the clothes 2011

I'm currently obsessed with colored jeans. So much more interesting than regular jeans and so fun to rock. There's the celeb way, the street style way, and my way.

I'm beginning to feel like spring is in the air. Gradually the days get warmer and flowers burst bright and fresh from the ground.
Dress and shoes, vintage from eBay.

I intended to post this earlier (yesterday really), but got a bit distracted with friends and ended up staying out for all hours. However, this is what I wore yesterday.

I got these new tan shoes from eBay, I am in love. And in ill-conceived walk through the woods resulted in these muddy shoes.

I am drawn to the clean look and style that comes from a monochromatic outfit. And I have a favorite color (blue) which I could see myself wearing every day. Still, I don't think I have the courage of these five people who have entirely monochromatic wardrobes. Part of me would love this, but another part might feel limited. Still, the entire blue wardrobe is so alluring...

Today is cold, rainy, and dreary. I am reminded of the three years I lived in Washington State when I was younger. My father (a soldier) has recently learned he will be stationed there again next year. Subsequently, I will also be going to Washington State for the college breaks. I am looking forward to seeing my old haunts and potentially some old friends, although it has been nearly eight years since I lived there. Outside of all that, this is what I am wearing today:
Washington State is known for its rain. The year we moved there it rained over 100 days in a row, setting a new record. You get used to the rain after a time and it is no longer so depressing--and everything stays so green! One thing that will also add life to a dreary day is a special umbrella. I am currently coveting one of these...it's an investment piece right?

I snapped these pictures while at the work the past couple of days. I did have a theory that my student manager was being vindictive in some way for imagined slights by scheduling me as the last worker before Spring Break and the first one after, but reason and my friends have convinced me otherwise. Well, on the first day back I wore this dress (which was thrifted over Spring Break) and thought it would work well against the mixed candies--yum!

And I forget who asked me (sorry!) and I remember I did not respond (again, sorry!) if I ever carried bags--I do! I also usually have a jacket or coat, but I don't usually include them in the pictures. This is one of my most commonly used bags, since it is neutral and fits my school books. It's from Old Navy several years ago.

I was walking to class today (in a bit of a rush to be ten minutes early) when I noticed something on me was squeaking. I like to be silent when I walk so it was very important to find the source of the squeak and put an end to the noise pollution.

Finally I got to class, the source of the sound still unknown. I stopped by my desk, when a friend called my name. I turned at the waist to say high---squeeeak! What? Eyes drop down to waist and the source was discovered! My belt was squeaking! Maybe I swing my hips too much while I walk... My sister has called it a "come hither" walk before...

Glasses (outside of the fashion moment they are currently having, please acknowledge that it is a trend and an underground one at that to wear thick, geeky frames) have a stigma of unattractiveness and smarts attached to them. It is rather commonly believed that men prefer women without them. Given the option of contact lenses most people leap at the opportunity.

Have you ever noticed that no leading ladies wear glasses? In television series the main female leads are not glasses wearers and if there are main ladies in glasses, they are always the geeky, non-vixen type. In Sex and the City a couple of the girls wear glasses but they always whip them off and away whenever an attractive male comes into view. None of the Gossip Girls wear glasses. Neither did the Gilmore Girls (though Lane was a happy exception to this rule!). In a transformation sequence, a girl usually goes from from geek to chic with the removal of glasses. Are glasses really so crippling and unattractive in romantic prospects?

My posting was sparse (nonexistent) yesterday because I was on a day trip to New York City. Despite catching "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, the highlight of my day had to be the venture through Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. I found this amazing vintage army jacket and got to bargain with the business owner in Japanese. "Chotto takai..."

If you haven't seen this shot from the Sartorialist then you have to. If it doesn't look magical and mystical, then I don't know what does.

Tra-la-la, my tiara(s) arrived in the mail today from Chicallure and I am obsessed! I haven't worn either out just yet, since I was wearing the vintage fascinator from my earlier post (3 posts in one day, it must be spring break!). I did however run around in it for awhile and take numerous pictures of admiration and infatuation. I didn't show this one in my earlier post, it was my little secret... I feel ready for spring and summer now and especially for waterside adventures. Isn't this something a Nereid would wear?

It's been awhile since my last movie pick, but this one is sure to not disappoint. Modern dramas of girls in high school do not compare to the social explosions that arise in a boarding house full of aspiring actresses. The would-be stars subsist upon lamb stew and hope (and sometimes not the former) as they try to work their way to the top and try to avoid the typical pitfalls. Also, you get the rare opportunity of seeing Ginger Rogers opposite Katherine Hepburn. Need more convincing? It was nominated for 4 Oscars. Stage Door is not to be missed.

Due to the high popularity of the special effects (erm...) and my own newfound obsession, here's what I'm wearing.

The old style as well, because the outfits are clearer here.

I'm afraid you're going to have to deal with this for the next few days...I just realized there were special effects I could add to my photos via my photo hosting site. This is fun, fun, I've never played with photoshop or special effects before.

Congratulations, you've made it through the winter. Today is the official first day of spring for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Yay!
EDIT: There is some debate of this, but this year 2008, the official day of spring IS today March 20th. The equinox starts today at 5:48 GMT. Confirmed here, here, and here.

Off for another day of fabulous vintage browsing with my father (who loves to shop). I fell in love with these shoes in Japan at the same time my friend did. We ended up both purchasing identical pairs. We were comforted (and saddened) by the fact that when we returned to the states we would be on opposite sides of the country and therefore no one would know we matched. And we always styled them completely differently.

Lately I've had engagement rings on the mind...no I'm not getting married (nor am I even seeing someone), but I think one of my friends is on the verge of taking the plunge. What is really making me think though, is her stance (and others) against a traditional wedding ring. Her dislike for the diamond ring stems not from financial reasons, but some other very important issues to note.
With the diamond industry being what it is, can anyone buy a diamond with a clear conscience? It's hard to find diamonds that are free of the tarnish of rebel conflict. Purchasing a diamond haphazardly could lead to the unintentional funding of of conflict and human rights abuser.
Another reason is that the diamond engagement ring lacks originality and a personal touch. A diamond ring can indicate lack of thought towards the bride's personality--is she just like every other woman on the market; do we all want the same thing?
For my friend she desires a vintage ring, possibly a cameo, a piece with history and personality that she will be delighted to wear for the rest of her life. Another lady I know chose coral for her ring, something that was once part of a living thing.
For me, it's hard to imagine the ring when I can't imagine the man...

I saw an alligator purse today in a little vintage shop; the head and feet of the gator were still attached. It was so special and odd-looking I almost bought it, but the handle had been torn off.