1990's, I'm Bias.

1990's Ditsy Floral Bias Dress (Thrifted, ?)

1960's Earrings (Yard Sale, $0.50)

1970's Platforms (Ebay)

2 Gold & Green Rings

As you may know, Picnik, the photo editing website will be closing soon :(.  So, I'm taking advantage of all the effects I can while they're still around!

I did a major clothing ousting in the shop yesterday.  A spring cleaning, if you will.  I got rid of all the pieces that have somehow made it through the year without much notice.  Can you believe it's going to be a year soon?!  Craziness. 

Anyway, this dress was about to be donated, when it occurred to me that I had never even tried it on!  I've been wanting a dress like this for a couple weeks, so I decided to give it a go.  And what do you know?  It's turned into my new favorite dress overnight :).  I think the reason I didn't try it on in the first place is because there isn't any closure on the dress- so on the hanger it just kinda looks like a rectangle (an unattractive rectangle at that). 

But, it's bias cut, so the second you put it on it forms around your body nicely.  I'm so glad I gave it a second thought!

I found these earrings at a yard sale last weekend.  They were clip-ons, so I replaced them with posts, added some extra chain for other discarded earrings, and voila! 

Today was my second go at the 'Baking Soda Hairwashing', and I must say, I'm never going back.  My hair still feels awesome!

I didn't mention this yesterday, but through the last couple years I've tried a few things here and there.  The worst being coconut oil- don't do it!!!  It made my hair look WET for about a week.  It took washing it about 10 times to get it back to normal...  Sure, put some on the ends of your hair, or rub some into your hands and run them lightly on top of your hair to give it some shine.  But for the love of god, do not get in the shower and put a handful in your hair!!!  I had read multiple articles advising people to do this. 

The others either left a slight film on my hair (which I really dislike), or had a smell (eesh). 

Last night, Jimmy and I walked to the levee and saw the movie 'Wanderlust'.  It was funny overall- a little lacking in the characters (it's a big budget H movie, so I expected as much), but there was some really good slapstick humor throughout! 

This week is turning out to be a busy one!  We have a dinner party to go to tonight, Indian style (yuuummm).  So, I'm going to out and look for some bindhi's for everyone to wear :).  Hopefully I can find some!  It occurred to me last night that I haven't seen them in a long time, although, I haven't really looked since high school, haha.  It'll be such a great surprise though if I can find them!

The band I'm in, Good Night Noises, has a show next Tuesday at 'The Comet', which we are really pumped about!  It's the first time we've ever played in Northside (a neighborhood in Cincy), and it'll also be our first show with our 2 new members, who we are SO happy to have.  So many firsts!

Have a great day, ally.   

Daisy.

1960's Velvet Daisy Shift (Cherry Bomb Vintage, $16)

1960's Bias Slip (Thrifted, $1)

1970's Pink,Olive,Yellow Hair Yarn (Gifted/Thrifted)

1970's White Bass Sandals (Thrifted, $6)

On my last trip to Louisville, I found this AWESOME dress at a vintage store on Bardstown Rd.  They didn't have too many vintage pieces, but the ones they did have were definitely quality.  And how can you beat $16? 

I had to find a nude slip -that didn't look like a slip- to wear under this baby, which proved to be slightly difficult.  But I finally found a nude bias cut slip yesterday while thrifting, and it is a keeper :). 

Unfortunately, as you can see, this dress is WAY small on top...  I knew it was true, but didn't want to believe it...  But you can't really disagree with a picture!  So onto Etsy it goes :(. 

It's made of a semi-sheer yellow cotton adorned with white velvet daisies.  :::Sigh:::

At least this dress will make someone out there a very happy lady!

This being said, I am ALL for recycling vintage.  If you don't love one of your pieces, put it back out into the world for someone else to enjoy! 

Plus, it ups your thrifting-karma 3 fold (proven fact).

I know I have probably talked about my dislike for commercial "beauty" products here before, but yesterday I found the mother of all substitutes!

Shampoo was the last product that I just couldn't seem to shake.  I found a great shampoo over a year ago- it felt fantastic, had as few chemicals as I could find, and made my scalp/hair feel a lot healthier.  Plus, it eliminated the need for conditioner ( if you find a quality shampoo, you don't need it one bit!). 

In the past couple weeks, my 'great' shampoo started having the same effect on my hair as the others I had upgraded from.  I knew I had to find a natural alternative.

I searched the Internet far and wide, and found lemons to be the best option- but still didn't quite feel that living in Kentucky and using 1-2 lemons every time I wanted to wash my hair any more sustainable.  Yes, healthier for my scalp, but not for poor old earth. 

Soooo...

I found the solution:  Baking Soda!!

I put maybe 1-2 Tablespoons into a glass, and poured some warm water over it, and stirred it to dissolve.  I WISH I would have measured it out.  I would think that I poured about a cup into the BS, and dissolved. 

Anyway.  Then, while in the shower, I bent over a little, parted my hair, and poured the solution until it was gone.  The coolest thing, it that I could feel the shampoo residue running out with the water- making the water feel soft. 

It's funny, but my hair actually felt squeaky (as in squeaky clean) while rinsing!  I over rinsed, since it was my first time, just to be sure to get all of the solution out (I wasn't sure what would happen, haha).  When towel drying, I did get a little nervous, since the texture felt a little different than normal.

I couldn't wait to see the results, so I got out the ol' blow dryer, and seriously, my hair felt great!  It was actually fluffier than usual!!

I touched it all night long, :).  Upon waking, my hair feels soft, and my scalp feels extra clean and happy!

Outcome?:  I will never, EVER buy shampoo again.  Which rocks.

-BTW, I went to Whole Foods and got their Baking Soda.-

I was so excited to take some pictures today so I could see my hair- and it's probably just in my head, but it seems even shinier than normal!  And I actually got some hair compliments when I went out last night :). 

Oh yeah, and I quit coffee while I was gone too!  I'm coming up on a month.  I'm so glad I did.  Yes, it was a little difficult, but totally necessary for my health.  The first week was the worst- now it's just a craving here or there.  Perhaps later in life I will be able to enjoy a cup every once in a while- but for now I have found the negatives to FAR out way the positives.  I'll stick with my tea. 

Have an awesome day, and I will see you soon!

ally.

T.G.I.S

Yellow Dress (U.O, Gift)

Felt Daisy Choker (DIY)

Bass White Sandals (Thrifted, $6)

Beaded Felt Bird Purse (DIY)

(My camera is on the fritz- beware of the blur)

Oh my god, it's finally Spring!

Thank you universe!

Today should be the template for every perfect day here on out :). 

In more interesting news, I finally finished my purse this morning.  I love it- but I definitely learned what to do/what not to do with the next one.  I'm in love with the beading, and strangely I want to bead everything!  Honestly, I never understood how someone could take the time to bead clothing/accessories, but I'm totally into it now.  It really doesn't take that long at all.  But beware: it is totally addictive. 

Monday we went and saw 'The Lemonheads'!  It was an awesome day; vintage store shopping, vegan food, and great music.  The drive is only an only and half, and left me wondering why we don't go more often?  My favorite vintage store that we visited (by far) was called 'The Nitty Gritty'.  They had a great collection, and ever better prices! 

Honestly, I don't even bother going into vintage stores if their prices are higher than ours..  I'm a thrifter all the way, so paying $100 for a dress is just not going to happen (yes, there are circumstances, but not on a normal shopping trip). 

Ohhh, this dress rocks.  It's not vintage one bit, but I already want to buy it in 50 different colors and wear them all at the same time :).  Jimmy got it for me for Valentines Day and it just arrived last night.  So. Comfy.

The purse! 

I really dig tiny round purses- and have been wanting to copy my yellow one for years.  It's starting to wear out, so I want to have the logistics down before it bites the dust.

I'm not going to lie, the bird is there for no other reason than the fact that I really wanted to bead a wing.  :)

I found out yesterday from the landlord that they have to open a wall to repair a pipe.  EEK!  I'm so nervous that we are going to have to close for more than a day...  But being able to bike in the sunshine would be a fine trade <3. 

Spring Green.

1960's Neon Green Sweater (Thrifted, $?)

Opal Necklace (Etsy, Gift)

1990's Cotton Crop Top (Ebay, $2)

1990's Black Skirt (Thrifted, $?)

Velvet Flats

Spring!

I have been waiting to wear this top for AGES.  It came in an Ebay lot I bought in the dead of Winter, and has been sitting in the closet patiently.  It's made of cotton, and has no closure, which makes for a very comfy top! 

I can't believe I've never worn this sweater in a post before!  Hands down, my all time favorite sweater.  I've had it for years, and can't for the life of me remember where I got it, but I was immediately in love.  It's even more neon in person :).

This morning Lindsay & I went to see 'My Week with Marilyn'.  It was great!  I've seen every Marilyn movie (I am in no way a crazy fan of MM), and I can say with gusto that this one is by far the best.  Michelle Williams does a great job, as does everyone else in the movie.  I think it really helped that the plot had a discernible beginning and end, instead of trying to span her whole life.  And of course the clothing was gorgeous.  Worth seeing!

The sun is out today, thank goodness. I needed it! Last night we went out to our favorite bar with a friend who is leaving the state for a few months. We had a great night; finished off with some (very) late night guitar playing/singing :). I love when Jimmy and I play music together on the fly (especially when wine is involved). It makes for some interesting developments.

I've been making a purse the last few days, and was so excited to show it today!  But, alas, I forgot to buy fabric for the strap, so hopefully you'll see it tomorrow.  It's my first foray into beading by hand, and I have to say, I'm hooked!

Monday we're going to Louisville to see 'The Lemonheads' :).  So. Pumped.

Have a great day!  Ally.

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.