29.1.11

Noise to the eyes


 "People worry about kids playing with guns, and teenagers watching violent videos; we are scared that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobodies worries about kids listening to thousands - literally thousands - of songs about broken hearts and rejection and pain and misery and loss."
-Nick Hornby High Fidelity
images via tumblr

27.1.11

Pretty little things

I picked up this vintage necklace at a flea market a couple weeks ago and love it! I couldn't believe it was only 75 cents!
I figured I'd give you all a little sample of what's going to be going into my etsy shop, and this is my favorite little creation so far. It's a three rose lace barrette and it's positively lovely. I've truly been working at all these little hair accessories (some bigger than others) to the point where my aunt said a section of my room was starting to look like a sweat shop with all the fabric, thread and pins. Her description was actually pretty accurate, that's the funny part. I hope you all do enjoy the end result when I start up the shop next month!
I was truly contemplating putting this picture up. I love these wedges, but I hate my feet. I'm so self-conscious of them! Watching Shallow Hal seriously scarred me for life. So here I am, throwing myself under the bus of all insecurity. Please don't hate me for it!
Instead, possibly take this as a bit of inspiration... maybe, or just a picture of a set of odd toes...
Either way, overcome a little something you feel a bit self-conscious about yourself today. We all hold something about ourselves that makes us a bit uneasy, a tad unsure just to think of. Something that we wrinkle our noses to, but wouldn't take a second to judge or even notice in another being. Oh the standards we set for ourselves that overwrought our normally levelheaded minds. To those who say otherwise, I detest you. No, truly, I admire you!
Acceptance of one's self is a wonderful thing, and to whole-heartedly love one's self is a movement of beauty never to be belittled. ♥

currently listening to: thickets- patrick wolf

25.1.11

How to rock your maxi skirt

To much surprise, the maxi skirt is actually a very versatile piece to own! The complaints I've heard from most girls who are weary of this fashionable item is that they won't be able to pull it off, what shoes to pair one with and so on. Despite popular belief, they are truly very wearable and flattering for nearly everyone! 

Proportions and balance are necessary to look at when figuring out an outfit with your maxi skirt. During the warmer months, if the skirt is fairly plain, pair a crochet or lace look tank with it, such as American Apparel's Leaf Flower Lace Loose Tank.
♥ Unsure of the practicality during much cooler months, accompany your maxi with a chunky, oversized pullover sweater, even a cropped one, and throw on your favorite boots! The fantastic thing about this is that you can also throw on some warm sweater tights underneath for an extra layer and no one will ever notice! 
♥ In general this piece is extremely layer friendly- a chunky knit cardigan, yes please! Don't let your boyfriend blazer go to waste either, because you can definitely pair it with the feminine silhouette of your skirt to balance out the masculinity.
Keeping it simple is also a possibility with these maxi skirts, despite the belief that these pieces are far from basic. A loose deep v-neck or a breezy button down tucked into your skirt is both comfy and stylish without even much effort. A plain off the shoulder tee works great as well, creating a laid back fashionista vibe.
Dress it up with a lingerie inspired corset top and pumps and possibly a sparkly blazer for some added fun.
♥ There's no need for a whole new wardrobe to accompany your maxi! The skirt is truly so versatile that you can wear it with so many things already in your closet, you'd be surprised!

First picture image credit from left to right: Free People floral skirt-$98, weheartit, Free People lace skirt- $148
Second picture: Omen Eye, Gary Pepper Vintage, Dirty Hair Halo, Tumblr, Stolen From Grandma

22.1.11

To do

I'm ashamed of how awful of a blogger I have been! I guess I've just been trying to have as much fun as possible before the spring semester starts for me.

Things I need to get done before the semester starts on the 31st:
♥ Dye my hair more red. (Let me know your opinion on this, good idea or bad idea??)
♥ Finish up at least a dozen more of these hair accessories I've been putting together.
♥ Get through the rest of my Nick Hornby novel, High Fidelity.
♥ Start running again!
♥ Go to the optometrist and get some new contacts, and hopefully some new glasses!
♥ Get myself a little weekly planner to keep my jumbled mind organized.
♥ Come up with a really great planned out day before my days will be filled with nothing but school! (Any fun ideas?)

I know there's more- there's always more, but they seemed to have slipped my mind.
What do you dolls have going on this week? ♥

currently listening to: worries- langhorne slim

18.1.11

A.D.

 
 
 
 
 
What is there not to like about Agyness Deyn? ♥

currently listening to: london calling- the clash

17.1.11

Oufit Favorites & Inspiration

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Made a little change to this feature, let me know if you like it in this format or the way I had it before. ♥

currently listening: sweet about me- gabriella cilmi


14.1.11

Featured Blogger: Elanor from Missing-Lovebirds

 As my first featured blogger of 2011, I am ecstatic to introduce you all to the lovely Elanor from Missing-Lovebirds! I've been following her blog for a few months now, (I'm going to throw out September because I think that's about right) and fell in love with her vintage vibed wardrobe and perfect, cropped shaggy do, which has since turned into a wickedly wonderful pixie cut that she rocks so well! Elanor is definitely one of those people gifted with the ability to mix and match patterns and pieces and make it look impeccable. Not only that, but her blog is always so relatable and fun. A truly gorgeous person in more ways than one! ♥
 
Give us a little something about yourself. What makes you you?
I'm 17 years old - born in Minnesota, currently living in the San Francisco/Bay Area. I'm a junior at an arts school, and I sing in an advanced chorus and in rockband. I have a passion for vintage and antiques of any sort, and thrifting has become one of my favorite hobbies. I love all things creative and blogging has become a branch of that for me over the past 7 months.

What made you initially start blogging? and your favorite thing about it?
I discovered Lookbook.nu and was introduced to bloggers like Selective Potential and Delightfully Tacky. For the next few months, all I could do was read continuously through their archives then move onto all the other amazing blogs that I found out about thereafter. It wasn't before too long that I thought, why can't I? My absolute favorite thing about blogging is plainly, the community. Not one person has ever been mean, or catty, or rude to me. Everyone is so classy and lovely and their comments are always so encouraging and sweet. The other reasons for blogging, is the inspiration gained from others - and the ability to share your style and hopefully inspire those around you.

What are some of your passions?
As I mentioned before, I have a passion for anything creative. I love singing - from classical to funkadelic-jazzy-nonsense. In fact, I love music in general, as it brings so many emotions to me. Personal style is probably my biggest passion. I love piecing things together till I come up with the outfit I've envisioned. Blogging, too, has definitely become one of my passions, as well as photography.


What influences and inspires the way you dress and what brought about your interest in fashion?
Personally, I don't ever say I have an interest in "fashion", I say I have an interest in "style". But to answer your question - everything and anything influences and inspires me. Other bloggers, vintage magazines and movies, as well as just strangers on the street. My interest was brought up initially, actually, by a girl at my school freshman year. I have never even told her, but she had an interesting style and I attempted to emulate her. From that, I grew and changed and developed a style of my own.


What are some of your favorite blogs out in the blogosphere?
The list would be endless! But I'll name a few! Some of my favorites include, Calivintage, Fancy Treehouse, Lulu Letty, Bleubird Vintage, Flashes of Style, The Upside of Wonder...and so many more.

What item are you lusting after right now?
Currently, I'm desperately lusting after a pair of tall brown boots from Zara, that lace up the front with buckles. They are amazing! I saw them while I was in D.C., but unfortunately couldn't get them for obvious reasons.


What are some of your favorite listens at the moment?
At the moment I've been really into listening to all of Cake's old albums, along with their newer ones. I love their sound and all the quirky instrumentation they've got going on! Another band I'm into right now is Uh Huh Her, with the album Common Reaction. Every song on that album is great. Go listen. :)





 Now if you haven't already, make sure to head on over to Elanor's blog, Missing-Lovebirds, follow, comment, do your thing, and just generally check her out because she is very well worth it! Hope you dolls enjoyed learning about Elanor and reading this interview as much as I did! ♥

12.1.11

Phantom legs

Sadly, this will be my last outfit post for a while. No camera means no photos. I'm thinking... would it be worth it to spend every bit of my money on a camera, leaving me with only about 20 dollars total? Decisions, decisions. The pleasures of being a broke college student.
(hooded poncho- forever 21, shorts- h&m, tights- downtown LA, booties- go jane)
Whenever I see this last picture, I think of a toaster. A toaster with a hood. I look terrifically boxy.

currently listening to:  blinking pigs- little dragon

11.1.11

Turn up the Tunes Tuesday

 

  Not In Love- Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith
Movin' Out- Billy Joel
Walk Away- Ben Harper
The Man Who Sold the World- Nirvana
Marathon- Tennis
Shake Me Down- Cage the Elephant
Sick of You- Cake
D.O.A. (Death of Auto-tune)- Jay-Z

What do you have on replay this week? ♥
image via tumblr

10.1.11

Outfit Favorites & Inspiration


There has been so many wonderful outfits starting off the new year it was difficult to narrow the list down! Coats, capes, jackets, and dresses I wish I had the honor of having in my own closet!  And if you're looking for a bit more inspiration, there's always an ongoing flow of it on my tumblr, including all the oufits I just can't fit on posts like these.
Have a wonderful week, dolls! ♥

currently listening to: la javanaise- madeleine peyroux

7.1.11

In the Kitchen: Toasted Coconut Macaroons

For the little holiday party at my house, I made it a point to bake everything myself. Whether that was a good idea or not, I'm still not completely sure. It required nearly an entire half day dedicated to baking these different cupcakes, cookies, and my favorite the coconut macaroons! Seeing that at the end of the night everything was gone, I suppose it was all very much enjoyed. or I could blame the fact that there were mainly guys at this little get together, but I like to give myself credit for the former a bit more. I think more than anything though, they enjoyed dipping the macaroons into the dark chocolate fondue I had set up.

Toasted Coconut Macaroons:

recipe adapted from Alton Brown

Ingredients

yields about 35 to 40 cookies
  • 4 large egg whites
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 12 ounces sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
  • 2  (3 ounce) milk chocolate or dark chocolate, or whatever chocolate you prefer (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place coconut on a baking sheet, spread out evenly and place in the oven.  Return to the oven every five minutes to stir the browning coconut.  Once evenly browned, after about 15 minutes, remove the the oven and allow to cool.
Whip egg whites and salt until they become white and begin to stiffen, preferably with a mixer with whisk attachment. Add sugar in 3 parts. Continue to whip until the egg whites are very stiff. Fold in toasted coconut.
On parchment lined cookie sheets, drop a teaspoon of the mixture leaving 1 to 2 inches around each cookie. Place into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The outside should be golden brown but the insides should still be moist.
*Optional Ready Done Chocolate Dipping- Place chocolate chunks in a heatproof bowl.  Place bowl over a pan of simmering water so that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.  Allow to melt.  Stir until loose and creamy.  Partially dip the macaroons in the chocolate then allow to cool and harden on a parchment lined sheet.  You can place the pan of chocolate dipped cookies in the refrigerator to speed up the hardening process. 
Enjoy! ♥

5.1.11

Chasing wolves

Chasing Wolves by Harper Smith for Factory Winter 2010

If ever an image could be coined as both romantic and casually elegant simultaneously, it would be defined by these shots.

 currently listening to: i love you, but goodbye- langhorne slim 

4.1.11

Freschetta Giveaway!

This post brought to you by FRESCHETTA®. All opinions are 100% mine.
FRESCHETTA® Simply…Inspired™Now, you know me, I like to squeeze in a few desserts and foodie posts when I get the chance. So when Freschetta gave me the opportunity to do a bit of a review and giveaway featuring their products, I was more than happy to jump on that! 
First off, they were kind enough to send me a coupon for a free FRESCHETTA® SIMPLY...INSPIRED™ pizza. The other night I got off of work at about 10 pm since I had a closing shift. I was supposed to go over to my cousin's house from there, but goodness, my stomach was roaring! Roaring, not even growling. How obnoxious. So it just occurred to me, why not use this nifty little coupon tonight? In the end we made a little trip to Ralphs at 10 at night, looking fairly ridiculous, grabbing ourselves the Hawaiian Styled Pizza from Freschetta. It had pineapple- therefore a must! I have to say, both my cousin and I were extremely pleased! I'm normally a thick-crust sort of gal, but this thin crust style worked for me regardless.
Now of course, there are other seven other flavors you can choose from, which I'm sure would be just as good. And a plus, if we're speaking both taste-wise and environmentally friendlyFRESCH-TASTE SEAL™ Packing locks in the vibrant flavors, while using 30% less packaging material. I regret not getting a picture, because it looked delicious as well, but it didn't even occur to me until after it was all gone!

Now for the second part, the part you've been waiting for I presume. I was also provided with a coupon for FRESCHETTA® Simply Inspired and FRESCHETTA® bamboo cutting board a.k.a. a cheeseboard, as I would like to call it, to give away to one of my lovely readers! It's really quite nifty!
The rules and how to enter:
♥ Leave a comment on this post with your name and email by midnight PST on Thursday, May 12th. 

For (1) extra entry (you are allowed 2 extra entries total):
♥ Be a follower on Google Connect. 
♥ Like Freschetta Simply Inspired on facebook.
♥ Like Despising Life is so Passé on facebook.
Just leave a comment for each individual entry please!

I will be announcing the winner on Friday, May 16th.
*Only open to U.S. and Canadian residents.
Visit Sponsor's Site

Turn up the Tunes Tuesday

  Bonafied Lovin'- Chromeo
  Give up the Gun- Vampire Weekend
Pursuit of Happiness- Kid Cudi
Hoodoo Man Blues- Junior Wells
Penny Lane- The Beatles
Sister Ray- Velvet Underground
This Is the New Year- Ian Axel 
Caring is Creepy- The Shins

Speedo- The Cadillacs


What tunes are you listening to to start up the new year? ♥
 image via:*Valentine*

3.1.11

Angel sleeves

I haven't brought out the liquid leggings in quite a while. I happen to be a bit on the curvy side so leggings in general I hold a bit of fear toward if I don't have a top on the provides at least booty coverage! But hey, it's a new year, I'm taking some risks!
(blouse- alloy, leggings- can't remember to save my life, boots- unlisted by kenneth cole)
I fell madly in love with the detailing on this blouse! Scratch that. Everything about this blouse! I found it so funny that that it was described as having angel sleeves for some reason. I'm not sure why though. My sense of humor is so off some times. Since the blouse is rather "angelic" I did decide to toughen it up a bit of course with body-conscious faux leather leggings.
These boots! Love them so much and they turned out to be surprisingly comfortable, which I am definitely happy with. The more comfortable, the more I get to wear them! The only bad part about that is though, the more comfortable, the faster they get worn out because I tend to over wear them if that's possible. Can you blame me though? Shoes are meant to be walked on. Especially when they look this good!
Unfortunately, I only have one more outfit post saved up to share until whenever Oscar gets back from Thailand at the end of the month so he can lend me his camera again. I'm saving up. I'm really trying! I swear I only spent five dollars yesterday on my first trip ever to the flea market when I quite easily could have used so much more! And another unfortunately- I don't get to share with you the few vintage necklaces I picked up for those five dollars! If only an extra couple hundred would just appear in my bank account...

currently listening to:  girl in love- the smith westerns

1.1.11

2011. Your china pattern gives you away.

Your handwriting. The way you walk. Which china pattern you choose. It's all giving you away. Everything you do shows your hand. Everything is a self-portrait. Everything is a diary.”
Chuck Palahniuk got it.
Everything we do is a transfigured addition to our diary, our diary that is left wide open in front of us, for everyone to see if they feel the urge of interest. Some pages more hidden than others, written smaller, but all the same, it is us.
The thought itself is overwhelming. Scary, almost. Acknowledging everything we do makes us who we are. Allowing such to lead us into paralysis, a self induced coma, hardly the answer.
Own up to it. Own up to who you are, be, explore and do what you want, because it is you, it's your life. It's your diary. You are the hand that writes it.
Chances are there for a reason. Change is meant to be made. Great anything requires risk. This is yours to be written; do not coward to what is “supposed to be done,” what is “meant to be,” those are blank are pages for you to fill. They're blank. Remember that.
2011. It's a new year. Mistakes will be made. People will read them. We all move on.
Nevermind that. Give them something you'll be remembered for, not a souvenir, not something stuck on that far shelf collecting dust, forgotten a few months down the road. You are not the plastic giraffe figurine that they picked up at that zoo, that one time, somewhere. Misplaced now.
This life, these days you claim to be living, you are painting your self-portrait each second. This second.

This is not another entry on a fashion blog. This is not meant to be beautiful. It could be just some reckless rambling. But then again, that is a matter of perception, your perception through which your self- portrait is being painted, the same author of your diary. you.
365 days. 8,765 hours. 525,948 minutes. 
All in one year- this year. Paint a masterpiece, figuratively, literally. Whichever. But it's all yours to be made.
Happy new year. ♥

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