Ollie Otson

I am Married to Imaginary Friends

2011-01-09T12:00:00.001-05:00

In middle school through high school, one of my favorite bands was Northstar. In the time of Taking Back Sunday, (early) Brand New, Straylight Run, and the likes of that emo-pop-punk sound that dominated the early 2000s, Northstar was as underlying, little recognized band, though they were endorsed and toured with many popular bands of the time.

As generally happens, they broke up in early 2005 for many reasons, and, I'll admit, I was pretty bummed. However, only a few, short months later, the singer and guitar player announced a new project, Cassino, and released four demos.

I was hooked. Their sound is very folky, mainly relying on acoustic elements and Nick Torres' pungent and acute lyrics to drive the music and create a heavy atmosphere.

Years later, they've released two full-length albums (both available digitally through iTunes) and have played a handful of shows, though seeing the band perform is quite rare, and little has been heard from them since the release of the last.

I have a sampling here from their first album, Sounds of Salvation, which gives a very good first-look into the band's sound.

Your Life Ain't Worth the Nail

2011-01-02T12:00:00.002-05:00

The Builders and the Butchers are a unit from Portland, Oregon. They fist began playing acoustic street shows in the area until they evolved into what they are now. They've released three full-length albums, one of which was self-released, a live album, and EP, and a split.

I first heard the band sometime in early 2010 from Anthony and was hooked ever since. Their sound is layered upon different instruments, with the singer's voice being nothing more than interesting on top of it all.

I got very excited when I found they were playing with Murder by Death on their upcoming tour, until I discovered they're only doing the west-coast dates. Guess I moved too soon for that one?

Anyways, give them a listen, decided for yourself how you feel about them.

2010 in Review

2011-01-01T22:27:00.009-05:00

For the most part 2010 was a very good year for me. There were a lot of up and downs, but overall, it ended on a high note.

Here's my year in review:

-January-

A new year means a new hair color and job. After nearly three years of being a red-head, I colored my hair back to its natural brown. I've been enjoying it ever since.

Also, I got the opportunity to work at a vintage store. It really started my love for all things vintage.

-February-

Through a friend at work, I started working with an after-school program doing costume design for plays for a high school. It was my first time being a costume designer for a the stage (generally I only do film), and I quite enjoyed the experience.

-March-

My sister and friend Brittani came to visit me in California for their spring breaks. Lots of good food was eaten, conversation was had, and things were done.

-April-

I turned 21. The big milestone event. I went to Savannah and remembered my love for the city and all my friends I had left. I started making plans to come back.

-May-

In liu of returning to Savannah, I started focusing on designing again. I also started looking for vintage pieces and has a short stint into selling them on Etsy.

Also, I started tying up ends in California, visiting some places (like the Elliott Smith wall in LA) I had not been yet and saying goodbye to some amazing people.

-June-

My life in Savannah began again. I moved into a cute, little, studio apartment and fell back into life again.

-July-

(Photo courtesy of David M. Davis)

My best friend from Michigan, Veronica, came to visit for her 21st. We partied and danced.

The end of the month brought the filming for "Overthink," a romantic/comedy short. I costumed designed.

-August/September-

I started two new jobs, one as a seamstress at a custom clothing/alterations company and the other as a sales rep for a local company.

When I wasn't working, I was dancing and having fun (s0metimes a little too much) with my friends here.

-October-

For the first time since I was a freshman in high school, I dressed up for Halloween. It was ridiculous.

-November-

I went with Kelly to a wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. We had a great time, and it was fun to get to meet some new people.

I spent Thanksgiving in Charleston with Amanda and her family. Had a truly wonderful time.

-December-

Another Christmas away from the family, but one spent with friends who I consider my family. I always think holidays put your life into a good perspective.

All-in-all. it was a good year. A lot happened. I learned a lot. I dealt with a lot, but it was all for the best. I ended the year in the company of good people with good prospects on the horizon.

Cheers 2010.

Un Chien Andalou

2010-09-12T12:20:00.000-04:00

Un Chien Andalou by Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel

"Nothing in the film symbolizes anything. The only method of investigation of the symbols would be, perhaps, psychoanalyzation." - Luis Bunuel

In Bocca Al Lupa: In the Mouth of the Wolf

2010-09-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

Ant got me into Murder by Death sometime last year. I had heard of them many times, but never pursued looking into them because of their name (I know, lame, right? But it sounded too hardcore for me, to be honest). Boy, was I missing out. Since that first day's listen (I remember it was a smoggy morning and we were on our way to Anaheim), I've been hooked.

The lyrics of the songs mixed with the layering of different sounds from the instruments and the singer's voice make for incredible visuals that always leave me thinking about the Old West and outlaws.

I've sampled some of my favorite songs by them from their past four albums below, so take a listen:

The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers

2010-09-04T23:40:00.000-04:00

I know I've mentioned something about this before on my Twitter, and you all (should) know of my love for Keira Knightley and costume design, so I thought I would (again) bring this to everyone's attention.

The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers is a story about two brothers (Rupert Friend and Tim Mison) living in a dark forest who decide, to end their boredom, they will try each day to kill themselves and each other. Overlooking this process is a fairy (Keira Knighley), who is continuously ignored by the brothers.

I haven't seen the actual short, yet, but I have watched the behind the footage and am truly in love with the costumes and the production design of the movie. I posted a behind the scenes film below about the making of the film, which you all should watch to see what went into making it.

Basically, I'm just in love with the look of it all. It's very plastic and fantastical. They say it is influenced by The Brothers Grimm and Hans Christen Anderson, and I can see that influence from the illustration of their books in the actual footage of the movie. Not to mention, the attention to small details, especially in the fairy's costume and in the set dressings.

All images copy write the suicide brothers, 2009 from the official site: http://www.thesuicidebrothers.com/

Twilight Visions: Surrealism, Photography, and Paris

2010-09-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

Broken Plate by Andre Kertesz

Due to my new job, I got the oportunity to visit all the museums/historical houses in town last week. Much to my happiness, this included the Twilight Visions: Surrealism, Photography, and Paris exhibit at the Jepson Center that I really wanted to see.

Oldest Police Station in Paris - Brassai

The exhibition as a whole was quite well put together. It explores over 100 pieces, mainly photography, with a few films thrown in, that document surealism in the 1920s-30s. The photos mainly capture everyday, mundane items such as street lamps, clocks, puddles, stairs, and cars, and makes them the center of attention. Even photos that had people in them made the people fall to the wayside in place of the surroundings.

Rue Vavin, Paris - Andre Kertesz

Rue de Canstantine Paris by Charles Marville

It also focused on contrasting buildings years ago established, but taken over by modern inventions.

Avenue de l'Observatoire by Brassai

Basically, the exhibition blurs the boundaries between illusion and reality; the mundane with fantasy. It takes something ordinary and gives it a life, a voice of its own that makes the viewer question the things he looks at every day.

Paris from Notre Dame by Brassai

I Get to be Thelma, You Can Be Louise

2010-09-02T19:44:00.004-04:00

Lia introduced me today to Bluntcards by dropping one on my Facebook wall. Of course, I laughed and had to check them out, then laughed even more and shared them with people.

They remind me of Ann Taintor's work, and, of course, I love all the vintage ads that are used for them (I actually recognize a few from sewing patterns and Sears catalogs).
I picked some of my favorite ones that made me laugh because they kind of hold a truth in my life to them.

(This completely reminds me of one of our friends.)

Oh, and they're all available for sending as e-cards, and you can order physical cards from the site, so send your favorite Skank, Bitch, Whore a card to tell her how you feel.

All images copy write Bluntcards 2010

Hello, Dearest Love

2010-09-01T20:05:00.007-04:00

Hi! Remember me? I used to post in this thing back in the day and then suddenly stopped doing it.

You do?! And you've missed me?! Good! I'm excited to hear that.

But seriously, sorry for neglecting this for so long. I promise to make it up to you all with lots of posts in the future, so get excited. You all are going to be very tired of me and wish I'd disappear again.

I wish I could say a lot of interesting things have happened in my absence, but there has not been. I've basically been working, playing guitar, and getting into trouble these past two months. Nothing bad, but nothing worth writing home about, either.

I decided to be silly today and do a photoshoot to make a new blog header. You guys think it's pretty? Just a little something I threw together in Photoshop while I waited for my dinner to finish baking (lemon-pepper chicken with spinach... yummm).

Now I'm off to go watch Top Chef at a friends and have some Jell-O.

(Outfit details: Black high collared top - Go International for Target / Black Ballerina Skirt - American Rag for Macy's / Green Veil Fascinator - Urban Outfitters / Cummerbund - Vintage)

We Get On

2010-06-24T09:05:00.005-04:00

Not a lot to report here unless you want me to go into my long hours of laying around the house in the air conditioning working on reading and breaking down scripts for costume design. No, you don't want me to? Okay, then I won't. It's really not interesting, anyways.

However, I will tell you, I listed nine new wallets to the shop the other day, two of which have already sold. Yay! I really like these ones. They're made from this cool collaged paper I found with all these vintage images on them. Check it out!

Well Behaved Women Trifold Wallet

Rose Garden Trifold Wallet

Hey Cupcake! Trifold Wallet

Blue Bell Trifold Wallet

A Little Birdie Told Me Trifold Wallet

And you know those things called boyfriends/husbands (yeah, I wouldn't know either)? Well, I've started making some men's wallets, so here's the first batch, made from pages in a vintage Better Homes and Gardens Family Medicine Guide book:

Heart Surgery Men's Trifold Pocket Wallet

The Birds and the Bees Men's Trifold Pocket Wallet

I also dropped the prices on some of the vintage in the shop, so be sure not to pass that up, either.

Oh, and in light of my boredom (who would have thought I'd miss working 50-60 hours a week? Always having something to do, not to mention the paychecks...), I've started to rework my blog design. I need a new header and all that jazz. Suggestions?

Make Way

2010-06-17T13:56:00.003-04:00

I guess I should mention I dropped the prices on all the wallets in the shop again.

All the trifolds are now $20.

And I reduced some jewelry and other goodies, too.

Expect some new goodies tomorrow (hopefully).

Hello, Friend.

2010-06-14T12:17:00.006-04:00

So I'm back in Savannah!

I'm moved in with lovely painted walls and little furniture, but the little studio apartment is all mine to live in.

I live right in the heart of downtown, which is amazing, and I have the most awesome view from my balcony of St. John's Cathedral and basically the whole town. I love it! I need some balcony furniture so I can sit outside and enjoy my view, but that'll be another time. I have to furnish my inside, first, and it's way too hot and humid to even want to be outside, though, I do get a nice breeze living on the eighth story and all.

(Outfit details: Tuxedo shirt - Forever 21; Black Shorts - Wal-Mart?)

So what have I been up to these past two weeks? Not a whole lot, actually. I'm falling into the Southern routine, and, to be honest, it's killing me. I need something to do! I'm working part-time at the store I used to work at when I lived here and have been basically catching up with people and working on a few relationships.

Let's just say, it's going to be an interesting summer, a lot of which will rely on what this week holds. It's kind of a make-it or break-it week for me right now. I'll hear back on a job I interviewed for on Friday (keep your fingers crossed for me because I really, really want it), and I'll figure out exactly what to do with a certain situation I have going on. Plus, so many other little things going on. It's exciting and scary all at the same time because I want everything to work out the way I want it to (which is in the positive, not the negative), and I just hope, hope, hope it does. We shall see.

Playclothes

2010-05-26T03:47:00.003-04:00

I'm taking down the Etsy site for the store I work for, Playclothes, at the end of this week.

If you've seen anything you like on the site, go ahead and get it now, because, come Friday, it's gone (and, sorry, there are no special promos or sales, everything is priced as marked)!

Get shoppin'!

Something Old, Something New.

2010-05-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

I added two new items to the shop last night. This will probably be the last clothing update I do, as I need to start packing my mannequin and photography things up.

1970s Handmade Oriental Silk Halter and Pant Set Size 2

1970s White Seersucker Jacket Size 6

The 20% off applies to these babies, as well.

20% Off Moving Sale!

2010-05-23T14:53:00.006-04:00

As most of you know, I'm moving across country at the end of this month. I'm also shipping all of my things, so the less I have to take, the better. Who needs a better reason to have a sale?

(Flashed Bifold Wallet)

20% off everything in the shop!

I'll refund you either through PayPal or convo me on Etsy first, and I'll reserve and change the rates of the item you want.

(Bird's Eye View Reconstructed Vintage Necklace)

Oh, and this 20% goes on top of any other coupon code you have either through a giveaway or from the mailing list, so you can save even more if you leave one in the "message to seller" box.

(1950s Lavender Sundress by Pat Premo)

(Reconstructed Vintage Pearl Necklace with Crystal Drop)

Happy days! Get shopping!

(Vintage Grace Beaded and Embroidered Wedding Shoes)

(The Cartographer's Gift Trifold Wallet)

Giveaway at A Thought is the Blossom

2010-05-19T14:45:00.003-04:00

Hey gals!

I've teamed up with Starr from A Thought is the Blossom to offer you this awesome reconstructed necklace giveaway.

It's made out of vintage jewelry parts including a gold chain, a pearl bracelet, and a bow pin.

Visit her blog to enter

Figure 8

2010-05-19T00:45:00.000-04:00

Saturday I had a truly magnificent day. It was as if someone upstairs thought, "Hey, Tracy's been having kind of a shit week, let's give her a really awesome day," and low and behold, Saturday was that day. Thank you, big man upstairs.

(The Knickerbocker and the Hollywood hills sign)

(Hollywood pigeons. I have a weird love for pigeons.)

(Taft building. President Taft got stuck in his bathtub, which automatically makes him my favorite president.)

It all started with a little trip down to Hollywood (I hate going into Hollywood, it's so dirty) to visit Amoeba Music to sell the majority of my, once, amazing CD and DVD collection.

Let me pause here. Amoeba Music is renowned for the extensive collection of music they have. And now I know why.

It's like a mall for CDs and records. The place is HUGE! I wanted so badly to take photos inside so you all could see the awesomeness, but it was forbidden, so just check out their website to see what I'm talking about, though it still doesn't do the place justice. I was just planning to trade in my things for cash, but, of course, like crack to an addict, I had to take a look.

Oh my. I can't even tell you. I literally had tears in my eyes when I saw their extensive rock/alternative vinyl collection. I was overwhelmed. I kept letting out audible sighs as I looked through the rows and rows of vinyl. And what is it about a record store that makes you forget every single band you've ever liked, so that you just wander aimlessly looking?

Side note: I used to want to own a record store for a numerous amount of years. I wanted it to be a record store/concert hall. Two stories. With the record shop on the bottom and the place for bands to play on top. I had it all planned out, and with my music knowledge (I make the best mixed CDs known to man full of bands you love or have never heard of and will soon love), could definitely have made it happen.

I spent over an hour in there until I looked down and saw a pile of vinyl in my hands and thought, "Tracy, you're supposed to be downsizing, not buying more things," but I justified it as a trade, put a few things back, and came out with:

In Bocca al Lupa - Murder by Death (my favorite album by them) on vinyl

Attack/Release - The Black Keys on vinyl

We Should Have Never Lived Like Skyscrapers - Chin Up Chin Up (I can't even tell you how long I've searched for this CD, and there it was, for 5 bucks!)

and...

Figure 8 - Elliott Smith on vinyl

Which leads me to my next adventure of the day:

(Subway tunnel in the Hollywood/Vine stop.)

Since I was down on Sunset Boulevard anyways, I remembered about the Elliott Smith wall, the one that is on the cover of Figure 8, is just a few subway stops up the way. So I went.

Elliott Smith is my favorite solo singer/songwriter. I once had to answer a question of, "If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?" and replied with, "Elliott Smith." The song "Between the Bars" is one of the most amazing songs in the world to me. There's something so haunting and mesmerizing about all of his songs. They tell stories he's encountered, yet everyone can relate to. I felt it a pilgrimage to this mecca of sorts in a music lover's life to go visit the wall. I remember reading about it a little while after I got into his music (about four/five years ago), and vowed to go see it one day if I ever went to California. So, when I realized I was only two and half weeks away from leaving and still hadn't gone to see it, it all made sense.

Imagine my irritation, however, when I got there and saw someone had graffitied on top of it! Oh, I was so pissed. You can barely even see the original artwork anymore. Someone wrote, and I thought it was very fitting, lyrics from "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands," which read, "Fucking ought to stay the hell away from things you know nothing about," over a large chunk of the graffiti. Perfect touch.

I stood there and read some of the things people had written. Some were funny, some were sad, but they all were in tribute and little messages to him in the grave.

Me, of course, being me, forgot two things. 1)A pen and 2) a tripod. So I didn't leave him a message, and I don't have any proper photos of me and the wall (though I was so mad about it being vandelized, I really didn't care) except for ones at arm's length because I also couldn't find anyone along the street to take some for me. I have one on the phone, too, because I had to call my best friend Veronica and have her share in the moment with me (she's an Elliott Smith lover, as well).

If I would have written him a message, however, it would have been simple. Just a "Thanks."

New Slang

2010-05-13T02:37:00.004-04:00

Where are my days going? I can't believe that in three weeks, I'll be writing to you all from my new apartment in Savannah. I couldn't be more excited for this! I can't even tell you all how easily and quickly everything fell into place for this move. I'm actually stressed about the fact it's all going so well! How sad is that? I need to sit back, relax, and let it come as it goes.

In the meantime...

Shop update!

Two hats:

1940s Black Genuine Corde Cocktail Hat

1960s Black Hat with Netting and Rhinestones

Two necklaces:

Reconstructed Vintage Pearl and Crystal Drop Necklace

Reconstructed Vintage Silver Heart Necklace

One barrette:

Reconstructed Vintage Barrette

Everything, but the hats, obviously, are reconstructed from vintage jewelry pieces. I'm really happy with how this lot came out.

Plus, one other necklace I made will be going towards the giveaway for Starr's journal, which I'm also super stoked about and still need to get into contact with her about. I'll keep you all posted!

This is a Lesson in Procrastination

2010-05-10T00:46:00.004-04:00

I'm very busy and very behind.

The month of April came and went, and I have no idea where it's gone.

I remember going to Savannah, then work, work, work, work, and more work. I guess two weeks straight of work without a break will do that to you, then jumping into a week and half more of it. Plus coming home, designing things, taking photographs, and making listings. Just thinking about it makes me exhausted.

So where am I at now?

Literally, I'm sitting on the couch in the living room. Emotionally, I'm all over the place. I'm excited to be leaving, but stressed from all I have to get done, and I had a slightly rough Saturday with the deliverance of some news I expected, but dreaded all the coming while, which threw me a little off-track and broke my spirits a little, but I can't do much about it besides wait and drive myself crazy going over things in my head, so I'm focusing on what I need to do this coming few days.

And what needs to be done? Well, I have about six vintage pieces to list for you guys, five reconstructed vintage necklaces, a bracelet, and seven wallets, all to post in the upcoming days (I was horrible with shop updates last week, sorry). Plus, I think I'm going to start selling a few things on Ebay just to get them out of the apartment quicker because moving day is coming up fast, and I need to get my things together, so in three and a half weeks I can be back to this:

Also, I'm sponsoring Starr's journal, A Thought is the Blossom, this month and am trying to get something together for a giveaway there. If you haven't checked her blog out, yet, do! She's awesome and has wonderful adventures and photographs to share.

American Living

2010-05-02T00:48:00.002-04:00

So, I finally feel I can write this post after putting if off for three weeks.

I'm moving back to Savannah. I've given it a lot of thought, more thought than I generally give things, and have decided it is the right thing for me to do.

I just get this feeling when I'm down there and going down for my birthday was the deciding factor in it all. It made me so happy to be surrounded by amazing, good natured people. I got to be with some of the best friends I have in my life and met some pretty amazing new ones I can't wait to have more time with. It was just such an uplifting atmosphere the whole time.

I knew the Saturday I was in Savannah visiting that I didn't want to leave. I still had two days left, but I wanted it to be longer. I didn't want to leave these people I love so much. And when I boarded that plane Monday night, and it lifted off the ground and into the air, I was truly upset. When I got back to LA, Shawn picked me up, and I honestly told him I didn't want to be back.

I feel uninspired here. I realized I stopped designing and playing guitar; I never paint or draw anymore, and I haven't been chasing any dreams I came out here to aspire to. When I got back, I started doing it all again with a new vigor and drive. I've been playing guitar almost every night again, I've been updating Ollie Otson with new things, and I've been designing, which is the whole reason I came out here.

So I made a decision, and, like I said, gave it a lot more thought than I generally give things. I talked it over with my mom, my sister, my best friends, and generally everyone in my family. And they all said the same thing to me, "We're surprised you even came back," and then went on about how I even sounded different, lighter or freer, when I was down there than when I'm in LA.

I decided to move back.

Everything just fell into place. I was planning to go down during the first week of June to visit, then move down there when my lease was up in August, but my mom, of all people, told me I should just go down there in June and stay. I gave this some serious thought, but didn't think I would be able to do it. Then, Lia told me about a film she was working on and how they needed a costume designer. I volunteered my services, and will be working on that and hopefully an indie feature, as well, which means I'd have to be down there in June, anyways for preproduction. So I guess that was decided, but today is when it all came together. I had called my landlord from when I lived down there earlier in the week, and he called me back today to tell me a girl was moving out June 2nd, which just so happens to be the day I'm flying down there. Can you say fate?

So, here I have been for the past four hours wondering how in the hell I'm going to pull this off. Paying rent on two places for two months, paying student loans, and furnishing a whole new place since I won't be taking anything from here with me. Wow. I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it. I was freaking out about pots and pans earlier to Veronica because I've never had to furnish a kitchen before, and I don't have any! Not to mention a toaster, and a microwave, a shower curtain, a bathroom rug, a garbage can, and all those other things I don't even think about that I need and use every day. Phew!

But it's all so exciting! I'm visually planning it out in my head. My friend is going tomorrow to take some photos of the place, and I have to give my landlord a definite yes or no Monday morning. Hopefully it's just as awesome as I want it to be.

So here's to a new chapter. Cheers.

Needed

2010-04-28T03:17:00.003-04:00

I had such a fabulous and much needed day off today. I've been working everyday, at least eight hours, for the past two weeks, then coming home and doing Ollie Otson stuff, so I've been busy. I don't mind it, though, I'm making money and not lounging around all day, but sometimes a girl needs a day like today: Good conversation and good shopping. Relaxing.

I met up with Babs at her house in Echo Park, and we walked down to Sunset Boulevard to hit up some vintage and thrift stores. We started with "Out of the Closet" which is an amazing spot I scored two 60s dresses, a 70s dress, and an awesome pair of velvet bermuda shorts, not to mention an old anatomy book I plan to make into wallets with. The dresses you'll see listed in the upcoming week, they both need some work on them, so I have to fix them, first.

We grabbed some lunch, then headed to American Vintage where we both really scored good deals. I got a pair of Banana Republic leather 40s-style peeptoe sandals for $6! They super cute, and I needed some cute heeled sandals for when I go out in the summer. I then found this Lilly Pulitzer 60s dress which is so amazing, but too big for me. Bummer. And these beautiful beaded silk and leather evening/wedding shoes. So perfect.

Both got listed into the shop tonight, so have a look!

1960s Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dress in Cream and Off White Size 14 Vintage

Vintage Grace Beaded and Embroidered Wedding Shoes Size 9-10

Oh, and here's my outfit for today. I wore my cute 60s Hawaiian wrap dress I bought in Savannah and flats, and felt completely liberated by the absence of tights. Summer is coming! Obviously, I didn't wear these rain boots, but my best friend and I were discussing rain boots, and I had to prove I could rock them, and since I'm too tired to take proper outfit shots, you guys get a crappy cell phone photo. At least it's something, right?! I promise next time I wear it I take a proper picture because it's way too cute to be left like this.

Outfit Details:

60s Hawaiian wrap dress - Civies in Savannah

Rain boots - Urban Outfitters (the flats I wore today were from here, too, so it's all the same)

Leaf necklace - Forever 21

Ctrl.

2010-04-27T02:18:00.004-04:00

There's a lot going on in my head right now. A lot of thoughts. A lot of plans. They, however, need a separate post that I'm too overwhelmed to write right now.

For right now, though, I'm just going to update you on what went into the shop this past weekend. Some awesome vintage goodies I picked up from a woman on Tuesday.

1950s Navy and White Nautical Print Dress Size 8

1960s Oriental Silk Floor Length Gown Size 6

1950s Lavender Sundress by Pat Premo Size 6

And an outfit from Saturday:

I call this my "Jackie O" dress. It's cute and 60s and has a really amazing neckline to it. I paired it with my polka dot sweater to run off to work in because the dress is sleeveless, which is a big, "No, no" at work. I wore shoes, too, as they are required, as well.

And I cut my hair the other night. I felt like I had a giant chinchilla muppet on my head that needed to be taken care of, so I trimmed and thinned it and feel much better about the whole situation. Nothing like a good trim to make you feel a little more relaxed. Wait, I never relax. How about, "To make you feel a little more in control?" Yeah, that sounds a little better, though I don't think I'm in control, either.

Outfit Details:

Black Dress - Target

Sweater - Forever 21

Tights - Macy's

Elephant Ring - Macy's

Once, Twice

2010-04-20T01:54:00.002-04:00

Here we go! Today's listings on Etsy come in the form of two lovely vintage pieces I picked up while in Savannah. The funniest thing about Savannah is that they have all these antique stores everywhere, yet no proper vintage clothing stores. There are two, The Clothing Warehouse and Civies, but they cater more towards the "hipster" crowd, and I would very (very, very) loosely describe them as a vintage store (more like an over-glorified thrift shop). I did, however, discover some great pieces while at Civies on clearance for $10 (!!!) that I kept for myself (which you guys will see sooner than later, I suppose).

1970s Black and White with Embroidered Flowers A-Line Skirt Size 8 Vintage

1960s Goldenrod Silk Quilted Top Size Large Vintage

Also, I didn't get off work till 7:30 today, so by the time I got home, all my natural lighting was gone. It took about twenty minutes for me to rig up lights in order to get the lighting evened out, and I decided I need another photography light because, well, the touch lamp leaning on the drum stool isn't the safest thing in the world.

The First of Many... Hopefully

2010-04-19T02:27:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I promised myself I am going to start listing at least two things a day on Ollie Otson. I need to get into designing and vintage finding again. Let's hope I can stick to it!

So here's todays offerings, four pins reconstructed into rings, two of which are vintage!

United Action Women's Committee of 100 Reconstructed Vintage Ring

British Jockey Reconstructed Vintage Ring

Silver Metal Flower with Pearl Center Ring

Brass Metal Flower Ring with Pearl Center

Marches and Maneuvers

2010-04-18T03:10:00.007-04:00

I felt skinny today, which was nice. I think my Red Velvet Cake diet is really starting to take off. Jealous?

I owe you guys an update about Savannah and my turning of 21. I've tried writing the post about five times, now, and I can't get it together enough to do it. A lot happened in a week. It was all really good, though, so don't fret. And it made me think about my life back in California. Maybe I need a change?

I'm thinking I'm going to make a change. Look out.

Outfit Details:

Navy Blazer - Forever 21

White V-neck - Target

Purple Pencil Skirt - H&M

Brown Knee High Boots - Target

Nude & Striped Tights - Macy's

Playclothes Update

2010-04-14T02:12:00.004-04:00

We had a huge photoshoot at the new store in Burbank for Playclothes a few weeks ago, and I've been slowly trying to upload all the goodies the wonderful Julia Dillon photographed for the site.

I got a good lot of it done before I went to Savannah, and I just uploaded a few of the handbags onto the site, and plan on uploading the shoes a few more dresses to the site within the week.

If you see anything you like, and it hasn't been uploaded to our Etsy site, yet, please let me know, and I'll reserve it for you.

Here are the goodies:

1960s Bright Floral Floor Length Dress Size 4

1960s Blue Floral Pleated Dress Size 10

1960s Tan and White Wicker Handbag

1960s Pink Faux Leather Handbag

1950s Red and Black Wool Houndstooth Skirt Size 10

1950s Floral Carpet Handbag

1970s Peach Floral 3 Tiered Sundress

1960s White and Blue Floral Romper Size 16

1930s Pink and White Floral Jumpsuit Size 8

Also, you can add Playclothes on Facebook and on Twitter.

Oh, and we're moving from our location of almost thirteen years in Studio City, CA up to Burbank. We have a sale room set up and are taking reasonable offers and things in the store, so if you're in the area, please stop by!

I Am Allergic to California

2010-04-05T02:22:00.004-04:00

No, really, I am. I'm allergic to California.

I never had any sort of allergies until, well, today, so I blame it on California and something in the air.

However, I am in love with Benadryl. I'm thinking a June wedding. You all are invited.

I guess, since I'm allergic to the state I now currently reside in, it's a very good thing I'm leaving it Tuesday night to head to the ever-so-lovely Savannah, Georgia for a week to celebrate my 21st birthday. Yes, ladies (and gents?), I will be turning that ripe, old, wonderful age on Thursday (mark your calenders and send gifts. I love anything polka dots) and couldn't be more excited to ring it in with all of my friends. Savannah is a great place to party, let me tell you; the bars are great (wait, I'm not supposed to know that, yet, right?), and there is good food and interesting people everywhere.

Expect lots of pictures and, hopefully, daily updates from The Peach State, a state that I can assure you I am NOT allergic to, which, in my books right now, make it a magical, mystical land.

ETD: LAX 12:50 AM Wednesay, April 7th.

ETA: SAV 10:53 AM Wednesday, April 7th.

Layover in ATL

Play Crack the Sky

2010-03-22T01:38:00.005-04:00

"This story's old, but it goes on and on until we disappear.
Calm me and let me taste the salt you breathed while you were underneath.
I am the one who haunts your dreams of mountains sunk below the sea.
I spoke the words, but never gave a thought to what they all could mean.
I know that this is what you want; a funeral keeps both of us apart.
You know that you are not alone; I need you like water in my lungs.
This is the end."

We'll Wear a Rose in Our Lapels

2010-03-15T20:38:00.004-04:00

So, one of my best friends from back home in Michigan, Brittani, is coming into town tonight (in about four hours, actually), and I couldn't be more excited.

It's been almost a year since I've been home, and the last time I was home I was up in East Lansing for most of the time because my sister was graduating college, so I really didn't get a chance to spend time with everyone.

When I talked to her the other night, we were talking about how we might not be able to recognize each other because it's been so long, and that maybe I should write her name on a piece of paper at baggage claim so she can find me. Of course, because we are huge fans, this brought up an episode of The Gilmore Girls where Lorelai and Rory haven't seen each other in a long time and decide to meet up to go shopping together. Rory says, "But, it's been so long, how will we recognize each other?" and Lorelai replies with, "We'll wear roses in our lapels."

Hence, the flower I'm wearing.

In a few hours, she'll be wearing one, as well, and we'll be reunited for a week of fun. It's much needed, too, there's too many boys in the house right now (our friend Mike is staying with us for a few weeks from Atlanta), and I need some girl time.

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Cardigan - Forever 21

Blue Tie Top - Target

Black Pants - Converse for Target

Black Boots - Steve Madden

Red Flower - Wal-Mart

Better Scenes I Wish She'd Seen Me

2010-03-13T02:31:00.002-05:00

I have been a bad blogger lately. I do apologize, but I haven't been wearing anything interesting (though I keep getting packages of clothes and goodies in the mail), and it comes down to the fact I look and see I just haven't written anything in days.

I know I have a lot of things to catch you guys up on, and I promise I won't leave you hanging for long. Just keep tuning in, and hopefully it'll be worth it in the end.

For now, I'll leave you with a quick video I took while my sister and I were in the teacups at Disney.

Spring Fling - Vintage Playclothes Etsy Update

2010-03-11T03:20:00.004-05:00

Bright and Summery.

I just uploaded five new items to the Vintage Playclothes Etsy site.

1960s Lime Green with Bright Pink Flowers Romper Size 4

1960s White Plastic Wicker Box Purse

Bright Blue Strappy Sandals Size 8 Medium

1960s Spring Daisy Dress Size 8

Salvatore Ferragamo Cream Pumps Size 7.5 AA

Oh, and if you want to be informed of all of our newest vintage goodies updates, follow us on Twitter!

Let Me Taste the Salt You Breathed While You Were Underneath

2010-03-10T02:50:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday of last week, we took Jessica to Santa Monica. She really wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. Considering she probably won't be back on the west coast for quite some time, we took a few hours before I had to go to work to take her. She was excited.

Santa Monica Pier. There's a carnival on the end of it.

Overview of the beach, ocean, pier, and Pacific Coast Highway from Ocean Avenue.

Pretty water and sun. It was pretty windy and kind of cold, so we didn't go down to the water. Plus, Jess and Anthony don't like sand in their shoes.

I always love photos where the photographer's shadow is in it.

This big guy was just chillin' on the pier, letting us take pictures of him.

Under the pier.

Stop. Motion.

2010-03-08T20:53:00.008-05:00

I don't know why, but all of a sudden, random stop motion animation videos keep popping up in the past month.

It started with these lovely video starring Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy that I saw on Blue Bird Vintage's Blog.

Then, today, I saw another from The Spill Canvas for their new song, "Don't Let You Enemies Become Your Friends."

Which started a hunt for other stop motion movies like this one from Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

and Fat City Reprise's "Long Gone."

So, naturally, I have decided I want to make one for myself. Now, the big question, what of? Any ideas my blogger friends?

I Am a Visitor Here, I Am Not Permanent.

2010-03-08T00:45:00.005-05:00

I've been a bad blogger lately. I apologize, but life has been a little crazy.

My sister was in town last week from Monday through Friday, so we were going all around Los Angeles to amuse her.

Here's some pictures:

Chuck Norris' star on the Walk of Fame. My mom loves him. Our dog is named Walker Texas Ranger. I kid you not.
Donald Duck! At the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. They were setting up for the Oscar's, and my sister was all excited and touristy.
Jessica and The Beatles
Seesters! At Disneyland for Jessica's birthday.
I bought a cool Mickey top hat and wore it all around the park. It's actually a groom's hat for newlyweds, but whatever. I liked it.
I didn't want to go on the teacups, but we went anyways. I wasn't happy at first, but then I enjoyed it.
We're late!
She was so NOT happy.
We ate at the French Cafe in New Orlean's Square. They gave Jessica a Birthday Beignet.

I have more pictures of our third day in Santa Monica, which I will post later. I just haven't uploaded them yet.

Now, the rest of the month will be filled with fun things. Our friend Mike from college is coming to stay with us for two weeks on Wednesday, and then my friend Brittani is visiting a week from Monday for a week. Then, I'm going to Savannah for a week for my 21st birthday, which I'm incredibly excited about. Can't wait! It's going to be super, duper crazy!

A Little Late Night Denny's Mad Lib:

2010-02-26T03:05:00.004-05:00

My name is Shawnothy. Even at a young age I was a breakfast hug. My friends loved their shiny marbles, but I loved my voluptuous omelette pan. While the other kids raped the streets pretending to be Desmond, I saw myself as Captain Country Fried Steak. They played Quidditch; I played scrambled egg cook-off. The complained about sex education, and I got lost in my new, "All Breakfast, All Day" cookbook. They went to prom, I went to the sausage cook-a-thon. They choose their colleges based on speed dating; I counted the number of breakfast joints within thrusting distance. After college, I turned down 4,362.9 jobs in order to live 69 feet from the best breakfast in Hoboken, New Jersey. Like I said before, I always knew I was a Breakfast Lover.

Me writing and asking the questions, answers given by Shawn and Anthony.

KK in Elle

2010-02-23T00:17:00.004-05:00

I'm surprised I am 81 posts into this blog without one gushing over my complete love of Keira Knightley (KK, as I so affectionately call her). I can't even explain to you my girl crush on her. I get shit for it all the time, but it doesn't bother me.

So, imagine my complete surprise and excitement when I was at Ralph's last week picking up a cake for Shawn's birthday, and I saw KK on the cover of Elle magazine. Well, just let me say, I let out a very excited, "Oooh!" and snatched up the magazine, trying to act oblivious to the weird looks the men in front and behind me in line gave me as I began riffling through the pages to find her article.

And, of course, I was blown away. She has the perfect type of beauty. The kind that she doesn't believe exists. You can tell when you read an article about her that she's slightly awkward in her own skin and doesn't get what everyone else talks about when they say she is beautiful. I love that. I think she's amazing.

The whole article basically focuses on the fact that London critics and newspapers don't care for her in the least. They think she's pouty and brooding and just another pretty face that can't act. In the states, we have more respect for her, yet she hasn't done enough here to make us love her as much as, say, Scarlett Johansson or Rachel McAdams. She still has to earn her "credibility" all over, and, frankly, she's not interested in doing it.

Either you love her or you hate her, and she could give two shits either way.

Oh, and if you haven't heard about it already, she's in a short with her boyfriend, Rupert Friend, called "The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers." She plays a fairy.

Wish, Want, Love, Lust

2010-02-21T18:23:00.007-05:00

I'm thinking about summer and about my (hopefully) future trip to Savannah for my 21st birthday, and, of course, I've been online all morning looking for clothes. LOOKING, however, not buying, because I know rent and student loans are due next week, then Jessica is coming to visit me, and the whole process of monthly bills starts all over again. Ah, to have money to fruitlessly be able to spend again.

So here's my Forver21.com Wish List I came up with this morning:

Clothing:

Runway Pleated Shorts

Marina Cuffed Shorts with Tie Belt

Fab Straight Leg Colored Jeans

Scalloped Petal Dress

Ice Cream Girl Tee

Hair Accessories:

Grand Flower Headband

Veiled Bow Headband

Peacock Feathers Hairclip

Jewelry:

Mesh Bow Ring

Hour Passing Necklace

Teddy Bear Necklace

Make up:

Nostalgia Nail Lacquer

Bermuda Nail Lacquer

Trigger Nail Lacquer

The best part? All of this for under $150! And I don't even feel bad because I know I'll probably end up returning half of the clothes because I won't like how they fit. Oh, the woes of being tall and having a long torso.

I also made wishlists at Urban and Target, as well, but those aren't quite as intense. Urban's having a great sale, as well, so check it out!

It Starts Eyes Closed to Fingers Crossed

2010-02-21T01:09:00.003-05:00

I think I would have been a very good singer for a band. In the front, with a mic, dancing around and engaging with the audience. Randomly playing the tambourine and making everyone fall in love with me. I could do that. Unfortunately, however, though I have the charm and charisma, I don't have the pipes. Always a technicality.

This dress, however, is so adorable and makes me want to dance around and pretend I am. I probable spent a good forty-five minutes today dancing and lip-syncing along to music in my room, watching myself in the full-wall mirror of closet doors I have. Pathetic? Maybe. Fun? You bet.

So funny story about these shoes. They're thrifted, which I can basically never do because I wear a size 10, but I found them and fell in love. However, I walk with my weight on the inside of my feet and whoever loved these babies before walked on the outside on theirs. Therefore, the heels are all off centered when I walk. They're beautiful, though, I'm just afraid of ruining them because they're those "dyeable" shoes, and if they get wet, they're finished. Anthony made fun of me for about twenty minutes over them, saying I would be more well equipped to drive an ice cream truck wearing them. Well, all I can say is that I would be the best dressed ice cream truck driver ever and would only serve Superman ice cream because the colors in it would match my ensemble.

While at work today, I worked with cute boy again and the two other older ladies I generally work with. One of them asked if I was going out dancing after work, to which I said no, and then the other asked if I had a boyfriend, to which I also replied in the negative. They both then said I was too pretty not to have one and that, if I did, I'd need a tall boy (I am 5' 9"), and they both suggested I'd date cute boy because a)he's tall, b)he's nice, and c)he's cute. So, I have the older powers that be's blessings and am totally going for it. We work together again Wednesday, so it's make it or break it time! It's just funny because generally I get asked out or know guys are interested in me and I say no or don't pursue it because I'm not interested, but I'm totally all for this one and am going to put myself out there for it. I have no problem asking a guy out, so we shall see! What's the worse that could happen? He's not interested or is gay (always a possibility), and either way, we can still be friends.

Outfit Details:

Mini Dot Dress - Macy's

Floral Scarf - Someone Else's Vintage

Opaque Black Tights - Target

Peacock Shoes - Goodwill Thrift

Belt - Thrifted off some dress

Lust a Prima Vista

2010-02-20T04:36:00.004-05:00

Do you ever just get those days where you're in a blah mood and need to lift yourself up somehow? Well, today was one of those days, and to make myself into a better mood, I decided to look really nice for work today. I got a lot of compliments from everyone I worked for, and what's a better way to get cheered up than by people telling you you look cute for three hours? I was all for it. Sometimes you just need someone to fluff your perception on yourself.

Also, a lot of it had to do with being on the phone for most the afternoon. I can't just sit and talk to someone, I have to be doing something else or I completely lose interest in the conversation because I get all antsy. I'm a very good multi-tasker. My mom called me first to tell me our dog back home, her baby, needs to have surgery on Monday. She's freaking out and super upset, we all are. We love our little Walker Texas Ranger. Then, my friend Brittani's mom called me, and we had a good little chat about my job at the vintage store, Britt's future trip to California (only three more weeks!), and all the other little details. It was like Mom afternoon, real and adoptive.

And, I'll admit it, I had a feeling the boy at work I totally have a crush on was going to be working today, so added incentive to look nice. He was actually on his way out as I was coming in, but we chatted for a bit, and we're both working tomorrow together, so we shall see. I feel silly because generally I don't go out of my way to look nice for a boy or anything like that, but I'm totally smitten; I'm kind of not used to it.

Oh, and I reawakened my love for The Spill Canvas today. For some reason, I haven't listened to them in a long time, and today, I put on "Sunsets and Car Crashes," then went on to "One Fell Swoop," and ended up dancing around my room for a good half hour (some of my outfit shots involved me singing and dancing, but they were really goofy, so I decided not to share, maybe another day).

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Shirt - Sears

Purple Pencil Skirt - H&M

Black Sweater - INC for Macy's

Belt - Forever 21

Fishnets - Walmart

Black Heeled Boots - Steve Madden

I've had a few people ask me about my how I do my make up, so I might do a tutorial post one of these days if anyone is interested. It's simple. Just a lot of blending and layering of colors.

Sale and Clearance

2010-02-19T14:49:00.004-05:00

I just seriously reduced and clearanced EVERYTHING at Ollie Otson, so definitely go check it out!

Picket Fences

2010-02-17T22:16:00.005-05:00

I made this dress last year for my costume design final. It's probably the easiest thing I've ever made since it's literally three pieces. I love it. I picked the easiest pattern I could find because I was super busy with short films I was working on, and considering it was my last quarter at SCAD, I didn't care anymore. My professor didn't know my sewing skills, however, so she thought this would be fine for me, and actually got mad at me after we presented our finals (we had to wear them to class) for picking something so easy when she saw examples of the work and detail I put into the actual costumes I made for the films I worked on. Oh, well.

It's a really adorable dress, and very comfortable to wear, though. I love it. I want to make some in more colors because it's a perfect summer dress. And I apologize, east coasters, for posting this summer dress I'm wearing without tights when you guys still have feet of snow on the ground. I don't want to rub it in, but it was almost 80 degrees here today!

As for my day, it was really simple. Went to the post office, then out to get coffee and Panera with Ant before heading out to see the premier of the play I worked on. It turned out really great! I was hesitant from what it was like last week and the fact that they only had one dress rehearsal, but they did so well! And all the costumes looked really great, and the kids did the quick changes perfectly, so I was really happy. Plus, I always like to see my name in the playbill. It gets me all giddy inside.

Oh, and I never shared these, but here's the Valentines I made and sent to my sister, my two best friends Brittani and Veronica, and my friend Lia. They had fun little mixed CDs inside of love songs. My sister called me and said, "Did you send me a CD of love songs?!" Of course I did! I put a good mix of newer music with older music on them. I love making mix CDs. I think we should start an inter-bloggers CD swap. I need some new music.

Oh, and if you mention either my Twitter or my Blog, you get FREE SHIPPING on all US orders at Ollie Otson until the end of the month!

Outfit Details:

Dress - Self-made

Tree Necklace - The Ardent Sparrow

Grey Bow Shoes - Famous Footwear

Bow Headband - Urban Outfitters

Vintage Playclothes Etsy Update

2010-02-17T17:05:00.004-05:00

I just listed a few new things to Vintage Playclothes' Etsy shop this weekend.

Now, we have shirts, skirts, and handbags in addition to the dresses and sets I listed last week.

Here's what we have:

1960s Cream Eyelet Blouse Size Medium

1950s Jade Green with Grey Paisley Button Up Shirt with Pearls and Rhinestones

1960s Pink and Green Block Pattern Pleated Shirt Size 8

1950s Yellow Cord Wiggle Skirt Size 4

1950s Orange and Green Wool Accordion Pleat Skirt Size 4

1960s Tapestry Purse

Gold with Floral Needlepoint Center Octagon Purse

1950s Plastic Covered Handbag with Lucite Handles

Black and Maroon Floral Brocade Carpetbag Box Purse

The Girl in the Green Scarf

2010-02-17T04:48:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago at work, someone returned this scarf, and I knew I just had to have it. Not only because it was majorly clearanced to $8 from $48, but because it is an exact look-a-like to Rebecca's in Confessions of a Shopaholic.

It's completely cute and makes me wish I had red hair again because it would compliment it so well.

Now, if only I could wear it and end up with Hugh Dancy, then my life would be complete.

A girl can dream.

Outfit Details:

Green Scarf - Macy's

Black Shirt - Target

Blue Bubble Skirt - Go International for Target

Tights - Target

Shoes - Steve Madden

Vintage Playclothes

2010-02-09T03:00:00.004-05:00

Recently, I started working on an online store for a vintage store here in North Hollywood called Vintage Playclothes. They have a large variety of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children ranging from the 1920-1980s, specializing in the 40s through the 70s.

I just put up the first batch of listings on Etsy for their shop, and here they are:

1940s Two Piece Royal Blue Wool Suit Size 4

1960s Light Blue Dress and Jacket Set Size 8 Vintage

1970s Seafoam Green Button Up Corduroy Dress with Matching Belt Size 8

1970s Green Floral Dress with Matching Belt Size 8 Vintage

1960s White Linen Dress with Flower Applique and Embroidery Size 8 or 10 Vintage

1940s Oriental Red Flower Lace Up Dress Size 4 Vintage

1950s Yellow Flower Day Dress with Matching Sash Size 8 or 10 Vintage

1960s Off White Eyelet Dress with Belt Size 8 Vintage

You can view all of them in the shop here.

Happy Feet

2010-02-02T22:59:00.000-05:00

I love penguins. I think they're the cutest things ever.

In honor of my love, I checked Etsy for some cute penguin attire, accessories, and knick knacks.

Penguin Lovers T-Shirt by Loft 45

(Penguin marriages fail just as much as humans' do. In fact, the famous gay penguin couple from the San Francisco Zoo recently split up.)

Hammered Penguin Flat Rings by Jorgenson Studio

(Fits right into my new ring obsession.)

The Penguin Necklace with Minion Earrings by Tori Hennon

(Right after we moved in, Ant got Lego Batman, and I would always be the Penguin because you could send his minions out to do things and they would quack and waddle around. It was great. I loved that game. You could punch people, and they would break into Lego pieces. I would just walk around punching things or Anthony's character. He'd get irritated. I'm annoying. That's the last two player game he's ever let me play, too.... Oh, well. Harry Potter Lego comes out soon!)

French Penguin by Fliepsiebiebs

(Oui! Oui!)

Marching Penguins Vinyl Wall Decals by Modern Wall Company

(If I had a child, this would definitely go on his/her wall.)

Vintage Penguin Teapot by Tootsy Two

(I don't drink tea, but this is quite adorable.)

Vintage 80s Penguin and Polka Dots Sweater by Fashion Rerun

(Probably the cutest ugly sweater ever.)

Penguins Eating Ice Cream Blouse by Shotgun Vintage

(Chilly Willy is a giant penguin float in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade. One year, when I was maybe ten years old, is was really windy, and Chilly Willy flew away. He was discovered by a pilot in the air, and was actually saved and brought back down. He was given a make-over, and is now still one of the most famous attractions in the parade.)

School Daze

2010-02-01T23:30:00.003-05:00

As I said in an earlier post, I'm doing costumes for a play. Last night, I sat down and put together a flat of all the characters together with my costume ideas for them. I Photoshopped pants and shirts together for characters as well as find a few idea inspirations. I sent them to the director earlier in hopes I can start pulling things together for the kids.

Basically, the play's about this kid Bryan and his friend Darnell who try really hard to be with the popular kids, but it doesn't work out for them. The lead jock shoves them both into a locker, and when they emerge, they're in the 1980s, an era that Bryan has recently become obsessed with. He sees all the same characters from the present in the past, proving that little has changed throughout the years, but now is popular because he and Darnell are the "future boys". However, he realizes he doesn't care to be popular when the shy girl, Gabigale (who is also the girl who is in love with him in the present), is picked on by the head cheerleader, and he sticks up for her. They end up getting back into the present day and learn to accept their high school fates.

Typical story plot, but we'll see how it pans out. I haven't seen any of the kids act, but I can hopefully pop in Friday and watch a rehearsal.

The Sirens Sang So Sweet and Watched the Sailors Go Down

2010-01-28T01:53:00.003-05:00

It's been a lazy week. Not much has gone on. Today, I had to work at 6 PM and before decided to watch The Shawshank Redemption which is one of my absolute favorite movies. I sat there for the 2.5 hours of it painting my nails, then doing my makeup and hair. I was also very proud of myself for wearing lipstick today to work. All the girls said my makeup was really cute, so I felt good.

I told myself, however, that I will start incorporating heels and lipstick into my wardrobe at least once a week. I generally don't wear heels because 1) I'm 5' 9", b) I'm quite uncoordinated, and c) I don't like the clicking noise while I walk (it makes me self-conscious). I feel goofy wearing lipstick, too. I never was allowed to wear makeup growing up, and, at the most, wore foundation in the latter years of high school, but nothing else. I didn't get into it until I went to college and started teaching myself techniques.
I ended up switching out of this dress last minute before heading out the door to work. I do a lot of bending at work and realized when I bend down, you could see the top of my thigh high sticking out. Definitely not. I guess that's why I generally wear this dress with black tights.

Outfit Details:

Black Circle Dress - H&M

Fishnet Thigh Highs - Wal-Mart

Branch Ring - CBC for Macy's

Vintage Ring - Paris Market

Military Dog Tags - Vintage

I'm Not Brave Enough to Be Artistic

2010-01-26T00:41:00.006-05:00

I'm so irritated/upset right now, and being in any state other than my norm makes me very antsy. I can't sit still. I've been pacing my room thinking for the past half hour right now, and my mind is going a mile a minute. I can't get it to stop. I just keep thinking things and getting more upset and more mad. The worst parts? I'm not even supposed to know, and I'm three thousand miles away from being able to do anything.

When I lived in Savannah, and I would get this way, I would either go for a walk or a drive and just blare music or talk to myself until I calmed down. However, I definitely don't want to be aimlessly walking around at night here, and I don't have a car at my disposal, so here I am.

Therefore, since I'm left with no way of getting this out, I'm finding blogging to be very therapeutic right now. I've written about three entries so far, then deleted them all, but they made me feel better because I just "got it out."

Before my agitated state this evening, I was in quite the cleaning/organizing mood. If you follow me on Twitter, you would have seen a picture I posted of the new silverware organizer I bought that now sorts all our utensils. I also cleaned out the fridge, deep cleaned the kitchen, and then, tackled reorganizing my closet. Which is where I found this picture.

My Dad used to do photography, especially when he was in college at Michigan Tech, and was even published in magazines. Now, I have his camera (which is the Minolta in the first picture of this post) and keep trying to get him to get back into photography, but he's not interested in it anymore.

I have no idea where he took this photo, probably somewhere in the Upper Peninsula or maybe Maine, but I absolutely love it. The colors and everything about it is just beautiful. It's quite mystical.

There's a story in here. I want to know more. I have no idea where this photo was taken. Whose house it is. Who is the keeper of the lighthouse? Is it haunted? It looks haunted. Who was with my Dad when he took it? Was he alone? How did he feel? This is a very gloomy picture.

I ask a lot of questions, can you tell? I was always that kid asking, "Mommy, why is the sky blue?" and am still unimpressed with the scientific answer to the question.

Ring a Ring o' Roses

2010-01-25T03:07:00.004-05:00

It seems that interesting rings are popping up all over blogs, and, I have to say, I'm becoming quite obsessed with them. I've been looking all over Etsy and vintage stores for lovely little finds, and today, thought I would share a few I have found along the way.

Stump Ring by Digby & Iona

I guess I will start with this beautiful ring that popped up in Rebecca of The Clothes Horse's Blog this morning and could be what prompted me to search out rings today on my day off. I am a lover of trees, and this is just adorable, especially with the initials you can add on the side of yours and the BF's. Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky said it would make a great off-kilter wedding ring, and I couldn't agree more.

Silver Rose Ring by Morado

Made from polymer clay, this ring is perfect for anyone who loves big rings. I have to say, I am in love with everything on her site. I think a purchase from this shop is in the very near future, and best of all, she accepts custom orders, so if you want one in a specific color, she'll make it for you!

Sterling Silver Squirrel Ring by Strozzistawzeeh

My sister and I have this long standing inside joke about squirrels, and when I saw this, I knew it had to be mine. Along with the flower ring above, this one will be added to my collection shortly, as well.

Quarter Ring by Metalsmitten

For Christmas, I searched for cool rings to give my girlfriends. I actually ended up getting them really cool spoon rings, but this one was definitely in the running. I love reinvented items.

Flashy Frog Ring by Forever 21

As a child, I had a huge love of frogs. I collected them everywhere I went. I used to have shelves of frog trinkets and figurines and a bed full of plushies. Eventually, I grew out of the stage, but I still think this little guy is adorable. He will most likely turn my finger green like the color he should be, but I think he might jump his way into my heart.

Owl Head Ring by Forever 21

He's too cute. There's nothing more to say.

Turquoise Snake Ring by Kenneth Jay Lane at Macy's

This guy just makes me smile. I find him adorable, and I love rings that wrap up your fingers.

Because if you like it, you should put a ring on it.

Diana F+

2010-01-24T19:45:00.004-05:00

About a year ago, I bought this Diana F+ Limited Edition camera. I was in the mode where I wanted to do cool photography and actually bought a 35mm Holga for my Dad, a Lomography 4 Serial Lens camera for my ex-roommate, and the same Diana F+ for my friend Brittani, as well as this one for me.

Well, like many of my amazing ideas and plans, I never got around to using it. I always planned to do it, but there it sat in my apartment in Savannah in the box, it made the journey from there to California, and is still sitting in my room in its box.

I also have this thing that if I haven't used something in a year, I need to get rid of it. Plus, I'd rather get myself a 35mm Holga like the one I got my Dad. So, I'd like to find it a good home to someone who will actually use it.

If you're interested in it, I'm looking to sell it for around $40 (I paid $65 for it, and it now retails at $60), plus the cost of shipping. I'll even throw in a pack of black and white 120 film, which is what it uses.

It's never been out of the box except for these pictures, so it's perfectly new and should, obviously, work.

Contents:

Diana F+ Camera

Diana Book

Instruction Manual

Lens Cap & Neckstrap

Frames to make it 5.2x5.2 cm, 4.2x4.2 cm, and 4.6x4.6 format

Features:

A loving recreation of the original Diana

Uses 120 medium format film

Removable lens for soft-focus pinhole shots

Variable shutter settings

Three aparture settings

Campatible with Diana F+ flash

For more information about this camera visit the Lomography website.

If you're interested, leave a comment with your e-mail here or e-mail me at ollie.otson@gmail.com

Thanks guys!

Like a Fine Wine

2010-01-23T03:40:00.004-05:00

Today started off different than I expected.

I expected to wake up at 9:00 and start the day. Eat breakfast, shower, get dressed, go to the post office, take photos and post new wallets, read some Harry Potter 7, then go to work, come back, eat dinner, maybe watch a movie, shower, and go to bed.

Instead, I slept through my alarm and woke up at 10:00 due to my phone ringing. It was a guy from work who teaches drama at a high school during the day asking me if I wanted to go with him today to his class to start taking measurements in order to do costumes for his play. Therefore, the middle plans after shower and get dressed got lost somewhere in the mix due to me having to change my day around. It's okay, though, because I like to switch things up every now and then.

I went in, met the kids, and took some measurements. Now, I'm doing a play. Wow, did my life get hectic in the past week? Also, I shouldn't be calling them kids because they are only high schoolers, not middle or elementary, which means they're 2-6 years younger than I am, but I feel like I am just so much older than them. It's funny. One of the girls asked me if I was a student or a teacher. I told her neither, and she replies with, "You're an adult, though, right?" to which I said, "If you can call it that," and she says, "Well, you have a mature air of authority about you." I laughed. It's weird to think I'm a mature, authority figure when I'm only twenty.

I also played around with some of the lipsticks I have from a project in college this morning. I wish I could incorporate lipstick into my everyday routine, but I just feel so awkward wearing it. I should try and be like Blue Bird Vintage and incorporate it into my wardrobe everyday for a week. Maybe, one day.

I just feel so grown up when I wear it. I don't want to add to my "air of maturity". I'm still a Toys-R-Us kid at heart, a lover of Peter Pan and Neverland. I want to stay a kid forever.

Outfit details:

Black V-neck - Target

Skinny Jeans - Macy's

Black Heeled Boots - Steve Madden (I am in LOVE with these! They're so comfy, but really loud when I walk)

Pearl Dangle Bracelet - Ollie Otson

I did, however, accomplish updating Ollie Otson today, as you can see in my last post, so please check it out!

Etsy Shop Update

2010-01-23T03:30:00.005-05:00

As I've been watching Conan's last episode as the host of The Tonight Show, I've been updating the shop with seven new wallets!

I got a ton of paper last week and have been working on some new things for the shop and finally got around to photographing and updating today. I still have three more items to put together, as well as two custom orders, but I have the whole weekend off work, so I'll have more than enough time to do so.

Here's what I listed tonight:

Family Matters Vintage Photographs Trifold Wallet

Vacationing in the Old Country Vintage Photos Trifold Wallet

Swimming Through Chaos Trifold Wallet

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden Trifold Wallet

The Cartographer's Gift Trifold Wallet

Pretty Paisley Trifold Wallet

Handwriting and Polka Dots Trifold Wallet

Jimmy Falon just started, I loved his tribute to Conan. The TV waves are being robbed.

Yeehaw!

2010-01-19T21:12:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, when I get dressed in the morning, I like to pick a theme. Today, it was western, inspired by the scarf. Plus, it's been raining on and off for the past three days, so I figured the boots would be perfect!

If you read my post below, you'll read a little story of my life for the past week. Last Wednesday, I went into a local vintage store and asked the owner if she would be interested in having me set up an online shop for her on Etsy. She agreed that it would be a wonderful idea and asked me to come back Tuesday (today) to talk with the manager and her.

So, today, I went back, and I spoke with both of them. We hashed out the details, and it really helped that I've spent the past week preparing things for them like shipping rates and fee charges, among other things, and in the end, they agreed to let me do it!

Starting next week, I'll be going in, taking photos of vintage attire and accessories, writing descriptions, and making listings on Etsy for the store! As new developments occur, I'll be keeping you all posted.

Also, I'm going to ask for all you guys' help. I'll need help promoting and such, so if you could check out the shop when we get it listed, I'll be sure to pay it forward in the future with free shipping and percentages off and such.

I'm super excited about this because it's excatly what I want to be doing. I want to eventually open my own vintage shop and working first-hand with people who know the materials so well and can give me so much advice on clothing and business is going to be a huge help and inspiration for me. I can't wait to get started!

Outfit details:

White V-neck shirt - Target

Western Scarf - Vintage - Someone Else's

Jeans - INC for Macy's

Brown Wedge Boots - Target

A Fairy Tale

2010-01-19T18:11:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a girl in dark-washed jeans, a black v-neck t-shirt, and boots with bright blue/green eyes and newly dyed brown hair. She walked into a wonderful land of vintage clothing armed with only her black clutch and her resume. After numerous minutes of walking through the aisles of clothing and looking into the cases of jewelry, she approached the fair queen of the kingdom perched behind the counter.

"You have a beautiful land, here. Have you ever considered expanding it to other kingdoms. Such as that of Etsy?"

The question was posed, and a discussion ensued. The girl said she would be more than willing to command the troops of the Internet and set up a new kingdom for the land at Etsy. More was discussed and disclosed, and in the end, the queen of the kingdom asked the young girl to return in half a fortnight to meet with other officials to determine her situation in the ranks.

A week later, she returned to the land and met with the queen and her disciple. She discussed her plans for the kingdom, showed evidence of what she was capable of, and discussed certain actions that would be taken to secure her position.

When all was said and done, the queen and her disciple agreed to let the young girl set up a settlement on Etsy, and the girl strode out of the palace, head held high, to prepare herself for all the things she would be set to do in the next few months.

Shutter Speed

2010-01-17T02:15:00.003-05:00

So, girls, bloggers, fashionistas, what type of camera do you use? Pros? Cons?

I'm looking for a new digital camera, especially if I get my job on Tuesday, and would like to know at least what direction I should go for one.

Thanks lovelies,

XO Tracy

Do Me a Favor, Baby, and Don't Reply. 'Cause I Can Dish it Out, But I Can't Take It.

2010-01-12T20:46:00.004-05:00

Recently, I bought two lots of vintage photos off of Etsy. One was from Recy and the other from Cape Cod Mercantile.

One night, about a week after I got them, I went through them, laying them out around me on the living room floor. Anthony asked my why I would want to buy someone's old photos. "To make things, of course," was my answer, but I still think it's really sad that these photos left the family of the loved ones they belonged to and are now with me.

I want to know the stories of these people.

I want to know why the one photo is ripped down the middle. What happened to the other half? Who was the person who has his arm around the woman?

Did the soldier come back from the war? Did the marriage last? Is the baby getting baptized still alive? Are they still friends?

I want to make their stories up. Give them all happy endings.

We all deserve a happy ending, right?

Playing Catch Up

2010-01-11T22:56:00.008-05:00

Sorry guys for the lack of proper posts lately. They have me working nights right now for inventory, and I'm set to go in in 45 minutes till 5:15 in the morning. Gross!

But to update you on some things that have been going on:

-Keeping true to my New Years Resolutions, I've been applying for new jobs.

-I went to an interview for a retro clothing boutique specializing in 50s style pin-up clothing today in Hollywood.

-I totally looked the part compared to what they sell there.

-In true Tracy style, I got lost after getting off the subway, walked in the wrong directions, and had to run seven city blocks in new heeled boots down Hollywood Boulevard to get to it on time.

-I think it was a success, though, but I won't find out till next week.

-Got hit on by an Elvis impersonator. This is not the first time this has happened.

-I colored my hair yesterday. It's pretty close to my natural color. A little bit darker, but I still like it.

-I've been working on some custom orders. I need to go buy some snaps and send them out.

-I have a plan for another job in the works. We'll see if it happens. Keep your fingers crossed on that one, too.

-I went shopping the other day at work and came out with these amazing boots. I've scowered the Internet and stores for a pair of black, heeled ankle boots, and finally found them at work the other night. Plus, we had a huge sale and I ended up getting these $80 boots for $25 bucks! Woo!

-Also, I bought my first pair of jeans since high school. That's about three years. Whoa!

Okay, have to get ready for work. Sorry for the lame updates with lame photos, better posts to come later this week!

Outfit Details:

Dress: Calvin Klein

Boots: Steve Madden

Fishnets: Wal-Mart

Overshirt - Go International for Target

Carry On.

2010-01-09T23:32:00.000-05:00

I, like many of you should be, always go to the grocery with my little tote bag and fill it up with goodies to bring back to the apartment. Not only do I do this because it's environmentally friendly, but it makes it a lot easier to walk groceries back to the apartment, and you save 5 cents with every reusable bag you bring. Okay, five cents isn't a lot, but it can add up if you bring mulitple bags. Most of all, I don't know about you guys, but I hate how they bag my stuff at the market. I purposely put it on the conveyer belt in sections of what should be bagged together, you know, frozen food, dairy, canned goods, etc., and they still manage to put the bleach cleaner in the same bag as the veggie. No. And then they double bag everything and don't fill up the bags. What a waste. So, using reusable bags is much less hectic and better. Also, every now and then, when you get a french baguette to bring home to eat with some homemade soup, you can pretend that for just a second you're in Paris walking home from the boulangerie instead of LA walking home from Ralph's. A girl can dream.

Maptotes - Hand drawn characterized maps of numerous cities screenprinted on all different sizes of totes.

The Craft Pantry - Very cute totes made from original drawings and photographs.

The Pemberley Shoppe - A whole slue of Jane Austen inspired totes.

Weardrobe 100

2010-01-08T19:19:00.004-05:00

Weardrobe released a complilation of the best 100 outfits and bloggers of 2009. There's so much amazing style in this book and it's so interesting to see how people from the same city or state have completely different styles. The colors, combinations, and clothing are truly amazing.

The best part? Many of my favorite fashion bloggers made the cut, so congratulations to them! Here's their style picks from the book, and if you haven't checked them out yet, you better!

Kristin from Leproust Vintage and Rebecca from The Clothes Horse

Keiko Lynn from Postlapsaria and Carrie from Wish Wish Wish

Rachel from Jag Lever and Jennifer from Sally Jane Vintage

Your Face Will Freeze Like That

2010-01-07T22:43:00.004-05:00

Remember when you were little, and you would make funny faces at your mom, and she would say, "Your face will freeze like that!"

I'm proving it wrong.

First Etsy Update of the New Year!

2010-01-07T21:04:00.003-05:00

Finally, a shop update. I have more, too, but I need to buy snaps and zippers before I can continue. I am debuting some new designs, too, and the clutches I made below are just the first of a new line I'm making. Pretty shnazy!

Flashed Bifold Wallet made from vintage flashcards.

Snooty Paris Poodles Clutch

Birds of Paris Clutch

Poste Italiane Clutch

Wingardium Leviosa

2010-01-07T01:33:00.004-05:00

Okay, so it needs to be said before anyone else gets the wrong impression: I'm a dork. Grade A. Sorry to disappoint those who actually thought I was cool, but I'm not. I still like to read young adult novels every now and then, I love teen romances and comedies, and I basically would relive my middle school days if I could just not be so awkward and fashionably challenged (but that's another post entirely). I've read the Princess Diaries series, all the Harry Potters, the Twilight books, and lots of other teen novel series. I watch the movies that go with them and compare them to the book and complain about what I wish they'd have done differently. It's what I do; I'm not ashamed of it.

Luckily, my friends are the same way and nerd out with me. One of my best friends, Brittani, is obsessed with Harry Potter and Twilight; she can quote the movies and books because she's seen/read them so many times. I fed her obsession last year by buying her a life-sized cut out of Edward Cullen. She freaked out when I gave it to her. It was probably the best thing ever. My roommate knows all the Harry Potter books front and back. He yells at me when I don't remember random events and things from the books (which is one of the reasons I'm rereading the 7th book right now because I remember nothing from it). My sister was with the series from the beginning. We've gone to every Harry Potter book premier at Borders, even before I got into the books (it took me breaking my leg on summer vacation to finally buckle down and start reading them). Though they're both way more into it than I am, I still very much enjoy the books and the movies.

For Christmas, I not only got this amazing Severus Snape t-shirt, but I got a wand, as well. It lights up and makes "swooshing" noises when you press a button. I was extremely excited to receive both of them. I LOVE Snape. It's a weird, maybe even creepy love, but I've just always liked him. In the book or in the movies, either way. When his honor was in jeopardy after the sixth book, I proudly wore my "Trust Snape" sticker at the HP party they threw at Borders before the 7th book came out.

And now, before no one ever wants to talk to me again, I'll end this post. I'm a kid at heart. The fact that these books I read as a child/teenager are now being made into movies excites me and lets me relive a little of my youth and forget some of the "grown up" troubles and worries I have.

Oh, and yeah, I am standing on my bed. I think it just adds to it all.

That's a wrap.

2010-01-05T17:56:00.005-05:00

I love all the year-end recaps other people have been doing, and I figured I would do one myself, even though it's five days into the new year, but whatever. Nothing that interesting has happened this year so far besides me getting sick, which is nothing to write home about. So here's 2009 in a nutshell of pictures and short descriptions.

January:
The new year started with me diving head-first into numerous film projects. I started with a short grind-house film based on the Dr. Seuss book "The Lorax". Blonde afro wigs, trashy makeup, fake beards, fake bruises, and lots of blood. It was a great shoot.

I also had to make a tough decision and decide to leave school once the quarter was over due to many reasons, mainly financial and the feeling that I wasn't getting what I was paying for. Enter the full-blown plans to move to California.

February:

My month of February was consumed with two films I was costume designing for. I basically spent two weeks filming one, then going straight into a week-long shoot of another, which is the one you see above. It was probably my favorite film I worked on while in college. A western of which I got to make 75% of the costumes and rent/thrift the other percentage. I absolutely loved every moment of it. Being on set is probably one of my favorite things ever, and I'd love to make it what I do for the rest of my life.

March:
Living in Savannah, Georgia, we have the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country. It's insane. To top it off, my apartment was right across the street from an irish pub. For a week, I couldn't sleep due to a full bagpipe band playing outside the bar and people yelling and being drunk and crazy.

April:
April 8th marked my twentieth birthday. My friends kidnapped me, took me to Siagon, an amazing Thai food restaraunt, then brought me back to my apartment which they hid Easter eggs in and an amazing, homemade, red velvet cake (my favorite). I love/miss them all.

May:
My sister graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison college for prelaw. I came home to Michigan for a week to see her walk across the stage and spend some time with my family and my friends.

June:
I had to say goodbye to a lot of my friends in June thanks to them all graduating. I was especially upset to see Anna go because we grew so close in the costume design department working on plays and going out to bars afterwards. The last night she was in town, we went to see UP in 3D and eat at I-Hop. I can't wait to go back to Georgia and visit her because I seriously miss her.

July:
July was an interesting month. I saw the end to a friendship, which I was not expecting and still am a little upset about, but I rekindled another friendship I thought was over. My friend Amanda, who I had been best friends with since eighth grade, but we lost touch when I moved to Savannah for school, called me out of the blue to tell me she was going to be in Charleston, South Carolina to help her sister and her husband move into their new apartment. Since Charleston is only 2 hours away, I jumped at the opportunity to see her. We went to Folley Beach and chilled out all day and caught up with each other.

August:
I officially had to say goodbye to my Savannah family at the beginning of August. The night before I left, we all went to the Pride festiville at Forythe Park, then to McDonough's where Adrienne sang me "Benny and the Jets" and "Proud Mary". It was so sad to say goodbye to them because they were basically my family, but I'm planning to visit in July, so everything will be okay.

August also marked my trip to California. I packed my car and drove the I-10 to California and here I am.

September:
My first full month in California. I'm living with these boys.

October:
Halloween! Pumpkin picking and carving. Dressing up and bowling.

November:
I got to go to Las Vegas with Anthony and his family for Thanksgiving. It was absolutely amazing. I love the craziness of cities and all that goes on in them. The people, the lights, the excitement. It's amazing. Plus, I got to shoot a gun. And, I'm actually pretty okay at it, so don't mess with me!

December:

My first Christmas away from my family. It went pretty well. I decorated the house, made dinner, and did my best to make it homely. I think it all went quite well.

Overall, 2009 was a very intense and hectic year, but I'm glad we're into 2010, now. I want to actually live somewhere for more than a year and settle a little bit and figure out my life again. Hopefully I'll be able to do that this year.

And This Year is Going to Be Just Like You Never Knew Me

2009-12-31T10:11:00.001-05:00

I think it's safe to say that 2009 was not my year. At all.

It started with my car getting broken into and just escalated from there.

However, I'm saying this, I think it's going to turn around. I think 2010 will be my year. I have good hopes about this. I think the ending days of October really set it off for me and made me realize that I can't and never will please some of the people in my life, and I have to stop trying to. For whatever reason, even the people I love the most, will constantly try to make me feel horrible about myself for doing what I want to do in life. For whatever reason, they're jealous of me for taking risks, picking up and moving across the country, and making something of my life. That's the last thing I need in my life right now. I need all the positive notions and thoughts in my head I can get because, trust me, there's enough things in there to trouble me and keep me up at night thinking.

So, on that note, here's my goals for 2010 (If I write them down, they're more concrete):

-Spend more time with Ollie Otson. I need to start designing more again. That's what I moved here to do.
-Make an Ollie Otson Vintage. If I want to eventually open my own vintage boutique, I have to start somewhere.
-Make a guys clothing line. I have a name and a willing model (if I bribe him with dinner/cookies), I just have to make items.
-Have a new job by March. Or be able to focus on Ollie Otson full time.
-Dedicate more time to this blog. I'm sure you'd all like to hear more ramblings and see more pictures from me.
-Go to Las Vegas for my 21st birthday. Why would I not?
-Go to Chicago for Veronica's 21st birthday. We've been planning to go there for since last summer. No time like the present.
-Actually, the whole month of July, I'd like to just vacation. Go to Michigan/Chicago, then down to Savannah/Florida.
-Get a new car.
-Get back into music. Finding new bands, playing guitar, making music, again, and going to shows.

The Button Box

2009-12-31T01:31:00.003-05:00

In every family, there is generally something that is passed down from generation to generation. It may be a watch or other piece of jewelry, fancy silverware, or a piece of clothing. In our family, we pass around the button box.

This tin of buttons was housed in my grandmother's house for years until she passed away and my father took it. Now, it's mine.

Stored inside has been numerous buttons collected over the years and there used to be some great spools of vintage thread before I took them out. Most of the buttons don't have a full set anymore, which can make it annoying when you're trying to put something together, but they all have character to them. There's cute shapes, spiral designs, metal and copper, along with shank buttons collected from pieces of clothing.

And so the tradition will live on. The tin will get more rusted with time. The buttons will become more varied and scattered and new additions will join. But, I will give pass it on to one of my children and continue the legacy.

50s Housewife

2009-12-29T19:35:00.006-05:00

I always say that I'm training to be a housewife. I like cooking and cleaning and other domestic things. I could do the whole 50s housewife thing: make dinner for my husband and have it on the table when he comes home, make sure my hair and makeup are perfect and that the kids are seen and not heard. I could do that.

Actually, what I really want to do is just work from home for the rest of my life. I want to be successful enough with my design work to just be able to work from home, maybe open my own shop, but be able to rely on myself for work for the rest of my life. I don't like other people scheduling my time, so this is the perfect option.

As for the housewife thing, that's just a joke I say to people. In fact, I'm probably one of the only girls I know who has never planned out her dream wedding. I have no idea about the dress, table settings, bridesmaids, colors, vows, and guest list, let alone who would be standing at the other end of the aisle I'd be walking down. I'm sure if I find the perfect, perfect person, I'd consider getting married, but I'd much rather just live with him for the rest of my life without the fancy ceremony. Or elope. Vegas is fun and only a few hours away.

Outfit Details:

Green Dress - Steinmart in Savannah (First and only time I've ever been in that store...fate?)

Black thigh-high Fishnets - Walmart

Grey Leather Flats - Famous Footwear

Yellow and Purple Paisly Scarf - Macy's

Crow Glass Necklace - Photoglass Works

The Big Sleep

2009-12-29T01:26:00.003-05:00

It’s a sparsely furnished room, consisting of a metal bed with a stained mattress, a bucket of piss on the dirt-covered floor, and a stock of bread sitting in a tin cup. Flies and maggots swarm in and around the bread.

A man occupies the room. His skin has a gleam of sweat and dirt covering him. His hair is long and his beard is bushy. A few flies occupy their time swarming around his face. One crawls into his mouth. The man doesn’t notice. Staring intently out the barred window, he looks onto the desert outside. In the distance, a crowd is congregating around a set of gallows.

A crow lands on the windowsill and squawks loudly. It brings the man back to attention, and he looks away from the distance, to the crow, then finally to the room he sits in. He notices the flies around him and swats them away before picking up a tin-type photo of a woman and his child from the bed. He stares longingly at the photograph.

A small building, generally used for prayer, is filled with people of all types stuffed onto its benches. A member of the crowd is the woman from the photograph. Their attention is focused on the scene happening at the front of the room.

The man is sitting at the front of the room on a bench, cleanly shaven with shorter hair. He is wearing the type of clothes one would wear to church, yet he’s not part of a congregation. Instead, he is in shackles.

The sheriff paces the front of the room, making wild hand gestures and pointing at the man. Every now and then, the crowd erupts and the judge has to pound his gavel to get them back to order. This goes on until finally, the judge stands and speaks. The man drops his head in his hands. The room clears out. The woman from the photo takes a long look at the man, then exits the room.

The man is all alone on his bench at the front of the church. The bailiff comes in and ushers the man out. He leads him through the doors of the church into the sunlight outside. Some people from the audience inside linger outside, softly speaking and stealing glances at the man as he is lead back to the jail. Once inside, the bailiff throws the man into his cell and slowly locks the door. He walks away as the man gets on his hands and knees and begins to pray.

On the back of the photograph, the man writes a letter. In scratchy script, he writes, “In our yard, buried underneath the pine, there’s a cigar box full of money of which I’ll never need a dime. Use it to start over, the way things should have been. Live honest and love again.”

He stares at his words, and in the little space at the bottom scribbles, “I never meant for this to happen.”

He bailiff unlocks the doors and pulls the man to his feet. The picture falls to the floor as the man is once again shackled and led out of the cell.

He leaves the jail into the desert outside his window. The crowd has gotten larger, and they all jeer and spit at him as he is lead by. Some throw punches, and the bailiff does little to fight them off the man.

Arriving at the gallows, the bailiff passes the man off to the executioner. He pulls the noose over his head to more cheers from the crowd. The woman is seen in the crowd. She is crying. She locks eyes with the man for a moment, then turns and walks away.

The man closes his eyes slowly, opens them, then takes a deep breath.

The executioner pulls the lever.

The man falls through the open shaft.

His body convulses, then goes limp. Now, it sways in the still air.

The crowd begins to dispurse.

(Photo from the Iowa County Genealogy Website)

Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas

2009-12-26T01:17:00.004-05:00

My first year of being without my family on Christmas turned out very well. I went earlier in the month and bought Christmas lights and stockings for us to make the house more festive for the Holidays, especially because Shawn and I were staying here (Anthony's making snow angels in Boston for the next month). I freehanded our names onto some stockings and hung them above the TV (we're sans fireplace) and strung lights all around the perimeter of the living/dining room. We never ended up getting a tree, but we're fine without, I think.

Christmas Eve I planned to make a big dinner for Shawn and I like what I would be eating if I were in Michigan with my family. I had to work in the morning (6:45-3:15), and, afterwards, I came home and started making us a delicious dinner of breaded chicken, cheesy potatoes, and green bean casserole, with cookies and brownie sundaes with peppermint ice cream for dessert. It was all really delicious, and I couldn't have been more pleased. I'm going to make a good housewife someday. Then, we put on the Muppet Christmas Carol to continue a Christmas tradition.

Today, I woke up with my sister calling me on the phone, and I opened the packages I have received over the past few weeks from my family. They've been very persistent, and slightly rude, about me not opening any of them until Christmas day. I waited and was pleasantly surprised. Because postage and the post office in general is so ridiculous these days, I got a lot of gift cards and cash, so I plan on taking pictures of what I buy and sending them to whoever gave me the card. That way, everyone will know how I enjoyed their gift.

Later, Shawn and I met up with my friend Flynn and his Dad in Burbank for a nice Italian dinner at Metro City Caffe. It was really delicious. I got the Penne al Pollo and sampled the lasagna and penne with sausage. All was really good. We had a lot of fun. Flynn is absolutely ridiculous and watching his dad and him rip on each other was just like being with my family, though I wasn't in the line of fire.

Afterwards, we went to see Sherlock Holmes at the AMC. I really wanted to see this movie and thought it was going to be really good. I mean, look at the cast: Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr., and Rachel MacAdams, along with a really great British and American supporting cast. I had high expectations, and, of course, was thoroughly disappointed. Though it was wonderfully shot and had quite a lot of good, humorous moments (though most of them were in the trailer), I thought the plot dragged and was really drawn out. The moments that were action packed were pretty intense, but when there wasn't action, it was a snooze. The story was pretty interesting, and I loved how they had Holmes dressing as different roles/disguises, but, overall, I was unimpressed. Also, I've never fallen asleep while watching a movie in a theatre, and today, I did. Bad omen. And I've seen some pretty horrible films in movie theatres, and I have never fallen asleep.

Overall, though, I had an amazing two days of Christmas festivities. The most important thing is to be able to make a family away from your family, and I can safely say I have. It's the best, too, because I choose to have these people in my life, there's no obligation for them to be here.

Hope everyone had a great, festive Christmas!

Beyond Normal

2009-12-22T21:40:00.006-05:00

All day, I've been curled up on the couch in front of the TV watching the Paranormal State marathon on A&E. Well, I can't say all day because I did clean the house, make lunch, shower, and get dressed, but the majority, and I have to leave for work in an hour (I hate this night schedule they have me on). It's a perfect day, however, to watch creepy ghost shows on TV because it's super windy outside and all you can hear is the shrill sound of the wind whistling through the trees.

In honor of my paranormal marathon, I searched Etsy for some creepy finds. Here we go:

Ghost Bed Photo Print by Smacshop

Sifting through a box of photographs from the attic, she discovered a black envelope at the bottom. Opening it, she read the inscription "Ghost Bed," only to flip it over to reveal a photograph, though out of focus and grainy, of the bed she sleeps in every night.

Monsters White T-shirt by Luca Workshop

The monsters that hide in the forest are the ones that haunt his sleep.

Little Child No 1 by Ravenwolf Gallery

Their voices haunt the house. They just want to play.

Suicide Brooch by Tilly Bloom

Hundreds of people were standing outside for the grand opening. Instead of cutting the ribbon that ornamented the threshold of the new building, the mayor sliced his throat. The red of the ribbon wasn't the only crimson that fell to the ground.

Outbreak by Elle Moss

Alone in the large, country house, the one on the lot that was built before the revolution, she lit the candelabra to see through the darkness. The storm outside knocked the power out, and she has to walk to the damp cellar to fix the fuses. The candlelight as her guide, she walks through the hall, past the mirror that's been hung as long as the house has stood, and from the corner of her eye, was it herself she caught in the reflection?

Waiting to Fly Glass Necklace by Photo Glass Works

And the ravens sit in the tree overlooking the cemetery, watching the gravediggers as they lower a body into the ground.

I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You

2009-12-17T02:15:00.006-05:00

(Clockwise from left: Mom, Dad, me, Jessica)

This year is the first Christmas I will be spending without the company of my family. It's been twenty years of Christmas chaos with the family, and the twenty-first year will be left without.

(Me, Santa, Jessica, Kendal)

It's bittersweet, in a way. I knew when I moved out to California that there would be a very good chance I would not be going home for Christmas. I knew for even more certain when I was hired at my job that there would be no way I would be able to go. It's a change from living in Savannah where I had a more flexible work schedule (i.e.: I made the schedule, so I worked whenever I wanted), so I had the ability to fly back to Michigan for two weeks or so for the Holidays. Not the case, anymore, though.

(Me and Jessica [look at her snowman tights!])

I think I will enjoy it, though. I've been working very hard the past nine months since I left school to establish who I am on my own, and I think this is just one step closer to that self-actualization.

(Jessica, me, Jason, Dad)

Merry Magic

2009-12-10T22:09:00.004-05:00

The one rare day it rains in California is the one day we decide to go to Disney for the last time before the new year. Oh, well, it didn't phase us much with me being from the Midwest and Anthony being from New England where the possibility of rain is greater than that of sun.

We took to the the umbrella, and off we went!

It was so beautifully decorated for Christmas. One thing you have to love about Disney is that they go all out for any occasion. Halloween was dressed, and Christmas was absolutely no exception. New Orleans Square was covered in wreaths and tinsel, lights and icicles. Wreaths adorned the doors, and giant ornaments hung from wires.
I'm still five years old, and the merry-go-round is still one of my favorite things to ride.

The castle was awesome, too. Here's different stages of it during the day. We went into the candy shop on Main Street to buy some delicious candy apples and came out to the castle being fully lit in the icicles. It was gorgeous.

The only sad thing was that, due to the rain, they canceled the fireworks for the night. Also, the park closed early (at 6), so we ended up leaving and never even going over to California Adventures due to the crappy weather and being cold. And we're hoping that next time we go Shawn will be able to come with us finally, so we all can enjoy the magic.

The Gardener

2009-12-10T05:23:00.002-05:00

He can't seem to escape this.

In a sea of truss,

He's tangled in the weeds, and

He's all grown up.

She walks across the threshold

With her plush bouquet;

Her fragrance overcomes him.

He craves its taste.

Clouds cover the sunshine

As she's getting home.

Walk a little faster,

Through the great unknown.

Break into a run now,

As he's gaining speed.

Drop your array of flowers.

Now there is no need.

They say he has a secret

In his garden.

Maybe it's an Eden.

Eve and Adam,

Go on, pick the apple,

Take the first bite.

See what we believe in.

Wish with all your might.

Take apart the outside,

Put some water in it.

Add a little sunlight,

And there's no stop to this.

Go on, tend the flowers

With a rake and hoe.

Bask in all its beauty

And watch it grow.

He claims he is a gardener.

With his hat and gloves,

Tends the little flower,

Makes the young girl blush.

When the flower's blooming,

And the garden's lush,

Pluck her from the roses.

There's no stopping lust.

Warm Me Up.

2009-12-07T04:44:00.004-05:00

I bought this incredibly awesome dress from Vintage Petals during her moving sale. I absolutely love it and had to share, though I've had no proper reason to wear it, yet.

It's such a perfect little party dress. The top of the dress is a boned corset, while the bottom is an a-line, and the middle is filled with cute frilly polka dots! It's in excellent vintage condition, too, which makes it that much more exciting.

Ashley has some really awesome items in her shop, with more to come, I'm sure, so check it out! Everything is very reasonable, too, considering how well the conditions are.

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Dress - Vintage Petals

Reddish-orange Tights - Target

Shoes - Sears

Necklace - Ollie Otson

BOGO!

2009-12-04T16:37:00.004-05:00

Buy one, get one 50% off on all wallets at Ollie Otson!

If you're still looking for the perfect gift (or gifts) for someone on your list, here you go!

All pieces are one-of-a-kind and made from vintage or vintage-inspired paper.

Unfortunately, the sale excludes all custom orders and items other than wallets, but we could probably work something out.

Christmas Wishlist - Etsy Style

2009-12-02T02:04:00.006-05:00

Oh, Etsy. How I peruse you day in and day out, adding many of your finds to my favorites and wanting to drain my PayPal account to get them. How you tease me, you saucy minx.

Vintage Argus Camera from Thrush Vintage

How could you not want this? Perfect condition, still in the box with instructions. Love.

Vintage 70s Bubble Gum Pink Geographical Silk Scarf from BetaAccessories

C'mon, it has scenes of London on it and is absolutely cute!

Navy Birdcage Bow Veil Hat from Thrush Vintage

So adorable.

Rehabbed Souvenir Pigeon Mug by Brooklyn Rehab

I love New York, and I love pigeons, therefore, I love this mug.

Gnarled by Untamed Menagerie

My other favorite obsessions/loves, along with pigeons, are trees. Interesting necklaces are always wanted, too.

The Great Gatsby

2009-12-01T04:26:00.002-05:00

"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures, and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." - Nick Carraway; Chapter 9

New Moon

2009-11-30T04:23:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am one of them. I enjoy the Twilight series. I'm not crazy obsessed like most people, I just enjoy the books and enjoy even more making fun of the movies. I don't want to date Edward Cullen or Robert Pattinson, and I honestly don't find anyone in the movies terribly attractive. I think the casting is all wrong, but that's just my opinion, don't tar and feather me for it.

Tonight, I went out to Universal City Walk with Flynn to see the movie. For the expectations I had going into it, I have to say, they were exceeded, though not drastically.

Compared to the last film, this one really stepped it up. Not only could someone who never read the books be able to follow the storyline, something that the saga missed on the first go, but there weren't as many of the cheesy lines and moments that make you cringe. And, one could tell that the actors actually had a little more direction, as their performances were much better.

Also, the cinematography was amazing. Twilight was also well shot with the nature and scenes they laid out, but it was color corrected all wrong. I can understand the atmosphere that was trying to be created, but it just looked horrible. It didn't help make the actors any more stunning and it surely didn't do the beautiful scenery any justice. In New Moon, the scenes were vivid and more natural. They didn't have a depressing blue tint to them; actually, more of a yellow. Plus, all the shots in the forest were well done. They really established Forks in this one, the layout and landscape, much better than the first.

Finally, they fixed the hair and makeup problems! The Cullens' hair was not bleach blonde and ready to break off, and they all had a porcelain tone skin versus the blanched white of the first movie. Yes, they're dead, but you don't have to make them look like a clown with all the white makeup on them. There still should be something done with the copper contacts in their eyes because they all look creepy, not mesmerizing, but I suppose we're already in too deep for that.

My biggest problem, however, were the wolves. I don't know why the CG'ed them in when they could have used actual wolves to film and make it look more realistic. Obviously, wolves in the wilderness aren't five feet tall, but movie magic and a good cinematographer can help fix that.

Another thing I can never get over, though it's not the movies' fault, is how stupid and naive Bella is. She'll believe anything. It's hard for me to connect with her because the whole time in my head I'm screaming, "You're an idiot!" I mean, hanging out with vampires who want nothing more than to eat you is one thing, but taking half the movie to realize that Jacob is a werewolf is just pathetic. He scaled the side of your house and you didn't even question it! It's slightly ridiculous.

I have to say, though, my favorite thing about the Twilight Saga movies is Bella's dad: Chief Charlie Swan played by Billy Burke. He reminds me of my dad a lot.

Photos from IMDB.

Vegas

2009-11-28T04:01:00.009-05:00

I was lucky enough to spend this Thanksgiving in Las Vegas with Anthony and his family.
We left Monday, and on the way, we stopped in Baker, California, per my request, to see the world's largest thermometer and get some shakes at Bob's Big Boy.

We got to Vegas around 5, met up with Ant’s parents, aunt, and uncle, grabbed some food, and played some slots.

Tuesday, more of Anthony’s family piled in. I met his grandfather, his aunt and uncle, and one of the guys who works for his dad. More eating and gambling ensued, and then Ant and I headed to the strip.

We hit a couple tourist-y places, like the M&M factory. Look at all those colors! They gave us free samples. I was in love.

I'm generally not one for touristy photos, but I love Paris, and hey, I'm on vacation, so it's okay.

And nudity seemed to pop up everywhere. I took a picture with this lovely lady, and spent a lot of my time walking the strip the first night picking up call-girl porn from the people on the street handing them out.

I got a whole stack of them, and Ant was equally embarrassed and amused by my excitement to get them. I especially enjoyed the looks on peoples’ faces when I would run up to the guys and put out my hand to take them, always saying a very polite, “Thank you,” in appreciation. They loved me. And now, I have a pile of these cards and plan to create some wallets and things from them. Free things to make art, right?

Yes, I am holding a cartridge of ammo.

Wednesday, we went to the shooting range and shot off some guns. Maria, Cameron, and I ended up shooting a Berretta CX4, and Anthony and Ronnie shot AR-15 assault rifles. It was pretty crazy. I thought shooting a big gun like that would be a more difficult, but it didn’t kick that hard at all. And, I shot my target twice in the heart and three times in the head, so don’t mess with me!

More walking down the strip, this time, even farther. We went to the Venetian. It truly was a little, touristy Venice in there. Very beautiful art and architecture. Plus, they had gondolas with people inside singing Italian Operas and songs. Absolutely lovely.
I fell in love with these window displays. The first one is from an amazing, handmade mask shop and the second is from an upscale boutique. I do costume design, so anything like that is right up my alley, and we all know I love to make things out of paper, so the second is just as great.

Overall, it's probably one of the best Thanksgivings I've ever had. Thursday, we went bowling in the morning with Ant's family, which was well over fifteen people, then headed over to a restaurant for a good ol' Italian Thanksgiving of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pasta, and tiramisu. It was wonderful how openly and lovingly they all accepted me into their family for the holidays.

Today, we drove back and got into North Hollywood around 1 PM. I had to go to work at 2 and should probably be sleeping right now because I'm so exhausted and have to be back at work tomorrow at 10:45, but I'm trying to catch up on all the Blogs I didn't read and pay some bills.

My plans for this weekend are to catch up on the custom orders I have. Hopefully, on Monday, I can send them all out. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

I'm Not Quite Sure of My Intentions

2009-11-22T01:13:00.004-05:00

I think too much. I want too much. I tend to say what I don't mean because it makes it easier. But does it really? Does it really make this easier?

I can dissect every little word and sentence in my head. Break down the sentence structure into nouns and verbs. Pronouns. You. And me. We.

Us.

Does that exist? Do we exist? Together?

I wonder if I really want this or if I just think I want it.

Contemplating.

It's only Wednesday? It feels like Friday.

2009-11-19T00:59:00.005-05:00

Geeze, am I beat! I don't know what's been up these past two weeks, but I am not my usual self. I haven't been sleeping well, I've been tired, and my body is freaking out on me. Incredibly dry skin, uncontrollable hair, and, popped blood vessels on the side of my knee. Those are what really baffle me. I have no idea how I got them, and it actually looks like I was stung by a jellyfish, so I'm uber confused.

I'm just in a funk, I guess, but hopefully that will be different next week since I barely will be working, Ant's parents will be here (I finally get to meet them, and I'm really excited), and I may get to go to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving! Exciting!

I also just ordered two big lots of vintage photos, so expect some new things in the shop around the beginning of December. I'm planning on learning to make purse clutches and coming out with some new wallet designs. Keep your eyes open! As for now, though, I've reduced everything, so GO SHOP!

As for the outfit, I wore this sometime last week. I think it's a bit overworked, but I wore it anyways. I love the tights, and I hardly ever get to wear them, but I thought with the black shirt and the grey vest, it was okay. I only wore it for a few hours, anyways, when I went to work, then I came home and switched into some comfy pajamas and watched The Notebook on TV.

Outfit Details:

Black Collared Shirt - Go International for Target

Grey Military Jacket - Go International for Target

Purple Skirt - H&M

Tights - Target

Black Oxfords - Sears

Have you guys noticed yet that I buy a lot of clothes from Target? It's my biggest weakness. I found a Target within walking distance of my apartment, went there on Monday, and had to talk myself out of many different things. I hate not having the funds anymore to just buy things whenever I wanted. I haven't had to conciously think about money and how much of it I have for over two years, now, and since I moved here, I constantly think about if I'm going to have enough money to pay bills, rent, student loans, get food... it's exhausting! I guess that's what happens, though, when you basically double your living expenses and make about a third of what you used to make a month.

P.S. - I'm trying to figure out why my pictures are looking so horrible when I post them on here. The past few posts, they've been really grainy and weirdly tinted when I upload them, not at all like they look in the program when I edit them. I think when I export them from the program to a file folder to Blogger something gets lost in the transaction. I've been reduced to screen capturing my photos in order to get them to look correct, which is much lower quality, but it's better. I apologize for the previous horrible photos. I promise I can light a room better than those photos convey.

Pineapple Salsa Chicken Tacos

2009-11-16T21:50:00.003-05:00

I made these delicious tacos Friday evening before going off to work. They were so good! I was impressed with myself because I basically just made it up as I went, and it worked out.

Here's what you'll need:

Chicken

Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa

Cheese

Taco Shells

Onions

Any other toppings you prefer

First, cut the chicken into little strips and cook them.

Second, combine the chicken and the pineapple salsa in a skillet. Add as much salsa as you want. I added about four spoonfuls over the chicken. Put the heat down to medium-low and simmer the chicken in the salsa for about five to ten minutes.

Third, while the chicken is simmering in the salsa, heat up the taco shells.

Fourth, when the chicken is done simmering in the salsa and the shells are heated, combine everything together.

Fifth, EAT!

When I cooked mine, I added onions in with the chicken while they were cooking for some extra flavor. You can toss in peppers, cilantro, or anything else you please for extra seasoning.

Basically, everything is up to taste. Add and delete whatever you feel necessary.

Death of an Interior Decorator

2009-11-13T02:14:00.006-05:00

I had to work all day today, so I plan to thrift tomorrow before I go into work at 6.

I already have a plan to get up early tomorrow, walk to the Goodwill, and pick up a referee shirt I saw in the window, with plans to turn into a really cute skirt. I'm also looking for bookcases and shelves to decorate my room with. I've lived here for three months, now, and still have most of my belongings packed in the suitcases I brought them to California in. It's sad, and I feel like I need to start getting my life back together.

I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking so much about what I was going to do decorating wise. I pulled out the Ikea catalogue and browsed Design Sponge in order to find some really fun ideas for decorating.

I decided on three things. One, I need to get a vanity. Currently, when I do my hair and makeup, I sit on the floor in front of the mirrored closet doors. I need to have a space dedicated to getting ready. Two, I want to buy a bunch of vintage doorknobs to put on the wall to hang my jewelry and headbands on. Right now, I have them tacked to the wall with pins or shoved in a box getting tangled and ruined. I found a really good shop on Etsy that sells amazing knobs, and they're from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan, which is where I'm from. Hometown love! Three, I am making a headboard. I have quite an elaborate idea in my head of what I'm going to do. I want to incorporate my art, canvases, and pictures into it with shelves to put my random assortment of cameras on.

That's just for the bedroom. I have big plans for our living room, too. Anthony probably won't care too much for my ideas (especially because they involve a fish tank), but I'm going to do them anyways. Shawn's all for it, so that's a 2/3rds democracy. I just hate that it still looks like we've just moved in, and we've been here for almost four months now.

And to break up the text, here's some pictures for all of you who are like me - visual learners.

I love the mix of modern and vintage that is designed in this room. A lot of this is from Ikea (I'm quite familiar with their 2009 catalogue, it's quite sad). The funny thing is, I plan to get that cart the TV is sitting on to put the fish tank on in the living room, and I want to get a chest to replace the coffee table we currently have. This room reminds me a lot of Savannah and how all the houses are there. I've really been missing being there and all the people I left behind.

Look at those lights! I love collages with random materials.

How can you not love this nightstand? It's absolutely amazing.

All pictures are from Design*Sponge.