three ways to propose to me

I've never window-shopped at shopbop before because the first time I tried, the (old) layout was so off-putting I couldn't get past the first couple pages of apparel (not to mention the rather off-putting prices), but in order to lead my imagined life, my wardrobe would definitely need these additions:

Above, Town Peep Toe Pumps on Broken Platform by Velvet Angels, $147.50 at shopbop. For those days when platforms that look structurally sound just don't cut it.

Above, Una Sweater from Marc by Marc Jacobs, $198 at shopbop. In which to go sailing because sailboats are nautical, and there is nothing like themed dressing, even if sailboats don't use anchors.

Above, Twig Cluster Ring by Elizabeth and James, $125 at shopbop. I don't think I've previously expounded on how much I love oxidized silver and gunmetal, but I DO. SO MUCH.

haute (tranny) mess?

I don't know where the Haute Mess Award originated, but OH, is it clever. I love wordplay.

I was recently tagged to receive the (EPIC) label of Haute Mess by Camille, the lovely blogger behind owl wings, and I'm supposed to share seven things about myself. But because I really liked the way she set up her post, I will copy her. Thus, a collection of visual inspiration, followed by seven things about me that may or may not be apparent from my blog:

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[I totally forgot the source... email if you uploaded the original and want credit or want this removed.]

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1. I spend more time picking out my clothes than on Facebook, but I spend more time on MLIA than I do picking out my clothes.


2. I don't actually own anything directly from American Apparel or Urban Outfitters.


3. This image saved on my computer shows the extent of my nerdiness. Not much more, not much less.
   
   
4. I am now a firm believer in gapingvoid's Sex & Cash Theory. (If you don't feel like clicking, it has to do with creative types having a pay-the-bills job, not with prostitution. Although that would pay the bills.)


5. Laundry is my favorite chore, closely followed by ironing, but I have a deep dislike for washing dishes.


6. I'm not subscribed to any fashion magazines.


7. I am completely terrified about this coming semester.

I never have any idea whom to tag, so tag yourself and let me know, if you are so inclined! And if you're feeling clicky, check out the other tagged blogs: the perfect shade of blue at fashionrocks, a beautiful dress at thelittledeer, incredibly photogenic girls in floral at raita 2, an amazing DIY sequined cardigan at For A Delicate Few, some all-black inspiration at Bijou's Style, and OMG THESE SHOES at style bird.

HEY 2010 CAN I BUY YOU A DRINK?

This is that black H&M dress I bought with no occasion in mind, and my dead serious model stare which has been ruined by red-eye correction that makes one of my eyes look extra-shiny but maybe this means I'm a robot, you guys!

Not that I'm accustomed to partying it up on New Year's Eve, but it was even less likely than usual this year that I would spend the last minutes of 2009 out and about toasting with strangers, what with the 8-hour car ride back from LA and the 3 hours of laundry and the splitting headache. So this not-really-an-outfit is purely for my own vanity because I totally did not wear this out, guys, as you can probably tell by my ashy knees.

Black lace sleeve dress: H&M. Platform pumps: Payless.

velvetee & kindness

A while back (woahhh, this was in July), I was contacted by M80 on behalf of Old Navy to receive a $5 gift card to Old Navy as part of their "kindness appreciation" campaign. Naturally I didn't spend it until everything went on criminally cheap sales pre-Christmas, but I'm glad I waited because my mom snagged this (essentially free!) gray thermal for me. And I do love myself a good thermal tee.

Silver rhinestone cross necklace: SoGood Jewelry, gift. Black velvet tee: Express, secondhand. Gray thermal: Old Navy via M80. Denim shorts: mother's, Old Navy + scissors. Tights: some brand via Nordstrom. Black rain boots: Hunters via Zappos.

a delayed camera dump

From Christmas, although our tree's already been taken down. I can't figure out why I haven't seen any beach-themed Christmas ornaments before (perhaps because they're totally seasonally inappropriate?), but I must say they are genius.

O Christmas Tree

Kicking off 2010 with a cropped green sweater/brown corduroy pants outfit that looks like an artistic interpretation of a Christmas tree!

Fake pashmina: New York street vendor. Cropped green cardigan: The Limited via Goodwill. White long sleeve t-shirt: Apt 9 via Kohl's. Brown cords: delia's. Black and white oxfords: Payless. Crooked photos: skill.

My Resolutions for 2010

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Speak more carefully. This means both enunciating and making more precise word choices, because messy use of a language I have total command of makes me sound lazy and un-self-aware, neither of which I ever want to be accused of being.

Stand up straight. Because “Stop slouching” doesn’t seem to be cutting it, and maybe rephrasing this repeat-offender resolution into a positive action (a Do instead of a Do Not) will be more helpful.

Stop wearing clothes that make me feel uncomfortable. On a physical discomfort level, this means I’m purging my closet of everything too small and too tight. On a mental discomfort level, this means I’m saying goodbye to everything that is unflattering, too revealing, not revealing enough, laden with emotional baggage, or ugly. (I see you, clingy off-the-shoulder bouclé Wet Seal sweater that someone borrowed, washed until you pilled, and returned. I am so over you already.)

Expand my vocabulary. Find more creative adjectives to incorporate into my regular speech, and be able to correctly and easily use penury, paucity, remuneration, acumen, and vicissitude, at least in writing. (This list is not yet definite.)

Put myself out there. In my relationships, in school, in work (whatever that means to me), in life – risk embarrassment, embrace looking uncool, open up, allow myself to get hurt really badly, ask for what I want even if I might get a no, and fail spectacularly, because I’ve spent enough time fixating on the unattainable and running away from what I care about.

Those are my new year’s resolutions, 2.5 readers. Thoughts? What about yours?