I Tip My Hat to You

So, I'm sure you've all seen all the grammy pics and such already, if you didn't see the people live on t.v. But now you get to see a few choice pics from me again with commentary! And, it gets better. The commentary is by me! That's right, what you've all been waiting for.
Let's start off with Lean Rimes. Anyone else think she went a little far with the whole losing weight thing? I mean, she used to be all chubby and adorable. Then she lost weight, I was for it. It was healthier, it made her happy. But then I see this and I get a little concerned. I do love that dress, but it's falling off her poor frame! Perhaps it's just the dress. She is a beautiful woman though and just look at that smile!

Next, we have Matisyahu. I just love his style, and how he does his own thing stylistically, both with his clothes and music. In this picture of him, I like how only one cuff is peeking out. It gives him a bit of a haphazard look contrasted against the more refined look of the rest of his clothes.

Speaking of haphazard, I love Shakira's crazy hair in this picture. You didn't think I'd miss posting a pic of Shakira. I love her crazy lion-mane hair and wish I could get my curls to do that. As for her dress, it actually reminds me of a Christmas present, which is a good thing. She kept it simple as per her new look and I'm still loving it. Take that McDonalds!
The fourth pic is of Scarlet Johanson but doesn't she looks a lot like Madonna in this pic. Maybe it's just me... But, she still looks lovely as always.

I really wanted to post a pic of Nelly Furtado's dress next, but Blogger is being unfriendly so no pic of her. The top of her dress just looks so Klimt-ish though. I loved it!


The rest are pictures of people I've never heard of, but now must know more about. Proof of the power of clothing.

The first of this batch, and fifth picture of them all, is of Corinne Bailey Rae. I guess I've kind of heard of her; the name sounds familiar. She looks so lovely in this picture and I adore her hair. I'm far too chicken to attempt a homage with my hair though, especially since my ears stick out so I like to keep 'em covered with a little something. Lovely woman though.

The next pic is of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. I've never heard of them but now I must! The pirate costume is too awesome, and I'm liking what I'm seeing of the guy to the left's outfit too. Keep it up boys!

The last pic is of Antonio Pantarelli. Never heard of him at all befor, but digging the coat and shirt. So appropriate with the violin, and it looks like he's having a good time with it.

Now, ergh, my outift. It's not up for deabate. I just reworked those boots with some black ribbon, but I didn't buy it long enough, so I only laced them up to the ankles and tied them there. I like the result though, and the laces are really on for show. Thank goodness for zippers! Click on the pick for more information.

The grammy pictures were taken from The Red Envelope's slide show thing on the grammies.

Tip hats not cows,

Ivy Frozen

DIY: Safety Pin Alterations P2

Time for another installment of safety pin alterations.

Safety pin alterations is for anyone who is lazy or just in a hurry or unsure if she (or he!) actually wants to fully alter something. All you need is a pack of saftey pins and whatever you're trying to alter. In part one of this series, I discussed how to create a bustle skirt from a circle or A-line skirt. (I forgot to mention it works better with a flowy skirt versus a stiff one, but I'm sure anyone who tried it figured that out and no real harm to try it out real quick.)

In part 2, I shall go over shortening a maxi pencil skirt. This is a real quicky.

1. Put skirt on inside out.
2. Grab bottom of skirt and pull it up to desired length. The fold shall be your hemline.
3. Safety pin in pin in place. (Note: START WITH FRONT or FARTHEST AWAY FROM ZIPPER!)
4. Then pull sides snug in and safety pin. Work your way to the back (or zipper).
5. There will be excess fabric. Leave excess fabric to hang over zipper area and pin to hold.
6. Take skirt off, flip it right side in, and voila! Your new skirt is done.

It results in a slightly bubbly hemline. (Both skirts are actually about a size or two too big for me. The white one fits better, so I bet the pink one is two sizes too big for me.)

Watch out that you don't safety pin your clothes. Pull the skirt away from you! This is probably good for short term. If you like to keep it permenently like this, you should sew it. I'm obligated to tell you this, even though I'm too lazy to fully sew it myself.

Oh, and those people who say bubble hemlines are no good for pear shaped (i.e. biggest/widest at your bum and hips) girls don't know what they're talking about. Experiment and find what works for you.

Pictures: click them to view them larger and get info. on where I got the something, etc. & I didn't realize I was wearing the same shirt with the two outfits I chose to show. They just show off the skirt the best! Honest...

Safety Pin Queen,
Ivy Frozen

Public Service Announcement # 369: Animals Rule!

Humans aren't the only ones with style. Today, I thought I'd showcase some stylish critters for some inspiration.



Some sharp looking werewolves. Love the color of that waistcoat with the jacket and shirt. Just a fantastic color.



Love for this cheetah's shirt. Again, great bold color, and you know I love my busy prints.



Anubis just looks cool. He IS a god, afterall. Gold and shiny blue were made for each other, and they are his colors.



Just like that red scarf on this chap. Compliments his fur tone beautifully.

Does that encourage you to wear that crazy concoction that you've whipped up somewhere in your dreams that involves that piece hidden in the back of your closet? Go know and put it on. If it goes over really badly, you can always say you lost a bet. If you've got more confidence and the energy to back it up, point out that you can wear what you want and you don't owe any one any explanations for your wardrobe choice. Quite honestly, most people are delighted by a fun outfit, although there are the usual sort (who I hope you don't particularly care for anyways) who will be mean-spirited about it.

Here's a few more folks to encourage you!



Look! It's Willy Wonka, sporting one of the coolest coats ever along with some pretty fly glasses and hat and let's not forget the cane, which is starting to make a come back as THE assesory to have. Or maybe I just really want one...

BTW, is it bad that I saw the movie and don't remember a thing from the actual movie except for the dancing oompa loompa?



And a Wicked Queen offering you the apple. Do you dare to take a bite?


Funded by all those folks I've been seeing around lately, asking for outfit advice (you know the answer!) and talking about not wearing items they love because of fear of others' gossiping, and of course,

Ivy Frozen

images: click them for more information and for a larger size. All of the pictures except the one of me at the top were taken at FURther Confusion 2007. And yes, that's a koala on my sweat shirt.

Just like the Movies

I've been strangely entranced by colors in movies.

1st up, O Brother, Where Art Thou?



It features a kind of pale, washed out, old photograph color scheme that reminds me of a lot of the colors that went down the catwalks for Spring this year and last year. (Of course, we got some neons going on this year...) The video is about four minutes and is actually a music video, not a clip, but I think it shows off what I was talking about. As for the rest of the movie, I vote you go see it if you haven't already. Thumbs up from me. It's a bit of a modernized take on Odysseus's voyage (and I love my Greek/Roman mythology) featuring three men escaping jail in the south in the 1930s. Our main man wants to get back to his wife, but there's additional subplot about them searching for treasure. Plus, you know it's a good movie when they consider color. That shows some time, effort, and love put into the movie, versus the quicky sequels and blockbusters done just to rake in as much money as possible. Great movie, and it features George Clooney. Who needs more reason than George C. to go see it?

Alright, movie two is Under the Tuscan Sun



That's the trailer for it. It's all faded since it was uploaded onto youtube, so it doesn't really show you the colors I was talking about, but it gives you an idea about what the movie is about. To help you mentally see the colors, think vibrant sunflowers. I love the rich, warm colors it uses, and the fact that it totally supports my fantasy version of Italy. When I'm middle aged, I want to be like Catherine (the woman with the black hat and ice cream cone in the trailer). She is so awesome! And the white dress that Diane Lane's character buys to go visit her love interest is my dream dress for trekking around Italy. This is another good movie. I like that it leaves you with a warm, fuzzy, "I can do it!" attitude kind Legally Blond, but it also has more of an older/wiser/"everything is not rainbows and pink bunnies but that's okay" feel, if you know what I mean.

Movie number three is The Promise



Once again, crummy youtube quality, but the trailer gives you some idea of what it's about and even youtube can't totally distroy the beauty of this film. Beautiful costumes and color schemes! Designers should take note of this film. If it was an add campaign, I'd totally want to buy almost every clothing item in it. They made rags look beautiful! They convinced me that all men should were pink, flowery robes with impracticle long tails that trail so gracefully on the floor. I wasn't quite sold on the men in feathery poet sleeves though. Of course, that was worn by the villain, along with silver eyeshadow. This movie certainly had some conventions common in anime.

As for the movie, much of it seems devoted to creating etherealy beautiful scenes with flowing fabrics. It's not exactly a bad thing since I've been dreaming about incredibly beautiful but also incredibly impracticle gowns made out of yards of flowy fabric that moves as if alive for a while now. The story was interesting and certainly creative as was the special effects, costumes, colors, everything. I felt the ending was a little sudden drop off though. It didn't quite leave me questionless. (Hard to explain without spoiling it.) One more scene could have fixed that. Also, the general's character seemed a little random/flat to me. Why does he feel that way? Oh, because that's what the story needs. He goes from being hard and cruel, to kind of noble, to a whiny/mopey/childish crybaby, and then to hard and cruel again. I just don't get him, and I think a little more insight into him would improve the movie. I'd still say it's worth seeing though. Just make sure to watch it subtitled as the English dub is as jarring and disturbing as they usually are. Plus, who really cares about that other stuff with all the pretty, pretty colors and ridulously beautiful clothes?

And to end, the Spring/Summer 07 Couture shows are going on now and it seems Galliano is loving those Asian looks too. I think it's automatically breathtakingly beautiful if you do a show with inspired by or of traditional Asian attire. Memoirs of a Geisha, The Promise, and now Galliano's Madame Butterfly inspired couture collection. I know the Promise is kind of an outlier since it's Chinese, but Memoirs of a Geisha starred many Chinese actresses and Galliano certainly didn't use all Japanese models, so we loop it together. All outliers, but all together.

And of course, this wouldn;t be a post in my blog if it did not include pictures of the me. In my last post, I showed my Spring and Middle Eastern Asian inspired looks.



He's one inspired by Japan, with the kimono sleave top and Asian dragon. I also double belted for that thick belt look, like the obi. Of course, wearing a fully Asian traditional dress inspired outfit isn't me, so I made it fun with lace and a flirty skirt. And this outfit doubly applies to today's post since the colors were carfully chosen to reflect my persona for the event this outfit was worn to. My persona was Ivy Frozen: Dragon, which is a white ice dragon with very sharp scales made to stand out with heavy black outlines and green eyes and horns. Note, I represented with black, white, and a touch of green.

You can kind of see the dragon depicted on me badge in the first picture, as drawn by my friend wearing the kitty ears in the picture on the right. She didn't make the black lines thick enough or the green dark enough, but that's okay. Easily remedied if she hadn't lamanated it before I saw it... Anywho, those are two of my best friends in the pics with me, MashiChan in the first and SabreKitty/Vampire Writer in the second. I'm feeling generous today, so I'll spread the spotlight.

My outfit: Click the first picture if you care.

I want you to be free,
Don’t worry about me,
And just like the movies,
We play out our last scene,

Ivy Frozen (& apparently Alien Antfarm- Movies)

Into the Beyond!

I'm ready for spring. Maybe it's all the pictures of the Prada ads, sporting the turban, that have been all over the fashion blogs lately. Maybe it's the spring trend forcasting. Or maybe it's because I'm a spring baby.

It started inocently enough, with a fascniation with those wide pants with tiny feet sported by the shinigami of Bleach.



Then, it grasped a whole Asian theme.



It retracted, keeping it's whole Far East Meets Middle East thing, but pairing it down to an obi style belt and the shoes.



Then it went for gold! Total airy boho, fit for spring. Yes, Boho is spring, as black and white is winter, and mixed patterns are autumn.



Spring is the season for nice flowy looks that will blow so beautifully as the wind accosts them, and will swirl so beautifully while you freeze because spring is taking its sweet time to warm up to summer and leave winter behind.

It also seems those Prada ads have influenced me, since I'm rocking a headscarf. It's actually a pratical thing for spring, since it keeps your hair nice and safe from the wind. Plus, you can just throw on a headscarf if you have a bad hair day, and you can also don one when you're in a hurry. Headscarf, a dress, and some shades, and you look classicly chic when you were really just lazy or overslept or something.

Watch, when spring finally arrives, I'll be over the whole headscarf thing and complaining about my allergies while I whine for summer to arrive.

My outfits: click the pictures if you care. The date on my camera is wrong, so they day they were uploaded to flickr is closer, if not the date, I wore the outfit.

A Ram-Lamb,
Ivy Frozen

P.S. Yes, I straightened my hair. It was upsetting me curly, not behaving right, so I decided to straigten for a bit. Usually when I go from straight to curly, my curls bounce back.

Obligatory Optimistic Post

So, here's the obligatory optimistic post for 2007. It's going to be awesome. Global warming and all that.

Yay!

So, anywho, now that New Years is over, I'm ready for Valentines Day. Why, I do not know... It's not exactly like I have someone special to share it with or anything and it is a holiday for couples. Maybe it's just because I'm a pink bunnies and flying ponies kind of gal, and a holiday that celebrates love--the thing that makes the pink bunnies and flying ponies go 'round-- is worthy of my attention. Or maybe it's because I love to ham up holidays, you know dressing up and all that, and Valentines Day is one of those that lends to this.

Outfit (From 1/2): sweater- Aeropostale (gift from sis) I normally don't shop there, except for boxers. (Men's boxers are so much better than women's...), blouse- mom (70s/80s), jeans- Ross, socks- Walmart, red patent ballet flats and ribbon belt- Ebay

Conga!
Ivy Frozen

Obligatory Happy New Year Post 2007

So this is THE OBLIGATORY Happy New Years post for 2007. So, Happy New Years! and all that jazz... I've never really been big on this holiday. Perhaps because I have yet to reach the optimal age for enjoying it i.e. drinking age.

But, since this isn't my favorite holiday, I shall not stiff you like other blogs. No, this post shall say more than just Happy New Year. It shall talk about wear that screams "Winter!" To me anyways... So without further ado:

I don't understand the whole "no white after labor day deal."

It started with Susie Bubble talking about all the pictures of Japanese girls in white made her think about Spring. Then my mom commented on my white boots when I asked her if she knew why everyone was staring at my feet all day.

"White in winter?" she said. "Doncha know no white after Labor Day?"

What? White not in winter? It makes no sense to me. Winter is black and white and greys to me. In fact, my latest outfits have been pretty much white, black, and grays with a little color thrown in to keep it fun. I also admit to being date-ily challenged in that I thought Labor Day was in May. Or is that Veterans' Day? Too many holidays that I don't particularly care for except for the time they get me off. No disrespect to anyone who celebrates these holidays; I'm just being honest.

Back to my white is winter debate, Snow Queens wear white and creams, not whatever colors anyone who supports such a barbaric custom as no white after Labor Day thinks are winter. Jack Frost is white and blue. Snow is white and snow is winter.

Considering I live in an area of California that does not get snow except for that one year, I don't think my white boots should cause such an uproar. Global warming makes them make even more sense. I could see if I lived somewhere where it was all snowy and/or dirty, but I don't. White is winter.

The offending outfit:



So, what do you think?

My New Years Outfit: blue cape thingy- mom (70s/80s), white lacy cami- Ross, black pinstripe knickers- Marshalls, white ribbed tights- JC Penny, black round toe pumps with feather & bow & and broach detail- Waltz, silver lightning bolt necklace- LuLu's Fashion Lounge, gold fire/leaves brooch- Great grandma

Happy New Year Y'all,
Ivy Frozen

I Love Klimt!

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Klimt happens to be my favorite artist, although I have random love for Monet. Klimt though has all the things I like in a painting. I love his use of patterns, his color palettes, the gold, and the subject. (Women are just funner to paint because we're curvy!) He also designed some clothes. So, yes, I do feel him as a kindred spirit.

I was introduced to his work by my art teacher in high school and she was spot on. I've used him as my artist of inspiration for several art projects, including the one above. (It would have been better if I had more time, but alas! I did not.)

Some of my outfits that remind me of Klimt:

These are more inspired by his time period (Late 1800s to Early 1900s). The last one is inspired a bit by his color pallettes, a lot of yellows, reds, and oranges.

These are all mixed patterns. I love mixed patterns! Much of my favorite music would appear as a mixed pattern outfit, I imagine. I love getting lost in all the tiny little rythms of various instruments in music. Mmmm.

And, my favorite dress here, which reminds of Klimt too. To me Klimt is Autumn, and you'll notice most of my Klimt-ish outfits are from then. The season of mixed patterns and fun colors.

My Outfits: Click the pictures and should be carried to a page with all the info.

To see more Klimt pictures, here's a Yahoo image search on Klimt. Gorgeous, no?

Painted by Klimt,

Ivy Frozen

Mami, Am I Fat?

How many weight-loss commercials are there? With 2007 looming ever closer (like tommorrow...), the herd of weight loss adds have been released. Everything from those sketchy pills to Jenny Craig-like programs to joining the gym and buying work-out equipment.

My favorite commercial was the one for some weight-loss commercial where it says, "It's not your fault your fat. It's cortizones!" or something that my mind chooses to remember as that. The humor that I find in it is not that I think it's people's fault that they are fat-- complex subject that-- but that it blames it on your body and things designed to help people survive.

It also reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine when the dad was pretty much calling the little girl fat and trying to get her not to eat the ice cream. (So mean!) Really, if your kid is a little heavy and you're trying to get them to eat healthier, just take control of their diet. Tell them they can't have the junk food; don't tell them they're fat.

But back on topic, like much of America, I've made a fitness goal for 2007. My goal is not really to lose weight so much as to tone up and maybe gain some muscle. Really, I have like negative muscle...

I got some new fitness gear, and I have part of a plan started. I'm a runner at heart, or should I say legs, so at least a half hour run/jog/thing four days a week. I'm more of an endurance runner than speedy so it should work out fine for my cardio. Now, I just need to find some exercises to tone my thighs, bum, and abs.

Oh! & I really want this American Apparel tee, but not cropped because I don't have the hot abs yet and that's what I want it for, to work on those abs.

Sorry for the pic with the sex shorts? on, but this pic showed how it drapes so nicely and looks perfect for keeping cool when you have to wear a shirt while working out and it's hot.

I also want to better treat the part of my body I dislike the most due to its horrid temper, my skin. If I'm nice to it, it'll behave. It's so easy to mistreat in winter though, when it needs my love the most, since it ends up covered.

So, they we have it! Documentation of my New year's resolutions, going into effect after it's officially the new year. Chinese New Year, that is. Just teasing...

Outfit (from 12/20 dog walk around the lake)- cropped hoody and tunic- JC Penny, jeans and sneakers- Ross, rainbow tee and fanny pack- mom (70s,80s), scarf- Old Navy

Resolved Resolutions,
Ivy Frozen

Style Influence and Inspiration Pt. This One

The Sartorialistwanted to know people earliest fashion influence for his contest. I would have posted this over there for the contest, but one of his earlier posts stopped me. He mentioned semi-stealing a signed copy of a magazine because it meant more to him than the person he got it from. (Theoretically...) And the book he had up for prize was a book that I'm sure someone else who actually entered would enjoy more than me. I might like it, but might is the key word. I certaily wouldn't treasure it like a true fan, so instead I bore you all with my answer to the question. Madonna. Lacey, but racy, Madonna. Madonna made fashion fun with her "I'll wear a tutu with combat boots if I want to!" look back in the 80s. I wasn't to crazy about her cone bra looks, but Madonna is constantly roaming style wise and she seems to get into niches like me. But, when hers don't work, she doesn't cry or keep shoving the same thing down our throats. She moves on to something else, and that's why she's still a pop queen, unlike Michael Jackson.

I do like more color and pattern mixing madness than Madonna who plays more with shape, although her latest incarnation loves shiny pastels. But, my more bold looks are firmly rooted in my childhood from seeing the lacy Madonna look with her biting additude. Love the contrast and still do. Sweet and Sour, baby!

And for those skoffing at her latest 70s roller disco meets the 80s workout gear craze, comparing Madonna to your grandma in statements something like, "I wouldn't want my grandma to wear something like that," your grandma don't look like Madonna. Your grandma is also not a rich performer and style icon. So, your comparison is, well, not working. Madonna can wear a leotard if she wants to. Heck, she looks better than me in one.

Madonna, making fashion fun again.

Now, some Madonna time:

A quick run through of Madonna.



A longer run thorugh of Madonna, including photos and clips from her movies and stage performances in addition to her videos.



One of my fav. Madonna songs and videos.



Bedtime Story. Right on trend. Flowers? (S/S) Check. Shiny? Check. Futurific? Check. Check. and Check.



Take a Bow. My other favorite Madonna song. I've always loved it, and love her classy but also real look in this video. Right on trend again. (Christina Aguilera is always channeling in her vids...)

1st outfit (from 12/18)- puff sleeve polo- Ross, cropped hoody and flats- JC Penny, Shorts- Lola/Rave, tights and socks- H&M, brooches- mom's grandma

2nd outfit (from 12/27)- shirt- Mervyns, brown cami (under)- Lola/Rave, belt- thrifted, skirt (rose patterned long prairie skirt taken up and bustled by me and a safety pin)- mom (70s), black thigh highs- Hot Topic, ballet flats- Nu Pair (BOGO-ed with my prom shoes)

Not just like a virgin,
Ivy Frozen

Nostalgia

I'm alive and back to posting. Lookout for a stream... I started a bunch of posts and just have to finish them at odd hours of the night when I should be sleeping.

Everyone's doing top 10 and top 100 lists for 2006. I don't know why. Really, why 10 or 100? Because they're even? Easy to divide and count by? I don't know about you, but none of that is useful with any of the things I do with those lists. So, I present to you my favorite shopping rules of 2006. The list is as long as favorite shopping rules I have, which may or may not fall into these favorite numbers. Maybe next I'll do my top 6 looks from 2006 and the top 11 items I will not be sad to see go. Why? Because I like 6, but I'm not too keen on 11...

My Fav Rules of 2006:

1. If it's not exactly what you want, don't buy it. If you're like me, the substitute just won't do it for you and you'll still crave the perfect item, which you'll find later and then purchase and promptly shove the substitute into the dark corner of your closet along with all the other substitutes. Substitutes: just don't do them. And remember, good friends don't let good friends take home a substitute.

2. Think about when and where you will wear the item. If you can't think of any outfits made up of items you already own, if you can't think of several outfits, if you can't think of ongoing occassions and it's not for a very special one, then just say "no". It's okay.

3. Buy stuff that fits you now in all ways, not for when your feet spontaneously shrink half an inch or you finally lose those few inches. This also means not to buy that skimpy but oh-so-shiny top for the great nightlife you're planning to adopt. If these things actually do happen, you can always purchase those things. The world is not suddenly going to have a shortage of perfect items for your occasion. I know, it's hard to believe. I still have trouble believing it.

4. Just because it's cheap now, doesn't mean you have to buy it now. Sacrilege! Sacrilege! But true sacrilege. The reason why for this one, is actually reason #5:

5. Think about the clutter. As a messy person, I speak for all messy people who don't have some mold that at one time or other was pizza festering beneath their bed that my clutter annoys me at times too. The mess really comes from my attempting to organize my clutter on the biggest shelf in my house, all visible and within easy reach at once. Yeah, it doesn't work so well. And no, I don't think fondly of the pile of clothes waiting to fall on me when I open my closet or having to dig through it all for "that one top". Do I really want to add said item from #4 (typically multiplied over time) to all that just because it's cheap? Yeah. Not so cheap now, is it.

6. There is no Island of Clothes that No One Wanted. Rest easy knowing the item will go to a good home where it is loved (or tossed in the trash). I just need a moment to form a boring clip show in my mind, complete with cheesy and overly dramtic music of all the items that have been denied me this year via those rules T_T ...

Okay! Done!

Now that I've beat that into me, I'm going to try to limit my spending in 2007. Ultimate goal is $0 on anything I don't need or isn't replacing something worn out and/or broken. Of course, such a leap seems unrealistic for my itchy fingers. I might do alright the first part of the year as Christmas just passed and my birthday is in March, but towards the end, I'll need some retail therapy! So, perhaps I'll take it in month spurts and shoot for half a year. That's until summer. I think I can do that. Maybe... Possibly... I'll demand gift cards, ne?

Featured Outfit (from 12/11): romper dress thing- thrift store, long sleeve tee- Target, tights and belt- JC Penny, boots- Hot Topic, scarf- thrifted

Lock on her wallet est. 2007,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Okay, so I totally ignored the rules for that that romper in the picture, but my sister bought it for me so it's okay. Plus, I did find a way to wear it...

On the 11th Day before Christmas, Ivy Frozen gave to me

The truth about jeans: they ain't so comfy. Sure, there's that old pair that you spent years breaking in until all the spots that rub were smooth and nearly threadbare, and about ready for the trash can. I repeat jeans aren't that comfy. All that hardware, the restriction on movement, and that heavy duty-fabric just can't be, no matter how hard it tries. The real comfort of jeans is the mindset that you can do a lot in them. They're so practical and can look pretty snazzy too. They're a go anywhere, do anything garment. Paint in them, garden in them, do heavy labor in them, play in them, etc.

But, if you want real comfort, I much prefer trousers or leggings.

So, so many people --and by people I mean "fashionistas"-- protest the leggings (and ankle boot trend) because they tend to make your ankles blend into your calves producing the horror inducing word, "cankles." When I first saw the word "cankles" used, it thought it was some horrible deformity or disease. But no, it's just what you see in the picture of my outfit above, where the indent of my ankle dissappears. I'm really unimpressed. So what if the line of my ankle disappears? I'm not seeing the horror. If you look at my right leg, it's pretty obviously there. I see no problem with the "cankle" look and I shall continue to sport items that supposedly give me this, including shoes with ankle straps.

Stay tooned for more crazy silhouettes that I love and support!

My outfirt worn Dec. 7th: red tunic- mom (70s/80s), faux fur bolero- um..., black leggings- Lola/Rave, white cuffed ankle boots- Hot Topic, thick black waist belt (under my arms)- JC Penny

Cankles: ankles with a "c" for cool,

Ivy Frozen

Silence Must be Heard! DIY

Not simply observed...



Okay, so didja really think I'd be over my Enigma obsession so quickly? Today's post is about playing with volume, as all the magazines suggest doing and talk about designers doing, etc. It's also filled with diy goodness.

So, in the picture, I am wearing a dress I made myself. It's the first item of clothing I've ever made, and I'm lazy. Anyone else get a headache when reading all that "use [insert name of stitch that is explained nowhere how to do] stitch" in those easy diy and beginner guides? Yeah, well I said I'll just work it out as I go. I used diy instructions for a circle skirt (pretty much just cut a circle how big you want the skirt out of fabric), sewed a band at the top, attached straps and some buttons (a few more than planned since it ended up a bit big; I allowed too much extra.) and voile! Unfortunately, the fabric I used ('cause it had plaid and was on clearance!) has a tendency to fray easily, so I also had to hem. (Many fabrics you don't have to.) But, here are some better pics of the dress. I do love the movement... But more fabric than I planned and the back is longer than the fron when I wear it do to tilting. I could always just hem up the back a bit though. But, here are the pictures really:

So, the second diy is a bustle. Once again, this is a bustle for the lazy person. Take a circle skirt pull some of the fabric from the sides back to create a bustle as you like. Then secure with a safety pin and you're done. Temporary but highly effective. Plus, your skirt is now two-in-one. I will say that bustles slim my hims considerably, as you might be able to see in the photo on the very top. Of course, I do tend to wear 3/4th length puff sleeved shirts with them...

Now, I haven't tried this with an A-line skirt, but it should work too. Also, with longer skirts and dresses, you can fold them up a bit to create an apron, then secure in back with pin to create a bustle and have more bounce to it (since there will be more fabric.) Otherwise, you'll end up with a more pencil/tulipy shape for the skirt.

My outfit worn Nov. 27th: puff sleeve blouse- mom (from 70s), plaid jumper/pinafore- made by me, long sleeve tee and boots- JC Penny, belt- Forever 21 (I like wearing it backwards!), tights- Target

Volume, it's good for you
Ivy Frozen

Go vintage, young girl

Look into the mirror of your soul.
Love and hate are one and all.
Sacrifice turns to revenge
And believe you will see the face who will say,
"I love you; I'll kill you
"But to love you...forever!"
--from Enigma's "I love you...I'll kill you"

Vinatage. It's not just about the look. It's not just about not having to worry about some chick wearing the same thing as you. It's about history.

While I do like vintage for all of the above reasons-- I seriously HATE wearing the same item at the same time at the same place as some other person--I LOVE vintage because it's a connection to the past. I love history and it's neat to think of all the time the item has survived to end up in my hands. It's also fun to muse about past owners of the garment. Who knows; I might have been the past owner (and/or creater of the homesewn stuff) back in a past life. Some items just have that big a draw to me. But my favorite vintage items come from my own family. Well, my mom.

My mom is a huge pack-rat and hates to throw stuff away. She's convinced that she'll need it one day after she's tossed it out. She's worse than me in her pack-rattish ways. I think our house might just be filled to the brim with stuff if my dad wasn't a neat freak to counter-act my mom's ways. But, I do love all the old stuff she saved from the 70s. I also love wearing the costume jewlry from my mother's grandmother and great grandmother. She was raised by them. It just gives me a worm feeling. Unfortunately, I left most of the brooches from the grandmas at home, but when I'm there, I wear at least one almost every day. I just love the warm fuzzies I get from wearing. I also think they watch out for me (they're both dead. Really, and interesting concept for me considering my less than clear views on spiritual matters...) as I do tend to be lucky, especially when paired with negative energy.

Going with that, I also adore the two rings my parents bought me. I "feel the love" when I wear them. One, I didn't particularly carefore. It was a result of a "momism". <-- That term actually does not come from my own poor grip on language, but from my American Indian studies teacher. "Momism" refers to those things mom's do, such as insisting you bundle up before going out, the doting and chicken noodle soup when you're sick, and all that stuff that you're just like "Aw, mom!" about. In this case, that would be insisting that I should get this ring, that I don't particularly want, because my sister got one, that she wanted. The other ring is my birth stone and diamond. It's the only ring I've actually ever wanted. Aquamarine, diamond, and white gold: a stunning combination. It's so winter fresh, pure/innocent, and also springy; all images and ideas I relate to myself. My name IS Ivy Frozen and I told you I adore it and find it just so fitting. Also, if I ever get married (which would involve a little thing, like I dunno, a boyfriend first), I totally want my engagement ring to be aquamarine, diamon, and white gold! I'd marry that guy on the spot if I got a ring in with that combo. And he'd be getting laid when he wanted, how he wanted (to translate some more lines from Enigma) if the proposal also came with these shoes. Ah, now that's a dream.

In the picture above, I am sporting a color combo fit to match that ring. And that shirt used to belong to my mother, way back when she was about my size. (I think she was always a bit bigger than me, at least her boobs.) Gotta love that parrot! As for the Enigma lyrics, I've been playing Enigma and E Nomine music obsessivly lately (sign me up for their cults!) and, well, the lyrics relate to this post with how love and hate are somehow the same thing, while be oppossites. A very thin line between them. Or is there a line at all? Sometimes, I'd say no. As used in this post, yes.

My outfit (from Sunday): button up shirt with parrot- mom from 70s/80s, white with black dots shirt (under)- Ross, blue corduroys- Sears, wedges- Kohls (They have leaves on side of the wedge heel!), green waist belt- Thrift Town

I love you, I'll kill you
Ivy Frozen

Mood Swings, Mood Rings

Just noticing how my dressing seems to be. I tend to go for more masculine (meets feminine) and slouchy/baggy looks when I'm grumpy. I go for sleek, classy and sexy when I'm feeling good, and I go for crazier stuff when I'm feeling bold/energetic. Anyone else notice their moods reflected in clothes? Colors don't really firgure too much into my feeling moods. Though you know I love a good sweet and sour contrast.

Oh my! It seems we have a new word for me to define: moods. See, I use "mood" as a word to refer to more than being happy, sad, mad, etc. Stuff like I'm in an ice cream mood (want ice cream), autumn mood (loving leaves, autumn colors, etc.), and sleek mood (I've been wearing sleeker, more classic outfits since I went home for Thanksgiving break.) Y'all know I need my fun though. I mean, what is the point if not fun? Or survival.

Now, I'll finish this off with test results you probably don't care too much about, but tests you might want to take. Both tests receive a thumbs up from me. I can see myself as the tests describe me. Actually, you probably do care about the results, voyeurs that we all are. So, here we go:

Glam.com's What animal (print) are you test:

The fact that a leopard can’t change its spots is not lost on you. Like the sleek and sensuous wildcat, you’ve wholly embraced your aloofness and penchant for self-indulgence and freedom. You live by your instincts, which comes in handy while exploring unknown territories, be they of the heart and mind or exotic places.

I luv leopard

Okay Cupid Enneagram test:

the Observer Thanks for taking the test !

you chose BZ - your Enneagram type is FIVE. "I need to understand the world" Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful. How to Get Along with Me Be independent, not clingy. Speak in a straightforward and brief manner. I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts. Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable. Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity. If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place. don't come on like a bulldozer. Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy. What I Like About Being a Five standing back and viewing life objectively coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure not being caught up in material possessions and status being calm in a crisis What's Hard About Being a Five being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally Fives as Children Often spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on have a few special friends rather than many are very bright and curious and do well in school have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information assume a poker face in order not to look afraid are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected Fives as Parents are often kind, perceptive, and devoted are sometimes authoritarian and demanding may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Enneagram Made Easy Discover the 9 Types of People Harper SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages You liked the test? so please don't forget to RATE it... but remember! it had only two questions!!! ;-) you wanna know MORE? so check out, what Wikipedia says about your type... ...even more you'll find in Google

Link: The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test written by felk on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

My outfit (from Tuesday): Turtle tee- Sears, Long sleeve tee- JC Penny, Swing jacket- Lola, Pants- Uhhh... Back from my slouchy, skate-boarder/snow boarder/extreme sports player look days., Socks- Payless, Shoes- Ebay, Scarf- knit for me by a friend

Kid Tested, Mother Approved
Ivy Frozen

Naked

Apparently, I want to carry a bag with me when I'm naked. Really, what is up with all the naked ladies selling bags? What exactly is the message? Buy the bag so the lady can buy some clothes? Nudist style: you may not wear clothes so assert your style with a cool bag? Just really baffles/annoys me, especially when I see it back, to back, to back by about twenty different brands in the same magazine. I flipped through to page 75 with only a page or two of actual content before that. Y'all know fashion magazines annoy me, and yet I most be a masochist for I buy one or two every now and then. This time it was Bazaar, since I tend to like their articles. Yes, JLO on the cover sold it to me as I was wondering why she was on the cover of a best dressed magazine, considering she's been looking, well, old, decrepit, and isn't exactly praised often for her style. I must say, I liked how they did their best dressed list, showing the pictures and then an article explaining the choices kind of generally. It points out that we all have a different idea of style, and few people would agree with the list. And also how one guy had a problem with the list because his wife dressed better than everyone ont he list and he didn't want to read anything that didn't have his wife in it (or something close to that.). These ideas gave me pause, because I too am guilty about those quick judgements and irrational/hypocritcal behavior despite this lovely blog promoting dressing outside of the common box they try to force you to use and inside your own box, even if it does include things from the other box. (Dun-dun-duuunnnn!) So praise to Bazaar for that! I'll keep that in mind as I wonder "what that famous person was thinking!" Should they really be held to different fashion standards than the rest of us? Must every famous person also be a style icon? Just something to ponder... I'll try to keep that in mind as my mind next time it's relevant to my thoughts.

But, even keeping that in mind, I still must wonder why Britney is going out everywhere in short dresses WITHOUT UNDERWEAR? I mean, does she like flashing her parts to everyone? Is she depresses about divorcing K. Fed.? (Although I could never see why...) I don't have much love for Britney, but I did think she could do better than that creep. And I kind of feel sorry for her now. Am I the only one to notice how evil Paris Hilto looks in all of their pictures together? Paris has got this evil-friendly expression on her face (of course, she always looks like that...) and Britney looks all sweet, and like, "okay. Yay! We're going out. And you're my friend Paris. I'm n ot sure about this, but you said it was okay and I want you to like me so, I'll do it." Then, we have Paris who looks like, "Yes, yes, Britney. You look very pretty. And I have you right where I want you my pretty, mwahahahha!"

Even with my sympathy, however, the no underwear has no excuse. She's a mother! Do it for the kids, Britney. Do it for the kids so they don't get into a bunch of fights because everybody and their momma has seen their momma's nether regions. Now, I wore a very light, floaty dress today and it was a bit windy. Not windy enough to make wearing this really stupid/impracticle, but my skirt did fly up once while I was crossing a field. It was no big deal though because I'm wearing boxers. (And underwear under the boxers.) Yeah, that's right. I think boxers and socks that go over the knee are the hottest and really comfy too. Mine are red Aeropostale with little monkey faces on them. About the only thing I'd get from Aeropostale. Men's boxers too, I believe. (I won them at a party.) That would explain why they're so awesome versus th oddity that is women's boxers.

No, for Paris, I took the liberty of putting together an outfit fit for an heiress.

It's a total kick to your face, without being a kick. It's a sample of what I would wear if I had a rich daddy. Of course, I wore this even though my daddy isn't rich... Well, anyways, I think that if we are forced to see Paris (believe I do not actively seek images of her and would prefer not to be force fed her less than sparkling image), then she should take some notes from Dita von Teese. You don't have to be an ass or a boob to be sexy. And from me, it doesn't have to be pink, fluffy, and/or covered with Hello Kitty to be youthful, cute, and fun.

I believe Sullen Girl lays out the incidents mentioned above very nicely.

My outfits: The 1st worn today: skirt worn as dress & brown crochet shrug- Ross, cropped trapeze jacket- Lola, over the knee socks- Wet Seal, gold espadrilles- Old Navy, leaf necklace- Lulu's Fashion Lounge

The 2nd worn on Wednesday: faux fur bolero- eh, I forget. Last year somewheres on sale, cream corset tank (that flash of white there)- Ross, black long sleeve tee- Target, black pencil skirt and grey tights- JC Penny, brown cowboy boots- Charlotte Russe, brown belt- Payless, roses brooch- mom; used to be her grandma's, freshwater pearl necklace- Hawaii

Fully clothed Thank You,
Ivy Frozen