There's Something About Melancholy

I took this photo sometime in the Spring of my sophomore year of college, with photobooth, on the top floor of the library.  I was probably trying to work on some major research project or paper for finals and failing.  But the point of using it is that pictures of me not baring all of my horse teeth are rare and usually weird, and any stylized outfit shot would've downplayed the point of this post.

The universe has been kind of raining on my parade the past couple of weeks, today especially.  And though I never never post things I write in earnest for the interwebs to see and judge (even after lots of editing or confirmation that I didn't write it with my head up my ass) I feel some urge to be publicly creative.  So, enjoy or bombard, as you wish.

Big gnarled hands,

A little boy smile,

I always thought you'd stay the long while.

Too many manners unlearned, 

Awkward hugs unreturned,

stories you would never share.

The endearing magnification of thick glass,

charmingly gruff, a pain in the ass.

Checks in the mail each and every year,

Same signature, Same tender, 

Screeching helpers in your ears.

A white plastic stein with the letters rubbed off.

Hundreds of Kleenex,

a loud jarring cough.

Liters and liters of your favorite brown drink.

Sunday dinners, Easter mornings,

Festive holiday adornings.

Silent drives home,

and badly read lips.  

You can't bow out now,

when I've just got the gist.

Aimee A. Griffin 11/13/11

200

Can't believe I actually made it to 200 posts.  I know I'm not the most reliable blogger, but thank you to those who keep following with aplomb.  You are my bread and butter.

Forever 21 dress.  Blazer found at Macy's.  Frye boots.  Betsey Johnson sunglasses.  Bracelets were a gift from boyfriend.

Today is staggeringly beautiful, with the temperature at a balmy 70 degrees, sun, and not so much wind as we are usually wont to have in the burg.  I was so excited to finally break out this outfit that I had created in my head ages ago, but was too cold to wear.  Fact: the cold forces me to be less fashionable because I hate it so much.  All I think about is keeping it out and that usually leads to the warmest (not cutest) things I can get my hands on.  Some may call this an excuse, it isn't.  I could try harder, but I am too upset by the season.

I also like my messy bun quite a bit today.  And props to boyfriend on the bracelets, he picked them out all by himself!

Some of you are probably noticing the little purple and turquoise ribbon pinned to my left lapel.  I wearing it in solidarity with Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) who are working to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault on campus.  Do you go to the burg?  Stop by SASA's table in the Cub, take their survey (it will take up about one minute, really) and wear your ribbon too. 

I'm going to go take a walk in the sunshine!  Kisses!

Is it weird that I want this?

Anyone who has ever gone with me on a serious shopping expedition has been asked two questions frequently: "Do I like this?" and "Is it weird that I want this?"  Usually when I ask my mom these questions, the answers are No, and Yes.  When I ask Kim, the first answer varies and the second answer is usually No, because even if it's weird for most people it's not for me.  

When I'm trolling the internet and something strikes my fancy, I usually want to blog about it.  But sometimes my filter kicks in and goes, "wait, this probably isn't cool or interesting at all, you're just very strange."  And that, my darlings, is the inspiration for a new serial post: Is it weird that I want this?

A few seasons back, there were some shots floating around the internet of Khloe Kardashian wearing a faux fur hood with ears that make her look like she had some sort of fox DNA in her.  No one could decide if it was cute or ridiculous, was this SO TRENDY OMG or just, odd.  It's probably not surprising to anyone that I am a great lover of all things Kardashian, but Khloe is my least favorite, and I was indifferent to this furry hood of hers.  But then the other day I ran across Spirithoods, and now I'm not so sure.

It's...kind of ridiculous, but it's also really cute.  I'm reminded of anime/manga culture, but also we just love furry animals.  I knew that I really do like these when I found just about all of them adorable, from the husky to the grizzly bear to the snow leopard.  My ultimate choice would be the grey wolf, but at $139 a pop, that ain't happening.  And I still don't know if it's just too weird.  

Next, faux leather leggings.  I know this trend is old and practically boring at this point, but hear me out. It's still holding on for the young and sexy set in hollywood, and I got to thinking how some slick leggings would be sort of unexpected and cool with a chunky sweater dress.

Okay, I know that these are from the Kardashian Kollection, which Kim has informed me is kind of tacky, and which I am wont to believe since she is not as in love with KimK as I am.  But these are affordable, and the point is that they're your simple, faux leather legging.  But my Kardashian love has confused me, are these actually cute in reality, or should I back away slowly?

Weigh in with your comments!

Check it out!

Hey lovies!  I'll be back with some more posts soon, I promise, my last year of college is just killing me. 

But I just wanted to thank everyone giving me love on the We Love Wool facebook page!  

Thanks to everyone at We Love Wool for letting me be a part of the campaign.  If you haven't checked it out already click on over to Facebook  to learn more about this amazing, creative, versatile, and super stylish fiber!

Kisses!

Transitional

American Eagle Sweater.  Forever 21 vest.  BDG leggings through Urban. Frye boots. Fossil watch.  Vintage necklace.

I've been getting progressively sicker this past week, but after finally getting a doctor to prescribe me antibiotics on Saturday, I'm feeling just about 100% today.  Also, it decided not to rain in the burg and was lovely and breezy, leading to perhaps my first fall type outfit of the year.  I do so despise all seasons but summer really, but if you can't beat em...

And please ignore the less than ideal setting for these shots.  My blog photographer insists that the reason she didn't answer me all day was that her "phone is dead."  Hmph. 

Want: Asymmetrical Skirts

It's no secret that I frequent the Urban website several times a week to check the new stock, and I won't lie to you, some of the stuff they sell is whack.  Their prices can sometimes be a bit much too, I'm not going to pay them over twenty dollars for a t-shirt that is uninspiring and cheap.  In any case, I was rather torn when I saw this little gem a week or so ago:

I couldn't even add it to my wishlist because I was so torn about my feelings.  It seems kind of stupid for it to be short on just that one side, no?  From the right, she looks like she's in a mini, from the left, some sort of awkward midi, and from the front, she looks like she went about shortening a skirt but got bored halfway through.  So what's the deal?

But then I saw this one:

The cut on this one is rather less dramatic and therefore more wearable/less silly.  Props to the folks at Old Hollywood, by the way; the styling here is tres chic.  And at this point I was intrigued, and went on a hunt for more.

This style is rather more dramatic, but I actually really like it with the leggings.  I think it veers away from that awful skirt/short dress with leggings trend that happened a bit ago (Note: a tunic and leggings is fine in my opinion, just don't ruin a good skirt/dress with them) to something a little cooler and edgier. Plus I wouldn't feel like I was about to expose my hoo-hoo.  But uh, it's about 400 bucks on sale.  Yep.

However, I think I like Chloe's take on the traditional schoolgirl skirt the best of all.  A little bit of an unexpected shape with a very traditional plaid, and I love the belt detail on the side.  I can already envision it with a soft, off white sweater, patterned black tights, and my Fryes.  Alas, it isn't even in the stratosphere of a college budget.  But a girl can dream!

Weekend Wishes

I woke up in the worst possible mood today, and still have not yet managed to shake it.  I really really want to go shopping for some new fall duds since the weather is really starting to cool down...but I'm broke.  So I guess it's just me and my thesis reading this weekend. Le sigh.  Here's what I'd pick up this weekend if I had cash-flow:

Totally digging this Zara sweater dress, AND it's only 29.90.  That's how broke I am folks, not even that is plausible.  Can't really decide between the cream or the beige though...

So, I don't usually like florals, and cutesy collars also turn me off, and yet I adore this Motel dress.  I think I'd rock it with some patterned tights and my (newly resoled) Frye boots. 

And finally, I am completely obsessed with this parka from American Eagle.  Like, going to the website every day to drool over it obsessed.  I just feel like it would make me look so much cooler than I am.  Need.

Hope you woke up on the right side of the bed.  I'm going to drink some Jasmine Green Tea and try to figure out something fun to do.  Have a good weekend lovelies.

P.S. Check me out on We Love Wool's facebook page, I'm in the blog posts album and will soon be part of the "Why Bloggers Love Wool" Album!

Anything but Ordinary

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the everyday, and what we consider "the mundane."  Probably because of my thesis on Surrealism, but also because I've always been drawn to designers and artists who take something familiar and make it new and exciting again.  I don't understand why we often toss aside the normal, the everyday, as "banal" when those simple things are what make our lives what they are.

That being said, I was tickled when I came across this Cast of Vices collection on A+R Store's website.  I was led here by my Daily Candy email, which is kind of unusual because I generally get angry at all daily email newsletters I subscribe to, spend a very short amount of time actually reading them, and eventually unsubscribe to them.  They were interested in this bracelet, a cheeky take on the wristband:

But not all of the designs are so pretty and chic as this one, and I rather like them better.  Take this leather bag for instance, which looks like what last night's take out came in:

Or this porcelain Percocet pill:

Or any number of the rather grotesque fly or cockroach baubles the designers have provided us with.  I feel like the general fashion public would describe these pieces as "whimsical," but I think that is perhaps the worst word for them.  They are slapping us in the fact with our addictions to consumption and medication, as well as all the things we throw away, like the plastic bag or the entry wristband.  My favorite piece may perhaps be the simplest they offer, and maybe the least telling:

I would certainly wear it as an ode to all of those pens and pen caps I have lost, especially of my beloved round stic bics (color blue, medium thick).  And probably also as a reminder of how small I am, like the pen caps I lose.

In Class, En Vogue Loves Wool

I'm a big believer in making lifestyle changes that will preserve the Earth as we know it.  I'm not going to go live in the woods and hunt for my food anytime soon, but I stopped using "disposable" water bottles back in high school, I always donate clothes that I don't want anymore, and I'm kind of a recycling nazi at my apartment here at school.

Point is then, that when Molly Gotham emailed me about supporting the Fashion by Feelings Campaign, it didn't take much convincing to get me involved.  The campaign wants fashionistas like you and I to post looks in which we're rocking some wool, a sustainable fabric, on their website, after we choose a feeling we think our look evokes.  People then get to vote for looks that they love, and the one with the most votes at the end of the month will win an amazing trip to Australia.  Pretty sweet deal, huh?

Oh, and did I mention that people who vote on their favorite looks can win stuff too?  When you vote you're entered into a weekly drawing for $400 worth of EMU Australia swag.  Quite a perk for just checking out some killer fashion. 

So head on over to the Fashion by Feelings site, get your vote on, and wear your wool with pride.  After all, we need to keep this little planet around if we want to keep being fabulous!

Birthday Girl

Forever 21 dress.  Candie's for Kohl's heels.  

So, this kid turned 21 on Saturday!  My fabulous accessories in these shots include a tiara and giant birthday button from my roommates, a glow necklace that says "birthday star" from my mother, and my new and wonderful boyfriend.  When we walked into the bar, which is clearly an attempt at an Irish Pub as you can see from some indications in the final photo, I was definitely getting stared at.  I'm obnoxious enough not to care though, and when I left, clutching boyfriend's hand and still wearing my heels like a champ, I thanked the many people who wished me a happy birthday.

Birthday presents that night included the Tanqueray (yummmm), an LIT, Magners, tequila...and this was all after a beer sampler at dinner with my man.  Yes, I am still suffering, but it was worth it!  And yet, I still have an essay on the history of Surrealism due at 4pm that is killing me...

Ta for now, loves!

La Fantasia

Missoni for Target skirt.  Old Navy shirt. Havianas. Fossil Watch.  Charlotte Russe bracelet.  Topshop earrings. Betsey Johnson sunglasses.

I don't know if you can see it as well as I wish you could, but the reason I'm smiling so big in the first picture is because the man on the tractor behind me is posing for the camera too.  We literally waited to take the picture until he was behind me, but Erin snapped perhaps a bit too soon.  Still a fantastic moment!

I imagined myself as sexy and gorgeous as Margherita Missoni today when i flounced about in this skirt. It's super comfy and obviously fabulous.  Erin is going to go check out what Hanover has today since I gushed about the pieces I bought yesterday, and I told her that she must text me about her finds!  Never have I been so smitten with a target collection.  I finally got online today, now that the website crash is fixed, and I seriously considered ordering a pair of the knit shorts of one of the chemises before I reminded myself that I still need money for clothes and books and alcohol (21st birthday on Saturday, huzzah!).  

Thankfully, after a week of endless rain, it's pretty here in the burg again, and I do not feel perpetually depressed.  That is, not over the weather anyway, just from mounds of thesis reading.  Which I need to go return to, so happy Wednesday loves!

Seniority

American Eagle shorts.  Payless sandals.  Forever 21 hoops.  Betsey Johnson sunglasses.  Top found at Marshall's.  Fossil Watch.  Charlotte Russe bracelets.

I originally wore jeans and a tshirt to my philosophy seminar this morning, because I was cold in my apartment, but changed into this outfit after I realized it was freaking hot outside.  This top is perhaps a little risque for the daylight, but I'm a senior, and I no longer care what the people on this campus think.  And all important bits are covered.  And a little bra never hurt anybody.  

But what I'm really excited about today is the release of the Missoni for Target line, which I ran off to check out not long after philosophy let out.  Missoni is one of my all-time favorite designers and I've been anticipating this for months because let's be honest, it's probably the only Missoni I will own in my entire life.  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  In my opinion, the collections for Target aren't always of great quality (I mean, they're target clothes) and not worth the more expensive price tags.  Plus the more "designer" styles don't really agree with my shape (re: normal).  But I actually liked just about every piece I tried on today.  The mini dresses actually account for the fact that a lot of women have these things called hips and boobs, the sweaters are slim and gorgeous, and iconic Missoni prints are all over all of it.  I picked up a few pieces that I know I will enjoy wearing the shit out of.  

So, I recommend you actually check out this collection.  Just don't get in a fight like some of the ladies over in LA...and try not to cry over the crash/exceeded bandwidth on the Target website.  Thank the powers that be that nobody in Hanover, Pennsylvania wanted to check out the collection this morning.

Have You Heard?

In lieu of another weekend wishes post, since you got one only two posts ago because I'm a bum, I decided I'd let you read a little email I just send.  You've probably heard of this new Bloggers Wardrobe project way before me, and already know that it sounds amazingly awesome.  Naturally, all of the bloggers already on board are household names for the blogger set, who get more than their fair share of samples already, and who might as well be models and leave the rest of us alone.  

There's a competition going on for the rest of the spots, I have no idea how many there are, and my first thought was "they'd never even consider me."  So with that in mind, I decided to send them an email, tell them I know I don't fit their "standards," and tell them why I'm worth it anyway.  Forget the polite cover letters that I send to possible employers; for this I laid it on the line.  Observe:

Let me first say that I know you've probably never heard of my blog.  The number of comments on my posts range from 0-5, which is amateur, I only have 10 followers on bloglovin, and 19 on blogger, and still I post.  So why should you consider me at all, when I don't have exposure and influence?  Because I am an average 20 year old college girl, with hips and an ass that forever prevent me from being a sample size, and a bare bones budget to shop on, and I am still making fashion my own.  

Forget the Tavi's (who are few and far between) who became icons despite their youth and lack of resources.  A lot of the bloggers out there can afford the designer labels I can only drool over and do my best to imitate.  I can't even be as up on trends as I'd like to because I have to buy books, and food, and my minimum wage jobs and non paying internships are only helping me get by.  And what company is going to sponsor a girl who may or may not be able to wear the hottest trends, who just doesn't like the on trend bright lipsticks, who may never get invited to a fashion show in her entire life?

Despite the my lack of the credentials you're looking for that I don't have, I have an unwavering integrity.  I say what I mean, wear only what I like (and what some people don't), and refuse to be silenced.  I've been made fun of by my peers for keeping this blog, I've been laughed at, I've been discouraged to the point of almost giving up the blog forever.  But I've realized that if my love for fashion and sharing it with others makes me happy, then everyone else can go fuck themselves.  Not all of my fashion experiments are hits, and not all of my opinions are shared by other fashion enthusiasts.  But if you take a read, you'll see that my sincerity, optimism, and out and out love for the aesthetic is always there. 

If you do nothing else, at least take a peek at my blog "In Class, En Vogue" (www.inclassenvogue.blogspot.com), and don't knock a girl for trying.

Have a good weekend guys, and keep on keeping on.

Stupid, Stupid

BDG tshirt via Urban.  Forever 21 shorts and sunglasses.  Charlotte Russe bracelets.  Fossil watch.  Shii sandals.

For the second time this summer, I drove all the way to my bus stop (which is 40 minutes from home), only to realize that I had forgotten my bus tickets for the day.  I am also, quite literally, flat broke until I get paid on Friday, and I don't want to run up any more charges on my credit card.  So I had to turn around and go home, call the office and explain my idiocy, and stay here after a useless 80 minute drive. 

I felt really guilty, so I finished reading a manuscript I was asked to read yesterday and emailed the person at the agency about it, and I'm about to start another she sent me.  I got dressed to go on a little excursion with the leetle brother to get new football cleats, just to get out of the house, but I like this outfit.

Only, I should've have him take pictures BEFORE we left, not after we got home.  Sheesh, look at those wrinkles!

Weekend Wishes

This weekend I'm off to visit my dear friend Brianna at her college, where she's been doing research for the past month.  I'm super pumped to hang out with her and to meet some of her friends, and to pretend I have a social life!  Visiting her has got me thinking about heading back for my (gulp!) last year of school, and the things I would take along with me if I could.

I've been into night shirts and chemises for sleepy time lately, and this one by Eberjey may be the best one inspired by a man's shirt that I've ever seen. 

Everyone who knows me knows that I love my tea.  I could spend hundreds of dollars in Teavana without thinking, at school I have a whole shelf dedicated to all the teas I drink, and at home I have taken over a significant portion of one of my mother's cabinets.  Now thanks to Ruelala, I have found a new brand to covet, Bodum. 

There's, the tea press of my dreams, an aesthetic wonder with double wall glass keeps the tea hotter for longer, and a great green tea jug that will filter out the leaves of all my loose teas when I ice them.  Not to mention there's a host of really neat drink ware, with or without strainers:

My fellow tea enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike should really check out this site.

Lastly, I've wanted something Pendleton in my life for a long time now, and I'm kinda crazy about this blanket:

Too bad about the $200 price tag.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Sun Shower

JCrew wrap dress.  Thrifted Michael Kohrs heels. Random necklace.

I had Saturday off this weekend, a miracle in and of itself, and I traipsed to the mall to sift through the end of the season deals.  I had two things I definitely wanted to find: a pair of soft shorts and a long skirt.  I found 'em, but I also snagged this great wrap dress at JCrew for $17.  There was an extra 50% off clearance and I convinced the cashier to give me the student discount even though I forgot my ID.  I'm crazy about the soft fabric and the drapey neckline.

I've had a phobia of olive green hues since a particularly washed out school picture (freshman year of high school, to be exact), but I got over it as soon as I slipped this baby on.  I consider this an open door to a new color opportunity. 

I Can Get Back Up

H&M Dress, Fossil watch, Charlotte Russe bracelets

Today was exceedingly gross, with the rainfall ranging from annoying to torrential.  But, it was a day in which I needed to drive an hour to get to a doctor's appointment (I hate living in the middle of nowhere) and run some errands, so I pulled on a maxi dress, my errand-running uniform.  I picked this one up at H&M at the beginning of the season and I love how flattering, comfortable, and simple it is.  Though, if you stare at the pattern for too long, you might start to feel a bit dizzy.

The one good thing about driving the long stretch to civilization is that you find great things like the used bookstore I went to today.  I was a bit frightened when I first got there, it was in a nondescript brick building below a bail bonds office with neon signs informing me it was open 24 hours, but as soon as I walked in I felt at home.  The place wasn't decorated, it simply had very tall, pine bookcases covering every concrete wall and in stacks in the middle of the space.  It was musty, non air conditioned, and perfect.  I was impressed at how well the books were organized and all the different things they offered; I managed to check a few things off of my always lengthening book list!  I picked up two hardbound books: a copy of Joyce's Ulysses and Tirant lo Blanc.  I also had to buy the only Stoppard play I could find in the place (a bit sad): The Invention of Love.  The three set me back 9 bucks and change, and I wanted a few more, but they only take cash and checks, being completely old school, and I never have more than a minimal amount of cash on me, nor do I ever carry a check book.  Just finding that place made my day better, especially since it was literally called "Old Book Store."  Can't get much better than that.

By the way, photo number 1 isn't posed.  Rocky just had to get in on the photoshoot action.  He hates to be ignored. 

Fool For the City

So, my commute is hell, my internship doesn't pay me, and I spend most of my time out on the city streets running to catch a subway or a bus, but I actually adore working in New York City.  Since it's highly unlikely I'll be able to move to London or out to California right out of college, I think I'm going to set my sights on getting hired in the city, and eventually moving there.  I honestly feel more inspired in the bustle there than I ever do in my quiet little hometown.

Besides general wardrobe ennui, it would be great if I could upgrade to a more practical satchel for my days in the city.  I lug in my lunch, a blazer or sweater to keep me warm on the freezing bus rides and in the cold office, books on surrealism for my research, my planner, my wallet, my ipod, my phone, my journal...And all of that fits in this highly unstructured black bag I use for classes at school.  It's annoying though, because it's a black hole and it just gets lumpy and and weird depending on what I stuff in it.  

Here are a few choices I have in mind, or I would, if my entire paycheck didn't funnel right back into transportation costs.

$72 Miss Selfridge

$103.43 Asos

$86.40 BCBGeneration via Zappos

This one's a little more non traditional, might be my favorite.