the clothes 2011

As work winds down (last day--whoohoo!) and I prepare for my potential study abroad my past study abroad experiences have really been on my mind. In high school during the summer between sophomore year and junior year I did an exchange program in Germany (basically living with a host family, eating delicious foods, going to a foam party, etc). And last spring (as I continually mention) I spent a semester in Japan. Even though I was there for about six months and I fell into a routine most days, sometimes while riding the train home I would get these "I'm in freakin' Japan moments" of utter excitement and wonder. It had been a sort of childhood dream to go and every corner held the potential for magic for me. Here are a few (of the many) pictures that I snapped whilst in Japan.

You like surprises right? Well, I have been containing one, but I thought I would reveal a part if not the whole, since it is the cause for my current stress and everyone’s sweet comments yesterday made me feel an explanation was deserved…

I’m planning on studying abroad in the fall. I have gotten accepted into a program in Europe (I’m still containing the specifics for later disclosure!) and all that is holding me back is visa worries. Unfortunately, the visa process has been going very poorly lately and it’s still up in the air as to whether I will get to go. Things took a turn for the better just yesterday and I’m feeling much more optimistic. So, if things go according to plan I will spend about one month in Washington State visiting with my parents and then jet off to Europe for some “hard” studying. ^_^ If things go poorly I don’t really know what I will be doing in a couple of weeks…

On top of this issue, I am working full time right up until the weekend. Since I am leaving and going abroad, I need to move my things across campus and into storage. I also need to pack enough for my vacation but also keep in mind the potential for my future destination and the length of that stay. So, basically life is a bit hectic.

If you’re surprised I’m still blogging it is because I find blogging therapeutic. Things change from day to day and so much is up in the air at the moment (this situation is also stressful considering it is my senior year so if I don’t go there is a concern of being able to get classes), but this blog is a constant. I take time out to go for a walk and find some place beautiful to me to snap a few pictures. I live vicariously through other blogs I read and I get a huge boost from everyone’s comments. So, really blogging isn’t the burden.

Outfit details: dress- H&M, dress (under)- Forever 21, belt- secondhand, shoes- a gift from my sister (Urban Outfitters)

Many comments lately have been about my "Bulletproof" necklace and I thought the site I got it from (or rather my mother who gifted it to me one Christmas despite her own dislike for the item, got it from) Leviticus deserved a post for itself. It is one of my favorite necklaces though I don't often wear it or always show detail shots of it when I do. The site and collection however is amazing. They have a one of a kind section which holds wonders beyond compare.

As well as other items that can be found in multiple. I can't name another jewelry line like it. Where else are you going to find silver bats winging themselves next to a "Ten Commandments" necklace?

I find all of their pieces beautiful but also slightly subversive, which is just how I like my jewelry. And yes, the "Bulletproof" necklace is still in stock, but make sure to look around at everything the site has to offer.

On the walk to work one of the straps on my purse snapped. Feeling glum and chilly I moved to button my jacket and realized it was missing button. The offending item had popped off last week and I had been meaning to sew it back on, but had forgotten. Even more unfortunately, I looked down at my feet and spied a bright spot shining through my black flats…apparently my shoes have developed a tiny hole and my tights made it obvious to me. The unraveling of my outfit before my eyes seems to reflect my fraying psyche and inner calm. I am stressed to the breaking point and my wardrobe seems to becoming destroyed with me. Quite fitting actually…All in all, said unintentional deconstruction and the fall temperatures are driving me to think again and more longingly of Rodarte. I have loved them with growing passion with each passing season and have verbally swooned about these before, but recently discovered their site. Pale skin, dark lips, tight hair, and deconstructed clothes all seem so appropriate at the moment.

Also, remember when I bought those three pairs of pastel tights from We Love Colors quite illogically in high summer (yah, me neither)? Point being, I am finally getting some wear out of them. These are my orange (also affectionately known as pumpkin for obvious reasons) ones and I really like them though I don't imagine I will be pairing any black with them anytime soon.

Outfit details: shirt- H&M, skirt- Forever 21, tights- We Love Colors, shoes- Blowfish via Urban Outfitters

There are numerous examples of fashion photo shoots taking place in construction sites, disaster zones or other wastelands. I suppose all of this is used to contrast with the artfully colorful and pretty pieces in a collection--making them a beacon of light and symbol of hope and civilization, and to compare the amount of construction and structure built into a single dress with dearth surrounding them. Or perhaps I’m thinking too complexly and the barren landscape can just make creations look more dramatic and beautiful. Either way, as some construction is taking place on campus right now I was inspired to pose by the tractor (once I was certain no one was around to yell at me). I felt as if I was continuing a long history in fashion editorials and guerrilla photo shoots…

David LaChapelle, Vogue Italia 2005

As for my outfit, it is bright…very bright. I really admire ladies who wear a basic black wardrobe with a few occasional splashes of color. They always look rather mysterious and sexy. I try to do black, but I always end up going back to my brights. I suppose in the end I am just a girl who dresses brightly and acts secretive…

Outfit details: dress (worn as top)-vintage via eBay, skirt- Forever 21, belt- vintage, shoes- H&M, tights- We Love Colors, "Bulletproof" necklace- Leviticus Jewelry

Apparently my smile is blog-worthy, thanks dramatis personae!
I'm currently thinking these are the most adorable little bags on earth. Don't you love how expressive their faces are? The Etsy shop is here.

I fly to Washington State a week from today and I am stressed out. My list of things to do continues to grow and my focus to wane. However, idyllic ideas of what I will be doing in Washington State continue to dance in my head. I lived there for three years when I was younger and I can't wait to revisit some old haunts. I want to take in Seattle like a tourist, stroll along Puget Sound, go to the Puyallup fair, sleep in late, and numerous other activities that could go on for days. In the meantime I will dress like a lumberjack and attempt to pack up my dorm room and weed out unnecessary items...