Pretty In Black

2012-01-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

photos - Sugarhigh lookbook (by way of Spell)

I love these photos from the Sugarhigh lookbook. The model's red/fuscia hair with the turquoise braid wraps looks amazing.

Last fall, I bought an epic fringy suede coat. At $50, and real suede, it was a steal in my favorite goodwill.

I've been away far too long. These days, my Writing for Children course, amongst other things, is keeping me busy. It is pulling the best stories out of me yet. I spend hours every day typing, and my professor Elizabeth Mosier is incredibly inspiring. Expect mostly picture posts for a while.

xo Pretty in Black

It's a Mood Thing

2011-12-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

I love mood rings. What other accessory changes throughout the day? I'm a girl who needs to be able to alter things around me. That's why my happiest hobbies involve my hands. I also like to learn and explore. Midnight, morning, and afternoon, I always have questions. So, any jewelry that constantly evolves, and supposedly moves with my moods, is exciting. On Etsy I found this gorgeous necklace by My Thunderstood. It is a collection of mood stones and classic pen tips. It touches on my love: writing <3.

Gifts of Song

2011-11-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

photographer unknown

For a few days now, I've been thinking, "I haven't heard Halestorm on the radio in a while." I'm a total car music junkie, so I've been meaning to buy their album sometime. I get a little crazy when I have my favorite music on. No hands, air guitar, singing really badly with the windows down.

Today, I was kind of glum, and then "It's Not You" came on WMMR! I was stoked, to say the least. By then, I was jamming in the parking lot of the nearest WalMart and thinking music is truly a gift. Lord knew I needed to hear an encouraging female voice today (and she's a sick guitarist too). Keep making music Lzzy!

"Love/Hate Heartbreak"

Olga Road - A Path Less Traveled

2011-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Olga Road is producing some top notch pieces with a granola ethic - recycling. Each bike-ready jacket is crafted (in the U.S.A.) from up-cycled leather material. So, give those marshmallow shaped, bat wing-sleeved thrift store jackets a second glance. In the hands of Olga Road, they could become go-to pieces.

As seen on Sea of Shoes:

Dyed with Romace

2011-10-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

I was working on my bleach technique the other day (still in progress) and thought of Laced with Romance Vintage. I always find their pieces inspiring, especially the Dust and Drag line.

This one is actually suede!^

2011-10-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Just listed these on Etsy. More items to come!

Oneirologist Esty Shop

Ovate-tion

2011-10-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

Audrey Cantwell could have desinged the wardrobe for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The upcoming film features heroine Lisbeth Salandar decked out in leather, black and grey.

Although Ovate makes a statement, like Salandar, the pieces are not quite over the top. Any woman who dares would incorporate Ovate's paneled leather leggings into her wardrobe.

The collection marriages art and toughness, featuring carefully crafted knits, chiffon, and leather. Some pieces actually remind me of Nine Inch Nails stage wear back in the 90s.

Read all about it (and pick something out, why don't you?):

Etsy

Ovate Blog

Nine Inch Nails - Woodstock '94

photographer unknown

Biker Jacket, Je T'aime

2011-09-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Vogue

Iron Maiden

The Lost Boys

G n R and Crue Boys

Elle Italy

Rancid by Erik Kabik

Source Unknown

I miss my black biker jacket. It is possibly the only garment I can wear everyday for months and never feel like I want something else to cocoon my shoulders. Last night I was admiring the wear and discoloration on the cuffs, collar, and material surrounding the zipper. Black biker jacket, I love you.

I'm ready to click the heels of my magic black cowboy boots. There's no season like fall, there's no season like fall.

At work:

Co-worker: I don't like the new Corpus jacket.

Floor Managers (in unison): Why?!

Co-worker: All the zippers and pockets. There's too much stuff!

Floor Manager: You didn't listen to enough rancid growing up.

Cotton Candy Girls

2011-08-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

I see a lot of girls come in at work with cotton candy colored hair. Some have pink streaks. One girl cleverly paired her pink with turquoise earrings. Others have the bottom inches of their long dark hair colored blue, like it was dipped in the ocean and changed forever. I always complement these girls and admire the way some of them choose their clothing. I think it must be fun to complement your funky hair color with your clothes. I don't like to coordinate (match), so complementary coloring is something I find appealing.

For many years I've wanted to dye mine with cobalt blue streaks. But, my hair is very dark and curly. So curls + bleach = frizz problem. I do embrace my level of frizz as it is, sort of Klimt-ian. I can control it at times, and I love my mane, but I don't want to create dead, dry frizz. Is there any way for me to get my bright blue streak without bleach? I'm still investigating...

anna tsuchiya

*photo sources unknown

Fresh Off the Digital Press

2011-08-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

I contibuted some interviews to Hook and Line, an online music and art zine. This issue features image makers. My two pieces are on Neil Krug (Invisible Pyramid, Pulp art book) and Alexandra Valenti (Free People, Heyoka Leather)

Check them out HERE

On the Job

2011-08-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

In today's outfit choice, I'm going for a the Mika Nakashima dress and footless tights look. Funny, I wrote her down as a style icon in my job application. Unlike Mika, I will not be wearing heels for my eight hour work day. Black cowboy boots should do the job.

David Bowie tee from UO; floaty black dress, thrifted; purple leggings, gift from mom-mom

Mika Photos from nana-nana.net; Oricon Style Magazine & Pretty Style Magazine

Outfit Photos by me

Galaxies Fall Down Like Sheets

2011-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not really the science type. Of course I respect science and people who can decode and understand it's intricacies. Remembering molecular structures just is not my forte. I used to think that outer space was not my kind of place either--mysterious happenings, light speed, and no oxygen. Yikes! But, in a college science class I found myself wanting to rip the pages out of my text book (I didn't. Selling it was a better idea.) The exploding galaxies, cloudy stardust, and the prism of colours enchanted me. Clearly, all this has enchanged Shabd Simon Alexander as well.

Simon-Alexander is the designer behind Shabd is My Name. She uses tie dye techniques to replicate exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and stardust in patterns that Ziggy would have definitely worn on stage. She even names them after galactic structures, Aurora, Nebula. Shabd, let's hang out.

Check out her secret on Matha Stewart.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/tie-dyed-leggings#ooid=ZwaXAwMjqS2VTVHRLNwwTPtfSx0zHfA6

The result:

*photos courtesy of NASA

Black Boots with a Worn Out Sole/ Same ol' Blues/ Rock n' Roll

2011-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

I love my boots. I've worn the same dark brown pair of riding boots few 3 years, and they are falling apart. When I love something, I wear it to death. A struggle then results in having to find a replacement that will bring me as much joy. It's been nearly a year since I deemed my favorites unwearable, but I still haven't found the perfect new pair. I did purchase vintage black Durango cowboy boots on a thrity steal, but the leather sole is no good for the winter months.

These Rogan/Frye boots (available at Urban Outfitters) could be the answer to my woes. Both durable and rocker, they are real leather with spectacular pyramid spike details. I'm probably going to star saving...

Legs

2011-08-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Etsy is a place for adventrue. For me, anyway. I often type in something random, like "fairy" or "turquoise" just to see what I'll find. Lately, I've been more specific. My current Etsy oggling addiction is leggings.

I used to be afraid of leggings. The word leggings brings to mind neon colour schemes, stiff crimped hair, and TMI. But upon asking for purple stockings one Christmas, I instead recieved purple leggings. They're durable, yet decidely unpant-like form left me bewildered. Over the years I have professed my love for jeans, and mere admiration for dresses. But now leggings have become that important part of my wardrobe: an every day staple. And the dresses are getting much more wear.

Leggings seemed to be only for the lean legged and statuesque, like Queen Michelle who wears them so well. Through some styling trial and error I've found the perfect look for a petite, yet not boyish one like myself.

I have black, grey, camo, the red + white star spangled pair from H&M and even tie dye American Apparel pairs. I prefere mine soft, yet thick enough to be worn with tunics and mini skirts. Giant long band t-shirts with low slung belts work well, and fit my every day look.

Leggings' most appealing feature is one fashion no-no: comfort. They are SO comfortable. I can walk my dog, ride my bike, test the velocity of a stream, or go out for the night (or do all of those things in one day). The best part, especially for the stressed, collegiate portion of the population, is that when styled simply but well they are comfortable. No need for sweat pants. No one will know that your actually schlepping it.

leggings and photos by xannabotx on ETSY

No Sleep Sheep

2011-08-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

The result of a DJ and designer collaboration usually involves spandex, sequins, and leather; not knitting. A combination of knitwear and late hours brings to mind a good read and peppermint tea. But Electronic Sheep's latest collaboration with the DJ group Broken Hearts is off kilter in all the right ways. The Fall/Winter lookbook shows a mixture of styles for nomads off beaten Eastern Europen paths, or on the streets of New York.

For a fan of layers, whether they be neutral, black and grey, or colour, the idea of grabbing a stack of Electronic Sheep scarves sounds like a dream. Plus, the hats are a perfect way to snuggle your earbus into place this Winter.

Check out more Electronic Sheep women's, men's, and children's wear here.

Tunes by the DJ ladies behind Broken Hearts can be heard here.

Hysteric Denim

2011-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to patch up a denim jacket for months now. There was one hanging in my closet, but a late night it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time sewing experiment made it meet its fate. So, I'm on the hunt for another one to make my mark on (successfully this time).

These Hysteric Glamour jackets rock. They make me want to swing by a couple thrift stores tomorrow. I'd never thought of putting patches all over the sleeves before. We'll see what happens.

2011-08-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

1 PJ Harvey/ Missed
2 PJ Harvey/ 50 Foot Queenie

A Woman and Her Guitar(s)

2011-07-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

2011-07-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

*image from myvibemylife

I had some college classes with a girl doodled like this on her notebooks, nails, and sunglasses. Sometimes we'd listen to Led Zeppelin on an ipod and talk about clothes. Our history professor, who doted on us both, would ask us to return our attention to the material.

I always thought her image outbursts looked like some kind of posessed scribblings. There was artfulness to them, no doubt, and this bag falls into that category. So, X, this is for you, wherever life has taken you. xo.

Metal Conversations with Mikael, Steven, and Jonas

2011-07-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Mikael Akerfeldt, Steven Wilson and Jonas Renske talk about metal concerns.

*I don't know the source for this. Let me know if you do.

Here in My Arms

2011-07-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying Lacuna Coil's cover of "Enjoy the Silence" lately. Christina Scabbia's voice is amazing. A little whimsy, a little dark, and beauty.

Subversive Manga

2011-07-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Looking at the Subversive Jewelry collection Calder's Circus, I can't help but imagine one of the title characters of a manga, rocker Nana O., wearing these pieces.

*all images from the manga Nana drawn by Ai Yazawa

My Collection

2011-07-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

*All photos by me

Here's a little tour of my music tee collection. Some of them are souveneirs from shows, others were found on thrift adventures, in Hot Topic, or were home made (My Bloody Valentine). Over the years, some have softened up, thinned out, or have been cut into tank tops. I still love them all, and I probably have more in the wash.

Band Tees

2011-07-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

"I can show you all my wares"

2011-06-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for years to do something with this black crochet collar. I removed it from an old Hennes (the 'H' in H&M) sweater. It has added a slightly whimsical/gothic lolita feel to my grey tunic tank. Perfect for leggings. I haven't worn pants in months, so dresses, skirts, and leggings are my primary outifit pieces these days.

I bought this tie dyed t-shirt at a thrift store. Something about it as a big tee just didn't work, so one night I turned it into a tunic length tank dress.

These Nine West shoes are my new love. I purchased them second hand in a congac color, then spray painted them gold. I then rubbed them with paint thinner to take away from the total circus vibe. Now their a little cracked and the deep congac leather shows through.

Cheap Therapy

2011-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

video via Gnarlitue

I love a luxurious splurge once in a while, but nothing is more exciting to me than shopping on a dime. I've actually been partaking in a bit too much Good Will therapy lately. In this Volcom video, Jennifer Herrema and blogger Savannah Grace spend a day at the Rose Bowl swap meet.

Loved

2011-06-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

*image Dean Fardell, from Gibson.com

So, I was relaxing today after buying some new bronzy nail polish. I turned on Sonisphere Fest, which has been sitting on my DVR for days, and my jaw dropped. During "Girls, Girls, Girls" I noticed Nikki Sixx's Thunderbird Bass. I've been playing around on my brother's Yamaha for over a yeah, but I just don't like the thing (sorry bro'). Nikki's beat up bass is so beautiful that it makes me want to put a strain on my credit -- a shiny new bass to be weathered over time and play. Beautiful.

"Wild Side"

Glamour Goes Global

2011-06-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Kelly Framel, the blogger/ jeweler behind the glamourous Glamourai, has released a new collection of pieces with a new look. I've admired Framel's bejeweld cocktail hour statement-makers and fearless use of stones, now I further admire her versatility in design. The pieces, released this summer, are fun in a different way. It's Middle Easts and Egypt-meets-Day of the Dead with colourful skulls, painted elephants, and antique medallions dripping with ankh's and bright crosses. Framel is one I will continue to watch for her unique eye in the accessory world. Shop for these pieces here.

Crystal Clear

2011-06-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the look of this new Spell ring. I have a distinguished affection for nearly all rocks, but quartz' and crystals are especially interesting when they are clear. It's a fun distraction to look at other object through a crystal while sitting through a lecture.

Rockin' Red

2011-06-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes has one amazing vintage leather jacket! (Well, I'm sure she has many ;-)

Music Queens & Red Lips

2011-06-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

*all photos credits go where credit is due (not to me)

The Gold Dust Woman

2011-06-18T20:44:00.001-07:00

2011-06-18T20:42:00.001-07:00

2011-06-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

all images from kenmeyerjr.com

Tori Amos through the eyes of David Mack. Mack is an artist known for his graphic novels as well as Paul McCartney album art. On Saturday I stopped in Comics and More and flipped through an issue of Mack's Kabuki. I might pick it up tomorrow.

Although I like graphic novels, and I wanted to be a graphic novel artist for several years growing up, I'm quite picky. If the art doesn't agree with my visual instincts, I don't want to read it. (Perhaps that is shallow, but it is true about me.) The new comics that are created purely with digits and photoshop do not catch my interest. Although someone's hand guided a computer mouse (or drew each page on a tablet) I feel no beating heart in the drawing. I love ink. At the age of twelve I started using a real, classic style ink pen to draw. There's just something about the ink, the thick flow like blood, that gives a well drawn image heart.

These days, now that I'm busier and don't spend on hours drawing or painting, I use Pilot V5 pens. The V5 is perfect for my creative disciplines - writing and sketching here and there.

Black Lace

2011-06-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Be still my beating heart for Laced with Romance vintage *sigh*

Blood on Blood

2011-06-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

You know I love anime and manga. Lately, I've been reading and watching Nana.

The music for the anime is amazing. Anna Tsuchiya's voice captrues Nana's onstage emotions, often making me cry. Olivia Lufkin's beautiful voice embodies Reira's beauty and longing. Plus, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum (both of GnR) provided the rhythm section for the anime's theme.

As far as the manga, I'm up to volume 19. I know Ai Yazawa (the writer and artist) has put the series on hold for over a year, so I'm reluctant to read up to the cliffhanger that is volume 22. The story is a moving examination of relationships. More than anything, it is an illustration of lonliness. Each character seeks fulfillment in relationships, in success, even in becoming the biggest band in Japan.

Check out one of Anna Tsuchiya's tear-jerking songs below, "Blood on Blood."

2011-06-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've decided to change the blog's name back to Pretty In Black. It has such a nice ring to it, don't you think?

2011-05-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

I've seen this shoot (by Paolo Roversi) floating around blogs a lot lateley. Although there is hardly any black or leather, I find a rock n' roll edge in every outfit. The tafetta skirt and patent leather black shoes remind me of old photos of punks. Draped around her waist in several shots is something that looks like the Union Jack. In one shot, the models hips are dripping with pearls like Modonna in the beginning of her career. The shot with torn jeans and fur looks like a look Jennifer Herrema might sport.

Overall, this shoot reflects what I'm mostly dressing like these days. The photos are from 2001, the age of ripped jeans and vintage slip dresses. These photos walk a line between feminine and edgy that I like.

-photos from Earth Age

2011-05-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Virgin Suicides

The Virign Suicides

The Virgin by Gustav Klimt

Ain't Talkin Bout Love

2011-05-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Just heard this in the car today. I love listening to metal/ hard rock when I drive ;) Check out some Van Halen below.

Stereopony

2011-04-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to Japanese music since middle school. There's something very special about the groups that I like. Their upbeat music, even happy songs, seem to have an undercurrent of melancholy. That element has fascinated me and moved me to tears. I don't believe I can say that about an American group. It's either melancholy or happy; never both. This particular band, Stereopony, are also special to me for a very important reason: they are all girls. They play instruments with sophistication, instead of merely strumming two chords and looking pretty. Check out the above video for "Hitohia No Hanabira" and rewind the solo, play it twice.

i-DENIM

2011-04-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

I still love this old shoot from i-D of totally worn, patched up jeans. Denim is such a versatile fabric. It has almost no rules. Maybe that is why I like it so much. There are times when I think, "Everybody wears jeans" with near boredom. Still, this "anything goes" fabric is my favorite textile. It can be customized with endless possibilities; all the more reason to keep rocking the blues.

-scans from Sea of Shoes.

Spring

2011-04-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I haven't posted in while! I just wanted to say Happy Easter and Passover. The East coast is finally experiencing the gift of beautiful weather in the midst relentless spring rain. Today is a day to read a good book, have a cup of tea, and spend time with your family. Today I am flipping through Selected Poems of Rainer Maria Rilke translated by Stephen Mitchell.

"I want to unfold.

I don’t want to stay folded anywhere,

because where I am folded, there I am a lie."

-excerpt from I Am Too Alone by Rilke

Young Brides

2011-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

I typically don't like music videos. As Eddie Vedder once said, "You supposed to sit with your headphones in a bean bag chair and picture the music in your mind." One of the few exceptions to my dislike is "Young Bride" by Midlake (watch it on youtube here). The tale reminds me of the poem "The Griesly Bride" by John Manifold, though the endings are different. In the video, I like that there is this whole other world behind the bookcase. I might try to design a little nook like that in a home someday.

The Griesly Bride

"Lie down, my newly married wife;

Lie easy as you can.

You're young, and ill-accustomed yet

To sleeping with a man."

The snow was deep, the moon was full

As it shown on the cabin floor.

His young bride rose without a word

And ran barefoot through the door.

He up and followed, fast and sure,

And an angry man was he,

But his young bride wasn't e'er in sight,

And only the moon shone clearly.

He followed her track through the new deep snow,

Calling out loud her name.

Only the dingoes in the hills

Yowled back at him again.

Then the hair stood up along his neck

And his angry mind was gone,

For where the two-foot track gave out,

A four-footed track went on.

Her nightgown lay upon the snow

As it might on a bed sheet,

And the tracks that led from where it lay

Were never of human feet.

He first started in to walkin' back,

Then he began to run,

And his quarry turned all in her track

And hunted him in turn.

An empty bed still waits for him

As he lies in a crimson tide.

Beware, beware, oh trapper men,

Beware of a griesly bride.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Words by John Manifold, music by Tom Campbel

Crafty Work

2011-04-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's some of my crafty work. I'm thinking of experimenting with carving on the bracelets in the last photo.

R E F L E C T I O N S

2011-03-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Wood appears as a portrait of the artist as a young Goth, albeit in high style—it’s a look that might be described as insane punk elegance. The severe black military jacket is, naturally, by Chanel, the bag by Miu Miu. Her iridescent red hair has been sublimated into two architecturally vertical, gravity-defiant ponytails; a smudge of kohl and bronze offer graphic contrast to Wood’s curiously opaque hazel eyes and alabaster skin; the dangerously spiky heels hanging off her feet look both stripper-ready and expensive. The overall effect makes her appear as an exotic manga character..."

-Matt Diehl for Black Book

I'm really going to geek-out as a writer here. What inspired me to become a writer was my boredom with different magazines all printing basically the same story about an artist or a band. Every once in a while, a good profile keeps me on my toes and inspires me. One constant has been Luke Crisell's work in Nylon (I recently realized that I've admired his work since I was thirteen). This profile of a very interesting young actress, Evan Rachel Wood, is now on my list of favorites. Matt Diehl painted a picture of the complex starlet. He peppered the article with semi-obscure literary references, and impressed me with the clever verb tense used in the above quote: "gravity defiant," not gravity defying. Little tweaks like this keep me on my toes as a reader, and stay in my mind when I am writing. More than anything, Diehl didn't seek to expose scandal in Wood's life; instead, he told her story. Well done Matt Diehl, well done.

See more beautiful photos by Andrew MacPherson and read the entire article HERE.
I have to mention that I love the photos as much as the profiile. MacPherson captured a very grown up, spectacularly beautiful Wood. The photos have the aura of a classic film starlet.

An Old Favorite

2011-03-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

Alison Mosshart is an old style favorite of mine. My first blog post may have actually been about her. She always looks natural, yet cool and rock n' roll. I guess it's just in her blood.

2011-03-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

imge from Atlantis Home

I don't know if I've just been feeling lazy, or I just need a change, but I miss wearing baggy jeans. In middle school, I dressed quite gender neutral. Unfashionably so. I'd adopted the boyish perspective that clothes needed to make me decent and function for my skateboarding hobby. Years later, when I started this blog, I started mixing men's and women's wear much more fashionably. I thought skinny jeans would be my staple for the rest of my life. They're slim, they don't drag on the ground and pick up icky germs, they can be worn with long flowing tops or band tee shirts, and quirkily (yet working) with a dress.

I remember my old baggy jeans with holes in the knees that my feet went through every time I got dressed. They were so comfortable, so perfect.

A few weekends ago I ventured to a thrift store to buy some loose jeans. I've found that old Gap boot cut jeans work well. They're boot cup and modern boot cut styles were nearly straight legged in the past. Cutting a few inches off the bottom eliminates the flare. Buying them a size up and cuffing them over my ankles haphazerdly, yet purposfully, makes for a very comfortable pair a jeans. I can't wait to wear them with sandals and flats when Spring finally decides to come .

*Fun Fact - Thrift stores have been upping the prices on nicer mechandise. They ought to hire a consultant (like me) to make sure that they catch the right brands. At the store I went to, Banana Republic jeans were $18, AKA too much .My Gap jeans were $6.50. I luckily found a loose straight pair of Current Elliot jeans at the same place. They were only $3.50.

Sea of Shoes

Karla's Closet

Snow...

2011-03-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

by Milena Silvano

I've been gone for so long! Work has been the keeper of my time. Yet, I've been able to keep up my reading:

Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliot - An interpretation of Tristan and Isolde that is much more interesting than the movie.

Celtic Myths and Legends by Peter Berresford Ellis - Celtic myths, of course, do not bear American storytelling templates. Each tale takes a turn, or turns, that I didn't imagine upon reading the first page. It's very exciting!

I'm also working on another Frank Peretti thriller. I bought a stack of his books second hand and I've only read 1 and 1/2.

Over the weekend, Spring decided to tease us North-East Coasters. I woke up yesterday after working into the AM, sleeping little, yet over sleeping, and I still had work to finish. Then I looked outside and saw that it snowed overnight...Let's just say I was a miserable, pouty, five year old until I had my lunch (I didn't have time for breakfast).

I hope the rest of you are warm and enjoying the pleasure of early Spring.
-JM

2011-03-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Future DIY

1. and 2. Hysteric Glamour

3. Superfine (via here's the deal)

Whole Lotta Leather Love

2011-03-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

-iD

-sea of shoes

-cosmic dust

-cosmic dust

-cosmic dust

I just felt like sharing a little bit of my love for leather. Over the weekend I picked up a new bag of super soft scraps to play with. I'll post the results later.

A Study in Bangles

2011-03-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Debra Rapaport on SyleLikeU

Sea of Shoes

Dries Van Noten

Babe with Sick Ink

2011-03-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't read or seen any part of the Girl With...series, but these shots from W look amazing. The perfect grey sleeveless top, barbed wire bracelets, and black paneled trousers have an understated edge. The styling, and Mara's demeanor, pull the character together. She looks nothing sweet. The above photo (with the stylist, Trish Summerville's, own t-shirt design) may be my favorite. It off sets the hair, tattoos, and spikey jewelry perfectly. Plus, I think tutus are just too fun. I'm going to get to work on my own barbed wire bracelet now.

Down a Rabbit Hole

2011-03-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

nicole kidman - w magazine

Spring

2011-03-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

spell

cosmic-dust

Spring is coming! It kind of makes me want to go to the beach.

I never go to the beach...

Anything But Foolish

2011-02-26T06:22:00.000-08:00

Warpaint have been ceaselessly compared to Joy Division. Seasoned listeners will notice that this similarity is slight at best on their first full-length The Fool. Warpaint does not give a listener images in stark black and white, but instead in an influx of color. Moody, capturing the dreaminess of longing, a common feeling amongst women, The Fool is anything but a doppelganger of the all-male Joy Division. Warpaint's music is the sound of feeling removed, underwater, yet dreaming in waking. It is the soundtrack for a girl who spends the afternoon listening to records and watching rainbows reflect off of a crystal in her windowsill. The Fool grips the heart in a lull both sweet and low.

Even Warpaint's rock-ish tracks from their earlier Exquisite Corpse EP still carry this feeling. Led Zeppelin-esque long jams, backed my Stella Mozgawa's skilled, mature, and emotional percussion, still sound like Warpaint. They are musicians whose skill accompanies emotion, rather than trumps its effect.

The Fool is a truly unique record, even in this age of experimental/ art-rock/ indie darling/ broken instrument bands. And unlike a lot of experiments in modern music, The Fool actually works. Warpaint will have a chapter in the history or music, as well as the history of women, years from now. The Fool is anything but foolish.

Check out the full record: http://www.warpaintwarpaint.com/.

-JM

Last three portraits by Marissa Kaiser

The Ways of the Ancients

2011-02-26T05:32:00.000-08:00

Tear

2011-02-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

from Dileisha

from Buy2Flaunt

I don't know what it is about me and tear shapes. Maybe it has something to do with the tear shaped peace sign pendent my grandpa gave me. I found an old picture of him wearing it during the 70's somewhere. I was about ten years old when it was trusted into my care. To this day, I get many complements on its unique shape.

Some years ago, I saw a tear shaped moonstone ring in a little tibetan shop. It was gorgeous and expensive. I found myself instantly enamoured with the stone's bright moon-like appearance, but there was a record shop down the street. "Music, or more jewelry than I really need?" I thought to myself. I chose music :( I chose good music, but I still see that ring in my daydreams.

These jewels are all from Etsy. Translation, a bad, bad place for me.

Jewels

2011-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

These hands belong to Disarming Darling. She works for Unearthen. Sick! (so jealous...)

Layer

2011-02-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

unknown

During this time of year, getting dressed in my neck of the woods becomes severely boring. I've gotten over my winter wonder. Snow is beautfil, it can shut your world down and give you a long weekend, but it gets old. For me, getting dressed gets old. I tend to be colder than most people, so my coat, my manish black leather jacket, and my fuzzy cat hat stay on all day. Underneath, I usually have a tunic or tee dress with leggings. Leggings are great, but for me they've turned into a lazy garment. When it's cold, I don't want to get out of bed. Waking up warm is much more pleasant. Some days, I may be overwhelmed by my schedule (though it always works out) and I just don't want to move. I let the minutes pass until I have about 30 left to get out the door. Throw on leggings, a long tee with a tank underneath, whatever jewelry suits my fancy, and maybe denim shorts. Then comes my jacket, hat, scarf of choice, leather satchel, and everyday boots. To end this rant, the cold makes me lazy and bored. So, here is some layering inspiration that is more exciting than my usual look.

unknown

sea of shoes

unknown

All Bundled Up

2011-02-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Although we got up to 67 degrees today, snow is returning next week.

image from earth age

Mesmerized...

2011-02-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Some neat photos from the new Spell shoot. I'm pretty much in love with this white stone necklace <3

Photography by Beck Rocchi; make up by Phoebe Barrett; hair by Breeanna Avalon; assistant Tahlia Maguire.

New Love

2011-02-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

I made this exciting new belt recently. I love belts. I've appreciated their contribution to outfits for a long time. My favorite desings are usually our of my price range, though I've been lucky. As a youngster, vintage shop owners admired my style savvy and gave me a beautiful, handmade, handmade morrocan belt for a fraction of the price. It is a statement maker. Some of my other favorites have come from years of Good Will hunting. This one is inspired by the belts of my dreams: color, pattern, texture, <3.

The former pieces:

H&M belt

Fabric a relative gave me years ago

Love Pamela Love

2011-02-15T05:32:00.001-08:00

I wish the crescent moon really did cradle crystals.

the wanderer

2011-02-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

Queen of Design

2011-02-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

Above is some inspiration for Kelly Wearstler's upcoming jewelry collection. I'm excited to see what this stylish queen of interior art will design. Near the last fifteen minutes of Top Design I'd turn on Bravo just to see what she was wearing. These photos from her blog have me intrigued. I love my metals, mixed, aged, and cold to the touch.

Reasons no to Bemoan Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s day isn’t just about your significant other…it’s a celebration of all the things we love in life- even the simplest things.

-by Julia at Free People

A Free People employee posted this on the company's blog. Every year, this is the way I look at Valentine's Day. I was raised by a mother so loving she went to cheesy extremes. I got love notes in my lunch even though I would see her mere hours later (and for some of my schooling she was the art teacher at my school). On this particular day there were heart shaped pancakes for breakfast, a heart shaped sandwich in my lunch, and we ate dinner on heart shaped placemats.

Valentines Day is a day to celebrate love, not be bemaon being single, start dating just to have someone for the holiday, or go to extremes. A topic for one of my freshman essays in college was "Valetines Day is the Worst of All Holidays." My professor, someone whom I will never forget, simply gave us the topic and told us to write. I expanded on the above two reasons, and concluded my essay stating that no other holiday, Hallmark or otherwise, causes a mass suicide. Each year, lonely individuals make a pact over the internet and chose to leave this world on this very day.

So remember, love you mother, father, significant other, friends, neighbors, cats, dogs, goldfish and the simple pleasures that deserve bounds of thankfullness.

Oh So Precious Metal

2011-02-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

jewelry by Sunburn

The Jewels: Andrea Linett

2011-02-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Linett is the creative director of Ebay Fashion

All images from StyleLikeU

Nude

2011-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

unknown

trop rouge

Typically, people think that short, shiny, and tight are the key components of sexy. I find leaving little challenge to the imagination of others too much. To me neutrals, especially on tan complexions and beyond, are quite sexy. There's a slyness about wearing clothing that is almost, or exactly, a match to your complexion. The drapeyer, the better.

This doesn't only extend to the oatmeal and blushy shades seen in fashion's recent rotation. On a finale episode of The Fashion Show Iman looked stunning in a gown that was a sienna shade of earthen clay (well, she always looks stunning, but I digress).

Sand, mushroom, various soils, and rocks all lend themselves to color inspiration. With this, I factor in other natural wonders. I see neutral clothing, especially my favorite t-shirts and dresses, as canvas' for my statement jewelry. Oatmeal with lapiz lazuli, blush/pale rose with coral, chocolate brown with black gold jasper. There are so many possibilities. These are just my pairing preferences.

Aside from complexion complementing neutrals there's nothing like pewter grey paired with turquoise, but I'll save that for another post.

Without a Thing to Wear

2011-02-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Without a Thing to Wear could be my new favorite blog. Not only does she have excellent taste in jewelry, she is a jeweler! The rings in the last image (above) are her own designs. Take a look at her Etsy store. I also enjoy the delicious dessert posts on her site <3<3

Winter

2011-02-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Winter Mood Board - white, nude, turquoise, and lapis blue.

click for larger view

A Little Treasure

2011-02-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

This is my new "Treasure" necklace. I made it a few nights ago while I stayed up listening to the radio.

materials: vintage show clips, turquoise pieces, engagement ring I bought at a flea market in 5th grade, dyed lace, a sea shell from my family collection, chains

Nature Babes

2011-02-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

all photos by Alexandria Valenti

Just a little inspiration for you all. Valenti's photos are dreamy and make me wish that I could go outside without covering myself in layers like I'm a cake. Now I'm off to get my unecessary Neolithic era molers removed from the back of my mouth (yikes!)

MAdM

2011-02-01T16:01:00.001-08:00

"Long Way From Home" Istanbul Acoustic Sessions / Melissa Auf der Maur - Out of Our Minds from Long Way From Home on Vimeo.

I wrote an article about this inspiring woman that you can read here.

http://www.xmadmx.com/

A little spell

2011-02-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

I met a cashier at Whole Foods who wore a similar necklace to this once. I'm pretty sure I saw her walking into Trader Joe's one Saturday...

He reminds me of my Black Lab/ Alaskan Husky darling Rocky <3

The stories of messages in bottles is quite romantic. Edgar Allen Poe made it terrifying in one of my favorite short stories "MS Found in a Bottle." Read it on a dark, rainy day.

Inspiration all credited to Spell

Rainbow Lining

2011-02-01T05:19:00.000-08:00

photo found on Somethings Gone Awry

A little bit of Heaven on earth.

The beauty of using natural wonders <3

Pearl like a Feather

2011-01-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

New favorite wonder of the earth: Peacock Pearls.

This necklace on Etsy has caught my eye. The simplicity, and size of the pearls, is very striking to me.

Paycheck, come soon!

Crown and Glory

2011-01-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

I've been dreaming of a mythical princessy headpiece. You know I deserve it ;)

These are all designed by Litter. Check out more from the duo below here.

Jewels

2011-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

source unknown

Night Stone

2011-01-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

My current favorite stone: Lapiz Lasuli. As you regular readers know, I love rocks. I've loved rocks since I was a child. I've been the sole culprit of the rocks in the laundry epidemic since I was very, very small.

Lapiz lazuli has a rich history beyond jewelry. The stone, mined in Afganistan, was crushed into a fine powder with which Cleopatra would adorn her eye lids (she was fabulous! Lapiz colored eyeshadow is now on my to-purchase list).

A year ago, I bought a tear shaped lapiz pendent. I wore it often with my clear lucite (shaped like a tear frozen in time) and my grandpa's tear shaped peace sign. Recently, I've lost track of the lapiz :( But I bought this gorgeous ring (below). I call it my "night ring." Lapiz looks like a clear night sky. Some lapiz stones even have a metallic gold matrix of sorts, like streams of stars. The stars on the band complement the stone so nicely.

photo by me; ring by PSCL

(Excuse the nails. I rarely let them go this much. Later, they will be gold.)

New Header

2011-01-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you in snowy climes, but I'm feeling weather defiant. No one can see my great outfits under my coat (althought it is a great oversized biker jacket) and I haven't taken my fuzzy gret cat hat off since 9 o'clock this morning. I wear it just about everyday. I want to feel the warmth of the sun instead of only watching it's rays drift in the in the chilly breath of winter wind. I want to feel the grass between my toes like I did as a child, and let the sun dry my hair naturally.

Anyway, new header! I dont have the photo credit for this image. Ever since I found this photo I've been fantasizing about a leather jacket covered in fringes.

Purple (!)

2011-01-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

anna tsuchiya source unknown

wheredidugethat?

unknown

karla's closet

stylelikeu (!)

Spell

2011-01-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

Spell's jewelry, light-as-air singlets, and adventure shoes are perfect for following the call of the wild. Nothing contrived; just free and easy pieces with a tangible hand made charm. Even in this dead of Winter, those fringy moccasin sandals may have me spellbound.

For more of the lovely sister's creations visit:

http://www.spelldesigns.com/

http://www.spellsjewellery.blogspot.com/

all images from Spell blog

Black Tears

2011-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

"Kuroi Namida" Anna Tsuchiya for Nana soundtrack

Anna Tsuchiya Rules

2011-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

photographer unknown

Carry-Always

2011-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

I love jewelry. My interest stems not purely from the joy of beautiful adornments. Certain types and styles of jewelry have meanings and values that transcend visual appeal. Today, I am writing about Native American medicine bags.

I got my first medicine bag when I was a child. My grandfather, my primary baby sitter, is a nature and history buff. We went on trips to museums, festivals, and watched documentaries. On one of our adventures, I don't remember which one, I got a medicine bag. It is the size of a small matchbook, butter scotch leather, with fringes and beading on the front. There are beans inside of it. I don't know the significance of that. I just remember that I loved hiding things in it (money, little notes, and my favorite thing: rocks!)

Just yesterday I bought this black one at a thrift store for $2. It is beautiful leather, worth more than what I paid I'm sure. For weeks I'd been wanting to attach my obsidian arrowhead to something leather. I knew that this bag was perfect. As soon as I returned home I got to work. Here it is.

I've read differing accounts of what medicine bags are used to hold. Objects representing what is sacred or special to an individual seem to be the most usual contents of a medicine bag. I am using mine this was as sort of a reliquary. I'm treating this one much like my childhood medicine bag. Along with my small gem stones, I have some catholic charms. Overtime and in future travels, I will add more things that I find precious. I have a feeling that I might wear this everday.

Nothing Like Em'

2011-01-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

Actress Kate Moennig wearing a good old pair of Levis at the Hysteric Glamour party. There's nothing like that perfectly comfortable pair of Levis. I have a pair myself that fit quite a lot like this. They are easy to wear with a loose shirt, or a tailored one. The hip slung loose fit makes them comfortable in warmer weather. Boots add an edge, and wedges give them an off-kilter sensibility. They are my favorite jeans <3

All images from katherine-moennig.org

JJ

2011-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Pretty Little Thing

2010-12-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

^Free People

What a perfect little jumper for daydreaming, going to shows, and walking my dog as sunset <3 I think my new job may allow me to buy this in the future...I'll keep you guys posted.

KK

2010-12-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Karla's Closet has become one of my favorite blogs. Here eye for interesting jewelry, and her love for her curves and perfect broken in jeans is admirable. This outfit above is my favorite one from the blog. The feminie skirt is offset by her amazing Levi's and biker jacket perfectly. I might attempt this with my similar pewter colored skirt. Be sure to check her out.

Return

2010-12-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hey Readers,
I'm back, for REAL. After being distracted by other commitments, I miss blogging! I wanted to start a new page, but all the domain names that I want are taken :( So, I'm keeping it here, but with a new name: Call of the Wild. My style is natural, thoughtful, and thoughtless. I like clothes for adventures, nothing too serious. So here, I will share my style perspective, and my favorite music.

Stay tuned,
JM

image Michela Gattermayer - stylelikeU

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

what my mind looks like

2010-12-04T10:49:00.001-08:00

Olivia Lufkin

2010-11-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

photo source unknown

http://www.myspace.com/olivialufkinofficial

"The more you become comfortable with your own style, and in your own skin, the less you have to think about it"

2010-10-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Chase Cohl

http://stylelikeu.com/closets/chase-cohl/

Chase Cohl from Stylelieu from Stylelikeu on Vimeo.

What I'm Into These Days

2010-09-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

*credit goes to where credit is due

More Etsy

2010-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

I just put this necklace up today. More to come...

Etsy, finally!

2010-08-27T16:17:00.001-07:00

I've listed these on Etsy. If your interested in seeing items that I've pictured here up on my etsy site, please leave a comment.

The Simpler Life

2010-07-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

image from Free People's blog

For years now, I've been wanting a simpler approach to clothing (not accumulating massive amounts to the point where I only wear some things once in a whole year.) And I believe I've found it. For the first time since I was a child, I felt the actual need to buy clothing. My t-shirts had gotten so ratty (or grossly stained) that I decided to just cut the sleeves off of them, making them tank tops, resign some to pajama status, or throw some of them out. Then it hit me, "I only have 5 t-shirts! What will I do when it gets cold outside?"

Earlier this year, a love for jewelry developed. For me personally, the idea of wearing simple, yet stylish clothing and mixing it up with interesting jewelry is more satisfying to my conscience. There's just something about wearing things that I've made myself, or have been made for me by friends, that makes the act of wearing special. Thus, I began making lots of pieces. I will be selling some on http://www.realprettyinblackmarket.blogspot.com/. Below is one piece to come:

I have made several pairs of these earrings and dearly love them. I crafted them out of a necklace my mother bought from an African jeweler when she was in highschool. Each pair differs a bit from the others as far as length, but the style and sophistication of each pair is equal. I will update when I start putting things up for sale.

Keep your eyes on the blog and spead the word! Credit for the image goes to me :)

Pretty In Black

One Gnarly Ring

2010-07-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Just in time for my new obsession, Gnarlitude Jen has designed a rockin' ring! In collaboration with the New Zealand label Meadowlark, Jen made a piece inspired by her punk youth (an adolsence that is only the stuff of legends to those who were mostly shut up in our bedrooms listening to the Smiths *raises hand*) The design has a punk spirit with a simplicity and edge that I feel very, very drawn to.

Only 50 rings were manufactured. So if your game, get one! Kate Lanphear will probably be rocking one soon.