Edith Minturn Sedgwick.

"It's not that I'm rebelling. It's that I'm just trying to find another way."
-Edie Sedgwick

Edie Sedgwick. If I could pick one person in this world that I would like to be most like, I would choose Edie. Hands down. Yes, I love Twiggy, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn as well, but Edie is the girl that I find myself drawn to the most. She is a beautiful disaster. I wouldn't wish her misery on my greatest enemy, she spent her life struggling with psychological issues, because of her brothers suicide, that led to eating disorders, and drug abuse. But, her beauty, outstanding personality and style has been iconic ever since she was Girl of the Year in 1960's.

"While I was girl of the year and superstar and all that crap, everything I did was really...motivated by psychological disturbance. But I’d, I’d make a mask out of my face because I didn’t realize I was quite beautiful...I had to wear heavy black eyelashes like bat wings and dark lines under my eyes. Cut all my hair off, my long dark hair, cut it off and strip it silver and blond. All these little manoeuvres I did out of things that were happening in my life that upset me. I’d freak out in a very physical way, and...it was all taken in a fashion trend."

"You have to put up with the risk of being misunderstood if you are going to try to communicate. You have to put up with people projecting their own ideas, attitudes, misunderstanding you. But it's worth being a public fool if that's all you can be in order to communicate yourself."

"Edith Minturn Sedgwick: beautiful artist and actress and all around loon. Remembered for setting the world on fire and escaping the clutches of her terrifying family. Made friends with eeeeverybody, and anybody...creating chaos and uproar wherever she went. Divorced as many times as she married, she leaves only good wishes behind."
-Factory Girl

Emotional Expressionism.

I got back from the Kansas City Art Institute yesterday at around 4:30 PM. At KCAI I took a 2 day fashion design program. I spent most of the day in the studio just going crazy with trifted clothes that I re-created, and playing around with fabrics that the instructor had brought for us to use.

We also had a 3 hour life drawing class the first night that we were there. That was the most amazing drawing experience I have ever had. The instructor worked with everyone individually as they needed. He made me so comfortable with the experience, and helped me improve so much in only 3 hours with a class of about 25-30 students. I really recommend that everyone tries a life drawing class at some point in their life if at all possible.

Oh & I got my hair cut the first day of March. I really like how it turned out, but it seems to be growing far too quickly already!

It's spring break now! Well, it's break at least. It's still snowing here in Missouri. Oh well, at least we are out of school.

Mary-Kate.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen had their own movies that I would watch nonstop. I specifically remember Billboard Dad, and a video game of theirs called Sweet Sixteen. Remember when Wal-Mart had hair crimpers with their picture on them? Well I HAD to have one because they did. Basically, these women had become a part of my childhood, and for a while that's all that they were to me. They were past tense.

Then, a few years back, I heard about Mary-Kate's eating disorder, chain smoking, & all around party life and I was very interested. The girls we once looked at as an example of good, clean fun had stories behind their lives that other people had never heard before. I am not looking down on this at all, but I am respecting both of them more and more after hearing these stories.

I have always been more drawn to Mary-Kate. She is edgier, I adore her fashion, and I believe that she has so much hidden beneath the surface. So, I have decided to share my love for Mary-Kate with you all tonight. She has always been such an inspiration to me, and I hope she is to you as well.

Xoxo.

Hollywood Seamstress, Interrupted.

My style direction for this year: A Hollywood Seamstress, Interrupted.

I'm the girl who who spends her morning sipping on coffee from a large reindeer mug while carefully applying eye makeup that she will lightly smear before walking out the door. I'm the girl that embraces her obnoxiously curly hair throwing it up into a messy ponytail, and then back down to reveal a curly jungle. I'm the girl that has a drawer specifically for tights that she wears with just about anything, ignoring the fact that 80% of them are inspired by Edie Sedgwick.
I'm also the girl that wears the same ring everyday, but who also pairs it with 2 or 3 more rings, making her fingers sparkle everywhere she goes. I'm the girl that applies lipstick by the hour. Anything from the reddest of reds, to pinks that compliment her skin. Biting her lip when she's nervous. Slowly peeling the lipstick onto the surface of her white teeth.
I'm the girl that braids manically not stopping for loose hairs or clumps falling out. The girl that licks her lips to taste the frosting flavored lip balm she puts on every morning before rushing off to school. I'm the girl that carries a huge black and white purse as her book bag stuffing it full of books on psychology and novels that reveal the secret to happiness. The girl that sits criss-cross-apple sauce in her desk, refusing to put her feet down.
The same girl blasts Regina Spektor and Passion Pit to put her in a better mood. I'm the girl that looks up to Marilyn Monroe, wondering how society would feel of her if she were alive today instead of back then. I'm the girl who dreams of having Clara Bow's hair style, loving women that have the courage to chop off their long locks. Waiting for the day to follow in their footsteps. I'm the girl that wishes she was born in a different time period, scared of what the world has become.
The girl that cuts her own jean shorts, and sews a few dresses of her own. I'm the girl that wears black almost everyday because bright colors would compete with her choice of lipstick. I'm the girl that walks the streets in sequin dresses, never looking back. The girl that pairs everything with long, dangling earrings. I'm the girl that stands in the rain smiling loving the feeling of the water cleansing her pale skin. I'm the girl who can't sit still and is constantly curling her toes in and out, just to relax herself. The girl that eats tofu in her vegetable stir fry, never dreaming of eating an animal.
I'm the girl who's eyes change colors every couple of hours from bright greens, to light blues, to everything in between. The girl that can't express how she feels through words, and has to explain everything through images, music, or past experiences. The girl who keeps a pocket sized book on feminism to whip out every time someone challenges her beliefs. The one that will occasionally dye a layer of hair electric blue because she gets bored of her dirty blonde locks.

I am a Hollywood Seamstress, Interrupted.

Be sure to check out Luinae and Maddie's posts on their style direction for this year as well.

All these images are found from Weheartit.com

Shopping List.

I am starting a shopping list of major items that I would like to purchase in the next year. So far it is only a small list of big things that I have been wanting for a long, long time now.

1. A designer watch. I have always adored Marc by Marc Jacob watches, and this lovely gal I know showed me hers the other day and it was simply divine. The ones that I have been eyeing are between $150-$225, so I will have to put aside a jar to save up in for this piece of jewelry.

2. Chanel No. 5. Who could name a more classic perfume for a women to wear? Coco Chanel is such an inspirational figure to me, and I would love to have the honor of owning something from Chanel, and Chanel No. 5 would be my number one choice, by far. This is $260/oz, so if I ever do purchase this then I will be getting a limited supply of it. (Right now I go and ask for samples that I take home and use 'for a french assignment').

3. A white lace, vintage dress that I discovered today when searching high and low for a dress similar to that of the dress worn in Factory Girl when Edie and Andy met for the very first time. I searched for this when I discovered that the theme of our Prom this year is 'Keep It Classy', and even though I do not expect to go to Prom, I decided that I should be prepared. Just in case. I found one almost exact, only to find that it had been sold, but my hopes were replinished when I ran into this other dress costing $158.

All of these items are a bit out of my price rang at this point, but I have decided to save up, and simply wait and see what happens.

In the mean time, I must be on the lookout of tights with interesting design details, high socks, and boots.

P.S. Imagine all 3 of my top items together, what a lovely sight that would be.

Red Cheetah.

Me and my friend Maddie spent the day running around taking photos with a bundle of 6 bright red balloons (Sue, Betty, Marissa, Dave, Willow and Harold). Hope you enjoy what we put together.

MissFits.

Hello everyone! I have an exciting announcement. Me and my dear friend Maddie have created our very own feminist fashion magazine that we like to call MissFits. You can find it online by clicking here. We had decided to start this magazine months ago and have finally put the finishing touches on it and released it for your eyes to see. Soon there will be a print copy available for order.

This magazine is feminist in the sense that it is a collaboration of people who refuse to conform and who are willing to take a stand. MissFits is for those who believe that tomorrow is a new day. MissFits is created because the future is female.

If you are interested in this project and would like to write an article, then please shoot us an e-mail at missfitsmag@hotmail.com.

Mixing and Matching.

Upon hearing about a challenge called 30 for 30, which hundred of bloggers around the world participate in, I have decided to become a remixer myself. In this contest you chose 30 pieces of clothing, counting shoes, but not accessories, and limit yourself to being able to use only those 30 pieces for 30 days. The point of this is to increase your ability to mix and match and understanding of your own closet, and how on those days you say "I have nothing to wear", that with a little creativity, you have countless outfits to experiment with.

I just started this on the 15th of November. And I must go through the 18th of December, because I have a 3 day trip with the school in which I must be dressed in a very specific dress code.

Day 1:

Striped black and white skirt.

Red and black tank top.

Grey cardigan.

Black knit tights.

Black ballerina flats.

Day 2:

Dark wash skinny jeans.

Green tank top with detail at neckline.

Brown faux leather jacket.

Brown ballerina flats.

Day 3:

Grey turtle-esque neck dress.

Blue button down shirt worn as cardigan.

Black knit tights.

Black ballerina flats.

I have decided to not include the black knit tights as an item because this challenge was originally created for the Summer and Spring, and if I was in either of those seasons, I would wear the same outfit minus the tights. So with the issue of warmth at hand, I am counting those as accessories.

Stripes in my eyes.

We had nice weather this week, so me and Maddie took advantage of it and snuck into a field and shot some photographs.

I've been really into stripes right now, and thrifted a few simple t-shirts. I love them already. Paired with a high waisted skirt, anything is possible.

Halloween: Take One.

I'm being Edie Sedgwick for Halloween this year and I have 2 parties that I am attending, so I am going to wear different Edie-esque outfits, hair and makeup to each one. My first party happened last night and this is how I turned out. Big earrings, stripped black & white dress, black opaque tights and a big faux fur coat to arrive in. It was tons of fun.
What is everyone else doing/being for Halloween this year?
Xoxo.

Seasonal.

I've always loved to wear dresses and skirts. I always feel better and more confident when I look nice. The leaves are changing colors, the wind is picking up and everyone's ordering hot coffee at Starbucks instead of the usual summer specials. Sweaters are being pulled out of the back of closets and tall socks are being put under open toe shoes. New seasons give a reason for new clothes. On sunnier days summer dresses are being paired with slouchy cardigans, and on those chilling days our bodies are not prepared for, tights and knitted scarves are thrown on.

This is when we toss our hair over our shoulders and cuddle up to friends in order to keep ourselves as warm as possible. These are the days I'm ready for. However, I am not prepared for blasting cold snow storms, sleds pulled by reindeer and shoveling the snow off of the driveway.

All images from lookbook.nu

Not So Foolish Anymore

At a young age we are given Barbie dolls. Dolls that have 'perfect' bodies that we expect of ourselves to have as we grow up. This is immediate pressure on young girls. But, in reality if Barbie was a person, her head would be the same circumference as her waist. This would cause her to have chronic diarrhea and would die of malnutrition. Since Barbies neck is twice as long as the average humans, it would be impossible for her to hold up her own head. Her arms are 50% longer than her arms, the average woman's are 20%. And because her legs are so thin, she would have to walk on all 4's to get around.

REAL WOMEN
Average woman’s height is 5’4″
Their weight is approx. 140 lbs.
They wear a size 14 dress
Their bust is between 36″ and 37″ (B cup)
Their waist is between 30″ and 34″
Their hips average between 40″ and 42″
Their shoe size is estimated to be between 8.5 and 9.5

BARBIE
Barbie’s height would be 7’2″
Her weight would be 101 lbs.
She would wear a size 4 dress
Her bust would be 39″ (FF cup)
Her waist would be 19″ (same as her head)
Her hips would be 33″
Her shoe size would be a 5

Now, to me, this does not sound attractive at all. Nor physically possible.

But, Barbies aren't the only reason that girls choose to work towards a 'better' body. I can't say for sure what it is, other than that everyone wants to feel perfect. We see in magazines and movies what we think is perfect, and don't realize that our bodies are lovely and ideal.

Fashion models are a major influence on girls, but look at their faces. It is heart breaking to see how unhappy they all look and how sunken in their cheeks are, how the life is drained out of their eyes and how much pressure is put on them everyday.

I think that we should make a pact, an agreement of a sort, to go to someone we know and trust and tell them of our struggles and they can help you through these hardships. And, then we will decide to love our bodies. What a crazy idea is that? I know. But, really, truly, we should love our bodies more than anyone else's because our body is the one that will stay with us forever, cherish it, take care of it. You don't get another. Why would you destroy this one? I personally think that everyone needs to look in the mirror everyday and point out something that they think is lovely and repeat it to themselves when they don't feel so lovely anymore.

Because you are lovely. And you are loved. All of you. Everyone.

And On The 7th Day, She Rested.

My favorite t-shirt. I've found 13 tigers on it, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are more. They are hidden within the bigger tigers faces. Non-stop entertainment all day.

As Summer Dies Down

As summer ends fall begins, and with the new season a new wardrobe is in order. Going back to school is never 'fun', but going back to school shopping can be one of the best things for a girl to do. She has an excuse to get new shoes because her toes will freeze with the sandals she is currently styling and she needs new sweaters and cardigans to go over her summer dresses and skirts. So, as i go shopping constantly for the next few days I am looking specifically for a few new things.

1. Ballerina flats, oxfords, boots, etc. Basically any shoe that will cover my toes and is of course cute and wearable with the majority of my wardrobe.
2. A new bag for my books. Luckily I found one for an excellent deal! It's a simple faux leather bag that has a few compartments for pens and calculators and then a big pit for my text books and binders.
3. Little things like hand sanitizer, lipstick, lip balm, mints, gum, and mini lotions to keep with me throughout the school day in case of any emergency event. Be sure to keep a killer shade of lipstick to make any day glamorous.
4. Tights of all colors and textures to keep my legs warm, but still have the option of wearing dresses.
5. A few sweaters that will slip on nicely with a pair of jeans for lazy Mondays, and then cardigans and blazers to wear over dresses. I want to get more knits this year, and then I want to get cardigans in several colors, so that I have options to mix up the same dress with several combination's of shoes, cardigans, tights and of course jewelry.
6. Which brings me to rings. Lots and lots of rings. This can turn a lazy Monday look into something cute and thought out looking all by just adding some shine to your fingers.
7. Also, new shades of nail-polish. More autumn colors to play around with will add color to anything.
8. New music. After tests and during silent working time music can really get me focused. The school has new restrictions on when you can listen, but it's still good to keep it around. Just in case. Right now Lily Allen and Ingrid Michaelson are at the top of my playlist.
9. High socks with cute shoes is also coming into style now, and I wouldn't mind experimenting with trying out that style for myself.
10. Finally, new hair styles can add so much confidence to the fall. Most people grow out their hair in the fall and winter and cut it off in the summer, I don't plan on doing either, but just changing the way I wear it everyday. My hair is extremely curly, so I want to try out a few fun up-dos, like high buns, and then put it in side ponies or down other days. Just to try new things.

Paper Planes.

My friend Maddie took some pictures of me the other day, enjoy.