Sunday Remix




Previous outfit posts: one, two, three, and four.

It's funny how shows and editorials influence you--the way you fall in love with a trend just from seeing is so many times. Peplum had that affect on me; I wasn't interested in it at first but evetually it grew on me. Similarly Mad Men's new season swinging into the late 60s and the emergence of itty-bitty mini skirts on screen is getting me to embrace the mini. I like shorter skirts, but usually I avoid ones as short as this. But something about seeing Megan or even the Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Pryce secretaries sashay across the television screen in a skirt that barely keeps them covered makes me feel more bold. I got this dress last summer from Modcloth, but really only started wearing it this spring--for all the reasons I mentioned above! :)





At Twelve





"These girls still exist in an innocent world in which a pose is only a pose—what adults make of that pose may be the issue," writes Anne Beattie in the introduction for Twelve by Sally Mann. The young women, or perhaps even more properly labeled girls in Mann's photographs are in a period of transition and change. Captured in black and white the photographs depict the timelessness of that journey and the inevitable pain and struggle--a transition every woman must go through (wish I could inject female-centric Werewolf Bat Mitzavah song here for some much needed levity: "girls becoming women, women becoming wolves"). Some of the images do seem almost provocative, but again they are viewed with more worldly eyes than the subject has and photographed with that reaction in mind. It is those contradicting terms that haunt us. It also reminds me of varying dress codes from school districts who have on occassion stated that a six year olds skirt might be too short and a distraction to her fellow students--because kindergarteners have those kinds of thoughts?!



Spring Growth


Another Saturday outfit for you since the weather has been lovely and I've really been enjoying going outside and snapping pictures lately. All my favorite paths have turned incredibly lush and are nearly being taken over by all this green growth. It's lovely. Anyway, I'm off to enjoy the day with my parents who are visiting. Have a great weekend.







Outfit details:




DV by Dolce Vita dress (sold out)



Lauren Moffatt tote bag







Clover Canyon Resort 2013





I only recently discovered the brand Clover Canyon but I'm quite enamored with their mirrored prints and stream-lined silhouettes. The brand designed and produced in California is inspired by an endless voyage, a journey of the imagination. Their resort collection is Havana-inspired and once again it's all about the colorful and bold patterns. Definitely going to be keeping an eye on their shop and sales because I'd love a piece from this line.


Bobby Soxer


I rediscovered my love for knee socks this spring. I used to wear them quite often, but grew away from the look a couple of years ago and mostly worn them in the winter over tights when they weren't visible but just an added layer of warmth. It's nice to be wearing them again and they even feel rather practical on these spring afternoons when I go wading through knee-deep grass and can worry less about insects reaching my skin. And aside from the bugs and occasional snake, it's so refreshing to spend more time outdoors lately. My friends also have more free time for exploring so I'm not just going to my usual haunts and lingering but checking out new places as well. There's still so much in my area left to see.







Sunshine and Noir





I'm quite enamored with these Holga photographs by Thomas Michael Allen. Although he only began shooting in 2001 many of his images have the timeless quality of vintage works; the soft-focus nature of Holga cameras transforms urban landscapes into something dreamy. Unique from many documentary photographs Michael Allen's works feature less detail but convey a great sense of movement and emotion. I always find it profound when a photographer can capture your attention without featuring a single face.


Not 4 Terry


After reblogging one of Kate Nashing's Foudre tee shirts on my blog she dropped me an e-mail offering one--as mildly obscure fashion statements on basic tees are a complete win I responded with a quick "please and thank you." This shirt is, of course, dedicated to the one and totally awful Terry Richardson. I dislike him for many reasons. My aesthetics are much more Tim Walker than over-edited Annie Leibotwitz or the over-exposed (in more ways than one) Terry Richardson. For me that's reason enough to dislike the man; seriously how did his plain and predictable photographs become so famous? Yet visuals are only the tip of the iceberg since his behavior on set is often very creepy if not downright inappropriate (a simple Google search of his name will unearth article after article and first-hand accounts from victims). It's frustrating to me that the fashion industry continues to support someone who blatantly misuses his power. It's not the fashion I'm a fan of. Anyway, the tee is a nice, simplistic way to make my opinions clear...







Birds And Bees





What I would like more of: pretty bobby pins to keep my growing-out pixie more interesting. These birds and bees by Elizabeth Perry fit the bill nicely. They just add sweet charm to disheveled hair. I'm such a details person when it comes to drawing things--most of my monsters or other creatures are just vehicles that allow me to draw fun patterns, but so often when getting dressed I forget the details. I have brooches I never pin to my cardigans, hair accessories I only remember if I'm wearing no other jewelry, etc...It would be nice to feature more details like this in my day-to-day outfits.


Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes


The other day I spent most of my time indoors in jean shorts and a tee shirt. I had chores to do and it was quite warm, so the wardrobe made sense. Later though I was making plans to go out with friends and requested they give me a five minutes notice so I had time to throw on a dress and proper pair of shoes. My friend replied "as long as you're wearing a bra you'll be fine" but I responded, "nope this isn't the me I like to present to the world." Which sounds rather snobbish or something, but it wasn't how I like to go out even just for errands. I don't mind wearing jean shorts and a tee shirt out in public, I don't solely own them for afternoons spent vacuuming or the like, but when I have time why not put my best self forward? "Best self" is a subjective term--it will mean different things to different people. For me it doesn't necessarily mean fixing my hair (especially when I don't know any styles for it at this length!) or putting on makeup, but it does mean wearing clothing I feel confident in. It isn't based on some outdated notion that "you never know who you will meet" because it turns the attention off of dressing for yourself and it becomes dressing to attract a fairly specific other. Not my goal. But there is this "best self" idea I have--it's as much as who you aspire to be, the sort of life you'd like to leave, as the person you are and the life you like. Like dressing for the job you want on a more personal level, dressing as the girl you'd like to be. So when there's enough time and the activity won't involve drudgery then it is nice to slip on a pretty dress and proper shoes and present a seemingly "together" person to the world...







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