been there, done that

(besnard lakes tee, pamela love necklace, thrifted shirt, comme des garcons shoes)

Summertime means a million different things, but is precious for its memories, each of which seem so distinct and resist blurring into each other. This summer I feel that something has changed within me - I've clicked into adulthood, or something, I don't know, I've grown up and life is filled with much more responsibilities. Morgan and I were talking about how we've become boring. In our early twenties we used to drink in purple bars and dance under nebulae (we were the only ones dancing). But times have changed. Nowadays we find comfort in easy dinners and Sex and the City at home on broken couches. Watching that show as grown-ups is sobering for us because we've come to realize how true it is. Like only now can we relate to Carrie's financial struggles or Charlotte's marital woes; it is meaningful on a level that is uncanny. We also saw Frances Ha a few days ago were totally stuck by its depiction of like, actual reality. It's almost disturbing real. Way more than Girls (but it isn't a competition, of course), because the film is painfully awkward. When Frances trips on the dismembered pavement of NYC, or when she relocates herself, or is emotionally assaulted by other women...every five seconds we looked over to one another in the theater, silently telling each other "been there."

Frances Ha is sorta what inspired me to wear to black and white, because the movie is shot in monochrome. It lends this feeling of present nostalgia, almost...as if you were remembering something that happened a year ago or a few months ago. Memories of things that took place when your life was somewhat similar to the way it is now. 

Lives change and people change. That's probably the biggest reason you should strive to live in the present, because the next second becomes a different life than the moment before it, moment you'll never have again. In a lot of ways I am regretful of the ways I spent my youth and perhaps regret will likely gnaw at me for a good while, but at least I've managed to find a way to exist within today. It is my hope that you all can do so too.

the rains of chicago

(Rodarte for Opening Ceremony jacket, Rodarte for Target dress, Pamela Love necklace, Rag & Bone jeans, Tabio socks, Comme des Garcons clogs)

I'm wearing...jeans! Really, this isn't as shocking as "The Rains of Castemere", but I haven't owned a pair of blue jeans in years. I stopped wearing jeans because skirts and dresses were less of a hassle to deal with. For like, all women, finding a pair of jeans that fit perfectly is an exercise in masochsim - the fitting room mirrors become a nauseating funhouse as you struggle to squeeze your calves into unforgiving denim. That's assuming the store even carries your size! I should mention that I am aware that I am straight-sized and have the privilege of being able to go into stores I like and usually find clothes in my size. That said, it should be acknowledged that out of all types of clothing, women of all sizes can commiserate over the agony of buying jeans that are not designed for, yanno, typical human beings. I am fiercely body-positive but buying jeans tests even my patience. It isn't our bodies that are the problem, the problem that jeans are made to fit one very specific type of figure. But that doesn't make the shopping experience any easier when your fitting room is littered with piles of ill-fitting jeans that are simply not made to accomodate your body. The Most Frustrating!

I'd been flirting with the idea of wearing jeans because our winter has dragged on and on this year - it wasn't until April when the snow finally melted and even now in June, the air is brisk and rainy. My mom was very kind to buy these jeans for me when I went home last week. I had remembered reading Jenna's Jezebel piece about Rag & Bone denim being Worth It, so I grabbed a few pairs and marched into the fitting room. To my utter surprise, these jeans fit beautifully! Other than the extra-long hem, because I am quite short. But the quality of jeans are far beyond any denim I've ever worn and I highly recommend them. Plus, they are made here in the good ole USA!

I love the idea of take something like super basic like lightwashed blue jeans and making them weird. Jane the Denim Goddess does this better than most, but I wanted to try my hand. An easy way to wear jeans ~unconventionally~ is to layer it over a dress. You may have to adjust the dress to more of a tunic length, which I did here. In this case, I wore my Rodarte for Target dress that I found at a resale shop. The dress actually hits at my knees but I tied the sash to hike the hem up a little higher. SO EASY.

My sock + shoe situation...not the most practical for a rainy brunch yesterday, but my old CdG clogs look sooooo gooood with my jeans om nom I just want to wear this forever. BURY ME IN IT~~

Anyway, do you wear jeans? Do you need to a pop a Xanax before denim shopping? What brands actually fit you? Let's empathize with each other.

SAIC the walk 2013

A couple weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of attending the School of the Art Institute's annual student fashion show, The Walk 2013. This is probably Chicago's best fashion event of the year. It's a really fun opportunity to see conceptuality on the runway, because the students are really encouraged to stretch the limits of their imagination. School is really the last place for fashion students to experiment highly with things like exaggerated proportions and impracticality, before they move on into the commercial world. I live for weird clothes so it is special to see something like this in my hometown. I apologize for these not being the best photos, but hopefully you can still appreciate the creativity...

Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte were presented with the Legend of Fashion Award at this year's show. Their acceptance speech was short, humble, and appreciative, just as you might expect from these awesomely hermetic designers. And if there was a Belieber equivalent of Rodarte fans, I would tooootally be it. Sooooo, as gross as this probably going to sound *shuffles feet*...I got to meet them at the event and it kind of made my life. They were incredibly sweet and we got to talk about music. I was extremely grateful that the Mulleavy sisters are friendly and nice and the conversation didn't feel awkward one bit. My personal Rodarte moment had me glowing for a few days ^__^

Woah, I'm smiling! It's been happening a lot more these days, if you can believe that. I wore my Rodarte jacket because it felt appropos for the occasion, with my vintage lurex skirt and My Bloody Valentine tee that my boyfriend gave me. My bag is by Katherine Kwei and was gifted by the brand. My wardrobe has definitely become ~curated~ enough that I can throw on random pieces in a few minutes and the outfit will look good together. This t-shirt was lying on the floor of my room for a few days before I decided to wear it to the show. Emma took these gorgeous photos.

The Venessa Arizaga necklace is one of my most beloved pieces of jewelry and it is on sale here on the Outnet! That is NOT an affiliate link, I genuinely love this piece and want everyone to fall in love with it too. If any of you decide to buy it, let me know how much you adore it ★

no matter where i will go

Since living in Chicago, I've developed a bit of a sensitivity to the seasons. This is place that experiences such pronounced mood swings, in the form of ever-changing snow and rain and clouds. The sunlight has to be just right in order for me to read certain books or listen to certain songs. And lately the sun has been straining to peek out from behind winter's clouds, and along with it, comes some new inspirations I'm really excited about.

Lately I've been listening to more folksy music too. Shoegaze will always be love, but I'm enjoying the process of expanding my taste towards dreamy jams with minimal effects-y guitars. Weyes Blood and Marissa Nadler have both been on constant rotation on my record player. Their music is evocative of forests and the way the light filters through the leaves of trees. And also of northern California which I once visited, and its gently rolling hills and craggy beaches with redwoods growing out of rocks and furious sunsets that bathes your skin in an orange aura.

And as far as style goes, I think for the moment I want to focus on pieces. At least for dressy, transformative wear. This spring I'm craving embellishments like sequins and florals, but also delicate details like lace and the tiniest ruffles. I've settled into a silhouette of long, flowing things that graze the ground but would like to take this idea further - by incorporating it into a context. Like I'm totally feeling 70s woodland faeries, with a little Edwardian prairie in the mix, balanced by the medieval hardness of Game of Thrones. The Mulleavy sisters said they weren't inspired by Game of Thrones for their Spring 2013 collection, but that dragon earring is exactly Targaryen. I enjoy this idea of mashing together lots of different eras until they all kind of blur together - history is a continuum and when we look back, it all kind of folds into itself.

Elle Magazine, 1975

Meadham Kirchhoff Fall 2013 by Eleanor Hardwick for Rookie Mag

Biyan Spring 2013 lookbook

Rodarte Spring 2013 Cedric Bihr for 25 Magazine

Ellen Von Unwerth, Lula #15

Alice Boughton, 1910

Valentino Spring 2013 campaign by Sarah Moon

unknown

Angelica Houston by Eve Arnold

Saint Laurent by Richard Bush for i-D Pre-Spring 2013

Signe Vilstrup for Treats! Magazine #3


I made this mix last month and it so perfectly captures where my brain is at. As spring progresses into summer, I hope you all are enjoying the coming months. Blessed be.