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

12.23 // 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

inspiration (and such things)

from today's inspiration sketchbook......
the clips are from alloy and delia's catalogs, since i didn't want to cut up my t.v. yup.
feeling a bit depressed due to non-running-ness.