On Wearing More Eccentric Vintage Pieces

Have you ever been in a secondhand store and found the most amazing-far-out-beautifully made piece, bought it with gusto then gotten home and didn't know how to wear it? Yeah, me too. However, thanks to maturity learning to not give a shite, I'm starting to overcome this issue.

Take this outfit for example. I knew I wanted to wear the 90's Betsy Johnson rose slip...just didn't know what to pair it with. When I finally layered it with this ridiculous Dynasty meets Marie Antoinette at Easter brunch peplum realness I felt like a super star (and a little bit like Ulyanna Sargeenko, yeah right... in my dreamzzz). However, en route to exit our house, I kept asking my husband, "I should just do the black leather jacket instead, right??" Classic. A leather jacket with a pretty little floral dress. Can't go wrong. Looks great on everyone else, right?

Then the whole "this ooonnnnneee? OR this one?" ensued. The switching back and forth from jacket to jacket while intermediately changing the hat. Eventually with the most kindness and understanding patience a husband could have whose wife's closet just vomited on their floor Jonny said, "Go with the Dynasty. You bought cause you love it. Fuuuuuck it."

My Hero.

He was right. The little black leather jacket would've toughened it up a bit, but I already accomplished that with the boots, right? Plus, that's the obvious choice. Sometimes you just have to say "screw it" and wear what you want. Who cares if you have a hint of crazy cat lady or a PTA mom or a character from Dynasty? (Key word here being HINT. Don't go full cat lady on me, now...not yet anyway).

Other outfit ideas for this badass blazer: 
With black cut offs and boots. 
Layered over a black pencil skirt or midi-dress with heels
White high waisted shorts and these cuties

Have a Happy Easter, Bunnies!

{Boots: Vintage, Dolly Python} {Slip: Betsy Johnson} {Panama Hat: Vintage (Similar)} 

{Blazer: Vintage}

10 Tips for Great Blog Photos

We all know it. Imagery is SO important in the blog world. (FYI, I feel like a ding dong saying "blog world"). The images on a blog can ooze sentiment and pull you heart strings or catch your attention with super bright colors. Imagery is so powerful, some blogs are ONLY photos and no text at all.

I've noticed a few people commenting on and asking about the photography on my blog. I have to admit...I take a little pride in them. But that's because photography is a passion of mine. I'm am extremely lucky to have my man help me out with my photos. However, I've also spent a lot of time teaching him about how the camera works and what angles I need. He's invested a lot of time shooting my posts for me and has gotten to be quite a good photographer!

Shooting isn't all of it though. You have to edit, and post process your photos also. (Half the magic happens here). So let's get to it then. Here are some tips for getting lovely photos for your blog, for your life etc. 

1. Invest your time: I love every aspect of photography. Shooting, editing, all of it. So, I don't mind really investing time. I spend a lot of time actually getting dressed (which I thoroughly enjoy), then we walk around until we find a spot that compliments the vibe we're trying to achieve, then we shoot and shoot and shoot. Shoot until you are 150% sure that you've covered the subject. I would say spend At least 15-20 minutes shooting a look or your subject. After we shoot, I spend a good chunk of time sitting in front of the computer choosing which photos to use and then working on them in photoshop before I post them.

2. Invest your brain cells: If you are a blogger, shooting is half the battle. It's worth really learning about photography and your camera. Look at other photographs. What do you love about them? Are they super contrasty? Are they busy? Minimal? What photographers do you love? Try to emulate things that turn you on about photography. Eventually you'll develop your own style. Some of my favorite photographers are Richard Avedon (this project particularly), Annie Leibovitz (uhnoduh), Gregory Crewdson and Yelena Yemchuk

3. Get a good camera and a good lens: The people that say "It's not the camera, it's the photographer"
are usually shooting with a Mark III (yeah, I said it). It really does make a tremendous difference to shoot with a good camera and a good lens. I used to shoot with a 40D and just recently upgraded to a Canon Mark II. I invested because I'm a photographer, but this lil' Canon Rebel is a rad camera you can get great results with if you don't wanna break the bank. I shoot with a 50mm for all of my blog posts. It's easy to get a shallow depth of field with a 50mm and it's a pretty compact lens. (Here is a reasonable one). A 24-70mm is my next investment.

4. Shoot in the morning or just before sunset: You can't go outside at any ole' time-o-day and expect a beautiful image with amazing light. You have to work around the light. (It's nature, it does what the ef it wants). The most fail proof times to shoot are in the early morning when the light isn't too harsh, and at "golden hour". Golden hour is about an hour before sunset. You can get some RADICAL lens flare at this time of day, and beautiful warm light.

5. Play with different light: If your glamourous schedule won't permit you to shoot at those times of day, play with different light. Shoot in solid shade if you want something straight forward with no harsh shadows. OR you could shoot in the sunlight and see if you can get the harsh shadows to work with you. They might add to your story. (The darkness with the only illumination of a spot light below worked well for more rock n' roll-y action).

6. Learn your way around some software: Learn how to use whatever software you are editing your photos with. I've spent HOURS AND HOURS in photoshop messing around. You don't have to spend that much time with yours, but definitely play around with it.  Mess with the contrast, the levels, the toning, the saturation...see how it effects your photographs.

7. Totally Rad Actions (RadLab) for Photoshop and Lightroom: This is a biggie and you can purchase it here. It's a bit pricey, but again, it was worth the investment for me.  It's a huge time saver if you like different textures and effects on your photos. Tons of professional photographers use these kinds of filters. You can pick and choose your filters and adjust how strongly you want them to affect your images. You can also preview the before and after of your image.

(Daawwwwwww look at my handsome dude....)

8. Contrast, Sharpen, Brighten: These are 3 easy things you can do to any photograph that will improve the quality. These three adjustments can be made in almost any photo software including iphoto. But for reals....go easy on the vignette. Over vingnette-ing an image gives it a bit of an amateur quality (in my opinion).

9. Get creative with filling the frame: Just standing in the middle of the frame can be informative, but not necessarily interesting. Try filling 1/3 or 1/2 of the frame so you get some negative space. Shoot different angles, too!  You can do this even if you are shooting by yourself with a tri-pod. Here's a photo I took of myself in the old days before Jonny started shooting:

10. Tune in to your background: The back ground of a photo can totally transform it. It should help to tell your story. It should compliment or contrast the colors your wearing and the vibe of your outfit. Think pretty floral dress in an alleyway or super graphic prints against an angular background.

Bonus: Be bold by yourself: If you are a blogger that isn't lucky enough to have a photographer, you really have to think outside of the box. Don't be too timid to go wander around and have a little photo sesh with yourself. (Cindy Sherman did it, and she is just plain badass). You don't have to be confined to your room. There's no better time to experiment than when you're by yourself. 

Reincarnation (how to wear boyfriend jeans)

Remember in the early 2000's when douche bags people were getting REAL creative with the way they expressed themselves via the pockets of their jeans? Embroidery! Octagonal shapes! Bright colored stitching! The possibilities were endless (and horrifying) on the denim-covered booty horizon. It's one of those fashion moments that just tickles me to death.

Well, on my most recent treasure hunt at Goodwill, I stumbled upon these bad boys. I had been toying with the idea of adding some "boyfriend" jeans to my denim repertoire, and I dug the wash of these so I gave them a try-on. It wasn't until I put them on myself and looked at my reflection that I realized

these are totally early 2000's douche jeans.....AND I LOVE THEM.

The back pockets are large and in charge, the front pockets have normal side placement, but they sprawl almost all the way to the zipper, and the two front belt loops are so close together I can't buckle a belt without lapping over one of them. Let's not forget the diagonal side stitching.

They might not be full-on-balls-out-douche, but you know a dude jammed HARD to some Nickelback in these.

Conveniently enough, the ONLY photo that gives you a glimpse of the mammoth back pockets on these relics is one in which I was being a total douche:

BLAM-O!

OOOHhhhhhh yeah, get a load of the oddly shaped mini pocket!

Goodness, I know I'm being judgey and pretentious, but seriously....the douche-ness of these jeans is the reason I love these jeans. Fashion is fascinating. The fact that a judgmental 20-something girl is able to transform the life of these jeans from a trend in fashion that makes said girl want to puke a lil' bit in her mouth into a personal style blog post is MARVELOUS AND MAGICAL. Furthermore, in typing this I'm realizing how particularly descriptive the word "douche" is. There is really no other verbiage I could use to describe the style I'm visualizing.

Well, see ya later, I'd type more, but I'm about to fist pump with one hand and do a Jager bomb with the other!!!

{White Sweater: Thrifted (similar here)}{Tortoise Sunglasses: Cotton On (similar here)}

 {Leopard Heels: Franco Sarto. The ones I'm wearing are old, but THESE are giving me a shoe boner}

{Snake Skin Clutch: Vintage} {Cuff: Sidewalk sale find!} {Belt: Goodwill}

Asos Distressed Denim · Miss KL Shoes & Boots · Mango Sweaters

Dealing with Fear: It's All in How You Look at It.

Fear. It's been a larger part of my life than I'd like to admit. Since I've moved to California, quite frankly, I've been beating it's ass. Two major moments of clarity oddly enough have happened on my friends' sailboat (read other epiphany here). Also oddly enough that first picture I will title, "Bird Shit Rock" is a perfect metaphor for the strategy I've found works best for rising above fear and enjoying your life: It's all in how you look at it. 

We went for a "sail around the marina" for Jonathan's birthday. The boats in the marina float on calm waters. Lots of charming sites too: beautiful yachts, goofy house boats, screaming seals, leather faced orange boat-living people. It's thoroughly entertaining, and completely manageable anxiety wise. It was chilly that night, but we had pizza and champagne and warm coats to cuddle up in. Before I knew it we were very close to exiting the serenity of the marina and entering the motherfacking Pacific Ocean. The panic kicked in. 

This wasn't the plan! Uhhhh Cap'n,  it's lookin pretty choppy out there! I'm gonna get sea sick! I'm on a boat.... I'm trapped on this boat. The water is too cold to swim back! We're all gonna die. I don't know how, but we are...going.....to DIE!

Right before I peed my pants I noticed the exit of the marina is lined with a rock wall where hundreds of birds sit to sip in the sunset. While enjoying the view, they like to poop. Ya know, like birds do. The white mess has completely Jackson Pollocked this massive pile of rocks....and it's kinda beautiful. You get what I'm saying? The doo doo is beautiful if you forget it's doo doo for a second. I forgot we were floating out to sea and frantically started snapping away with my camera and when I looked up we were rocking on the open Pacific. 

Woe. I'm not scared. It is breathtaking. This looks like a vintage OP tee shirt. My friends are awesome. I'm drinking champagne. On a boat. Happy birthday babe. I laughed out loud. 

The idea that I probably wouldn't have gone on the sail if I knew we were going out to the ocean because I was "anxious about it" is ASININE.  GAH! I'm a whiney baby sometimes! So many otherwise amazing moments in my life have been obscured in my mind by my anxiety. But the fix is to just look at the moments differently. Live in the now as much as humanly possible. And when you do get scared, let yourself go there for a moment and snap back to reality. 

The beauty of a sunset (or a rock covered in bird excrement) will always be there to remind you that it's worth paying attention to the world outside of you as opposed to obsessing over thoughts or fears fabricated in your mind. 

Do YOU have a bird shit rock? Something that should've been ugly that turned into a beautiful experience?

And for your listening pleasure, A SONG to match this post. 

Alpaca Packs a Punch

 I'm a bit wary to approach this subject, as it is a controversial one. But what else is a blog for besides questioning your ethics and morals and then sharing your summations with the world? (Oh! I know! Posting tons of totes cute outfits pix biiiiitch!) But fur real y'all (see what I did there?) lemme me tell you my thoughts on animal products and fashion.

I suppose my ideas could be summed up with one old almage: everything in moderation. I really don't buy tons of leather first hand, and I have never bought any fur first hand. When I do buy leather straight from a fashion retailer, I make sure it is a product that is benefitting from being made from leather. Shoes, for example. Shoes become better when made out of a more sturdy material that forms to your foot over time.  For some reason when I see a pair of full on leather pants, I feel it's a little like, "What's up now cow!? How you like my butt on you?!? Oh yeah? Well suck it I'm human and I do what I want!" Ya know? I can't think of an occasion where leather pants are totally necessary.

but I bet you can....weirdo.

I will (every now and then) invest in a pair of shoes I know I will wear a ton...like all the time...I'll have them for years...like that animal is not just sitting there in my closet collecting dust. And to be honest, even after being sure to use that piece of flesh to it's fullest, I still feel guilty a bit. Which brings me to my next point.

I do buy fur and leather secondhand. (For example, this Goldendoodle vest! It's not Goldendoodle, although I cuddled with it like it was. I think it's alpaca, which aren't harmed in sheering but I digress.) I figure animal goods shouldn't just hang there in a thrift store. Someone should have them and appreciate them so the creature won't have died in vein. Riiiight?

To sum it up, I buy animal products in moderation or secondhand (Actually I try to buy a lot of my clothing second hand for the good of this world). I try to make conscious choices in what I put on my body and in it as well. But that's just my thing. And I'm happy to do it. I think if everyone started being a little more conscious it would make a big difference. The world is a fucked up place, and every little bit helps. I've thought immensely about cutting products that contain or contribute to the suffering of animals out of my life all together, and have done so with my beauty products and almost all of my food (I still eat fish), and hopefully one day I'll do it completely.

With all that said I might just be trying to make myself feel better.  Do me a fave and don't be a jerk in the comments. I know this can be a touchy subject, and I don't claim to know the best way. I just wanted to share some thoughts on the way that is working for me right now.  

On another note: This outfit was generously added to by two of my favorite ladies. My sister-in-law (who I met assistant styling in Dallas) gave me the safety pin ear rings. If you know anything about fashion styling, you'll know you deal wit A LOT of safety pins. And the metal clutch was given to me by my mama.

{Shirt: F21(similar here)} {Jeans: Helmut Lang} {Vest, Belt, Clutch: Vintage} 

{Rings: Grandmother's} {Earrings: Skylark (similar here)}

Vegan Shepherd's Pie (AKA Shepherdless Pie)

Guest Post By: Hang Knighton

It's so wrong it's right! Yes, to celebrate the Christianization of Ireland it is customary to get lit up like a Chinese fire cracker on Tet spewing bile as if it were fire from the dragon's mouth. I'm sure the good Saint Patrick is giddy with delight over the thought of it. Being that I'm Asian with no chance of Irish decent anywhere in my bloodline I will most likely be the first one face down from said revelry. Unless of course I have my fill of some hearty healthy Shepherd's Pie before partaking in a green beer keg stand contest. I can't even do a head or handstand even when sober much less while drinking beer upside down. I've tried. It's ugly and embarrassing for everyone involved. Besides, it's rumored that Shepard's pie isn't even originally from Ireland, it's bloody British. So was Saint Patrick, but who even cares anymore because we are blaspheming them all by going vegan with this thing. Calm yourselves, Irish eyes, there's some green stuff in there, kin to cabbage(very Irish), kinda like the shamrock. 

Why vegan you ask? I have vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian, and full on carnivores at the dining table at any given time so I made both meat and veg versions one evening. Aside from the ethical and health related reasons, I actually like the veg version better. It defies all meat eating logic, but it's just true. Plus, it gives you more room in the ol' gut for some Guinness. And what could possibly make beer better than it already is? Some aged Irish cheddar cheese if you please. I wouldn't say no to a fist full of it in the potatoes, but this is one of those recipes you can make your own according to your preferences and what's in the fridge. If you do go down the meat road, Bison is a nice alternative with less fat and higher iron and protein content. So, whichever way your meat ball rolls, it will still make for a lovely Shepherd/ Cottage/ Shepherdless/Vegan Pie.( I did some research and shepherd=lamb, cottage=beef, and you get the rest.) 

Ingredients:
6 potatoes
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp vegan butter spread
*kosher salt (I can, but won't tell you how much to salt your food; you are your own salt master)
1 quart vegetable stock
3 tbsp olive oil (similar to salt, olive oil master, use more or less)
2 cups chopped kale
3 chopped carrots
2 chopped parsnips
1 cup quartered baby bella mushrooms
1/2 cup green lentils
4 garlic cloves
1 yellow onion
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs savory
6 oz can tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
1tbsp worcestershire sauce (depending on how strictly vegan you are)
1tbsp brown rice miso paste
breadcrumbs

Directions:
Peel, rinse, roughly cube potatoes and cook till soft. The smaller the pieces the faster it takes to cook as well as easier to mash. While waiting for water to boil, cook lentils for 15 minutes in 2 cups water, 1 cup vegetable stock and a *sprinkle of salt. After potatoes are fully cooked, drain, salt, butter, milk, and mash while still hot using hand mashing tool of your choice.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Heat large pan with olive oil. Add chopped onions and cook till translucent. Add chopped garlic, herbs, carrots, parsnips and cook for 5 minutes. If your pan starts to get dry at this point splash in some vegetable stock. Otherwise, add the wine in now. Throw in the mushrooms. Add tomato and miso paste, worcestershire, and a few turns of the pepper grinder. When the mushrooms start to soften pour a cup or so of the stock into the mix, stir, taste, waft in the goodness. Now add the kale and the rest of the stock as well as the lentils, stir and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove stems from herbs as well as the bay leaves and discard. Salt to taste before ladling it all into an oven safe casserole dish. Finally, top with potato mash and breadcrumbs and put in the oven for 30-45 minutes. For a nice presentation you can top with chives or parseley. After removing from oven allow for 15 minutes or so to rest as it will be bubbling hot.

Velveteen Rabbits

It's chunky... it's funky.... it's my Homeless Pigeon Lady from Home Alone 2 sweater. I haven't worn it all winter because it just hasn't gotten cold enough. It's one of those pieces that demands your love. The knit fabric is what would happen if carpet from the 70's and an afro from the 70's had a baby. The sleeves resemble that of a court jester's. It's 3 sizes too big. But despite (because of?) all this, I love it.

I like to think we all have items like this. They're like Velveteen Rabbits. Items that have received so much love they begin to embody a life of their own. Items that anyone else would look over or even assume belonged to a street sleeper. Maybe it's a muumuu, or your favorite stretched out T shirt, or a pair of paint splattered overalls (and not the adorable kind that Leandra wears from The Man Repeller), completely torn up grass stained converse, jeans with so many holes in them you should be ashamed of yourself (but you're not). You can wear them on a casual weekend or a quick trip to the store, sure...but if you love them enough you'll keep on giving them life. Attempting to make a statement with them, or trying to make them look chic or stylish. Sometimes pulling it off... and when you do, well, that's the good shit. Wear those well worn, well loved babies till the cows come home. 

(I'm wearing heart sunglasses in these pictures to represent my undying love for this sweater.)  

This post brought to you by the musical stylings of Dr. Dog. Ugh! They make me feel nostalgic and homesick and cozy and hopeful and dreamy and happy all at the same time. 

{Sweater: Thrifted (similar)}{Turquoise Ring: Beacon's Closet (similar)}

{Black Coated Jeans: Rich and Skinny}{Hat: Gift (similar)}{Boots: Dolly Python}

{Sunglasses: Random Vintage Store Find (similar)}

In Betweenie Weenie: What to wear to a Willie Nelson Show

One does not simply attend a Willie Nelson concert. One experiences it. And in my world, when I experience anything, I prefer to be dressed appropriately. With a Willie Nelson show comes a certain responsibility. For me particularly, because I am a Texan...representin' in Cali.

So here was the conundrum: It's Willie which ignites thoughts of...Budweiser, dirt roads, dungarees and obviously...reefer. BUT the show was at a fancy schmancy venue which insights thoughts of: No outside booze (we left the flask in the car) balcony seating, beautiful architecture, women in "wraps" and ushers. So what's a girl to wear?? HOW do I keep my southern, slightly white trash roots while filling that fancy cushioned seat with a garment it could get along with?

For me the answer revealed itself with a sun dress featuring a train. A leather jacket with a tailored cut. A statement neck mimicking that of Native American jewelry but with pearls. And finally my cowboy boots.
All the familiarity of down home Texas with some added "laaa-deeee-daaa look at that city girl" detail.

And just so you know, Willie's still got it. I wept like a weepy wiener baby when he sang always on my mind. He signed autographs at the edge of the stage at the end of the show, and I'm quite sure he grew wings and ascended into the sky when he walked off stage.

I also wanted to say that the reactions and comments from my last post made me do fist pumps of joy in my soul. I wish I could give every commenter a big ole hug and an encouraging "get it guuuuuurl" smack on the ass! Love you dudes.