Thursday, October 1, 2009

Oh Boy, Here We Go

It's getting crazy for me right now; I'm a full-time student with two jobs, an honors thesis to complete, and 5 graduate applications to send out. I'm sure many of you all out there are experiencing high stress like I, whether it's unemployment, having a family, etc, we can all relate in some way. My advice is to really focus on the little things. For me, it's sitting down Monday afternoon and watching Mad Men online (no way could I afford cable..), taking a few moments to enjoy the beautiful weather, or thinking about the little things I have to look forward to (and not the monstrous deadlines looming ahead...). Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I always try to make a unique and cheap costume with my limited sewing skills.


Last year, I randomly decided I wanted to be corn... It was pretty easy. I found some white long john pants at wal-mart and dyed them dark green with some cheap fabric dye (RID I think it's called?). I took a yellow tank top and drew the kernels on with a brown sharpie. For the leaves, I cut two large pieces of dark green felt into big leaf-shaped pieces, and I sewed the bottom part onto the top of the pants, leaving the top part to hang over the sides. I'd imagine a banana could be done in a pretty similar way. My boyfriend spray-painted a box yellow to be butter (not my idea, but it was cute). He had to stand next to me otherwise no one had a clue what he was supposed to be...

Much better than the expensive and extremely revealing costumes most college females were donning that night!

My plans for this year:


I found a perfect red top and black skirt at Goodwill, along with a navy blue button down shirt. I sewed lace trim around the collar of the red shirt, and yellow bias tape along the bottom of the skirt. I'm having a little trouble with the collar for the popeye shirt, but I'll figure it out...

What is everyone else being for Halloween? Or am I the only one to be thinking about this so early?

-Erin

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Ones That Got Away...

Since the weather's been getting cooler, I've been on the lookout for some flats that would go well with a skirt and tights. As much as I'm attached to my falling apart and smelly slip-on vans...I think I should probably try to expand my shoe collection (which currently consists of three pairs...) as my next "trying to be more girly" goal. My favorite shoes right now are t-strap flats and oxford flats. I'm very picky, especially regarding oxford flats, because they seem to be becoming "trendy" lately (Going to a university makes you loathe of all things 'hipster'). I'm looking for vintage ones, all worn in and soft, probably all black or grey.
PURE DKNY Bindi-T Strap Bone Flats
Available: ????

I saw these on ebay a little while ago. They were selling buy it now for 45$, and unbeknown est to me, they go for 135$. Of course, I had about 50 cents in my bank account at the time. Now that I've searched everywhere for these things, I'm kicking myself for not sucking it up and pulling out the credit card...




Top Left: My So Called Brogues $39.99 at Modcloth (Mostly because the name made me literally crack up; I'm way too tall to wear heels =( )

Top Right: Vintage Red Oxford Jazz Flats $24 at darlingvintage's etsy

Middle Right: vintage PINHOLE and CORSET Oxford Wedges $42 ar DearGoldenVintage's etsy

Bottom Left: Suedette Grey Bow Pump £25.00 at Miss Selfridge

Bottom Right: Pink Duchess America Black Vegan Leather Lace It Up $24 at Lulu's

Middle Right: vintage PINHOLE and CORSET Oxford Wedges $42 ar DearGoldenVintage's etsy

Erin

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Quick Outfit Post


Skirt: A dress from forever 21 that I wore constantly in high school. it didn't fit right anymore so I made it into a skirt.
Shirt: White undershirt from Wal-Mart
Sunglasses: Modcloth

Cheapest outfit ever! Unfortunately, this is the most "retro" I've looked so far this school year. Still waiting on my student loan so I can go clothes shopping!

Erin

Monday, August 31, 2009

Days of Being Wild

Summer has come to an end for me, I'm afraid. I began my senior year of undergrad last Monday, and I haven't had much time for this blog. I'm not giving up on it by any means, I just won't likely be posting that often. I've still been enjoying reading everyone elses blogs, even if I haven't had time to comment (I've often been reading them while brushing my teeth or right as I'm about to fall asleep). The weather here is exquisite; reaching 75 midday with a nice fall breeze (and not even September!). This is Virginia, after all, so I'm sure there will be a couple more scorchers before summer hangs its head.
I never officially posted an end of summer to-do list, like the lovely Bug, but I was feeling quite spontaneous yesterday, and as I was sure it was to be one of the most beautiful days of the year, I went adventuring with my boyfriend. Two places I normally go every summer are Humpback Rock and Chiles' Peach Orchard. And off we went!


No pictures of the peach orchard I'm afraid. I got to have my favorite thing in the entire world though- Chiles' Peach Frozen Yogurt!!! I love peach ice cream so much, and every time I get it I say "Screamy Mimi screams for peach ice cream!" and my boyfriend looks at me like I'm crazy. I asked my Mom and it is apparently from a book I had as a child:

Haha on Amazon it says "a great book for loud children" ...I'll have to ask my Mother about that one...

Have a great week!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I love clothes, but they don't love me back

Fall is my absolute favorite season. All of my best childhood memories take place in fall; from elementary school trips to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch to my very favorite holiday, Halloween. All this blogging about fall fashion wish lists has me quite excited, but also quite frustrated.

I am the worst girl I know at finding clothes.

I have always been oddly proportioned, but the weight I've gained this past year has brought me down to an all-time low self-esteem wise. I have a very long torso, so I can't find shirts long enough, and when I wear jeans I spill over the top with no shirt to cover it! None of my clothes seem to fit right, and when I shop I can't seem to find any either. The summertime, in a way, is easier for me because my temporary solution has been to simply wear dresses. Unfortunately, when I'm not done up in vintage wear, I'm very much a jeans girl, so I haven't felt comfortable in clothing (or my skin for that matter) in quite a while now. And so, I dedicate this post to all tall women who have a hard time finding clothes. I'm trying to develop a plan to find clothes that are flattering to me. So far, I've been on the lookout for very long shirts that don't hug the body, but also don't hang like a baby-doll top so that I look pregnant underneath. This has proved to be quite the daunting and difficult task! Second, I'm searching for warm, opaque colored tights so that I can continue to wear dresses and higher-waisted skirts. If anyone has any advice for me, I'd love to hear it!




L.A. Lacer Top at ModCloth
Opaque Tights at Urban Outfitters
Hey, Sailor Ladies Top at emandsprout's etsy

So that's my strategy...Now, just have to wait until my student loans come in so I can afford new clothes...

-Erin

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fisherman's Island Wildlife Refuge: A Journey in Pictures


Driving over the 17 mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I love this bridge, and was determined to cross it at some point in my vacation (despite the steep toll). As I love being spontaneous, I had no plans whatsoever for once we reached the Eastern Shore.

We could see Fisherman's Island and the Cape Charles lighthouse (I have a kind of obsession with lighthouses). Once we got off the bridge, I spotted a sign for a wildlife refuge, and we decided to go explore. There was a nice visitors center/museum with a nice older man there to guide us to a walking path. Walks and hikes are my absolute favorite thing, so I was very excited, even though it was probably 97 degrees!

A sampling of the wildlife (minus me of course). One of the best parts was walking in some sort of tunnel area that was full of barn swallow nests. I saw baby swallows being fed by their mommies! Looking over into the marsh, it looked like the muddy ground was moving. It turned out to be hundreds of tiny crabs scurrying about. The refuge is famous for its birds, and we stood looking for them for quite some time. We ended up spotting a few herons, egrets, and hawks. Along the path was the biggest blackberry patch I'd ever seen. I was picking them and eating them the whole time we were walking. My boyfriend was entirely grossed out by this; "ew how can you eat that in the wild, how do you know it's not poison??" I suppose we were raised quite differently haha.


Erin

Sunday, August 2, 2009

....Wherever It May Take You



I may be back from my vacation, but with no home, I suppose I am still traveling. I have found myself for several weeks now longing for some vintage luggage. Perhaps a rugged plastic Samsonite with a matching train case? Etsy has a bunch of great options...if only I could afford one.



Top Left: Great Little Overnight Case 15.00$ at Angie's Closet
Center Left: The Tomato Red Vintage Suitcase 44.00$ at jessjamesjake
Bottom Left: Vintage Royal Traveler Robin's Egg Suitcase 42.00$ at adVintageous
Top Right: Vintage American Tourister Weekender Suitcase 48.00$ at VintageNinaRamone
Bottom Right: Vintage Featherlite Blue Train Case 15.00$ at VintageNinaRamone

Erin

This is a rant.

I have returned from vacation, not to a state of normalcy, but instead to being between homes with all of my belongings shoved into my boyfriend's room. Not only that, but I am officially utterly and completely broke. I am a person very much reliant upon routine; grocery shopping late Sunday night, making the same meals each week, biking to the gym Mondays and Tuesdays. The situation I am in has forced me to abandon all hopes of sewing, setting my hair (or looking halfway decent at all really), cooking halfway healthy meals, or really relaxing at all. If it weren't for work I would have run screaming to my parents house. Keeping myself from losing it completely, I have the following to look forward to:

- Getting paid on Friday
- Moving into a new house where I can start over again, and hopefully have a nice, organized room free of clutter
- Some ALONE time
- Shopping, of any sort.

Hm, now that I think about it, that list is kind of pathetic...and dwarfed by the list of things currently terrifying me, including working the night of moving day, running out of money, applying to grad school, the hardcore punk show taking place tomorrow night in and around all of my belongings, the shoes I sold on ebay which seem to have completely disappeared compliments of the United States Postal Service.....

I digress.

I have neglected to mention that my vacation was fun, minus the drama of a house full of 15 people in their 20's. Once I have unpacked my camera cord, I'll tell you all about it.

Well, I hadn't intended this post to be a rant about how horrible everything is. It really isn't that bad; I just needed to get it off of my chest.

Really, I feel much better now.

Erin

Friday, July 24, 2009

I'll have a martini instead...


I woke up this morning to see I had received the lemonade stand award from the lovely Jessica at Chronically Vintage , one of my new favorite blogs! Jessica is amazingly articulate, and her blog often features fashion inspiration, clothing & accessories finds, tutorials, and all sorts of neat vintage history. I only wish I were as eloquent and sweet as she ^^. Check her out, along with the other great blogs she has given this award to.

Considering I just did this the other day, and so many people have already received this award, I won't be listing any blogs just now. If you haven't yet received this award let me know! I'm currently sitting on a mattress in a gloomy empty room =(

Receiving this award actually reminded me of a very silly, yet painful, event that occurred a couple months ago just after my 21st birthday. I was grocery shopping at Martin's, and was putting my items on the self-checkout thingy, and a plastic 1-liter bottle of lemonade slid off and fell on my second toe. Ouchy, right? It actually started bleeding profusely and caused quite an embarrassing scene. Currently, my toe is entirely black and likely to fall off any day now. People ask, "My God what happened to your toe?? Did a ton of bricks fall on it??" No...a bottle of lemonade... To this day I'm not quite sure how it caused so much damage, just my luck right?

Well, now that I've sufficiently grossed you out, off to clean !


The lemonade stand award

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Neither Here Nor There

Hello All! I've been neglecting my blog, due to the fact that I've been moving all my stuff to my boyfriend's all week. There is a ten day lapse between my two leases, so I'm leeching off of him for ten days. To complicate matters further, I'm leaving for Sandbridge, VA on Saturday for a week at the beach. I'm very stressed and anxious about the whole situation and will be very happy on August 10th when I can move into my new home!

In other news, I managed to fix my bikini top! I'm quite proud of myself, and quite relieved I don't have to buy a new one.

I may post a few times at the beach, but if not I hope you all have a wonderful week!


flickr


Erin

Sunday, July 19, 2009

It wasn't Grenada, it was just Asbury Park...

Just got back from New Jersey a couple hours ago. The trip was short but great; I didn't even get a sunburn! The worst part of the trip was the top of my favorite retro bikini breaking. The plastic piece in the back snapped; does anyone have any advice on how to fix this? I was considering sewing the two back straps together, but I wouldn't know how to go about doing that. I have my week-long beach vacation the week after next, and I think I'd be heartbroken if I couldn't wear it.

When I arrived home I was pleasantly surprised and flattered that Miss Gingeyginge considers me to be a great read!


Well I'm supposed to list ten things about myself so here goes
1) I'm actually quite a tomboy, I love hiking and really anything outdoors
2) I'm a psychology major at James Madison University and I'm applying to graduate school and hope to one day be a practicing neuropsychologist
3) I am incredibly socially awkward, I was diagnosed with depression when I was twelve, and I have panic attacks on occasion.
4) I think the greatest things in the world are lime snow cones.
5) I can't leave the house without makeup.
6) I am an atheist
7) I have two Moms
8) I am fascinated by lighthouses and the histories behind them.
9) I have been dating a very smart biology major for nearly a year and a half--and I'll tell you, I never pictured myself dating a Jersey Boy, although he is of course not stereotypical.
10) I love to read. I am always always reading. My favorite book is Catch-22, and my favorite genre is dystopian novels.

That was probably quite at bit more than you wanted to know, but I'm a very wordy writer.
As for the blogs I love to read, I'll try to include ones that haven't received it yet, but I'm not really checking!

Wearing History

Beauty is a Thing of the Past
Retro Ways
Gemma Parker
Miss Tavya
Miss Red Lips

These are blogs I've just recently begun to enjoy; you should check them out!

Erin

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Being a Produtive Member of Society

Sigh, I have to work in the morning but I just don't feel like sleeping! I'm in a better mood today; the sun was out, and my boyfriend and I bottled our second batch of home brewed beer!The first batch was a dark ale, and it came out darn well (for a first try, anyways). This one is a roasted brown ale, and was brewed on the day of Billy Mays' untimely passing =( and will be called Billy Mays Brew. After around two weeks of fermenting in the bottle, it will be finished! Although I'm not the biggest fan of beer, my boyfriend has made a hobby of it, and I have really been enjoying helping. I always feel so accomplished when I can say I've MADE something.

Speaking of making things, I just finished sewing my third sewing project (yes, ever). It came out pretty well (I think). The only issue was the gathering at the waist; the instructions I had said to make the stitch length as long as possible, and sew two parallel lines across the longer piece of fabric. Then, all you have to do is pull the strings on either side for a nice even gathering. Well, for the life of me I couldn't sew a line where I could "pull the strings" at all. I'm sure I was doing something wrong (and probably moronic). But hey I'm only learning! (By myself I might add!)



Dress: Forever 21
Apron: Made by me!
Shoes: Cheap Mudd's from TJMaxx

Erin (PS Thanks to all the lovely ladies who commented on my last post; the comments made me feel so much better and were dearly appreciated!)

Monday, July 13, 2009

How Long Will We Believe in a Light So Dim ?

I've been feeling very melancholy lately. I'm not sure why. I'm quite a loner and sometimes I wish I were a typical college student; that I had people calling me up to hang out. I suppose it's my fault; I've been systematically shutting people out of my life I think. It's not that I don't like people, I'm just shy, and when I'm around people I feel awkward and inadequate because of my lack of conversation. Recently, I've been growing more and more distant, hanging out with people less and less, declining the rare invitation to hang out. Last night I walked around the pretty neighborhoods of Harrisonburg, reaching the top of the hill just as the sun went down. I was afraid of being home, afraid of being left alone with myself.

Whenever I get in this sort of mood, I can not stop listening to The BlackHeart Procession. I don't normally (ever) listen to indie music, but this is my exception. Their song "A Light So Dim" touches me because I can relate to it so (and also because in my head it conjures up images of a lonely woman atop a lighthouse staring longingly at the sea)



The Black Heart Procession- A Light So Dim
There are no trains that leave from the maze.
My only chance was a ship to escape.
If you are the light house in the storm,
I'll be the ship with a thousand dead souls.
How long will they believe in a light so dim?
Down in the gallows the darkness glows
it was hard to see in the hearts of them
if you see a light call down below.
I'll be moving and sorting out our fears.
How long will we believe in a light so dim?
Cause time is all we have so make the time
throw down the line I'll see to climb
if it's held close it may just work.
If you are the light house in the storm,
I'll be the ship filled with a thousand dead souls,
and time is all we have so take the time
to make the time and make time to take the time

-Erin

Why Am I Not Asleep?

I had an awful day today, and, in order to distract myself, continued to pack for my move at the end of the month. While packing, I accumulated a pile of things I never use, but are pretty much brand new. Of course etsy is far too classy for this sort of thing, so I put some of my "junk" up on ebay.

If you wanna take a peek, you should be able to see my listings here, if not my ebay name is avioletf1uid.

ERRRIN

Saturday, July 11, 2009

An Act of Permanence


I got my first tattoo last August, and I've been dying to get a second one ever since. I've recently become set on what I want my next one to be, and I'm very excited about it, even though I can't even close to afford it. I love old school tattoos, but I always try and do something somewhat original. I drew my first tattoo, but I'm not very artistically talented. I've recently been inspired by 1940's era ocean liners, and stories about ships like the titanic. There is something so romantic about traveling across the Atlantic on a majestic, towering ship. So, here goes: I want a tattoo of an ocean liner on my side, probably about 3" x 3". I feel as though a side profile would look kind of odd, so after much pondering, I have decided that it should be the front hull of the ship, but at a slight angle so you can see a bit of the side. The outline would be very dark black in the traditional old-school style, with black shading. I'd want a bit of color, so a red stripe across the side of the ship and a little blue on the tips of a few waves crashing against the hull would be in order. I haven't yet decided whether I want a border around it (like a fancy picture frame)


What do you think?

Erin

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Some Vintage Lovelies

Getting into vintage style has really brought out my girly side; I've always been awkwardly proportioned (I am very tall and most of my height comes from my long torso), and older-styled clothes tend to fit me much better. The higher waists of the skirts that I've been wearing lately have made me feel a lot more comfortable about my body, since there aren't any unsightly lumps caused by a space between where the blouse ends and the skirt begins. It's nearly impossible for me to find shirts long enough to wear my skinny jeans with their very low waists! Also, I don't have to worry as much about a dress I buy being super short (often a dress that looks normal length on a model will be super short on me!) SO, coming around to the point, I've become a lot more comfortable being girly and wearing more colorful clothes....but I've realized, I own almost NO jewelry whatsoever. Now I don't really care about owning nice, expensive jewelry - I'd just like to be able to accessorize some of my outfits.

I absolutely...well...love...this ElDoradoClub necklace. It was on my Christmas list in '07 and I never got it =(


I've been spending some time recently looking for a reasonably priced hair comb. I'm not sure how well I'd know how to use it, but I really want one. (This one's from rosebudcottage's etsy)


I adore these pretty earrings from All Things Original


And it seems to me that a pearl necklace goes very well with a lot of vintage clothing
This one is from jewelryland's etsy (fake, of course. Maybe someday I'll have some real nice ones...)
As you can probably tell, I'm not necessarily at a point in my life where I dress completely sophisticated. I still enjoy some tacky and kitshcy things!

-Erin

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

FASHION INSPIRATION #1

Currently eating:


YUM



Top Left: Orange Blossom Dress at Lulu's Fashion Lounge
Top Right: Persian Printed Scarf in Tangerine at ModCloth
Bottom Left: Gunne Sax Dress at Nice's Etsy
Bottom Right: 60's Yellow Gingham Bathing Suit at thirteeneightyfive's etsy
Bottom Center: Mia Women's Mabel T-Strap Pump at Amazon

PS: I crushed the GRE =D

-Erin

Monday, July 6, 2009

Giant Repulsive Exam

Hey all!
If you're wondering why I've been neglectful and posting so little on this blog, my excuse, (other than work) is that I'm taking the GRE tomorrow!

Here are a few pics from July 4th with the boyfriend in Charlottesville:

Be back Thursday if I don't die in there!
-Erin

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Busy Bee

I have been super busy lately with work, but I wanted to post some pics of the pretty lavender dress I posted about buying on etsy, which arrived a few days ago.


Just waiting for the right occasion to wear it! Also, after all my blogging about the 4th being the greatest holiday for clothing, I completely forgot to find something to wear....which resulted in my running around town last night and doing some last minute sewing (which was a disaster).

Happy 4th!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Links Links Links

I've seen some fantastic tutorials and giveaways recently, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite internet finds of the past week:

~ I found this wonderful tutorial for finger waves on vintagehair- it looks so easy! I was so inspired I ran to Sally's and bought wave clips and setting lotion; will definitely be trying this soon.

~ Another great tutorial at Diary of a Vintage Girl showing how she achieves her flawless 40's look with hot sticks-- It never would have occurred to me to use them! Much easier and faster than pin curls, it results in a similar look. Check it out.

~ Lauren at her Bobby Pin Blog posted a link to BooBooGB's photostream on Flickr; a great source of thousands of photos of famous vintage starlets and their amazing style. Browse through for some inspiration for hair styles.

~ Over at the Freelancer's Fashion Blog (one of my very favorite blogs) there's a giveaway for a beautiful BB Dakota Moonstone Blue Flawless Dress from Chickdowntown; all you have to do is post a comment!

~ Last but not least, the adorable Casey at Casey's Elegant Musings is also having a giveaway from Chickdowntown-- the BB Dakota Bubblegum Dress. Just leave a comment telling the story of your favorite summer fashion memory.

Check these out and I'll be back soon to tell of my weekend adventures!
Erin

Friday, June 26, 2009

Oh Dear...

Here's my second attempt at pin curls. I have the basic rolling movement down, but my hair is super thick and frizzy (probably at least partly due to the fact that my hair has been super blonde, black, and green at some point in my life), which makes it really difficult to make the curls neat and tidy. Definitely better than my first attempt though, so there is hope!


My boyfriend's parents are coming to visit today from New Jersey and I'm super excited. I'm taking them to Charlottesville tonight for dinner with my parents, whom they haven't met yet (Even though it's been nearly a year and a half!)

Wish me luck!
Erin

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)

Summer has officially begun, and so far all I've done is work and sit around, miserable, in my non-air conditioned house. I absolutely love the outdoors; hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming in rivers and lakes. I now have a fresh resolve to enjoy the summer while it lasts. Just to prove it, I'll make sure and post some evidence of my forthcoming adventures. Right now I would love to enjoy a cool breeze before the sun goes down, having a romantic picnic with the bf.


Top Left: Lucy Brooks
Bottom Left: Strawberry Koi
Top Right: Bordons
Bottom Right: Anna Verlet
Bottom Center: Mine


I just gave in and bought a pretty pretty dress from one of my favorite etsy shops, Vintage Takeout.


I can see myself wearing this on a romantic picnic with pincurls and perhaps some white t-strap heels.

To Summer!
Erin

Friday, June 19, 2009

Any Bonds Today?

With July 4th approaching, it's time to pull out some appropriate vintage fashion. In general, I tend to avoid red, white, and blue, but when it comes to vintage clothing, this color combination, typically with a nautical theme, is one of my favorites. I'm not a particularly patriotic person, aside from acknowledging how lucky and privileged I've been all my life, but I do love the romantic notions of WWII patriotism. Here's one of my favorite WWII posters...

Apparently carpooling isn't a new concept, and if this isn't incentive, I don't know what is!

Here are some clothes (vintage or vintage inspired) to wear while you settle down on a picnic blanket with your guy or your pals and watch the fireworks on the 4th



Nantucket Weekender Dress $94.99 at ModCloth

Retro Rodeo Red Scroll Mary Jane's $49.00 at PLASTICLAND

Sailor Girl Skirt $40.00 at Dismantled Fashions
I think I'm going to try to make something like this on my own soon..

Vintage 70's striped Strawberry Sailor Collar Dress $36.00 estatesale's etsy shop

And don't forget underneath!

Sailor Lingerie Set including bra, suspender belt, and knickers from What Katie Did

And finally my own nautical theme inspired outfit

Top: ( I know it's hard to see; the pattern has anchors and steering wheels) Thrifted, refashioned by me.
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Steve Madden

Enjoy!
Erin

Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday Night Doldrums

So far, I'm not having a particularly inspiring week. I have a few projects I'm going to start soon, including a sewing machine cover and an apron, but I'm feeling kind of discouraged by my lack of ability, my lack of equipment, and especially, my lack of space. The weekend has left me exhausted, but was not without its high points, including my first real margarita.


I have to work a lot this week, but I'll be posting again when I get hit with a bit of inspiration,
Erin

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Brazzle Dazzle Day!

Weather has been awful around here recently. As a result, I've been staying in all day, bored out of my mind. I'm thinking about going home to my parents' later tonight, but it will more than likely be just as boring there. This weekend should be fairly eventful, though. Both my Mom and Dad are entered in the MS150, a 150 mile road bike race around Charlottesville and Crozet to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. They've done it for several years, and I always try to go and cheer them on. It always amazes me how athletic they both are; it makes me look horrible in comparison, but I'm very proud of them, especially my Mom. The big story this weekend is my Uncle Michael, a colonel in the army, is retiring. There's a big ceremony at the Pentagon Friday and a party at their house in Woodbridge on Saturday. I have a very big family (Irish Catholics...) and I hear that entire side of my family will be in town (just to make a point, there will be 4 aunts, 4 uncles, and 10 cousins). I'm quite nervous; I haven't been around that entire side of my family together for probably 15 years. I don't fit in at all; them being conservative christians and me the outcast black sheep liberal atheist with *gasp* tattoos and piercings! Not to mention the fact that my Mom divorced my Dad and married another woman. I should return with a few interesting stories...

As I said yesterday, I recently purchased my first sewing patterns, and a beginners sewing book. My first attempt was a pattern from the book; the "easy breezy wrap skirt." Not so terribly easy breezy for me... It was definitely good practice, and I did a few things right. Sewing from a pattern actually kind of reminds me of organic chemistry; you have to be able to visualize a 3-D image from text, and how it exists in space. On that point, I had quite a bit of trouble understanding the instructions regarding the ties of the skirt where it says to make a hole to pull the tie through. After reading the step probably 50 times, I gave up and completely ignored it. Also, the tension on my sewing machine was odd, and adjusting it didn't seem to help so the seams are a bit puckered. All in all, though, I don't think it was a complete disaster as I deem the skirt to be wearable (even though someone a bit more girly would probably disagree with me on that point).
The yellow gingham fabric is a bit see-through, so I'll have to get a slip. Also, note the fabulous new shoes I just ordered from PLASTICLAND.



I doubt anyone recognized the reference to the Disney movie Pete's Dragon in the title of the post. This was my absolute favorite movie when I was a kid. At least partially responsible for my love of nautical things, it takes place in Passamaquoddy, fictional town in Bar Harbor, Maine, a place where I vacationed when I was very very little. After looking around town for a long time, I decided to order an old VHS off of amazon. I watched it last night with my boyfriend, John. I even remembered parts of the songs! And it still melts my heart when Helen Reddy longingly sings "Candle on the Water" from the top of the lighthouse, waiting for her true love lost at sea to come back to her.

A few fun facts from the movie:
- It was the first Disney film to be released on VHS
- The song "Candle on the Water" received an academy award nomination
- The movie was actually filmed in California and the crew had to get special permission from the Coast Guard to use the lighthouse so it wouldn't confuse passing ships.
- There's an episode of Family Guy with a parody of the movie (involving Ben Stiller)

Also, I want this------>Terribly Tasteless!
Here's the Pete's Dragon drinking game (created and tested by me)
Drink whenever:
- Someone breaks into song
- Someone CORRECTLY says Passamaquoddy
- You see someone reeaally ugly
- Every time a dragon completely appears/disappears
- Every time the dragon does something clumsy
- Every time someone falls into water/mud/tar
and finally, CHUG when you hear a foghorn

Enjoy!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ahoy Mateys!

Hello all! I've wanted to create a blog for some time now and this summer and the lack of hours I'm getting at work have finally given me a chance! So far this summer I've been trying to explore (or discover, really) my craftier/girlier side. For some time now I've really loved vintage style, especially 1940's, and I've been following several blogs written by lovely, creative girls that I know I could never match. Lately, though, I have been making attempts at vintage fashion and makeup/hair. I've even sewed my very first pattern! So, I hope I can amuse you all with my amateur attempts, and perhaps endear you all to me with the effort I've been putting in. I may also post some music (likely of the hardcore punk variety; I know, I'm a bit of an enigma).

I'll start off by showing you my first project of the summer....


Desk thrifted, then painted by me

Also, I'll be posting things I want but can't afford. Right now this fabric (from Runaway Coast) has my heart broken...


Have a lovely day!
Erin