It kind of sneaks up on you

Leather Jacket- Doma, Crochet/Suede Top- Free People, Lace Inset Bells- Free People, Fur Collar- Madewell, Solvang Clogs- Jeffrey Campbell, Rosary- Vintage, Agate Cuff- Coldwater Creek, Hindu Prayer Bead Bracelets- Aldo, Crystal Ring- Ylang23

That last photo really does kinda sneak up on you. Bear with us as we revel in our new photoshop capabilities. I assure, my teeth are not Nutria orange nor do I have one sunken eye. However, the terrified expression is very real. Because this is Texas, and certain residents think the Conceal And Carry Law is actually the "Dove" (there were no doves) Hunt Within Fifty Yards Of That Lovely Couple Taking Photos Law, we were literally dodging bullets. When I was a little girl, my favorite New Year's Eve tradition was to run outside at midnight and listen to all the firearms discharging (and I grew up in the middle of Dallas, a relatively cosmopolitan city). There is something about the last night of the year that brings out major gun craziness in my fellow Texans. 

Anyway, Joey and I are celebrating a rather unconventional New Year's. My parents gave us an offer we couldn't refuse, so we are dog sitting my father's beloved Smokey. Our cats, being the little troopers they are, don't seem fazed in the least. Except Boss Tweed, who keeps growling in his sleep. I suppose he is taking the highly unusual "be menacing without bothering to awake" route of dealing with a perceived threat.

Now go get drunk everyone. But keep the weapons holstered. And have a beautiful, beyond your wildest dreams 2011. 

Waltzing Matilda

Mini Dress- Darling (ASOS), Cable Knit Cardi- Wilfred (Aritzia), Brogues- Steve Madden, Rosary- Aldo, Three Stone and Armor Rings- Free People, Crystal Ring- Ylang23, Bracelets- Vintage

Joey got pretty artistic on the last photo (new iMac) while I was at work. I can't decide if it's terrifying, beautiful, or both. 

Anyway, I have been tagged by Mimi from Aesthetic Lounge to share seven facts about myself. Prepare for some rambling.

- That was a perfect segue, because here's number one: I am an inveterate rambler. Talking, writing, leaving phone messages, text messages- a cattle prod is necessary to get me to the actual point. My youngest brother, Griffen, is the exact same way. Imagine our family dinners. 

- I got married very young (barely 22!) but don't regret it at all. Joey is perfect for me. Oh, and we had the wedding to end all weddings. The word "bacchanalia" comes to mind. 

- Last summer I had quite the adventure when Joey and I traveled to Fukuoka, Japan for a wedding. He lived there for a while, (fluent speaker!), and made some of the most amazing friends. I want to go back so badly, and visit Tokyo this time!

- I was a pretty serious Ballet dancer growing up. Sometimes I still miss it, a sixteen year project is hard to let go of.

- My favorite song has always been and always will be "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procul Harum. Actually, I really only care about three other bands/artists: The Velvet Underground, Cat Stevens/Yusef Islam, and Bob Dylan. 

- Our two cats are like babies to us. They each came out of quite mystical situations, and I am completely convinced they can understand everything we say. Their names are Boss Tweed and The Victorious General Sherman.

- I am obsessed with history in general, but Australian history makes me cry (there is so much pathos and heroism), and I am endlessly fascinated by women like Zelda Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein (The Jazz Age isn't just pretty fringe dresses). Learning about the past brought the realization that organized religion will never work for me. It's so much kinder and cleaner just to love.

I warned you I ramble. Well, if you've been reading my blog for a while then you already know that I suppose. But I bet you didn't know that I can be cornier than hell. 

I guess I need to tag someone, so Taylor(www.thingsonhangers.com), you're it! I need seven fascinating facts about you, stat. 

Be it gash or gold it will not come again in this particular guise.

Directions in Lace Black Skirt- Free People, Grey Leather Jacket- Doma, Grey Sweatshirt- Nation, Blue Velvet Backpack- ASOS, Vintage Jewelry (except for Free People rings), Combat Boots- Steve Madden

Joey and I have been going all kinds of crazy with his amazing new Christmas iMac and the photoshop capabilities it entails. I happen to be covered with tiny moles (thanks, dad!), and watching them disappear at the click of a button is pretty exciting. The only problem with this lovely new computer is the ginormous screen size, which actually makes me rather nauseous. Strange. 

We took this snapshot outside our apt. as I was leaving for work this evening, after which I ran inside and changed into something completely different because it is way, way too cold to wear what is basically a glorified mini skirt. It takes us Texans a while to accept that Winter will be hanging around for a bit. 

I can't believe how great the Style Stalker feature on whowhatwear looks- it's pretty surreal to be pictured alongside such beautiful and stylish women, most of whom have blogs that are daily reads for me. 

Sorry about the short and rather, uh, pedestrian post, I am itching to move on to the "Margaret and Joey watch some sort of low-budget '70s horror film" portion of the evening. Hopefully this will be a good one, because last night's selection was deeply disappointing. 

Christmas In Pentonville (or, Why I Stopped Blogging For Over a Week)

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, or whatever you celebrate!  I spend every Christmas in Pentonville, Alabama, a town about which I will share three fun facts: an utter lack of bandwidth makes blogging next to impossible, my entire (huge) extended family gathers there (we sort of have a compound going on) for most holidays, and lastly, I am the Princess of Pentonville. This is due to the fact that there are no non-Shaws in the entire area. Also, my endlessly regal behavior. 
Anyway, the beautiful little boy pictured clutching his Fushigi Ball (what, you didn't ask for one?) while dreaming his tiny Christmas child dreams is my cousin's son, Joey. And the orange dog I am communing with is Red Dog. He is very sweet, very manipulative, and a wee bit odd. The top picture is of my parents' house on the compound.
But most importantly, the amazing vintage leather (ankle-length! hand-painted by a member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band!) vest I am trying to squeeze myself into belongs to the proprietor of one of my favorite vintage/antique stores, which is in Alexander City, Al. My mother and I head there (the Antique Mall of Memories) every time we are in town, and always find something amazing (like, say, a WWII-Era Pachinko machine?). I was so lucky to get to try on that vest, as it isn't for sale. If it were mine, I would keep it also : )
Oh. And that fireplace? Just as haunted as it looks. My dad is a bit of a decorating hobbyist, and he salvaged the owl grate from an abandoned elementary school. I (and a few others) am convinced some ghosties came with it. 


Back to regular posting now!

I Buy Tin

Loose Knit Sweater- Free People, Tie-Dye Scarf- Brightly Twisted, Solvang Clogs- Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace- Aldo Accessories, Rhinestone Studded Bracelet- Madewell, Rings- Free People

Joey and I had no idea this shack would be filled with dead vending machines. An oddly placed rusty little tin hut makes for a strange graveyard. Speaking of which (graveyards, not useless coke machines), Joey just informed me that "Obese New Zealanders Put the Squeeze On Cemeteries", according to a headline on the Playstation World News. First of all, since when does Playstation offer the news (probably forever, I know nothing about these newfangled gaming devices)? And, of course, what the hell does that headline actually mean? I can't fathom this idea in which hefty deceased New Zealanders cause a cemetery "squeeze" so great that it merits being the nation's top news headline.

Anyway, the sweater pictured above, which I seemed to think should be worn as a dress (hello, ladyparts), fulfills my longtime Rodarte-generated cobwebby knit desire (god, it's been like three years since that collection, hasn't it?).  

So now it's time for Joey and I to retire to the man cave (yes, we actually call it that for we are the corniest of them all) and watch a movie called Phenomena, which I am beyond excited about. I am a huge Dario Argento fan, and have been waiting forever to see this as it's supposed to be one of his best films. I don't know how it will surpass Suspiria, but apparently it does. We shall see. Suspiria included ballet, witchcraft, beautiful 70's outfits, psychedelic visuals, and a stunningly perfectly creepily awesome score by The Goblins. Beat that, Phenomena, let's see you try.

Oh, and um do me a favor. Before you tear this down, call 972-523-5464. I buy tin. 

"I love you, Alice B. Toklas!"

 

 Sheer Dot Top- Alexa Chung for Madewell, Swing Skirt- Aritzia, Opaque Tights- Commando, Leopard Oxfords- F21, Long Gold Necklace- BCBGeneration, Square Cuff- Fallon, Rhinestone Studded Bracelet- Madewell, Rings- FP

I have had a long day (Why, exactly, did the cat groomer require me to drop of my baby at 6:30 in the morning?) so I am kind of running on fumes at the moment. I am beyond excited about a lovely midnight Cheez-it snack, followed by drifting off to sleep with some disturbing Dateline episode playing in the background (my dreams must be so messed up- good thing I don't remember them). I really can't believe that Christmas is next week. I can't wait to be in Alabama with my enormous and hilarious extended family (hello, Auntie Precious! Digression: Auntie Precious is a sarcastic name for my Aunt Janice, whose son, my cousin John, literally saved my life when we were children- it's a long story, but he is a paramedic now, which is quite appropriate). The skirt and tights in the above photos are sort of becoming a uniform lately, so I thought this would be an appropriate outfit post. As you can probably surmise, this is another set from the Courtney and Margaret Dusty Warehouse Adventure Photography Extravaganza. Ok, when I start referring to myself in the third person, it's probably bedtime. New rule of thumb. Goodnight, all!

I am so tempted to title this "Lady In Red". But I will spare you that corniness.

 Oversized Red Sweater- Free People, Black Lace Panel Bell Bottoms- Free People, Solvang Clogs- Jeffrey Campbell, Square Cuff- Fallon, Rings- Free People, the usual random jewelry

I have this ongoing problem regarding the above sweater. I am completely convinced that it's red, but apparently everyone else sees orange. Either way, I own it in three colors and to call it a wardrobe staple would be an understatement. Oh- and I cannot say enough about the bell bottoms. Denim rarely fits me correctly due to these strange appendages (barnacles?) on both sides of my body. I like to call them hips. These fit like a glove- and the lovely lace panel is just perfect. I highly recommend. Some guy on lookbook said I resemble Pink (you know, she of the iffy music and rather masculine appearance) in the first photo. People are odd. My parents swear I am the spitting image of Rihanna, which would be flattering if it weren't so completely not correct (hello, double negative, I'm too tired to fix you). 

Anyway, look for me in this month's Style Stalker feature (Dec. 27th) on WhoWhatWear! I am consistently shocked when anyone notices my little blog, let alone a juggernaut like WhoWhatWear. Ok, things are starting to blur (thank you, Margaret, for never, ever taking your contacts out) so it's probably best that I shut off my various screens and sleep. These photos were taken by (the endlessly talented) Courtney Teesdale last Sunday in a dusty empty retail space. More to come from that shoot. Have a beautiful Tuesday filled with everything you hope it will be filled with. I'm starting to sound drunk. Goodnight, all.

Shack Sunday

Army Jacket- TNA (Aritzia), Brown Leather Belt- Vintage, White Silk Dress- Wilfred (Aritzia), Camel Circle Scarf- Wilfred, Taupe Suede Litas- Jeffrey Campbell, Rings- Free People, Agate Cuff- Coldwater Creek, the usual bracelets

It was freezing today, hence the giant infinity scarf blocking the really nice draping on the front of my dress. I am pretty impressed with bloggers who live in places like Rhode Island and post photos of themselves frolicking around in the snow wearing like, a mini skirt. This post is pretty picture-heavy, so I am not going to write the usual lengthy dissertation. Joey and I found this random shack at a pretty busy intersection, which was odd. Shouldn't it have been torn down by now? But that's kind of the beauty of Dallas, it sprawls so quickly that there are longhorns grazing across the street from some tech behemoth, which abuts a neighborhood that popped up overnight. It looks like I have 100 followers, which I guess is some kind of milestone. So, thanks, people who are following my blog- I hope you find something in my posts you enjoy. Have a lovely week!

Where There's a Willie (Nelson), There's a Way.

Knit Shawl- Free People, T Shirt- Erin Wasson for RVCA, Leather Shorts- 3.1 Phillip Lim, Black Solvang Clogs- Jeffrey Campbell, Feather Earrings- Aldo, the usual random jewelry

I love the print on this scarf/shawl but wish it had more heft (if that makes any sense). I think I would wear it every day if there were armholes involved. The white shirt says "Where There's a Willie There's a Way" on it (in reference to Willie Nelson, not a penis). For once, I have little else to say, except that I am consistently surprised by all the hair compliments in the comments. I hate my hair- oh, the magic of photography. I bought a beautiful vintage dress today, which I plan on wearing to a party tonight, so I should be posting something more substantial and interesting tomorrow morning. Have a beautiful Friday night! 

Fancy Pants

Pants- Topshop, Grey Leather Jacket- Doma, Sweatshirt- Nation, Combat Boots- Steve Madden, Agate Cuff- Coldwater Creek (yep), the usual random jewelry

Here are the pants I was talking about in my last post. I get quite a few compliments on "my skirt". Courtney and I had the opportunity to use a friend's empty retail space to shoot in, and had lots of fun playing in the dust (she resembled an actual chimney sweep within about ten minutes) and using all the construction junk as props. I am pretty positive that today has been the laziest day of my life. I don't have work until tonight, so other than a fifteen-minute running across the street to get a cheeseburger break, I am planted on the couch watching old Law and Order: SVU episodes. Taylor (from thingsonhangers.com) was so so right about Detective Stabler. He is beautiful- but I hate how whenever there's a "hot political issue" episode, the writers makes him say all the stupid crap. How about using a less attractive character to hang on to the ultra-right wing contingent? 

Oh, I just remembered. This is a fashion blog (why do I always end up rambling about movies or TV?). But a lot of what I have to say about fashion and style at the moment can be summed up in one picture:

 

I know this photo has been making the rounds in a big way, but there's a reason for that. Anja is doing it right. I have never been really fangirlish over her, but this is some Abbey Lee- caliber street style. Does anyone else feel like pyramid studs are kind of exciting again? I don't think I would have really cared for her bag about six months ago, but I covet (ouch, hate that word) it now. Ok, back to my SVU marathon. 

pic- lefashion

I like you, Maude.

Ombre Slipdress- Le Fou (Aritzia), Army Jacket- TNA (Aritzia), Taupe Suede Litas- Jeffrey Campbell, Studded Silver Cuff- Fallon, Rosary Necklace- Aldo, Ring- Free People

I really, really love the above slip dress. It fulfills every qualification on my deeply exacting Official Long Dress Checklist (that should be a joke, but it isn't). Just so you know. Anyway, I had quite the successful visit to Forever XI this afternoon- you know how the clothes on the mannequins are never, ever actually available? Well I purchased four things that were on mannequins (and really very cute). This was quite a step up for me, as my mother and I were almost forcibly removed (and given a hilariously stern lecture by a very serious employee) from our local F21 recently for taking a belt from a mannequin and attempting to buy it. I never did get that belt, and it was quite adorable. But I did complete my knits collection today (that's a lie- it will never be complete), and bought two lovely long skirts. So thanks, F21, you made up for the unpleasant Margaret and mom belt-buying fiasco by actually stocking the pieces on your mannequins (what a novel idea)! I suppose it's time to get back to the cheeseburger I have been neglecting while rambling about slip dresses and F21, so have a beautiful weekend everyone. By the way, the above photos were taken by the adorable and endlessly talented Courtney Teesdale.

Pretty Colors

 

 Peter Pan Collar Dress- Alexa Chung for Madewell, Booties- Sam Edelman, Rings- Free People, Rosary- Aldo

Courtney and I found this random wall when we were driving around downtown looking for a phantom warehouse (actually, we did end up finding the warehouse, but it came with a security guard who seemed to take his job very seriously) and we immediately knew it must be photographed. Such beautiful colors. I rarely wear this Alexa Chung dress, and I wonder if it needs a bit of hemming. If it were shorter and worn with opaque tights then I think I would like it better. Anyway, I am currently wearing these crazy chiffon pants I ordered from Topshop that I have decided are the perfect article of clothing- I can't wait to take photos in them. There's something about the swishing fabric when I walk and all the slightly offended glances (from people who are obviously easily offended) that make me quite happy. Yesterday I wore them with my Litas and this lady in Neiman's was practically apoplectic. I seriously thought she was going to keel over from sheer anger. But people in hot pink juicy sweatsuits probably shouldn't judge others' sartorial choices. Oh! I have a photo meant for my last post that I completely forgot about, but I really love it so...                                    

Thank you, childhood self, for your tree-climbing prowess. And thank you, Courtney Teesdale, for your camera-action prowess. The scarf wasn't in the last post, so in case you were wondering, it's Wilfred from Aritzia. One last thing- I've noticed that older horror movies can be pretty inspirational style-wise, and I found a really great one. "The Sentinel" (1976) is not only a decently creepy story, but the clothes are amazing. I drove Joey crazy with my constant "I would totally wear that"s. I couldn't find any good screen grabs, but I highly recommend watching it, if only for the great outfits on the main character. Have a lovely lovely evening!