Ugh, with the last couple of posts, you probably think this is turning into a celebri-style blog, but fear not dear readers! This blog is all about me! Really, I'm not as narcissistic as that sounded... But, let's just move on, shall we?
What's up with the pic of flowers at the top instead of the signature pic of one of my outfits? You know I was feeling Spring quite a while ago, well the plants around here are telling me that Spring has arrived. While I still have my doubts--those clouds in the distance sure look menacing even in the bright sunlight---this is an image heavy post with outfits inspired by all the lovely blooms around and my desire for Spring!
The flower above translated into this outfit. If you can see from the close up. it has soses and other flowers all over it in an explosion that reminds me of the first flower pic in this post, at the top. I kept the rest simple though, like the sigle flower, though I couldn't resist the head band (it reminded me of Klimpt!) and I was testing out the shoes to see if they delivered on their promis of comfort, which they did. They have small heels, maybe 2 inches, but they're more comfy than some of my flats. While they can seem a bit grandma-ish, I think they work well with sort mod-inspired looks and also a certain '50s charm about them.
The thrid flower image above reminded me of these outfits of mine, back from when I was wish'n and hope'n and pray'n for Spring. That bold pink and the curvature are reflected well in these outfits. It's a little bolder than the flower in the fence.
Yes, it's Oscar time and all of my wildest dress fantasies are coming true. Okay, maybe not ALL of them, that would eb a lot to ask for afterall, but many of them are brought to life and the night is still young.
This pic is a little out of theme, but Lisa Ray (the one on the orangish-brown dress) looks stunning, just a beautiful woman in general. Deepa Mehda looks beautiful too, but I'm coveting that sari of hers. Beautiful colors and patturns, a dress fantasy brought to life! Likewise, Penelope is beautiful nd all that, but I'm coveting the dress more. Just look at it, the texture on the skirt, yards of fabric into the ridiculousness. Okay, maybe not quite as into the ridiculousness as my fantasy, but it's a good comnpromise. At least she can actually move around in this one so it will sweep so beautifully like that. In this pic, the dress the dress definitely overshadows her, since it's a little dark. But look how it swirls in the front! Love the silhouette of Rinko Kikuchi in this number. It reminds me of the ink lady from Batman Beyond, complete with the swirly hair. For those who think being compared to a cartoon character is less than optimal, it also reminds me of old fashion drawings from the '20s?. The ink connotation just really appeals to me though, like the dress is fluid she was dipped in and it's running off her. I just read that last sentence and realized it sounds a little creepy, but trust me, my admiration for the dress is nothing you should consider shipping me off to a nice, padded room for. J Lo's keeping up with her older look she's adopted since her so far lasting marriage to Marc Anthony, and I'm still on the rocks about it. I kind of miss old, in-your-face-bronze-goddess J Lo As foor the fantastical dress, just look how airy it looks! And the neckline is gorgeous! And the chilled out J Lo looks like an icy siren, albeait a prenant one. Is she preganant? Really, I thought she was with this dress, but I could be wrong. It's not like I make it a point to keep up with celebrity gossip or anything; typically the stuff's shoved down my throat when I head to yahoo to check my mail or look around the grocery store. But I must say, can you picture J Lo singing "Jenny from the Block" is this dress? Yeah, I would have preferred my J Lo in this dress so thoughtfully picked out by the people at Dress A Day. She could still rock "Jenny from the Block" in that. Also, just click on the link to see more beautiful dresses picked out for the starlets, most of which rock my dress fantasy bone too. Now excuse while I finish my theory about Marc Anthony brainwashing J Lo into a Stepford Wife.
Images: Oscar Red Carpet pics from Yahoo. As for the pic of me, click it for a larger image and details if you care, or just leave a message bothering me for them.
Yes, I dissappeared for a bit. But I have good reason! I was sick, my car broke down, I got sick again, my car got hit. But, on a more positive note, I was also in a very creative mood and doing some writing and other creations. If been furiously typing away on my new novel project. This one has been going around in my head for longer than the other one and has finally come to fruition, I think anyways. So, I've paused work on the other one as my main character in that one was too flat for my liking and taken up this one again. If you click that link, you can read the first chapter. The second chapter is also up, but I've made it so only members of the site can view it. Of course, you can always create a free account to view it if you want to; just don't say that I pimped the site out to you. Unless that's a good thing, of course. If you're bored, check it out and let me know what you think.
If you like reading and have some time to kill, I suggest checking the site out. Lot's of fabulous authors on there. I recommend WD Wilcox's port, after mine of course. But he's an awesome author with a little of everything in his port. Mine is filled with mostly fantasy and mythology pieces. Fancy that...
You can also see some of the fun I was having with Paint Shop Pro with the picture for this post, the closest I come to sweats by the way. Take that Juicy Couture! Click on the picture if you want more details on it. The background picure was actually taken by my daddy, so that's why it's so much nicer looking than any of mine.
But anywho, just an apology of sorts for anyone holding their breath for my next post, Ivy Frozen
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.
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...
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.
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,
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.
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
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."
"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
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.
You see it! It stands out even squeezed between all the other clothes on the rack. You wrinkle your in confusion, disgust, and yet, you are drawn to it. You pull it out and get a good look at it; it doean't look any better hanging from the rack. You have an urge to try it on. It's just so bizarre you must put it on just to clown around. On you, it's still bizzarre. You hop out of the dressing room and pose with impish lisense for your friends. When you return to the dressing room, you find it hard to take off. Not because it's complicated or too small, but the more you look at yourself in the mirror, the more you love it. Everyone will make fun of you; you're likely to be scoffed at by popular society. But you love it. So just wear it.
The fourth pic is of Scarlet Johanson but doesn't she looks a lot like 
