man cardigan (that my mother does not like, but whatever,) and an old tennis bag that I'll end up using as a purse. I really need to go to the Goodwill more often. The fact that everything is so cheap (although not as cheap as it used to be!) and that it's a 5 minute walk from my house makes the fact that I go there once every couple months ridiculous. The only issue is a lot of my friends aren't down to spend a lot of time there, and I could seriously spend hours.

These are my favorite eggs from today. I also dyed eggs yesterday and got some that I quite enjoy. Because I know everyone's pretty interested in my Martha Stuart wannabe eggs, I just might post photos of my other ones later.

Now I'm off to sleep so I can hopefully wake up early tomorrow and run off all of the Cadbury eggs I ate. Who am I kidding? Lord knows I'll probably wake up early, eat a few more eggs, and fall back asleep on my couch. Oh well. Happy Easter.

my beautiful alien from planet cowboy

2010-03-26T13:48:00.001-07:00

It's Friday, and you know what that means! It's time to sit around with old people and eat some way-too-dry baked fish!* Oh man, that's right, I'm talking about a good ol' Catholic fish fry! I haven't been to any of the fish fries this year, but my cousin, who now lives in San Francisco, was coming to this one, so I decided if I was going to go to any of them I might as well go to the one where I wouldn't be the only person between the ages of 10 and 40.

[sorry this photo is so large! Photobucket didn't seem to want to resize it.]

I've been wanting to wear this tunic (I think that's what something this length is called?) from Forever 21 for awhile, but it's really kind of awkward to wear. I can't wear it with tights for fear of giving the fish fry patrons a bit of a show (you know how even in tights you can see your undies, right?) but I'm also not a huge fan of wearing anything this long with jeans. Actually, I'm not a fan of wearing jeans in general. Of course, I kind of compromised with myself and ended up wearing the skinniest, most legging-like jeans I could find. I think it kind of works. At least I finally got to wear this tunic!

Oh, hello car. Let me get out of your way.

My cousin came to the fish fry wearing some of the BEST TIGHTS EVER! Seriously, I've been dying for a pair of floral tights since, well, a long time, despite the fact that someone I know told me that both him and his mother thought they were "hideous." I know where this girl lives. She needs to watch out, because it's very likely that I'm going to come to her house and steal these.

Oh hey, look at that cute, wholesome cousin photo action! Actually, scratch wholesome, as this is a bit of a down-the-shirt shot of me. I was really tempted not to post this, but I decided it wasn't really that bad. Besides, we've all either got boobs or know someone who does, right? Really, no big deal.

On a completely unrelated, but not substantial enough for it's own post, point, I checked out the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection the other day. I tried on practically everything in hopes of getting a blog post out of it, but after writing about half of it I realized the post was a lot of "I didn't like this dress because..." and "this skirt would've been cute IF...". It's safe to say that I wasn't a huge fan of this collection.

I did happen to find this black strapless dress that I am now in love with! It's made out of this odd sleeping bag-like material, but it's pleasantly forgiving on those who were, erm, blessed (CURSED) with a somewhat ample sized booty. If it weren't for the fact that it was $60, this lovely dress would be hanging in my closet as I speak. Or, you know, type.

Now I must go pack! I'm heading up to my aunt's ranch for a bit tomorrow morning, and I'm hoping that I might be able to get a few blog pictures with all those lovely desert wildflowers while I'm there. Of course, this means I have to pack more than my typical ranch outfits, which are cheap Forever 21 jeans and the same 3 plain Urban Outfitters t-shirts.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

top - Forever 21 ; cardigan - Rodarte x Target ; jeans - Forever 21 ; bag - thrifted ; shoes - Converse

sweater from fitting room picture - H&M

* let me clarify that I don't mind sitting around with old people, and while the fish was dry it did have a nice taste. I don't mean to be too snarky.

my life will be sour grapes and ashes without you

2010-03-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned in earlier posts that I'm going to be moving away from Los Angeles in a few months. Whether I'm going to San Francisco or a few hours north of that to Chico I don't quite know yet. Either way, knowing that I'm going to be leaving has made me realize that for someone who's lived in Los Angeles her whole life, there's so many Los Angeles/Hollywood landmarks that I haven't been to.

One of these places if the Griffith Observatory. Now, I'm typically not a big fan of outer space (which might be a weird thing to say, but it's just so big! and endless! and full of earth-killing asteroids!) but Rebel Without A Cause, which was one of my favorite movies as a kid, was filmed here. So, you know, I tossed my irrational asteroid fears out the window for a night and channeled my inner James Dean...minus the knife fights.

Ha! This photo! Do you get it?! Do you!? See the planets? I'm floating! In space! Oh man, bet you didn't know this is a comedy blog, did you?

The room this was taken in had a scale for every planet so you could see how much you would weigh if you were there. I didn't step on a single one. Yeah yeah yeah, body acceptance, love yourself, blah blah blah--you're never going to catch me stepping on any scale in public.

After my friend and I did those everyday things like looking at mars and whatnot (so cool!) we walked around the grounds for awhile. We found this somewhat creepily-lighted staircase that we probably shouldn't have been on and decided it was the perfect location for some corny hipster photos.

We've decided this will be our album cover if we ever start a indie folk band. Also, this is proof that I really really need to work on my posture!

Wherever I go, the shopper in me makes checking out the gift shop a necessity. We went to this one looking for "astronaut ice-cream," which is something my mother would never buy for me as a kid, but they didn't carry it. Luckily, they had hopefully non-lice-filled space helmets. See! I'm in space again! Oh man, good times.

Sorry if this post doesn't make much sense. It's late and I'm rushing it, as I know the next couple of days will be so filled with studying that I won't have time to update. Oh marine biology, how I detest thee. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has a lovely Monday!

dress - Urban Outfitters ; flannel - Forever 21 ; cardigan (under flannel) - Proenza Schouler x Target ; tights - Hue ; flats - Target ; bag - H&M ; hat - Urban Outfitters

I had the idea that the world's so full of pain that it must sometimes make a kind of singing

2010-03-18T21:04:00.001-07:00

What is it about white tights that makes me love them so? They're never the most flattering things for your legs, unless your legs are as skinny as a models, and I know plenty of people who belong to the "white tights are only for those under the age of 8!" school of thought. Yet there is something about them that keeps drawing me to them.

I wore these when I went out to breakfast with one of my best friends one morning (yes, my french toast was delicious, thank you for asking,) and I think I got a few stares from old people in the restaurant because of it. Of course, this could just be my paranoia talking, and I probably only thought they were looking at me because I was a bit self-conscious while wearing them. Yes, that is probably it.

dress (worn as skirt) - Rodarte x Target ; shirt - Urban Outfitters ; cardigan - Forever 21 ; tights - Hue ; scarf - Forever 21 ; shoes - Urban Outfitters ; bag - Urban Outfitters

This outfit was my attempt to not wear any black, and I like the outcome, even if I did somewhat resemble an Easter egg. Actually, I don't see how that's a bad thing. I love Easter! Maybe I'll wear this with a pair of bunny ears on Easter and hide in the bushes and pop out at little children while they're on their Easter egg hunt! And I can be like "You found me, the human Easter egg! Robin's Eggs (best candy ever) all around!" Creepy? Yes? Ok, I'll stop.

For those who haven't entered yet, don't forget the flat iron giveaway ends on Sunday! I haven't got that many entries, so your chances of winning are pretty sizable.

Now it's time for me to go get something productive done. We've been having such amazing weather in Southern California recently that I've been spending my time laying on my front lawn with One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (I'm a big magical realism fan) and an iHome playing Iron & Wine and the new Rogue Wave album, instead of doing what I should've been doing, such as cleaning ,studying for biology or, I don't know, sewing the MILLIONS of things I have yet to sew. Sigh. I wish I wasn't so lame at changing the bobbin.

Hana Professional Flat Iron Giveaway!

2010-03-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I got an e-mail from John of Misikko.com, home of hair straighteners, blow dryers and more, asking me to review a flat iron on my blog. Now, I won’t post a photo of my current flat iron for fear of scaring those who care anything about hair, but let me just say that it’s in much need of replacement. So obviously I jumped on the opportunity and replied with a huge “YES YES YES!” I mean, with a more professional wording of course.

Before I got my flat iron I decided to snoop around Misikko.com for awhile. Let me just say as someone who had to try and sell these flat irons to people while I was working at a certain home goods store, Misikko has a pretty nice selection of well-priced Chi flat irons and FHI flat irons . Plus, you buy them online and you don’t get bugged by any pushy sales associates who are trying to sell you place mats to go with your flat iron (seriously, am I the only shopper/former sales associate who gets bugged by this?)

I got my Hana Professional flat iron, which is listed as the best flat iron on Misikko.com, in the mail on Friday, and I was surprised as soon as I opened up the box. I was expecting a flat iron. What I got was a flat iron PLUS a traveling case, a mat to rest the iron on, hair serum and tons of other little goodies, all wrapped up nice and quite cutely in ribbons and flowers. Misikko must know I'm a sucker for surprises!

I started taking pictures of my flat iron on my vintage cherry blossom plate (cute, right? My mother's into collecting vintage plates and bowls and whatnot) in order to kill time while I was waiting for the flat iron to heat up. It took far fewer pictures than I expected! Seriously, this thing heats up quite quickly. This plus the fact that it only takes one quick pass through my hair to make it pin straight, as opposed to the couple passes my old flat iron took, leads me to believe that I'll now have time straighten my hair before school! I won't have to go to school with crazy kinks, cowlicks and flips in my hair. Good times!

Now get ready for some before and after photos showcasing my poor photoshop skills!

All you have to do to enter is comment on this post. Seriously, that's it. Easy peasy!

Of course, there are a few ways to get some extra entries:

- Follow Misikko on Twitter (www.twitter.com/misikko)

- Join the Misikko newsletter. You can do this on the front page of Misikko.com (You get 3 extra entries for this one!)

- Talk about this giveaway on your blog.

Followers of my blog also get an extra entry, because you ladies are lovely and you deserve it. :]

So to enter just comment on this post and tell me if you joined the Misikko newsletter, if you follow Misikko on twitter, etc. Leave your e-mail address if you enter anonymously. Contest ends next Sunday. Ok, ready, set, GO!

concern concern concern yourself with the invisible! concern concern concern yourself with the incredible!

2010-03-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

Fashion week is officially over, and I am officially very sad about it. I'm going to miss coming home from school, looking at every single look from every single collection, and saving everything I loved onto my "WHY CAN'T I HAVE THIS! Fall2010" folder.

A few days ago I decided that if I can't see any new collections I might as well get some frozen yogurt. That makes sense, right? Besides, a very helpful text from a friend tipped me off to the fact that Yogurtland now has a tiramisu frozen yogurt! Tiramisu! Really! The frozen yogurt gods decided to take my favorite dessert and turn into a frozen treat! I'm too lucky.

After getting the tiramisu frozen yogurt (which was as delicious as it sounds) my friend and I decided to head down to the beach to get some blog photos. Unfortunately, the wind was ridiculous. I almost got blown away and I'm pretty sure some beach-goers might have gotten a little look under my dress. Oh well, lesson learned. Don't wear flowy dresses on a windy beach.

In other, non-windy days/frozen yogurt news, I'll probably start my giveaway on Sunday. Be excited! I am :]

dress - American Eagle Outfitters ; cardigan - Forever 21 ; hat - Forever 21 ; tights - Hue ; bag - H&M ; flats - Target

not to put too fine a point on it, say I'm the only bee in your bonnet

2010-03-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

When I was younger I used to have dreams that stores would let me come in and take whatever I wanted for free. Seriously, I would dream about getting free stuff. While I think this could have been a disgusting sign of childhood materialism, there's also a chance that these dreams were some sort of foreshadowing.

No, I wasn't invited into Toys R Us to run around the store for a minute and get whatever I can fit into my cart for free (please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers that contest.) I did go to Jet Rag's $1 Sunday Sale in West Hollywood on Sunday though, and really, $1 for clothes is pretty damn close to free.

For the non-Southern Californian readers out there, Jet Rag is a vintage store that has a pretty amazing sidewalk sale every Sunday. Giant vacuum sealed bundles are dragged out into the parking lot and opened to be picked through by everyone from Hollywood hipsters to people who shop at the sale out of necessity.

Digging through the piles means touching more stained, wet (due to the previous day's rain,) polyester clothing then one typically wants to touch, but it's worth it when you find cheap vintage goodness.

After digging through the piles, you've got to claim a spot and finally start sorting through your loot. It's hard to decide if that slightly stained (you can oxy-clean that out, right?) over sized (I can totally sew a large house dress into a skirt!) piece of clothing is worth getting, even if it is only a dollar. I eventually whittled down my pile of 25 things down to 18. 18 things for 18 dollars!? Pretty good!

After the Sunday sale I stopped by the Melrose Trading Post. I didn't buy anything (even $10 for a dress looks ridiculous after shopping in a place where everything is $1) but there were a few things I fell in love with.

I almost bought this sweater. It's a bit hipster-y, but a part of me thought that I HAD to have Mickey, Donald and Minnie skipping across my stomach. It was on the $5 rack, but when I went to buy it the owner told me in a very angry Eastern European accent that it was on the wrong rack and was actually $20. Whatever, angry swap meet lady!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and is enjoying being back at work or school this lovely Monday.

I thought I was a sad boy, now I know, I know, I know I was wrong

2010-03-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

Lord knows that with this economy (they say it's getting better, but I haven't personally experienced any improvements) and the fact that I'll be moving out in a few months, this is really not the right time for me to be buying clothes. Of course, lord also knows that I really can't live my life without shopping. In order to compromise, I've decided to try only buying secondhand/vintage. For the most part, I've been doing pretty good at sticking to that plan.

By "for the most part" I mean that when I see t-shirt with a simple line drawing of a sleeping cat that happens to be less than $10 at H&M, I can't help myself.

I think it's the perfect addition to my I-just-woke-up-late-and-need-to-get-ready-for-school-in,-like,-10-minutes-oh-my-god-AH! outfit

The love of my life, Hepatitis the Cat, approves of me wearing t-shirts with cat faces on them. In fact, this is officially my Hepatitis shirt. Yet to save people from disgust and confusion, I won't go running around saying that.

Before I get off the computer to go get ready for a Geography lecture I'm going to tonight (yeah, I'm pretty wild when it comes to my Friday nights,) I'd like to let you all know that I'll be having my first ever blog giveaway soon! I've been wanting to have a giveaway for awhile, so I'm pretty excited for this. Stay tuned, dear readers!

shirt - H&M ; cardigan - Forever 21 ; shorts - Urban Outfitters ; tights - Hue ; bag - Forever 21 ; shoes - Old Navy ; hat - Forever 21

no sir, cattle can't do that

2010-03-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry, my dear blog readers, that I haven't posted in forever. Last week wasn't the best one I've ever had and any post would've been a bit too "woe is me!" Luckily this week is much better so far, so yay! Yay for life! Right? Right!

Last night I was dragged along to Hollywood to go see a taping of a Keith Urban performance for Jimmy Kimmel Live! (which is a show apparently? I had no idea!) My mother's a huge fan of his (Urban, not Kimmel,) and it was quite adorable to see a lot of women my mother's age gathered around talking about how much they just looooove Keith Urban. My brilliant contribution to the conversation? "Oh my god, his head is so big!" This got a few laughs, a few stares, and one "What!? You haven't seen him before!?"

Unfortunately, you can't bring cameras into the taping, so I had to leave mine in the car. This means that instead of getting some nice blog pictures on Hollywood Blvd., which is partly blocked off for the Oscars, you get to see some lovely shots from parking level number 5 of the Hollywood & Highland parking structure!

(This is my super serious blog picture face. In reality, I do not believe I was ready for the picture.)

The two bags contain a t-shirt with a simple line-drawing of a cat's face on it and some lip tint that I ran out of a few months ago and have finally replaced.

Ok, so I know this outfit isn't the most exciting. To make up for it, here's a picture of my cousin wearing a giant bow I made for him. He's clearly pretty down with me putting a giant pink bow on his head and taking a picture of him. 9th grade boys love that.

dress - H&M ; jacket - Forever 21 ; tights - Hue ; shoes - Minnetonka ; necklace - thrifted ; bag - H&M

like a bundle of sticks in a fire

2010-02-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a little secret about yours truly -- blogging during any fashion week, especially fall, really overwhelms me. Every day there are all these amazing, and sometimes not so amazing, shows to talk about and the idea of picking out even a few looks to talk about really gives me a tad bit of anxiety. I know, I know, I am ridiculous! But there you go

So anyways, instead of talking about this current fashion week (which is somewhat disappointing me for the most part anyways,) I'll post picture from my trip out to the desert. Enjoy!

This picture was taken at the Salton Sea, which was pretty amazing in an oh-my-god-dead-fish-EW! sort of way. This accidentally man-made sea has no way of getting more water, so when the water started to evaporate it raised the concentration of salt and pollutants in the remaining water. Therefore, the shore is covered with dead fish and fish bones. The sand you see? It's not sand, it's little pieces of barnacles! The whole thing was kind of surreal, and I've got more detailed pictures (including some of dead fish. Yum!) on my flickr.

We didn't originally plan on going to Salvation Mountain. In fact, I was the only one who knew about it before we went there, and I had no idea it was close to where we'd be camping. Luckily a nice man at the Salton Sea visitor center told us how to get there and I convinced everybody that it would be worth it. It totally was.

Now, what is one thing Kristen Stewart and I have in common?

We both got to meet Leonard, the man who created Salvation Mountain! This guy really is as lovely as he was portrayed to be in Into The Wild. We were talking about how he gets so many more visitors than he used to, and he said "Well all these people found out about Salvation Mountain on Google Earth! And there's this thing called, uhm, Face Book? I think it's on TV. But the kids see me on that and they all want to visit!"

If anyone has the chance to check out Salvation Mountain I suggest you do it. The inside is as gorgeous as the outside. Once again, more pictures on my Flickr.

I hope all my American readers had a lovely President's Day weekend! I'm off to go practice my driving. My test is coming up, and I still can't park or change lanes. Yikes!

classical devotion, architect promotion, lacking in emotion, think about it now

2010-02-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I bought my first ever romper, and now I want MORE! They are ridiculously convenient. I feel like I'm wearing a dress, but I don't have to worry about anyone getting an unnecessary peak while I'm getting out of my car (it's pretty low to the ground and hard to get out of in a ladylike manner) or randomly doing high karate kicks whilst walking around with Heather.

I decided to take blog photos in my room today, seeing as I don't think it's ever been in my blog before. Actually, only a very few friends have ever seen my room. Look at that, dear blog readers! Looks at all the great perks reading my blog brings to you! Exciting times! Yay! Champagne all around!

Then I thought putting on my headdress would be a good idea. It's in far worse condition from the last time I've worn it. Damn cats. Also, this is what I look like with no makeup. Not that I wear much normally!

Here is my bulletin board! An example of some of the things thumb-tacked to it: my old prom photo, signed Vampire Weekend setlist, a creepy old photo of twins (taken some time in the 1920's) and a marriage certificate from camp between me and one of my friends, Cassandra. To see a better description of what's on the board, click here to go to my flickr.

What's on your bulletin board? Take a picture and put it on your blog. I'm nosey and dying to see it!

The plan was to take these photos quickly and then head over to Target to get stuff for the camping trip I'm leaving for tomorrow. Unfortunately, I kind of fell off my bed and ripped my tights, meaning I had to change into my black ones. I'm trying to break out of my black tight addiction, but sometimes I feel like fate does not want me to!

As I said earlier, tomorrow I'm heading for a camping trip with some geography buddies. We're going to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is a bit east of San Diego, CA and pretty close to Mexico. Camping would be ten times better if I could just wear what I normally wear instead of jeans, but it should still be a pretty good time. Now I've got to finish packing. I'll be back on Friday!

romper - Target ; cardigan - Target ; tights - Walmart (I only shop there when I'm in PA, as it is the only store in town) ; dove pin - H&M

for a liberated Spectrum!

2010-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

It is very possible that I have the biggest girl-crush EVER on Iekeliene Stange. Well, maybe not the biggest, seeing as I still can't spell her name without using google, but I do often think it would be quite grand if I could just steal a little bit of her lovely fashion sense, turn it into a drink and consume it for breakfast with my plain oatmeal and banana.

(sorry these photos are all different sizes! I don't even know where I got most of them; they were all uploaded from my computer's inspiration folder.)

I feel Iekeliene would be the best person in the world to go thrift shopping with. She would be that friend who would force you to try on that dress you would pick out for yourself in a million years, and then when you come out of the fitting room you realize it's gorgeous and she's a thrift shopping genius.

Now, who is your girl crush? Who fills up a large chunk of your computer's inspiration folder?

Oh, and I forgot to write this in my last blog post: I got into San Francisco State University! So in about 6 months I'll either be living in San Francisco or Chico! I'm still stuck between those two schools; I like them both, but for very different reasons. I have this huge Pro/Con list in my head and it's driving me crazy! But still, I'm happy I got in :] Now the only school I'm waiting to hear from is Berkeley!

oh my heart, it's a rock and great boulder and stuck in the gutter

2010-02-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

If you look back into the archives of my blog you'll quickly realize that I'm not one for mixing colors. I mean, I wear black tights and black shoes (although the constant black flats is due to my dismal shoe collection) with practically everything. It's not because I don't like mixing colors! My favorite bloggers are the ones who mix prints & tons of different colors like crazy. It's just that black tights + dress combination is easier and safer.

When I won a Rodarte x Target cardigan from Tavi (thank you, Tavi!) I was half happy/half flustered in an oh-my-god-what-do-I-wear-a-mustard-color-cardigan-with!? sort of way. My friend suggested jeans and a gray t-shirt, but I rarely ever wear pants and this gorgeous cardigan deserves better than that! (erm, no offense Alex.)

Then I stumbled upon Isabel's blog, and she wore her cardigan from Tavi in what she calls a "colour-splosion!" So I decided I should just follow suit and rock this baby with some color.

Unfortunately this dress of mine accidentally went through the dryer, making it wayyyy short. For all of you people who wish you were taller -- don't. All Forever 21 dresses were made for the under giant-height set.

The color of the cardigan made me feel like I was an extension of the bridge's railing. Seriously, I need to coordinate with playground equipment more often!

Is this a sign of more colorful outfits ahead? One can hope!

cardigan - Rodarte x Target ; dress - Forever 21 ; tights - Hue ; shoes - Target

show off the gams

2010-02-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Whenever I go through some kind of slump, as I have been for the past couple days, I always try to remember that I'm probably due for a really good day. Luckily, yesterday was my really, REALLY good day.

My dear friend Jen Kweller and I decided we were both way overdue for a day of shopping. We started off at an antique mall that I've driven by countless times (it's right next to the freeway I take to get to Disneyland) where Jen Kweller bought the cutest vintage Samsonite suitcase. Trying on rompers at Target and reading a pile of fashion magazines at Barnes & Nobles were also on our itinerary.

Yet the best part of this day happened at Buffalo Exchange in Long Beach. I have had $80 worth of store credit sitting in my wallet for awhile, so I was anxious to go spend it. While looking through the skirt rack, with two dresses and another skirt already in my hand, I stumbled upon a gorgeous sequin skirt that was just my size.

Does it look familiar?

It should! It was a Proenza Schouler skirt from their Pre-Fall 2009 collection! Originally $1,350.00 at Saks.com, now on sale for $404. The best part? I only paid $17.50 for it! Normally Buffalo Exchange catches their designer items and charges accordingly, but I guess both the person who brought it in and the person who was doing the buying didn't know what it was.

This is, hands down, my best thrifting (does Buffalo Exchange count as thrifting?) find ever. I mean, I have my Anna Sui dress that I found at a garage sale for $5, but I've never had a picture of that dress in my computer's inspiration folder like I have with this skirt.

Now with the striped shirt I was just trying to somewhat mimic the model's outfit, but the outfit above is how I would wear it. I really love how it looks with a plain t-shirt. Thank you, thank you, thank you shopping gods!

skirt - Proenza Schouler ; striped t-shirt - Old Navy ; v-neck - Tilly's ; blazer - Forever 21 ; heels - Nine West

If what I have is what you need, I'm never going to give it to you.

2010-01-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

I'm back! My little road trip up to Northern California was quite lovely. The weather seemed to be against us the whole trip (hello tons of rain while touring CSU Chico! hello forgetting where we parked the car, causing us to walk around downtown Chico in the rain while trying to find it!) but the fact that I got to eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl not once, but twice, (once in San Francisco, once in Monterey) totally made up for it.

I also had the most amazing ice cream sundae in Chico, but I think after going a month with out any ice cream at all, anything would've tasted delicious. And besides, when is there ever bad ice cream? Oh! And the popcorn shrimp on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey was fantastic!

Ok, please ignore the fact that all of my good memories of this trip involve me eating terribly unhealthy food and enjoy some photos of Monterey:

Because of the nasty weather, Cannery Row & Fisherman's Wharf were practically empty. This meant every shop owner started conversations with us. Common topic of conversation? "Missy, you better watch out for those puddles with those little tiny shoes of yours!"

Every restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf also had a person outside of it offering free samples of clam chowder and trying to convince us to eat at their restaurant. "Hey! Hey! Eat here and we'll throw in a free appetizer!" "Best clam chowder on the wharf! The absolute best!" "Hey, girl, your shoes are so tiny! Get out of the rain and INTO MY RESTAURANT!!" I felt like I was in Mexico, where people yell at you to come into their bars.

We ended up eating at the restaurant where the samples guy was trying to describe their specials and said "Here we have salmon covered in...uhm...some sort of butter sauce. Honestly, I don't know what it's called. But it is DELICIOUS!" I appreciate honesty.

I'm looking for sea glass in this picture, and I ended up finding a fair amount of it. Now I just need to find something to do with it. Ideas, anyone?

The main purpose of this trip was to check out the colleges I applied to so I can finally start deciding on where I want to go. As of now I'm stuck between San Francisco State and CSU Chico. Berkeley's on the list too, but my chances of getting in there are pretty slim.

The car we rented for this trip had XM radio, and while listening to the indie rock station for the whole trip I discovered quite a few new bands. My favorite discovery is Owen Pallett and his new album, Heartland. You should buy it. Right now! Or if you're a little more skeptical of my opinion and insistence of your purchase of this album, watch this video. Just make sure you watch it (instead of just listening) till the very end, as it gets more epic the rainier it gets.

dress - Urban Outfitters ; coat - Forever 21 ; tights -who even knows anymore! I have so many pairs of black tights. ; hat - Forever 21 ; scarf - made by a friend ; bag - H&M ; shoes - Target

lord and lady skips-a-lot

2010-01-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've neglected my dear ol' blog for a bit, and all I've got for you is one lousy outfit picture. I took it in a rush, as I was late for a night of watching Sex and the City (the show, not the movie) and hating on guys with my dear bestie.

jacket - Forever 21 ; shirt - H&M ; cami - Urban Outfitters ; shorts - Old Navy ; tights - Hue ; bag - Urban Outfitters ; shoes - thrifted ; hat - Urban Outfitters

Of course, I have a great excuse for not updating my blog. How could I update my blog when I was too busy staying up till 4 in the morning watching a certain television show that had far too short of a life!?

I'm addicted, I swear. I'm a little bit more than half-way through the show and I'm a bit sad that it will be over so soon. Oh, and I also have a bit of a crush on the young Jason Segal. More like an I-REALLY-want-to-go-back-in-time-and-jump-into-this-fictional-world-so-Nick-can-play-Nights-In-White-Satin-for-me type of crush. I'm not pathetic, I swear.

In other news, I'll be heading up to San Francisco bright and early tomorrow morning in order to check out schools. I'm also going to Chico, Sonoma, Cambria, and possibly Berkeley. If anyone has been to any of those places and knows of some really good resturants and thrift stores, please share the knowledge.

Time to go finish packing! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and I swear I'll get some better pictures up here soon.

when the morning comes

2010-01-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

There are few things as lovely as meeting up with a few friends who you rarely get to see, especially when these friends have all gone through some sort of major event in your life with you. A few days ago I went out to lunch with three friends who worked with me at camp last summer, and it was nice to be able to rehash old camp stories without annoying people who weren't there and don't really care. Plus, my veggie burger with guacamole was absolutely delicious, which made the day even that much better.

The lace top I'm wearing is actually a dress. It's more off-white than it looks in these photos, and I can't wait to wear it as a dress. I really do have a thing for lace dresses.

These photos were taken outside of a park bathroom, as that was the lightest place my friends and I could find. I can't wait till I go to San Francisco/Northern California in a little more than a week. When it comes to blog photo settings, the streets of San Francisco > dirty park bathroom.

When I got home that night I decided to be productive and...watch YouTube videos. I eventually stumbled upon the new OK Go video. It's so good! OK Go are the kings of one-take videos, and every time I watch a new video of theirs I just want to just jump into the screen and give them a huge hug. Is that creepy? Hope not.

You should watch the video here, since the band is being silly and not allowing anyone to embed this video anywhere. It's ok OK Go, I forgive you.

dress - Forever 21 ; skirt - Urban Outfitters ; belt - Express ; tights - Hue ; shoes - Target

baby please don't lose your faith in the good earth

2010-01-10T09:38:00.001-08:00

I would like to start this blog post with a big ol' UGH! I'm having computer problems once again, and using my mother's computer to upload photos is proving to be difficult, seeing as she seems to be having computer problems as well. Yet I do not want to neglect my blog (one of my new year's resolutions: update blog more often) so I'll post some semi-older photos I have yet to put up here.

These pictures were taken by a friend at a Christmas dinner party she held a few days before Christmas. I changed my outfit about 6 times before the party, and I ended up with the outfit that resembled the uniforms the waitresses at my favorite Mexican food restaurant wear. Oh well, I do really enjoy Mexican food, so I guess it's only fitting.

That black top is actually not a top. It's a dress. A black lace body-con dress, but lord knows I should never be seen running around in anything body-con, so I decided to throw a skirt over it. Or wait! That skirt's actually not a skirt! It's a really short strapless dress! I just tucked the top part of the dress in and it worked fine as a skirt. This outfit is full of illusions!

The above photo does an amazing job at showing the awkwardness I feel at most social events. Look at me! I'm practically curled into a ball! I think my awkwardness floated into the air, and that's what made the photo blurry. Luckily all awkwardness went out the door after we watched one of my favorite youtube videos, the YES dance. Seriously, the YES can cure everything!

Now on to things I've experienced lately that you need to check out immediately!

I'm am having a major love affair with Vampire Weekend's new album. Its official release date is January 11, so I recommend everyone go run out and buy it then. Or obtain it through other methods. I don't really care, just get it! Then listen to California English on repeat and go through 66 pages of lamebook.com, and you'll be recreating my Friday night.

Everyone should also see An Education as soon as possible! I saw The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus on the same day that I saw An Education, and I barely even think about Imaginarium. An Education, on the other hand, is a movie I can't get out of my head. The story was amazing and I want every single movie still I cant get my hands on. This movie makes me want to learn how to play cello, lay on the floor and listen to French albums, and go to Paris while clad in gorgeous vintage dresses.

Now, before I leave to go meet up with some of my favorite people ever and eat a delicious veggie burger, some people asked me what kind of camera I used in the previous post. I used a Nikon D40, and I suggest anyone who is thinking about getting a camera get a Nikon D40 as well. They are pretty cheap when you compare them to other DSLRS, and in my experience Nikons are way better than Canons. I think I'm ready to get a new camera soon, soon meaning after I stop being a poor college student, but until then I'll enjoy my lovely, reliable D40.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend! Thanks to everyone who left a comment on my last post. They were very sweet.

frozen things they all unfreeze

2010-01-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I had a little photo shoot with my friend's sister and her sister's best friends. After outfitting them in my clothes (made smaller by hair clips in some cases, as 12-year-olds seem to be smaller than 20-year-olds) they frolicked and climbed trees and acted adorable. The whole thing got the attention of this big group of Boy Scouts that happened to be playing capture the flag. Here are some of my favorites:

I feel like the above photo should be a film still from some dreamy Coppola movie.

During the shoot the girls started to get hungry, so we let them have a snack break. Their snack? Dry top ramen. Seriously, kids these days!

I don't fancy myself a great photographer (though technically I am one, as I get paid to take photos. I mean, mabe not a good photographer, but a photographer of some sort) but I do really enjoy having these little photo shoots. Unfortunately the only models I have are 12. It's not that I don't love taking their photos, but I would love some variety in models. Fingers crossed that I get some ridiculously photogenic friends when I move in less than a year!

Back to normal outfit posts tomorrow.

lace dresses: vintage ; plaid coat: wendy hil ; strapless floral dress: thrifted ; floral dress: thrifted ; polka-dot cardigan: target

while I'm alive I'll feel alive

2010-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

So I said in an earlier post that my go-to outfit is a short dress, long cardigan and black tights and that I wear that outfit far too often. Good news! I wore something else a few days ago! Exciting news indeed!

Of course I'm still wearing black tights, but baby steps, right?

Oh! And I really wanted to say ignore my face in the above photo because it looks ridiculous, but I think I say that too often. So from now on just ALWAYS ignore my face! I think everything would work a lot better that way.

I have some friends who really hate the shorts and tights look, but I enjoy it. I'm also in love with the jacket I'm wearing in the above blurry mirror picture. It looks like an old lady rain coat and I need to restrain myself from wearing it every day and just sitting outside with Hepatitis the cat.

Before I go read my Lula magazine (my first issue ever!) I need to thank my lovely new followers. Thank you! Now, time to go dive into a magazine that makes me wish very badly that I was a redhead.

shirt: Urban Outfitters ; shorts: Old Navy ; vest: Forever 21 ; coat: Forever 21 ; tights: Hue ; shoes: some store in Woodbury Commons ; bag: thrifted ; hat: Urban Outfitters

[you can always tell when it's raining in California because my clothing list is almost twice as long. I'm pathetic when it comes to dealing with the cold.]

EDIT: So the other day I kind of went crazy cleaning out my blog roll in my sidebar, and I deleted far too many blogs. Of course, most of them haven't been updated in months, so maybe not. Either way, I'm down to trade links.

there's no measuring of it as nothing else is love

2010-01-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very enjoyable New Year's Eve! I hung out a friend's house and played the most ridiculous game of apples to apples I've ever played in my life. What did you all do? Anything exciting? Are you even able to remember?

The friend's who was throwing the party decided to make it a costume party at the last minute, so I threw on the crown my father made me an viola! A costume!

I decided to post this picture despite how weird my freckles look around my mouth (I swear, it's not a mustache a la Youth in Revolt's Francois) in order to show off the gorgeousness that is this Rodarte x Target dress. Bows! Lace! Tulle! All in one dress? Yes please!

I love reading all of the New Year's resolutions people have been posting one their blogs. I know some people aren't big fans of resolutions, but I think any excuse for people to try to change their lives for the better can't be bad...as long as you allow yourself to restart mid-year if you start to slip up and you don't use the "oh, I'll wait till next year" excuse.

You'll probably see my resolutions up on the blog tomorrow. They aren't much different from other blogger's, but it's always nice to publicly announce your goals every once in awhile.

Hope everyone's having a very enjoyable new year's day! I'm going to get back to watching TMC's marathon of "what the future might have been like" movies. Just finished Fahrenheit 451. A very good choice for first movie of 2010!

dress - Rodarte x Target; tights - Hue; shoes- Target; crown- My dad

that's prison time

2009-12-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

Is there any cuter accessory than a really adorable cat?

This is Hepatitis, the neighborhood cat. I did not name her, but I do feed her. Because of this, she waits by my front door and meows at me every once in awhile. I am in love.

[edit] OH! Happy 1st birthday to Sing Before Seven! I started this blog a year ago after a break up with a boyfriend, and I'm quite happy that I stuck with it. Without this blog I wouldn't have met [well, met online] so many amazing people from around the world. Thank you to my followers and commenters for being amazing, and thank you to fellow bloggers for keeping my inspired.

much too cool for seventh grade

2009-12-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

I've come to realize that I wear the same thing every day. My go-to outfit is a short dress, black tights and a long cardigan. Oh well, it's better than when I wore jeans all the time.

Ew, what's with my face in this photo? I'm not wearing any makeup, and my smile and nose look weird, and it's just ugh. But wait! I remember those girls in high school used to put Hello Kitty's face over their faces on their myspace photos when their boobs looked good but their faces didn't.

Now I love Hello Kitty and all, but I don't think I'm very much like her, and putting her face over mine would just be silly.

Ah, Pepper Ann! That's better. [please, try not to be too astounded by my photoshopping skills.]

I really love the print of this dress. It's a nice way to wear feathers without actually wearing feathers.

Look at me go! Two posts in two days! Being out of school is very nice.

dress - Urban Outfitters

cardigan - Forever 21

tights - Hue

shoes - Buffalo Exchange

bag - Urban Outfitters

I wish I was smaller, a little creepy crawler.

2009-12-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone who celebrates the holiday had a very merry Christmas. To all those non-Christmas people, I hope the store closures didn't bug you too much.

My Christmas was pretty tame. Nothing too exciting happened, but it was enjoyable. My mother's gift to me was a shopping trip the day after Christmas, so there should be some new clothes up here soon. I swear, when you haven't shopped in a really long time, finally going out and trying on half of a store is amazing. Or maybe that's just me. I have been accused of liking shopping a bit too much.

Here are photos from my second Rodarte shopping excursion. On the third Target store I checked I was able to get the two dresses I wanted. After that I went to bed and woke up with either mono or strep [blood tests haven't come back yet] so I clearly got those dresses just in time! Sickness can't keep me away from those dresses!

You see that coat? The one that looks like an old, matted dog in an ASPCA commercial? I want it known that I was forced to try that on! I ended up looking like something from Where the Wild Things Are.

The dress! THE dress! I wanted this so bad when I saw it in, oh, a billion fashion magazines. Unfortunately it makes my boobs look a bit saggy, and should probably be saved for someone who's skin tone isn't so close to the color of the dress.
[oh. and my new year's resolution is clearly do more push ups. ugh!]

I LOVE THIS DRESS! I never knew I had a little Peggy Bundy in me, but I clearly do! Now I just need to tease my hair and get a lame husband who works at a shoe store and I'm all set.

You can't see the bows on the back of the dress in this photo, but they are there and they are gorgeous.

I love this dress [it's not Rodarte x Target. It's Mizrahi, I believe.] It reminds me of Emma from Glee! And this lace cardigan [which is Rodarte] is the perfect shade of mustard. I entered the Style Rookie giveaway to win it, but she got around 900 entries, so my chances of getting it are a bit slim.

Unfortunately, I didn't end up buying any of these things. Of course, had I bought these I wouldn't have been able to afford the two dresses I found in the next Target. God works in mysterious ways.

Oh! What do you guys think about the new blog look? It's not a huge change, but it looks simpler and I quite enjoy it.

"but let's remember to be safe, because we all know the first rule of war...is safety."

2009-12-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

Finals are finally over! Statistics killed me, and even with all of my studying I only got a B in the class (I needed an 87.9% on the final for an A, and I got an 86.7%. Lame.) I am quite happy to be out of school, though. Now I have a lot more time to go to Target and take pictures of myself in the fitting room.

Dress: Forever 21 Cardigan: American Apparel Bag: H&M Tights: Hue Shoes: Target

See that gorgeous mustard lace and tulle skirt on the floor? It's Rodarte x Target and I love it. My Target had a pretty lame Rodarte selection, meaning they didn't have any of the lace cardigans or any of the non-halter dresses, but I did fall in love with that skirt. I have a feeling none of my friends will like it, but oh well. I can not wait to wear it.

Now that I'm out of school till February, I'm hoping I'll update my blog a lot more and get back to reading all the other lovely blogs I've been neglecting. Fingers crossed!

not every chance I get

2009-12-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

So the lovely Heather from Bonjour, coffee! gave me an award! I love blogger awards. It reminds me of the whole "You may be across the world but I still like your blog and I support you and way to be cool and blah blah blah!" thing that goes with the whole blogging stuff. Yeah, I'm eloquent.

And this award has rules! fun rules!

1. Thank/Link the person who nominated you for this award;
2. Copy the award and place it on your blog;
3. Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself;
4. Nominate 7 bloggers and post theirs links.

Now I don't believe I have 7 interesting things to say about myself, but I can write the first seven random things that come into my mind:

1. I was watching a show about Amish people on the National Geographic channel today, and all I could think about was how I really, really want one of their straw hats.

2. I am ridiculously competitive when I play board games. Or when I play any game. Or when I do anything that I can reasonably be competitive about.

3. My mom just "dry-cleaned" some clothes for me today by using these special laundry bags that you toss in the washing machine, and I might have smelled the clothes for a good five minutes after they came out. They smelled so clean and delicious!

4. My biggest form of procrastination is organizing my closet. It's also a good way to relieve stress. Basically I just really love my closet.

5. I made one of my dog's bleed today on accident. Like, it wasn't a lot of blood, and I don't even think he felt it, but still. I feel bad.

6. I am in love with this neighborhood cat who waits for me on my lawn so I can pet her when I get home from school. The neighborhood kids have named her Hepatitis.

7. Once the fall semester is over I plan on spending a whole lot of time on DIY projects, especially since the only thing I'm asking for for Christmas is a repaired sewing machine (mine broke when I was 16 and I have yet to fix it.)

In turn, I tag:

The Rogue

Happy, Honey and Lark

Materialist

Yeah, that's only three people. It's late and I'm trying this new thing where I sleep when I should instead of spending too much time on the internet. Crazy stuff!

but we're all just a little bit different.

2009-11-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

Seasons kick ass.

(when I'm really happy about something, I make this weird squishy face.)

My nose is stuffy and my ears are all pressure-y, but I had a fantastic Thanksgiving, and I hope you did too.

Oh, and I submitted all of my college apps on Wednesday. It's weird to think that I won't know where I'm going to live next year until these schools tell me if I'm in or not.

[all photos taken in/near Onyx, CA]

some shine and some don't

2009-11-12T22:37:00.001-08:00

Having a blurry, mini photoshoot using the headlights of your friend's car is a good way to get over the fear you have in your soul after watching The Shining for the first time. I swear. The movie was fantastic, but good lord did it scare me.

The best part of The Shining? Other than Jack Nicholson's scary eyebrows, it has to be:

THE CUTEST KID IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE WORLD!

Is it weird that I really want my future child to look exactly like this? I mean, I wouldn't even mind if he woke me up in the middle of the night with a knife in his hand! He's THAT! CUTE! Plus, the boy's got great fashion sense. Did you not see the apollo spaceship sweater? Or the way he mixes prints? Seriously, I'm in love with this fictional child.

Now, I'm ending this post before I get any more ridiculous.

Dress: Forever 21

Cardigan: Theatre Dept. Costume Sale at my school

Belt: Target

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Minnetonka

the last thing I wanted was infinite security and to be the place an arrow shoots off from

2009-11-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a very enjoyable Halloween. I didn't have high hopes, but I ended up having quite a nice time.

Was I the only one who noticed the increase in homemade costumes? I'm guessing that has something to do with the economy, but it made me pretty happy. Less skanky Little Miss Muffets (HEATHER!) , more Bellatrix Lestranges and Mr. Peanuts!

I was a magician, in case you can't tell by the pictures. I just dug around my closet a bit and found last year's New Years Eve dress (which I've never actually worn. It still had the tag on it,) some polka dot tights I bought from Macy's awhile ago (...also never worn) and my good ol' Urban Outfitter heels. Then I made a cape and bought myself a wand and a top hat, which was much too small for my huge head, but oh well.

I already have ideas for next year's costume. Matryoshka, anybody?

come to the river

2009-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Too lazy to put these photos in order. Too tired to write much. Egh, it happens.

Got this dress for $5 at a costume shop in Old Torrance. I'm in love!

My father made me a Where The Wild Things Are crown that I quite enjoy.

Justine forced me to try this on. If I wasn't so damn tall I would've gotten it.

Axe-murderer? Really.

Now I'm off to my aunt's ranch for the weekend. Should be a good time.

winged alligator

2009-10-18T19:47:00.001-07:00

My gramps turns 87, the family has a party, and my cousin and I decide to turn it into a photoshoot.

This is our attempt at imitating a stereotypical Urban Outfitters ad.

The picture on the wall is my great-grandparent's wedding photo.

Laurel working her angles.

My Noni wanted to get it on the action. I was trying to teach her how to do the tiger claw look. She's clearly better at it than me.

My outfit:

Dress: H&M

Cardigan: H&M

Cami: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Minnetonka

Cousin's outfit:

Romper: Forever 21

Sandals: Probably Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Some ghetto jewelry store

in december, drinking horchata

2009-10-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

My lord, this weekend was GOOD! Here's the basic breakdown:

Friday: Did a great job on my silent scene in theatre class. People were actually gasping and sitting on the edge of their seats [I sound like a corny scary movie ad] during our scene, which is cool. After class, Justine [my favorite radio contest winner] and I headed to downtown LA to go bowling with Say Anything. Jake and Parker from SA kicked my ass at bowling, but it was a pretty fantastic experience to be able to chat with a band you really enjoy about CDs that have come out recently and the merits of Brand New's TDAGARIM album. Then we were taken back to a penthouse across the street where they told us to make ourselves at home and grab something from the fridge if we were thirsty. Say Anything played a little acoustic set of some of their new songs, including I Hate Everyone, and Justine's head exploded. Oh, and we got some free CDs earlier that day. And! Justine and I each won two tickets to their show in Anaheim on Wednesday. AND!! Jake from SA is going to try and get me a press pass for the Anaheim show so I can get past the barricade and take some photos.

Saturday: I got an A on my online Statistics quiz. Very cool.

Today: I found out that Vampire Weekend is playing in my little town on November 14th. Like, not in LA or Hollywood or anything, but 1 minute away from my house in a VFW hall in a town with a population that's less than 20,000. I don't know why they're doing this, but they are and I love them for it. In order to get tickets I had to go down to some indie record shop in Long Beach, and the guy working there was really nice. AND THEN! I realized that there is a buffalo exchange next door. We only had 20 minutes left on the meter, so I did some speed shopping and got a dress and a necklace. After that I got some Yogurtland, watched a bit of Planet Earth and did some driving.
Seriously, this is the best weekend I've had in awhile.

Say Anything and their new "50's sitcom father" outfits. Second from the left, Jake, might be one of the nicest guys in the world.

The view from the balcony in the Star 98.7 penthouse. It's no New York City, but it's still pretty fantastic.

I believe I wear this dress way too often.

Jealous of Heather's thrifted skeleton sweater. It glows in the dark.

blue lips, blue veins

2009-10-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are full moons. Sometimes Justine and I like to go to the beach and wear weird outfits and take random photos of each other during the full moon.

Sometimes Justine brings old lace curtains and I tie them around my waist.

Sometimes I make ridiculous faces, much like that of a hyperactive child.

Sometimes I don't like how my face looks so I cover it with my hands and show off my new blue nail polish.

Sometimes we don't use a flash.

And sometimes I realize that all of my college apps are due next month and I still am not sure of where I want to go but it doesn't really matter because I can't afford college anyways and the fact that I have no idea where I will be in my life by this time next year is the most ridiculous feeling ever and it makes my head explode. Sometimes I use run on sentences.

Dress: Forever 21

Bandanna: My mother's from when she was young

Necklaces: Gift shops in South Dakota and Utah

Lace curtain: Justine's

Random white pom-pom head thing that one drunk lady asked "OH MY GOD! Are those marshmallows!?": WalMart in Pennsylvania

I watch you braid your hair, you're from another time

2009-09-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Look! I actually went out last night! With friends! Life is so crazy sometimes.

Alex and Jen Kweller [who I promised would be in a picture on a blog, only to realize that I look terrible in every picture I took with her. We'll take more soon!] and I went to Yogurtland, which is some crazy frozen yogurt place with a ridiculous amount of flavor and topping options. Seriously, I was slightly intimidated. I ended up getting S'mores and Cheesecake flavored frozen yogurt with kit-kat pieces, gummy worms, and rainbow sprinkles. It tasted as ridiculous as it sounds.

Alex and I are doing my typical blog pose that he and Jen Kweller always make fun of me for. Jen Kweller and Alex also like to make fun of me for wearing too much Forever 21. And for being a 'hipster' by working at Urban Outfitters. They basically just like to make fun of me.

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: Forever 21

I wear this cardigan with EVERYTHING. I swear.

Tights: Hue

P.s. Everyone should go buy the Monsters of Folk cd right now! And the new Regina Spektor cd. But pass on the new Brand New and Modest Mouse albums, they are not that great.

fashion

2009-09-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I had to do it.

keep bears wild

2009-09-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

So I was going to enter this outfit into the weardrobe "fall floral" contest, but I uploaded it about 4 hours late. oops. And I really could have used the $50 gift card, too. Especially since they're building a brand new H&M in my mall. Hey H&M, you said the store would open in Fall 2009. Tomorrow is the first day of Fall 2009. OPEN UP PLEASE!

This wasn't the dress DIY I referred to in the last post, but I do quite enjoy the weird folding thing I did to the bottom of this. I'm probably going to do it to a thrifted skirt I just bought that is currently at a really awkward mid-calf length. My mom hates what I did to the dress. She saw my outfit and asked "What happened to your dress!?" Oh well.

And yes, this is pretty similar to the outfit I wore two posts down. Just call me miss originality.

A few people commented on my guitar in the last post. Thanks for the compliments. I decoupaged this guitar in high school, and it took me a few months to do, mainly because I kept on putting it down for a few weeks at a time. I don't play guitar, but my dad does. One day he was about to throw this out because it had a quarter sized hole in the back of it. He decided to see if I wanted it for any reason, and I thought a decoupaged guitar would look good sitting around my room, even if it only has 2 strings and I don't know how to play at all. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Anyone need a custom decorated guitar, perchance?

Dress: Thrifted

Cardigan: Forever 21

Belt: Forever 21

Necklace: Garage sale

Shoes: Minnetonka

christ you know I love you, did you see I waved?

2009-09-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Finally! I finally feel like getting dressed in something other than my "camp uniform" (A co-counselor made fun of me because all I wear at camp is Urban Outfitters BDG men's v-necks and denim shorts.)

This is what I would wear if I had somewhere to go and if it wasn't so damn hot all the time. So yeah, I never actually wore this out. Yet. But you know how it is when it's 11 o'clock at night and you're in your old running shorts and a Girl Scout Cookie Kickoff t-shirt and all of the sudden you think "Oh, I really want to wear my white Forever 21 dress," right? Right?

I really think this outfit needs a belt, though. Or something to break up all that white.

This is my ohmygod-taking-pictures-of-myself-is-way-too-awkward-ignore-my-sweaty-face-please-my-closet-is-the-hottest-room-in-the-house face.

Also, I went to go check out the Anna Sui for Target collection this Friday after my theatre class. I really don't know why I was expecting anything that great. I typically don't like her designs all that much. It might have been because of the whole inspired by Gossip Girl thing. Lord knows I love the clothes from Gossip Girl.

When I got there I was immediately not feeling it. As soon as I saw a lace-trimmed three-quarter sleeve tee with "BFFLWHLAGSAL: Best Friend For Life Who Have Lunch Together And Go Shopping A Lot" on it (with the capital letters in a nice metallic red, mind you) I knew it couldn't be good. But then I remembered that I was cramping and hungry and maybe, just maybe, my judgement is a bit rushed. So I decided to try on some of the pieces, hoping they might look better on the body than on the hanger.

I didn't mind the look of this cardigan that much. I've been wanting an over sized cardigan for awhile, and while I'm not a huge fan of the hood I could have tolerated it. But then I put it on and immediately started itching. Ugh. I hatehatehate itchy clothing and refuse to wear it.
...unless it's something REALLY amazing.

(once again, please ignore my face. ) I like the idea of this dress and the bottom isn't all that bad, but the neckline looks, and feels, way too stuffy.

This isn't the kind of dress I would typically try on, but I really like it for some reason. It's unfortunate that it's not lined, which means the metallic thread is exposed to your skin. Target wasn't really going for comfort in this collection, I guess. Also, the dress doesn't seem to flatter my body too much, but I'm not going to blame that on Anna.

This dress was just overly stuffy. I've read some other fashion blogs that liked this dress, but it's not really my cup of tea. The bottom of it reminds me of the cage skirts that Tavi likes to wear (you know, if you took away all the gray fabric and left the black lines,) which isn't bad. I really dig those cage skirts. But wearing this made me feel like I was wearing some sort of chess piece costume.

I'm kind of digging these leggings, but I would never wear them. I think a more deconstructed DIY version would be better, anyways.

Kind of the same story as the striped cardigan: I wanted a over sized cardigan, but I'm not into the short sleeves, the hood, or the pockets. Also, it's extremely itchy. Sigh. I don't how Target and Anna Sui could say this was even slightly inspired by Gossip Girl. I see no connection. Actually, if they were done well I guess the black dress and the striped cardigan could've been a bit Gossip Girl-esque. But still, there's nothing really Gossip Girl about the collection as a whole.

Overall, the collection was seriously lacking in quality and the whole let's not make clothes itchy factor. Target, I expected better. I have some stuff from the Proenza Schouler and Luella lines that are really well made, so I know it can be done. Let's just hope the next designer is better. Anyone hear any rumors about who it is?

Now I'll get back to studying for my Statistics test while drinking pellegrino and listening to Jesus Christ Superstar on vinyl. Wooooo Saturday night! PARTYYYY!

Dress: Forever 21

Scarf: Old Navy

Headband: H&M

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Feryl Robin

p.s. - Hopefully a DIY is coming soon.

firecracker

2009-09-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 RTW,

thank you for getting me out of my blegh mood.

Love, Casey

Seriously, this was such a fun collection. I really want to watch the video of the show now.

Sorry I haven't updated in forever. This whole economy and lack of job is making me really boring when it comes to getting dressed. I wore jeans to school the other day. I don't think that's happened in forever.

But! In good news, I got a car! My aunt randomly decided she doesn't want her Mustang GT convertible anymore and sold it too my family ridiculously cheap. And! Both my teachers cancelled class tomorrow, so in between working on my Stats homework and maybe going to the gym I'll be organizing my closet and my shoes. Hopefully that will get me out of this funk.

now why'd you choose such a backward time in such a strange land?

2009-08-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

There's a thrift store 5 minutes away from my house. It's been there for years. And I've only gone to it for the first time today! When I think of all of the finds I've missed my heart kind of dies, but oh well. I walked to the nearby Goodwill on a whim today and decided to check out this thrift shop on the way back. I knew it would be good when I was greeted by a little old lady who was sitting by the door and wearing a purple polka-dot satin-y top. Old people are the best.

I ended up finding a blue skirt I'll have to hem a bit, two wool berets [1 red & 1 beige], a black long beaded necklace, and a Simon & Garfunkel album [hell yeah!] I also found this ridiculously long floral skirt that I wore as a dress today.

Bra, I know. tsk tsk, very tacky. In my defense, I couldn't find my strapless bra and I made sure they were hidden when I was out and about today. Forgive me for this faux pas. And it's not even a cute one! I feel like I'm going to end up on the back page of glamour magazine.

ha, now that I'm done being dramatic...

The print reminds me of something a 5-year-old would wear. I love it.

"Hey, let's get pictures of us kicking each other!"

Skirt-turned-dress: Thrift store

Cardigan: Gap

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Minnetonka

Bag: Target

What's in the Rite-Aid bag? The new issue of Marie Claire and some cheap lipstick.

Oh! And how do you guys feel about the bigger picture size? I know no one wants to see my face blown up that large ever, but you can also see the clothes better this way. Quite a predicament.

p.s. - anyone who knows what musical this title of this post is from wins a million cool points.

just wait, it will be the perfect reverse

2009-08-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are my NYC pictures:

I love any city where you can spend time hanging out under a mushroom on an Alice in Wonderland statue. Oh, and notice my gorgeous farmers tan? That's what working at a summer camp does to you.

If New York City came up to me and was like "Hey, Casey, choose any part of me to take back home to California with you. I totes won't mind," I'd probably choose Central Park. Actually, Central Park with Washington Square magically added on. That would be perfect.

ALICE IN WONDERLANDDD!!! This is my fifth time in NYC, and every time I've been I've wanted to find this. Justine and I saw pictures and decided it would be worth the trek. It was gorgeous, and I just want to wear a white dress and live under it.

By the way, R.Patz and I are totally twinsies...though I'm not smoking. Or being the object of a million teenaged girls' desires.

Ignore my face in this photo. I was channeling the way some of the kids I took pictures of this summer posed. You should be focusing on the blurry Manhattan in the background, anyways. Seriously now.

First outfit:

Skirt: H&M

Tank: Forever 21

Cami: PacSun

Belt: H&M

Bag: H&M

Shoes: A gift shop in Utah

hello again, california

2009-08-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

How does one start a blog post after being gone for over two months? I could say that I missed reading everyone's blogs and I feel detached from the blog scene, because that's true. Or I could say that I had an amazing time in Pennsylvania/New York and I miss it way too much. That's true too.

OR! I could just show some you some pictures and be done with the whole awkward "I'm BAAAAACK" spiel. That sounds best.

Here are some of my friends and I getting ready to go square dancing during staff orientation week. It's quite a lot of fun, actually. Just don't join my square if you don't want me to yell at you. I'm ridiculously competitive.

Bunk 10! My counselors and I got along wonderfully, which is great. The campers went through phases of hating us and then absolutely loving us, but I think that can be explained by the fact that they're going into the 6th grade.

This is my outfit for Olympics [which is like Color War, if any of you know what that is.] I was on the green and white team, obviously. Channeling my inner Bradshaw with those feathers.

My very favorite picture from the summer! It was a pretty rainy for the first half of the summer, so one day one of my co-counselors and I decided to let our girls go outside and slide around in the mud. Absolutely disgusting, but a lot of fun. That's why I love working at a summer camp. You get to act like a kid and get paid for it.

So that's about it! I had a fantastic summer, and am probably going to go back next year. Apparently they're going to offer me the web director job, which means I'll be in charge of the camps web program. This means a substantial raise, which is always good.

If you want to see the rest of my camp photos, go to my flickr. If you want to work at a summer camp [because it's the best job ever and they pay to fly you out!] just e-mail me or comment or something. I'll help you out.

How was everyone else's summer? Tell me what you did, I'm curious. I'll post my photos from NYC later today or tomorrow, and after that I'll get back to normal outfit photos.

Now! Back to some intense room organization.

Edit:

I forgot to add, my birthday happened while I was away. I am now 20 years old!! AKA way too old need to start worrying about wrinkles and retirement and ugggghghhh life.

Au revoir, mes amis!

2009-06-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

In exactly four hours and fifteen minutes I'll be waking up, gathering the last of my belongings and heading to the airport. Then, after checking my bags and trying to wrestle my disgustingly huge carry-on into the overhead compartment, I'll jet off to Pennsylvania, where I'll work for two months as a summer photographer.

Since camp-wear consists of shorts and t-shirts [not very exciting, basically,] and I signed a contract stating I won't blog about camp while at camp, I'm going to have to put this baby on hold until August 21st.

Hopefully when I come back I'll be back into the blogging mood. As of now, I'm pretty sure I will be.

So, I hope you have a great summer [or winter, for those southern hemisphere people] and I can't wait to come back and tell you all fun camp stories.

See you in two months!

[And so everybody knows, I'm writing this while under a very tired and stressed state of mind, so please excuse any typos. ]

of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again

2009-06-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

So apparently my friend went to the supermarket and saw my blog on the side of a milk carton. har har har, Manly Danly, very funny.

Anyways, today I went on a field trip to the local beach with my geography lab class. Now, as much as I hate sand, I think I might be down for having classes on the beach more often. Especially when Manly Danly and I go get some poutine and crepes afterwords. Screw calories, it was delicious!

This was my very first time trying poutine, and I was slightly afraid of the cheese curds.

For anyone who doesn't know, poutine is a French Canadian dish with french fries covered in gravy and cheese curds. A million calories of heaven.

After the poutine, which was just our appetizer, I ordered a nutella and banana crepe, while Manly Danly got some sort of meat filled monstrosity. The waiter explained to me that both of the dishes I was eating, the poutine and the crepes, are the two most popular things people order after a long night of drinking. Oh deary.

Manly Danly has had poutine before, and clearly loves it very much. Almost as much as he loves trying to force me to go to New Zealand with him!

Oh! And I almost forgot to mention that awhile ago ana b., from one of my favorite fashion blogs, on dressing up, bestowed upon me an adorable award. Any award, which she made herself, that involves cupcakes AND a play on words [dear/deer] is an award I'm very happy to get. So thank you thank you thank you!

I, in turn, pass this blog onto those that keep on reading my blog even when I go through phases of neglecting everyone elses. Every comments means a lot to me, and I love each one!

Ruta of Look Ugly in a Photograph

Amelia of Ambiguous Alliterative Abomination

Martina of Chewed Silly Putty

[who not only continues to comment on my blog, but has been very helpful in telling me all the cool places to go to in New York City. A million thank yous to you!]

Jayne of Plain Jayne

Le Parapluie Deteste La Pluie

As for my outfit:

Dress: Vintage

Jacket: Gap

Shoes: H&M

Necklace: ghost beads from a gift shop in South Dakota, or Utah.

Ocean: Pacific

zip line

2009-05-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

How is it that I can have a room full of clothes, but still feel like I have nothing to wear? I believe it's because I need more really cute dresses. Well, need? No. Really really want? YES!

I love love love the gold Issa oversized sequin dress one from the bottom group, and the black Emanuel Ungaro Asymmetric silk taffeta dress from the top group. I'm beginning to believe the only way I'd be able to support my shopping addiction is to have a sugar daddy. A sugar daddy who is willing to buy me clothes and plane tickets in return for, uhm, games of monopoly? That would work!

One thing I might be able to afford on my own is a study abroad trip to Costa Rica in Janurary. I'm rather excited. I'll wear loose, beachy dresses with messy, beachy hair while reading on the beach or helping out some sea turtles. And then everybody will be like "wah wah wah Casey, why are you wearing a dress!?" To which I'll eloquently reply, "Hush!" Actually, I think the girl from the Coast Rica meeting I went to that was wearing some really cute harem pants will totally understand. It's always nice to have someone who gets you.

that white truck is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainBRO

2009-05-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, so we had an earthquake last night. I was sitting right where I'm sitting right now, on the ground in front of the coffee table, and around 9 o'clock my house started making crazy noises and the floor was shaking and oh lordy. I was frightened. It was only a 4.7, but I have a lot of nightmares about apocalyptic situations, including giant earthquakes. Sigh, I can't wait to get out of California. The big one's a comin'!...and hopefully I'll be in Pennsylvania when it does.

In other, less natural disaster-y news, who saw the season finale of Gossip Girl!? That ending? I teared up a bit. I want a guy as fantastic as Chuck Bass...minus the whole man-whore thing, of course.

The above picture was taken after seeing a musical revue at a nearby community college called After, After Xanadu. I don't know if you can make them out too easily in the picture, but the campus has a massive amount of wild bunnies. I wish my school had that. All we have is obese squirrels.

Dress: Target

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Forever 21

Cardigan: Forever 21

Shoes: Target

Bag: H&M

if there's any other way, I'll do anything for you

2009-05-14T21:44:00.001-07:00

Almost a month till I leave for Pennsylvania! I'll be there for the whole summer [working at a summer camp,] and while that means I won't be able to update my blog, it will be a nice break from the ridiculous that is my life here in California. Plus, getting paid a couple thousand to take pictures for a whole summer? I can't complain!

I'll also be spending a couple days after camp in New York City! It'll be my fourth visit there, but I could still really use any recommendations from anyone who lives/has visited there. Good vintage shops? Delicious, and deliciously cheap, resturants? Spill!

You can't tell too well in this picture, but I got my hair cut today. I think it's kind of soccer mom-ish, but a gay guy at my work said it's "fierce." Maybe I should trust him.

Dress: Forever 21

[yes, it is a white version of the one I wore in my post. Sorry all my outfits are so similar! I've been quite uninspired.]

Cardigan: Gap Outlet

Tights: Macy's

Shoes: Target

if there's anything to say, if there's anything to do

2009-05-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

blegh to school work. blegh to tests. blegh to silly people. blegh to teachers who talk without showing their teeth. blegh to campaigns. blegh to calories. blegh to mechanics.

but yay to finally updating my blog!

I wanted one of my cats, Cookie [I named her when I was little, so forgive me] to be in my picture. She cooperated for awhile, but then she decided it was time to climb onto her favorite spot -- my shoulder/neck area. I don't blame her. Imagine seeing someone more than ten times your size. Wouldn't you want to sit on their shoulder? I totally would.

Here's a tiny glimpse of my closet! After sanding the walls, painting quite a few coats on the walls and the ceilings, taking off and putting back on the baseboards and constructing this shelving unit from Ikea, I'm ready to get it organized!
The clothes won't be placed in the shelf like this when I'm done. I'm just trying to go through a mess of clothes and give them some sort of order. And then I'll buy a rug, a chair, a little table and some curtains and I'll be the happiest person ever.

The only problem with the room my new closet is in is that it's often the hottest room in the house. And with the 90 degree heat we've been having, it was pretty hot when I took these pictures. So instead of making you look at my red face I decided to draw some beautiful artwork on a paper plate.

Enjoy.

Dress: Forever 21

[It is coral, not orange/red as it looks in these pictures.]

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Target

Belt: Forever 21

[I bought the wrong size, so it's a bit big on me. I'm probably going to end up selling it.]

Bag: H&M

Cat: PetSmart pet adoptions

I just wanna believe, I just wanna believe, I just wanna believe in us

2009-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

I am alive!

Midterms, work, illness in the family, spending all of my time eating cheap Rite Aid ice cream [delicious!] etc etc etc has kept me away.

But my midterms are over and my family member is getting better and I've learned how to update my blog while eating ice cream! So yes, I'm back.

Ever since weardrobe.com had their floral contest and I realized I had almost nothing in which to enter the contest with, I decided it was time to do a little bit of shopping for spring. So with my H&M gift card from a previous weardrobe contest in hand, I made the trek down to the Beverly Center in LA [or Beverly Hills...or Hollywood? They're really all the same to me] to see what one of my favorite stores had to offer. I was slightly dissapointed by the selection, but like Forever 21 H&M is one of those hit-or-miss stores. Still, I bought some floral flats [lord knows I need more shoes!] a bag, and a red floral dress.

See that dark mark on my right leg in the abover picture? That's the remnants of a beautiful bruise I got from falling on a rock in Yosemite. Sometimes I fail at walking.

ha, oh! And sorry for the almost same identical pose in both pictures.

Dress: H&M

Jacket: Gap

Necklaces: Forever 21 and some mall store

Shoes: Target

This is me eating the delicious Rite Aid ice cream. Butter Pecan and Mint Chip. So! Good!

Jacket: Forever 21
Vest: New York & Company
Shirt: Banana Republic
Skirt: Target
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: Gap

p.s.

Listen to Okay I believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't by Brand New. I can't stop listening to it at the moment.

meet you guys down at the ostrich ranch

2009-04-19T07:39:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Yosemite Nat'l Park:

The above picture was taken at Poopenaut Valley. hehe! We also found Puppy Dome on a Yosemite map, but weren't able to find it in person. Still, high five Yosemite for having some great location names.

Our hike to Vernal Falls was pretty icy, but I still felt the need to take a jumping picture. Thank you, conveniently placed railing.

On our hike to Mirror Lake. Part of the trail was closed, but we did get to frolic and have a stick race [you know, you throw the sticks in the water and see who's gets to the finish line first.]

SNOW!!! My excitement could not be contained.
I'm on the floor because I fail at doing cartwheels.

The only picture of all of us together. It was taken near the end of our 3.6 [very] uphill hike IN HAIL AND SNOW! to Lower Yosemite Falls.

We stopped at Ostrich Land on the way to Yosemite. 5 dollars to feed some Ostriches? Totally worth it.

maybe we'll get lucky and we'll both live again

2009-04-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I hate coming back home after a vacation. It always puts me in a weird mood.

Here are some ranch pictures. I'll post pictures from Yosemite next. Both trips were great, and I'll get back to outfit pictures asap.

golden airplane

2009-04-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

I wrote you guys a little note today. Ignore my ugly handwriting:

Ignore ridiculous misspellings too!

Now, I've got to bake not-brownies, take a shower and pack for both trips. I know I look kind of meh in the middle picture, but I'm quite excited right now. I love going places :]

Dress: Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Leggings: Forever 21
Shoes: Gap
[I really need to get myself some new shoes. These shoes aren't going to hold up much longer.]

fluffy cats and dead grass

2009-04-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

My dear blog readers, I have terrible news for you. Or maybe it's not so much as terrible news for you, but terrible news for my pictures. Fate has decided it is time for the annual cutting down of the field. Basically a man with a lawn mower comes over for a few days and turns the field from a pretty little suburban oasis, like in my last post, to looking like a disgusting flatland of nothingness and death. ugh. I was complaining to my dad about this, and he tried to make me feel better by saying "You know they cut it down so there aren't any fires. Would you want your precious closet to burn down?"
And no, I would not. But still, now the only place I have for "outdoorsy" pictures is a weird bush/tree thing and some dead grass. My apologies.

The cat in this picture used to be afraid of everything, but today she couldn't get enough of my mother [who took pictures for me] and I. It was quite amusing.

This vintage lace dress that I'm wearing is probably one of my favorite things in my closet. It's really delicate, so I can't move around much in it, but because there's so much fabric it's really fun to pin it up and make some new shapes with it. It's the dress version of AA's circle scarf!

So, I promise my next post will be better! I just had to spit this one out really quickly, because the next time I'll be able to take pictures won't be until Monday night. And I don't like leaving my blog for that long. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Dress: Vintage

Tights: Macy's

Shoes: UO

[though now I feel I should have worn some different ones]

Jacket: Target

Belt: Express

Cat: unknown

got it nice nice nice

2009-03-30T19:09:00.001-07:00

I believe I finally figured out how to take a decent self-portrait! While I may have looked crazy dancing alone in the field and wobbling around back and forth to the camera and back in heels, I'm quite proud. Now all I need to do is buy myself a remote, and I'll never need to force/bribe Heather to take my pictures ever again!

Speaking of buying things, thanks to everyone that helped me out in my last post. I got some really good ideas from some of you! I don't know why I never thought of selling clothes on ebay, but I may just try it out sometime.

And goodnewsgoodnews!! Urban Outfitter's spring employee appreciation period starts on April 9! Not only do I get the normal 40% discount on clothes and accessories, but I'm going to get 40% off housewares (normally it's 25%) AND an additional 40% off on sale items! Yes yes yes! I can't wait :]

I tried to have some more serious faces to match the outfit, but I think I was made for smiling.

Ignore the fact that my legs look slightly orange in the above photo.

It's been awhile since I've taken a "myspace picture," but I wanted to show off my sloppily made bow.

Lace shirt: Forever 21
Dress: Urban Outfitters

Zipper heels: Forever 21

Wedges [in middle photo]: Ferylrobin

Good, I finished in time to get to Heather's house to watch Gossip Girl! Hope everyone has a great night.

on luxembourg

2009-03-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

As I write this I am sitting in my living room in my favorite shorts and a worn to comfy perfection t-shirt, listening to birds and eating applesauce. I must say, when it comes to weather I, and the rest of Southern California, is pretty lucky. To those in places like Colorado [sorry about that blizzard, Jacob!] just think, you get to wear fun things like scarves and boots a little while longer! There's an upside to everything :]

Heather and I decided to get ice cream after class today, and then we played with bubbles in the field next to my house. Despite the fact that I now have little tiny plant sticker things stuck in my foot and I've got this weird limp going on, it was quite enjoyable.

I really shouldn't have bought this Hello Kitty bubble wand. I mean, it was only 2.99 but I already have a trillion bubble things at home. And by a trillion I mean around 10, which is still alot.

I believe in this picture I was pointing out one of the many places I was stabbed by vengeful plant life.

What old television series does the above picture remind you of?

This is my best friend, Heather.

Dress: Urban Outfitters [on sale!]
Shoes: Urban Oufitters [on sale!]
Headband: Urban Outfitters
(...oh dear)

Oh, and I have a plea for help/semi-serious question [or as serious as a question pertaining to my blog can be, so not very serious at all] for all of you. First, let me start off by telling you a little story:

Once there was a girl who was very excited for her paycheck so she could buy a relatively cheap skirt she's been keeping an eye on at Forever 21. This girl then excitedly opened her paycheck, only to realize that by buying this skirt she'd be spending 10% of this measly paycheck. The girl was almost as sad as the time she first realized the McFlurry spoons were just spoons, and not spoon/straw hybrids [as the honestly should be.]

What I'm basically trying to say, in an utterly ridiculous way, is I need to make more money. Because I have a small group of people who read and comment on my blog regularly [and I love love love you for it!] I was wondering if any of you have any tips for getting more money. Like, what have you done to gain some extra cash here and there? Are etsy shops worth it? Do you have some good ways to get some discounts on clothing? I need your help to support my shopping addiction!

Now that that's done with [I hope it isn't as uncomfortable for you to read as it was for me to write!] I'm going to go back to making little mini-carrot canoes and searching for my friends missing graphing calculator.

you are it

2009-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

My dear Ana B. of On Dressing Up tagged me with this fun little game thing. I really do enjoy these. They're fun to do, and I love seeing what other bloggers do.

The rules are: with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: 1 picture, 1 poem, 1 song or piece of music, 1 phrase or quote, 1 piece of clothing, 1 place and (just for fun) 1 Disney princess.

Well, I'm not here how much creativity I can muster, but here I go!

1 picture
1 poem [screw it, I'm doing song lyrics]

Bright Eyes - An Attempt To Tip The Scales

Did you expect it all to stop at the wave of your hand?
Like the sun is just going to drop if it's night you demand
Well, in the dark we are just air so the house might dissolve
But once we are gone, who is gonna care if we were ever here at all?
Well, summer's gonna come, it's gonna cloud our eyes again
No need to focus when there is nothing that it worth
seeing
So we trade liquor for blood in an attempt to tip the scales
I think you lost what you loved in that mess of details
They seemed so important at the time but now you can't even recall
Any of the names, faces, or lines, it is more the feeling of it all
Well, winter is going to end and I'm going to clean these veins again
So close to dying that I finally can start living

1 Song or piece of music

1 phrase or quote

"You will observe there,' I said, 'a slight trembling. It is because I am afraid, the flesh is afraid; and I am afraid in my mind because I do not wish to die. But my spirit masters the trembling flesh and the qualms of the mind. I am more than brave. I am courageous. Your flesh is not afraid. You are not agrad. On the one hand, it costs you nothing to encounter danger; on the other hand, it even gives you delight. You enjoy it. You may be unafraid, Mr Larsen, but you must grant that the bravery is mine."
from Jack London's The Sea Wolf. READ IT!

1 Piece of Clothing

This...thing. Whatever it is. It's gorgeous!

1 Place

1 Disney Princess

I tag:
My very best friend, Justine, of Teal and Macaroni
Carrie of Wish Wish Wish
The Clothes Horse

That's three people I think will make this far more interesting than I have done.

after midnight

2009-03-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

Happy vernal equinox everybody! I hope you all enjoyed your 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, or, you know, close to that. All I know is I'm pretty happy that spring is here. For you people in the southern hemisphere, erm, sorry.

This nice weather we've been having has put me in the 'pack a bag and leave' mood. You know, more so than normal, because I always seem to be in that mood somewhat. Anyways, looking at these pictures from weheartit make me really wish I had a car and a bit of money.

sigh. corny corny corny.
but, you know, still.

So today's outfit isn't the most exciting, but I blame it on the fact that my clothing situation is quite chaotic at the moment. I've been painting my new walk-in closet [you know, the one that is really half of the old garage] and a lot of my clothes are either in a giant pile in my room or on a rolling-rack that is currently covered by a giant plastic drop cloth. So yeah, doesn't lead to fantastic outfits. Oh well, look how nice the field looks [ignore the house in the second picture. I swear, they ruin my "I'm actually in the country!" feeling.]

unflattering shirt, I know. ugh. I need my closet now!

Cardigan: Target
Tank: Urban Outfitters
Cami: Tillys
Pants: Forever 21
CA Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Birdcage Necklace: Some mall store
Random Charm Necklace: Forever 21
Shoes: Minnetonka

southbound buses, peter pan

2009-03-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'll try to be as vague as possible for those who haven't seen the new Gossip Girl yet, but let me just say a few things about this week's episode. First, I am so madly in love with Serena's costume in the play. I want a dress full of big feathers! Also, BLAIR AND CHUCK WHY ARE YOU NOT TOGETHER YET UGH!!!!! I swear, I almost died at the end of this episode. Heather took some pictures of me gasping and basically dying in front of the tv, but they aren't that flattering.

Anyways, the crazy sign-holding Christians [and when I say this I'm not saying all Christians are crazy, only that these two are] were back at my school today. They're two old men, like in their 50s or 60s, that stand on this outdoor stage once a semester and hold signs that basically say we're all going to hell if we don't repent. Then one side of the sign has a list of all the types of people that are going to hell, and it includes the basics like murderers, adulterers, etc. It also has things like Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists, and "mouthy women and girlie men." WTF!? I mean, come on. I have nothing against Christianity, and I was raised Catholic and all that fun stuff. But do they really think the way to convert people is to yell at them and say they're going to hell? What about loving thy neighbor? Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. AND THEN! There were the people on stage holding banners that said things like "douchebag" with an arrow pointing to the guys holding the religious signs, which I don't think helped the situation at all. So basically there was a stage full of ridiculous people.
And amusing display of stupidity? Yes. But it made me late for my math test.

Anyways, excuse the rant. It just made me angry.
In other news, I'm feeling almost 100% better, work's been good and I found out I have an A in my Geography lab. Yay for life being [basically] pretty good :]

Jacket: Forever 21
[gift from Justine's mother. Thank you, Mama J!]
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Don't remember, they're really old
Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Oh, and I ordered the most fantastic headband from Urban Outfitters that I previously thought I wasn't going to be able to get. I mean, I had to arm wrestle a fellow UO employee to see who would get to buy the last one in the store, and let's just say I'm lacking in upper body strength. I'll post pictures when I get it.

creepy italian trees

2009-03-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting over this cold! I've still got the lingering cough that's sole purpose in life is to annoy me and scare hypochondriac customers at work, but even that goes away with enough medicine. So I'm feeling pretty happy right now.

While I was sick I spent most of my time sleeping, watching King of the Hill [don't hate. I love that show] and doing some online window shopping. I've been to the regulars; forever21.com, urbanoutfitters.com and gojane.com for their shoes. Now I want more. So I'm asking all of you, what are your favorite online stores? I especially want to find some good etsy stores. So go ahead and share your favorites.

I wore this outfit for a trip to the bank [to deposit my tiny paycheck] and the bookstore. I bought Of Mice and Men and the new issue of Nylon. Buying Nylon almost made me cry. I mean, I work for Urban Outfitters, a company that gives away free Nylon subscriptions like crazy. That's what I get for constantly forgetting to fill out the new subscription paper. sigh.

Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Target
Tights: Macy's
Boots: Gap
Belt: Forever 21
Scarf: Gift from Heather
Cat: Neighbor's

cold teeth

2009-03-11T23:54:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the underline. I have no idea what it's coming from, and I can't seem to get rid of it. Anyone else have this problem?

I don't mean to complain anymore, so let me just quickly say: My computer still doesn't work [I'm on my mom's older computer as I write this], I still have tons of homework and reading to do, and to add on to that, I'm sick.

So! That's why I haven't posted in awhile. Apologies! But don't worry, I'm doing my homework and taking my medicine, and eventually I'll get my computer fixed. And then I'll be back to dressing up and jumping around like normal!

I did manage to get out of pajamas for a bit to take some pictures with Heather in the field next to my house. I felt bad abandoning my blog. But just so you know, as soon as these pictures were done I was back in pajamas.

I was also able to get some delicious blackberries! A few were sour, but the one in this picture was fantastic. When is blackberry season anyways? [And please excuse my chipped nails.]

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Target
Tights: Hue from Macy's
Scarf: Forever 21
Shoes: Urban Outfitters

you never need to doubt it, i'll make you so sure about it

2009-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've got to make this quick again because my computer is still going crazy. I promise, as soon as it stops hating me I'll actually write a decent amount.

Today I went to the fish fry with my family [Catholics might be familiar with the fish fry. For everyone else, it's when some Catholic churches decide to serve fish on Fridays during lent, when you're not supposed to eat meat, in order to raise money and all that fun stuff.] As always, I was the youngest one there by forty years. It's ok though, I like talking to old people...until they start talking about their latest medical procedures. Seriously, I don't care what you did to rid yourself of those pesky droopy eyelids. I'm sorry, but the creepy scars you've got are enough.

I also tried to curl my hair today, but it was a really rushed effort. By the time these pictures were taken [also rushed] they were already falling out.

Dress: Forever 21 [really really old]
Cardigan: Forever 21
Shirt: Target

I also went to Target on the day the Alexander McQueen line came out, and I ended up trying on about 13 things.

These pants aren't even McQ, but I'm kind of in love with them. I feel like bleaching a pair of them myself, but I don't think I could get away with them. Heather [I mentioned you! Happy!?] wouldn't walk with me anymore. Besides, what kind of shoes do you wear with these?

This dress was Alexander McQueen, and I fell in love with it. The fit was perfect and I loved loved loved the belt it came with. Honestly, I liked it so much that I would totally ignore the part about it being strapless [which I don't think I can typically pull off.]
I don't like the print though, which is tattoo inspired, but from far away, or in a spinning picture, you can't even tell.

Sigh. Darn you, bank account. Can you just magically produce the $80 for this dress? And a couple thousand for a new, and working, laptop? Please?

running through the moss on high heels

2009-03-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

Once again, my computer is going crazy! I'm honestly beginning to think that it hates me. Oh, my dear little applejack [yes, I named it] why do you hate me so?

Anyways, I had my Geography Lab again today, and let me just say THANK YOU MANLY DANLY! Manly Danly made me a little foam earth thing on a string thing so I can tilt it on it's axis and actually understand the whole sun-earth relation things. I'm a visual learner!

[And thank you Mikko for waiting to see me. I'm a jerk.]

In regards to my outfit today, I believe I'm the only person who liked what I was wearing. My dad said I looked like a hooker [he hates any sort of tights that aren't one color] and Manly Danly [hey, I mentioned you twice!] said I look like a high-class call girl on the bottom and flash-dance on the top. ha, WHATEVER! What do you guys think?

Sweater - New York & Company
[not a store most people my age go in, but I've got quite a few things while going in there with my mom.]
Tank - Target
Shorts - Old Navy
Tights - Urban Outfitters
Shoes - Target
Bag - Forever 21

I've seen a few bloggers doing those "What's in your bag?" thing, and I thought that's a bandwagon I'd like to jump on. I mean, I doubt any of you are as nosy as I am [if it was up to me, all bloggers would be doing this!] but maybe this will kill some of your boredom.

1. Bag from Forever 21. I charged this on my mother's credit card and haven't told her yet. ...oops.
2. I drink about 5 bottles of water a day. I feel bad for environmental reasons, but I do recycle all of them!
3. Betsey Johnson pencil case! Everyone in high school used to ask me if I wrote "xo Betsey" on it myself. Silly kids.
4. Wallet from Urban Outfitters that I loved until I realized that it's impossible to get any cards out of it. Like, I seriously had to have a cashier help me get my credit card out the first time I used it. Sigh, it is cute though.
5. Best. Comb. Ever.
6. Only bought this so I wouldn't get carsick on the way to Death Valley. Ew.
7. Binder with a collage on the front. Very typical of me.
8. Dr. Pepper chapstick is all I wear.
9. I'm a college student who has to take Algebra. I know, I fail at math.
10. One of my favorite hats. It was cold out yesterday.
11. No story behind this.
12. Receipt from Target. I bought two slouchy racer back tanks for 6 dollars each.
13. My baby #1. Full of Sufjan Stevens, Brand New, the Spring Awakening soundtrack, etc.
14. My baby #2. It let's me see the sweet comments you guys leave me as soon as you write them :]
15. One pink glove with, erm, two feminine products inside. Yeah, TMI, sorry.
16. Complete works of Franz Kafka. I read some short stories, and now I'm starting Metamorphosis.
17. Decopauged agenda.

Now, off to paint my nails and read the new issue of Teen Vogue. And do some homework, of course.

when i grow up

2009-03-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

Saw this music video by the Swedish band Fever Ray on heleen db and I died. I seriously could watch this video over and over again...and I have been.

Today I worked on my new closet that's really half of my brother's room which is really half of an old garage but still. I'm very, very excited!

apple juice

2009-03-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

So I originally planned on writing a fair amount of stuff before the pictures on this post, but seeing as my computer has been freezing every five minutes I think I should just rush through this and post.

Actually, here's an abbreviation of what I was going to post:
1. Today was hot! Like, ridiculously hot, considering the fact that it's still winter. Darn California.
2. I got my H&M giftcard in the mail. Can't wait to make the trip to Pasadena or the Beverly Center and do some much needed shopping.
3. Pretend I'm wearing better shoes in this post. I don't like how they go with the outfit, but it was better than my zipper heels. Sigh. I really need more shoes.

Tank: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Target
Skirt: Forever 21
[slightly ill fitting. You know, too short but too big in the waist. still! I love it.]
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Bike: Heather's

lemon poppyseed

2009-02-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

After a Geography lab class with my amazing lab partner, Manly Danly, Heather and I went home to take some pictures in the middle of the street. Because working on homework or doing some much needed reading would've been WAY too responsible!

I'm not a huge fan of the above photo, but someone out there wanted more jumping shots. This one's for you!

Top: Really old Forever 21

Skirt: Forever 21

Headband: some drugstore

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

As far as these high-contrast, bordered pictures go, I was just having some fun. I like how they look, but I'm not sure I'll keep on doing this. What do you think?

dahling, you're fabulous!

2009-02-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

I'm a terrible blogger. I feel like it's been forever since I've posted any outfit pictures, but like every good blogger I have an excuse: school. I promise, I'll get a post worth reading up as soon as possible...maybe even tomorrow [coughcough old prom dress coughcough.]

In other news, the lovely Nai from Shane's Team gave me this award. Thank you, Nai!

Apparently there are some rules for this award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Well, I am always down for sharing the love, so without further ado here's 10 people with truly fabulous blogs!

Ana B. of On Dressing Up
Ana was probably one of the first bloggers to regularly leave me the sweetest comments. She AND her blog are pretty darn fabulous.
Ericka of ProFashional Student
Erin of Oh, Hello
Rissa of atsuii
Wendy of Hand It Over
Zoe of zalligators
Austere of Austere
Terren of Esperantos
kater of all this happiness
Val of bonjour adieu

And there you go! 10 absolutely fabulous blogs [hard to narrow it down to just 10, I assure you.] Hm, this reminds me, I really need to update my blog roll.
It's either doing that or working on my math homework...blog roll here I come!

winner winner chicken dinner!

2009-02-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

A 2 and a half hour math class [with one of your ex-boyfriends sitting a few rows in front of you, no less!] is a lot more bearable when you get an e-mail informing you that you won a Weardrobe contest.

$50 gift card!? That's more than my half of my last paycheck...which is pretty dang sad. But I'm just excited that I get to go shopping again! Thanks Suzanne!

Oh, and look at some of the bloggers that commented on it! I die.

And oh again! Remember when I said I might break out my old prom dress and show you some pictures? Tomorrow's the day...if I still fit in it.

number 5393

2009-02-19T20:10:00.001-08:00

In honor of the jury duty I had a few days ago, I've decided to show off my brand new American flag visor. I won it at the LA Times Travel and Adventure Show after I was the only person at this one booth to know which of America's national parks gets the most visitors a year [take a guess!] It's pretty glamorous, right? Anyways, I know serving on a jury is my "civic duty," but I'm quite happy the judge let me off for school. Judge Bradlin, I owe you one! Thanks for not making me sit through a week of a trial about cocaine.

Pointless post, I know. I kind of just wanted to show off my terrible visor and my chubby dog, Betzy. I feel like these pictures really capture her personality :]

Fall

2009-02-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

So, I finally got some time to look at some Fall RTW shows, and here are some of my favorite looks. But before you check them out, take two things into account: One, I'm not one of those people who delve deeply into the designers motivation or inspiration or any other -ation's. I just look at what I like. Two, I kind of rushed through this, and by doing this is I failed at finding these gold dresses I had seen earlier. Does anyone remember seeing any gold dresses this season? I would love the help.

Tracy Reese

I just think this model is absolutely adorable. I believe her name is Charon. Plus, those socks with those shoes? Very hot.

Erin Fetherston

I think there's a little piece of every girls heart that aches for a pretty little Erin Fetherston dress. Oh, and the tights on the right remind me of some sort of scientific classification thing. Know what I mean?

Betsey Johnson

I'm not always the biggest fan of Betsey Johnson, but because I had a Betsey Johnson prom dress [maybe I'll scrounge up a picturesometime, if anybody cares] she will always hold a little place in my fashion heart. Back to the outfit, I'm not in love with the shoes [don't like the pattern] or the jacket all that much, but the rest is just pretty darn cute.

Christian Cota

I love love love that skirt! That's all I can really say. Let the droolin' commence.

Diane von Fustenberg

I feel like this is what I would wear to the clubs [if I actually went to the clubs] if an over-zealous grandmother helped me accessorize. Of course, this would not be either of my grandmothers. If they helped me out I'd be wearing puffy painted sweaters, and I haven't seen those on the runway...yet.

[I'm sorry the DVF format is messed up. Ha, I'm WAY too tired to fix it.]

jellyfish

2009-02-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't been to an aquarium since I was a child, so when I had the chance to go for half price I was so there. Plus, I feel like it's been forever since I hung out with Justine and Heather at the same time.

Sorry there's so many pictures!

I touched the giant sting ray! And the shark!

If anyone has a chance to eat chocolate covered cheesecake I say you go for it. It's a little slice of heaven on a stick.

I hope everyone's having a great time looking at the Fall RTW shows. I'm pretty into the Erin Fetherson show, but I haven't really had the time to look at anything too in depth. I think I'll most some of my favorites eventually, though.

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Forever 21
Cardigan: Forever 21
Shoes: Target
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Bag: H&M

Let me just add that every piece of Forever 21 clothing I'm wearing in these pictures was bought when I worked there. Or, uhm, I am not ashamed!

hey, camera girl.

2009-02-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

So I do hope everyone had a very enjoyable Valentine's Day. At first me and my semi-newly single self was kind of bitter about the whole day, but I managed to have the best day I've had in awhile. I went with my mother to the LA Times Travel & Adventure Show at the LA Convention Center [anyone who lives near LA, I totally suggest you go next year!] There were about a trillion booths for different countries, tour companies, etc. It was a travel person's, and a Geography major's, dream.

There were also some "hands on activities." So yesterday, instead of laying on my couch in my pajamas, eating ice cream and watching Bridget Jones Diary and Sex and the City [oh wait! I did do that when I got home!] I...

...met some very friendly African wildlife

...met SAMANTHA BROWN! One of my loves from the Travel Channel.

...learned how to ride a Segway, and was taught by a good looking instructor who apologized for making me wear the hideous helmet.

and scuba dived! Granted it was just in an extremely heated pool, but I did have such a fun time. Plus, now I know I really want to go scuba diving again sometime.

I hope everyone else enjoyed their Valentine's Day, whether you had someone to celebrate it with or not. Have fun buying 75% off Valentine's Day candy! I'm off to the aquarium :]

Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Gap
Belt: Forever 21
Bag: Can't remember
Shoes: Target

dancing bear

2009-02-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

No outfit posts for today, but here's some pictures from my "Inspiration" folder [clever, original name, I know] on my computer:

I've had all of these on my computer for a bit, and I'm not quite sure where I got them from. If you know, feel free to tell me so I can give credit!

again & again!

2009-02-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

I believe I need to make a one month after the new year's resolution: STOP. WEARING. BLACK. BOOTS. Actually, it would be more like stop wearing my black Gap boots with black tights or leggings every single day of my life, but that would have been way too many capitalized letters. I tried to today, but when my time allotted for getting ready became less and less it was back to black boots and tights. Oh well. I'll do it soon, I promise!

Here's some pictures of Disneyland. Oh, how I do absolutely love that place.

Another jumping shot? Seriously?

Dress: Urban Outfitters [on sale!]
Cardigan: Gap [on sale!]
Bag: C.Ronson @ Urban Outfitters [on sale AND employee discount!]
Leggings: Forever 21 [employee discount!]
Shoes: Gap [on sale!]

I just wanted to make a point: I'm cheap.

[EDIT: Some of you asked me how to take photos like this. I wish I could personally go to your blog and tell you, but I am pretty lame at explaining camera things. So hopefully this website will help you out. If you have any questions, just ask.]

rain rain rain

2009-02-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's STILL raining! In Southern California! This is the third or forth day of rain we've had, and I'm very happy.
Of course, there are little breaks in the rain. During one yesterday my mom and I went to the tide pools to take some pictures. She refused to let me go with her if I didn't wear jeans and "actual shoes," as she put it. So this outfit is pretty lame, but look at how pretty the ocean is!

Ignore the border, the picture above is going on DeviantArt.
Sometimes I really wish I could surf, but I think if I ever feel like learning I'm going to go somewhere that doesn't have ridiculously cold water.
Also, isn't it cute how the kind of have his and hers surfboards? I think so.

In case anyone's curious:
Cardigan: Target
White Top: Banana Republic
Jeans: Honestly don't remember
Shoes: Converse

Now, back to listening to the rain and trying to organize my closet. Wish me luck!

becky and ermengarde

2009-02-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Finally! California has got some weather! And of course, being California it's very inconsistent, but I'm happy whenever I get rain. I think today I might throw on my rain boots and go stomp around outside for a bit, and then dry off and read A Little Princess [An amazing book AND an amazing movie!]

These pictures were take two days ago. Justine and I decided to head to the beach and try taking some long exposure pictures. We didn't get any farther then the parking lot, but oh well.

This was the first time we tried to do this. Hopefully next time I can make a high-five picture where we are actually high-fiving!

I'm quite the artist, clearly.

Oh, and how do you guys feel about tights and flats. My friends and family have a pretty consistent anti stance on it, but I don't think it's all that bad. I would've worn my black heels, but it wasn't practical. But I would love to know you're opinion! I honestly trust other fashion bloggers a lot more than I trust my family when it comes to what I'm wearing. Psh, I wish I could go shopping with some of you guys! I swear I'd probably make much smarter shopping choices.

I tried to make a new blog banner using this light painting thing.
This is what you call a fail. The g! THE BACKWARDS 7!!
But still, I tried. It is quite challenging writing backwards, especially when you can't see what you're writing. I'm just excited I was able to write "before" so perfectly!

Coat: H&M in NYC
Skirt: C. Ronson @ Urban Outfitters
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Flats: Target
Heels [in the last shot, you can't really tell]: Urban Outfitters

not eating and not sleeping

2009-02-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

I really need to get out of this black tights with black boots rut.
You know what that means? I need to go shopping! On my list is anything gray, anything pink, and lots of boots and flats. Nothing too exciting.

Story behind this photo? I was trying to get Heather in the photo, but when I went to grab her we both fell. See that little yellow ladder like thing? Heather almost fell down that and I so bravely rescued her. That's why we're on the ground, smiling because we've both so closely escaped death.
Me? Zoro-like? Why, thank you.

Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Express
Tights: Hue @ Macys
Boots: Gap

weardrobe likes me, they really like me!

2009-02-04T08:40:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah! I got the e-mail last night from Lauren of Weardrobe last night. She called my headdress awesome. She was also happy about my quick response time, but girl, I can reply to e-mails like lightning! Anyways, I guess it's probably not the most exciting thing for you other bloggers out there, but I'm new to this and excited.
Besides, we can't ALL be in Teen Vogue [which reminds me: Congratulations to those bloggers that were, whether in the magazine or online!]

Edit: Noticed the extra tab on my picture, and what I googled. haha, I fail at computers.

oh no, I need my cream of wheat!

2009-02-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Oh, woe is me! I, a slightly picky-ish eater [I'll try everything once, but I eat the same things pretty regularly] is out of the two things I've been eating the most recently: cream of wheat and tomato pesto tuna. Not together, of course. I'm dying just thinking of my two little pieces of heaven sitting on the grocery store shelf without me to eat them. Sigh.

But really now, enough of my odd, and probably slightly unhealthy, eating habits. Last night I stayed up till 3 am working on a decent sized Geography paper that's due today and that I, of course, waited till last minute to do. I then had to wake up at 7 this morning to quickly make my presentation. But I'm finished at last, and now I get to finish this post, take a much-desired nap [blogging before sleeping!], dream about cream of wheat and then try to not die during my presentation. Wish me luck!

While I sleep, enjoy these pictures of Justine and I in Target. We didn't buy anything, but we did have fun taking some ridiculous pictures and maybe annoying some of the sales associates [sorry!]
And I'm I the only one who goes into Target and just pictures how amazing it will be to see the Alexander McQueen line? I don't think so.

I've always wanted a clear bubble umbrella, but I think I'll hold out for one that doesn't look like murky water. Still, it was fun to play with.

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Urban Outfitters [C. Ronson] $60 originally, I got it for less than $20!
Blazer: Forever 21
Tights: Hue @ Macy's
Boots: Gap

And the bag? I'm semi-ashamed to admit that it's a bootleg from Canal Street in NYC. To my defense, I didn't buy it because of the fake Gucci thing they've got sewn on there [I actually wish I could take it off without ruining the bag!], I just really liked the bag's design. I also didn't really know what you're supporting when you buy bootleg bags at the time that I bought this. So I promise! I shall never buy another bootleg bag...but I'm not letting this one go to waste.

Betzy & Buck

2009-01-29T16:07:00.000-08:00

I told you I'd have some outfit pictures up soon-ish! Heather, Justine and I spent the day at the gardens, wearing shoes that aren't practical for muddy paths and confusing little children. Enjoy!

I've always wanted a corny feathered headdress, so I had to snatch this 5 dollar one up at Party City. As soon as I took it out of the package the middle feather fell off. Lame.

The balloon one is of Heather. Walking home from Party City with a dozen red balloons? Not easy. But kind of fun! I think I should spend more time with a bunch of balloons surrounding me.

Skirt: Rose Bowl Swap Meet
Top: Forever 21
Blazer: Forever 21
Zipper Heels: Forever 21

And in one picture:
Green Hat: Goodwill

the dv

2009-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

I'm back! I apologize for not posting when I got back from Death Valley.
Let me just say that camping in Death Valley was the most fun I've had in a long, long time. Not only that, but I met some really amazing people. Here's some pictures [I swear I'll get back to more outfit shots ASAP!]

Bray-Bray [...also known as Brayden] and I became "The Death Valley Jumpers!" We basically just got a jumping shot in front of everything we visited.
Immature? Possibly. Fun? OF COURSE!

Part of the group in Badwater. That white stuff on the ground? It's all salt.
Seriously, Death Valley is crazy. I saw so many things there that I've never seen anywhere else in the world. If anyone ever has the chance to go to Death Valley, I suggest you do.

Being aSALTed! GET IT!?

These are three of the amazing people that I told you about.

Ok, so as a girl who spends her life in dresses and boots and is the writer of her very own fashion blog, it might be surprising that I absolutely loved the hiking on this trip.
But I really did.

Sand dunes! I felt like I was in the Sahara.
And my god, climbing up those things after hiking for two days straight can be death on the legs.
But running down the biggest one [not shown in this picture] ? Very, very fun.

Mr. Ebiner, my Geography teacher and the instructor on this trip, climbing the Trona pinnacles. They filmed Planet of the Apes here, I guess.
Anyways, this teacher? He's visited over 110 countries. Maybe even over 120. I can't remember the exact number, but either was he's pretty amazing.

My van at the last stop of the trip.

And hopefully this is the last time you'll ever see me in tennis shoes on this blog.

farewell till monday

2009-01-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

I'll be camping in Death Valley with my Geography Field Studies class till Monday, so I won't be able to post till then.
Which means I might miss my feature on weardrobe.com :[ If anyone see's it [mine is all about my brown blazer] by chance, could you pleasepleaseplease get a screen print of it? I'd be very grateful.

Ok! No time for a picture, I've got to run!
Hope everyone has a great weekend! [Happy MLK Day for the Americans.]

I miss this

2009-01-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

A non-fashion related post, but I'm just really missing my aunt's ranch right now.

hummingbird

2009-01-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

It's weird how the little details of an outfit can really take it from "egh, it's cute" to "oh my god I'm going to steal those when she's sleeping!" (...not that I would ever think that.) For example, while I was doing inventory this morning (which I got to wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning for) I saw one of the inventory temps wearing combat boots. It's not like they were amazingly special boots, especially since we're seeing them all over the place now. But the way she tied them just made me really, really want them. I wish I could have secretly taken a picture, but my beloved blackberry was tucke away safely in my locker. My description won't do it justice, but I can tell you that she wrapped the excess laces around the ankle of the show, making them a little tighter. The bow/knot was slightly off, and the actual shoe was scuffed to perfection.
Ugh. I give up. Just know that there was some magical shoe aura around those combat boots.

Anyways, here's an outfit for you. I didn't end up wearing this anywhere, which is a long story. It's for the best though. The dress is a vintage one I borrowed from my cousin in the 9th grade for a Halloween costume and never gave back. The fabric is so thin and frail, and the sheer top part under the lace is torn quite a bit. I still think it's really lovely looking.

My dad took these pictures. They're washed out and it's hard to see the details of the dress, but my god he tried.

I'm trying to embrace the blinding whiteness of my legs, which is why I've haven't been wearing tights as much.
Justine always looks at pictures and asks "My god, are you wearing tights?!"
sigh.

Dress: Vintage - Stolen from cousin
Jacket: Gap
Belt: Target
Shoes: Some mall store

brother sport

2009-01-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

No outfit posts today...yet. I just wanted to make this post for three reasons:

1. I wanted to thank all of the people who have been reading and commenting on my blog. I don't have any friends who are as in to fashion as I am, so I created Sing Before Seven in order to connect with people who have the same interest as me. I was slightly worried that no one would read this and I wouldn't really be accepted in to this fashion blogging community, but I feel like I have. It's pretty cool. Ha, ok, no more corniness.

2. The above photo alone deserves it's own post! Go ahead and try to tell me that's not cool. I like to levitate in my spare time. No big deal.

3. I'm going to be featured on the front page of a certain fashion website soon. I got the e-mail around 3 am last night [note to self: turn blackberry off when sleeping] and I must say I was pretty surprised. They want to feature me? The girl who's had more than one person say they want to give me a makeover. The girl who wore nothing but Paris Blue jeans and KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas t-shirts in high school. The feature isn't a huge deal, but it feels nice to be recognized. I'll post the link when it's up.

First day of winter semester today! I have on class that ends with a four day Death Valley camping trip, so I'm pretty excited.
I hope you all have a great day!

People Have A Way

2009-01-09T14:21:00.001-08:00

Alas! A sunny, semi-warm day! Not like I can really complain seeing as 1. I'm constantly complaining that we don't get enough weather and 2. I live in Southern California, for it's not like it ever got that cold to begin with. But still. It was nice to go get some lunch with my mom in a dress and flats.
After lunch I asked my mom to take a picture of me for my blog, which was weird. I don't typically like people I know knowing my blog and/or things like my DeviantArt. It's just that it's easier to put my self out there with people that I'll never see, but whatever. Anyways! So my mom and I ended up having a mini-photoshoot in the field behind my house, which ended up being pretty fun.

I know my dress is a little too high and my legs a little too white and flabby in this one, but my mom really likes this picture. So I'm putting it up for her.

Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Some store in New Jersey
Fake Ray-Bans: Absolutely no idea.

you don't really care for music, do ya?

2009-01-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

So, who watched Gossip Girl? Scratch that, who LOVED Gossip Girl!? I swear, when the whole Chuck thing happened at the end of the episode [I'm trying to be subtle, in case some of you haven't seen it yet...which would be ridiculous, but still] I was standing on my chair, screaming. Needless to say, Heather couldn't stop laughing. ha, Whatever, so I feel my emotions very strongly. Not a bad thing, right?
The dress I'm wearing in these pictures was my Christmas gift from Justine. As a return present, I'm going to try and lead you all to her blog, Teal and Macaroni. She's an amazing writer and my best friend since preschool. So go! Go read!

The dress has a small flower print on it, but when you back up and squint a bit [or just look at it without your glasses if you're anything like me] is totally looks like multicolored sequins, right?! So cool!

Jacket: Forever 21
Dress: Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Belt: Express
Tights: Hue at Macy's
Boots: Gap

Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes

2009-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here watching Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and wishing that I was back this picnic, surrounded be a vast array of delicious junk food. Chocolate covered cherries, chips and onion dip, peppermint joe-joes, brie and crackers, and apple cider? mmmhhm, yes please. This picnic took place on Jan 1st, and what better way to start the new year than with food, family, and ocean views [however freezingly foggy they might be.]

Those signs got quite a few chuckles out of my family and I. The other ones said "Do not climb on or over railing. Do not even think about it."
Whatever, I did anyways. I'm such a rebel.

Beautiful, right? As much as I want to move out of Southern California, I can't deny it has it's share of natural beauty [...if you can find it amongst the urban sprawl.]

Jacket: Gap
Shirt: Forever 21 [years old]
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Minnetonka, from some gift shop in Utah.

So Simple It's Hard To Understand

2009-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

Went to Disneyland yesterday for Heather's 20th birthday. Very fun, very tiring, and very cold. My forearms were freezing. Oh, and in case anyone ever wants to make me extremely happy, sends tons of pink cotton candy.

Disneyland has the best little hidden areas perfect for pictures. Justine and I have decided that we're going to dress up and go back for a day dedicated solely to pictures.
Oh, the wonders of an annual pass.

This stuff is like crack to me.

Heather's the first out of the Meteor Cycle Society [ha, cool name...right?] to turn 20, and she really wanted to go to Build-A-Bear.

I really wanted to wear my heels, but the practical side of me [luckily] won over.
And I got this coat [along with a dress and a skirt] by working at a designer friend's sample sale. Clothes are better when they're free.

Coat: Wendy Hil
Top: Forever 21
Birdcage Necklace: Some small mall store
Skirt: C.Ronson at Urban Outfitters
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: Gap
Hat: Forever 21

burn that broken bed

2009-01-01T01:35:00.000-08:00

First post of 2009! I hope every has had a great first few hours [depending on what part of the world you're from, of course] of what's hopefully going to be a fantastic year.
Now, for my outfit. As I said earlier, I just stayed home with the parents this year. Does this mean I stayed in my pajamas all night? 'Course not! A girl's got to dress up on NYE, right?!

Really? Is this all I can do with photoshop?

Dress: H&M in Pasadena
Tights: Hue from Macy's
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Paper Hat: Leftover Christmas popper prizes from my Scottish neighbor
Sparkling Apple Cider: Martinelli's
Pink blob in last photo: Betzy, my pom. mix's toy that she stole from my other dog.