WHERE THE QUAINT THINGS ARE

and if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit all your friends.

2010-06-02T21:44:00.029-07:00

i wish there were more hours in the day. i am halfway through summer break and i have not even begun to dent in on my list of things to do. i am un-welcoming myself into this so-called "real world" where you are always a few steps behind. the only thing i can say is that i have fallen behind, not from laziness (which is normally my style), but rather, taking the plunge and throwing myself out into the world (which is normally not my style.)

i recently (as in recently, this afternoon, recently) finalized an application for my first "real world" job.

if i do say so myself, this was a fine use of a 99 cent neil diamond record.

neil, he literally had to be pried away from my hands. it was an un-mutual, pre-mature break up, i can assure you. i just hope that we can make like stevie nicks and lindsey buckingham and it will be the best thing to ever happen to our careers.

so, not that it is anything new, but i am going to vanish - but only until my photoshop decides to stop being a dumbass (note to self: cut back on daily in-take of that 70's show.) i have decided that what i need, as i head towards a new school (arizona state university) and new areas of study (writing and music) is a fresh start. in light of my absence, i have left you a few of my favorite people for company.

the beatles by robert whitaker

bob dylan by barry feinstein

bruce springsteen by lynn goldsmith

lou reed and david bowie by mick rock

elton john by neal preston

david bowie, iggy pop, and lou reed by mick rock

robert plant and jimmy page by neal preston

the rolling stones by michael joseph

patti smith by frank stefanko

simon & garfunkel by elaine mayes

tom petty & the heartbreakers by lynn goldsmith

bob dylan with tom petty & the hearbreakers by neal preston

lou reed and nico by mick rock

the who by tom wright

pretend this is the poltergest II trailer...

2010-05-17T15:05:00.007-07:00

what a crazy semester this has been. i am so looking forward to these next three months off to do just about nothing!

i have a stack of magazines/biographies to catch up on.

pools to lay by with my friend in our matching heart shaped sunglasses, a la...

go on a quest to make the perfect macaroon, this starts wednesday.

own every flavor lip smacker i can get my hands on...

is it cheating if i already own half of target's stash?

somewhere around here is where i rediscover how many joys pen and paper can bring.

make fun of every one's (or maybe just mine and enza's) lunatic hero, spencer, and his odd infatuation with crystals.

continue my on-going search for "face off" on dvd. oh, add every beatle's movie released to my list too. wait, i need every season of "that 7o's show" as well. ok, i am done.

i just decided i will also be drinking as much orangina as i possibly can before i, myself, turn orange and cry seltzer tears.

i also plan on spending a majority of my summer in los angeles with the love of my life, more commonly known as my best friend. we will cover ourselves in temporary tattoos, attend flea markets, cool off in chipolte where i will try to convince her i hate chipolte as i stuff a burrito down my throat, plenty of bobage and tomage, and of course what's summer without fighting the masses at the beach?

it cannot be summer without magical "pet sounds" following me wherever i go.

so, yes, if sudden scents of sea salt waft through your nose, you are unexplainably happy, and your ears are filled with a dreamy orchestral masterpiece, i am probably walking around nearby.

Lingering On In Wonderland.

2010-02-10T22:10:00.002-07:00

Alice + Janice

i am sure you have figured out, i live in a dream world. i prefer to make up stories that are far more interesting than the dull drums of day to day life. pretending you and your friends are in dazed and confused while you drive around town is some odd number times better than, well, just driving around town. pretending it is the 60's or 70's is definitely waaay better than living in the millennium (except of course get an iphone.) see what i mean?

two summers ago one of my two best friends was living with me. fueled by boredom by being trapped inside (you see we really just wanted to sit in our makeshift cave all day but alas if we so much as lay a foot outside our skin would blister off) we created alter egos. thus, the emergence of alice + janice. so, instead of spending days over stuffing ourselves on chips and salsa washed down with numerous qt drinks and laying idly on the floor watching old nickelodeon programs (the one time the 90's were acceptable, and yeah, maybe hanson, and okay, full house too, so i guess the 90's were okay...) we replaced those days with dreaming up lavish stories about our two heroines.

janice is a very tongue in cheek kind of girl. her tough as nails attitude reflects onto her physical appearance. much like nico (her idol) she remains extremely mysterious. she struggles to find the meaning of her bain existence, living out of trunks and a vw bus so that she may come and go as she pleases.

alice on the other hand, is a delicate child like figure who is never quite there. if you see alice, she just may be laughing for no apparent reason. janice allows alice to accompany her for every now and again alice will let a profound thought seep out of her lips. and so, alice sits alongside janice in gypsy the vw bus, trying to spread love throughout the world.

now that my beloved friend has gone away to bigger and better things we relay stories through phone calls and so she sits in hollywood creating majestic puppet films inspired by the twosome while they inspire me to spend my days creating masterpieces.

the real reason i am writing of alice + janice is because at the beginning of the month the janice to my alice have decided upon a new tradition. at the start of every month we are going to give each other a playlist of songs we listened to in the past month. as i am sure you have figured out, i love a playlist. so i thought i would share alice + janice's january playlist.

janice

ballad of sir frankie crisp {let it roll} - george harrison

sand francisco {be sure to wear flowers in your hair} - scott mckenzie

restaurant - the thrills

don't come around here no more - tom petty & the heartbreakers

rocket man - elton john

debate exposes doubt - death cab for cutie

sea legs - the shins

train underwater - bright eyes

eleanor put your boots on - franz ferdinand

(because sometimes you just need to put on a pair of boots and run through chelsea)

find my way back home - priscilla ahn

moon river - audrey hepburn

oh gin - the velvet underground

i will run to you - tom petty and stevie nicks

resurrection fern - iron & wine

cheaper than therapy - rogue wave

science vs romance - rilo kiley

the face that launched 1000 shits - death cab for cutie

no joy in mudville - death cab for cutie

alice

search and destroy - the stooges

america - simon & garfunkel

river - joni mitchell

looking at you - mc5

reeling in the years - steely dan

tangerine - led zepplin

small time blues - pete drogue

mona lisas and mad hatters - elton john

oh my sweet carolina - ryan adams and emmylou harris

ceremony - new order

(because sometimes you need to put on a chanel gown and run through versailles)

beast of burden - the rolling stones

chinese children - devendra banhart

you were a goddamn prince sally kid.

2010-01-28T15:23:00.003-07:00

Jerome David Salinger

(1919-2010)

you changed the way the world viewed literature.

you changed my life - no one has impacted who i am more than you.

i salute you. you, my hero.

i just might be a hypocrite...

2010-01-26T19:58:00.007-07:00

sometimes (alot of the time) i fancy myself philosophical. i will sit and ponder one thought until i have reached an acceptable conclusion. as of lately, my thoughts have been directed towards my true feelings of fashion. i mean, i know that i love fashion - nothing makes me more excited than a great idea and executing it. but, i feel like i should be doing more. shouldn't i be stalking style.com or scouring the interweb and absorbing all the fashion my brain can handle every time i get on my desktop (which, lets be honest here, is a good portion of my day.) the truth is - it bores me. yes - B O R E S me. quite frankly, i am going to be researching why lindsey buckingham wrote "tusk" or if iggy pop really lived a portion of his life homeless on hollywood. so, maybe i love music more than fashion. i think i am allowed to love more than one thing in life. well what do you know - there is my answer. the two are synonymous to me. i work from music. so i guess i will just keep searching the history of tin pan alley for funsies and be silver spoon fed fashion through the likes of nylon, my collection of fashion books (girlfriend, if you have seen my apartment you would know i have very unhealthy impulses to buy every fashion book within eye sight) and various fashion blogs. oy, thank the heavens for the fashion blog. i do not have to even think about going to vogue.com anymore - they do it for me. also, is it not fascinating how three different girls can wear the same miu miu skirt in three very different ways? that is what i love about fashion - how everyday people put together these fabulous pins and needles creations? okay, now i am just rambling on. actually, i do not even know why i am going to post this. it was just something i had to do. i am not too sure why i felt that because i do not like spending my spare time looking at this seasons collections meant i am not a true fan of fashion. oh man, i am so ridiculous. i will just keep going with the random posts. so maybe tomorrow (by tomorrow i mean next week most likely) i will talk about how amazing led zeppelin is, or i will post a drawing, or (this is where i think i may be getting a little hypocritical, but, that is okay, i find it hilarious) i will post about that faux fur vest i saw at h&m that would probably be way more glam in my closet than on the racks there. who knows! the whole point of where the quaint things are is my third love in life - writing.

okay! onto more things (actually, one thing) that just may be hypocritical (a tad) or not...

the other night while half asleep i flipped through the dec/jan issue of teen vogue and i quickly became very much awake when i noticed these suckers -

marc jacobs resort 'o9

the point is - i need them. they are majestical jewels that must be worn upon my feet. i am pretty sure that stevie nicks would have worn them back in the day, which is probably why i am going to save (omg i cannot even believe i just wrote that, saving is something that i have NEVER done in my life) to buy them for myself as a graduation present.

some other instance in which music + fashion = bananas...

this morning out of boredom i glanced through the iTunes celebrity playlists. i skipped dumb people (99% of the playlists) and found that some people i thought would be interesting (ahem armani) were in fact - not. so then i noticed rachel zoe (by far the most entertaining person i have met by way of television) and had a feeling her playlist would be bonkers. i click - i die! so today, she is my spiritual soulmate.

rachel zoe's playlist

love street by the doors
(i am not going to admit i actually like this song because in almost famous lester bangs called jim morrison a drunken bafoon which means that i cannot like him either even if he is ridiculously good looking, like really ridiculously good looking)

bittersweet symphony by the verve
(ok, maybe not this song...)

tiny dancer by elton john
(you now understand where i say "spiritual soulmate" also she mentions almost famous - i repeat spiritual soulmate, but, just for today)

everybody hurts by rem
(i actually really really really hate rem but i always find this song comes on the radio at inappropriate times which makes me laugh, which i guess is the point...)

shes always a woman by billy joel

green eyes by coldplay

lay, lady, lay by bob dylan
(a billion sighs)

peggy-o by the grateful dead

jungleland by the boss

landslide by fleetwood mac
(sigh)

all i want is you by u2

dont tell me by madonna
(maybe not this song either...)

get together by the youngbloods

oh, you were crazy if you thought i would not post tom petty's playlist as well. it is only five songs, but still, it is pretty damn good. i have just been getting into rhythm and blues (no, not r&b or beyonce, i am talking joseph spence blues blues with harmonicas and banjos, that real dirty southern stuff.) so, it was kismet that i came across this today (good thing too because you know i purchased it without even thinking to see what was on the playlist.)

tom petty's playlist

high heel sneakers by tommy tucker

tulane by chuck berry

i can't be satisfied by muddy waters

i can't stand myself (when you touch me) by james brown
(in his commentary explaining why he chose each song tp writes "talk about funky!" under this song, pretty much funniest thing)

you don't love me (you don't care) by bo diddley

happy listening!

as my mother would say ... back to cool!

2010-01-20T12:22:00.015-07:00

the ironic thing is that i am not cool what so ever. i am well aware of this fact, and i am more than perfect with it. i guess you could say it is part of my charm? not to mention, all my heroes often refer to themselves as uncool. so, maybe ... that means that i am cool? i do not know, i do not even know why i am rambling on. my cool factor has nothing to do with this post.

the point is - today is the first day of the semester!

i believe in a previous entry i mentioned my love for the school supply. i have accumulated quite the collection of pens and pencils so i forbade myself to even go down those office supply aisles. i did need something to store these writing utensils however. i searched high and low but never found anything to my liking. one day i realized i had two perfectly adequate craft closets i could raid - i could just make my own pencil pouch! i found this great tutorial online and set myself to work (if i could even call it that, pft.)

this is my prototype i decided to give to a friend. i strayed from the instructions and it did not turn out quite how i wanted it to.
i thought with the color scheme of the ric rac it would be best to just use muslin.

i feel like it gives it more of an earthy feel anyhow!

this is the lining i used.
i wish you could see it in person, so cute!

this is my second bag that i just had to use for myself!
as you can see i went a little overboard on the creative level.
i used some leftover muslin that i had hand painted a while ago.
do you not love the tiny flowers?
i have no clue where the idea for the zipper pull came from. i just woke up this morning and went right to making it. maybe i had a dream about it?

for the lining i just used a simple metallic silver cotton.

my freshman year of high school i decided that it was time to grow up. the hello kitty notebooks had to go! i bought myself a simple binder and made the cover myself. every semester i would create a new collage. i have kept all of these from the past seven years. i love looking at them and seeing how much or even how little i have changed.

what do you think this semester says about me?
i apologize for the glare! plastic is just so shiny!

for christmas my mother gave me this marc jacobs backpack (yeah, i know, she is really really ridiculously awesome.)

i have been dying to use it for the past month! i, however, felt it needed to be more personalized!

i hand painted this spider using gouda.

for color, i used extremely watered down fabric paint so that the colors could run.
i never knew what to do with the spider (why i even made a spider mystifies me, i am terrified) and somehow sewing it onto this back pack felt perfect.

i think i have unidentified issues with zippers. i cannot just leave them, they must have a zipper pull! but, it is cooler that way anyhow.

marc jacobs rat keychain.

lady bug lip gloss i received in my stocking.

i love how the wings open!

i attached this plastic key (sea foam to match the rat!) with ric rac.

'a' is for...

i ran out of nifty zipper pulls.

i was told i would be getting some keychains of tp for valentines day.

so until then, this heart will do.

for those heading back to school - good luck this semester!

vinyl on vinyl.

2010-01-17T12:13:00.017-07:00

for the past several months i shielded myself from conversations such as "you'll never believe the amount of records my dad just gave me from his vinyl collection" or "holy cow! today i bought the best dylan record for like a dollar!" whenever these conversations popped up, i would layer invisible brick and mortar in front of me, and there i would sit smugly. i was too cool for records.

then i received this from my mother for christmas...

it was not just a record. it included a poster, lyric book, scrapbook, and everyday i wonder if i send in money with the form if they will still except me for the elton john fan club. i thought, why not. what could possibly be the harm in owning one record?

then a mere two days later my manager handed me a rhinoceros record. i was a little curious as to how this ornately beaded rhinoceros brought back to life from the 60s jammed.

the next day as i happened upon my weekly pilgrimage to bookmans to buy a book for school, i subconsciously found myself in the back of the store. i was pawing through records searching for madman across the water. i kept searching, determined. as each record flipped forward my heart beat faster and faster. it had to be there, i could feel it, i somehow knew it was there. of course, it was the very last record in the stack. i clutched it close in silence. as i opened my eyes i noticed a curious old man watching me.

haven't you seen a true fan of music before? i asked.

he walked away, leaving me with my beautiful album.

there was nothing wrong with owning my favorite album of all time, right?

i mean, i HAD to have it. unfortunately, i decided the same thing for three more records.
fleetwood mac by fleetwood mac

damn the torpedoes by tom petty and the heartbreakers

tumbleweed connection by elton john

I had started a vinyl collection without even really thinking about what i was doing.

a week later, my friend and i decided to go goodwilling. of course, this lasted all of ten minutes. we found ourselves at eastside records. i walked in looking for some dylan albums but along the way down the aisle, i got sucked in by the love of my life. mr. tom petty. i walked out with hard promises.

i did not even realize until later that day, i had forgotten all about bob!

zia records was right across the street so naturally we just walked right on over. i was surprised to find wings wild life (linda and paul mccartney) in my hands.

done! no questions asked.

unsatisfied, we drove downtown to visit our friends at revolver records. we sat on the floor for three hours sifting through the $1 record bins.
tom petty and the heartbreakers

make it big by wham!

sometimes i am nice and buy things for my mother.

the wild heart by stevie nicks

new morning by bob dylan

voices by hall and oates

secretly my favorite purchase of the day.

rumours by fleetwood mac

joy to the world by three dog night

i guess the harm in owning one record is that you cannot just own one record. i have gone mad! i have cooled down a bit, but only because i refuse to buy an album until i have found southern accents (second best album of my life thank you very much) by tom petty and the heartbreakers. i realize that i could just go online and buy it but whats the point? there is something magical about finding that one record you have been looking for in a gigantic stack of other records. the anticipation eating away at you. it is just more gratifying to find something suddenly and unexpected than opening your mailbox and finding something you have been waiting on.

i wrote in all lowercase today, because i realized as i drafted this post that i never use capitol letters. i want this blog to be as true to my writing as possible. do you mind? would you prefer that i used correct punctuation?

bean is half a year old today!

Friday Night's Alright.

2010-01-15T10:09:00.003-07:00

Quick post just to dabble. I refuse to go some odd 100 days without blogging ever again!! I even felt that these past days were far too long. So I impulsively decided to write this here post, no draft, no nothing - just me writing. Although, I have been getting better at reading and commenting other blogs. Alas, Rome was NOT built in one day as opposed to popular contrary belief - one step at a time.

Not to rub it in or anything but it would seem that the rest of the country/world may not be having the best weather but here I am in Tempe, Arizona basking up the sunny 75 degree weather. Although, I am only enjoying the weather on the ride to work or through open windows as I work at home. The thing about me though is that I can never just do one thing at a time, I prefer the speed of doing 10 things at a time (for instance right at this moment I am browsing for new music, doing my weekly expenses, working a cup of coffee, working a cup of apple juice, pondering about what I should wear to lunch today, and texting SGOM.)

Lately, I have been carrying this big daddy (and pens of all odds and ends) around with me everywhere I go.

Now I can work, chat with friends over coffee, drown out conversations I am not too interested in, take a 10 minute break - all while letting my creative outlet out to play for a minute or so. This is the ultimate rainy day (or sunny day or snow day, how about, every weather day?) colouring book! I bought it last month and I cannot keep my nose out of it. I found mine at Anthropologie but it is sold on Amazon for quite a few dollars cheaper. I promise you will not be disappointed. Maybe when I have coloured in a few more pages I will do another post?

I am going to my mothers later to work on a top secret project, stay tuned for that next week. I will work on another post in the meantime.

Happy Weekend!

Party Like It's 1970?

2010-01-01T20:35:00.008-07:00

I have a confession to make - I spent last night pretending the year was turning from 1969 to 1970. Well, honestly, I have spent most of the last few weeks pretending I lived in another era and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon.

I bought a six pack of classic Coco-Cola (in glass bottles of course) and as I sipped them happily I watched a stack of movies set in the 60's and 70's.

Here is what I viewed:

The Virgin Suicides

Across the Universe

Taking Woodstock

Dazed & Confused

Lords of Dogtown

Factory Girl

And in typical 'save the best for last' fashion

Almost Famous

Also in true Alice Wayne fashion, I cannot survive life without the perfect soundtrack. I made the rash decision to erase everything on my iPod and in turn I uploaded music that was written well before the 90's decade. Not a big deal. I can only seem to replay these artists.

Elton John

Fleetwood Mac

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Bob Dylan

the Traveling Wilburys

the Beatles

George Harrison

the Rolling Stones

Led Zepplin

Styx

Rush

Neil Young

the Allman Brothers Band

Lynrd Skynrd

Creedance Clearwater Revival

Three Dog Night

David Bowie

the Doobie Brothers

the Velvet Underground

the Doors

the Who

the Eagles

Simon & Garfunkel

Jefferson Starship Airplane

Peter Paul & Mary
Joe Walsh

the Kinks

Journey

I have also traded in my usual dresses and jumpers for the vintage band shirt.

This shirt has been my favourite lately.

It is extremely comfortable, and the fit is great. It is the coolest Alice in Wonderland shirt I have ever seen. Not to mention it reminds me of the video for "Don't Come Round Here No More" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which of course meant I had to have it!

I had been stalking this over sized cropped tee of Bowie at work and it finally went on sale! I had to dig to find the very last one! Kismet!

The Van Halen and AC/DC shirts are pretty awesome too!

Forever 21 has a mean line of cropped band tee shirts too. I did not think twice about purchasing a Rolling Stones one. The other day I spotted the same shirt for the Who, I need to go search thoroughly for others.

Also at Forever 21 is the patent red heart bag.

It only hit me the other day why I was so attracted to this bag (besides the obvious answer of how freaking adorable it is.) For some reason, every time I put it on, I think of the Heartbreakers. Makes sense.

I just ordered this tee shirt online. I will probably have a coronary when it shows up in my mailbox.

If you know me, then you will know that there is no other shirt in this World that could be more perfect for me.

Tell me, what is your favourite time period?

I hope y'all have a wonderful year!

A Year of Favourites!

2009-12-31T22:50:00.029-07:00

I am taking a break from unpacking and ending my break here on my beloved blog. It is going to be quite the post, but really, can you have any other type of end of the year post??? I am excited to bring you my favourites of 2009!

Beauty

Okay, I am spilling secrets! I have rarely spoken about this for selfish reasons but here is my number one beauty secret...

You can purchase this palette for only $24 at Urban Outfitters. This past October whilst visiting my father and SGOM (stepgirlfriend other mother) Liz (SGOM) and I took a girls day and hit up the local Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. When I walked into Urban a magnetic force pulled me towards this 66 well eyeshadow. Liz and I had a cow over the perfect neutrals and bubble gum pop colored shadows. We decided we both must own it! I tell you, love at first dust! My mouth literally dropped when I swiped one of the colors over my eyelids for the first time. This was quickly ensued by an OMG text to Liz. I usually am an Urban Decay junkie and Liz rarely wears anything that is not M.A.C but we both agree this is the cream of the crop (I know, I know, it is hard to imagine anything better than a M.A.C eyeshadow, but, believe me!)

Urban Outfitters line of nail polish ain't too shabby either.
I am currently dying over a mint green color that rivals Chanel's Jade color that has caught the fashion industry in a frenzy.

Earlier this year as I was perusing the aisles of Walmart I had an anxiety attack of excitement (no, I am not speaking of the Elton ice cream incident!) I went to stock up on my Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation and Dream Mousse Bronzer (#10 Glistening Sun) when what do I spy but my long lost favourite brand Hard Candy!!!!! Not only is the line back and better than ever but it is also now being sold at Walmart prices! I know, I cannot stand it either! I leap out of bed every morning with joy at the thought of slathering my face with their primer.Really, who does not want to cover their face in a concoction resembling chocolate mousse? Delightful!I also sing my praises to every single one of their mascaras!

No surprise here, but I am currently having a love affair with bene tint.

Mostly because it smells like roses, which just so happens to be my most favourite scent of all time. It creates the perfect pinched cheek look, AND it makes a flipping fantastic lip color. If this is a little much on your budget, try CoverGirl's Outlast LipStain.

I have yet to try a color I did not like and I have tried about every near one of em!

Eyeliner is a staple in every woman (and yes, some guys) makeup bag. I admit, in High School I was on the thick liner all around the eye bandwagon (yuck! What was I thinking?) and I have tried many a brand in my day. Once I tried Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On pencil, I never looked back!

I love Zero for my top rim and Lucky along my lower rims.

This year Liz also introduced me to Perfect 10 hair care (unfortunately, you will have to go to your hair dresser and have them special order this for you.) This product has single handedly saved my dead bush I was sporting atop my head.

Also, if you are like me and rarely have the time for the luxury of washing your hair, I swear by baby powder as a quick greasy fix.

My favourite fragrance of 2009 was (DUH) Marc Jacobs' Lola.

His decision to use Karlie Kloss for the campaign, probably, helped my decision, just a little bit.

Accessories

I had one resolution this past year - thou shall not buy a new bag. Well, I say resolutions are meant to be broken! I almost made it through the year but then I found this precious gem!

It is a Kimchi Blue Croc Messenger bag but I call it my 'fauxmes' as it bares a small resemblance to an Hermes.

This year I also became obsessed with animal shaped jewelery (preferably cuffs.) I bought this Octopus cuff at Frances Vintage in downtown Phoenix.

This serpent cuff was purchased at Urban Outfitters.

I have collected quite the collection of hats this past year. Basically, if I felt like money was burning a hole in my pocket and there was a fedora in sight - DONE! It was mine! My favourite steal of the year had to be a black bowler hat that I had found at Target for ten bucks!

Many beautiful shoes have found themselves in my closet this year, I cannot quite possible show them all off. Fortunately, it was no contest to pick my favourite of the bunch. In October, as my mother and I were browsing Urban Outfitters Online we both decided I could not go without these shoes.

My mother graciously purchased them for me and I have worn them every chance I have gotten. They are designed by J. Aldridge, who also writes my favourite blog of the year - Sea of Shoes. Let me tell you, never has walking a mile in 4 inch stilettos been more comfortable.

I must say that sunglasses are my absolute favourite accessory. I would gladly give up handbags, jewels, and shoes for sunglasses. The wayfarer is my signature. Come to think of it, I do not own any other style. For the most part of the year these floral pair sat perched upon my face.A few weeks ago, as my friend unpacking new shipment at work, she did the big no no. She walked up to me and handed me these.

She said "you need these" before promptly walking away. Well, if that was not enough she had to walk by once more to tell me they also came in mint. Double whammy. Double trouble.

Housewares

This is more my mothers foray, but, look at this candle.

Buy this candle in Hemlock.

You're welcome.

Fashion

Hands down my favourite trend of the year was the fisherman knit. First came a sweater I found at work. It was a cropped with short sleeves (I promise I tried to find it online, no such luck!) The beauty of this sweater is that I can easily wear it all year long. Love Love Love. It did not stop there, I went to Target for the sole purpose of looking for the perfect fisherman knit thigh highs. Of course, Target being Target carried EXACTLY what I was looking for and at five bucks a pop, well you know...

Well, thigh highs were not enough to full fill my love. I decided I needed the same sock in a thicker ankle version. It took me a while to find but as of three days ago, the quest ended. I am too embarrassed to admit where I found them though. Lucky for you, the search is more than half the fun. Lastly, a tube scarf purchased from Gap (I promise I tried to look for this too!) found it's way under the Christmas tree for me and the World has not seen my neck since!

Denim is arguably the Worlds most beloved material. Who does not wear denim??? Well, it is a well known fact that I do NOT wear pants (but if you must know, if I HAVE to wear pants, you can bet your toosh I am wearing BDG Cigarette Ankle Jean.)

This year I was all about the denim tops!

I am ending this here. I just now decided I am dedicating a whole post to the denim shirt. Maybe with a DIY?

Maybe...

Movies

I rarely had time to sit and watch a movie this past year, but I made time to see these two movies in theatres several times each.

I highly reccomend both of them. I am not going to say anything other than that they are both equally stunning and innovative. These are movies I cannot tell you about, you need to experience them for yourselves.

Music

Besides the usual Jenny Lewis and Death Cab for Cutie on replay, this is what I listened to the most in 2009.

Hands down the best album released in 2009!

Horehound - the Dead Weather

Attack and Release - the Black Keys
Only By the Night - Kings of Leon
New Moon Soundtrack
Ratatat - Ratatat
Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk
Midnight Boom - the Kills
Keep On Your Mean Side - the Kills
No Wow - the Kills
Leaves in the River - Sea Wolf
Baby Darling Doll Face Honey - Band of Skulls
Fantasies - Metric
Self-Taught Learner - Lissy Trullie
Manners - Passion Pit
500 Days of Summer Soundtrack
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
La Roux - La Roux
Ra Ra Riot - Ra Ra Riot
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
LP - Discovery
Youth Novels - Lykke Li
Skeletons - Tiny Masters of Today
The Satanic Satanist - Portugal. the Man
It's Blitz! - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Where the Wild Things Are

Best Moment of 2009

Only one day really stands out from 2009, October 20. This is the day my mother and stepfather took me to see Elton John and Billy Joel in concert for my 20th birthday. That's all.

Bean

For eight years I have been blessed with a ham of a brother, given to me by my mother. This year, courtesy of my father - I was given Bean. I met Bean a week after her birth. She only weighed five pounds and I was very uneasy around her. Finally after two days, I came around and I fed Bean a bottle. This is when I fell in love. I wanted to hold her at all times. I visited once more a week and a half later, not much had changed in her developments but I still enjoyed feeding her. When she was three months old I trekked out to see her and this time I was blessed with a smile. Now at five months, despite crankiness of teething she is still my great Bean! We had bottle time, although this time I held her and she held the bottle. She let me laugh at her faces of disgust for green beans. We took pictures. We played numerous games of peek-a-boo and I never tired of it because each time she laughed and it was worth it. I sang to her. But my absolute favorite memory of her happened yesterday. Before leaving for the airport, I gave Bean her bottle. She lifted her hand to touch my face. Playfully, I bit her hand. She laughed and kept trying to shove her hand in my mouth to bite. This proved to be more interesting than her bottle. As she opened her mouth, I gently laid a finger on her gums - she bit down before laughing. I'm amazed at what Bean can do at only 5 months and I am estatic to see what these years ahead will do for her.

I hope you have a safe and joyous night of festivities!

Dress Designs for Shabby Apple Dresses.

2009-11-02T17:34:00.005-07:00

Dress Designs for Shabby Apple Dresses.

Please click the drawing to enlarge the image so that you may view the dresses in full detail.

1. This dress was inspired by a scene from "Alice in Wonderland" in which Alice is given an impromptu concert by a chorus of flowers. It is a fetching frock for a mother and her daughter alike, while they sip on Mad Hatters tea in their own personal quaint garden.

A blue cotton poplin dress with an ecru ruffled sleeve/neckline. The dress is cinched at the empire waist with a ecru sash, constructed from the same cotton poplin material found on the sleeve/neckline. The dress is accented with antiqued lace at the decolletage and hemline.

2. This dress is also inspired by tea in a garden, only I have gathered inspiration from the fascinating life of the Beale's at Grey Gardens dashed with the innocence of the literary masterpiece The Secret Garden.

The under sheath of this dress is made from a periwinkle cotton jersey, which is topped by a grey lace overlay. The dress is elegantly gathered at the waist by a coordinating periwinkle sash fabricated from cotton sateen, which is also used for the ribbon detail at the neckline.

Wild Rumpus!

2009-10-16T13:24:00.015-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are

best scene in the movie, hands down.

I can't believe it is already over and done with. I hate when you spend so much time looking forward to something and it is over just like that! Like all things I've come to look forward to in my life, this did not let me down. I took my friend Tangelo along for this midnight adventure. I was adamant that we eat candy corn and popcorn and sip on root beer, nothing sounded more fall like than that.
The movie was definitely not what I expected, which I loved. It was actually way better than I thought it was going to be, which is saying a lot, I had very high expectations for the movie. I also was not expecting the movie to be funny, but Tangelo and I were on the floor cracking up for over half the movie. The only other thing that did not meet my expectations was that the movie was really quite sad the other half, a bittersweet movie indeed. I do not want to go into too much detail about the movie because I think you just need to experience it for yourself.
I expected Max's life with the Wild Things to be all fun and happy - not so. With a fake title of King, Max plans to build a fort and a family with the Wild Things (to put it simply his real mother and sister kind of suck.) Max actually makes things worse for the Wild Things and tears them apart. It is then he decides to go back to his own home. You will cry when Max boards his tiny boat. I had to cover myself in my sweater so no one would see me. I am quite certain that things restored to normal for the Wild Things after Max departed, and Max was quite happy to be home. So there is still the happy ending!
Everyone should really take the chance to see this movie. It is so great. I am already anticipating tomorrow when I will go see it at the Drive-In with my girlfriends. It is definitely not a movie for younger children. There are a few scary moments and the story line is more adult like.
Spike Jonze I commend you.

DIY - King Max's Crown

Supplies:
Card Stock
Pencil
Ruler
Distress Ink (tea, watercolor, or even dirt would be a good alternative)
Paper Towel
Scissors
Staple
Jute
Hot Glue Gun

Draw your crown onto the card stock.
(I prefer my crown to be small and uneven)

Take your ink (or other alternative) and dab it on with a paper towel.
This gives the crown that dirty worn out look.

Cut your crown out.

Staple the crown together.

Cut two tiny pieces of the jute.

Hot glue the pieces of jute onto each side of the crown, looping the jute.

Insert bobby pins through the loops and your King Max crown is ready to be worn!

Happy Viewing!

All is Love.

2009-10-15T13:18:00.003-07:00

Karen O and the Kids

So, imagine me coming into work and finding a gigantic Where the Wild Things Are display. I kind of stayed in that one little area my whole shift. I also got to pick up this little gem. I don't know if it was Spike Jonze, but whoever decided that Karen O was going to do the soundtrack - BEST. IDEA. EVER.
I have not stopped listening to it all month long. It's the perfect record for this time of year. It makes me think of brisk weather and gold leaves. I knew it would be a good album, but I kind of expected it to be a bunch of kids songs. Well, it's great for kids and it's great for everyone else too. I am just glad I finally have something to play when I am driving my little brother to get ice cream.
Igloo is the perfect intro for the album. Voice bits from the movie, humming, and great music. Once I listened to the whole soundtrack though I realized this was a common thread. In between songs, are clips from the motion picture to give you a sense of setting. Cliffs, Lost Fur, Food is Still Hot, and Sailing Home also feature just instrumental and humming. No worries, the music is amazing and humming makes all the easier to learn the words.
All is Love, the first single off the album is...I can't explain it. I will just say, this song can single handedly save the world.
I have been chanting Capsize all day long, you will too, trust me.
I think that Worried Shoes is my new repeat song for when I am stressed or having a bad day. Thankfully I have not had the chance to try it out yet.
Rumpus + Animal = Where the Wild Things Are
My second favorite song off the album is Heads Up, it's close to All is Love - but hey, you can NEVER have too many happy songs to fill your day.

Have a wild day!

Buffalo Bernard.

2009-10-13T10:12:00.026-07:00

I thought that in honor of Where the Wild Things Are coming out this week, I would theme all of my posts.

I wanted to share some more of my "Bernard" polaroids. These were originally to be comprised for a Parson's entrance project. I decided not to pursue Parson's but kept the photos. A friend and I took a road trip around Phoenix and photographed Bernard (this is our given name, he is actually named Carol) in front of my favorite places. I thought you might enjoy a good laugh.

Home of the Octopus bracelet.

Good art, even better music.

If you're going to make a public phone call, best make it in a phone booth.

Nectar of the Gods.

A brief trip to the rain forest.

This is actually took place at QT, which is probably the main reason I will not leave Arizona.

Old school movie theatres for Indie movies.

Hands down THE best spot in Phoenix.Hooray for vintage!

Best seat at school.

Breakfast of Champions.

Take time to smell the coffee.

Driving home into the Sun.

I actually designed this feather dress to go along with my entrance project also. I loved it so much I could not push it aside, so it ended up as my last piect in my portfolio. Save the best for last.

striped, sequined backless bodice, scaled belt, and feathered skirt, eight hours to draw and color all those feathers!

The original design actually had a spiked necklace to imitate Bernards horns and teeth.

I Promise I Did NOT Fall Off the Face of the Earth.

2009-09-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

I'm busy working on a new segment and trying to catch up on Fashion Month!

Stay tuned!!

Nothing Gold Can Stay.

2009-09-15T14:25:00.004-07:00

Andy + Edie

Ah, the golden duo. I cannot have one without the other. Essentially, they are the same person. I mean if you heard "silver coif clad in skinny black" you would not know the difference either. They are the epitome of glamorous. Sex, drugs, rock and roll. Oh, art, do not forget about the art! The glorious art I have loved all my life. The giant silkscreen portraits, the birth of the indie film, and well be Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick is an art itself. Oh what I would give to be a member of the Factory!

Andy was born in poverty, Edie was born to old money. Andy's mother nurtured him and encouraged him to pursue the arts, Edie's father abused her and pushed her into an inescapable black hole. Andy prospered, Edie fell. In the end, neither of them got their "happily ever after."

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Andy Warhol was a certified mama's boy. After being diagnosed with St. Vitus (a nervous system disease which caused Andy's skin to blotch - hence the painted white skin) Andy was often bed ridden. He would stay home from school where he would draw, listen to the radio, and eat the soup his mother so lovingly made for him. In the late 1940's he moved to NYC where he freelanced to magazines and advertising agencies. He received his big break when a department store featured hired him for a window display - the arrival of the ever famous ink drawing of shoes. More famously, he began to work with silkscreens and is credited in influencing the pop art movement. He constructed his masterpieces in an aluminum foiled warehouse dubbed "The Factory." The Factory housed many other eccentric characters dabbling in art, film/photography, and music. In 1968 Andy Warhol was shot, he survived only to meet death in 1987. Andy has always mesmerized me. He always seemed so unreal. He once said "Everything's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic." I think he succeeded in his wish. Andy had a certain quality about him - he was a sheer genius.

I first heard about Edie Sedwick when my Aunt Tara sent me "Edie: American Girl." She thought I might like the story. She was right - and then some. I fell in love on the first page. Born in Santa Barbara, Edie seemed well off when really she was quite the opposite. Edie and her seven brothers and sisters were kept on the family's oil ranch, with little outside contact. Her father was abusive, and her mother, a bipolar, pretended he wasn't. Because of this, Edie and two of her brothers were admitted several times throughout their short lives into mental hospitals. Through her life Edie suffered bouts of bulimia/anorexia and a severe drug addiction. In 1971 Edie died of a drug overdose. Besides being obviously beautiful and having and even more beautiful style, I had always wondered why I was so in awe of her and continued to draw inspiration from her. Yes, she is beautiful but she had a screwed up life. But that is the answer itself. I find everyone hides their problems and attempts to maintain a perfect life - which is impossible. Sometimes what is screwed up, can be very beautiful indeed.

pen and watercolor

Pretty Bird.

2009-09-08T15:19:00.010-07:00

I am dedicating this post to my dear friend Sarah Anna Cera, most simply because - without her, I am sure that my days would be rainy (even though the sun shines everyday here in Phoenix.) Some odd years ago, Sarah came into my life. Upon meeting, I knew she was special and that we would become very good friends indeed. Two summers ago found Sarah sleeping on my floor (I tried to get her to sleep in the guest bedroom.) This was somewhat of a godsend seeing as how I was in a very dark place. Sarah thought I was helping her, but little did she know just how much she was helping me. I would go to work in the morning and as I walked out at the end of the day - Sarah would be there waiting. We would walk to Starbucks, catch a movie, or simply follow our hearts. This usually led to a trip to "The Cave." A secret hiding place where we traded the real world, for a wonderland. Eventually we would grow hungry and make our way to some fast food chain, then back to my house to watch a movie. Everyday was much like the day before but I was starting to smile more and forget about those demons that haunted me. At summer's end, I had to say goodbye. For the first time in my life, I cried for someone other than me. We are 300 miles apart and we don't get to talk as often, but our friendship remains unchanged. Later this month she graduates from the Los Angeles Film School, I am proud that she gathered the courage to move to LA by herself and conquer her dreams! I think the world needs more Sarah's. Btw - I hope you like puppet movies!

Jenny Lewis

I also have Sarah to thank for introducing me to Jenny Lewis. Sarah loves Jenny the way I love most other things I mention in this here blog. I don't want to say too much because I can imagine writing something bizarre and Sarah laughing and saying "no, that is not ok." Sarah tried several times teach me the ways of Jenny Lewis, but I did not get it until I visited Sarah down in LA and we went to see her at the Orpheum Theatre. I am not sure if it was the beautiful, intricate architecture of the old school style theatre or well just because Jenny Lewis is damn amazing - it was hands down the best show I have ever been to (okay, second best. You can't compete with Elton.) After that, I was hooked. I was on a Jenny Lewis high. A child star, Jenny grew into her own fronting the band Rilo Kiley. You may recognize her as the female vocalist from the Postal Service. But it is her solo project that gets to me.

My absolute favorite track by Rilo Kiley is "With Arms Outstretched" featured on the album The Execution of All Things. It is probably the best song to sing along to with the windows down. If only the weather would cool down. My second favorite track off this album would be the title track. It's a great song for driving in sunshine, actually, the whole album is great for this. Maybe I am just itching for autumn, which to me, means brisk weather, which means - driving with the windows down! If you are into dating guys you should probably not be dating More Adventurous is the album for you! With lyrics like "baby your bad news" and "my friends tell me to leave you" "Portions for Foxes" will be your theme song! In "Does He Love You?" Jenny croons about being in love with a married man, this song is for those who are really adventurous! I find that I identify most with "I Never." Jenny sings about being wary of falling in love, but it is her range of vocals that really make the song. I want to say "Ripchord" is about someone committing suicide, but do not quote me on that. The lyrics are beautifully tragic but the ukulele strumming along, with whistles and "ba da da's" make this 1940's radio program melody quite pleasant. Take Offs and Landings an early EP of the band, features a song titled "Pictures of Success." I once spent a whole day with my friend Hannah (the missing link to Sarah and I's friendship) listening to this song on repeat, screaming the lyrics "Mexico can @#%*ing wait." We probably had some angst built up. The latest album from Rilo Kiley is THE best breakup album. Every time I say goodbye to a boy, Under the Blacklight goes in and never leaves until I have found a new boy to love. With a fresh wound you will want to play "Breaking Up" how appropriate, right? "oooh ahhh feels good to be free!" Jenny wrote the title track (and I'm guessing the whole album) after breaking up with lead guitarist Blake Sennet. It also features one of my favorite lines "like a black widow, I'll be crawling." Another favorite line of mine "I never felt so wicked when I willed our love to die" is from "Silver Lining" which is also my favorite song on the album. To me, it represents finding yourself after you have been lost with someone else for so long and you're realizing that you are so much better off and that that one person will never find anyone better.

Right around the time Under the Blacklight came out, Jenny Lewis branched out onto her own and released Rabbit Fur Coat. The title track is a hauntingly beautiful memoir and I like to listen to "Rise Up With Fists" at full volume when I am mad at the World. Jenny's second solo album Acid Tongue is the best thing she's ever done if you ask me. I bought the album a year ago, in October, and I promise you - it has never left my CD player. I first heard the title track in Sarah's car. I do not remember what we were doing but it was the middle of the night and I was tired. I let the cool wind blow in my face and Sarah and I stayed silent listening. I remember thinking it was the most beautiful song I had ever heard. Of course at that time the album was not out so I could not buy it anywhere and I went crazy. "Trying My Best to Love You" is a sweet song that I have mentioned before in my Valentine's post. I like to imagine that Jenny Lewis sat on Hollywood Blvd. people watching while she wrote "Sing a Song for Them," and it makes it that much better, because you know what she is saying is true. My favorite song (that no longer works because I've worn it out) is "The Next Messiah." It is seven minutes of pure genius. I wish she would put out a live album version of Acid Tongue, it has a very raw sound, much like concerts in the 50's when Johnny Cash and Elvis just started touring - and believe me, this album is best heard live.

Take another little piece of my heart.

2009-09-07T22:00:00.006-07:00

Grandma Karen

This is my maternal grandmother. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet her, but that does not mean I love her any less. I believe that she was once the loveliest lady that had ever lived, as proved by this photograph I stole it from my mother. I used to keep it in my pillow and I would clutch it as I spent nights crying over teen angst. This picture now hangs in a small frame on my wall, next to my pillow. I find myself talking to her, usually when I am upset but I think she likes to hear good things too. I do not know much about her but from what I hear, well, you know what they say ... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I credit her for my love of all things 60's. I thank her for bringing Janice Joplin into my life, the idea of VW Bus trips across America, and most of all - my mother.

I had a very nice relaxing weekend! Saturday, on the account of a rare rainy day I left my front door open (yes mother, the screen door was locked,) I lit some candles, and dove into Voyager (the third installment of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.) I do not normally read romance novels but after hearing my Auntie Tara rave about it and seeing my mother and stepfather fight over them, my curiosity was growing. It was Stepgirlfriend (who is obsessed with the series, she has two rows on her bookshelf dedicated to Gabaldon including First Editions, both paperback and hardcover, and signed copies) however that finally got me to actually open Outlander. As much as I hate to admit it, I am enjoying it. I think that it actually deserves its own blogpost, so I will stop right here.

Last night, after work I drove over to the west side of town and spent the night at my mothers. Today we made a great decision to watch movies all day, a rather mini vacation if you will. Of course we had to press pause and run out to Paradise Bakery for a veggie sandwich and coconut chocolate chip cookie.

Also, today my iPhone decided to take up scuba diving! It dove right off my mother's ottoman right into a nice tall glass of ice water. Who do you think won? I am rather bitter about my phone's decision, seeing as how my life was stored on my phone, including the list of 72 things. I suppose it is quite alright. I can compose a new list. Which actually is not a bad idea, seeing as how my life has changed drastically since I birthed it.

I'm just like your mother.

2009-09-01T10:38:00.002-07:00

The Dead Weather

I guess if I had to describe the sound of the Dead Weather, I would say add the bagpipes and raw garage sound of the White Stripes plus the soulful thrashy blues of the Raconteurs and you would have the Dead Weather. This only seemingly fits seeing as how Jack White fronts all three bands. Although this time, Jack is joined by Alison Mosshart (of the Kills and OMG do not get me started or I promise you I will not stop) as co-front (wo)man. The band also boasts Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence (the Raconteurs and the Greenhornes, also the original cool nerd) as members. Is this not the most prodigious collabo ever??? I have not been this excited about a collaboration since Erin Featherston jumped on the Go International Collection for Target bandwagon. Holy moly that was a mouthful. I first heard of the Dead Weather when Nylon (where I find most of my music) ran an article about them. I skimmed over, making note to listen because, duh, Jack White is a certified bad ass (although to be fair I give all bands mentioned in Nylon a chance.) As I was saying, I skimmed through the article, unaware of the little gem I had just stumbled upon. Somewhere in the near future my good friend Mat posted a bulletin entitled "the girl I'm supposed to marry resembles the girl in this video." Well I did not really care about the video, I was more interested in seeing what this girl looked like. I played the video and my ears perked up at the sound of the familiar bagpipes, I focused my eyes on the little man dressed head to toe in black walked through a field behind a suburban neighborhood. My mind started racing...

"Is that Jack White??? Nah. It HAS to be him! It is Jack White!! Awesome Possum!!!!"

Then the girl walked onto the screen. I have never experienced love at first sight - up until this moment, that is. She was beautiful, and I wanted to be just like her. I told you if I start I will not start. I will just show you.

Is it not just amazing? I wish I had bullet holes in my body that the sun could shine through. Maybe not, I just realized what I just wrote. See what I am driven to?? Craziness.

So, I am all about moments (Jason Schwartzman's character Jeremy in Shopgirl will know what I am talking about.) Last Friday, I was in the midst of a happiness high when I walked into the living room and discovered the Dead Weather playing Jimmy Kimmel. Well since I was in private (not in a Walmart aisle) I was able to have a legitimate freak out. Luckily, I was with my good friend who understood my love and not only let me freak out, but freaked out with me (luckily for her, I did not punch her. This has happened one time due to extreme excitement, I am still sorry Caron.) They were playing "So Far From Your Weapon" and it was awing, and thus creating the perfect moment.

This post is already going on and on so I won't go through the track listing of Horehound. It is more something you should discover for yourself. Not to mention I am in between classes and should probably be doing homework...

you mean I can incorporate coffe AND books???

2009-08-31T22:30:00.006-07:00

I apologize for the lack of updates. If only I could be like my mother, never sleep and never miss a blog post. I on the other hand, love my sleep. I am pretty sure I could spend an entire day sleeping. Thank you, anemia. I need to be more disciplined. I can do it! I have had many new things going on in my life. First, I left my mothers nest (literally, her house is decorated corner to corner with birds and nests.) I am out on my own! I love having my own place, I feel more at home. I do miss my mother, although she has never really given me a chance to miss her. I do however, miss the furry little red thing that followed me everywhere I went and kept me company as I slept through the night. Hopefully each time I leave him will get easier. Second, I started a new job! I am still within the company but have moved to a sister store. I am very excited that I will be able to feast my eyes on all the amazing eye candy (clothing and shoes I mean, not the beautiful indie boys that frequent there.) Third, I started school last week. I have great classes (creative writing!) and not so great classes (pattern and graphic design, blech.) As you can tell, I have rarely had a second to rest! That is not true, I always make time to sleep...

The Coffee Table

So I suppose this post goes somewhat along with my last. For me, a coffee table is just one more surface to display books. I am not sure if you noticed but the word "coffee" appears in "coffee table." So of course, I am nuts for them. When I was furnishing mi casa, I could not wait to search for a table! I wanted something simple, yet something whimsy that has my name written all over it. Of course, I guess it should not matter. I can tell you right now that it will only be littered by my mass amount of books and an even larger amount of empty coffee cups.

Danish Modern Coffee Table

If there were such thing as the perfect table. This is it.

Convertible Table
This little table is interesting. It adjusts so that it may be whatever height you wish.
Bello Albero Coffee Table

This table comprised of rustic wooden planks and iron would fit right into the woodsy feel of my living room.

Jet Set Storage Bench
I am all about using ottomans as coffee tables. They look cooky with books sprawled across them. Use a tray to hold wobbly items, such as flower vases and latte bowls. They also triple as an extra seat, extra storage, and a place to rest feet.

Lack
This is the table that eventually wound up in front of my red couch. It was very simple, yet the black/brown wood effect gave it the extra whims I was looking for. Plus, my mother liked the $12 price.

goodbye yellowbrick road.

2009-07-04T12:37:00.004-07:00

I was not planning on blogging today but I have found the best thing on planet Earth and I had to run home and blog about it. So I was in Walmart buying some beads and I decided to cruise the food isles to see if I wanted anything for my BBQ with my sister. Of course I went straight to the ice cream section (for you see, I am trying to find this ice cream. It is Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough, if you know where to find this, notify me immediately!!!) So as I am praying to find my ice cream, I find something 172 x infinity better. I cannot even begin to tell you how much better this gets, actually I can...

me: OMG OMG OMG I JUST DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF WALMART!!!!

stepgirlfriend: Did Marc Jacobs send you a box of clothes and accessories??

me: NO!! BETTER!!!

I think I rest my case.

The point is, this, this is what I saw in the Walmart freezer...

My knees buckled and I am sure if my mother had not civilized me I would have jumped up and down screaming for three hours, right there in the middle of the aisle. I did however cry. Yes, I cried. I am not ashamed to mention this either. I think we all know how I feel about Elton John.

Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road Ice Cream by Ben & Jerry's.

The weird thing is, this ice cream is jam packed with everything I love. It is almost like it was meant for me! Chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, brickle pieces, and white chocolate chunks. Sigh. Oh Ben & Jerry's. John Lennon's Imagine Whirled Peace (omg I cannot get over the chocolate peace signs) used to be my favourite, until 30 minutes ago that is. This just in, I just found out that, of course, Ben & Jerry's makes the oatmeal cookie dough! Not to mention an all coconut ice cream. I am going to go write them a love letter now...

Oh and I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July or as I like to call it, National BBQ Day!

Tale as Old as Time.

2009-06-29T20:25:00.013-07:00

The Home Library

When I was two, Disney released The Beauty and The Beast. Every little girl wanted to be Belle simply because she was a princess. I wanted to be Belle because the Beast gifted her with a massive library to die for. I have always been a fan of reading and made a mission to create my very own library. Although I do love to visit the public library, I have always insisted on only buying books to read. How else will I collect enough books to start a library?? Two years ago I worked at a used bookstore where I was paid in ... BOOKS!!! To this day, it is the best salary I have ever had. Everyday I would work four hours and leave with half a shelf of books. My mother was not too happy when she walked into my room and realized that my two bookshelves were over flowing and that I was now using my floor as a storage unit. My mother was especially not a happy camper when I refused to donate some books (or worse, throw out old magazines, I shudder just thinking about this.) It goes without saying, I will be purchasing some new shelves for my condo.

I love how these books were shelved according to spectrum, I have been looking for new ways to shelve my books (alphabetically is so last year) and this is perfect.

I also love this random assortment of shelves, I will definitely be begging M.O.D. (my other dad~AKA Mr. Decor~my handy dandy stepfather in shining armour) to install a wall of shelves like these somewhere around my condo. I do not know if there is room but rest assured I will make room.
Side note: love love love the built in log holder. Umm, MOD? I need that for my fireplace.
(I found both these photo's on my new favourite website Apartment Therapy.)

My Top Five Favourite Books

The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

If you are a boy and your name is Holden or if you are a boy and you know who Holden is and have always said you would name your first child Holden ... call me!!!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chobsky

I first heard about this book from a one Brandon Jordan (this is a whole other post in the making) and I have since passed it on to several other people. It is a compelling story, that I believe everyone should read once in their life (although I can guarantee you will read it more than once, I am about to go on my tenth reading.)

A Separate Peace - John Knowles
I don't know, are you catching a pattern? I love a good "coming of age" tale. If you know any others, please, pass them on!
Edie - Jean Stein
My favourite biography for my favourite girl! Another great biography (well autobiography) is D.V. by Diana Vreeland, they both lived fantastic, enviable lives! Maybe not so much Edie but I think you get what I am saying...
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
My mom came home with this novel one day and handed it to me. She told me I would love it. She was right. Some days I can totally relate to this novel. I am not saying I am going to have a mental breakdown or make like Sylvia herself, and kill myself, I am not saying that at all. I just have days where I totally get it.

My Top Five Authors
JD Salinger
I am completely smitten with Salinger's writing style.
Chuck Palahniuk
I've never met a Palahniuk I didn't love.
Augusten Burroughs
My new favorite author. He's a little too out there for my mother though.
Jacqueline Susann
Last summer I went on a Jacqueline Susann binge, it was amazing!
Stephen Chobsky
I am 172% sure Chobsky is a genius. If only he would write another book (he wrote one book, 10 years ago.) I hope he doesn't pull a Salinger. Sigh.

Speaking of books, I recently read Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I am going to need to read it again. This has been the most amazing story I have ever read. Christopher McCandles has to be one of the most intriguing human beings I have ever come across. I am in awe in all that he accomplished in his short life. He has done everything I want to do, and everything I am afraid to do. He lived.

a boy named alice.

2009-06-27T00:40:00.038-07:00

Schools Out for the Summer

School has been out for about a month now and I am still not caught up. I do not know if I will ever get caught up in life. I only have more to add to my plate now - packing to move into my new Condo!

I think it is about time I post my final school projects.

The Never Ending Blazer pt. Dos

(yes, there is a first blazer)

Fabric

Blazer: Burn Out Tweed 100% Wool

Lining: Floral Satin

Hand stitched tailored collar.

Hand stitched tailored lapel.

The finished Product! It only took me forever (it is not called the "Never Ending Blazer" for nothing.) I gave the jacket to my mother for mothers day but I find myself wearing it more than her. I have paired it with a striped tank, ripped boyfriend jeans (rolled up of course) and platforms. I have also paired the blazer with a men's Hanes tee shirt (my signature of course) and grey knee high boots. Maybe I'll allow for pictures one day...

Detail

Three gold bees, a wing, a coin, and a cross.

Gold top stitching.

I tried, but failed at a close up of the clock button.

Edith

This is my Portfolio! Illustration has always been my favorite subject so this was more of a treat, rather than a hindrance. I first thought about doing a collection based off various story book characters. This switched to writing my own story and doing a collection based off my two main characters. I have undiagnosed ADD and take frequent breaks from working, so as I took a break to cruise thecobrasnake I found a picture of a girl who I thought to resemble a modern day Edie Sedgwick. This changed everything and last minute I decided to create a collection based off Edie if she were living in 2009. I started sketching and could not for the life of me cease. Before I knew it I was over my head and created more sketches than I needed (of course most of them ended up in the trash can.) The final product ended up being 5 parts Edie, 3 parts Michael Jackson circa 1993, and 2 parts Bohemian.

Three Page Mood Board

(yeah duh I created a playlist!)

Ta-Da!

(you will not believe how long it took to do those feathers)

I am pretty happy with how this semester turned out (well, these two classes at least.) Next semester I am taking two general education classes along with Pattern Design II and Computer Aided Design. I have also signed up to take an Introduction to Graphic Design class and a Creative Writing class. I cannot wait!

I also wanted to blog about my new glasses!

Are they not gorgeous?? They are Dolce & Gabbana. I fancy myself Corey Feldman in them!

This week has been the worst of the year but there has been one silver lining! On Wednesday I started my internship at a fabulous store known for their innovative displays. I know many companies now have a blogging policy so I do not want to go into details but I am having the time of my life! It is going great and it feels so nice to find a niche!

The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest.

2009-06-16T10:35:00.007-07:00

Bob Dylan

This is possibly one of my favorite photographs of all time.

Oh, Bob Dylan, how I love thee! I am pretty sure Bob Dylan is the coolest human being walking around on Earth. That curly spout of hair on top his head, his brooding good looks, his mysterious charm - oh how I swoon over Bob Dylan. I do not care that he is a mere 48 years my senior. All those boys I see on the street mimicking his mop of curls, hiding behind those oh so cool Wayfarers, struggling to fit into those tiny drainpipes, walking around in their Carnaby Street boots - you mean nothing to me. No one can ever compare to the great Robert Allen Zimmerman (Bob's real name for those who are unaware.)

For five decades Bob has been projecting out folk songs left and right. He has released albums almost consecutively year after year. Dylan is more of a poet rather than a lyricist. It is because of these meaningful words he became the poster boy for civil rights. Many times Dylan coloured outside the lines - he left his folk roots to dabble in a variety of genres including blues, gospel, rock & roll, and jazz. Not to mention, he does all of these well. Frankly, I believe Bob Dylan is a Midas type, anything he touches, well, it turns to gold. Dylan also proved his musical genius by playing a multitude of instruments including the guitar, piano, and the reason I first fell in love with him - the harmonica. Oh how I could listen to him wail on the harmonica day in and day out. But of course, Dylan's most famous instrument is his voice. You could pinpoint his nasally crooning anywhere, it is just so distinctive. I actually have a list of voices I would die for, guess who rings in at number one?? I spend hours with Hannah trying to perfect our Dylan accents. For me, it is just Heaven. For others (like my mom) will agree with Joyce Carol Oates in describing his voice "as if sandpaper could sing." Now that I think about it, it does sound like sandpaper, but more like diamondpaper.

My top five essential Dylan tunes

Dark Eyes

This is the song that essentially caused me to fall in love.

I Want You

I want you too Bob Dylan, I want you too. For the sole reason of how you pronounce "flute."

Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

I am 93.7% sure this song was written for Edie Sedgwick. Which is only another reason to add to my list of why he is just so damn cool

All I Really Want To Do

The diamondpaper crooning at it's best!

Like A Rolling Stone

My best friend recently got this tattooed on her arm. I am not jealous or anything...

Dylan once said of his mentor, Woody Guthrie, "You could listen to his song and actually learn how to live." Well, I wonder if he knows that many a kids these days are saying the very same thing of him.

Handle with Care.

2009-06-15T21:20:00.017-07:00

Road Trips

Oh the beloved road trip. What is more fun than driving in the car with your friends? Nothing, is the answer. Lately, I have taken to road trips just around Phoenix. This takes about an hour and a half and I typically prefer the company of myself. It is a great way to escape from the outside world and relax. I favour driving at night. It is nice to trade city lights for star lights, city scapes for desert scapes. There is nothing like looking up through your moon roof and being surrounded by the unworldly night sky. It is during these moments I feel most infinite. I will confess I love road trips for the pure reason of gas station food (I would literally die without QT, where else am I able to find banana mocha's that only cost me 89 cents?) The best reason for driving long distances, of course, would be the music. I do not understand why, but, listening to music in the car is a totally different experience from any other forms of music. Maybe it is because you can scream along without anyone hearing you.

Top 10 Essential Road Trip Songs

1. Here Comes the Sun - the Beatles

2. Title and Registration - Death Cab for Cutie

3. I Must Belong Somewhere - Bright Eyes

4. Steal My Sunshine - Len

5. Execution Of All Things - Rilo Kiley

6. Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave

7. Time to Pretend - MGMT

8. Loro - Pinback

9. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

10. Hoppipolla - Sigur Rós

My biggest dream in life is to own a VW Bus and travel across America, just like Kerouac's journey from On the Road. The ultimate road trip.

Journals

A girl can never keep too many journals (or as my good friend Tangelo calls them, Books of Feelings.) I keep a journal for just about everything. I have everyday journals filled with quotes, thoughts, poems, and short stories. I have several journals dedicated to fashion (these also include tabs on the latest beauty trends, as well as diy projects.) I even have a journal dedicated to deciphering the Catcher in the Rye. My absolute favorite place to purchase journals is Frances, which is located right here in Phoenix. If you are not a resident of Arizona, I suggest heading over to fredflare.com or your nearest Urban Outfitters for yummy paper goods.

Lists

You can't tell that I enjoy making lists right? Stepgirlfriend first got me into list making. I marveled at her mass amounts of lists and I knew I just needed to start my own collection. I started with a bucket list of sorts (although, I would rather die than actually coin it a bucket list.) I then went list crazy and making lists for everything! To-Do lists, books to buy, magazine articles worth reading again, and dumb things boys say to me. I have Post-Its scattered around my room, half of the storage on my iPhone is probably lists on the notepad, and my favourites list on my Internet toolbar is getting slightly out of hand. Thank Budah for Stepgirlfriend, who recently bought me a book of various Post-It sizes, (Alice themed of course) now I will never lose my lists. I should also invest in a Listography profile too...

The Daisy

The daisy has always been my favourite flower. I am not sure if this has anything to do with the fact that the Daisy is my birth month flower or not. They are so pretty and delicate. Not to mention, they can grow in a array of intense pigments. I am excited to move into my new place and grow my own daisy garden. If it turns out I do not have a green thumb, I am more than happy to fill my abode with carefree imitation daisies. My infatuation does not end with flowers though. I am a fan of daisy dukes, which in my opinion are the only acceptable bottoms, if bottoms MUST be worn at all. My first jewelery set was a sterling silver necklace, bracelet, and earrings that resembled a chain of daisies. Daisy duck has always been my favorite Disney character. I named my phone Daisy, and yes, my perfume of choice is Daisy by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

School Supplies

I have a strange infatuation with school supplies. Every September I get an itch and insist on buying new supplies, although my need for them went away several years ago. Every time I am in Target, I find myself migrating towards the supply sections. There is just something about an adorable writing instrument. Jars filled with coloured pencils and marker pens sprawl across my desk. Boxes of crayons find themselves tucked into every crook and nanny my room will possibly allow. I have a hard time fitting novels onto my bookcases, due to the fact that notebooks and 3-ring binders tend to take up most of the space on the shelves. I have an entire drawer filled to the brim with pens and pencils (not a small drawer either, might I add.) I am sure I could supply a school with scissors and tape...for five years. It is an illness, an illness I refuse to recover from. My all time favorite? The Crayola box of 48 crayons.

I think I am caught up. Next week I can start going back to one item. On Friday I actually wanted to blog about the projects that took up my time, but I had a misshape. Hopefully by this Friday everything will be squared away!

I am really excited for this week. My mother and I are changing our lives! I have pulled her over to the dark side of vegetarianism (well, for the most part, I have caught her eating a few hamburgers. For shame!) I guess I should say we are practicing more healthy eating habits. Tonight for dinner I cooked pasta with sauteed garlic veggies. Delish! I am getting quite accustomed to this domestic thing! We also are working on bettering our selves! Stay tuned for details.

I took this picture last Wednesday (I believe, I could be wrong) and I wanted to share it with you. I took it with my iPhone from Tempe Beach Park.

Today my sister and I went to Two Hippies. I cannot even describe this place, it is just so neat. We are going back for dinner on Friday and I will be sure to take pictures for you! I had a Desert Pear Lemonade and for my refill I decided on a Blueberry Lemonade. Hannah tried the Rasberry and Acai flavours. If you live in Phoenix I would highly recommend giving Two Hippies a try!

ugly shy girl.

2009-06-09T17:19:00.007-07:00

Kate Nash

Several months ago, I had to come to the conclusion that Kate Nash is my musical soul mate. Every time I listen to her album Made of Bricks (which is many a time, side note: this album cover is one of my favourites of all time, too cute!) I have to stop and think because I swear on my life that she wrote these songs for me. I get the spooks. I keep listening though because I have her voice and majestical piano skills. Basically, Kate Nash is everything I want to be. Not only am I green with jealousy over her musical abilities, she is cute as a button with the best vintage wardrobe ever. EVER. Oh I forgot, she's from England so she gets to have a really charming accent.

Made of Bricks
Foundations
Okay technically, I have never been in this situation. I wish, but no. I should grow a back bone.

Just look how cute she is!
Mouthwash
Spoken like a true old fashioned girl.
Dickhead
This song has been dedicated to a plentiful amount of boys. That's all.
Birds
I know I have mentioned this song before. I just love it. I spend hours fantasizing the events in this song coming to life. I cannot tell you how much I would love for a boy to say "birds can fly so high and s*** on your head yeah they can almost fly into your eye and make you feel so scared but when you look at them and you see that their beautiful that's how I feel about you" as a means of trying to tell me he likes me. Oh boy, where art thou?
We Get On
I tend to flip head over heels in a highly unhealthy way for boys. I come up with a million ways to talk to them in my head, yet I can never seem to bring myself to bring these plans to action. So I usually resort to day dreaming in class. I swear I have never felt anything for any of them, but truthfully it is all the same. Then they usually chose the girls that are not so, I am going to say nice, but that is probably too polite of a term. Then I wallow in self-despair for a few days or so until I can find a new boy to swoon over.
Mariella
This is for all the girls who never fit in and never thought twice about it.
Skeleton Song
This song hits close to home. It is definitely the song I most identify with.
Nicest Thing
This has to be the sweetest "love you from afar" song ever written. Countless times I have claimed this song to be for one boy or another. Although, it is usually a short time period before I am dedicating "dickhead" for these so said boys. Although there is one boy I have dedicated this song to that I have never gone back on my word. He also happens to be the first boy to receive the honour of having me dedicate such a beautiful song to. Not that he would ever know, or anything...
Merry Happy
It is very hard not to be "merry happy" when you listen to this song. Come on, who doesn't like dancing at discos and eating cheese on toast??

twice is nice, five times is better.

2009-06-08T09:41:00.008-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are

Much like the rest of the world at this moment - Where the Wild Things Are is one of my favourite books of all time. I remember reading it over and over as a child. The children's book written by Maurice Sendak (a favourite author too) perfectly captures the heart of imagination. It is a sweet story with kooky characters - just the way I like my modern fairy tales. It goes without saying that I am wound up over the live action movie coming out in October. With all the recent hoopla regarding the movie, I have been able to rediscover a childhood nostalgia. It has vastly inspired me - including a feathered dress and a Polaroid project. I also just saw a pack of little boys briefs with the characters on them, I need to hunt these down.

Deer

I have a crazy hippy friend. I mean this with love, and I know she would take this as a compliment. So my dear crazy hippy friend believes that everyone has an animal spirit. She herself is a raccoon, and after months of speculation she decided that I was a deer. I have always been a fan of this whimsical creature (note all the deer references in my profile) but as of late, I would say I have jumped aboard a crazy train. I have found myself having to tear myself away from various deer objects. Sometimes I am not so successful, and at this rate I am fairly certain that soon I will be able to gather enough memorabilia to fill my enchanted forest that will one day be my home. Right now I am on the look out for a faux deer head or an antler chandelier (although an Adam Wallcavage octopus chandelier is my first choice.) And of course looking back at my mother's deer post, I must have all of that too.

Photobooths

There is something about a photobooth that I cannot quite put my finger on. They are the most intimate look into a persons life. I try to hop in one every chance I get, and every time I look back I can pinpoint the day the photo was taken. My fondest memory of the photobooth is from my fifteenth birthday. My beloved Auntie Tara took me to an upscale restaurant in Philadelphia. I cannot remember the name (I am also too lazy to text her and ask) but it is probably the best Mexican cuisine I have ever put in my mouth. Not only did they have killer guacamole but in the center of the dining facility was an old school photobooth. As you can see my Auntie and I had some difficulties with it, but five years later it is my most treasured possession.

Vegetarianism

This picture is too funny, also I have an obsession with Lady Madonna so it fits. The point of this story though is that during my senior year I made the transformation to being a vegan. A close friend of mine had gotten me into it, and I spent most of my meals at Taco Bell. Of course this caused health issues and I had to give it up. A few years and quite some research later I decided to give it another whirl. There is just one problem - cheese. I do not consume much food but these are my staples: pizza, quesadilla, macaroni and cheese (stouffer's please), and grilled cheese sandwiches. I do not know if you see a common ingredient or not... So, I have settled for vegetarianism. Eventually, yes, I think I would like to be a complete vegan. It is not something I am passionate about. Yes, I do believe in animal rights (no fur or leather for me!) I cannot pinpoint an exact cause for my choice but nonetheless it is part of who I am.

The Mix Tape

If you have not noticed by now, I am a fan of the mix tape. I guess technically in today's world it would be the mix CD. I suppose this love affair began around the time I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky. The mix tape was a focal in the protagonist Charlie's life. It was around this time that I began to perfect the art of mixing. If you have ever received a mix from me, well, you should be honoured. I save these objects for those I care most about (or those I know will truly cherish them.) I start with a theme or at least a specific individual in mind. Then begins the search process to finding songs catered to the mix. I like to leave booklets in the case. The cover could be precisely detailed or simple enough to get the job done. I leave a track listing on the inside and the last page is most often covered with a doodle or note. It takes time but it is time I do not mind spending.

I must get back to downloading all of my Bob Dylan albums into my iTunes. It may take awhile, hah. Today I am making lunch for my sister and I (veggie cheese burgers, fruit, macaroni salad, and lemonade!) After, we are going downtown to scour the vintage stores for furniture.

milk.

2009-05-25T12:38:00.003-07:00

A little less than two months ago I turned twenty. Never in my life has a birthday impacted my life so much. Year after year I would wake up expecting a drastic change, but it never came. This year was a completely different story. I felt change - I have completely transformed into a woman. Sure, physically I am still fifteen, mentally I am exactly twenty. I feel wiser and I feel I am making better choices (minus the few setbacks, but, I can not expect to live life mistake free.) All in all, I am getting my stuff together! I still suffer from major peter pan syndrome but I have decided it is great to be twenty!

About two weeks before my birthday I sat down one afternoon to watch the feature presentation MILK. Let's say that about ten minutes into the movie Sean Penn delivered a line that changed my life.

"I'm 40 years old and I have nothing to be proud of."

Bring on a major anxiety attack. I came to the realization that though half his age, I myself, have done nothing in my life to be proud of. I knew that I could not live my life in the same way. Little by little, my life is improving. I am being extra cautious in making decisions about my future. I feel I have a small cluster of people surrounding me impatiently awaiting a decision. It is not so easy. I want to impact the World.

For my birthday I was presented with tickets to see Elton John (the gay love of my life) and Billy Joel. Several times throughout the concert the lights in the auditorium were turned on. Elton and Billy would cease playing and let the audience take the stage. It was probably the most awe inspiring moment of my life (after Elton singing Tiny Dancer, of course.) That is the kind of impact I want to leave. I want to see sold out stadiums singing along to music I composed, metaphorically speaking.

this is my mind it goes over and over the same old lines...

2009-02-24T21:02:00.005-07:00

PlayRadioPlay!

(before he cute his hair like Rod Blagojevich)

I just referenced Kate Nash and this is not even about her. Hmm. The lyric just goes hand in hand with today's subject: PlayRadioPlay! I say this because this is the thought that crosses my mind the most - why is Texas Dan (Dan Hunter respectively) so amazing?? Amazing is not even the right word, he is more like, well, as Caron says - magical.

I do not even know where to start, I have so much to say. Honestly, I do not even know what to write. I am just going to let my fingers go on a tangent (that is my favorite phrase of the day.)

I am madly in love with PlayRadioPlay! Dan Hunter is the only songwriter to consecutively write great song after great song (off topic - I just realized "song" is a very weird word.) There is not one song by him that I do not like. It's hard for me to pick a very best one. Actually I lied. Hands down, Elephants As Big As Whales owns. Actually, I am going to go as far to say that it is the best song of the 21st century. So, if you get nothing out of this entry at least listen to this song. Perfect examples - two of my best friends, one who is strictly Indie and one who is strictly Stoner (Bob Marley, Sublime, Slightly Stupid and so forth and so forth) I made them listen to this song and they both love it. Simply put - it is just a beautifully crafted song. That is all. Wait! I want someone to write a song exactly like this for me. Okay, now I am done.

The Frequency EP

Bad Cops Bad Charities

The nice cars they drive by fast

Sucking up many gallons of gas

you know it is true

Compliment Each Other Like Colors

Perfect title

I feel like my worn hands are empty waiting for God's new plans

Confines of Gravity

PlayRadioPlays! first single

This song reminds me of the time my mother took me to the Johnson Space Center and for the whole four hours I was there I wanted to be an astronaut, then we left and I dropped that dream.

At This Particular Moment In Time

I can relate

And I can see why you'd pick them over me

Dan also refers to himself as "the cream of the crop" which I love

Even Fairy Tale Characters Would Be Jealous

Favorite song on the EP

A joint or two just hangin out the window in September on the 28th I’ll be dethroned and sent to clean up my act4 months in a penitentiary where I can read and think I’ll make it home

Mr. Brightside

Better than the original

Texas

I drove ALL over Phoenix to about ten different record stores looking for this album the day it came out.

It was well worth the trouble, not to mention I love scavenger hunts.

I love the little tid bits of musical masterpieces between tracks.

Loco Motion

A powerful opener to Dan's genius piece of work

I'll keep a secret of why I miss you

Everyday you ease the pain

Everyday I stay the same

I'm A Pirate, You're A Princess

I love this song so much that I interpreted into three looks for a Fashion Illustration project.

Some Crap About Furniture

Coincidentally, I listen to this song on the drive home.

Madi Don't Leave

Probably my second favorite song on the album.

This also happens to be the song that really got me into PlayRadioPlay!

I used to listen to this on repeat for days.

Without Gravity

A showcase of, in my opinion, Dan's exquisite vocals.

In the vacuums of space

These feelings are erased

Without gravity

See You Soon

A preferred sing-a-long

You cried when you had to leave

Mascara stains on my sleeve

I was depressed and my stomach hurt

I kept the memories

I kept the shirt

I'm Afraid There's A Hole In My Brain

This reminds me of my uffl Caron

And I said we'll run until the sun burns out

And I'd like to know

Who wants to run until the sun burns out

And I'd like to

The answer to your question: Caron and I run until the sun burns out

More of the Worst

bittersweet

Listen and you might hear a sudden cease of laughter

No smiling ear to ear

My Attendance Is Bad My Intentions Are Good

You can literally hear Dan's feelings.

Not to mention this is my anthem right now.

I am getting into a bad habit of ditching class.

Corner Office Bedroom

The corner office is not my home

Because the city and the people all make me feel alone

Forgiveness, the Enviable Trait
Actually, I really wish I were not so forgiving.

Texas

The perfect ending to a perfect album.

Oh girl I've been told when I grow old Ill be alone

But I don't mind if I'm in Texas

Oh boy it's been said when I am dead I'll be alone

But I don't mind if I'm in Texas

Five Other Really Good Songs

(sorry your on your own to find these songs)

Penelope

I was pretty damn stoked when I heard he did a cover of my favorite Pinback song

Juice Box, Paper Hat, and a Line of Pixie Stix

I have to post the entire song on here.

So many surfaces so colorless and bland

I’ve got so many colors in my new box in my hand

One day I’ll think about getting

But today I’m just gonna color the sky

Start with the blue draw circular clouds

Then with the green I add the food for the cows

Next with the red I draw a house too small

For any real person but that don’t matter at all

Brown bird with a triangular beak

Yellow legs with three lines for feet

A green car with circular headlights

Bust out the scissors, gonna bring this drawing to life

Mommy please don’t make me go to school

I wanna draw a castle and dragon in a swimming pool

Yellow starts in the black

Blue moon with a happy face these days that’s not right

Juice Box Paper Hat and a Line of Pixie Stix

I wanna be the one there

To draw you pictures and play with your hair

Virginia beach isn’t too far away from you

Maybe this summer it won’t be for me too

We've Been Searching the Sky for Answers

Are you kidding me??

Are you absolutely kidding me???

I cannot even believe how proficient this song is.

Wow.

Something random that just popped into my head - this reminds me of the opening credits for Little Bear.

There Are Cooler Ways to Die

It is true, but I doubt there are cooler songs than this.

hah

You can tell I am tired.

I am starting to sound really lame.

Same Outfit

"Hey! You're wearing the same jacket!"

"Hey, we're wearing the same outfit..."

If you actually read all of this and if you actually listen to PlayRadioPlay! would you believe he just merely turned 19? Would you believe that he records most of his music merely on Apple's Logic Studio, PropellerHeads' Reason 4.0, and Digidesign's protools (do not quote me on this) in his own recording studio? That is what makes it so hard for me to comprehend. I just cannot grasp how someone can be so talented.

I also highly recommend seeing PlayRadioPlay! live. I have seen Dan twice and even though every other band he was on tour with sucked (really bad, really really bad) they were both absolutely the best shows I have ever been to.

Also check out Dan's blog on his myspace. All too often I find myself bored in class and reading his blog.

This is a poor choice on my part. I say this because I mostly always laugh out loud at Dan's hilarity. I also find his topics of choice to be highly interesting. So... Dan Hunter is musically gifted, he is extremely witty, AND he is intelligent??? Before you think I am really creepy, just know I am not in love with him, I am astounded by him. Big difference.

Last,

- If you could have lunch (something along those lines) with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?

- Dan Hunter, Duh.

Now you answer the question. I'm interested to hear.

hold me closer tony danza.

2009-02-23T14:09:00.007-07:00

Tiny Dancer

I am in a royally bad mood today, I share this because it goes hand in hand with number three of seventy-two (wow, have a looong way to go.)

The point is - I have found the perfect remedy for a case of the mean reds.

Get in the car, roll down all the windows (if your lucky like me, open the sunroof) and blast Tiny Dancer by Elton John.

If I said I were obsessed with this song, I don't think that would do my feelings justice (I just got a major case of deja vu, did I already write this line somewhere earlier???) Actually, I'm obsessed with Elton John. Period.

I am 93.7% sure that Tiny Dancer was written about me (even if it was written 18 years before I was born, ahem.)

A. Blue Jean baby - as soon as the weather allows it, I live in a pair of lucky brand blue jean shorts. Seriously, I NEVER take them off. As a matter of fact, today is the first day of the new year that has allowed for shorts. Guess what I'm wearing?

B. LA Lady - I swear this song had nothing to do with my decision to move to Los Angeles.

C. Seamstress for the band - hey mom guess what! It is seamstress for the band, NOT sings just for the band! I'm going to school for fashion design and when I marry my music man, I don't see why I wouldn't be the seamstress for his band...

D. Pretty eyed - I'm not gonna be cocky or anything...

E. Pirate smiled - actually, I have no idea what this means.

F. You'll marry a music man - ever since I was eight and discovered boys (more specifically Hanson, I really need to stop inserting parentheses) I knew I was destined to marry a man with musically talents.

G. Ballerina dancing in the sand - I was a ballerina, and I do dance in the sand. That's not saying much though. I dance everywhere.

The second verse of the song is the most perfectly written lines I have ever heard about Hollywood Blvd. Well, except for recently when Jenny Lewis just came out with 'Sing A Song For Them.' Not to mention the instrumental of the song is breathtakingly beautiful - I hear the opening and I am instantly calmed, and no matter what I HAVE to sing along. It's easy to, you saw last weeks clip from Almost Famous.

Well, this post wasn't weird at all.

PS - I have the best mother in the entire world. She bought me tickets to see Elton for my 20th birthday. I'm kind of excited, only a little bit...

loser.

2009-02-17T20:39:00.006-07:00

The Plastiscines

I first heard of the Plastiscines, oh, about a year ago? (thank you Nylon.) Intrigued by the bands prettiness and the fact they were french, I lurked their myspace page. That was a bad idea. I quickly became obsessed, and there was no way I could get their album. Lucky for me, Auntie Tara, came to the rescue (as always, she just totally rocks.) She scoured the streets of Paris looking for their debut album LP1, and was about to give up hope when she hopped into a small little dive of a record shop. Lo and behold their it lay.

The album was worth it. The Plastiscines divide their lyrics between English and French, either way I sing along. It is a great album to get ready to. It is a great album to dance to. It's a great album for anything I spose...

Check out the first single "Loser," which coincidentally means the same thing in both French and English. My personal favorite is "(Zazie Fait De La) Bicyclette" a song about, well, bicycles, and the swinging 60's. "Pop In Pop Out" is filled with fun guitar riffs and I love Katty's accent, that especially shows through. Even though I have no idea what the song is about, I perfect my french while singing "Tu As Tout Prévu." "Lost In Translation" may or may not have been inspired by the movie, whatever, it's still a good song.

Check out both "Shake (Twist Around The Fire)" and "Mister Driver" in this movie/music video. You also get to check out the girls' great style (provided by Urban Outfitters of course.)

I know I said I would be updating from Fashion Week but my week is a little hectic. I'm still keeping up, I'll just be posting one gigantic post later this week.

"I don't think you realize tomorrow is saturday..."

2009-02-16T20:38:00.017-07:00

My ultra twin Caron and I had been looking forward for Valentine's day for quite a while.

We were not disappointed - I think I can safely say this was the best Valentines day ever!

A card I made for my mother.

The inside of a card.
My take on LOLCats, with Rudi.

Caron's present from Rudi - a demolished Valentine cookie.

Caron's valentine from Jack Barakat.

The valentine I made for Caron.

A valentine love face.

"It's just a coffee mug of grease."

It's actually filled with conversation hearts.

I bought the mug for that quote though.

Adalaide, for the unicorn lover.

Long before Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist came out (six years to be exact) I was the master of playlists.

I still am.

The cover art for Caron's playlist "Pink Crush"

Track Listing

A pen & ink drawing.

A love note courtesy of Dave Chapelle.

Now for your valentine present I have made the ultimate (when I say ultimate I mean ultimate, like 51 songs worth) Valentine playlist.

Getting Into You - Relient K

A really sweet love song.

Winter Song - Sara Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson

For my mother.

We Are Birds - Brighten

My favorite song of the moment.

Thirteen - Ben Kweller

The master of love songs.

Your Song - Elton John

I only have one word for you - ELTON

Birds - Kate Nash

Kate Nash is my musical soulmate. I love this story about a boy trying to tell a girl he likes her - in metaphor of birds.

All I Want Is You - Barry Lou Polisar

Well I'm on a role of metaphorical songs. Seriously though, where was this song when I was learning about metaphors in high school??

I'm Sticking With You - The Velvet Underground

This reminds me of a vintage Disney movie (The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, anybody?) for some reason.

I love it!

Sea of Love - Cat Power

I'm sorry I'm pretty much posting the Juno soundtrack.

I promise I have other songs.

Lover I Don't Have To Love - Bright Eyes

Because I didn't want to pick "First Day of My Life."

Also, who doesn't want a lover they don't have to love??

Love the One Your With - Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

One of my favorite songs of all time.

If you see my singing really loud in my car - I'm probably singing this song.

Rosé - the Feeling

The Feeling are one of my favorite bands I've just discovered.

This is truly fruly a beautiful song.

The Rose Captain - Sea Wolf

For the best boyfriend ever - Sarah Anna Cera.

Cupid - Amy Winehouse

I love Amy Winehouse - no matter how crazy she gets.

Clark Gable - the Postal Service

I love Ben Gibbard, I love Jenny Lewis, and I love Clark Gable.

I don't think there could be a more perfect song.

Trying My Best to Love You - Jenny Lewis

I told you I loved Jenny Lewis.

Also, remember that love is never easy.

But if you lose the perfect match - just grab a boom box, jaunt down to their house, hold said boom box outside and play this song, wake the whole street and profess your love.

They'll probably take you back, I would.

Brandy Alexander - Feist

If I told you I was obsessed with the song - well, that's just not doing my feelings justice.

I really want a Brandy Alexander, whoever he may be.

Something - the Beatles

Because I can't not use the Beatles, duh.

That's a crime.

Love Today - Mika

Really, everybody should love.

I bet if everyone woke up to this song every morning, everybody would love.

The Girl - City and Colour

If ever I marry a musician (I probably will, it's in my prophecy) they better write me a song much like this.

Honey and the Moon - Joseph Arthur

Who doesn't want to be someone's honey and moon?

Elephants As Big As Whales - PlayRadioPlay!

I'm just going to throw this out there - best love song ever. Ever.

I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

hah.

Inches and Falling - the Format

"I love love, I love being in love"

Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn, and John

It's the truth - when you are in love you really don't care what other people think.

Lolita - Throw Me the Statue

I think Throw Me the Statue sounds more as if they should be like a deathcore band. Regardless - this is a fun song.

Anyone Else But You - the Moldy Peaches

I'm sorry, but how could I not put this on a love playlist?

Everything I Once Had - the Honorary Title

For those who prefer to celebrate Singles Awareness Day.

1000 Times A Day - the Early November

I love this story in song.

I really want to know if it's based of actual events.

Bruised - Jack's Mannequin

Andrew McMahon is my high school hero.

This Old Machine - Coconut Records

Jason Swartzman? Zooey Deschanel??

I don't think it gets better than this...

Just Like We Do - Eisley

Perfect on rainy Sundays.

Penelope - Pinback

I just wanted to use Pinback.

Boats and Birds - Gregory and the Hawk

Just a really beautiful song.

Tranatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie

I need you so much closer.

With Arms Outstretched - Rilo Kiley

Did I mention I love Jenny Lewis?

The girl tells it like it is.

If you don't get anything out of this song, you at least get a great sing a long.

Shiska (Girlfriend) - Say Anything

I remember when I first got a boyfriend.

I was singing something similar to this song.

I'll Be There - Jackson 5

When Michael was a little precious.

5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale

Because I know how it is to imagine being with someone, that you are actually not with.

I Think I Love You - the Partridge Family

I think I love you too David Cassidy, I think I love you too.

My Beautiful Rescue - This Providence

Because love does want to make people dance on top of buildings.

Because love does make people want to shout at the top of their lungs.

Boy In a Rock N Roll Band - the Pierces

Actually, I swore I would marry a boy in a rock n roll band.

I Wanna Love You (Akon Cover) - the Maine

If anyone could make a song about strippers, or an Akon song for that matter, romantic, the Maine could.

This is probably the best cover I have ever heard.

Completely different song.

Sore - Anuual

The sweetest song.

To Be Alone With You - Sufjan Stevens

I love saying Sufjan.

Little Bit - Lykke Li

This is my song for someone I'd rather not mention.

Lady - Styxx

That's all.

The Honey In Your Tea - Alcholiday

This is a local band I love.

"If you fall, I will bandaged your scraped knees. I'll forever be the honey in your tea."

Konstantine - Something Corporate.

I'm sorry. I lied. This is the best love song ever.

Actually it's one of the best songs ever.

Period.

A headband I made for the occasion.

I'm sorry I suck at taking photographs and have no photo's from the night.

This is where I surprised Caron with dinner. The Sugar Bowl is the cutest ice cream parlor, located in old town Scottsdale. They serve a million different varieties of ice cream and delicious sandwiches (including tea sandwiches!) I had the most delectable veggie sandwich and for dessert Caron and I shared the brownie buster sunday - the most delicious french vanilla ice cream you will ever taste in your life, a brownie, and of course rainbow sprinkles.

After dinner Caron and I made our way to the Cine-Capri theatre. We saw Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I'm afraid to say was no good. But it was worth it to finally get to the Cine-Capri.

Yesterday I participated in my Day After Valentine's Day tradition. My sister, Hannah and I, trekked to Walgreens and spent a chunk of change on extremely marked down Valentine's candy and an Arizona Peach Tea to wash it all down.

The Number Two Looks Good On You.

2009-02-16T19:11:00.004-07:00

Almost Famous

I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I've always felt I was born in the wrong era and should have grown up during the 60's and 70's. Maybe because Penny Lane is living my dream (I want to be a band-aid, not a groupie, and I am well on my way thank you very much.) Actually, come to think of it, being a music journalist is not too shabby of a job either, huh. Maybe it's because Penny Lane is named Penny Lane (her real name is Lady, which is pretty radtacular as well.) Maybe it's because I fell in love with Billy Crudup, who plays Stillwater guitarist Russell Hammond (do not fear, I love you too Jason Lee and Patrick Fugit.) Maybe it's because no matter how many times I've watched the movie I still laugh at Russel on the roof about to jump in the pool saying "You can tell Rolling Stone magazine that my last words were...I'M ON DRUGS!!" See, I'm smiling at the thought of that scene. Actually the whole movie makes me laugh... don't worry, I won't sit for hours quoting. Maybe it's the awesome soundtrack (some of which were not even written during 1973, btw. I'm not complaining they still rock.) Maybe it's just Zooey Deschanel...

Mostly it is due to this scene:

Whatever it is - I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!! I don't care I'll shout it out on a mountain. This movie totally blew Breakfast at Tiffany's out of the picture. I watch it when I'm sad. I watch it when I'm sick. I watch it when I sketch. I watch it when I feel like doing nothing else. I watch it just because. No matter how many times I've seen it - I still sit mesmerized the entire time taking in everything. I'm still waiting on a better movie to come out. When it does, I'll notify you. It'll be big news.

the Rose Captain.

2009-02-14T17:06:00.047-07:00

Fridays are for fashion. I know it is Saturday {edit: Sunday, I'm sorry!! I'm still trying to get into the habit of blogging!}, but I am a busy little girl. Friday night I participated in my first fashion show! I was fortunate enough to be hired on as a dresser for Kevan Hall.

If I have learned anything from the Hills or the City it's this:

Kelly Cutrone: Why aren't you wearing black?

My favorite dress from the collection.

There was a lot of steaming dresses. There was mannequin dressing. There were rehearsals. There was a lot of waiting (the show was an hour late.) Then came the madness - I zipped, hung, and buckled faster than I ever have. And in a matter of 30 frantic minutes - it was over. Those 30 minutes, were one of the best minutes I have ever spent. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am so thankful to of had this handed to me. I can not wait until next time, better yet - I cannot wait until MY clothes are going down the runway!

IT'S MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!!

Friday marked the first day of New York's fashion week!

Thank god for my iPhone so that I am immediately updated from Style.com

Dark somber colors {black and various shades of grey} as well as draping detail will be big for Fall 2009.

Hell

Cushnie et Ochs

Where is the rest of the outfit???

BCBG Max Azria

I'm a fan of BCBG but the weird gold/bronze leggings and the stalky dresses do nothing for me.

Costello Tagliapietra

I'm thinking this is just a bad photo of the model...

Purgatory

Acne

I'm not sure how I feel about these clear vinyl pants/leggings {whatever you wish to call them} ... I find them highly innovative, I just don't think I like them.

Acne

I am in no way a fan of one shoulders, but, are you kidding me??? This dress is amazing!! I just cannot get over it! Ugh! It is gorgeous! And the shoes! Oh, the shoes!

Rachel Comey

Uhh...

Rachel Comey

Still a hot layering mess, but it works.

Shipley & Halmos

I'm not a fan of Shipley & Halmos' womenswear...

BUT

Shipley & Halmos

The menswear was to die for!

I picked this look just for the "Ducky" factor. When I say "Ducky" I mean the character from Pretty in Pink , not an actual duck.

Heaven

Abeté

What can I say? I am a sucker for a comfy tank and tulip skirt.

Charlotte Ronson

I count Charlotte Ronson as one of my top five favorite designers. This collection was not my favorite but I still have mad love for the girl. This floral jumpsuit was my favorite piece in the collection {I love my jumpsuits and I love my floral prints!} I am loving the draping detail at the hips! This element showed up several more times in Ronson's collection, as well as several other designers.

Christian Cota

I've never heard of Christian Cota before, but after viewing the slide show of his Fall 09 collection - I fell in love. Assuming these adorable tailored shorts are not leather, I would wear these all the time - give my "leatha" leggings a rest. If they do happen to be leather, then I don't want anything to do with them - even though they are so cute. The navy tights have my main focus though. I can't wait to rock a pair come fall.

Christian Cota

This brings a whole new level to the little black dress.

Christian Cota

This has got to be the most awesome skirt I have ever seen. Seriously. I have never witnessed anything like this skirt. This is the kind of design that A) makes me want to go shrivel up in a corner, because, never in a million years would i think of this and B) inspires so much creativity in my head, to the point that I have no idea what to do with it.

Christian Cota

Umm...have I mentioned that I love Christian Cota?

I don't even know what to say...

Jason Wu

Love the Frida Kahlo headpiece.

Jason Wu

Color is a good thing.

Jason Wu

This reminds me of one of my mothers vintage prom dresses.

Stærk

Stærk is another line I am unfamiliar with but so far it is my favorite collection. It was a collection that mixed tough with lady-like accents. Just my cup of tea. I really wish I had this bustier and skirt to wear as I danced to Madonna, circa 1980 of course.

Stærk

I'm always buying mens t-shirts to wear as dresses, so of course I'm going to love the idea of a men's tuxedo jacket as a dress.

Stærk

I told you I love me a great jumper. I am 172finity % positive this is the most absolute darling jumper I have ever seen. I need it!

Stærk

This is my favorite look from the collection. I love the stirrup legging. I love the trench, even though I would have absolutely no where to wear it. Most of all I love the deer antler accent!

I was planning on updating more later on tonight but it's taken me 5 hours to post this with complications and I'm exhausted. I'll be back tomorrow with # 2, valentine's day, and of course more from fashion week!

The Most Evident Utensil Is None Other Than A Pencil.

2009-02-10T20:48:00.005-07:00

Every Tuesday I want to write about new artists (sometimes not new artists, whatever I feel like) that I am currently listening to. I hope you find something new to add to your already corpulent iTunes playlist.

Chairlift

Chairlift is a 3 piece electronic band from Brooklyn, New York. I first heard them back in September as I was shuffling through my friends iPod as she was off at film school. I instantly fell in love and I spent the rest of the weekend with Sarah dancing to their album Does You Inspire You in her apartment, in the car, on the streets of Hollywood. Everywhere. We could not stop dancing.

"Bruises" is Chairlifts first single off Does You Inspire You, for a reason. Simply put - it's the best song on the album. I guarentee you will fall in love with this song. Now that it is February, I am listening to this song on repeat. It is the perfect love song for someone who has horrible nostalgia, like me. "Bruises" really takes me back to my days on the playground chasing boys (ahem, Brad) around on the playground. The end result? Bruised, grass stained knees and a kiss on the cheek.

"Somewhere Around Here" is a heavenly duet (all the songs are, but this one is just, wow.) It really showcases Caroline's voice, I get chills when I put this on. It's a very soothing song, and I am a highly stressed girl. I just can't stop listening.

"Evident Utensil" is such a quirky fun song! It reminds me of "Bruises" but it I still find it to be a great song. I literally giggled the first time I heard it. "Evident Utensil" really comes in handy when I am dozing off to sleep in my Portfolio Development class. Seeing as how the most "Evident Utensil" is the pencil, it makes drawing that much easier.

I really wish that I knew of Does You Inspire You when I was admist breakup with my last boyfriend. Chairlift shows a more serious side with "Make Up Your Mind," "Don't Give A Damn" and "Ceiling Wax." He couldn't, well, make his mind up and eventually I just had to tell him "Quite frankly, m'dear, I don't give a damn" and then promptly walked out of the room and he never saw me again.

Go dance under the stars or go on an adventure in the desert.

I'm Wide Awake It's Morning

2009-02-10T14:21:00.012-07:00

72 Things

Every once and a while, when I cannot think of anything better to occupy my time with, I sit and watch LiveLavaLive. Mitchell Davis' random antics are hilarious (at least I think they are) but back in November, Mitchell posted a video titled 50 Things that got a little more than a laugh out of me.

I instantly knew i wanted to do something similar to this and I couldn't think of anything more perfect than posting it to my brand new blog. With that, for the next 72 (my favorite number is actually 172, but that's a tad excessive) weeks, I will be posting "Monday Me's."

I'm Wide Awake It's Morning

I bought this cd (I'm Wide Awake It's Morning - Bright Eyes) the day it came out when I was a Sophmore in High School. That was it, I was sold. It was the first cd I played in my car when I got my license. It was playing on a rainy day back in March 2007 (I'm not going into details but none-the-less it's an important day in my life.) I played it when I was in love and I played it to get over love. I listened to it on repeat the day I graduated High School. I played it during my first road trip without my parents. I played it on the drive to my first day of College. I have the cd booklet hanging on my inspiration board. And, in case you are not getting how much I love this album, I'll just go ahead and say that not a day goes by when I don't listen to at least one song off the record. It's perfect. I won't go into details about each song (trust me, I started writing and got a bit carried away before I had realized I wrote a novel) but I will say the last time I saw Bright Eyes, the last song they played was "Road To Joy" which coincidentally is also the last song on the album. I stood transfixed on the stage and stayed staring well until the crowd had dispersed. I was trying to comprehend if I had really just witnessed the most spectacular ending to any show I have ever attended. It was a magical feeling. At the very same time though, I was waiting to die. It was that good. And, even though I broke curfew that night (in consequence, I got grounded for a month) I never once complained.