la fille facétieuse

2011-11-03T19:19:00.002-05:00

Well, my friends and followers, I have an announcement to make.

After some thought I have decided to close down my Etsy shop. I haven't been putting in the time it deserves for a while now, and now that I am in France, I don't see how I can manage it at all. I will keep you posted, of course, of any changes.

Also, this blog has changed a lot over the years, and I'm not sure where I'll be taking it next. It had originally started out as a place for me to critique people's outfits because I had been watching too much What Not to Wear and feeling sassy (that's where the name of the blog comes from). Obviously it has been reincarnated many times since then, and I don't really know what it's turned into now.
For now, I'm going to let it be, while I work on some other new projects. I will also keep you posted about that.

Thanks for reading!

Holy cats

2011-10-03T07:17:00.001-05:00

Holy cats I am in France.

My internet was all messed up at first, so I couldn't get on to any websites that required me to sign in (ie- everything the internet is good for).
Anyway, I made it. I'm here. I have internet access now. I just ate lunch, and now the warm autumn breeze is wafting through my open balcony doors. Hate me yet? haha

Today was my first day of work, and I only had to go in this morning for a few hours.
I think I am not going to talk about it too much on this blog, though. We'll see. I'm still working out the details of how I'm going to do everything.

I forgot my camera at home (ugh) but I have been taking a few pictures around town with my phone.

More later!

France

2011-09-15T14:43:00.001-05:00

I leave for France in less than a week!

I've got plane tickets and train tickets and hotel reservations and tram schedules and bus schedules and a ride all worked out from the bus station.

I have a one-way ticket, so I'm not sure when I'll be back in the states. Sometime next summer, I guess!
How do you pack for almost a year?
Any suggestions? Help!

Photo from somewhere on Etsy... I get so lost on there sometimes that I end up miles from where I started looking...

Cloudy and cool

2011-07-29T14:16:00.000-05:00

We've had tons of rain this summer. Got a change to sneak out in between downpours to take these pictures.

I know I still have other a month, but I am starting to freak out about packing for France.

I've packed for 6 months before, and it's not like it's much different to pack for more. I have too many clothes that I'm in love with. Or maybe this will help me weed out a lot of stuff I don't wear much and can get rid of. AH! Anxiety.

Dress, shoes- Target. Jacket- Banana Republic. Belt- thrifted. And that is my beauty of a Schwinn Breeze DeLuxe. It weighs about a thousand pounds but it's a step through, has fenders, was free and is great for cruising around town.

Preperations

2011-07-26T16:15:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been missing in action, as it were, lately.
I've been getting ready for France among other things.

What I've been up to:
-I got my visa! And my plane ticket!
-I've been doing yoga!
-I've been cat sitting this sweetheart over in St Paul:

(how to you get rid of 'pet eye' in phots?)
-I've been in Madison, Chicago, Minneapolis...
-I've been reading (mostly while the boy is studying for the bar- which is today and tomorrow!)
-I've been entertaining my brother's new kitten (5:30am is prime play time, I found out this morning in a terrified stupor when a tiny kitten jumped on my head)
-I've been seeing movies, baking cookies, making headbands, working at the theater, and listening to music.

I have also been running around like a crazy person and the thought that I am overextending myself has crossed my mind once or twice.
This was supposed to be my free week where I had nothing going on, and now suddenly I am booked through next weekend already.

What have you been up to lately?

ALC Resort 2012

2011-06-25T00:24:00.002-05:00

Ever since I got my iPad I have been on the lookout for great fashion apps (got any suggestions???) and I have become obsessed with checking the Style.com app every day. You can look at recent fashion shows and party pictures.

I can't get the ALC resort 2012 collection out of my head. I love the colors. I love the tailored pieces.

I love the key-hole button up shirts. I love the pointy (but not too pointy) toed shoes.

I became so enamored with this look that I recently bought two pairs of these shoes from Urban (in the gold and the black).

In my head this decision was completely logical.

ps- And the other shoes used in the collection? Wowza. I'd wear those in a second!

pps- I totally had blue pants like that in highschool.

Pictures of ALC from Style.com, shoes from Urbanoutfitters.com

Home, vintage ads, summer goals, etc.

2011-06-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

I'm back in Minnesota and ready to roll! Also, look at this sweet ad for a typewriter. Hilarious. (via Audrey Hepburn Complex)

Some thoughts:
- I only took film photos while on vacation, and I need to finish out the last roll so I can get it developed.
- My pal Amanda and I went through my entire closet and dresser, and I have 5 grocery bags of clothes that need to go. It's a good start! One of my summer goals is getting all my stuff together before I leave for France in the fall. This means a lot of editing. Aside from a lot of clothes, I also just have a lot of STUFF. Too much stuff. I need to cleanse my life of most of this stuff.
- I start house/cat sitting starting tomorrow. I hope having a home base closer to work, friends and the city will help me get a lot of the projects done that I have in mind. Amanda is in Copenhagen, interning with a fashion designer (JEALOUS) and working on her Danish.

It's raining softly outside and I'm looking forward to moving into Amanda's, hanging out with Bianca (her cat), and hopefully going to see L'amour fou (the YSL movie)! Things are looking up, it seems.

Spring!

2011-05-18T18:06:00.000-05:00

Spring is upon us (finally), and that means many things. School is wrapping up (I graduate on Saturday), the flowers are blooming (was taking pictures of apple blossoms yesterday afternoon), and the lazy days of summer will soon be here.

I have a giant stack of books to read (now that I can read on my own without feeling guilty), an overflowing closet to organize, tens of thousands of projects to start (and finish), a house to clean, and finding a second job for the summer wouldn't hurt either.

Logically then, this means that I am packing up and getting as far away as my little bank account will take me. =0) In the words of Yelle, "je fais mes valises et je pars demain." (trans: I'm packing my bags and leaving tomorrow) Except I am actually leaving very early next Tuesday, but anyway...

I'm heading off to California, among other places, to visit friends, relax and soak up some much needed vitamin D.

Life is going to be insane between then and now and I've taken the majority of the day off to take a deep breath, so I just wanted to pop in to say goodbye (for a bit).
Be back soon!

Yelle

2011-05-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

Yelle was last Saturday night at First Ave, and the show was AMAZING!

Aside from all the other factors that made the night great (good friends, great music, I had just given my masters presentation and was done with school), can we talk about Yelle's outfits?

The keyboardist and drummer started off wearing safari-esque outfits and hats, straight out of the Safari Disco Club music video. Yelle came out wearing the camouflage, leafy poncho thing at first, then took it off to reveal this super cute leopard tunic, worn with black leggings with fringe.

I love the sparkly rainbow sides and bust.

Next she changed into the famous fuchsia cat suit that she's been seen in this tour.

Leopard spots again, with accented shoulders. (side note- she is TINY!)

(All photos from the concert taken by City Pages)

C'était une soirée super asumsante! Merci Yelle!

ps- Amanda wore a charcoal grey dress with a sequent top, and I ended up wearing an aqua dress with a sweetheart top and white mesh:

Bill Cunningham New York

2011-05-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Bill Cunningham New York yet?

What an inspiring film! I am so in love with Bill- what an amazing individual. The film centers around his life, love of fashion, those who love him, and, of course, in his words, it's all about the clothes. What an icon.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it if you got out to see it, and if you're in the Twin Cities area today is your last chance to see it at the Edina! If you'd like to see it today, shoot me a direct message on Twitter and I'll give you a pass!

Terrence Payne

2011-05-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

My friend Will and I went to the gallery opening of artist Terrence Payne's "My apocalypse will be better than yours" a few weekends ago.

This was my favorite drawing, "My mushroom clouds will look like flowers." I loved the bright colors and strong, confident line work.

See the pieces from that show, and his other work for sale over at his etsy shop.

Hunter

2011-05-04T11:54:00.001-05:00

These Turks from Hunter are super cute. Everyone knows their iconic rain boots, but did you know about their rubber ballet flats?

What a cute alternative to wellies on a rainy day!

My favorites are in marigold and the kelly green. I might have to make the investment...

What do you think? Would you wear them?

Cucumber sandwiches

2011-05-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

Today is a day for cucumber sandwiches.

Miam, miam, miam. Would you like the recipe? It's super easy.
Here is what you need: a cucumber, cream cheese, bread, salt, vinegar.
Here is what you do:

Cut cucumber slices as thinly as you can.
Put them in a bowl along with a couple good splashes of white vinegar and a pinch of salt and set them in the fridge.
Next, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on some really good white bread.
Drain the cucumbers and lay them out on a paper towel. Blot them dry.
Arrange the cucumbers in a single layer on the now cheesey bread slices.
Cut off the crusts (if you like- it just makes them look nicer) and cut into small squares, or triangles, or whatever shape floats your boat.
Enjoy!

No, no. Not for you, kitty!

Rainy day

2011-04-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

I love my super warm, super thick, super high socks. They're perfect for a rainy day.

I also love my black raincoat. I got it at the Gap for my first trip to France when I was in high school... Seven years ago... Suddenly I'm feeling old. haha

Rain boots are also one of my favorite things. Ever. I have three pairs right now. Is that a lot? I saw some red ones at Heartbreaker not too long ago and I keep thinking about them. Bright red rain boots to go with my black jacket... I think that combination would just look so cool.

What do you think? Do you have rain boots? Do you sometimes hope for rainy days just so you can wear them?

Voltage, pt 4

2011-04-28T13:54:00.001-05:00

The last few photos from Voltage.

It was such a great time. I will definitely go again in 2013!

A special thanks to Amanda for graciously letting me share her photos from the event!

Now that MN Fashion Week is over, I have the Yelle concert to look forward to! By the way- I still have no idea what I'm going to wear to that.

Voltage, pt 3

2011-04-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Voltage, part the third.

In which our heroine posts the penultimate photographs from the fashion show/concert at First Avenue.

Amanda and I were definitely inspired by the Scandinavian-looking line by Rachel Blomgren. Delicious patterns! And knee-length and lower hem lines, which I have repeatedly been hold will be big this season. I guess I will try a skirt of such length, but I have always thought that they seem awkward on me since I am a little on the tall side... We'll see.

More pictures coming up!

All photos taken by Amanda Anderson.

Paper dolls

2011-04-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

Found this super cute paper doll of Voltage book via l'étoile magazine.

Illustrations by Lisa Luck, photos of the clothing pieces by Stephen Stephens.

Love it!

Head over to l'étoile to download the full pdf version featuring all 10 designers from Voltage 2011.

Voltage, pt 2

2011-04-26T13:23:00.002-05:00

Here are some more pictures from Voltage. Hope everyone is having a great week!

All photos taken by Amanda Anderson

Voltage, pt 1

2011-04-25T15:22:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite designers of the night was Danielle Everine.

Her choice of sheer, flowy fabrics coupled with tailored construction made me an instant fan.

I also loved the styling. And of course, everyone knows I love big, giant bows. These fabulous accessories were by Freedom from Doubt (bow ties!) and Jagress Intimates (pretty underoos!).

Photos provided by Amanda Anderson

Voltage- Fashion Amplified 2011

2011-04-20T10:49:00.002-05:00

I can't stop laughing at this picture. We are both making the WEIRDEST faces. I'll chalk it up to not-being-ready or something and just leave it at that. (at least I'm standing up straight!)

Voltage- Fashion Amplified was last Friday night. Amanda (my partner in crime) and I went and really, I have to say that it was really cool. It was at First Avenue downtown Minneapolis, which is normally a music venue. The models walked to live music (provided by Pink Mink, Fort Wilson Riot, Communist Daughter, Me and My Arrow, and Phantom Tails), which was awesome!

More pictures, etc to follow...

Envision Artopia, pt 3

2011-04-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here are the last of the pictures (taken by my pal, Amanda) from this year's Envision Artopia fashion show.

These photos were taken with an old Pentax and a roll of 35mm.

The camera has no flash, so I am surprised that they turned out as well as they did.

I actually really like how the lighting and contrast turned out in them.

This show was a great time, and I am pretty sad that I won't be able to go to next year's...

All photos in this post were taken by the lovely and talented Amanda. You can find a lot of her pictures over on her tumblr. She's got some amazing ones of her recent trip to Arizona up too!

Envision Artopia, pt 2

2011-04-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pictures from my digital camera from the show. Fortunately, I also had my Minolta so as soon as that roll gets developed, I'll have some more pictures... That hopefully turn out!

Amanda and I had a good time critiquing the looks, as well as the models' walks. Amanda was itching to get up on the catwalk again.

It was a fun night! I really need to get over to Cliché or Local Motion to check out some of the pieces from the local designers and get something from the show for myself!

Amanda also took some pictures with her Asahi Pentax K1000, some of which turned out great. I'll post some of those when I get a chance.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend! I'll be sure to share my pictures and everything from the Voltage show this weekend.

Envision Artopia, pt 1

2011-04-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Fashion Week has come! Last Saturday, my pal Amanda and I went to the Envision Artopia fashion show.
My digital camera died less than half way through, and the low battery must have been making it pretty angry, because most of the pictures turned out really weird.
Anyway, here are some of the better pictures.

This one is pretty blurry, but I loved the whole outfit. Amanda and I instantly turned to each other and said "I'd wear that."

White for spring/summer! I didn't even realize it until I put all these pictures up together.

Although, here in Minnesota there is a forecast for a different kind of white- 1-2 inches of snow this weekend! What the hell?!

I just got a pair of shorts from the H&M Conscious Collection, my new swimsuit just came in the mail, and my legs are aching for some exposure. Warm weather- hurry up and get here!

Envision Artopia 2011

2011-04-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

I will work on having better posture. I will also work on uploading pictures from the Envision Artopia 2011 fashion show that took place this last Saturday.

(More pictures from the City Pages photo booth here)

Faire la fête

2011-03-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

Ah! Life is suddenly getting out of hand! Time is getting away from me!

I just got an offer to teach French for a week! I'll be out of town and probably away from the internet, so I won't be able to be posting.
I leave today! I need to pack, verify my directions and get gas for my car.

In other news- I have a huge chunk of my master's paper due next week, so I probably won't be around much then either.

But! The 9th is the first of the spring fashion shows that Amanda and I are going to, so I will be sure to write about that.

I hope you are having a fabulous end to March, and that you are somewhere much warmer than I am! Thirties with a chance of snow this week? Ugh, come on! I wish spring would get here already.

Photo by ooppssyy

2011-03-22T01:22:00.000-05:00

Things have been pretty quiet around here- I worked out in Minneapolis Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Today was a much needed lazy day involving sleeping in, tea with my beau and making many shrinkydinks with my cousins (complete with tons of Yelle).

Now it's time for some sleepy jazz and cuddling with my big, hairy cat. I have a busy day full of errands to run before heading back out to Minneapolis for more work on Wednesday.

Goodnight!

Photo of the aforementioned beau and I by my dear friend Amanda

Candy Stripes

2011-03-10T11:57:00.001-06:00

My etsy shop is back up and ready for business!
This lovely ruffled headband is made from vintage materials. They're all used up which means this is a one of a kind piece.

Blue-grey, white and pink stripes are perfect to add a subtle pop of color to your outfit.

Intrigued, you say? How do I get one, you ask? Head on over to la fille facétieuse on etsy and snap this baby up!

(special thanks to my lovely model, Amanda!)

2011-03-09T14:13:00.000-06:00

Been sick the last couple of days. I hope you, dear readers, are feeling better than I.

Currently listening to Le Pas Du Chat Noir by Anouar Brahem. Nice, mellow, rainy day sort of jazz for my poor, achy body.

Yelle

2011-03-08T11:40:00.002-06:00

Can't stop listening to Yelle's new singles. After playing 'Safari Disco Club' on repeat for two weeks, 'Que veux-tu' is next in line. I've been listening to it nonstop. Can't get enough.

Here is the double feature music video that features both songs!

YELLE - Safari Disco Club / Que veux-tu (exclusive full length edit) from Yelle on Vimeo.

I'm going to see Yelle in May, and I'm already excited and already thinking about what to wear... !

What are you listening to lately?

Will spring ever come?

2011-03-07T23:54:00.001-06:00

It's been snowing again. I miss warm weather, dresses, cute shoes, and long walks.
Here are some photos I took last summer. Take a gander in an effort try to cure the winter blues.

Sara Lopez

2011-03-06T11:02:00.000-06:00

Before wrapping up my coverage on Distortion 2011, I'd like to mention a junior designer, Sara Lopez. Although Distortion was the senior fashion show, there was a small sophomore exhibition and a junior segment, in which they each sent one look down the runway.
My favorite was this look by Sara Lopez, called "Mod.rian," named for her inspiration drawn from the Dutch painter.

And with that, I'm all done gushing about Distortion!
Thanks for bearing with me, and I'm sorry that it took me so long to get around to it. I hope to go to at least a few of the spring MN Fashion Week shows coming up in April, and I'll try to be a little quicker with my updates!

Speaking of spring, I'm pretty sure it's never coming. We got more snow yesterday, and it's in the forecast for pretty much all of next week too. It's a shame because I have some pretty cute and springy dresses that I'll never be able to wear. Sigh.

Tierra Oliver

2011-03-05T11:27:00.001-06:00

I guess I'll continue to gush about feathers in this, the penultimate post about Distortion, featuring designs by Tierra Oliver.
Sticking with darker, earthy shades of reds and greens, the guinea feathers were the defining feature for me.
Overall, not my most favorite collection at the show, but MAN! Look at those eyelashes!

Heather King

2011-03-04T11:06:00.000-06:00

Heather King's collected caught my eye because I am on this champagne/beige/nude kick right now. I am seriously loving neutrals at the moment and have been living in them all winter it seems. I seriously made myself go out and buy a couple clothing items in color last week. Anyway!

I did love the neutral palette, and the role texture took in her collection. This dress is also super cute and I would wear it in a second.

Leslie Randall

2011-02-28T14:18:00.000-06:00

Leslie Randall's collection featured two gowns that caught my eye immediately. The cool blueish greys that she used and the classic feel drew me in completely.
The dress pictured above reminds me of Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn.

This dress was so beautiful, especially when you could see it move. Usually I'm not big on embellishments on dresses. Beads and stones and everything like that are just not my style. This feathers skirt, however? Perfect.
I want this dress. I want it in my closet right now and I will wear it on my wedding day. Silvery and chic with lots of movement. Sign me up. (... or zip me up... into this dress... now... please...)

Autumn Kirchman

2011-02-25T13:21:00.000-06:00

Autumn Kirchman's line offered a strong finish to Distortion. Her heavily constructed line was one of my favorites of the night, and the shoes were great too!

This short, white dress was styled in a perfectly edgy way. I love the feather fascinator, and the veil with the face-framing lace was beautiful. This would be an amazing wedding dress, and I would love to wear or attend the wedding that this dress would star in. Too bad I don't know any bride-to-be's to force this dress upon...

This red dress. I want this red dress. So architectural and amazing. I was geeking out as this came down the runway. I also wouldn't say no to those glittery, ruby slippers...

Carol Lee

2011-02-24T13:05:00.000-06:00

Carol Lee's line incorporated both soft fur and structured pieces. These camel pants were one of my favorite pieces of the night.

The blues and greens she chose were beautiful.

I'm not a huge fan of fur (or, mostly, fake fur) but for some reason I love this fur cape. We just had another blizzard (ugh) and I would love to crawl into this cape and and my over-the-knee boots and sip tea and look cute. Mmm...

The designer with all of her looks after the show.
Also, just so everyone knows- Amanda (4th from the left) had a fierce walk, did a great job, and we were all so proud of her!

Laura Henslin

2011-02-23T14:54:00.002-06:00

Laura Henslin's collection was springy, fun and perfectly styled. I loved the the models' consistent hair, and each model had false eyelashes on just one eye.

Although I am not a huge fan of the romper (we can talk about that another time), I loved this line. I would definitely wear this if it were two pieces.

The sweatheart tops, soft but structured details, and bright colors made me fall in love.

What do you think?

Distortion 2011

2011-02-22T18:10:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was the University of Minnesota's senior fashion show- Distortion.
I had great seats, two cameras, and a model for the a best friend.

Amanda had amazing false eyelashes (boy entrancers) and I looked like a tiny person in comparison to her in her heels (I'm 5'8" without shoes, and I'm standing on my tip toes in this picture).

More pictures to follow, along with my favorite lines from the show!

A few examples of why men should wear hats...

2011-02-18T00:03:00.000-06:00

What is it about a man in a hat? Chic, sexy, put together, masculine, mysterious... need I go on?

I honestly think that modern man should reconsider hats.

What do you think?

So classy...

Drumroll, please...

2011-02-16T01:54:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Eliana, Kelly, and Whitney!

Random.org chose these three lucky ladies as the winners of la fille facétieuse giveaway!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

Not so lucky? Head over to la fille facétieuse on Etsy!

2011-02-15T16:15:00.002-06:00

Have a nice weekend?
We've practically been having a heat wave here in Minnesota. It was 47 degrees on Sunday! I'm sure it won't last for long, but I'm grateful for the sunshine and the slowly melting snow. Even Bianca was excited about the first open window of the year. Bring on spring!

2011-02-11T11:45:00.000-06:00

I took this photo a couple of weekends ago at a friend's house.
Any dessert becomes instantly more special just by adding candles.
Don't you agree?

A couple of other things-

Remember to enter the giveaway!
Remember to include an email address so I can contact you if you in the giveaway!
It's snowing. Again. ugh

Giveaway!

2011-02-08T14:34:00.006-06:00

In honor of 200 posts, I will be giving away three, count 'em, three la fille facétieuse headbands!
One lucky winner will come away with the pheasant feather headband pictured above. The almond pattern feathers look great with any hair color. The feather pad is backed in felt and the headband is wrapped in brown ribbon.

Next up, two lucky readers will win petal headbands- perfect for spring (which is hopefully just around the corner). The pinks and peaches are sure to brighten up any outfit and add the right hint of playful girlishness. A great way to feel pretty without much effort. The petals are backed in felt with a silver headband.

How to enter: Comment below for one entry. Comment again saying that you tweeted the giveaway with a link for another entry!
The three lucky winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 16. [EDIT: Accidentally wrote "Wed, Feb 15!" Due to the mistake/confusion, I'll extend it and announce the winner Wed, Feb 16]
Be sure to include your email address so I can find you if you win!

Good luck!
Bonne chance!

Pea Soup

2011-02-04T12:56:00.002-06:00

What is better than a delicious and colorful lunch?

How about one with a good friend?

Yum.
Happy weekend!

Two Hundred!

2011-02-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

This is my 200th post!
Exciting? Of course.
I wanted to do something special, so I will make a couple of announcements:

I got wrapped up in a ton of stuff, and I am really sorry for dropping off the face of the planet for all of 2 months! (Oy!)
I have a new venture in the works with my dear friend Amanda. We're super excited about it! Our on-line shop will be launching this spring, and I will definitely keep you posted as it draws nearer.
Next week la fille facétieuse will be back up and running!

In honor of this occasion, I will be holding a give away for a couple of headbands!
Stay tuned for information on how to enter and what you can win!

Thanks for sticking with me through 200 posts! Merci mille fois!

Style in Nolte

2010-12-28T10:45:00.001-06:00

Here are a couple shots of Amanda and I at the Scandinavian Christmas party we went to.

Are we Scandinavian-looking enough for you?

-Møller & Bjørum

ps- This is post number 199! Stay tuned for something special on number 200!

Snow day

2010-12-27T10:10:00.002-06:00

We have been getting absolutely hammered with snow this December. During one of the storms I was snowed in at a friend's house for an entire weekend.

Being snowed in with a wonderful kitty and good friends...

...in a beautiful house- It could have been a lot worse!

Greetings from Minnesnowta- hope the rest of you are staying warm this winter

God Jul!

2010-12-25T01:09:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here are some pictures from the Scandinavian Christmas party Amanda and I went to.

Making flettehjerter.

Drinking glögg.

Amanda's author's photograph for a future book jacket. (Taken in the lounge)

A view of Folwell from the window. Construction considered, it's still such a beautiful building.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Minneapolis Street Style

2010-12-06T17:34:00.000-06:00

True Minneapolis street style as seen over near East Hennepin last Sunday.

Why is winter so miserable? Sure, the snow is white and pretty now, but it will soon all turn grey and dirty. It will barely hit above freezing and we'll all be doomed to enormous clothes and taking on extra winter weight just to make it through the season.

Sorry. I should be more positive. I like knitting hats and things? I like wearing tights and boots. I like pretty, white winter mornings. There. Better?

Speaking of tights, I've picked up four pairs of sweater tights in the last few weeks. Neutral colors. I really can't wear dresses to the elementary school I'm at now-- too many kids climbing all over me, and too much bending down, sitting on the floor and crouching. However, I plan to resume wearing dresses and skirts as normal, everyday wear as soon as it's over. Hopefully these tights will keep me toasty (or at least keep me from the clutches of hypothermia).

Kate Middleton

2010-12-01T11:03:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official. The biggest celebrity crush of my teen years is off the market. Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged now. Sigh. However, it's hard not to like her. She's just so cute. Don't you love her hats?

Very chic. Are hats more common generally in the UK? Or is it just more of a royal family and events sort of thing?

They do make a cute couple though. I hope things go well for them.

Dream coat

2010-11-30T10:52:00.002-06:00

This is my dream coat. When I worked at Macy's last year I would fantasize about owning this coat every day. I would try it on and look in the mirror and sigh...

It's French Connection and it's around $300 wherever you look. Nordstrom has it this year in grey (apparently French Connection has put it out in different colors every year for the last few, so I am lucky they have it in grey again this year), and I am hoping that I can get it for birthday and/or Christmas this year.

Let the drooling commence

Holiday Parties

2010-11-29T17:48:00.000-06:00

Going to any?
This would be a cute dress to wear. Urban Outfitters- $149 by Kimchi Blue.

Boo

2010-11-24T23:13:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking that my dream skirt is making me look frumpy. =0(
Get ready for some horrible pictures. I need a new digital camera like whoa.

Damn.Maybe it's the shirt? A bad shirt?
Bah.
Maybe shall return it?

Just read some reviews on their website (should have read them all before purchasing...) and one girl recommended sizing down. Wouldn't have thought of that, but it would definitely improve everything if it was about an inch higher on my waist.

Alas, it is not meant to be my Thanksgiving skirt... But perhaps I'll exchange it for a smaller size on Friday or Saturday, rather than returning it all together.

Gap pleated skirt

2010-11-18T11:35:00.010-06:00

So cute.

I think I need this skirt from Gap. Darling pleats and (one of my most favorite things in the world) a bow- this skirt has it all. It comes in dark grey and this pretty mustard color.
I like both, but I think the golden yellow of this skirt could really spice up an outfit. Plus, I tend to only wear shades of grey, white and black lately, so some color would be nice.
I may go find somewhere to try it on this week.

What are the pieces you are lusting over right now?

Found

2010-11-17T21:08:00.000-06:00

Really bad pictures, I know (I am hoping for a new camera for Christmas), but I found these boots in a suitcase today.

I think I borrowed them from my grandmother in senior year of high school. Whoops... haha It's been awhile.

They look a lot like the black boots that I bought this year... Hopefully I can keep them and have another pair of boots for this year.

Note: No one let me buy anymore boots! I have more than enough and I don't know how I could justify further boot purchases at this time. Thank you. That is all.

Bow tie

2010-11-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Cute cat photo over at Patricia Soransso's Flickr

Sale

2010-11-12T12:24:00.000-06:00

Heyo readers-

If you enjoy my OCKEN lace-up ankle boots from ALDO, these CASSAR ones are on clearance right now. From what I can tell they are the exact same shoes except a little lighter in color. $90 isn't bad for real leather, and they come in this nice cognac shade, in addition to black.
They're also really soft and if you aren't wearing them everyday, I would suggest mounting them to the wall, because they are gorgeous to look at as well.

In other news- didn't have to go to the elementary school today (did I mention that I'm at an elementary school now?), still sick (sinus infection? possibly? gross?), and we're supposed to get somewhere between 1 and 8 inches of snow in the next 24 hours. This may be the last day I can wear my lace-up ankle boots! I should think of a reason to leave the house (sudafed?) so I can get dolled up and wear them outside one last time.

oh dear...

2010-11-11T11:58:00.001-06:00

They came from Goodwill. They look at home in the windowsill.

"Young London"

2010-11-09T09:36:00.000-06:00

Go check out this adorable girl over at the Sartorialist.

I miss London. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Home sick today. I blame the elementary kids and their infectious ways.

At least I have this furry beast to keep me company.

My room is not quite put together yet... As you can see. I may work on that a little bit today if I can get out of bed without coughing myself to death.

Lovely things

2010-11-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

Lately by fillefacetieuse featuring a white t-shirt

I may or mat not have bought those boots.
Also, I love wearing that t shirt from J Crew. Nautical stripes, three-quarter sleeves, and a dusting of sequents across the shoulders.

"Ah, yes...before she was a destroyer of worlds she was just simply Marvel Girl."

2010-11-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

The only picture of me in my Halloween costume (so far)

First place lady's costume at the Double Danger Halloween costume contest!
=0)
Jean Grey is the best.

You can't tell very much in this picture (weird) but my hair is red again now. I like being a redhead every once in a while! I may make it a regular thing.

2010-10-31T22:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

(via "Found Shit")

Dreamy

2010-10-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

I was browsing through Anthropologie the other day (why on earth would I do that to myself?), and found a few choice items. First on the docket, this extremely dreamy "Time Gone By Dress." It's a beauty. I imagine it as an every day sort of wardrobe piece that can easily go from day to night. If anyone wants to get it for me, I'm a small and I swear to wear it all the time. =0)

Next up: the Dog Trot Cardigan

I love this silly sweater. I imagine it's thick and warm and would put a smile on your face every time you'd put it on. I mean, how could you not be happy in a cardigan covered in Scottie dogs?

Although I have no right to be buying any new clothes whatsoever, I still find myself pining over these two pieces.

Fifi

2010-10-23T09:40:00.001-05:00

Have you checked out the new Fifi Lapin shop? I would like to have this brooch pin, featuring Fifi in an adorable sweater and skirt combination.

I also wouldn't mind having a print of Fifi gracing my bedroom wall.

Which print is your favorite?

Boots

2010-10-21T18:43:00.001-05:00

Went and tried on those dreamy ankle boots from Aldo.

It's problematic because they were so beautiful and perfect and MAN did I look cool in them. The saleswoman seemed less than interested in helping me and the store was busy (Sunday afternoon at the Mall of America is when everyone and their mom decides to go shopping), so I think I'm going to go over to another mall tomorrow and try them on again. I might have to splurge.

I can't stop thinking about them.
I think I'm in love.

Very Pretty

2010-10-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful kitty over on miel's flickr

Oh yes.

2010-10-17T19:52:00.002-05:00

nowlikephotos:

“Red Lights” by Holy Fuck

Yes, please

2010-10-09T13:15:00.001-05:00

I am in love with these OCKEN ankle boots from Aldo.

At $110 they aren't exactly cheap, but they're so beautiful. I may stop over at an Aldo after school one day this week to see if I can try on a pair.

Boot weather is definitely upon us, which makes me more than just a little happy. I am definitely what you would call a 'boot enthusiast.' Minnesota makes for good weather for such people, as the weather is boot-cooperative at least from September to April (however, the salt in winter is a boot killer, but that's a whole other story).

Fashion Icons, pt. 3

2010-10-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

After a brief hiatus, we're back with...
Audrey Hepburn!

I know she's on most everyone's list, but c'mon...

How can you resist her?
(Side note- I would totally wear that sweater)

I recently bought a very Audrey-esque black sheath dress that I am looking forward to wearing for teaching soon.

Lovely.

Being a teacher...

2010-09-22T17:41:00.000-05:00

... is exhausting.
Yesterday I was at the school for 10 hours. I went to sleep before 10pm.
Today wasn't quite as long, but I am still exhausted enough to not want to move. I was considering going to see a movie but I really don't feel up to venturing out of the apartment. It's rather rainy and brisk en dehors.

In other news, I have to move back in with my mother on Saturday. I will cry real tears. I am a city gal. I don't want a life in the suburbs.
Bah.

Tiny Pony

2010-09-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

AH! Go read this blog post.

I needed to share it a couple more places, although maybe everyone has already seen/read it?
Lately I have felt like the world is full of "tiny ponies" that no one else seems to notice. I am constantly pointing things out, or asking "Did you see that?!" to the people around me who seem to either be completely and totally unaware or who have ceased to see the magic little things in this world we are a part of.

Maybe it was years of my mother constantly drilling my brother and I with "You need to be more observant!" (mostly addressed to him, because he was the kind of kid who always wandered off and got lost in Target, etc)

Maybe that's why I've never been in a car accident?

Maybe that's why I always carry some sort of camera around with me now. Maybe I should go scan some photos for your viewing pleasure. I'll get on that.

Go read that post on Frank Chimero's blog, please!

Geeking out.

2010-08-23T15:31:00.002-05:00

So, if you've been following my for any length of time, you have found out that I am a giant geek. For proof, look no further.

Last year I was at Comic Con, but this year I was #Not at Comic Con. Double Danger comics hosted a party sponsored by Dark Horse and Red Bull for those of us not lucky enough to be in San Diego this July.
Carl, Alyssa and I dressed up for the costume contest as Cyclops, Ramona Flowers and Poison Ivy.

We took the #Not at Comic Con party by storm and all came away with prizes. I won "Best Ladies Costume" and got a little trophy, and a giant bag of prizes (graphic novels, comic books, etc). Carl and Elp got prizes too!

It was a great day, and I got to dye my hair red (something I have always secretly wanted to do).
There are more pictures on Double Danger's facebook page, including a really dorky picture of me accepting my trophy and some group shots. It was exactly what I needed after taking the Praxis II that morning (but let's not talk about that).

-Geek out.

Lately

2010-08-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

Well, the Art Fair was pretty rad! I sold about $70 worth of la fille facétieuse stuff, ate some cheese curds, and had an all around good time!
Thanks for stopping by, everyone! Here's Colin drawing people (poorly) outside our little shop.

I apologize for being absent again. I'll have to talk to my mom and borrow her digital camera perhaps. It will be a lot easier in October because (queue dramatic chipmunk) I have to move home. =0/
Moving back in with my parents is like the ultimate in defeat, but at least it's for a good reason.
I am starting student teaching! The first day of school is September 7th. Since I am somehow taking 14 credits this semester without setting foot on campus, I am essentially paying the college to let me work for free at a high school. Hm. It seems like a scam, but everything in the world of high education does (including and especially standardized tests. Don't get me started).
Anyway, I'll have absolutely no money and little time to work. This means no money for rent, and therefor I have to move home where the rent is free.
Buh.

Less depressing things that have been going on in my life- I have been taking TONS of pictures with my analogue cameras. My family of cameras seems to grow by the day thanks to trips to various thrift stores, grandparent's houses, and a small ebay addiction.

This is my newest baby- the Golden Half. It takes half frame pictures, and I got it on super sale at a store in Madison, WI when I was out there visiting a friend.
I got a couple rolls developed, and will have them scanned and on-line soon. I would love to share them with all of you!

Uptown!

2010-08-04T19:29:00.000-05:00

Hey readers! Are you in the Minneapolis area?
Come visit me at the Uptown Art Fair! I'll be at the corner of Lagoon & Hennepin from 10am to 3pm on Saturday. My stuff will be there (probably) all weekend.
Pretties for your hair starting at $5.

Right under the Uptown!
Be there!

2010-08-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

My digital camera is very broken.

Sorry for my absence lately.

I'm kind of bummed, and of course, this means I can't put anything up on etsy.

bah.

Gotta catch 'em all!

2010-07-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

I found these drawings on the floor at Ikea the other day. I felt bad for taking them, but my aunt assured me that as a mother that she wouldn't go searching through the labyrinth that is Ikea for some child's drawings that they'd dropped, so then I felt better about it.

Nice work, kid!

I interpret them to be pikachu, latios and charmeleon.
I had to share.

Opinion please!

2010-07-18T02:22:00.000-05:00

I need your opinions, dear readers!
Does having a headband covered matter much to you? Is a raw metal headband less appealing than a ribbon-wrapped one?

What do you think?

2010-07-16T11:31:00.000-05:00

(click to enlarge)

Here is a sneaky peak of one of my new headbands. I think I'm keeping this exact one for myself... I may wear it today.
(also my hair is back with those spin pins I mentioned...)

(...I may be a little obsessed with them...)

Also! TONIGHT!

2010-07-15T13:13:00.001-05:00

If you are in the Minneapolis area, Paper Darts is having their second issue launch party... TONIGHT!
There are also other sweet events going on all week long.
The launch party is tonight from 7 to 10pm.
Here are more details for that as well as the other events all weekend long!

See you there!

Magic

2010-07-15T13:07:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to tell you about something I discovered and also just to let you know that I'm still alive.
Hello! I am still alive! I have been working on some new designs for headbands, loving my new job, cleaning my room (& the apartment in general) and trying not to die in the hot, disgusting, humid, Minnesota summer heat. Yesterday was in the 90's. There were moments in which I thought I was literally going to pass out. Elp would have come home to me face down on the kitchen floor, clutching the Swiffer in one hand reaching out toward the fridge with the other. I imagine I would have survived, but it wouldn't have been a pretty sight.

Second order of business. Have you seen commercials for these?

Goody Spin Pins:
They are MADE OF MAGIC.

I have been making sure to check the hair aisle of Target every time I've gone for the past couple months, and finally I got lucky. I have been playing with them constantly for the past 3 days and I firmly believe that yes, they are indeed made of magic.

Please, go out and buy a package. Normal bobby pins don't stay in my hair, they just slide right out. These magical entities cork screw in and don't budge. Since my hair is pretty long right now, in this hot weather I have been opting for buns. A pony tail is very long and gets all tangled because Minneapolis has this horrible, hot summer wind that blows insistently. Buns are the way to go.
I'm getting side tracked.
Go buy some spin pins.

That is all.

More later. Promise.

New photos

2010-07-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

Hey all-
I have been slowly scanning some new pictures of mine today. Some are from older rolls from the fall, some are more recent (and in color!).

I took a large chunk of May and went out to California to stay with my friend Maddy. Her apartment was on the beach in Redondo, but we took one weekend and drove up to San Fransisco. What a city! I really liked it when I was there last summer, and thankfully I got to see more this time around. It's a place I'd seriously consider moving to.

Anyway, the pictures are all going up here. I'm waiting to post the bulk of them, because I don't want to put too many doubles up.
All of the color ones taken during my time in California need to be scanned in using a negative scanner. The image actually goes straight to the edges of the film, which looks really cool. Hopefully I will have access to one soon and then I can post all of them.

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! I watched about 10 different fireworks shows from on top of a roof in Uptown. We had to climb this pretty sketchy ladder to get up there, and I had to promise a friend that I would not fall, be electrocuted, and die before I was allowed to go up.
It was a great time!

What did you do to celebrate?

Fashion Icons, pt. 2.2

2010-06-27T13:15:00.000-05:00

Let's just pick up where we left off, shall we?

Françoise Hardy was the epitome of 60's classic chic. Her style was timeless. She could jump out of any of these pictures today, walk down the street, fit right in and be the envy of those she passed.

Fashion Icons, pt. 2.1

2010-06-25T18:47:00.006-05:00

Next up on my list of fashion icons is Françoise Hardy. Born in 1944, Françoise Hardy is a musician and fashion icon.

These pictures don't need much explanation, so just drink them in =0)

This is going to have to be a two parter, because I have many more pictures I'd like to share

Fashion Icons, pt. 1

2010-06-23T15:14:00.031-05:00

Do I need to even explain why she is so great? Besides the fact that she is the coolest person alive, she is half of an awesome band, has a beautiful voice, plays the ukulele, is an amazing actress, married to Ben Gibbard, and on top of all of that: the girl can dress.

Her vintage style makes me want to cry it's so wonderful.

And when she dresses up her red carpet clothes are to die for.
Here are some more pictures I've been collecting.

Lovely.

Step 1: Operation Getthingsbackinorder

2010-06-21T18:13:00.001-05:00

Alright. Step 1 in Getthingsbackinorder involves cleaning my room! It's been more than a little neglected over the past 2 and a half months. I'm posting some pictures as motivation to finish.

In addition to the grossness of the mess, I also apologize for the poor picture quality. These were taken with my phone, as my camera has been dead for a couple months and I can't find the charger (wonder why?).

Believe it or not, I took these pictures today after cleaning up a bit. I did a ton of laundry, and actually all of the clothes on the chair are clean. I just need to get them into the closet.

Will try this week to make some more regular posts and get back into a schedule! It's nice to be back

I'm back

2010-06-21T16:19:00.002-05:00

=0)

2010-04-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Dear readers:

I am going to be taking a short break from my blog while I sort some other things out.
I plan to return rested and with a new perspective! =0)

ps- I will say one quick thing before I leave- I'm excited for Zac Posen for Target, coming out April 25. I will definitely be there on Sunday haha

2010-04-06T22:33:00.001-05:00

Most. Amazing. Flickr. Account. EVAR.
Lissy Elle on Flickr

2010-04-05T22:44:00.001-05:00

FINALLY got my scanner working! That means that my lomo pictures can be shared!
Wahooo!!

I am toying with the idea of starting a different blog for my photos... What do you think? I guess what matters most is storage... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

2010-04-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

These are beautiful. They're STORMY WEATHER boots from BC Footwear. I realize they probably aren't very "springy," soo... is it too early to start thinking about next fall?

They also come in black and vintage white. I need to find them in some store so I can try them on. Mmmm (can you say tax refund?)

2010-03-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

Another from LOOKs- I had to show it because this picture/hat totally walked out of Casablanca. Lurve it.

2010-03-30T11:15:00.001-05:00

Although I don't plan on paying $48 for these vintage sunglasses, I LOVE this photo from LOOKs's etsy shop.

Yeap. Love, love, love everything about it- especially that hat. It's like a more feminine twist on a fedora.

Too bad it's not for sale in the shop =0(

thoroughly enjoying all the bells & whistles on my new computer

2010-03-29T13:01:00.001-05:00

chanel bike

2010-03-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

2010-03-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

This summer, my aunt, uncle and I are going to be doing the Wine Country Half Marathon with CCFA's Team Challenge!

The CCFA's mission is "to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases."

My cousin is afflicted with UC, and it's a shame that she can't live a 'normal' life like the other kids in her class. Normally once a year my family and friends do the CCFA walk and raise money for that. This year, we're stepping it up and doing a half marathon!

We set up a web page where you can learn more and donate, if ye like.
Now I just need to start training seriously... Oof.

2010-03-26T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hey cats!

I did it! I made it through and now it's SPRING BREAK!
Expect a real post tomorrow! Huzzah!

2010-03-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

Sorry readers!

I have been swamped lately! I will emerge out from under my pile of school work when I finally get to to Spring Break (March 26).

I'm going to be out at French camp this weekend, teaching the youngsters, but I will hopefully post after that!

sunshine award

2010-03-09T22:36:00.000-06:00

A big thanks to Josie over at With a Wink and a Smie for awarding my blog a "sunshine award!"

Thanks again!

great weekend!

2010-03-07T19:34:00.001-06:00

This weekend was fabulous!
The snow is melting and (dare I say it?) spring is in the air!!!
I got to spend the last couple days with some of my best pals in the wide world- Morgan, Chloe and Allie. We all became friends in France two years ago and I'm so glad that we all keep in touch. Allie and I are here in the Cities, but now Chloe lives in Wisconsin and Morgan has been sort of a nomad (working at a bunch of film festivals, she just got done with Sundance- how cool is that?!).

(an old picture from London)

It was really great to have the ol' pasty clan together again.
Thanks for the lovely weekend, ladies!

my favorite picture today

2010-03-06T15:29:00.000-06:00