dressed up like a lady

Shorts Weather! (Just Kidding).

2012-01-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

It's really only "shorts weather" if you have tights on underneath, and plan on putting your big, heavy winter coat back on as soon as you're done taking pictures. ;)

Sweater: Pierre Cardin, thrifted

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Shorts: Cheap Monday

The American Foursquare and the Prairie School.

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure most lovers of vintage clothing and antique housewares tend to also be fans of historic homes. As yet another expression of style and craftsmanship, it's part and parcel, right? Personally, I dig on many, many periods, styles, and designs when it comes to all of the above. But my undeniably favorite period when it comes to houses is the 1920's.

As renters, MC and I used to walk around the very historic neighborhood we bought our house in, gazing at the gorgeous Craftsman bungalows, brick Tudors and trim Colonials, fantasizing about living in a beautiful 20's home. Something I particularly love about the house we bought is that while you can (and probably will) see me drool over the ever popular Craftsman homes (as seen on My So-Called Life and thirtysomething), our house is the slightly less common American Foursquare.

Our house.

Of course, it's an odd coincidence that the perfect house for us to build our life in just happened to be an American Foursquare -- because I grew up in one!

My childhood home.

I love how the Foursquare utilizes not just horizontal, but vertical space -- truly measured best in cubic feet, rather than square. Along with the other houses of the Craftsman movement, the Foursquare was a reaction against the dainty, unnatural feel of Victorian houses (not to knock Victorians -- different colors of awesome, people). There was an emphasis on the entire living space feeling comfortable and natural, without any wasted space.

While there are many simplified Foursquares out there, many (including ours) feature a ton of decorative style, with lots of sturdy, quality, crafted woodwork. The interior (which I'll be surely devoting many indulgent, later posts to) is full of diligently crafted woodworking details (hence the moniker the Arts and Crafts Movement) around the windows, built-ins, and on the interior doors to rooms. But speaking for the exterior of the house, I LOVE the elongated eaves coming off the roof and bowed lines featured all over the porch. That emphasis on horizontal lines is an example of one of my favorite elements of 20's architectural style: the Prairie School. The use of horizontal lines and disciplined ornamentation was thought to evoke the expanse and feel of the prairie. Which is awesome and all, but is also fascinating when you think about the way horizontal parallel lines would come to be a staple of Art Deco style -- a decidedly urban aesthetic, far from what we think of as rural.

The American Foursquare, as filtered through the Prairie School combines seemingly incongruous elements in what to me, feels perfect. It's both rustic and sophisticated -- that's probably why I love it so much. As in all things, I like a good balance! Meeting somewhere beautifully between a frilly, dainty Queen Anne and a severe, modernist abode is our American Foursquare. It's both the Betty and Veronica of houses. ;)

Unpacking....

2012-01-23T11:17:00.001-05:00

How was your weekend? MC and I spent most of ours moving the last of our stuff and beginning the process of unpacking -- which means I'll be able to post some real, honest-to-goodness outfit posts very soon. I can't wait to show you my new closet!

Jeans: 9ine

Boots: Sorel

Sweater: Beneton

Locket: Vintage

But of course, for the moment I'm wearing the kind of stuff you put on when you need to roll a washer/dryer on a dolly through the snow, or buy faucet aerators from the hardware store. Not exactly fashion centric, but this shot has a nice view of the carriage doors on our new garage. :)

Moved in! Technically.

2012-01-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Well, thanks to immense help from my ridiculously strong parents (especially my dad -- being 70 years old means nothing to a man who LIFTS 100 LB. DUMBBELLS WITH EACH ARM!!), our stuff is moved into our new house. Of course, at the moment, it's still in a state of total insanity.

So clearly, we'll be spending the coming days getting things more and more into place. I'll be happy to alert you of our progress -- and even take suggestions on decorating if you've got 'em! Anyway, here's a bonus shot:

A surprisingly pretty picture of our corner that I took by accident, while getting into the car. :)

My busyness is your amusement.

2012-01-17T09:00:00.004-05:00

We're moving the last of our furniture today, so I'm in no position to take or upload any new pics. So how about I just embarrass myself with this cache of MIDDLE SCHOOL PHOTOS?!?! They do technically contain "style." In quotes.

Age 12. White girl dreads.

Age 13: Wearing a one-piece at the beach at Nags Head with Meredith, Michael, Ross, and Josh.

Age 13: Filming a "Skit for School About Beatniks" according to the back. But that excuses nothing -- these were all my clothes.

Age 12: in my parent's living room.

Okay, that's enough humiliation for now. Hopefully I'm successfully loading a dolly while you read this. Wish me luck!

Blinded by my pants.

2012-01-16T12:39:00.001-05:00

I think of myself as a pretty adventurous dresser. However, even I don't find myself wearing these red and black check skinny jeans on a basis I would call "regular."

Combat Boots: Vintage via The Getup

Insane Pants: H&M

Flannel: MC's

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: BB Dakota

So why wear them today? Well for one thing, we're in the process of moving, and half my clothes are in transit! Our new house is just a mile from our old apartment, but getting all of our stuff over there has still proved to be a multi-day affair. I'll post some pictures of the chaos after we get the last of our possessions lugged over there. :)

Misc!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

MC and I are closing on our house today! Consequently, I'm a little behind on my blogging, so here are some miscellaneous pictures I've had laying around, mostly from home -- or our soon-to-be former home! ;D

Big spender.

2012-01-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

Does this look like a good outfit for forking over large sums of money? Because that's what I did this morning. In order to speed things along, we wire transferred our down payment for our house to the title company today, even though we don't actually close on the house until tomorrow.

Blouse: Random TJMaxx no-name

Jeans: Blank

Shoes: Seychelles

Purse: Dooney & Bourke, thrifted

We just stopped by the bank on the way to work and completed the transfer in about five minutes. By the time we were grabbing coffee, I was holding a print-out receipt for my entire down payment! There's something kind of funny and anti-climactic about it, because traditionally, one of the hallmarks of closing on a house is showing up to the meeting with a paper check representing (most likely) the majority of your liquid assets. But it's actually a relief to have that part taken care of -- because it's one less thing to worry about!

Thanks again for all the sweet and loving emails and comments! More updates to come very soon.

Pinterest saves the day!

2012-01-10T12:26:00.001-05:00

Thank you everybody so much for the kind words yesterday about MC and I buying our new house! Or rather -- buying our new old house (1927 was a long time ago). Purchasing our house has been a LOT of legwork and general rigamarole, and I'm grateful to be at the end of the process.

Consequently, however, I am not dressed up today by any stretch. Unless you count the "4-way stretch" offered by these jeans. Additionally, I was too antsy to stand still and take a clear picture!

Long sleeve tee: Free People

Jeans: Victoria's Secret

Beads: Thrifted, Mom's

Tooled Belt: Vintage via the Getup

Okay so how about this: since I was too distracted to wear anything interesting today, how about I post some pictures of where my head is at. Like you'd expect, I'm totally consumed with vintage home decoration fantasies! I've got years ahead of me to prettify our house, so I may as well start collecting ideas now...right?

Here are some selections from my Pinterest Board devoted to home inspiration: 'Kasbah!'

And here are a few selections from MC's Home-Centric Pinterest Board: 'Hot House!'

As always, you can follow me on Pinterest by Clicking this link and clicking the "Follow All" button on the left, and you can also follow MC on Pinterest by Clicking this link and clicking that same "Follow All" button on the left.

Also: I can't post about Pinterest without making honorable mention of my favorite Board kept by anyone on the whole site: MC's surprisingly popular Board of images that (apparently) make him think of me: 'Reminds Me of My Girl'!

A few recent selections (with MC's delightful captions):

"loving, playful, glamourous"

"core"

"dark eyes"

"singer's voice, dancer's body"

*SIGH* I'm a very lucky girl that the love of my life sees me this way. Especially considering what I am often like in reality:

Guess who's in escrow?

2012-01-09T11:54:00.001-05:00

Sorry to keep a secret from you guys, but I have a small announcement: MC and I are closing on our new house on Friday.

I mentioned in a post a while back that we'd been outbid on a house we really, really loved. It was an oddly confusing development for me at the time, because people always say that when you find your home, your intuition tells you unequivocally that you're there -- you feel it in the pit of your stomach. And I did! Well six whole weeks later, the deal fell through and we got a second chance (thanks to our realtor Ginny Hannon, who continued emailing the seller every week to check, even though she spends her winters on a sailboat in Grenada!). Now, we'll have the keys to our new home on Friday.

There are too many details and emotions for me to mention right now, but don't worry, there will be much about our new house to come! It's a historic Arts and Crafts style American Foursquare built in 1927 and WE LOVE IT. It's a wonderful house. Wonderful to build and live our life in, wonderful to renovate and fix up, wonderful to look at. It has the space, neighborhood, character and style that I would never dream to find all in one home and I can't wait to tell you more about it. :)

Guilt trip.

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

It was just starting to snow when I jumped outside to get a picture of this outfit.

BUT REALLY, IT'S OKAY, I DON'T MIND, I DO IT FOR YOU. ;)

Bamboo Fiber Tights: Foot Traffic via Sockdreams

Winter Ankle Boots: Steve Madden

Skirt: Free People

Top: UO

Scarf: ASOS

Hat: Ancient history

Wool.

2012-01-05T11:21:00.003-05:00

Michigan finally got its first real dose of frigid winter temperatures recently, with highs of something like 19°F/-8°C. Living in a region where winter means a truly biting chill presents its own set of challenges for dressing like anything but an Eskimo, as any fashion blogger or style conscious person who comes from the land of the ice and snow knows all too well.

Turtleneck: Target

Wool Skirt: Vintage via Treasuremart

Belt: Thrifted

Boots: Seychelles

Bag: Dooney & Bourke, Thrifted

Generally speaking, I find that wearing a lot of wool is among the most effective (if obvious) ways to meet this challenge. Having a range of stylish wool skirts or sweaters in your closet will take you far in a Midwest winter!

Case in point, MC has had this awesome shawl neck cardigan languishing in his dresser for as long as I've known him -- but never wore it because it was too big. Finally, a few days ago, I proposed that we take advantage of another property of wool, in addition to its warmth: the ability to shrink. We popped this jumper into a hot water wash and then a run-through in the dryer and voila! Now it fits perfectly, and goes beautifully with MC's classic peacoat. But what doesn't, really? ;)

We bears are a proud race.

2012-01-04T09:10:00.008-05:00

Wanna see what MC gave me for Christmas? :D

They're me and MC! Get it?

So the thing is, I love bears. And I don't mean teddy bears, I mean real bears -- they're the they're wildly charismatic animals, amiright? But I've never gone in particularly for teddy bears. I will give it up for the fact that they were inspired by my favorite president and forefather in exuberance, Teddy Roosevelt. But usually, teddy bears don't very much resemble real bears.

Unless, of course, they're hand made for you, with gorgeous skill and love by Alessandra White, the talented artist, crafts-person, doll maker, miniaturist, and my own beautiful soon-to-be sister in law!

(Photo totally used without permission.)

These gorgeous teddies were crafted from German mohair and vintage black glass beads, and their weighted limbs are jointed just a little bit loosely, so every little act of gravity makes their movements wonderfully natural. The instant I saw them, they melted my urbane, guileful heart into squealing, little-girlish glee.

I would never ask for a teddy bear for Christmas in a million years, and yet I wouldn't trade these sweet, beautiful treasures for anything! That's a gift in and of itself: having a fiance who knows what I want even when I don't. And a brand new sister with epic talents and a giving spirit. :)

P.S.: Desperate for a pretty, boutiquey bear of your own? I don't really have permission to say this but shoot me an email (in the upper left) and maybe I can get Alessandra to hop on Etsy and make you one. Steiff

IT'S SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE THIS.

2012-01-03T11:41:00.005-05:00

Somehow, I don't think the all-caps style of this post title is making the sentiment any more convincing. I was hoping to make this straight-out-of-bed look seem intentional.

Itchy Shetland Wool Sweater: MC's, Thrifted

Unwashed Skinny Jeans: Can't remember

Hot pink socks: Only clean pair I could find.

Would you believe my terrible bedhead and wrinkled pullover are a tribute to James Dean?

Okay, maybe not. So much for that idea.

Plan B: Let's focus on how awesome my friend Anya looks today! Her sweet boxer-inspired boots are particularly rockin!

Okay, and just in case my flagrant use of the gorgeous Anya as misdirection hasn't worked, here's Plan C:

The most James Dean-esque person I know:

Even under these painfully blinding florescent lights, MC is the handsomest bastard in the room. ;)

No loitering.

2011-12-30T12:57:00.001-05:00

Drinking a coffee from a colorful mug while leaning against a building, especially while wearing a fake fur coat, does give the impression of being a vagrant. I realize that now.

Jeans: Blank

Flannel: Vintage Sears, MC's

Wool Socks: MC's

Vintage Style Ankle Length Hiking Boots: ASOS

Faux Fur Coat: Thrifted

Insulation.

2011-12-29T09:56:00.001-05:00

My best friend Margaret gave me this vintage wool cape for Christmas a few years ago, and I always save it for a terribly frigid day in winter, since its ability to insulate is truly mind-blowing, and should be fully appreciated.

And before you even ask: yes, it does insulate so well that I can leave the tops of my thighs exposed. The cloud of warmth it coats my upper body in totally makes up for the difference!

Dress: Free People

Dance Leotard Underneath: Capezio

Over-the-Knee Socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Mini-Cape: Present from Margaret

The Collar.

2011-12-28T12:37:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the holiday hiatus! I have lots of great pictures from Christmas, but while I'm busy resizing all those, here's a basic outfit post for you featuring one of life's simple, fashion pleasures: a button-up collar over a crewneck sweater.

Polo Sweater Knock-Off featuring a Unicorn Logo: Vintage

Suede Mini-Skirt: Vintage via the Getup

Wool Over-the-Knee Socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Random 6pm clearance buy

Sunglasses: Thrifted

I can't possibly photograph this outfit without a creepy twin shot of me and MC.

How's this for oversharing about our outfits: for YEARS, MC and I worked at the same office as I silently obsessed over him, secretly in love but entertaining not so much as the wish -- let alone hope -- that he would one day be mine. On frequent days when he wore a perfect, trim little sweater with his oxford collar peeking out, I looked on longingly and thought "Oh, to be Matt Collar's collar...."

Adding to the entertainment value to this embarrassing story is the fact that my ardent attraction to the well-dressed MC led to this:

Secretary

The inspiration for a song I recorded with Bulletproof, the pop punk band I was in back in 2006.

That was three full years before MC and I even started dating.

Girl Panic!

2011-12-22T10:04:00.001-05:00

MC and I are so crazy about this music video from Duran Duran -- a concept vid in which a handful of 90's glamazons (Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Eva Herzigova) actually play the members of the band.

My sweater moment continues.

2011-12-21T11:21:00.001-05:00

Okay, I admit it, I'm too busy to wear anything but sweaters and tights.

Sweater: Pierre Cardin, Thrifted

Scarf: ASOS

Motorcycle Boots: Harley Davidson, Thrifted

Canadian Army Surplus Coat: Armynavydeals

Sunglasses: Vintage

What do YOU wear on days you're too busy or wiped out to be creative?

TCB.

2011-12-20T11:10:00.001-05:00

Cream silk wrap blouse: Thrifted

Tweed skirt: Thrifted

Grommet lace-up boots: Seychelles

Cami: VS

Does everybody remember the meaning behind the letters TCB? That's Taking Care of Business, and it's arguably one of my favorite activities. And it might as well be, because I have had a lot of shit to do lately! So here's a business inspired outfit to celebrate the act of TCB.

Cat nap.

2011-12-19T10:51:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I'm posting this.

Picture taken by MC, who rightly thought that this cuddly moment was worth documenting, despite my puffy face and bedhead. I really love my cat, you guys.

Vid from The Canastas Last Thursday at Woodruff's!

2011-12-16T11:18:00.005-05:00

Check out this video from The Canastas' show last week! The sound is slightly out of synch with the video, leading to the unsettling effect that I am snapping my fingers out of time with the music. But other than that, it's JUST THE SAME AS BEING THERE. ;)

Also: I'm so digging this shot of me and MC taken by Del Villreal. :)

Trying not to slip.

2011-12-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

I came pathetically close to slipping on the near-invisible ice in our alley about four times while posing for these pictures. Just FYI.

Jeans: Radcliffe

Sweater: JCrew via my Aunt

Silk Scarf, belt: Thrifted

Sunnies: Modcloth

Okay, wrap it up.

2011-12-14T11:41:00.004-05:00

Between hair cuts (not to mention *ahem* colors), there are days when a blow dryer and an extra 10 minutes in front of the mirror just doesn't pass the cost/benefit analysis. Those are days for a little '40s headscarf action.

Burgundy Dance Leotard: Sansha

Wide Leg Trousers: Victoria's Secret (you heard me!)

Shoes: Vintage Enzo Angolini via Purevintageclothing

Brooch: Alessandra

Silk Scarf, Belt, Faux Pearls: Thrifted

While there are many fashionable examples of the 40's headscarf, I think it's safe to say the classic version is the one worn by Rosie the Riveter. But maybe I'm biased, since Rosie was based on a real woman, who worked at Ypsilanti's Willow Run plant making B-24 bombers with my grandma. My grandma is now 98 and still says working the pallet driver at Willow Run is one of her favorite jobs she ever had.

Of course, the dance leotard and Zingerman's coffee are slightly less period, but they're more or less an every-day occurrence. ;)

The Canastas at Woodruff's -- Opening for JD MCPHERSON!!!

2011-12-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

As I spastically alluded to many times, my band The Canastas got the chance to open for JD effing McPherson last Thursday. Musical venues tend to be dark, but our bassist's beautiful wife was still able to get some pictures.

When JD actually went on, I took the reigns of the camera, though I must admit I only snapped pictures for a few songs before I got busy dancing.

I already posted one fan picture that I got with JD, but it wouldn't please the universe if I didn't post this one too:

Bizarre toys in the mail? Must be from Margaret!

2011-12-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

This particular package of goodies sent in the mail from my bestie Margaret contained a strange selection of items purchased at her neighborhood Japanese dollar store.

The highlight of this was, of course, what appears to be a goose-shaped codpiece.

Why does this exist?!

She also included a card that plays Lullaby Baby when you push a little button on the front. Said button is extremely sensitive, leading to an incessant, beeping serenade.

And what package would be complete without a choking-hazard eraser meal and some classy lip gloss, which smells exactly like polyurethane? As usual, Margaret has outdone herself. Excuse me, I need to asphyxiate on a delicious looking rubber curry and rice...

Hero worship.

2011-12-10T19:36:00.001-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, my roots rock band The Canastas' show on Thursday, opening for none other than the golden god of retro rock and roll himself JD McPherson, went awesomely! We couldn't have asked for a better crowd, and apparently it rocked so hard that it burned out my blog's servers with raw psychic energy, because it went inexplicably down for a day.

As I'm sure you can imagine, I have MANY pictures. But the only one I have uploaded yet is this BFF shot of me and JD, taken moments after he congratulated me on my engagement -- which I'd alluded to on stage, directly after one MC's particularly kickass solos by exclaiming "I'm MARRYING that motherfucker!"

Anyway. More photos to come, hope your weekend is equally warm with musical afterglow.

Ill Prepared.

2011-12-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Protip: Don't wear a super long maxi skirt on rainy day unless you're totally cool with the hemline acting as a sponge.

Tuxedo jacket: ASOS

Pale chiffon maxi skirt: ASOS

Boots: Kelly & Katie via 6pm

Tank: Target, decorated with Sharpie

Necklace: Gift from Alessandra

I actually own a real, richy rich vintage tuxedo jacket with tails that was originally worn by some dapper, apparently very small man. But this one is just a hipster knock off from ASOS that I dig because it's thin enough for me to roll up the sleeves.

Oh, and just FYI: a rainy December day in Michigan is COLD! I didn't last long in this ensemble without proper insulation.

Fair representation.

2011-12-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

Wearing an oversized sweater as a dress is not necessarily the most adventurous outfit, especially for Midwest gals like me, who spend much of the year finding new and creative ways to incorporate knit tights and wool into every ensemble. But seeing as how it is something I wear multiple times a week, I should probably blog it as a matter of best practice.

For the record: I am wearing shorts underneath. Just in case.

Giant tennis sweater: Thrifted

Bamboo tights: Foot Traffic via Sockdreams

Boots: UO

Bag: Cynthia Rowley

Coffee: Zingerman's Coffee Co.

I'm counting down the days until The Canastas help open for JD McPherson Thursday night! Michigan based folks should come by Woodruff's in Ypsi starting at 7 and see the show. :)

Semantics.

2011-12-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

These jeans are marked on the inner waistband as "boyfriend jeans." I'm about a thousand years late when it comes to pointing out the silliness of marketing jeans to women, made in the style of jeans that they are likely to borrow from their boyfriends. However, I would like to point out that I am wearing my fiance's shirt -- that has to count for something.

Cardigan: Thrifted

Jeans: BDG

Heels: Vintage via the Getup

Bag: Cynthia Rowley

Shirt: MC's

US Navy Peacoat: Army Surplus

Decembers past!

2011-12-02T12:02:00.002-05:00

This is turning out to be an AWESOME December -- and it's barely even started yet! So in honor of this kickass month, here's a little retrospective of blog photos from past Decembers.

December 2010:

uh...

December 2009:

December 2008:

And this is the only photo I could find in my Flickr account from December of 2007:

A few minutes of light left!

2011-12-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

We were lucky to get these shots just MOMENTS before the sun went down -- which happens earlier and earlier these days.

Additionally, it's getting colder and colder, so I thought it was only fair to show how I wore this outfit whenever I wasn't in a particularly well heated room: covered in a thrifted wool duster.

Black dance leotard: Sansha

70's Patchwork maxi skirt: Vintage via the Getup

Bag: Thrifted

Boots: ASOS

We've got a big day ahead of us -- we have an important appointment, and a big rehearsal for a show we get to play next week, opening for our HERO JD McPherson! Wish us luck. ;)

Sweater (Dress) Weather

2011-11-30T10:56:00.001-05:00

Cowl neck sweaterdress: Victoria's Secret

Over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Chalres David

Brooches on socks: Gifted from MC's Sister

Belt: Thrifted

Jacket, sweater, flares -- HIT IT!

2011-11-29T09:51:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how much I love this staple 70's look. Flares with a jacket, vest or sportcoat, and a preppy little sweater underneath -- which in this case, takes the form of a nice, ribbed, merino wool, bodycon turtleneck.

Flares: River Island via ASOS

Shoes: Vintage Enzo Angolini via Purevintageclothing

Sweater: Thrifted

Harris Tweed Jacket: Thrifted

I must tell you, I do have a cache of inspiration photos for this look.

Charlotte Rampling...

Charlie's Angels....

Shelley Hack (also a sometime Angel...)

Of course, I think another reason I love this look is because something about it feels like it was stolen from the Boys Club. ;)

Spectacled.

2011-11-28T12:38:00.000-05:00

Check out this 1950's video on women's eyeglasses! I've always said that my specs are one of my favorite accessories. :)

Thankful for Vegan Treats.

2011-11-25T11:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, an American holiday characterized by a large meal, the expression of gratitude, and the celebration of colonists committing theft, zealotry, and genocide against American Indians. Wait, did I say that last part out loud? Haha, sorry, I'm only mostly kidding. The present-day celebration of the holiday is not really connected to colonialism, no matter how dubious its origins are.

Anyway, in honor of a rather gastronomical holiday, I thought I'd post a pictures of a few of my vegan creations that I'm most proud of. :)

Vegan Nanaimo Bars.

Vegan Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake.

Vegan Raw Mango Lime Cream Pie.

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Pink Frosting.

Vegan Baking Powder Biscuits.

Vegan GBear Anise Cookies.

Vegan Swedish Almond Cake.

Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Parfaits.

Vegan Star Shaped Strawberry Shortcake.

Vegan Blueberry Cheezecake.

Vegan Mini Blueberry Bundt

Vegan Boston Cream Pie

The Dressed Up Giveaway Shabby Apple Dress Winner!

2011-11-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

Time to announce the winner of the Dressed Up Giveaway for the Shabby Apple Too Darn Hot Dress! Assigning each comment a number based on order, the winner is number 15: FlyingPurpleHippos. Congratulations! Send me your name, phone number, shipping address, email, and dress size (be sure to look at the dress's sizing to be sure!) to the email in the upper left and the folks at Shabby Apple will send you your dress! I hope you post pics in it. :)

Thanks everybody for entering! Remember, even if you didn't win, you can still get 10% off your order at Shabby Apple by entering the coupon code dressedlikelady10off at checkout.

And now, for your amusement:

70's tee: Vintage via the Getup

Over-the-knee wool socks: Sockdreams

Shoes: Steve Madden

Skirt: Vintage via the Getup

Hat: Deena & Ozzy

I cleaned up my mess afterward. I promise.

Hear the Canastas on Bandcamp!

2011-11-22T10:44:00.003-05:00

Hey, if you want to hear the Canastas, the retro-rock band I play in with MC, you can check out our first two demos on Bandcamp, 'Mister Please' and 'It's a Scam.'

Or whatever, just listen to them here. Though if you click through to our Bandcamp page, you can see the lyrics! :)

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thecanastas.bandcamp.com/track/mister-please"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mister Please by The Canastas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thecanastas.bandcamp.com/track/its-a-scam"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;It's a Scam by The Canastas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Vested.

2011-11-21T13:03:00.002-05:00

I probably shouldn't point this out, but this look reminds me of something.

Bellbottoms: BDG

Platform oxfords: Jeffrey Campbell

Tee: UO

1970's Tuxedo vest: Thrifted

It reminds me of a certain sleazy, coked out, 70's/80's "I'm gonna go shirtless with a vest" style.

What a proud tradition to be a part of....

Oh and don't forget: there's still time to enter my giveaway to win a stunning red dress from Shabby Apple!

Dressed Up Giveaway: The Too Darn Hot Dress from Shabby Apple!

2011-11-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

Tell me: are you interested in the chance to win a gorgeous, vintage inspired dress from Shabby Apple?

Well, you came to the right place!

I LOVE the inspiration behind this independently owned and operated online boutique. Every whimsical, classy, feminine women's dress they create is ready to wear on its own -- no slip, camisole, or convertible bra required. You'll never need a tank top to deal with an unrealistic neckline, or half slip to deal with a sheer skirt. How brilliant is that?

The Shabby Apple dress I'm giving away is a classy, 1940's inspired number called the Too Darn Hot.

To enter the giveaway, just like Shabby Apple's Facebook page, then comment on this post, and tell me your favorite place to wear a red dress. Examples include: cocktail parties, the dentist, and the funeral of an ex-lover, just to name a few. I'll pick a winner via random number on Tuesday Night, and announce the winner on Wednesday morning.

Oh and one more thing: if you decide to do a little shopping at Shabby Apple, you can enter the promo code dressedlikelady10off and can get 10% off your order! :)

Note: If you post an Anonymous comment, you MUST post an email address! Otherwise I won't be able to prove who's who when I draw a number to see who the winner is!

Taking DILIGENT notes during a work meeting...

2011-11-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

Captains of Industry.

2011-11-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

I mention the crew at Zingerman's Coffee a lot here, and not just because they're our friends, or because they spoil us with coconut milk and stevia stashed just for me behind the counter, but also because if we're ever hard up for a good spot to take a picture, they'll offer up their adjacent warehouse as a photo backdrop.

Stretchy top: Victoria's Secret

Shorts: ASOS

Shoes: Steve Madden

Flannel: MC's

Necklace: Vintage via the Getup

Don't feel too bad for me, posing near garbage bins; these are full of coffee.

Cutting up rugs at the Beehive Ball.

2011-11-15T13:18:00.007-05:00

MC and I had the awesome chance to dress up all sexy and party with a kickass crowd on Saturday, as MC was playing trumpet with the house band for the Beehive Recording Company's artist showcase, the Beehive Ball. The only problem was that I haven't been that sleep deprived at a show in years -- I was like a sequined covered zombie. But the crowd and the show were so damn good, instead of hyperactively dancing my heart out, I just wandered dreamily from one spot to another with my camera, like my own sweet little center of the universe.

Okay, and I crashed in the greenrooom for like 3 sets. It was a long night!

Yes, I have tied elastic around my shoes to keep them from falling off. Yes, I am fine with that.

(I have narrow feet!)

This is me on a tired day.

Style wise, I went with an 80's prom dress from Gunne Sax, which kept threatening to fall down, as I'd apparently lost a pound or two since the last time I wore it. (Uptown problems.)

Dress: Vintage, Gunne Sax

Shoes: Nine West

Multi-colored Petticoat: Ebay

Stockings: Jonathan Aston

Purple velveteen bag with bakelite handle: Vintage

Matt wore a dress shirt and pants with a vintage, velvet tuxedo jacket and his grandpa's old bow-tie and cummerbund.

So in short: the evening was a success. Even sleep deprivation cannot stop rock and roll.

Date night.

2011-11-14T11:10:00.001-05:00

I neglected to get a shot of this outfit before I broke the clasp on the necklace I was wearing, and left my cardigan in the car. Oh well, at least what I still had on by the time I made it to dinner was still comfortable!

I've been going to Seva -- Ann Arbor's best vegetarian Restaurant -- since I was in utero. Seriously, my parents started eating there before I was even born! The amazing Pizza Pesto Sandwich that I ordered there throughout my childhood is so yummy, it's still on the menu today -- also available these days with delicious vegan Daiya cheese, if like me, you went from vegetarian to vegan in adulthood. Needless to say, it's MC and my go-to spot for date night. :)

Circle skirt: vintage via ArtelleGallery

Belt: Thrifted

Sleeveless bra top: Victoria's Secret

Socks: MC's

Shoes: Poetic License via Modcloth

We had a ton of fun at the Beehive Ball this past weekend, and I'll post some pictures as soon as they're uploaded. :)

Hold onto your effing hat.

2011-11-11T11:28:00.002-05:00

Seriously, the wind was blowing up something fierce while we were taking these. Beautiful day though, for a little more 1930's style, filtered through 1970's style.

Plaid wool skirt: Vintage

Turtleneck: Target

Wool cloche hat: UO

Shoes: Charles David via TJ Maxx

Bamboo fiber tights: E.G. Smith via Sockdreams

Scarf and belt: Thrifted

Inspiration photo, from a November 1974 issue of Petticoat:

Sweater: JCrew

Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Harris Tweed Jacket: Thrifted

Sunglasses: Ray Bans

We've got a fun weekend ahead of us. MC is playing trumpet for the Beehive Ball this Saturday (where you'll bet I'll be there in a vintage formal dress, walking around the party with my giant camera), and tonight, we've got a karaoke party with some of our closest friends. You can expect MC and I to deliver our signature duets of Under Pressure and Endless Love.

What are you doing this weekend?

FLASH!

2011-11-10T10:36:00.001-05:00

Thank you thank you thank you to Matt Collar for guest posting again yesterday! It not only makes my life a ton easier when MC posts, it also represents this blog more accurately -- since MC takes 90% of the photos featured here.

Anyway, I recently picked up a cheap little external flash for my camera, and MC snapped some quick shots with it in the street after his birthday party with the kids a few weeks ago -- even though we had no idea what we were doing with it. Still, it gave a pretty cool effect considering it was all completely happenstantial!

Deco Diamond tights: B.Ella via Sockdreams

Blue wool motorcycle jacket: UO

Multi-colored tutu: Ebay

Black dance leotard: Capezio

Boots: Doc Martens

Postscript: It should also be noted that a post entitled "FLASH!" can and should possibly be misconstrued as a Queen reference.

Guest post by MC: Dance! Dance! Dance!

2011-11-09T11:03:00.001-05:00

MC here, with another guest post.

We took advantage of last weekend's slightly warmer temperature took a stroll around our neighborhood. GBear thinks it's awesome and kind of funny when we all dress the same, so we busted out our matching wool toggle coats.

But with the unseasonably warm temperature outside, the situation quickly evolved into an impromptu dance party behind our apartment. Fittingly, Cammila was already wearing a leotard and flowy vintage skirt.

Outfit info provided by Cammila:

Skirt: vintage via the Getup

Turtleneck leotard: Capezio via Discount Dance Supply

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Scarf: Street fair in Auckland, NZ

GBear enjoys calling out poses, and shouted to Cammila from behind the camera to plie and spin.

Cammila swears she never considered a career as a prima ballerina. Well then, she must just be a natural because she has great form in my eyes.

GBear is a quick-study too!

Home sick.

2011-11-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

I'm not feeling tip top today, so I decided to stay home.

It could be worse. I've been hanging out, watching movies and making pillow forts with the best guy and little girl in the world, who have both been taking good care of me. Have a great weekend, guys!

2010's-Does-70's-Does-40's

2011-11-03T12:04:00.000-04:00

I am obsessed with style from the 1970's that's inspired by style from the 1930's and 1940's.

Unfortunately, I've had a crazy hard time finding real live vintage gear along these style lines. The stuff I find is never in my size, or occasionally made of something itchy. Which is why I jumped (so to speak) at this maxi dress from Oasis, which taps into the look beautifully (and is jersey knit cotton).

Sweetheart neckline maxi dress: Oasis via ASOS

Lace-up black boots: vintage via the Getup

Thigh-high solid opaque tights: E.G. Smith via Sockdreams

Scarlett Johansson Defends Right to Take Naked Pics!

2011-11-02T15:21:00.002-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my own Matt Collar for guest posting yesterday about our Halloween shenanigans! As far as I'm concerned, he can post any time. :)

Anyway, on to today's rant: Dammit I love Scarlett Johansson.

Remember a couple months ago when a few cute nude pictures were leaked off of Scarlett Johansson's hacked mobile phone? Well she commented on the incident recently. Check out this AWESOME quote from her on the subject:

“I know my best angles. They were sent to my husband. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not like I was shooting a porno… Although there’s nothing wrong with that either.”

All I can say is hell yeah. A few months even further back, you might recall a different bombshell, Blake Lively had her own minor selection of relatively tame nudies leaked from her own hacked cell phone. Seeing as how they were intended for herself or her own private recipient (not the world at large), she played the "I don't have to talk about this shit with you" card when reporters asked her about it, and dismissed the pictures as "fake."

Fair enough, maybe she just wasn't in the mood. But I'm glad ScarJo felt differently and took the opportunity to defended her right to enjoy her own body with whomever she sees fit. Especially because Lively herself might have taken a different tack if she'd known that a few days later, she'd get weirdly slammed by Reese Witherspoon at the MTV Movie Awards, who was accepting her "Generation Award" and apparently vying for the title of Most Uptight, Judgmental Puritan of the Year, exclaiming:

"I get that it's cool to be bad...But when I was coming up in this business...if you took a nude picture of yourself on your cell phone, you hid your face! Hide your face!"

Movie News - Reese Witherspoon Accepts the Generation Award - 2011 MTV Movie Awards - MTV Shows

She concluded by saying "For all the girls out there, it's possible to be a good girl. I'm going to try to make it cool."All I have to say to Reese is good effing luck.

It's not that I don't agree with Reese's goal, I just think she's going about it in an assbackwards way. Obviously I think it's imperative to teach girls and young women that you don't have to exploit yourself to be cool, that fame is not in and of itself a worthy occupation, that what you commit to media is permanent, no matter how likely you are to change your opinions about what you put there. But I'll tell you what will NOT help you accomplish the goal of convincing girls of these things: negative reinforcement and slut shaming.

Acting uptight and judgmental about such a harmless display of sexuality or sensuality only fuels the social fires that make reality stars out of talentless chicks with big asses and sex tapes. The fact that people make such a fuss over harmless photos of a consenting adult's *gasp* naked body is the only reason the act of bodily exposure (sexual or otherwise) amounts to a tantalizing act of rebellion for fame hungry unemployed actresses and misguided high school freshmen in the first place. If people stopped guffawing and disapproving and wringing their hands over every little show of skin by a grown ass woman, there wouldn't be such a market for it, socially or commercially.

Reese said it herself, "It's cool to be bad." She's asserting that young and/or hip people assign inherent value first to coolness, and secondarily to rebellion -- which she apparently sees as the current, arbitrary manifestation of coolness. But she's getting the causal relationship wrong. Rebellion against and disregard for cultural norms, mores, and social codes is the primary manifestation of coolness, and thus young people want to be bad in order to be cool.

This isn't some new revelation in the realm of popular culture; teenagers want to rebel, whether its destructively or benignly. If Reese wants to help shift popular culture away from rewarding shows of exhibitionism with popularity and money, why doesn't she try not making such a big deal about it? Pointing out that it's scandalous and naughty is mind-fuckingly circular, because being scandalous and naughty is the reason these acts are commercially successful. And on a related note, it's even less productive to ineffectually harangue celebrities who are already successful and famous for achieving that success through means you apparently don't approve of. I don't think Kim Kardashian's ass deserves 30 minutes of air time either, but I'm not going to make fewer people interested in her show by bitching about it in public.

Wait, I just did! DAMN IT. You win this round, Kim.

Special Halloween Post by MC!

2011-11-01T14:06:00.018-04:00

Hi everybody, Matt here (known more affectionately on this blog as MC). I thought it might be fun if I were the one to post about our fun Halloween hijinks, since Cammila has a ton of work to do.

We had a busy Halloween weekend, kicking it off with a Timothy Monger State Park show in Lansing opening for Frontier Ruckus. As you can see below, Cammila and I followed Tim's lead and wore Scouting uniforms. Tim wore a very official modern uniform that made him look like the coolest troop leader ever with his Fender Telecaster guitar. Mine is a vintage '50s green shirt that Cammila posted about last week. Admiring the uniforms of generations past, I convinced my dad to track this vintage uniform down for me when I was 9 or 10, and wore it for most of my time as a Scout.

I've always been a huge Indiana Jones fanatic and it occurred to me in preparing for the show that I could probably evince River Phoenix's 1910's uniform as the young Indy from The Last Crusade. I had to substitute some military-style cargo pants rolled into wool socks for Young Indy's cool calf-high leather boots. Coupled with the awesome Alden Indy Boots Cammila gave me for my birthday I think I came pretty close, no?

Cammila wore my old Cub Scout uniform (which she previously wore for a Canastas show) paired with a child's Western hat, fishnet stockings, a thrifted wool skirt that was so well-made and nicely lined that she felt a tad guilty for cutting it to mini-length for a kind of glam-rock cub scout look. How cute is she?!

At our office Halloween shindig we went as the uber-smooth '70s pop duo The Captain and Tennille.

As cheesy-looking and yacht-rock ready as Captain and Tennille were, they were actually a really talented and experienced group. Daryl "The Captain" Dragon toured with The Beach Boys and helped arrange the music for drummer Dennis Wilson's one and only now cult-classic studio album. Toni Tennille also sang back-up for The Beach Boys and even sang on Pink Floyd's The Wall. Cammila's hair isn't quite long enough for Toni's trademark Dorothy Hamill bowl cut, but she more than made up for it by feathering her cropped locks and grinning from ear to ear.

Is that a 1000 Watt smile or what?

For Halloween trick-or-treating, we accompanied my daughter and her two cousin's as they went door-to-door in my sister's cozy Ypsi neighboorhood.

My sis dressed up as a quintessential French artiste, while Cammila transformed herself into Minnie Mouse. Then we had Pocahontas, Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz and my daughter GBear as a Butterfly-Fairy-Princess -- a costume that should earn Cammila a Good Housekeeping award for the time, effort and creativity it took her to sew/paint/glue it together over the weekend.

What can I say, Cammila is a thrifty, crafty, style genius. She even cut and taped all of her Minnie Mouse skirt polkadots herself. I'm smitten for life and thankful for it.

It was SO cold here in Michigan that we layered my daughter three times under her fairy costume and Cammila even broke out her sub-zero Canadian military jacket which gave the impression of Minnie Mouse as if on a USO tour.

Cammila and I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable or memorable Halloween.

Halloween retrospective.

2011-10-31T12:27:00.001-04:00

Between the Halloween show MC played over the weekend, our office Halloween party, and taking the kids trick-or-treating, it looks like I'll be going through three costumes total this Halloween. Not a bad record! I'll post pics of them all in short order, but in the meantime, here are a few choice moments from Halloweens gone by.

Age 3, with my grandma and aunt Dodo: the homemade bunny costume I wore every year until kindergarten.

Age 6: A bee.

Age 9: Goofing around with neighbors.

1990, 4H Costume Party with my BFF Meredith: I was the Queen of Sheba (that's my pet turtle in a carrier tank!)

Age 10: Cat mask and AWESOME T-SHIRT(!)

Age 14: A dapper vampire (the Franco American spaghetti was my idea.)

Before a Halloween U2 concert in high school: I told people I was a "jester/pimp/dominatrix."

1998: Posing on my friend's car after going to Rocky Horror.

Age 19: Harley Quinn

2006: David Bowie

2007: Freddie Mercury

2008, at the Halloween Bang!: Edie Sedgwick

2009: George Michael

2010, with work friends Perry and Heather: Wilson Phillips

Well It's Mine Now: MC's Vintage Boy Scout Uniform

2011-10-28T11:15:00.003-04:00

Here's an awesome indication that MC has always been my soulmate: when he was 9 years old and a Boy Scout, he sought out and wore a vintage Boy Scout uniform. Because the new ones they were issuing to scouts at that moment just weren't very awesome looking.

Vintage Boy Scout Uniform: MC's via ancient history

Shorts: UO

Over the knee Socks: Sockdreams

Shirt: Random TJ Maxx find

Shoes: Miss Me via Modcloth

Even as a kid, MC knew that the Scouts of the 1950's had a much cooler official garment than those that were currently being issued. So he got his hands on this old school one and wore it to Scout meetings like the style expert he already was.

One of the reasons I'm posting about it now is that MC and I have been so darn busy, we haven't had a minute to plan our Halloween costumes, which means we might have to put this shirt (along with the infamous Cub Scout uniform) to work this weekend as a means of last-minute masquerade, since MC is playing a Halloween party show. Maybe we could be glam rock boy scouts or something? Whatever we come up with will be fun, I'm sure.

What's tragic is that I don't have a picture of nine year old MC in this top! But hopefully I'll have a picture of grown-up MC in it after this weekend. ;)

Layers.

2011-10-27T11:28:00.003-04:00

As we were riding to work, I looked down at what I was wearing and had one of those funny moments where you see yourself from an outside perspective. I started laughing, and asked MC "Is it annoying when I get in the mood to dress all Punky Brewster like this?"

MC's response: "Baby, I love it when you dress completely insane. I want to marry you."

Okay, good answer.

Chi's Sweet Home t-shirt: tomodachi T-shirt

Fake bomber jacket: Target

Over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

White high heeled combat boots: Doc Martens

Flannel: MC's

Tooled belt: Vintage via the Getup

This outfit was staged around this t-shirt for the childrens anime series Chi's Sweet Home. It's a pretty adorable little show, especially because my own cat's name is Chi, and though I adopted and named him long before this show existed, I found him as an orphaned kitten, just like the character.

The show hasn't been licensed in the States yet, but there's a fan dub of the first few episodes into English. That was enough for my step daughter, who instantly became obsessed and wanted to watch them over and over! Unsurprising, since one of her favorite games (one she made up over a year ago and STILL asks for) is to pretend she's an orphaned kitten. She then instructs me to walk by and find her, take her home, and state that I will love and take care of her forever. How adorable is that?! I'll tell you: so adorable that I don't mind going through that scene 15 times in a row, which is the average number of times she'll keep asking me to do it.

She also does it with MC, but it usually evolves into him pretending to be some kind of bear she wants to ride on.

Anyway, me and my 90's grunge autumn outfit have a press screening of the Rum Diary tonight, and I'm very excited. I'll post a link to my review tomorrow. :)

The Adolescent Look in High Fashion Modeling

2011-10-26T10:50:00.005-04:00

There was a great post yesterday on Fashion by He about the disturbing number of what appear to be underage girls showing up on the fashion community Lookbook.nu. I started to write out a comment about why I don't find this surprising, but quickly realized that I was writing a post-length response. So why don't I just subject you to my thoughts right here?

I feel like a discussion about girls who are potentially inappropriately young being marketed to and possibly exploited in the world of fashion is one that goes WAY beyond the policing of a single fashion site. This is a basic matter of what the women who are used to sell fashion already look like. Clearly there's a massive pull in high fashion modeling for pubescent features.

You can see the trajectory for this demand pretty easily if you look at the flagship models who've made the most money and gotten the most name recognition over the past 20 years.

In the early 90's, Christy Turlington and the other Glamazons represented the epitome of high fashion beauty -- with womanly bodies and knowing expressions.

By the mid-90's, Kate Moss became the epitome -- with a much more lean body and comparatively child-esque face, with enlarged eyes and a comparatively blank expression.

By the time you get to the reigning popularity of Gemma Ward, you're dealing with a model whose face is downright cherubic in its roundness, with huge, anime-esque eyes, and an extremely thin physique.

Don't get me wrong, I love Kate Moss and Gemma Ward. They photograph beautifully, pose with extreme skill, and transform fluidly from one look to another. That's why they're supermodels. But you can see how the desirable features that the fashion industry is looking for have skewed very young. So it's not surprising to me that younger and younger women are bound to identify with high fashion -- marketing wise, it would appear to a 12 year old girl that high fashion is meant for her.

But of course, it often shouldn't be, not when its inherent themes are overly sexualized, or even simply overly adult. The development of little girls and young women into adulthood is supposed to include a proportionate amount of what I think you might call "being a kid." In addition to it being damaging to a girl's developing sexuality, identity, and feelings of self worth, it's also just plain unfair for a kid to be deprived of precious moments in life where the structures and strictures of beauty, body, and style do not yet apply. Every girl deserves the right to arrive at and own her sexuality on her own terms, but I tend to think the same right applies to adulthood in general.

However, I have little to offer in terms of remedying this situation, as far as the fashion industry is concerned. Aside from petitioning for Giselle to do more fashion work.

Caution! Pinterest is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!

2011-10-25T13:50:00.002-04:00

Silk blouse: Thrifted

Cut-off shorts: Ancient history

Over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

Obvious Chloe knock-off wooden heel oxfords: Jeffrey Campbell

Pay no attention to the GIGANTIC hankie hanging out of my pocket. Allergies have been awful this year! I normally don't have them too bad, just the occasional sneeze in reaction to miscellaneous pollens and dusty attics. But this year, I've been a watery eyed mess!

Also: A word about Pinterest!

A few people have asked me recently if I'm sponsored by Pinterest. Ha! I wish!

I just really love the site and I wish more people would use it. It's a social bookmarking site, like Digg or Reddit, but instead of just linking websites, blog posts, or stories, you save images -- and then your link is saved via the image. So basically, if you just like saving and sharing inspiration photos, it provides a way to save those, and view other peoples' as a stream. But if the place where you found a particular picture was a blog entry on making your own tea cozies or a top you want to order from ASOS, that bookmark is saved with the image for you to go back to as well. You create "boards" (like a pin-board, get it?) of various themes, like sets on Flickr, to provide as much or as littler rigid categorization of your "pins" as you'd like.

For example, I have a few specific boards, which you can click the following links and see if you're trying to get your head around it. I have one for Clothes, one for Home Decorating and Design, one for Hot and Sexy Stuff, and a totally generalized one for anything and everything that appeals to me.

If you wanna get really specific, MC has an entire board devoted only to images of women that remind him of me.

Needless to say, I find it addictive and awesome and I highly recommend it. So get on there and check it out. To follow me on Pinterest, click here and hit the big Follow All button on the left. To follow MC (who has remarkably similar and awesome taste in all things vintage and wild), click here and do the same.

MC's Birthday Recap!

2011-10-24T15:53:00.001-04:00

Well, it was MC's birthday this past weekend, so we went over to his wonderful sister Alessandra's house again to have a party with the kids. It was awesome. And it was a great excuse to wear my tutu again! As you can imagine, kids love tutus. And so do I. It's science.

I'd been giving him presents all week, but I gave MC his last gift at the party: an RC race car track! I got it for him to replace one he had a long time ago, and said he really missed. :)

Obviously it was a ton of fun, since MC and I are both children at heart, but it also went over beautifully with the actual kids!

Among those many presents I gave MC over the course of the week were a couple of books featuring beautiful Art Nouveau illustrations of Cupid and Psyche. That particular Greek myth -- about a mortal woman who falls in love with the god Eros, and must face many challenges and trials in order to be with him forever -- is one of our favorites.

Um, I also got him a book of nudes. It's sexiness, people.

I also got him this Nouveau print sun catcher. Sheesh, I'm really glad we have the same taste!

My biggest birthday present to MC -- the one that I took the most giddy pleasure in giving him -- was this pair of Alden Indy boots. He's wanted a pair since he was about 13 years old! They're classic, sophisticated, durable, handsome, and will only look better and better with age. Exactly like the man that's going to wear them.

Obviously he also got lots of other sweet gifts and wonderful well-wishes from friends and family, but I just have to feature this particular one from MC's mom: an authentic antique Hudson Bay wool blanket in absolutely PERFECT condition! It's yet another item that MC has wanted for years, and I'm so glad he had another stylish and whimsical desire fulfilled.

The happiest birthday.

2011-10-21T11:31:00.001-04:00

This little post is here to celebrate the birthday of the sweetest, hottest, bestest man on earth: my own Matt Collar.

His real birthday is tomorrow, and there will be much celebration -- but I don't usually blog much on the weekends, so hold tight till Monday and I'll tell you all about it!

You will know me by the trail of laptops.

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it. I killed another laptop. The last two have been netbooks, to be exact, but I slaughtered them all just the same. This time I had help -- I first got water on the keyboard and totally destroyed half of the number keys, then MC caught the chord in the vacuum cleaner and sent the whole thing crashing screen-first into the metal backing of a chair, shattering the LCD. So another laptop bites the dust, and we just got a new one. Again.

In honor of this changing of the guard, here's a retrospective on all the laptops I've gone through in my blogging history.

Apple Powerbook: 2003-2007

Asus Eee PC #1: 2007-2009

Asus Eee PC #2: 2009-2011

And here's our new baby: an ASUS K series notebook fresh from Newegg. (Asus is the ONLY brand of laptop left who manufacture all their own hardware -- including Apple.)

In addition to the notebook, I also got something else that will probably come in handy: an accidental damage policy. ;)

My 10 Year-Old Open Neck Wool Sweater: Then and Now.

2011-10-19T12:07:00.003-04:00

MC adores this sweater. And that's good, because I love it too.

After all, I've had it for about ten years!

I picked it up on clearance from JCrew right before I took a trip to New Zealand in 2001. It was what you might call pre-fieldwork at the time -- I was an anthropology major and a prof I was very close to was publishing her seminal work on an iwi of Maori that she'd been working with and writing about for the past few decades. She let me come with her when she went back for her final publication, so I could really get a feel for what being a cultural anthropologist was all about.

Spoiler alert: I did not decide to become an anthropologist. But New Zealand was wonderful and I'm glad I went -- and even that I followed through on plans to stay in academia for quite a few years before figuring out it wasn't the right career for me. I did learn a lot, both about the subject matter and myself.

Anyway, I still love it and it's still in good shape, which says a lot about JCrew's quality at the time, since it's gotten plenty of wear over the past decade.

As a side note: I should mention that we're lucky the team at Zingerman's Coffee is so sweet and indulgent with us. They call us Mattmilla (second spoiler alert: MC's first name is Matt), and coddle us with privileges like putting our boots up on a perfectly clean table when a photo calls for it. :)

Fake fur and live music.

2011-10-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

MC played a show with Timothy Monger State Park on Saturday, who was sharing a bill with the lovely and talented Misty Lyn. Sound check was early as hell, so we had lots of time before the show started to dink around and take pictures.

Dotted over-the-knee stockings: Sockdreams

Tunic: UO

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Faux fur vest: B.B. Dakota via 6pm

Hat: UO

We also had time to read the ornately inscribed walls of the green room.

Oh yeah, and at some point there was an actual show.

Probably more as an act of charity than musical need, Tim actually let me jump up on stage to sing harmony on one of his songs! Additionally, much energy was expended by everyone keeping track of the ultimately disappointing Tigers game against the Rangers. MC and I got tired WAY early and became useless not long after the show was over, but for an early night, it was a ton of fun. :)

Gig Outfit -- the Daytime Version.

2011-10-17T17:07:00.000-04:00

This post is kind of late in the day, so it's a bit of a cop-out. This is the daytime version of what I wore to my band's show last Thursday night. I wasn't sure if I'd actually get the chance to stop at home between work and the gig, so I wore most of it to work and brought the infamous Cub Scout uniform with me, just in case of a hasty bathroom-stall change of clothes.

Cure T-shirt: Vintage via MC via the Disintegration Tour

Boyfriend jeans: BDG (ironically, not my boyfriend's)

Red and wood platforms: Seychelles

Earrings: Modcloth

This old, rusty girder ended up being all dirty and disgusting. Who knew?

I'll have lots of fun pics of weekend shenanigans tomorrow. What did you do with your weekend?

Thursday Night with The Canastas

2011-10-14T13:23:00.003-04:00

Well, my retro-rock band The Canastas had a little show last night, which ended up being a fun way to spend a Thursday evening.

I wore MC's cub scout uniform from when he was 6.

Additionally, I discovered a mugshot of my hero Freddie Mercury on the wall of the club, and spent closing time finding various ways to worship it.

Cammila and Freddie Mercury share a moment.

Also: MC is growing a mustache for his Halloween costume!

We're not actually sure what we're going to be for Halloween yet, but whether MC dresses up as Brad Pitt from Inglorious Basterds or Robert Redford from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, he'll need a mustache for it. In the meantime, I think he looks devastatingly handsome with it! Like a 1930's movie star!

Anyway, it was tons of fun as usual, and made me feel lucky to be in a band with such great people, including one guy I just can't seem to get enough of. :)

Caught in the act (of whining).

2011-10-13T11:35:00.002-04:00

I'm not super proud of this, but the only full outfit shot I ended up getting of this ensemble was taken by MC while I was bitching about my back hurting at an antique store.

Silk blouse: Thrifted

Over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

Oxfords: Vintage via Penelopemeatloaf

70's Suede skirt: Vintage via the Getup

This probably isn't the most appropriate way to pay tribute to my over-the-knee inspiration, the gorgeous and fearless Jane Birkin, but it's all I've got until I nab a Paris apartment with a baby grand.

Anyway, my cold is all gone and I'm back in fighting shape, ready to sing the ears off the Thursday night crowd tonight at LIVE at PJ's in Ann Arbor. The Canastas go on at 9, in case you're local and hungry for some swingin' old school rock and roll. :)

Rain, rain, you can stay...

2011-10-12T12:55:00.001-04:00

I've said this before and I'll say it again: if you wanna be a stylish lady in the Midwest, you need a large selection of coats.

1970's Misty Harbor rain coat: Vintage via the Getup

Swingin' inspiration.

2011-10-11T11:52:00.001-04:00

Thanks so much to everybody who sent me kind messages about my bad morning yesterday! I'm pretty much over it and on to the next thing (haha), since our retro-rock band The Canastas have a show this Thursday night!

Dress: Modcloth

Shoes: Nine West

Cardigan: Thrifted

Sunnies: Thrifted

There's been a confusing but nice warm spell this week, with temperatures jumping up out of sweater weather and back into sun-dress territory. So I thought I'd give this swing dress one last go before chilly fall breezes set in for good.

One of the reasons I dig this dress is because it feels similar to the one worn in this famous photo of singer Peggy Lee. MC and I should recreate this shot for one of our engagement photos! He even says one of his trumpets reminds him of me. Which is a slightly oblique statement, but I think I get it -- and either way, I'm tickled. When a devoted musician hears you in his instrument, that's gotta be a good sign. :)

I collect lorgnettes, but this one is my favorite. I hunted for ages to find one with a pearl finish like this, and when I finally discovered one, the hinge for the handle was broken -- which was perfect! Because my plan was to take out the pin that held it there, replace it with a jump ring, and hang it on a string of faux pearls!

The inspiration for this came from Amber in the movie Clueless, who is seen wearing a pearlescent lorgnette on a string of pearls during one single, fleeting scene -- but it stuck with me!

Anyway, I've got a cold but I'm gonna have to sing my lungs out in two nights, so I'm going to channel my hyperactivity into healing energy. And maybe make some tea. ;)

The glass isn't halfway full -- the glass is all the way full.

2011-10-10T14:48:00.009-04:00

I had a bad morning. I mentioned a few days ago that MC and I have been a little stressed out lately. We've both had a large handful of important things going on, all at once. One of those things was putting an offer on a house -- one that seemed so perfect for us that even though we'd decided to table our house-hunt for a few months, this place made us reconsider our plans. Well, it looks like we might not have snagged that particular house, and while it's a little early to say, we have to deal with the possibility that somebody else offered more for it.

Antique blouse: Vintage via JB Pacrat

Flares: BDG

Shoes: Vintage Enzo Angolini via: Purevintageclothing

Trench: Banana Republic

Bag: Coach, thrifted

This is obviously disappointing, since we did, after all, love the house enough to consider changing our plans about the next several months for it. But the thing is, I can't help knowing that no matter how great it seemed, if we don't get it, it's not the right house for us. I had a bad morning when I learned that there might have been a higher offer on it. But it's hard to stay in a bad mood when I know that no matter where I live, I live with MC. I have a big fat cat and the best step daughter in the world and coffee in the morning. I have autumn in Michigan and a closet full of clothes and a fiance I can't get enough of.

I had a bad morning. But I'm so happy, I could fly.

I had a bad morning. But I am going to have the most amazing sex of all time later tonight.

Did I say that out loud?! YEAH I DID!! *High Five*

I had a bad morning, but our friend Maria gifted us a pair of KICKASS Ray-Bans! (Thanks, Maria!)

I had a bad morning, but my fiance has great taste, and a selection of vintage Penguin by Munsingwear shirts, with the now retired old school penguin logo (much cooler than the current one).

I had a bad morning, but life is good.

Life is great. :)

Are you a 'Yes' person or a 'No' person?

2011-10-07T11:26:00.003-04:00

Sometimes MC and I click through US Weekly's Love It Or Hate It section online, which showcases various questionable fashion choices worn by celebrities, and polls readers as to whether or not they approve. This process tends to drive me crazy, and I'll tell you why: I don't really care how much an outfit personally appeals to my sensibilities, as much as I care about whether or not it bores me.

Evan Rachel Wood takes crap for a leather dress with a pussy bow at the Ides of March premiere.

I don't mean to imply that I never have a visceral reaction to an outfit of pure love or hate. Once in a while, an ensemble just plain reads to me as unflattering, no matter how daring it might be. But I feel like my threshold for distaste may be set a bit higher than most people's. I tend to like things far more often than I don't, and that goes doubly for fashion choices. How many sensible, classic gowns do I really want to see? Let alone from the red carpet, where stars are dressing up and posing for cameras every damn night, and the potential for repetition is even higher than it already is in everyday life!

Even if a garment is a little weird or crazy or even tacky and wild, I'd rather be entertained than bored. And on a related note, I'd rather like something than not like something. I'd rather be delighted than disgusted. I'd rather say yes than no. Maybe that's just my disposition. I think I'm defined by what I like, rather than what I don't like; by what I do, rather than what I don't do; by what I say 'yes' to, rather than what I say 'no' to. Negative answers score a Zero in my book.

You could argue that it gives me less than amazing taste, but I'd contend that I have a much better time in the process. Just speaking from experience.

Matt Collar says 'Yes' to yellow aviators.

Have a great weekend, guys. :)

NERVES.

2011-10-06T14:56:00.001-04:00

Here's something I haven't asked in way too long: how are you guys?

I'm sorry that I haven't been as interactive as I'd like lately. There's a lot going on over here -- mostly potentially big, potentially good stuff! But you know how life is: when there's a lot going on, whether it's good or bad, it takes up a lot of your energy. Just look at MC!

Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Blazer: Thrifted

Jeans: Levi's

Shoes: Sperry

I promise to share more soon. I might even post some wedding and decorating inspiration pictures, if you guys are interested!

Velvet jacket: Victoria's Secret

Blue suede over-the-knee boots: Vintage

Cut-offs: Ancient history

Cowboy belt: Vintage via the Getup

Tights: B.ella via Sockdreams

Bag: Cynthia Rowley

To be perfectly honest, I kind of like being busy. I'm a hyperactive person! I don't like doing nothing and I definitely don't like procrastinating. Plus, every new occurrence in life is a step ahead -- even though it doesn't always feel that way. There's only one direction on your own path, and that's forward. If you don't see every new hurdle as another crucial step toward fulfilling your destiny, you'll never enjoy the ride. Besides, the hero of every great story ALWAYS has to jump through hoops, endure setbacks, overcome obstacles, and take on ever more daunting challenges. Otherwise it wouldn't be a story!

At least that's my perspective. :)

Eaten by the Lacoste Crocodile

2011-10-05T11:16:00.003-04:00

The upside of the rain completely drying up while I was trying to take pictures of my raincoat and hunter boots the other day is that it did enable me to capture the outfit underneath.

Childrens terry cloth Lacoste polo: Thrifted

'70s suede mini skirt (reeked of sandalwood when I bought it): vintage via the Getup

Over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

Oxfords: vintage via Penelopemeatloaf

A stylish raincoat and a pair of Hunter boots.

2011-10-04T12:30:00.001-04:00

I wouldn't be prepared for a Michigan autumn without some semi fashionable rain gear! ;)

Raincoat: Modcloth

Rubber rain boots: Hunter via 6pm

Of course, sometimes I feel silly wearing them home after the skies have cleared, but it's a small price to pay for staying dry. ;)

More birthday love.

2011-10-03T11:46:00.003-04:00

Here's a peek at the handful of other little presents that MC gave me for my birthday, in addition to my beautiful new sculptures. :)

Present #1: Click this link and see the new board MC created on Pinterest. I don't even think he meant to create it as a birthday present, but it sure feels like one.

Present #2: He found this little 1930's sewing kit on Etsy, featuring a man and woman that look not unlike us. It's never been opened but I'm sure I couldn't bring myself to break the seal. It's just too precious!

Present #3: Next was this set of vintage post cards featuring stunning and romantic Art Deco prints from one of my favorite artists of all time, Rockwell Kent.

Present #4: And of course, what gift giving session from MC would be complete without a matchbox muscle car -- the Firebird (my favorite), with a poem attached. :)

Those dancing days.

2011-09-30T14:15:00.003-04:00

I'd rather do the Twist to Chick Habit in our kitchen than clean our messy apartment.

My band is covering this tune, so I need to get my dance moves all figured out...right? Well that's what I'm telling myself. Have a kickass weekend.

P.S. You know what would make that weekend even better? Getting on Pinterest! It's an image bookmarking site that I cannot get enough of. Seriously, if you like browsing and collecting inspiration photos, I just can't recommend it enough. Remember, you can see my boards by clicking here, and MC's by clicking here. :)

Movement clothes.

2011-09-29T09:30:00.004-04:00

Yeah, these are comfort clothes. The jeans are more spandex than they are cotton, and I've had these riding boots for like 10 years. But hey, at least these clothes allow for maximum flexibility!

Jeans: Blank

Giant merino wool cardigan: Banana Republic, thrifted

Riding boots: JCrew, purchased around 2000

MC and I are going to a press screening tonight for the Daniel Craig/Rachel Weiss horror movie Dream House, and I always get antsy if I have to watch a movie in binding clothes. This is kind of silly, since all you're supposed to do when you watch a movie is sit there. But of course, I'm hopelessly hyperactive, so I don't really sit still through anything. Anyway, I didn't know I was reviewing it until this week, but a scary could be fun. Only a month til Halloween!

Aqua

2011-09-28T11:13:00.001-04:00

Well it's officially tights season. Or, just as often for me, over-the-knee socks season. Time to go through last year's supply looking for runs and holes, and see what needs replacing.

Aqua blue sweater: Mix

Wool over-the-knee socks: Sockdreams

Lace-up mid-calf boots: Irregular Choice via 6pm

Skirt: UO

Bag: Dooney & Bourke, thrifted

Seriously, I destroy the vast majority of my tights within a season. I've tried buying ones with a high ratio of spandex to nylon, but I still manage to snag them. Anybody tried tights where some of the fabric content includes bamboo fiber?