the clothes 2011

My room is filled with boxes. They contain a mix of clothes that I left in the house in Pennsylvania, some from storage, some from older storage and the odd Christmas decoration/book/picture frame that creeps in. I have been reluctant to sort through them, but did spy this neon yellow fleece in one. This fleece has been called highlighter yellow, glow in the dark bright, obnoxious, and a variety of other names when it was my first love in junior high. I was living in Washington State then and the fleece was comfy and the bright color a nice contrast to the typical gloomy weather. However, every time I wore it to school it caused a stir and classmates complained that it was distracting during tests and causing headaches. Sigh. It was retired shortly afterward (and until recently I thought it was gone forever) for the good of my fellow students. Now however I have rediscovered my love...

Another outfit I've worn recently is this one. The plaid structured top that was made from old men's' shirts (not by me, a shop in Japan). A much more muted palette after the bright brights of yesterday.

I'm currently swooning over the artwork of Gary Fernandez. He's created illustrations for Nokia, Coca Cola, numerous magazines, and books. His latest work I am enthralled by is an illustration book titled "Introduction to Fantastic Girls, Future Landscapes, and the Most Beautiful Birds Ever Seen." I like the combination of abstract lines he is playing with with more graphic figures and the girls are fantastic...

I've been thinking about writing a post on this for awhile: the way I pair/layer/style really. But it's hard to put to words something that I'm beginning to find is very instinctual and rather strange sounding.

So, what helps you make your style choices?
Outfit details: dress- Pretty Trashy, shoes- Blowfish via Urban Outfitters, scarf- my mother's

I've entered the Teen Vogue snapshot contest. It's one of my favorite looks recently and if you liked it let me know in the comment section on the T.V. site. Thanks to everyone for their support! I'm curious, if one does win any of the prizes can they spend part of the money on others?

I safely made it to my parents in Washington State yesterday--the easiest flight day I've ever had. Predictably, I woke up this morning to the sound of rain and big band music (it was quite disorientating). I have been to Washington State before (lived there for three years while I was in junior high), but my family being military we move every three years so it has been awhile since I have visited this green state. My parents moved here at the beginning of the summer and I have never seen this house before. It's gorgeous! Probably the nicest house the military has ever given us: wooden floors, tiled bathrooms, old radiators, tons of windows, a maid's room, etc.
You all like the Selby, right? Well, here is a peek into my current digs...

I should be throwing some last things into my suitcase to prepare for a friend who is driving me to the airport in 20 minutes. Yikes! But like a true addict, I just wanted to throw one post out before I depart. These pictures were taken at the community garden on my campus. Students choose what to plant and then work in it year round. Now our cafeteria actually purchases some of their produce. Isn't that wonderful? And while sunflowers aren't my favorite flower I have to admire a bud that can grow as big as my head...

Ever since Lulu gave a DIY on how to make your own body chain--I've wanted one. But I couldn't really think of how I would wear it with my wardrobe. This post from Kingdom of Style has really shown me the light. Hardcore body chains layered over top of white shift dresses? Yes, please!

I hit the town last night with my two best girls from this summer. I don't know when or if we will ever go out again together. It was fun, but we always seem to attract the crazies. For example, one friend, K, was asked by a man if she could take her shoes off so he could see if she was "too tall for him." Sorry, short, drunken man, she's just too attractive for you and height has nothing to do with it. K and I were also harassed by a man who wanted a picture of us and insisted it was because we looked like the Romanian gymnasts from the Olympics. Seriously? Did you cook that one up before you came out?

Outfit details: top- H&M, bag- Urban Outfitters, skirt- American Apparel, shoes- Urban Outfitters, jacket- Urban Outfitters

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.