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

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.