Lazy Sunday: 4th Weekly Installment

Wow, one whole month of Lazy Sunday posts. That went rather quick. I'm going to start off saying that today's installment will more than likely be half-assed as I am dreadfully ill at the moment. So, here we go.

1.) Ira Glass and This American Life: Be still my beating heart. A beautiful man who tells beautiful stories. Love the radio show and the television show.

 

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2.) Memphis, TN: I lived there when I was a kid and went back with a group of my English friends in 2007. It's a totally magical place that often gets overlooked for it's brilliance. It is so filled with history, but all of that usually gets lost because of Elvis. I'd love to move back someday, as it's one of my favorite places on Earth.

 

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3. Chuck Close: I'm just going to say wow for this one. I mean honestly, how is this a painting? I saw and exhibition of his work at the White Cube and it was amazing. While I was there I picked up a limited edition signed retrospective book of his work. It is now one of my most prized posessions.

 

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4. Patterns:

 

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5. Iggy Pop:  I've loved him for years and after missing chances to see him live countless times, I finally caught a break in 2008. My best friend Nick took me to a festival in Clapham Common where he was playing with the Stooges. It was amazing. Here's a photo from the show.

6. Louis Theroux: I don't know if you've noticed from this post, but I have a definite type and it's clever guys with black glasses and big noses. Ahhh. Louis Theroux is one of those men. His book, Call of the Weird was fantastic and his shows are of course great.

 

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7. Flight of the Conchords: Soooooo funny and sweet!!!!!!

 

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8. Amy Poehler: She's totally my girl crush. From 'The Upright Citizens Brigade', to 'SNL', to 'Parks and Recreation', she is always flawlessly funny.

 

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9. Psychoville: I don't even know what to say about this one. Just strange, uncomfortable, dark humor at its very best.

 

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10. Cream of Wheat: This one is because I'm super sick and nothing sounds good except for simple tasty Cream of Wheat. It's not for everyone, but when I'm sick, it's my go-to food.

 

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Practically Theft

I thought I'd share with y'all a steal of deal that I got the other day. I was out running errands when I decided I'd pop into Savers (Value Village for Canadian folk) just to see what they had, even though I didn't have any money to spend. It was more for just something to do. Well, it goes without saying that when you don't have any money, you always find something that you want and I did. I came across a great colorful skirt for $5.99. I tried it on and it fit and was completely versatile. I could wear it as a skirt, a top, or a dress. Ah, dilemma. Because I'm a substitute teacher, I only work when the students are in session, so after only 4 days of work in December, my January check was pretty much non-existent. So I literally can not spend a dime. But, then my lack of will power kicked in and I decided I could spare the $5.99 for such a great piece. When I got to the register, it scanned as 99¢ and the cashier said that even though it was supposed to be $5.99, I could have it for ONLY 99¢ since that's how it scanned! I didn't even ask her, I was prepared to pay the full price. How nice/cool is that! I literally paid with change.

So, here's my fabulously cheap skirt (worn as a top)!

OOTD Details:

Skirt as Top: Thrifted
Black undershirt: Gap
Cardigan: Target
Jeans: Torrid
Belt: Target
Shoes: Target
Earrings: Petworth House gift shop

Oh, and one more thing. I never wear lipstick, just some Burt's Bees lip balm, but I bought something a while back to add a bit of color to my lips. I wasn't looking for some bold statement color, just something simple, which is why I got Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Peony. It's perfect. It combines the hydrating properties of Burt's Bees lip balm, with just a touch of color. I love it. If you aren't familiar with Burt's Bees products check out their website. They can be a little pricey, but they last for a while and are completely worth it.

Outfit of the Day

Hello folks. Not a very eventful day, just went to work and am now crazy exhausted. I'm going to blame the cedar and mold for messing with my allergies. I'm looking forward to making some kale chips for dinner and then going to bed!

I liked what I wore today, so I thought I'd do a post.

Why do I have a shiny tooth/lip? Oh well.

OOTD Details:

'Top' is actually a skirt: Target
Black undershirt: Gap
Cardigan: Target
Jeans: Source of Wisdom Skinny Jeans: Torrid
Belt: Torrid
Dirty Shoes: Converse Outlet
Earrings: from my Pretty Penny Mae Jewelry line

I love my Source of Wisdom Skinny Jeans. The only problem is the are like 4 inches too short and don't come in tall. So to keep it from looking like I'm waiting for a flood, I always roll them up, that way it at least looks on purpose. Plus, in the spring it doesn't look so strange, but frankly I don't care if it does look odd.

Lazy Sunday: 3rd Weekly Installment

Aw, over-sized sweaters, my computer, and a duvet. What more could I ask for on my lazy Sunday. Let's get started.

1. Freaks and Geeks: How can you not love it? I watched it when it was on tv, I lamented it's cancellation, bought the DVD set the day it was released, and now see everything the cast has been in since. I honestly think it was one of the best shows that has ever been on television and if you haven't seen it, Netflix it, rent it, or do whatever you need to do to see it, because it is flawlessly perfect.

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2. Ceiling Stars: I had them when I was a kid and my husband bought some for me for Christmas year. I find them very calming.

3. Henry Darger: I mentioned in the last Lazy Sunday post that I am a lover of 'Outsider' Art. Henry Darger is probably the most famous artist to fit in the 'Outsider' category. I saw an exhibition of his work at the Inner Worlds Outside exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in 2006. It was very impressive and difficult to believe that it was less than a sliver of his work. If you have a chance there is a documentary that recently came out about him called In the Realms of the Unreal.

 

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4. The Hunterian Museum: While in college I visited this collection, at the Royal College of Surgeons, once a week to sketch their amazing collection of bones. If you're interested in medical history and medical oddities, than you'll love this place. I did a lot of research there for my thesis and got to know one of the anatomists fairly well.

5. Moleskine Planners: I get one every year. Everything about it is great, the world map, the layout, the pocket in the back. They are worth the extra money.

 

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6. Donkeys: They are just so cute!

 

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7. Typewriters: This little beauty is mine.

8. I ♥ Huckabees: I know, I know, this movie got slammed, but I really enjoyed it. I love the idea of existential detectives.

 

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9. Alfred Hitchcock:

 

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10. Specimen Boxes:

 

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Sleepy Eyes & "Petticoats"

I am so very sleepy this evening. I didn't have a very eventful day or anything, just went to work and came home, but ugh, I'm exhausted. I think it's because it went from sort of cool to really cold and windy in about an hour, and I had to fight it for a good part of the day. Luckily, I layered up a bit.

I have this skirt that I got at Target during spring last year, and for the life of me I can't find a way to wear it with anything. I wrote a Previous Post on how to wear the skirt as both a top and a dress, but I not as just a skirt. I still have yet to wear it for its intended use. I love the bottom of the skirt and hate the top, because it looks really awkward on me. I've tried it with shirts tucked in and belted, but it ends up sagging down below the belt. I've tried it with tops and t-shirts on over it, but it ends up looking messy. I just can't get it right. It always looks so unflattering and makes me look like a box on stilts. But today, I think I found a use for it as a petticoat. The bottom is fluffy and has lovely detailing. Plus, it adds the perfect amount of volume to my dresses and a perfect amount of warmth during the winter. Well, here have a look and tell me what you think.

 

OOTD Details:

Dress: Target
Skirt used as Petticoat: Target
Cardigan: Target
Black Undershirt: Gap
Belt: Torrid
Pasty White Knees: Me

Also, I meant to take a photo of them, but I'm wearing a new pair of earrings that I made using vintage plastic flowers. Here's a photo of them that I took for my Etsy shop. I sold the pair I had up, but if you would like a pair, let me know and I can see if I can get more little flowers to make some.

Giving Embroidery A Go

Today, I decided to tackle some free-handed embroidery. I've embroidered on large scale canvas before before, but never on stretchy clothing, so this is kind of new territory for me. I have a bunch of old cardigans with various holes that I will be fixing when I get a sewing machine in a few weeks, so they will/did make the perfect practice pieces. I have a lot of different ideas, but decided to go with something really simple for my first go. Here is my, as of right now, unfinished first design.

Like I said, I'm not quite done with this yet. I still have to fill in the flowers, add more grass, and a couple of birds, but I think it turned out relatively well for my first try and I'm excited to do more.

Also, as I mentioned before, I'm going to be getting a sewing machine here in the next few weeks, (early Valentine's gift from the husband). I'm looking at a Brother, but was curious to know if anyone had any tips or suggestions on what type of sewing machine I should get. My money is a bit limited, but I want to be able to make dresses and skirts, so it should be able to do that. Any and all suggestions would be VERY helpful!

Lazy Sunday: 2nd Weekly Installment

Before I get started with my 10 Things I Like: 2nd Weekly Installment, I want to acknowledge a little personal anniversary. One year ago today I went to pick up my lovely little dog, Penny Mae, at the shelter. She had been taken away from a home where she was horribly abused and badly neglected. She was really skinny, severely undersized for her age, loosing her hair and was literally just one week away from death. It was unbearably sad and I desperately wanted her to be well. With the amazing people at Austin Vet Care, we were able to slowly nurse her back to health. She is a completely different dog than she was one year ago and I couldn't be happier with my slightly chubby little fuzzy baby! Here are a few photos of our journey together.

Penny with her cat brother Haskel

 Now onto the 10 Things I Like: 2nd Weekly Installment

1. Field Roast Vegan Products...YUMMMM! Seriously, there is no reason to eat meat once you try one of these. It's a flavor explosion. If you can get your hands on anything they make, give it a try.

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2. Anatomical Charts: Vintage or new, I love them all. It's the highlight of any visit to the Doctor.

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3. Marionettes: I have a beautiful wooden, hand carved one from Prague called Balthazar. My folks got him for me while we were on vacation. He is very special.

4. The Marquis de Sade: What a fascinating man. Now I'm not speaking of the folklore that surrounds him that rose from his "reputation", but instead the champion of free speech and lack of censorship. I've read several biographies about him, the best being The Marquis de Sade by Neil Schaeffer (such an AMAZING book). He is someone that almost 250+ years later is still spoken of in whispers, which is a real shame, because he was quite an interesting person.

5. Silent Films: More specifically German Expressionist films. The set designs, the stories, the actors, are all just divine. My favorite of this era is the Cabinet of Dr. Calagari. It's just unbelievably beautiful.

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6. Mojave 3: Lovely music and beautiful voices. My favorite of their songs are Life In Art & In Love with a View. If you haven't heard their music and happen to have a moment to spare, please take a listen.

7. Outdated Globes: Beautiful craftsmanship of places that no longer exist.

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8. Prison Art: An absolutely fine example of 'Outsider Art', where prisoners will use anything they can find to express themselves. It is such a long and interesting tradition.

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9. Atomic Age Design: Seriously, where are the flying cars we were promised?

 

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10. Memento Mori: What may seem morbid to some, I am fascinated by. I love the preservation of memory and the various styles that Memento Mori takes, from hair wreathes, to jewelry, or wax figures.

 

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Winter Days of Print Mixing

I bitch quite regularly about Texas winters (or lack there of), but the past week has been 40˚ and below. Yay!!! I love cold weather with it's crisp winds and folks all bundled up. My dog hasn't been too keen on it, so we've had to put off our longer walks, but other than that it's been great. It's also given me a chance to bust out the knee high socks, which used to be a wardrobe staple of mine.

I've been in the mood recently to do some print mixing with an argyle sweater I've had for several years and seeing that it was chilly outside I could do some layering. Today, my dad was off so, he took me out to lunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe where I had an amazing veggie burger with sweet potatoes. So tasty. He laughed at my print mixing, but I like it. Here are some photos!

OOTD Details:

Cardigan: Target (from years ago)
Polka Dot Top & Sweater Boots: Old Navy
Black Top & Socks: Gap
Skirt & Leggings: Torrid
Earrings: My Grandmothers

Little thing about these earrings. My grandmother recently gave me all of the jewelry she no longer wears, which included all vintage pieces from the 1940s to the 1980s and they are all fantastic. She is a very stylish woman. The above pair are from the 1940s and made from sterling silver and saltwater pearls. They are so unique and really beautiful and I love them soooo much!

So here's something I never do...a short Make-Up Post. Recently, I accidentally dyed the front of my hair black. I'm naturally a pretty light colored blonde, but have been dying my hair dark for about 9 years. It was black for about 5 or 6 years, when I had a short little bob and straight fringe, but over the past few years I've been slowly growing it out and dying my hair a dark brown. So, I picked up some Nice and Easy "Dark Brown" to touch up and for some reason, half of my hair turned black. Ugh, years of patience down the drain. My other issue is that I have really fair skin and with my current fringe situation I look kind of sickly with black hair. Gem from Fat Frocks suggested that I try blush, (which I've never worn) to add some color. I usually just wear powder and mascara, so blush was a new territory. I ended up with Cover Girl Peach Perfection which I really like. It's so simple and you can really easily blend your own color. I'd love to know what y'all think and to see if y'all have any suggestions!

Lazy Sundays: First Weekly Installment

Sundays for me usually involve lounging around the house in a huge sweater watching old movies or made-for-TV movies with the husband, so nothing crazy exciting. Because of the laziness of my Sundays, I thought they would be the perfect days to let my fellow bloggers know a little bit about me and hopefully in the process learn more about y'all. I've only really let everyone in on who I am once in a previous blog post, but it wasn't too revealing, so hopefully this weekly installment will be a great way for me to properly introduce myself! I'll be posting images of 10 things I like or do every Sunday. Please feel free to let me know if you're into the same thing or don't like something that I like as I would love to get to know everyone better!

Here we go... It's about to get very random people!

1. Life/Death Masks and Auto Icons...First let me say that I make, collect, and heavily research life and death masks. It's such a passion and I have a rather large collection.

2. Beavers...they are simply amazing

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3. The Red House Painters: The song below is my favorite of theirs

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4. John Waters

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5. Gene Wilder

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6. Anselm Kiefer's painting Lilith: I LOVE all of his work, but Lilith is my favorite.

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7. Handwritten Letters: It's so sad that this is quickly becoming a lost art.

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  8. Jean-Paul Sartre: His words changed my life.

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9. Saturday Night Live: It's a love I share with my father. He's kept me up watching it since I was 5yrs old and I have literally seen every one.

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10.  My Polaroid Pro-Pack Camera: even though I can no longer buy its glorious film