For my second round of blog interviews (and another rousing game of "would you rather...") I went to a blogger who is new to me, Alice. Her eclectic and colorful style caught my eye when I was browseing Chictopia and I have been hooked ever since.
Would you rather dance all night in 4” heels or ballet flats?
On occasions where I would dance all night, I do it entirely barefoot. Being the clumsy klutz that I am, I’d rather not fall on my face or break an ankle dancing in heels all night. Ballet flats would be a much safer bet for someone with my lack of grace. Walking in 4” heels is one thing, but dancing in them is a completely different story. It’s like trying to ice skate (which always results in my bottom smashing onto the ice).
Would you rather wear summer clothes or winter fashions until the end of your days?
I don’t think I really dress exactly for summer, or exactly for winter. I tend to mix both seasons a lot of the time. Living in Houston is like having summer about 90% of the year, so wearing winter clothes until the end of my days isn’t very smart. I’m going to have to choose summer clothes, and pile on layers when it does get cold. 
Would you rather have dozens of handbags and one pair of shoes, or countless shoes and only one handbag?
I’d rather have countless shoes and one handbag. I was never a handbag kind of girl. My friends’ obsession with the popular Louis Vuitton and Coach bags are completely mind-boggling to me. Yes, they’re good luxury quality, but do they appeal to me aesthetically? Never. Usually, the only handbags I would spend money on are cute, cheap, and secondhand. As long as it’s comfortable on my shoulders, attractive, and able to hold all of my items, I can definitely live with one handbag for the rest of my life. Shoes, on the other hand—well, let’s just say I am in need of another large shelf in my room!
Would you rather buy one designer piece or six vintage pieces?
If it was a designer piece that I was prepared to wear for life, I would shell out the money to purchase it. Being in college on a budget, I am very selective about buying expensive designer pieces. I can't exactly afford to sport $1000 Christian Louboutins. But I can indulge in bargains, thrift shopping, and huge sales. There are new trends and styles every year, so why spend $500 on one pair of designer shoes that will end up in a packing box at the back wall of your closet? My style is always changing and evolving, so I’m always experimenting with new things every year. I think I could definitely get more out of buying six vintage pieces.
Would you rather appear elegant and classic or avant-garde and original?
I’d rather appear avant-garde and original, of course! I am too awkward and eclectic to even try to be elegant and classic, in my definition. Grace Kelly I am not.
Would you rather sit front row at Paris Fashion Week or New York?
New York Fashion Week would be more fun for me, because I have friends and family who live in NYC. It would be a great chance to see each other and have a blast. Since I cannot speak a lick of French or ever hope to, it’s much better to be in New York.
Would you rather get snapped by the Sartorialist or the Facehunter?
Ah, that’s a hard choice! They’re both such wonderful street-style blogs. I’ve been reading the Sartorialist longer, so that would be my choice. I rather like the writing too…
Would you rather wear polka dots or stripes for the rest of your life?
I love vertical stripes—horizontal, not so much. Every girl should have a pair of vertical striped stockings. They make spice up any outfit, and make your legs go on forever!
Would you rather work for Rachel Zoe or Anna Wintour?
After hearing about The Devil Wears Prada’s alleged real-life angle of Anna Wintour, I have to admit I’m hesitant to throw myself into the jaws of the devil herself. But I’d be afraid that Rachel Zoe’s fondness for dressing her celebrities in huge sunglasses, stacked jewelry, and 70’s inspired outfits would somehow manifest itself upon me. God save me if that happens. So I’m going to have to pick Anna Wintour--what fashionable girl would say no to Vogue?
Would you rather be best friends with Audrey Hepburn or Katherine Hepburn?
I have adored Audrey Hepburn ever since my parents popped Sabrina into the VCR when I was 6 years old. Favorite line in My Fair Lady: “Come on Dover, move yer bloomin’ ass!” She is not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too. Her passion for humanitarian work led her to dedicate much of her time and energy as an ambassador for UNICEF. I’d be honored to be best friends with her. Maybe she’ll give me tips on being a real lady.
Would you rather live in the 1920s or the 1950s?
The 1920’s are one of my favorite fashion eras, specifically for the flappers. I feel that it was an important fashion movement that rebelled against conservative and religious times, instead promoting a new more liberal and hedonist lifestyle. Women were now allowed to vote, and with that right to empower them, they soon tossed away the old, stifling ways. The flappers embraced all things modern, and discarded the corset from female fashion, raised hemlines and popularized short hair for women. Their short bobs, makeup styles, flat chests, and shapeless dresses are perfect for my body type. Oh, and don’t forget the underwear on the outside! I have a penchant for that. They were an example of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history." It would be an extremely exciting time to live in.
More of Alice can be found at her blog Hysteric Girl.
She Would Rather...
Nature Is A Wonder
I went to the beach. It was cold, stark, and striking. As I've said before, this isn't how I picture the ocean. Still, these hard sea shores have a beauty all their own.
Outfit details: jean dress- secondhand, plaid dress- Urban Outfitters, tights- gift, shoes- secondhand, coat- H&M
I got tagged...a lot and I ignored most of them, but I'm answering the Stylish Wanderer's summonings with six random things that make me happy:
-seeing my sisters (we don't live anywhere near each other so it's rare)
-books that give me butterflies in the stomach
-surprise gifts that appear on my bed for no reason
-excessively long showers
-waking up to a thin layer of snow that melts away during the day
-going through old boxes and finding things I had forgotten about
Everyone Needs A Creative Outlet
Even the jolly giants we call models need a hobby to keep them occupied when they aren't walking the runways or making pretty faces in front of a camera. It is perhaps these activities that seperate those we observe from a distance and those we admire and relate to.
Sasha Pivovara was an art history major before she began modeling and always has her sketchbook handy backstage. Her sketches and paintings are very emotive and seemed to reflect the hollowed-eye beauty she is known for.
Coco Rocha is also not going to be found resting on her laurels, but has instead joined the illustrious world of bloggers! Yes, that is right, the lovely Coco Rocha writes a blog.
Pictures from Style.com
The Road May Be Long
"Pray that the rode is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge."
Outfit details: shirt- vintage, coat- H&M, tights- Forever 21, shoes- H&M
"Do not fear the Lestrygonians, Cyclops, and the angry Poseidon, you will never meet such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion fills your body and your spirit."
Outfit details: coat- Forever 21, dress- eBay, tights- gift, shoes- H&M
"You will never meet the Lestrygonians, Cyclops, and the fierce Poseidon, if you do not carry them in your soul, if your soul does not raise them up before you." --excerpts from Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy
An Imaginative Escape
We've said goodbye to another year and while the current outlook might be dire, one must strive to maintain a sense of wonder and optimism. From past and present, fantastic creations love-staking contrived and photographed offer a brief escape from the real world.
The Cottingley Fairies are still an inspiration--it is incredible how the power of imagination allowed two young girls to deceive the world. Their images might not be able to fool us today, but their ability to inspire remains.
Today's vision of fairies, at least according to artist Tessa Farmer, is much more ominous. If these skeletal creatures, which seem to plague the ordinary insects of our world, belong in any story it would be a gothic fairy tale. These beings were not made in order to trick the viewer, but despite their harmless origins there is something very real and believable about their appearance.
By The Hour
Happy 2009 everyone!
Niotillfem has a lovely feature on her blog where once in awhile she will post pictures from every hour of her day. For the last day of 2008 I persevered to take a picture from every hour of my uneventful day. I am also introducing my Christmas present from my parents, my new camera.
