The Snowshoe Rabbit

The Defeated Perfectionist

2012-02-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

All or nothing so often ends up being nothing. My entire adult life has seemed to anti-climax with me seizing like a doe in the glare of headlights, giving in to inertia that blooms like bacteria as I tell myself "not good enough" yet again. I am going to attempt to not do that any longer. I want this blog to be for me, for whatever interests me. My writing, my cooking, my aesthetic. My narrative.

I am a woman obsessed with numbers. It is so easy to quantify everything. Stats, weight, measurements, calories, time, money. I will no longer judge my work or myself by numbers, at least I will begin to begin not to. I will post shoes, recipes, poems, pillows, my bed. I will post what moves me. I will talk about what matters to me. This is a promise to myself and my once and future readers, few though you may ever be.

like it's 2012

2012-01-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

elevenses brocade slacks, david yurman bracelets, AA sheer top, vintage pearl collar

Worn on NYE for such exciting celebratory things as: being stood up by my ex-husband at an NA meeting, going to said NA meeting alone, subsequently going to dinner with my ex-husband who proceeded to stand up before ordering and declare "I can't do this" and walk out. I had pumpkin spiced scallops. And then went home and watched Edward Scissorhands. It was actually all a lot nicer than it sounds.

I don't make self-improvement resolutions, at least not on January 1st. However, I will resolve to wear more:

white, spaghetti straps, high slits, slightly pointed toes, stacked heels, sheer anything, linen, wire frames, tailored pieces, eye make up, prints, and garters belts

happy halloween

2011-12-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

I mean, Merry Christmas.

Dreaming of a Black Christmas

2011-12-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

Black Xmas by snowshoerabbit

atl xmas shopping

2011-12-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

The morning of the 2nd day.

Exhausted.

Cannoli.

shift FCUK, coat Zara, shoes Dolce Vita, does teeth earrings, Marc Jacobs bag

Over two days in Atl I...

acquired: crepe, velvet, brocade, silk, patent leather, sequins & beads, cashmere, wool, & lace in the form of palazzo pants, cropped/tapered trousers, maxi dresses, a coat, stack heeled pumps & boots, button ups, a skin tight dress, a paper bag dress, slouchy sweaters, & lingerie. Among other baubles & garments.

ate: duck confit w/ fennel/frisée/nectarine, panna cotta w/ blackberries, gnocchi w/ lobster/ricotta/enoki mushrooms, & cannoli w/ dried cherries. Among other bites & many lattes.

ice-bat & the soviet rabbit

2011-12-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

FCUK faux leather jacket from eight years ago, knit circle scarf, vintage soviet hat

My inane day climaxed with me retreating up the stairs to the guest bedroom (pictured above) where I proceeded to fling myself on the bed and weep into Ice-bat (the blue one, the original) after having run out of the living room on the line "Why is everyone around me such an asshole?!" I thought about all the times Ice-bat and I had traipsing around the Bywater, the 9th Ward, doing rails of cocaine off of the console of my car, spending the night with mustachioed men in shotgun apartments. Going to brunch. Grilling eggplant. Hiding out with a three-legged cat & watching Jarmusch's Mystery Train in a dilapidated mansion on Magazine St. Ice-bat and I, we've been through a lot together over the last 8 years. We are comrades.

lingerie is the new denim

2011-12-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

The Junya Watanabe pants fell off of me. The Theysken's Taylor boots were too large as well, though I'm hanging onto them for a week lest they grow on me with the addition of a thick sock. The Blush gown & kimono (pictured above) I ordered, however, fit beautifully. Considering I spend almost every evening in, sitting by the fire, they will probably get far more wear than any street clothes I could purchase. In fact, I intend to spend as much time this winter existing in nothing but gown, kimono, garter & stockings. And Black Jade perfume & #18 rouge noir. I also have every intention of, with the judicious addition of a black slip, wearing the gown as a dress.

modern memento mori wishlist

2011-12-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

Opening Ceremony striped long sleeve shirt
$518 - lagarconne.com

Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garcons skinny pants
$249 - barneys.com

Theyskens' theory wedge heels
£535 - net-a-porter.com

Theyskens' theory high heels
$395 - shopbop.com

Balmain leather shoulder bag
€2.900 - balmain.com

Pamela Love sterling silver bangle
£890 - net-a-porter.com

Ayaka Nishi sterling silver earrings
$209 - notjustalabel.com

Rag bone wool hat
$140 - stylebop.com

Ray-Ban Original Round Sunglasses
$218 - asos.com

This would be my ideal uniform: a sort of minimalist post-apocalyptic aesthetic. The pants are currently enroute to my home from Barney's. It is uncertain whether or not they will fit poorly, be too shiny, or be too cropped. My desire, naturally, is that they be perfect. Little save scarcity is stopping me from ordering the boots and hat. It's only a matter of time before I consume the Ray-Ban's--their wire frames are most evolved. I drunkenly lost my second pair of Clubmaster's this winter past, but since I no longer need worry about drunkenly losing or destroying anything (personal property or people), I will buy myself yet another pair of Ray-Ban's to wish myself a happy five months sans liquor & drugs. I keep listening to Bauhaus "The Passion of Lovers" on repeat, and I purchased rouge noir lipstick this morning. Something decidedly gothic is afoot.

Rabbit Fur & Doe's Teeth

2011-12-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

525 American rabbit fur coat, vintage pearl collar, handmade doe's tooth earrings, Chanel Rouge Allure #61 Fatale

Two and half years later: a clean divorcée with an abiding love of hats and Clara Rockmore. And as of late: memento mori, fur, yerba maté, fires in the fireplace, leather, a black tinsel Christmas tree, stacked heels, the occult, Nico, simplicity, lingerie, & Black Jade by Parfums Lubin.

On rehab and tacos...

2009-05-15T14:21:00.001-07:00

I fell off the face of the internet months and months ago. I've decided to come back. At least I think I have. I don't really know. Blogging involves directly confronting my semi-latent self-loathing on a regular basis. Besides, having a personal style blog always felt a little self involved/fucking stupid, what with the pouty poses, constant photos, and fretting over what I'm going to wear that day due to the fact that I feel the need to broadcast it to a bunch of virtual (literally) strangers. I am kind of boring sometimes. And I need to be boring sometimes. Ok. So.

What have I been doing all this time? Have I been naked thus not seeing any point in blogging? Do I hate the interwebs? In answer to these questions: I have not been naked, mostly. I kind of hate the internet. And as to what, pray tell, have I been up to in all these months: in short, I drank a looooot, got more manic than I already was, went to Portland, made some severely dubious substance/bipolar disorder induced decisions, did too many drugs, ended up in a "treatment facility" (rehab? mental institution?), did a lot of painting there, got medicated, and now, at long last, I'm back in the certifiably sane (?) world where I can once again possess pocket sized mirrors, drink wine and beer, have a cell phone, use scissors unsupervised, and eat marinated pork (aka pastor) tacos (my all time fav). Seriously. Eat a pastor taco at your local mexican joint as soon as possible. Put guac on it. Swoon. And drink a michelada with it. (lime juice and Tecate sometimes with a little tomato juice. Sound gross? It isn't.)

Wearing: anthropologie silk highwaisted owl skirt, some top from a million years ago, vintage shoes, pork pie hat from villagehats.com

2008-10-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

The awesome place we stay when we're in Atlanta. The lounge where the party was is right underneath it.

Fringe Factory always has tons of projectors rolling old film/photos that they get off of ebay.

This is kind of an incomplete photo of my outfit. It was worn with my AA pocket cardigan, a beret, and knit scarf. Also, AA U neck dress worn as a top, vintage belt and skirt.

Feets. Vintage oxfords and red stockings from AA

Our cozy little room...

Dear sweets,

Sorry for the unexplained absence, but a lot has been going down in the past week. I wish I could say I've been knitting scarves whilst sipping tea and watching old films while my cat purred placidly beside me, but, ah, not so much. It's been more along the lines of doing illicit substances with Republicans (bad decisions abound), driving down to Atlanta, hanging out with some bands, and getting hammered while some goober asks us if "it's Halloween already or do we always look like this". I always figured that for a reasonable question to ask me, but I'd never actually had anyone ask it. Well, now I have. On the up side, he did buy us a shot. Suffice to say there's been lots of booze and rock and roll.

Last weekend we went to a Fringe Factory party featuring the amazing Greg Cartwright (of The Reigning Sound) not only DJ'ing but also playing an impromptu set due to the other band canceling. It was radtastic. He liked my outfit, and I liked his sequin trimmed blazer. Also met one of the guys in the Black Lips, a band I respect very much. So. That leads us to the totally legit reason that I've been away without leave from all you lovely readers. I hope you haven't given up on me. We are in fact moving to Atlanta. In December. Like really really soon and fast. So I've been swamped cleaning up my house to put it on the market, looking for a loft/place, looking for a job, etc.

I think both me and E need the opportunity afforded by a bigger city. I hate to leave our lovely home and lovelier friends, but it would be worth it. We are sick of the small town blues, heart our Atlanta friends too, and I need estate sales and more bands that I actually want to see. While in Atlanta we got to hang out with the hilarious boys of the Barberries in their dingy dude pad, the hot girls behind the killer Fringe Factory parties, meet and hang out with Greg Cartwright, and generally just felt really at home. Those were all big selling points. Cause we love all those ladies and gents.

Good story, the first night we were in town E. was so drunk he fell down some stairs, I was so drunk I don't remember it, and the next day we were walking down the street in Little Five and some dudes that were at the bar passed us and yelled "Hey! That's the dude that fell down!". Lolz. It was hilarious.

Also I want to thank the always thoughtful and inspiring Susanna-Cole of Girl Meets N.Y.C. for giving me the Kreative Blogger award! She rules, so it's an honor.

Oh, and I can't get the name Pfotenhauer out of my head. Seriously I just walk around all day with that name looping through my mind on repeat in the manner of "Pfotenhauer Pfotenhauer Pfotenhauer... etc." If you talk to me you can be assured that I'm also thinking "Pfotenhauer". I don't know why. All I have to say is thanks for having a funny name Nancy. It's driving me insane.

I'll probably be pretty busy with this whole moving thing, but I hope to keep the blog up a little better. I promise another post tomorrow. I already have the photos and everything. I always fail to take photos of my outfits these days because I'm usually too impatient when we are heading out, too busy while out, and too drunk when the night is over. So. I'll try to be a better blogger. And the store is still coming, but on hold due to the move.

Lust and Schizophrenia

2008-10-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

This was worn out last night. It was very black and shiny.
U neck dress and lamé leggings: AA
boots: BCBC
jacket: Silence and Noise at UO
scarf: dunno
hat: UO

This outfit was worn the day before yesterday to run a few errands around town.
socks, skirt, cardi: all AA
shoes, belt, and tank: vintage
sunglasses: random costume shop, worn because I didn't have any make up on

Fashion lust and schizophrenia, that is. I finally got a double U neck dress from AA, and I'm in love. The black is super flattering and really not as trashy as I feared it might be. I want to get it in white as well, but only for layering. Also, this is the blog debut of my Silence and Noise moto jacket that I ordered months ago. I was going to return it due to the sleeves being a little too long, but I decided I liked it after all. And I can't afford a real leather jacket, and there are no fake ones that I like better than this one. So.

Today I had the choice of devoting my time to finishing up the store or doing the dishes, laundry, and sweeping. I chose the latter because living in a world of dog hair is most un. I have been lamenting all week about my dire need of heeled, black, lace up boots. I was lusting after the Marc Jacob's booties for awhile, as well as the Colin Stuart knocksie offies. The bottom line is I can't actually afford new shoes. However an e-mail from the very generous people over at Solestruck cured my woes! Soon these babies will be mine:

My current list of must haves also includes a pork pie hat, man/boy's trousers, some brown leather heels, a body-con black lace dress (I think AA needs to get in on this lace trend, they make the best body con stuff), a structural cape and/or coat, and possibly much to my own shock, drop crotch pants. Yes, I said they look like diapers. Yes, Lulu can point and rofl and say "told you so". I also want riding pants and a proper derby hat still. Oh, and an oxford shirt, some proper tailored shirts for wearing with high waisted skirts, and something really scary spiky. I could go on and on.

One other thing, I've been feeling very conflicted about my style lately. I am inspired by a wide variety of blogs these days and they range from the sweet vintage looks of Liebemarlene, and The Snail and the Cyclops to the edgier looks of Lulu, Camille, and Karla. Point being, each of those girls seems to have a distinctive style. While all of them are eclectic, they are also distinctive. As for me, one day I want to wear sweet vintage pieces, the next I want to look like Clockwork Orange had sex with My So Called Life and had a me baby, and lately I tend to look like a biker-hooker that American Apparel vomited on. Okay, so no one actually wants to look like an AA hooker, but you get my point. If it were just as simple as being "true to myself" or some other drivel, I'd go for it and only wear what felt like "me". Problem is, it all feels like me. Maybe it's that whole bipolar thing. I feel like my refusal to commit makes my style mediocre. For the time being, I will continue being a fashion schizo, but I hope to discover a more personal style in the future. Does anyone else have this problem? Or am I the only person bouncing back and forth like a game of pong?

Oh! And I wanted to thank the lovely Miss Woo of Cheapskate Chic for giving me this lovely blog award. I promise to pass the love on in the near future, but I'm pressed for time at the moment. I am god awful with tags. I mean seriously, I suck at them.

I leave you with this amazing Prada promotional video. You all may have seen it before, but it's just so lovely I had to share it for those that haven't.

Lolita

2008-10-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Still wearing my clothes from last night, I got into the Halloween spirit for the parade with my wig and Lolita Sunglasses. I don't have any proper pictures of the outfit, which was worn with my mustard cardi, but perhaps I will recreate it for a photo, because it was a winner. I wore it with black tights as well, but the next day I put on paprika colored American Apparel thigh highs to complete my "Lolita" costume.

This awesome velvet mini dress reminds me of Christmas as a child. It will be up for sale whenever I get my shit together and post my listings on Ebay. Which will hopefully happen by the middle of the week. I really have to learn to not set deadlines for myself; it's a sure fire way to fail. Worn with vintage brown leather buckle shoes, black stockings, bowler, and vintage glasses and belt.

Also soon to be up for sale is this amazing vintage dress. I think it might be hand made. It's super cheerful, has puffy sleeves, and peplum. I adore it, but it just isn't me. Worn with vintage glasses and F21 oxfords.

Lastly, this is an outfit I wore at some point last week. It's a vintage floral kid's dress, vintage shoes, black tights, my bowler, and yellow glasses. I was going to sell this dress but my husband wants me to keep it, and who am I to say no?

Well, we had an amazing weekend in Atlanta with my brother and his wife. We saw The Magnetic Fields perform at Symphony Music Hall, and at one point Stephen Merritt called interacting with the crowd "gauche". So he is in fact as wonderfully surly and pretentious as they say. He played two of my favorite songs, Papa Was a Rodeo and The Book of Love (which I had a friend of mine play at my wedding). We then got trashed at the Earl and ran into some friends of ours from Chattanooga that had played a show somewhere in town that night. I ate a tiny corn dog doused in sriracha sauce. Good times. We crashed at the Highland Inn which I'm oddly in love with. There's a little waterfall out front, and an ambient ballroom/lounge downstairs. We are going back down next weekend to listen to the Fringe Factory girls do some DJ'ing along with Greg Cartwright (of The Reigning Sound!!) at the Highland Ballroom for sure.

The next morning we went for mimosas and bloody mary's at the Brewhouse Café in Little Five Points. Arsenal vs. Everton was on so the place was full of soccer hooligans that kept yelling "skin that fucker" which was hilarious and a little awesome. Soccer, a.k.a. football, is the only sport I enjoy watching. Afterward we did some shopping for clothes, records, and a Halloween costume. I spent $300 at American Apparel (drunk shopping), and I also got a bunch of new records (some Black Moth Super Rainbow, Blitzen Trapper, Joy Division, Bonnie Prince Billy, Elliot Smith, Silver Jews, and Deerhoof!!). I got a really cute vintage yellow dress for my Morton salt girl costume for Halloween as well as a blond wig. They were having a Halloween parade in Little Five that day, so I put on the wig, heart shaped sunglasses, and thigh highs and called myself Lolita. I love Chattanooga and all, but I am reaching a breaking point at which I can no longer stand living in a small town. I guess we'll be making trips to Atlanta often because moving just isn't an option right now.

It was just a great day, and I look forward to going back down next weekend. We are also going to be in Lexington, Kentucky on the 23rd for the Elephant 6 show. Sure would be nice if Jeff Mangum showed up. I'm not getting my hopes up, but it would be pretty amazing. Due to spending more time in Atlanta than we anticipated I'm pushing my store opening back a little farther. But I mean, honestly, who didn't see that coming. I'm a perfectionist and while my listings will be a far, far cry from perfect, I'd like them to be a bit better than they are now and today is devoted to recovering from my weekend.

Sneaky Peeky Show

2008-10-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

Amazing hot pink romper that makes every dance party sooo much better. It will be, sadly, up for sale coming this Sunday.

Another vintage romper that will be for sale. Sadly, again. It has shoulder pads but just enough to be freaking awesome without feeling like a line backer.

Sorry, but this baby isn't for sale. At least not yet. I finally found the perfect over-sized plaid shirt to wear as a dress! I was so excited about it! And these shoes are a recent acquisition, and they are also new favorites. They are brown and kind of pointy and have buckles. Very winkle pickerish. I heart them and wear them constantly.

This awesome tweed coat with puff sleeves and pleats will be up for sale. I just bought these awesome black vintage boots as well, and I just can't bring myself to sell them. But, oh, if only they were over the knee... you couldn't pry them from me. But, alas, they aren't. Still, I want to keep them for my selfish self.

I wore this wonderful, cozy high waisted plaid skirt to watch the debate with my family and friends, but I am going to sell it regardless of my love for it. I love the fringe on it. It reminds me of Ralph Lauren and equestrians.

Lastly, the last of the sneaky peeky show, is this amazing high waisted teal/blue leather skirt. I also don't really know why I'm selling it, but I am. It would also make a really great mini skirt if someone wanted to have it hemmed/ hem it themselves. But I didn't want to be the one to make that decision. That decision is up to you to make, hypothetical person who may or may not buy this skirt.

Hello all my sweet meats. I promise my absence hasn't been for nothing. This is a small look at what I've been up to since my last post. I have a lot more photos, but I'll save some for another preview tomorrow. Due to the bitchin' fact that I'm going to go see The Magnetic Fields in Atlanta tomorrow, the shop opening is being put off until Sunday evening. Most of these photos are of items that will be for sale. I honestly love them all and don't want to part with a single one, but times is tough and a girl's gotta... drink.

That said, okay, so certain folks have sounded off on this with a big fat "don't do it!" but I've been very seriously thinking about chopping off all my hair in the manner of the ever present Agy Deyn. Am I nucking futs? Or is it the best idea since sliced bread? I don't know. I've always felt like my face wasn't angular enough to carry a pixie cut, but I reeeeally want one. I also, um, want to dye my hair platinum but then I'd really look like an Agy clone. It's not so much the Deyn factor that makes me want to do this though. It's that I want something utterly challenging and different, and short blond hair is about as different as you can get from what I've had my entire life. So what's the verdict?

Another random thing, but I've been having odd anxiety like I think a young girls will read this blog and think that the decisions I make are good ones. I just want to go on the record as saying that being a bipolar lush is most un. And I just dropped out of school again today for the billionth time. I'm still in my writing class, but that's it. I am coming to terms with the fact that while I have a great education, I may never have a degree due to mental and motivational defects. And the fact that I refuse to take Algebra at age 25. No, sir. No no no. So let me hypocrite it up and say: don't drink, do drugs, and stay in school. I probably have some, uh, dangling modifiers in there. But I'm a drop out, so I can't be blamed. But no really, drinking is awwwwwesome. Nom nom nom.

More importantly, what do you all think about the clothes and photography? Suggestions? Slurs? Knock yourselves out. Oh, and a huuuuge thanks to those of you that gave me the flickr advice. I'm still just getting the hang of it, but yes yes yes, it's exactly what I needed. I would sing to you like Rick Ocasek if you were here. Lurv you people that indulge me by reading this blog. Seriously, I take my perpetual hat off to you guys.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Oh, and PS.... I forgot to mention it but apparently bloglovin' is all the the the rage... so if you heart me (and lord knows I heart you) heart me on bloglovin'. Most srs. I wouldn't be no thing if it weren't for you guys. Mwah! (that was a big, fat kiss)

The Usual Suspects: Clothes, Bands, and Shoes

2008-10-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

My husband made this awesome logo for me! He's going to turn it into a banner for the blog. You guys like?

wearing: vintage blazer and white lace up shoes
city of others skinny jeans
H&M white t
F21 bowler
Eyear optical glasses

wearing: BCBG patent leather zipper booties
CVS tights
unknown black shirt dress
black drapey vest as a scarf
vintage necklaces
F21 bowler hat
yellow glasses from some place in Rome

Sneak peak!! These will be listed in my store later this week!
They are a size 9.

These beauties will also be listed. They are tiny, size 5.5.
Hopefully some lucky girl with petite feet will have a lovely
home for them.

I'm still a bit off the blogging wagon, but luckily I've been working hard on graphics for the store (that is, my husband has been working on them, I just give input), taking photos of inventory, figuring out the ins and outs of shipping, packaging, and policies. It's actually quite a bit of work. So here's a tiny peek of what we'll be offering. These are two of my favorite pairs of shoes that we are selling. I'm still undecided about the whole Etsy vs. Ebay thing. If any of you have experience and want to share your opinion with me, I'd love some more wise sage advice.

Speaking of sage wisdom... does anyone know how to get bigger pictures on blogger? The size of my photos kind of doesn't do them justice sometimes, and I can't seem to figure it out. Help!

Today I'm going shopping for more fall inventory. I'm excited because I haven't been shopping lately, and I find shopping for others just as exciting as shopping for myself. I've been getting my act together recently, and I have finally stopped going out. These two outfits are from my last few nights going out. The second outfit was worn out Friday night to a show at JJ's Bohemia. It was so incredibly good. I know I say this about all the bands I see, but this show, namely one of the bands, The Parenthetical Girls, was the best I've seen in ages and ages. The lead singer's voice resembles, dare I say, Jeff Mangum. A friend of mine described it as Jeff Mangum meets Morrissey. So, obviously, you are going to want to check them out. I bought their album on vinyl and it's just as good as their live show. They, among other instruments, play an electric organ, keyboards, violin, drum, and melodica. The played with a band called The Evangelicals, whom they are touring with. The Evangelicals have been written up in Pitchfork (for whatever that's worth these days...) and play distorted, echoey indie rock.

The first outfit (the blazer and jeans) was worn out to watch a friend's metal band play in a room that smelled like sandwiches (i.e. sweaty gutter punk kids). We then went to the bar down the street for shots, and some loud, drunk girl kept talking to me about how I looked like Diane Keaton. Annie Hall, represent!

Live Fast, Blog Young

2008-10-10T12:59:00.001-07:00

I am the kissing booth. Will take payment in the form of beer.

This was my outfit on... Wednesday night? Don't remember and I have no other photos because we got inordinately drunk and I wasn't in much shape to take photos. I think my car got impounded the next morning because I left it at the bar. Better than a D.U.I. (Don't drink and drive kids!)
wearing:
FCUK faux leather motorcycle jacket
UO beret
F21 chloe knock offs
AA T-shirt dress
vintage super fringy scarf
drugstore tights

This was worn on another night this week. Variation on the same basics.
UO beret
F21 heeled oxfords
Velvet black bodycon dress
FCUK "leather" jacket
vintage fringy scarf
vintage glasses

Someone printed this gem and hung it up in the bar. The red one is the original photo of it. This is my inane pseudo Warhol collage cause it was just too easy to resist. Yes, I wear my political leanings on my sleeve, or blog as it were.

Last oufit, what I wore last night. I am in love with this sweater/dress (hats are the new pants, if you recall).
vintage sweater
drugstore tights
BCBG zipper patent leather booties
vintage super fringy scarf
UO Beret

Bathtub Gin playing. I like how Wes (the bass player) stands in such a way that indicates how many Ramones tapes he's watched. And the intense guy on drums is my husband.

The admittedly very cute boys from The Armed Forces. I love how I'm always like "Hey! Listen to this band. PS. They're hot."

I love how the sweater is kind of crappily embellished. I am down with tatty homemade 80's gear.

So this is an amalgamation of mostly crappy photos taken over the past few evenings of me going out. And I have gone out every. single. night. For over a week. I wish I lived in a city where I could pretend that it's Friday night every night, but sadly, when you go out on a Tuesday night, you feel like you're going out on a Tuesday night.

Last night the band my husband drums in, Bathtub Gin, played with a local band Thee Something Brothers and a band from Nashville, The Armed Forces. Bathtub Gin plays bluesy garage rock about fucking up. Thee Something Brothers play intense, raw garage rock that will leave your ears ringing in a good way. And lastly, The Armed Forces, who I had not seen before last night, are a) very well dressed and b) play sweet rock and roll power pop. Check any and all of them out if it sounds like your cup of tea. I would have a photo of Thee Something Brothers but didn't manage to take one. All in all it was a pleasant evening that resulted in a not so pleasant morning, as most of my pleasant evenings seem to.

In more clothing related news my Silence and Noise leather motorcycle jacket that was on back order from Urban Outfitters finally came into today. I'm super excited as it ups the awesome factor of just about anything. My only complaint is that the sleeves are kind of long. Looking like a doofy kid is most definitely not the new pants. But that's a minor issue. I really haven't been that creative in my outfits lately. Mini dress + tights + beret + leather jacket + super fringe scarf + hooker heels + dorky glasses = me every night of the week. I love love love the sequin/bedazzled sweater I wore out last night though. It's the perfect length and has the perfect amount of slouch. Sadly, I will probably be selling it because that was it's original purpose, but I'm going to have a hard hard time letting it go.

Lastly I am starting to feel like I'm the only fashion blogger who doesn't follow fashion or read fashion magazines. Okay, so I "read" (i.e. look through and tear out pages of) me some Teen Vogue every now and again. (shhhh...) But I wouldn't know about a single collection if other bloggers didn't post them/lust after them. I follow street fashion and blogs, but I don't actively read anything other than personal style/street style stuff. Maybe this is a handicap. I can't help but think I'd be far more innovative/ in touch if I would just keep an eye on the runway... but the runway mostly makes me le yaaaawn. Not all the time. I (and everyone else) love A. Wang, Chloe, Luella, and various other random stuff I've seen but couldn't name. What do you guys think? Runway vs Street style... hrm.

Store Header

2008-10-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of outfit posts, I have a regular stockpile on my camera but have lacked the where with all to get them up the past few days. I have, however, actually been working on my store graphics. I present to you the rough draft of my store banner! What do you think? I swear it looks better outside of blogger. You can click on it for the big version. Hopefully the store will be up and running by Saturday, given good weather and no massive hang overs...

I'm headed out to watch my husband's band play, so I must go, but I promise outfit photos (and probably a few shots of the band as well). I've been wearing variations of the same outfit (leather jacket, black scarf, beanie, black layers, heelz) for the past few days, so hopefully I'll mix it up tonight.

Little Yellow Spider

2008-10-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

hat and shoes : f21
sweater "dress" : a local clearance shop
tights: CVS
bag: vintage
beaded collar and necklaces: vintage

The men of Heypenny looking fricking awesome. Photo stolen (with permission) from their myspace.

This outfit was worn out on Saturday night to see the band of a friend of the fam's, Heypenny. They are coming out with an album in the near future (like next week I think) which will be available on itunes. They play charming indie pop... and as always... check them out!

I recently went shopping and purchased this yellow sweater for a mere $20, which is extremely reasonable. Technically, it's a shirt, but if it covers your ass, it's a viable dress in my book. Recently I've been a big fan of short hemlines so it was only a matter of time before I just didn't wear pants. I am so glad that it's chilly enough out to wear tights at night because then I can really really push it with the shortness. I've been wanting to buy more "supplies" for fall, but my closet is such a tragic explosion right now that I don't feel like I have the right to buy many new clothes. Things that are currently on my wish list are some more platform hooker shoes, lots of American Apparel, a bad ass black bag that has yet to be determined, lace up boots, a nice bowler hat to replace my crappy F21 one (because Lulu and all her child/hat analogies have made me feel guilty, thanks a lot!)

More than anything I just want a clean house and to not fail out of school. Those are my top priorities right now. You'd think that would be easy, but for someone like me, who spaces out for days at a time doing nothing but drinking beer/ diet soda and wasting my life on the internet, sometimes it's more difficult than it sounds. I'm sure I'll be back to my blogging/studying/laundry doing self in no time at all. (Power of positive thinking?) I certainly hope so.

That said last week I was m.i.a. due to working on my story. It is by no means good or finished in a final sense (are pieces ever, really?). Here are some excerpts from it. This isn't the story, just a few randomly selected paragraphs from it as I don't think anyone has any interesting in reading a ten page story on a blog. I am also not reposting the beginning of it because I have already posted it here, though I did edit it since then. If you do happen to decide to read on for whatever masochistic reason you may have, reader be warned: it's kind of gross and fucked up. If I had any sense at all I wouldn't post it, but I don't have any sense.

The couch was covered with old patchwork quilts and cigarette burns, and sitting on it, surrounded by all of Noah’s trash and artifacts, I could imagined his house as a dilapidated flat in Cuba where it would smell like pipe smoke and time could barely cut through the heat. I imagined that we would listen to Dixie land jazz and drink tall boys out of brown paper bags and laugh at everything that strived...

Noah and I always woke late in the afternoons to the hot midday sun and the smell of car exhaust coming in through the window. On the first afternoon we woke up together he rolled over, propped himself up on one elbow and stared at me with watery, blue eyes from beneath his shaggy, blond eyebrows. He had a large, bushy strawberry blonde mustache and thick horn-rimmed glasses. His course, blond hair stuck up in peaks, and I found him to be a little ugly. His breath stank of morning and beer, and he reached behind himself and took the electrical tape off the makeshift bedside table and placed a strip of it over my mouth as the sounds of hollering neighbors, sputtering cars, and barking dogs wafted innocuously through the billowing sheet tacked over the open bedroom window.

Thoughts ran through my tiny squinting mind: I stink, I need a shower, my hair is greasy and matted, I bet my bangs are doing something stupid, my stomach is fat and white, a dead fish belly, I bet I have a double chin laying here like this. The thoughts continued like this, rabid and undulating, as I let him tie the red bandanna he wore around his neck over my eyes, and I lay still, staring at the warm red of eyelids, as he finished taping my wrists and ankles together. My anklebones ground against each other, and thick, warm air wafted through the window as he poured water from the bottle next to the bed onto my face. The water trickled down my forehead, ran down my face and up my nose. The claustrophobic blue of suffocation muffled the racket of cars and dogs and hollering and all my thoughts about my fat, ugly belly and human stink....

The inane tape playing in my mind unraveled completely as something cold and hard pressed its sharp edge against my white fish belly. Noah asked if I was afraid, if I thought he might actually kill me. His voice was soft and far off; as if maybe he’d just asked me if I thought God existed after all. The knife’s edge traced up from my stomach to my chest and then neck, and I tried very hard to imagine, to believe, to digest, and to understand that I was going to be murdered, bled out right there on the mattress. I tried to imagine my blood dampening the merry cowboys and soaking into the circus elephants...

The sound of my own blood beating in my ears drowned out my worries about my smudged mascara, the awkward smile I always had in photographs, all the books I owned but had never read, the shame I felt whenever I didn’t know what a word meant. The fear was frothy and sweet. Nothing but it existed: not my matted hair, not my belly, not years or days or notebooks or ice cream parlors. He took the knife off of my neck and cut deep into my forearm. Blood seeped out of the deep cut, and the walls of my narrow mind crumbled away into something so vast and so kind, something entirely white and blue. The paved and carpeted world fell away beneath me, into my bright white fear, and I floated up high in the sky, towards the river, until all my thoughts finally dispersed, grew tiny, and blew away. I was so content... Afterwards, we went for French toast and coffee on a balcony overlooking Royal Street...

I turned the previous days events with Noah over in my mind as I worked, mouthing them. They tasted like pennies. I wanted to take to the streets and ingest all the gristle and hoariness, but I bought high heels on my mother’s credit card and studied the paintings of Manet instead. I spent my evenings drinking cup after cup of black coffee at the Rue de la Course on Magazine Street, pouring over my art history book, until the caffeine took over where the cocaine had left off. When the coffee shop closed I always went to a bar, looking for a man that could make me forget my name. I read my books in public, flashing the covers conspicuously, waiting for some liberal arts drop out with a drug problem to come talk to me.

... When I came back to the kitchen he had sliced the eggplants thick, rubbed them with olive oil and kosher salt, and carried them on a plate out back to the concrete patio, where weeds sprouted up between the cracks like fugitives. Two lawn chairs, a tiny grill, and a deflated kiddie pool were scattered across the uneven pavement, and a chain link fence partitioned off the patio from a concrete wall. He lit coals in the grill, and smoke snaked its way up into the muggy morning air as the slices of eggplant roasted over the ashy coals. We ate the spongy, salty slices of eggplant right off the grill, burning our hands. As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, white balloons began to rise with it, coming from somewhere far away, behind the concrete wall. More and more white balloons began to float up from behind the somber concrete wall until hundreds of white balloons filled the blue sky. It looked like the rapture, sudden and unexpected, and we watched as all the buoyant white orbs blew high above our heads, floating higher and higher towards the river, until they finally dispersed, grew tiny, and blew away.

The Two Man Gentlemen Band

2008-10-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

We were obviously made for each other...

hat: H&M
shirt: target
skirt and belt: vintage
shoes: BCBG
socks: no idea
gentlemen: NYC, NY

The two dapper gentlemen of The Two Man Gentlemen Band

Paleface... he wears a bowler!

First off, this outfit is a total and blatant knock off of, ahem, interpretation of a recent outfit of Lulu's. Ironically, I did not wear my bowler for this outfit like she did, and rightly so, because the dude from Paleface wears one and being twins can be awkward. That said there were lots of man hats present that evening, and I bonded with the two gentlemen above, one of whom asked me if I "looked this fetching every night". To which I replied "yes". This outfit seemed to go over well with the male contingency that evening. I'm guessing it had something to do with the stripper shoes, thigh highs, and mini skirt. Dare I say it still looked classy? I guess that's up to you to decide.

I totally broke my promise to blog more often. I would promise again, but we'll just see how it goes. I've been neglecting everything in my life these past two weeks. My blog, my studies, and my housekeeping. I have been going out a whole lot, as it is apparently my current obsession. My obsessions are cyclical, but I always have an obsession. It has gone from cooking (I once had a cooking blog...) to Warcraft to nutrition to fashion blogging to philosophy to my social life. And I get intense about these obsessions and tend to spend every waking moment focusing on them. A balanced person I am not. That said, I've worn outfits, gotten so drunk I hit on my dude friends, and fallen over. I saw lots of lovely bands play this weekend and promise to blog about them all. First up would be my Friday night affair...

I went out and saw Paleface and The Two Man Gentlemen Band (with whom I'm pictured above). They are both rad bands from New York that, as per usual, I highly recommend checking out. Paleface will make you swoon, and The Two Man Gentlemen Band will make you lol. And for the record, yes, the two gentlemen dress like that all the time. They were in town for three days and were out drinking like champs all three evenings. They have a song about fancy beer and another song about William Howard Taft and his girth. Bright stuff. I have a platonic crush on them, and by platonic crush I mean if I weren't very much married and in love I would have totally tried to sleep with Andy Bean. Just sayin'. I guess I have a thing for smug, witty men in straw hats. But who doesn't, amirite?

I caved and cut my bangs, as you can see. I just couldn't take it anymore. I guess I'm addicted to fringe. Oh! And damn, son, how could I have forgotten? I recently wrote an article on how to dress "geek chic" for Everybody Is Ugly... and you can find it here. Is it hotornotdotcom?? Yeah, I thought so. I have other photos and other stories regarding this weekend, but I'm saving them because I strongly suspect that I will live in my AA shorts and t-shirt for another 24 hours. So know that I have a fun post up my sleeve for you tomorrow that involves me arguably not wearing pants. But since hats are the new pants... who needs fucking pants?

Still alive...

2008-09-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

hat: UO
sweater: vinage
shirt: it's a mystery
pants: To the Max
shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs

This is what I wore to classes on Friday. My husband said I looked like a Brady. It's not that I haven't worn clothes since Friday, but that they haven't been particularly interesting, save what I wore out Friday night (which was interesting) but failed to photograph due to the fact that I decided to polish off the bag of baking soda and lidocaine that I misguidedly purchased last week during my Saturday of dubious decisions. So I was far more interested in chain smoking and grinding my teeth than in getting my photo taken.

Since Friday I've been basically wearing variations on my pajamas and working on my short story that's due Wednesday, hence my absence. I am determined to make this one not an embarrassing laundry list of declarative statements, like the last six pages of my previous story were. I also I wish I could get away from writing about my "dangerous liaisons" of the past, but I always end up writing sexy time stories, which annoys me. Of course, I've done a lot less writing of said short story and a lot more reading blogs and downloading music than I meant to. I decided to see what all the fuss is about the entire remix economy that is happening amongst bands/ DJ's as of late so I now have a lot of Justice, Feist, PNAU, Crystal Castles, and various other bands that I hadn't taken the time to listen to until now. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about this whole perpetual coke head dance party music thing. I'm feeling Feist, and I also belatedly downloaded Bat for Lashes (which is not coke head dance party music) at long last and while I like it, it's a little, um, feminine for my taste sometimes. In conclusion, a day of downloading music left me with little that actually excited me. It just made me want to stay far, far away from New York. I'm ready for the post-DJ scene. Plskthx.

That said, as any good blogger would (just kidding), I have been self-flagellating due to my absence. I have a lot of work this week and a heaping dose of stress in my personal life, so I took a mini blogcation. And now I have bloxiety. So I probably won't have a proper new post until tomorrow because today is devoted to writing, cleaning my house, and cooking my lovely husband dinner because I never do anything nice like that anymore. Modern lady. Busy world. I promise I won't abandon you all for much longer!

As Day and Night

2008-09-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

hat and t: UO
shirt, shoes, glasses: vintage
jeans: H&M
scarf: street vendor

hat: F21
sunglasses: vintage
top: Pixie Market
dress: AA
tights: Johnathan Aston
shoes: BCBG

This post is a study in how vastly different my style can be day to day. Technically what I wore today couldn't be called "my style" because it was thrown on in 60 seconds because I woke up late for class, and I'm sick of being perpetually late. So I give you my homeless chic. It is the product of what was on the floor of my closet. Yeah. I did push my slouchy jeans up to create some sort of faux jodhpur effect. Eh, I don't know how that worked out.

The second outfit is what I wore out to study at a bar (mildly productive)/watch the band Wax Fang play yesterday, but by the time the whole band thing happened I was too drunk/tired to care, so I went home and ate pickles in bed. I lead an exciting, daring life of pickles in bed. But I really liked the outfit. It featured my new Pixie Market top in an actual outfit, as well as my new lace tights and stupid, drunken boot purchase. The boots are pretty shmexy though. All the thuggiest boys on campus give me lots of compliments on them cause they're so bling. Which is so not me. But then again half the things I wear aren't "me" per se. I don't really dress according to my personality so much as according to my own personal amusement. I wouldn't say that I'm being ironic exactly, but more that I find certain things to be silly, pretty, trashy, and hilarious all at the same time. And then I wear those things. That's how I feel about these shoes. So, here you have me looking like two different varieties of ne'er-do-well, the cardboard box kind and the lady of the night kind (except I think the ladies of the night would leave their bowler hats at home unless we're talking Cabaret). You might have to endure a few more homeless person posts or no posts at all because I have so much school work for the up coming week it isn't even funny. Sometimes I just need to look like trash in a knit cap, scarf, and wayfarers so that I can smoke moodily outside the Mac lab with my giant cup of coffee, looking slouchy and unapproachable with my ipod headphones shoved in my ears. Sometimes the ipod isn't even on.

Oh, and check out this adorable thank you note The Clothes Horse made me for the earrings I sent her! Her horsey version of herself looks like a My Little Pony (apropos of an awesome post she recently did), and I love the "Snow-Shoe-Rabbit?" she drew for me! Thank you!

Cellar Door

2008-09-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

hat: F21
bag, tassle loafers, and sunglasses: vintage
shirt: i don't remember
shorts: F21
stockings: Johnathan Aston
necklace: UO

We went back to the old abandoned house to take photos of me on Tuesday, looking like a little French child. The mosquitos were out in droves but it smelled lovely and smoky, like burning leaves. The house reminds me of a place I would have gone to look for faeries when I believed in things like faeries and ghosts. Sometimes I think I liked myself better like that, back when I used to draw, brew rose water so faeries would visit my room, and write letters to Luke Skywalker to be taken up to space. I may or may not have done that when I was, ahem, thirteen. Which is generally speaking far too old for a girl to be writing letters to Luke Skywalker to be sent into space by NASA. I even put an "earth leaf" in the letter, which was written on yellow legal pad paper, folded, and taped up with the leaf inside it. Suffice to say, I actually had a complex metaphysical philosophy in place that made this a very reasonable thing to do, as reasonable as it could ever be anyways. So here I am, over ten years later, with my leather satchel and trusty bowler, in the dappled ivy amongst the blood fattened mosquitoes and sticky pine.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

La Chouchou de la semaine: Starrgirl

2008-09-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Last week I featured the lovely, whimsical Marisa, and this week I wanted to feature someone with a markedly different style just to mix it up, which lead me to another personal favorite, Selena of The New Black. She has magical abilities with the color black, and has inspired my style to be sure. So make sure to check out her blog and her Chictopia!

The basics: how old are you and from whence do you come?

I am 21 years old and I was born in Korea. I am officially at the age where people say your birthdays are no longer fun. My friends who are 21+ keep saying how old they feel which I find sad. It’s too depressing to think that once you’re into your 20’s life is just a downhill ride! I look about sixteen anyway so I’m just going to keep living obliviously. I’m currently going to school/living in Philadelphia. My apartment was broken into about a week ago and I have a mouse problem. I think that tells you how I feel about my location.

The second basic: What are some of the things that inspire your style? Any particular style icons?

My earliest style inspiration was Japanese street style. I would buy Japanese magazines from this store in New Jersey and study all the pictures even though I couldn’t read any of the words. Their way with layers and silhouettes really inspire me. I admire how even though the majority of them are petite they’re not afraid to wear long baggy silhouettes with flat shoes. I love looking at photos of real people who look confident and comfortable in whatever they’re wearing. I’m usually more inspired by the “mood” of an outfit or the persona it gives its wearer than the outfit itself (if that makes any sense).

What made you decide to start fashion blogging/ chictopia-ing? How do you feel about the fashion blog community?

To put it simply I decided to start blogging and chictopia-ing because I am obsessed with fashion. I’ve been reading fashion blogs/forums since high school and I always found the “blogosphere” to be a fascinating community. After a few years of reading others’ blogs and visiting TheFashionSpot daily I thought it was about time to contribute something of my own. It’s a very supportive community and it’s great to get a comment from someone saying they enjoy your blog even if they don’t share your aesthetic.

What are your dreams/plans/aspirations for the future?

I want to become a fashion designer. Eventually I see myself opening a store with my twin sister (also in fashion design) that will sell both our designs and vintage items that we find ourselves.

What is a typical day like for you?

Now that classes are starting up again my day will go something like this:
Wake up, eat something microwaveable, go to class, run to my next class, order takeout for dinner, go to the sewing lab and spend the whole night there. Repeat. I much prefer getting dressed up and going out to a bar or club rather than the typical college house parties, so hopefully I’ll have a chance to do so on certain weekends.

What are five to ten things you couldn't live without?
1. Caffeine
2. My collection of boots
3. Ice Cream
4. Black eyeliner
5. My leather jacket

What are you into in the way of books, movies, and music?

I’m not too knowledgeable about music although I do like The Fratellis, Phantom Planet, and The Hush Sound to name a few. Movies are definitely more my thing. I much prefer action and fantasy movies to chick flicks. I love animated movies by Hayao Miyazaki and independent films that I see at a nearby college. I also love classic older movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Seven Samurai. My favorite movie that I’ve seen recently is probably Pineapple Express. Sometimes you just need a good comedy.

Aftermath

2008-09-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

hat: UO
sunnies: Frankie and Julian's
shirt: Pixie Market
shorts: vintage Levi's
booties: BCBG

Gabe showing off his new tattoo...

The drunk purchase. I do really like the zipper and gold detail on the heel. I also can't find one of them. Um... I'm assuming it's, like, in my car.

Nick's lovely cherries..

Goodies at Blue Skies, above and below

A local artist's wares, I actually have one of his pieces in my bathroom. I want two more. Perhaps Pee Wee and a Danzig? Who knows.

They match!

A close up of my friend Lorna's amazing dress...

Vampire blood is the best hot sauce.

Lisa Frank lighter... Unicorn being attacked by T-rex! Oh noes!! (was made by a friend of mine and given to me as a b-day present)

Bad news bears

Some dresses outside of Never No, another shop on Frasier Avenue

More cool stuff at Blue Skies

Okay, so after the Giant Tiger show on Saturday night there was a party at my house as I previously mentioned. The party resulted in there being a ton of hair on my front porch and an unfathomable amount of Milwaukee's Best Light cans all over my porch/house. I woke up to Nick, Gabe, and Ali on my front porch as they had all crashed on various couches around my house. After Nick fixed Gabe's terrible mullet that he had gotten the night before, we all went to the awesome build your own bloody mary bar at North Shore for "brunch". By brunch I mean an inordinate amount of drinking for the middle of the day. After a mimosa, two bloody mary's (one gin bloody mary, which is really good and you must try it!), we were drunk enough to play the make up a disgusting shot game. That resulted in a "South of France" which is whiskey and merlot, chilled. Fucking. Gross. It tasted like, to quote one of my friends, "someone was dying easter eggs in your stomach".

After that I switched to drinking Ice Picks, which in this case was peach iced tea and vodka. At that point I was sufficiently drunk to want to go shopping in the boutiques up the street, so Ali and I abandoned our beverages and wandered up to the cute shops than line Frasier Avenue, stopping in Blue Skies, which sells beautiful handmade jewelery by artists from all around the country as well as various and sundry interesting knick knacks. Then we went up to Frankie and Julian's, which is a lovely boutique and one of my favorites in town.

We ambled back to the bar, and soon there after my husband appeared with a package (I didn 't know he had ever disappeared). It was my top from Pixie Market! I was so excited that I went to the bathroom at the bar and put it on right then and there. I also decided that I needed shoes to go with my new metal video outfit, because the brown, flat oxfords I was wearing just wouldn't do. Sooo... I drunkenly went to Embellish, a shoe boutique down the street from the bar, and bought a pair of BCBG zipper, patent leather ankle booties without even thinking about it. We then returned to Frankie and Julian's to buy sunglasses because Nick had stolen my black wayfarers for the day, so I ended up with I pair of hot pink ones that I am in love with.

Nick, Gabe, and my husband drunkenly decided that they all needed to get cherries tattooed on their hips, and I was too out of it to care. So while they were at the tattoo parlor, Ali and I retreated to a pizza parlor behind the tattoo parlor for more beers. When you're that drunk in the middle of the day, your only option is to keep drinking. And we did. Luckily (and by luckily I mean thank thank thank God!!) my husband backed out and showed up at the pizza place with a snare drum, shortly before Nick and Gabe returned, sure enough, sporting matching cherry tattoos. The day progressed into night, illicit substances were bought, cocktails were drank, my husband's band played, and I hung out with an amazing girl named Anna for the latter part of the evening. Long story long... that was my day. It has resulted in me being in bed for two days. I had fun, but it will probably be a year before I make so many dubious decisions in one afternoon.

I promise to make an actual outfit with my Pixie Market top in the future, but this is just what I happened to be wearing at the time, but I thought it worked out pretty well.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Giant Tiger

2008-09-21T21:58:00.001-07:00

the men of Giant Tiger, photo by Julie Davis (stolen from their myspace)

ignore the belt around the neck... I was drunk and fooling around.
I do think this could be done well, however,
I don't think this is the ideal execution of the belt as scarf and/or necklace.

beret: UO
scarf: vintage
high waisted acid wash skirt: thrifted (awesome)
shoes:F21
belt: husband's from highschool
bag: thrifted

I personally think this outfit would have been better sans scarf and belt, but maybe I'm just feeling simple right now. I don't know if this weekend was an outstanding failure or an outstanding success. I've been going out since Wednesday night, so by yesterday I was a little cracked out. Friday we went to see our friends' band, Giant Tiger play at JJ's Bohemia, and it was special and magical, like they always are. Beer was slung onto the crowd, and they played a fantastic set and no members of the band were so trashed that they walked off stage mid set, so that's always a bonus. They put out a 10" on PINK vinyl (so fucking awesome) through Bomp!/Alive records, and it is my personal opinion that everyone ever should own one, but seeing as they are limited edition that is not possible; however, if you hear them and heart them, I strongly recommend buying their record. I mean, how much pink vinyl do you own? As for me, I own two. Because you never know.

After the show the band, some friends, and a few randoms ended up at my house drinking until 6 a.m. We got a couple of "what the fucks" and "shut the hell ups" from my neighbor, but this was preferable to the last time we had a party (the night before our wedding, actually) when he called the cops on us. I know it's kind of lame to have a bunch of skeezy assholes talking it up next door at 5 a.m., but it's not like it happens often or like he has kids. I think he needs to chill the hell out. And he thinks we need to shut the hell up. To each their own. Gabe (the guitarist for Giant Tiger and the guy I'm pictured with a couple of times in the "See Rock City" post) got a drunken haircut on our front porch. If you've ever seen the movie "Gummo", that's what his hair looked like. Total creepy, sloppy mullet. It got fixed in the morning though. A few of them crashed at our house which made for easy brunching the next morning, a story which I will continue tomorrow in a separate post because there's too many photos and too much to say about it. I'll just say that it involves me getting trashed midday, getting my awesome Pixie Market shirt brought to me at the bar, and getting drunk and buying a $300 dollar pair of shoes and bright pink knock off raybans. And then three of the boys decided to get cherries tattooed above their crotch (a joke they can laugh at for the rest of their lives?). Luckily one of those boys, my husband, backed out. Thank you thank you thank you God. Man tramp tats are not shmexy. Decisions were made by all, but I can't say they were all good ones. The result being that I haven't left my bed all day, and we ordered in pizza (which I never ever do due to a morbid fear of turning into a dough ball). But it was just really necessary. Now I'm going to take a kalanopin and hope it knocks me out. Cheers!

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Coral Castles

2008-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

t: H&M
shoes: F21
scarf: vintage
jeans: Silence and Noise, buy at Urban Outfitters
hat: Urban Outfitters

Aaron and Travis, lead singer/guitarist and bassist of Coral Castles, respectively

Rusty's awesome gray, leather shoes (which you can't see very well) were a fantastic thrift store find, and Stacey stole my husband's Stetson and looks amazing in it!

Kisses are free...

Last night's Coral Castles show was everything I had hoped and expected it to be. If you like fantastic sunshine pop, lots of hooks, and pretty, well-dressed boys (the lead singer reads Facehunter and The Sartorialist!) you will love this band. Seriously, check them out, and if you don't like them I'll give you a dollar. Or not. But you will like them, so it's a moot point. I even danced, and I rarely dance. I'm one of those girls that stands in the back nodding her head unless we are talking an actual dance party or a band I love. Then I freak out. It's not that I don't like to dance, but I'm just not usually inspired. But Coral Castles inspires me. I always find myself smiling a really big, goofy smile at their shows. Which is weird and wonderful. I wore the same outfit during the day and night, which I rarely ever do. Because, like, I want to wear as many clothes as possible in a day. But I didn't want to part with these awesome new pants that came in the mail yesterday from UO. I love them so much that I just ordered them in the light wash. Hell, I'm tempted to get both the other washes, but that might be over kill. Oh, and a word to the wise if you too wish to purchase these pants order up a size or two as they run small. I got 2 sizes bigger than I wear usually, and they fit perfectly. The black beret also came in the mail with the pants, and I'm super excited about it as well because I've been mourning the loss of my favorite beret. This makes the pain much more bearable.

Tonight there is yet another show, a benefit for the local Chattanooga Roller Girls, our own roller derby team! Giant Tiger is playing, and they are my other favorite local band. Seriously Giant Tiger + Coral Castles = nothing but love for those boys and their wicked bands. Then on Saturday my husband's band is playing. So needless to say I'm going to be burnt the hell out by Sunday, but it should be lots of fun. There aren't usually so many shows worth going to in a row; this is quite the anomaly for Chattanooga.

Unrelated to rocking out, I'm thinking about dying my hair red. I've been a redhead a couple of times before, but the last time was at least four years ago. I thought that I would never dye my hair again, but I think due to the fact that I'm growing it out and can't play through cutting it I have a renewed desire to color it. I would go darker, but I feel like I look like a mall goth with black hair for some reason. Also, I'm not really into "scene hair", which is another potential pitfall of dyed black hair if it's not executed perfectly. So what do you guys think? Should I dye my hair red? Or should I leave it alone or just go a darker brown? I can't decide.

Oh! And one last thing, I am trying to plan a trip to Scandinavia for either December or June. Obviously it would be kind of cold and dark in December, but I like coats and scarves. We are hoping to hit up Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway but would only have about two weeks, so that might be pushing it. So, if there are any girls from those countries reading, do you have any advice and do you think I should wait for June?

See Rock City

2008-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Trash and vaudeville...

Some of the boys and girls of Dark Meat...

The men of Monotonix

I did not take these photos, they are from their website, but they capture what I could not.

I love man love.

What I wore for the first and more respectable part of my day.
skirt: thrifted
shirt: t.j. maxx
tights: CVS
shoes: F21
cardi: H&M

Yesterday was what I think counts as a looong day. I awoke at 8 a.m. for a logic course, and then I spent the rest of the day sitting outside basking in the sun on campus reading "Shitdiggers, Mudflats, and the Worm Men of Maine", a short story by Richard Roorbach (check it out if you're interested, it's actually a great read). The story is, in short, about the men that rake the mud of the Maine mudflats for worms for a living. Yes, that apparently is a job, which was news to me. Then I moved on to reading Husserl. I wish I could say that he didn't make my brain hurt, but I think if you've ever read any Husserl you can agree with me that that is some tough shit. Anyway, seeing as reading one paragraph of his takes me half an hour, I sat outside for hours, and upon going inside found to my dismay that I had gotten a sun burn on my nose and chest. Even better, one of my crosses had remained stationary long enough to sear a cross onto my chest. Weak. Sauce. Then I had a three hour writing workshop class. So that was daytime. Now for night time.

I went home, had a Guinness, and got dressed to go see Monotonix, an Israeli band from Tel Aviv that has a penchant for setting things on fire, playing in the street/parking lot, and having fabulous mustaches. They actually played with the Silver Jews in Tallahassee the day before. I would have so loved to see that. This is the third time they've played Chattanooga (at the best and virtually only venue in town, JJ's Bohemia) and every time they draw a huge crowd, Wednesday night or not. Technically I was supposed to be writing a rhetorical analysis of Albert Camus' Nobel prize acceptance speech, not getting shnookered and watching cymbals and/or pubes being set on fire, but, eh, what can you do. They played with a band called Dark Meat from Athens, GA. Dark Meat is a 12-20 piece band of awesome noise, a veritable wall of sound... trombones, trumpets, tambourines.

The show was mind blowing, as per usual. They took the show from the stage to the floor, from the floor to the parking lot, from the parking lot to the fence, where they spoke about Bush sucking, shutting the fuck up, and the south. After they finished playing E and I went with a couple of friends to the bar accross the parking lot for last call where I very unwisely downed a jaeger bomb and a double gin and tonic in half an hour. Needless to say, I missed my morning class this morning and no rhetorical analysis was written. I strongly urge you to go check out Monotonix' tour dates because they are going to be literally all over the place in the coming months, big towns and small. They are headed up to Illinois and Wisconsin then to Minnesota, Montana before making it to the west coast to play, among other places, in Olympia, WA and Portland, OR then to Vancouver back through out the midwest, back to the south, up the east coast (they're playing the Knitting Factory at some point) then back down south before heading to Europe where they will be playing in Amsterdam and London (and other places too) before ending up at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival! Check them out if you get the chance! Hope you enjoy the photos of my debauched life, as obscurred by smoke as they are.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Like Dylan in the Movies

2008-09-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Do you ever take the wrong pills to get through the day and then have to drink a six pack give or take a few extra cocktails to make up for how much the pills make you shake but then you can't stop crying and thinking about apple orchards and pipe smoke and gravel drives and filet americain and bicycles and the categorical imperative and how complex the perception of a melody is? What's a thing in itself? Is metaphysics last season? Is l'héroisme de la vie moderne a sham? Is it what has led to an epidemic of ennui and isolation?

Well, if you ever do feel this way, don't listen to Belle and Sebastian. I don't think it helps. You'll just dream about stealing horses, and not be able to breath through your nose.

I was lazy so I broke my promise to not wear my hat any more. Fuck it. So I'm that girl that wears a bowler all the time. I can stomach that. What I cannot stomach is time, mortality, and how everything that wrenches your guts out right now will fade into a memory later. Nothing matters, not ultimately. Worms, dirt, lace, leather. Bipolar alcoholic philosophy students shouldn't fashion blog. I wore clothes. They didn't match. And yes, my pants don't fit at all.

"Is it wicked not to care when they say that you're mistaken
Thinking hopes and lots of dreams that aren't there?
Is it wicked not to care when you've wasted many hours
Talking endlessly to anyone thats there?

I know the truth awaits me
But still I hesitate because of fear

Skipping tickets making rhymes
Is that all that you believe in?
Wearing rags to make you pretty by design
Rusting armour for effect
Its not fun to watch the rust grow
For it will all be over when you're dead

Counting acts and clutching thoughts
By the river where the moss grows
Over rocks the water running all the time
Is it wicked when you smile even though you feel like crying
Even though you could be sick at any time?

But if there was a sequel
Would you love me as an equal?
Would you love me till I'm dead

If there was a sequel would you love me like an equal?
Would you love me till I'm dead
And if there was a sequel
Would you love me as an equal?
Would you love me till I'm dead
Or is there someone else instead?"

~Belle & Sebastian

Warm Leatherette

2008-09-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

faux leather jacket: FCUK
skirt worn as dress: vintage
shoes, belt, and necklaces: vintage

Look! No hat or bangs! You know, I've got to stop updating my blog last. I always tend to update my Chictopia account first, so by the time it gets on here I feel like it's old news. When I said I wouldn't do an outfit post for today because I had too much work to do, I lied. Because I got bored doing my work and decided to take photos instead. This is my brown on brown on brown outfit. I found this lace skirt at the thrift store, and while I wish it was black, I think the brown is just fine. It's a little short as a dress, but I have been really feeling short skirts lately anyhow. I don't have much to say as there's still homework looming over me, so hopefully these photos will suffice without my usual verbosity.

Modern Kicks

2008-09-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Same old hat I always wear
sweater, scarf, and shoes: vintage
jeans: some random brand i forget
T: AA

This was me yesterday, mortally hungover and bleary. Hangovers call for sloppy layers and hats, as well as saltine crackers and sparkling water. Okay, so looking back through my photos I realized that apparently I'm under the impression that every single outfit is better with a hat. Seriously, I was hard pressed to find a picture of myself without a hat on. This is due to three factors: 1) I like hats a lot 2) My hair is in an awkward growing out phase 3) I suck at doing hair regardless of whether or not it's an awkward length or not. That said, as much as I adore my bowler, I'm putting a moratorium on it. No hat for, um, a week? A working week. That's five days. No hat for five days. We'll see how that goes. I'm dreadfully behind on school work, so I doubt there will be an outfit post for today unless I go out of my mind from sitting at a desk and decide to go get caffeinated in public.

I wish I had pictures of the party I went to Saturday, but naturally the camera I was using refused to work at the gallery where I wanted to take a million photos. It declared that its card was full after only one photo. Bullshit. Well, just take my word for it, I have very lovely, stylish friends and aquaintences. The free wine flowed, people fell down, hooked up, passed out, and I ended up at my favorite bar drunkenly talking to some guy about how we have a hard time admitting to ourselves that we like the song "Oxford Comma". I promise to photograph these types of things for your viewing pleasure in the future with my... brand new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW! I drug my hungover self out to the wasteland that is the mall sprawl to Circuit City and purchased a much needed small, indestructable camera. This one happens to be drop proof, water proof, and freeze proof. Since I'm a rough lady to work for if you're a camera, this is perfect. Some of you might recall that my last camera died due to an unfortunate proximity to a mosh pit. Well, not even a mosh pit in a freezing swimming pool could kill this new baby.

I've been making a lot of lists of stuff to buy for fall, here are my most wanted:

Chanel red lipstick
over the knee boots
lace up boots
motorcycle jacket
a nice black leather bag (marc, chloe, and mulberry are strong contenders)
black lace dress

What are you guys feeling is indispensable for fall? There's so much I want...

All dressed up and no place to go...

2008-09-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

I really love this sequin dress but never get a chance to wear it. I think I'm going to resolve to wear it more this fall. And I'm technically not wearing the bowler, but I couldn't resist taking photos with it. Because it is teh awesome. I almost wore this to the symphony, but we showed up an hour early, left, and decided we didn't want to go in the mean time. E felt sick, and I felt like I would be bored. I know, I know. I should be really excited about the symphony, but I just wasn't feeling it. I was excited to get dressed for it, and luckily it turns out that there is some sort of gallery opening party tonight, so I'm off to that as soon as I'm done typing this out. I'm way more in the mood to drink wine, and leave red lipstick marks on cigarette filters. Not that I advocate smoking in any way. It's just what's going to happen. Maybe I'll take pictures there, but maybe I'm sick of lugging this giant camera around with me every where. I want a bad ass camera the size of a credit card. Dear Santa...

Well, I'm going to go drink before I get a head ache. Yes, I'm like that.

xoxo! (and srsly, I need help with this Pixie Market decision below this post... too much awesome makes my head spin)

Help!

2008-09-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

I think I might be short enough to rock this as a dress. But either way. Lace. Sleeves.

Perfect fall plaid. Plus it has a nifty pleat in the back.

Zippers!

Cozy cape.. perfect for fall and would match everything.

I would wear something like this constantly.

Same for this one.

The back of this dress is so awesome and involved...

I'm really feeling giant, lux looking bags lately, and I love the snakeskin on this one.

Okay. So I'm having shopping paralysis. I've been perusing all the awesome goods over at Pixie Market, and I am trying to figure out how to wisely spend the $100 they so generously gave me via Chictopia's Style Icon contest. I'm willing to throw in some of my own money, so I have it narrowed down to these pieces pictured above. Help! Which ones do you guys like best? I am leaning towards the batwing top with lace sleeves because I've been craving something with lace sleeves, but I also love the simple dresses, the giant clutch, the knit cape, and the zippers. Ugh. So what do you guys think?

The Knitting Mill

2008-09-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

New vintage glasses!

Treasure hunting..

New clock!

heeled booties &hat: F21
sunglasses, shirt, necklaces, levi's cutoffs and belt: vintage
boots pictured in store: dr. martens
black tank: AA

the camera we bought...

E in a mirror...

The top booth is my favorite. It has tons of mid-century modern pieces, and I don't know anywhere else to find those en masse here. I am in love with the standing ashtray and may return to purchase it if it's still there.

Tons of vintage accessories. And isn't that vanity amazing?

various other stalls at the Mill...

This is what I wore out to this awesome antique mall here in Chattanooga, The Knitting Mill. It had to be worn with boots for trudging through the store, but I switched to my heeled ankle booties when done shopping. E said I looked like a) Axl Rose and b) straight out of a Four Non-Blonds video. Hrm. I like Axl Rose better, but I rather like the latter as well.

The Knitting Mill is just that: an old knitting mill that has been turned into a bunch of booths for people to house their antique and vintage wares. Most of the goodies there are reasonably priced, and I always find a couple of things that are worth my money. I had a crush on a floor lamp and a vintage black Stetson fedora, but I didn't get either of them. That's not to say that I won't get them in the near future. What we did get was that rad gold starburst clock for the dining room, my fantastic round, over-sized sunglasses (I've been wanting a pair of round sunglasses for awhile now), and a vintage camera for display on our vintage camera shelf. The sunglasses are really see through, though you can't tell as much in the out doors photos. I think I'm going to have darker lenses put in them. One of the booths actually had four vintage Herman Miller plastic molded chairs in a primary blue for sale for $500. Way out of my range, but they were sweet chairs. I love Herman Miller so much and hope to have one of his pieces of my very own one day (donations accepted ^^). After shopping we went for kombucha and salad at the organic grocery which is conveniently located right next door. If you're ever in Chattanooga, TN I highly recommend shopping there and grabbing lunch at Greenlife. All in all, a pleasant afternoon of money spending.

In other news... I actually downloaded new music! I buy vinyl, but there aren't many records of new bands laying around this town, so I don't get them unless I'm in Atlanta for some reason. I go through long periods of passivity when it comes to new music. I end up listening to new stuff, but I wouldn't if I didn't have satellite radio and friends with excellent taste. I downloaded MGMT, Ratatat, a couple of Rapture (namely No Sex for Ben) songs that I've been jamming on, and singles from Tegan and Sara (Walking with a Ghost), The Wombats (Lets Dance to Joy Division) [note: this song is dumb, dumb as hell... but... well... *whine*I can't help it, it makes me want to dance], and We Are Scientists (Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt). I will be happy to have new tunes to jam on while on campus. All of those bands aren't exactly new news... all pretty old news actually... but I'd been meaning to download that stuff for awhile, so I'm excited.

ps. Does anyone else have the irrational desire to wear belts as scarves? I keep wrapping this giant spikey belt around my neck in the mirror and E thinks I'm losing my mind. I'm not so sure. It's like a big spikey scarf. Maybe it's something that would only work in photographs. But I will definitely be photographing this in the near future for you guys to tell me what you think. I kind of have crazy cat lady fashion tendencies sometimes...

Polaroid Wedding

2008-09-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

After party drunk bride...

Classy...

These cakes were made to be polaroid pictures... but our cake maker was, um, inept. As is evidenced by the main cake photo. Ugh.

The ceremony took place in a tent on a terrace at the museum, over looking the river.

Our classy reception. Before we got down to our true colors.

Our cake was a great idea, but our cake maker didn't do it justice. Oh well, I don't really care for cake any way.

Wheat grass and knock off Saaerinen tables were the order of the day.

After I did the post on my brother's wedding, a couple of you requested a post on my own wedding. First of all, the fact that I'm married is a freakish anomaly. I am not what one would have called the marrying type, although apparently I technically am, being married and all. I never thought I'd get married, and I always assumed that if I did I would be at least thirty years old and that I would probably fail miserably at it anyways. I was, um, how to say this delicately, fidelity challenged?

When my husband and I started dating it was kind of that whole cliché "you just know" thing. I knew that we would get married about a week into dating. He had long hair, wore motorcycle jackets, and ill fitting pants. We both loved rock and roll, drinking beer, and hanging out. He proposed to me in front of a jukebox in a billiards hall while Molly Hatchet's "Flirting With Disaster" was playing. He wanted to wait for "our song", "Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes, but got impatient. I think "Flirting with Disaster" was very appropriate. True romance. I was actually friends with his sister in high school, and I was the first girl he ever made out with. Aww. One of my favorite stories to tell about him: one night, while spending the night at my friend's house, I wake up to little fourteen year old E sitting in the floor next to me, petting my face while I was sleeping. I told him to go to bed, and I always told that story about "that creepy kid" but once we started dating he became that "sweet kid". I guess he's kind of creepy and sweet.

I actually bought two wedding dresses. The first one was an awesome Vera Wang with black detailing, but I was a bit heavier when I was getting married (fat and happy?) and the dress just looked bad on me. I freaked out and bought another wedding dress, and I'm glad I did, because it's exactly what I'd wanted. It was Melissa Sweet. Naturally, there are things I would do differently if I could do it all over again, but I think it all turned out pretty dang fantastic. We decorated with old televisions and type-writers on the buffet, and instead of a guest book had a bunch of polaroid cameras and film for people to use.

Okay, so little miss I'm never going to get married had a fucking huge wedding. Go figure. I planned everything from the decor to the food to the invitations to the playlist. I figured if I was going to get married, it better be a kickass wedding. I walked down the aisle to Squarepusher's "Tommib", and once we were married we walked back down the aisle to The Tornados' song "Telstar". My reception involved a lot of food (I think we served every kind of creature imaginable that night... duck, rabbit, lamb, beef, etc...), lots of champagne, and lots of good music. The play list included lots from The Magnetic Fields, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Jack Oblivian, The Supremes, The Velvet Underground, and The Wipers... just to name a few. We are music nerds. Big time. Oh, and our ringer bearer was a dog.

The wedding was at the Hunter Museum of Art, as was the reception. But being rock and roll party freaks, we decided to have an after party at a local bar called Lamar's, which is complete with bartenders in bowties, christmas lights, velvet wallpaper, and the best fried chicken I have ever had. Ever. And this is coming from someone who lived in New Orleans for years. We provided free chicken and beer for our friends, and two of our friend's bands played, Giant Tiger and Forest Magic. (Check out their myspaces via the link, I promise you will like them!) Totally check them both out, because they are both rad. So that's the very short story of my wedding! Hope you enjoy the photos.

Pretend Weekend

2008-09-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

glasses: buy one get on free... eyear optical
dress: H&M
vest: AA
shoes: F21
bag: vintage

check out her sweet new lace-up, heeled oxfords! They are "Tribeca".

I make people over into... myself.

Dog scarves! It's the next big trend. I can feel it.

Instead of acknowledging the fact that last night was a Tuesday night and not, say, a Friday night I went out for tapas with my husband, brother, and new sister-in-law. This is what I wore. I threw it together without thinking very much. I tried to take photos of the food but I have yet to discover my camera's macro setting (I swear it just doesn't have one...), and it was dark anyway. As previously mentioned flash + food does not usually = appetizing. I had escargot and mussels. I like to eat creepy little critters. I think my favorite part of the dinner was the wine. Not because it was a mind blowingly good one (thought it was a solid Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc), but because it was in nice big glasses and was cold and refreshing.

After dinner we came back to our house, and I made other people wear my accessories. I firmly believe that everyone benefits from wearing stuff on their head. Namely hats and glasses, though my husband did try to wear the dog. An inordinant amount of beer later, I stumbled to be. Today I have been useless. I don't really have a hang over so much as absolutely no will to power, so to speak. The only things I want to do are bumble around on the internet and drink diet soda. But other things must be done! I'm very unmotivated to say the least, which is a shame because I've been doing so well lately. Alas, I'm doomed to pajamadom today. It happens.

My Brother's Wedding

2008-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Taken in "my" bedroom at my parents' place. It has all my old teddy bears in it...

The little bear I'm holding in the bottom photograph is Blue Moon. He and the bigger bear, Schotzi, were my dearest bears and the very first things I got out of my parents house when it was burning down even though I was 20 years old at the time. I love them!

I especially love the pockets on this dress...

The bride! She is wearing a Robert Rodriguez top, high waisted pencil skirt, lace pumps... and that fantastic (and heavy!) necklace was given to her as a wedding gift from my grandmother. I think it made the outfit.

The groom! a.k.a. my brother. He's wearing a Ben Sherman suit, skinny tie, and off white converse sneakers. I love that he work his chucks with it! Accessories: a cala lily and a glass of champagne...

This is the bride's sister... I love her dress! The detailing on the neck and at the waist are so super, and it was the perfect length and color and drapeyness. And I really liked her sparkly gold shoes too. They don't show up really well in this tiny picture, but they were pretty.

Mother of the groom... a.k.a. my mom! Isn't she pretty. I can only hope I look as good as she does when I'm her age. The other two photos are of my mother's lovely home. We all met up there for champagne and cheese before the wedding, which was on the terrace of their building.

This is the restaurant, St. John's, that we all went to after the wedding. It is my favorite restaurant in Chattanooga by far.

The lovely table setting, the parents of the bride and groom, my bag (it's that shiny metal thing next to the wayfarers and champagne), my dinner of foie gras and beef tartare (not appetizing to look at but so delicious..)... and last but not least my lovely grandmother still in purple at 90!

I took forever deciding what to wear to the wedding yesterday. I tried on three different vintage dresses (none of which I've ever worn), but none of them felt like "me". Which is probably why I never wear them and should sell them. They are all really pretty, but it just didn't feel right. Finally I put on this wool, modish trapeze dress and I knew I'd found the outfit. It looks really good all swingy without a belt, but I felt like all black would be too morose for a wedding, so I tied a red scarf around my waist. I love how it makes the dress almost look pleated. And yes, the bowler hat really is glued to my head. I wear it constantly.

It was sunny afternoon and lovely evening of wedding celebration. My brother and his now wife had been dating for about two years, but got married after being engaged for about a week. It was a very small wedding with only immediate family there, and instead of a traditional wedding dress she opted for that awesome outfit pictured above. I think that was a great idea! They both looked great, and so did everyone else there.

After the ceremony we all went out to eat at St. John's, which is absolutely fantastic and hands down the best restaurant in Chattanooga (not exactly a lot of competition around here though). Besides having killer food, it's gorgeous inside. I always feel so peaceful when I'm there. What can I say, I have expensive taste. Don't know if you can tell, but I gave up on that whole vegetarian thing. I don't eat meat often, but I apparently go all the way when I do. The photos of the food aren't very good due to low lighting, but I doubt goose fat and raw beef would look very good in any lighting. The foie gras was prepared in a cognac sauce with carmelized shallots and rosemary, and the tartare was served with a poached egg and garlic aoili. They served a million desserts... everything from cheese with truffle honey to molten chocolate cake and carrot cake soufflé and peach cobbler.. and I had a bite of every single one. Your brother only gets married once. Well, ideally your brother only gets married once.

After the dinner we all went to a bar, The Pickle Barrel, and drank until we weren't sentient any more. I don't know what it is about weddings and getting completely hammered, but I always get inappropriately drunk at weddings. It's like my "thing". The worst was at the wedding of one of my husband's cousins... apparently I got so drunk I was hitting on my husband's uncle. In front of everyone. Including but not limited to my mother-in-law, my husband, and the uncle's wife. Yikes! And my own wedding day was the most hung over day of my entire life due to the post-rehearsal dinner party that involved moon shine. Hmm. Trashy? A little. That's how I roll.

The Freakin' Weekend

2008-09-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

in rear... lolz

hat:F21
dress: Velvet
blazer: vintage
shoes: F21
necklaces, bag, and scarf: vintage

nothing on my head!

hat: F21 (glued to my head these days)
scarf: vintage
t: H&M
pants: random brand (zana di or something like that)
boots: dr. martens (for day time)
boots: F21 (for night time)
glasses: buy one get one free...

Sorry for the lack of updates over the weekend. I was too busy shopping/drinking/ignoring my responsibilities. C'est le weekend. That said, I had a fantastic time. I went shopping with Rusty on Friday. We went to the mall (I haven't been in years... it was, um, eye opening?), Target, and the trusty thrift store. I tried on some cute stuff at the mall, but I can't stand paying for over-priced, poorly made crap. The stand outs were a lace dress + leather jacket at Express, a super baggy, plaid Laura Ingles style dress at the gap, and various and sundry shoes at Baker's and Aldo. The only thing I ended up actually buying was a pair of black skinnies from Wet Seal. That store is fucking gross, the high light of the grossness being a trashy lady in what appeared to be pajamas (a Tinker Bell tank top and matching sweat pants) swearing profusely at her cute, confused three year old daughter. Class. Act. I'm sure it will be another three years before I darken the mall door. Target only yielded a pack of gum and a pair of sunglasses for my husband. His favorite pair was tragically lost in a sailing mishap, but luckily Target still had them in stock after all these months. Naturally the thrift store yielded the best goodies including but not limited to a high waisted, acid wash denim skirt, a high waisted floral skirt, a fringy lacy scarf, and yet another pair of loafers. After shopping we went for sushi and then out fo my favorite bar. I was a little too tired to be any fun by the bar part though.

The second outfit pictured is what I wore on Saturday around town/to watch some friends' band, Coral Castles, play. They are always so much fun... I really really love them and each and every one of you should click on the link to visit their myspace. Let me know what you think! It's pretty poppy, which isn't always my thing, but they just make me happy. Maybe it's because they are pretty for the looking at. Today I have just sat around my house watching the speeches from the conventions (RNC and DNC), drinking, and smoking. I am ignoring the fact that tomorrow is Monday, and I have a lot of work to do. And that and my brother is getting married tomorrow. An outfit post is sure to ensue...!

Lastly but not leastly... I was so incredibly excited and flattered when I saw that The Frisky had included me in their article "Bloggers Whose Style We Envy"! I was very honored to be among the likes of Lulu, Fluxor, and Emma Thorn, as well as the other fashionable ladies. I'm a very moody blogger and often times think that what I'm doing is terrible, hacked, narcissistic... etc etc... so I really get excited to read that others are enjoying what I'm doing (all your comments mean a lot to me!). Check out the article and the blogs of all the other lovely ladies featured!!

xoxo,
Snowshoe

American Gothic

2008-09-03T21:31:00.001-07:00

hat: F21
necklaces: vintage
dress: target
shoes: F21

This is what I wore today. I just wanted to wear this dress so badly. A friend of mine asked me what was up with the "gothic lolita" look. Meh. But I can see it. I really enjoyed wearing this for some reason, even though it feels out of character. I think I experiment with my clothes so often that most of my outfits feel out of character. More and more I'm realizing that my style has little to do with my personality and even my taste sometimes. I like to play.

Oh-em-gee. I finished my piece for class tonight. I think the first four pages were acceptable but the rest was utter trash, and honestly I cut and pasted most of it from old journal entries of mine. Yes, journal entries. Trash! That said, I'm glad it's done. Now all I have to do is catch up with all my other classes.

I had a dirty martini with a friend after class, and then I came home to my husband and brother smoking and drinking at my house. They ordered out tapas! Hooray! I ate two snails. It was great. I redid my make up (long day, y'all), and we took photos in front of the organ that my brother and husband hauled up from our basement. We actually own two organs. How that happens, I don't know, but don't even ask me how many record players we own. (in short, too many)

On a note I wish I'd never mentioned on this blog, I see the doctor again tomorrow. My CT scan was favorble, placing me even further into the "probably not cancer" camp. Cant wit to be in the definitely not cancer camp!

Lastly, we have watched the movie "Barton Fink" every night for at least the past three days. My husbnd takes notes on it. It is a great movie, as are all Coen films.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

okay, now self-indulgent self publication... unless you are of the writerly persuasion and/or want to critique... I wouldn't suggest reading further. Seriously, I'm only posting this out of drunken, high masochism. Run!

The walls of my bedroom were lined with Polaroid photos of men I’d had, in one way or another, men that had me. I only took Polaroids of men then--my therapist, my bartender, my lovers. The photograph of Tom and an orange sat on my bedside table next to a spiky Leucospermum, the South African pincushion flower. I was getting very good at killing insects in my room. I didn’t even think about their innards on my hands anymore, and I sleepily smeared mosquitoes against the plaster wall next to my bed, on the wood paneling above my head, in the middle of the night. Sometimes they left a bloody smear on the wall.

I moved back to the Netherlands that fall to reinvent myself as a woman that didn’t get headaches and never complained of being cold or of having sore feet. I had resolved to eat slowly, not wear underwear, buy a tube of red Chanel lipstick, and give head without having to be asked. I wanted to buy a leather handbag that cost over a thousand dollars, and I imagined my clothing hanging off of me, my collarbones protruding merrily. I wanted to be fragile, but I knew that this new woman would be poured into my skin and would at all times be misshapen, lumpy, and askew. I could only hope that the sheer nausea of my old life, the stink of stale cigarettes and cheap beer, would compel me to never wear trousers or sneakers or t-shirts again. I decided that I would become a collector of hot sauces and perfumes, and I stopped eating. That was a very large part of my ideal then, blowing away.
I spent the first two weeks back in the country at L’abri, back with the apple orchards and pear trees, back with the fireplace and teacups, where the sun didn’t set until midnight. L’abri, it means shelter in French. It was a complex of two historical homes, a few gardens, and a barn. It was situated at the end of a long gravel drive that ran along a mote on the edge of the small Dutch village, Eck en Wiel. It was in a region called the Betuwe, “the land between the rivers”, and an old Roman road, long since paved, led into the town, which consisted of a single pub called The Witte Swan and a grocery. The owner of the pub, Jan, pretended to not speak English, and his wife was dying of cancer in a back room of the house adjoined to the pub. Kanker lijder, cancer sufferer, is one of the most despicable curses in the Dutch language. Jan always smiled for me though, except on particularly bad days, where he wouldn’t smile or call me “Bette”.

During that first week, I felt like an impervious ball of light. I could do anything. Everything was going to be okay. Jesus was on my side! I listened to the mosquitoes as they whined in my ears each night with the serene sense that the universe was a well-orchestrated symphony of which I had the privilege of listening. I looked forward to months of long bike rides, cumbersome walks home with grocery bags full of kaas and winegums, and to cooking dinners and smoking joints... I looked forward to waking up each morning. I felt fucking majestic.

I met Tom the very first night I arrived at L’abri. We met beneath the pear trees in front of the main house. It was raining, and he smoked a pipe in the dark with awkward tenderness and determination. He said he liked my yellow stockings and the buckles on my shoes. I told him that he needed to trim his beard. The very next morning I noticed his neatly trimmed beard as he poured my tea for me. He reminded me of cinnamon and fur, always smelling like pipe smoke and reading his dog-eared Bible. We rode bikes to the pub the next night, and I rolled cigarettes badly, getting loose tobacco all over our table. Our pints of beer glowed yellow in the lamplight, and he was drunk after only two. He said he had been a youth pastor in Orange County and told me all of his quixotic dreams of working in Africa. He even showed me some of his, naturally, very terrible poetry. His long, virginal hugs were better than sex, and they let me imagine that epic, European pre-coital love was still possible. The days began to look the same, all golden and tangled in stinging nettles, and as the sun began to set earlier, my resolve to not entangle him softly disintegrated like a sugar cube in hot tea.
He was a virgin, and we spent most evenings after dinner in my dark attic room, him reading his Bible on the floor, me writing and drinking strong, sweet beer brewed by monks that I had stashed under my little bed, hidden under the folds of my quilt. We listened to all the records I had brought with me from home on a portable turntable. Leonard Cohen was his favorite. One evening, he let me sit in his lap, and I let him read the Bible, Mark chapter five, aloud as the record spun.

And when he was come in,
He saith unto them,
Why make ye this ado, and weep?
Come over to the window,
my little darling,
I’d like to read your palm
The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth…

So long Marianne,
it’s time that we began to laugh
and cry and cry and laugh about it all again
And he took the damsel by the hand,
and said unto her, Talitha cumi…
Little girl, I say unto thee, arise.
You held on to me
like I was a crucifix
as we went kneeling through the dark

I drew closer and closer to him, not for sport, but for something like it, for satiety and warmth. The anticipation of the kill was palpable, strong and pungent as horse urine. Everything was dulcet and buttery, the light, the blankets, his voice, the acoustic guitar. In the middle of all the kind yellow love was me, curled up in a corner, a black rat snake. No one was a person to me then. They were ideas, objects upon which to act. I began to sob into sweet Tom’s neck. I wanted my crocodile tears to be the ugly, braying sort, and snot ran down my upper lip as I hiccupped uncontrollably. [incriminating stuff edited out]

<3, Chictopia

2008-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

The above outfit was worn out to get coffee before the shop closed at midnight. Thought I'd throw it in there. Back to my story now...
F21 shoes
AA dress
vintage sweater, belt, and scarf

F21 bowler
Shell Shag shirt (printed on AA V neck)
H&M jeans
F21 shoes
F21 scarf

We only had time to take three shots before my camera died, so nothing great came of that. I am in the throes of writing my story right now, so I really didn't have time to bother trying again. That said, this is what I wore to school today. I am pretending it feels like fall by wearing my scarf, and my skinnies are no longer skinny. I desperately need new jeans.

On another note, I love Chictopia, and they loved me back! I was really excited this morning when I got Lulu's message saying that I was chosen as one of Chictopia's six "Style Icons" this month... and even more excited about the $100 gift certificate to Pixie Market! That store is seriously so awesome, I have spent much time not doing what needs to be done drooling over their clothing. Chictopia is what got me really into fashion blogging in the first place, and there are so many cool, creative girls that post there. What I love about Chictopia is that being quirky or counter-intuitive isn't frowned upon; the girls (and boys!) there really appreciate a wide variety of styles. I'm in very good company this month with the likes of Bakerchops, Lomelino, Ester, Cookies, and Carolina. I actually feel like I must have tricked someone to be in the company of these stylish ladies, because honestly, I don't find myself to be even close to as awesome as they are.

Honestly, I couldn't have gotten the message on a better morning because the rest of my morning looked like this: Can't find car keys. Have to drive husband's car which smells like rancid fruit smoothies. Late for class. Pop quiz. Pre-coffee brain confuses Socrates and Aristotle (I know!). Blech. Mondays why do you hate me so?

I also want to thank Fashion for Writers for mentioning my blog the other day. I really appreciate the support and interest... and the comparison to the lovely Louise! I don't think there's a better compliment than that.

Walking across campus today a friend of mine yelled out my name, and I turned around and waved, asking her how she recognized me (I'm one fake mustache shy of a veritable disguise what with my glasses and hat and all...). She replied, "I knew anyone that oddly dressed had to be you." Maybe it's just me, but I take that as a compliment.

I've gotten my first "La Chouchou de la semaine" narrowed down to a few lovely ladies. It will be announced on Friday!

Annie Hall

2008-09-01T17:41:00.001-07:00

hat and shoes: F21
shirt, bag, scarf, and vest: vintage
pants: theory

Well, I've been inspired by the likes of Annie Hall a lot lately. This outfit is just another incarnation of the same whimsical menswear sort of look that an Annie Hall mindset breeds. I went out to study, but ended up meeting a friend for Bloody Mary's instead. They are kind of the same, studying and drinking. We talked about how reality isn't something you have to accept. About how through art (be it prose, photos, painting, music... etc) you can change reality and endow it with so much more meaning and beauty than it might otherwise have. I love and live that idea. My friend took the pictures that aren't in the graffiti zone, which is where the band that my husband is in practices. She takes lovely photos in my opinion, and I wish I had room to put them all up.

I would love nothing more than to write some sort of verbose self indulgent post about the river, magnolia trees, and Woody Allen (how I love him!), but honestly, if I don't crack a book at this very second I fear my very life may collapse upon my head in an avalanche of anxiety and sadly crisp Nietzsche texts.

A boy, he looks about thirteen, is talking to a bookshelf at the coffee shop. I don't think he's sane. And a man just came up to me a few minutes ago, pretended to steal my hat, then asked if I remembered him. Blank stare. He did look familiar, a certain kind of laughing eyes that I think I would have engaged happily a few years ago. Then I remembered him. He had given me those little clackity clackity meditation balls that you roll around in your hand. And we had some sort of romantic (if you can call it that, and if I weren't being delicate I wouldn't) encounter down by the river. Oh, memories. Now I know why I don't go out in public much save my bar.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Rabbit Resolutions

2008-08-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

No outfit post today because I never took off my pajamas. Yawn. Instead here is a list of resolutions, wishlists, etc. It's time for me to get my act together.

1. Buy as much as possible off of my fall UO wish list, pictured above. I don't know if it makes sense to make a resolution to spend money, but, ah, I think we all understand the necessity of this. And honestly, I'm a little ashamed of my UO habit, but it's nice when you're on a budget.

2. Ever since my nifty little Finepix camera died in a tragic accident (it got too close to a mosh pit...), I haven't taken pictures when I'm out and about in the world due to a) the cumbersome nature of my husband's camera and b) it's an expensive camera and my head would roll if it met a fate similar to my own. And who am I kidding, I'm a bit of a lush, so the chances of something dire happening are kind of high. If anyone has any recommendations, please shout them out- I'm looking for a compact camera that is adept at macro and low light photography. When I get this camera I promise to post more pictures of me existing in the universe as opposed to my bedroom and front porch. So that is rabbit resolution number two: take more photos while I'm out at school, shopping, rocking out, passing out, etc. In memoriam of my camera here are some old pictures of me out on the town:

3. Resolution number two is to learn how to be a better blogger. Now this is where I could really really use any advice that you more seasoned blogettes are willing to throw my way. I'm not entirely sure how to handle comments (do you post a reply in your own section... do you visit their page and comment back there?) I really am a total n00b. I don't use flickr, though I get the feeling I should? I also was wondering what your thoughts and feelings are about ads. Lastly on this topic, I think there should be more linkage in my posts...

4. Which brings me to my third resolution: Each week I'm going to feature a blogger who has tickled my fancy as "Le Chouchou de la Semaine", which translates as "the sweetheart of the week". This phrase was originally used on the French radio program "Salut les Copains", which featured a different yé-yé singer each week. The "chouchou de la Semaine" will be awarded the bunny award and will be kindly asked for an e-mail interview. I hope to choose my very first on Friday. Chances are the blogger I want to give it to will have no idea who I am, but will hopefully be flattered and excited anyways.

5. My fourth and last resolution is to open my etsy and/or ebay store. I still can't decide which I want to do, though etsy seems like it would be less pressure. It also seems like my stuff would just sit there and never sell. I originally wanted to open an ebay store after being inspired by Liebemarlene, MakiMaki, and Sally Jane Vintage among numerous others, but then I started considering etsy as a more laid back option. On the other hand I've considered just opening up my own store as a website and cutting out the middle man all together. Either way, it needs to happen soon as my closet is way way too full. Case in point, all of those dresses and all of the shoes (those gorgeous brown oxfords are too big for me.. I think they are an 8 or 9.) in the top row will be for sale... my closet is a sad fact.

So hopefully I will stay on top of these things. Though for all my desire to be be a better blogger tomorrow will probably only bring a quick outfit post, as I have tons of schoolwork that I have somehow neglected to do for the past three days. Oops.

Leighties

2008-08-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

black t-shirt dress; AA
gray tank: thrifted
black boots & hat: F21
bling: thrifted

I love the... late 80's. Or early nineties. And therfore I love this outfit. I especially love this hat. And these new shoes. So they make me walk like a t-rex, defeating all pretense I ever had about being a bad ass in heels. (and this is coming from a former stripper that whirled and twirled around a pole drenched in sweat and baby oil whilst in 5 inch platforms... soo..) I guess I've lost my edge. But these shoes were, ah, challenging. j/k But no, really, they were hard to walk in.

I got to drink with my family tonight, indulge in fried okra, and now I'm laying in bed noshing on saltines. Honestly, I have been/ am a total foodie. But at the moment I am subsisting on cottage cheese, saltines, and tuna fish. That kind of sounds like homeless person food. It keeps the weight down and is delicious with hot sauce, so who am I to complain.

My soon to be sister in law had a super rad bag with her tonight. It involved mustard yellow and zippers, so one can imagine my excitement. Oh, and it was under $100, which is pretty sweet.

Now I'm going to dream of swimming and the anti-climactic. Because those are the two things I always dream about.

Denial?

2008-08-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

hat: H&M
cardi: vintage Lacoste
skirt: vintage child's skirt
shoes: F21
belt and necklaces: vintage
t: who knows...

Well, I'm going to make this short and sweet. This is what I'm wearing out tonight even though I feel terrible. Achy, exhausted, and I've begun to run a low grade fever yet there are still no signs of any reason that would be happening. I saw the doctor again today, and now I have to get a CT scan tomorrow because as my doctor put it "If I were a betting man, I would bet you don't have cancer. But well, we just aren't certain." Soo. Yeah. I'm still fairly sure there is nothing wrong with me, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm in some sort of denial. Luckily, I'm in a lot lot lot of pain. Why is that lucky? Because it would be quite the anomaly for cancer to do that. So, I should be fine. But I'm still really nervous about the scan tomorrow. Basically if it goes well, yay, scare over. If it doesn't... um.. well, I don't know what happens if it doesn't go well.

That said I've been working my ass off at school, getting very little sleep, and now I'm going out to have drinks with some friends and then go watch some friend's band (awesome band, that is) play. So basically I'm pretending I don't feel like shit. I figure that even if the worst case scenario happened I would still wear heels and short skirts and go dancing. So that's what I'm going to do and put tomorrow out of my mind until tomorrow.

So cheers!

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Ma Vie

2008-08-27T21:09:00.001-07:00

leather jacket: FCUK
dress: vintage
belt: vintage
shoes: F21
hat: F21
scarf: street vendor

Like my crappily shopped black ghost picture? I think it accurately depicts how I feel right now: silly with no legs. Boo. So these are my new F21 chunky heeled oxfords, the dress was newly thrifted this weekend along with the studded belt. I am in fucking love with these shoes. They kind of make up for the fact that I feel exhausted physically and mentally, have to read the Phaedrus for the billionth (or third, but who's counting) time, it's already 1 a.m., my weight and energy levels are dropping like a rock, my neck is getting worse, the results from my test determined it is not an infection, and ironically the only thing that keeps me convinced I don't have cancer is the fact that I'm in constant pain. Hooray.

In other news, I tested out of my French class and get to move up a year, and I had to read my ridiculously trashy creative non-fiction piece to two really conservative students that wrote about getting in trouble for a sip of Zima at age 16 and liking a girl, respectively. Soo... that was really awkward.

Okay, self-indulgent time. If you have no interest in reading bits and pieces of a half-assed first draft, I don't blame you. Feel free to walk away now. For those of you who do read, I reiterate: this is a first draft, and lots and lots is cut out because I do not find it appropriate blog material or it is badly written or both. So this is more like excerpts from the actual piece. Also, keep in mind that though this is "non-fiction" I reserve the right to lie if I feel like it.

Noah’s kitchen smelled far away, like yellow curry. I’d smelt it before, gang garee and onions, in the hot kitchen of an old land owner’s house in the Betuwe, the land between the rivers. The stuffy bedroom of that shotgun apartment in the Bywater smelled like hay and sour milk and tasted like curried tofu and sweet, fat lines of cocaine. A roll of black electrical tape, an ashtray overflowing with stumpy cigarette butts, and a water bottle sat on a stack of shabby books next to a twin mattress tangled in mismatched circus animal and cowboy sheets. The room glowed orange, a cocoon of children’s bed sheets a world away... I was always with Noah then, tucked away behind the waxy leaves of banana trees. His house was like a fort made out of patchwork quilts and populated by flashlights and picture books, secret and mine. I imagined it as a dilapidated flat in Cuba where it would smell like pipe smoke and time could barely cut through the heat. We always woke late in the afternoon, and if Ruth was out he would roll over, prop himself up on one elbow and stare impassively at me with watery blue eyes from beneath his shaggy, blond eyebrows. Then he would reach behind himself and take the electrical tape off the bedside table and place a strip of it over my mouth as the sounds of hollering neighbors, sputtering cars, and barking dogs wafted innocuously through the billowing sheet tacked over the open bedroom window...
The world fell away into a bright white fear that rose up, floating towards the river until it dispersed, grew tiny, and blew away. The fear was frothy and sweet, and nothing existed but it. Not my matted hair, not my belly, not years or days or notebooks or ice cream parlors...

The light began to turn thin and blue outside the bar, and he and I walked the rest of the way to his yellow house as the birds chirped conspiratorially....We walked into the kitchen and Noah picked two large, glossy eggplants off the counter and asked me if I wanted to eat breakfast and watch the sunrise. He sliced them thick, rubbed them with olive oil and salt, and carried them on a plate out back to the concrete patio, where weeds sprouted up between the cracks like fugitives. Two lawn chairs, a tiny charcoal grill, and a deflated kiddie pool were scattered across the uneven pavement, and a chain link fence partitioned off their patio from a concrete wall. He lit coals in the grill, and smoke snaked its way up into the muggy morning air as the slices of eggplant roasted over the ashy coals. As the sun rose, white balloons began to appear above the concrete wall, high in the sky…. Soon hundreds of white balloons filled the pink sky, floating higher and higher towards the river, until they dispersed, grew tiny, and blew away.

**Ellipses indicate omissions. And I totally didn't make up the part about the eggplant or the hundreds of white balloons randomly appearing in the sky one morning.

L'angst

2008-08-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

I prefer the blazer pictured here.

But I tried it with a cardi, and I think it looks a-o too.

the orange water is due to a paint brush in the sink...

new shoes. everyone may have them, but i still lurv them.

my beautiful new perfume that I got whilst in Florida...

Hooray for my F21 package that came today! I needed it. After having blood work done plus all the rain, I needed shoes to cheer me up. I got my chunky heeled black oxfords and my knock off Chloes today. I also got a pair of shorts, the bowler hat, and the plaid scarf. It was very exciting.

Writer's block is some sort of constant condition for me. Every time I end up with a finished piece that doesn't make me want to chew my hands off I'm shocked. It's as if I must have done it in a dream or another life. I have a handful of pieces that I'm quietly proud of, and I simultaneously have no idea how they ever came into existence. It's ironic, I could write this drivel all day long, but I cannot write a simple page and half of actual writing. /bitch and moan
This is all I have so far:

"His kitchen smells far away, like curry and apples. I’ve smelt this before, gang garee and pink ladies, in the hot kitchen of an old manor house in the Betuwe, the land between the rivers. The stuffy bedroom of this shotgun in the Bywater smells like hay and electrical tape. It smells like piss and shower scum, and it tastes like curried tofu and sweet, fat grams of cocaine.
We met in the middle of a Tuesday night at Molly’s on the Market. He had the History of Western Civilization balanced on one knee, it’s pages the color of straw like his bushy mustache. I was reading a book by an Italian about reading books. "

soo... i just need that times 50.

I still feel like I'm dying and it won't stop raining. My odd neck situation is getting worse, and my entire body is starting to ache. It's very very disconcerting and isn't helping my writing. Maybe I need to eat more, sleep more, and drink less.

Enfant

2008-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

This giant weed has descended onto our drive way from our neighbor's yard...

dark kitty spy...

has been spotted!

obligatory no glasses shot... just so you guys would know what i would look like if i didn't wear cartoon glasses all the time

hat: H&M
blouse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
skirt, shoes, glasses, and belt: thrifted
knee highs: bottom of the drawer..

Well, I thought I could escape the preppy and pretty, but apparently it's what I'm wearing. Even against my own will. I think it looks pretty, but it also feels like looking at someone else. I really can't wait until all my heels come in the mail, I think that will help me break this skirt rut I'm in. I think I'm also having trouble because a lot of my clothing no longer fits me due to the weight I recently lost, so I'm a bit at a loss. And because it's still to warm to wear leather here. Excuses, excuses. I really just wish I was a little French school girl flying a kite or playing with a hoop on a stick. Or whatever it is they did. This looks especially childlike with my brown leather satchel that I carry at school.

So, after last night's freak out over this scary lymph node thing, I went to the doctor today. They did blood tests to see if my white blood cell count is either up or down. If they are up, that's good because it means though I am not sick (i.e. have no symptoms) my body is fighting an infection. If they are down, it is bad and I will have to have a biopsy. Cancer would be such a bummer. Especially at 25. That said, the overwhelming odds are that my body is in fact fighting and infection and I totally don't have cancer. I'm just a hypochondriac and naturally assume the worst, but rationally I know that I'm totally fine. Either way, I'll have my test results back tomorrow, so I'll know for certain what condition my condition is in.

It's been raining for two days straight here, and I find the gray and the drizzle to be rather peaceful. It makes sitting inside reading and writing all day and night all the more palatable. Well, I'm off to my philosophy class.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Insomnia and Hypochondria

2008-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is my attempt to reclaim my "normal" jeans from six years ago. I think it's mildly successful. And what are those I'm wearing? Another pair of unflattering glasses! Admittedly, they don't have lense in them yet as I cannot afford them at this juncture, but I thought I'd at least use them as a photo prop. They are yet another one of my thrift store finds.

Ugh, but honestly ignore these shitty pictures or at least take them with a grain of salt. I only took them because I can't sleep, and am trying to distract myself from the fact that I am now convinced that I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, a.k.a. cancer. Whilst playing with my scarves I discovered the most disconcerting lump right where my supraclavicular lymph node is. That is the worst sign; on the up side it does feel a bit sore when I touch it, which is not typical of cancer. My father had lymphoma in his early thirties, so naturally I'm freaking out. Oh, and in case you were wondering, if you are worried that you are dying/not going to get enough sleep to make it through your long day tomorrow... taking crappy pictures of yourself and posting them on the internet does not help. Honestly, those pictures are just an excuse so that I can vent into the bubbling void that is the blogosphere.

So, I'm going to be exhausted yet again tomorrow. I haven't started writing my short story that is due next Wednesday. I was going to write it about a house that smelled like curry and histories of western civilization, a strawberry blond mustache on an electric blue Schwin, black electrical tape, being blind folded in a bathtub, and seeing hundreds of white balloons float over the bywater one morning. And how thirsty I always was in the morning. He would always pour the water on me, but being there was like being in a cocoon made out of cowboy bedsheets. It would be nice to write about all of that if not rather salacious. Maybe I'll write about cancer instead. But cancer, by it's very nature, is melodramatic. I keep trying to think of something really boring and/or disgusting I could make magical. That's my favorite thing to do. I think that's why I should write about the tape and mustache and curry and balloons. It's settled then.

My dog and cat are being extra nice to me. They obviously can sense that I'm dying with their super spidey senses. Ugh. I hate being a neurotic dilettante. Someone get me a pair of flares, some flip flops, and a Hollister t-shirt. I'm joining the ignorant bliss.

Well, on the up side, if I do have cancer, I guess I'll wear lots of hats.

Olde English

2008-08-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

No, this post isn't about 40's. Although come to think of it these photos would be infinitely more amusing if I was drinking a 40 in them, you know, really classin' it up. Anyway, as per usual, this outfit felt completely normal until I stepped onto campus. Then I realized that I look more like a professor than a student, but not a real professor, a make believe one. So, obviously I've really been prepping it up the past two days. That's mostly due to the impractical quantities of preppy skirts and blazers that I bought this weekend at the thrift store. What can I say, they spoke to me. I think I need a different look in my next post. Seriously, I get bored of things so quickly it's ridiculous.

Soo... I haphazardly entered into that "Teen Vogue" contest (go check it/me out over there if you're interested, comments are naturally welcome), which I am way too old for. I was perusing the pages of girls, and it was _busted_. Except for a couple of chictopians/bloggers who totally dominate all those girls. Speaking of busted, I have decided I look busted without bangs. It creeps me out. I'm still growing them out, but I'm going to forgo pushing them out of the way because that gets awkward. Also, If you're sitting there thinking "Man, her hair always looks dirty", I just want to say I wash it every day. I don't know what it's fucking problem is... it's always so stringy and flat looking. Hair is not my strong suit.

I'm wearing a thrifted blazer, high waisted plaid skirt, braided brown leather belt, brown leather satchel (love love!), and my oxfords. The shirt is an AA dress, and the necklaces are all thrifted. The hose are from the drug store and are actually thigh highs. Which I hope were peeking out at my logic teacher because he is hot, at least hot enough to hold my attention. Except for his blindingly white sneakers, those are most un-hot. He is not, however, as hot as my advisor, who kind of looks like Ray Liotta. I would totally seduce him if I were a few years younger and neither one of us was married. *cough cough* Just sayin.

Now you'll have to excuse me, I'm going to go read tomes of literature in a musty, ivy encrusted library in Oxford. Or lay around in my underwear reading fashion blogs. That's up to you to decide.

Heathers

2008-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

loafers, scarf, high waisted plaid skirt, navy blazer, brown leather belt: all new from my big trip to the thrift store
t: H&M
glasses: the free pair in a buy one get one free deal at Eyear Optical

The inpiration for this outfit was the movie Heathers featuring Winona Ryder and Shannon Doherty. I've noticed a lot of girls are inspired by "Gossip Girl", and that's all well and good, but I've never seen "Gossip Girl" (not much of a T.V. watcher unless we are talking Stewart/Colbert or Adult Swim... oh and I have a weak spot for Law and Order). So I really don't know what all this fuss is about Gossip Girl, except that Blair Waldorf is inspiring lots of girls to pick up the preppy torch. I also feel this desire, but I'd rather hark back to late 80's Winona and Shannon for my inspiration. Shoulder pads, here I come. Lately I've been looking at old pictures of Winona Ryder inspiring the purchase of a black bowler (soon to be pictured). She is my main inspiration at the moment. Next thing you know, I'll be a klepto.

On another note, last night was fabulous. Many a beer was drunk, and I talked enthusiastically about the rhetorical nature of style, kitchen knives, my violent aversion to shower curtains (they are gross), and Henry Miller. I love my friend Stacy, who's birthday we were celebrating. She's quite a stylish girl herself, and I will probably post photos of her at some point in the future. And my new favorite gay boy, Russy, joined us. He is also fantastic. He wears wingtips and has a tea cup Pomeranian named Ms. Immi Lou who, and I quote, "enjoys Mary J. Blige and soap operas". Awesome.

I got a lot of looks while out and about; this is nothing new. Really it's nothing more than the fact that I am always wearing gigantic glasses and short skirts/shorts. I was talking to Stacy last night about how much I love contrast in fashion. This is something I have said before, and as a matter of fact, is a principal upon which my own personal style pivots. I think balance is another way to perceive contrast. Floral dress + leather jacket. Tight and short + ridiculous glasses. Heels + socks. Etc. You get my drift. I think the nerd slut is my current favorite incarnation of this principal, but maybe that's just me.

Another pivot point is details. The success or failure of an outfit is all in the details. The right belt/shoes/stockings/hat/scarf/necklaces can really make an outfit. And in my opinion do. I am in love with the floral scarf pictured above. I plan to wear it all the freaking time with leather, denim, and my black bowler which I should receive in the mail soon. Also, I think I'm going to make an active effort to incorporate more rock and roll into my outfits. I've kind of fallen away from that as of late, and I think it's high time I remember the virtues of leather and studs. Also, I bought the smallest pair of Levi's I have ever seen. They are like the most perfectly broken in pair, but for a toddler. So, naturally, just in case I ever procreate, I am prepared with the perfect pair of Levi's for my child. What a good mom I'll be.

Past Tense

2008-08-23T23:43:00.000-07:00

Blog fail. I fail at blog because I post everything to the venerated Chictopia before I post here. Because it is my habit, and it is what I do. So therefore I feel accomplished having posted and don't bother to post here. That is why there are so many dang photos in this one post. I'm a girl of many costume changes. A woman of many even! The word woman freaks me out. My friend just turned 24 yesterday and she's all "I feel old for the first time." Shut it. I'm 25 and I've felt old every day since 17. If you can't legally drink in the states, you aren't old. And the 30's are the new 20's. Sentances. I wrote them....with words!

ps. If you haven't been listening to old Dolly Parton... you really should... listen to her. My dog sneezed on me, and somehow that made me realized how, um, incapacitated I really am.

Here here! Here's to incapacitated blogging.... love you girls, few and far between, that are reading.

xoxo,
rabbit

Casual Friday

2008-08-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

hat: H&M
glasses, shirt, Levi's cut offs, and shoes: vintage
vest: AA

This outfit is what I'm wearing to a benefit show tonight. My friend started a local roller derby team so a bunch of bands are playing to raise money for it, which is great, and I'd be a big ass if I didn't come out and support. They asked me if I wanted to be on the team, but, ah, I'm a delicate flower. Not really my speed. At all. But I'm all for helping them pick out their outfits... I will probably post what I actually wore to school today tomorrow because I'm too lazy to convert the photo files at the moment. For these photos we went back to the abandoned house, which is proving to be a great photo spot except for that part where I think I got poison ivy on my ankle at some point. I'm praying it's a bug bite.

In other news, first week of school is officially vanquished, and I emerge victorious! I arrived at school only to find my 9 a.m. class cancelled. So I spent the entire day (9-2) sitting outside of the student center in the middle of campus reading Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil, and watching the throngs of students pass by. I found myself so agitated by the sea of cargo shorts and flip flops that I had to put down my book and make a list of "stuff I fucking hate". I present it to you now in all of it's haughty, inane glory. We will call it "Campus Crimes" since these are such typical student eye-sores:

1. The most obvious and most obnoxious: Flip flops. Sorry, I know they are comfy/practical/all manor of wondiferous things that make people want to wear them, but they are shower shoes. The end.
2. Cut off denim skirts. Shorts = my jam. Skirts = blech
3. Leggings. This one pains me to say in the core of my being as I am a very big fan of leggings and own several pairs, but they are just no longer visually pleasing and/or relevant. There are ways to make them work and I don't plan on throwing mine out. But seeing a typical tunic dress + leggings + flip flops makes me want to renounce the love affair I've had with them for the past seven or so years.
4. Fucking sweat pants.
5. Any and all athletic clothing unless you are going directly to/coming directly from a gym. And I especially especially hate those decked in athletic clothes and for some reason carrying a Louis bag. Barf. On. You.
6. Boys in cargo shorts. I have never seen so many frigging cargo shorts in my life.
7. Boring ol' t-shirts. We are not talking the illusive perfect white t or any manner of other fantastic t. Just stupid boring t-shirts paired with...
8. "Normal" jeans. You know what I'm talking about.
9. Backwards baseball caps. No, wait, just baseball caps at large.
10. Things written on your butt. Especially the word pink. I don't want to read your butt.
11. Last and not least I hate how it was all so bad it distracted me from reading Nietzsche to write this stupid ass list.

Voila! I'm a bitch! Sorry. But my campus is worst than most. I just want to say to the girl I saw in the skinnies, loafers, and clear glasses (the only well dressed person I saw at all)... you are like a beacon in the night! I hope I see her around more often... the rest of these people are making my fucking eyes hurt.
.

2008-08-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

I'm some where between tired, drunk, stoned, and high on sleeping pills. Going cross-eyed might be a part of this whole tableau. But... but... all work has been done. Homework vanquished. House work dominated.

What I'm most interested in right now is how blogging effects how I dress and how much time I take to get dressed. It does. I think about it a lot more. A thought occured to me that I don't want to ever compromise my personal style for trends. Even if I think trends will go over better .Anything done well once can cause a trend. I have no problem wearing trends, and even like to play with them, but I don't ever want to edit out something I think would be swanky because I didn't think it was "in". That has never been a concern of mine, and all I'm doing now is hoping it never becomes one. But you can never really know yourself and if you did it would probably lead to a life of neurotic inertia. Just saying. lol? No? okay.

Well, I'm going to pass out so I can go learn that if all a's are b's, and if c's an a, therefore c must be a b... something along those lines...
The form of chair. All bachelors are unmarried men. Gosh, I love philosophy. lawl.

xoxo,
Snowshoe

Long Day

2008-08-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

belt, vest, and shoes: vintage
t-shirt: velvet
skirt: AA

Other than the heat, a head ache, and general weariness, it was yet another good day. This is the lived in for a full day version of what I put on. And if my hemlines look wonky in some of the pics it's because I edited out my undies. I know you're all very dissapointed. Due to my inability to sleep before 2 a.m., I had a very long day with little sleep which resulted in the aforementioned massive head ache and the rumpled outfit you see before you. I actually wore a different outfit to my 9 a.m. class, but proceeded to spill coffee all over myself (multiple times) during class. So I had to change.

Most exciting part of the day: my creative non-fiction course. My professor remarked that "no one but me could pull of those glasses", but I think what she meant was "no one, not even you, can pull off those glasses". Maybe I'm just paranoid. A good friend of mine, who also happens to be a rad writer, is in the class with me, so that's extra fun and intimidating. We had to write a piece about something from childhood in the present tense in class (bah, I hate writing about childhood... childhood is innately cliché.) but regardless I rolled with it and wrote about shaved ham, sugar cones, piano keys, the smell of old lipstick, and the time my little brother made me cry (he was 7 and I was 10, or thereabouts.) after I had put on my grandmother's mascara earlier in the day. He started screaming and crying because of the black tears steaming down my face. I was scared until I remembered putting on the mascara earlier; however I refrained from sharing this information with my terrified little brother and instead told him that I was probably dying and he had probably killed me. Face little bro! No mercy. ps. My little brother got engaged yesterday (he's 22 now)! Yay for him.

Now to get high and read Dostoevsky till I pass out. All in a day's work.

After School Special

2008-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

headphones: stiloso by boosted
vest: AA
belt, bag, oxfords, sunglasses and necklaces: vintage
dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs

no glasses, no belt, no vest

ye olde izod cardi

no vest or awesome, ridiculous headphones

this dress is such a fiesta.

a smile just for you!

Second day of school down! I had a relatively fantastic, albeit uneventful, day. Got up with no problem, which is an event in and of itself. Made myself a smoothie, which always makes me happy. I think the outfit I settled on was the third thing I put on this morning. I was stressing a little because I was feeling uninspired, and then it dawned on me that this dress is awesome enough to not really require any effort on my part to make it interesting. I love this dress so much. I got it a couple of years ago, well, actually I convinced my mother to buy it for herself because I'd been eying it for awhile and then I stole it from her. Crafty.

I made it to my two classes without incident, and my existentialism and phenomenology class is going to be even more awesome than anticipated due to the fact that
a) four awesome guys I know are in it (which means we can smoke and make fun of people after class)
b) I get to do a presentation on phenomenology and hermeneutics (get my nerd on, as it were)
c) I get to read Notes From Underground for the third time tonight.
Most excellent.

So after school E and I took a walk to this abandoned house up the street from ours for a quick photo shoot. It was a lot of fun, and I'll definitely be going back there to take photos. As you can see I am in various states of accessorization. There just always seem to be infinite possibilities with accessories, and I often have a hard time making up my mind... so what do you guys think? Sweater? Vest? Belt? No belt? Glasses? No glasses? (The Snowshoe Rabbit with no glasses, that's crazy!) Endless I tell you!

For the record what I actually wore around campus is the first pic with the shades, headphones, and vest. The I-wear-it-every-fucking-day cardi was sported in chilly classrooms along with the glasses.

First Impressions

2008-08-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

hat: H&M
glasses: E's
scarf: gift from mom
necklaces, cardi, skirt, shoes, bag, and belt: vintage
t-shirt: back of my closet

The decision to wear this was surprisingly easy. I have been known to agonize over what I'm going to wear, especially when first impressions are involved. I'd love to pretend that this is an effortless process for me, but that's a far cry from the truth. Sometimes I put no effort into it, but then it shows. I did get two compliments on my outfit. Yay. I love compliments. One was from an older woman who liked my shoes. I especially like compliments from older ladies. It was an overall success, except that I was paranoid about my skirt catching a breeze and blowing up all willy nilly around my waist. When I was out of the overly air-conditioned indoors I lost the sweater, hat, and glasses in favor of my giant headphones and Raybans.

My day started poorly, with me waking at 9 a.m., the time when my logic class starts. However, I enjoyed the extra sleep and got up at 10:30, made coffee, took a bath, unpacked from our trip (I am always really slow to unpack), and then met up with my dad and some web site planner guy at a coffee shop. I'm hoping to work on the website for my parent's business as opposed to actually get a real job.

I dipped out of the meeting early to make it to the French class that I'm auditing. I've taken two years of French, but have since forgotten it all. I'm really excited about that class. Honestly, I'm excited about all of my classes. I'm taking a course on existentialism and phenomenology (which involves Camus, Kafka, Nietzsche, and Dostoevsky all of which I adore), a creative non-fiction course (that I've taken thrice before, it's so much fun), and a rhetoric course. The latter is only being taken so as to replace the "F" I got in it a few years ago due to unfortunate obsession with cocaine. Ah... but that is neither here nor there.

Aside from the fact that it's a campus populated by the generally boring and banal, I felt quite happy to be there, very abuzz and alive, but maybe that was just all the caffeine I had ingested over the course of the morning. After French I trudged around campus paying people, getting forms, a parking pass... your usual inefficient university bureaucracy crap. But I had my giant headphones, Serge Gainsbourg on my ipod, and my extra-dark knock off Raybans (good for staring at people), so all was well with the world. Somehow being around all these typical students made me feel like a sunny cartoon character living in my own world. I'd like to feel that way more often...

All of Yesterday's Parties

2008-08-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Dress: AA
cardi: e's
shoes: marc by marc jacobs
vintage accessories

The truth is I got dressed up (okay, so I just threw it on) because everyone talked me into coming out to see some friends of ours play, The New Binkley Bros. They are excellent Americana, very Oh Brother Where Art Thou. But I really just wanted to stay home in my pajamas, smoke a joint, and play WoW. Yes, that's the other part of the truth. I often times behave like an 18 year old boy. I smoke pot and play video games. So after two beers at the show I called it a night and went home to do what I really wanted to do. We had just made the seven hour drive home from Florida that day so I was feeling a little uninspired to socialize.

After doing this I realized that I enjoy making an appearance at goings ons and then simply leaving. I get to say all my hellos, I get to put together an outfit, and people get to see it. I often think my motivation to go out is more about getting to wear something than it is about actually going. I think the more I care about a show in and of itself, the less effort I put into what I wear, and conversely the less I care about a show the better I dress because my whole reason for going at all is the opportunity to dress up.

Recently I've been musing about being inspired by confections, by tasty treats. There is something frothy and sugary about feminine fashion...sprinkles, bows, beads, ruffles, and marshmallows. That idea of the feminine made me think of the phrase "eye candy" of the Dutch phrase "lekker ding" (tasty morsel, denotes a hot guy or girl), both of which have obvious sexual connotations. There seems to be some psychological fascination with devouring the female. Some of the connotations are positive ones (I'd rather be a candy than a slab of meat, if we're talking metaphors here). The "feminine" in fashion usually tends to denote sweeter, younger expressions of the female, whereas the "sexy" seems to denote a stronger, older aspect of the femine. Both the "girlish" and the "sexy" are sexualized. And each of these types have symbols that trigger brains. Pleated skirts. Over the Knee socks. Oxfords. and then on the other hand we have Leather leggings, bondage shoes, moto-jackets, ripped tights. And what is the neo-goth but the nymphet gone awry? When either of these two notions goes too far it falls into the category of the "trashy". But it seems like men want to eat them all. The candied ruffled lolita, the exhibitionist in leather and heels, the dark scorned nymphet, and even the mish mashed bastardization of them all in the trashy. They will eat anything. Though I'm sure they have their preferences.

Sexuality and fashion is an infinitely interesting topic. I mean, there is something inherently sexual about your clothing, that is your "packaging". As a matter of fact, what you wear is the packaging for lot of things other than just your body and your sexuality. That's often a problem, i.e. some clothing may be acceptable and communicate one thing at art school, but that same clothing will be accepted differently and will communicate totally different things in a small town. I don't want to have to communicate anything with my clothes. I just want to be able to enjoy the creative and community process that is fashion without having to wonder about sex and cultural mores playing a part in my decisions. Though even I feel a slight smug sense of satisfaction when I feel eyes on me, regardless of why the eyes are on me. (i.e "yikes, that girl looks like the 80's threw up on the 90's" "I'd fuck her" or "she looks really creative and interesting.") ps. I would prefer the latter scenario!

warning: the last 2-3 paragraphs of these disconnected ramblings were composed under the influence of ambien... so i hope it amuses is and offends none. And don't you dare assume that my normal thought process looks anything like this pill addled mess. Give me a few sleeping pills and I turn into the nonsensical philosopher of fashion! Haha. That could be my schtick.

We'll see. Now for le sleep.

Back to School

2008-08-17T16:50:00.001-07:00

hat: H&M
glasses: e's
top: AA dress
skirt: vintage
stockings: CVS
shoes: vintage
blazer: vintage
belt: vintage
bag: vintage

shirt: To the Max
pants: vintage
shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs
necklace: vintage belt

Okay, honestly. I'm a little old to be going "back to school" yet again this fall (unless we were talking grad or med school). But due to an unfortunate combination of perfectionism, procrastination, and flat out irresponsible drinking I have managed to be an off and on under-grad for seven years. It's a talent. That being said, I still get really excited about what to wear for my first day of class. I think my biggest struggle is maintaining unique without crossing over into out right weird. Don't get me wrong, I am and am all for out right weirdness, just not on the first day. I'm like a hot bath, you have to ease into me. (wow, that was an awesomely lame simile!)

That said, these two outfits are in the running. The wide legged pants have not gotten the greatest response, only reinforcing my belief that I have no business wearing wide legged pants. I think they are best left for the taller among us. But I tried, and I swear I liked it better in person than in the photos. But I'm really loving my pleated skirt. I originally got it for, let's just say, unsavory reasons of my husband's, but lately I've been seeing it as a viable part of my wardrobe. I will probably end up wearing something different than either of these outfits as the mood strikes me tomorrow morning (at 8 AM, yikes!). I am taking a 9 AM logic course, which is totally illogical. Wish me luck!

Past Blast

2008-08-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Dress: Thrifted
Shoes: thrifted
Socks and belt: mom's house
guitar and glasses: E's (ps. I can't play guitar, am just drunk)

glasses: E's
shirt: vintage
belt: vintage
skirt: aa
boots: somewhere in the Netherlands

Shirt: E's
Shorts: Vintage Levi's
Boots: Vintage
hat: a little shop in Dubrovnik
glasses: vintage

T-shirt: ancient Delia's
hat: vintage
shorts: vintage
socks: from high school
shoes: vintage
sunnies: vintage

vest: Frankie and Julian's, Chattanooga, TN
tanks: DIY and vintage
boots, bag, and shorts, vintage

shirt: E's
leggings: AA
shoes: marc by marc
belt: vintage

Shirt dress: Frankie and Julian's
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Marc by Marc
Necklace: flea market

Romper: AA
bikini top: Marc by Marc
shoes: seychelles
chain, belt, and sunnies: vintage

Dress: H&M
Vest: AA
Accessories: vintage

Dress (worn as top): AA
skirt: AA
Shoes: marc by marc

I've spent the past two days cooped up due to nasty thunderstorms and tornado warnings on the panhandle. And therefore have spent my time in nothing but cut-offs and t-shirts, glued to the computer screen while the rain rages on the beach out my window. Le sigh.

So I thought I'd post past outfit pictures that were taken pre-blog. Lots of them. Hope the proud few that read my blog (okay so maybe it's just the few...) enjoy.

Color Blocks: Gray and Red

2008-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Silence and Noise at Urbanoutfitters

Screamingmimis.com

Hawks by Geren Ford at Urbanoutfitters

American Apparel

Forever 21, Twelve by Twelve

By Twiztt, available at yesstyle.com

I've recently been obsessed with this color combination. These are a few of my favorite things. I think the bag and the F21 dress would look amazing together, same for the dress and thigh highs and the pants and suspenders. And honestly I'd pair every single one of them with oxfords of some kind. I also think the thigh highs would look rad with a simple, gray t-shirt tunic from AA. I'm really jonesing for the bag in particular, as it is perfect laptop size.

Today has been an extremely lazy, rainy day. Hopefully the coming days will be prettier. And hopefully I will wear something other than my pajamas and cut offs. Not that those are bad things, it's just not the most inspiring combination. I've been drinking vodka and oggling notcouture.com, which I highly recommend to anyone who isn't already addicted. There are so many inspiring blogs it's hard to keep up with them all. I really should start leaving comments on my favorites. Lurking is for the birds.

xoxo
the snowshoe rabbit

Avenue Sea

2008-08-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

Glasses: E's
Necklaces: thrift store and yard sale
Dress: Anna Sui
Belt: Anthropologie
Bag: Anthropologie
Shoes: UO

Last night was one of the most delicious nights of my life. We drove twenty minutes on the empty high-way flanked by slender Gulf Pines to Apalachicola for dinner at the restaurant in the Gibson Inn, Avenue Sea. Being a foodie (and previously a food blogger) I am more than familiar with the legend that is The French Laundry, a restaurant in Napa Valley. Naturally when I learned that a chef who trained there and his pastry chef wife opened up a little place only twenty minutes from where I would be staying, I made reservations right away. And, naturally, planned my outfit.

I brought an Anna Sui dress that I bought on a whim in college. An expensive whim. I saw it in the window of one of my favorite Magazine Street stores, Hemline. I just remember the dress calling to me, and I eventually caved and bought it. I've only worn it a handful of times, but I really think I love it now. I don't usually go in for the fifties style silhouette because I think it comes off as kitschy really easily. Ideally I would have paired this dress with black lace up oxfords with a chunky, high heel, i.e. the F21's pictured on a previous post. I would also experiment with skinny belts. I think this would look really cute with a black beret as well. I really think the over-sized glasses do a lot for this look, they make it look unique and take the girly edge off. Contrast = balance. Now, I'm going to indulge the food blogger in me, so if you aren't interested in what I ate for dinner, you can stop reading now.

The dinner did not disappoint. The first course was fresh heirloom tomatoes, basil, local mozzarella and a little olive oil, basically a small classic caprese served with an Italian Soave, followed by local oysters and garlic poached in olive oil (Apalachicola is known for it's wonderful oysters... and they are amazing) with fennel and a sourdough crisp paired with a sherry fino. The third course (yes, I'm going to list every single one) was steamed clams in a buttery herb broth served with rye points and a wine called "The Hermit Crab". The wine actually had a slightly buttery crab like smell, I swear to god. It was weird, and tasted fantastic. The fourth course was maybe my favorite, a "risi e bisi" made with local rice, English peas, shiitake mushrooms, fresh chervil, and Parmesan. He paired this and the next course with a California Sauvignon Blanc. The rissoto was followed by a grouper medallion on top of succotash, everyone else's grouper medallion was wrapped in smoked bacon. The final course for everyone else was seared rib-eye, but I passed that one up because I don't do red meat, and besides, I needed to save room for dessert. I did, however, have a glass of the red wine that accompanied their steak. It was a Petite Syrah called "Pets", which is a totally rad name. Before dessert there was a cheese plate of a local Camembert style cheese, Idiazabal, a musty English cheddar, a goats milk cheese with a line of vegetable ash, and a Shropshire blue. And at long last the table was served three different desserts, a peach funnel cake style pastry (it had a fancier name that I can't recall) served atop peach ice-cream and a chilled peach sauce, a dark chocolate shell filled with a indescribable melt in your mouth chocolaty filling, and a warm chocolate cake that was melty inside and filled with a very slightly banana flavored cream sauce all accompanied by the best Irish coffee I've ever had. I wish I had more pictures of the dinner, but my camera died. Needless to say, I will be living off of diet Dr. Pepper for a week to make up for this meal. But it was worth it, and the portions were so small that I didn't end up stuffed... didn't have to take my belt out a knotch or anything.

Shoe Crush: Fetish Inspired

2008-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Buckles + socks = what I want. Nine West.

The shape of this shoe is exactly what I'm looking for, and the patent and chunky heel take it to the next level. I would wear these will all things slouchy and grungy. Nine West.

Being a) affordable and b) super strappy, I am seriously considering these. Totally dominatrix. F21.

I am very ambivalent about this boot. Sometimes, I adore it. Others, I don't. I'm not sure what it is about it. Maybe it's the shape of the toe that throws me off? But right now, I'm really feeling it. It has a spacy vibe. And buckles to spare, which I love. Nine West.

Zippers! I want zippers. I don't know that these are ideal, but I think they'd be good with socks. If anyone knows of the perfect zipper shoes, please point me in their direction! Chinese Laundry.

The ubiquitous knock off Chloes. These will be mine. It's just too spot on to pass up. I might get them in white and pink too. F21.

These are just so versatile. I think they are the perfect basic black shoe. I think they are also somewhat ubiquitous, but I love them and want to make them mine. Bakers Shoes.

As promised, here is a list of some of my current fetish inspired shoe crushes. It feels incomplete without the patent Miu Miu booties that I have been coveting as of late. They are on yoox.com, and I couldn't seem to get a picture of them. They are lovely though. I really like the contrast between a super high bondage-esque shoe contrasted with torn denim, slouch t-shirt dresses, leather jackets, revival florals, and menswear inspired pieces. I think contrast leads to balance and prevents shoes like these from becoming trashy or costume like.

It's a rainy day here at the beach, but it appears to be blowing over. Tonight we have reservations at a restaurant called Avenue Sea in Apalachicola. The chef apparently used to work at The French Laundry (very famous restaurant in Napa Valley), so being a bit of a foodie I am very excited about this dining experience. I brought an Anna Sui dress to wear for the occasion. I promise photos of it. I'm not having much in the way of outfit photos because I spend all day in a bikini....

The Forgotten Coast

2008-08-10T18:07:00.001-07:00

Today was a beautiful blur of laze and sunbeams. The beach here is so wide and empty, it's amazing. We woke up late, and after a cup of coffee and some hang-over alka-seltzer style medicine we went to the Piggly Wiggly for provisions. We came home with plenty of diet Dr. Pepper and crab boil supplies. We lazed in the pool with bloody mary's and took the dog to the beach. I wore my old black CK bikini bottoms with a recently thrifted neon bikini top and my knock off black raybans from the Netherlands a few years ago.

Tonight we grill! Hotdogs, brats, and veggie dogs (for boring little old me). I'm excited because I get to eat sauerkraut. Tomorrow we're renting a boat for scalloping and fishing. Sounds just right to me.