hello jerry

(what I'm wearing head to ankle vintage, pretty sweet dress right? shoes: f21, socks: american apparel, doesn't dave look adorable?)

ok ok, I know that's what Newman said, but I can't think of something Elaine said specifically. SO HERES MY COSTUME. HAHAHA. I don't think most people got it, however, my brother asked if I was Rosa Parks, BUT I WAS HAPPY with how it turned out. For those who still have question marks I am Elaine Benes from Seinfield, one of my heros and style icons! After I pulled this look together I realized halloween is just a day for me to be a big ole dork, while a lot of women use halloween to be a sexy something or another. I did see some good costumes, surprisingly, I saw LOTS of black swans, I saw one and was like "oh cool" then I saw 300 more. Plus another one I saw a lot of is Ninja Turtles..... Anyway, I had a great great great weekend overall, lots a cool things happened such as me finally making it up the Sears tower, but I'll talk more about that later.

How was everyone elses holiday, did you burn out on candy? More tricks than treats?

Plus I also want to say, hello new friends! thanks for checking me out ;D

open 24 hrs

(what I'm wearing: forest green turtle neck dress: american apparel, shoes: vintage)
song: glass candy : candy castles

dave and I did this spontaneous photo session during an impromptu donut run (i've been having those recently...I mean...PUMPKIN DONUT...) I love how these pictures turned out I wish we took more but I was nervous of getting yelled at by donut people. These pics came out very sleepy hallow and PERFECT for this upcoming weekend! (It also kind of reminds me of the movie Drive) I feel uber sultry in my american apparel dress. I mean it fits like a glove but I'm all covered up! I love be unconventionally sexy, but let's be honest I just love being unconventional. Plus it's hard not to feel "like a woman" when wearing american apparel, there clothes fit so well, and I love how their ads always feature women of color, and it doesn't seem novel!

So I want to leave you all this as we wait to get wild this weekend and pretend to be something were not or what we wish to be! Are you doing anything for the season? I'm just going to go people watching. What's your costume, mine will be a surprise ;)

techinical difficulties

to further explain, by "not talking to myself" i mean if you look at all my older posts it looks like only Ive been commenting, I DONT KNO WHY DISQUS/BLOGGER DID THAT. regardless, I think its still formatting because other comments have shown up. But I'm going to give it a day to figure all of it self out...soooo yeah.

PS I got rid of disqus that way its easier for all of us to comment than to have to sign in etc etc, and you can't you disqus on your phone *which i HATE...:/

just watch

This weekend I discovered a little accessory gem on an outing with my mother. I was quiet exciting! The place was about as big as a Walgreen (CVS) BUT it was ALL ACCESSORIES! You couldn't imagine my delight. I have been wanting to stock up one some pieces especially to wear with all my collared shirts! My favorite piece of all is this watch. I love how in your face and androgynous it is. It's black and gold, and simply marvelous! Plus the roman numerals are a nice twist to the basic 1,2,3. It seems not quite this or that and that's why I love it. IT'S SO ME. Also, it looks really cute paired with my Pendleton jacket here. I want to start a whole watch collection because they are the perfect understated accessory. I actually got a cool yellow swatch-esque watch too, but Dave stole it :( (jk I gave it to him) ♥

pop art

(what im wearing, polka dot blouse: thrifted, mint shirt: LUSH, mustard mini: urban o, "trashy" (b/c theyre torn now) tights: h&m, shoes: vintage , necklace: moms)

sometimes I forget to bring on the avant garde to my avant blargh. so here's a little pop art for you! I love mixing colors and forcing things to match even though they aren't originally supposed to. I was inspired by this glass necklace and wallah, a coordinate was born! I did these pics comic book style of course, because I'm not sure if I made this case clear enough in the past BUT, i LOVES ME SOME COMICS, like really! I'm a big ole nerd in case you were wondering! I used to be a bigger nerd actually, I feel like I have grown out it in some ways. Can any of my fellow nerdy ladies back me up on this??? I think I noticed it BIG TIME at this past comic book convention in August, I felt so displaced and meh about the whole thing while some of my guy friends were like "OMG, GLOMP" .....its fun every once and a while. I think I'm in the limbo of too much geek to be a hipster too hipster to be a geek.

ah well, I like being a party of one.

"Treading Lightly": How To Prevent Wear & Tear to Your Favorite Pair of Shoes

We all have that special pair of shoes that we love for one reason or another and we choose to continue wearing it even after its best years are behind it. Whether this refers to a rundown pair of sneakers or maybe that  www.soleprovisions.com. You will be able to browse at your leisure through a large collection of quality products.

1. Prevent the heels from wearing down
As you walk in your shoes, the heels will begin to wear down, as well as the soles. This process is unavoidable, but you can fix it. You should never let the heels wear down by more than a quarter inch as this will not only cause the shoes to lose the support they would normally provide, but it also causes them to bend out of shape. This problem can be corrected with a liquid urethane substance which is readily available, is cheap and will behave just like the regular material.

2. Maintain their shape
In shops, you will notice that the shoes have crumpled up paper inside of them in order to maintain their original shape. This is something that you can do at home, as well. It is a simple and effective method of making sure that your favorite shoes maintain the shape they had when you first bought them.



3. Use shoe trees
If you want something more advanced, you can use shoe trees which fulfill the same function as the crumpled up paper, but it does it much better. It works great, especially for leather shoes and can extend their life span considerably.



Eventually, when you are in need of new shoes, visit www.soleprovisions.com. You will be able to browse at your leisure through a large collection of quality products.

bundled up

(what I'm wearing: colonel mustard turtle neck: F21, high waisted pants: vintage, jacket: vintage, shoes: vintage, turban: vintage, necklace: F21) I adore these colours!!! Dont you? I heart fall!

I wish Chicago had a longer autumn, that way I could get away with less cumbersome looks. I absolutely adore layering, I just had feeling like a burrito! Recently the weather has been dropping all the way down to the 40s, but I still insist on going out without a full blown coat. I mean isn't a tweet jacket just as warm as a coat, right?

I feel like I'm channeling a 1940-50s movie star here, ala - Auntie Mame (one of my favorite classics) High waisted pants, turtle neck, blazer....all I'm missing is a long cigarette. The background, though just a train station by my house, also makes it look like I'm on the lamb! Like in Chinatown, were Faye Dunaway runs to Mexico for a better life. Adios!

I also decided to bust out the turban again, its been a while since I turbaned it out! Haha, I actually ran out of hair product, and my hair was angry and wild. I find it rather ironic that even though some of us ladies where our hair "natural" we're still a slave to our products! I'm not ashamed, whatever! I'm just glad I found something that works! (ps, should I make a hair video??)

Anyway, TGIF, right? I getting ready to run out the door with my bro and go to little Japan, because were both still NERDS..haha! Happy weekend.

pasteles

(what I'm wearing, mint button down: lush, pink jaqueta: vintage, shorts & belt: topshop, granny shoes: thrift)

Despite being a vegeterian I would like to go on the record and say I LOVE FOOD, I really do. Sometimes I find the best food from the smallest "hole in the wall" resturants. One of my faves right now is this little joint by my house called Taco Jr. This place is only three tables and a counter, BUT THEY ARE THE BEST TACOS THIS SIDE OF THE BORDER. Or at least in Chicago. I try not to be fooled by fancy fanfare at hip establishments, I want food made by the heart for the soul. There is this really hip hip hip place in wicker park (chicago's minute version of brklyn) called Big Star, there's a line outside the restaurant for like 6 hrs A DAY since it opened a few years ago. But they have gotten sloppy and prideful, and too expensive for tacos!

Taco jr caters to me, especially since I basically go there every other day. They even invented a vegetarian taco just for me! I was thinking about going over there today (or sushi...hmmm) and it reminded me of this look I never got to post from this summer. I'm so miami vice! I was on my way to comic con too..haha! I love pastels, I can't wait to rock them this winter. Who else is thinking of doing all pastels this winter?

happy hump day...do the humpty dance

roflcopter

this absolutely made my day. thanks tumblr for UNDERSTANDING me....

oh and you can follow my tumblr here

orange you glad?

(i'm wearing: green pencil skirt: vintage, polka shirt: vintage, cardigan: French Connection, shoes: vintage,
purse: vintage)

WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT! I love how dreamy and simple this look turned out. I mean it's my definition of simple which may not be everyone else's idea of "simple." I realize I do look like a carrot which caused some stares, but if people aren't looking at you, then you aren't doing it right, right? Haha!

I also really pleased how this look capture the last essence of warmth Chicago had in her. I rocked this outfit on one of my last days as a lead costume designer for my University's theatre group. I'm glad thats over! Not that I'm glad to be away from the stage, I'm just happy to have my weekends back.(I'm tres exhausted) I spent these past to weeks breaking out some of what I think are my best coordinates because the weather was so warm and I was inspired by the heartbeat of the theatre! In retrospect I kind of miss it now, especially once the show was over. I got to discover some great little hot spots in Chicago were the party continues! I always felt Chicago died after 5-10pm, but I found this sweet little cafe (with macaroons!) that has a DeLorean DMC-12 IN THE WINDDOW, along with other 80s memorabilia! It's amazing and stays open pretty late. Plus just being out amongst young people is thrilling! Everyone look so nice and carefree! I must say despite contrary belief I am really honored to be living in this generation. I feel like I should break into song, perhaps this one?


Crappy, I mean Happy Monday every1!

one year.

On the left FNO sept 2010 vintage dress, UO shoes, On the right FNO sept 2011 (details here)
Have we all developed so much after only one year?

I was looking through my old pictures from last year when I really decided to take this blogging thing seriously, and I found one from FNO. I look at this and say 'wow, this is the same person?' I honestly can't believe it.(I REALLY LOOK LIKE MY MOM, and when did I get 300 shades lighter???) I remember FNO from last year vividly. For one; everyone thought I was a drag queen (lawls) but for two, I was so excited to be out in the city with everyone for the sake of fashion! It was thrilling, I put together one of my best looks, but I still was a bit insecure in unleashing my style.

One year later, I've learned it except myself for what it really is, I'm quirky, a bit strange, my hair is curly! For years I tried to fight it, but this past year I really learned about myself from traveling to Europe, living on my own, and moving to new york for the summer. I grew fast, and I had no clue it would effect my style. I honestly could not predict this midwestern girl would come home from New York so comfortable in her own skin. But I love it, and I'm so happy you are all here to go on this journey with me. ♥

Oh and as for that "big news" I just wanted to say, I LANDED AN AGENT! I really feel like 2011 is the best year of my life! More things to come ~

footsteps in the dark

(what i wore: 2001 space odysseys dress: motel rocks, creepers: thrift, blazer: f21, leggings: idk)

Oh oh oh! I can't believe this was nearly two weeks ago? Has it really been that long since this incredible visceral experience, feels like only yesterday.

Lets just begin with I was having a bad day, when I went to go see Diamond Rings x Twin Shadow. I was exhausted all day, I was finishing up the end of a trail medicine routine (which I thankfully gave the boot to), and I COULDN'T FINDS ANYTHING TO WEAR. I know, how could have that been the worst out of the three, but usually, putting clothes together comes easy to me, unless I'm exhausted. And Sunday I was.

I literally had to drag myself there, and bemoaned the whole way there, and like debated even going. I felt bad because I've been raised not to waste money but I was like "I gotta go to work tomorrow, I'm tired, my medicine is making me feel weird...bla bla bla" then IN A SEINFIELD LIKE MOMENT, dave found an AMAZING parking spot across the street from Lincoln Hall, so just like that, we couldn't leave. Nope, we had to stay, to sabor the spot. I hadn't eaten that day so we had to walk to the restaurant in my mini dress and creepers, again I was like "FML"

EVEN MORE SO, Mr. George Lewis Jr. himself showed up while I was snapping blog worthy pictures of my outfit (derp), and kinda snuck in the club around me, and I was like..."....WAIT...HOLD ON." I didn't want to be all weird, cause I pretend to be cool, but I knew I would regret not getting a picture snapped, so in my altered state I got one taken with him. ALL OF THEM SUCK (which is why I got creative), blurry or just...blurry...oh well, I tried not to make him feel awkward in my own awkwardness so I just ended up making the situation....awkward {great job!} AU CONTRAIRE, he did compliment my dress to let's up my mood +15 pts at this point of the day. (especially since I was debating if what I wore was the right look)

Anyways, after refueling from a sushi bash, I returned to the concert hall at a better state. Diamond Rings, KILL'D IT YALL, I was surprised, I've seen hipster one act bands, and fell asleep, I like chill waves, but I'm not a senior citizen. He was like dare I say, a nuevo bowie...I super loved it. Then after a brief moment of punching people in the face to get closer to the front, studying hipsters in their hipstuds, and dancing obnoxiously with my peers to Kelis, Twin Shadow came out and gave us a brilliant performance that was reminiscent of the climatic dance scene in Pretty in Pink. Come to think of it, am I the only one who thinks Mr. Lewis kinda looks like Duckie?

Still trying to be cool and still high on prescriptions we decided to go say 'hola' to Sr. Lewis and get his signature. Sadly no one had a sharpie. After a quick moment of awkward conversations and the strangeness of "beer muscles" we finally got a marker and got the CD signed. Might I add that it was weird to say out loud "can you autograph my CD" it sounds sooooo 1992.

Long and short. The concert, BRILLIANT, just like...anything you could have wanted + more, and a great stress relief for me, dancing with your peers as one just feels, so amazing! Diamond Rings, a sweetheart! George Lewis, a mastermind! And next time George I'll be nice and bring my hot comb, so you're not so embarrassed, sound good? ha ha...

YIKES stripes

(i'm wearing: sweater -thrifted, salmonella pants - h&m, flats- vintage, collar necklace-stolen from ma)

if you were born in my generation, you know a little thing called fruit stripe gum, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, you remember the slogan. Yikes Stripes! Fruit Stripe Gum! Maybe I was madly channeling my childhood addiction this day, maybe I somehow become fixated on this wonderful drug we call candy. Who knows? But what I do know is that some days I just want to stand out like a colorful zebra! Is that possible? Or honestly, do i really need to stand out more than I do so? The feedback I get seems to be positive though, the clothes you see me in now are basically the same way i dress even when I go hit tha clubs! Sorry no Kardashian dresses and/or Snookie style mermaid hair, I dress like this ALL THE TIME. So maybe more than a zebra and I realized I am more like a unicorn, loud, proud, and sticking out like a soar thumb.