Wishful Thinking 1996

Recently I've had the pleasure of watching a deliciously 90's romantic comedy called Wishful Thinking. It's a story told in three parts about Elizabeth, (Jennifer Beals) who wants to marry her neurotic boyfriend Max, (James Le Gros) who in turn is the love obsession of his co worker, Lena (Drew Barrymore). Basically chaos ensues, couples get rearranged and everyone moves on to greener pastures and lives happily ever after.

The movie was cute and as I stated before -  deliciously 90's and Drew Barrymore's wardrobe consistently fucking nailed it.

Even though her character Lena was kind of devious and conniving there was something so wonderfully youthful and extravagant about her clothing choices. That fuzzy pink sweater, the tights with the glamorous heels? The printed skirt - love, love love it!

That dark red, velvet blazer is great! I remember when velvet was all the rage! I always sneaked and borrowed my sister's velvet shirts without her knowing. The see-through plastic bag is lovely as well. I own one but there's a big gaping hole in the bottom of it.

In the movie her nails are always painted and the polish color changes almost every scene. She also wears rings on every finger and accessories her outfits with a scarf or lots of buttons. Also: check out the holographic earrings!

Her apartment is really bright and cluttered with interesting objects as well: a place where you could totally see a character like her living. Definitely an example of the set designer, production designer, and costume designer working in harmony.

GET LENA'S LOOK!!

Since I love my readers (all two of you) I've decided to take it upon myself  to scour the internet for Lena- related accessories. Check them out, Let me know what you think!

Vintage Floral Tote from MyVintageFix.

$12.00

Holographic Alien Earrings by Fatally Feminine.

$35.00

Purple Ring by HardCandyGEMS.

$64.60

Heart Print Scarf by PurplePossumUK

$14.86

That's all for now - until next time!

Creature Comforts for Fall

Summer's ending and I'm sad. I'm going to miss the hot weather and street festivals and coming home to take a cool shower and cranking the AC. Fall leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I can feel it in my loins. Fall makes me think of school starting, short days, and homework assignments. 

The one thing I do really like about Fall (besides Halloween) is reconsidering my wardrobe for the upcoming season. Here are some things I'm wanting to spice this season up a bit:

           

Large Mirrored Backpack Satchel 

 I love shiny,silvery, reflective things so much. I also favor large bags because I'm a bit of a shopping bag lady and have to carry everything around with me. This bag is basically the perfect combination. 

$80 from Golden Ponies

Serinna Ankle boots

These shoes are basically sex and wine in a footwear format. That back zipper - delicious! These seem like the type of footwear required if you intend to hang out at a flashy club and sip a martini and glare at people or if you want to get in touch with your inner femme fatale...or both!

The only downside is they aren't real leather and they're 110 bucks! Perhaps setting up a Gofundme page is in order. These are available in two other colors as well from ALDO.

Knit Fingerless Armwarmers (Pumpkin Orange)

I'm the type of person that imagines scenarios in which I'd wear a garment. When I saw these I imagined myself spending an entire rainy, overcast fall day in Filter ( a local coffee shop) sipping caramel apple cider and  writing, reading, and drawing in my sketchbook while wearing these comfy looking arm warmers. I'd also be doing my best to ignore all the annoying people walking by on the side walk that like to tap on the window as they pass by. Available in a variety of colors for $48 from LeftTwistKnits on Etsy.

Zana Bayne Harnesses

These harness make me wanna die. They're amazing! I was introduced to this designer by a very fashionable and adorable girl that I hung out with a couple months ago and she was wearing one. What I like about them is that they could basically make any outfit look interesting and they could literally be worn everyday. They're real leather which means they can get kinda pricey (The cheapest is about $110) but they come in a small variety of different colors and they have some vegan options. I have been eyeing the basic harness style in clear PVC. They're available for sale here.

Happy fall! 

Feeling Broochy...

I just finished the school Holiday Art Sale at school and it was pretty successful. I decided to sell lots of left over inventory but didn't manage to clear out all of it. None the less, making pretty things and having people express appreciation for them always make me smile.

I sold my usual etched metal jewelry but decided to try my hand at some silkscreen panels and those sold fairly well. Now, I'm thinking of expanding my horizons and selling some fun brooches!! I found all of these lovely ones while perusing the Internet at my boring office job today. Enjoy!

By fineDollyLolly



By Ribizla



By IndianBlue



By murmurfremo



This one is totally my fave:
Jayne Mansfield Brooch By ultravioletglam

I just like the idea of brooches because it gives you the excuse to wear elaborate art pieces on your clothes. Plus, what a dashing and gentlemanly way to spice things up! I hope you all enjoy eating tomorrow.

You sink without a sound...

Ok, so for the record the Conservatory was amazing!!! Please go if you get the chance! Just beware that if you go during the afternoon on a weekday, it might be overpopulated with lots of loud school children which will alter your experience a little. Next time I go I will have photos galore!!

By the way, does anyone remember this book?

My mom used to read it to me ages ago and I recently spotted it laying on a chair in my friend's house. It is a story about a little bunny-child laying in their bed at night, saying goodnight to everything in their home.

The entire book is written very eloquently in rhyming lyrics. After rereading it a few days ago, I repeated certain lines to myself throughout the course of the day. My favorite lines: "Goodnight comb and Goodnight brush. Goodnight nobody. Goodnight mush. And Goodnight to the old lady whispering "hush".

These are images from the Mermaid Theatre's production of Goodnight Moon. Well crafted handmade sets and bunny puppets? Yes, please!!


I love that they stuck with the original color scheme of the book. But they could have been a little bit more creative with their placement of the puppeteers.


I'm usually pretty open about my mild case of agoraphobia and my love of small shoebox-sized rooms. I found this on Peter Tucker's website, along with other tiny delights. This room just makes me want to shrink myself down to Tinkerbelle size and snuggle in that mini bed!!

But anyway - I was able to find the animated version of Goodnight Moon on youtube, read by Susan Sarandon. Doesn't it just make you want to go to sleep??

And of course, a little shameless self promotion never hurt anyone.

Goodnight Moooon earrings. Still for sale on my Etsy page.

I found this song a while back when I researching the death of Kurt Cobain (don't ask why) apparently Veruca Salt was inspired by his suicide and Goodnight Moon when they wrote this.

You're the pearl in the quicksand
You sink without a sound
I'm the girl with the tiny hands
Planted underground
You're the dream, I'm the dreamer
In the dream, you're still around
See the sun falling down [x4]
You're the bleach
When everything went black
The relief I found
You're the sliver of hope in my lap
You're soft, warm, round
See the sun falling down [x4]
Falling down [x2]
Goodnight moon, Goodnight mush
Goodnight ladies saying hush
Goodnight moon, Goodnight mush
Goodnight ladies saying hush
See the sun falling down [x6]

How obsessive can a person be over one little book? Finding it yesterday was like some sort of omen. Happy Thursday!!

Craft Disasters and other stories

School is out! To quote Lady Gaga (and I will not do this very often) "I'm a Free Bitch, baby!!"

The last craft show I did was a truly awful experience. Not only did I sell only one item but my tablemates were bitchy and kept giving me dirty looks. It was very disheartening. I think part of the reason I sold so little was because my stuff was the most expensive there (roughly $15 - $30 per pair of earrings) and since it was at a community center, I don't think people were willing to pay that much. I also have a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't very well advertised. A lot of people who came through didn't seem to know what exactly was going on.

On the upside I got to chat up some friendly crafters (not my tablemates), I ate a ton of brownie cookies, and now I have some new merch on the etsy page. Check it out!

Gold Dust Woman Earrings

Good Night Moooon Earrings

In unrelated news I have begun watching True Blood. I really appreciate the overall darkness of the show and that it's not afraid to be visceral and disgusting, which is something I think a lot of modern day vampire shows are missing.

Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton (Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer) in Season 1 of True Blood. Stephen Moyer should be given an award for being the most attractive and believable vampire ever!


I researched it and Yes, you can actually buy this drink (not made from synthetic blood, of course). HBO sells it on their website - $16 for a four pack! A little steep for a carbonated drink.


Vampires Pam, Eric, and Chow ready for an attack! My most absurd dream job would be to play a vampire in a movie or tv show. You'd get to wear those fangs and be all confident and do a lot of sweet stunts! *Sigh* Perhaps I've gone into the wrong profession.

The sex scenes are a little bothersome. Not that sex scenes make me uncomfortable per se. I just get the feeling that in the book they were probably way more erotic and stimulating than HBO's version. I'm kinda getting tired of seeing that blonde guy get straddled by various boring looking women with fake seeming breasts. Other than that, the acting and storyline are great...even though I don't quite buy the whole shape- shifter thing (sorry if that spoils anything for other new watchers out there).

Now that the semester is over, I have been left with a frightening amount of energy. I went for a lovely 45 minute run this morning then came home and danced in my kitchen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs while I made (and ate) lunch. Then this evening I walked the equivalent of 3 train stops back to my house carrying books and groceries. Weird. Maybe once Aerial classes start, I will be good and tired again.

I was mostly listening to this song by the way:

BTW, I am planning an early trip down to the Garfield Park Conservatory tomorrow after breakfast. I will be sure to write about it and all of its loveliness.

Happy Thursday <3>

Spring things...[Spring Updates]

So to all of you out there that are just dying to find out- I did not get that lovely huge grant I applied for. (BOOOOO!!!) After cursing and swearing at my computer screen for a lengthy amount of time, I decided that all is well and I will still continue to make the art I make, with or without their filthy money. (You hear that art school!?)

On a similar yet happy note, I have so far gotten into one of the craft fairs I've applied to! Yippeee!!! I will be a proud participant in the Mercadito DIY Arts and Crafts fair at the Rumble Arts Center on Mother's Day, May 8th from 11am-3pm. If you are in the Chicago area or more specifically in Humboldt park, please stop by my table and say hello. I will have lots of lovely jewelry waiting to greet you!!

Recently went to an artist talk with David Leggett at the 65 grand gallery. I really am fascinated by his work and some of the stories that went along with it but a lot of his art makes me so sad, I just want to pretend it's not there. Even though he had a great sense of humor, my heart hurt a little when I left.

From the book Until Friday, 2006

Red Hoodie Slow Jam, 2008 (currently at 65 Grand)

Smoke the purple out of the rainbow, 2010 (Currently at 65 Grand)

From the book Until Friday 2006

Sometimes his level of honesty in art just kind of makes me want to back away. (Which I think says a lot about my character, unfortunately.) He did, however make me want to go home and listen to some Parliament and dance! Check out his art and tell me what you think!

I've got some new jewelry in my etsy shop. Feel free to tell me what you think about those things, too or you can always just buy stuff!

Social Butterfly Earrings. For all you ladies who dream of one day flying away!

Round and Pretty Earrings go great with tea!

So that's that! I need a hot shower and a warm hug. Happy Tuesday. <3

Mucca Pazza and weekend mayhem

This past Saturday I had the privilege of watching Mucca Pazza perform at Martyr's.
For those of you who don't know who they are, Mucca Pazza is a 30 piece circus punk marching band based out of Chicago, Illinois. They are always a blast to watch! Saturday was my second time. There isn't much actual marching going on except for when they are coming out on to the stage. They disperse through the crowd, playing their instruments and interacting with the audience. I turned around to find myself face to face with Mark Messing, blowing the sousaphone and smiling at me!

Mark Messing, the creator and head conductor of Mucca Pazza.

I probably shouldn't have flashed in this dude's face.

Half of the members playing away!

Mostly they do semi- synchronized movements and interact with each other. They even have a group of cheerleaders that do routines with frightening amounts of energy. After a powerhouse set of songs, the band somehow managed to do an encore of four additional songs!! My favorite moment was when the "junior conductor" came to the front of the stage and directed the audience and the band in an original piece.

The junior conductor doing his thing which was in my opinion, the highlight of the show.

The Mucca Pazza cheerleaders in the midst of their "Hand Signals" routine. I recognize some of them from various Redmoon events.

The reaaallly intense fiddle player. Doesn't he look like he's about to battle Darth Vader?

I danced the entire time! My cotton dress was clingy and sweaty when all was said and done. I was right in the front and even though my ears were ringing by the end of it, I didn't care. My knees hurt a little from all the jumping up and down but surprisingly my voice was not hoarse, despite all the screaming and yelling.

Go see them when they come to your home town and tell me how much you love them!

Aside from them, my weekend has been peachy! I went to an art opening Friday night and danced awkwardly to some reggae music and today I had my first couple Etsy sales (yay!) followed by a nice Easter potluck at a friend's place. Now back to school tomorrow to try to diminish the huge workload that I keep putting off. Yay me.

A small portion of Easter dinner. And yes, that is a chocolate cake with strawberries on it. In case you're wondering, it was dense and amazing.

Happy Easter!

Some News

So..I actually walked outside today wearing a dress with a cardigan, scarf, and NO COAT! Can you believe it!? It felt like seeing the sun for the first time in months. It was dizzying.

Speaking of being dizzy-ingly happy, I've finally got my Etsy Shop up and running with a small amount of items for sale. More to come, real soon...promise.

On a side note, I've discovered Polyvore. Heaven help me! I envision so many precious art-making hours being wasted looking through oodles of cute clothes.

My most recent creation:

That bag is super sweet, huh? Happy Tuesday!

Spring Things

It's the last day of spring break and it's 38 stinking degrees outside but I am in a right, cheerful, mood because I have cleaned my room and I had the honor/privilage of attending Swap o rama rama today, leaving with two bags of "new" clothes.

Swap O rama rama is a giant clothing swap and D.I.Y community workshop that travels around the U.S. Everyone brings a bag of clothes which are sorted into large tables, ripe for the picking. Various D.I.Y stations are set up around the room depending on what day you go.When I went there was a puppet making workshop, jewelry making, embroidery, leg warmer making, and silkscreen/ tie dye. They even had live bands that played!! I left feeling pretty giddy about my new finds, though they require a decent amount of alterations on my sewing machine.


Other than that, here are some other things I have been up to lately:

-I've finally put my Doc Marten- covered foot down and asked my lovely friend take some photos for my Etsy page. I have been giving myself quite a headache trying to figure out my shop policies but at the same time, it's loads of fun. All those looong hours in the metals department are finally paying off. A little taste of what's to come:




All handmade by yours truly. I hope your interest is sooo piqued! Check back in a week or so to see my finished shop!

- I'm applying for a $1000 grant to cover various metal/ jewelry making supplies. This is developing into headache number 2 but the thought of having a proper home studio is unbelievably alluring. Any tips for successful grant writing would be greatly appreciated!

- Tried to watch Skins on Netflix since I keep hearing about that show. It's the standard popular- boy -obsessed -with- sex -and -himself storyline except it takes place across the pond. The smoggy weather and green fields in the background were lovely but the majority of the show involves nude skinny teens straddling each other. Makes me a little bitter My So Called Life was canceled.


- I am going to see the Women's Roller Derby tournament next month and I'm super excited about it! On a side note, I recently watched Whip It! which is a really fun movie if you're into roller skating and surface messages about girl power. I occasionally go by the alias Bambi St. Valentine when I'm a back up dancer for The Dangerous Strangers but in honor of Whip It! I'm thinking of changing my alias to Cat Snatch Fever!

The lovely Windy City ladies doing their thing!

So that's that...I hope this weather soon breaks so I can move forward with my late night picnic plans :(