All Ears

I love the idea of wearing brooches in place of bow ties or bib necklaces. Obviously with this outfit, a bow tie would look ridiculous because there is no collar, but you get what I'm saying. A brooch right in the center of a sweater or collared shirt (or even better: a collared shirt layered under a sweater) is a pretty eclectic style statement. 

I had my doubts on whether or not this outfit was too much (the headband, the beehive, the dotted tights, the giant elephant brooch) but then I was all, "Grow some big ole' balls, Ash! Who gives a care?!"

I'm glad I listened to myself. I encourage you to do the same when feeling shy about that muumuu you're wanting to wear out on the town, or even something less statement-y like pattern mixing, or simply wearing heels! It feels good to reach your toe (even ever so slightly) outside your comfort zone. 

On the brooch: I found it on eBay through an arduous process of typing "GIANT ANIMAL JEWELRY" in the search engine, then flipping through pages of results. This highly difficult technique is also how I obtained my birdbath ring, which you might recall from this post. 

{Vince Camuto Boots: Nordstrom Rack} {Belt, Hair Scarf: Thrifted} {Shorts: Vintage, Girbaud}

{Free Press Dot Tights: Nordstrom Rack (similar)} {Elephant Broach: Ebay} {Sweater: Vintage} 

{Lip Gloss: Estee Lauder, Plum Divine}

On Resolutions

(This is a peaceful landscape photo to reflect my peaceful-2013-innerself landscape)

In the spirit of the new year, 2013 (by the way my favorite Christmas present was that I won't EVER have to see a sarcastic facebook post about the Mayan Apocalypse again) I thought I'd write on resolutions. 

I'm not a huge fan of strict life changes. Unless it's heroin or something like that. Then I'm all, "Cold Turkey, mofo!" But generally I'm more of the type that eases into things. With that being said there are quite a few lifestyle changes that Jonathan and I have decided to make this year. 

Firstly, since I have moved to California I've been styling Jonathan for the show he does for Billboard Music. I get allotted a substantial amount of money a month to spend on his clothes. With this money in hand I have realized I very much have a voice in the retail industry. Lately I have been trying to avoid fast fashion retailers with poor business practices. It is not only an ethical issue, but an issue of the quality of the threads we choose to put on our backs. Plus there are tons of small business retailers that could use support! So this year I will try my damnedest to invest in quality instead of quantity. 

The big one: No more cigarettes. I am still, however, getting my nicotine fix with an electronic cigarette. Thus far it's doing the trick. 

JUICE! We're trying to juice every morning. This is absolutely necessary to take place of the coffee and cigarettes...seriously....we juice to poop.

Then there's all the personal stuff: 

Stay present.

Volunteer.

Start speaking positive things into existence. 

Shoot more.

Write more.

Ease up on the self-guilt.

More phone calls, less facebook.

and so fourth. 

Does this seem unobtainable? What are your resolution(s)?

xo.

Floral Frenzy

The bold floral pattern on this dress is such a refreshing alternative to ditzy floral. SRSLY....I feel as though ditzy floral has been shoved down our throats by major clothing manufacturers for the last 6 springs. Even the name "ditzy floral" has mutated from sounding cute and fun and maybe something I'd like to be a part of, to tedious and annoyingly "tween" like. 

Whoa. I don't know where all this resentment came from. 

Anyhoo, I feel this look is actually seasonally appropriate...it's a challenge to stick to what's seasonal in LA. Ya know, 'cause there are no seasons here. It's also somewhat difficult to parade around in florals without feeling too springy. (That's what I do. I parade in them). So, when I'm feeling bloomy in the gloomy months (you're welcome) I try to pair the print with leather. Furthermore, flowers on black can be fall-ish and fun....fun like a funeral!

 On the braid in my hair: do not ask me how I did it. I could probably never do it again. All I know is I was going to do that braided crown thing, I got lazy half way through and put the rest in a side pony.

The boots I'm wearing in the photos were one of my favorite Christmas presents. (THaNkS mOM I lOvE YoUUUU!!!!) Also, those awesome buckle earrings were a gift from my awesome husband, from the awesome vintage store, Dolly Python.

(Oh laawwwwd please disregard my tacky chipped Christmas themed fingernails)

Floral Dress: Kensie, Boots: Vince Camuto, Sequin Cardigan: Cremieux, Belt and Fringe Jacket: Vintage, Earrings and Cat Eye Glasses: Dolly Python