Friday Thoughts and Easy outfit - OOTD

 I love having Lavender in the backyard, it seems so nice and comes in through the kitchen windows. The flowers also last for such a long time. We are letting it overtake one of our flower beds next to the garage. Eventually I'd like to add some Sage into that bed as well. I'm also obsessed with getting a Gardenia shrub. You know, things that smell nice while we have friends over for BBQ's all summer since we will have no kitchen for about two months. I'm trying really hard to keep on the up and up and just cook everything in our freezer before we have to say goodbye to cooking inside. With this mentality of trying to be more easy breezy I've turned to long skirts and pretty hoodies for comfort with style.

Lace Hoodie - Antrhopologie

Grey Striped tank - Target

Mint pleated long skirt - Tobi

Silver Dr. Scholl's sandals - Zappos

Baby G watch

This may become a staple combination of what I'll wear to work all summer. It is comfortable, I can easily switch out one piece for after work exploits and the hoodie has pockets!  I prefer a long skirt at work because it can be cold with the AC on full blast in the cubes but then almost non-existent when I have to switch to the front desk. The option of being sleeveless when I go to lunch is a Plus and if It rains I have the hoodie.

Ignore my toenail paint, it is terrible. I will be re-doing that this weekend among other things which includes:

• packing the kitchen more
• time on the porch with water colors
• warping my borrowed loom for an overshot project
• trying my hand at Silk painting 
• start some new embroideries
• knitting & crochet per usual

My strange little thing I like to do when I declare it is summer is wear an anklet. I don't know why but even when no one can see it, this makes me feel complete in my outfit.
I got this little handcuff one from Pop Killer in LA

Do you have any secret Seasonal habits in your wardrobe?

Fresh Greens - OOTD

Yesterday I celebrated the gorgeous weather by dressing to match. I love getting new clothes and this this cropped lace shirt was a purchase on my New Jersey Trip. I had also switched to my more "adult" purse since I was visit my high brow Bestie and her family. Normally I don't care but I know she cares so I try to pander to her because I love her. Like how I kept my hair a boring brown/black for half a year per her request for her wedding and the events leading up to it.

This cropped shirt I am in LOVE with but it's a bit challenging to piece into my wardrobe without being belly baring. I look forward to the styling challenge it will give me this summer.

Lace Cropped Green Shirt - Anthropologie (on sale right now!)

Gold Tapestry Skirt - Zac Posen for Target

Baby G Watch

Delicate Arm party - Soon to be on my Etsy

Gold Platforms - BCBGeneration from DSW

Creme Coach Bag - Bought at Prime Outlet

 I've been making a bunch of these really delicate beaded bracelets and I've just been working on taking the right pictures of them and figure out pricing for the Etsy store. I like to wear colors that match my outfit for today.

Here's a close up look, I have a matte blue grey, Mint green metallic, Pure Silver and Old Gold.

These colors will be up for sale shortly amongst a variety of other colors. It's been a busy Spring full of meetings and potential projects as well as getting our house together for some major construction. We are one week away now from starting our kitchen remodel which will include gutting and installing a half bath. I'm also looking to get a Studio space so I have a much more open set up to use my knitting machines as well as spread out my fine arts to better work on my portfolio for another round of Graduate School applications in the next year. Try and try against eh?

Back in the Day

Once upon a time I was a sculpture student.  This was my passion before fashion.  I actually tricked myself into thinking of fashion as sculpture to make it less painful when I switched majors.  Funny that I went into fashion thinking it a better future career choice when I didn't want to go into the full industry but ended up wanting to work for or as an independent.  I could of just stuck to sculpture.  I used to have these huge marvelous dreams about creating marble fountains for parks.  Probably didn't help that I was at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago at the time they were building Millennium Park.

The above picture is from my first 3-D class.  I think it was maybe the second or third project into the class.  We had to make these miniature forms from wood scraps and then double them.  I got excited and went a bit bigger I think I went 400% bigger.  The finished sculpture from wood, chicken wire, burlap bags and plaster was 8x6x5'.  It made it into the freshman gallery presentation but there was no way to move it.

These are polaroids from when I was doing visuals with Anthropologie in NYC after college.  That was one of my favorite jobs ever.  This was a project where my boss said "the theme is Alice in Wonderland, here are books, make me a jacket".  What could of been better then combining the two things I was passionate about sculpture and fashion. 

These were just some old photos I found while going through stuff for another competition/audition what have you for yet another reality TV show type thing.  I've already been through the Project Runway loop, this is for something different.  I made it to round two the video submissions so we shall see if anything pans out.  I'm not holding my breath too much though.  I'm still intent on Grad school and getting two more applications out.  Cheers!

Young and Professional -OOTD

This week I've been a little more inspired to dress up.  I think it has to do with the fact that I have been closet cleaning to switch out my summer to fall/winter clothes.  I dug up some treasures that I forgot I had. Such as corduroy blazers with elbow patches that once belonged to my brother's when they were in middleschool (yes I am that tiny).  This outfit it what I wore to this Young Professionals of Columbus Conference that I attended the social gathering.  Mostly I was there because my friend Claire wanted the company but the free eats were decent.  I also ran into two of my favorite people around town Kareem (Milk Bar) and Timothy Wolf Starr (The SBB) who were speakers and panelists for the event.

Grey Vintage Corduroy Jacket with suede elbow batches

Vintage Mink Collar

Banana Republic Dark Brown cap sleeve Mock turtle neck

H&M Paris long skirt

Gold Sam Edelman ballet flats.

Timepiece necklace from Spitalfields Market in London

Earrings from F21

 

This was just another look from this week that was kind of lonely and single in photo so I plopped her in here.  I wore this for the day I was supposed to have a meeting with some fellow fashion forward ladies Melanie McIntyre and Erika Dellatorre.

Anthropologie Sweater

Mossimo Tank Top from Target in Oatmeal

Rodarte for Targe Mustard Skirt

Missoni for Target slippers

DKNY fishnet tights

Anne Holman Perch Earrings from Blue Jade

This weekend is Halloween.  I'm going to do my best to be a Shutterbug around town and maybe even bring out a video camera.  My costume is going to be non-epic this year as I have been channeling all my energy into the grad school application and portfolio.  

Hope you all have a good and safe weekend!

OOTD - Wisconsin Wedding

Doing a little backtracking on my Brother's Wedding in Wisconsin.  It was back on October first and their colors were Creme, Orange and Grey.

Anthropologie creme cotton dress that has slate blue/grey geometric shapes

Navy Anthropologie Drape cardigan

Coach Black and Grey Flats

Peach silk flower hair clip from AGACI in Chicago

Swatch baby blue watch

Emerald and gold Necklace from my Mother as a Birthday present

The shoes and pattern design of the dress up close.  The shoes had these coach logo silk rosettes for decoration that I hadn't seen on any of their typical store items.  I think It was a runway item since I got them from Filene's Basement. 
Speaking of which for those readers living in Columbus the Filene's Basment on Sawmill road is closing it's doors this Sunday (boo).  You can read the Article here.

My Dad and Me

A somewhat rare picture of us together and dressed decently.  Usually when I see him one of us is wearing sweats and hanging out at the house sick or being a couch potato so we hardly have a good reason to dress up together.

All the Men together Dressed up.

From Left to right my oldest brother Ed, my Husband Andy, my Dad and my middle Brother David who was getting ready to marry.

My Mom and Dad waiting for their turn at pictures with the couple and family.  I love that my mom wore her Hanbok for all three of our weddings.  It just seemed appropriate.  It's so pretty also how could you not want to be in the swathes of that pale green organza with delicate flower embroideries.

My Nephew got to wear the male version Hanbok as the ring bearer.  You can see it was a quite stressful for him.

Lastly I just had to throw in this picture of me and Niece.  She's really growing up quickly and such a pretty little girl.  I'll have great fun with her when she's a teen and we can go shopping together.

I know when I go to Weddings I always pay special attention to what other people are wearing do you?  If not maybe it's something fun to think about next time you are at one.
Cheers!

OOTD- Nod to Man Repeller

During College Preview I thought I would do a nod to The Man Repeller and wear a sheer dress to see how I felt about it.  I wasn't about to be in just black knickers since I am supposed to be a role model for the Kiddies so I alternated in some black Bike shorts instead.  The Blog is here where she writes about transparent dresses.  Success or Failure?  For sure it holds a lot of man repelling qualities.

 

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Halter mesh dress

Creme F21 tank

Victoria's Secret neon pink multi-wear bra

American Apparel Black Bike Shorts

Nike Gladiator High Top Sandals

Turquoise Anthropologie Ring

Baby Blue Swatch Watch

Gold Vampire Fang Necklace.

Another Chicago Day

Chicago's weather threw me for a loop (ha ha get it? Chicago, Loop).  Anyways I thought it would be toasty hot there but turned out to be quite chilly.  Luckily I over packed and so I wore layers upon layers to keep my wee self warm.  On my way to Chicago I actually turned back about 15 minutes onto the highway to go back and get this Navy Cardigan and am I ever glad I did!

This is what I was initially going to wear then I walked outside.

And then I came back in and put on some pants.

Navy Cardigan from Anthropologie

Knot Heart belt from UO

RVCA Storm dress from Karmaloop

Grey American Apparel tank dress

Express Re-Rock Bootcut jeans

Sam Edelman gladiator Sandals

Turquoise stone ring from Anthropologie

Strawberry (Ichigo) Head necklace from Hazel by Haoshi

My Friend took me to some of her favorite spots in Chicago such as this Cereal Bar/Seafood restaurant.

Then to the Margie's Candies

My one request for this trip was to hit Kuma Corner!

 

A most delicious burger as big as my face!

I got the "Lair of the Minotaur"

Caramelized Onions, Pancetta, Brie, Bourbon Soaked Pears

Before the Road

Sorry I've been a bit MIA over the past week.  I truly wasn't here.  I was amidst great friends in Chicago prepping for my Best Friends Wedding that happened this past Sunday.  I had the privilege of being the Maid of Honor, or as I like to call it Bitch of Honor.  I love my best friend a lot.  I ran back and forth in the city, parking cars, running errands and keeping her cool. It was also pouring rain was I was doing these tasks.  I drove in from Columbus, Ohio Wednesday night.  We met to run some errands and do dinner then I drove off to a friends apartment in Wrigleyville where I stayed till the rehearsal on Saturday.  Before I left this was the outfit that I was wearing.  Something a little casual and fun.

Drapey Navy Cardigan from Anthropologie
Tokidoki VS Marvel Spiderman Shirt
Navy American Apparel knit mini skirt
Harajuku lovers Yellow Jelly Wedges from DSW

 

Close up of my lovely shoes.  If you look for these get them in a size larger then your normally wear.  They are a bit narrow at the front and run all around a little small.  Since they are rubber they will not stretch with your feet.  I got these as a present to myself for my past birthday since DSW was so kind of give me a little discount.

I have a few more posts to make from my Chicago Trip.  Sorry these is nothing on sewing at the moment.  Currently my studio space is a wreck.  It is situated in the basement where we have a non-functional Air Conditioner that is being replaced tomorrow.  In preparation for that all the shelving and storage normally surrounding the HVAC and A/C was displaced to my area.  I'd be lucky to find my scissors in that mess.  On top of the missing AC we found our one and only bathroom to be severely clogged and turns out we need to get our main-stack water line replaced completely.  Now the final kicker I caught a cold of course while running around in the rain.  I am a tad miserable and going to work on some hand sewing projects till after the Midwest Craft Caucus.

If everything goes without a hitch in the house tomorrow for repairs we will be hosting Grace Dobush writer of Crafty SuperStar during the Craft Caucus.  I'm very excited about this!

Comfort in the Skirts - OTD

For some reason this winter I haven't been wearing skirts so much.  I decided to try and turn this around and get back to some comfort.  I love how skits are just like swathes of fabric and when I am lounging on the couch I feel more like I have another blanket on me rather then clothing.

Brown Turtle neck - Victoria's Secert

Fairisle Tunic Sweater - Tulle from Tiger Tree

Brown Ruffle skirt - H&M

Lace Knee High Socks - Anthropologie

Brown Suede Slouch boots - Steve Madden

This tiny delicate necklace was a Valentine's present from my Fiancee a few years ago.  It is a tiny diamond necklace by Adina.  I wear it almost everyday because it's not very intrusive and it just holds a lot of sentiment. 

Candy Kisses and Birthday Wishes

This is my obligatory selfish post about what I want for my Birthday.  There are things that you want, need and would like to have.  Mine is mostly what I view as needs, since they have to do with me producing better and more clothes in general or at least faster I hope!   Hopefully I get my tax return check before then so I can present myself with some of these things. 

I do this thing that is pretty simple and nondescript of making wishlists at all the places I like to shop such as
Think Geek
Anthropologie
Amazon
Urban Outfitters
Nordstrom's
Etsy

All of the above however (minus Amazon) are just wants.  My needs are books, sewing supplies, art supplies and a good SLR Camera.  Oh and some cute looking but good headphones for work while wandering the stacks.  Something that does not go directly into my ear because I seem to frighten myself and other people alot when I can't hear anything else.

From Strapya

My selection of books can be easily be found on my Amazon wishlist as well as some sewing supplies.  But I've posted a few below to save you the anxiety of looking through my long lists.

Next are Sewing Supplies.  I need another smaller serger that I can travel with to my classes in a bind.  I'm thinking Juki or Brother.  Most likely Juki but the Babylock also calls to me with it's patented airflow threading system which would be a DREAM.  Unfortunately I do not think that the machine is small enough to accomadate travel, also the jostling around in my car could be very bad for the lovely airflow system.
I'd also really like the Brother PED program to design my own embroideries and get new designs.

Lastly a gathering foot would be a nice addition to my foot collection.  I talk about it a lot in my CCAD CE class so I feel that I really need one.

Art Supplies.  I really really want to get back into some more classical art practices like oil painting again.  I have no oil paints and majority of my good brushes are missing/gone.  One thing I didn't have before that I would love to have is a nice wooden easel.  This table top one would be great so I can transport it from my upstairs to the basement drafting table and it would be compact also.   It's not like I would ever stand and paint.

Now for the one thing I really feel I NEED is a digital SLR camera.  I know I want a Nikon and most affordable one is a D40.  This is something I think I can get on my own with my tax return but a little help never harmed anyone. 

Just to make this fun I posted some things that I want but don't particularly need!

Like this Piggy Bank! from Strapya

Star Trek Tribbles!

Microbes that I don't have which are on my wish list at Think Geek

The FujiFilm Instax Camera

Lastly I would be kind of great to finally get Final Fantasy 13 with the Guide Book.  And as always finish out my Ranma 1/2 DVD's and get the Second GTO box Set.