Stop the world, I wanna get on!

I could be dreaming...

2011-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while, you're just happier knowing something exists in the world...like some of my favorite albums' covers in Lego form!

On John Galliano

2011-03-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

The following was written while waiting for a delayed flight at the airport, causing me to be a bit angrier than I normally am, but I stand by it, with the possible exception of harshness towards Ms. Portman.

Of course liking Galliano's work does not mean you're a neo-nazi - my point is that there is an opportunity for an important conversation to happen about how fashion is actually an INDUSTRY in which people vote with their dollars, and often support unethical or shady people without a care in the world because it's JUST FASHION. Fashion does not exist in a vacuum - it's part of the world we live in, and I'd like that world to be a better place.

I know fashion is frivolous and fun, but sometimes popular people are caught on video declaring their love for Hiter, and SHIT GETS REAL...kinda, not really.

For a couple days, it genuinely seemed to me that the fashion world would throw John Galliano out on his anti-semetic ass. When Galliano was originally arrested, everyone seemed to have a "wait and see" attitude - and see we did...VIDEO SURFACED. LIKE, THAT SHIT AIN'T PIXAR, HE SAID THOSE THINGS. I don't care if he was drunk. When I'm drunk, I say I love my friends...not a racist mass murderer. Yet, no one's really saying much of anything about the incident. The Sartorialist gave people a forum to talk about it on his blog, but didn't really say anything himself. Nathalie Portman came out with a statement, but as far as I know, she's still letting Dior use her image in ad campaigns.

Oh wait, someone did say something!!!! Jessica Stam tweeted!!!

"I'll miss you John, you're so talented. I love the Jews and what he said is awful, but also sad to watch him leave Dior."

I think your mom is nice, but, you know, she's kind of a raging bitch.

I'm really happy for you and I'mma let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.

I'm really pro-animal rights, but McDonald's tastes great!!!!

EVERYONE KNOWS THAT WHAT YOU SAY BEFORE YOU SAY 'BUT' DOESN'T MATTER.

Further evidence: Stam still walked for Dior. WHATTA FRIEND OF THE JEWS!!!

The fact of the matter is that fashion is silly. That doesn't mean it doesn't make a difference and that we should allow people to behave as they want without major repercussions because they're in a frivolous industry. 99% of the time, you're supposed to enjoy it without a care in the world...can we not have a serious conversation the other 1% of the time?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!!!

2011-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Ch-ch-changes!

2011-02-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

I am very pleased to announce that the Ventricular Projects website and blog are up and running!

Ventricular Projects is the art and design collective my friend Carly and I have been working on the past few months to promote our artistic ventures, including Tilde Journal. We'll be keeping a blog to document our lives, inspiration, and creations, so be sure to check it out!

What does that mean for Bip Bopping Days? Well, it will live on in a new form. Lately, there has been very little Mariah Carey on this blog, and that will certainly change. Mariah's having TWINS, after all!

Love always,
Tricia

Tilde Journal: Issue Two

2011-02-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

I very excited to let you know that Issue Two of Tilde Journal presale is going on until March 1st! To sweeten the deal, all presale customers will be automatically entered to win a giveaway which we'll be announcing the details of shortly and a receive a print of this guy:

Check out a preview of the issue here.

P.S. the cover is extra special to me this time around, because it features some of my favorite family photos!

Steven Alan Fall 2011

2011-02-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I might have an elaborate fantasy where, in a gigantic shipping kerfuffle, this collection somehow ends up at my doorstep. Here's to hoping there's a really incompetent intern out there somewhere?

My Fictional Mentor

2011-02-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

I realize that, at 21, I'm a bit past the socially acceptable age for imaginary friends. HOWEVER, I was feeling a bit more directionless than I usually do and got to thinking about who the mentor of my dreams would be...and she became very real in my head, so I broke out my trusty watercolors for some ten minute art:

I think I'll keep this picture around for the next time I don't quite know what to do with myself, and fill in little details about her life along the way.

Underrated Badass: Mimi Farina

2011-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time holed up in my room reading about the sixties. When my hard drive started to suffer under the weight of my obsession, starting a Tumblr devoted to black and white photos of folk singers provided some much needed digital storage-space relief. However, its purpose is incredibly specific, so I'm going to start using this blog to delve a little deeper into the stories of people who have inspired me, starting with activist, singer-songwriter, and style-inspiration Mimi Farina.

I first became aware of Mimi as Joan Baez's kid sister, but there's so much more to her than that.

Mimi on her wedding day.

Bob Dylan, Mimi, and Richard by Barry Feinstein

When Mimi was 18, she married writer, musician, and composer Richard Farina, and the couple collaborated on several folk albums before Richard was killed in a motorcycle accident on Mimi's 21st birthday. Following his death, Mimi continued to make music, but also danced and tried her hand at improv comedy.

In 1967, Mimi and Joan were arrested while peacefully protesting the draft, which eventually inspired Mimi to for Bread and Roses, a non-profit organization, in 1974. Bread and Roses, which brings music and entertainment to the institutionalized, became Mimi's primary focus until her untimely death at the age of 56 from neuroendocrine cancer.

Mimi performing with Joan and Judy Collins.

Stella+Sophie

2011-01-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

As far as I'm concerned, the most beautiful cat in the world inspired Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2011.

Carly

2011-01-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Since bragging about my friends is one of my favorite activities in the world (perhaps tied for first with watching movies with a fuzzy creature on my lap and inhaling coffee), I had to share some of Carly's recent work. It's super dreamy and sometimes spooky, like a Beach House record or the fuzzy moments when you're drifting off to sleep.

And, of course, I adore the custom kitty portrait she did for me:

It holds a place of honor on my wall of girls and cats:

Check out her Flickr for more wonderful stuff!

Blogger Feature: Georgia of Velvet Bitches

2010-12-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the very first installment of the Bip Bopping Days Blogger Feature! From time to time, I'll be posting interviews with bloggers whose lives I enjoy keeping up with staring with the lovely Georgia (one half of Velvet Bitches).

I feel like there's no way more accurate way for me to describe Georgia than as a kindred spirit. Perhaps it's the fact that we're both unapologetically fond of whimsy, but I know that if I ever made my way to her neck of the woods in Christchurch, New Zealand, we would have the best time hunting for vintage dresses (of which she has a very impressive collection!), filling up rolls of film, and taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Velvet Bitches is a breath of fresh air in the style blog world because Georgia and Christie seem, first and foremost, like they're getting dressed to have a good time, which is what fashion is all about to me! I can appreciate the occasional photo of a good-looking-girl wistfully staring off into the distance in an outfit she carefully calculated to look like she isn't trying too hard, but I'd much rather find my inspiration from ladies I'd like to have a drink with.

When did your love of vintage clothing begin? Do you remember anything in particular that inspired it?

Since I was a kid I've loved clothing. Starting from when I was about 7, I used to carry 'round this notebook and sketch my 'fashion designs' in it- I remember a lime green halterneck top in particular. I used to love the descriptions of clothing in books, and our house was full of old classics. I would pick up Gone With The Wind and The Great Gatsby and Laura Ingalls-Wilder books and just skip to the bits where they described the clothes and read them over and over. When I was about 10 I discovered the thrift store down the road from me, in my search for sewing supplies, and it escalated dramatically from there.

Do you have any thrifting rituals or methods? Do you go with something in mind or see what pops out at you?

I make sure to check every single rack. I've got so many amazing bargains in the menswear, childrenswear or maternity sections, or things that have fallen off hangers and are crumpled on the floor. I never really have something specific I'm searching for, and I try not to get disheartened from a fruitless thrifting trip. I also take a belt and some safety pins with me so I can try something on and see what it would look like if it fitted me. Basic alterations, like hemming or removing sleeves, are easy and increase an item's potential infinitely.

Is there a particular article of clothing you're currently on the hunt for?

Although it's the middle of a sweltering Summer here in New Zealand, the perfect vintage coat still alludes me. I'm also on the lookout for some black and white basics, because I've recently realised 98% of my wardrobe features zany bright prints and I really don't have anything... normal.

Where is your favorite place to go within half an hour from where you live?

t's a bit of a stretch to get there within half an hour, but my boyfriend's place in the North Canterbury countryside is one of my favourite places ever. The bulk of my blog photos are taken there, and the bulk of my free time spent there, in the beautiful fields or by the river.

What is number one on your list of places to go before you die?

India! I am absolutely obsessed with it, and I know I'll get to visit one day. I love countries that are a little off the beaten track, with a generous helping of filth and adventure and sweat and all that wonderful stuff.

Don't Look Back Screencaps: Part 1

2010-12-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep a wink last night, so I found a million little not-particularly-productive things to do with my energy. One of which was redesigning this blog a bit and making a new header from one of my watercolor-pen creations.

I also occupied my time watching and screencapping Don't Look Back, the excellent documentary by D.A. Pennebaker that captured Dylan's jaunt across the pond in spring of 1965. Here's a few images I particularly liked from the first bit of the film. I'll post the rest later on!

My very favorite thing about owning Don't Look Back (better than even watching the movie!) is the little flipbook of the "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video that came with it.

Whimsical Fucking Picnic

2010-12-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

In honor of Sara's brand new mint-green Holga, we had a picnic (mostly for the sake of being cute and taking photos) which is a fun, vain activity if you're looking for one. Plus, any excuse to inhale massive amounts of hummus is fine by me.

These shots are from my trusty Canon Ae-1, but I'm looking forward to seeing how Sara broke in the new camera!

I like a lot of things about Caroline, but my favorite thing about her is probably the way she comes and goes in puffs of light.

This precious feline was willing to give us five minutes of time in exchange for our unwavering adoration.

Sara was just so happy to be eating salad! I agree - grape tomatoes are purely joyous!

Magdalena! She is never not impeccably clad.

Sara wore a Kodak-yellow cardigan and matched her film. It was adorable.

White Winter Hymnal

2010-12-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

Folk music + Christmas = cozy.

Joni Mitchell by Joel Bernstein

Laura Nyro in 1968 by Michael Ochs

Bob Dylan in 1968

Tilde Journal Giveaway Winner!

2010-12-06T21:15:00.001-08:00

Congratulations, to Nicole, whose entry for the Tilde Journal Giveaway was selected using a random number generator!

If you didn't win, fear not! You have until December 10 to enter to win a copy over at Vivian and the Dream of Horses and pre-orders are going on until December 12.

Thanks to everyone who entered - we got some great theme suggestions!

Favorite things right now.

2010-12-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

1. Gin Buck!

Delicious prohibition-era cocktail conveniently consisting of things I usually keep on hand in my apartment like um, gin. Excuse the awful cellphone photo:

2. Pavement's "In the Mouth a Desert"

The opening notes plus the crunchy guitar plus Stephen Malkmus makes me feel all dreamy and shit.

3. Playing not one but two live shows in a day with my band Woland's Retinue

My contributions are limited to extraneous percussion and poorly played keyboard, but it was still thrilling nonetheless. Now if only I'll get over my stage fright enough to sing lead vocals on something...

4. Verabell + FOX Color Study II locket

It's sold out right now, but if they re-stock it, it will be mine.

5. This picture:

Old-ish news, but I just realized I haven't posted it on all of my social networking outlets yet and that's just terrible.

Tilde Journal Giveaway!

2010-12-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

I'm giving away one copy of Tilde Journal! Exciting, right? All you have to do is comment with a theme suggestion for a future issue and leave your e-mail address before Monday December 6 at midnight EST!

Yay!

P.S. if you're a blogger interested in giving away a copy of Tilde Journal, please email goawayron at gmail dot com!

Not giving up on the printed word!

2010-12-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Right now, I'm working on the more-painful-than-it-should-be task of working out a December magazine budget. The weird thing is, I can't even remember the last time I bought a magazine, and now there are about ten I feel like I can't live without.

Maybe I just have the suffix zine on the brain from working on Tilde Journal (and, by the way, I'd like to take a second to thank everyone who has ordered so far! If you haven't, you have until December 12 to make sure you get a copy!), but it seems to me like there's just way too much good stuff out there right now!

First up, Lula Issue #11! I mean, it's got Charlotte Gainsbourg on the cover and it's guest edited by the sisters behind Rodarte, c'mon! "Girl of My Dreams," indeed!

Continuing with the mega-rad chicks theme, the Dec/Jan issue of Bust features Sofia Coppola interviewed by Kim Gordon! Plus, my supercool friend Katie jumped from the Bust Blog to print with this issue with a book review, which is very exciting.

I've been meaning to buy the second Chelsea Magazine for a bit now, as well, and I must snag it before it's all sold out. I don't know what could be more up my alley than high fashion cats, and since the first issue was pure perfection (you can read it in full here - sixties style! Samantha Pleet! The Babysitters Club!), I'm positive I'll love this issue just as much.

Tilde Journal

2010-11-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tilde Journal, the art and writing zine I've been working on, is available for pre-order! I co-edited this baby and it features some of my photography and writing, as well as the work of a bunch of other talented artists, writers, and photographers.

Click here for the pre-order, which comes with a set of postcard-sized, color prints of art featured in the zine! Supplies are limited, so I would order in the next week or so if you want to make sure you get a copy.

Additionally, you check out the blog, where we'll be featuring our lovely contributors over the next couple weeks.

Love,

Tricia

Gift Guide

2010-11-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

Chances are, anyone reading this blog is either A) shopping for me or B) shopping for another fan of nauseatingly cute things this holiday season. Here are a few things I'd love to receive!

Embroidery Patterns $5

I particularly dig the space and Carson Ellis patterns, but they're all great!

Hand Job by Michael Perry $30

Typography, especially hand drawn typography, warms my heart in a way that most people reserve for positive human interaction.

Grizzly Bear gocco print by Lizzy Stewart $12

What a handsome guy! And so fetching in blue. I, sadly and kind of surprisingly, own absolutely no bear art. This should be remedied ASAP!

Color Wheel Necklace $40

Sure, I run the risk of it turning into a "conversation piece", but I might just like this necklace more than I hate small talk!

Madras by A.P.C. Woodland Skirt $135

Okay, I'm clearly dreaming here, but twee girls are supposed to dream of A.P.C. skirts covered in rabbits and squirrels, or they're simply not doing what they're put on earth to do.

Joanna Newsom Ys Double LP - $20

I don't know how wise it is for me to own something that's so beautiful that it makes me want to give up completely and stay in bed listening to it while life happens to other people, but I want it nonetheless.

How I'm Dressing from Now On

2010-11-19T02:05:00.000-08:00

Instead of time, there will be lateness.

2010-11-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

About once a month, I go into a mode where all I'm interested in is sitting in bed with a cup of coffee and looking at vintage photos on the internet. I have it bad right now, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite images!

New Orleans' Storeyville, 1912

Halloween Cat, 1966

Sister Marceline & Skeleton, 1960s

"Cobra" telephones in Sweden, 1965

Janis Lynn, 1969

Bob Dylan receiving tea service in his dressing room in Glassgow, 1966

I really love Autumn in New England.

2010-10-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not the best at living in the moment, but every once and a while, I'm overjoyed to be exactly where I am.

creaturecolors

2010-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple semi-recent watercolors I've never posted here.

I really thought I had painted a bear with this guy. That had been my intention. However, when my friend Kelly saw it the next day, she said, "I like the pig you painted." At that point, I choked on the cup of coffee I was working on and finally managed a disgusted sputter: "THE PIG?" I was heartbroken. Now, I love piggies, but this was meant to be a majestic bear!

Of course, I saw it. Clearly, this is a painting of a pig. I've since accepted it and learned to love the pig.

This was meant to be a bear and looks like a bear.

bedtime

2010-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

A lot has been said about the fashion of Mad Men, but not enough talk has focused on the cuteness of the characters in their PJs. I'm here to fix that for the world, because the good Lord knows that my lab report isn't getting written any time soon.

Pete and Trudy crank up the d'awww in his n' hers jammies. Nothing like pregnant women dressing up as cupcakes!

Betty finds that nighties suit her yelling, smoking, bird-shooting lifestyle.

Don Draper grabs a midnight snack with the true star of the series: his daughter, Sally.

Finally, Joanie reminds us that even sex bombs can be QT.

colors

2010-09-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

I think I'm going to celebrate Halloween all October long by wearing all black and not thinking about anything but ginger cats.

nesting

2010-09-17T07:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots of the new place! It's still a work in progress, but I love it to death.

Obligatory tribute to my homeland that I miss dearly.

That lovely kitty portrait is by my friend Carly. Check out her stuff here!

My beautiful roommate, Becky, got me this hot pink cross in Jerusalem!

Of course I didn't bother cleaning my desk for a picture. Of course it has polaroids, embroidery thread, and watercolors on it. Of course I have no chair.

I need to re-do these so they're not all wobbly and off kilter.

Trees reflected in a Bon Iver album? Indie as fuuuuuuck.

Obama, an owl, and a Darwin finger puppet.

Caffeination station.

My roommates are half-Jewish, but I'm the one who bought the menorah.

fashion is danger

2010-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Even though I was in New York for fashion week this year, I mostly avoided the madness in favor of friends and food. Saturday, for example, I had pizza on a Brooklyn sidewalk for breakfast, wine and cheese in Washington Square park for lunch, coffee and chocolate covered cannoli a few blocks away and an hour later, and finally topped off the day with more pizza in SoHo...all in very good company. Health be damned!

I've since sifted through a number of collections and only come up with a handful of looks I really love. Unsurprisingly, they invariably feature a few elements that have been on my radar for fall: neutrals, sheers, red-orange lips, and stripesI. t seems like the looks that stuck with me remind me of some of my favorite silver screen icons:

Jean Seberg & Jill Stuart

Mia Farrow & Karen Walker

Diane Keaton & Proenza Schouler

For a more comprehensive look at the runway, check out my friend Vivian's blog.

Put the Book Back on the Shelf

2010-09-05T02:12:00.000-07:00

I'm mostly settled into my lovely apartment with one major obstacle: quite a few books and no idea where to put them. Lack of space, miraculously, isn't the problem, so the book storage possibilities are endless if you ignore my limited budget. Here's some inspiration that will hopefully motivate me to think of something other than piles on the floor.

Polar Bear Storage Unit

Amy Sedaris' apartment via Design Sponge

Double Bass Storage Cabinet

By Krisatomic

"Smart Arse" by Federico-Uribe.

Speech Bubble Bookshelf

Via Apartment Therapy

John Waters' home.

I made some shorts.

2010-08-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Obviously from my last post, I really like polka-dotted shorts. Sometimes a girl's gotta take matters into her own hands, so I did just that and made some for myself yesterday.

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out!

This is what they look like just hanging out on my pillow. As you can see, I don't believe in ironing my clothes. Deal with it.

Now all I have to do is get myself to a beach in these babies and pretend I'm in an Annette Funicello movie. Living the dream!

Let's Pretend It's Summer

2010-08-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

As the summer winds down, I'm supposed to be getting excited about peacoats and apple cider. (Well, I'm really supposed to be thinking about going back to school, but let's be real.) However, since I've been in Texas, I haven't even been able to experience summer fashion yet as getting dressed is a matter of survival in these temperatures, and, dammit! I want to make the most of the few short weeks I'll have before tights and trousers report for duty.

I've definitely noticed some common elements linking the outfits I've been itching to emulate lately: neutrals, oxfords, shorts, layers, button ups, soft colors, and patterns.

Luella

Elle.com via Camp Comfort.

J. Crew

The Stylish Heart

Unknown Source

Ingrid Sophie Schram shot by Backyard Bill

Etsy Lusting: Twee as Fuck Edition

2010-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Everything from Nadinoo.

Swan Lake Ring from We Wear

Black Bell Mesh Dress from Alexandra Grecco

Grid Triangles Necklace from Portals and Prisms.

Latticed Dress by MQuin

I'm All Ears - The Golden Teddy Ring by The Golden Plague

Important News

2010-08-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

The inspiration behind this blog and my everyday life, Mariah Carey, has a new puppy, y'all!

Say hello to Jackie Lambchops!

Etsy Lusting - Art Edition

2010-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

I'm fairly committed to having my apartment walls covered with pictures of girls, animals, and girls with animals, but there's always a little room for robots and Russia.

Anna Karina Portrait by Silver Ridge Studio

In Russia by Lizzy Stewart

Retro Robot Drawings by CB78

We Shared a Bear Suit by Sophie Blackall

Feline Flowers by Chipmunk Cheeks

Little Frances and Sir Max - Print Set by Catherine Campbell

Putin on the Ritz

2010-06-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

I made this today:

Yeah, I went there.

Pancakes on Naboo

2010-06-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Speaking of science kitchen, Williams-Sonoma has a line of Star Wars cooking win including these pancake molds:

Cookie cutters and personalized aprons for kids (pfft, no obstacle) are also available and will be in my kitchen at some point if I know what's good for myself.

Science Kitchen

2010-06-20T00:16:00.001-07:00

Salt and Pepper Bots - $35 at Charles & Marie. These little guys function not only as salt and pepper shakers, but also wind-up toys!

Brain Freeze Ice Tray - $8.95 at Amazon. As both an iced drink and psychology enthusiast, I definitely need to get my hands on one of these.

Test Tube Spice Rack - $165 at Dean and Deluca. This is by far the most expensive item in the post (partially because it actually comes loaded with spices), but also probably the easiest to D.I.Y.

Rocket Popsicle Molds - $11.49 at Amazon. Because home-made popsicles are just better. It's a fact. Homemade, rocket-shaped popsicles? The best.

Vivienne Strauss!

2010-06-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm planning an etsy art shopping spree pre-moving into my apartment/cave and Vivienne Strauss's collages will definitely be lovingly tacked to the panelling:

Cat Food, $15

Get Lucky, $12

Meow

2010-06-12T12:53:00.001-07:00

I think spending nearly $40 on a makeup bag is totally justified when a kitten print is the main selling point. I mean, look at this beauty:

Paul and Joe Makeup Case

I want reasons to not like Urban Outfitters, but their addition of the equivalent of a well curated Sephora to their empire isn't helping my cause. I don't even brush my hair and I'm ready to drop a couple of Hamiltons on the Anna Sui hairbrush and mirror set. Goddammit...

Flora & Fauna

2010-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

The result of today's summer boredom:

Random Fashion Inspiration

2010-05-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Austrialia Fashion Week Street Style by Victoria Jackman

Purple oxfords! Image from Hoy Fashion.

Barbara Palvin photographed by Paul Schmidt in “Pop Doll” for Jalouse, June 2010

Kirstin Dunst at Cannes in Miu Miu.

More stripey goodness via Turned Out.

Bob Dylan making me want a polka-dotted button-down.

Embellished Collars

2010-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's finally summertime! My internship doesn't take up too much of my time, so the living, as the song goes, is easy. Unfortunately, so far, this has resulted in a couple bouts of extreme boredom.

In one such period, I came across this picture of the supercute Carey Mulligan on Tumblr:

Even though lately, I've been wanting to streamline my wardrobe and stock it with clean-cut basics, part of me is still drawn to all things gaudy and sparkly.

I have a few identical old uniform shirts in my closet, so I decided to strike a compromise between my conflicting sartorial impulses and cure my ennui all at once.

Here's the finished product:

My end result was a somewhat understated take on the look - the general idea is still there without it being something flashy that I would never wear.

Plus, it was really simple to do and, best of all, time consuming! I don't really know how much time it took, only that I consumed a very large iced latte and listened to a lot of Best Coast in the process.

A few tips if you're interested in doing it or something similar yourself:
1) Close your stitches frequently! It's a pain in the ass, but it's the sewing equivalent of saving your work. This way, if your thread breaks, all your beads won't come off.
2) To prevent your thread from breaking in the first place, use the thickest thread your beads will allow or double up your thread like I did.
3) Don't be stupid like me and decide to do this project in your bed. I don't know how many beads I lost track of in the process and ended up being annoyed by when trying to sleep last night.

Finally, I still have tons of beads and time left, so if you want me to bead anything for you, we can talk.

Long Hair & White Dresses

2010-05-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit fixated on white lace dresses - particularly of the long-sleeved, mini variety when accompanied by long hair for a sixties look. To me, there's always something been delightfully sinister about how cloying the look is.

Perennial favorites Marianne Faithfull and Jenny Lewis being their lovely selves:

I also have a pretty big soft spot for anything that gives that hazy, deceptively saccharine straight-out-of-The-Virgin-Suicides seventies vibe.

With that in mind, it makes sense that after an undue amount of consideration, I've decided that my favorite Spring/Summer collection this year comes from New Zealand brand Twenty Seven Names.

I like elements most of the collections I've looked at, but this one definitely has the highest percentage of pieces I'd actually like to buy. Plus, it might be my years at an all-girls Catholic school, but I love gaggles of miserable looking pretty young things.

Luckily for my wallet, however, I'm a persistent thrifter who has a knack for finding things close enough to what I'm searching for to be satisfied.

This ivory, crochet dress will do me just fine. Lavender shorts? You are next.

More want.

2010-05-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'm still hung up on getting mint nail polish along with some gray nail polish. My search for non-metallic gray is always fruitless, but luckily Essie came through for both.

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Great Expectations

Also, Zara has a cat dress. I want it. It totally apes Miu Miu, but I really want it. Like, badly. I plan on just buying dresses with animal prints this year including this whale dress from Urban. I don't care about how sickeningly twee this plan is; it's happening.

(Why does this model look so unhappy? My god, she's wearing a dress with whales all over it.)

Finally, this lovely French company, Calourette, produced a swing necklace. It's sold out unfortunately, but frankly I'm just happy it exists.

Via Swiss Miss

An Offer You Can't Refuse

2010-04-24T18:31:00.001-07:00

Hi! Here is my face. I have an offer for you, faithful readers!

My interest in photography ebbs and flows; sometimes I want to do it for the rest of my life, sometimes I feel like a fraud who uses a camera to perpetuate cliches. People have always been incredibly supportive of me, however, and some have even expressed interest in prints of my work! That makes me happy!

I've never ever made prints besides low-quality ones at CVS and I don't know much about mailing artwork, so I've been reluctant. I figured it might be a good summer project, though, so I'm gonna try it out!

In order to help me in this endeavor, I want to offer prints of my work FOR FREE to you loverlies as a trial. Here's the deal: you can choose any one photo from my Flickr or my little portfolio and I will send a 5 by 7 or 4 by 6 print to you at no charge! You'll just have to rate the quality of the print/let me know if it got there in tact.

If you would like multiple prints or anything in a larger size, I'll give you a really good price!

Also, if anyone wants their etsy/flickr/portfolio linked to on my portfolio site, let me know.

& in blog news...thank you to Liz over at Uncoiled Autumn for the lovely shout out!

Broke and Lusting

2010-04-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm frantically applying for jobs before summer and living on canned beans and/or whatever is left in my pantry; of course I'm looking at (cute) things I can't afford online. It's a borderline masochistic ritual that happens particularly at the end of the semester when I realize I shouldn't have bought so many six packs of Woodchuck cider. Delicious, but was it really worth it? (Eh, kind of.)

Deka Ray Double Small Wing Oxidized Multiply Ring

RGB Minty Nailpolish

Steven Alan Gemma Skirt (Organic)

Hey Tricia...

2010-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Spoiler alert: you might be getting this for your birthday. I might be getting one too because I'm going to live in a paneled cave next year and need to reintroduce some natural fauna to the woody ecosystem.

Polar Bear Corkboard from Modcloth

Alternative Teabagging

2010-04-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days when simply brewing your Lipton in a nicely-designed mug might be considered a nod to aesthetics. Lately, all sorts fancy-schmancy tea infusers and even teabags themselves are popping up. Having grown up in a that mostly has tea and our repressed, Irish-Catholic background in common...I feel compelled to try out every single stylish brewing option possible.

Sharky Tea Infuser

Origami Tea Bag

Fashion Icon Teabags

Hanger Tea Bags

Yellow Submarine Tea Infuser

CigaretTea

Dream Homes

2010-04-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm a city-dweller at heart, I fantasize about leaving it all and building a place I can truly call my own in some remote area.

Or, you know, I can just transplant my city-home into an exotic locale:

Should I go for it?

2010-04-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of searching (mostly during times where searching for bathing suits was the very last thing I needed to do), I think I've found the perfect bathing suit:

Pindot Bikini via J. Crew

It's totally fulfills all of my requirements ei. being adorable, going well with my pink wayfarers, being underwire, etc. and it also comes with a halter strap, thus making it even more adorable and in line with the vintage-y look I was going for. Beach trip, anyone?

Apartment Wishlist

2010-04-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

In reality, most of what ends up decorating and furnishing my apartment will come from thrift stores, whatever ambition I have to be crafty, and my family's desire to rid themselves of clutter. It's nice to dream, though!

Ruffled Curtains

Owl Clock

Branch Tea Pot

Mini Brain Cup

Everything from Target's Liberty of London collection.

Texas Shaped Chalkboard

Pantone 292 Mug

Camera Dish Towels

...but let's be real, I'm totally not living anywhere that doesn't have a Texas shaped chalkboard.

Design Inspiration

2010-03-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly stressed out right now due to the soul-crushing amount of work I have to do in the next few weeks. While the overwhelming majority of my responsibilities are academic, but there's also the little detail of making sure I have somewhere to live next year. Becky, Mercedes, and I think we've found the right place, so hopefully that will work out and I'll be done dealing with apartment related business before finals come around. The place we're looking at fits my primary criterion of being SUPER CUTE, and since filling my head with pretty things has always been one of my go-to coping mechanisms, the distraction of the day has been obsessing over how to make a cute apartment even cuter.

Kissing Cousins

2010-03-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while, but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't blog until there was some juicy celebrity polar bear news.

My lovely readers, that day has arrived! Knut has found himself a special lady friend named Giovanna and these two are not afraid of a little PDA.

Unfortunately, it's no coincidence these two happen to both be ridiculously good-looking: they share a grandfather, and this relationship is destined to remain a short-term, incestuous fling.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

I've decided to finally attempt Project 365. Feel free to check out the results! I can't promise quality every single day, but I am definitely making an effort to keep you from at least wanting to gauge your eyes out.

I have created a Fail Dog just in case.

Recent Photos

2010-01-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

Click on the photos for full versions.

Haaaay, gratuitous PhotoShop! What's up, man?

Lone B&W shot.

Thank you to Catharine for letting me photograph her!

Frock My World

2009-12-31T01:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is scour the internet for nostalgic dresses and I can, by no means, afford. Here are tonight's results!

Anthropologie - 148$

Need Supply Co. - 78$

Eley Kishimoto - 134 Pounds

Marc by Marc Jacobs - 330$

Diane von Furstenberg - 328$

We Become Silhouettes

2009-12-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Jessica of Wir Sind Katzen does hand-cut silhouettes of people and animals, and she was kind enough to do my portrait:

Check out her shop for all the options - including digital silhouettes for just seven dollars! I particularly like the framed portraits.

If you still have some Christmas shopping to do, she has gift certificates available that make great last minute presents!

Get thee on my feet!

2009-12-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

I know you're meant for little girls, but I'm sure we can be together someday.

Wovenplay socks via for me, for you!

The Mariah Project: Avoiding Finals Edition

2009-12-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

We haven't paid tribute to our favorite Diva Princess Goddess in a while, so I thought it was appropriate to post my personal favorite Mariah hit "Fantasy". This shit is pure pop Tom Tom Club-sampling gold:

Popular Songs

2009-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

As a college radio DJ whose music selections are occasionally lauded by our hip interns and my parents, I'm basically an authority on music. I'd even say that I'm qualified to give out prestigious awards. Artists, if you see your name on this list, please contact me! I'll totally make you a tin foil statue! Hell, I'll make a tin foil statue for anyone willing to acknowledge my existence.

Album of the Year: Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

Best Creeper Anthem: WHY? - "Into the Shadows of My Embrace"

Best First Album: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is!

Best Live Album: Tom Waits - Glitter & Doom

Most Successful Attempt at Being Epic: The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

Best Puns: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (for "Young Adult Friction" and "The Tenure Itch")

Most Successful Avoidance of a Popular Song on My Part: Owl City - "Fireflies"

Cult Back-Story of the Year: Girls

Target Practice

2009-10-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard of Rodarte, it was because Anna Wintour told the sisters/designers to lose weight. My initial reaction: "Anna Wintour cares about fat people? THEY MUST BE REALLY AWESOME!"

And they were! Ugly/pretty is my favorite kind of pretty.

Plus, anything that brings Kim Gordon (who described them as "psychedelics") and Jason Schwartzman together is great in my book.

So when I heard about Rodarte for Target, I was mostly excited with tinges of skepticism. Would they tone down their look to the point of blandness? Will it be a copy of their runway looks, and thus totally unwearable for someone like me, who's kind of sartorially uptight? Would it look too cheap?

Finally, the collection leaked...and I found myself not really caring about the answers to any of these questions. Though I've picked out things I might buy (a bow belt, perhaps!), my focus remains on the hilarity of styling considering the Target audience.

An outfit consisting of a bra, panties, a cardigan, gloves, and tights? Middle America, I'm issuing a challenge: Gagasize yourselves! MAKE PANTLESS HAPPEN!

2 Cute 2 Funktion

2009-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Funktionide, designed by the presumably lonely German Stefan Ulrich, is a robot designed to tend to humans' emotional needs.

Funktionide Part II from eltopo on Vimeo.

A robot I can cuddle with? Sign me up!
Sorry, potential boyfriends. Your physique cannot compete with an amorphous blob.

Thanks, Mercedes!

ginge binge

2009-09-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Y'all, the new Lula Magazine is devoted to redheads!

How much is that Bosavi giant wooly rat in the window?

2009-09-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so over getting a pet owl or a pink dolphin now that I know several scientists discovered what may be the cuddliest rat ever in New Guinea. Imagine if they merged adorable rodents and puppies to create a mammalian megazord and you would get this charmer:

Some may say it resembles one of the swamp rats from The Princess Bride more than what will be my future furry partner in crime. Whatevs. Thank baby Jesus for species developing in isolation.

Rats off to Science Daily.

GEEEROOOONIIIIIIMOOOOO!

2009-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

I try not to dress like Jenny Lewis for three main reasons.

1) Jenny doesn't quite pull off the wearing a shirt with her own face on it as well as Morrissey does, and I could not pull off wearing a shirt with my own face on it AT ALL.
2) Hot pants can only fit into the lifestyle of a few singer-songwriters, and they fit into the life of even fewer anthropology students. That being said, they're totally cute and appropriate on Jenny.
3) Right now, I think most of my friends would describe me as "endearingly obsessed with Jenny Lewis." If I started dressing like her, I think they would start saying that I was "creepily obsessed with Jenny Lewis." Yes, we have the same hair. Am I trying to be a Lewis Clone, though? I'd only say about 25%.

That being said, when I found out that Jenny Lewis has a stylist (Jenny Reyes) and that that stylist has a clothing line (Geronimo), I had to check it out. Turns out, I really want some of it.

Mustard yellow? Plaid? Vintage-inspired swimwear? Menswear? These are a few of my favorite things!

A final note: though I have tried to make the case that I have a healthy appreciation for Jenny Lewis, I have to admit, I want this bathing suit mostly because Jenny wore it in the truly delightful See Fernando video.

Jenny Lewis "See Fernando" from Team G on Vimeo.

THAT LOOKS SHOPPED

2009-08-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my Photoshop skillz this summer in attempt to find my voice, so to speak, in the digital age. Here are some of the awkward results.

So, gentle reader, am I overdoing the ~whimsy~ to the point of douchebaggery? YOU DECIDE!

Shirtless Putin Action

2009-08-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Bip Bopper's favorite former prime minister/future overlord/tiger pwner/budding artist went on vacation in Siberia recently. Pics 'cause it did happen:

Dear Sara

2009-07-29T14:52:00.001-07:00

I CANNOT HANDLE THE CUTENESS!

Because I Can...

2009-07-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

Another Photoshoot I Love

2009-07-18T18:21:00.001-07:00

By Eugenio Recuenco. Check out the rest here.

Heartbroken

2009-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

I was going to post Mariah's new video for "Obsessed", but now that I've actually seen it, I've decided that we should remember Mariah as she was.

By the way, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey performed at your funeral. I expect you to return the favor if and when the official diva of this here blog croaks.

Felt Garlands

2009-07-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Olive on Etsy has some pretty cute house and teacup felt garlands in keeping with the "making sure your home is in 24hr party mode" trend that I'm currently digging. Okay, it's more appropriate for a toddlers rather than 20-somethings, but when has that ever stopped me?

I'm looking for ways to keep myself occupied before I run off to Austin, so I might try to MacGyver a few for the new house. Felt + sewing machine? Can do!

Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Filling

2009-06-12T16:47:00.001-07:00

I used this recipe and went a little heavy on the spices. This is probably the best pumpkin bread I've had, and in my near twenty years, I've made it a serious priority to taste the pumpkin breads of the world.

Google <3

2009-06-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

I'm actually okay with them being out of my size.

2009-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

At least I know there's no risk of blowing my paycheck on this adorable dress instead of overpriced coffee?

It's summertime and the living is easy.

2009-06-03T23:14:00.001-07:00

If all goes well, my summer will at least be this aesthetically pleasing in little bursts.

animal friends in the news!

2009-06-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to watch a video.

I Have a Confession

2009-05-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

I know in my head that I shouldn't love Katy Perry, but heart just can't hate her. The bitch is kind of fabulous.

I'm not talking about her music, but the fact that a google search of "Katy Perry ridiculous" looks EXACTLY THE SAME as a plain ole' "Katy Perry" search. She is a constant assault against the rules of aesthetics, a beacon of hope for the tastelesss keeping the sequin industry afloat in these trying economic times. It doesn't hurt that she started out in the Christian music scene, either.

I can't say I'm familiar enough with her to give you a proper greatest hits compilation, but if a decidedly lazy quest can produce such gems, I can only speculate as to what might be out there.

Hello Kitty and leather!

It is my understanding that she descended from the sky from a giant banana the night she wore this ensemble.

I salute any woman who will turn their hips into a carousel.

Apparently, she performed at some Japanese awards show covered in glittery sushi...

...and arrived in this little number.

So there you have it: Katy Perry, my sartorial superhero. Let me go cry now.

Summer Reading

2009-05-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Given that summer means, among other things, picnics and the elusive non-required reading, I thought it would be fitting to post some pictures I took a couple years ago of my high school chums Madey and Kate. Enjoy!

Bailey's Irish Cream Sandwich cookies

2009-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I never posted these here, but they were amazing and fairly easy, so I have to recommend that you try them! I made them for St. Patrick's Day, but they make a delicious treat year round.

I used this recipe.

P.S. Now that it's summer, be on the lookout for more original content here. Sewing/baking/crafting/photography galore!

petsy

2009-05-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

As I watched Sophie (kitty) eat a blue jay the other day, my heart kinda swelled with pride. What a ferocious feline! I'm not even hardcore enough to eat a turkey sandwich (veggies, please!), but Sophie will just snatch a bird out of the sky and leave only feathers. What to get for a cat that doesn't want or need you?

When I came across GEEKitty on Etsy, I was instantly in love.

Light sabers!

A chainsaw! For Catrick Bateman, perhaps?

The point of all this, while I would never give kitties actual weapons for fear of a feline uprising, felt weapons for cats are TOTALLY adorable.

Glowing animals!

2009-05-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Thanks, National Geographic.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus!

2009-05-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

My darlings! This blog has basically been abandoned like a baby on church steps due to finals, but now that I'm free, I have oh so much time to waste!

Here are some stills from the upcoming film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by my personal hero, Terry Gilliam. The movie stars Heathus Christ, Lily Cole, Christopher Plummer, and, most importantly, Tom Waits as the devil!

Oh, and yay for over 2,000 views! Thanks, Mariah!

Add it Up

2009-04-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

How I am trying desperately to feel:

How I usually feel:

New Math

Walker, Texas Ranger

2009-04-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

In case you are wondering, this is probably my favorite Tim Walker photoshoot. It's based off of the stories of Roald Dahl and features such heroes as Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Karen Elson.

I hope you love it like I do!

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You can check out the whole photoshoot here.

Kitten on a turntable!

2009-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

So curious is the kitten!
Watch it through to the very end - I laughed out loud!

I WANT A KITTEN!!!!

HBIC

2009-04-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sure the whiskey and cigarettes have done not so nice things to her voice (Bob Dylan knows what's up), but Marianne Faithfull has clearly retained her badass factor through the years. Since the Bip Boppers seem to be on Decemberists high these days, here's Ms. Faithfull covering The Crane Wife III on Letterman:

Jezebel Hearts Old Magazines: Garment District Edition

2009-04-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

I love old magazines - they're like time capsules. If you too like them too (quick - name the reference!), check out this Jezebel post. Resident anonymous model 'Tatiana' checks out an issue of Life from 1960, and finds a pretty enlightening/eerie article on NYC's garment district.

I hadn't realized that, at the time, 3 out of every 4 dresses sold in the US were made there. Also, Jezebel goes where Life wouldn't and tells us about the district's mob ties. Nice.

As with any descent old magazine article, the pictures are half the awesomeness. But this one REALLY FREAKS ME OUT.

PUPPY ALERT

2009-04-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Obamas officially have their puppy. His name is Bo.

Under the Et-sea

2009-04-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

I implore you to forgive my terrible pun and check out Doop Theory on Etsy. Meg, who I've known on the internet for a while now, knits adorable octopuses and squids.

Plus, if you have plastic sharks you think might attack you, these guys can obviously provide the necessary defense.

Bad Weekend, Awesome Photos

2009-04-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

From superbomba's Flickr.

Etsy Loves: Camera Edition

2009-04-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

I'm currently looking for the perfect, affordable camera bag. My standards are pretty high, given that I don't buy anything that isn't cute and I love my cameras as if they had sprung from my own womb. My Etsy search didn't yield the perfect bag, but I did come across some cute goods for the photography enthusiast.

There are about a gazillion camera necklaces on Etsy, but I think this one is the cutest.

If I had a point-and-shoot camera, I'd definitely buy one of these adorable cases. Click here for the elephant case and here for the felt case.

This print could double as a checklist for things to look for every time I go thrifting if it weren't too pretty to mark up.

Do I need a new tote bag? No. Do I want this one? Yes.

I love the bright colors colors of this seller's work.

Finally, two of my great loves (photography and coffee) coexist adorably in this mug.

Jew Zoo

2009-04-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Passover, I bring you an orangutan eating matzo.

What do we get for 10 haunches?

2009-04-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

Some German evolutionary anthropologists recently published their findings from a study on chimpanzees: they "exchange meat for sex"!

Read the juicy details here. (Haha, juicy, meat... you get it? [I love pointing out my own puns.])

PS: I don't think this is a mere coincidence, creationists.
PPS: Chimpanzee that monkey news!

Seriously?

2009-04-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

For $64 "you can be ready for any adventure that comes your way!"

The Mariah Carey Project: New Puppy Edition

2009-04-05T19:43:00.002-07:00

I'm now pushing for puppies as the first anniversary gift of choice. Since Mariah isn't preggers or anything, do you think People will try to bid on the first pictures of Cha-Cha? I'm kind of sick of seeing stories about Valerie Bertinelli's bikini bod/insert story about Jennifer Aniston breaking up here in line at the grocery store, so puppies would be a vast improvement. Yes? Yes.

A bunny with two noses!

2009-04-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Check out more Animal Kingdom Oddities here.

Thanks, Catharine!

Cuteness Fix

2009-04-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

With spring only hinting at its glorious existence in Boston and schoolwork pulverizing my skull, my I'm taking the bits of adorableness the universe is throwing at me and reveling in them.

First up, this necklace is sweet to the point where I feel like I feel like I might need to pump up the Jesus Lizard to recover. If this blog is about five things, they would probably be pink, cupcakes, Etsy, ferocious bears, and tears. To have at least 3 of them covered in one necklace is worth noting!

From Cute Ability.

Second, add some trees, books, puppies, and picnic baskets to this Marcin Tyszka photoshoot and you've got exactly how I want my summer to look.

From Vanity Fair, February 2009.

Let's NOT Get it On

2009-04-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Pope condoms: Because the only protection you need is from SCIENCE.

Alicia J. Rose

2009-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

We all have dreams. I understand that plenty of sprightly young things want nothing more than to marry a Jonas Brother and be BFFs with Miley Cyrus without it being super-awkward. While that isn't something I personally can relate to, being an old hag at the tender age of nineteen, I get it.

I don't really know when I first had the desire to be a medium format photographer, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with Alicia J. Rose. I initially became familiar with her work when I saw her delightful promo shots for the Decemberists.

I love the way her photos maintain the warmth of film while being oh-so-crisp. They're theatrical and ooze with dark undertones without even hinting at a cheesy Suicide Girl feel.

For now, I'm stuck with a Holga, but one day I'll buy a Hasselblad and the two of us can fall in love with the world together.