Hiding in Hedgerows

This hedge outside of our apartment gets me right in the feels every day. I brush my hands over the top and I am transported to rural England, a place I have never been but have longed for as far back as I can remember. There's something very "Secret Garden" about it. Something reminiscent of Watership Down. I met eyes with a cottontail and was tempted to ask him if Fiver was nearby, if Blackberry was doing well.

Instead, I'm trapped here in the Yoop, stealing moments of shade and yearning for the English Countryside, a better camera, and the ability to capture colors the way they really are. The sun is harsh on delicate things even in the shade.

If I can't share my reality, can it even be called real? I think I'd rather close my eyes and dream of England than contemplate philosophy at this hour. And wish that I could find a way to upload photos and edit them so that they aren't so washed out. Any advice? Anyone?

Outfit Details:

Yellow/Pastel Plaid Shirt: Vintage

Belt: Stolen from ASOS Dress

Shorts: Kohl's 

Earring: FrockStock

Sandals: (I give up. I just don't know.)

Adventures in Wonderland

 

"'I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!'" - Alice, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

After the storm today everything raced out for a bit of the sun before it left us for the day. I took pictures amongst a number of rabbits, painted turtles, and a curious deer. Perhaps it had something to do with the way the world is always new after the rain, but my pictures today all felt a bit out of Carroll's Wonderland. I don't mind. I've been there a time or two, myself.

I couldn't help but be drawn to the pines today. They're some of my favorite trees. The scent of them, with the added ghost of the rain we had drew me right to them. Maybe, too, the forest tones of my new dress and my new Seychelles sent me that way. Whatever the reason, it was a magical place to stop, if only for a few minutes.

Outfit Details:

Forest Green Dress: eBay

Two Birds Necklace: Frockstock

Seychelles Flats: eBay

Head Scarf: Vintage

The Darkening Sky

I had one more post about winter in me, and then-! Summer comes! Over a foot of snow on the ground, and the temperature hits almost 80 degrees.

...What?

We had some incredible record breaking days in Upper Michigan, and it's still far warmer than it has any right to be. The this is, where I live, spring doesn't come until May. At least.

Ever.

I don't know what this weather means (except probably that global warming is something no one should be arguing about) but I do know that rain has been on the air for over a week. And yet, it still won't rain. With buds coming up all over the place, we need it. People have been praying for it. And the sky keeps taking on the color that means rain is immanent, and yet, it doesn't come.

With water on the mind, I threw this outfit together. I might have been looking for an excuse to show you these shoes that I found hiding in a thrift store. I think they're awesome. Especially with this skirt that I found, the same day, at a different store! They might have been destined to come home with me. I'd like to think so. It's the little things.

 

Outfit Details:

Plaid Button Up: Thrifted

Belt: Ruche

Velvet Skirt: Vintage

Tights: Target

Shoes: Vintage

Working Girl

I meant to post these pictures months and months ago, but as the days after my employment ended continued, I found myself with increasing apathy about the whole thing. I have now put to rest any and all hard feelings I might have had about my former place of employment, and must admit that although there were some pretty terrible things about my job, there were some pretty decent things too. If nothing else, I was able to wear whatever I desired to work. Not the first time I'd encountered such freedom at a job site, but it's always appreciated. So, here it is: the laying to rest of my days as a working girl at a minimum wage, part time, soul killing job. Or at least, I hope.

I took pictures around various parts of the shop (read: closet) so that I might remember bits of what was my daily life. Without, I suppose, giving away anything I don't think I'm supposed to. There wasn't much to the place, but I won't forget the multitude of bright colors, needles, inks, and packaging, and the once upon a time when a dozen roses graced my sales counter.

 

We have to make the most of the situations we get ourselves in, you know?

Outfit details:

Necklace: Thrifted

Striped Orange Top: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Denim Skirt: Vintage

Ivory Tights: Target?

Brown Oxfords: Target

Tights: Target

Doves Call in the Coming of Spring

Outside today, Spring sent me a letter proclaiming its imminent arrival. The calling of the doves told me that Spring has left its winter home, and will come home within a few short weeks. I welcomed the news, and listened to the music of dripping ice while I danced around in the sunlight.

Don't get me wrong. It was still quite a chilly day. 40 degrees isn't quite warm enough for t-shirts without jackets. And of course I still can't take off my tights. But does that really matter, when the birds outside are telling me that winter won't last forever? I can't help but smile, even if we'll keep getting snow here until May.

Of course, the weather couldn't cooperate fully. The wind just had to blow and blow until my hair was an unmanageable mess!

In other news, Alex and I had some wonderful visitors for spring break. Alex's younger sister and her friend drove hours and hours to spend a few precious days with us. Hilarity, thrift shopping, and many, many games of Mario Party ensued. Not to mention, the wonderful friend helped me dye my hair! It's a bit darker than we intended, but I don't dislike it by any means. It does, however, remind me that it's time for a haircut. I'm looking like a Shetland pony! It was a wonderful weekend, if you can't tell. A much needed reminder of the place I used to call "home." Now I get a couple days of spring break myself, and I could really use the break from school.

Outfit details:

Tiny Turquoise and Silver Necklace: Vintage (my Grama's)

Floral Dress: Maurices

Green Rayon T-Shirt: Thrifted

Tights: Target

Boots: Vintage

When I Said, "A Foot of Snow..."

I actually meant a foot of snow. And then it snowed some more. And in these pictures, it's still snowing. Lucky me! Oh well. As long as this is winter's last blast and soon I'll have flowers on my hands, I'm okay with this. I mean, if I have to be. At least I know that this year's flowers are sleeping beneath a beautiful, warm blanket until spring.  

Today's shots made me shake my head. I was outside for at least half an hour, and took shots with this lovely coat, and then, because I liked what was underneath it, took a number of shots with it off as well. I thought I had uploaded everything to my computer, so deleted them off the camera, and alas! When I went to crop and edit, I discovered that half the files were corrupt.

Ah well. This is my life.

I picked this coat up at a thrift store in town, and I have to say, I love the wartime feel to it. Wearing it makes me want to pin my hair up, draw lines on the back of my legs instead of wearing tights, and pray for the boys to come home. If only it had pockets! Because of this little detail, I'll be selling it when my shop opens up. I just don't function well without pockets.

Especially when I'm silly enough to go outside without gloves. Oh self. Will you never learn?

Outfit details:

Navy Inspired Coat: Vintage

Mustard Sweater: Target

Heather Skirt: Vintage

Tights: Christmas Gift

Shoes: Target

Nerd Swag

 
I used to be a Theatre major, and now, as an English major, it makes sense that some of my favorite parts of my studies would carry over. I am not ashamed to admit that I adore the works of Shakespeare. I love Shakespeare so much that I want to get a goldfish and name it Ophelia (joke in poor taste, but it's true.). Because of this love, I get excited in classes whenever my man Billy is on the syllabus. And it annoys me to no end when instead of reading the play, others use Sparknotes or Cliff's Notes. I can't even tell you. There are no words. That's why I had to treat myself to this hilarious totefor my birthday. I don't know how well you can see it, but the picture is Shakes ripping a Cliff's Notes in half. As well I think he would, were he alive today.

I nerded it up for this bag arriving today. My outfit falls along the lines of preppy geek. Said image is helped by this vintage argyle sweater, which Alex so thoughtfully put in the dryer one day and now it would fit a ten year old. Sigh, oh well. At least I still found a way to wear it. It's still probably going to end up in my shop when I opened it though. It's a turtleneck, and turtlenecks frighten me.

Ah, well. Back to the happy nerd day. I will be spending the rest of today in my glasses curled up with my homework, lamenting the fact that I don't have suspenders.

Outfit details

Argyle Sweater: Vintage (thrifted)

White Button Down Top: Thrifted

Skinny Jeans: No idea.

Brown Oxfords: Target

Read the Whole Book Tote: Shirt.woot.com

Feature: Girl and Closet

I think it's about time to pay homage to a few of my favorite blogs. Why? I look to these blogs for inspiration, and the authors behind them are amazing people too. Maybe it's an exercise in futility, but at least once a month giving a shout-out to these lovely ladies will make me a happier person.

My first of such shout-outs goes to Veronika of Girl and Closet. First and foremost, she's super sweet. And I don't just mean her style! The last year has been a big one for her, and I'm so happy for her, and honored to be her follower. She's such a warm and welcoming person, and it shines through in her blog. It also warms a little bit to see another blogger actually having to deal with winter weather - I feel like so many of my favorite blogs are based in places that didn't even see snow this year. I'll admit, I'm jealous of her seaside location, but it's a good jealously. There are two kinds, did you know?

Her style, too, is fantastic. From her use of color to the way she mixes patterns and prints, there's just so many good ideas there! She doesn't shy away from statement pieces, and she makes them work. She wears clothes comfortably and elegantly. Also, can I mention that I love the fact that she isn't afraid to wear a pair of jeans? So many bloggers are! Finally, you have to applaud her taste in shoes and hats. If there's one thing I cannot wear well, it's a hat.

It's nice, too, to tip my own hat to a fellow self-photographer. It can be a serious pain.

Please, if you haven't already, check out her wonderful, wonderful blog!

all pictures by veronika