Neither Honey Nor Honeybee

Maiding

2012-02-07T01:16:00.000-08:00

So, my dear darling sister is getting married this June and I have the honor of being her maid of honor. Besides meaning I get to plan the wedding shower and the bachelorette party (and you better believe they'll be amazing) it also means I have to make sure I look fab as the second most important lady there. Erin's as far from bridezilla as one can be, and has picked out our dresses and letting us all pick the rest of our accessories.

We'll be wearing the now-classic convertible infinity dresses in a lovely blue teal. I can't wait to play around with all the shapes you can do with them. I'm thinking of doing mine in a grecian one-shoulder look and play up the vintage feeling of it with my accessories.

Just like this but rather bluer.

I've been dying for an excuse to get one of these gorgeous star headbands, and this is absolutely the perfect reason. A bit of sparkle is the perfect thing to jazz up short hair, which can be difficult to give a fancy feeling.

Giant Dwarf Mini Starlette Crown

The search for shoes has been ongoing, but I fell absolutely in love with these Seychelles t-straps. Very vintage and I absolutely will wear them again. Plus, we'll be on grass, and the heel's not too thin or tall to manage.

Seychelles All Dressed Up in Pewter

Finally, I've my eye out for some earrings - I'm thinking studs but with a bit of sparkle, not too much to compete with the crown, though. I might add a necklace depending on how I wear the dress, we'll see.

Outfit Post: Snow shoes

2012-02-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

These are my other favorite new wintery shoes - furry grey boots! They can be worn folded down, like this, or up to keep your calves a bit warm. I've also been wearing the hell out of this wee necklace, a lovely and surprising Christmas gift from my sister. I told her I was looking for a tiny gold disc necklace and she hunted this one up on etsy and put it in my stocking! What a dear. Also, Vegas clearly decided halfway through that he absolutely must help me. I usually don't mind but he does shed like a beast; not good on a sweaterdress!

Dress: Anthro

Tights: Macys

Boots: Bearpaw

Necklace: Gift

Earrings: H&M

Outfit Post: Wedge

2012-02-01T03:06:00.000-08:00

Just a quick drop-in since it was a gorgeous day out. I wanted to show off my new favorite cold-weather heels: black suede lace-up wedges. Not perfect for the remaining bits of snow, but they have a great grippy rubber soul that's good when it's a bit slick out. Also, I had to show off my new haircut - I love trying out new things!

I think I might do a chevron next time.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Anthro

Trousers: LOFT

Shoes: Macy's

Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

I did a little gay gasp when I saw this first dress. I do not need to be shopping while unemployed, but at least one of these items will be mine, no bones about it. To Target on Feb 5th! See the whole line on TLo.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

Shirt: Macys

Cardi: Gap

Earrings: Anthro

Necklace: Accessorize

Outfit Post: Happy December

2011-12-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yet another outfit worked around my lumberjack boots. I topped the whole thing off with a buffalo check scarf, just perfect!

Blazer: Gap

Sweater vest (worn as top): Target

Skirt: Penneys

Tights: Target

Boots: Mel's

Necklace: Gap

Earrings: Anthro

Wooly warmth

2011-12-02T02:01:00.000-08:00

I have something of a wool blanket/throw collection going - they're one of my favorite things to buy as souvenirs when in sheepy countries (Ireland, Scotland) and they're terribly nice to have around for cozy tv watching. So far I have a great purple tartan one, a purple/cream check one, and an Avoca red/grey tartan.

Someday, I'd love a good classic Pendleton striped throw. Maybe vintage?

But now, I'm loving the offerings from Faribault Woolen Mill Co. I think it's my current love of buffalo check, probably inspired by being back in the mountains and countryside, where homey plaids and rugged leather and plush fur feel so much more appropriate than in the city.

Buffalo check throw

They also have a great Stewart plaid. I'd love either that or a Black Watch throw.

Steward plaid throw

Outfit Post: Pony up

2011-12-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

I based this whole outfit off my cute new lumberjack boots. I love the buffalo check laces and I loved the $23 price tag (after discounts and gift card).

Dress: Target

Jumper: Anthro

Lace-edged slip: Marks & Spencer

Tights: Fred Meyer

Boots: Mel's Nursery

Belt: Penneys

Earrings: Anthro

Outfit Post: Fine and Dandy

2011-11-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

The weather's been fairly mild of late, so there may perhaps be a few more outfit posts before the snow starts again. I had to share this one because it features my beloved Liberty shirt with a brand-new hot pink tie. Plus a new haircut!

Top: Liberty

Tie: Tommy Hilfiger

Trousers: LOFT

Shoes: Aldo

Outfit Post: Colorblock

2011-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

We may be coming to the end of outfit posts for the winter - it's getting a bit too cold out to take pictures! There may be some on nice days, we'll see.

Cardigan: Gap

Top: Gap

Trousers: LOFT

Socks: Gap

Shoes: Aldo

Outfit Post: Zips

2011-11-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure about mixing green + red, no matter how soon Christmas is coming, but I think with the grey and navy neutrals it works here. Plus I like the slightly retro feeling of the clogs and the cut-out top mixed with the more modern menswear of the cargo trousers and blazer.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Anthro

Trousers: LOFT

Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

Necklace & Earrings: Anthro

Outfit Post: Twilight

2011-11-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

This was my second outfit yesterday, for our fancy dinner for Mom's birthday. Sorry for the picture quality, it was just twilight when I took these - damn that daylight savings time!

Dress, tights, shoes: Target

Coat: Old Navy

Earrings: Anthro

I also had an audience for my photo session - she stuck around the whole time, alternating munching on grass with staring at me.

Outfit Post: Bomber

2011-11-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday, so I spent the morning with her shopping and having fun. I'm taking advantage of the lingering fall weather before winter sets in to wear my shorts once or twice more, albeit with my cozy bomber jacket on top.

Happy birthday Mom!

Jacket: Target
Top: Target
Shorts: Gap
Tights: Target
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens for H&M
Scarf: Target
Earrings: Anthro

Outfit Post: Road Trip

2011-11-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Lack of posts lately is due to a little no-internet vacation I took to my family's cabin, then a few days of total laziness. This is the outfit I wore to drive down to the cabin, plus a stopover at my sister's.

Sweater: Gap

Skirt: Penneys

Tights: Target

Shoes: Aldo

Outfit Post: Sweater Dress

2011-10-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

It's getting quite chilly here, time to break out the wool!

Dress: Anthro

Tights: Gap

Shoes: Seychelles

Necklace: Monsoon

Outfit Post: Zips and dots

2011-10-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Just a casual outfit for some errand-running today.

What is happening with my hair here, I'm not sure.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Penneys

Necklace: Anthro

Trousers: LOFT

Shoes: Aldo

Outfit Post: Twirl

2011-10-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

This maxi skirt was another purchase of this summer which has been getting a lot of wear. The pleats help keep the volume under control while adding maximum twirlosity.

Sweater: Gap
Skirt: Penneys
Shoes: Gap
Necklace: Forever 21

Outfit Post: Apple Picking

2011-10-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't actually need to go anywhere to pick apples, just up to the road on our property. But I wore a cute outfit anyway! Apple picking is way more fun getting them off a half-wild tree that's been left to over grow because it means using the tractor!

Dress: Target

Jumper: Irish souvenir shop

Scarf: Liberty

Tights: Target

Socks: Sock Dreams

Boots: DSW

Outfit Post: Maxi

2011-10-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Still gorgeous and sunny out, so I'm taking full advantage until winter sets in, especially given the entire lack of summer in Dublin this year. I picked up this maxi dress over the summer and am completely in love with the cheerful retro print and the flattering cut.

Dress: Oasis

Blazer: Gap

Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

Outfit Post: Cargo

2011-10-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm loving these new skinny cargo pants from Ann Taylor Loft. I'm wearing them with flats now, but I'm excited to try them out with chunky heels, like my Hasbeens.

Top: Old Navy

Blazer: Gap

Trousers: Ann Taylor Loft

Flats: Gap

Outfit Post: Chambray

2011-10-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just picked up this lovely little chambray dress the other day. Something about it just begs to have the collar popped, if you ask me! I paired it with my favorite circus belt and a necklace I bought at Monsoon just before leaving Ireland.

Dress: Macys

Necklace: Monsoon

Earrings: Anthro

Belt: Anthro

Tights: Target

Shoes: Frye

Outfit Post: Sparkle

2011-10-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Went to a dinner and a show with my mom tonight - night out on the town! I was pleased to pull out a dress that had long been in storage and pair it with my new super-sparkly necklace from Forever 21.

Dress: Gap Outlet

Tights: Target

Shoes: Frye

Necklace: Forever 21

Belt: Topshop

Bangles: Some random boutique in Verona

Outfit Post: Girl Scouting

2011-10-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

The return of the outfit post! I have succumbed to the shorts-over-tights look, which I must say I've been disparaging about in the past. I mostly had to try it out because I bought a pair of shorts I loved in the first week of October, ever so slightly too late to wear them on their own. Also, new haircut!

Blazer: Gap

Top: Gap

Shorts: Gap

Tights: Target

Shoes: Seychelles

New directions

2011-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't about Glee. This is about changes in my life and both the sadness and opportunity to come from them. After some discussion, Jennifer and I decided to end our relationship. We've begun to realize we want different things from our future and will be happier not trying to negotiate a solution that works for both of us. We're still trying to stay friends, which, although painful right now, will be worthwhile because our relationship was always built upon our strong friendship.

What does this mean for me? Well, I'll be taking some new directions with my life, starting with moving home to the ranch for a while to save some money and recharge after this whirlwind year. I'll be applying for PhD programs and hopefully will be back to school next autumn.

I turned in my dissertation last week and after a few months of intense work, I'm very proud of the result. I believe it's my most critical writing to date and the scholarship is something new and worthwhile. I will receive my results in the winter and then will hopefully re-work some of it for publication. I'm also working on a number of other papers and reviews, hoping to get more of my work read. I'm feeling pretty solid about my decision to pursue a career in academia and although I recognize it will take a long time and hard work and will result in a somewhat uncertain future, I'm looking forward to the challenge and to contributing to an academic world which I have found so fulfilling.

Enough serious stuff! I'll be settling in back at the ranch in about three weeks' time, so with any luck there will be a return to outfit posts (rural edition!) and my various and sundry chattering as I emerge from my little sequestered world of thesis writing.

Back!

2011-09-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

I realize I haven't posted in months, due to an unfortunate confluence of having no good spaces to take outfit pictures in my summer bedsit, going on a long (awesome but draining) holiday with my parents, then diving into my dissertation and doing nothing else for a month. Well, the dissertation is in its last two weeks and I am in my last month in Ireland! I'm mad homesick for my girl so I'm more than ready to go home.

Just to share something that made me smile today: I love this advert for a new mall, which has dancers spanning the 20th century. Amazing clothing inspiration!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

My dad's always been my biggest supporter and the one who's always told me that the most important thing is to find what makes me happy. I'm working on that, and knowing I have his full support behind me means the world. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I also had to post this series of pictures of story-time at the Flaherty house. These basically sum up my childhood: full of books. My dad always bought me books and took me to the library weekly during summer break and to this day he and I trade books back and forth, even when we have to mail them across the country to each other.

Yeah, I don't know what's going on with my crazy eyes in the last one.

London Acquisitions

2011-06-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Although I managed to keep myself from buying loads of clothes in Liberty, I definitely indulged when it came to their adorable handkerchiefs. Also picked up a little Christmas ornament, as per tradition.

Such dear patterns!

I shall be rocking the victory headscarf often this summer.

At Whittard I picked up this super adorable mug and eggcup featuring the Queen (fancy the Queen!) and her corgis! Long may she reign indeed.

My single purchase at Anthro was this pair of earrings featuring wee chunks of pyrite/fool's gold. Anthro is very into rough gems and geodes in jewelry right now, something I've been obsessed with this year.

All in all, I was very restrained in my shopping this trip. The limited bag space and impeding move certainly helped convince me that was the best.

London Day Three

2011-06-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

I planned on started my last day in London with a visit to the Tate Modern. However, due to closures on the Tube, I had to walk a bit to get there; but fate was in my favor because on the way I passed the Hayward Gallery which had on a huge Tracey Emin show, Love is What You Want. I love me some YBAs and Emin especially, so I was really pleased to check it out!

The show had many of her early patchwork blankets, half a dozen of her fantastic witty neon signs, and many of her text-based memorabilia works. There was a whole series of works, including a film, How it Feels, related to her experience when she had a badly botched abortion. The narratives recounted were chilling but powerful; she describes having an abortion as the best worst mistake she's ever made. I'm ardently pro-choice and believe it's really important for all women's abortion stories to be told, for shame to be taken away and to show that the decisions women make about their own bodies are varied and individual.

After the Hayward, I walked up the Thames to the Tate. Wonderful as always; they had on a Joan Miro show which was great, but very crowded. I took a quick rejuvenating break in what is possibly one of my favorite spots in London: the Rothko room. On an individual basis, I don't feel much for Rothko's work, but hung together in this large yet enveloping room, low lit with soft grey walls and nestled within the bustle of the larger, louder galleries, I find it as near to a religious experience as I've ever had. Definitely the sublime at work.

I also loved Jenny Holzer's Blue Purple Tilt. Holzer is definitely my favorite conceptual artists and one of my favorite contemporary artists overall. I love the wit in her pieces as well as the subtle social and political undertones.

After the Tate and a spot of lunch, I walked up toward Tower Bridge. I was luck enough to see it open for some passing boats! After a wander past the Tower, it was time to pick up my luggage and head off to the airport and home.

Next up: Acquisitions!

London Day Two

2011-05-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Day two in London was a hearty mix of museums and shopping. I started out walking through Hyde Park and stopping at the Serpentine Gallery, although I must say I wasn't terribly impressed by the Mark Leckey show on exhibit there (I wasn't the only one - this unfavorable review in The Guardian apparently sparked something of an art world pissing contest.) I wandered through the park, stopping by the Albert Memorial with its awesome imperial sculptures, then on to Exhibition Road.

Next stop was the Natural History Museum.

My love for natural history museums generally tends to depend on a massive, turn-of-the-century, chock-ful hall of mammals, with worn taxidermied creatures and ancient display cases. The Natural History Museum in London has a bit of that feel but actually is more modern. Good for learning, bad for my apparent British pre-war imperialism obsession.

However, I did love the dinosaur exhibition, complete with dramatic lighting.

Although the V&A is right across the street, I knew it was open late on Fridays so planning on making it the end of my day. Instead I hopped on the tube to go to Sloane Square to see the Saatchi Gallery.

Sadly, it was closed for a private function. However, all was not lost, as Sloane Square/King Street had plenty of window shopping to keep me entertained for a while!

To continue my window (and real) shopping, I went over to Regent's Street, to the mecca of all upscale shops, the beacon of floral-print-lovers everywhere, that monument to the Arts and Crafts movement, Liberty. I think I want to move in.

Almost very nearly bought one of these lovely printed tops. Can't quite swing the ninety pounds, though, so I picked up a reasonable facsimile at Gap yesterday.

I of course had to head to the first European Anthro - I kind of liked the old church architecture of the King St. one more, but this one was huge and very impressive. Good sale section, too, although I couldn't find anything that fit just right.

Popped into the National Geographic store, which reminded me of when I plastered my bedroom walls with maps taken from old copies of NG when I was about eleven.

Loved this super-cute tea shop! I picked up some lovely little things there.

Then on to the V&A for the evening!

I adored the Arts and Crafts dining areas. And those globe chandeliers - WANT.

The V&A had on a special exhibition of the aesthetic movement - very heavy on the PRB, Wilde, Morris, and Beardsley. In fact, they had a few original Beardsley prints, which were wonderful, and two of his original drawings. This one, Siegfried, Act II, completely mesmerized me. It was right at the end of the exhibit, and I just kept going back to stare at it, getting ready to leave, and needing to look one more time. I nearly bought the giclee print but realized I had no way of getting it back with me undamaged, since it was in a huge tube. this is a terrible reproduction, but believe me, the delicate linework and detail is stunning in person. Beardsley himself considered it one of his best pieces within his early work.

Next up, Day Three: Abortions, a religious experience, and a good luck bridge.

London Day One

2011-05-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Started out London with an artist interview, after which it was time to museum-hop! I started out at the wonderfully cheesy Sherlock Holmes museum at the fake 221b Baker Street.

I had lunch in Regent's Park near Baker Street. It was gorgeous weather the whole time I was there!

Next I visited the Courtauld where Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/12 Zodiac Heads was on view.

Then, of course, I headed around the corner to the National Gallery.

I loved this Fourth Plinth sculpture, and my first thought was that the textile reminded me of the Shonibare at the Davis, and lo and behold, it is indeed a Shonibare.

Finally, I rounded off the day at St. Martin's Theatre seeing Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, now in its 59th consecutive year in the West End. I love me some Christie, and it was so adorably post-war British.

Next up: Day Two - dinosaurs, shopping, and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood!

Just after seeing yer man Obama

2011-05-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

That's my terrible Dublin impersonation. I was planning on doing a London Day 1 post today, but thought this might be more timely. President Obama was visiting Ireland today and there was a massive rally on College Green just in front of Trinity, with bands and celebrities and finally the man himself! People were queuing for hours during the day, but I had an interview for my dissertation scheduled so couldn't make it during the day. Hoping they would still let latecomers in, I hustled down at around 5:00, when the garda luckily stopped searching people and just let us all in - I think they figured we'd be too far away from him to do any danger anyway. I got in just as the Taoiseach finished up and the President stepped forward, and ended up just under one of the big screens showing him. So, in the end, I didn't actually see him 'in person' but I figure it's close enough!

Garda everywhere - luckily they're all quite nice and helpful.

Massive crowds - this was just when I was waiting to get in past the barriers, not even at the event itself.

Look at his charming self.

Love the print on Michelle's dress - thought she looked fab!

I won't lie, I teared up a bit when Obama came out, and a bit more as he talked about the American life story being one of immigrants and of hopes. It was just a moment of 'this is my president, I voted for him, and here are all these people in a foreign country out to support him, happy, waving American flags.' It was this weird ex-pat patriotic moment. Plus, I mean, it's not every day you get to see the President of the United States speak, in your own country or otherwise.

Update

2011-05-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

I do realize it's been ages since my last post, because things have been absolutely mad here. I'll hopefully update this week with information on all that's happened in the past few weeks, including:

-Move to a new flat (bedsit, really, it's tiny!)
-Artist interviews almost complete for my dissertation
-Two very disruptive state visits to Ireland (Queen last week, Obama this week)
-Trip to LONDON, which was awesome. There will be many, many pictures
-Big news on the academic front for me

Things to look forward to:

-Finishing up interviews and writing my first dissertation chapter (with a quick visit up to Belfast for the last interview)
-HOME to Natick/Providence and some massive movage
-Planning my parents' visit in July

Outfit Post: Spots

2011-05-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

I wore this to the gallery's relaunch celebration, where I ate a dozen mini cupcakes and then felt a bit sick. They were so worth it, though. Lolly and Cooks, the caterers, are officially my new favorite people. Also, the next time I post I'll have new hair! I've been thinking about getting it cut for ages and I finally took myself to the salon yesterday and chopped it all off!

Blazer: Gap

Dress: Anthro

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: DSW

Outfit Post: Stripes and silver

2011-05-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Casual, ever-so-slightly-mod outfit today. I love this sweatershirt tuxedo blazer so much, because it dresses outfits up but is comfy like pjs.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Target

Necklace: Modcloth

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Topshop

Outfit Post: Overcast

2011-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

My pictures all turned out a bit crap today because of the early gloomy sky, but I loved the outfit too much not to post! This skirt from Penneys is my new favorite thing. I saw it in the Belfast store months ago, but they didn't have my size, so you can bet when it finally showed up in Dublin I snatched it right up!

Tank: Target

Cardi: Penneys

Skirt: Penneys

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Hasbeens for H&M

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

My mom and I shopping like mad in Florence back in 2002ish. Looking forward to travelling with her again this July, hopefully to Italy again (Venice!)

My mom is a pretty awesome lady and has always been a big inspiration to me. She raised me to think for myself and to pursue what makes me happy and her influence was the beginning of my feminist education.

I love you, Mom!

Outfit Post: Forties

2011-05-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

When I bought this top, I thought right away that it would go with my fav vintage skirt. I love the 40s feel of the high-waisted skirt with the printed floral top and the bold silhouette.

Top: A|Wear

Skirt: vintage

Belt: Avoca

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Frye

Outfit Post: In the Navy

2011-05-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Three different shades of navy in this outfit!

Top: Penneys

Skirt: Monsoon

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Accessorize

Atticus

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

I just got completely distracted from everything else I was doing because I read that the USPS just issued a Gregory Peck stamp. Yeah, awesome. I will be buying a stack of these when I'm home and using them to mail EVERYTHING. Plus they're forever stamps so I can keep using them for ages. Wedding invites, maybe?

Love: Made in Dagenham

2011-05-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

Gotta love an inspirational union story. Especially one with fab '60s clothes and hair!

At the end, they showed archival footage and interviews with the women involved - very inspirational! There was also a blurb that fair pay passed into law in 1970 in England and followed soon after in most industrialized nations. Given that it was only passed into law in 2009 in the US, that moment was a bit bittersweet.

Inspired by: BBC

2011-05-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Two recent TV movies by the BBC caught my eye, first for the cast and the stories, then for the luscious costuming. The beeb's always been great with period dramas, so it's never a surprise but always pleasant when the design is so perfect you just want to dive into it. Maybe these films are also to blame for my recent hat obsession...

First up, Christopher and His Kind, based on Christopher Isherwood's autobiography of the same name, starring Matt Smith. He was delightful, but Imogen Poots completely drew me in if only because of her fab wardrobe. Also, Belfast stood in for Berlin, which I love! I just found that out, now I want to watch it again to see if I recognize any buildings.

Second up is Women in Love, a two-part adaptation of DH Lawrence's novels The Rainbow and Women in Love. Incredibly heartbreaking with great performances by the always stunning Rosamund Pike and the sultry-voiced Rachael Stirling. Spoiler alert: despite the title and the fact that all the promotional material only showed Rachael and Rosamund, it's not actually about lesbians. Though there is an ill-fated, one-sided gay storyline.

On another note, cheers on the beeb for never being afraid of taking on gay/lesbian storylines, even (and especially) when they're not just a side-plot, and for adapting novels so controversial in their time.

Hats off

2011-04-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

It might be the royal wedding coverage, or maybe I just want to be off boating in summer whites for the summer, but I am loving this spring's rush of straw hats. I have a straw cloche at home that I may bring here in June, but in the meantime I'm checking out the cute trilbies and boaters at Accessorize.

Ditsy Back Bow Trilby - such a Liberty-esque print!

Dinky Straw Boater - perfect for poling down the River Cam

Floral Print Trilby - all-over print! So cute.

Straw Trilby with Printed Band

Vintage Scarf Trim Cloche - cannot resist a cloche!

Romp

2011-04-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

How soon until rompers go back out of fashion? And how old is too old to wear one? Because I kind of love this high-waisted vintage-inspired romper pattern from McCalls. Maybe in a seersucker? Although I think the fact that the model looks about twelve means I am in fact too old.

Outfit Post: Elephant and Castle

2011-04-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Another windy day, another circle skirt. I never learn!

Cardigan: Gap

Tank: Target

Necklace: Accessorize

Skirt: handmade by me

Belt: Gap

Tights: Penneys

Flats: DSW

Also, check out my new ickle keychain! I'll be getting apartment and gallery keys soon so I needed a keychain to keep them on - enter tiny elephant!

Outfit Post: Stripes and twirls

2011-04-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

I love this dress, but its short, full circle skirt is not always good on windy days like today!

Blazer: Gap

Dress: A|Wear

Tights: Penneys

Flats: DSW

Outfit Post: So it begins

2011-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

First day of my new internship! It's been stressful starting out in a new position but I think once I settle in, things will be great.

Cardigan: H&M

Dress: Anthro

Belt: Avoca

Tights: Penneys

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Not quite patriotic

2011-04-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait any longer to wear my new shoes. Red + blue is a classic combination, but I tried to keep it from looking too Fourth of July by mixing in black rather than white.

Blazer: Gap

Dress: Target

Necklace: Accessorize

Tights: Target

Shoes: Hasbeen for H&M

Weddings galore

2011-04-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

My awesome baby sister just got engaged too! You know what this means: DUELING WEDDINGS.

Ha, no, I'm kidding. Luckily, Erin and I are different enough that I think our weddings will have very different atmospheres, so I think we'll just have fun both planning parties that suit us and our intendeds. Plus, they're planning for next summer, which is still a year or so before Jennifer and I will probably have our ceremony.

Although, if Jennifer has her way there will be cowboy boots in both.

Easters gone by

2011-04-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and I just had a long discussion about the communal benefits of churches and whether or not we'll take our kids to church once we have them. One point in churchs' favor is that it'll give us a place to take them all dressed up in their Easter best. But then again, they might hate us for it later....

Easter Rising Commemoration

2011-04-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the 95th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the start of the Irish Revolution. I went to the commemoration celebration held in front of one of the main sites of the Rising, the General Post Office on O'Connell Street. For some reason, while I generally find grand shows of patriotism cringe-inducing in the States, I love going to them here in Ireland. Maybe because it's a young country with a very recent turbulent past, or because they always have great songs and good outfits. Is that patronizing?

This one was lovely; attended by both the Taoiseach and the President (that's another thing I like - such a small country, so anyone can go to an event and see the head of state/leader in person). It was interestingly somewhat bilingual - certain parts were said in English and certain in Irish, but none said in both, which I thought was an interesting choice. Most of the native Irish speakers would understand both, of course, but I was lost occasionally.

There were also military bands, uniforms left and right, and a bagpiper in an awesome orange kilt.

The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past.

-Extract from from the 1916 Proclamation

Outfit Post: Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

My outfit today served double-duty: fresh and spring-y to celebrate Easter, and properly patriotic to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Easter Rising. I went down to O'Connell Street for the Rising commemoration attended by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and President and loads of military type people.

Tis the season for bunny earrings!

Blazer: Gap

Top: Anthro

Skirt: Old Navy

Slip: Anthro

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Earrings: H&M via Jennifer

Outfit Post: Easter Bunny

2011-04-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's almost Easter, so I obviously had to wear my bunny dress today.

Top: Gap

Blazer: Gap

Dress: Target

Tights: Penneys

Clogs: Avoca

Hands on some Hasbeens

2011-04-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Mine, all mine! I made the trek out to Dundrum today to visit the only H&M in Ireland carrying the Hasbeen collaboration line. There were two pairs of the red strappy sandals left, both in my size, which has to be a sign from god. I did not hesitate and snapped them up! Major bonus, they're comfortable and fit me perfectly. They're also very well made and I think with weather very well. They even came with their own tote bag and care sheet.

In other exciting news, I just bought a ticket to London for a long weekend in May! Ostensibly I'll be going to do an interview for my dissertation, but I'm staying for four days total so see the sights. I've been before, so I'll revisit some of my favorites but am also really very excited to go new places. On the list: Tate Modern (obvs), Natural History Museum, the giant Anthro, Liberty of London (!!!), the Saatchi Gallery, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Outfit Post: I Capture the Castle

2011-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

We visited Rathfarmham Castle today to shoot photos for our panorama tutorial. If they turn out well I'll post them here later - the Castle was really stunning; it's in the middle of restoration so some parts are polished and lovely and others have a great shabby feel.

Jacket: Gap

Tank: Target

Scarf: Avoca

Skirt: Target

Tights: Gap

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Prints mix

2011-04-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's well and properly spring here, complete with allergies breaking out (yay). I'm trying to counteract my general sense of miserableness around the sinus area with some florals + polka dots. There's a lot going on here, with the prints, tulip shaped-skirt, tie belt, and floofy sleeves, but all put together it felt so fun I couldn't resist.

Top: A|Wear

Skirt: Monsoon

Tights: Gap

Shoes: Frye

Outfit Post: Sequins

2011-04-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

I had planned on wearing this blazer with my swan butt skirt, but then it was rainy and gross out, so jeans and rainboots came out instead. The sequin do-dad used to be a headband which met an untimely end, so I repurposed it with some stick-on brooch pins.

Blazer: Banana Republic Outlet

Camisole: Gap

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Rain shoes: LL Bean

Sequin do-hickey: Penneys, repurposed

Covered in Beees!

2011-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to keep bees, just like my heroes Sherlock Holmes, Chuck, and Eddie Izzard. I know it'll take a lot of training and work to be successful, though, so in the meantime as soon as I have a yard/garden again, I'm getting a Bee Station to do my part to help out the little guys!

You put some sugar water inside it in a little reservoir, and it acts like a mini refueling station for the little buzzers. With the bee population drastically dying off (no one knows why!), little steps like this help the bees that are still out there keep up their energy so they can stay busy as bees! Plus it's super cute and only £40.

Outfit Post: Water and wine

2011-04-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous day again today, which definitely called for some bright wine tights and a shiny skirt.

Top: Penneys

Skirt: Old Navy

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Ring me up

2011-04-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Engagement rings are tricky when you're two girls, one of whom is planning a surprise engagement (me) and one who is very picky about her jewelry (me again). Jennifer would be perfectly happy to have me pick out both of her rings, but I had to have at least some input, so I opted to do things a bit backwards. I picked out two matching, slim hammered bands to propose with and she and I are both picking out more elaborate rings to buy for each other later.

Our rings are from kateszabone; mine is rose gold, hers is white gold.

For our second rings, we've both picked out ones we like from the same seller, kateszabone. All of her pieces are delicate and have a clean, organic feel.

I am in love with her rose-cut diamond solitaire rings. I want the hammered finish from the top image, but in rose gold with a white-ish diamond like the top ring in the second image. I love the gentle sparkle and vintage feel of rose-cut diamonds; they seem less aggressively sparkly than many more modern cuts!

Jennifer really likes her gypsy-set bands - set-in diamonds are a must for her so nothing gets snagged when she's working.

One thing that's important to me through this whole wedding process is supporting small businesses and independent artists, so I'm very pleased to be buying our rings from an etsy seller rather than a big chain jeweler.

Outfit Post: Argyle

2011-04-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

So, I love me some argyle socks, but they're usually hidden away. Inspired by my new favorite blogger, Monkeyface, who blew me away with her rolled-jeans-red-socks-oxfords combo, I showed of my be-argyled ankles today. I think Monkeyface's version is more successful, but I will probably be experimenting with this more! (She also rocks the rolled-jeans-lace-up-boots combo that I'm obsessed with)

This is me being moody and Euro-trash.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Target

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Socks: Gap

Shoes: Topshop

Necklaces: Greece souvenir and Target

Scarf: Gap

Outfit Post: Midi

2011-04-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Apparently midi skirts are so in right now, if the amount I've seen on my blogroll is any indication. So here's my polka-dot midi skirt again! I'm excited to wear it bare-legged with heeled sandals in the summer (maybe the Hasbeens I'm hoping to get?)

Cardi: Gap

Top: Gap

Skirt: Penneys

Belt: Avoca

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: DSW

Oh, Rifle

2011-04-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

Rifle, stop being so freaking cute!

Book invitations for a library baby shower

Easter bunny

Mother's Day

Outfit Post: The little things

2011-04-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Classes are over, but I've decided even without my adoring audience (translation - my classmates) I still am going to look cute when I go out, damnit! So I threw on some red lipstick and headed to the library. Oh, the charmed life of a grad student.

Dress: Target

Tights: Gap

Shoes: Topshop

Outfit Post: The Cranberries

2011-04-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

These are quickly becoming my favorite shoes. I think they're nearly broken in and once they are, they'll be perfect! I thought this outfit was quite fun, what with the girly sweater-dress and magenta tights, but then I went to NCAD, the art college here in Dublin and felt like I was a Young Republican or something. Art students are painfully hip.

Dress: Anthro

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Topshop

Necklace: Accessorize

A Very Kate Spade Wedding

2011-04-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Loving the art direction of Kate Spade's new wedding collection Wedding Belles.

Elenore Dress - $475

Dyan Dress - $425

Wouldn't say no to these shoes either...Charm - $325

Outfit Post: Caped crusader

2011-04-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous sunny day out - definitely required some purple + polka dots!

I added a cardi for warmth once I arrived at the library.

And topped it all off with my new favorite warm-weather outerwear - my new trench cape!

Trench cape: Penneys

Cardi: Old Navy via Jennifer

Dress: Target

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Accessorize

Outfit Post: Swing

2011-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wore this for an afternoon of invigilation at the gallery. It was beautiful but chilly out today, hence the cardi.

Cardi: Penneys

Camisole: Gap

Skirt: Nordstroms Rack

Tights: Gap

Flats: DSW

Outfit Post: Performance Art

2011-04-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

No, not my outfit. I wore this to the opening of the gallery's new show and to watch a performance by the artist. I love that it's getting warm enough for short sleeves - every time I wear them now someone new notices my tattoo. It was a big hit with the gallery crowd.

Top: Anthro

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Mod or Rocker?

2011-04-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

New shoes! They need to be broken in more still, but they are too cute.

Blazer: Gap

Top: Penneys

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Topshop

Outfit Post: "An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant as the case may be."

2011-03-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is officially (minus the boots) my engagement day outfit, but I wore it again today. I'm in love with this floral/paisley skirt from Monsoon, picked up on our trip to Belfast.

Sweater: Gap

Skirt: Monsoon

Tights: Penneys

Boots: DSW

Ring book

2011-03-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

I mentioned that I gave Jennifer her ring within a book; when she saw it she said I must love her a lot to desecrate a book for her! I do, and I bought a backup copy anyway. When we first moved in together, I used to read her poetry in the evening before we went to bed (still do sometimes when we're in the same place at night!), so I thought a book of love poems would be perfect. I took a while to search for just the right book: a poet we both liked (although Duffy was a new addition to our repertoire, since I really discovered her work over here); hardcover so it would withstand cutting a hole into its pages; and beautiful cover design so it would be aesthetically pleasing as well! I started searching probably around a year ago, when I began planning the proposal, and found the perfect book late fall of last year.

We plan to use the book as a mini-scrapbook of our engagement day; we'll include all of our instax mini photos (shown on last post) along with pressed flowers, the business card from The Winding Stair, and other whatsits from the day.

Affianced

2011-03-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, my brief blogging hiatus has been for a very good reason: Jennifer's ten-day visit to Dublin! We touristed, we ate, we shopped, and...we got engaged! We're waiting to make any official plans until we're in the same country again, but the big day will probably be sometime in the next two years. It's rather A Very Long Engagement, just without the Nazis and shell-shock. Despite the lack of definite plans so far, we're both very excited!

I had already 'claimed' the right to do the asking - I love planning grand romantic gestures and knew that Ireland would be the perfect place, since we did meet over here and all. I had already hinted to Jennifer to expect it in the spring, but miraculously managed to keep all the details to myself. Seriously, it is a miracle, as I tell Jennifer absolutely everything exciting (and mundane) in my life.

Luckily, the day I had chosen came around and it was glorious out - sunny, warm(ish), dry. I convinced Jennifer it would be a great day for a picnic and we headed out to get supplies. After stocking up on cheese at Sheridans, we headed over to Merrion Square Park, my favorite park in Dublin due to its famous resident, Oscar Wilde. I suggested that we visit the statue of Oscar before eating and Jennifer agreed.

St. Oscar was smiling down on us, because when we got there no other tourists were loitering, so we had the little corner to ourselves. Jennifer started to pull out her camera but I pulled her aside and said I wanted to give her something first. I pulled out Love Poems by Carol Ann Duffy, tied with a ribbon, and gave it to her. I don't really remember everything I said, but there was something about Jennifer being my girl and my partner and that I wanted her to be that forever. Jennifer said 'hi' back, which is what she does when she's not sure what else to say. So cute. Then I told her to open the book, where I had stashed a photo of my favorite neon in Dublin as a bookmark:

The photo marked the spot of my favorite Carol Ann Duffy poem for us, "Words, Wide Night,"* and the spot where I had cut out an opening and tied in her ring. My legs we shaking by this point and I think I was just whispering what I wanted to say. I asked if she would marry me and she said yes! I put her ring on and got out mine (yeah, I bought rings for both of us, I definitely didn't want to be left out!) to put on as well.

We canoodled around Oscar for a bit (another tourist had shown up partway through but I think we were both in out own worlds enough not to be bothered) then finally went to find a cozy spot for our picnic.

My next surprise was a reservation at the Trinity Capital Hotel, this fantastically trippy hotel just a few minutes' walk from Merrion Square. I wouldn't tell Jennifer where we were going, so she got a bit of a surprise when I walked into the lobby and checked us in!

We later had dinner reservations for a lovely wee restaurant above a tiny bookstore, The Winding Stair. It's tight (and noisy!) but the food is amazing. Plus, there are full bookshelves on the walls and huge chalkboards with the day's specials and wine lists.

That's our engagement day (3.24.11) story!

Jennifer wore Heidi braids; I wore a Cecily sweater.

*Words, Wide Night

Somewhere on the other side of this wide night

and the distance between us, I am thinking of you.

The room is turning slowly away from the moon.

This is pleasurable. Or shall I cross that out and say

it is sad? In one of the tenses I singing

an impossible song of desire that you cannot hear.

La lala la. See? I close my eyes and imagine

the dark hills I would have to cross

to reach you. For I am in love with you and this

is what it is like or what it is like in words.

Penguin

2011-03-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

omFg, Penguin, stop being so freaking cute. First I read about your new Great Foods series with cover design by my fav Coralie Bickford-Smith, then I see your beyond adorable Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics with embroidered (!) cover design by Jillian Tamaki. I just can't stand it anymore, there is too much adorableness going on over at that company.

Great Foods series as seen on Design*Sponge

Penguin Threads as seen on Poppytalk

Outfit Post: St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day from bonnie Ireland! As far as my experience goes, St. Paddy's in Dublin consists of silly hats and a lot of vomit in the streets. I celebrated by going to see a National Theatre Live production of Frankenstein, with Jonny Lee Miller as Dr. Frankenstein and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes himself) as the Creature, directed by Danny Boyle. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was beyond amazing. The sets were steampunk fantasticness, Jonny Lee Miller's Frankenstein vacillated between desperation and pain and scientific pride in his own genius, despite the horrific consequences. Benedict Cumberbatch's Creature stole the show, though. He was intensely physical and really expressed the existential pain and loneliness of his existence. I really wish I could see it again with the leads switched (Miller and Cumberbatch switch roles every night! Dedication).

Cardi: H&M

Dress: Target

Belt: Anthro

Tights: Penneys

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Schoolgirl

2011-03-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to branch out and find more ways to wear my tweed blazer than just over jeans. I like the way it works with the bright, warm tones of this dress and the old-fashioned mary janes.

Blazer: Banana Republic Outlet

Dress: Anthro

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Seychelles

Outfit Post: Pattern Mixing

2011-03-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

I love this dress + sweater combo (seen before here). Target recently re-released some of its most popular GO International dresses, and this one in black is one of them. I adore the silhouette so I am tempted. I was gratified to see that my bunny dress is already sold out again; it's nice to see my good taste reinforced!

Sweater: Anthro

Top: Penneys

Dress: Target

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: Accessorize

Outfit Post: Afternoon tea

2011-03-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

This is my new skirt, kindly gifted to me by one of my classmates! Isn't it lovely? I wore it to an exhibition talk and afternoon tea at the Royal Dublin Society - terribly posh.

Cardi: H&M

Belt: Anthro

Skirt: gift

Tights: Target

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Florals

2011-03-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

I made a beeline for this top in the store because of its absolutely pitch-perfect 40s floral print. It also has fabulous ruffled sleeves, but today was cold and rainy so I just wanted to be bundled up.

Top: A|Wear

Cardi: Anthro

Necklace: Accessorize

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Duck shoes: LL Bean

Outfit Post: White Stripes

2011-03-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love my new striped dress. 'Twas also very complimented today, which always does a girl's ego good. Plus, it's twirly!

Blazer: Gap

Dress: A|Wear

Tights: Target

Flats: DSW

Necklace: Target

Outfit Post: Wear a short skirt, stout boots, and carry a revolver

2011-03-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Happy International Women's Day! Title is in honor of one of my fav Irish feminists, Constance Markievicz, who, according to one of the Women's Day speakers I heard today, gave that advice to her fellow Irish suffragettes. She also fought in the Easter Rising, was imprisoned but not sentenced to death because she was female, and complained: "I do wish your lot had the decency to shoot me." Oh, and on top of that she was the first woman elected to Britain's House of Commons (although she didn't take her seat) and helped form Ireland's first Dàil (lower house of Parliament), and fought on the republican side in the Civil War.

Capelet: Anthro

Top: Penneys

Skirt: Penneys

Tights: Penneys

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Sparkle

2011-03-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

I did not even want to make an effort today, as I was up late last night finishing up an essay. It's done and turned in now, though, yay. So, I threw on an easy outfit and added my new bling necklace. It must have worked because nearly everyone I saw today complimented me on it. It's a keeper! And, my boots are newly re-heeled so I don't feel guilty wearing them all the time anymore.

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Boots: Aldo

Necklace: Accessorize

Outfit Post: Hang loose

2011-03-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

We were off of class on reading week last week, so I didn't really bother to get properly dressed most of the time. This is my hip-casual postgrad researcher look. :D

Top: Penneys

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Wild and Homeless Books

2011-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Best name for a used bookstore ever, Y/Y?

via book lovers never go to bed alone

Outfit Post: Drape

2011-02-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

This dress/top is a new silhouette for me. I bought it with trepidation in December but have since grown to love it, although it has yet to be warm enough to wear it on its own. While the oversize dolmen sleeves are nice and drapey, the hem narrows at the knees, allowing me to pull it up to my hips and wear it as a top.

I fell completely in love with this necklace this weekend and had to have it. I foresee its appearance often.

Dress (worn as top!): Gap

Jeans: Gap outlet

Clogs: Avoca

Necklace: Accessorize

Oscar looks

2011-02-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't watch the Oscars. I rarely do. But I do like checking out the red carpet looks afterward on T.Lo. Here are a few of my favorite looks.

PERFECTION. A hot girl in a hot tux with hot shoes? Yes, please.

Annette Benning is a fox, folks. I have had a crush on her since The American President and she just keeps encouraging it.

Everyone on my blogroll is talking about this look for good reason. Cate looks fab here in a way lesser mortals would not.

I realize Hailee here is, like, an infant, but I think this might be my dream wedding dress. It's so floaty! And I'm completely in love with the sweetheart neckline + mesh/lace tank look.

Outfit Post: Sleepover

2011-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

I'm glad I like this dress, because I ended up wearing it two days in a row and sleeping in it in between when I had an unplanned slumber party up in Belfast. Also, I need to start pairing it with other cardis but I love the teal color with the floral print.

Dress: Monsoon

Cardi: Penneys

Tights: Penneys

Boots: Aldo

Gallery visit of the week: Paul Seawright at Kerlin Gallery

2011-02-25T15:54:00.000-08:00

Paul Seawright is one of the most well-known contemporary photographers to come out of Northern Ireland; his work in Belfast in the 80s and 90s helped viewers re-define the narratives of the Troubles. More recently, he spent time in Afghanistan for the Imperial War Museum and did work in north Africa on slum cities. His series Volunteer, shown at the Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, is his attempt to re-frame ideas of the Iraq war, looking at it in his signature oblique style. He traveled across the United States, photographing sites of Army Recruitment offices. The photographs are stark and often devoid of human figures; they speak of the fear of loss many families with soldiers face, the last resort the army represents to many recruits, and the current economic despair facing many in America.

Container, Paul Seawright, 2011

Trailer Park, Paul Seawright, 2011

I visited the exhibition for a talk with the artist. Seawright spoke very eloquently about his desire to make images about the war without depicting the war; his works are more about the tensions between the state and the people, about the reasons for joining the army by ordinary people, which usually has little to do with the reasons for the war espoused by the government.

When walking in, I didn't actually know that this series was taken in America, but he manages to capture scenes that are, if not iconically, at least recognizably American. The first image I saw (unfortunately I don't have an image of it) was a surprise, as it was so clearly a scene of a small-ish midwestern town, without there actually being any specific labels. As an American, it was interesting for me to look at each image and identify the visual vocabulary through which the scenes were marked as American and more specifically as Southern, Midwestern, etc.

I've written about Seawright's work extensively before, having used many of his Belfast series for my undergraduate thesis. It was a pleasure to hear him talk about his work and describe his experiences in the states as an outsider, given that so much of his earlier work was dependent on his status as an insider interrogating his own upbringing and experiences.

Outfit Post: Silhouette

2011-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is a decidedly basic look for me, in terms of the all-neutral colors. The silhouette is classic me, though! I love this new basic navy scoop-neck I picked up yesterday at Penneys. Three euro, not too bad!

Top, skirt, tights: Penneys

Shoes: DSW

Bracelet: souvenir from Greece

Necklace: graduation gift

Outfit Post: Spring shopping

2011-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

It was gorgeous out today and after finishing up a bit of research work I walked about and did some shopping.

Top: Gap

Skirt: Target

Pennyfarthing necklace: Target

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Outfit Post: Relief

2011-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished my last presentation for the year! Many of my classmates also finished up their dissertation presentations so we went out of a "few" drinks after class. Ahem. A few.

Top: Anthro

Skirt: Vintage

Belt: Avoca

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Anthro

Outfit Post: Edge of Love

2011-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

This outfit is directly inspired by Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller's costumes in The Edge of Love. I am on the lookout for a more sedately colored floral skirt to go with this jumper/shoes combo, though, as I don't think the bright magenta in this dress quite works.

Sweater: Gap

Belt: Avoca

Dress: Monsoon

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Seychelles

Missed out: Love band

2011-02-21T04:17:00.000-08:00

Kind of sad to have missed out on this vintage I Love You ring - gorgeous!

Sold at Brook Farm General Store, as seen on Camp Comfort.

Bookgasms for today

2011-02-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

Library of Parliament Reading Room

George Peabody Library

Literary bar in West LA: Picture brass reading lamps, a bar menu printed on textured paper, oversized bookshelves jammed with books and guest checks issued in miniature novels, and you get an idea of the detail that went into designing this literary bar. With a cozy fireplace and plenty of comfy seating, you can easily while the night away until last call. 10929 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 (West L.A)

Outfit Post: Dahlias in bloom

2011-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely gorgeous springish day out today, so I took the opportunity to wear a lovely gorgeous springish silk dress.

After dark, I added a cardi and boots.

Dress: Anthro

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Penneys

Belt: Anthro

Flats: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Bunnies on a Rainy Day

2011-02-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

It was foggy and overcast outside today, so I wanted something cheerful to wear. Cue bunnies + polka dots!

PS: How old is too old to wear a dress covered in bunny rabbits? I'd like to know how many years I have left!

Dress: Erin Featherstone for Target

Cardigan: Penneys

Belt: Gap

Tights: Penneys

Flats: DSW

Outfit Post: Joanie

2011-02-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

I had a big presentation yesterday, and polka dots and gold shoes helped me conquer it! Love this new top; the navy means it goes with pretty much everything in my wardrobe.

Polka dot blouse: Penneys

Pencil skirt: Target

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Frye

Necklace: vintage, family

Outfit Post: Rainy Day Sun

2011-02-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

It was gross and rainy out today, so I added a bit of sun into my casual, cozy outfit!

Sweater: Penneys

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Duck shoes: LL Bean

Outfit Post: Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

I'll do anything for a (themed) outfit.

I added my super-cute new Avoca scarf later:

Heart top: Penneys

Skirt: Penneys

Scarf: Avoca

Tights: Penneys

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Outfit Post: Tied down

2011-02-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Jennifer would say I'm relying too much on the rolled jeans + lace-up boots combo. I probably am, but I'll continue. Although my boots need to be re-heeled so they might be out of rotation soon if I can bother to take them to the cobbler.

Button-front shirt: Target

Tie: Liberty of London for Target

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Boots: Aldo

Artist of the week: Nicola Canavan

2011-02-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have three weeks of presentations in a row and am in the middle of doing some serious theoretical reading so there's no gallery visits this week! Instead, here's some images of an artist I came across in my research who I am currently crushing on a bit. Nicola Canavan is a young British performance/live artist who uses and modifies her own body in her performances. I'm not always into really in-your-face body performance art, but while Canavan's work is graphic, what with the nudity and the serious body modification, the actual live performances, as I read them, are less about confrontation and more about contemplation for the audience. Or, I might just like her because she is smoking hot. I'm not sure.

Bitter Sweet, Nicola Canavan

This image is hauntingly beautiful. It's the first of her works that I came across and what sent me looking for more.

Untangling, Nicola Canavan.

From the description: "In the performance space, the artist lies on her back, naked, covered almost entirely with soil. Piercings are used to connect her to the space. Over the two hours of the performance, the light gradually changes, becoming darker. Untangling is an exploration of death, loneliness and desire, an insight into the absent body and mind routine of sleeping alone. This is a contemplative piece in which the inherent contradiction between the physical demands Canavan places upon her body are matched by stillness and the slow passage of time."