A little artificiality

skirt, sweater, bag, jacket, and shoes- thrifted, scarf- Target 

Ever have those days when you're just feeling so ethereal? It's like, you get out of bed and your skin is glowing, your eyes are luminescent, your cheeks have the faintest rosy flush, not an eye booger or puff to be seen. Yeah, me neither. In fact, when Gare and I went outside at about 9am to take these photos, I looked like I had just crawled out of my grave. But thanks to the wonders of photo processing, I can live vicariously through my digitally-rendered, most angelic self-portrait. Don't get me wrong, I'm no photoshop genius. But I get by with a little bit of brightening and smoothing. It makes for a better photo than, say... 

This monstrosity... (au naturale, baby)

In all seriousness though, maybe this horse has been beaten to death, but I'm still fascinated by the controversy ever-circulating the media about its use of photo rendering of celebrities and models in the fashion and advertising industry. I find it concerning when we suddenly are accepting without question these digital transformations of beautiful, healthy, unique bodies into "tall sticks with assets." Where do you draw the line?

Dumb blonde

I promised myself I wouldn't do this. Wouldn't do another style post until my hair transformation is complete. BUT... With autumn upon us, creeping in with its chilly little fingers, I realized that I'm running out of time to shoot outfits that require warmer weather. So, here we are. Hair is currently in Phase Three! I'm currently giving it a nice rest from all the processing, but it has not yet reached the look I've been envisioning. I think... I think if I had known from the start how long this would take, I might not have endeavored to try it. But I will press on! Sometimes I wonder to myself why I decided to do this. It's absolutely ludicrous, the trouble I'm putting myself through for the sake of my appearance. I don't know. Is there a reason? Should I bother trying to justify the marvelous misadventures of my youth?

Honestly, my head hurts trying to understand myself sometimes! But, gosh darn it, I'm having a lot of fun. I hope you are, too. Such is life.

Also, I want to shout out to my lady Ilse, who has been so patient and wonderful in helping me achieve my hair vision. This could not happen without her!

Wow. Ultimate brain fart. I have no idea what I'm wearing. My brain is conjuring the words "smock" and "hammock" (what the?). Um, if anyone would care to help my idiot self figure out what word I'm looking for, it would be much obliged. I blame the hair. Either way, that thing enveloping my torso is a gift from Christina!
Shoes- Hunt Club, thrifted
Bag- Dooney and Burke, seriously awesome thrifted gift from my mother-in-law, who is my kindred thrifting spirit

Red drums

Skirt, belt, bag: thrifted vintage
Top: old Old Navy
Earrings: gift from my mother-in-law
Shoes: gift from Christina

Jumping right back in to vintage fashion again, my friends! Had some trouble modeling for this one thanks to a combination of wardrobe malfunctions and the wind. Hopefully that explains my closed-eyed, smiling shenanigans. I'm especially drawn to southwestern prints. So geometric! Geometry is probably the only type of math I have ever felt any kind of affinity for. Also! Gare was my photographer today! Didn't he do a swell job? Now I can be one of those fashion bloggers whose husbands does their photography. No more tripods and timers for me, wahoo!

I think I may be overdue for another trip to the thrift store. (Psst, want to come sift through orphaned clothes and granny shoes with me? Open invitation!) I really really really want to find some maxi skirts to play with for fall. Fall is right around the corner, you know! And it sure won't last long here before the snow rears its icy head.

On a more important, non-fashion related note, I literally just caught word about a horrifying plane crash at the Reno Air Races. As if this town hasn't had enough tragedy lately! My prayers go out to the victims and their families <3 :(

All of my days

I could really use some help thinking of a title for this ensemble! There are a lot of descriptive words swimming around in my head, although I'm not sure many of them are suitable. Like, grungy beachy 80s Minnie Mouse love affair. My grandma says, Daisy Mae, but I don't think I'd flatter myself that much, haha.

My lesson learned today is how difficult high-waisted jean shorts are to photograph. Because I know how much you like lots of information, every other photo so sensitively highlighted my camel toe. (See me pulling down my shorts so inconspicuously in the first shot?) Can never be too careful, I tell yah. You should see my outtakes.

Today I went to the town rummage sale! It's the one everyone looks forward to all year, held by one of the ten thousand churches on church street. Met up with Christina, which is always a treat! There might be another Spoils of War post in the near future, but don't quote me on that. I still have a wedding to pull together.

Speaking of the wedding, EIGHT MORE DAYS!!!

Speaking of caps lock, I GOT THE JOB!!! You're looking at a new part-time associate at Apple Retail! I seriously cannot describe what a glorious feeling this is. Didn't think I would make it, I really didn't. Though if this isn't an unofficial initiation into hipsterdom, I'm not sure what is. It's worth it, though :) Can't wait to start next month!

Top, shoes, shorts, bag all thrifted/rummaged.

Have a beautiful Friday :)
Gabi

Androgyny bravery

Thought I would pay an homage to Miss Victoria! Her stockings, brimmed hats, and button-up collared shirts make me swoon! The only thing that makes this outfit slightly unwearable is the tendency for these stockings to ride down, down, down my leg no matter how tight I pull them. But hey, they make for a decent photo, right?

Update about the job: did get a call yesterday. (By the way, thank you so much for all the support!) However, it's still inconclusive as to whether I got it. I get to go in next Wednesday for a nice chat with a manager. About what? I'm not entirely sure! Oh, when will the saga end?!

Can't wait for tonight! The big Artwalk downtown is tonight and I'm bringing Camille! With any luck, I will have some photos to put up tomorrow.

Shorts: cutoffs from old jeans
Hat, shirt, bag, shoes: thrifted vintaee
Stockings: cutoffs from old tights

Hope everyone is enjoying this blistering hot day! (Or cold day, depending on your geographic location)
Gabi

Gonna do a voodoo dance until you feel my power now

Hello hello hello!

I think this has to be one of my favorite outfits to date! Picked up this little number at the thrift store the other day; the vest, that is. Although I suspect it may also double as a dress should I button it in the front. Get a load of that print! Shrunken heads, tiki masks, and monkey's paw, oh my!

Also thought I would have a go at the high bun now that my hair is beginning to show some considerable length! I am so happy to be growing my hair out again. So many possibilities with longer hair!

Well, today is the day I'll be finding out whether I got the job I've been after for the last month and a half! The suspense, the suspense! I've invested so much into this that if I don't get it, it'll probably feel similar to a very nasty break-up or being rejected from the university of my dreams. Ah well. The Big Man has a plan!

Shoes, vest, bag: thrifted
Shorts: thrifted Bill Blass
Shirt: yard sale F21
Shades: Plato's Closet

Have a very lovely afternoon! <3
Gabi

Better outrun my gun

Hey guys! I hope you had a deliciously bombtastic independence day! (Or day in general, if you don't hail from the US) I know I did! Gabi, that was four days ago. Shhhhh shh shh... don't speak...

Anyway, this is what I donned:

Pretty pleased with the fact that all three patriotic colors are expressed in this day dress. Everything I'm wearing (vintage/thrifted) has been given to me so graciously by Christina! Who I very much miss and wish to see some day soon!

Let's see. What's new and cool lately. I've reached a truce with my hair! The more I've been playing around with it lately, the more I am beginning to appreciate the many textures and shapes that it can conform to. So, no chemical relaxing for me. Right now, I'm really grooving with this fluffy 80s Chewbacca moptop.

TOMORROW MARKS FIVE WEEKS UNTIL THE WEDDING. What? Summer, where did you go? I can't even think straight these days. Still so many things to make!!! I'll write a post real soon about my latest project. I love it. I LOVE these silly projects. But I want. More. Time. Please. God. Help. Me.

Have a great weekend, ya'll! (I don't know. The internet brings out the south in me.)
Gabi

Smoothies in the tall grass

Finally! Here we go. The whole outfit. I've posted it in parts, but never the entire ensemble!

Looks like the bangs could use a trimming! And the hair, a re-dyeing. And the grass, a cutting. Although I hope Jason doesn't cut it because I love tall grass! It's dreamy, somehow. Definitely picnic-worthy. I may just have to take a book and a sandwich out there one of these days.

Crop-top: DIY, was a thrifted dress
Skirt: thrifted vintage
Glasses: Coastal Contacts
Belt and Ralph Lauren clutch: gifts from Christina
Cameo pin that I adore: antique gift from Monica!
Shoes that you can't even see: Aerosoles
Smoothie: blended with love by Aleta!

Remember the sailor and Miami Vice lovechild?

No? It's cool, I think only my mom and a couple friends were reading my blog back then... although it really wasn't that long ago! Anyway, I promised I would re-shoot it, and I decided today would be the day!

Blazer: thrifted Ralph Lauren
Pants, scarf, and clutch: thrifted vintage
Shades and shoes: thrifted

I really like the backyard of my summer house. There are a few great, simple settings that I'll be using for most of my shoots from now on. It's convenient, private, and safe! What more could a fashion blogger ask for?

I hope everyone has had a lovely week!

Hello June!

The second half of the shoot with Alysse! I've been wearing the same shoes and bag all the dang time! Ah well, can't apologize for my favorite accessories :)

Anyway. I love this outfit! Especially those shorts.  Even despite the mega wedgies they give me.

Gah! I feel like the only thing I can think about these days is the wedding! Still so much to do! Ordering invitations, flowers, attire for the wedding party, decorations... this is going to be a busy month. Must not freak out!

Top: gift from Christina

Shorts: Bill Blass thrifted
Shades and belt: thrifted
Shoes: aerosoles
Bag: Coach thrifted

Bye-bye, blackbird

 

Oh, that cursed green bridge! Someone must have spray painted it just days ago because the dye was all over us by the time we finished.

I have had the same group of friends for YEARS (circa elementary school!) It is really striking me lately how beautiful they all are, and not just because I know and adore them on a personal level! This is my second photoshoot with another bridesmaid... I'm thinking I want to do the other two, if they are up for it! It'll be a whole set! Then maybe we can do a final one with all five of us before the wedding :) I'd love that. Hmm...

Blouse and skirt: ? a shop in France, if I remember correctly
Shoes: vintage gift from Christina
Purse: vintage gift from my mother-in-law