SELF: Floral arrangement.

XXI floral dress
newport news olive suede mary janes
vintage belt
"hair scarf" (because the wind was blowing)

Inspiration:
my grandparents' floral wallpaper
blooming gardens
myself at age 8

SELF: "I had a pony. Her name was Lucifer."

vintage Culture Club muscle tee
floral XXI bubble skirt
bamboo black pumps
target shades
fabric belt from an old dress

Inspiration:

LITERARY INSPIRATION: Clarisse McClellan

As an avid reader and compulsive collector of books, I like to dream up characters and take great pleasure in imagining their appearances, expressions and movement. One of my all-time favorite novel characters is Clarisse from Ray Bradbury's classic, Fahrenheit 451.

"Her head was half bent to watch her shoes stir the circling leaves. Her face was slender and milk-white, and in it was a kind of gentle hunger that touched over everything with tireless curiosity. It was a look, almost, of pale surprise; the dark eyes were so fixed to the world that no move escaped them."

Upon reading Bradbury's eloquent introduction to this enigmatic female, I suppose I saw a bit of myself in her, or at least I wanted to. The pale skin and dark eyes were something physical I could identify with.

"Her dress was white and it whispered. He almost thought he heard the motion of her hands as she walked, and the infinitely small sound now, the white stir of her face turning when she discovered she was a moment away from a man who stood in the middle of the pavement waiting."

This small girl in a white dress seemed so elegant and alluring. I was drawn in quickly to her ghostly qualities. But it was her odd character and appreciation for life, observance of the world around her and spunky rebellious streak that really solidified her cool factor.

"'Well,' she said, 'I'm seventeen and I'm crazy. My uncle says the two always go together. When people ask your age, he said, always say seventeen and insane. Isn't this a nice time of night to walk? I like to smell things and look at things, and sometimes stay up all night, walking, and watch the sun rise.'"

Like Luna Lovegood or a female J.D. from Heathers, this girl is enigmatic, romantic and an inspiring presence. I picture a fair skinned, fresh faced girl in an Erin Fetherston dress with jet black hair and wide, doll eyes. She probably listens to Stevie Nicks or Tori Amos and seduces every older man she meets with her weird, pretty charm.

She'd be one of these girls, but she'd wander off the path.

Mod Makeup

While the world continues to gawk at the mod charm of Twiggy and Warholian tragedy of Edie Sedgwick, there was one woman who starred in a satirical art piece I once ordered from a Japanese bootleg website. Qui êtes vous Polly Maggoo? was this French-language, black and white cinematic gem. The cinematography was ace — stripes are used in outfits and on walls in a purely '60s artsy way. But the real star behind this flick was the makeup artist. The deep blacks of the swan-like eyeliner contrasted with the grays and whites of each frame and made me envy this dark mod style.













{Watch more}

I also see the dazzling Peggy Moffitt up there. Her bowl cut was bad ass.
Here's a pretty good tutorial on how to get a very dramatic 1960s eye makeup look. Slather on some thick false lashes, gel liner and bright white eye pencil on the waterline of the eye and this look is ready for a groovy night out.
As for day time, I prefer to wear a light foundation over SPF moisturizer (to get a nice dewy look), sweep a liquid black eyeliner over my top lashes, curl and cover my lashes in mascara, then top it off with a really bright lipstick. I think I'll save the Maggoo look for a daring night. And man, that haircut is really tempting...

STYLE ICONS: Summer 2011

Vickie Miner, Reality Bites
Not only is Ms. Garofalo's hairstyle my current bangs inspiration, her affinity for '70s culture is equivalent to the way I feel about the '90s. Her canary-colored wardrobe and vintage paisley prints are just funky enough for my carefree summer days. {See more}


Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
While Serena opts for a nearly skin-colored lacy frock, Blair ups the quirk in this cherry top, contrasting floral skirt and patchwork Chanel bag. Her slouchy beanie puts a downtown spin on the Parisian beret (the girls were in Paris this episode) and compliments the blue in her top very well. I'm all about interesting prints and hats this summer, and this outfit mixes it up in a really unique way. I can dig it.


Iris Steensma, Taxi Driver
I will forever love Jodie Foster's perfectly '70s style in this film. The vintage take on prostitute wear is laughable, as it's more Gidget than whorish. From the amazing floppy hat (next item on my wishlist) to the rose-colored shirt and shorts and the fantastic red platforms (I totally own a pair, and they look rad with tights), everything here is awesome for summer. Even the highwaisted bellbottoms and printed crop top on Iris' companion (trivia: she was a real-life child prostitute) are perfectly retro. Oh, and Iris' 1920s pincurls are beyond presh. Not to mention the sunglasses. Gah!


L'Trimm, "Cars With the Boom" Video
These girls were the younger, sassier, much cooler Madonnas of the 1980s. I am mad in love with their matchy, layered styles and ballin' leggings. From the Joey Jeremiah hats to the cropped punk jackets, it all works in a funky and clever way. I'd wear these outfits OUT and bust a move and/or rollerblade all night long. {Watch Video}


Beyoncé, "Why Don't You Love Me" Video
I clearly saved the best for last. Ms. Knowles is flawless in this video. Channeling the classic '40s-'50s pinup style, the Bettie bangs, red lips, turquoise nails, pastel shoes, plastic accessories and floral lingerie are all spot-on. I want to wear all of her outfits to clean the house, eat ice cream, talk on the phone and bake cookies. Her makeup is perfection, her hair is enviable. I think I'm in love. {Watch Video}






Want.

Don't Worry: This isn't a fashion blog

Growing up in the suburban midwest, it wasn't difficult to stand out when dressing yourself in clothing beyond what's found at the local mall. I've never considered myself "fashionable," but I consider myself mostly wise in my style choices.
Without a lecture or pretending I know what I am talking about, here's a brief rundown on how to catch an eye and gain a compliment every day on a really simple outfit:

1. Dress for your body
This is such a simple rule, but it's one people don't abide by because they are afraid to really analyze their bodies without scrutinizing. I didn't dress for my body for the majority of my life because I was insecure, and I wanted to either cover it up with baggy layers or dress in a way more appropriate for a woman a foot taller than I. Embrace what you have, and look for clothing cut in the shape of your figure. Think long, lean and sleek. I've found that fun 1940s style sundresses compliment my figure, and quirky heels make my short legs look longer while still keeping in tune with my personal taste. Which brings me to my next point —

2. Don't compromise what makes you an individual
If orange is your favorite color, by all means, incorporate a few standout tangerine pieces in your wardrobe! This doesn't mean owning a dozen fruit-colored T-shirts, but keep these special items around to play up a boring outfit. I have a strong affinity towards grunge music (Don't judge me. Middle school was a hard time, OK?!) so instead of dressing head-to-toe in sloppy, outdated '90s gear, I'll toss on a Nirvana tee and pair it with more feminine items like a skirt, cardigan and pretty flats. I'm blending my tastes together to create a style tailored to my personal taste. Balance is key, as it a splash of subtlety and a dash of comfort.

3. Pretend you are really broke
Or if you are, even better. When you are low on funds, buying five of the same itchy sweater isn't quite as important as affording toilet paper. Splurging on a designer handbag just isn't rational. But, if you have a moment of weakness and spend your entire paycheck on a really killer and really special jacket, just make it a one-time thing. You will have that jacket forever, and just imagine how many outfits you can create with it. Be picky! Shop for classic items (T-shirts, cardigans, tights) CHEAP. Thrift stores are magical places. Don't be afraid to dig for a really special treasure. I guarantee you'll love it more than the plain old Hollister hoodie thrown haphazardly on your floor.

4. Find a style icon and refer to him/her when putting together an outfit
If you dig Lucille Ball's 1950s housewife style, use it! Modernize it! Buy polka dot dresses or floral bandanas and mix them into simple ensembles. Is David Bowie's electric suit style more your thing? Buy a few shiny pieces and remember the sharp silhouettes of his onstage costumes. Use what looks beautiful to YOU as your inspiration. Just, please, for the sake of yourself and others, don't turn on MTV to find a style icon. Do you really think Snooki looks amazing? If so, gurrrl...

5. Clean out your closet—If you wouldn't currently spend money on an item you own, get rid of it
Remember this rule: Every time you purchase an item, get rid of one more. Keep a few staple pieces (some expensive, some super cheap) that you genuinely love. Would you buy those jeans again right now? Keep 'em. Would you spend money on those torn up, mud-caked sneakers? Toss 'em. Appreciate your clothing. If you work hard to afford your clothes, they should mean something. The key to having style is knowing how to make an amazing combination out of great objects you already have.

Think of your outfits like pieces of art. I know this sounds ridiculous, but just stay with me here. Great artists can make masterpieces with both expensive oils and their childhood finger paints. If your clothing "speaks to you," your outfit will speak to others.
Just don't be snobby, and don't put too much thought into each outfit. Build your wardrobe by being picky and settling only on items you truly love. Listen to Anthony Kiedis when he says "give it away now." (Lolz, sorry.) If you don't love an item, don't let it hang around tempting you to wear it just because it's there. Give it away to someone who truly needs it.
P.S. Sweatpants look good when you're sick and sleeping on the couch. THE END.