Yammering Muse

A little bit country, a little bit Groucho Marx

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine and I were discussing the abstracts we had to write for one of our classes to get us thinking about our paper topics. We kept commenting on how we had these ideas in our heads- words that stuck out- but nothing really connected together to make any actual sense on paper. The idea made perfect sense in our heads, not so much when it came to words (I finally settled on the false idea of nationalism in the Classical era into the Romantic using Wagner and Debussy as examples. My world is weird). Frankly that is how I feel about the inspiration I have been gathering for my wardrobe. I feel it is best summed up in the rather hillbilly-esque sequence of the following music video.

My father may disown me for what I am about to say, but I have a definite soft spot for country music. Actually let me re-phrase that. I adore traditional (or spins on traditional) Americana Folk music. I love the fiddle and banjo and mandolin, and am even quite partial to the spoons. And I also really like Taylor Swift. Shut up.

But that is not the point. The point is I have been really drawn to this idea of a lazy kinda country-in-the-city mixed with other bits. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I live in the middle of nowhere now, but whatever the reason I am dreaming of frizzy hair, and cotton shirt dresses, and sturdy simple frocks, oxfords, boots, and short heels, straw hats, berry picking, picnics by the river (which will hopefully be less flooded...) and late, nights looking at the stars. I'm actually excited about the coming summer!

I am really feeling inspired by the idea of an almost prairie thing, mixed with a few of the summer norms (like my beloved nautical wear!), and a kind of 20's-Dustbowl-late-30's-early-40's-end-of-the-depression-beginning-of-the-war-meets-70's-earth-child-Appalachian-Mountains-meets-silent-film-star-hair-meets-Scandinavian-farm-wife. I told you it was complicated ( and I realize I pretty much just covered 40 years of very different styles). But speaking of that sort of feel, when I was flying back to Corvallis at the beginning of the month, I watched the History Channel programme Hillbilly, and it was completely fascinating! I know there's some sort of ancestry of mine that hail from the Appalachia Mountains via Scotland, but it's not something I had ever really looked into. But this show was seriously incredibly interesting. If you get a chance to see it, I really do recommend it. I mean, did you know that NASCAR was developed because of moonshine bootleggers? Seriously, go watch it!

Glasses- Forever 21 years ago

Cardigan- Anne Taylor Loft

Dress- Q's Daydream Vintage Etsy

Tights-???

Belt- Vintage from another dress

But back to the point: Today I gave it a go, and I have to be honest, this is the most "me" like I have felt in a long time. I think this past year I got really lazy about my style and as a result had a bit of an "identity crisis." But this, this feels right. I think the problem I have is that people who wear full time vintage usually tend towards the glamour side, which is fantastic and absolutely beautiful, but that is just not me. I'm kinda rough around the edged and that's not going to change anytime soon. I like my hair frizzy, and my clothes to look well loved. For the past few months I've had that idea swimming round in my head, but couldn't really explain it until now. Sure I love my red lipstick, but don't expect it to be perfect because it will fade and I will not re-apply it. Of the Vintage "Types" I am definitely much more Girl-Next-Door than Vixen. And I honestly think that will a bit of fixing, my wardrobe can properly reflect that better. I'd like to add more colour and patterns, but the basic idea was fantastic!

ignore the flying hand. I was losing my balance...

I do have to tell you that when I was leaving my room I checked the mirror and laughed because I looked like a 40's school librarian. Y'know the old-maid looking kind? Well I am actually quite fond of the look, so I went about my business. When I was walking into class this morning, a friend of mine took one look at me and said "Hey, Don Draper called. He wants you in his office." I was really confused for a moment until it was explained that I had the whole slightly-sexy secretary thing going on. I guess what they say about the eye of the beholder is true... This was an attempt to winter-ize the idea. The sun did come out today, but it was still cold enough to warrant tights and a sweater, and wet enough for boots (just pretend I took a picture of the boots.). And yes I did mix black and brown (not that you can really tell!), and I quite liked it. I've also been setting my bangs (which I am currently growing out until I get bored with that) each night in two little pin curls at the top of my forehead. I really love the way they come out so fluffy and crazy-like! As for the glasses, no they are not prescription. Yes I did buy them at Forever 21 eons ago. But frankly I like them (and actually they have UV protection on them, so I just told everyone they were sunglasses), and I think they're cute, and I always wanted to wear glasses, but am only in need of a very low reading glass, so there. Besides, at this point I am really way beyond giving a hoot about other people's opinions of my attire. If it makes you happy, go with it, and ignore all the snotty barely 20-year-olds making catty comments. Or just thank them for their comment. This is apparently far more irritating to them. Not that I know anything about something like that....

My mother hates these glasses on me because they obscure my eyebrows and make me look like Groucho Marx.
Apparently...

Sewing: Fabric and Patterns on the cheap

2012-01-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

Look for vintage sewing manuals for neat tips and tricks!

I have been wanting to do a regular sewing segment here for quite a while to answer questions I am frequently asked about my sewing, and to share tips and How-To's (unlike yesterdays...). So today I am going to start this by covering two of the topics I get asked about the most: Where can I find cheap fabrics and patterns?

First thing to discuss is what does one mean by "cheap." It's such a relative word. Frankly if you are really interested in "cheap" go to any shop that sells mass-produced clothing. I love Target, but let's be honest, most of the clothing there is poorly made. These places are great for "disposable" basics. Target's t's are great and about $8 a pop! Not too bad. And if you are a clearance shopper like myself you can often get things like that for even better prices.

This brings me to a discussion on why we sew. I sew for many different reasons: It's harder to find the kind of clothes I like in my size, I like looking like an individual, I like the creative freedom, and in the last year I have come to adore the process of creating. For me sewing isn't just functional, it's mental, and spiritual, and emotional, and physical all coming together in (hopefully!!) perfect harmony. Many sewers come into sewing with the attitude of get it done fast. I myself was that person, I'd stay up all night making a dress for an event only to have a shoddily made dress that I didn't love. A good rule of thumb is only wear things you love, and following that only makes clothes that you love. Yes, some things will not work out, your taste may change, you may realize a project was just totally impractical, but I always look at it this way: when I donate those things to a thrift shop, and the next girl picks them up, then she will have something that is beautifully made and works for her, and you had a learning experience. Everyone wins.

1940's cotton that became a Sorbetto I never showed you!

So getting back to "cheap," sometimes sewing is not going to be the cheaper route. Fabric can be expensive, patterns are expensive, then there's the notions, not to mention machines, etc, etc. And frankly the time you put into a garment is probably going to be twice as much that goes into a mass-produced garment. In the end your time alone might make something more expensive. So, as I said "cheap" is a relative term. I prefer to use Low Cost. Yeah, it's mostly the same thing, but for me cheap refers to the quality, not the quantity. I already know it will take up some of my time, but how can I keep the actual costs down? Well here are some ways!

Vintage fabric for a few dollars.

Thrift Shops

This may seem obvious to some, but check your local thrift shops! Most will have a selection of older patterns, and even some vintage ones. It can be tricky to find ones in your size, but we will discuss that in another post. The point is don't be afraid to buy things that are too small or too big. And these are usually super inexpensive. The most I've ever paid for a pattern at a thrift store is 29cents, and the lowest is about 15cents. Obviously the price will vary from one store to another, and it may be tricky to find them at your thrift shops, but never be afraid to ask an employee if they know if the store carries them.

Thrifted patterns!

Also check the linens section of thrift shops. While there will be some actual fabric yardage there, there is also tons of sheets to choose from. Those fantastic floral sheets from the 60's and 70's make perfect summer dresses! Look for table clothes as well. A round tablecloth can become a circle skirt with a little math and a pair of scissors. Sometimes you can also find bundles of sheet sets for a few dollars. So many possibilities! You can easily have 5+ yards of a fabric this way. Use your imagination and think like Maria von Trapp, curtains can become a lovely frock worthy of a song!

Chain Craft Stores

When it comes to shops like Joann's, it is important to remember that these are NOT sewing shops. These are craft shops. Yes they carry fabric, but compare the quilting fabric section to the apparel section. The apparel fabric is always a smaller section. Now I am very fond of using quilting cotton to make regular clothes. What about the drape? Well wash the stuff first. Fabric in fabric shops has been treated to be stiffer anyways (which if you live in CA or OR (I'm not sure about other states/countries) is why they have a sign above fabric about the health hazards of the chemicals in them. ALWAYS WASH YOUR FABRIC!). Obviously if you are making a gown a quilting cotton isn't going to cut it, but often times these cute prints are fairly inexpensive and perfect for blouses/dresses/skirts. And look for sales, especially around holidays or season turnovers. You can get some amazing deals this way. If the shop has a coupon mailer sign up for it. It is totally worth it. If you have children, sign up in their name, have them sent to your work and home, send them to your husband/boyfriend's work. When you get a mailer, cut out the coupons and slip them in your wallet so you don't forget them! Sometimes the Sunday paper will also include coupons for places like Joann's or Michael's. I hate coupons, but I love my fabric store ones!

A perfect example of quilting cotton for a day dress!

As far as patterns go most of your big chain craft stores are going to carry the big 4 (Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, & Vouge). They may carry other lines too, but these 4 are standard. Every so often one or more of these goes on super sale at Joann's (I'm not sure about other craft stores) and you can find them for 99cents or at most $1.99. I only ever buy the big 4 when they are on sale. Usually there is a 10 pattern limit, so if there are more than 10 that you want check another store, or make eyes at the weird goth guy who is always giving you discounts. (I really miss that.) *Helpful Hint*: Visit the company's website before you hit the store. Make a list there of all the patterns you are interested in and keep they in your handbag. This way you don't need to fight with other shoppers for a pattern book and can just grab what you came for. If this location is out of your size, you still have a list for the next location/visit.

Online

Online shopping always comes with a small sense of foreboding. I am a touch person when it comes to fabric shopping, so I am usually a little nervous to buy fabric over the internet. But each time I have, I have been very pleased with the result. Places like Fabric.com have weekly sales and sometimes discounted prices. The only drawback to consider is that sometimes they do not have enough yardage for one cut, which most of the time wouldn't be a problem, but might be if say you were making a circle skirt. One of the perks though is that often it is easier to find special collections online than in stores. Do a google search for online fabric companies and just see the endless options available to you!

Lovely Patterns from (L to R) Victory Patterns and Colette Patterns

When it comes to pattern shopping online, I really love it! Not only can you find vintage ones on sites like ebay or etsy, you can also find independent companies like Colette Patterns or Victory Pattern (which I am dying to get my hands on!). Sometimes these are on the pricier side, but I fully believe they are worth it for the size range, the instructions clarity, the overall design, and really the quality. No crappy tissue paper patterns! These are also usually Continentally produced, and for some of you may even be local (Colette is based out of Portland, while Victory is Toronto, Canada produced)! Colette ocasionally offers a discount code, so keep your eyes open for that. Another great source is BurdaStyle. Many of the patterns are member made, and are either free or only cost a few dollars. These print out on printer paper which you tape together. I actually really love these kinds of patterns. They are pretty sturdy (some of mine have far too many coffee stains!), and you can save them to your computer to print again, which is great for someone who has lost weight or wants to make something as gifts for multiple people. Also look around online for other free patterns. Most of you know my complete obsession with the Colette Sorbetto top, but there are tons and tons of other free patterns out there.

Other places to check:

Estate/Garage Sales are also something to keep in mind. They can be hit and miss, but check the description and keep an open mind. Again these are great places to look for linens.

Garment District!

Flea Markets tend to be a bit pricier, but there are some real treasures to be found for fairly little money.

Specialty Fabric stores tend to be in large cities, and if you live nearby they are well worth it! The LA Garment district for instance is a fantastic place to find fabrics and notions! I didn't pay more than $2 a yard for anything.

Notions:

All of the above places are a great place to also look for notions (zippers, hem tape, bias binding, etc.). I lucked out once and found two huge bags each containing about a hundred zippers, for something like $5 a bag. That's like, 5cents a zipper! And most of them were metal (I hate plastic zips!). Keep an eye out for these. *Helpful Hint*: Old thread spools are beautiful, but using the thread is a bad idea. Vintage thread is usually made of a natural fiber that will have broken down over the years. These make beautiful decoarations, but are a bad idea for functionality.

Pretty Belt Buckles for ten cents each.

Well there you have it! I hope I haven't forgotten anything. I think the best advice to keep in mind is to just look everywhere, use you imagination, and have fun! If you have any questions, or an idea for a topic in this series, please send me an email at Fraxinilucia [at] gmail [dot] com.

Monday How-To: How to pretend you don't care what you look like at a 3 hours long night rehearsal. Working Title.

2012-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

First Put your hair up in something messy that resembles a bun-ponytail hybrid. Pin it down securely because you totally don't care.

Second put on the deoderant you forgot to put on in the morning.

3rd, wear jeans, cuz you totally don't care

4. wear sandals. Nothing says, yes I totally am a Californian who doesn't care about The Man or rehearsal like sandals. Also you are sick of close toed shoes/boots/socks...

Fifth: Lace cami that shows off your bra, because you are way too cool to care.

Next, a Ironic Hipster shirt you totally ~~did~~ didn't buy in Portland years ago...

After that you'll want to add a cardigan because your feet are going to freeze. I recommend a cardigan you left in your dorm room wet before you left for winter break so when you came back it was in a jumbled heap. Wrinkles scream I don't care. Also make sure it doesn't match.

Add some bling. Especially if it is bling that reminds your director of you name and not your character's name which he has started calling you all the time and in choir when he can't remember you actual name and now he doesn't even say the character's full name but a nickname for the character which is Pam, which you hate.

Skip the watch and go with a big bangle. Just because you don't care.

You should probably wear earrings you bought during a personal style crisis that are so heavy you can only wear them for a few hours at a time.

Throw on the headband you wear to the gym because now it totally looks like you really don't care.

Schlop, and I do mean schlop, on some nailpolish because you so don't care.

And finally, put on some perfume your Mama bought you as a surprise. You might not care, but you should probably smell good.

If you're an overachiever, which you shouldn't be, it's a good idea to leave your music in your room.

And that concludes this week's How-To.

Rainy Days and Fridays

2012-01-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

Corvallis has been declared a natural disaster area. Classes were cancelled today because the flooding is so bed you can't get anywhere. Everything has been eerily quiet. The news is reporting about the little girl that died in the flood, sirens blare, and a close friend found out some absolutely devastating news. So this is what January gloom looks like?

I actually had been making fun of people all week for their discussions on surviving January. "So this is actually a thing?" I'd say. "I mean I've heard of it, but I didn't know that this was actually something people took so seriously." I was mocked about my living in a place filled with eternal rays of sunshine where palm trees sway and everyone drinks cocktails out of hollowed out coconuts in their swim clothes while being serenaded by the Beach Boys. I planned on giving them the truth- triple digit heat, steroid pumped bros, pretentious suburban moms, plastic surgery, and cans of redbull- but y'know what? People need a California. People need a Hawaii. They need Paris, and Rome, and the Amazon. They need the Great Wall, and Picasso. They need something to dream about no matter how off base that dream is. They need to believe in some sort of magic in the world, that love is real and it exists and is attainable. They need to smile and laugh and look on the right side.

I've been told I am very good at comforting people. Maybe I am, but whenever it comes to things that really matter I always feel like I have no idea what to say. I try and make people laugh when they are sad. Without fail, if someone comes to me with a problem, I try to be funny, say silly things, makeup songs. But then the important part comes and you have to leave the humor behind. I try to give good advice, I try to say word that I think the person needs to hear, and to relate as much as I can. But in the end all I can do is share their pain and just try to be a friend. To hold their hand while they cry, and then say, we need some magic right now. So we watch something like Midnight in Paris, and for just a second the world is at peace. Beauty has returned and life has some meaning again. There is order in the universe. Put the pain and sadness is still there. And I am left with only the ability to pray, and give hugs, and hope.

And I can be thankful that my own life is blessed enough that I can at least try to be a blessing to others. So I will not let the Winter Blues get to me. I will wear red, and laugh, and try to be some of the sunshine I know so well. And I will listen to Karen Carpenter and smile and count my every blessing.

Life as we know it

2012-01-19T00:34:00.001-08:00

As I type this the rain continues to pour down as it has since Monday night. I have learned some things about my feelings about weather. I love rain. I love snow. I really hate the two of them together. It results in sopping wet feet that you have to stand in during a very long rehearsal, slips and slides, and a grumpy Ashley. I am sad to see the snow go, but happy the slush is gone. I have been turned off from ICEEs for the rest of my life. But apparently the non-stop rain/not enough sleep thing I've got going on this week has led my brain to think it is totally okay to dress like a Hipster. Or like 10 year old Ashley desperately wanted to. My mom was very anti-grunge and I'm still not sure how I came to own jeans with ripped knees, that brown plaid flannel shirt, or the construction worker boots with lace trimmed socks. Such a trend setter...

I made a half circle skirt! I love it! I had to do some real math (ew) to figure it out, but man alive this is the best made garment I own. I hand stitched the waistband and hem. I've come to find that hand stitching things like that is actually very relaxing for me. I'd love to show you better pictures, but well, just continue reading. But the point is I am really fond of this shape on me, slightly fuller than an A-line, but not as full as a full circle skirt. It's much more flattering on my figure, and easy peasy to make! This one is made out of some Navy broadcloth from my stash. I wore this skirt three times this week. It's a keeper. Next time I'm going to line it, and make it out of two pieces (this one has just one seam!) to add pockets and maybe some hem detailing. I love projects like this that lend themselves to alteration!

Image from A Beautiful Mess

Oh how I miss having a real camera! I love my phone camera, it's actually fairly decent, but I miss taking pictures that come out pretty, and messing with settings, and looking like a tourist all the time. Speaking of which did you ever see this tutorial on A Beautiful Mess? I am dying to get this made before my dear departed camera is returned to me. (which I guess makes it not departed. I'm not sure, I've been studying German diction for hours on end and my brain is fried.) I was hoping to pick up some oil cloth before I left California to make mine up in to make it waterproof (which considering that a bottle of water that ended up open in my bag was the downfall of the camera, and the fact that it has rained for three days straight and everything in my purse is soaked by noon, is a really good idea.). I'm love this print a lot! I think I'll modify the design a little. Add some lens pockets inside and line it with a flannel maybe? I'm still playing around with the idea in my head.

Image from Etsy via Pintrest

Speaking of convienent DIY's I really want to make up one of these too! My poor phone and earbuds find themselves shoved in whatever space in my bag that is not taken up my water bottles or sheet music. I have some flannel left over from a nightgown I made (that I'd show you if I ever got my camera back.) and I think that would be perfect for one of these cute things!

My life has been taken over by the Opera. We're not even at the full rehearsal schedule yet. I was listening to a CD the other night after studying some of my parts, and suddenly was hearing everything in German. Not actual German, just made up German sounding words that were not actually being sung. It was weird and made me weep a little. I am slowly going insane due to this, which is how this photo came to be... don't ask. (also these are the bets wool socks on the planet and I cannot thank my sister and brother-in-law for them enough!) But I am so excited for this production! I don't remember if I told you all or not, but we're setting it in a Steampunk fashion and I cannot express how perfect this is for The Magic Flute! Our costume designer came in to show us all the sketches for our costumes the other day. Mine is based off this photo (if you click through to look at the board it's our costume designer's inspiration board so you can get an idea of what some of the costumes are going to be like.). Ringlets and all (except the hat.). Too, too excited! Now if I could just get all the German down!

Sometimes I think people get the wrong idea about my feelings towards my hair. I really love my hair. It's pretty great honestly, and I like the frizziness and mind of it's own. I especially like my hair when it's rainy. This week I had some great hair days. Then I had this hair day:

Which looks tamer than it was in real life.

And that's my world right now. How's yours?

White

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Falling Snow

The first pair of shoes I could find.

I texted this picture to my friends and family back home. Charissa's response was that I looked like a crazy bag lady. Need I remind you I had just woken up.

I rarely check the forecast these days. I usually wake up to partly sunny skies and assume it will be cold. Tights, boots, scarf, coat, mittens in my bag just in case. This last week it was sunny and bitterly cold and I quite liked it. I like those sunny cold days. I like the non sunny ones too, but I feel as if everything is just a bit prettier as the sun shines down without the express intent to boil your skin. (this is my California relationship to the sun and as with any abusive relationship it's been hard to get over.) My friend Laura and I were commenting on how wonderful the weather had been (she being from New Mexico can sympathize with my hatred of the sun.) of late when she informed me that the rain would be returning come the weekend. No matter, I do love me some rain, and that is one of the very reasons I moved to Oregon. later in the week my friend Spencer informed me that snow was threatening for the weekend. I'd heard that one before. The weekend of our Opera Workshop performance last Fall was supposedly to be graced with snow, but we were stood up (much to the joy of our ticket sales.). So I kept it in the back of my mind not expecting much. Saturday night I talked to Grace on Skype and told her it was supposed to snow on Sunday. She was excited, but I told her not to get her hopes up. I'd done a good job of keeping mine down and figured that if I did indeed wake to find snow, it would only be a smattering most of which would be melted by the time I had to leave for church. So I made a cotton skirt to wear for Sunday and went to bed with visions of striped Summer dresses in my head. Afterall I had just finished typing a post filled with pretty Summer inspiration. It was so not going to snow.

Sunday morning I woke up later than I'd planned. I picked up my phone checked my email, read a comment on facebook, and began to contemplate whether I wanted a bagel or bacon and eggs for breakfast. I sat up and noticed a bright glow from my window. I suddenly remembered: "oh I wonder if it did snow at all?" I peeked out my blinds and squealed with delight! In a flash a pair of shoes were found, a coat was tossed on and I ran to the elevator in my nightgown. Outside, the world was covered in beautiful white powder and more came down as I stood in my own private bliss. I walked to church as the snow came down harder (I did change from my nightgown), so hard in fact that I had to wear sunglasses to keep it out of my eyes. By the time I left church most of it had melted, but I didn't care. It was just beautiful! It picked up again that night re-covering the world in a blanket of white. It was magical really! I stood outside in the night watching those white flecks float down in slow motion. So beautiful.

I leave you with this fantastic rendition of Baby It's Cold Outside, courtesy of none other than myself and Miss Grace.

Too many words

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Headband- Joann's dollar bin.

Cardigan- target

Blouse- made by me

Dress Erin Featherstone for Target, hand-me-down from my mom

Belt- Stolen from a vintage dress

Tights- gift from my parents

Shoes- those walmart ones again.

Lately I've been really thinking about the life I want to live and the kind of person I want to be, just doing some reflecting. Why am I not happy in this area? What needs to change in that area? How can I go about making me a better version of me? What do/should I define as better? All that kind of stuff. I'm changing small things first and building up to bigger things. Better eating habits, going to the gym as often as I can, balancing my time and using it effectively (no more last minute projects!), planning ahead, and so far I feel so much better! I am far more organized and efficient and I like it!

But it got me thinking, I have always labeled myself as the bumbling idiot. Not in a bad way! More of a lovable, smart girl, with her head cut off I suppose. And truth be told, I kinda like filling that role. I'm the one who spills things daily, who's always dropping things, can't wear white without getting something on it (usually coffee or lipstick!), and receives many an "oh, Ashley, Ashley..." head shakes and grins. I like that. It makes me laugh, and keeps my ego pegged down where it should be. These are good things. And I'm not sure I want to be that person who's always on top of things, I like a little higglty-pigglty in my life, I like a little chaos. It's the way my brain functions and frankly I think it's pretty charming.

As a music student though, it is not advisable to be a "B" type personality. You have a mile high pile of music to learn, far more course work than should be legal, rehearsals to go to, sectionals to remember, meetings with pianists, outside rehearsal times, costume fittings, and oh yeah, a life to live. I feel like too many kids who get involved with music feel they have to major in music when in reality, not everyone can handle it, and the little fact that in this economy an Arts Degree gets you about as far as your local McDonalds- generally. So for some one like me, who really just wants a simple life filled with happiness in whatever form you can find it, the above doesn't make much sense. So I've been considering changing my major. I'm looking at my options and carefully examining them all, and while I haven't decided yet (nor will I in the very near future), the things I'm looking at feel right.

But yesterday I was in a practice room going over my music, and stopped for a moment to feel the atmosphere. There's a time of day when a bunch of classes are going on and the building is quiet. But as you focus in on the silence you realize how bustling it is. People are practicing in their rooms, if you walk down the halls there are those with headphones and scores in front of them, some hustle from one room to another carrying stacks of papers and books, humming to themselves, or in deep concentration over their homework. It sounds silly, but it's a magical moment. You realize you are a part of something very wonderful and beautiful, something that is it's most wonderful and beautiful in it's quietest moments. So I wondered if maybe I was being foolish in considering a change? I love this, passionately, so why on earth would I change? I do love being surrounded by music. It is my biggest passion, but not in the way most people think it is. I love to hear it, to sing it, to feel it, to see it. It makes me feel alive, like I know what I am doing, and it makes sense (most of the time!). I don't need any motivation to sing or perform, or even to learn music. It's the other stuff that I personally struggle with. But I am always going to love it, and I am always going to be involved in music in some way shape or form. It's a part of who I am, and a part that I cannot deny. So do I really need to have a piece of paper that says "I spent too much time, money, and energy crying over my Mozart score and all I got was this piece of paper" in order to live my dreams? No I don't.

I do not want to know what is on the mirrors in the practice rooms...

If anything yesterday's musings only affirmed the idea of a change. I like rehearsing and performing, I don't want to be an Opera star no matter how many faculty members try to convince me otherwise. I want to sing, and act, and dance, and sew, and grow vegetables, and milk a cow, and travel the world, and fall in love, and live with stars in my eyes, and see things, and love, and laugh, and cry, and have my breath taken away, and write a book, and have a kid or 20, and drink 10,000 cups of coffee over the span of my life, and marvel at the creator of all, and kiss in the rain, and feel the grass between my toes, and learn as much as I can about as much as I can. That's the life I want to live, the me I want to be, and truth be told, I don't think a music degree is going to really help in getting me that. I'm the one who's going to get that by taking chances, and following my heart and mind, both of which are telling me I need to step back and examine things.

I was talking to my sister about this very thing the other day. She did the same thing. She started out as a Poly Sci major and then became an Art History major. She's found a job in her field that she passionately loves and that is so perfect for her it's not even funny. When we were talking I realized that even though I love music, it was actually never MY plan to major in music. I mean when I was 12 I was told I was good enough to get into Julliard (Lol.). I was still playing with dolls then and worried if the boy I liked would meet me by the tree like I asked him in the note I gave him in class that had been written in sparkly gel pen. He didn't by the way. But from there on out it was kind of decided for me that this was the life I wanted. You all by now know the sob story that followed and maybe now, 12 years later I'm finally realizing that the reasons for all that weren't life being cruel, but life trying to drop me a hint. This isn't me. I want to be a singer/songwriter who lives on a farm and makes pretty dresses, and has a highly successful line of vintage inspired Maternity Wear. That is literally my dream in life. If I do an Opera on the side, great, a musical, swell! Oh you want me in your totally awesome indie band, well alright then! The more I think about the future I want, the more I am convinced that I'd be making the right decision. But like I said, I haven't fully decided. I may get through these first couple of crazy busy weeks and wonder what the heck I was thinking. Which makes it all a little scary, but in my experience that's a pretty good indicator that I'm on the right path. And that's how we bring the Yammering back.

Home is wherever I'm with you

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Coat- Target, gift from my parents

Scarf- Gift from my Nana (I do own other scarves)

Dress- Made by me

Cardigan- Target (I promise not to wear it again this week)

Belt & Tights- Target

Flats- Walmart

Headband- Made by me

Ruby Slippers brooch- Gift from Gracie

Not that anyone would notice but I have been trying to wear all those things that often don't get as much love as they should. I went through my clothes last weekend and got rid of a good amount of stuff I never wear because I just don't like it anymore, but I decided to keep a handful that I just never wear for no apparent reason and force myself to wear them this week. I really love this dress and I do not know why I don't wear it more often. It is so fun and flattering! And it's a perfect base dress for adding colour pops. sure maybe I looked a tad Christmasy today, but personally I think Christmas should start the day after Thanksgiving and go until Valentines Day. In a perfect world..... In other news, I didn't plan on going to the gym today. But then I went in to get my measurements taken for costuming. Hmmm, where did those new numbers come from....? I blame it on all the hot chocolate I consumed over Christmas. So to the gym I went. There is nothing as entertaining as watching the reaction on people's faces when they see someone working out with an Opera Score in their hands.

I've been missing home somthin' fierce. And not Beyonce fierce, just achy, need a hug from my mama fierce. Coming back was harder this time. But I keep trying to find little things that remind me of home and appreciate them all I can. The sand in my shoes, the sand in the pocket of my favourite coat, the smell of peppermint, the brooch Gracie gave me for Christmas (she has a matching one!)... They each give me a reason to smile. I bought a necklace a while ago with a charm that looks a lot like Gracie. This is the conversation she and I had about it on Skype the other day:

Me: Did you know I bought a necklace because the little girl on the charm looks like you?

Grace: really! that's so cute!

Me: yes it is, so now I can wear it whenever I miss you!

Grace: you must wear it all the time everyday.

That kid rocks.

Good Day, Sunshine

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Blouse- Thrifted

Skirt- Made by me

Cardigan- Target

Scarf- Gift from my Nana

Socks- Gift from my parents (proof of being an adult is getting a crap ton of socks for Christmas.)

Boots- Vintage, thrifted

Pencil Brooch- Vintage, found at the Pasadena Flea for $5!

Isn't it funny how the day after a particularly bad one usually seems to pick up? Maybe it's a mental thing, or maybe the odds really do turn in your favour, but yesterday ended up being pretty ace. My rehearsal went mostly well. Except for the part that I discovered I actually sang in the night before. Turns out my sight reading has much improved! And I got a possible job offer! A sewing job nonetheless! I have to go check it all out today between classes, but finger's crossed!! (prayers/good vibes are much appreciated!) I even went to the gym, and finished my homework before my bedtime! So all's well that ends well!

How cool is this brooch! Especially for $5! I find this is particularly helpful to have when marking all the places you screwed up on your dumb mellismatic runs. Which sounds like a medical condition but is actually just Mozart being a jerk face and writing about eighty 16th notes all above the staff line. Mozart, what a douchebag. :-)

I still apologize for the phone pics. Godspeed to my camera.

First Day Blues

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Can we please discuss the fact that my room didn't come with a full length mirror, but the bathrooms in the lecture hall does...

Coat- Vintage

Cardigan- Target

Dress- Vintage

Belt- Target

Tights- gift from my parents

Flats- Walmart of all places

Brooch- Vintage
Boots- (below) Nine West via Nordstrom Rack, gift from my parents
Beret- (below) Vintage

If we did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
-Thomas Edison

This is gonna be a doozy of a term. I'm going to have to keep reminding myself of that quote there. I keep writing really long posts about the inner working of my brain/heart/psychosis and then deleting them. There is a lot I'd like to discuss here. I'd like to yammer and muse, but I kinda feel like no one really wants to read about my poor little self, and I'd really like to not look any stupider than I do on a daily basis. I have some strong feelings about California I'd specifically like to discuss, so maybe we'll do that one of these days. Maybe.

Alright fashion historians, here's the question, I bought this dress off etsy. It was listed as a 60's dress. The print is very 60's to me, but doesn't the cut seem way more 40's? So is this a case of mis-dating, or was there some lady in the 60's who was a head of her time and made a dress out of "modern" fabric but used a "outdated" pattern? Or am I totally off?

Well that is blurrier than I thought. Dumb phone.

My hair got progressively bigger throughout the day.

Thanks Mama and Daddy!

See, my hair was cute. Then it rained.

This was my snack before my health class. I appreciated the irony.

My notebook is cooler than anyone else's notebook ever.

Also I went to write yesterday's date and wrote 1/9/10. I was off by two years.

Brain collapsing.

What do you do when you're bogged down with the thoughts in your head?

Re-Do

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

So last term it was just the mushroom. Today a frog appeared. I figure that by June there will be a whole mini-forest on my door. And why they needed to put my name up twice is a mystery to me.

You know those people you see in the airport who have like, one bag and really neat hair, and some sort of scarf tied neatly round their throat? I am not one of them. I am a big hot mess at the airport. I try really hard not to be, but it's inevitable. I'm the jerk with about six bags, pulling my laptop out, wearing lace-up boots, and about 10 layers of clothing. I am not one of these people (don't click the link if you are offended by strong language, but it is truly hilarious!), but I am also not someone who flies in perfect minimalist style. I come off planes looking like I just ran a marathon while giving birth. It's not pretty.

Welcome Home Banner from Gracie and Fraser.

At least I am a cute bear.

the colouring is off, but this pretty perriwinkle yarn was a Christmas gift from my sister's Mother-in-law along with a Jane Austen knitting book!

While my flight back to Corvallis was nowhere near as ridiculous as my flight to California (which I realize I never told you about, but believe me, it was one of the most weird/strange/and almost horrific 24 hours of my life. Yes I realize it's a 2 hour flight from Portland to Long Beach. Yes, it was a 24 hour horror story.), it did have it's share of my running around like a buffoon with a broken suitcase. So while I was running from one floor of the airport to another on Friday I came to the conclusion that I seriously need to streamline my entire life. As anyone who has ever come into my bedroom, seen my purse, or just about anything else I own, I always have so much "stuff." I don't ever plan on being a minimalist because I do like "stuff," but there has to be a line drawn. Especially when you live in a cracker box they call a dorm room.

New desk area

Easiest photo garland ever. Twine, tacks, paperclips, et voila!

Each season I try to do a clean out of junk and things that have become useless over the past few months. After my airport fiascoes I felt this was very much in order. I decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to deep clean and rearrange everything too. My back in aching, my mind is numb, I never want to live in a place with linoleum ever again, but my room looks fantastic! I am still in denial that classes actually start again tomorrow, but alas, they do. This is going to be a crazy busy term for me and I am still trying to figure out what kind of blogging schedule I can keep, but in the meantime, I am a contributor on The Sew Weekly this year! You can check out my post here. I don't think I will be able to get this week's challenge done, but I am hoping to find a bit of time.

Coffee, Books, and Music. Yep. That's my life.

So, 1. I never told you guys about my chenille bedspread, but my parents found in New York for cheap and it was the exact colours I was looking for. We're fairly sure it belonged to a Hobo before it got sent to the vintage shop my mom found it in, because it took four washings before it was clean. Then I sanitized it. 2. This dress cost me $15 at the Pasadena Flea Market in December. The lady claimed it was the dress of Mae West's maid, but it has a tag inside from a costume rental shop in Hollywood that has a name on it. I can't read the first name (it looks like it might be a Spanish name), but the last name is Cole. Who knows the truth, but I still think it makes a beautiful decoration.

Black and Whites

Bri Made this pillow for Christmas! Warms my heart everytime I see it!

Finally listened to my mom and put up my shoe rack under my bed. So. Much. Easier.

Mama still knows best.

Disneyland

2012-01-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sarah and I went to Disneyland! It was a marvelous day. The park was pretty packed, but we got still has a fantastic time riding rides, munching on goodies and talking about life and the future. It was a boiling 85 degrees, and I wore a black skirt. Despite that, I just love Disneyland at Christmastime. It's the most magical and beautiful time in the park. The Haunted Mansion gets a makeover from October to mid January and all the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas make an appearance. The rest of the park it just beautiful in it's Christmas finery, and it even snows! Or soap bubbles that walking on in flip-flops makes incredibly precarious, as my 15 year old self found out. But no matter how many times you slip and fall on your hiney, it's still just a magical, magical place.

California Adventure is getting a makeover inspired by California in the 1920's and all the things Walt Disney was inspired by when he came to California then. I am a big fan of this! There used to be a model of the Golden Gate Bridge right at the front which has been removed since it wasn't built yet! There's a beautiful building being built that looks like a theatre in downtown Riverside. Beautiful Spanish revival styles, perfectly ornate Art Deco buildings, I can't wait to see the finished product this summer!

I leave on Friday.

I don't know if I want to.

So this is the new year,

2012-01-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

It was 82 on January 1st. We went to the beach.

We actually went to San Diego to do some shopping and by the time we finished it was dark. So we grabbed some fish and chips, a cup of coffee, and headed down to the water. We all got in the frigid sea and then stole someone's abandoned fire pit. My dad went around to all the fire pits and stole the half burned logs from the other abandoned ones. There was a riotous game of Duck, Duck, Goose, which turned into Socialist, Socialist, Anarchist. My toes froze, I got sand in my hair, and I breathed in the salty sea air. I'd say that's starting off the new year right.

Bonne Année!!

2011-12-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

Hairscarf- Stolen from Delaney

Cardigan- Target

Blouse- Thrifted

Skirt- Vintage, refashioned

Shoes- Target

There is exactly 30 minutes of 2011 left, and I have to say I am glad to see it go! This has been a tough year in many ways, and I think that this ended up seeping into my blog posts. But I am full of excitement and hope for this New Year! Time to clean the slate (and memorize an Opera in 5 days), and just be happy. Expect some changes around here! I'm excited to debute them!

This is my last outfit for 2011, and I quite like it! I thrifted this skirt in Corvallis, and had to take it apart to make it fit me. It was a fun refashion (I have another to show you later in the week), and I am thrilled with the result. The skirt itself is a beautiful thick wool (which I wore despite it being 81 today!) and I am fairly sure it's from Guatemala or Mexico. Mine originally was a bit longer and had a waistband with the same print that is at the hem, similar to this, but it was about three sizes too small so I took it up and made a new waistband. Very happy with it!!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

See you in 2012!

Hugo

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I simply adored the movie Hugo. Everything about the film was fantastic, but I was particularly drawn to the beautiful colours and shapes of the 1920's costumes. I loved they way that things were mixed and matched and almost looked higglty-pigglty, but still completely worked. The mix of prints and colours were just fabulous! 1920's clothes generally look terrible on me, but I adore them and try to incorporate as much of it as I can into my wardrobe. Lately I've felt rather apathetic about clothing. Actually all year I have, but I think this film really pulled at my heartstrings (not just wardrobe wise!) and I am finally excited about clothing again! That and this certain Christmas gift!

Crown of Braids

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Excuse the messy bathroom! I need to do laundry!

Cardigan- Target

Top- Thrifted

Skirt- Made by me

Flats- Walmart of all places

Earrings and Brooch- Gift from Delaney

Bag- Anthro, gift from my parents.

Last night my family and I went to go see Hugo. They had all seen it before and were keen to see it again, however this was my first time. Good Lord I loved it! So beautiful! The cast was fantastic, the costuming brilliant, and just visually stunning! I absolutely adored it! It has me completely inspired for my winter wardrobe. But that is for another post. This is what I wore to go to the theatre. Simple, but comfy and cute.

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas! Our day was really very lovely. Different than it was in years past, but very wonderful. My poor camera is out in the shop getting all fixed and shiny thanks to a very generous gift from my parents and should been back in my hands in two to four weeks! Yay! Until then I apologize for crappy phone pictures but I got a new spaceage phone!! I actually really hate cellphones. I have for years been of the phones are for calling in emergencies mindset, but now that I have joined the 21st Century I am quite a fan! I think I downloaded about 800 free music apps yesterday. I also found a pretty neat photo editing tool for free. It doesn't do much, but is still fun to play around with. I am very happy!

It's actually Navy and Tan! I love the keychain detail!

This outfit also features two other gifts. The bag is from my parents from Anthro. It was originally $200. It is all leather and a perfect neutral bag, which I desperately needed. The bag had been marked down to $99 recently and then was marked down to $50. Then when Anthro had their pre Christmas 50% off sale my mom and dad snatched it up for a mere $25! Crazy! And I adore it. I'm also wearing the earrings and brooch set Delaney made. Aren't they neato! She made them with some wire and a little hot glue! super clever and adorable!

I saw this tutorial for a braid crown (something I've been wanting to do for a very long time) and decided to give it a go last night. It came out pretty decent. Not as neat as I'd have liked it, but I will be doing this again for sure. Especially on those days when I haven't washed my hair! I can't believe that I go back in 9 days!! I'm both looking forward to it, and also dreading it. This is going to be a crazy busy term with the Opera (which, um, I haven't even touched...) and everything. But I am excited to see my friends again and to be back in the nice cold weather. Here's hoping the next 9 days don't fly by!

Christmas Scenes

2011-12-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

Last night Grace and I were cuddled up in bed and she asked me to sing her a song we used to sing to her as a baby. She was a fussy babe and this particular song, which I changed to include her name, always calmed her down and lulled her to sleep. I sang the song and then started telling her about silly things she did as a baby and how basically little miss Gracie made all of us better. She smiled big and fell asleep curled up in my arms.

For the last two days Delaney, who didn't have any money for gifts this year, has been baking and making. She has made cakes, and cookies, and brownies, and other goodies and packaged them up prettily with each of our names on them. She's stressed her self out about getting them all done in time. She's panicked when her cookies were just a little more brown than they should have been. She's slapped the hand of anyone who tried to snack on some cookie dough. She wants everything absolutely perfect for her little gifts.

The other night Bri and Micheal, Chelsea and Delaney, Eric and Fraser, Grace and myself all sat around a table for a "quick game of Uno." Mini tantrums were thrown, hysterical laughter was heard, piles of cards were made for hands too small to hold them all (I may or may not be including myself in that.). Teams were established to gang up on certain people, loyalties were switched. Coffee was consumed, and groans of "when will this game be over!" were heard. And everyone left with a big smile on their face.

On Wednesday I met up with Bri and Micheal, Sarah and her boyfriend Cody, Charissa, Jessica, and Chelsea and we had our annual gift exchange. We ate delicious foods, and talked and talked and talked and talked.... We laughed to the point of tears, and gave gifts filled with love. We welcomed the newest member of our little group and marveled at how perfectly we all fit together. I came home and told my mom and dad about our night and silly things we said and did. My mom said, "you guys are so lucky. Not many people have what you all have, nor for as long as you guys have had it." She was right. Despite differences, distance, and years we've all stuck together and can come back and pick up just where we left off. We are incredibly lucky.

Inappropriate conversations that make teenage boys blush, late night movie watching, froyo and gift exchanges, laughing 'til you can't breathe, lots of music, pretty lights, whirring of a sewing machine, pretty packages, not so pretty packages you're glad are just wrapped, sick puppy curled by the fire, new evil tortoise plotting in it's tank, 800 trips to Joanns, new pretty jammies.

I started out this year full of hope for new adventures and awaiting new blessings. But sometimes the blessings that really matter, are the ones you've always had.

I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases, filled with love and joy and laughter and peppermint or three.

Christmastime Is Here

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Forgive my absence! I hope everyone's holiday season has been lovely thus far, mine has been incredibly wonderful. I promise to get my act together and keep up on the posts in the next few weeks, but now I am just enjoying my favourite time of the year.

On my way

2011-12-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes it does.

:-)

Life

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Too many words in my head right now. Too many emotions surging through me. I'll write about them later.

Thanksgiving at the coast. I only cried once.

My camera kicked the bucket thanks to an unfortunate water bottle event.

I'll never buy tights from Walmart ever again.

8 days. 8 days and I will be home in that horrible, sunny, thick aired, wonderful place.

I'd like to discuss the above statement, but I'd rather pass my Theory final.

I'm going to study really hard, so I won't be around. The next time you hear from me I'll be complaining about the heat and devouring the hottest salsa I can find.

I'll also be preparing for an entire month of X-Files and just hugging everyone I love.

I refuse to carry a book bag the entire month.

I just love Christmas. And I am really excited to spend it with the best people on the planet.

Baby It's Cold

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night I discovered a severe weather alert for this week for heavy rain and possibly snow starting Friday. While this idea tickles me pink, it also freaks me out because I seriously have no clothing appropriate for snow. Over winter break I'm planning on knocking out some skirts and dresses to get me through the deep freeze of winter, but until I have a life again (performance this weekend! I'll have TWO WHOLE DAYS free from classes after that!!!), I'll keep dreaming up pretty velvet skirts, and cozy woolen coats.

Care Package

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

My family sent me a care package this week. Finally! Lol! I have been patiently awaiting this box for a rather long time and did a happy dance when it finally arrived (much to amusement of everyone in the mail centre). I even made a video of me opening it! The contents were wonderful and made me miss everyone just a little bit more. It was filled with sweets, and things I needed, plus a few surprises!

Coffee!!! No more crappy coffee from the dinning hall!

3 sweet notes from 3 sweet kiddos. Grace's cracks me up! She wrote "I miss you so much that I can't stop calling you. You're a silly Grace, and so am I, Love Grace."

Yummy dark chocolate hot cocoa!

Candy Corn!! I couldn't find any up here so I pleaded for people to send me some. I will never be rid of it now. I am not upset about that.

Chelsea made Pumpkin Spice donuts. They were much more of a cake dough than a gross donut dough, and they were delicious!

My own pumpkin to carve. Foam pumpkins are a lot harder to carve than you'd think...

A cute little tin! There are different posters on each side of it!

I have no idea what the sparkly star is for/from, but I do like sparkles! And I got some of Gracie's yummy blueberry jelly that she made for 4-H this year! I'm actually not a huge fan of most blueberry things, but I adore this jelly!

Someone please remind me to change my address for my Martha Stewart subscription. Also, it really makes me happy that I have an Anthro catalog. I haven't been shopping since September....

Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

The most exciting thing in the box! Shampoo!! I ran out last Sunday and hadn't been able to wash my hair since. Things were bad. By the way, sea salt is not a good shampoo substitute, no matter what your 2am brain tells you...

Princess Phone Jammies

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Princess Phone Jammies- Made by me

Sock Monkey Slippers- Target

Eye Mask- Target dollar bin!

Headband- Made by me

Mug- Anthropologie

Chocolate Chip Cookie- From my care package from HOME!!!

This post has been sitting as a draft since July. I have just never had the chance to photograph these until now! Apologies!

What, you mean this isn't how you look when you wake up?

I am incredibly weirdly particular about my bed clothes. Basically I mostly hate them. They're hot, and uncomfortable, and I move around in my sleep so they contort, usually they're ugly, I can find a million things wrong with nearly every pair of pajamas ever made. I just don't really like them.

Except I do like vintage ones (who'd have guessed?). I think pajamas were particularly well done from the 30's until the mid 60's. But suddenly pajamas took a turn for the frump-alicious and the just plain wack-a-doodle. All I know about that last one is he must really love her. And be very secure in his manhood.

I've been trying to find a pair of vintage pajamas for a long time. Then I had a brilliant idea! Why not just make my own! Duh! So much easier, plus there's the whole I roll around in my sleep a lot, so these won't be as delicate. I'll just find a pattern for a basic set of pj's and make them up in some sort of vintage inspired print. Except it is really hard to find a basic pajama pattern. I ended up using Simplicity 3971, which is apparently a plus size pattern. I just figured that out. That explains why I had to cut out the smallest size... Anyways. I originally planned on using some red and white striped cotton and living out my childhood dream of owning Molly's pajamas, but instead I decided on some pink and white cotton (I'm saving the red for a dress). In the end this turned out to be a very wise decision, but we'll get there.

So this pattern. Basically I love it. It's great! It's not perfect for what I wanted, but it was close enough. I wanted some proper 40's style pj's not a big lump of flannel with cats on it. I mean cat pajamas are great if you like them, but uh, I don't. . I also wanted a waistband. I really hate elastic waistbands. On anything, but particularly on pajamas. They are uncomfortable, and get twisted, and look unseemly. I wanted a real waistband. With a button. Because I am insane. So what should have been a three hour project took me about six. Granted I really did take my time with these. I reinforced the (shudders) crotch, and measured out the hem, and carefully stitched the button and snaps on the shorts. I also shortened them considerably. The originals hit me just past my knee. The shorts took forever to do, mostly because I was making it up as I went along, but also because I really did take my time. As a result I've got a pair of really great fitting pajama shorts that are comfortable and cute to boot!

Then came the top. I'd seen a few old patterns with some sort of monogram on the pocket of the shirt so I thought it would be fun to kind of use this technique I saw on the Colette Patterns blog. I used some bias tape to make the A and stitched it onto the pocket, then trimmed the edge with the tape as well. The pocket ended up being my favourite part of the whole set! This is why I ended up being kind of happy I didn't go with the red. Y'know, a scarlet A on my chest and all? While not many people will be seeing these, I'm not sure that's the impression I want to give off even if someone tries to murder me in my sleep... Anyways, I love these babies. They totally make me think of that scene in Grease where the girls have a slumber party. And The Mouseketeers. And Bye Bye Birdie. And talking to your girlfriends on a pink princess phone. And playing MASH until four in the morning. Good stuff. They are cute and comfy and just what I wanted. I fully intend on making the full length ones come winter, maybe in a heavier cotton or a lightweight flannel. Turns out I don't hate all pajamas.

I really don't have a gut camel toe. I promise.

Retreat

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Kirsten! And Laura looking crazy!

Choir retreat is basically a "fun" excuse to force choirs to practice more. I really shouldn't say "fun" because it is fun, but it pretty much is slave singing. For 7 hours. But really it was great and everyone had a lot of fun with all our crazy shenanigans.

Spencer!

This is how I spent the three hour drive. I'm almost done now!!

P-town

We went to a Swedish Lodge thing up in Washington State. It was absolutely beautiful! I can officially say I have been to Washington. I was way more excited about this than I should have been. I kept making really great Twin Peaks references all weekend, but no one else has seen the show and so I had to laugh at my own jokes, which is pretty common anyways.

Okay. I am actually totally mortified by this costume. Let me remind you how pretty I looked last year....

Jade as Angela Carlson! And Stu as The Doctor!

Laura and I! Yes, these were the only axes we could find on short notice!

Laura, Kirsten, and I

Spencer was an Ice Road Trucker.... Someone pointed out how we were both in drag when this was being taken.

Flaming Pumpkin!

Our first night there we had our Hallowe'en Party. Everyone was divided into teams for pumpkin carving. Our team did Comedy and Tragedy masks, which came out pretty cute I think. And everyone was dressed up! My friend Laura, who is from New Mexico, and I went as lumberjacks. The reason is that one our first conversations was me telling her how my mother kept insisting that I was going to move to Oregon and marry a lumberjack. Laura looked very shocked and confused when I told her this. Turns out her mom told her the exact same thing. So we both went as lumberjacks. I got a little carried away in making my beard. One guy in choir told me that he thought some random mountain man had joined in and it took him about twenty minutes to figure out it was me. It really freaked some people out to try and figure out who I was and then hear me talk. Kinda funny. My friend Jade went as our Theory professor who is amazing and has a bowl cut, so I cut her wig, and she paraded around the room with an annoyed scowl on her face. My friend Spencer did her makeup (he's amazingly good at stage makeup!), and Jade even wore her costume on Monday to class where our professor was tickled pink!

The aforementioned flaming pumpkin.

Pretty much sums up the day.

Do no let college guys be in charge of the fog machine. Otherwise four people will have an asthma attack. (I'm exaggerating)

The next day we rehearsed for most of the day and in the evening had our candle ceremony, which is not as cult-like as it sounds! Before we left everyone drew a name and had to get a candle for that person. You also had to get to know as much about that person as you could. Then we all gathered together in a dark room and each person got up and told everyone about their person and then gave their candle away. It was a really fun way of getting to know everyone a little better. Jade got me, which was awesome because she and I have gotten crazy close, and she was bawling when she made her little speech and then I started bawling and then had to give mine, it was really, really sweet! (Love you Jade!)

Choir guys are weird. Actually college guys are weird.

Piano mimeing!

Spencer gave our director a black eye.

Ashlee hoolahooped while making an origami crane.

I looked awful. It is a talent.

After the Candle Ceremony we had a talent show, which was awesome! There were some hilarious acts, and also some really cool acts (like one of the guys did a presentation on rock climbing and went out to a tree to show us how to use a certain type of rope-thing in rescue situations.). After the talent show I got to chat with Bri on Skype for a bit, we played card games, drank coffee and cocoa, and got all packed up to leave.

Sunday we drove back to Corvallis. Spencer was driving our bus and let me torture everyone with my brand new She & Him Christmas CD, which is awesome (and it's never too soon!!!). Drive back discussions included: our tour to Canada this year, Twilight, Harry Potter, me correcting everyone about Disneyland (which happens a lot actually), and my hilarious Steven Spielberg story. When we got back Laura drove a friend of ours and myself back to our respective homes. On the way back to my room we found a park and had to stop and take pictures! So pretty!

And then I arrived home, tired and wet, and wishing for another day in the weekend. It was a pretty awesome weekend!!

Not So Lazy Sunday

2011-11-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a pretty wonderful storm. I love how many more leaves were on the ground today, than yesterday.

Sundays are my favourite days. I always try to make them the most calm and relaxing day of my week, so when Monday comes around I am ready for it! This weekend I had a ton of stuff to do (I still do!), but I always find that when I have much to do, it is worth it to incorporate little things that make you smile into your day. So I did. I listened to Christmas music, and did a few things around my room. It's been a nice day.

Pumpkin Spice donuts and coffee from my family. Delicious!

Pin curled my hair last night and had the best results I've had in months!

I've been meaning to fill this vintage compact I got at the Pasadena Flea for $5. Today was the day!

I even melted down some nearly empty lipsticks to fill the space for rouge. I am totally in love with the end result!

Pretty little compact!

All filled up! I cut down a powder puff to fit in there too!

I still have a fair bit to do (paper to write, 2 chapters to read, clothes to hang up), but it really has been a lovely day!

How is you Sunday going?

Wool and Scare Tactics

2011-11-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Sweater- Vintage, thrifted
Blouse- Thrifted
Football Brooch- Vintage, Etsy
Hairbow- Thrifted
Skirt- Made by me
Tights (which are maroon, not a black abyss)- Target
Shoes- Ralph Lauren, thrifted gift from my sister.

Excuse the rather haggard look about me. I just finished a 3 hour run through where I dance a lot because I am a Pimp Queen in disguise as a cocktail waitress. Oh and I wear a purple sequin mini-dress while Mozart rolls over in his unmarked grave.

I spent my first (and, *cough cough* last) free weekend in three weeks making me some warmer clothes. Or at least I intended to get a few projects done, but this skirt was all that actually was finished. Not that this is a bad thing because, let me tell you, I kind of did an awesome job on this skirt. I hand stitched the waistband AND the hem. You are free to be impressed now. The fabric is some vintage wool I picked up at a church rummage sale in 2008 for ten cents. There wasn't much, maybe a yard and a half, but I managed to squeeze a skirt out of it. Of course making this dang thing was fraught with disaster, but in the end I am very proud of it. I added some piping to the waistband to give it a bit more oomph, and since the waistband ended up being so narrow I used snaps to close it. Sadly there are no pockets as I ran out of fabric and didn't have anything suitable to use for them, but otherwise it is perfect! I'm very happy with my darling new skirt!

When I put this ensemble together I realized two things. First, I totally look collegiate, and second, this is a very good outfit to sum up my current style preferences. Part girl-next-door, part Gidget, part Rosie the Riveter, and incredibly girly. I like that. The only aspect missing is my rather strange penchant for dressing like a farm-girl. I doesn't take me long to get ready, but I still feel and look great. Which is nice considering how little time I generally have to get ready in the morning.

In other news last night I had a dream that I was missing one of my front teeth and that one of my professors told me he liked me better with bangs because he didn't have to see my eyebrows. Today this same professor said this exact thing to me " When you are as famous as Renee Fleming you can sing whatever notes you want to, but I will mark your grade down if you don't sing them right in here." He followed this comment by saying I was a master at never dropping character and he was so thrilled for Magic Flute. It takes all of my strength to pretend he doesn't scare and intimidate the daylights out of me. Oh joy...

Monday Inspiration # 45: (The Tuesday Edition) Winter Hues

2011-11-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

A spot of Wintertime inspiration for you. It's cold here and I couldn't be happier! That means the holidays are right around the corner and also finals! While I have loved my first term here, I am ready for a break and some much needed family time.

What are you most looking forward to about Winter?

Cast List....

2011-11-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I GOT PAMINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's a little sample of what I get to do!!!! :-)

(just ignore her weird mouth positions. I can assure you I don't do that...)

Something to remember me by

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am being dramatic, but seriously, it would be awesome if departments could get their act together and not schedule concerts and midterms on the same day, or at least not at the same time. Today I have a midterm at 10, one at 11 and a concert at 11. So once this issue was raised my schedule now looks like this: Midterm at 10. Midterm at 10:30-11:30, concert call at 11:30. Yeah, they really helped us work that out.... And after my audition last night I now have a callback today as well. It was a weird audition, a good one, but a weird one. They told me that they had already decided that I would have a callback which is awesome considering I decided to audition on Wednesday (okay, re-decided, because I went through a dark phase of self-doubt and anger at "the man" and the ridiculousness of the university system and decided not to audition. I'd tell you what made me re-decide but it sounds way too catty). For the call back I have to read dialogue (there is a bit of dialogue in the particular opera), which means I have to pretend I can act while speaking. Everyone who sees me perform music thinks I am such a great actress until I actually talk. This is because my method of aria acting is look like I am in pain the whole time. Considering that 99% of the characters die in 99% of operas this usually works...

On a happier note, the other day there was a box in the music building marked "free." It was filled to the brim with these hats. So every single music student emptied the thing out in about five minutes. They were extensively used last weekend (more on that later), and the gradstudent's office had about 20 stowed away. I don't really know why we all took such a fancy to them, but we did...

Excused Absence

2011-11-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a crazy week (Friday I have a midterm at 10, a midterm at 11, a concert call time at 11, and possibly a call back sometime. Anyone want to trade Fridays?). My friend Spencer and I have decided we need T-shirts that say "I survived Week 6 OSU Music 2011." The idea is quickly gaining popularity. I have more music to memorize than I have hours in the day, and I am hemming dresses for our choir concert... It's just a crazy week. So instead of looking at my disheveled mug, here are some cute college girls looking not disheveled. How is your week going?!

Oh and have you seen this yet? These suitcases from an old asylum are fascinating! I just finished watching the first series of Bedlam so I am totally over-romanticizing these, but seriously they are gorgeous! The slippers in particular take my breath away!

And also I just found this blog. You have to admit it is hilarious. But please, if you are easily offended, please don't click the link. But you also totally should and then laugh obnoxiously like I did.

A Blast from the Past

2011-10-28T02:04:00.000-07:00

Today I am off on a choir retreat! We'll be in Washington State until Sunday and I am rather excited (mostly about how many Twin Peaks refferances I can make in one weekend)! Funny the last time I went on a choir retreat was four years ago and the day after I got back was really the start of my journey here. So I have high hopes that this one will only help me continue on in this new phase of life, and involve fewer car accidents...

Back then I had this nifty little feature that I was far too lazy to keep up (just like all my features...) called Three Days In... where I made three outfits I'd wear while somewhere. I posted one for a trip to the mountains back then to coincide with my own trip {original post} and I decided to update these a bit to reflect my current tastes. With a few exceptions, the old ones aren't too terribly bad (save the denim mini skirt... eek!)

Outdoor Autumn by fraxini featuring a twill shirt

Indoor Autumn by fraxini featuring a jacquard sweater

Autumn Party by fraxini featuring mary jane high heels

I Can't Believe It's Not Vintage

2011-10-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Blouse-Made by me
Skirt- Made by me
Cardigan- Vintage, thrifted.
Earrings- Target
Shoes- BC Footwear, Nordstrom Rack
Satchel- Vintage, gift from my parents.

Back in the beginning of my journey of sewing I bought one of those Poodle Skirt Halloween patterns. I also bought some really weird suiting to make it from. I got as far as sewing up the side seams before it defeated me. Since this day I have feared the circle skirt. Until now.

In my younger self's defense I was a complete moron back then and looking back the problems I faced with that project were stupid and I can now see how easy they were to fix. But still the memory of that failed project has haunted me and I basically just steered clear of all circle skirt plans. Which isn't too terrible since I am not actually a huge fan of them in the first place. I think they're wonderfully cute on mostly everyone but me, and the length of the traditional 50's style circle skirt is a major issue for stocky little me. So when the ever lovely Casey announced her circle skirt sew-along, I had mixed emotions. I have been wearing my skirts a tad longer, and I need a bit for variety in my skirts, so I said what the heck, the worst that can happen is I hate it, right? Except then I realized that the event took place while I was moving and I shrugged it off. However I did make sure to read in detail each post in the sew-along. So there I was last night, getting ready to crawl into bed despite not being tired at 2 in the morning, when suddenly I had a brilliant idea! (I really wish you cold read that in the voice I just typed it in. It was incredibly dramatic) Why not just tackle the circle skirt at 2am? What could go wrong?

I ended up going to bed at 4:45 with a finished skirt hanging over my chair. The only thing left undone for this morning was to press the hem. It is a good thing my first class didn't start until noon today, because let me tell you I had no desire to get out of bed (tonight's menu: study for exam tomorrow, memorize aria, go to bed early.). But I did and I'm actually not too terrible today (though that may just be the coffee talking), and in the end I have a totally awesome skirt.

I used a brown tweedy wool I got in the Garment District back in August. Initially I assumed it was some kind of poly-wool blend, but after my adventures in ironing the thing I have determined that it is in fact wool. Instead of making a pattern, since I don't have any pattern drafting paper, I just marked the measurements directly onto the fabric. The front half is one piece and the back is two with a zipper in the back. I added pockets to the side seams, and I didn't bother facing the waistband because it was already so bulky (and also I am out of interfacing...). Otherwise I followed Casey's directions to a t and ended up with a skirt I can't believe I made! The only hitch I ran into was the fact that this is such a loose weave wool it stretches so the waist ended up being a good three inches too big (and actually the whole skirt is a bit on the loose side, but I can deal with that), which is why I made and inverted pleat in the center. I actually have a skirt that is a bit too tight with a pleat like this, and I really love it. The only thing I would change is the fact that I gave it a machine hem, but after all it was like 4am by the time I got to hemming, and I was not about to hand stitch this thing then. But I do plan on making some more of these for this winter. I think a velvet one and maybe some traditional felt. There are so many possibilities! So many people today thought it was vintage, which pleased me to no end! And now I no longer live in fear of circle skirts.

In other non-sewing related news today was freezing as I walked to class... at 11:30. I am not kidding you by the time I got to the music building my hands were like icicles. Apparently it can be both sunny and freezing cold at the same time. Who knew? So far I really love Autumn.

Mem'ry

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I swear I'd posted these already, but apparently not. The Saturday before my family left Corvallis we went into Portland to meet my grandparents for lunch and bum around Powell's. My dad actually flew in that morning and we picked him up before going into Powell's. It's been a little over 4 years since the kids had been there, and Grace was only two then, so it was neat to see them re-discover all of the Powell's Books glory. Grace asked me if I'd take her to the kid's section at one point so we headed that way. She saw a small section of kid's books and pointed saying "Oh there it is!" and started rushing towards it. Then I told her that was just a small section of the kid's section and showed her the whole thing. Her eyes bugged out and she had this crazy goofy grin from ear to ear! It was hilarious! It's nice to have these pictures and those silly stories for days when I'm a little homesick (Grace is currently obsessed with the idea of homesickness). The best thing about pictures is the little memories they bring back. Like Delaney and I gushing over shoes in Anthropologie, or my mom scowling as I bought yet another coffee mug (it was pink and had an A on it, what was I supposed to do?), or my dad (literally) explaining Quantum Physics to Eric while I played Angry Birds on my mom's phone, or watching Fraser be really brave and order calamari for lunch and then asking if we could trade lunches because it just "wasn't what he was really hungry for right now" and my clam chowder was what he really wanted. It was a good day.

My grandma insisted on waiting in the ridiculously long line to procure these. There's a Maple Bacon bar in there somewhere. She tried pawning some off on me, but I do not like doughnuts (yeah, yeah, but seriously it's like eating sugar air and then there's that residue that the cake leaves in your mouth... ICK!)

1. Yes she is actually drinking black coffee. Yes she drank the whole thing. 2. My grandma threatened to buy one of these for all of us, but ran out of Cash. 3. God Bless Cash Only vendors.

Teddy Girl

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Blazer- Thrifted

Blouse- Vintage, thrifted

Skirt- made by me

Brooches- Gnome: gift from my mom, Deer: vintage, Bear: Ailwee Caves, Ireland

Neck Ribbon-?

Earrings- Vintage

Watch- Target

Shoes- Off Saks (and desperately need to be re-soled~)

I have been waiting for a day cool enough to wear this since I picked up this blouse and blazer (which is really pathetic when you consider that it has hardly been 70 this week. I just am always hot. Except when I leave my dorm room at 9:30 and it's 39 out...). I found both of these while visiting the coast this past weekend. I have never been much of a blazer person but after seeing this beautiful ensemble I decided that I needed one. I'm still not sure they suit me (see what I did there..), but this one is wool and a lovely colour and warm enough to get me through the winter. The blouse was a lucky find! I rarely if ever find vintage blouses that accommodate my ample bust, and I assumed this one would end up being too tight, but much to my surprise it fit! It's not that old, mid-late 60's I'd say, but I adore the cut and print and Peter Pan collar. It is pretty much the perfect blouse. As soon as these two items entered my pocession I have been dreaming up all sorts of outfits featuring them. I am quite fond of it! I think this outfit kind of sums up how I've been feeling sartorially lately. I like mixes of textures, colours and prints, but still simple and a bit more delicate. Pretty dresses, cardigans, and flats for walking hither and thither. Uncomplicated in a sense, yet diverse. Does that make any sense? Probably not, but regardless I really loved this outfit. It is just kind of perfect.

The Magic Field Forest

2011-10-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I will be thinking about something that I love and realize that I haven't really changed all that much since I was a wee'un. I mean, I still could live off of Orange Juice and Chicken Fingers, I still like getting dressed up in crazy combos, I still think $20 is a lot of money, and I still think that the world is a magical place filled with wonderful things just waiting for me to explore them. When I was a kid ~~and also now~~ I had a bad habit of wandering off to explore something. I was constantly "lost" ("Just because you don't know where I am doesn't mean I am lost! I knew where I was the whole time so how could I have been lost mom?") and my parents would search high and low. I was that kid who always got paged to meet their party in stores. I still suffer from this innate curiosity. Ooo what's round this corner? Hmmm, I wonder if I could find a way into this nefarious looking abandoned house? It's gotten me into some crazy funny situations and only one incident of poison oak.

Growing up we lived with my grandparents who's house was on the church property. There was a big field in the back that was kind of a junk yard, huge trees we made into forts, and a storage facility for those giant shipping containers that trains carry. My sisters and I played out there from sunup to sundown. We played in the containers much to my mother's horror (incidentally I always like movies where there is some scene with shipping containers, especially if it is some showdown fight, because they are just the best place for hiding!). I loved playing out in these places, making up some story about being a feral child or fairy or something. I look at these childhood tenancies and realize now that they are just a facet of my personality. So all those years I was trying to "figure out" who I am were kind of useless. I know who I am, I've always been the same person. I suppose I look at life more as a constant shift rather and than an evolution. You don't have to become someone new just because you grew up. You just have to figure out how the parts of you fit into grown up life. I still love exploring, and trying to brake into places that look intriguing. But now I take it with a grain of salt and at least try to avoid getting arrested.

So yesterday I was tired. I'd had a long day and a headache. I was feeling a bit, I don't know, disillusioned with life. I was tired of campus and exams every bleeding day, and I just needed to take a brake. So I went on a walk. I grabbed my camera and tripod and set off to find some place secluded enough to take pictures. I'd found a few decent options and a creek! But something kept me walking. I had no idea where I was going, I just kept walking. I saw a path and walked down it. It was through a thickly forested area and smelled like grass and mud and all those good earthy things. I saw a small clearing and walked towards it. It was not a small clearing but rather a huge open field surrounded by forest. The setting sun danced across the grass and trees and I just stopped took a deep breath and just looked. It is the kind of place where you feel beautiful just being there. Not because you are necessarily, but because there is so much beauty around you it just starts to spill into you. It was like this place has been made just for me. A creek, a field, a forest, remains of a tree house, a spooky looking barn... I just smiled. It is gorgeous. I can't even begin to describe it. It just was so wonderful. I spent the next hour and a half wandering around, taking pictures, taking deep breaths, and daydreaming. It was pretty perfect. And I fully intend to go back until I get caught. I love this place so much.

Weekend on the Coast

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty nice weekend. Yummy eats, some thrifting, Salt Water Taffy, and gorgeous drives through forests that are actually kind of my back yard. (Outfit photos will from henceforth be much more awesome than my crappy dorm room shots!) A good weekend indeed!

Things I love about this photo:
1. I have horribly chapped lips. 2. my mom looks like a 90's model. 3. Chelsea's face. 4. Eric looked like a stoner back then too. 5. HARRY FREAKING POTTER!!!!! 6. Delaney had recently chopped her hair off with scissors (the day before school pictures too!) which resulted in Eric and Dee being mistaken for twins more than before., so my mom started dressing her in over the top girly outfits.

The picture on the bottom of the wall on the right is THE WORST family photo ever known to man. We all look like we are on some for of narcotic, and Fraser (who was maybe two or three) looks downright evil. Also I had stopped washing my hair which I slicked down at the sides with super hold gel. And no one is really even smiling. Sadly this was the best of the lot.

The funniest part was sleeping in a room with photos of myself all over the walls. When I walked in the room I stopped in the door way and yelled "whoa" rather loudly! But it was a nice (and hilarious!) look back at the various phases I and my family have gone through.

Also I don't remember my dad looking like Harry Potter....

How was your weekend?

Some Real Old Stuff.

2011-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

I like old stuff. I like Music. So Music History is my favourite class (despite how much bloody reading we have). Today we took a field trip across the lawn to the Library which houses a 14th Century Gradual (basically an ancient hymnal). Yes. All 37 lbs of Illuminated pages, leather bound wood cover, iron working, and some knights slaying a dragon. None of us are quite sure why our library happens to have this beast of awesomeness, but I for one am mighty glad they do. You can even ask for a special viewing to handle the thing on your own... It was hard to suppress my inner nerd. And let me tell you, the few snaps I got do not do it justice! Oh and we also got to hold a Nobel Prize and a Nobel Peace Prize (which I took a pic on my phone but not on my camera and have no way of getting it off my phone, so epic fail). No Big Deal.

Now I am off to spend the weekend with my grandparents on the coast! See you all next week!!

Sailor Cowgirl

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Or I really need more rain appropriate shoes...

In real life I liked this outfit. In real life I got a ton of compliments. In real life I felt like a million bucks. But apparently none of this was picked up in these photos. So you just have to believe me that it looked a whole lot less weird in real life.

And while I did like this outfit, I'm not such a huge fan of this skirt. It is Colette Ginger skirt, and while I loved putting it together (hour and a half folks!), the end result is not my favourite on me. I just don't think it's a shape that is particularly flattering. I know, it's an A-line, my supposed favourite skirt style, but something about the cut of this one combined with the waistband just doesn't really work. I probably should have graded a bit more room in the hips, but alas. It is wearable and cute, so it's not a total failure, I'm just not it's biggest fan. I should say that this is such a great pattern, especially for beginners, and I've seen many on the web that I've just adored, but I think for me I need to play with the shape and proportions a bit more before I make this up again.

Not to drag this out at all, but I'm finally feeling like myself again!. I just woke up Tuesday filled with my usual joy, I had a great hair and makeup day (I actually wore eye shadow!), and my classes have all gone well. Let me re-phrase that: My classes were SO MUCH BETTER than the last week. We worked on Figaro this week and I left feeling better than when I came in and not like a crappy musician! Hale-freaking-luia. So how are y'all?

Corvallis Thrifting

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

While my family was still up here we stopped by a few thrift stores in town to check them out. The Corvallis Goodwill is a strange place. Their clothes are SOOO over priced for the most part, but they randomly have great prices on pretty much everything else. I found a wool Pendleton Skirt there for $7, and come winter it will be a staple (but I need to de-cigarette smoke-ify it first!)! But I did find these two patterns there. The swimsuit is super cute!

We also went to the ST. Vincent DePaul's in the next town over. Holy. Crap guys! All their vintage patterns were 29 cents! I've never paid less than a dollar for one back home! I kinda bought a lot. My favourites are the embroidery transfers!! I've seen them online and always wanted a few and now I have five! Yipee! I also picked up some metal zippers while there. I found a bag of them at Goodwill too.

The best find though was a vintage 50's poodle skirt that totally fits Grace. I found it in the Halloween section (don't get me started on that) and had to rescue it! The little umbrellas! The rain drops! If it had fit me, I'd have never taken it off! So cute!!! (and I totally forgot to get a picture of it before they left!) My mom also found some great stuff too, and before they left town she and my dad spent like two hours there and bought so much that they had to re-pack the car and trailer... So overall The thrifting in Corvallis is at about an A- for me. There's a couple other ones I haven't checked out yet that I'm hoping to get to either tomorrow or Friday, we'll see what they've got in store! I'm really wanting to find a tweed blazer, so fingers crossed!

Here Comes The Sun

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

You guys, You rock. Seriously. You are all so freaking amazingly wonderful people. Yesterday I came back from class after a pretty ace day, and find all kinds of lovely emails and comments and I spent the next twenty minutes crying tears of joy because you guys are such a blessing to me! I mean it. Thank you for being your awesome selves! And for those who emailed me, I will be getting back to you ASAP, which probably means after I am done butchering Mozart today (actually, surprisingly I won't be butchering it that badly!). But thank you all again.

Flower- F21

Earrings- Target

Blouse- Made by me

Cardigan- Target

Sweater Guard- Vintage, Pasadena Flea ($5 woohoo!)

Skirt- That old Bitten by SJP one that I altered forever ago

Tights- Target ?

Flats- Off Saks

I don't know about you, but I am one of those people who like to keep their emotions locked up to the best of their abilities. I tend to be the one others come to, and I really love being there for people, but sometimes I think that means I can't open up even a little bit. But then I do, and am reminded of several things. A) that hiding my emotions is totally useless because I suck at hiding them and am an open book, so much so that my new voice teacher who I have met all of four times now, noticed and stopped to see if I was okay because I looked stressed and distressed. B) I have been blessed by the most amazing friends, new and old, who encourage and strengthen me. C) When it comes to a family I won the jackpot, and no one will ever be so lucky again. Sometimes it does a body good to be reminded of those things.

So I am happy to report that I am doing much better. An email from my dad, some serious thinking time, and a revelation as I was falling asleep, landed me on a high note yesterday, and I was kinda hyper for the rest of the day. I did a little sewing, ate a piece of cake, danced around my room to The Beatles, and generally decided to focus on the sunny side of life. The Vitamin D pill might have helped...

How sweet is this little Ballerina and Ballerino sweater guard? Even if he is missing his hand...

I like to pretend they are star crossed lovers, always reaching for the other, never to be joined.

Because I give inanimate objects emotional responses.

And I have a ridiculously easy tutorial for achieving this hair style coming this week (Friday... I think. If we're lucky, Wednesday), and it is seriously the shortest video I've ever made. Cuz I love y'all.

No Place Like Home

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Shut up. I love Edward Cullen.

Silly drawings from silly girls, Disneyland, Bachelorette Party, NYC, Silly sleepovers, Goofy mini golfers, Concert queens...

(My California Wall. Little bits from home to get me through the bad days)

I've watched the Wizard of Oz about 6 times since I came up here. Missing my family something awful and needing a good cry? Watch Wizard of Oz. Angry about my being a crappy musician? Watch Wizard of Oz. Have a bad day and just want a hug from your mom and dad? Watch Wizard of Oz. I can't say that it makes me really feel any better, I just love it, and it does the "I really just need to cry for three days in a row and I am not even PMSing" job. Interestingly my dorm room is pretty much Wizard of Oz themed. Now if only my sparkly red shoes could take me home...

"If love were a taste, it would be bittersweet" - my little brother Fraser, poet extraordinaire.

Solvang, Mexico (and some 2nd degree sunburns), Grammar Class.

Where my head got decorated in toilet paper and glitter glue.

On 80's day...

Ah, High School...

Mr. Apollo who told me he'd see me at the Met (and three weeks later I got a rejection letter from Juilliard, So like thanks for nothing dude :-) ). Mr. Russian Hat Man took our picture at the Statue of Liberty. Mr. Russian Hat Man was Steven Spielberg...

Sunburns, Solveng, and a unicorn. Yeah. (rare viewing of Ashley and her Hippie days...)

The only thing worth going to the Mall for.

Post on that pile of patterns coming soon!

I knew I could get all my clothes in there!!

(p.s. in the interest of honesty, I am not doing too well. I really, really, really miss home and had a colossally bad week. I like my classes, but some bad news and a bad day (okay several bad days) really got me down into a funk I can't seem to get out of. So if it seems quiet, well that's why. I don't really want to bombard y'all with my tear stained face, or me moaning about wishing for a home cooked meal and how I wake up each morning thinking I'm back in my bed in my home. I'll be fine, I'm just going through a rough patch, and we all knew it was coming. I'm actually impressed it took a whole two weeks! So worry not, I'm alive, well, just a little heart heavy. I will be back to my usual sunny self in a bit.

Love,

Ashley)

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

How cute are these prints from Kristina Sabaite? I love them to bits! She also has a blog!

I am not really into Zodiac business, but these star sign prints are adorable! For each sign there is a little boy and a little girl and I just love their sweet poses.

Additionally she turns her artwork into pretty baubles and accessories. I am so in love with them all!

Autumn

2011-10-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

I had a 9 hour day today. I really want to make a skirt and a dress and a blouse. I really want to go to bed early. I really want to somehow miss my piano class tomorrow. But I am not. No instead I am practicing those stupid piano pieces (I really hate playing piano.), learning an opera, translating my pieces, working on the dang rhythm worksheet, and maybe getting started on studying for the quiz I have Monday and midterm I have next Wednesday (for the same class...... Also, why do we already have a midterm? Also, why does this class have two midterms?). Music Majoring is not for the faint of heart. But I've got some Ben & Jerry's, lost of San Pellegrino, and some Chicken Biskits (don't judge) to get me through the night, which I foresee being very long.

Not complaining (except for about the piano thing), just explaining why my posts have been so rather erratic. I am loving it here. So here are some pictures from Monday of around campus. Twilight is a magical time here, and I just love how beautiful it all is. It's like a fairyland. A really stressful fairyland, but a fairlyland nonetheless!

This is the building I live in. It is tolerable.

Changing leaves

The Art/ Sociology Department. Yes. You read that right.

One of my favourite buildings on campus. I have no idea what it is other than it has this cafe with these Calzinis... O.M.Gee. Pesto, pepperoni, mozzarella, and spinach... mmmmmm

By the way I also have a new header that I took this day. I kinda love it. I was trying to go find somewhere to take outfit pics, but I ran into a friend and we stood in the rain talking for like half an hour and by that time it was too dark. So fail.

Benton Hall where all my classes are. It is so beautiful (i'll try to get some inside shots next week) and apparently haunted. Awesome.

You can't really tell here, but the sky was bright pink and so pretty!!

And just cuz I fail at the whole outfit taking thing lately, here's a picture of me rocking my first knitting project. I have stopped caring about my hair because there is just no point anymore.

The Saga of Ashley's Move to Oregon Pt 1

2011-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of stuff. This will surprise noone, but I feel this statement needs to preface this post. I have a lot of stuff.

So when it came time for me to pack up all my worldly belongings and trek them nearly 1000 miles, you can probably imagine how ovewhelming it was. It took my mom and I from Thursday 9/15 until Tuesday 9/20 to pack up all my stuff. Granted, most of it was going into storage (we'll get there eventually), but um, seriously I had so much "stuff." I ended up having to move into a much smaller space (we'll get there eventually), so I had to cut back on what I could bring. I think in total there was five bags of stuff I got rid of and sent to Goodwill. About 85% of my stuff was put in storage along with my furniture. I'm actually quite impressed with how little I ended up taking!!

After everything was boxed up, labeled, and packed in our trailer, we left. It was much later than planned, but it ended up working out perfectly! Remember this? Well it was finally time for me to use it!!! And so we began our journey. My mom really hates driving the 101. I really hate driving the 5. So we compromised and drove the 101 up to San Francisco and then cut over to the 5, which runs right through Corvallis. It was a long exhausting drive, but a lovely way to spend some of the last few days with my family. The scenery was beautiful (while I hate California, I do love how beautiful the coast is!), and the company wonderful.

We pulled over to sleep around 3 am somewhere North of San Francisco, but neither my mom or I could really sleep (plus is was so dang hot, and Grace was sleeping in my lap and is her own personal heater), so about 6-ish we started to drive again. We did pull over at a rest stop for showers and breakfast, and met some nice hippies and headed back on our way.

(I was driving at this point so my lovely mother obliged by taking pictures for me! Thanks mama!)

The journey was pretty uneventful until we stopped for gas after we crossed the boarder. We all had a bathroom break and when Grace and I came out Eric was telling my mom how some old man handed him a bag filled with a "nefarious looking green herb" and told him a Hitchhiker left it in his car. We all had a good laugh because we often joke how Eric looks like a stoner half the time (he's just a really laid back dude). He then told us he left the bag on the counter inside the gas station and my mom said "You should have kept it! we could have sold it and covered part of Ashley's tuition!" Welcome to my family. (she was joking by the way)

Finally around 5:00pm we rolled into Corvallis! My mom checked into their hotel and then we headed over to my room. To make an incredibly long (and really rather stressful) story short, I didn't end up getting into the Student Apartments, and pretty much every apartment in town was taken. There was an incident involving an apartment complex that was a bit fishy, and in the end I am soooo glad I didn't get one there either. So I ended up moving into the dorms. Yeah. It's not so terrible, but I am in a freshman dorm for international students and jocks. So those people who think that sweats are actual clothes, oh yeah, I live with them. I do have a single room and I just share a bathroom with one other girl (who is also from California), so it's not all bad. Thankfully it is a mostly quiet hall, however I am right by all the sports complexes, and apparently one of the sororities thought they and their pledges needed to camp out under my window this weekend... I'm actually on the fifth floor but I can hear everything that happens on the street as if I'm right next to it. Very weird.

That is all for now. Part 2 will be up later this week!

Oregon Tale

2011-10-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've really wanted to do a Vlog (such a stupid word) for a long time, so I figured this new adventure was the prefect excuse! Enjoy!

Lisa Hannigan

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lisa Hannigan is one of my favourite musicians. Not only do I love her beautiful voice and wonderful music, but I think she is just an absolute doll. I love her pretty, feminine style and love of rich colours. And if that weren't enough, she's Irish. Many of these images have found their way into my Autumn inspiration folder. They are just too pretty!

My first week of classes is nearly over and tonight I am going to check out the swing dance group here! This weekend my plans are simple, homework, homework, sewing, and homework. I have so much homework!! And a quiz on Monday, and two songs to learn in every key. I think my piano professor is trying to kill us.

Ashley On The Shelf

2011-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Still trying to figure out the lighting here. Excuse how dark these are! Also, I really do have legs. Promise.

Cardigan- thrifted

Dress- Made by me

This last week has been weird. Really, really, weird. Not in a bad way, on the contrary, I've been given more compliments than I've ever been given before, and I have met the nicest people. But those are some of the very things making this week weird. I feel a bit singled out in a way that makes me just a bit uncomfortable. I think what it really comes down to is I am still trying to find my balance here. I'm like a new book on an already stuffed shelf. There is a place that I will fit, but I just have to figure out where that is, so for now I'm just floating around. My coir director yesterday kinda summed it up. He said "when you're a transfer student you're not old, and you're not new, you're just kinda lost." Very true. I know what I am doing, been there, done that. But this is a new set of characters to do it with, and a new building to figure out (and like, why are the bathrooms on the 3rd floor? And why is there no elevator?), and so many other factors. And while I have never been around nicer music people (they're usually all a bunch of jerks for the most part), I'm still sorting out my place among them. It's a process and I wish it would just hurry up already! :-)

But I honestly love this place so much. I love the music department and the faculty. They all seem a bit more sensible and even a bit sarcastic ("See this textbook? This is the S.C.A.M. edition. Y'know the one where they change four words and charge you $192. Don't buy it."). The students I've met so far are super nice! And I am excited for the ensambles I am in this year! I got into the Opera Workshop and am singing the role of The Countess in The Marriage of Figaro! (This is a big deal, I promise) And the choir I am in in amazing!!!! A hugely talented bunch of kids! I'm excited for the pieces we're doing (Debussy! Debussy!!), and the concerts coming up. It's just an exciting place. Which makes riding out the transition totally worth it all.

Back to S-Kool

2011-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello, hello!!!! Did ya miss me? I miss you!!! Goodness two weeks without blogging feels very funny. I hope you all enjoyed the lovely guest posts over the last two weeks! Thank you again to all the ladies who posted, I'll be sending you each a little something in the next week or so (so be sure to send my your address if you haven't already!).

But I am here!! I meant to post this morning before I left for my classes, but, well, I kinda decided to make a dress yesterday, and I spent his morning finishing it. So yeah. But it's cute! More on that in a bit though. So how are you all?! I am good! I'll be posting more about my trip up here later this week but for now you get a sneak peak at my room. I haven't quite figured out a good photo spot since this place is tiny! I'll show you guys the rest of my place once I clean it. Sewing in tiny spaces man... It makes a mess!

Anyways, so far I really like my classes! I had music history and music theory today as well as an audition for various vocal ensembles (which was an interesting experience where I giggled, forgot my lyrics, gave the ENTIRE vocal faculty a lecture on the etymology of my email address, apologized for talking too much, and apparently did very well...). So now I am done for the day. I think I'll do some laundry, clean my room and maybe check out some of the town. I haven't met too many people here yet so maybe I'll find a rave and party it up. I'm sorry, I couldn't even say that with a straight face. I also need more coffee.

As for the dress here's the story: Sorbetto sans pleat bodice cut to cut under my bust, attach a wide waistband, dart he sides, and under the bust, attach self-drafted skirt, forget to attach pockets so now you have to un pick the sides, run out of fabric for the sleeves, so leave armholes undone to fix that later on, decide that 11pm is a good time to scallop a hem, finish neck hole and hem in the morning et voila, you now have a first day of school dress. I wore it with a cardigan for now until I finish the sleeves, a pink beret, and maroon tights, but the rain cleared up and it just got way too hot for them! But I seriously love this dress! I based it kinda off of this one. I actually was just going to wear something else until I saw this lovely lady's post yesterday and decided that it was a sign from above. I am quite happy with it!

Yeah, I don't know...

So how are y'all? I'm so happy to be back!!

Hello!

2011-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just a little note to tell y'all that I am in Corvallis!!! It is supposed to rain today and is just lovely (though it has been horribly hot all this week!!!). I am nearly settled in and have so many stories to tell you!! Today I'm off to Portland for dinner and to see my grandparents. I hope you all enjoyed the guest posts!! See you Monday! I 'll leave you with this picture of me with some Hello Kitty Duct Tape that my mom wouldn't let me buy. She leaves on Sunday.....

~~I am so going back and getting some~~ Hi mom!!

Guest Post - It's Pumpkin Time

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Why, hello there, dear Yammering Muse readers! My name is Sarah and I have a blog called Gypsy Skirt Vintage. I was so thrilled when Ashley asked me to do a guest post for her while she's off starting her new life, because I have been a fan of her sweet blog almost as long as I've been blogging. I am also excited because I have the honour of posting on the autumn equinox! This is my favourite time of year. So much great stuff happens in the fall. Besides Halloween and Thanksgiving, fall is also when my wedding anniversary happens, my husband's birthday, and our local Scottish highland games. Needless to say, we are gearing up for quite a busy next few months.

(I'm wearing: Vintage 50s Ann Taylor Dress - Etsy, Vintage 80s Ivory Belt - Thrifted, Headband - H&M, Ballet Flats - DSW)

But what I really want to talk about today, folks, is the great pumpkin. Fall in my house means pumpkin time.

We're quite the pumpkin fiends around here, and come late September it starts to show. Every year it is our tradition to go to our favourite pumpkin farm and load up a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins and squashes (and maybe some colourful Indian corn thrown in for good measure). Little mini white pumpkins arranged on the kitchen table, a blue cinderella style pumpkin on the mantle, a giant pumpkin for the front porch (the bigger the better in case you have pumpkin pinchers in your neighbourhood, like we do...), and of course plenty of sugar pumpkins for baking with. Lots and lots of baking...

I love being able to make delicious autumn treats like pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup, so I thought I'd share one of my very favourite fall recipes with you. I make pumpkin soup at least once a week in the fall and winter, and this recipe is yummy, healthy, and so very easy to make. If you have a can of pumpkin in your cupboard, chances are you can whip this up easily. So without further ado...

Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Soup

1 can of pumpkin or equivalent of prepared pumpkin
1 large onion or 2 medium onions, chopped into small pieces
1 teaspoon of oil
4 cups of vegetable broth (either store bought or made with veggie bouillon cubes)
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cloves
3 tablespoons brown sugar (give or take a little, depending on how sweet the pumpkin/cinnamon ends up being, I usually do it to taste)
Dash of salt
1/4 cup of milk

In a medium sized pot, brown the onion with the cinnamon stick and the oil. Add the pumpkin and spices and stir everything together well. Transfer the contents of the pot (except for the cinnamon stick, which you will want to leave in the pot for later) into a food processor. Puree everything well. Place back into the pot with the cinnamon stick and add the veggie broth. Allow this to simmer for at least 30 minutes. Add sugar and dash of salt to taste. Turn off the heat and stir in the milk. Makes about 4 servings.

I hope you enjoyed my little ode to pumpkins. Happy autumn equinox!

Autumn is for Knitting

2011-09-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! Andi B. Goode here. I was quite chuffed to be asked to do a guest post and, even though I'm from the Southern Hemisphere and we're in Spring, I'm going to talk a little bit about what I love about Autumn. For one, I love the relief after the often long and hot summer (though right now I'm hankering for things to warm up a bit) and, for another, I love being able to get back to one of my favourite hobbies: knitting.

I can knit at any time of the year, and often do, but there's just something special about the weather cooling and sitting rugged up on the couch with your knitting needles, a cup of tea and an episode of Marple on the TV.

Now, I'm still rather an amateur and not very ambitious at that but I do well enough and I'm getting a pretty good collection of patterns going, too. So, I'm going to share some of my favourites of what I've made and some of my pattern collection.

A photo showing my entire knitting pattern collection to date. I have patterns ranging from the 1930s through the 1980s. I got a lot of these from a lovely friend who passed her collection on to me when she no longer wanted it as well as at various op shops (thrift stores) and fairs, etc.

Most of my patterns are from Patons & Baldwins.

The mustard sweater on the left is just the perfect colour for Autumn.

I love my knitting pattern collection for many reasons: the first, of course, that I can make cute knitwear I can't buy otherwise and the second that they're a great resource for hairstyle inspiration as well!

And here I am wearing one of the favourite things I've knitted - the 'Marcia' hat from one of my 1950s pattern booklets. The pom-poms took me hours but I think it was worth it!

My attempt at the 'Three Hour' sweater.

A scarf I made from the same yarn. This pattern is really simple (though I modified it as I was using thicker yarn than called for) and you can find the pattern here if you'd like to make it yourself!

And here's another scarf that I made - you can find the pattern for this one here. There's that great mustard colour, again. I just love it in Autumn.

For good measure, here is the first cardigan that I ever made. This is an image from the original pattern booklet. I think this is great for Autumn, too - short sleeves but thick yarn. It works for me, anyway.

For more of my knitting adventures you can find me at ravelry, look through my knitting tag on my blog or check out the knitting collection I have at flickr (there are more patterns from my collection there, too).

Love,

Andi B. Goode

Autumn Favourites

2011-09-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies, I'm Sarah of Garters and Stockings. The lovely Ashley asked me to be a part of this guest post series and I was absolutely honoured to take part. I've been a long time reader so I felt so blessed and excited that she'd ask me to partake. It made it even easier to say yes once she told me the theme.

Here in Toronto, Canada the weather is gradually becoming colder and our days are slowly becoming shorter. The smell of the air is beginning to change and its beginning to look a lot like fall. As much as I'll miss summer, the longer nights and trips to the beach, I cannot wait to start dressing for fall and enjoying the benefits of cold, cozy weather.

Holidays with Family and Friends

When I think autumn two specific occasions come to mind; Thanksgiving and Halloween. Being that I live in Canada, the holidays are so close together and I'm always excited to celebrate each of them. I'm someone who is easily entertained by holiday festivities, even if I've never really had the chance to celebrate them properly. I cannot help but to be overwhelmed by the allure of thanksgiving and the magic of Halloween. This year everything is coming so quickly and I'd hardly hate to see it go by but I will admit that I'm already planning my Halloween costume and the best possible outfit to eat in for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I feel a bit silly admitting that I only realized this actually existed until this year. I've been missing out on such a delicious, soothing beverage for years! Something about this hot treat makes it easier to welcome the shorter days and colder weather. Knowing I can grab this delicious pumpkin spice flavoured beverage helps relax me. As silly as this might sound, I enjoy playing out the scenario of getting dressed when I make a point of buying this drink. I imagine myself in my favourite red trench coat, a basic black jersey dress, mustard tights, a cheetah print scarf wrapped around my neck and a pair of my favourite heels to carry me over to Starbucks. I'll sit in front of my computer or even just stare out the window as I can see the season changing in front of me and be reminded of all the things I love about autumn when I take each sip. It truly is my favourite way to welcome fall.

The Scenery

Don't get me wrong, I adore summer scenery. I absolutely love being in my backyard looking up at the big, green trees and taking it all in but autumn is simply breathtaking. There is something so magical about seeing the leaves change right in front of your eyes and waiting for the them to fall from the trees. There is so much inspiration that comes from looking outside of my window and seeing the colour palette of oranges, greens and yellows. I'm instantly reminded of being a child and how exciting the time of year always felt. I'm someone who is very much effected by my mood and environment and even though the shorter days takes its toll on me an even bigger part of me cannot help but be completed consumed by my surroundings.

Fall 2011 Fashion

With every season comes a new fashion trend and I will be the first to admit that I end up disagreeing with a lot more than I like but I have never been more excited for fall fashion. Fall/Winter 2011 lines have been premiering since mid-August and there is a reoccurring colour palette; mustard, purple and cheetah print. I never, ever thought I'd be the one to be taken by cheetah anything, in fact my older sister has been a fan for years but I seldom like anything she had with the design but this year something has changed within me. Maybe I'm just being influenced or maybe I'm beginning to see just how well mustard, purple and cheetah print go together. I can see myself adding a pair of plum tights to a basic black dress, throwing on a mustard scarf and grabbing a cheetah print clutch to add something extra. The thing I love about these three colours/prints is how much even one of them adds to what would be a basic outfit. I simply cannot get enough this fall and I'm so glad there is an endless supply of mustard, purple and cheetah print in stores now. This girl is going to shop until she drops!

In short, I'm over the moon about the coming season. I have so much planned and so much anticipation for the months to come. There's something refreshing about leaving the summer and coming into a new season. It feels almost brand new and in my case, it feels exciting and appreciated. I could really go on about all of the things I love about autumn but naming just some of my favourite things will have to do for now. Thanks again to Ashley for allowing me to get sentimental and cheesy on her blog!

bisous,

Sarah of Garters and Stockings

Guest Post: Autumnal Tones

2011-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow lovers of Yammering Muse! I'm Brooke of Pretty Penny Mae and I feel so honored to be one of Ashley's guest posters this month!

I'm from Austin, TX and if there is one thing that I hate about living here is the fact that I don't get to properly enjoy my favorite of all seasons, autumn. It stays hot here well into October and just begins to cool off around mid November (my favorite month). Even though we don't get to enjoy the cool crisp mornings and the amazing shift of color from the foliage change, I try to inject the whimsy of autumn into my life by celebrating the colors which make it so beautiful. Year round I am drawn to rich jewel tones, but I like to amp it up a bit during the end of year months. One of the ways I do this is by choosing outfits that appeal to my favorite of all color palettes.

My favorite dress is a great example. I was immediately drawn to this dress because of the wonderful rusty autumn tones and print. I love wearing a dark teal cardigan with it too, due to the way the colors compliment one another. Although I wear this dress year round, I find that it really comes into its own in the autumn months.

Below are just a few examples of some of my favorite autumn colors and combinations.

Source

For folks that feel unsure of their color selections, but would like to experiment with rich autumnal tones, a simple color wheel like the one above can be used to compare and combine colors.

Explore! Experiment! Enjoy the colors of autumn!

The Seasons by Sarah E. Hogeland

2011-09-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Sarah. I am proud to call myself Ashley's best friend. I am also a Californian. You may have heard of us because, fairly recently, we had a huge debacle over splitting California into two states. It was ridiculous, but it got us quite a bit of fame. Other things that we are famous for are Celebrity mugshots, a bald Britney Spears, and being pretty much the only state with one season.

For only having one season, we picked a pretty good one. We picked summer. Which is filled with going to the beach, eating popsicles, and walking around barefoot. However there are some things that we miss. Most of our trees don't change color, for one thing. But most of us are also very familiar with the television version of a fireplace.

When you only have one actual season that anyone can detect, it becomes a talent to spot when the seasons actually do change. Only amateurs will go off the calendar, true Californians go by a feeling. I know when it's fall, because I feel the slight change in the air. Fall in California. Not something people flock to California for. They come for the beaches, they leave when the Santa Ana winds pick up. So, what does a Californian Fall look like?

Neither of my parents grew up here. So, they just don't get why most people on our block decorate for every holiday. And when I say decorate, I am talking about Haunted Houses on every lawn and doubling the yearly electricity consumption at Christmas. I am talking about not just a pretty string of lights, but getting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on their front lawn. It's because we have to decorate to truly believe the holidays are coming. We wear shorts and are still sweating when we pick up our Christmas tree, so we gotta find a way to believe the Holidays are actually coming.

I look forward to the Fall because of the Holidays, and I look forward to the holidays because of the family, the friends, and the food. The three F's are very important during the Holidays. And here is where I get to the sad part of my post. One of the most important parts of my Holidays and, indeed, my whole year, is my best friend and the normal author of this blog, Ashley. She has been so much a part of my life that she is my family. It is rare you get to pick who your family is, and I picked her a long time ago, and I wouldn't have it any other way. She has shaped so much of my crazy, fun-loving, bold self, that I am always going to have a piece of her with me, but it just isn't the same as having her around. I will miss her truly, deeply, madly. I love you, Ashley.

Sarah is the authoress of a blog called In the Golden Darkness, which you can find at http://inthegoldendarkness.blogspot.com/

Guest Post: Autumnal Equinox

2011-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."
Stanley Horowitz

It's around the time that you can smell the dawning of Fall in the air -- that smell is one of my favorite aspects of the season, and it reminds me of a few of my Fall traditions.

Melancholy music on chilly nights:

The excitement of getting a new pair of frames (or two!):

Both frames are Anthropologie and no longer sold

Warm café au lait with dessert (pictured here is a couple slices of tiramisu!):

Taken by moi at Yaffa Café in East Village, NY

Shopping for new scarves, sweaters, and colored tights:

Anthropologie (no longer sold)

Talbots (current)

ModCloth (current)

And, last but not least, cuddling with my cat (which I do year-round, of course):

Do you have any personal Fall traditions? Comment below -- I'd love to hear what you readers are looking forward to as the autumnal equinox approaches!

My name is Amanda, and I blog at rhapsodical & jadorepop over on Tumblr!

GUEST POST: FALL VIBES

2011-09-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

hey boys and ghouls, jen aka PUSSYBOW here. if you've read my blog, you probably noticed that i'm obsessed with halloween. i should explain that it's not just the day, but the months surrounding it! as soon as shelves start filling up with glitter pumpkins and skull garlands, there's an inexplicable buzz in the air… maybe it's because we're all so sick of the heat by the end of august, that we take this as a sign that cooler days are sure to come.

i'm so over summer forever, i live for layering! there's nothing better than matching my oldest thick-knit polyester dresses with opaque tights, being able to drink hot coffee and tea, pumpkin picking, monsters in every store and the night getting longer (more time to cuddle under big blankets).

FALL VIBES are super important and are the thing that get me stoked the most. here are some songs that SOUND like fall to me: bus rides at 6pm when it's already dark, crunchy leaves under boots, and of course, CONSUMING ALL OF THE PUMPKIN THINGS.

SLUTEVER - SO PRONE

DAVID LYNCH - GHOST OF LOVE

BROKEN WATER - BOYFRIEND HOLE

Good Book Good Shmook

2011-09-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Yammering Muse readers!

My name is Charissa Hogeland, and Ashley has asked me to do a guest post because I am the single person she loves more than anyone in the whole world. Well, that may be stretching it, but we have known and loved each other for 19+ years of fabulous best-friend-sistership. Thus, my post.

I am an actress first and foremost, and it influences everything I do. I love a good book (for the diverse characters) but I also love love love a good movie on a blustery autumn afternoon. Curling up with a blanket on the couch all day is bliss. So I have a few movie suggestions for you that you may not have seen! They may not be typical 'Yammering Muse' fare (Singing in the Rain will always be a favorite) but I assure you, they're worth every moment.

Annie Hall

"Annie Hall: So you wanna go into the movie or what?

Alvy Singer: No, I can't go into a movie that's already started, because I'm anal.

Annie Hall: That's a polite word for what you are. "

Let's face it. No movie will ever compare to Annie Hall. To all you Woody Allen fans out there: he will never do better. Say what you will. This movie is such a classic. From it's perfectly timed understated comedy, to it's stark honesty, to the unconventional down right GORGEOUS Diane Keaton. It is darn near perfect.

Jack Goes Boating

"Jack: Don't worry, I'm a good swimmer.

Connie: I knew you'd be a good simmer.

Jack: I am for you."

Jack Goes Boating was originally a play in 2007 starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and Beth Cole. became a movie in 2010 using the same original cast, replacing Beth Cole with Amy Ryan. This cast could not be more stellar. This is not a particularly thrilling movie, and the "plot" is not terribly complex in the normal blockbuster terms. However, I have not seen such a fine display of non-acting in a long time. Meaning, you literally feel that you are simply looking in on these peoples lives. Everything about their performances are perfectly human-not contrived, not forced, not "acting-ish". It is terribly intriguing with no effort whatsoever.

It's Complicated

"Adam: Here comes your ex-husband. Uh-oh, not the best time to be feeling groovy!"

Let's keep this one simple. Reasons you should see this movie:

Meryl Streep

Steve Martin

Hillarious

Heart Warming

John Krasinski

Great Plot

Alec Baldwin

A Romance that doesn't require size two 24 year olds!

Meryl Streep

Steve Martin

Just See It.

Guest Post: My perfect autumn day.

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, lovely Yammering Muse readers! My name is Mary and I write the blog babble + bloom :)

I was so honored when Ashley asked me to be a guest poster while she was away making her big move, and even more excited when asked me to write about my favorite thing about autumn. Let me say-- choosing my absolute favorite thing about fall was no easy task. I kind of love every single thing about it. The clothing-- tights, scarves, sweaters!-- the food-- apple pie, homemade soup, fresh cider!-- how my lovely little corner of the upper Midwest turns such beautiful colors as soon as the air gets a chill. Let's face it-- I'm already an indecisive girl, how could I possibly choose only one thing to love about my favorite season?

So I decided to ahem cheat, a little bit, and describe my perfect autumn day to you.

We start with a crisp, chilly, early morning fall walk.

I am a born and raised Wisconsinite, and spent my four years of college in beautiful Minnesota. Even just walking to class became a fall walk for me! There's nothing I love more than being surrounded by gorgeous colored leaves and hearing them crunch under my feet.

Next comes a trip to the apple orchard to pick fresh apples & pumpkins, and stock up on cider doughnuts & homemade pumpkin butter.

Every year, my friends and I take a trip to the apple orchard to pick our own fruits & pumpkins. We're usually the only 20-somethings at the orchard without kids, but the second we get a whiff of cider doughnuts, I could kind of care less. And of course, every year I bring a big jar of pumpkin butter home with me-- it's pretty much the world's most perfect condiment and is delicious on everything, but I love it most on a simple PB+PB (peanut butter and pumpkin butter) sandwich.

We return home and partake in a little apple baking and butternut squash soup-making.

Again, with the food. Can you tell I love to cook (and eat? :)) But linked above are some of my absolute favorite autumnal recipes. Baked apples are incredible topped with a little whipped cream, and I love to make my butternut squash soup extra delicious with lots of veggies, herbs, and the secret addition of unsweetened apple sauce for that extra kick of fall flavor.

Finally, we finish the day cuddled in blankets (if I had a fireplace, here's where I'd be snuggling next to it!) and watching my favorite fall movie, You've Got Mail.

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Le sigh.

So there you have it: my perfect fall day! Thanks again, Ashley, for hosting me here today, and I can't wait to see what the rest of your lovely guest posters have to say about autumn as well. If I wasn't before, I am most definitely ready for fall now :)