Une fille élégante

Moving...

2009-03-03T19:52:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! I'd first like to thank you all SO MUCH for being readers of this blog. It always brightens my day to see an up trend on my Google Analytics or a new comment. I've decided to move my blog to Tumblr... I find it more user-friendly and absolutely love their layouts as well. I really hope that you will follow me over there, update your bookmarks and what have you, because I don't want to lose any of you fantastic readers! My new address is barely different- and here's a handy link! unefilleelegante.tumblr.com

I hope to see you all at my new stomping ground! Thanks again for all your support.

Recession spending

2009-03-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm getting so tired of that term, but alas, it's completely appropriate for this post. I just recently discovered that there's a Dollar Tree in my vicinity, which has sparked a flame of desire for oh-so-cheap shopping. Back home in LA, my friend Molly and I discovered the 99 Cent Depot- the mecca of all dollar stores- and went there probably once a week, every week. Rows and rows of candles, incense, craft supplies, makeup, home accessories, garden needs, toys, and pretty much anything else you can think of packed the store. The Dollar Tree in Capitola is my new Depot. Though not as expansive, it's definitely chock full of goodies.

So today I went in needing hangers... I got three sets of six, and then began my search for goodies. I ended up picking up a six-pack of water bottles, a liter of Arizona lemon iced tea, a two-pack of fancy toothbrushes, awesome flat square plates (my boyfriend and I have been searching for them since becoming obsessed through Top Chef), mouthwash, and a bottle of apple blossom shampoo. Grand total? $11!

Unfortunately, Dollar Tree doesn't sell bottom shelf liquor, but that's my only lament. They for some reason sell pregnancy tests, but that's probably the one thing I would never trust buying from a dollar shop.

For those of you who enjoy the hunt, I recommend a trip to your nearest dollar store, stat.

2009-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

2009-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

MUST STOMP AROUND TOWN IN AMAZING MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

León

2009-02-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

I'm going to make a confession to you all- I've never been a small dog lover. Actually, to be even more truthful, I've mostly been a small dog hater. I just can't stand needy, yappy little things that are barely bigger than a large rat... sad excuses for man's best friend. But all this has changed now that I've discovered the lion cut. Spotted first on Maison des Rêveries (an amazing blog which you must check out immediately after this post), I fell in love and then began my massive Google search for more Pomeranians with the beastly cut. An adorable little dog that looks like a lion? Come on! Could it get any better?

I am now on the hunt for my own little león to accompany the giant dog that I'll have... one day.

(Had to include that last one for its hilarity/utter depression)

2009-02-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

I have a question for you guys... if you have blogs- how do you answer questions that people ask in comments? And if you ask questions on blogs- how would you like to be answered? The only method I've figured out so far is to reply with a subsequent comment, but do you check back to see if I've answered or are you left thinking I didn't answer? Also, if you have any better suggestions of what I could do that would be preferable to you, I'm completely open to try something else. I just don't want you guys thinking I'm ignoring your questions!

2009-02-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

So I know I'm way behind on this, but I finally made one of those DIY shredded shirts. I really love the way it looks, and it's a super easy project to absentmindedly do while watching True Life: I'm a Compulsive Shopper.

2009-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

I DIE

via jak&jil

2009-02-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wish me luck guys! I have a job interview at Grad Student Commons tomorrow afternoon. If I somehow had access to the FW09 Ossie Clark collection already, I'd definitely wear this. With a bra, of course.

2009-02-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

I've finally hopped on the bandwagon darlings. Follow my blog with bloglovin!

Whimsy

2009-02-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

at Erin Fetherston

2009-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Coming up shortly on my DIY list of projects... spiked headbands by Pamela Love at Zac Posen.

2009-02-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Alice - by geckkkko on Polyvore.com

Alice - by geckkkko on Polyvore.com

Alice - by geckkkko on Polyvore.com

2009-02-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

Loving Charles Anastase this season, it was absolutely the perfect response/antithesis to last season's collection. And hello, can you say 2009's Chloe Docs?!

infoENHANCED

2009-02-19T18:06:00.001-08:00

Another one of these little things... enhanced to make more interesting by pictures!

A) Four places that I go to over and over:

. Good old McHenry... campus library

. Mulholland Drive, while I'm at home

. My beloved Trader Joe's

. Lulu's for coffee

B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):

.UCSC

.Dictionary.com's Word of the Day

. ANCA

.MoveOn.org

C) Four favorite smells:

. Coffee

.Old books and new books

. Lily of the valley

.My mother's and grandmother's cooking

Four places I would rather be right now:

. Vejle, Denmark

. Armenia

.Sitting at Pinkberry in LA with my girls

.In a cabana in Fiji

E) Four TV shows I watch:

.

.Top Chef

.Kitchen Nightmares

. All iterations of Rock of Love... trashyamazing

ROYGBIV

2009-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

The King of Pop

2009-02-18T17:29:00.001-08:00

I don't know if you all have heard about this yet, but Michael Jackson is auctioning off a bunch of stuff from Neverland Ranch. Presumably, he's gone bankrupt and needs to sell some of his ultra crazy shizz, but nevertheless the items up for auction are incredibly fun and mesmerizingly weird to look at.

Swarovski crystal-studded glove, expected to go for $10,000-$15,000

A portrait of the King of Pop in royal garb, etgf $4000-$6000

Oscar's Wild Ride gumball machine (evidence?!) etgf $800-$1200

Okay, I would honestly LOVE to own this painting of the Mona Lisa, Einstein, ET, Abe Lincoln, and George Washington as MJ. Etgf $400-$600 (Really?! Someone please buy me this).

I can't wait to see who bids on this stuff... and seriously, if someone gifts me that last painting, I'll hang it on my living room wall for the rest of my life.

2009-02-17T21:47:00.000-08:00

love

Øverland

2009-02-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

I command you to check out the Elise Øverland show immediately, it's undeniably sexy and rock. This look is so HOT.

2009-02-15T21:41:00.001-08:00

The Wasson at Fashion Week. Love the whole outfit... the pants remind me of the lovely crazy pants my belly dance teacher wears.

2009-02-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

Iekeliene's a blonde now!

2009-02-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

1. Describe your personal style.
In a few words, classic with a twist. I hate the way that sounds, but it's a good way to describe it. I love dark, skinny or wide-leg jeans, simple monochrome shirts and sweaters, and pretty blazers and jackets. My shoes and bag are always outrageous, giant platform heels and wedges and giant bags.

Here's a bit of what I'm wearing today

2. What are the staples in your wardrobe?
I guess I answered that already- dark jeans, simple tops, a few key dresses, and lots of amazing shoes.

3. What’s your signature look?
Classic with a twist.

4. Who is your fashion muse?
Chloe Sevigny is amazing, MK, Kate Moss, any woman in an outfit that turns a lightbulb on in my head (like the one below from Garance Dore).

5. Favorite purchase of all time?
I think I go more by sentimental value. I always wear my grandma's wedding band, the ring I got for my Christening, the necklace my bf got me for our first Christmas, and my new monogrammed love necklace.

6. Biggest splurge?
I don't ever splurge too bad. Probably the most expensive fashion item I own are the $200 Bebe stiletto wedges.

7. What’s your beauty routine?
Ha! I'm lucky if I get some mascara and eyeliner on every day. For a night out, I'll add some deep purple/shimmery gold shadow and maybe a little blush. Red or iridescent pink lipstick sometimes too.

8. What jewelry do you never take off?
I guess I answered that with my favorite purchases.

9. What are you wishing for?
I'd really love to wear these Victoria's Secret silk pajama pants as daywear. Too bad I have no money to spare.

10. What are your obsessions?
Shoes are definitely at the top of the list. Then maybe bags, my brother's art (which I hang on every available wall in my house), books, and cooking delicious new recipes.

2009-02-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with this princess and the pea inspired bed. I wish the linens were different- more lacy and girly- but the concept is perfection.

2009-02-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week is upon us again. It feels like it arrives faster and faster each season. So far, I've fallen in love with the furs at Peter Som and the shoes at Acne.

Peter Som

Acne

From my inspiration folder

2009-02-10T18:15:00.001-08:00

2009-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't think that living in a giant concrete and metal box (granted, with windows) would be a very appealing or comforting thing. My opinions have been swayed by this beautiful and extremely cozy home found on Apartment Therapy (my new favorite website).

Hanna von Goeler

2009-02-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

I read something in the paper yesterday about how even though the economy is in the tank, more modern art has been created in the past year than ever before. I think it's a sign that people are beginning to understand where their priorities should be... and while it sucks that everyone's fucked moneywise, it sure has been a necessary wake-up call.

I love Hanna von Goeler's work, which "explores the ethical, political, and aesthetic questions that surround notions of agency and currency." Check out her website.

2009-02-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

I just ordered this precious monogram necklace for myself today, a dangling reminder of love. It will hang on my neck right next to the beautiful heart necklace that the bf gave me for our first Christmas together, but of course the monogram will be of our initials and not whomever HRM and NRR are.

It's from Etsy seller One Life Jewelry; I suggest you give it a look because there is a load of wonderful stuff in her store.

Show Me Your Blog Spot

2009-02-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take on Winona of Daddy Likey's Show Me Your Blog Spot tag. I'll show you guys a little bit of my lovely nest where I spend a great amount of my time and have put in lots of work with my passion for interior decorating.

This is where I do much of my blogging... the futon is of course from Ikea, my new black Macbook, which is doing a very good job of replacing my pooped out Powerbook G4, my staple sugarfree Red Bull, and a stack of books and notes for my thesis.

One of my favorite things about my home is that it's full of art created by my most loved ones. The painting on the left was done by my boyfriend and portrays the birth of enlightenment from darkness, on the right is a painting by my younger brother who is one of the greatest street/graffiti artists I know. I wish I was able to take a more detailed picture (I'm unable to because the flash on my camera doesn't work) because it's actually a mixed media piece with bits of newspaper and Mad Magazine layered beneath the paint. Below the paintings is a piece I made, a super simple and fun project where I strung alphabet beads on a long piece of hemp cord that spelled out my favorite line from a Walt Whitman poem: "This moment yearning and thoughtful sitting alone it seems to me there are other men in other lands yearning and thoughtful... O I know we should be brethren and lovers I know I should be happy with them."

The bud vases are another awesome Ikea find, I love that one of them reminds me of a golf ball and the other of a prickly pear cactus. Beside them is yet another pile of books for my thesis. Good thing I love to read!

And here is the lowest shelf of my bedside bookcase, where I can showcase some of my favorite pairs of shoes. On the left are my absolute favorite, the amazing Bebe imitation Louis Vuitton killer wedge stilettos, in the middle Michael Kors strappy wooden heel sandals, and on the right my go-to woodgrain booties that were a total steal from GoJane.

I'd love to see all your home spaces, so leave me a link if you decide to try it out!

2009-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Sleek, simple, breathtakingly beautiful. Fendi.

الجمهورية اللبنانية

2009-02-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been consuming as much literature on Lebanon as possible for a well-rounded, thorough background of research for my senior thesis. Lebanon is a country that is very near and dear to my heart because of my mother's connection with it. I am half-Armenian, my mother and her family entirely, and throughout their history have dealt with unspeakable tribulations that led to massacre and escape from the mother country Armenia to Syria, and later on through more tragedy to a new home in Lebanon.

My mother moved to Lebanon when she was only a few years old, and for that reason sees it in many ways as her own homeland. Within a large community of Armenians in the suburb of Beirut called Bourj Hammoud is where she grew up, loved, and lived very happily until the tragic outbreak of civil war in 1976.

I visited Lebanon in 1998, eight years after the official "end" of the civil war. What I discovered was nothing like I had imagined, but rather more beautiful, friendly, epically historical, and yet depressingly destroyed than I had hoped. I constantly dream of returning to that place that has endured so much in its life as a state, been at times so thoroughly modern and progressive as well as traditional and dangerously troubled. I feel the love that my mother feels deep inside, the constant nagging hope that one day everything will return to how it was when the melting pot of factions got along peacefully and many dubbed Beirut as "the Paris of the Middle East."

It is always hard for me to fully and clearly express my feelings for and about Lebanon, and not often that I find something written that illustrates my feelings well. Kamal Dib in Warlords and Merchants does a good job of this: "The simplifying approach to the Lebanese conflict has contributed to the abandonment of Lebanon as a bastion of Western enlightenment and Levantine creativeness... suddenly, images of chic Beirut, 'the jewel of the Mediterranean' and the 'Switzerland of the East' gave way to a 'war-torn' and 'death-stricken' city engulfed in violence and the horrors of war. Those who did not know Lebanon or the Levant wrote about the country as 'a Third World basket case where wild-eyed fanatics slaughtered each other.'"

The only other thing that I hope for is that people don't take Lebanon at its current face value... that people go beyond the images of "fanatics" that are shown on the news, and appreciate the land for what it really is, and maybe even one day see it the way my mother and I do.

2009-02-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

This video of the highlights of Hussein Chalayan's fifteen years in fashion is completely mesmerizing. His incorporation of technology and fashion, machinery and whimsy is flawlessly executed and strikingly beautiful. My favorites are the wooden hoop skirt, speed-whipped dresses, and the disappearing sheer gown.

2009-01-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

These Lee Hale rose thorn earrings are so delicately beautiful. Charming and fierce at the very same time. In oxidized bronze and gold.

2009-01-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

A friend on Facebook tagged me to do one of these, so I thought I'd enlighten my readers to some things you guys probably would never know otherwise.

1. What Is your natural hair color?
Light brown/dirty blond. It's been dyed many many many times, but is finally natural again.

2. Where was your default pic taken?
It's not a picture of me, it's one I found and liked.

3. What's your middle name?
Dedeyan, my mom's maiden name.

4. Your current relationship status?
Taken.

5. Honestly, does your crush like you back?
Yes.

6. What is your current mood?
Tired; excited for the weekend which entails fishing and a trip to Ikea.

7. What color underwear are you wearing?
Commando.

8. What makes you happy?
Lots of things. Puppies and shoes are a couple.

10. If you could go back in time and change something, what would you change?
Nothing in my lifetime. For obvious personal reasons, I'd stop the Armenian genocide. And while I'm at it, the Holocaust too.

11. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day- what would you be?
A kitten.

12. Ever had a near death experience?
Yes, in a car, and it's not something I ever hope to go through again.

13. Something you do a lot?
Read, sleep, be lazy.

14. What's the name of the song stuck in your head right now?
Serj Tankian's "Sky Is Over," because I'm listening to it currently.

15. What did you copy and paste this from?
My friend Lauren.

16. Name someone with the same b-day as you?
Liberace!

17. When was the last time you cried?
January 20, throughout Obama's entire inauguration speech. I'm such a sap.

18. Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?
Yes, with choir.

19. If you could have one super power what would it be?
The ability to tell if someone is lying. I don't want to read minds, just know if you're lying.

20. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Smile or laugh.

22. What's your biggest secret?
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret.

23. Favorite color(s)?
Seafoam green.

24. When was the last time you lied?
I don't remember.

25. How amazing is your boyfriend/girlfriend?
Very? This is a strange question.

26. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows?
Oh yeah.

27. What are you eating or drinking at the moment?
Nothing.

28.Do you speak any other language?
Spanish, Armenian, a little Arabic and Danish

29. What's your favorite smell?
A homecooked meal.

30. If you could describe your life in one word what would it be?
Uncertain. But so is everyone's.

31. When was the last time you gave/received a hug?
Not long ago.

32. Have you ever been kissed in the rain?
Yes.

33. What are you thinking about right now?
Getting ready for class.

34. What should you be doing?
See above.

35. What was the last thing that made you upset/angry?
Locking myself out of the house a couple days ago.

36. How often do you pray?
Never.

37. Do you like working in the yard?
I love planting and growing vegetables.

38. If you could have any last name in the world, what would you want?
I like mine.

39. Do you act differently around your crushes?
I try not to.

40. Name one song that reminds you of an ex?
Incubus "Echo"

2009-01-29T19:30:00.001-08:00

MUST HAVE IMMEDIATELY

2009-01-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I were talking this morning and I mentioned that if I had to be an alcoholic, I would definitely be a wino.

One of my many iterations of paradise is standing in front of the massive wine section at Trader Joe's and having all those bottles at my fingertips. I love scoping out all the pretty labels and discovering new blends that I've never before encountered (like Carmenére), and they have so many bottles under $5!

It would also be an excellent excuse to get my own "Wino Forever" tattoo.

2009-01-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

Click on the photo pretty please, the full size is wonderful.

The Roaring Twenties

2009-01-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

Something I've noticed while rifling through all the pre-Fall collections is a decidedly twenties vibe. Style.com called the Alexander McQueen collection "Dickensian," but I think it's more Gatsby. I noticed the same sort of flair in Louis Vuitton as well, and it's something I'm very happy to see because I love twenties fashion. I'd enjoy seeing it revived more often, the elaborate furs, fitted tweed, jodphurs, hats and pheasant feathers, capes, and all that jazz.

Alexander McQueen

Louis Vuitton

It also reminds me of Gosford Park, a movie that I must confess, though I love a good murder mystery, bored me. The one thing that kept me watching throughout the entire thing (besides the obvious curiosity as to whodunit) was the beautiful, impeccably styled twenties wardrobe.

2009-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

Givenchy pre-fall gets in on the fuzzy boot action, this time with feathers! I think I love these even more than the ones at Phi.

2009-01-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

RUN DC.
The glorious limited edition shirt is available here

2009-01-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

I've been going over the Louis Vuitton tribute to Stephen Sprouse collection today, a capsule that I looked at briefly through videos and articles, but didn't delve too deeply into. The standard bags and scarfs are beautiful, but what really caught my attention were the graffiti bracelets. If ever in my life I had an extra $1130 around for some pewter, the Vuitton Sprouse bracelets would be the first thing I'd go for.

I also love this Style.com video from the tribute party. I fell for the Andy Warhol screenprinted dress that Sprouse's niece is wearing, a stunning and timeless little gem, as well as Eva Amurri's Louis Vuitton outfit, with the fabulous fur and to-die-for shoes.

Lara

2009-01-26T11:32:00.001-08:00

2009-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

Intermix is having a pretty outrageous sale right now. If anyone wants to get me some (very) early birthday presents, any of the following will do.

Elizabeth and James dagger necklace, $29 from $65

Stella McCartney wedge boots, $539 from $1495

Alexis Bittar dagger necklace, $99 from $245

VOB fox fur chain hood, $299 from $625

2009-01-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous sculptural boots on super sale ($284 from $710) at Acne. Buy them for me, please?

On the town

2009-01-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

. - by geckkkko on Polyvore.com
I would totally rock those harlequin sequined hot pants... too bad they've been sold out at Topshop for months.

2009-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

I love this Hayden-Harnett for Target bag. The only question is, black or brown?

2009-01-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

I've just recently rediscovered my life for the beautiful, superbly talented Bjork. In high school, I randomly bought her album Vespertine and loved it, but never got any of her other creations. Now I'm on a Bjork downloading spree, and I'm loving everything I hear.

This song, "Human Behavior," is my favorite of the moment. It's on the album Debut, and the video was directed by Michel Gondry (The Science of Sleep).

And this one's for Wendy Brandes

2009-01-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

Listen to Zap Mama. She will make your life infinitely better.

2009-01-20T22:14:00.000-08:00

Is it wrong that I love these blue suede boots? The King would be proud.

2009-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A new era has dawned, and I've never felt more hopeful. I cried throughout the whole thing... what a sap I am.

Please to excuse

2009-01-16T19:25:00.001-08:00

Please excuse my brief absence from blogging. My computer has died a third and final time. Luckily, my neighbor back at my parents' house is selling his barely-used black Macbook, so I've acquired that baby and it's being shipped to me as we speak. Let's have a moment of silence for my beloved Powerbook G4, whose time has apparently come (again).

Note I did not put a bullet through my computer like the one in picture above. Although while it was slowly dying, I did wish I had a handgun to put it out of its misery.

2009-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to my favorite voice in political journalism, the extremely intelligent, logical, and forward-thinking Fareed Zakaria.
He writes for Newsweek, is the editor of Newsweek International, is constantly tapped to speak on CNN in addition to his own show on CNN "Fareed Zakaria GPS", and is the author of three great books.

He is extremely in tune with global issues and maintains a steady mind when it comes to the topics of war, the economy, and globalization. His thoughts on the happenings in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the rest of the world are well thought out and argued, and his breadth of knowledge and insight continues to impress me. He's also a regular on "The Daily Show", which is always a plus. Not to mention he's a stone fox. But don't take my word for it, check him out yourself...

2009-01-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

I plan on romping around in the daytime in silk pajama shorts and black pantyhose. My homage to Mr. Hugh Hefner.

4our

2009-01-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

*go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.
*pick the 4th picture in that folder.
*explain the picture.

'Twas our first night in Vegas for my best friend Amy (left)'s 21st birthday. That's me in the center, and Genevieve on the right. We're in a vampire or devil themed Mexican restaurant and had just ordered a giant pitcher of extra strong margaritas, to start off a night of debauchery. I won't go into the events that led me to puke on the bar of a club later in the night, but let's just say it was a fantastic weekend to remember (or forget)!

2009-01-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

The fact that this is my third post today probably seems strange, considering I'm delving shoulders-deep this quarter and next into researching and writing my thesis. Forty pages of blood, sweat, and tears that will determine whether or not I graduate. Oh, procrastination, you will be the death of me. Here is some of the paper and ink that will be keeping me company for the next six months.
Pity the Nation: Lebanon at War Robert Fisk
Death of a Country John Bulloch
Coexistence in Wartime Lebanon Theodor Hanf
And there are many, many, many more books to come.

Quelle badass

2009-01-13T12:33:00.001-08:00

. by geckkkko

2009-01-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I dreamed and dreamed and dreamed of owning a pair of fuzzy boots that looked just like this:
(I love that this was the only proper picture I could find of them!)

Then one year for Christmas, my group of three close girlfriends decided that we would pool together our wits and buy a gift of $20 or less for each of us. My friends being amazing, beautiful, wonderful geniuses found my dream boots and bought them for me. And I wore them. Almost every day. People may have thought I was crazy, but I thought they were awfully chic, avant-garde, and above all, comfy little chinchillas on my feet.

Fast forward to present. Phi has answered my prayers and designed a modern, updated version of my chinchillas. I would give up my first born for these dream boots.

Tagsies

2009-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

From Femme Rationale...
1. Start your iPod or iTunes on shuffle
2. For every question, you have to click on next.
3. YOU HAVE TO WRITE DOWN THE NAME OF THAT SONG, DOESN’T MATTER HOW STUPID IT SOUNDS.
4. TAG FRIENDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS EVERYTHING’S ALRIGHT WHAT DO YOU SAY TO HIM/HER:
"In a Jar" Dinosaur Jr.

WHAT DESCRIBES YOU THE BEST?
"Vampires" Atmosphere ...sexy

DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEBODY?
"Wheels" Cake

HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY?
"Jambi" Tool

WHAT’S YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
"Vanishing" A Perfect Circle ...ouch

WHAT’S YOUR LIFE LIKE?
"The Infamous Date Rape" A Tribe Called Quest ...could these random songs get any better?

YOUR FRIENDS THINK YOU ARE:
"All I See Is You" Dusty Springfield

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING MOST OF THE TIME?
"Everyday Life Has Become A Health Risk" Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

DESCRIBE YOUR CRUSH
"Another World" Poe

WHAT’S YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Because You Are A Woman" Brett Dennen ...so true

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN GROWN UP?
"Bird Flu" M.I.A.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU’RE STARING AT THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Drive Slow" Kanye West

YOUR PARENTS THINK ABOUT YOU AS:
"Spade" Marilyn Manson

WHAT ARE YOU DANCING TO IN YOUR WEDDING?
"If I'd Only Known" Daniel Johnston

THIS WILL BE THE MUSIC FOR YOUR FUNERAL:
"El Cuarto de Tula" Buena Vista Social Club

WHAT’S YOUR HOBBY?
"Come Around" Collie Budz ...this makes me smile. The lyrics go: "finally the herbs come around..." :)

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Farewell Ride" Beck

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"What's Going On" A Perfect Circle

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU?
"In The Arms of Sleep" Smashing Pumpkins ...untrue, I LOVE to sleep

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DIE?
"GNG BNG" Flying Lotus ...if I'm to take the name of the song to be "Gang Bang," that's horrible

WHAT DO YOU REGRET?
"Anne Braden" Flobots

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Golden Diva" Flying Lotus ...that's more like it

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Fight With Tools" Flobots

WILL YOU GET MARRIED SOMEDAY?
"RE: Definition" Mos Def and Talib Kweli

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE THING IN THE WORLD?
"Opium" Marcy Playground ...HA!

DOES SOMEONE SECRETLY LIKE YOU?
"Colorshow" Avett Brothers

BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Mountain Man" Dirt Nasty

WHAT HURTS YOU NOW?
"Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth" Marilyn Manson

HOW ARE YOU CALLING THIS NOTE?
"L-Boogie" Lauryn Hill

I would love for whomever wants to give it a try to do it and send me the link... this was all kinds of fun!

2009-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

. by geckkkko
Channeling this crazy summer-in-the-winter weather we've been having in California.

2009-01-10T13:30:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd put together a little list of what I've been listening to lately... music is the most mood-lifting and compelling force there is, so I like to listen accordingly.
1. Tinariwen "Aman Iman"
2. Santogold "Santogold"
3. MGMT "Oracular Spectacular"
4. Fleet Foxes "Fleet Foxes"
5. Bebel Gilberto "Tanto Tempo"
6. Balkan Beat Box "Nu Med"
7. Amadou and Mariam "Dimanche a Bamako"

2009-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

For when you just need to feel like a bad ass. Erica Weiner porcupine quill earrings.

2009-01-07T20:09:00.001-08:00

Quite probably the perfect little black dress. By Stine Goya.

2009-01-06T09:13:00.001-08:00

Today is officially the first day of winter quarter. Lucky for me, I don't have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I'm free for the day. Therefore, I'll be making a couple little shopping trips. First to Bargain Barn, which is a much fabled place that I haven't been to yet. It's a giant warehouse where all the items from Goodwill that have been sitting around for some time go to die (or to incorporate themselves into a lucky latecomer's wardrobe). Clothes are sold by the pound ($1 per!) and furniture goes for between $5-$20. Reviews of the place range from the precious tags-still-attached designer finds to a stampede of buyers as doors open and desperate shoppers grabbing things out of people's hands. Either way, it should be an adventure.

Afterwards, I'll be stopping by Jedzebel, which sells beautiful diaphanous silk, sari, and satin skirts for $15 a pop. I'm hoping to find some items which will translate for belly dancing as well as normal wear.

2009-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

A new era of a lifelong passion begins today. Supplementing my Middle Eastern blood with formal training.

NYE2008

2008-12-31T14:17:00.000-08:00

Thievery Corporation, Bassnectar, circus acts, and belly dancers. The perfect way to ring in 2009. Tonight in SF Will you be there too?

2008-12-26T23:50:00.001-08:00

I did a little after-Christmas shopping today with my good friend Alex, and some of the sales were truly outrageous. Those Stella McCartney wedges were super-reduced, as well as a white pair of the sculptural Balenciaga boots (down to ~$600 from ~$1100). I bought this fabulous navy military-style blazer with glittery gold piping.

2008-12-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

I just came across these amazing innovative books on Refinery 29 and had to share them immediately. Tank Books took some of the most classic of the classics (Kafka's Metamorphosis, Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and Hemingway's The Snows of Kilimanjaro for starters) and miniaturized them to resemble cigarette packs. Perfect to carry around in your bag (they would make the three full-size books I carry around at a time much lighter!) or to give as a perfect, unique gift.

2008-12-24T17:49:00.001-08:00

I am super apologetic for not updating enough this past week. I'm back home in Lost Angeles for Christmas and I've been packing so many activities into my days that this blog is being sorely neglected. I just have such a deep connection with my hometown that whenever I'm here I have to indulge in any and everything that I love about it- which in a city this sprawling takes weeks!

I promise to be better about posting when I get back to Santa Cruz!

My Christmas gift to myself

2008-12-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

I just got my paws on these amaaaaaaaazing shoes. They're Bebe (!) and total ripoffs of the Louis Vuitton stiletto wedges but I don't think I've ever been more in love with a shoe (and it's happened many a time before). Obviously, the six inch heel is quite a daunting task and they gave my ankle a nasty rub last night, but it's entirely worth it. I feel like I should display them when I'm not wearing them... and then lick em.

Inspiration Week Challenge

2008-12-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

I spent most of yesterday curled in a ball in bed, sick as a dog. No inspiration went down. I'll extend the challenge for an extra day to make up for it. And hopefully I'll be able to provide pictures of me soon.

Inspiration Week Challenge

2008-12-15T00:53:00.000-08:00

I'm presenting myself with a challenge this week...
I have a huge folder of saved pictures brimming with fashion inspiration that I add to constantly. I'm going to be putting it to use starting today by randomly picking a picture each day and attempting to recreate the look myself, as my bulging closet permits. I think it will be fun to see how the images that inspire me translate onto myself, and possibly discover some new clothing compositions that will incorporated into my larger wardrobe. I'll try to post pictures, but the only working camera in the house is a prissy little one that abides by its own rules.
Let the games begin!

Today's inspiration...

2008-12-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

to do:
knit my fabulous giant scarf
learn Danish by May 16, 2009
string up more multicolored Christmas lights
go skiing
origami
dine on sushi
check out Miss Van at Fifty24SF
pair silk pajama shorts (a la Victoria's Secret) with tights for daytime
to be amended

The Five

2008-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

1. Nonfiction: The Reluctant Fundamentalist Mohsin Hamid
2. Fiction: Kleopatra Karen Essex
3. Shoe: Loeffler Randall
4. Bag: Miu Miu
5. Skirt: L'Agence

2008-12-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

The rain has really started bearing down on us. Nothing much to do but snuggle up under the covers with the heater a-blazing, play board games, knit, and admire a little style inspiration.

2008-12-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

There's supposed to be some sort of crazy arctic storm hitting my area today... there's been no sign of winter since the season started this year, so I'm kind of welcoming it. I like it when I have no school obligations and can wait out the bad weather in the comfort of my home/bed.

In celebration, here's a little survey I did.

1. Grab the closest book to you, turn to page 56, what is the fifth sentence on that page?
"No one dared tell Arda that Cambara had put his name down as a co-owner of the apartment in which they lived." Knots, Nuruddin Farah.

2. Where is the person you miss the most?
Chi-town, currently.

3. What's your current problem?
Hunger, but I'll be fixing that soon enough.

4. Do you find tattoos attractive?
Depends on what it is and the purpose of it.

5. Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Yes, but I've recently been hankering.

6. Could you go a day without eating?
Yes, but I wouldn't want to.

7. Who was the last person to smoke a cigarette in your presence?
Probably Amy. I don't mind the smell or the smoke.

8. Is there a high chance of you going out to the movies soon?
If I can afford it... I feel like such a poor bastard. I still want to see "Religulous."

9. What sport do you enjoy watching?
If I had to choose, probably futbol.

10. How good is coca-cola?
The best of the colas.

11. Who was the last person you were in a car with?
Alex, Dan, and Andy.

12. What were you doing at midnight last night?
I believe I was watching the season premiere of The Real Housewives of Orange County on Hulu :)

13. When were you last outside?
Last night... I just woke up.

14. Are you happy right now?
Yes, I'm comfy and cozy.

15. Do you wish someone was with you right now?
I would love to see my girls, but they are hundreds of miles away.

16. Is someone on your mind right now?
A bunch of people, actually.

17. What was something you disliked about your day?
Haven't had the chance yet.

18. How does your hair look?
Bedhead.

19. Is there anyone you would like to get things straight with?
No, I haven't had any conflict lately.

20. Have you kissed anyone whose name started with a C?
Yes.

21. Are you sleepy?
Not anymore.

22. Anything you need to do?
More "want" than "need"... continue knitting my huge scarf, get dressed, eat, buy more Christmas lights...

23. Hows your heart been lately?
Full.

24. Did you ever see the movie Pearl Harbor?
Yes, but I remember nothing except that love scene with Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler... though that may have been Armageddon.

25. Can you say all 50 states in alphabetical order?
Yes! I still remember that song from chorus.

26. How many hours of sleep did you get last night?
11... ohhh yessss.

27. Are you loud?
When I'm drunk.

28. Is there anything silver near you?
My watch and ring.

29. Do you wear the seat belt in the car?
Always.

30. Has anyone ever mistaken you for someone else?
A kid I went to high school with was convinced I had a doppelganger.

31. Sometimes do you wish you were someone else?
Not really.

32. Who did you last talk to on the phone?
Um, Dan maybe?

33. Where will you be in an hour?
Hanging out in my house, sitting out the arctic storm. It might snow in the Santa Cruz mountains! If it does, I want to play in it.

34. Do you want any piercings?
Not more than what I have.

35. Do your parents force you to go to church?
No, and they don't go either.

36. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
Yes.

37. Have you ever thought you were gonna die?
A couple times.

38. Where's the farthest place you ever traveled?
Lebanon.

39. Where do you wanna go?
EVERYWHERE. Really.

40. What is the best advice you've ever been given?
My mom always told me that the most important person in my life is me.

2008-12-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

I think seamed stockings and killer heels are the sexiest thing a woman can wear. I just got my pair in the mail today.

2008-12-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

I found an old Scrabble piece on a short hike through Wilder Ranch today, an O. I plan on starting a collection of found items and possibly incorporating them into a mosaic one day. The Scrabble O is the first piece of the puzzle.

Afterward, I came home and was surprised (but happy!) to find that my new booties had arrived from GoJane. They are wonderfully cute and chic, comfortable, and just a smidge too big, which actually allows my feet to breathe.

Now I've just arrived home from the Farmer's Market, which is one of my favorite places to visit every week. I picked up some golden beets, collard greens, parsley, heirloom tomatoes, and persimmons. I've been wanting to try persimmons for a little while now; a lot of people around here have the trees and the fruits look so delicious this time of year when the leaves are gone and all you see are bright orange bulbs hanging from branches. They are crunchy and delicious, and 2 for $1!

2008-12-05T17:29:00.001-08:00

These puppies are on their way home to mama.

2008-12-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

My Russian tortoise Hannibal is hibernating peacefully in his pen... that sounds so appealing sometimes, to just hide yourself away in a little box and sleep the winter away. Of course, that would mean missing out on Christmas season, which has always been one of my favorite times of the year.

I love the season of fireplaces blazing all day long, roasting chestnuts, drinking mug after mug of hot chocolate and mulled cider, dressing the tree with my family, staying in pajamas all day long, and Christmas dinner with the outrageous cast of characters that is my Armenian family.

2008-12-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that my mom brought me a bag of Armenian (begrudgingly better known as Turkish) coffee when she came up here this weekend. I can have a little cupful every night and be reminded of her, of home, of my people.

My mom has always been famous for her coffee grounds readings, and I'm coming into it in my own right. Anyone can do it really, just let your imagination take over and report what you see.

Tonight, I am presented with a man in a hat standing at the top of a mountain, maybe even a volcano, one hand over his heart and the other raised high in the air, calling out. Yodeling even?
the above is not my cup

120108

2008-12-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

Happy first of the month to all!

I had a great Thanksgiving weekend, crammed into my little studio with my amazing family, traveling to San Francisco to scope art schools for my brother and visit Upper Playground, Fifty24SF, and a wonderful little cafe on Fillmore called Soleil, driving around and taking in all the great little spots in and around Santa Cruz.

Now it's back to the grind, the last week of school before finals. I am (of course) procrastinating on a 12-15 page research paper on Byzantine-Latin relations during the First Crusade which is due Wednesday by midnight... I've just about finished the first paragraph by now. I've got one final next Monday and two next Tuesday, but after that, hurrah! The first quarter of my last year of college will be complete.

I'd much rather be reading my new book, Nuruddin Farah's Knots, but instead I must belabor each sentence of this pain-in-the-ass essay. I'm always so excited for new classes in the beginning, and later struck by the reality of the work and wishing for it to end.

2008-11-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend will kill me for sounding like Rachel Zoe, but I DIE.

The simple things

2008-11-26T19:29:00.001-08:00

Fresh cut zinnias from the Farmer's Market.

Tote from my favorite local bookstore, Bookshop Santa Cruz (that's the mighty Walt Whitman).

My mom, dad, and brother (and our dog!) are coming up from LA to stay with me for the Thanksgiving weekend. I love them and we all get along so well, I'm excited for them to be here in my nest with me. My boyfriend is off in Mexico on his dad's boat for Thanksgiving, so my family will be getting cozy by cramming into our little studio for the weekend.

The Five

2008-11-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to say hello as my return to internet-ing begins. I enjoyed my week off, did a lot of reading and started what I hope to make a great historical fiction novel. I've learned that what I really want to do is not swear off the internet completely (what would I do without the ability to look up an answer to all the random questions that come up in everyday life in a millisecond?), but rather to ration and minimize the time I use it. Instead of continuing to browse idly after I've checked all my regular sites (Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, Cute Overload, and my favorite fashion blogs), I'll close the computer and return to my other favorite things... like making a dent in the wonderful tome I just bought, Tobsha Learner's The Witch of Cologne.

Anyways... on to The Five!

Nonfiction

Fiction

Shoe

Marni

Bag

Marc Jacobs

Coat

Oak

Hiatus

2008-11-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take a one-week hiatus from all things internet. I've come to realize that spending practically all my free time browsing random things online has made me passive and bored. It's so paradoxical that with the incredible myriad of things that can be found online, I am still left feeling bored and unfulfilled.

So I'm taking a break, a hiatus, to return to the things I did so much before this addiction. I'm going to read, a lot. Vonnegut's Bluebeard, The Orientalist, Skylark Farm, and anything else I can get my hands on. I'm also going to focus my energy on writing. It's been my dream since I was a child to be an author, a novelist, a great writer of fiction. I would spend hours and hours typing and scrawling away at my masterpieces, and lately, I have not spent any time on my true passion.

I'm going to drink cup after cup of tea and do tea leaf readings, as well as finjan after finjan of Armenian coffee. I'll go to Lulu's and Firefly, my favorite cafes, and people-watch. I'll slow things down and enjoy the finer, simpler things in life.

Bold

2008-11-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

I found this on Capture the Castle and loved it. You mark in bold all the things that you have done, and at least for me, the others are a guide for things I need to do in the future.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark just learned today that shark has hugely high mercury levels
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a (former) combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on a photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

The Five

2008-11-15T19:19:00.001-08:00

I'm starting a new feature here at my humble little blog... a weekly post of my five current desires in some of my favorite categories: fiction book, nonfiction book, shoe, handbag, and apparel. Here goes week 1...

Nonfiction

Fiction

Shoe
Pour La Victoire

Bag
Marc by Marc

Sweater
McQ Alexander McQueen

Bibliophile

2008-11-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

I started apprenticing with the head librarian of my university today. We put together an exhibit in the show cases for International Education Week, gathering art, travel books, and beautiful old hardcover histories together from each of the countries that the travel abroad program covers.

Australia, Barbados, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, Taiwan, South Africa, and Ghana were all included, and I'm sure I'm missing a few from the list. My name will be featured as one of the curators, which is exciting, and if all goes well I'll be the librarian's assistant when she begins teaching a class, The History of the Book, next quarter.

Downsizing

2008-11-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

So, this surprises even myself, because no one is a bigger fan and proponent of massive bags than I am. But- I think it might be time for me to downsize a little. I have fallen in love with these two amazing bags from YesStyle and now I'm in need of your help in deciding which it will be.

The frog pouchette is definitely a nod to the new Marc Jacobs bags... a little shameful. Although, it does look like it's of great quality and I love the completely new and fresh look and style, so chic and classy.

The skull foldover is amazing also. The buttery leather combined with the shiny chain handle and the sparkly skull is a fantastically executed contradiction. I love it.

and a little disclaimer: if I don't end up picking the one which got more votes, it wasn't meant to be. I've always discovered that when a choice is put to a coin toss, if the result is not what your subconscious wanted, you will always be disappointed. No worries though: it reveals to you what you were hoping for all along.

So,

Bad, bad B!

2008-11-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

I've got to be one of the worst/best examples of a shoe-crazed maniac. Seriously, I'm expecting my friends and family to plop me down any day now and stage an intervention. I just hope it's conducted by Jeff Van Vonderen.

But honestly, these heels? Ridic. They're about five inches high and completely impractical, but I would rock the shit out them (minus the ankle strap). They're on my must-purchase list now, despite my complete and utter lack of funds.

How appropriate

2008-11-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

William Howard Taft (famously America's fattest president) had a pet cow; I hope the Obamas get a labrador puppy for Sasha and Malia, it seems most appropriate (and adorable).

In other news, I have poison oak on my face. It's probably the most uncomfortable, unattractive, and frustrating thing I've ever been through. My cheeks have swelled so that I look like a pumpkin, rendering my eyes to small slits and emphasizing them with huge bags (due to the swelling). This has left me hibernating and hiding from the world since Tuesday, and when I need to leave the house (as I did for an ecology midterm today), it's sunglasses and as little human contact as possible. UBER-LAME.

2008-11-04T15:03:00.001-08:00

Have you? As my ecology professor so eloquently put it earlier today, "you're a cretin if you don't."

Disgraceful

2008-10-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

Apparently all you have to do when you violate another country's sovereignty is refuse to comment on it.

The best $15 I've ever spent

2008-10-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

I picked up this amazing old school desk and chairs from a guy on Craigslist today. They're from the 1890s (!) and I find them so fun and beautiful. I love how they're such great quality with the pretty metal vine detailing and solid wood chairs. The desk is connected to the back of the chair in front of it and has 118 years of history attached... there are some initials carved into the wood and a hole in the top right corner for an inkwell!

I could possibly put a little work into sanding and repainting the chairs but I think the genuine rustic look is more charming and gives them that much more sentimental value.

This is one of those forever pieces of furniture I think, at least for me. Amazing that a friendly dude on Craigslist and $15 could get me something so precious.

2008-10-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm very proud to announce the grand opening of my Etsy store, Glowworm Vintage.

I decided to translate my love for vintage and lust for shopping into an outlet where I can share my findings with fellow fashion lovers and hopefully provide them with beautiful pieces that they will love and cherish forever. There aren't too many picks on the site as of yet, but I promise that very soon it will be chock full of goodies.

I chose Etsy because I love the sense of community and personal interaction between buyer and seller. When shopping with Etsy, one can be sure that it will be a good experience. I'll be doing my part to connect with my buyers as much as possible, and a hand-painted thank you card will come with every purchase :)

I would love for you to check it out and give me feedback... I'm here to please! If anyone has a specific look they're interested in finding, I'll do my best to hunt it down. Thank you all for being such great readers!

Glowworm Vintage

2008-10-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

What better way to pay homage to my favorite fictional character than a ridiculously fabulous Halloween costume? The faux fur coat I bought will definitely be going into my everyday wardrobe rotation.

A tribute

2008-10-16T14:02:00.001-07:00

I can't remember if I've done a post on Michael Franti before, but if I have, he warrants another.

Franti has been one of my very favorite musicians for about 4 years now. His music has an uncanny way of uplifting my mood and spirit in any situation or circumstance. His lyrics are heartfelt, pure, and incredibly genuine.

Much of the music he makes is infused with political and humanitarian messages, and his actions outside of music making are inspiring. Every summer, he is the main organizer behind Power to the Peaceful, a massive free concert/activist gathering in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. I have attended the past two years, and even if you can't see the stage from your post on the lawn, the feeling of joy and community is tangible.

Michael Franti also released a film a few years ago, I Know I'm Not Alone. It is a touching, progressive, and oftentimes heart wrenching film throughout which he visits people trying to live regular lives in Iraq's Green Zone and Baghdad, the West Bank, and Gaza and just speaks with and listens to them, uplifting them with a much-needed personal connection from across the world, and with the power of music.

Listen to Michael Franti- he'll make you think, uplift your mood, and above all, he will inspire.

Reality check

2008-10-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

I just got an e-mail from my history adviser saying that if I plan on graduating this school year (which I do- Spring 2009!), I have to complete my senior check by the 24th. It's no big deal, just a form proving that I've taken all the necessary classes for the history major, but I was also informed that my thesis proposal has to be in by the 24th too! For some reason I had assumed I could just procrastinate away until next quarter when I start my research, but nay. So I've got to track down my adviser and get his signature, find a second reader (my Crusades professor seems like he might be interested), and write out my proposal. It seems as though I've got some work to do... and they'd better approve my proposal!

The photo is completely unrelated... praying mantises are just incredible creatures.

Any time you need a pick-me-up...

2008-10-13T09:53:00.001-07:00

Covet: the 8th deadly sin

2008-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it's only the 11th day of the month and I've effectively blown almost my entire budget- what a shameful non-saver I have become. A ticket to a Dandy Warhols concert on my anniversary (which should have been a thrifty purchase at $25 had Ticketmaster not jacked up the price with ridiculous fees- $8.25 convenience fee, and on top of that a $2.50 building fee and $2.50 for some other sort of "convenience"?!?!), birthday gifts for my boyfriend, and last night's obligatory 21st birthday barhop (which included buying lots of expensive alcohol and a lame hangover) have rendered me penniless.

So why oh why do I still find myself lusting after these amazing boots?

Which beauty should it be?
	Frog pouchette
	Skull foldover

pollcode.com free polls