12.30 // a plethora of outfits, a myriad of clothes

went shopping yesterday, probably spent more than i should have... but got some good stuff. took pictures of it today...

skirt (pashmina), orchid lane. top, old navy. blazer, old navy. shoes, thrifted.



skirt, top, & clutch - old navy.
no shoes because i don't have any that really go with this. unfortunately, i ran out of money yesterday. this outfit is my favorite of the 3.


top - JCP. shorts - target. shoes - thrifted. sunglasses (!) - claire's.
this one made front page at chictopia :)

I got the sunglasses with a gift card at Claire's... circular tortiseshell 60's-ish. I love them :)
Got the tank at JCP, rather surprisingly - picked up a pair of super cheap jeans there too ($15!). Good shopping day.

Wow sorry, this is sort of a crap post - I'm going to work on the bw&chic entry about rocker/chic/grunge/80's a bit more.

~ r

12.28 // russia, revolutions, top hats, golden hollywood, and pink floyd

last night was ridiculously windy, I got about 4 hours of sleep. Blechh. Anyway...
More on the whole Russian theme. It just so happens that I went down to run on the treadmill (ick - I despise them, but it was necessary, what with the 50 mph winds and all), as I was flipping through the channels I landed on the History channel which - lo and behold - was showing a special on the last czar (or tsar). It didn't have much in the way of clothes, but it got me thinking and I'm quite glad that I'm not either (a) a Russian serf in the early 1900s or (b) a Russian royal in the early 1900s. Either way, you were screwed - starve or get shot & burned in acid.
Fun, eh?
I wouldn't mind living here for 1/4 of the year, though... the Winter Palace, home to the Russian ruling family since Peter III, one of - if not the - most opulent and famous buildings in Russia.



yeah, in Marty's (famous?) words, "I could hang here... this place is cracka-lakkin'!" (Does anyone actually know how to spell that?)
Anyway. I'm having a little trouble coming up with good pictures of traditional Russian dresses and whatnot, let alone the Tsarina's dresses (the ridiculously expensive ones). I really want/need to dig around and find more on Russian culture, dress, etc... don't mind me if I'm sounding like a history nerd, but I think it's cool. :P
After that came on (was it revolution week or something?) an episode about the French Revolution, but that started to get a bit too guillotine-y for me... plus, I needed to shower. At any rate I started thinking about Marie Antoinette, too. But I'll save her for another day, another post.
One more related thing: I'm going to start researching other traditional outfits - you know, the Victorian Era and all that, Greece, France, Russia... basically, Europe. Plus some Asia (middle east, japan, india).... I have a lot to do.

Next on my (title) list: top hats/Golden Age of Hollywood. We watched Holiday Inn - one of my favorite movies - and, of course, I started thinking about the 1930s and 1940s, and the GAoH. And Fred Astaire's top hat.

I want one.

(those aren't exactly what I'd want - a plain-ish black velvet one would suit me just fine - but they are cool, in a costume-y sort of way)
I still love hers...


If you look at what Hollywood used to be - really talented people who could do what they did best and still dress amazingly (not trashy like we see a lot of today)... *sigh*. The gowns, the gloves, the tuxes... and I can't complain about the movies. Not at all.

(Oh look - tulle!) Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers


I just like that look.

Last thing - Pink Floyd. I got the Division Bell cd for christmas, and love the last 2 songs especially:
Lost for Words & High Hopes (High Hopes trumps all... I've listened to it 9 times already)
Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begin

Along the long road and on down the causeway
Do they still meet there by the cut

There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before time took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The night of wonder

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide

At a higher altitude with flag unfuried
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world

Eneumbered forever by desire and ambition
Theres a hunger still unsatisfied
Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon
Though down this road weve been so many time

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
The taste was sweeter
The nights of wonder
With friends surrounded
The dawn mist glowing
The water flowing
The endless river

On that note, I'm still looking for a pillbox hat. And I'm shopping tomorrow, then going to a pre-New Year's Eve party, but I'll try to post soon. Ciao,

~ r

12.28 // early in the morning

sorry I haven't posted in... days, I've been busy... hopefully I'll catch up tomorrow. Er, today. We've had a heat wave - it went up to almost 60 today. Weird, innit? (Haha yes, I've been watching British old comedies again. Thanks, A. A whole night of it. Man that was fun...) Finally went to see TWILIGHT... mmm, Edward.

Came home, did nothing, ate a quesodilla, and watched 27 Dresses with M. mmm, james... he's just so CUTE in that movie, physically and personality-wise. Of course we started looking at wedding dresses. Who doesn't?? :P

Well I'm off, I really should sleep more. Agh, haven't run in about 3 days and feel like an absolute WHALE. Pip pip cheerio and all that.

~ r

12.26 // russian chic, sick cats, mink hats, and more

With the weather being as it is - disgustingly cold - I've been thinking about russian clothes, their traditional gowns and especially the royal court's elaborate, ornate, over-the-top, ridiculously expensive wardrobe. (They're all dead now, but their clothes live on...) Also, I can't argue with the abundant furs in Moscow... god, I'd love to go there (and just about everywhere else in the world).

Also on my mind: a fur pillbox hat of my own. I had one ready to bid on, then I realized it was about 4 inches too big for my head; as my dad kindly pointed out, it would cover my whole face. So that was a bit of a disappointment.

Which brings us to my inspiration board du jour...



I'm really loving how knee-length, high-waisted full skirts are in. (When I go shopping on monday, I'm going to end up buying at least 2, I think. I hope.) I also like the tulle/ballerina trend. And the hats & gloves trend.

My current Top 10 list:
1. wildly printed, high-waisted skirts
2. tulle/ballerina-style skirts
3. black shield stripper wedges
4. anything fur (hats, vests, coats, muffs... oh yeah, I'd love a muff, too)
5. patterned tights (lace & flowers, not colored tights. I stick to black & gray)
6. hats of all shapes & sizes (I particularly like the Russian pillbox mink hats, top hats, bowlers, and slouchy beanies & berets
7. ridiculous shoes (spike heels, weird-shaped wedges, feathers, cutouts, you name it...)
8. sweeping, elegant dresses (gowns is a more accurate term, I think)
9. black or metallic leggings (worn with oversize tees and heels)
10. military-style anything: gloves (urban outfitters have some sweet ones that I'm craving), coats/jackets/blazers (*groan*), shoes, hats... I love it all!

And our new cat turned out to be really sick and 10 years older than the adoption lady claimed. He's back at the pet store now (I feel bad, but we didn't want our other cat to get sick, and my mom's other "once in a lifetime" cat died last year, and she didn't want to go through having another one quit on her).

Off to eat dinner (my first meal of the day... I really procrastinated today!), then movie night.
Ciao,

~ r

12.15 // 2:27 am

woot! yes i really am up. but i am going to sleep now. so goodnight, merry christmas, happy new year, jingle bells, and all that...

~ r

12.24 // new cat, chess!

we got another cat, chess: he's black & white maine coon, and was abandoned so he's a "fixer-upper" (quote my dad). but he's so nice and calm, unlike our other rowdy, boisterous, semi-mean cat Pascal. We just hope they get along...
~ r

12.24 // christmas eve & blazer

I got this blazer at target the other day (I always end up shopping for myself while I'm christmas shopping!) for about $11. I've had a bit of difficulty getting together a good outfit for it, so i figured I'd just put it in with this just so I could post it.


jacket - target. scarf as skirt - orchid lane. shoes - ?? target?

The weather is *so* messed up. It's been about -12 degrees for the last two weeks, and suddenly - on christmas eve, no less - it's 35 and raining. Sleeting. Whatever.
It sort of sucks.
Our new cat should be home soon - will post some pictures, I promise. He's so cute, his name is Chess :)

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Holidays,

~ r

12.23 // inspiration: axl rose, hendrix, balmain

so it seems that the 80s grunge-rocker-chic look has returned. I'm ok with that. (I have yet to try on a pair of black matte rubber leggings and stripper-ish heels, so we'll see how that works out...) but anyway, I can really relate to it. I love retro music - Hendrix, the Stones, the Beatles, GnR, etc - so... I dunno. I know how they dress(ed, as the case may be - RIP Jimi Hendrix, Rock God).

When Balmain brought out their round shouldered band jackets, it was - is - a tidal wave of collective GAASSSPPPP I LOVE THEM!! However, not everyone has a few thousand to drop for a jacket. So you'll have to thrift it, eBay it, or DIY it (good luck with that!)
My shopping list for the 80s thing:
- black leggings
- black spike heels
- leather moto jacket (I need to just go out and GET one, goddammit! I've never gotten around to it, sad as that is)
- vintage band tees, oversized & normal
- BAND JACKET (easier said than done - I need to find the *perfect* one before i invest in it. And trust me, I've been looking.)
- big black clutch with studs

I've also been sketching some prelim 80's-esque stuff, some of which - in my opinion, anyway - is pretty damn sweet and I would wear everywhere. If I could sew, that is. GOD I have to learn!!! Anyone interested in helping?? :P

Will do an outfit post later, I have to eat breakfast/lunch (yeah, I'm a procrastinator) and get read for a party.
Arrivederci!

~ r

12.21 // last-minute christmas shopping, tree troubles, WIND, and indian food

...makes for a busy day!
sorry, don't have any outfits to post... some inspiration, though, after eating at this new indian place, India Gate.


i'm getting some ideas with fabrics/patterns and applying it to different cuts... more on that later. got a jacket at target, woot, and (yet another) blue pashmina. mmm, buttery soft! just what i need, since the temperature with now - windchill included - is about -12 degrees. AGH. why do i live here again??
oh well. ciao for now.

~ r

ps: missed out on the hat; was out shopping. oh well, there are plenty more... i think i want a taller one anyway. (urban outfitters had a good faux fur one a while back, wonder if it's still there... hmm. must look into that.)

12.20 // inspiration

12.19 // first snow day! and fur coats, a guide to

yesterday, it was the talk of the school. this morning, it was the hope of the school. later this morning it was the dream-come-true of the school... the Big Storm of '08!
yes, it's snowing like there's no tomorrow here in michigan. it's making me think about fur coats/the general fur trend. so i wrote a review & a forum thing for chictopia, here they are...

it's the Next Big Thing. but the public opinion seems to be divided, either because they're for PETA or they just think they're ugly.(mostly, i've encountered the latter).
personally, i am thrilled that fur is coming back... it's chic, cute, versatile, and - above all - warm! (i live in michigan, so that's a MUST). i got my faux fur silver/gray coat on ebay; i don't do a whole lot of ebay shopping, i prefer to go to the store myself, so i was a little apprehensive. when i got it though, i was thrilled beyond belief and have been wearing it practically every day since.
so. fur coats: in and loving them!

fur was all over the runways… still is, actually. all over chictopia people are rushing to thrift stores, vintage stores, and ebay to find the Coat. the perfect one. so many decisions, though…what length? what color? closure or no closure? real or faux? it never ends.
when you’re deciding which way to go, first think about how you’re going to wear it most – dressed up or down? with jeans or leggings? etc. that will help narrow down the style, at least… although fur coats are usually quite versatile.
color: simply pick the one that will look best with you (your hair in particular); i.e., i have brown hair, so i got a silver/gray/white coat, as brown wouldn’t work well with my hair.
length: there are generally 4 lengths for coats: short (hip), medium (mid-thigh), knee-length, and floor length. (only go floor length if you really are daring enough to pull it off! if not, it’ll sit around and gather dust forever). mine goes about mid-thigh, which i like because it’s long enough to (a) provide coverage = warmth, and (b) be dressed up or down. i usually wear mine with heels of some kind, because i’m short & need the height and therefore am always wearing heels; plus it helps lengthen my silhouette.
oh, and mine is faux fur… i’m against wearing animals, generally. (although i have been eying a vintage mink pillbox hat for a while now…)

will post photos later, i'm still in PJs as of now (10:29 am... can't expect me to get dressed first thing on a snow day, can you?)

~r

12.16 - posting LIVE from moscow... michigan?

hat from yesterday...

12.15 - COAT!!! (& return of mon frere)

my coat came today.... yay!! (i just need to air it out a bit... but other than that it's parfait!)
it's actually quite soft... after i ordered it i was having my doubts. but now i'm contente :)
plus, my brother came home for break and - he's an excellent photographer - took some pictures of me with goodish hair/makeup & this hat we found... some of them turned out pretty well (ok, all of them are amazing, thanks to his skills, but some of more outstandingly brilliant than others).
well i really should go to bed...
shower in the morning...
finish up this history homework...
bio presentation... CRAP. blech.
i'll put more pictures up later...
ciao, bec ;)

12.14.2008 - mon anniversaire 16 sucre

oui, il est mon anniversaire aujourd'hui... sweet 16. and at the moment i am dead tired from my party and feeling very british - and also a bit drunk - so i'm off.

~ r

12.13 a weekend update of my own...

12:51 am. woot!
drew about 10 sketches today & yesterday, a few from the dance (which we DJ'd, which was fun but SO tiring).
i got a coat! gray/silver faux fur, should arrive soon... $18. woot. hope its ok... if it's not, at least it'll be out of my system, lol :P
party tomorrow (today), birthday sunday!!
3 tests today. blech.
ok i really should skeedaddle.

~r

ps: i'll put more pix up soon (of the [other] new coat and etc.)

12.09 - sarongs et blazers

haha oui - i mean, yes - i really did type "et" in the title en lieu d'"and"... i guess i really am going french. :P
anyway, i found/rediscovered my 2 sarongs in my closet and was messing around with them. i'm so excited for spring/summer now, i'm going to get some more and *live* in these things. they're unbelievably comfy and lightweight, and - as shown - can work great with blazers and the like. whee!
wraps: orchid lane. shoes: thrifted? (i don't remember). blazer: f21.

j'achete aussi un manteau de target...

ehh i'll fix this later... mon computer (agh!) is being tres stupide, et il seulement a 147 MB libre... ainsi, bonne nuit jusqu'il plus trop...

~ r

a bunch of outfits...

so yeah. it is officially COLD here... we only ran like 3 1/2 due to the chilliness (and laziness)...
ici est les vetements d'hier...

my dad did a closet "purge" (for him, 3 sweaters and some ratty Ts), so this one is officially MINE now. :)
sweater: dad's closet boots: ?? macy's (gift from aunt) socks: target belt: little brother's scarf: walmart (surprising... also surprisingly soft)


hmm, this one... the sweater itself is questionable, but warm & cozy. so here it is. (sweater: little brother's outgrown; jeans: aeropostale)


this is just... i wanted to wear this bright BRIGHT red jacket of my mom's that she never wears... i like the color. same jeans; jacket: mom's closet


this is another sweater i inherited from mi padre... crappy picture i know, but i was running out of time (and battery life on my camera...) sweater: dad's closet


this was mainly to incorporate the linen jacket... a very bland outfit, color-wise. also, the hat. yay :) (skirt - target; shoes - ??; jacket - mom's closet; hat - target)

head shot of the hat... i'm seriously thinking of going back and getting the purple one as well. :) cloche - target

hmm, any other updates? i didn't get a fur jacket yet, but i'm going to look into it pretty soon... see if that one is back up on ebay. i hope so. because it's COLD now.
hmm, not much else. ciao for now.

~ r

11.09 // first snow

well, we got our first real snow today. it actually stuck too, which is a bit unusual for the first november snow. but whatever, i'm happy. :)
so i haven't put up any photos in basically forever, so here goes...

...or not. the internet is being stupid, so i'll have to post them tomorrow. :(
~ r

11.08 : recent buys and craves

above, from left to right: faux fur coats, ebay; dress, gloves & boots, f21.

yeah, i'm having a major faux fur jacket craving. unfortunately, there's nowhere within 50 miles of here to get one, so i'm turning to NY and CA (via ebay) for mine. fingers crossed i can get at least one... haha, it's sort of an investment. if i get it/them, hopefully i'll take to them like a fish to water and not waste about $50. :P
as for the boots, i just want them. never mind the $50 price tag, i need some tall michigan-esque boots that are still, you know, acceptable. as in, non-ugly.
the dress and gloves, just random.

one of those chilly fall days good for either shopping or being inside... i chose shopping, and got a black cloche (finally!), a(nother) gray pashmina, and a basic navy sweater.
since i'm already in my (oh so comfy) pajamas, i've enlisted my eeyore to model my hat...the scarf & sweater i'll post sometime soon... have i forgotten to post something? maybe. but it's 12:07 am and i'm sleeepy, so ciao.

~ r