it's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes*

I'm having an existential fashion crisis. With my hair pixie-short, I can't hide behind my hair anymore or use my hair to balance my body,  I've become more self-conscious and aware of how clothing fits on me, with my broad shoulders and short torso.  Things I enjoyed wearing no longer bring me happiness.  This is why I'm selling and donating a bunch of clothes.  I'm also changing my style to be a bit more mod.  I don't know how that'll go, but for now, I'm at a cross-roads of style.

how to be awkward

- Sleeveless button-up: Alexander McQueen for Target

- Skirt: Jenny Skirt in Hansel and Gretel by Pinup Girl Clothing

- Shoes: Champion Glitter in black by Keds X Kate Spade | here

- Jean jacket: by Theory

- Beret: from Amazon

put a bow on it

Here's a bonus outfit shot from Jon:

we really visited jamaica plain because of fomu

- Shirt: Red Check by Brutus

- Sweatervest: by Merc Clothing

- Pants: by Rapha

- Shoes: by Will's Vegan

- Sunglasses: by Ray Ban 

*Peter Gabriel - The Book of Love

high speed our miracles*

With a mixture and sadness and exuberance,  I returned my beloved Mini Cooper to the dealers today.  As I posted yesterday, I was feeling pretty apprehensive about not having a car after years of car dependency.  Is it weird to think about its impact on my footwear?  Because I'm pretty sure I need to invest in proper walk-about-town wear now.

i'm car-free! (insert vomit emoji here)
- Dress: Kelly Red Kitten by Bernie Dexter | here
- Cardigan: by Mak | here (says it's "JJ Perfection" but it was a Mak Cardigan!)
- Shoes: - Shoes: "Robbie" shoe in black patent from B.A.I.T. Footwear | here
- Bag: by Betsey Johnson
- Tote: "Shoplifters of the World Unite" tote bag
- Sunglasses: Seanna sunglasses by Kate Spade

- Headband: from Nordstrom

Folks, it's weird not having a car.  I'm not ashamed to admit it.  I know, in the end, I did the right thing.  I hope to see the positive impact of this decision from a financial point of view, as well as an environmental standpoint.

And, so my car-free life begins.

P.S. Here's a bonus photo of me enjoying the sun after a couple tiki drinks...  Ok ok, this was in the bathroom at Highland Fried in Cambridge.

*Johnny Marr - The Right Thing Right

they do it over there but we don't do it here*

Back in 2014, Jon and I watched David Bowie Is, a documentary about the immersive and comprehensive Bowie exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  We didn't think we'd be able to catch the exhibition while it toured, disappointed that it would never stop in San Francisco.  Fast forward to 2018, we've moved to the East Coast, and the last stop of the exhibition happens to be in the Brooklyn Museum in New York.  When the tickets were released in March 2018, I immediately purchased them for July, right after my birthday!

We dubbed it the Birthday Bowie Weekender.  Here's the outfit rundown for quite possibly the hottest (like literally, the weather) weekend ever.

help me from melting

- Dress: Alfred Shaheen Blossoms Print Hawaiian swing dress from Unique Vintage | other colorways here

- Cape: Bed Lace Jacket by Anna Sui

- Purse and earrings: Splash Out wicker crab bag and By the Pool pineapple double drop earrings by Kate Spade

at the polynesian - with tangaroa

at ps kitchen - gimmie all the flowers

Looking back at my photos, I should have tied the sleeve ribbon on the bed jacket.  I'm super self-conscious about my arms (a discussion for another time), so seeing them out like that embarrasses me.  I recently rediscovered that Anna Sui bed jacket, purchased years ago when I had traveled to Manhattan by myself and splurged on the piece.  It's perfect for these hot days and covers my arms.

david bowie is my blackstar

- Dress: Hamilton dress from Unique Vintage | other colorways here

- Cape: Bedroom Lace Jacket by Anna Sui

- Purse: Splash Out wicker crab bag by Kate Spade

- Shoes: Sundae wedges by Miss L Fire

- Boater hat: straw boater by Scala (actually a men's hat) | here

at the william vale - summer smells like sunblock and insect repellent


mr. crabs was definitely popular about town

Somehow I lost a button on my Hamilton dress.  The buttons weren't secure to begin with - I had to repair a couple when I received it - and I don't have any replacement white cloth-covered buttons.  That's a shame.  I chose this dress because the vertical stripes reminded me of Bowie's Saturday Night Live performance with Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias.  But imagine my shock when I walked into the Berlin years section and the wallpaper was all black and white stripes!  I nearly cried in happiness.

As for my bag, Mr. Crabs garnered a lot of compliments!  He can carry my phone, wallet, and sunglasses, but what you can't see is that I'm also wearing a backpack (Matt and Nat's Mercy Backpack from Herbivore Clothing, if you're wondering) to carry other travel necessities, like sunblock and insect repellent.

bonus accidental stripe twinning with jon

Planning outfits for these hot East Coast summers have been a challenge.  It almost makes me enjoy the winters... almost.  What do you do to keep cool?

I'll post more on what we saw and ate for Birthday Bowie Weekender - keep an eye out!

*David Bowie - Fashion

open the door / get on the floor*

We saw “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” yesterday, and I finally had an appropriate dinosaur-themed dress to wear during the showing.

that brachiosauraus scene left me with a lot of emotions

- Dress: by Betsey Johnson (bought years ago)

- Fake leather jacket: by Blank NYC, purchased from Nordstrom | similar
- Neckerchief: from the Gap (really really old)

- Shoes: by Rachel Antonoff for Bass Shoes (also bought years ago)

- Boater hat: by Innocent World (purchased from Closet Child Harajuku in Tokyo) | site

pterodactyls!

I'm wearing a camisole underneath the dress because the sweetheart neckline is a bit too low for my liking.  This is probably the only dress I have that has a zipper front.  It always throws me off.  The dress also has princess sleeves (which unfortunately, you can't see with the jacket on top) and makes my broad shoulders feel even broader (thus the jacket).

needs more dr. malcom

“Dr. Ian Malcolm pin-up pin” by Emma Munger | here

Growing up, my younger siblings were really into the Jurassic Park movies. I remember watching countless television shows about the science of Jurassic Park dinosaurs.  It's crazy that they're still making JP movies after all these years.  Did you watch the movie?  What did you think about it?

*Was (Not Was) - Walk the Dinosaur

at the tiki bar*

We finally made it to Tiki Rock in Boston, and we had a fun time sipping on some cocktails and relaxing. One of things I noticed living here in Massachusetts is the curious lack of tiki bars, so when Jon surprised me with reservations on Saturday afternoon, I was excited!  Tiki escapism and drinks!  Also, it’s been a really long time since we both got to wear our matching outfits.

this door leads nowhere

- Dress: Vintage barkcloth dress from Retro-Diva / Melissa Grüenhagen

- Bag: Wicker pineapple bag by Michael Kors | here and on sale!

- Shoes: Flamingo shoes by Miss L Fire

can't eat this coin (it isn't vegan)

- Earrings and sunglasses:  By the Pool pineapple double drop earrings and Seanna sunglasses by Kate Spade

my designated drinker

- Shirt: Vintage barkcloth Hawaiian shirt from Retro-Diva / Melissa Grüenhagen

close-up of the pineapple bag

The bag was a big hit; people were tickled by it.  Funny thing was that initially I wanted the Kate Spade novelty pineapple bag, however, when I went to go to the Newbury Street store, they were sold out!  Randomly, this bag came up in a Google search, and I thought it was cuter!  I trekked to Macy's, found it, and purchased it.  The shop ladies thought no one would buy it because it was too "unique".

guess what, shop ladies?  i love this bag!  it fits nothing inside it, but it's adorable!

I'll (someday, sigh) review Tiki Rock here on the blog.  I can’t wait to go again!

*Kenny Sasaki & the Tiki Boys - At the Tiki Bar

try to break me / but you can’t shake me*

If you read my Depeche Mode post, you may have noticed that I wasn’t feeling well that day. In fact, I haven’t been feeling well for some time, but I was determined to have an amazing evening at the concert.

daytime adventuring outfit

After weeks of planning, I was going to wear a pink Betsey Johnson party dress with my fake black leather jacket and Ziggy boots.  When I tried to put on the dress, the zipper broke!  Disheartened, I decided to go with my outfit back-up plan (people have those, right?): a new Kate Spade shirtdress with my pink fake leather jacket and Ziggy boots.

i based my whole outfit on those shoes, really.

- Shirtdress: Botanical Poplin Dress by Kate Spade | here and on sale
- Fake leather jacket: by Zara
- Boots: Ziggy Glitter ankle boots in black by YRU shoes | here and also on sale (but only size 7 is left)
- Boater hat: by Innocent World (purchased from Closet Child Harajuku in Tokyo) | site

the flair
- Back patch: “Babe with the Power” by Sugarbones | here

close-up of the ziggy boots

Major thanks to the manager of VIP relations for taking the top two photos of me. Going to a small show alone is way different from going to a major concert alone, so it was nice to have someone support my fandom.

The back patch and boots were a definite hit, and I’m sure there are photos of my back floating around the internet.  All in all, I’m glad that I chose that outfit to wear on the best night ever. It made me forget my troubles, if only for a little bit.

*Depeche Mode - So Much Love

close your eyes / count backwards*

Cinco de Mayo celebrations in California are usually pretty joyous (but, unfortunately, not celebrated responsibly, but that's for another time and place), but I was curious to see how people celebrate it here on the East Coast.  And, not surprisingly, it was pretty quiet, save for a couple people wearing taco hats.  SIGH.

The weather was really pleasant this past weekend, and, while going to donate a bunch of clothes, shoes, and books at Goodwill, Jon and I decided to wander around the  Davis Square neighborhood.  It's a cute square, with lots of nice shops, restaurants, and cafes, and people were out enjoying the sunshine.

this is really a shameless attempt for me to get a dj gig at Rosebud Kitchen’s Tiki Tuesdays
- Blouse: by Volita, which has a crooked collar that I never noticed!
- Sunglasses: Seanna sunglasses by Kate Spade
- Skirt: Pinup Couture Doris Skirt in Space Babes Print by Pinup Girl Clothing | here
- Shoes: bow booties by Dolce by Mojo Moxy

Figure I’d wear the Space Babes print by the Hernandez brothers (of Love and Rockets fame) in honor of Free Comic Book Day, since we went to 3 comic book shops!

the haul.  hay ladiessss.

So if you haven't noticed, I've been slowing back posting on the blog.  I have lots of photos and stories to share!  My goal is to post more regularly since I'm going to delete my Facebook account in June, which is difficult considering I don't have a personal computer!

*The Velvet Teen - Counting Backwards

my time's for taking if you want*

It's Friday, I have the day off, and it's the start of holiday vacation!  I finally got an iPhone adapter for my camera tripod and decided to test it out.  Also, I haven't really used the camera app on my Apple Watch, so I went crazy with photos.  To be honest, I'm not usually a fan of multiple shots of the same dress, which is the de rigueur in other blogs.  I like to see a dress from a couple different angles for fit and silhouette, and that's it.

But, hey, might as well eat my words here.

reminds me of johnny's pose on the cover of the messenger, except he's way cool

dress is from blue velvet vintage in austin

can you tell i work from home?

My goal is to take photos in front of our record shelves since it's a cool background.  What do you think?

*Johnny Marr - The Messenger

can I get the world right here?*

My winter days have been pretty mellow.  I stay indoors and go outside only when necessary.  In this case, it's to go grocery shopping.  Here are three outfits for going out in the cold.

december 13, 2017 - off to trader joe's

- Coat by United Colours of Benneton, scarf and beret from Macys probably, boots are Franco Sarto.  That peak-a-boo of a dress showing is Betsey Johnson.  I'm wearing two layer of tights: one is nylon, other is sweater.

december 18. 2017- cabbage shopping

- Coat and beanie is from Anthropologie, boots are Franco Sarto.  Still wearing two layer of tights: one is nylon, other is sweater.

december 20. 2017 - off to trader joe's... again.

- Coat is by beloved Nanette Lepore, scarf from Urban Outfitters, beret probably purchased at TJ Maxx, leggings are by Hue, sweater is from Anthropologie.  The dress peeking out is by Leifdottir.

As you can see, I'm all outwear and layering.  I'm pulling things from everywhere - thicker fabrics, colorful tights to wear underneath, hidden socks, and boots.  And I still feel cold!

*Johnny Marr - New Town Velocity

ready get inside*

Since winter has hit the East Coast, I haven't left the house.  I absolutely dread the cold!  Living in California has spoiled me (or weakened my tolerance, your pick).  So when I had to venture out to the Boston Logan Airport for my TSA pre-check appointment, I was not looking forward to gearing up in winter wear.  It was only in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, and I felt I was still freezing in this outfit.

broke my "no shoes on the white shaggy rug" policy

- Pussybow blouse: by Diane von Furstenberg

- Black / white tweed dress: by Pippa, purchased from Bloomingdales

- Red beret with poof: by Kate Spade

- Scarf: from Urban Outfitters

- Opaque black tights + opaque white tights: by Hue | here

- Black shoes: "Shuk" by N.Y.L.A.

The dress actually has cap sleeves, but I can't pull that off for the life of me.  I fold them under to make it sleeveless and usually layer with long sleeves.  As for berets, sometimes I have no idea how to style them.  This one has a weird shape to it, in my opinion, but I still try to make it work.  Maybe it's because I need to show my bangs when I wear them.

How does everyone deal with the cold and still be fashionable?

*Sea Blite - Wooly Sweater 

one thing i got to tell you is got to be free*

Another week, another superhero movie, another trek in the cold East Coast temperatures.  This time it was the long awaited Justice League movie, and I really enjoyed it!  It's definitely a departure from their other DC movies, and, admittedly, there was a lot of character back story they had to gloss over.  Also, I kind of wish the villain was a human with tons of make-up rather than a CGI dude!  But I hope it's a harbinger of better DC movies to come!

i wish that display was drawn by alex ross, tbh
- Fuzzy jacket: by Ben Sherman (RIP their ladies wear department)
- Black Turtleneck: so old the label is gone
- Skirt: Sherrys Dogtooth Check 3 Button Suit Blk/White by Sherry's of London | here
- Tights: Batman silhouette tights from Hot Topic | here
- Shoes: Black creepers by TUK Shoes | similar but made of leather
- Beret: vintage | similar but made of wool
- Bag: by Nine West

I realize I don't have many superhero-related paraphernalia - I need to work on that - other than the tights.  Also, after walking in the cold, I should have doubled-up on the tights for more warmth.  I'm still adjusting to this weather!

Also, this was the first time I wore my Sherry's of London dogstooth skirt!  The waistband is 0.5" bit too big, but I make do.  I also purchased the blazer, so I hope to wear the whole ensemble sometime soon.

What did you think of the movie?

*Gary Clart Jr. and Junkie XL

nothing here quite moves the way it should*

Fall doesn't seem to be happening this year.  It went from really humid and hot to bone chilling cold.  I'm trying to cut down on spending - aren't we all? - but my first impulse every winter is to buy a new coat.  And with people warning me about New England winters, I just want to bundle up my entire body in warmth!  Alas, I need to use what I have and just ogle at cute coats from afar.

Everything I'm wearing is years old: coat and beret from Anthropologie, dress is Marc by Marc Jacobs, tights are from Hue, socks are Kate Spade, and booties from DSW.  I'm wearing a thick cotton sweater underneath, and using that belt to give me some sort of shape!

How do you deal with the cold?  Got any tips to share?

*The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath

rudies don't fear*

I’m not a big sports fan, but when I saw this Brutus orange and black check shirt from Modfather Clothing in Camden, I had to get it for our trip back to San Francisco. I can now attend SF Giants games and fit right in!

You know, if mods were into baseball.

the orange and the black

- Shirt: Orange Big Check in Trimfit by Brutus, purchased from Modfather Clothing | here
- Sunglasses and skirt: by Kate Spade
- Tights: from Nordstrom
- Black sweater: from Target
- Peacoat: by Juicy Couture, thrifted from Buffalo Exchange
- Shoes: Mildred black by B.A.I.T. Footwear | here

Now, I hate being labeled as one subculture or another, simply because you dress a certain way.  I used to have this dilemma growing up.  I would always gravitate toward all-black-everything, but my music taste - as you can see in this blog - varies from synthpop to C86 to Britpop to indie pop to goth and whatever fits my mood. I love the aesthetic of so many these groups, so I dress in these styles.  Dress the way you want, as long as it makes you happy, and be kind to those who dress a certain way.  Don't tear those people down or make them fit into neat little labels.

Being away from San Francisco has made us realize how much it is really our true home. This weekend has been filled with good people and good times. Can’t wait until we’re back again.

*Hepcat - Rudies All Around

the hammer of the gods*

We braved the shopping crowds (and poorly designed public thoroughfare) to watch Thor: Ragnarok during the opening weekend.  The movie was worth the hassle!  It was a fun movie, I loved Mark Mothersbaugh's synth-tacular soundtrack, and now I'm smitten with director Taika Waititi (as I'm sure everyone else is now).

For my movie-going outfit, I decided to wear Hulk's colors... or Loki's colors... or Hela's colors... It’s kind of a toss up.   I'm really just trying to use all my dresses and outerwear before I have to pack them up for the East Coast winter.  Also, I match this movie display. 

ragnarok'd my world

- Dress: by Calvin Klein
- Cape: from H&M
- Turtleneck: from Anthropologie
- Tights and Purse: by Betsey Johnson

- Shoes: Bow booties by Dolce by Mojo Moxy

Honestly, I've been apprehensive dressing as I normally do since I've moved; it's a shame really.  Not that I care about what people think, but I stick out like a sore thumb here.  Also, I'm new to "seasons", so all my clothes are weather inappropriate.  I’m not going to spend money building a winter wardrobe. Expect lots of layers with random pieces and tons of coats.

*Led Zepplin - Immigrant Song