Saturday, September 11, 2010

I"M ALL SHOOK UP

So I am currently in a show called ALL SHOOK UP. It's all about the kooky things people do when they are or think they are in love. Its a great show and full of a great cast and crew, and its without a doubt one of the most fun experiences of my life. Its also my last show in Nashville, TN. In case you were unclear, I hate it here, always have always will, but at the same time I did grow up here, I am proud of the fact that I was born in Buffalo, NY; but Nashville was home for many years, and while I hate it. Major aspects of my life happened here, my first boyfriend, kiss, proms, homecomings, volleyball, Fame, Fido, Ru San's, Taste of Tokyo, my friends Harrison and Sarah, and now All Shook Up. I'm sure there is plenty more that I am forgetting, but I do have some great memories, for instance I am probably the only person who enjoyed high school, despite that I was never queen of anything, the only time I ran for something I didn't win, I never won a championship, didn't make the honor roll or valedictorian, nor did I win most talented. I however met a massive amount of people that while I am not bFFs with, I would never get rid of their moments or time in my life for anything.

Anyways, since I am feeling so nostalgic, I was hoping to infuse that into my newest polyvore outfit, as well as give you a helping of some art and music, something that has not happened in quite a while. First of all, song I have a hard time summing up my musical tastes, and this is why I am black, but my fave musicians are Ella Fitzgerald, John Mayer, Michael Buble, and Sam Cooke out of the those four two are dead and have been for quite some time. Now that being said, my fave bands are the Clash, Coldplay, Ra Ra Riot, and Queen. In between there, my faves include opera, classical, musical theatre, anything from Glee, all jazz pre 1960 and most pop music, I also love Lenka and Priscilla Ahn. You can't classify me, and you certainly can't define me, a proud aspect of my person when I was in high school, however you can put me in a few song and they sum up who I am and who I want to be. My clothes fit my personality as well, and for that matter my tastes in film and art.


Friday, September 3, 2010

Well I'm sorry! Life intervened!!!

Well I apologize sincerely for my tardiness, life intervened and you know that saying......Well I am sure there is a saying for when life gets to become absolute chaos, with no intention of ceasing. Anywho, the last time I truly posted was Eclipse and while I still Twilight angsty movies and all, its a new day and time to remember our purpose, to talk about Art. Be it film, fashion, music, fine arts, performing arts, etc. Anyways, as you know I am going to AMDA in 41 days, and have been scouring polyvore and goodwills for outfit choices. Well I discovered my move in outfit, but I was so caught up in Polyvore that I completely forgot to post it, and all the others I made up. It was amazing!! Polyvore is addicting! I had an idea, since I hate spending real money on anything besides purses and getting my hair done, I figured I would eventually make a lookbook based on the looks that I have accumulated on Polyvore, that I would use to go shopping... Whatcha think? Personally it works perfectly, because anything and everything except underwear (i.e. panties) can be found at a goodwill or thrift store, it just requires patience. If you have a problem with those types of places, bite me.There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping at a secondhand store, it does not make you a secondhand person. Okay sorry got a little carried away, anyways here are some of the looks I created!

Look 1:




Look 2:




Look 3:




So there are my three fave and hopefully first looks in NYC. Care to comment?

And to end on a happy note, here are two amazing things that I have yet to tell you! A, yesterday had first onstage kiss and didn't look stupid B, minus the purses all the outfits listed here are 100 dollars or less!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Just for fun










Make custom t-shirts at CustomInk.com




Isn't it adorable!!
50 Days until AMDA!!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Eclipse!

Ok, so since this is a really late, I apologize, but since I did start this one in June, I just got distracted, my bad. Life got distracting Alright well, the AMDA countdown is currently at 71 days, and until then, as you know I have been attempting to find a begin classes/ move in outfit appropriate for my beginnings at a NYC school. I also must admit that as much as I hate the books, I am a huge Twilight movie fan, and my friend and I got tickets to the midnight showing of Eclipse this week. After re watching Twilight for the billionth time, I am going to give you three different looks that are reminiscent of the main Twilight women, Bella, Rosalie, Alice. A day version that can be worn to a music class, or on a lunch date. So here we go, let's start with Rosalie first.

Rosalie Cullen- slightly a Bi%$h but in the end she is in a lot of emotional pain, and looks gorgeous doing it! I decided to go with a simple dress with a button down top and a slightly flared bottom, this can be layered underneath with a longsleeve tee, or on top with a long or short sleeve cardigan. I have included a shoe option, brown flats with slight detailing on the back that keeps them from being boring, and a brown heel that is Maryjane styled, open-toed and has stud detailing. I have included the always present black leather bag, which is obviously not part of the 100 or less lineup, but as always, my statement is a good bag is a good investment. I choice a simple brown belt to add a sense of dimension at the waist, and a layered necklace with a floral add on that just adds a hint of whimsy, because lets face it, its Rosalie previous life as a beautiful no it all full or herself princess, that leads to her new life, so that added floral whimsical point is necessary when creating a look that expresses her person.



Next is Alice. Alice Cullen is quite whimsical which allows nonchalance to be harbored towards her power. Let me tell you she has more going on than some flighty flips and her love Jasper. The girl has more power in her pinky, well anyways the outfit I chose here reminds us of Alice's strength and her covering of vulnerability. This outfit is both feminine and strong, as well as youthful and pretty.
I have taken a simple light blue dress and paired it with an always fun accessory, boots. Mustard colored boots to be exact by mixing such a simply feminine piece with such a mannish boot, and paired with a strength reminding bag, our effect is simple, Alice Cullen pretty yet strong, powerful yet vulnerable.



Last but definitely not least is Bella Swan. She is the be all and end of this series, minus the really hot Edward Cullen of course. Her personality inspires her clothing, she steers clear of people, and therefore of bright colors, high heels, any thing a typical girl would gravitate towards. Therefore, this outfit was the most difficult. Not only did I need to convey a precedent of simplicity verging on invisibility, I had to also tweak it in order to make an outfit worth wearing on a date. I hope I have done that. I have paired a simple button tunic with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, and some simple hoop earrings. The kicker to this outfit lies with the boots, bright red and hinting at a completely other side. Something that will be very obvious with Bella's character in the next movie Breaking Dawn. There also happens to be a very loud bag, something else I just had to throw in there for kicks and giggles, however, unlike my normal polyvore set, this bag is tiny similar to the size of bag Bella wore in Twilight the first film. Either way, this outfit will give you confidence as well as keep you from overcompensating with your assets :).



There you have, three outfits that may be perfect for the date of your dreams.

In closing, here are a few sets that I previously created for my NYC excursion that I had yet to post enjoy them, along with my new favorite theme song!




Sunday, June 20, 2010

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Well, I already posted for last Thursday, but I was in the mood for a double post this week. So here it is, I am posting Sunday, and then I will hit you again on Thursday! I know its like whoa too much in one week! But I am sure you will be able to handle it! Any who, a lot of my "friends" on facebook that will be attending American Musical Dramatic Academy are starting literally in a few days! I am so jealous of the summer starters!! Anyways, I am stuck waiting for October so I am going to , as I have previously told you, inundate you with a lot of first day and move in outfit choices. Anyways here is an outfit that has been inspired by two shows, Leverage and Sex and the City. Alrighty then, here we go!




I have this idea of going to my first AMDA class in this awesome dress and shoes and a great bag, ready and willing to learn all about the art of musical theatre. The issue in that lovely daydream, is the weather. I am unsure of October NYC weather, not sure what to make of it... So here is an outfit for the possibility of rainy day weather. The black dress is simple but chic, the jewelry is whimsical, but stays away from getting to flashy. There is always a need for a decent trench coat or peacoat, in northern states. The red heels are more of a wishful thinking aspect, most likely if it is raining, galoshes will be necessary
As always, I try to allow the finances for a good bag. You never can worry about what you spend on a bag as long as it is worth the price! I used Parker's black and wearable sense of style as inspiration, and well its obvious the Carrie influence deals with heels,coat,jewelry, and bag. Well if my first day requires raingear, then I am set to go!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Ballet Schmallet! Well wait a minute...

As most of you should know by now, I will be attending AMDA this fall and since I will be dancing most of the time around 2-3 hours a day five days a week, I felt it was prudent to give you three looks inspired by the use of a leotard. I tend to not wanna have excess clothes prior to dance class, and like to implement my leo under my clothes, or as part of my ensemble. The trick, is to make sure that after class, a quick wash off and a thorough febreeze until you can change leos. That way the outfit can be used again with the sweaty leotard. I always carry either wet wipes and deodorant (for a refresher swipe under the armpits) or my grandmother used to have a wash cloth in a Ziploc bag, (one of the thick ones) to wet as needed and then put back into the bag. That way if you can't immediately change between dance classes and other classes, you won't look like a yucky sweaty mess!
Here we go!
Starting out at the barre: First Position


Now, I am a big believer in heels, but since I will be living in NYC, the prime walking capital of the world, I included a flat option. This outfit can also be worn in winter, just throw in a pair of tights a long sleeve leo. Personally, I think a good dose of red to an outfit can change your whole morale. What better way than an entire cardigan made out of red material? This outfit is sure to set a tone before class!

Second Position:


This set is a little more tame of an outfit. As per usual, there are flat and heel options, and the outfit minus the bag is under 100. I think this outfit speaks for itself, the pops of color along such a monotone palate really smack you in the face. Even the skirt with all its color maintains the same hue all the way around, and with the shoes that hue pops out at you. The little headband is simply and accent that can be worn as you choose, hair up or down, in a bun or braid. This outfit is certainly of the Swan Lake Variety.



Now while I always love my polyvore outfit sets equally, today I have one that just fits me who I am, a occasionally flashy somewhat conservative always bohemian and relatively trendy dresser. This outfit calls for a loud skirt and bright tights, something that not everyone will feel comfortable with during the day, but if you wear flats, a cardigan and have a plain leo on, it will seem like a normal outfit. However throw on some strappy heels, and rip off that cardigan and you can go party with the big dogs. I love multiuse things.

So there you have it, three outfits centered around a leo (leotard sorry guys forgot not everyone knows that) Just for positive thinking listen to this.

Friday, June 4, 2010

First Day of School Part Trois

You all didn't think I could possibly forget about my search for the perfect first day of AMDA outfit did you? Since I will mainly live in dance clothes for the next two years, I think to make a great first impression, I need to come to class ready for it all. What do you think of all these possible shoe and bag combos with the dress and tights? Which do you prefer? Depending on how I get to class that day, I might go with the flats or heels and then move forward in my decision from there. That in turn will help me decide how to pick from all the different bags. Shoes shouldn't clash with the bag, they don't have to match but they definitely can't clash. Well, what's your preference? Easy with ballet flats or show them who I am from day one TA-Dah! Heeled t-straps?


BLACK WIDE NECKLINE DOLMAN SLEEVES MINI DRESS @ Amiclubwear sexy..., $28
Amazon.com: OPAQUE BLACK STRETCHY LEOTARD LEGGINGS TIGHTS: Clothing, $8.99
ASOS Nude Back Seam Sheer Tights, $8.45
ASOS 'Velvet Feel' 50 Denier Opaque Black Tights, $1.71
suede slouchy cuff bootie, $25
Qupid Neo-35 Berry Suede Women Boot, $20
Crackle Metallic Ballet Flats, $13
suede stud wrap around ankle boot, $12
Chelsea Crew Barbie, $50
Amazon.com: Women's Merona® Reta T-Strap Pumps - Teal: Shoes, $26
Ruby Red Bow Toe Ballet Flats, $29
velvet finish ruffle front flat, $15
ASOS TABITHA Tie Front Snake Effect Shoe Boot, $25
It's A Mod World Oxfords-Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $40
ASOS Premium Washed Leather Double Zip Satchel, $127
Lucky Brand Foldover Flap Vertical Crossbody Bag, $119
Action Packed Purse in Red, $38
Gap Leather Fold Over Bag, $135
Janelle's Gold Stamped Metal Teardrop Hoop Earrings, $20
Heir-bloom Ring in Old Gold, $13


Like I previously said, I will be deciding between all of my possible looks in October before I leave and piecing them together using, Target, Goodwill, Boutique sales, and hell even Wal-mart. While I love designer, it doesn't love me right now. Oh by the way each pairing, dress with tights and shoes and jewelry is all under 150.00. Damn I am good.
And for our parting, a little night music to get you and me in the mood.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Fallen Golden Girls

Unfortunately this morning, Rue McClanahan passed away. McClanahan was responsible for being part of the funniest and best comedic quartet on regular television ever. There is really no comparison, the Golden Girls was without the funniest and best show to ever grace television, yes it is better than Glee. Every member won at least one Emmy all were nominated more than once, and the show ended at seven seasons simply because Bea Arthur was tired, they were never canceled. In the last three years we have lost three Golden Girls, Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, and today Rue McClanahan. The lone holdout is Betty White, who ironically was the eldest of the four. I hope that she continues on strong and stays with us for a long time. Anyways, In honor of these four unbelievably talented women, here are four Golden Girl Inspired Looks, all under 100 dollars of course, except for maybe the bags, because well you know my motto a good bag is hard to find!

Blanche Deveraux i.e. the sexy one (the slutty rich one)

Now the best thing about Blanche is simple, she loves men and sex and is not afraid to show it. Now, Blanche is forever lying about her age, in fact during one episode, Blanche asks Sophia what she thinks about her outfit. Sophia's words are (this is paraphrased) "Its to short its too tight for a woman your age." Now hopefully you don't fall into that category, so here is a modern take from Blanche's go to sexy date outfit. The one beside it is Blanche's everyday look. Bag shmag, she doesn't need money her date will pay for everything she wants or needs. A woman who knows how to use what she's got to get what she wants. She is a flashy woman from her head to her toes, and make sure you wear open toed shoes at all times with this one, Blanche was having a pedicure when her husband died, so feet to her are important.



Dorothy Zbornak i.e. the smart one (the tall educated one)
The best way to describe Dorothy is simple tastes and a solid belief in wearing the clothes, not allowing them to wear her. Dorothy's outfits on the show were never revealing, they didn't have minuscule hemlines and she very rarely wore heels certainly not the platforms present today. She was tall and built somewhat straight up and down, however when describing her look it was demure and classy. She had that inane sense of class, that couldn't be created, it came from her confidence and intelligence. These looks we have here one for her day and one for her night encompass that intelligence and relaxed sense of style. Along with a few sequins, because let's face it the eighties was all about the sequins.



Rose Nylund i.e. the nice one (the blond, dumb, and built one)
Rose's sense of style goes back to her roots as a Minnesota farm girl. She is big on lines, since she is somewhat top heavy, and therefore tends to wear less than clingy outfits. I have chosen two looks that epitomize Rose's day and night looks. Rose was considered the dumb one on the show, but when Betty White found out that Rose was the role she was to play, she panicked and the creator of the show told her to play Rose as someone who was terminally naive. Now not saying you have to be naive, but Rose played up her curves, in such a way that was both innocent and alluring. And heels are necessary, Rose Nylund was never not in a pair of heels.



Sophia Petrillo i.e. the old one (the sassy wisecracking, mean one)
Sophia is probably the hardest Golden Girl to pin down, simply because she won't be pinned down. How many women do you know in their eighties still getting it on? Sophia is sassy and is always ready with a unbelievably timed one-liner. Sophia is the one the others looked to for guidance all the while knowing the "Picture it Sicily" stories that she tells tend to be completely false. Sophia is a woman raring and ready to go, not willing to lay down and die, she is going to meet her maker dancing around in a red dress with fake chests. (If you don't understand the reference, I suggest you watch the episode "Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun Before They Die.") Now I know you will notice the obvious choice of two pairs of shoes with Sophia's night outfit, now we all know Sophia was 80 and over, so she wouldn't have worn the platform shoes trend. Although I bet she wanted to, due to her lack of height. Therefore, for those girls who aren't and are vertically challenged and yet prefer not to wear a obscenely high platform, I have included a delicious flat just for you. And as far as the gold bag, eh I am supposed to take artistic liberties. Two things are synonymous with Sophia, a tan bag and a pair of glasses, she left a legacy that one. She's 80, not dead!




That being said our prayers and hopes and all that good stuff are with the Rue McClanahan family, and with all of the other lovers of TV's best The Golden Girls.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Beatles Beatles Beatles

One of the most important and legendary acts of all time, must be the Beatles. I have yet to meet a "sane" person who does not like the Beatles for one reason or another. They inspired so many and can inspire so much in the ways of fashion. I was once asked by a friend, I have so many concert tees how do I wear them so that they don't look like I am going to mow the lawn? The trick is with a simple distressed t-shirt, you should highlight the other aspects of the look. I have separated each piece of a look, bottoms, the inevitable Beatles tee, shoes, bags, and even jewelry and hair accessories. I have also made sure that each piece is fifty dollars or less, except for the purses, I mean come on everyone needs a great bag!

To begin with, choose out of these amazing Beatles tees. Although personally, I got one of my fave Beatles t-shirts from a Wal-mart in Savannah, GA.



Second let's add the bottom half. I have included some skirt options, jean options, and some great jumper options. For those of you who like to try different things, nothing works better than taking a jumper and mixing it with a distressed concert tee.



Next we have the shoes, now you could do the simple and easy thing and put on black chucks (chuck taylors), but isn't the point to do something different with your wardrobe? I personally favor all of these different pairs, although I must be honest the black flat knee high boots are not under fifty dollars, but let's face it we all need at least one pair of good boots, especially for those of us who live or will live north of the Mississippi.



The next item on our agenda is bags, I haven't chosen many, because I think one good bag can go long way, especially if it is made well.


Oh and just so we are clear, not one of these bags retails over $200! I personally think that is a great deal for leather bags that can last a long time.

Last but certainly not least, jewelry and hair accessories. Now I tend to wear a lot of tams or hobo berets or slouchy hats, or whatever you may call them. Not everyone is like this, but that's just me. I also tend to wear more earrings and necklaces and less rings and bracelets, this must be the residual volleyball player in me. I have created five different jewelry and hat/ headband scenarios that will help compliment your new Beatles inspired look.



And there you have it, a complimentary menu of various sides and additives that will alter any concert tee based you look you prefer. And for your viewing pleasure,
the Beatles!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Shoes Are a Girl's Best Friend

Now everyone pretty much knows the song, Diamond's Are a Girl's Best Friend, well I am here to tell you that this is a lie...

Shoes are undoubtedly a girl's BFF! Shoes can make or break any kind of outfit. Any and every outfit (except maybe haute couture) is made better due to the shoes. Today, I will show you three different outfits made with all the same shoes and would love if you look at how different each outfit is due to the shoes. Therefore, diamonds are cool and all, but shoes are the bees knees.

Let's start with a pair of my favorites found on polyvore, simple but beautiful peep toe pumps with a sort of t-strap across the ankle. Now these can make an outfit super dressy and fancy, really casual worn for a daytime date or a shopping outing, or these shoes can be worn out for a night on the town with the girls, or the hottie from your poli sci class.



First we have the evening look, something really simple and classy, but perfect for a wedding, a graduation, or even a dinner party. The dress adds to the drama of the shoes, the difference in color adds to the shock value, the red and teal mix keep it from looking boring. Simple earrings allow the dress and shoes to stand together without added distractions. The large brown bag creates a certain casual aspect, although it wouldn't take much to add a clutch instead.



Next we have the daytime look, perfectly appropriate for a lunch date,class, or a day out shopping with the girls. This outfit pairs these amazing pumps with an elastic high-waistband and a zipper up the back, along with a simple short sleeved tee, and a brown handbag large enough to hold all of the things necessary for shopping and/or going on a date. Thereby creating a simple easy outfit that is still quirky and new.



Last But certainly not least is the night out outfit. The outfit that is sure to make everyone standup and notice. It is yet again quite simple but still has some edge in both color and style. We mixed the lovely peep toes with a zippered ankle skinny jean in black, paired that with a teal necktie halter and a multicolored wristlet. That is a great outfit on its own, but if you would like something a little less revealing or at the very least with a different color combo than red and teal, we have this great purple top with a lace detailing on the front. It is a fantastic alternative, still extrememly appropriate for a night out!
Now you see, shoes can make or break the outfit, and one pair of shoes can alter the entire effect of the outfit.
Just so we are all clear, here is a more appropriate song instead of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" Shoes.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

One more post since it has been 12 days since I last posted...

Ok, so as we all know, I am moving to NYC in October. Now since it is New York and all, I will want to shop, but I don't want to arrive in sweats either. Therefore every chance I get, I want to remedy the wardrobe I do have, with either DIY ideas, or with Goodwill Target stops. Anyways I will post my dream versions of these outfits here once a month for your view. In the meantime, here is my ideal first day move in outfit along with what will be playing on my ipod from Paramore's new album, the song The Only Exception.
Just a side note, since I am not rich nor will my parents be supporting me by any means, I am going to be making sure that the totals of my outfits never pass the 100.00 mark, unless its the bag, because lets face it I pay money for my bags, that's what layaway is for right?

So here it is First day of school Part Un: