Back to School Supplies: Wish List!

So despite the fact that I've begun summer class, I've hardly made a dent in my list of things to buy before the fall semester actually begins. I'm currently taking Creative Writing: Narrative Short Fiction and I absolutely LOVE the class and the professor. Becoming a novelist is one of my dreams, so taking a short story class is going to help improve my writing.

But that's beside the point. I previously did a Dorm Wish List post, and now I'm going to do a post about school supplies I really like that I want or need.

First Time Dormer: Wish List!

So this upcoming fall semester will be my first time dorming. I will be a sophomore, but due to the intensiveness of my chosen classes, my professors advised me to stay on campus to make working on projects and meeting with classmates an easier task. I

live about 30 minutes away from campus but I don't have my driver's license yet. I also work on campus, so on the days I don't have classes, coming to work will also be less difficult.

So as a first time dormer, I made a list of items I would like to take with me to the dorm, though realistically I'll only be buying storage items. It doesn't hurt to wish, though, does it? =)

From Junk to Jewelry

Hi everyone! Today I was hit with some serious inspiration and I decided I'd share with you some of the new jewelry I've created and posted in my shop. Links are attached to the photos so you can check out the descriptions or even purchase something, if you'd like. First, the necklaces.

Epic Fail of Not So Epic Proportions

I'm sure you guys remember my post, An Item For My Closet of Wanting. I promised I would mess around with some fabrics to try and create that Balmain skirt. Well, the good news is that it's possible (obviously). The bad news is that I couldn't get the pieces to stay together. Leather is a pain in the behind to sew! I can't honestly say I have a tutorial because the pieces I used produced something similar to the original picture, not the actual product. Therefore I'd like to say that the key here is LAYERS.

I started with one long layer of mesh from an old skirt, which gave me the shape I needed to build around. I cut away pieces of the mesh and pinned some sequined fabric and chains onto the material to build the bottom layer of the skirt, and for the top layer pinned the leather scraps with more monochrome fabrics. I figured it was just a puzzle, with pieces in need of being put together and pieces that needed to be cut away to reveal another puzzle altogether.

The final product looked kind of silly, but that's essentially how I would have created it had I possessed a working sewing machine capable of sewing leather. I was tempted to punch holes into the leather and sew it with strips of grey yarn or embroidery floss, but seeing as I wouldn't seriously be able to wear the skirt, I didn't do more than keep the pins in place and admire my first and only attempt.

I apologize for not taking any pictures, but if I try this again with a working machine and a smaller model, I will definitely record as much of the new attempt as I can. Have a great day!

What Makes Me Happy

So these past few days I've been miserable for reasons that don't belong on this blog. To cheer myself up and any of you guys who may be feeling down as well, I decided I'd post a bunch of things that make me happy. So let's begin with the following:

Getting letters! I have a few snail mail pen pals I LOVE hearing from. They send the coolest envelopes and we make the oddest letters. One time my Arizona pen pal wrote me a letter on cut up papers she put together to form a single page. Awesome! I always make little gifts for my pen pals, too. One day I'll write an entire letter in a mini notebook charm and send it to someone.

J.C. Penny Haul

Another shopping trip? So soon after the T.J. Maxx trip? Why, yes, yes indeed! I embarked on a journey to JCP intending to purchase bras, but became sidetracked by the fact that, oh, there was a summer sale where everything was 30-70% off. On the first floor, I discovered the basics, some 2 for $12 tees and tanks (total of $24):

T.J. Maxx Haul

So I've been surfing YouTube for some inspiration, mainly because I want to knit a ruffle scarf, and stumbled across some videos about store hauls. I had nothing better to do so I watched a few, and some really entertaining posters inspired me to talk about my most recent journey to T.J. Maxx. I hope this doesn't bore you to death, being my first haul display and all, along with the fact that I didn't buy very much.

A black vest with crocheted back detail ($12):

My Current Etsy Clothing Obsession

Once again, the amazing talented creators on Etsy have blown my mind. I stumbled across Hopee's handmade goods while searching for some more indie inspiration. Yet again I have to refrain from posting dozens of photos and post only my favorites and hope you'll visit the link to her shop. Her prices are so reasonable, I'm in shock. Her items could definitely go for much more, in my opinion, they're so wonderful.

I am in love! Insert all of these into my Closet of Wanting!

Movie: All Torn Up

Title: All Torn Up

Genre: Experimental Drama

Year Produced: 2009

Level of Education: High School, Senior Year

Summary: Domestic violence is a problem our society has yet to eliminate. It hurts many parties —parents and children, wives and husbands— but the most painful part about it is when it occurs between siblings: brothers and sisters especially. We think our family members could never do something so horrible because they are supposed to love us and protect us. How do we fight back? How can we believe it will all be ok in the end? How can we still love the people who hurt us for no good reason?

Additional Notes: 16mm Black & White film.

Soundtrack: “Already Over” by Red

Etsy Finds of the Patchwork Persuasion

So what is this post about, you ask? Well, you shouldn’t really have to ask if you read the title, but that’s okay. We all have our goldfish moments. Trust me. I had to look at the title to remind myself what I was writing about. Har har. =)

I adore clothes put together like this. Patchwork pieces are so refreshing and can look retro but really are quite futuristic in my head. They can be so flattering and so fun, and are definitely conversation starters. The best part about them is how playful they can be. I have a mild obsession with children’s games and I’m openly envious that they have Arts & Crafts every day, which this style of clothing reminds me of.

The Song to Self-Improvement

I’m sure many of you have heard “Hook Me Up” by The Veronicas. My boyfriend is the reason why I enjoy their music and because of him, I have the inspiration to start a new chapter in my life and you guys have a new post full of sarcasm and unbridled joy to make your day. Oh, yes, my boyfriend listens to The Veronicas. No, he doesn’t hide that fact. And yes, he listens to Abba, as well. Sigh. People are so picky about men these days…

The meaning of this song can be debated as you wish, but I think this is one of the few songs off the album that isn’t brimming with sexual energy. Although, it can be argued that the music video contains what the lyrics are lacking.

Now, mind you, the first verse is really the only important one to this post, which is about starting over at a point in life when people, possessions, and lifestyle become tiresome and lack the true representation of the person.

I reached this point roughly one week and four days ago. During the past week, I’ve essentially felt like the first verse of the song:

“I’m tired of my life.
I feel so in between.
I’m sick of all my friends.
Girls can be so mean.
I feeling like throwing out
everything I wear.
Starting over new
‘cause I’m not even there.”

Music of the Industrial Variety

I am obsessed with "Dream Here (With Me)" by Oomph! right now. I love imagining a collection of my fashion and surrealism photos playing in a slideshow to this song. I adore Oomph! I decided I would take German this fall semester in college just because I love the way the lead singer, Dero, makes it sound. German bands are quite entertaining when you can’t understand a word they’re saying. I also love his casual style, sans piercings.

Do you guys have a song stuck in your head right now?

Fragrances

I suppose you could say some people are really into perfume. Everyone has their own obsession, and some happen to like the scents of dozens of bottles or like to smell different every day, every week, etc. I went to high school with a girl who collected perfumes, and to this day I have no idea how she afforded some of the bottles in her collection.

So this post will cover perfumes I own and then I’ll open up and ask you guys to share your favorite perfume(s). =)

Recipe: Waffles

“And in the mornin’, I’m makin’ WAFFLES!”

I love Donkey, don’t you? I’m sure he’s never had this particular waffle recipe before, but he’d love it since it produces up to 24 waffles, all depending on how much you put into your waffle iron and what kind of waffle iron you have (square waffle iron, round waffle iron, little waffle iron, big waffle iron, etc.). My family and friends beg me to make this recipe on the weekends.