Inspired by Nature Series: Painted Desert

This outfit was inspired by a photograph taken by the photographer David Anthony Porter.  Here's his Flickr page (LINK) he is truly a fantastic talent.  I'm going to link you to the photograph instead of putting it in this post because the image is copyright protected and I couldn't find anyway for me to contact him and ask for permission to use the image.

The link to the inspiration photo for this look is THE PAINTED DESERT.

Gorgeous photograph right?  And it's not the ordinary color combination you think of when you think of the desert right?  Well at any rate that sky blue, red, and gray color story really inspired this outfit.

I threw in a bunch of different accessories because there are really so many ways you could go with it, and typical me, I just couldn't limit myself.  I also included a grayish-red pair of shorts as well as a plain red pair because I couldn't decide which I liked better.

So what do you think?  Is it a mess? haha

I liked the idea of the wolf accessories.. you know wolves, the desert, yadda yadda... but that was before I had added in the red shorts and I was like, well theres just not enough red!  So that's where those southwestern inspired earrings came from... you could probably still wear the wolf necklace with that but both of the pairs of earrings would be too much.  In case you hate the wolves I also threw in that lovely reddish-brown stone colored necklace.  And of course if you're going to be in the desert a hat is a must right!? (Sorry I didn't include shoes, I got frustrated! What would you recommend?)

So what do you think?  Garbage color story?  Or no?


HAT-S/W EARRINGS-SUNGLASSES-WOLF EARRINGS-BRACELET-STONE NECKLACE-SHIRT-WOLF NECKLACE-PURSE-RED/GRAY SHORTS-RED SHORTS

I love feedback, I'd love to know what you think!

I have the most amazing shoes coming in!

I haven't been this excited about shoes in a long, long time.  I wear a US women's size 11 and it's IMPOSSIBLE to find non-geriatric looking shoes in that size.  Amazingly, I seem to have struck gold TWICE recently!

This first pair is from Alice + Olivia for Payless:

Not only did they have them in size 11, but it was the only size left online!  This is truly amazing because I haven't been able to find clogs like this ANYWHERE in my size!  The heels might make me 6' 4" so I may not be able to see my feet from all the way up there but at least I'll know they look good! haha












This second pair is from Target:

I love the wood on the sole of these shoes!  Gorgeous right?



Anyone got a source for fabulous shoes for women with large feet?  What shoes have you been loving lately?

About Me Page Updated!

For anyone who's curious I've updated my "About Me" page so you can learn a little more about who I am.


Thanks for reading!

Old Navy 30% Sale: Work Clothes

So I decided to take advantage of the Old Navy 30% off deal that's going on to get a couple of basics for my work wardrobe.  At the moment I have almost nothing that's "work appropriate" but it's getting to about that time, I'm applying for my first internship this fall, there will  probably be more after that, and someday (God willing) I'll have a for real and actually job to go to everyday!  So I'm starting now on building up an acceptable work wardrobe, I love "work" clothes anyway so I'm really pretty excited that I'm going to start having occasions to wear them!

I just figured this would be a perfect plain vanilla work skirt, and it was on sale for $18.99 in addition to the 30% off so why not!?

<<< This is probably more of a casual Friday kind of blazer, but it might work depending on the work setting, but it was on sale for $24.99, plus there was the 30% off so... I got it!

So what do you guys think?  A good use of a 30% off deal?  Where are your favorite places to buy "work" clothes?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie trailer

Ok so it's time you all knew, I freaking love Harry Potter!  I seriously almost died from excitement while I was watching this trailer:

Sooooooooo? How awesome was that!?

Recipe of the Week! This week: Marinated Asparagus Appitizer

Here's a new feature for all of you lovely readers out there, a recipe of the week.  Now that I've begun dieting, I've realized how important it is to have some good healthy recipes in your arsenal!  This one is an appetizer that my dad slightly modified from a Paula Deen recipe.  I can't find the original version on her website, but here is the even more delicious version my dad came up with!

We have VERY large family events just about every weekend, and there's always about 20 people crowded around the marinated asparagus dish!  We've even converted some people who never liked asparagus before into huge fans!  Enjoy!

Marinated Asparagus 

Ingredient List:
1 or 2 bunch(es) Asparagus
Olive Oil - approx 2/3 cup
Tarragon Vinegar - approx 4 tablespoons to taste
Shallot - 1 or 2 medium size
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
pinch crushed red pepper flake (optional)

Preparation:
Bend each asparagus spear until the tough bottom portion snaps off. Discard bottoms.
Drop asparagus into large pot boiling water. Blanche for 3 minutes.
Drain and plunge asparagus into ice water bath to stop cooking process.

Place in oblong serving dish and set aside.

Peel and dice shallots and reserve.

Combine olive oil, tarragon vinegar, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flake in bowl and whisk briskly. Add shallots and pour over asparagus.

Allow to marinate for 1/2 hour before serving. 

Big Thanks to Mary's Last Chance Blog Design!

You may notice this amazing new layout for my blog, it was done by the wonderful Mary of Mary's Last Chance Blog Design!  She designed this gorgeous layout and was really lovely to work with!  For anyone whose looking to create a beautiful and professional looking blog I absolutely recommend her!


Thanks again, Mary!

Kelly Elizabeth: Weight Crusader!

Over the past two years my body has been on a crazy ride.

When I first started college I didn't like the school I was at, it was so cold and windy outside all the time that I never went out, and I wasn't clicking with anyone on campus, I was super depressed, and for the second semester I barely left my room and almost flunked out.  During this period of time I lost 40 pounds, 30 of which I really couldn't have afforded to loose.  I think I was somewhere in the 125 to 130 range at my thinest, which for a person as tall as me is really far too thin.

After my first miserable year at college I transfered to a school that I love that's in a great area, with great people, and it's a short train ride into Manhattan should I feel the urge to soak in some culture.  Unfortunately, with all of this luck I've become, as they say, "fat and happy".  I'd say that right now I weigh about 180 pounds, I'm 6 feet tall so I'm not morbidly obese or anything but I really need to loose some weight and get healthy.

My target weight would be somewhere around 140 or 150.  For a lot of years I was pretty steady at 152 pounds, and even then I probably could have stood to loose 5 to 10 pounds.  I'm not so focused on these numbers as much as I just want to look good and be healthy.

I've just started my weight crusade today and I've decided to chronicle my attempt to eat healthier and make a positive lifestyle change...

LUSH Color Supplements Review

Alright everyone, here's my latest review!

The Lush website describe the color supplements as:

"Perfect for giving an even, flawless look to your skin; these little beauties will cover up the odd blemish and tone down any redness. They can be used by themselves as a normal foundation for more concentrated coverage, or they can be mixed with our beautiful moisturizers to give a lighter, more dewy complexion. Made with red rose petal infusion to calm redness and glycerine to help your skin retain moisture, these mineral oil-free Colour Supplements do lovely things for your skin."


Alright so I'm going to give you the bullet points:


-I wouldn't use these by themselves, I think that they would be hard to work with and way to thick on their own.  Even with moisturizer mixed in it was still a little hard to work with.  


- If I did this again I might use a foundation brush instead of my hands, because, as you saw, the finger application technique wasn't very even. 

-Obviously there's a VERY limited color range (as you can see on their website) I think that maybe the theory is that if you mix it with moisturizer it should be thin enough that it will match the tone of your skin rather than the exact shade and that that should be good enough?  This is what it says on the subject on their website, "There are four different Colour Supplements that are meant to cover all the ranges in colour of skin. You can use them straight onto your skin as foundation, concealer, or by supplementing (blending) the colour with your moisturizer on the back of your hand to find the perfect shade."


- I didn't use any kind of primer or base because I was blending the supplement in with my moisturizer, I wonder if that is why it really didn't last on me very long at all, or because it was hot out...  It sort of managed to stick to some of my forehead for most of the day, but it also settled in to some deep cracks I have on my forehead (sun damage from my lifeguarding days unfortunately...)  It slide off of my cheeks and chin pretty quickly though, and that's after I set it with some bare minerals and minerals veil.  


-  I don't think that I would buy this product, especially since you only get .7 (I think ounces even though it doesn't say so on their website) and it costs $13.00, but I suppose you have to factor in that you mix it with moisturizer instead of just using it straight (or at least that's how I'd use it.)

If you have any questions that I didn't answer or any comments at all please leave it in the comments!  

Thanks for reading!

Rouche, why must your shorts be so cute?

I am coveting so many pairs of shorts from Ruche lately, that it's border-line ridiculous...

I'm going to buy one of these three here:

           How great is this outfit?>>

 Or These?>>>>>










Boy oh boy is my window shopping eye DANGEROUS!  What do you fine people think?  I'm sort of leaning toward the floral print... I think.... maybe...

FLORAL SHORT-LACE SHORTS-GREEN STRIPE

Some of the Best Graphic T-shirts I've ever seen.

I have an odd obsession with collecting basic wardrobe items, tank tops in every color, t-shirts in every color, socks, etc, etc.  I've never really been a fan of graphic tees because I don't like to preach to people with my clothing but some of these are just too great to pass on.  The following T-shirt are all courtesy of Mental Floss Magazine, a great publication that is as full of useless trivia as it is stimulating facts.  This is their great store, Mental Floss Store, but I'm going to be focusing on some of their "women's fit" t-shirts.  Really I'm just posting some of my favorites, all of these t-shirts are aorund $17 a piece.  Enjoy!

Got to love your basics!!!

Holy Grail Etsy Shop: Vintage Curve

Vintage Curve describes themselves as: "Vintage clothing and accessories from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s with a focus on larger sizes!"

Do you hear the Hallelujah chorus too, or is that just me?  FINALLY vintage clothing for those of us who aren't a size 00-6!  Here are some of the highlights of the lovely "plus-sized" (ha!) clothes:

I don't know about you, but for me this is an AMAZING find, I can finally get some fintage dresses, that are slightly fitted, that actually fit me!

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Current Dress Covet: Grand Stand Dress @ ModCloth

I want this dress from ModCloth so badly it hurts!  Unfortunately, NONE of the clothes sold on that website fit me.  I am 6 feet tall and have wide hips, so even when the rare chance comes along that something comes in an extra large, it still doesn't fit me!  Oh well... maybe one of you fine readers will be able to get this gorgeous dress.

Derek and the Dominos are the greatest rock band of all time.

Derek and the Dominos are my favorite group of all time here are a few reason why:

Adorable Jewelry that's Perfect for Summer!

So I found this new shop on Etsy that I am just in love with!  It's Ben & Oliver, which gets a bonus because I had a dog named Oliver, but they make these great rings, necklaces, earrings, and bobby pins that I am dying to get in every color!  The best part is that almost everything is in a $7-$13 price range!

Here are some of my favorites!

Adorable right!?  I know I'll be getting at least a couple of things once my debit card stops smoking from some other purchases!

Enjoy!

New Etsy Purchases Coming in!

I know I have yet to update with photos from my first Etsy purchases... since my camera is still on the fritz.  I'm still excited about some new things coming in!  (By the way I've just discovered that I can take photos on my new video camera so there should be pictures up soon!)

First I ordered a ring made out of an antique type-writer key from qacreate ,which is pictured to the right.  How neat is that?!  They have a bunch of neat thing featured in their shop, including; 
Authentic Baseball Silver Cuff Links, Vintage Russian Moscow Subway Metro Transit Cuff Links, and a pair of cuff links made out of an old Map of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building and the NYSE.

I also ordered this beautiful Nautical Boatneck shirt from the lovely Maria at Lulu Letty from her OCaptainShop.  I'm very excited to receive this, it looks super cute, and super comfy!  I can't wait to pair this with a pair of washed out denim shorts, a pair of red socks, and some keds!

And last but not least I ordered this gorgeous baby doll dress from brownbagvintage , I dare you to look at this dress and not think it's super adorable!  The thing that I fell in love with instantly, was not only the gorgeous floral pattern but the pockets!  I just love some nice comfy pockets!



So That's all she wrote today folks!  Tomorrow I'm going to ride my bike to a farmer's market, and play with my video camera, so hopefully I'll have some great footage to put up!

The most awesome products on Etsy...

... are at celantanowoodworks. This guy makes guitars and ukuleles and they are so freaking adorable.  Here's a few pictures to prove it:

Have you ever seen something so cool in your life?  Well I mean it's pretty cool at least, right?  He's got a YouTube account set up HERE, and this is one of the videos from there:

YEAH I WAS RIGHT, IT'S AWESOME.

This Makes My Life!

I love Disney and I love Jason Segel so this picture pretty much makes my life!  Jason was at the World of Color Opening Ceremony, I imagine he's making appearances at Disney events because he's writing the newest installment of the Muppets movies, which is, of course, a Disney-owned franchise.  The movie is going to be called "The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made"  sounds promising!

Anyone else totally stoked for Jason Segel's Muppet Movie?







Here's some of the original Muppet movies to refresh your excitement!

  

Pick Me Up Video of the Day Number 5: Dawson's Creek

This show is a huge guilty pleasure for me!  I may or may not own all of the seasons on DVD....  Anyway, for some reason every summer I think of Dawson's Creek, I think it's because my family used to vacation at Cape Cod every year (the place that the fictional town of Capeside was based on).  For all of you folks who have fond memories of the 1990s this is for you!

FINALLY, a video update from me using my new HD Camcorder

Dressing for the World Cup and Other Sporting Events

I saw THIS POST on College Fashion.net and I thought it was such a great idea!

It's all about dressing for a sporting event while still preserving your style!

This is an idea I can get behind, and a reason that I love  the PINK Loves Major League Baseball collection that Victoria's Secret has come out with!

I Purchased this shirt off the PINK website literally weeks ago, but it is unfortunately on back order until July 4th!  I probably just should have gone to the store to get it but it was one of those impulse, "I have to have this right now!" purchases.  Currently they have 11 MLB Teams, mostly from the big cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles; The New York Yankees, The New York Mets, The Boston Red Sox, The Chicago White Sox, The Chicago Cubs, The Los Angeles Angels, The Los Angeles Dodgers,   The Minnesota Twins, The Philedelphia Phillies, The San Diego Padres, and the St. Louis Cardinals.  If I were a wealthy woman I would have bought all of the Yankees gear which includes another t-shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt, crop sweat pants, yoga pants, a baseball cap, and a sweatshirt.

They also have a great Collegiate Collection that features over 50 schools from across the United States!  I'm not really a college sports fan but I think it's a great thing to offer because I find that most of the clothes the schools sell are geared at men.

And with that I leave you with this last word, GO USA!

Pick Me Up Video of the Day Number 4: Disney's World of Color

I'm doing a documentary for my senior thesis about how Disney is good for the arts and employs artists, so I personally was delighted to see this little film.  But I mean who doesn't love Disney and who doesn't love bad ass light shows!?  So here's your pick-me-up video of the day, I hope you enjoy it!

Classic Looks Recreated, Vol. 1: Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront

Ok so today in my A Reflection of American Film: 1950-1999 we watched "On the Waterfront" and I'm not going to say anything intelligible about the film, but I am going to say... holy crap I love Marlon Brando, and the jacket he wears for most of this movie.  It really stuck out because everyone else was wearing plain jackets, and of course while its a black and white movie I imagined that the coat was red and black or something like that.

^^^ Pretty great jacket right?  Hey and how about that eyeliner?

I know I'm a little out-of-season with this post, but anyway I found these:

Unfortunately, both of these coats (1 and 2) are from Woolrich and each cost $189!  Also the plaid on both of these isn't quite as block like as it is on Brando's coat.  I have to say though the first one probably fits it better because it has buttons instead of a zipper...

 This one is a Levis bomber jacker for $195 but is closer looking to the Brando Jacket, though I guess really made for women.  I guess I'm having so much trouble finding a suitable dupe for the Brando jacket at a reasonable price because it's the middle of the summer and nobody is selling this stuff yet.

So on that note here's my nice summer interpretation of the Brando jacket in On the Waterfront:

It's not hugely original but I like it.  In keeping with the theme that Terry Malloy is a worker on the docks, I kept the outfit simple and not too flashy, we have the plain black jean shorts, I would do high-waisted but that's a personal choice, some ankle boots that are somewhat reminiscent of work boots and a nautical inspired statement necklace and a mautical rope bracelet because it's "On the Waterfront" .  I'm also imagining that that shirt-vest is red and black instead of gray and white here haha.  Photo credit: the shirt, the shorts, dark boot, lighter boot, necklaces left to right... 1, 2, 3, 4, and bracelet. 

So what do you think of my On the Waterfront style reinterpreted?  Sorry it wasn't more cost friendly, I had a hell of a time finding what I was looking for.  What about Marlon Brando, do you think he is one of the sexiest men that ever lived like I do?  I want to hear your thoughts!

Pick Me Up Video of the Day Number 3

Sorry I didn't have anything interesting to post today, I thought I finally was going to be able to post some pictures but my card reader is simply not behaving.

Well at any rate I started a film history class today, we're only covering films from the 1950s to 1999 which is a shame because some of my favorites come before that time period.  My all time favorite films have to be The Thin Man series.  Nick Charles is simply the most awesome baddest bad ass there is, not only can he solve murders but boy can the man DRINK!  Have you ever seen a drunk look so fucking classy?  So for those of out there who don't live lives of leisure like the Charles' here, this is a Pick Me Up Video of the Day to live vicariously through...

Pick Me Up Video of the Day Number 2

Here's a throwback for those of us raised in the 1990s.  The Adventures of Pete and Pete, anyone!?  Was that not that best show you watched growing up?

IF YOU'RE COOL IT WAS.

Watch this theme song and feel the awesomeness radiate from your computer monitor.

A Romper for Kelly!

I am loving all of the rompers that are showing up everywhere!  I think they look super cute and I have been dying to get one.  So when I saw this beauty fluffypinkbunnies vintage shop page on Etsy I snagged it up quickly!

I think it's just adorable!  I would love to put a yellow or blue blazer over it :)  Unfortunately, I don't own either of those things at the moment! haha

I lespecially love this because my grandfather was a lifeguard on the jersey shore in the 1930s and it reminds me of the bathing suits they had to wear... my aunt has a photo of it, I wish I had a copy.

At any rate here's some old fashioned shore inspired music for your listening pleasure, The Drifter's All-Time Greatest Hits Under the Boardwalk:

New Feature: Pick Me Up Video of the Day!

Everyone can always use a good pick me up, even if you're already having a nice day, so this blog will now feature a pick up video of the day!  Whether that is something funny, inspirational music, whatever!

Today's Inspirational video is a clip from the movie Funny Girl starring the legendary Barbara Streisand, Don't Rain on My Parade has to be my favorite number in Funny Girl, and it always leaves me feeling like I can accomplish anything!  I hope that it has the same effect of you! : )  (Not to mention, don't you love all of those great colorful outfits in the beginning of the scene?  I also love the head-on shot of Barbara in the taxi where you can really see her awesome cat eye make-up.)

Good Tech News!

I finally have a working digital camera and card reader in my apartment so I will be able to make videos and take pictures again!  My first video will probably be a review of the Korres Tinted Moisturizers.

I may also do some tutorials of my favorite everyday looks that I love.

All righty that's all she wrote for now, but I will leave you with a lovely little piece from the Pleasantville Original Score by Randy Newman, it's one of my favorite pieces of music ever!

My very first Etsy purchase!

Well I'm still on a bit of a birthday-shopping high (shameful, I know!) So I decided to give Etsy a try.  It's really amazing how much you can find on Etsy, it's like the biggest thrift store ever!

I put in an order with 41stvintage for these two blazers:

I am on a weird over-sized blazer obsession lately.  I also ordered this blazer from ModCloth the other day:

I am not ashamed to admit that part of the reason I bought this blazer is because it's called "Blazer Saddles", and I love the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles!  But the main reason was because it's a Linen blazer and I love Linen, particularly for the summer.

The only blazers I own currently are more form-fitting (though ill-fitting on me) and I just don't like any of them too much.  I have a great brown corduroy one that I bought in Old Navy years ago that I love, but it's a little snug.  I can't wait to get these in the mail, and will post pictures once I get them :)

Got to love birthdays!

Who are some of your favorite sellers on Etsy?  Got any recommendations? Do you love or hate over-sized blazers?

Awesome Baba O'Riley Piano Cover

Paper Writing Blues, Thank God for NYC!

Since today was my birthday and I had to be writing a paper for a feminism class all day I was feeling kind of down and wondering why I had decided to bother with summer credits, or life at all for that matter.  Enter the trifecta of happiness: Disney, Billy Joel, and New York City.

It is physically impossible to listen to this song and not have your spirits lifted.  If Oliver and Dodger can live on the streets of pre-Giuliani New York and still be happy, then so can I!

Side note, my dog that I had for 13 years (he died in 2008 :( ), was named Oliver after the cat in this movie, our neighbors got a cat that same year and named him Dodger haha.

Boo Tech Problems, Yay Birthdays!

Either my cameras have been lost or broken and I haven't been able to make videos, but I'm going start doing some regular blog posts.  More exciting than that though I will soon be the proud owner of an HD video camera!  I'm filming a documentary as my thesis project for school so it seems I will have a legitimate reason to own such a camera.

Yesterday was my birthday so I treated myself to a couple of birthday presents from ModCloth.com.


I'm having some trouble figuring out how to put these pictures in correctly so hopefully you can see them.

The first dress is the Seaside Park Dress which was a very reasonable $24.99.
The second dress is the Blue Sisters Dress at $49.99.
The first shirt was sort of an impulse buy.  At $47.99 it's way more than I would have liked to have spent, but they only had one left and... well it was my birthday dammit!  It's the Oxidized Copper Top.
The second shirt, the As A Cloud Top, was also an impulse buy but the price didn't make me hyperventilate so I'm really pleased about that purchase.
And then there was the 2 accessories, the $19.99 Braid the Storm Belt, and the $14.99 This Land Is Your Land necklace, which I am really excited about.  I have been needing an affordable belt for casual dresses and this seems like the perfect solution, and well the necklace just looked gorgeous!

I will post pictures an reviews once I get everything in, until then, Happy Summer everyone, enjoy the sunshine!