Ramblin' Man.

Orange Lipstick

1960's Corduroy & Arrows Blazer (Thrifted, $1)

Black Plain V-neck (Thrifted, $2)

Black Levi's Jeans (Gifted, $25)

Brown Lace-ups ($26)

expensive day, eh?

Why hello!!!

My cold finally loosened it's grips (reluctantly), so now I can function like a human again! Yay!

So while I've been gone, and couch ridden, I've been watching loads of shows/movies/whatnot.  On the very TIP TOP of my list is: Downton Abbey.  Good god, I love this show.  Seriously, in love.  Let me forewarn you though- please start from the beginning and watch them all in a row.  My friend's husband thinks he hates it because he just kind of skipped around.  And now he is doomed to live the rest of his life without knowing the awesomeness that is 'Downton Abbey'. 

Okay, so maybe it's not that dramatic, but you get my drift :). 

So, of course, the outfits are awesome, and the characters are awesome (even if they are "bad guys"). 

I'm so glad it's so popular, because I never want it to end!

'The Lemonheads' concert is finally coming up, and I am super excited :). 

I've seen them once before, and they play an awesome live show.

On top of that, I just found out that the 'Punch Brothers' are playing in Lexington soon, which is equally exciting! 

I'm so excited for Spring/Summer and all the music it brings with it.

Oh yes, I don't know if I've mentioned this, but the band I'm in "Good Night Noises" has 2 new members.  Ahhh, I already love what they've brought to the mix...  The last practice was so great, and I feel like we've moved to a different style completely; which is exactly what I was hoping for.  Some new energy to mix things up!

Hopefully when it gets warmer we will record an ep, and I can share some with you guys :).

What else, what else....?

Oh yes.  So in my sickness, I've also started to harbor a small movie star crush on Jason Ritter. 

You can find him in the likes of 'Good Dick', and 'Peter & Vandy' <--- which by the way is a really good movie I just watched yesterday.

He's a great actor, and seems to be in some of my favorite indie love dramas.  Plus, he is just naturally funny & charismatic, so that doesn't hurt. 

Seriously, watch him in either of the 2 aforementioned movies, and tell me you don't find him adorable!

I went to look at a possible new store location today, and it's a definite no-go.

Hopefully something pops up soon!

Oh man- Jimmy's main band, 'Sweet Ray Laurel' just got asked to play @ Kings Island this summer.  Haha, it's so random, but awesome at the same time!  It's the outdoor stage, and they told them the crowd is usually around 10,000 people.  Uh.  Jesus, right? 

And they just got an offer from a label to put out their new ep!  Wowza!  I'm so proud of them :).

I must go.  And do some actual work :).

But, I leave you with some 'Streets'.  You know, to get the blood flowing. 

Have a great day, ally.

Submarine & other Things.

1960's Chain Earrings (Thrifted, $0.50) ---love---

Black Jersey Top (Thrifted)

1970's Leather Daisy Belt (Thrifted, $0.60)

Black Levi's ($25)

1970's Brown Pixie Boots (Thrifted, $3?)

 

Wow, third black outfit in a row.. how does that happen?? 

Let's blame it on the weather. 

This is one of those days that I usually wouldn't post, due to lack of an interesting -enough- outfit.  But, to that, I say: Bullocks!  I must post!

(Really, I just need a reason to talk about everything else I'm doing, besides getting dressed.)

Can you believe we are at the end of our Winter?  Eesh.  My body was definitely put through the ringer this year as far as weather-induced-ickyness was concerned. 

......Ahh, but the warmth is coming.....

I bought a 70's dress pattern last night, and I CANNOT wait to make it!  It's pretty glorious; what with it's cut-outs, and cool A-Line shape. 

 

So, all you bloggers out there:  how sad are you that 'Picnik' is shutting down?!  Shoot!

Anybody have any other FREE photo editing website to recommend??

 

 

SUBMARINE- 2011

I adored this movie.

The moment I turned it on, I knew I would love it.  Isn't it great when that happens?

The film is based on the main charactor 'Oliver Tate', and follows him through a year of his life. 

 

Oliver is a quirky (for lack of a better word) high school student, dealing with issues with his home & love life.  The camera work is awesome, and the movie is filled with quick/smart humor.  Even the more serious parts are made lighter by the charactors body language, or quips. 

Such a good movie, and an even better director.

I've been reading the book 'Still the Mind' by Alan Watts. 

At first glance, you would think this book was just your run of the mill 'How to Meditate' books, and it couldn't be further than that. 

He delves into every idea you may have about your mind/your life/your expectations of life, and probes the reader to ask themselves to question why/what they are questioning.

It's an absolute must read for anyone who wants to explore the mind.

My favorite thing about Alan Watts, is that he does not pretend to have any answers (because noone does), and will take himself out of the equation whenever he can.  He is only there to be the voice, to be the writer of the words; solely for them to exist.

 

I got the book from my local library, so I'm sure it's an easy find.  This is the first book I've read of his, but I've watched countless youtube videos of him speaking/recordings/etc.

My favorite video is:  "Does life need to be Meaningful?" 

He is able to successfully put into words the thoughts & feelings that have always taken up space in my mind.  I'm so terrible at speaking, so it's refreshing to just hear those thoughts being voiced.. know what I mean?

Have a great weekend everyone, ally.

the Symphony.

Birds-nest Bun

1940's Gold Necklace (Heirloom, $0)

 Silky Lace Robe (UO, $19.99)

Skin Dress (DIY, $3.50)

1990's Velvet Mary Janes (Thrifted, $3)

 

 Yesterday was great; we ate, we bought art, and went to the Symphony.  It was my first time, and I had a great time.  The music was beautiful (how could it not be, right?), and 2 of the pieces played were in the movie 'Melancholia'.  So it was cool to have that imagery in my head while watching all of the movements of the players. 

I have to say, watching the collective arm movements of the musicians is one of the coolest things about a classical concert.  It's oddly mesmerizing.

Thankfully, Lindsay's husband agreed to take some photos for us; we just don't have enough of the 2 of us together! 

Off to Brunch, so enjoy your Sunday while it lasts :), ally.

Stevie.

1990's Gold Heart Necklace (Gift, $0)
1970's 'California' Maxi Dress
(Thrifted, $1)
1970's Brown Pixie Boots (Thrifted, $3)

This dress has been in the shop since Summer, and I've tried it on countless times (I originally bought it for myself).  I don't know why, but I remembered it being a little too revealing in the bust area for my taste...  I have no idea what I was thinking, because it fits perfectly.  So glad I tried it on again!

I can't wait to wear it in Spring with some platform sandals :).

My god, it is cold today people!  Ahh, looks like Newport finally surrendered to Winter.  But, the good news is, is that at least we are getting out it of the way and heading closer to glorious Spring.

I cannot wait for some SUN!  I just do not operate correctly in the Winter.  I'm a summer girl ALL THE WAY. 

Today is finally the day friends!  My friend Lindsay and I are going to 'Melt' to eat in the afternoon, then I'm finishing my dress to wear to the Symphony tonight @ 8pm!  Woohoo!

I'm so pumped to get all dressed up and go to the Music Hall.  Tonight will be 'Romeo & Juliet', followed by some Russian classical (my favorite kind) :).  I'm totally going-all-out outfit wise, and I'm def taking some pictures! 

Okay, so this is super old news, but I have to speak on the subject.  Do you remember when Jay-Z announced that he wouldn't be using profane language against women anymore because he had a daughter?  Ughhh.  Does he not have a Mom?  Does he not in fact have a WIFE?  Do you really need a reason?  And if so, shouldn't all the women surrounding you on a daily basis be enough?

Bahhh.  How insulting...

So, I don't know if you've noticed, but I finally got the 'reply' button added to the comments section!  Now I can actually respond :), so send me some comments!

I have been searching for a new female "soul" singer.  I've been searching high and low, and every decade in between, and can't seem to find what I'm looking for...  Any suggestions are welcome!  BTW, I'm really into the voice & lyrics (if that helps). 

:)

3pm can not come fast enough!  I'm ready to eat some Melt deliciousness...

Can you believe that I will have been vegan for 3 years in July??  That's insane.  It's so funny, because I never, ever thought I would ever go further than Vegetarianism.  And now I will never go back!  I was so addicted to cheese, and really couldn't a life without it.  But man, at this point, it kind of sounds & looks gross!  Weird how quickly your body turns around huh? 

When I was 18 I went vegan (my boyfriend at the time was), and it was the hardest thing EVER.  It was the total opposite experience than what I went through this time around.  It felt so much easier!  So, if you have tried before and failed, don't let that ruin it for you forever.  Things change, and you change :). 

Have an awesome weekend!

  

southwest.

Navy Dress (Modcloth, Gift)
Cat Eye Necklace (Handmade, $6, Fabricate)
Blue tights
1970's Southwestern Boots
(Trade, $0)

Ah.  Life is funny isn't it?  One day can be so radically different than the last.  Surprises never cease to surprise. 

I'm feeling it lately; that invisible hand pushing me toward -something-.  It's hard to put a finger on it, but I know I'm headed in the right direction (which is enough for me).  We've just got to keep plowing through, friends. 

'When you come to a wall, knock it down'. 

I had a great morning!  I woke up at 8:30, watched a documentary, stretched/danced/sang, and made a delicious smoothie. 

So many ideas swirling through the air! 

These boots are pretty rad, eh?  They are made of dyed canvas, and I'm in 'forever love' with them.  That's right, these babies are here to stay. 

And the Cat Eye Glasses necklace!?!  I would love to meet the crafty woman who made these- and kiss her feet!  It's hard to tell in the pictures, but glasses are clear/gold glitter, and the lenses are green. 

I FINALLY found some new wall art for the store- which couldn't have come sooner.  I found them all in one fail swoop; the best way to do it. 

 

Today's Smoothie:

Rainbow Chard, Grapefruit, Orange, Apple, Banana.

Good combo.

Wishing you good thoughts, ally.

Moto Foto.

Moto Jacket (UO, $19.99)

Clash Shirt (UO, $9.99)

1990's Black Skirt (Thrifted, $3)

Black Hose

Black Velvet Flats

 

I got a Christmas present from Urban Outfitters that unfortunately didn't fit, so I was able to get a 'credit' card.  I searched the clearance section online, and actually found some stuff I liked!  That never happens; so you can imagine my surprise when I found this stretchy moto jacket, oversized cropped 'Clash' shirt, and a maxi lace 1920's duster (not pictured).  I love all of it!  I'm especially fond of the lace duster...  I was a little worried that the lace would feel cheap and stiff, but it is oh so soft, and has a little stretch to it.  It has wide belled sleeves, and is just gorgeous <3. 

 

The weather has been so weird here lately, so uncommonly warm...  I'm trying my best to not have a 'Climate Change' induced mental breakdown :).  Seriously, it makes me dry heave when I think about the effects that global warming are having in our daily life (i.e crops, gardens, metal clarity, our bodies, animals, insects, etc.).  Argghh.  Don't you wish everyone could just unify for 1 second to make this world a better place? 

But, I will just keep acting like my choices will make a difference in the world, and someday, when a large scale of people feel this way, we will get things done!  Seriously, one person can and does make an impact!  We keep these horrible Corporations/Wall Street in business by buying/using their products.  It's as simple as that.  Stop buying the products, and the business cannot succeed!

I think a lot of people feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in this world.  So overwhelmed that they feel hopeless, say 'fuck it' and then continue to indulge at unseen costs.  But I have an idea!  How about once a week you do research on a company you use/buy from.  One week research your toothpaste, next week research Kroger.  Then, after, research your alternatives!  Think of how much you will learn in just a year!  Then you can share your findings with your family and friends, and hey, maybe even make some new friends who feel the way you do! 

(Be prepared for some resistance though; but at least you will be in the know.)





Whew- that's out of the way!

As you know, I'm a making fiend.  Right now, I want to cast Scarab molds, make resin disks filled with dried flowers, feathers, dead bugs.  I want to make chiffon pastel capes, and twig crowns.  Ahhhh.  Jimmy commented last night that our apartment looks like a perpetual Summer.  I took that as a great compliment :).  I'm in love with the idea of the Ocean meeting the Forest; and our apartments definitely reflects that at this point.  I've been working on it slowly, since we've moved around so much.  I was afraid to start really decorating until it seemed we would be staying for a while.  It's getting there!

I really do enjoy the detailing of the jacket.  Plus, I really dig the fabric; it's light and warm at the same time.  It's funny; even though it's been warm out, I am still out of the warm mindset- preferring to wear darker colors. 

At the shop we've been selling home goods like crazy!  We are in need of some stock! 

Oh!  I forgot to tell you about Jimmy & I's anniversary didn't I?  Well, we celebrated on the night of January 28th.  It's been 6 years!  Insanity I tell you! 

Since our anniversary is so close to V day, we decided that instead of getting each other gifts we would switch off surprising each other with a "day-o-fun".  This year it was my turn, and this was the schedule:

Gift Card to the Comic Book Shop

Chili Dogs (they have vegan ones too!) @ Mayday in Cincy

-holy crap, by far the best vegan chili dog I've ever had-

Record shopping at Shake it Records

Drinks & a Movie @ Esquire Theater (indie movie theater in Cincy)

:)





I got all of the wedding Photo Booth pictures back the other day, and they are so great!  I'm so glad I was able to give that to them as a wedding gift.  It was such a great time :).

You can't really see my dress too well, but it was a really pretty crushed velvet. 

"I've been going

a long time now

along the way

I've learned some things.

You have to make

the good times yourself

take the little times

and make them into bigger times

and save the times

that are allright

for the ones

that aren't so good."

-Seasons in the Sun

I hope you're feeling sunny where you are, Ally.