History in What We Wear.

I'm having so many epiphanies at school as of late. It's like my mind expands happily with the content that I'm learning and I can't help but grin from ear to ear whenever I'm in class. Even in the English class, I get so eager to start my research paper because it's on a subject I'm actually passionate about! For the first time, in a long time, I gladly anticipate the days in which I go to school and when I'm on my break, I look forward to go back and learn again.

Today in particular, I was struck with some realizations, specifically in my Twentieth Century Designers class. We just had our first quiz on the four stages of fashion (draped, semi-fitted, fitted, and artificial silhouette), the decades of the 20th century and their relation to what was going on in fashion (zeitgeist), and recognizing pieces from each of the decades. I realized, like a light bulb going on, that everything we wear is came from a designer who designed the particular garment during a decade that defined what they created. It all relates to each other! How they were born, how they were raised, where they were raised, what was going on socially, economically, politically, and culterally during that time, it all connects. It's astounding. 

For instance, I learned that during the 1930's, when the stock market crashed in 1929, the partying stopped, the Depression hit, and people escaped to the movies. Well, style inspiration now comes from watching film stars, the bias cut gown appears, and designers like Vionnet and Schiaparelli appear. I just can't.

And I love that about fashion- the history, the importance of the evolution of fashion, it's mind-blowing what we can learn from the past, observe about the present, and predict about the future.

So I thought about all of this today when I went to put on something to wear. I had my bustier on, reminiscent of the introduction of them thanks to Paul Poiret during the 1920's, a vintage 1940's skirt, reminiscent of the time in which WWII was happening and the rationing of items, such as fabric, and my 1920's shoes, reminiscent of the T-straps of the 20's fashion. It all relates. 

I just... wanted to share my enthusiasm with fashion with you. I hope you're not too startled by my high wave energy over here. My fingers are practically flying off the keyboard, I'm that excited. I hope you learned something new today, as I do everyday at FIDM!

What I wore: VS floral bustier (used), oatmeal SPARROW cardigan with orange tufftels (used), black misc. belt (used), brown vintage 1940's skirt (used), and light tan MIZ MOOZ t-strap heels (used). 

Ruby's Diner, Anyone?

Eating, my third favorite thing to do when down (behind laughing and coffee, but of course).

I had quite the disastrous morning when I couldn't find one particular necklace of mine that holds incredible personal value, not to mention a late night before. But you know, as things most always do, they turn up and I found this necklace in the bottom of my laundry bin! Whew, what a close one.

But it kind of starts your day off wrong a little, you know? Well, my good friend Jordan and I had passed this particular restaurant the other day when hanging at the South Coast Plaza, for a school assignment (a school assignment! at the mall!), and we came back the next day to try it out.

Good thing we did, too. Not only was it the absolute cure to my rough morning, but it is one of my new favourite restaurants! 

You walk in, and it's like your transported back to the 1950's, a most favourite decade of mine. The waiters all don these adorable diner outfits, there's a TV playing black and white movies from back in the day, vintage VOGUE and BALLY posters lining the walls, a balloon-making man going from table to table, Frank Sinatra in the background, and an overall warm and cozy vibe to the place. I never wanted to leave!

And the service was top notch. We were greeted warmly upon entering and I felt welcome the entire time. Our waiter made sure we were satisfied and happy during the duration of our dining experience, and although the food took long to come out, I hardly noticed because I was happy chatting with Jordan and being happy in such a positive atmosphere.

And the food was deeelish. Jordan and I started with dessert first- two pumpkin milkshakes. It was like blended pumpkin pie, but sweeter and oh-so-good. OH! And then lunch was chicken wraps, which were also yummy.

I had an excellent time at Ruby's Diner, and I encourage you to stop on by and tell me what you think!

The most delicious milkshake.

A model drinking a milkshake? Unheard of! Just shaking things up, I guess. (no pun intended)

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.. But I can't guarantee I'll share. ;)

Jordan! What a lovely friend.

My deliteful chicken wraps..

A Song for Sunday- July 5th, 2014.

No no no! It's not actually July the 5th of 2014 although sometimes I wish it were. Kidding!

Alas, this is my new favourite tune. Emma put this little guy on one of my gifted mixed CD's and I have been listening to it nonstop in my car and singing along to its quirky vibe.

Sung by Tom Rosenthal, another fantastic artist, it's a little ditty he wrote about a couple he predicted would get married on.. July 5th, 2014!

It is the catchiest song. It's got a cheery hook with a quirky sound and his lyrics are absolutely hilarious. They're so unique and personal, unlike any song I've heard. He takes liberties! I simply adore listening to it and finding all of the little tidbits that make the song so special.

For instance:

"... The wedding was held in a two-horse town

But one horse was remarkably down

You did your best to reverse that frown

But it did not work because you're not the horse whisperer.."

or

"The lady priest who gave you away

She turned out to be a little bit gay

And she took shining to Granny Jane, who was a little bit scared."

It is just the most unique song. I simply adore it. 

A Song for Sunday- Everybody Hurts.

You know when you have those days, where you just wanna lie there and listen to a melancholy song? Or perhaps, you're hurting and need someone to lift you up?

Well, my friend, I have the perfect song. Originally sung by R.E.M, I first heard Everybody Hurts on Glee, sung by the lovely Ryder. The assignment on the particular episode was dubbed "Unplugged", for the school was out of power and it was dark. The point was to unplug the reliance of acoustics and instruments to focus on the true meaning of song, the voice. Well in this song, Ryder unplugs his feelings.

It begins with the beautiful strum of a harp.

And it continues to pluck your heartstrings.

The song is about the fact that you're not alone. You're not the only one who cries, who hurts, who bleeds. We all have that in common as human beings, we share these emotions, and these pains. It's about holding on, and I think that's the most important message.

"...If you're on your own in this life

The days and nights are long

When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes

Everybody cries

Everybody hurts sometimes

And everybody hurts sometimes.."

Tennis Courts.

Don't you think that it's boring how people talk?

Laughing's better. I like laughing till our Ribs get tough.

Let's all be a Team and share a laugh or two.

I'm done! I am. Oh Lorde.

Anyhow, taking photos today was especially fun, for Jordan and I got to explore the unused tennis courts at the apartment. I got a laugh when I realized my attire resembled the color combination of mustard and ketchup, when I had to shimmy shake my uppers to get that fringe going, and breaking the ice of modeling. Plus, I had a most unpleasant experience at the supermarket earlier today that involved an unwelcome hit on me from an older man. I swear.

So I really do mean it when I say that laughter is the best cure; I've had firsthand experience! When was a time where laughter cured your troubles?

I wasn't kidding when I said this is my face for breaking the ice..

Here are the transitions for trying to get my fringe to shake. First, the hips, and then finally, the uppers (if ya know what I mean).

What I wore: vintage red suede crop top with fringe (used), yellow CAbi pencil skirt, black DOONEY&BOURKE mini bag (used), and floral Molly Ringwald inspired DIBA ankle booties (used).

Jordan and I! And our feet.

Pops of Color, Anytime.

Yes, it's fall season. We've known this for some time now, yes? Bring out the pumpkins, don the sweaters, sip your pumpkin spice lattes, and bundle up for the chill in the air.

Yeah, not happening here. Although it's late October, the weather here in Southern California continues to shine on down in the upper seventies and I just cannot fathom sweaters and autumn colors, no matter what the fashion season entices.

It's deceiving me into thinking that summer still thrives. Heck, if I didn't have a calendar in front of me or displays at every corner advertising fall trends, I would be stuck into thinking it was still summer! 

Weather, you little trickster you. 

Anyhow, I've never been one to follow the trends anyway. Yes, I look to them for inspiration and of course love cozying up in a new black furry vest or chunky maroon sweater, but what really gets me is that there's this unseen encouragement of dark colors.

Why always dark? Just because it's fall, doesn't mean one has to put away those pink sweaters and replace them with black! Of course I love me some black, don't get me wrong, I've just always had a softer spot for color. Color. Color. Color. I can never get enough. I think Kate Spade sums things up pretty well..

"...a pop of color has the power to punctuate an otherwise ordinary setting and can make for a far grander gesture than an overstated splash. think of a yellow umbrella on a gray day, a red dress in a sea of dark suits or glossy green heels peeking out from beneath a pair of navy trousers..it's these little brights spots that bring a cheerful optimism to the items they accompany, and while they may seem serendipitous, they're often the result of great attention to detail. when seeking the perfect pop, what is taken away is just as important as what is left behind.."

- from Kate Spade NY "THINGS we LOVE"

It's about standing out, not being afraid to don color in a season so seemingly gray. And especially here, I just can't see the point of putting on black black black when the sun is out and temps are in the seventies. That's just me, I guess! So don't be afraid to put on that pink necklace you had in your "summer" stash. Make someone's dark gray day brighter. Don't be afraid of color! It never goes out of style. 

I like my pigeon toes there, yes? But check out that hair swoosh! 

What I wore: bright  faceted necklace, green wave WET SEAL crop top (used), pleated pinwheel HD *in Paris* skirt (used), and orange MARCO SANTI pumps (Nordstrom Rack).