Lace flower pin
Pink flower bobbypin (this has been very useful for pinning back unruly bangs in the rain!)
Moss headband
Closeup
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Rain rain go away
It has been raining for three days, and it's hard for me to feel inspired when going outside means getting drenched and staying inside means homework. But I have been making some new little barrettes and headbands. Still only have photobooth, hope you don't mind!
Lace flower pin
Pink flower bobbypin (this has been very useful for pinning back unruly bangs in the rain!)
Moss headband
Closeup
Lace flower pin
Pink flower bobbypin (this has been very useful for pinning back unruly bangs in the rain!)
Moss headband
Closeup
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I'm late...
By about a week, but I wanted to show off my valentine's day present. The second song R. wrote for me last summer.
Peace and Love Vintage
I'm finding myself drawn to etsy much more than ebay these days. I think it's something about interacting with store owners that I like, and I have never ever had a problem with etsy while ebay can sometimes be a pain in the butt.
My new favorite vintage store on etsy is Peace and Love (http://www.etsy.com/shop/peaceandloveck). They have the most gorgeous assortment of vintage dresses, and they're having a sale right now!
I bought this mini dress for an upcoming event:
I am so in love with this yellow dress.
And how cute is this paisley mini dress?
My new favorite vintage store on etsy is Peace and Love (http://www.etsy.com/shop/peaceandloveck). They have the most gorgeous assortment of vintage dresses, and they're having a sale right now!
I bought this mini dress for an upcoming event:
I am so in love with this yellow dress.
And how cute is this paisley mini dress?
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Evolution of a Label
I read the most interesting article last night on Kate and Andy Spade and what they are doing these days, as they no longer own the Kate Spade and Jack Spade. I have been loving everything I have seen out of Kate Spade in the past year or so, and I for one was very surprised to find out that she had no creative input anymore.
The article is a fascinating look at a New York power couple who seem so down-to-earth. And guess what their daughter's name is? Bea!
You can read the article here, http://nymag.com/fashion/10/spring/63806/
The article is a fascinating look at a New York power couple who seem so down-to-earth. And guess what their daughter's name is? Bea!
You can read the article here, http://nymag.com/fashion/10/spring/63806/
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Black Thumb
I have never been able to keep a plant alive. But all I've ever wanted is a little garden, just like the little girl in Mary Engelbreit's illustrated edition of Hans Christen Anderson's story, The Snow Queen.
It's especially hard to cultivate a garden here at school. I have been researching what kind of plants would grow with little light and attention when I stumbled upon Tortoise Loves Donkey on etsy. My prayers have been answered! This amazing little shop is filled with adorable tiny air plants and moss in the sweetest glass containers imaginable. Trying to pick my favorite has been quite difficult, but I think I'm going to start off with these:
Tiny Tiny Air Plant Terrarium, -group of 3- $14.50
Three Tiny Tiny Terrariums, $14.50
If I can't control myself and get only a few (which seems highly likely) I may also have to get these:
Little Mossy Guy, $5.50
Three Itty Bitty Terrariums, $12.50
You can head on over to http://www.etsy.com/shop/TortoiseLovesDonkey to view even more adorableness.
It's especially hard to cultivate a garden here at school. I have been researching what kind of plants would grow with little light and attention when I stumbled upon Tortoise Loves Donkey on etsy. My prayers have been answered! This amazing little shop is filled with adorable tiny air plants and moss in the sweetest glass containers imaginable. Trying to pick my favorite has been quite difficult, but I think I'm going to start off with these:
Tiny Tiny Air Plant Terrarium, -group of 3- $14.50
Three Tiny Tiny Terrariums, $14.50
If I can't control myself and get only a few (which seems highly likely) I may also have to get these:
Little Mossy Guy, $5.50
Three Itty Bitty Terrariums, $12.50
You can head on over to http://www.etsy.com/shop/TortoiseLovesDonkey to view even more adorableness.
Friday, February 19, 2010
A note on book collecting
A friend mentioned to me that they had always thought book collecting was about amassing the most valuable collection possible filled with rare bindings and out of print books. I think it's important to note that my collection is made up almost entirely of paperbacks and while a few of the books are out of print they are still readily available used on Amazon. I think the most important part of collecting is making sure that you love what you end up with.
Our family friend/babysitter/Chester's best friend took some pictures of my collection displayed at home for the judges, since they won't be able to see my carefully considered arrangement. The simplest way to describe it is country (England, France, Italy, Russia), time period, then historical "accuracy."
Our family friend/babysitter/Chester's best friend took some pictures of my collection displayed at home for the judges, since they won't be able to see my carefully considered arrangement. The simplest way to describe it is country (England, France, Italy, Russia), time period, then historical "accuracy."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Van Sinderen Book Collecting Prize
In January I entered the Adrian Van Sinderen book collecting prize for seniors and sophomores here at Yale. Here is the description of the competition from the official website (http://www.yale.edu/printer/vansinderen/index.html)
In order to encourage undergraduates to collect books, build their own libraries, and read for pleasure and education, the late Adrian Van Sinderen, Class of 1910, established in 1957 two prizes, one for seniors and one for sophomores. The Senior Prize is now $1,000, the Sophomore Prize $700. Prizes for Honorable Mention are occasionally awarded at the discretion of the judges.
In the awarding of these prizes, neither the number of books nor their monetary value is the determining factor. First consideration is given instead to discrimination and judgment in the selection of titles related to the contestant’s interest. The underlying purpose of the competition is to encourage students to build collections characterized by unity of field or subject. Collections of books acquired solely for courses are not acceptable.
Collections may cover specific subject fields, such as history, biography, literature, philosophy, or the sciences; they may pertain to a particular interest within one of these fields; they may be formed for their bibliographical features (i.e., edition, illustrations, bindings, etc.); or they may represent an intelligently chosen nucleus of a general library. Rare editions and fine bindings, though desirable luxuries, will receive equal but not extra consideration. Paperbacks are acceptable if there is evidence of some worthwhile thought and purpose. Winning collections have included Chicano literature, books on bees and beekeeping, first editions of William Burroughs, books on costume, Sherlock Holmes, and the Asian-American experience.
I have been collecting things ever since I was a child. Miniature tea sets, Madame Alexander dolls, pill boxes, hearts, and of course books.
To enter the book collecting prize you have to write a short statement of intent. Here is mine:
My major often receives raised eyebrows. And incredulous looks. Usually it is accompanied by questions like, “What is that?” or “Are you serious?” I am used to this and so I always prepare for it before telling someone that I am a Renaissance Studies major. After the inevitable, “What are you going to do with that degree?” and the requisite response, “Hopefully teach?” the next question is, “Why?” The answer is my book collection. For as long as I can remember I have collected historical fiction. Before my family would leave on vacation we would go to Powell’s or Barnes and Noble and I would head to the fiction section looking for spines with gilt and covers with girls in corsets. My family would tease me mercilessly in the checkout line, forcing me to turn my habit into a more covert operation. It is only recently that I have owned up to my obsession, removed my books from the drawers, closets, and boxes I had hid them in and displayed them on a bookshelf in my room. I freely admit to the repetitiveness of my collection. I tend to focus on a person and read everything I can find on them before moving on to the next. It is the slight differences in these stories that draw me in. As a historian I am looking for facts. As a reader I am looking to each new author to spin the story in some fresh and exciting way. My collection is a reminder to myself and to others to have fun with history. It is an inspiration to look at history as a series of real life events, and to dig deeper into what really happened.
Anyways, I just heard back that I have made it through to the next round! I will keep you posted.
In order to encourage undergraduates to collect books, build their own libraries, and read for pleasure and education, the late Adrian Van Sinderen, Class of 1910, established in 1957 two prizes, one for seniors and one for sophomores. The Senior Prize is now $1,000, the Sophomore Prize $700. Prizes for Honorable Mention are occasionally awarded at the discretion of the judges.
In the awarding of these prizes, neither the number of books nor their monetary value is the determining factor. First consideration is given instead to discrimination and judgment in the selection of titles related to the contestant’s interest. The underlying purpose of the competition is to encourage students to build collections characterized by unity of field or subject. Collections of books acquired solely for courses are not acceptable.
Collections may cover specific subject fields, such as history, biography, literature, philosophy, or the sciences; they may pertain to a particular interest within one of these fields; they may be formed for their bibliographical features (i.e., edition, illustrations, bindings, etc.); or they may represent an intelligently chosen nucleus of a general library. Rare editions and fine bindings, though desirable luxuries, will receive equal but not extra consideration. Paperbacks are acceptable if there is evidence of some worthwhile thought and purpose. Winning collections have included Chicano literature, books on bees and beekeeping, first editions of William Burroughs, books on costume, Sherlock Holmes, and the Asian-American experience.
I have been collecting things ever since I was a child. Miniature tea sets, Madame Alexander dolls, pill boxes, hearts, and of course books.
To enter the book collecting prize you have to write a short statement of intent. Here is mine:
My major often receives raised eyebrows. And incredulous looks. Usually it is accompanied by questions like, “What is that?” or “Are you serious?” I am used to this and so I always prepare for it before telling someone that I am a Renaissance Studies major. After the inevitable, “What are you going to do with that degree?” and the requisite response, “Hopefully teach?” the next question is, “Why?” The answer is my book collection. For as long as I can remember I have collected historical fiction. Before my family would leave on vacation we would go to Powell’s or Barnes and Noble and I would head to the fiction section looking for spines with gilt and covers with girls in corsets. My family would tease me mercilessly in the checkout line, forcing me to turn my habit into a more covert operation. It is only recently that I have owned up to my obsession, removed my books from the drawers, closets, and boxes I had hid them in and displayed them on a bookshelf in my room. I freely admit to the repetitiveness of my collection. I tend to focus on a person and read everything I can find on them before moving on to the next. It is the slight differences in these stories that draw me in. As a historian I am looking for facts. As a reader I am looking to each new author to spin the story in some fresh and exciting way. My collection is a reminder to myself and to others to have fun with history. It is an inspiration to look at history as a series of real life events, and to dig deeper into what really happened.
Anyways, I just heard back that I have made it through to the next round! I will keep you posted.
Don't call it a comeback
I have always been a big fan of thigh highs. Of course I love my tights, but there is something about thigh highs that is just so sexy with minimal effort. I ordered these plush thigh highs from shopbop after finding out that they are fleece lined (!) which solves my problem of how to wear thigh highs in winter.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It's raining, raining
My chalkboard raindrops are here, and I couldn't be happier! It was kind of hard to get good pictures of the whole thing, but I think these capture it well!
I special ordered these from Lauren of Bradensgracewallart on etsy. She was a joy to work with and seemed just as excited about the project as I was. Thank you so much Lauren!
I special ordered these from Lauren of Bradensgracewallart on etsy. She was a joy to work with and seemed just as excited about the project as I was. Thank you so much Lauren!
Hipster Puppies
R. just sent this link to me, http://hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com/ and last week my brother sent me this: http://unhappyhipsters.com/
Are you guys trying to tell me something?
PS This is my favorite:
via keegam, hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com
"Hugo asks you to please be careful, that's a first edition Nabokov"
Are you guys trying to tell me something?
PS This is my favorite:
via keegam, hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com
"Hugo asks you to please be careful, that's a first edition Nabokov"
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Redesigns
In my blogging class we have been learning all about blog makeovers. I've been thinking a lot about having someone professionally redesign my blog, I'd especially like a new header. I've been searching artstor for the perfect image and I think I've found it.
This is a fabric design created by William Morris for J.H. Thorp & Co. (A quick google search leads me to believe that they are still in business.) This particular design was manufactured in 1942, though the artist died in 1896, and a large piece resides in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
I have been wracking my brain to come up with an image which best represents this blog. I have hundreds of images saved on my computer for design, fashion, and even academic inspiration. But nothing seemed to embody all three. William Morris's design is beautiful to be sure, but it is also special for another reason. This particular pattern is called the Tudor Rose. I feel it not only embodies my design/fashion aesthetic (dreamy, romantic, a little old-fashioned) but it also has a historical background, just like me.
This is a fabric design created by William Morris for J.H. Thorp & Co. (A quick google search leads me to believe that they are still in business.) This particular design was manufactured in 1942, though the artist died in 1896, and a large piece resides in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
I have been wracking my brain to come up with an image which best represents this blog. I have hundreds of images saved on my computer for design, fashion, and even academic inspiration. But nothing seemed to embody all three. William Morris's design is beautiful to be sure, but it is also special for another reason. This particular pattern is called the Tudor Rose. I feel it not only embodies my design/fashion aesthetic (dreamy, romantic, a little old-fashioned) but it also has a historical background, just like me.
Baby Meerkats
Do any of you watch Meerkat Manor? Well I do, and I especially love babies. So I was very excited to open zooborns ( my favorite website for baby animal cuteness) and find these pictures of the UK's Paradise Wildlife Park's newest meerkat baby, Picasso.
Say it with me now, awwwwwwwwwwww.
Say it with me now, awwwwwwwwwwww.
Monday, February 15, 2010
More Laptop Cases
I'm on a hunt. I need a new case for my laptop and I've been searching and searching.
I've already featured this beautiful case from twelvesouth, but it's $79.99.
I love this Cath Kidston polka-dotted option from asos for $37.28. It also comes in navy.
I am not a huge fan of Juicy Couture, a prejudice passed on from my mother, but I like this case, $98 from Bloomingdale's.
I would never spend $550 but this Mulberry for Apple case is to-die-for.
So many options but for some reason I can't choose.
I've already featured this beautiful case from twelvesouth, but it's $79.99.
I love this Cath Kidston polka-dotted option from asos for $37.28. It also comes in navy.
I am not a huge fan of Juicy Couture, a prejudice passed on from my mother, but I like this case, $98 from Bloomingdale's.
I would never spend $550 but this Mulberry for Apple case is to-die-for.
So many options but for some reason I can't choose.
Coconut Records
I have a big fat crush on Jason Schwartzman. And I love Opening Ceremony. So I was so excited to stumble across this new video to celebrate the opening of Opening Ceremony's new Ace Hotel shop. It features Jason and Kristen Dunst (in a variety of adorable outfits) and seems kind of like a music video for the song featured, Is This Sound OK?
non plus one final from Tracy ANTONOPOULOS on Vimeo.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Happy Early Valentine's Day
Hope your Valentine's day is exactly what you want it to be. For me that means good food, friends and a good movie. Nothing fancy. But I'll definitely take a minute to remember how lucky I am. Especially to have R. in my life.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Just finished an exam. I've been "studying" for days though only really started to understand things a few hours before the actual test, ugh.
But now it's the weekend. To celebrate I went on a Forever 21 binge (because they're having a big sale and my test made me sad)
What's on its way to me in snowy New Haven:
Floral Crochet Pointelle Dress ($7.99)
Lace Overlay Babydoll Dress ($19.80), I figured I would try a cheaper alternative to the topshop dress and see if it satisfies my obsession.
Floral Knit Skirt ($12.90)
Dotted Jacquard Skirt ($6.99), I've actually tried this on in the store and thought it was very cute. Now that it's on sale it's even cuter.
Button Front Striped Skirt ($18.90)
Exposed Bow Back Top ($8.90), I have no idea why they chose to show such a wrinkly top.
Dainty Flower Leggings ($3.99)
Oval Jewel Bobby Pins ($3.80)
Square Jewel Bobby Pins ($3.80)
Over Plaid Poncho ($7.99), I can explain I swear! I have been looking for a big scarf like this for a while so that I can attempt a DIY with wool roving.
I hope this will come right after my last big test on Monday (which I now have to spend all weekend studying for) as a reward. For now I'm signing off for the weekend. My cousins are coming to visit (yay!) and R. and I have big anti-Valentine's day plans which may involve all you can eat sushi.
But now it's the weekend. To celebrate I went on a Forever 21 binge (because they're having a big sale and my test made me sad)
What's on its way to me in snowy New Haven:
Floral Crochet Pointelle Dress ($7.99)
Lace Overlay Babydoll Dress ($19.80), I figured I would try a cheaper alternative to the topshop dress and see if it satisfies my obsession.
Floral Knit Skirt ($12.90)
Dotted Jacquard Skirt ($6.99), I've actually tried this on in the store and thought it was very cute. Now that it's on sale it's even cuter.
Button Front Striped Skirt ($18.90)
Exposed Bow Back Top ($8.90), I have no idea why they chose to show such a wrinkly top.
Dainty Flower Leggings ($3.99)
Oval Jewel Bobby Pins ($3.80)
Square Jewel Bobby Pins ($3.80)
Over Plaid Poncho ($7.99), I can explain I swear! I have been looking for a big scarf like this for a while so that I can attempt a DIY with wool roving.
I hope this will come right after my last big test on Monday (which I now have to spend all weekend studying for) as a reward. For now I'm signing off for the weekend. My cousins are coming to visit (yay!) and R. and I have big anti-Valentine's day plans which may involve all you can eat sushi.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
She wears flowers in her hair
Still no camera, but I have to show you my new DIY, so I braved the photo booth camera again!
It's snowy and gross here and I wanted to make something which would remind me that spring is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Luckily the ladies over at 100 layer cake also had spring on the mind, and they featured this super simple tutorial for making fabric flowers a few days ago. (http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/4402)
This DIY took me 11 minutes. I know because I timed it. I am a dork. I followed the instructions exactly except that my petals were all funky shapes because I can't cut for my life, but I like the way it turned out.
It's snowy and gross here and I wanted to make something which would remind me that spring is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Luckily the ladies over at 100 layer cake also had spring on the mind, and they featured this super simple tutorial for making fabric flowers a few days ago. (http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/4402)
This DIY took me 11 minutes. I know because I timed it. I am a dork. I followed the instructions exactly except that my petals were all funky shapes because I can't cut for my life, but I like the way it turned out.
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