2 Music Videos

I would never send these to him. But I've gotten pretty good at singing along to them when I'm driving. As I pretend I'm in either a 2009 Mustang with my best friend or a jet black Lambo Diablo with the crew.  When really, I'm by myself in the ole opal sage 2002 Honda CRV with an awkward dent in the back.  And I'm generally not wearing leather. Or exposing my full shoulder tattoos. Got my air conditioning fixed though. So. Sup summer.


Here's me and C being girls about it-



And here's how I really feel-




Thank you Chris. And Taylor. That was beautiful. You're welcome back anytime.

Put a ring on it

Single girl task of the week: Buy yourself a ring.

I like boys.  I like rings.  But rings and boys together... ok no.  Are you thinking about JWT's "Raise your right hand" campaign? It's ok if you're not, even if you took JOMC 137.

It doesn't have to be a rock. Or even a $39 sterling piece with turquoise courtesy of the Mayans.  I won't ever, ever over my dead body disclose to anyone where I find half the rings I own Claires so I clicked around some other cool places that sell cool jewelry and picked out several cool rings that I'd love to wear even if you didn't drop down on one knee and gush about how great they'd look with my jeans.   I chose one for you diamond princesses who stunt that pretty girl swag.  One for you girls who wear Lucky Brand bras and need a bronze piece to match the bronze tag on the front part between the boobs.  I found a real winner for all ya'll corn-hole playing gals with great hair because fingers wrapped around koozies are much cuter when something original compliments the Yurman wrapped around them. And I found another that I can't think of a stereotype for so I decided any of you would probably like it.  There's no order here, you decide which is for you.  Only rule: If you like it then you better get your Visa card out and put the damn ring on it.

The Knuckle ring

Sits about as perfectly above your knuckle as your favorite J brands sit above your hips. This one from Nasty Gal is 25 bucks.  So like, get a cute someone to buy you a couple Blue cups and consider this cutie a steal.

The Grasp

I like this one because it makes you look like you have a precious baby dragon pet that holds onto your finger wherever you go because she doesn't want to let go.  The claw concept says "I got you, girl" and "I'll kick your ass" all at the same time.  Pretty sick- and only $15.  That's 2 Old Well Whites and a tip.  Or 3 and no tip. Don't not tip.

The Katniss

I hate to alienate my non-Pi Phi readers, but even if your not Pi Beta Phly you're likely still a Katniss girl.  I mean, my mom's not a Pi Phi but every time she answers the phone when I call now it's-"Katniss? Is that you?"  Basically how could you not be a Katniss girl.  She's enviably smart and genuine and can shoot an arrow straighter than I can shoot whiskey. And that's saying something.

The Rock
 
....Literally.  If you're like me and can't help wearing neutrals and jeans every single day of the week, you need to wear this because of the delicious pool of color it'd bring to an outfit.  Blue because you're a Carolina girl.  But you can get it in fuchsia because pink is summery and it's almost summer.  I've seen this geological style ring a lot of places and sometimes they look too bulky on my finger.  But this one from Urban is small enough while still maintaining its "Holy shit did you dig that up?" factor.  Again, color is everything here.  I'll let you figure out how much it is on your own because if you see how much it is then you'll probably think that money is everything here. But don't think that.

The Big Eared little friend

If you know me in real life, which is like, two of you, you know I have a sweet little elephant ring that I got from Claires that gets more compliments than my ass.  -not really saying anything. It doesn't even have a name but he has so much personality I've never been able to let him go.  Anyway- this one from  artfire.com is sold out. WAIT NO IT'S NOT. The lady just emailed me back. Check here. The point is- animal rings are cool and people will comment on them.  You don't even have to get an elephant.  There are foxes, birds, octupi and other miniature creatures to keep you company on your ring finger. My suggestion: A lot of good ones live at Etsy.  Run wild, animal child.

Now that you have some idea of what kind of rings are out there besides the Albion and the Citrine Wheaton, go spend a 1/4 of the price and find yourself a pretty piece.  You probably think I'm bitter about not having a boyfriend who bought me a Yurman.  And I kind of am, but I've made peace with my God and those around me and I'm just fine ogling yours.  Now go treat yourself to a little mid-week pick-me-up in the form of a ring you can be proud to say you bought for yourself.

Sources:
1,2: Nasty Gal
3,4: Urban Outfitters
5: artfire.com

HEY

OK 

I couldn't leave you hanging there with a lame ass melodrama queen post. 

I'm going to the He's Not Sweetwater Tap Takeover to try and have some fun.  

I barely have anyone to go with because everyone's studying/taking/crying about exams. 

But this one friend I got. 

Yeah he's got exams.

He tries to pretend like he's not crying about them.

But he is. 

Luckily he likes beer almost as much as I do. 

Said he'd go with me. 

If you're studying, try and go for another 4 hours. See: 8 tracks

I'm going in on some outdoor blue cups.

Cheers to a happy little Chap afternoon. 

"Life has many ways of testing a person's will. Either by having nothing happen, or by having everything happen at once." -Paulo Coelho

I need to let my anger out somewhere. I can't let it out on a particular person, because I don't want to have anything to do with him.  I can't let it out on anyone else, because I care about too many people too much.  Letting it out at the pool only made it more clear that I need to let it out in words.  Typed words.  My favorite kind.

I am so angry.  Not even at him.  Or maybe.  Mostly, I am angry about his immaturity.  I am angry about his cowardliness.  I am angry about his inability and refusal to communicate even in the slightest, possible way.  I am angry he has no desire to.  I am angry I gave him a second chance so easily.  I am angry I wanted to.  I am angry I told myself with no reservations that he was the one.  When so clearly, so unbelievably plainly, he is not.  Not even close.

On that note, I am okay.  I am satisfied my anger has not consumed me.  I am satisfied it has allowed me to see all of this.  I am satisfied it has made me able to recognize qualities he lacks in other guys.  Qualities that help me remember what it is about boys that I just can't get enough of.  Like getting up during a commercial and freestyling a beatbox rap to me.  Like wearing a snapback backwards just because I think it's adorable.  Like bringing me an M&M McFlurry when I'm studying for no reason at all.  Like yelling out to Franklin Street "I LOVE THIS GIRL" over and over again at 2 o clock in the morning when everyone is walking home from bars.  It doesn't matter that it's not "true love" with another guy. Or that it's real or not or whatever.  It matters that after this mess of the past couple months, it's still possible for me to look at a guy and laugh and hang on to that little reminder that that one guy was not the only guy in the world.  That there is still the hope of finding someone else.  That there is still the possibility of perfection.

I don't know if I'm ready to meet someone else.  I don't think that's what I want right now.  It's been so refreshing these past few weeks just focusing on me and treating me and flirting with me that I'm not sure I have anything right now to give anyone else.

So today, April 28, the day I was supposed to go to Triangle Beach Music Festival with the guy who checked out on my 21st birthday and pretended to give me tickets to it a week after but never actually did........ I will turn on my favorite music while I put on all the cool bracelets I have and go out and do Chapel Hill things like drink Sweetwater Blue and buy myself YOPO and spend too much money at Lightyears and watch a movie at the Varsity with a glass bottle of Coke.

And leave all the annoying anger swimming like snakes through my heart right here in this annoying little blog post because frankly, Franklin Street is too damn pretty for it.

Dating Cal and why you should spend $100 on a bathing suit (top) this summer

If it's summer for you, too, which it probably isn't because I seem to be the only person who had an obscure semester that ended even before the last day of classes, I bet you are like me and the only thing on your mind is:

new bathing suits.  

And figuring out how you're going to date Cal from Timeflies. 

There are so many new styles and trends for bathing suits this season so I'm going to pick out a few of my favorites and tell you why.  This post was inspired by a girl yesterday (LDOC) who wore a wonderfully trendy neon-lace-layered one-piece not only just down the waterslide, but while dancing, standing in line for bbq, playing cornhole, etc.  It was kind of inappropriate because most everyone else was wearing clothes, but she was so confident, I wasn't going to be one to say anything.

I can't ever get enough of bikinis, which is a shame because one-pieces are really pretty cool these days and I think girls who wear them are badass, but to avoid unattractive crotches and posing for pictures kind of hunched over because the neckline stretches too low due to an abnormally long body shape, I'm just going to stick to bikinis for this one.  And not the triangle tops with removable padding from Target. Oh no, my little two-piece princess. We're seniors now. It's time to graduate.  

1. The Zip-Up

 






















BUT WHY? It's like a zip-up sweatshirt, but you can swim in it and not look like a droopy bat.  The full frontal zipper adds some edge to an otherwise fairly conservative top.  You could also  come up with suggestive ways to flirt with guys about what would happen if it got unzipped.

2. The High-Neck

BUT WHY?  This is top boasts trendsetting suave.  I like the crochet material best because it makes the pattern even more interesting, but these tops are going to be sold in all kinds of fabrics and patterns this summer.  And look- a chest full of sun protection!  Bet you knew I was going to say that!  I think what's coolest about this top is it works with big boobs and small boobs- equality at last! Cleavage is totally masked for mysterious coverage, but the side cut leaves just enough exposed.  Make sure you tie it tight in the back though- don't want those girls jumping off the edge. Haha that could either be incredibly embarrassing or actually really hilarous.  You decide.     

3. The Spaghetti Straps 

BUT WHY? Well for one, what was cooler in 6th grade than wearing spaghetti strap tank top to a slumber party on a Friday night? Not much, besides maybe a jean jacket with some American Girl doll pins.  Now I know we're all college girls here, but the darling yet sexy spaghetti strap tank has lost pretty much lost none of it's luster.  Not to me at least.  The fluttery cut of this top is so flirty it makes me blush, but the support of those straps won't keep you from winning a game of beach volleyball, or chicken fight, or if you're me, a 25 yard freestyle race to the other side of the pool.  Haha man, how attractive.  This must be why I have so many boyfriends.  Anyway, if you didn't already notice the pushup element of this top, and still haven't fallen in love with it, maybe you should check out the fact that it's $58.  I dare you to say no. 

4. The Fringe

BUT WHY? I feel the same way about this top as I do about puppies.  I want one... I'm pretty sure I need one... and there's probably going to be nothing stopping me from getting one.  The fringe top this season is hotter than your 4th hour at Dayglow, sexier than any guy in a tank and about as gotta-have-it as cowboy boots and a sundress at Carolina.  Find these anywhere- FP, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and so many boutiques you really don't even need my help at all.  

Happy Summer to those of you who have it, and best of the best to those of you still studying your smart little brains off.   Beach trip immediately following your last final encouraged.  With or without any of these bathing treasures. 

Sources
Photos 1, 2, 3: Free People
Photo 4: Kiss of Life

Here are some last words that define what today actually means to me

GRILLED FOOD

WATER SLIDE

NEW IPHONE

CAROLINA BLUE NAILS

WEARING A WHITE TANK TOP DOWN A WATER SLIDE

LIQUID PLEASURE

POINTLESS INSTAGRAMS

OBAMA CAME YESTERDAY

SO DID DAVE MATHEWS

BURTS BEES LIPS

EATING ALL THE TRADER JOES COOKIES IN YOUR PANTRY LAST NIGHT

CUTE EMOJIS LIKE THIS




SNOW CONES

SHAG

SHAG

SHAG

SUMMER

starting today.

at last.

And while that's that for my junior year-

This is this for my summer year.

Let's get this party sTaRtEd 

Literally love this song more than any of you

Easy girl living and how to be a morning person

First, press play. Read on and be easy.

1. Upon waking up, start thinking about nothing but the voices of the following individuals.  This is pretty middle school to do, and you shouldn't tell anyone you do this, but it's not like you're thinking about Shane West's hot bod or anyone with the name Shane. You're thinking about:

a. Loggy 
b. Cal 
c. Josh Bowman  


and they way they laugh.  I guarantee they'll make you smile.













2. Make tea when you go downstairs and put it on ice. Even pour it into a tumbler you can take with you out the door.  This is a recent phase of mine because it gives me a refreshing boost like coffee does, without the jittery crash.




Plus, flavors like "coconut mango" or "pomegranate raspberry" are more appealing to me right now than ones like "cozy caramel apple." The brand Stash is one of my current favorites and SO CHEAP.

3. Wash your face with cold water and rub this moisturizer into your cheeks.  I usually don't have a particular favorite when it comes to daily moisturizers, but I just bought a second bottle of this because I loved everything about it (SPF 30 guys) and it lasted like, my entire spring semester.  It smells like sun and leaves your face with that dewy glow so you can pretend you have Katniss Everdeen skin.  Because looking like you spent 2 weeks surviving in the woods is actually really sexy.  Ask Gale.







He'll tell ya.





4. Stop expecting to wake up to "Good morning baby girl" texts from anyone but your mom.
Or if it's from my mom: "GMBBG" (Good morning best baby girl) ...Nice

5. Wear cute underwear and sunglasses. Nothing says "I'm a badass" like this winning combo.  One of which no one besides you will know about.

Hopefully you will have a nice Monday morning that will turn into a nice Monday afternoon and maybe you'll even get out of work early enough to catch the sun set.
But if not, rinse, repeat, and try again tomorrow morning.
She'll be right up with you again on Tuesday.
That's the best part about mornings.  They wont give up on you.

Photos:
Woman's Health
Tea with Grace
Taste of Home
Timeflies
This Sound Goes Around
Nasty Gal

Happiness hit her like a train on the tracks

I'm taking a video production class in the fall as a studio elective I need. So I've been looking at a lot of them, mostly music videos, video look books for clothing brands like Ruche and making of's like that one for Threadsence.

But this one is one of my favorites so far. It's really, really cool, interesting plot and really well made. I like the song, too.

Why my alarm hasn't gone off the past two days and the new playlist I can't get enough of

Hipster Hip Hop from ChexMix on 8tracks.

There's that. It's so good, especially for driving in your car that doesn't have AC/eating leftover Chinese in your bed because you missed dinner and you're too sad to go out to eat/showering after class to scrub spray-paint off your legs that doesn't come off until it wants to which is 3 days later/waking up to a bright sun that indicates you missed your first classes the past two days even though you had final projects to present and seeing if throwing your phone across the room might make it work or at least rewind the day 3 hours.  I actually just found this playlist so I don't actually know if it's good for any of those things, but I suppose it probably is.

My favorite line from the entire thing is- "Maybe I am the shit that's why these girls dudes keep dumping me"

How's that for a fresh perspective?

Yeah, maybe that's why.



The other reason this playlist is sick- it likes babies in hoodies

Three catchy Trip-Hop songs that you'll probably never listen to and why I'm sitting on my floor in XXXL military sweats

So pumped for my performance piece tomorrow morning.  The Banksy-inspired Hiroshima shadows one.   Just picked up XXXL sweats that say Hargrave on them from the military surplus place.  Only place I could find XXXL hoodies.  The owner knows me from when I come in asking for questionable items for projects- this time he showed me some sculptures he made out of old junk and honestly, they're incredible.  He says he doesn't sell them, that he just does it to keep himself sane.  He's a war veteran, kind and softspoken with a chocolate chip cookie southern accent.

Anyway, this presentation will conclude my junior year of college WTF.  Last night I finished my last final project so I'm so completely one two oh percent done and it doesn't seem real.

I promise I'll have pictures from the critique thanks to my trusty classmates. Which reminds me- can you say camera phone iPhone in 5 days?  I can/am. (!!!!!!) Prepare yourself for too many picture texts.

This piece tomorrow has an audio element. Sneak peak- these 3 tracks.  Channeling the Bristol underground scene, early 90s. Couldn't decide which one you'd like better.. Enjoy the overly hipster pics on the last two.  

What to wear to the 4 summer music festivals I hope you're going to

...Or even just out on Franklin St.  While trying not to acknowledge the fact that I wasn't at Coachella this past weekend, I'll set my sights on other musical havens you might be attending- depending on what music style you like.  Or if you're like me, and like anything defined as music at all, why don't you just go out and buy all the outfits and go to all the festivals.  This is mainly so you don't wear a bikini top and Daisy Dukes to every one of them.  Remember, I'm here to offer alternatives, not deprive you of stringy tops and ass-cheek bottoms.

....You might be saying, "Carry On, my Wayward Daughter!"
So here it is:

1. Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance
April 19-22 
Head out to Pittsboro for the weekend or just a Friday afternoon to dance around with or without shoes while you soak up the sun and all the grassroots music and art your indie little heart desires.  Flower crowns encouraged.


What to wear: 



































BUT WHY: Mid 70's this weekend. Is that a sign from Mother Nature to dress like you're from the mid 70's? Probably not.. but it's kind of trendy right now, so why not anyway?  If you're going in the evening, these pants will keep you from looking like you think it's summer already. But the top! Showing off your clavicle and shoulders is probably the sexiest summer clothing idea I can think of. If  you wear your hair up, which you probably should to keep it from sticking to your sweaty neck, all that exposed skin will keep you cool and breezy and, well, cool. In a cool girl type of way. Any sandals out this season are probably wonderful but my favorites are these Steve Madden Pocohantas shoes I bought overpriced in Miami over spring break.
And look how they'll turn you into a celeb kind of

2. Dayglow, Raleigh Amphitheater 2012
Saturday, April 21st
Triphop, hiphop, trip, trippy, hippy, and not even at all. It's whatever and everything and no words can describe.

What to wear:
Literally wear whatever the f*#% you want. Like paint.

BUT WHY: Just go, you'll be soaked in colorful bliss magic before you know it.

3. Triangle Beach Music Festival
Friday, April 28 
This thing is on Bryan Farm in Garner, and it's more fratty/southern/country. I mean that in a Guy Harvey/Croakies/cowboy hat kind of way. But if you're like me, and thrive in the contradiction of it all, fratty doesn't mean anything to you.  So if you love to dance read: shag and drink delicious amounts of cold beer, I suggest you get yourself a ticket and a case now.  

What to wear:


BUT WHY:
First of all- yellow nail polish. Dope. Then you've got your fringe, in a totally unique wash that makes these shorts less jorts-like.  And you should have been into denim tops this past fall/winter, so the fact that this top is denim and shows some hip bones- trendy and hot.  The main reason I chose this outfit: the hat. Hellooo sun protection.  Might sound geeky, but I've been wearing sunscreen since December so I can't help it.  I don't want you to have wrinkly shoulders or sunburned noses so I'm telling you now. Go buy a wide-brim hat before it's July.  This Asian-rice field-inspired style is only one of so many. You're sure to find one you like. It also covers up the awkward underground forehead pimple emerging on your face. Ok gross. Try looking at TJ Maxx ya little maxxinista

4. The one you're having in your front lawn/backyard/beach
This weekend, the next, the one after, and every after that
All aboard and welcome to summer.  I think we're past the point where you put under your "Interested in:" section- "summer, the beach, umbrella drinks." Because I don't think I know anyone right now who isn't.  Interested, that is.  Go to lots of your own music festivals this summer.  If you're reading this you probably do already. And if you don't, read: free, private, music. So you can invite your own friends/sexy people you meet on the beach, at bars, anywhere and the fear of what I like to call "rolling creeps" --or people on incredible amounts of drugs who decide that they know you too, too well-- vanishes.  Make good playlists and borrow the guy who brags about his subs subs for a lil a dat boom ba doom doom boom ba doom doom baby.


What to wear: 


BUT WHY: Cuz u a cool girl summer music festival loving beach baby starship, I know you are.

Just one thing for cool girls to remember with all these music festivals: 

Don't be sloppy. Or do. But probably don't.  

Photos 1 and 2: Free People
Photo 3: Aubrey Road

It's 8:22 p.m.

New Taylor Swift song from Hunger Games soundtrack- WORD.

Being totally done with one of my classes this semester as of 22 minutes ago. DIG.

Having fresh mangos in my pantry when I get home from my day. AWWH YEEAAH.

Lemme lemme ~update~ U

Feeling good. In a Beyonce kind of way.



This is going to be really boring, fun post to come.

I've been having an absolute wonderful and relaxing day, mainly because it's Sunday, and also because I wanted to.  It was gorgeous outside (still is) and I did a lot of porch swinging (even tweeted about it), frat puppy-walking (she steals my heart every time) and making a delicious dinner for myself (it involved mangos) while I soaked up an even more delicious sunset.  My room is deliciously clean (and vacuumed), my ipod is updated and ready for a long day at work tomorrow, I sold a painting last night (woo!) and got commissioned by a friend at Wake Forest law school to paint another (getting started this summer). I'm going to the Channing Tatum movie in a bit, before going out for a good (and old) friend's 21st. I also was at her 12th. Those kind of friends are the best. I don't actually remember the name of this movie, I just know Channing Tatum is in it and that he's the sexiest guy in the entire world.  I'm getting dinner at my new favorite Duke place (the armadillo grill) with the bro to hear all about his formal in Savannah this past weekend. And to tell him all about my weekend, the time when I was surrounded 24/7 by the best and most fun friends/pi phi girls around. #STORIES. I've got senior bar golf Wed. night where I'll master my little duties as my big's Caddy. Then T-shirt and Jeans karaoke cocktail Thursday where I'll get to debut my Carrie Underwood voice that none of you know about. Probably because it only exists in my head. In the shower. Or car.

Eh. I don't feel like having feelings.

Remember this? From AIM profiles in pink italics? May be outdated, overused, but still hasn't expired in my mind.


"Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with them." 
-Carrie Bradshaw


Ohhh, found another good one. Which is probably why it is under "favorite quotations" in my Facebook profile.

"I get it now, I didn't get it then.  Life is about losing, and doing it as gracefully as possible. And enjoying every minute in between." -Mia Farrow

live-action blogging (haha)

Sitting in a silent painting class and when "Cinema" comes on my playlist, I start lip-synching to Z across the room.

I could waaatch you for a lifetiiime

Let's sparkle things up

This blog has be dreadfully uninteresting for the past few days. Weeks. So I've taken a spectacular* half hour out of my day to sit down, turn on The Weeknd and give you something to look at.
*This word automatically sparkled things up

So. I'm not going to any formals this weekend. This might be is the first year I've been invited to more than one, and with each location I hear I'm missing out on, I think of all the great outfits I could wear on this weekend that I am missing out on and that no guy cares that they're missing out on.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have a prior commitment that I may or may not be more excited about (MY FIRST ART SHOW *breathe/panic/squeal*). However, I won't lie that I am slightly disappointed I won't get to pick out 3 days and 2 nights of weekend-getaway outfits for a no-planning/booking-on-my-part-involved weekend getaway. With an open bar.  That said, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't still indulge in shopping for 5 day/night outfits I would wear for a few days in D.C./Baltimore/Charleston/Savannah if I were free to spend the weekend partying with a bunch of boys in bowties.

So if you are, in fact, going to a fraternity formal, and aren't a freshman  don't want to wear norts and sorority t shirts all weekend, you could take some notes, too.

Scroll on, my indie little friend.

Day 1: Friday (probably)
Scene: Road trip to Formal location (i.e. hotel, beach houses, condos) ~2/3/5 hours
What to expect: Sitting, car pictures, stopping for dinner (Could be Taco Bell, Could be a sports bar with live music and a patio), drinking heavily upon arrival

The Outfit:



BUT WHY: This jersey knit dress is comfortable and darling. This way you don't have to change into another outfit once you get there and you'll seem low-maintenance and cool. The pretty embroidered neckline makes a simple dress unique and the sleeveless design makes it adaptable to any plain cardigan if it gets chilly (or you're too awkward to ask the driver to turn off the A/C).  Layer bracelets to highlight its boho style, or wear with a gold watch to highlight its trendiness. I personally love these strappy flat sandals, which are fun and, well, flat, which is of utmost importance for anyone with a date who is kind of the same height, like if he's wearing shoes and you're not..  The fringy beaded purse may not be socially acceptable in a highly-concentrated Vineyard Vines setting, but any black or neutral purse or bag (Favorite: Dooney and Burke crossbody) is essential for your go- phone iPhone and/or emergency Chapstick. Note: Some fraternities hold a semi-formal cocktail on the first night. Don't wear this to that.

Day 2: Saturday
Scene: If you're at the beach, you'll be on the beach. Beginning at 10 a.m. If you're in a pretty town, you'll be out on the pretty town, probably on the water.  Maybe on a boat. If you have a legit hotel, you'll be in your hotel, probably by a pool.  Wherever you are, you'll be drinking. And you'll likely miss the transition to when it's actually become a pregame for the actual formal dance this night.  Try not to be hungover. You probably will be.

What to expect: Sun (whether it's warm or not), alcohol, balcony/porch pictures, brothers bonding in the name of the order of (insert fraternity name here).

The Outfit:


BUT WHY: This silk terry poncho dress has a deep neckline for ultimate cleavage/tanning action.  Guys love that.  I'm not one, but they do.  It also comes with a removable belt that ties in the front so people can't make fun of you for wearing a blanket and have at least one curve.  Guys love curves. But you can't give it all away, yet. The fabric is moisture-absorbing so you won't be sopping wet.  Note that you'll be envied by the girls who have wet boob marks on their t-shirts.  I actually don't know if guys love that or not. But I love the color blocking.  I think these colors really bring out a complexion, even if you don't go to a tanning bed and your skin is still a light apricot hue. ARE YOU WONDERING IF THIS MATERIAL IS RECYCLED? It is! How delicious. Like the homemade LITs you'll be making with the other girls while your dates are off being idiot drunk college guys. Note: This hat is recommended and awesome 


Night 2: Saturday night. The Formal
Scene: Gorgeous yacht with open bar, gorgeous veranda venue with open bar, it will be gorgeous and it will (probably) have an open bar.
What to expect: Dance your heart out, wild child.

The Outfit:





BUT WHY: Seriously, why not. Note how there is no question mark there. Because there is no question this is dress is a knock-out, and no question you will look great. For starters, the diamond cut-out back is just the right amount of revealing.  It's short so you can show off your legs even if you don't wear huge heels.  You don't even need any jewelry. Is has more shape around the waist than a shift dress, but the cute I'm-not-trying-too-hard front and neckline of one.  Wearing your hair up will compliment the design of the dress while wearing your hair down will compliment the color of the sequins. And talk about sparkling things up.  Those sequins will make you the mermaid goddess of the dance floor.  As long as you don't act like a sloppy drunk, this dress is a sure shot.


Day 3: Sunday. You can be hungover now.
Scene: Clean-up (help with that), pack-up (don't leave anything), drive home (oh, God.)
What to expect: No one wanting to do any of that, having to pull over on the side of the road to settle your stomach, hopefully a good playlist, the temptation to put on your t-shirt and those god-forsaken norts. DO NOT. You are Blake Lively, not a desperate clone.

The Outfit:



BUT WHY (-NOT MY NORTS?): Because these are way cooler.  Shorts make your thighs look fat in the car anyways. These Mahaloa-patterned cotton pants are... cotton. And loose. And cool. (did i mention that already?) If you're trying to sneak into your charcoal leggings, just grow a pair (of breasts?) and substitute these instead. Any tank works (and probably matches in a non-matching way) with these and you don't even have to have pretty sandals to pull them off. Honestly, they'd look just as cute with Rainbows or Toms.  And if you realize an hour into the drive home that some of your jewelry from last night is still on- no problem. (See, if this happens while you're wearing a t shirt and shorts you'd look like a slutty drunk wannabe Ke$ha. And not even in an interesting hipster way. Just drunk). Anyway, if you stop for lunch or dinner somewhere, you'll look presentable and cool. Ah, yes. These pants. Are really fucking cool.

Find these outfits at freepeople.com and your new formal dress at bcbg.com 
Trusty faves.

Editor's note: Sorry if you fell in love with either/both of these brands and are poor

WAKE UP OR DIEEEEEE

Ok it's like 10:46

Waking up at whatever the hell time I want to on a Tuesday morning ...

>>>>>>>>>>>

Last night was awesome. Spent 4 hours in the space at the Carrack cleaning, installing, hammering, take that as you will, looking, laughing, being the kinda close friends that we are now after working all semester to put a show like this on.  Then we drove through bojangles on the way home and talked about all the fun stuff we were going to do on our morning off tomorrow (today) now that all of our morning classes were going to be cancelled because of no electricity in the art lab. Read: sleep, nothing, eat, sleep. So I stayed up extra late midnight watching Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and drank one of those spring version blue moons (which I've developed a recent crush on), and it was pretty good. The movie. Well and the beer. 

I've got a busy evening though -meetings/Art 21 showing at the Varsity- which may or may not result in going out for LIT's later. Read: I am 21, can I please have one more week of being obnoxious about it, thanks, eeeeee. Also I haven't seen any non-studio art friends in ages 4 days, so I've gotta get back in touch with my Greek geeks 'round here. and pretend like I'm just as excited about all the formals we're going on this weekend    ...........


PS CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER WITH THIS ONE



Gonna be a fun one

Brother Bears

One of these guys knows exactly how to make me laugh. He never complains and thinks anything is perfect the way it is.  He doesn't use his cell phone because he "doesn't want people to be able to reach him."  He'll eat anything you cook, even if it's terrible; he calls it "eating it anyway." He likes staying up late and waking up early and seems to never stop playing his electric ukelele. Or piano. Or guitar. Or banjo. Or harmonica. Or homemade ukelele. He learns to play any song I say I like, as if just to make me happy.  He'll let you hug him for as long as you want, but he doesn't often hug back.  He's got the softest skin and tangly blonde hair that reminds me of my own.  Somehow it's so much cuter on him.  He's getting his braces off soon and I'm dreading it. He'll be that much more grown up and I'm afraid I'll forget his crooked pre-teen smile he tries so hard to hide. It's a good thing he's got those dimples that give him away because I don't know what I'd do without that smile.

The other seems more my age the older we get.  He's more a man than anyone I know.  He's smarter, kinder, more generous than I am, and he makes me want to be a better person every day.  He's honest, sweet and knows how to listen.  When we were little he wanted a dog more than anything, and one day I hope he gets one.  He always lets me be right, even when he knows I'm wrong.  He'll apologize for no reason at all, just to stop fighting.  We'll always share the giddy excitement of Christmas morning.  And even though we're older now, he taught the little one the same excitement and has been right there with him jumping on my bed at 5 am every year.  He dresses well, has wonderful brown eyes and a pretty girlfriend. But between you and I, no girl will ever be pretty enough for him.  I used to be the big one, the tall lanky sibling that held her little brothers close, with each elbow around their necks like they were her dolls. Now that he's a little bit taller, he's my protector. I can't imagine resting my head on anyone else's shoulder.

My little one

My best friend

Bren and me

Nothin's changed there

Always loved this one

Look at that team

Sunday afternoon

Spending it the way I like.

Windows are open. Have nowhere to be, but still put on a sundress because I felt like it.  Enjoying one of the spring blonde wheat Blue Moons.

Just me, my bunnies, and an art project. 

Happy Easter

and Happy 1st birthday to the little furry black bundles of happiness who seem to love me every time, all the time, no matter what. 

Spring Nails

Cause you understand them Disney beats, we never growin up

I love this blog post and my best friend and her obsession with colorful pants. Kind of like when your best friend shows you a song you haven't heard of. And she's jamming out. And you're like Okay Okay. And eventually you both are like BLEAHJLKWJKDSJLS BREAK IT DOWN AT ALL THE STOPLIGHTS.

On another note I am literally laughing out loud at #whatshouldwecallme

Like this is the funniest shit ever.

Hiroshima Shadows

Okay so in all my classes I'm getting all the rubrics for our finals.  So this blog is going to get a lot of finals project brainstorming action over the next few days.  For my 3D class I had this morning, we are to create a performance piece with a body extension using the idea, material, or concept learned from the artist we studied earlier in the semester.  I did Banksy. So like, what in the world am I supposed to do with that.  Banksy is like the last thing from a performance artist (i.e. he is never present during the exhibition of his work- which is what a performance piece essentially is.) .

What I've got to work with: graffiti, walls, stencils, urban, war, Vietnam, 60s, 70s, youth, spray paint, capitalism, politics, consumption. 

My idea: When the atomic bombs hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the intense heat and radiation left behind silhouettes of people whose bodies were vaporized in an instant.  I want to honor these lives by recreating ghostly figures of myself on a wall, using a spray paint to stencil my form onto the surface of the wall.  Obviously I can't use aeresol spray paint because that's highly toxic, but my teacher helped me develop alternative ideas. Conclusion: Spray tanner. (She was really into the fact that my great grandfather invented the stuff and insisted I do something with it.) This self-tanning aspect will play into the consumption and youth of layering on toxic chemicals to your body for aesthetic, cosmetic appeal, think- Toddlers and Tiaras.  This culture America has bred our youth, our children, to deem normal-  that we must "doll" them up for display. Apply fake eyelashes, smear on lipstick, smother them in spray-tans.

The night city grows, look and see her eyes, they glow.

If you had a PINTEREST, we could have one more social media outlet to take over each other's walls/timelines/pinboards on. Just kidding, I haven't really been on mine in a while.  The whole copyright issue freaks me out. And being interested in design as a career, I can't splash around in that puddle. 

But I got on today and came across this little gem. And not only have I admired Anna Wintour as a professional role-model since I've been studying design, I think she's the absolute key person to look to when you feel like you've been taken advantage of.  She's the kind of woman who will slap you across the face, tell you to stand up and get back in charge.  Then go tell you to do something about those nails.  Ms. Wintour, I am working so hard to be like you one day, and when I am, we're firing everyone in the workplace without a manicure.  

 

One month of school WHAT

My design final is on logos. Here, I will put helpful reminders I stumble upon while I do my research.  I like how some can be applied to other aspects in life. I like how this class teaches me to never cage your freedom. To always be growing and tending to yourself. To remember that sometimes, you have to be selfish. In order to develop, to take advantage of new opportunities, to make your "brand" the strongest, most lasting brand it can be.  Because you're going to have to live with it your whole life. So you want it to be good. And "In order to be irreplaceable, you have to be different." -Chanel

"Milk comes with a definite expiration date. Logos do not. When you sell a brand owner a fresh logo, make sure that person knows how to store it properly.  Or it may sour prematurely."

"Don't fall in love with a direction at this stage.  Step back and develop several ideas.  You may have something genuinely insightful.  If you get too attached to one idea, you're shutting out other possibilities and turning off the creative faucet."

"Surrounding Layout: Are you building an anchor or a sail?"

"Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions.  All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make, the better."

"Bottle rockets are a heady source of delight for many youngsters, for the same reason they're the source of angst for many parents- they're unpredictable.  As a designer, there's no telling whether your logo launch will soar, implode, or simply fizzle.  Scary, considering that now it's not just your fingers on the line."

"Most customers have trouble committing.  They'll take home a jar of peanut butter one week, then ditch it for a cheaper brand the next.  Steady customer loyalty takes work.  Customers don't respond to a flowers-and-candy spiel- they respond to brand consistency."

I've set up a pace/schedule for myself so that I stay on top of things:
WEd 4/4: Research/make thumbnails
Mon 4/9: develop concept/design form
Wed 4/11: Collect/have 30 textures/ print photocopies
Mon 4/16: Begin collage/edit composition
Wed/4/18: BE READY FOR YOUR CRIT