Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Today was actually a good day, except for the fact that there were a couple of torrential rainstorms this morning which I wasn't expecting. Forgot my beautiful rain jacket, too...  Yesterday was a senior skip day, so I skipped. What I DIDN'T know was that seniors in AP classes have this unspoken rule that you don't skip. So, I missed alot of important stuff that I wasn't really expecting to be a problem. Umm, last time I do that. Although I had a really great day home from school: I made a bunch of progress on a dress muslin, knitted some, watched Dangerous Liasons, and basically chilled for the first day in a few weeks.
(Target Dress, F21 Lace Top, Target Cardi and Shoes, Thrifted Belt)

Felt like wearing frills today, I'm in love with this dress and top combination. Umm.. I'm horrible about thinking things up to say for outfits. This is what I wore, it was comfortable, and I felt happy and twirly and girly and nice all day. Please excuse the bizarre face in the above photo,  I don't know why my face does what it does sometimes.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

I'm steadily falling back into the rhythm of school: waking up early, packing a delicious (by my standards) lunch, the steady flow of homework which is indeed rolling back in. Today was basically average. I'm going to a seminar tonight for a college I'm thinking of attending, to fill out some scholarship apps and my early admission. But it's so odd to think about going to college. I'm excited, but honestly all this planning and preparation and worrying about my future just feels like an extra-elongated homework assignment that I really wish I could turn in.


So right now I'm working on a couple of college essays, and they both relate in some way to the fact that I love sewing. Honestly, I don't have alot of stuff to impress colleges with, other than the fact that I sew. I have a 31 on the ACT (I'm taking it again, though; that was just my first time) and my GPA's great, but there are tons of people with way better grades than me, and more AP classes to boot. So I'm hoping I can write some really great essays, and those will be what set me apart. I just want to convey that I really, truly care about creating things; I would work hard at whatever college I go to, and I know I could excel because I'm in love with what I want to do for a living.



Anyways, this is what I wore today. And I know these pictures look sunny, but for the first half of the day the weather was miserable and drizzly so the raincoat was definately necessary.

(Shoes, Belt, Necklace: Thrifted, Skirt: Thrifted, altered by me, Shirt, Raincoat: Rodarte for Target, Tank: Old Navy)

Friday, September 3, 2010

In Which I Finally Finish a Project.

So, the week of wearing pants? Well, I did it, but I didn't enjoy it. Haha. So I didn't actually take a single picture of any of the outfits, but whatever.... they weren't exciting anyway. I really  have nothing against a good pair of jeans, and I actually love my new ones from Gap, but wearing pants every day is just so not for me.

ANYWAYS. I am taking my senior pictures today, and I get three outfits, so I'm wearing someting I made in each one. I have been planning on the newest skirt I was working on, but of course procrastinated on actually finishing it, because  in those spare moments when I'm at my house (and not sleeping) all I want to do is watch TV or talk on the phone or something. So, this morning when I woke up, the skirt was only about half finished. I woke up at 8:30, and finished it by 11:00! The best way for me to finish a project is definately to give me a time limit, haha. Otherwise I never get anything accomplished.


This picture kinda sucks, but whatever. More and better pics to come later; anyways, I'm glad it's done, and it fits, and looks good. And I got it done perfectly in time! Wish me luck on those senior pics.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Girlin' it Up before I put on some pants.

(Thrifted Jacket, shoes, and belt; Rodarte for Target dress, F21 lace top)
Was feeling super girly today, and like wearing something with volume. For once, though, I reined the volume in with a belt. I really have no waist to speak of anyway, but if I DID, you would have been able to see it today! Am feeling sleep deprived and swamped with homework, which I must naturally procrastinate on. My rationale is that, since I so rarely post anything on here (hello? anyone out there?) surely it must be kind of important to do it occasionally, instead of AP Lit homework? Hmm. Stayed up too late last night; I went and saw the re-released Avatar in 3D, got snowcones, and came home and talked to a boy for way too long. Which is normally the story of why I don't get sleep...
About to fall over? Or an artistically thought-out pose? Haha, just kidding, I can't think up poses to save my life.
Also, this week, I've decided I'll only wear pants. Monday through Friday, that is. I have alot of pants which I totally neglect, and some of them are actually pretty cool. The problem is, I have this idea in my brain that outfits with pants are just boring. So, trying to correct this notion by actually TRYING them instead of sticking with my standby dresses. So, hopefully I remember to take pics... Starting tomorrow with some harem-style sweatpants, later in the week busting out some jodhpurs (is it even socially acceptable to wear them any more? huh.).
I know this is super-blurry, but it's really true to the color of the clothes and you can kinda see the texture of the fabrics.
Also.. the skirt is progressing! I have been squeezing in an hour here, and hour there to work on it. I am taking my senior pictures this Friday, and since I plan to wear it as one of my outfits, it will at least be done by then. Wish me luck!

Monday, August 16, 2010

School's gonna kick my butt.

(Rodart for Target dress, Target heels, thrifted belt, Charlotte Russe cardigan)

School has officially begun, and I can see the homework load in my immdiate future, picking up speed and rushing towards me... Man oh man. But I really shoudn't complain, since I'm the one that decided to take AP classes and all.
(Target dress, Thrifted top)

So, do you ever have those moments when you see a person, and immediately get this unfounded crush that only last for a few seconds... cause you know you'll never see them again? It happened today when I saw this tall, kinda hippie-ish guy with pretty curly blonde hair, walking to his next class in his v-neck and tom's, working a Rubix cube in utter concentration. All of my nerd senses were tingling; I was just a little bit in love. This isn't the first time this has happened, like last year when I spotted a tall brunette boy in a double-breasted pea coat, carrying nothing but a copy of Fight Club. Oh, the boys that make my heart flutter....


Lately I have no desire to wear anything fitted. If I wear something remotely tight, I must cover it up with something bulky, like this denim(ish) shirt I got at Salvation Army a few days ago. Ultimately comfy, and I'd like to think it looked less shapeless in person, but I'm probably kidding myself. Either way, I was a happy camper today, even if my outfit made me look like Rectangle Girl.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Jeans that will (Hopefully) make me love Jeans Again

Okay, so here's a confession. I am not a fan of jeans, like, at ALL. Before two days ago, I owned one pair, just out of the necessity of it: I mean, they do have their uses. But I never wear them just because, well, I want to. But I was determined to find a pair that I could love, and cherish, and have adventures in, and basicallly enjoy wearing. It just seems like something everyone should have, you know? So I ventured to Gap, because I read that they made really good jeans. And... Nylon magazine was correct. I walked away with two pairs: the ones shown here, which are cropped with cute lil buttons, and another pair in the same wash that are regular length. And, guys, this may be it. This MAY be jean love.

(Shirt: Rodarte for Target, Jeans: Gap, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Target)

Another big purchase: my school backpack! I was planning this whole summer not to buy a backpack, but a tote; I wanted to have something smaller and cuter to carry around senior year. The problem was, I couldn't find ANTHING I liked. I also remembered that I could end up with alot of shoulder pain from the uneven weight distribution of a heavy tote- and all these cons led me to realize what I really needed was simply a non-ugly backpack. I found this baby on the Urban Outfitters site and it was love at first click. It's my first big purchase since I got a job, and I love it. It has tons of pockets and it's made out of great, durable fabric.
School starts in two days, and I am absolutely prepared.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

I've Been Away a Long Time

So yeah, not that this blog really has any readers, but I've been away for a while... I'd say some really good excuse, like I have band practice 8 hours a day (which is true, but not THAT good of an excuse), but the reality is, I've just been lazy. I'd like to show some progress on the skirt or the scarf I'm making, but of course, there's none of that either. So, let's just say, which my busy schedule I haven't been wearing any cute clothes.

(Shirt; Abercrombie and Fitch, Dress; American Rag, Shoes; Old Navy)




..But I wore real clothes today! As in, clothes that I felt like MYSELF in. As in, florals. Lots of 'em. Found this dress at Macy's the other day, which was wierd, because I had this idea in my head that I hated Macy's clothes. But, apparently, I only hate 95% of Macy's clothes. (I'm looking at you, nasty cheap jeggings.) I'm not gonna lie, this outfit was shapeless. But it was comfy, and I sometimes just like to wear everyhing nice and flowy. So there you go; maybe in a few more weeks I'll have another interesting outfit to speak of.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Little No-Brainer Outfit

Ran to Joann's today before I head to work to buy the interfacing I needed. Got two different weights, a heavier for the waistband of the skirt (because it's so sculptural, I just figured heavier would be better) and a lighter one for the tie bands.

Here's what I wore: nothing super-exciting, but then again, I got dressed in about five minutes. Oh, and notice I took my scarf with me; if I can squeeze in little bits of sewing time, I can surely also squeeze in knitting during car rides, right?

Sorry for the in-the-mirror photo, but yeah.


(Shirt; H&M, Shorts: F21. Shoes: Tom's, Bag: Vintage Dooney and Bourke, Necklace: a gift)

...I only posted it because I look scary and wierd in this pic, because my sis took it in like two seconds before I ran to the car (why was I in such a hurry? No idea.)



And, last but not least, my Tom's. You know, I find it odd that I never see any bloggers wearing these, because in real life, don't we all have a pair? They're so comfy and awesome, I don't see why not. This is random, but I don't know, it just amazes me that in all the subversive, hippie-type blogs I read, no one's wearing these things.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Little Sewing Update

So, it's becoming easier for me to squeeze in little bits of sewing between waking up and going to work, and getting home and going to bed- because I've realized if I don't sew in the small amount of free time I have, nothing will get done. It's hard for me not to procrastinate, but I also know that when I'm working on a project, I feel alot happier and more content and, well, in my element than I am anywhere else.

Especially work, which today, wasn't too great. You guys, I work for tips. It's a fact. And some days, no one tips me, even when I carry out their ten-pound tray of food, and they make me fix all of their drinks because the amount of ice doesn't meet their exact specifications. Even when it wasn't my fault in the first place. People aren't normally rude to me; it's not that. If anything, I encounter alot of nice people. It's just, my job only pays me $3 an hour. They EXPECT that I make tips. Some days I make alot; but on days like today, I didn't even get minimum wage. No matter how hard I try, there are some days when it doesn't pay off, and that's frustrating.

So... sorry about that. I'm off my soap box. Here's what I did when I got home from work:

This is a s'more. Don't ask how I ate it, because it was messy. But it was goooood. Some days (okay, most days), my eating habits are horrifying. But, you know that saying, "nothing tastes better than skinny feels"? I don't believe it. So that's how I justify impromptu smore-making binges...

Anyway. About sewing. This morning, I completed the muslin to what will henceforth be know as "The Epic Skirt".  And the good news is that the muslin fit great. I even ran around in it, painted my nails in it, laid on the couch in it. It really has no fitting problems; I'm good to go. When I got home from work, I found out that I have no interfacing, so I can't start on the actual skirt until I pick some up. Meanwhile, I re-threaded my serger (which feels like a full-time job) to the correct thread color, pre-washed the cotton I'm using, and prepped the pattern pieces. If I have time tomorrow, (and this is a BIG if), I'll start cutting the pieces out. My absolute least favorite part; I really only love the construction, not the cutting.

As a refresher, here's the fabric I'm using:




And here's  the pattern. So yeah; it should look crazy but ultimately wearable. With something plain on top, like a v-neck, and black tights and a cardigan for winter; I just think it's gonna look great. Excited for progress!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Smacking Alligators

Tonight was really great. Work sucked because NO ONE was tipping, so I doubt I even made minimum wage- but afterwards I hung out with one of my best friends, Aimee. She's having some guy troubles right now and really needed to get away from it.

We went to Shades of Brown, which is this really amazing, quiet hipster-type coffee shop. It's expensive but the coffee's so much better quality than, say, your average Starbucks- plus, the mugs are pretty. It's filled with all of this antique furniture and hippies, and I just kind of want to take all of it home with me.







Then we went and played arcade games, which is a great stress reliever, trust me.











Pretty colorful prizes; this was the cheap stuff. What I really wanted was a life-sized stuffed panther... too bad that takes about 2,000 tickets. We only had 26 at our disposal, from our success at smacking alligators.

We used it to buy army men.

Today's outfit- was I overdressed? Yes. But when I get off work, all I want to do is feel nice again, instead of sweaty and covered in various soft drinks. The best way is to put on pretty clothes and do my hair.

(Dress: bought in Venice, Cardigan: Charlotte Russe, Belt: thifted, Shoes: Target, Necklace: F21, Bag: Vintage)

Love Letter to Marc

I don't look at alot of fashion shows; I used to cruise style.com alot more religiously, but I feel like I can get alot more inspiration from fashion bloggers and magazines than straight from the runway. However, Marc by Marc Jacobs has always been an exception. He never fails to inspire me, and make me want to spend ridiculous amounts on his clothes (Can I rationalize it, now that I have a job?!? Questions, questions...)
And I'm looking at these pictures and being reminded of exactly why I love him so much...


I love how he mixes prints, and this (along with alot of other looks) makes me want a crazy patterned sweater for winter. Right now I can't even think about wearing layers, but when the temperature starts to drop, I'll definately be going thrifting.



This look really stood out to me because the design looks alot like the skirt pattern I'm making. The fabric I'm making it out of is very different, but no less crazy; maybe I'll wear it with a button down like this?



I know, I know, I'm not  boy. But I would wear this in a heartbeat, on one of those days which sometimes happen when I'm not feeling girly at all. Or, maybe I could just get a new boyfriend and coerce him into dressing like this? Hmm. I think if I could just get hold of that cardigan, I'd be pretty happy.



This one's from his Fall/Winter show; see why I need a big thrifted sweater? This seems like such an easy and accesible winter outfit for me. You know, on those lazy days when concocting something super interesting seems out of the question, just throw on a big sweater and go...

Oh Marc, you never fail to impress me with your awesome prints and basic amazingness.
Love, Christine

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Humidity and an Epic Pattern

It's so humid today that when I stepped out of the house into the outdoors, my glasses and camera lense fogged up. So, please forgive the wierd quality of these photos.

(Shirt; F21, Tank, Shorts, Shoes; Target, Purse; Vintage, Sunglasses; Urban Outfitters)


Detail shot of the purse; another super pretty, old beaded purse I love. This one seems more fragile to me, because I broke the strap to another one just like without even being rough. So I don't use it alot, but it's gorgeous. Also, literally half of all the things I'm wearing here are from Target. I love Target clothes to a (probably) odd extent. But hey, whatever.

Yesterday I was sick, so I stayed home from work and basically laid on my couch and watched Desperate Houswives and knitted. I rarely ever watch tv, normally just movies, but I watched about 7 hours of it yesterday. Today, I'm feeling mostly better; I'm starting to cut out the pieces to my skirt  muslin, and later I'm gonna go hang out with some friends. No work for two whole days; I feel rich!

Anyway, I was browsing Etsy this morning with my coffee and came upon the best pattern ever:


Doesn't this pattern just scream, "Make me in a vintage floral, Christine, like the kind your great Grandma just gave you, and I will become an awesome Katy Perry-esque top you will love and treasure and wear out on crazy adventures?" I thought so too. Can't wait till it gets here! I'm gonna make it in view 3 (the blue polka dotted one). So excited, but must finish the epic skirt first. I want to wear the skirt so badly, but yet have no motivation to make it. Is that odd?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Outfit Post

Oh man, getting to wear real clothes after my gross Sonic uniform feels great. I dressed up just to go to Joanne's and buy some zippers; I'm starting on a muslin for a skirt which is going to be EPIC when I'm finished.

(Shirt: Vintage, Bag: Vintage Dooney and Bourke, Belt: made by me, Skirt: made by me, Shoes: thrifted) 

I love this shirt. It says "Hold on to Me: Someday I may be Valuable" and it's a tourist tee from the Virgin Islands. Well, shirt, you will be glad to know that 30 years after you were made, you are worth $15 at Cheap Thrills Vintage. It's so soft and nice.