Etspiration!

Well I think the title says it all, that is if you can decipher my made-up word.
I don't know if any of you have ever checked out the links on my sidebar titled "Friends and Favorites" (if you haven't you should). Well let's say, hypothetically, you went over and clicked on The inspiration (of course don't do this till after you've read the whole post)... You'd be instantly transported to a magical site- one where handmade and vintage goodness abound.

Basically an indie ebay, Etsy is a host site for individual "boutiques" if you will - people's personal stores that feature either handmade, homemade or vintage goods. And good they are!

You could spend hours (and by you I mean I) browsing "suggested shops" in search for the perfect cardigan, painting, headband... well, you name it. Etsy's sure to have it! And everything (for the most part) is quite reasonably priced. So in the click of a mouse you could have an outfit that might easily be mistaken for one that came from The addiction, but that cost considerably less coin.

And since recently I've been stuck at home, due in part to snow and injury (not my injury but my sweet Momma who broke her foot), without homework to do I've found myself browsing quite a bit. Here are the things I'm salivating over...

Sigh.

Well, a girl can dream right?

Thank you Etsy and all the amazing virtual "shop keepers" that find and create all these beautiful works of art... Okay the Pelican t-shirt is hardly a work of art, but the Tranquility Band... now that's true craftsmanship! To find these items and much much more click on the links below. And I hope Etsy inspires you too!

From top to bottom, left to right: Anais School Girl Dress, 1960's Indigo Tweed Oversized Chain Handle Bag, Calliope Lace Earrings, 1950's Vintage Primitive Wool Cardigan, Vintage Ruff Hewn Chambray Cotton Puff Skirt, 1970's Pelican Shirt, Lollobrigita Vintage Sunglasses Smoke Grey and Petal Pink, Vintage 80's Cognac Brown Woven Leather Loafers, Vintage Crochet Lace Top, Vintage Navy Blue Jumper, Army Green with Cream Leather Bow Dress, Carved Ivory Peace Sign Necklace, Cushion/Oval Shape Rose Cut Diamond Ring, Vintage 60's Dress Silk Lace Sheer Floral Ivory, Vintage Star Shine Evening Bag, Vintage 80's Bandolino Victorian Ankle Lace up Boots, Tranquility Band.

Because I don't have time to write...

Because I don't have time to write, because I'm trying to be a better (more consistent) blogger, and because you absolutely must watch this video this post will be quite short.
I really must get back to my homework-ing, but a Ballet Memphis dancer I met while at the Kennedy Center for the Ballet Across America II performances (our D.C. tour - a.k.a. Adventures in D.C. posts...) posted this video a couple days ago on her Facebook profile and it's given/inspired me to workout in that
a) it's made my face muscles hurt from smiling and given my abs a "laughing" workout... you know what I mean...
b) it makes me want to go for a jog in the rain - or at least splash in mud puddles... I think that could probably be arranged in the near future considering I do live in Seattle and we're entering the rainy season...

Hmmm... I wonder what it'll inspire in you... Watch and enjoy! And feel free to comment too!
And now back to studying...



Courtesy of TheTemperTraptv. Find it here on YouTube.

Found!

So do you remember that outfit I told you about in Childhood Grown Up? The one Mary Lennox wore in The Secret Garden that I was swooning over... the jumper, black tights and oxfords?

Well I found it! The grown up version that is...
The only thing I wish is that the jumper were that great yellowish green. This one's more yellowy cream. Oh well... it's still cute.

The Jumper.

See by Chloé. Found at Gilt.com but I'm sorry to say it's sold out. Bummer.

The Blouse.

This one I found at the inspiration. It's an oh so sweet vintage version that's much more cost effective. Buy it here.

This one I found at the addiction. It too could work, although with the jumper straps, the neck line might pose a problem. Regardless, it's very cute and on sale too! Buy it here.

Otherwise you could really just go with the blouse the jumper's already paired with. Although that one is definitely not sale priced... But I guess if it's on Gilt.com it technically is...

The Shoes

I found both pairs at Urban Outfitters. Option A with a heel, Option B with a flat. Let your legs decide.

And of course this outfit would not be complete without a thick pair of black tights/leggings. But I think you can manage to find those on your own.

And I am happy. Inspiration come to life. I love it!

Love is a Pink Carnation

Firstly, there are two things you need to know about me:

1. I hate carnations.

I think this dislike stems from seeing them in the grocery store dyed that disgusting snow-cone colored blue or leprechaun green, looking 100% artificial; they're like the antithesis of what flowers represent. In my opinion carnations are just a step up from Baby's Breath - a sad, sad substitute for a rose. It's what you give when you feel obligated to give flowers but really don't want to, or worse, when you should give flowers but completely forget.

2. I really don't like pink.

Yes, I'm a ballerina. Yes, I love to wear dresses. But to be completely honest the color pink often inspires my gag reflex. Yuck. There are many things I do and many things I like that by all outward appearances would make me sound like a girly-girl, but honestly I'm not. Well at least I don't see myself as one. Victoria's Secret's ad campaign of "Pink" is completely lost on me. The color looks wretched on my yellow-olive skin tone and something deep within me just rejects it. I feel like Kay Thompson's character Maggie Prescott in the movie "Funny Face" where at the end of her "Think Pink" number she refuses to be caught dead in it - although the number is quite fabulous.

However recently, my mind has slightly changed toward these two things I've railed against for so long. I have Lars to thank for that. And by Lars, I mean "Lars and the Real Girl."

If you haven't seen this movie, you absolutely must. Everything about it is brilliant. Everything. From the script to the set design there isn't one detail that was overlooked. And this is definitely my kind of movie. It's quirky, its awkward, it's endearingly odd. It's a lot like me.

Ryan Gosling proves my point that mustaches are hot. And I absolutely love the charming little farmhouse Lars, his brother Gus and sister-in-law Karen live in. In particular, the "Pink room" where Lars' "girlfriend" Bianca stays has inspired my design eye. Pink? I know... I was surprised too. But the vintage wall paper and curtains, the sweet chenille bedspread and the amazing wood dresser are absolutely perfect.

In fact this movie redeems pink. It's like a tread that's woven throughout this entire film binding it all together. It first shows up in a pink carnation Mrs. Gruner gives to Lars at the beginning of the film. This scene is amazing. Ryan Gosling plays it to perfection. She gives Lars the carnation and tells him to give it to someone he likes, when just at that moment he turns around to see his very cute co-worker Margot saying "hello." With one thrust of his arm he chucks the carnation into oblivion, and then after saying nothing proceeds to actually run to his car. It's clear he likes her, but is afraid - afraid of love. During the rest of the movie pink shows up throughout - in apparel and decor - as Lars gradually learns how to love and be loved. And by the end we see another pink carnation, not thrown away, but kept close to his heart (worn on his left lapel).

Love is a pink carnation. And love is not cheap. Rather, it is the most important, most precious and utterly priceless gift we can give and receive. So I guess Lars makes me love both pink and carnations.

Here are two clips I found on YouTube of the beginning and the end of this awesome film. But if you've never seen it, DON'T watch the latter clip. Better just watch the whole thing.


You can find the first clip here and the second one here.

Childhood Grown Up

Well I still haven't downloaded my photos from Vail yet, so y'all will just have to wait a little longer for the Vail "Vacation" posts.

So today before I went to my doctors appointment I made a little stop at the store. Yes. I did leave with a beautiful red-handled bag in my hand. But miraculously I spent less than $35.00! And what did I buy? Take a guess...

August 1st has now come and gone. And this new month rolling full speed ahead brings with it not only the dreaded "Back to School" ads, but also Fall clothing lines. As I walked into Anthropologie today I spied beautiful sweaters, crocheted hats and it made me kind of sad. I'm not ready for summer to be over. Summer's just begun!
Having lived in Adultland for quite some time now, summer is relative. It doesn't mean the same thing as it did when I was a little kid. I don't have 3 months off to run wild in the sun. Nope. Regardless of the sunshine's status I still have to go to work. It just means that maybe I'll return a little browner on Monday, since in Adultland (unlike in Childhood) summer really only exists on the weekends.
But seeing these beautiful articles of clothing somewhat softened the blow of reality.
And glancing at the different styles and trends I was reminded of another tie back to Childhood.

The last couple weekends I've been out at my cabin I've watched the '93 film version of "The Secret Garden." I absolutely loved watching this movie when I was a kid, and I still love watching it now. But I have to say I was really inspired my Mary Lennox's attire.
In one scene she wears this amazingly sweet white blouse with a greenish-yellow jumper, black tights and oxford shoes. Somehow I want to try and translate this outfit from Childhood to Grown Up. I think between the store and the inspiration I can manage this... it'll just take some digging. And that red knit beret hat! Definitely a must have for Fall!
Below is a clip from this amazing movie - the jumper outfit's near the end of the clip. Watch it and be inspired.



The photo above was originally found here. The clip can be found here.

Adventures in D.C. Part III - Final installment

I have a headache.
It's now past midnight, I haven't finished writing my paper, I'm hot and I'm pretty sure there's something wrong with me... No, seriously, I'm going to the doctor on Friday.
Needless to say I shouldn't be writing on my blog right now I should be going to bed.
Don't worry this too will happen soon.
But I had to post something.

So D.C. the final addition...
What didn't I tell you?

Well the best and biggest surprise (other than actually getting to go to D.C. in the first place) was that my lil brodder Bear-Bear came down from NYC, enduring a nightmare bus journey, to see me perform on Saturday night. What an awesome gift!!!! I love spending time with my bro! We have so much fun together.
After the show we met up with some friends of his for an excellent dinner at which point we parted ways, but fear not! He met me at 10am sharp for brunch the next morning in Georgetown. And boy was he looking sharp... But then he always does.
We ate at the most amazing little Austrian "Kafe," that was tucked away off the main "M" Street drag: Kafe Leopold. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
The menu is extensive, and everything not only sounds amazing, but looks amazing, from their salads to their desserts. The hardest part is deciding what to order.
Well having scoped the place out earlier (I had lunch there) one item on their breakfast menu intrigued me. I had to order it.
Described as "Scrambled soufflé with plum-compote and currants," Kaisershmarrn mit Zwetschgenroster was, well... I think the photo below can tell you how I, or rather my taste-buds felt about this particular culinary masterpiece.
At any rate I got home and tried to re-create this by scrambling vanilla soufflé batter with currants on a grittle. Yeah. Not so much... I should have just googled the Austrian name for the actual recipe instead of creating my own. Whoops.
So below are some photos of Bear-Bear and Sika (that's my brother and I for those of you who are unfamiliar with our nicknames) in D.C. Maybe when I'm not so tired I'll find that recipe, or perfect my own and share it with y'all. But for the time being you're just gonna have to eat at Kafe Leopold. Sorry you West Coast folk...

Yep. I always order the best thing on the menu...

Thanks Bear for the wonderful surprise and I can't wait to see you in a week!

Style, Elegance and Grace

Some people like Marilyn Monroe. Others are more partial to Jackie O. And then there are those Hepburns- Katherine and Audrey! I definitely am an Audrey fan. I mean who could not love those big eyes, sweet pixie haircut and gladiator sandals in Roman Holiday? Or the unbelievable Givenchy masterpieces she wore in Funny Face and Sabrina? And she definitely brought a chicness (dare I say sexiness?) to pencil pants, ballerina flats, and tuxedo shirts - as sleepwear of course!

But over the past couple years I have come to find a new fashion muse. She her style was sophisticated and elegant, yet completely effortless. Always put together but never "dolled up," her beauty was natural and refined. And in all things she not only embodied, but exuded grace. Appropriate then that her name was Grace - Grace Kelly.

A Hitchcockian goddess, a patroness of the arts and a did I forget to mention a Princess, she made white the new "black," gloves and shades the go-to accessories, and is one of the only women I know who truly knew how to work a strand of pearls.
So below are some classic Grace Kelly looks and possible current day counterparts. I hope this inspires you as much as it inspires me, or at least brings you a deeper appreciation of a woman who was beautiful inside and out.

Work those shades Grace...

So I saw this picture and it almost inspired me to buy this bikini, but then I realized I would never look like that. Bummer.

Maybe Grace would wear this amazing floppy hat by Kokin. Maybe...

 Definitely summer wedding attire inspiration. All this dress needs is a classic double-strand of pearls.

Maybe if I wear this dress by Xeniya or that dress by sarahseven I could catch me a thief, or a Cary Grant. That would be nice...

I have this impulse to take one of these photos, go to the salon and say "Here. I want this." But me and platinum blonde could be fatal... At any rate, even if I can't look like Grace I certainly can most certainly imitate her style, presence and grace. 

Dancing in my Kitchen

So just recently I had to write my last paper for the Creative Non-Fiction Writing class I'm taking this quarter at Bellevue College.
The topic: Family.
Yes! This was the perfect opportunity for me to finally gets some words down on paper (well I guess on a Word doc...) about the amazing and enlightening road trip my mom and I (and brother for the first portion of the trip) took to Fargo, ND via Billings, MT.

No. This blog post is not going to be about that road trip. I'll save that for another time.

But in order to transport myself back to last summer- to conjure up the emotions and the memories from that trip I did a little digging. I looked at the photo journal I'd put together of the "Great Adventure," as I like to call it, while listening to the music we played in my car as we traversed westward across I-90.

And the song that I associate with this trip is called "Hallelujah Junction."

It's actually a piece by composer John Adams and ironically it's from an album titled "Road Movies." And I'm obsessed with it. I'm done with the paper but I'm certainly not done with "Hallelujah Junction." It brings out the little girl in me... you know... the one who twirls around in the living room dancing to music in her head. Only this time it's a 25 year old woman dancing to John Adams in her kitchen. Yes. I am a nerd. I am a ballerina. And I love it.

Anyway, here's the last two movements on a YouTube video. What does it inspire in you?



And here's a little something extra... Ballet and John Adams combined. Someday I'd like to dance this... hope you enjoy my two current obsessions.

Addiction? Inspiration!

Okay I have a confession to make.
I love beautiful clothes.
It's not like I'm a shopoholic... Borderline - yes. But I can still refrain myself.
I'm inspired by -and by "I'm" I mean my wallet- unique pieces I find in vintage shops and flea markets. I like my clothes to have character just like me. After all, what I wear on the outside should reflect the different facets of Me that remain hidden on the inside. Soft silhouettes of chiffon and a closet full of "twirl-factor" dresses pay homage to my cleverly disguised inner girly-girl, and muted slate blue tones reflect the deep-thinker that I am. Crisp whites and soft creams reveal my diminishing perfectionistic side.

But lately I've been inspired by kindergarten? Or is it my favorite condiment?

Well whatever it is, I find myself constantly buying clothing items in a marigold or mustard hue. I saw this photo of Diane Kruger on the red carpet at the SAG Awards and felt it tied it all together. Primary colors! But slightly more mature versions of the elementary school art class lesson: Marigold/mustard yellow, vibrant red and deep navy blue.

So here are some photos I found of things I swoon over -

(From top to bottom: , Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat wave by NARS, All Seasons Shirtdress, Midnight Stroll Dress by sarahseven, Intermission Heels, Marigold Cocktail Dress by sarahseven, Sun Dot Dress, Red White-Vintage Hair Pin by Sumikoshop, The Petal Bag by sketchbook.)

Diane Kruger Photo date: 23 January 2010 Photo by Steve Granitz - © WireImage.com - Image courtesy WireImage.com