Native Moments

wearing: Valentines edition

2012-02-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

pretty in pink (and my new Jason Wu for Target shirt!)

outfit details: jeans: Cheap Monday, boots, necklace & bracelet: Forever 21, blouse: Target

wearing

2012-02-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

I am getting excited for Valentines day! It is one of my favorite holidays! Despite all of the halmark-ness that it has become Ive always loved a holiday that encourages crafting and baking!! as evidenced by these past posts, here, here and here and here and here.. yikes, I LOVE to craft! and of course I love to love and celebrate all that mushy good stuff! I'll show you what I've been working on for THIS Valentines day soon! xoxo

inspired by....

2012-02-07T05:34:00.000-08:00

I have always loved the whimsical, pattern filled illustraions of Erte. These particular selections are especially inspiring during this Valentines day season!

all photos found at erte.com

show and tell

2012-02-03T05:59:00.001-08:00

I made these wacky (yes, I say wacky, like a grandma!) shorts for some lucky ballerinos! aren't they lucky?!

stumbling stilts

2012-02-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

these are the tallest shoes that I have ever owned! I was feeling really proud of myself for being so brave and just accepting that I am REALLY tall in these bad boys and for being able to walk in them at all... that was until this past Sunday.... when a combination of post brunch shopping, joking around with my girlfriends (and maybe a mimosa or two) lead to me falling off my shoes and directly onto my booty in the middle of Urban Outfitters...it was pretty brutal but all in all only my pride was hurt, but it was hurt pretty bad. All in all it was pretty hilarious!

outfit details: jeans: American Apparel, shoes: Target, t-shirt: thrifted, blazer: Gap

inspired by....

2012-01-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been really interested in embroidery art and in my internet perusings I came across Takashi Iwasaki I love the texture, color and composition of his works. so inspiring.

p.s. have you seen this beautiful photo project?

dirty little secret

2012-01-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

okay, heres my secret.....I HATE taking showers in the winter....are you totally grossed out?? heres the deal, it's not the actual shower, I love being all warm in a hot shower, its the getting out and being freezing for forever and having to do something with my massive amount of wet hair and all of the personal grooming that goes into a gals (at least this gal's) post shower routine! I am constantly amazed that my husband can take a shower and be entirely ready to go in 10 minutes. It takes me at least an hour to recover from a shower and I never feel like I can really warm back up! ( disclaimer...I am a big fan of the cat bath, a washcloth and a sink can mask, i mean, clean a lot!) Why am I admitting all this?? well, this is my roundabout way of trying to justify my crazy top-knot/ Pebbles Flinstone hair. This is the only hairstyle that I can muster after 4 days of not showering... oh the lengths I'll go to in order to not be cold!! sheesh!
have a wonderful/warm day!

outfit details: coat & boots: Forever 21, jeans: American Apparel, blouse: thrifted

happy birthday! (to me)

2012-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

I spent this past weekend celebrating and relaxing in honor of my birthday! 28 is shaping up to be a wonderful year!

rewind it back: NYE

2012-01-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

I realize that the new year has come and gone but, better late than never right?? Every year for nye my bar tending hubby works, so I am left to my own party devices... this year I was fortunate enough to model for an awesome event here in KC. I wore the beautiful stylings of WE ARE TRIBE Accessories and Clothing , an Etsy and sometimes pop-up shop of amazingly styled vintage finds, which is run by two inspiringly fashionable KC gals. Can you tell that I LOVE what these girls are doing??? lovelovelove. Be sure to check out the WE ARE TRIBE blog, which shows all of the other stunning models from the night!

Here are some behind the scenes shots....unfortunately I was a bit of a party pooper, as I was feeling pretty under the weather (alright, I was down right sick, but no way was I gonna miss this night!!)...can you tell how good I felt??

can you believe these shoes I wore?? I hardly ever wear heels, I'm tall enough as it is.... in these bad boys I was a whopping 6'4"!

all photos by Craig Klein

goodbye Kansas

2012-01-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Kansas skies say the prettiest goodbyes.

camo

2012-01-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

my sweet sister in law took these photos while we were still in Kansas for Christmas break.....it seems like it was way more than just a week ago that I wasn't working and I was spending my days relaxing with family. My vacation went by waaay too fast in a whirl of gifts and food and friends and sickness and some wild nights (NEW YEARS EVE, wow!)! Now I have to reacclimate myself to working my normal 9-5/m-f gig (after a month of working Nutcracker in the theater and then a week of vacation it is proving VERY difficult to wake up in the am!)

I took down all of our christmas decorations this week, so sad... my living room looks very large without the tree, and my kitty misses knocking down every ornament. alas. Speaking of christmas...this cute lacey top was an x-mas gift from my sister and these new jeans are one of my fave xmas scores! yay christmas... I will miss you sooo! until next year!

outfit details: jeans:Cheap Monday, top: Target, coat and boots: Forever 21

christmas duds

2011-12-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I spent christmas with his family this year, as a married couple we've taken to switching holidays between our respective families. So this year we spent Thanksgiving in Colorado with my family and Christmas in Kansas with his family. We had a beautiful fun-filled and festive day. I always wonder how it is that sitting around opening gifts, chatting and catching up and eating copious amounts of food can be so darn exhausting??? we were all wiped by the end of the night!

This year we decided to dress up for our christmas dinner. So, I found this vintage dress a few weeks ago while thrifting and although it needed some altering (it was HUGE! and had crazy baggy sleeves), it was just the perfect Christmas red, so I bought it. In the end I wasn't totally happy with its shape but it worked..... and after I threw on my favorite christmas coat and some textured tights I felt super festive! (again, I wish I could wear my coats all day, sometimes they just make an outfit!)

I snapped this picture of a pretty christmas sunset last night while walking my puppy. The sky is always amazingly beautiful out in the Kansas countryside!

outfit details: dress, coat: thrifted, tights: Forever 21, shoes: Dillards

merry christmas

2011-12-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

have a happy happy day!

*here's a cute tutorial on how to make these festive pom-poms!*

christmas elf

2011-12-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Several people have called me a christmas elf today! I think it is a combination of my little green dress and that I have been passing out christmas goodies today!!

do you see a little puppy watching from the back door?! so cute!

I made some Christmas goodies for some friends at work! these little boxes were full of cookies and just so cute with their tiny, felt tree ornaments! (and they match my dress!

outfit details: dress: H&M, boots: Broadway shoes, sweater: thrifted, coat: Forever 21

Civilization-spurns-the leopard!

2011-12-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

Civilization — spurns — the Leopard!
Was the Leopard — bold?
Deserts — never rebuked her Satin –
Ethiop — her Gold –
Tawny — her Customs –
She was Conscious –
Spotted — her Dun Gown –
This was the Leopard’s nature — Signor –
Need — a keeper — frown?
Pity — the Pard — that left her Asia –
Memories — of Palm –
Cannot be stifled — with Narcotic –
Nor suppressed — with Balm –
by Emily Dickinson

outfit details: sweater: Target, skirt, hat and jacket: Forever 21, boots:old

Christmas Cards!

2011-12-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

This year I asked my oh-so-talented cousin-in-law (thats a mouth full of hyphens,eh?!) to take some festive photos of me and the Hubby for our Christmas card. She not only took beautiful photos, but she brought us fun props to make them super festive and sweet! Here are a few of my favorites!

It was so hard to choose just one for our card.. but we used this "Merry" one below.

and, did I mention that we got to throw confetti?! cause we did! it was awesome!

sniffles and fountains

2011-12-14T09:30:00.001-08:00

Do not let these sunny photos fool you! in all honest grossness I must admit... I have been sitting in approximately the exact same spot for the past three days, suffering from a severe cold! My trusty puppy, Patrick, has been my constant companion, along with an ever growing pile of tissues...its been fairly pathetic. But in all my sickly boredom (spent trolling Pinterest, watching a "Hell on Wheels" marathon and sleeping) I unearthed these sunny, happy, snot-free photos that my mom took while she was visiting me a few months ago!

Did you know that Kansas City has the nations most fountains?! It is in fact the "City of Fountains."

This particular fountain is a beauty! It is right in the heart of our 'Plaza' and there are always people around it having their photos taken (wedding parties especially) and enjoying all of its grandeur!

Alas, now the fountain is most likely empty and full of fallen leaves and I am condemned to sniffling on the couch wishing for healthier and sunnier days.

outfit details: dress, jacket and belt: thrifted, boots:Target

flea-market festivities!

2011-12-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

I visited one of my favorite flea-markets recently with my pal Alexis. All of the Christmas-y displays were so festive and inspiring!! I am trying to not spend $ on myself... and only on others... as befits the holiday season, but man-oh-man, is it hard to resist sometimes!!

I love looking through all of the piles and piles of vintage treasures! I really could spend all day wandering around a flea-market.

How is all of your holiday shopping going?? I still have lots to do, but at least the house is decorated and the christmas cards have been sent out! That's two things I can cross off my list!

...and I just had to share this funny, creepy doll head light with you all! its just so random and awesome!

night moves!

2011-12-13T11:19:00.001-08:00

Remember those crazy purple and gold unitards that I made for a music video recently? well, after all of those lovely ladies wore some of that velour lycra they wanted MORE! thats right some of those super cute hip gals commissioned me to make some other unitards and such for them! I've been inspired by their requests and I have even made some for myself!

here I am wearing a pair of high-waisted black velvet leggings that I made for myself ( I basically wear them everyday now!)

my friend Sarah is a drummer for a band The Devil and she asked me to make this awesome long sleeved black velour unitard with fringe on the sleeves! she looks amazing in it and you should of seen her drum in it! fringe was flying!

my pal Caitlin requested this leopard print unitard and I was pleased to oblige! Check out this awesome cloak that I received from a dear family friend! Sooooo Magical!
All of the gals who have been requesting unitards have been super inspiring and I am really loving making them unique/ crazy/ awesome outfits!

day time glam

2011-12-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with bright lipstick lately... and loving it! especially on those days when I am wearing practical subdued colors for the theater. Speaking of the theater... I'm off to go work at the 1st Nutcracker performance of the season! only 23 more to go!

outfit details: jeans: American Apparel, boots and sweater: Forever 21

its GOLD!

2011-11-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I made a dozen purple and gold unitards to be used in this amazing music video for MINDEN (a great local, KC band!) It was a great collaborative event (local yoga/biking/beautiful gals dancing, sweet tunes and lots of creative and hardworking peeps!) I love projects like this! (and its lead to some other great projects for me!) hope you enjoy the video!!

Minden - Gold Standard from Heuback on Vimeo.

mustard and stripes

2011-11-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Every November my life becomes a bit strange... my work schedule changes to accomodate Nutcracker maddness at the ballet so I work Wednesday-Sunday. As a result I feel a bit off. I can't hang with my friends on the weekend eve's and no one else wants to go out with me on a Monday.... so this becomes a time of nesting and reading (a LOT of reading!) for me. I am currently switching between The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and the A Game of Thrones series by George RR Martin. I just love to curl up with a cup of tea and a book when it is cold and dark out! What are you reading? Any suggestions?

In other news I got this new skirt at Forever 21 (I seriously have a problem! I can't stop shopping there!). Anywho...Obviously, I am seriously obsessed with this mid length style skirt (its all I wear lately! and the color on this one is too perfect!

AND did I mention it's a great skirt to twirl in!
outfit details: skirt and boots: Forever 21, top: American Apparel, tights: Capezio

SNEAK PEAK!!!!

2011-10-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sneak peak of what I've been working on.... the Kansas City Ballet's World Premiere of Tom Sawyer, a Ballet in 3 Acts!

Tonight is the World Premiere of this amazing all American ballet. We have been working on building these costumes, designed by Holly Hynes, since July, and I am so excited to finally see them in action, and on stage!

The other exciting aspect of this big event is that we are performing in the brand new, world class Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts

I snapped these photos of the theater yesterday on my way to rehersal

this is a costumers dream, a full rack of finished costumes!

JEWELS! even a ballet set in the 1800's needs some bling!

some swirly goblin hats!

...now that I've whetted your Tom Sawyer appetite you should all come to the show and see the costumes, beautiful sets, and amazing dancers!

green meanie.

2011-10-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

I've recently gotten into the impulsive habit of cutting my dresses into skirts! No joke, this is the 2nd thrifted dress that Ive cut the bodice off this week, all so I could have a sweet mid-calf length skirt (I'm obsessed with this skirt length)...and I never wore this dress, it was in my pile of stuff to be altered (it had long flowy sleeves and rows of ruffles on the chest!) and was definitely not my style

pretty colors and textures!

jewels!

outfit details: sweater: Forever 21, skirt: former dress, thrifted, belt: my moms closet, purse: LA market, shoes: BC shoes (gift), necklace: science store

a grab bag! (some things I've been doing, while not blogging for the past 2 months!)

2011-10-12T05:52:00.000-07:00

mmmmK, so here goes, a collection of photos that I've been snapping and things I've been doing for the past couple months! (total image/info overload!)

the days are getting shorter, but while the summer lasts me and my gals have been into some serious porch sitting!

...All gussied up for a big KC Ballet event!

My mom found this beautiful dress at a vintage store and sent it to me for my birthday last year! the color is amazing! I gave tours of the costume shop that evening and all the guests asked me about this bright, beautiful dress! Thanks mom!

....speaking of my mom, I visited my family in Colorado, we had a ton of fun and visited the Estes Park Highland Festival. When we were kids my sister and I used to compete in scottish dancing, so we would go to these festivals all the time, its been a while since we've been to one, but we had a blast. Here my mom and I are relaxing in the shade (sporting our McLeod tartans!)

dork alert! I also got to ride my dads vespa! can you tell I was nervous?!

...Ryan and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary! (and some very sweet fairies decorated our car!)

...on the heart/ love theme, my friend Lily sent me this awesome hand-made pin cushion!

......whew, obviously I've been busy traveling and working and not blogging, but alas, life happens!

Union Station

2011-08-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned it before, but just as a recap,I'll let you know that I am lucky enough to hold a great job as a costumer for the Kansas City Ballet.... along this vein there is a lot of new and exciting things happening in my world of work (and in Kansas City) The first being that there is a brand new Performing Arts Center, that we (the ballet, as well as the Lyric Opera and the Symphony) will be using! It is a lovely and innovative building and I can't wait to use the new space for our fall show! The second exciting news has been all consuming for me and my co-workers for the past month, the ballet itself has a new home, The Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity! This is the space where all of the pre-performance magic happens. There are studios where the dancers rehearse, offices from which the business is run and (dumdumdum) a lovely costume shop! Where yours truely is priveliged to work!

Our new building is adjacent to our city train station, Union Station, which makes a lovely backdrop for photos, what with the trains zooming by and all. I've had fun exploring the area on my down time and can't wait to take some romantic/nostalgic feeling outfit+train photos, but for now, alas, you get my moving clothes (shorts and a tee) and some trains zooming by!

outfit details: shirt: Target, shorts: thrifted, shoes: Steve & Barry's

dots.

2011-08-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

just a quick post this AM, summer is winding down and work is winding up! I'm going to be a style geek here and make a declaration of love with a item of clothing! I gotta say that this is my favorite skirt! ever. I feel 70's sophisticated (is that possible?), and lady-like, yet comfy.... In general I feel fabulous in this outfit....

outfit details: skirt: thrifted, tank: F21, shoes: mall (dyed by me)

unfortunately my tomato plants which were thriving were blown over in a storm a few days and I fear my season of tomato is done! I was pulling of a bountiful amount everyday (handfuls full!)

DIY: jewelry hanger

2011-08-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of girls (and maybe some guys?) I have a serious soft spot for shiny/pretty things, sooooome people might even say that I have an excess of them. All of the jewelry that I use most often was stored willy-nilly in a bowl on the bathroom counter, so I spent a good amount of time every morning untangeling and sorting thru it all. In an effort to organize all of these gems I came up with this handy little DIY.

so here are all of my goods, organized and looking pretty on my kitchen table (to the great excitement of Simon, my cat! he tried to knock it all off)

Supplies: picture frame, which I found at a thrift store. The window screening, hooks, piping were bought at the hardware store for less than $10. The acrylic paint was from my studio, but could be easily found at any craft store.

The first thing I did was paint the frame...

Once the paint had dried I nailed the screening to the frame (I would of used a staple gun... if I had one, but I just improvised and used some tacs that I found in my husbands tool box)

then I simply screwed in several hooks along the top of the frame and used two more fanciful hooks on the bottom to hold some thin metal piping.

and, VOILA! A stylish and tidy jewelry stand/hanger!

catch-up

2011-08-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

For some reason I only know about two jokes... my brain doesn't seem to be able to hold more, despite my efforts to repeat a joke over and over to myself once I've heard a good one.... but lucky you I always remember this one...

a mama tomato a daddy tomato and a baby tomato are out for a walk. the baby tomato is lagging behind to the great annoyance of his parents, finally in a fit of annoyance the daddy tomato turns around and slams his fist down, saying "KATCHUP!"

now that I've actually written this joke out I am realizing how its sort of an awful joke (abuse and family turmoil and all that)....sorry. But the whole point I was trying to make is that in an effort to "catch up" with the blog here I am posting some older photos from a few weeks ago.

These shorts were a longer pair of culottes that I thrifted and in normal Joey fashion, immediately cut off about a foot of length! perfect for these warm summa days!

outfit details: tank: Forever 21, shorts: thrifted, shoes: old

mist filled mornings

2011-07-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

The air has been so thick with heat and humidity today that you can actually see the mist in the air

and as if you needed further proof that it's crazy humid here, just check out the size of my hair! wow, can you say frizz?!

I am slowly returning to my "normal"/work schedule and routines, which means back to blogging. I found that during my month long vacation I was continuing to take blog photos, but could never bring myself to sit down and actually blog, and since I insist on keeping blogging a fun outlet rather than a burden, a blog hiatus ensued! (sorry)

I find that the more structure (i.e. work) my days have the more productive I am, so now, maybe, I can catch up and share some adventures that I've been partaking in..... maybe..... maybe tomorrow....

outfit details: dress: Forever 21, shoes: Mexico, belt: thrifted

wrapped trees

2011-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

in my recent travels I went to the annual Smokey Hill River Arts Festival in Salina, Kansas. I've gone nearly every year since I was a kiddo and I love the feeling of summer that I get while I'm there. The weekend is spent with family, visiting the festival and then relaxing and catching up. playing games, telling stories, enjoying the sunshine and in the evening catching lightening bugs.

Not only does the festival showcase lots of art and crafts, but the park is always transformed by local artists... my favorite thing that they do is these "wrapped trees" they are so simple and colorful and they really make the park vibrant and special.

outfit details: dress,purse, belt: thrifted, hat: borrowed from my aunt

a Kansas gal

2011-06-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

over the past two weeks I have been foraying into small town Kansas to visit family and enjoy the scenery. As a native Coloradan I will always love my beautiful mountains, but over the past ten years of living in and around Kansas I have come to appreciate the beauty of this area. This time of year the wheat fields are golden and seem to undulate with the wind. Everything is deep deep green and the flint hills roll out alongside the highway like viridian carpets.

What can I say, I am fairly smitten with my surroundings and thoroughly enjoying being able to take the time to connect with my family and the beautiful land that surrounds us.

family photo... (ryan: the Husband, and Patrick: the dog)

outfit details:dress Thrifted, heels: Dillards

diy: tin can planter

2011-06-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to be productive but avoid doing any actual cleaning I decided to do a little diy garden project, all I did was transplant my new Jasmine plant to an old cookie tin container. This is an easy-peasy project (it took me 3 minutes and it didn't cost me anything!) I love jasmine it has a pretty little white blossom and is a sun-lover and since my middle name is Yasmine I've always been fond of this sweet smelling plant.

so here's all I did....
with a large nail and a hammer I poked a few holes in the bottom of my tin can (which I got at Christmas time from World Market, it was full of yummy gingersnaps)

I placed a few rocks in the bottom of my tin can and then put the plant into the can and filled it in with some planting soil

place the tin can on an old plate or tray and ...VOILA!

not so long ago

2011-06-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

....not soo long ago, when these photos were taken, only two weeks ago... my days seemed much different..... not only were the temperatures much cooler (it is now HAWT and humid) but I was not on vacation..... which I am now! tehe, that was my roundabout way of saying that I am on my summer vacation! and I am so excited to be doing nothing (except for all of the cleaning, organizing, crafting, swimming and lounging)

isn't this a cute background? this is outside of a costume shop that we frequent for jewels and trimmings and such that we need for work.... very dramatic, no?

I found this cute gold top at a thrift store and immediately chopped it up into ....well, into what it is.... sorta crop top...tee,thingy!

anywho, I'm excited to get started on all of my summer plans.... and I'll be sure to post about all of my craftiness!

outfit details:top and jean jacket: thrifted, jeans: Urban outfitters, shoes and bag: gift, stone necklace:F21, fringe necklace:made by me!

luna de miel

2011-06-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

hi there! I've just returned from beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! why was I there, you ask? well, me and the hubby were on our belated honeymoon (or MOONER as we've been referring to it)

admittedly, I was pretty bad about taking (outfit) photos.... far too much relaxing to do! and to be honest I basically lived in my swimsuit and flip-flops.... but here are a random assortment of photos that I managed to take!

all and all I'd say it was a huge success! lots of sun and sand and sleeping and relaxing and being in love! swwooooon!

back view

2011-05-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

This last week was a bit on the cooler side so I pulled out an old, long-sleeved vintage dress and my oh so trusty black boots.

I was a little unsure about this dress, I hadn't worn it in nearly two years... so it was almost headed to the resale shop, but I realized that the high collar was what I didn't like about it... so easy fix! I cut it into a lower neck line and voila! A cute print dress with a fun something in the back, buttons! (which are really hard to do up alone in the am...)

outfit details: dress: thrifted, boots & belt: Forever 21

monumental beauty

2011-05-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this amazing installation, Leviathan, by Anish Kapoor. Every year the Grand Palais in Paris invites an artist to do an installation (Monumenta) in this amazing and historic space. This particular piece just pushes right into the existing space, it's as if this modern orb is having an intimate conversation with the old staircase of the Grand Palais

the INSIDE! so cool! like exploring an alien planet... I've always imagined Mars to be just like this

I just can't stop looking at these images and would lovelovelove to get back to Paris and explore these red shadows and twists and turns

...nothing like a little eye candy for your Thursday morning! to read more check out designboom.com

all images courtesy of http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/14562/anish-kapoor-monumenta-2011-leviathan.html

tis the season

2011-05-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

thats right.... tis the season for cold beer and short shorts! It suddenly got HOT! and that meant i was forced to hang out with lovely ladies and drink cold beverages on a local patio.... thems the rules! (and I am always pleased to oblige!)

outfit details: shorts and shirt: thrifted, shoes: oold, purse: gift from Guatemala

skirts and stuff

2011-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

guh, the spring show at the ballet is finally over! which, in my world, means I finally have time to......breathe, grocery shop, clean house, regain sanity and BLOG! I've been rocking some skirt action of late... here are a couple of shots from the past few weeks, I love the mid length skirt, I can move around at work without the mini-skirt fear of flashing (which is key) and I can get out of the jean rut.

as a costumer I'm a big proponent of foundation garments! (aka spanx and slips) and this pink one is a favorite!

had to remix my favorite polka-dot skirt!

wedding mania!

2011-04-28T18:20:00.001-07:00

in honor of the impending royal wedding (are you all as excited as I am ? I going to TRY to wake up early, but if not, I've DVR'd the whole thing).... I thought I'd revisit some of my very own wedding photos

I can't believe that Ryan and I have been married 8 whole months! While looking through all of these photos I got sort of teary... our wedding was so lovely we were so lucky to have all of our family and friends sharing in our special day. Not to mention that the weather and location were soooo beautiful....gush gush gush.

I am sure that this royal wedding will be a bit more grand than mine was, but I can only hope that they have as much fun and feel as much love as Ryan and I did! xoxo

all photos by John Taylor

easter best: PRESENT

2011-04-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

so.. this is how I do easter 20 years later!

I got these great pants at the San Fran H&M (actually my bestie and I both got a pair, which means we'll have to plan on not wearing them the same day...or.....not! double dose of pink pants could be awesome...)

my mom just told me that Denver is getting an H&M AND an Ikea! I am so jealous! we are stilll holding on to the hope that we'll get a Trader Joes here in KC! (gotta bring some cool here to the midwest)

I made a few of these "fringe" necklaces for myself and friends and I love the long length of them and how well they layer with other necklaces, like my bunny necklace, which I rediscovered this week in the bottom of my jewelry box

outfit details: pants: H&M. shoes: Target, blazer: thrifted, top: Forever 21

Easter best

2011-04-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

for me easter is synonymous with new clothes! specifically an easter dress! My sister and I would always get dolled up in pretty dresses and cute hats and then spend the day gorging ourselves on easter candy left by the easter bunny. such fun!

my older sister Kate and me, circa 1991 (?) (sorry for the photo of a photo, my scanner doesn't work:( )
I specifically remember this dress, I believe it was a Laura Ashely hand me down from the big sister... so sweet! It's a bit chilly for a sun dress today, but I'm sure I'll try my best to bring a little bit of sping to the day, and you can bet I'll be eating some chocolate eggs! happy easter!

love to your mother

2011-04-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say a GIANT congratulations to one of my favorite people. My dear friend, Andie became a mother yesterday and I am so excited for her and her beautiful little family! I can't say it enough, congrats! xoxo

image:detail from Mother and Child by Gustav Klimt

skirting around

2011-04-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

I took these photos last week, when it was sunnier and oh so nice. I am sort of obsessed with this awkward 3/4 length skirt, I found this gem of a polka-dotted skirt for $3.00 at the thrift store ( I think it's supposed to be a full long skirt on most, but I'm loving the way it fits!)

I gotta say, I was prettty proud of the fact this this outfit only cost me about $30.00 total! but then I realized this is pretty average for me...I tend to shop 75% at thrift stores and when I really want to splurge I'll hit up Target, Forever 21 or (gasp) Walmart, or the Urban Outfitters sale rack. Although I do shop more than I should, I tend to rationalize it with the fact that I am finding suuuch great deals! ( I love a steal) and I especially like finding something thats not quite right at the thrift store that I can then take home and alter.... like this poor tank top that just keeps getting shorter and shorter! I actually have a pair of scissors in my dressing area, and I use them liberally, constantly changing my clothes and making them exactly how I want them... this process includes a lot of impromptu cutting and sewing.. hehe do any of you do this? or is it just me?

outfit details: skirt: thrifted, tanks:walmart, shoes:Dillards, necklace:World Market, purse: LA vendor

bat-wing wednesday

2011-04-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

This top is another San Fran find! my friend actually found it in the sales section of H&M and graciously let me get it when I totally started to moon over it! (thanks Danielle, you're a peach!)

In really awesome news, I got two free tix to go see Stevie Nicks (and Rod Stewart, who was not nearly as awesome) last night! As we were approaching the venue a very generous couple gave us their WAY better tix, and we watched the show from the 9th row on the floor!

It was such a fabulous show, Stevie Nicks is such a gypsy goddess. In all the hubub (of trying to go from work, to getting ready in a jiffy and getting to the show) I didn't get a chance to take an outfit photo, but I busted out my new red velvet pants... very bohemian!

Anywho, Stevie Nicks Awesomeness aside... isn't this shirt cool? I feel like I could fly away while wearing it, it has enough fabric to make three shirts, but the drape is just so cool and it may be comfiest thing I own. fly fly away!
p.s. I just realized how scraggaly my hair was looking, oops! time for a trim.
outfit details: jeans: Forever 21 top: H&M, shoes: Delia's

hot tamale!

2011-04-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

well, what can I say? these pants sort of speak for themselves, right?! I found these gems at Thrift-town in the Mission in SanFran. They border on the ridiculous, but all good fashion does, right?

I love em! and paired them with an easy, loose tee-shirt and my go to heels!

that's all for now! back to work!

booty shot!
outfit details: pants:thrifted, shirt: Walmart, shoes:Delias, belt:thrifted

vacation followed by vacation

2011-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

So.... I went on a fabulous extended weekend girls vacation to San Francisco with my two besties! (two weeks ago) and then I found I needed some serious rest when I got home, it's tough work having a blast and being a tourist for 4 days with your best gals! so here are some photos from all of our fun shenanigans (I seem to have stopped taking photos after the first two days) but we did all sorts of fun things... We visited Muir woods (and got lots of looks from all the hiking types, I guess our outfits were a bit unconventional), went to Alcatraz island, strolled around Haight street, bought a bunch of crap in China town (it was all so cheap, I couldn't resist) Shopped at H&M (the closest one to KC is Chicago... boo), and found some gems at the Mission thrift stores. and, of course lots of great food and drinks were had by all!

the three amigos. Taylor, Camille, and Me (Joey)

I am so in love with these two girls and when our forces are combined.... what can I say... WATCH OUT! we always have so much fun. Not to be a total sap, but I gotta say, I am so lucky to have such beautiful amazing girlfriends, who I can just be myself with, these gals are really the best friends a girl could have! xoxo

The view from Alcatraz Island

Lounging in Haight street

haha, we drove by the full house house! "cool dude!" what a great, whirlwind vacation!

she bang?

2011-03-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't featured this coat on the ol blog yet, cause it's my fave. I wear it so much that the shoulder seam is busted (and, yes, I see the irony that the seamstress' clothing is falling apart...what can I say, the last thing I wanna do when I get home is sew some more!) I am glad I get to wear this coat still, but sad that it's cold enough to have to wear a jacket. boo.

so I've been pulling my bangs back and considering growing them out completely.... really important stuff, I know... any opinion? to bang or not to bang? big life decisions going on here!

outfit details: jeans: Urban Outfitters, boots: Forever 21, coat: thrifted

golden toes.

2011-03-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I got this brilliant idea this morning to dye my bjorn sandals to make them more everyday rather than the weird pastel colors that they were! and I am very pleased with the results! I used a light brown leather stain (that looks sort of cordavan now, but I like it) In my extreme impatience I put the shoes on RIGHT after I dyed them and now my toes (heck, my whole feet) are a sort of golden brown color! haha. at least they match my awesome, thrifted, power suit jacket!

from this.....

to this!

outfit details: jeans: Forever 21, top: thrifted, shoes: sale at Dillards

... funny fact.... this pants are NOT capris! they are supposed to be full length on the average person (I am just a giant, woops)

tougher please.

2011-03-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

I rarely gravitate to really girly garments, but for some reason I really like this light colored floral dress, I tried to toughen it up a bit (belt & boots), so I wouldn't feel totally out of my element, as I don't really think of myself as "girly" ( I probably have a higher opinion of my toughness than is merited, but we won't get into that whole self-image thing just now... we could be here a while)

It was beautiful and 80 degrees today! but crazy windy, which led to some rather revealing moments in my short dress.... woops. (super tough, right?)

my mom got me these awesome "chief" earrings for my birthday. please excuse the awkward face grimace, the wind was beating my face.

and I can't believe that I haven't yet introduced you to the new loves of my life... my new boots (and, yes, I am that shallow). Im obsessed, I've barely taken them off since I got them ( I actually couldn't take them off when I first put them on. they were a wee bit tight for my crazy high arches, but, alas they were beaten into submission and are now my constant companion.) I bet you didn't think I could wax that eloquently about a pair of inanimate objects.

speaking of tough girls. I've been listening to this song incessantly, it is my anthem of spring (life maybe?) I heart Those Darlins and can't wait for their new CD!

...whew...

2011-03-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

finally wrapped up Giselle at the KC Ballet! here are some of my favorite costumes from the show (seriously decadent velvet and fur ball gowns)

I am now taking some well deserved days off! reading and napping are on the schedule! xoxo

witchy lady.

2011-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

well, I've finally succumbed to the maxi dress trend (p.s. I hate saying maxi dress, too much like maxi pad?, just awkward to say in general) anywho, I found I couldn't go all in with the full length maxi and ended up breaking up the silhouette with my favorite mini sweater, what can I say six feet of solid dress just seemed like too much! but I DO love this dress and am feeling very bohemian and witchy in it.

I've been CRAZY busy, working 3 jobs all last week (ballet, like normal & Grease, the broadway show & house sitting) whew! but it's all worth it, cause I am saving up for a girls trip to San Francisco with my two besties! can't wait, can't wait!
outfit details: dress, boots: Forever 21, sweater: thrifted

is there something on my head?

2011-02-19T07:04:00.001-08:00

... haha, yup, actually it's a half finished classical tutu that I am making. very haute couture!

have a happy weekend (mine doesn't start till tomorrow, boo)

valentines leftovers.

2011-02-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

I saw this heart shaped balloon stuck in this wintry tree yesterday... so sweet and sorta sad... who lost their balloons?

....and here we are on our way out the door to go on our Valentines day date!

saying it with words.

2011-02-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

have

a

lovely

day!

xoxo
outfit details: dress, belt: thrifted, coat: Nordstroms, boots: old

food and love.

2011-02-14T08:03:00.000-08:00

have I mentioned before that I am in LOVE with Valentines day? what can I say, I love a holiday that revolves around being all lovey and crafty! you can see what I've done in the past here , here and here. but this year I've been in a cooking frenzy and it is just so easy to make any food valentines themed (just make it into a heart shape!) I made this pizza yesterday for lunch....yummm

and todays breakfast was crepes with nutella and strawberriess (and homemade juice and a giant plate of bacon! cause what guy doesn't love bacon?) Tonight we are going out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and I am excited to get all dolled up!... pictures to come soon!

snow sleuth.

2011-02-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

I think I like my outer garments better than my actual outfit today... can you imagine me at my sewing machine wearing this fur coat and hat? well, that's what I wanted to do, but alas, it just didn't seem practical!

outfit details:coat :moms, hat/ belt:thrifted, jeans: Urban Outfitters, shirt: borrowed

This is my "dick tracey" outfit, the coat was my moms (hence why the sleeves are so short), and I thrifted this awesome stetson hat this weekend! I feel like I could solve some crimes alongside Nancy Drew.

peasant past.

2011-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've been working on "peasant" costumes recently at the ballet for our upcoming show of Giselle and perchance they have inspired my outfit today?

outfit details: dress/ boots/ belt: thrifted, tights/ socks: Target

On a weird side note.... I realized that I've owned and consistantly worn this dress since I was 18! thats 9 years... and I am still wearing it! I don't know if this fact just makes me feel old... actually I thought, man, I haven't changed in 9 years, but truthfully I've always had the same taste,hopefully, it's just been refined and fine tuned over the years, I am just glad that Ino longer wear jelly bracelets. tehe.

p.s. big props to my buddy T-Lex for taking my outfit photos, you're a peach!

one week ago.

2011-01-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

I actually wore this outfit LAST Friday (sorry for the shotty indoor shots). I remember putting it on and feeling really sharp! I dont know if it was the velvet blazer, the AA body suit, the gold socks or my new clogs (I'm obsessed with my new shoes, best xmas gift eva!)... but I danced around all day and bugged my boss by flashing her my golden toes! Today I am actually rocking the boring all black because I have to work Shrek the musical tonight! (funfun~!) have a great Friday!

ahhhh, Patrick! the puppy likes my new shoes too!
outfit details: blazer:thrifted, top: American Apparel, jeans: Urban, shoes: BC shoes, socks: ?walmart?

snow day= food day

2011-01-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

I made these awesome baked Turkey Taquitos yesterday on my bonus snow day! I love looking at food blogs and baked bree is one of my favorites! she always makes such beautiful food with complete ease!

I loved this recipe because it was super easy AND it made a ton of food (a whole casserole dish full of tasty taquitos)! I guess its back to work today.... although I sure wouldn't mind another snow day of cooking and relaxing! ahhhh

snow,snow,snow.

2011-01-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Yay, I have a snow day today! which means my normal 2 day weekend just became a fabulous 3 day weekend! really, shouldn't all weekends be 3 days? one day to relax, one day for chores and one day to do all of those things you never have the time to do!? right? that's what I've been doing today... reading, drawing, blogging, cooking, relaxing, shoveling snow!

I decided to do a bit of a "posed" outfit photo today. See, I didn't really wear this today (I've been wearing leggings and a sweatshirt all day!) So this is actually the outfit that I wore new years eve! (all of my photos from that night were atrocious)

I love this vintage dress that I thrifted a while ago, all of the little white dots are 3-d little metal grommet-y things. I chopped about a foot off the skirt (which was a bit ambitious, cause I had to resew on about 3 inches, cause my bum was hanging out! woops)

and in honor of all of this snow I got to pull out my Russian princess coat! I sure love this coat... and yes I hung my coat in the tree.... I didn't want it to get snowy! tehe.

outfit details: dress, coat:thrifted, boots:Target, tights:Walmart, necklace:World Market

holidaze!

2011-01-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

aaaah, *sigh* , I am feeling very sigh-y (?) now that the holidays are over. I was just soooo busy! I worked straight thru the 24th and then jetted off to Colorado to visit my family and celebrate christmas, only to return for new years, get my party on and then..... back to work! whew! its taken me almost all week to get back in the groove of things (i.e. not pressing the snooze button all morning) and now I finally feel like I have my schedule in check enough that I can blog! yay! and I have been sighing cause I'm exhausted and because I am just glad to be back at home! *sigh*

this outfit is one that I rocked over the holidays.. it was very festive with its dark green color and I just LOOOOOOVE wearing velvet! (is it weird that I find myself rubbing the nap all day...yeah, its weird, I know!) *sigh*

outfit details: dress, belt, boots: thrifted, tights: Walmart

peace in the animal kingdom

2010-12-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Today I am working, but not at the theater so I am taking advantage of this rare theater-free day to wear some not-black clothing, and a dress too!

I got this dress for one of my wedding showers (in August) and haven't worn it since.. but it is very pretty and I like the contrast of the big chunky sweaters (and sweater tights) with a chiffony dress.

outfit details: dress: Forever 21, sweater, tights: Target, boots: Walmart

here I am showing off two of my favorite new things! my AAAwesome double turquoise ring (from Urban) and a braided belt (which I thrifted yesterday when I should of been x-mas shopping) how is everyones christmas shopping going? I am getting a bit stressed out about finding everything/ making everything that I need to!

...and here is a special treat from my two little guys(patrick on the left and Simon on the right)... they are truely feeling the christmas spirit (peace on earth and all that) normally they run around biting and swatting at each other, but here they are almost cuddling!

holidaze!

2010-12-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

I wore this to a holiday party this week and felt very festive !

The holidays are always so busy and not to complain or anything (cause here I go complaining), but they are especially busy for me, as I work straight thru till the 24th ( by helping to bring the holiday tradition of Nutcracker to Kansas City) .. I feel like I am way behind... I hardly have any gifts and worse than that I am having a hard time thinking of good gift ideas this year! Not to mention that it just doesn't feel like christmas time with out any snow! I mean seriously we haven't had ANY snow!

but on a more positive note I am super excited that I found time to decorate our house, our little tree is up and decorated and we have lights on the front of our house! sooo festive!

Look, Simon snuck into this photo!

outfit details : dress, sweater, boots: Forever 21, tights: Walmart

black velvet if you please

2010-11-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

I sorta feel like im losing it (by it i mean my marbles) ... as of today I've worked six days in a row and I still have one more day to go before I get any time off. beyond just being a long week this week has been a hard week of work, the Nutcracker is FAST approaching and we are busybusybusy in the costume shop. So I am realllllly looking forward to some time off and my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! I'm so excited to spend time with family and eat great food and be completely inert! I've been wearing all black all week (reflecting my mood perhaps?)

Im fairly certain that these velvet leggings would not be work appropriate for most people, but I figure since half of my coworkers(the ballet dancers) run around in leotards and booty shorts, I can sport my black velvet leggings!

I feel sorty of witchy/ janis joplin-y in this get up and the best thing... Im so comfortable I feel like I'm wearing my pajamas!

outfit details: leggings and top: Target, sweater: Forever 21, boots:ooold

okay, well, Im off to work, Wish me luck! have a happy monday!

a lil-bit!

2010-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

I am really excited about this post because I am taking this blogging opportunity to showcase a wonderful artist ( and one of my best besties!) Taylor Triano!

She has recently started a blog Just a Little Bit that showcases her work (and life), and I think you should all take this moment to go and check it out!

To give you a little taste of her amazing skill I am sharing the following piece (pair of pieces?) it was a wedding gift from Taylor and we were so honored to own one of her pieces.

Isn't she just amazing? I am always so amazed how she can capture the essence of people (and even animals) and portray them in these little vignettes.

And all of her pieces are built primarily with textiles (drawn on fabric and embroidered), making them especially unique!

So be sure and head over to her blog and maybe even commission your very own "lil-bit" ! and keep your eye on Ms. Lil-Bit, as she is a hugely creative person doing

lots of great things!

things I wore this week!

2010-11-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Although I've been remiss about posting this week I have actually taken the first step, by taking outfit photos all week, but I haven't found the time to post them... so here is a sample of my week, in outfits!

My work weeks are all mixed up during Nutcracker season, so my "Monday" is really on Wednesday. This is what I wore on Wednesday, I was feeling sort of like I belonged in "That 70's Show" in this outfit! (I love that show!)

I was feeling sassssssy on Friday and wore this new shirt dress thingy and my heeled boots, but man oh man, my feet were so mad at me by the end of the day, I ended up standing and running around all day (we had photo shoots for the nutcracker kids) and I was wishing my skirt was longer and my heels were shorter.... c'est la vie...

Today's outfit choice was in direct response to being uncomfortable yesterday.... I went casual and comfy in jeans and cowboy boots!

and there ya have it.... some of the things I wore this week... upon re-reading this post it seems pretty shallow all of a sudden, not that I intend for this blog to be very deep, it is just a sort of fun outlet for me, but maybe I'll try to share some of the more creative endeavours in my life, soon, instead of just my outfit choices! ..although those are sometimes a creative endeavour!

going to extremes

2010-11-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

For the past week I've been vacillating between being incredibly busy and have long bouts of extreme laziness! so I've been basically m.i.a. to not just the blogging world but everyone else as well! so heres a quick post to get me back into the groove of things....

It was crrrazy windy today! look at my hair flowing.... extreme photos!

It's getting cold here.. so jackets are becoming an essential part of my outfits!

outfit details:shoes:Target, jeans and blouse: Urban Outfitters, jacket:J Crew, scarf:gift from my sista

trouser trial

2010-10-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

I got these trousers on a whim this summer at the H&M in NYC.... I saw them on super sale ($10) near the register and couldn't resist.... alas I didn't even bother trying them on and they turned out to be a bit big (particularly in the bum region)..... what's worse is they tend to become droopier while being worn. So, I've concluded that while they are a nice look, these pants need to either find a new owner, or be seriously altered!

they may look okay here, but by the end of the day I was referring to them as my "depend-able pants" (get it....?) anyhow, in much more exciting news (whats more exciting than ill-fitting pants you ask?!) Well, tonight is the first meeting of the "Literary Lasses" a book club that I started! I am very excited/ nervous! I chose for us to read Edgar Allan Poe (in honor of the spooky season at hand) and I have thoroughly enjoyed scaring myself with his tales and am looking forward to hearing input from the other ladies! I'll be sure to take some photos and let you know how it goes!

outfit details: top: Thrifted, pants:H&M. shoes: Target, scarf:gift from Angela

an ode to autumn!

2010-10-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well, this is an image heavy post, but I just couldn't resist! Ryan and I went to the Louisburg Cider Mill yesterday evening, and it was pretty and fun and the perfect date for me and Ryan! It was sort of random, cause they were getting close to closing time, and it was a week day, so there was NO ONE around, so we had the entire place to ourselves! Here we are getting lost in the corn maze! I was really bad at figuring out the maze and kept trying to sneak out, but Ryan was persistant and navigated us through it in the end!

There were Tipis and a little fort(filled with Hay) and farm animals (we found an escaped goat hanging out outside of his pen! woops) .....

we walked through the pumpkin patch and picked the perfect one for our porch! I choose a sort of dented/ not sphereical one so that I could carve a ghost face on it for halloween! (p.s. I was shocked that Ryan let me take so many pictures of him! he's usually a bit camera shy! but isn't he cute?)

I had to get a close up of Ryan's shirt! It's an original, embroidered by yours truly!

outfit details: dress, sweater: Target, boots and belt: old

All in all it was a great little escape from the city! the drive was beautiful, the company was great and did I mention that we got a DOZEN cider donuts! yup thats 12 donuts! they are soooo good, so now my belly is full and I am feeling a little sick, but so glad to of celebrated fall by going to the cider mill!

girls and their dogs.

2010-10-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am still experimenting with my layout.. thus the random photos.... but here's a cute one of me and my bestie, with our besties.

new shoes... new layout...

2010-10-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

I got new shoes on super sale....! ($18.00 for a pair of Borns!) and I'm playing around with my layout....

Thieving for a good reason!

2010-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post here.... I have to admit that I stole this look/ appropriated it/ was inspired by Krystal over at This Time Tomorrow (she has a great blog, and great style!).... so, um, THANKS! for the inspiration, this was the perfect outfit for a slightly warm fall day!

where do you get your inspiration from? I love to peruse fashion blogs for inpiration, but I am also influenced by my friends (they are generally fabulous and fashionable), by art, and as a costumer by history of course!

outfit details: t-shirt: Urban Outfitters, belt: Gap, shorts, coat and boots: Thrifted

fall show

2010-10-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

so.. it's show week again for us over at the Kansas City Ballet (it's a great show, if you are a local, I'd say "GO!")! It's proving to be another fun/busy show, with lots of last minute changes and innovations in the costume shop, but hey, that's theater!

outfit details: dress, boots: Target, tights: old...

I have been getting these cool mushrooms in our backyard!

So this means that my week is rather crazy.... I just worked two 13hr days in a row and now, today, I don't have to go to work until 430! I am sooo pumped to have some free time.

The hubby and I spent the morning doing errands and I actually had time to put on this outfit, that I've been thinking about wearing all week (but I've been restricted to jeans and comfy shoes) ... it feels very fallish and girly! Now I can't wait to spend the rest of the day enjoying the breeze while reading on my front porch! cheers to perfect fall days!

look, Patrick wanted to be in the photo's today too!

sage and sunflowers

2010-10-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

I spent part of today in the garden (I didn't garden in this... heels to weed, yikes!) but I wore this newly thrifted skirt (and ensemble) yesterday and forgot to take pictures... so here goes....

I gathered herbs from my garden to bundle and hang to dry

outfit details: skirt: thrifted, shirt, shoes: Target, belt: Gap (old)

...to be honest I got about a million mosquito bites standing under this tree. I can't believe there are still so many bugs in my backyard! those little buggers (hehe) are fierce!

sick in bed.

2010-10-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

i've been sick in bed for the past few days and my wardrobe has consisted of sweats and sweaters and scarves littered with tissues (so appealing, I know!) but here are some photos that I took last week! the weather has been amazing and it is killing me being cooped up while the sun is shining outside.... but alas, all I can do is take my meds and rest up rest up!

crazy mushrooms growing in my backyard!

I felt sort of Rockabilly in this outfit, with the plaid, the pompadour and glasses!

outfit details: shirt: from my buddy's closet, skirt: Target, boots: old

that fall feeling..

2010-09-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

I got a phone call from one of my besties yesterday and she told me that it was nearly 120 degrees where she is in LA! It is the exact opposite here in KC (well, not opposite, but much much more pleasant, like 72 degress)

Thats one of my favorite things about this town.... Fall is always amazing, there are sooo many trees that all turn bright reds and yellows and oranges (growing up in Colorado, the only fall colors were yellow)

all my bling! Ive been wearing TONS of bangles lately, you can hear me coming from a mile away!

the air feels crisp and the evenings are beautiful and breezy. Lately, during my nightly dog walks I've been loving crunching through fallen leaves and collecting acorns (like a little squirrel!!! I've been drawing them...) The sun was shining bright today and making me feel giddy with fall excitement and apparently fairly goofy for these photos...

outfit details: jeans & blouse: Urban Outfitters, shoes:Target

Mrs..... if you please!

2010-09-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

photo by John Taylor

thats right folks! it's official! this gal is a MRS!!! and a week into marriage and I am still loving it/him, more than ever! I can't describe how fun and great the wedding was, but it was really magical. We were surrounded by family and friends all weekend, in a beautiful country setting, celebrating ...US (me and Ryan, that is) what could be better?!

so, now that it is all over and I've had some time to recover (honestly I just slept and slept when we got home) I am excited to share all of the hard work/ craftiness that went into the entire wedding extravaganza! ( I feel like I have all this free time now that I am not constantly stressing about wedding planning!)

photo by John Taylor

So, the thing that I am most excited to share with ya'll? why my wedding dress of course!

As I am a professional seamstress I was fairly adamant about not spending ridiculous amounts of $ (those things are like THOUSANDS of dollars) on labor that I could easily do myself. So, I knew that I wanted to make my own dress.... I lucked out when I found a vintage 1940's wedding dress at a local boutique that fit me perfectly....

the original dress! long/rotten lace sleeves and all!

but alas there were some problems with the old dress. First off the lace overlay was rotten, so I took it off!

stage 2

and I changed the hem length ( I added about a foot...yup, Im that tall!) and ....added a new lace overlay, which I patterned and sewed.

I bought 5 yards of this gorgeous lace!

WHEW! I, (of course) finished only the week before the big day... but I was very pleased with the result! I felt retro, and elegant and like the best version of me ever! it was a great dress and a great day!

the final result! photo by John Taylor

wedding countdown! T-4!

2010-08-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

we have four days to go until the big day! I am so excited, and can hardly believe that it is this weekend! Today is going to be extra special because my sister is coming to town and tonight is my bachelorette party! (and the whole thing is a surprise, as a bit of a control freak it has been very hard for me to just let my friends do this for me, but im sure it'll be worth it!)

I leave you with 4 jam jars and votives...in honor of our 4 days to go....

flags and flowers

2010-08-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

this post is more about wedding crafts rather than my outfit, but I did want to show off this cute flower skirt that I got this summer at the NYC H &M (which I looove).

outfit details: skirt:H&M, top: Walmart, shoes: Aldo

Now, on to the main event.. notice those flags behind me? these are one of the many projects that I've been working on to decorate my upcoming nuptials (only 11 days till the big day).... I rather like how they look strung in my backyard, I may have to hang them about after the wedding.

check out this fuzzy caterpillar I found! so cool!

The flags were really pretty easy to make... here's how...

I made a template (out of a magazine page) it measure 6" long and 3 1/2" across

using the template I cut the fabric ...

and once I had lots of different colors.... I strung them together on twine, using a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine!

..et voila! I can't wait to see how they look all strung up at the wedding!

one day : four outfits

2010-08-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, I've been thinking.... when I normally post an outfit it is just what I wore for the majority of the day (at the begining of the day/ outfit, so it is fresh and uncrumpled), but truth is on an average day I wear several outfits... not all of them are very well thought out, but hey you can't expect a girl to work out/ walk my dog in heels. So, here is what I came up with.... an average day (Sunday) in outfits.

first thing in the AM... gotta walk the dog!

Our morning walks are long and hot, so I try to not wear a whole lot, obviously! these gem of a pair of shorts used to be my dads! sooooo short!

outfit details: tank: Urban outfitters, shorts: dads hand me downs, sneakers: Walmart

all gussied up for brunch.

On the weekends I get to be a wee bit more sexy .... I probably couldn't get away with this short of a skirt at work, not to mention that I would flash people all day long! I am newly obsessed with this top, it is flowy and ethereal and hides my brunch belly!

Outfit Details: skirt and top: Forever 21

walk # 2!

yup, its the second walk, not quite as long... but I just ditched the pretty top for an old scuzzy one and traded the heels for my sneakers, isn't Patrick a lucky dog?!

outfit details: skirt :Forever 21, t-shirt: old, thrifted

going out with friends!

after our evening walk I re-donned my cream top, but paired it with some short shorts (again totally not work appropriate, so I gotta wear them when I can!) and my trusty black cowboy boots!

outfit details:top: Forever 21, shorts:American Apparel

WHEW! and that is my day in outfits! Actually, this is a short list of outfits, some days I wear upwards of 5 different outfit combos...... exhausting, right? not really, just nerdy!

short and spazy!

2010-08-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

that title is in reference to the blog post, not me! (I'm 5'10", thank you very much!) So its obvious that I have been seriously MIA in the blogo-world, so in an effort to not disappear completely I am hurriedly writing this post before I hope on a plane and head to Denver (again) for the weekend!.... here's a little recap of what I've been doing...

-wedding planning

-trip to NYC!

-trip to ALASKA!!!!

-trip to Denver

-wedding planning

-summer fun (pool sitting)

-wedding planning

-adopting a dog!

and on that last note, let me tell you about the newest member of our family.... Patrick! I have been calling him Thor (any other nerds out there get the Lost Boys reference?) any who he is a short haired American Eskimo, he's super sweet and fun... but this is seriously the best photo I could get of us (pretty pathetic) he kept trying to eat the grass and I was being attacked by mosquitoes...

okay, its time to go to Denver for my Bridal Shower! should be fun.. and I promise a more thorough catchup later!

is there any chance I can see tina fey? (aka,my trip to nyc)

2010-07-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

view from the "Top of the Rock" (p.s. I heart tina fey)

so.... as I mentioned in my previous post, I just got back from a week-long vacation in the big Apple! I was accompanying my cousins and basically along for the (free)ride! We did all the fun touristy things that scream nyc! Empire state building, MOMA, the Met, Natural history museum, boat cruise, Coney Island, broadway show (Billy Elliot), top of 30 Rock (and, yes, I was desperately trying to glimpse a view of ms. Tina Fey... to no avail, but it was a great view!)

Coney Islands famous corn dogs!

this is actually called "Shoot the Freak!" it was totally barbaric, and great!

top of the Empire State Building

to say the least we packed a LOT into 5 days, not to mention that I met up with old friends and ate great food! I was kind of a camera bum.. i.e. I didn't take a lot of photos (I was to busy doing stuff!) but here are a few snaps from all of the adventures!

walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

....um, so this photo requires a confession! This is me and my cousin waiting in line for the midnight premier of Eclipse! yup! it was awesome, and I revel in my dorkiness! hehehe

wedding invites!

2010-07-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

whew! Ive been soooo busy! I feel like I haven't sat down in front of my computer for FOR_EV_ER! I just got back from spending a week in NYC with some cousins, and tomorrow I leave for another great adventure in Alaska!

my entire wedding invitation set, all bundled up!

but before I left I had to be sure and send out all of my wedding invitations! this was a wee bit stressful, but pretty awesome and fun. I printed all of the invites at home (with the amazing help of my talented/arty friend Nikki) we used her Gocco printer (a small screen printer) and the bird image was drawn by my talented mom!

the printing process (step one)

the invitation!

the RSVP: front and back

I love the way they turned out! I feel like they are setting the tone for the wedding (and we got the first rsvp in the mail today!) yay

unbundled:RSVP, directions, invite, envelope

engagement photos!

2010-06-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

yay! so we got our engagement photos back, and they look pretty good! im gonna go ahead and put most of them on here (so beware... lots of photos ahead!).... enjoy!

all photos by John Taylor

making the cut!

2010-06-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

so... i woke up this morning and thought I'd just trow on one of my many romper/jumpers (by the by, is there a difference between the two are they the same thing?.... I digress) So I put on this jumper which I'd scored for $3.00 at Walmart the

other day (Miley Cyrus/ Max Azra brand)...

and since I , per usual, didn't try it on at the store, I discovered that my 5'10" frame was too long for the jumper, resulting in some serious camel toe! yikes. So, undeterred, I ran down to my studio and chopped the sucka in two!

TADA... now I have two items of clothing instead of just one! I love me a deal and a top and shorts for just 3 bucks is definitely a great deal!

I have been luxuriating in the nothingness of summer, and in my laziness I've been avoiding my computer, but I am gonna try to be a more vigilant blogger... I have some exciting travelling coming up and lots of wedding craftiness!

once upon a time....

2010-06-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

so, if you read my last post you saw those paper moons I was into... right? well, I ended up making a moon and hanging it in our backyard for our engagement photo shoot! the engagement shoot was a success and I am just waiting on the prints from the photographer... but I figured... since I have this fun moon and stars in my backyard I should do a little photo shoot of my own....

(*Warning,this post is super, image heavy!*hehe) I wanted something that looked vintagey, and like something I would NEVER wear, so I layered some petticoats and put on some heels and voila! I only wish that I had a flowered crown! I was feeling a bit like I was in a fairy tale except that it was a million degrees out and I was dripping sweat. And even though I was all alone in my backyard, I was feeling pretty self-conscious in this uber girly outfit(I'm just not used to looking so frilly) but, all in all, I had a fun time (I am just loving these lazy summer days where I can take the time to do silly/dorky things like this!)

p.s. I had my wedding hair-do run-thru today! (hence, the fancy hair) I'm so excited, all of these little wedding details are starting to happen!

proof of engagement!

2010-05-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

eeek, so today we are meeting with our wedding photographer and we are gonna take some engagement photos! I am super nervous/excited.... Its been hard to think of photos that will be fun/interisting, but not cheesy and that we wont hate in 20 years.... One of my favorite ideas is inspired by these old engagement photos I found....

aren't they fabulous? now, we'll just have to wait and see how they turn out!

Mexican Fiesta!

2010-05-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

outfit details: top: Walmart (Miley Cyrus brand! haha!), shorts, belt: thrifted

Since Ryan and I have had all week to hang out together we didn't really do a focused date night, although we did have a great day together, topped of with a sweet mexican fiesta for two!

closeups: I was really extravegant and got a manicure! here are my fav earrings, too!

we started off the day with a bike ride (that ended at the local ice cream shop!) I didn't get any photos of the bike ride, but really it wasn't pretty, these shorts are so tight that they were NOT bike seat friendly (tmi? sorry)

anywho, like I said, the main event was the fiesta!

I made a spicy salad and we grilled some tilapia filets based on this recipe...

Ingredients

6 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
6 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon hot sauce, to taste
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the fish in a large nonmetal dish. Whisk together the 6 tablespoons oil, the orange zest, orange juice, ginger, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, to taste; pour over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare grill. Brush the fish with additional oil. Grill until fish just flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 minutes per side for each inch of thickness.

summer=seventies, man.

2010-05-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

so i think that i always have a bit of the 70's vibe, but when it comes to my summer duds they are heavy on the high-waisted and peace-loving looks. As you can see with this outfit!

Ryan and I went to the...dunh.dunh.dunh.... dreaded suburbs yesterday (an activity that both of us abhor), but for a good cause.... we finally registered for our wedding gifts.

It was such a strange experience, trying to find and anticipate all of our needs for the future. To be honest, we are at a stage in our lives and have lived on our own long enough, that we almost have everything that we need (ie toaster, blender, towels...) Do any of you married gals have some suggestions? like maybe what was the best gift you got? or the things you use the most? We registered at Target and Crate and Barrel...any other ideas?

now that I am done with work for the summer I have no excuse not to get down to business with this wedding planning stuff, but man-oh-man can it be draining!

outfit details: shorts, belt: thrifted, blouse: Forever 21, shoes: Old Navy

While we were looking for registry items we ended up buying some stuff for the new house... we desperately needed these curtains, but they will need to be hemmed (as soon as I unpack my art studio/ sewing room)!

double whammy!

2010-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

so, you tell me.. does absence make the heart grow fonder? did ya miss me? ive missed chronicling my days here on the blog. So, as a hello to you all I'm giving you a double whammy of blogging! ( we all know this is more for me than anyone else..right? im a nerd!) So I am bringing you two tree-themed outfit photos.

The first set is from 2 weekends ago when I went to my future bro-in laws college graduation at my alma matter, The University of Kansas. The KU campus is only about a 45minute drive from Kansas City, but I don't make it out there as often as I should, and even when I do go to Lawrence I usually just hang out in town, I don't visit the campus, but I am totally gonna have to rectify that, because the campus is so super beautiful! It has a pond and a couple of large parks and flowers galore!

This awesome tree sculpture is new since I graduated (back in 2006), but totally photo worthy!

It was a chilly and rainy day and we had to stand outside for hours, waiting for the grads to descend a hill and enter the football stadium, so I wanted to dress up, but be comfy and warm. so this blazer, boots and dress combo worked out perfectly!

outfit details: dress and blazer: thrifted, boots:Aldo, scarf: target

so, for part 2 of this post... this was just yesterday, and man oh man, has the weather changed! It is like 90 degrees and sooo humid! I feel like we skipped over my favorite part of year when it is warm, but not too humid and jumped right into the full heat of summer! (i really shouldn't complain now though, cause it's only gonna get worse)

This awesome giant tree is in our neighbors yard but it has been showering our lawn with the prettiest flowers! It almost looks like snow out there, sooo pretty!

and remember how I said I am jumper-obsessed? well, here's one of the many! It is perfectly light and easy to wear on a warm day!

outfit details: jumper: Target, sandals: tourist store in Mexico

happy mothers day!

2010-05-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

my mom and her sister, and cat.

to my beautiful mother! and all of the other mothers out there, may you be recognized on this one day for the amazing 24/7 job that you do with love and compassion! you are oh so appreciated. xoxo

a little work...

2010-05-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

so, as I've mentioned earlier, this is show week over at the Kansas City Ballet (where I work making costumes) and I thought I'd share some of the beautiful images of a piece that was designed in house by my boss, Jennifer Carroll, and of course built by the two of us! remember that "mock-up" post from a while back? well this is the finished product! the lights were beautiful and the dancing is really great (its my favorite piece on the bill) if you wanna read some reviews of the dancing head over to the KCB facebook page, its been a pretty great season!

jumpersjumpersjumpers!

2010-05-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have a serious jumper problem... honestly I've bought like 4 jumpers in anticipation of the warmers months!

I'm in love with them, and it just hasn't been warm enough yet, but I paired this one with tights, which made it more weather appropriate.

We had our opening night last night at the ballet, and it went off fairly hitch free! and now we only have a few weeks left in the season! I can't wait for a summer of fun, free of work (and full of jumpers!)

outfit details: jumper: Forever 21, boots, belt: thrifted

all graduated.

2010-05-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

I wore this outfit over the weekend to my fiances, cousins college graduation. Looking back it is a biiit short, but c'est la vie! when you are 5'10" everything is short on ya (especially items purchased from Forever 21. what is that? are their fit models munchkins or something everything at that store runs on the tiny size! sorry, slight rant...) It was really funny taking these photos, here were all of these grads around me, having their photos taken, to honor their GREAT achievements, and there I was just some schmo, having a mini photo shoot....hehe!

Well, we went into the theater yesterday for the KC Ballet's Spring Show.. Who Cares, so lots of late nights and boring black/utilitarian clothing in my future!

outfit details: jacket, shoes: thrifted, dress:Forever 21

heeel-ro!

2010-04-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

hello bloggy friends! i realize I have been on hiatus for a bit (of course I have a great excuse, several excuses actually) but really, ive missed being able to share a bit of my day with the great wide world and have a bit of reflection time on this here blog...

I wanted to show you a close up of my FAVORITE earrings! (they jingle when I walk)

... so ill give ya some updates... in the past week (or two) I have moved house! (we are officially grown-ups now, no longer living in a crummy rental apartment, now we have a crummy rental house of our own....) these photos are in our new backyard! Im so excited to explore in our new hood and find some photo spots!

we rocked the senior pic style/over the shoulder look!

on the work front we are putting up our spring show at the ballet next week, featuring Balanchines Who Cares..... it's shaping up to be a good show, but as per usual, the costume shop is a mad house and we have a TON of work, but I am very excited about the beautiful costumes that we are making ( i will def. post photos once the show is up!)

outfit details: dress: Target, sweater:F21, boots/slip: thrifted

anywho, its good to be back and as soon as this show is over I will get the whole summer off! so I plan on going on/ having lots of adventures and sharing them here!

this is the junk that the former residents left in the yard! shame!

did you know...

2010-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Upon a Lilac Sea

To toss incessantly

His Plush Alarm

Who fleeing from the Spring

The Spring avenging fling

To Dooms of Balm-

-Emily Dickinson

... did you know that April is national poetry month? I have gone through phases of loving poetry and phases of ... well, not, NOT loving poetry, but not having the patience to appreciate poetry. But when I am in the right state of mind to open myself up to beautiful poetry it is incredibly rewarding.

I visited a family friends house today and knew that I had to have my photo taken in her beautiful garden... doesn't it look like a sea of lavender?! It was sooo lovely and I wanted to lay down in the garden, but I was afraid of crushing all of the flowers (and it smelled so GOOD!) I just love spring.....

outfit details: dress & skirt:Forever 21 ( I had to double up, skirt and dress for modesty sake), belt& boots: thrifted

weekend wear!

2010-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

this weekend has been nice and relaxing! I made Ryan snap this photo after we went out to breakfast on Saturday.. the weather's been dreamy and my weekend has been full of bike rides and porch sitting, so nothing much to report.... just a cute red dress! hope your weekend was lovely too!

wedding inspiration!

2010-04-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

well, I still can't find that little thingy that connects my camera and tripod....so I am bringing you some images I have been stalking while planning for our wedding. We are meeting at our venue in two weeks to have a tasting and make some big decisions....so that is all very exciting!

I LOVE how frothy and ethereal the back of this dress is, I never thought I'd be the kind of gal that would want a big princess gown, but it has happened, I want to be swathed in white tulle, and wouldn't this little blue shoe just be perfect?

these little birdies are adorable, we are not planning on having a big cake (we are gonna have lots of pies and small cakes), but I would love to have them decorated with little, natural birdies!

...and this image is just dreamy, right! so romantic and sweet!

Have a great weekend!

hey mom-ma!

2010-04-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

im sporting my sweet new mom jeans (that's all I was alluding to in the title, don't worry!) I bought these sweet Gloria Vanderbilt jeans at Costco! for like $15, and then I took them home and tapered the leg (unfortunately I accidently made the right leg MUCH tighter than the left, sorta awkward feeling (like I can't bend my right knee...))

This little meadow of flowers just appeared the other day in our backyard! I love spring time in Kansas City! so many flowers and buds everywhere, it is a really beautiful place.

So, today is "Fountain day" here. Did you know that Kansas City is called the city of fountains? yup, it has the most fountains in the nation! so today is the day that they fill them all up and the water starts to flow.. which should be interesting, cause it is REALLY windy, so the water will end up all over the sidewalks!

I've been thinking that I should try to visit all of these fountains in town and show you all some of the beauties of KC.... we will see. It will probably have to wait till summer, cause I am swamped until about May 10th...

outfit details: jeans: Costco, shirt: F21, shoes: real old???, belt: thrifted