Driving Miss Daisy

I was tromping my little self down to my usual photo location with my camera and tripod in hand when I turned the corner to see a new vehicle present! There was some newer model SUV parked right by my favorite old Ford photo pal, and the truck was on. The lot next door where the truck is parked is now up for sale and they removed the truck from the lot, presumably to make the lot more visually appealing. Alas, my recent favorite photo companion is no longer there. When I was taking these pictures I was being a creeper and watching them move the truck from behind the veil of some woods. Oh well, it will force me to be more creative in finding photo locations.

dress/thrifted :: shoes/thrifted :: hat/claire's :: necklace/shop in Kihei :: belt/forever 21

I found this dress at Value Village a few weeks ago and I just loved how wacky and eighties it was. The pleats, the shoulders, the bib. Yeah, that little white part on the bust is a BIB. A bib! I'm like, you couldn't design the dress so that you didn't have this odd flap of fabric to cover my boobs? Haha. I'm tempted to just take it off and wear a camisole underneath. Though, I'm not sure I am going to keep it. I'll probably just sell this one. I can't picture myself wearing it out and about. Speaking of selling stuff, I'm going to be having a huge virtual garage sale probably at the end of the summer to clear out my closet since I'll be downsizing to the Winnebago closet, so get ready for that. I have acquired so many things this winter, I really need to purge my closet. I'm such a pack rat though, I keep everything and have a hard time letting go. Perhaps it'll be cathartic.

My hair is growing out a little bit, but I'm not getting my roots done again. I actually am really liking the dark roots this time, which is funny because last time I had roots I was so anxious to get them redone. I was looking back at pictures of me when I had dark hair and it's funny because I've gotten so used to being a red head, now seeing myself as a brunette is odd. I never thought that would happen! I've had dark hair my whole life and never really dyed it but now it's strange to see myself as a brunette! So, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I bought a box of light brown dye to kind of smooth the transition between my black roots and red hair. Do a little bit of artistic painting of the dye, haha. I'm glad I dyed my hair. It's one of the best things I've ever done, as far as changing my physical appearance goes. I feel so much less attached to my natural appearance, much more free to do what I want with my body. I mean, I'm the only one living in it, right? I might as well like it and have fun with it!

Short but sweet

I want to thank you guys for all your wonderful input on the discussion on my last post. I think it's a pretty important topic, one that I've been thinking about since visiting NYC for fashion week and just recently it's become more relevant. All of your thoughts were really great to hear, everyone has really valid thoughts and I'm so glad you guys shared. I'm sure it will be an ongoing discussion as blogging and blogging ethics are still going through growing pains and probably will be for some time.

shirt/vintage :: shoes/kensiegirl :: shorts/thrifted

I got these shorts a few weeks ago and I was so excited to wear them, but for some reason I just never got around to it. I let them lay on my floor for quite some time staring at me, saying, "style me!" I'm so glad I finally wore them though, they're so comfy! I have so many outfits hanging on my wall and my dress form, I need to get to them! I'm so lazy during the week. Work just makes me want to wear what I slept in , haha.

Yesterday I got the Brave's kitchen primed for paint, so hopefully by this afternoon it will be done! Some before and after photos are certainly coming. I just want to hang out in there all day!

Getting down to business

The weather has been so absolutely gorgeous this week! And alas! I've been mostly stuck inside working for 10 hours a day. Gotta pay the billz. Now it's a long weekend (4 days for me!) and I'm so looking forward to doing whatever the heck I want. Brave projects, friends, travels, relaxing. The options are endless!

Do you guys have any big plans for the long weekend?

I'm sure you guys are sick of my black target cardigan. I wear it pretty much every day. I just don't like being cold at all, and it's such a perfect weight for spring (though I'm counting right now as summer because we get so few months of summer as it is). I finally got to wear my handsewn skirt though! I can't wear it with tights because it's not lined so the fabric clings and gets scrunched into my crotch as I walk (super attractive, I know). Yay for bare legs and summertime!

cardigan/target :: scarf/mom's hand me down :: top/forever 21

skirt/handmade :: shoes/minnetonka

Recently I started noticing something interesting in the blogosphere, twittersphere, and various other internet places. There seems to be some sort of annoyance or discomfort in regards to bloggers getting sent items courtesy of some brands, the most discussed being ModCloth. As I'm sure you guys know, I'm one of those bloggers who does receive items courtesy of ModCloth. There are a lot of different thoughts out there pertaining to the issue of receiving items courtesy of a brand or store. Some people have mentioned that they feel like some blogs are becoming just a big advertisement for ModCloth. I could definitely see how that sentiment could be legitimate. I think it's important, for me at least, to post outfits that I would wear regardless of which items are sponsored. When I get dressed in the morning I just put on whatever I want, not thinking about where each item is from. If someone starts changing their style to conform to the brand they being sponsored by, I feel like that's a little questionable, but none of the people that I know who are receiving items have changed their style at all!

I've never had a problem with bloggers wearing "courtesy of" items, and now that I'm one of those bloggers, I still don't have a problem with it, though I do understand there's a level of sensitivity and tact that must be exercised.

I think what readers and/or bloggers who aren't sponsored need to understand (as unglamorous it is to talk "business") is that sponsorships must be mutually beneficial to both parties to at least some extent. Why is a company going to sponsor a blog, or any publication, if that publication doesn't have enough traffic to lead people to the company's site? Sponsors are trying to make a living too. I understand people's desire to have up and coming blogs feature courtesy items as well, but the fact of the matter is, there has to be enough traffic for it to benefit the business. I suppose this could sound cutthroat or partial to a certain "clique" of bloggers, but I would urge you guys to not think of it that way. All of the bloggers I know who get courtesy items all work extremely hard on their blogs, and they are all amazingly genuine, wonderful people. I, for one, definitely do not see myself as part of any sort of clique. I love all you guys! Blogging isn't an exclusive thing, it's totally democratic and that's why I love it.

I know this is kind of a touchy subject, simply because different people have different perspectives and viewpoints. What do you guys think of the issue? If you want to ask me questions on the subject, I'll respond in the comments!

Novel Hunt Giveaway!

The long weekend is finally here! To celebrate, I get to bring you guys another great giveaway, this time, from The Novel Hunt. The Novel Hunt just recently opened for business and is full of fun, quirky, and unique pieces just waiting to be snatched up! They've got both new, used and vintage items and are always on the lookout for cool things to offer. I think my personal favorites are the fun accessories. The Bright Bowed Clutch just screams "girl's night out"! I guess I may be in a bow mood because I'm also loving the Yellow Bow Belt, haha.

The Novel Hunt is offering the Sexy Swirly Belt and the Blue Weav'n Bag to one lucky reader!

The Sexy Swirly Belt is a wide elastic belt with pleather front and swirly windmill-shaped silver buckle embellished with rhinestones. The Blue Weav'n clutch is faux leather with removable long, silver chain so you can wear it around as a purse, or take it out on the town as a clutch!

To win these beauties, just leave me a comment on this post telling me how you'd style up these accessories and where you'd be going in your outfit! The giveaway will be open from now until next Tuesday, June 1 at 9pm AKST. Open to international entrants. One entry per person.

So, to recap:
-Head over to The Novel Hunt and pick out your favorite item,
-come back and leave a comment letting me know how you'd style up the belt and bag.
-Don't forget to leave an email address where I can reach you
-all before Tuesday, June 1 @ 9 pm AKST/10 pm PST

Good Luck! And don't forget to check out the Novel Hunt blog and Facebook page!

Last but not least, the winner of the Violet Folklore giveaway is...

Caroline!

Congratulations!

Caroline was selected as the winner of the Violet Folklore giveaway to receive a $45.oo gift certificate to the Violet Folklore shop! Her favorite item in the shop was the adorable Rose and Lace Dress. The winner was selected using the random number generator at random.org.

Make sure to keep up with all things lovely over at the Violet Folklore blog!

Get your kicks...

I was so thrilled to see the new Ruche lookbook! I want to live in every single one of their lookbooks, but this one was especially tempting, since I'm getting ready to go on the ultimate road trip myself. I hope my road trip is as chic as this one! I can't wait till my life is full of dreamy locations, unfolded road maps and daily picnics! Needless to say, I want every single one of these outfits. I'm pretty sure this first skirt matches my Winne exactly. And you all know how much I love dressing to match the Brave, haha!

sweet surrender top :: stroll through the orchard skirt

dear creatures seersucker dress

life at sea top

away from the city dress :: venneford ranch belt


fairytale perfection top :: queen of the prairie shorts

life's a bowl of cherries top :: at the break of dawn skirt

seize the flowers dress :: handmade white lily crochet necklace

paint the roses blue dress
ruche is a sponsor of delightfully tacky