It's been more than a week since my last outfit post, so I'm positive it was time for a new one. This is actually a dress I had said a while ago that I would get a better shot of one of these days. I just love the back of it especially.
I've been wanting to rant on about my love for these new flats I just bought from Urban Outfitters. I don't normally "love" flats, but my goodness, these are amazing! To the point where I have been contemplating over getting them in black as well. They are so adorable and comfortable, and the nude color goes with everything!
Dolls, what's your opinion on buying something in more than one color because you love it so much? A bit overboard? Or simply necessary at times? ♥
currently listening to: tighten up- the black keys
Summer for me has been busy, busy, busy, with very little play. Lounging around in brightly colored swimsuits with chilled popsicles to match sounds utterly delightful at the moment. But alas, I work today and the rest of the weekend, along with a heavy load of homework otherwise.
But there is some fantastic news I've just realized- Despising Life is so Passé officially has 100 lovely followers! I think that calls for a little giveaway very soon, sweets! Thank you all for reading! ♥
currently listening to: do ya think i'm sexy?- rod stewart
Edited by: Ann Colville Somma of Holier than Now
It's a strange culture we live in: we're always told Just be yourself!, yet the bestseller list is chock-full of self-help books and memoirs depicting radical change. Finding the balance between total transformation and chilling in our pajamas is difficult, but that's why I love the blogosphere. Here, inspiration is served up one manageable bite at a time. Want to save the world? Start with vintage beachwear - the purchase benefits disaster victims. Hoping your man evolves into a sharp-dressed diaper-changer? Let's begin with a chic- and sustainable- Dad's day gift. Looking for your dream job? Take baby steps by revamping your work wardrobe and taking notes from inspiring entrepreneurs.
Links à la Mode: June 17th
A la Modest A Uniform Response to Chaos: Janelle Monáe
I'm sure most of you dolls are very well aware of my love for hair accessories. So here's another little DIY for you all that would probably fall under the category of one of the trends this summer: the turban headband. It's really a subtle styled approach to the look as opposed to some of the larger, bolder styles you may have seen, especially on the runway. I'm a bit weary of being able to pull of the full head turban so here's my rendition that you all will hopefully be able to mimic yourselves. It's really quite simple.
Materials:
Fabric
Elastic
Needle
Thread
You're going to start off with your about 48 in. long strip of fabric, and about 3 inches wide. The width really depends on you though and how thick you may want it. Cut it in half into two equal pieces. I actually used an old fabric belt that I had lying around that had came with some shorts I bought a while back.
You can then take the two pieces and interlock them like in the above picture. Leave that off to the side for now and you can come back to it later.
Next, using either a thick strip of the same material or another scrap as I did, you are going to be sewing the piece that will be covering the elastic that will go in the back of the headband. It should be a bit over 2 inches wide, depending on the width of you elastic, and about 12 in. long, give or take some. Simply sew the side closed, either by sewing by hand or machine. After that is done, turn the strip inside out so that the stitching is not shown.
Slip the elastic through the strip of material so that it scrunches up. Fold under the ends of the material and tuck them inside.
Tuck the ends of your original fabric into the tube of fabric with the elastic in it on either side. Sew along the edge of the fabric, making sure that you are sewing, the elastic, and both pieces material as you do so. I made the mistake of not getting the elastic when I did this, then had to sew it again. Once that is done, you have your headband!
I honestly love mine and can't seem to stop wearing. It's just so versatile and cute! I think I may just have to make a few more in some different materials. It stays put and really can pull an outfit together. Hope you dolls enjoy making this and the fabulous outcome as much as I did!
There has been tons of controversy surrounding this girl for some time, saying that she dresses far too provocative for her age, that she is a "poser," and other limitless accusations. I'll admit, some of her recent style choices have been lacking in coverage, but can you blame her? At 16-years-old and in the spotlight, I would take advantage of it as well, especially acknowledging this age as a sort of finding yourself age. And with legs like that, who wouldn't want to show them off?? On and off the Gossip Girl set, I can't help but dig her grungy-girl look. "Grunge meets Chanel" as she would say. You also have to commend her for doing her own thing. She has not only proven herself to be a good actress, but to also have some great musical sensibility shown in her performance with her band, The Pretty Reckless. I have yet to understand how she can be considered a "poser." She writes and does her own music, what more can you ask? She states, "Music is where I can be me. I really do it because I love it, honestly. It's what I want to do with my life. I mean, it's my only goal." She takes pride in what she does and I find that particularly fantastic. I'll admit, judging from some interviews I've seen by her, she does carry a bit of arrogance to her, but when you've done it all at that age, I would say she has her right to it a bit.
The weather in Southern California has taken a sudden odd turn towards the heat. I'm not sure if I was quite ready to have to dress for this weather yet, but alas, ready or not, it's here. My days have been filled with far more work than play, so I've been taking the time I can to relax. The issue with this though, is it leaves little room for productivity in my life. So here I am, wasting away my summer and barely realizing I need to get my butt moving and doing something. My resolution: attempt to plan a little weekend getaway maybe? In the meantime, a trip to the beach will suffice. If only I felt the slightest bit comfortable in a bikini!
These pleated shorts are my absolute favorite, and actually fairly old. I have yet to find a pair that fit me so well though! But then again, I haven't really been on the search. The bag is actually one of many that my grandmother made when she went on a rampage with making various styles of them not too long ago. I find them all to be so darling, especially the color palette and floral print of this one. Just like she did with the aprons, like the one I showed you in my post with the gnarley muffin recipe. That reminds me, I really feel the need to get back into the kitchen again and turn on my baking mode. :)
Young Adult Friction- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
I love hearing what tunes you all are loving at the moment! So let it out. ♥
Also, if any of you dears have any tips on the general idea of what to wear to a hip-hop concert, get them out there too! I'm headed to Powerhouse on Saturday and don't have a clue of what to wear! image from imgfave
Glamor and all the riches and finery are the luxuries in life that we can't help but desire. I know very well, dolls, as I am just as human and as much as a contributor to this notion as the next. The issue, of course, is getting there. Sadly, we are not all born heiresses into a name alone that could carry us through life without lifting a finger, accept of course to slip on a magnificent, dazzling cocktail ring about it.
Hung up on the unfair ways of society and the obstacles that lie in front of us, we have a tendency to waste time pointing fingers. As harsh as it may sound, society and life realistically owes us nothing. To gain in one's life, one must work for it, earn it. To say the least, we at least owe ourselves that- to do as much as possible so we can later bask in the luxuries of all that we have worked for and earned on our own. There are no silver platters to be served on, just our own pure abilities to put forth.
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
As fabulous as you all are, I know sincerely that each and every one of you has what it takes to make whatever it is you want happen. Despite that barrier of fear, or unknowing, or maybe even just lack of confidence, you dolls, can all make it possible. If you're not happy with every aspect of your life, make a change. Do something for yourself and persevere until you can truly feel the fulfillment in every click of your heel on the ground and every step you take.
It will all pay off, my dears, you will see.
♥
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unsuccessful genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan; 'press on', has solved and will solve the problems of the human race"
- Calvin Coolidge
So, dolls, what are you setting out to conquer? ♥
currently listening to: summertime- ella fitzgerald & louis armstrong
Just to make it clear, I wasn't simply too lazy yesterday to take a photo standing up... or maybe I was. But that's the joy of school being done for a while, isn't it? I now have the ability to just be lazy when I please. Except once work comes around, but that's a different story.
Also, in case you hadn't noticed, I got a haircut! Not a severe difference, I know, but don't you just love the feeling of freshly cut hair? Unless of course, it was really badly freshly cut hair. On a side note, I'm getting far too used to this little to no make up thing.With the combination of that and this fringe, I am looking even more like a little girl.
(sweater- Forever 21, jeans- anchor blue?, boots- nygstyle shop on Etsy) Michael calls this my grandpa sweater. All I have to say is, I love my grandpa sweater!
currently listening to: lost ones (dj jazzy jeff blend)- lauryn hill
These pictures are actually from about a month ago, but I figured, they are still completely relevant. This first photo is of the Santora Art building in downtown Santa Ana. The architecture of the building and those surrounding it never seize to amaze me with their detail!
At the time, I was there with a friend of mine for the art walk that goes on every first Saturday of the month. The art this time around was fantastic! My favorite being Laurie Lipton's Weapons of Mass Delusion exhibition, featuring her pencil on paper, black and white drawings. The main focus for this collection of hers was the loss of apathy in humanity and in the face of war, what is seen on television, and consumerism.
I wish I had been able to get more pictures that night that didn't end up blurry from my shaky hands! This one below really does not do the place justice, plus this was before most festivities were going on. The live music going on was magnificent as well! A band was playing right in the middle of this area some classic Johnny Cash and other great songs! I'll admit, I got super excited over this!
So yes, all of this made for a great time, and I would definitely recommend anyone in the area to stop by one day. All the people are often just so friendly and atmosphere is calm and fun all at once.
Have a wonderful week, dolls! ♥
currently listening to: worried about ray- the hoosiers
Cheesy mugs brimming with hot tea to help with this lingering cough and a piece of toasted cinnamon raisin bread for just the right amount of sweetness in the morning. All that's left to be needed is a porch swing to sway on and gaze into the peaceful surroundings. Oh but wait, I'm in Southern California. Silly me, there is no such place like that around here. This deserves maybe a move out of state one day? Who knows. I might need it to fulfill all these romantic notions of mine.
This past week with my one year anniversary, I'll just say, things didn't exactly work out as planned. Though I have to say, Michael and I looked definitely spiffier than normal in our semi-dressed up attire. Sadly though, I didn't get a single picture! Quite honestly, if I had known how to do my hair and makeup that well during high school, all those dances would have worked out a whole lot better for me. But oh well, I think I may just have to recreate the look one of these days!
I haven't had much time for outfit photos either since I have to work and that requires me to wear all American Apparel, which doesn't make for too interesting of an outfit. Next week I will get back to that though.
Hope you dolls are all enjoying your weekends! ♥
Currently Listening to: Madeleine Peyroux - J'ai Deux Amours
It has officially been a year since Michael and I have been together. We've had our ups and downs through it all, just as all others do, but nothing can compare to the moments and memories we have shared. If only I could have captured every one of those moments in a picture of some sort, but nevertheless, picture or not, they remain as fresh in my mind as if they were yesterday, and just as close to my heart. I am so happy that I have him in my life and have truly come to realize that life is so much better with the richness of love in it.
Here's an excerpt from what he wrote to me. I never knew someone could possibly make me so happy.
"And I know I have always looked at you like there was nothing better.
I remember everything in one smile. One touch. One kiss.one hug. One call. One brief second when our life intervenes. Brings it all back. One second of a lifetime.
I have soared, flied, loved ,admired, desired, wanted. And had in my life.
But I have never felt all those emotions at once.
Till there was you…"
♥
currently listening to: thème de camille - georges delerue
Aren't these photos just dreamy? The desire to abandon all worries, all burdens and stress, then stumble upon such a serene sight stirs in me when I look at each of them. How wonderful to sit upon the cool lake waters and drift upon its surface, only surrounded by the peace and ripples about you.
In the real world of suburbia though, we are half way through the week, nearly the weekend, but I have to say, that isn't what I'm looking forward to most. Or at least not nearly as much as tomorrow. It will be a year together as of tomorrow for my boyfriend, Michael, and I! I'm not even quite sure what we will be doing yet, but it will surely be something. You dolls will find out soon enough. :)
