Day 15: The Dead Baby Musical

"If music be the food of love, play on. "
William Shakespeare

I have been struggling to find music to sing for my musical theatre class and after a long day of searching, I came up with a much better option... I will write my own (with Alec's help, aid and wisdom).

The inspiration: Dead Babies

The title: The Dead Baby Musical

The concept: A dead baby.

I think it would be a great success if you had time to write it... maybe later in the year. Until then I guess the Youtube search continues as I skip past countless videos of girls belting away in their dorm rooms and living rooms hoping to one day make it on Glee...

The only inspiration I am truly getting is from "la sac" as it fits today in tank-top form with a navy-blue cardigan and flower patterned skirt from Gap, brown vintage belt, maroon tights from American Apparel, Frye boots, teal beaded necklace that was donated by Lauren, and golden flower earrings from my sister, Rachel that she bought me in India (these I may have to keep as well... a gift! You understand... right?)

My photographer feels as if I am hindering his artistic abilities and with holding from the world his true art so...

Enjoy this captured moment of my beauty.

Day 14: Bambi Was a True Champion.

"I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always say because it's such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my mother is attractive, but I have photographs of her. "
Ellen DeGeneres

This lovely mural was spotted this afternoon behind my house while Alec and I were taking out the trash and sorting the recycling. It is a hidden treasure in the parking garage for those who live across the alley from us and I am quite pleased that we stumbled upon it.

I feel that finding this today was very symbolic for my day. I felt like a deer-in-the-headlights when asked questions about the anatomy of the posterior thoracic chamber and how it expands during inhalation and exhalation. The blank, uninterested look in whatever it was that professors were talking about was plastered across my face in each class. And in the days many songs, I sounded just as Bambi's mother would have had she been blessed with a real tune for the film.

After waking up late, this thrown together outfit was cozy and comfortable as I made my rounds to my five classes, dropped off books at Lauren's, and went to nanny the most beautiful little boy in the world, Jayden. The dress was made tunic again paired with my favorite hand-knit by me light-blue circle scarf, plaid botton-up shirt from the men's section at Goodwill, knit hat from Forever21, light-brown leather belt from Nordstrom, Levi jeans that I now realize are much too big and not at all flattering, and white Keds.

The "El Frumpy" look is only an occasional occurrence that will not grace this blog often so, enjoy!

Day 13: Lucky Number...

"Fear of the number 13 is termed triskaidekaphobia.They take special care not to conduct any celebrations on a 13th.It may be of various reasons."

Unknown

On a day such as the unlucky 13th of an event, it was important to look the part as a lucky individual as to not be bothered by the cursed nymphs.

This was successfully accomplished with the sack being worn as a skirt, red vintage shirt, vintage tan blazer, white American Apparel tights, Nordstorm black lace booties, gold bangle, and earrings from Forever 21.

Other lucks included amazingly fresh fruits and vegetables, tatter-tot casserole, ice cream from Mallards, and chips & salsa.

Now for a good nights sleep for a big day tomorrow!

(More interesting blogs to come... I promise)

PS: I don't know how I feel about the new show, "The New Girl"... I give it three more chances.

Day 12: Chicken Nuggets

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. "

Henry David Thoreau

Some boots were not made for the rain... This was the lesson of the day during the first big rain storm of the quarter. My half-calf light-brown Nordstrom boots suffered, but survived the day however, one shall by the wiser when choosing foot wear in the future. The black Target leggings and converted skirt did keep me warm especially with the charcoal thermal from Urban Outfitters and light brown cardigan from Target. The hand-knit cream hat and green scarf were also key to fighting the rain and wind.

I did learn that my rain jacket defeats all purposes behind its name and will need to find an alternative quickly.

Positives to my day included making it to each class on time, loving the sounds and songs in musical theatre, puddle jumping, babysitting three beautiful children, making chicken nuggets (that were absolutely delicious by the way) with Alec, finishing up the breakfast nook chalk painting and booth seat covers, watching Jim Gaffigan's "Beyond the Pale", finally getting our wireless back to its functional state, and eating the most amazing cheese and bread ensemble.

Tomorrow should prove to be another productive, wonderful day. Now off to an evening stroll with my beloved.

Day 11: "Looks Like a Bob..." - Where the Wild Things Are

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore

The sunrise was watched on the drive up with my mom (also referred to as "Lor-Lor") from Olympia to Bellingham. THe wind created sails in the Sound as we ate breakfast at Old Town Cafe. The rain washed the the clouds away as I went to two job interviews and then went to the Sunday matinee of Alec's show with Lor-Lor. Then as the three of us went to burgers at Fiamma, the sun bursted through the clouds to light the evening sky with a beautiful shade of golden.

The theatrical event, changes in weather and interviews all were addressed in ease with this shirt ensemble with a green cardigan sweater from the men's section in Jcrew, jeans from Forever21, Frye boots, and blue patterned scarf from a local store in Olympia.

My first full week of fall quarter is approaching... The evening prior will be spent watching "Where the Wild Things Are" with Alec, painting a second coat on our new chalk board walls, and sleeping for as many hours as possible. Between the late nights and traveling, I feel as if there was no weekend and I will not have a break until next Sunday... On the positive side, I finally have a job watching a wonderful boy named Jayden.

Day 10: The Road Often Traveled

"I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn't like it."
Samuel Goldwyn

A common road I have traveled is the two and a half hour trek from the great city of Bellingham to the state capital of Olympia. However, never has it been done before by greyhound, until today. And I can not say I will be rushing back for the experience. Rules in that company are simply not followed. I never want anyone to live through my same frustration so I am going to give the real rules you should follow when traveling, as I now call it, the "bitch bus".

1. Arrive at the station an hour after your scheduled departure

2. Don't purchase a ticket for the correct time or city of choice, it doesn't really matter

3. Don't carry a photo ID

4. Actually don't really bring anything or buy anything. We will just put you on any bus you want at our earliest convenience

5. Oh, and bring something to drown out an obscene amount of snoring from the man that will sit behind you. If you move, he will follow you.

Even in the worst traveling circumstances, you can always travel comfortably and fashionably! This is a great example with the dress being worn as a skirt with a coral shirt donated by Lauren, brown vintage belt, jean jacket from Gap, floral scarf from Urban Outfitters, light-brown half-calf boots from Nordstrom, and wool socks!

The travel gear transitioned well into an evening BBQ going away party for one of my best friends, Dane. I wish him all the best as he travels to Texas to join the Air Force and goes through basic training for the next two months. He has a new adventure awaiting him and I know he will handle himself as the wonderful, strong, intelligent, giving, and "studly" man he is. I am so proud of him! It also made for a great lounge outfit while playing cards with my favorite firefighter in the whole wide world, Cory.

Double digits, I welcome thee and look forward to the next few months together.

Day 9: Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk

"Cheese is milk's leap towards immortality."
Clifton Fadiman

Sometimes, the day just isn't your day. I think that would be the easiest description of the past 24 hours. It started with pressing the snooze 6 times, overcooking breakfast, forgetting to pack snacks, putting my shoes on without socks, falling asleep for half a second in my first class, epically failing Bach in choir, eating my weight in ice cream instead of sticking to rationing my portions, and watching the 2nd to worst Matt Damon movie of all time, Titan A.E.

There were many positives to the day though! A great example is the skirt based outfit I put together with a favorite patterned racer-back tank top from Urban Outfitters, light-brown three-quarter length cardigan from Target, jade ring that was a gift, head band from Gap, belt from my Grandmother's closet and Teva's because of the rare warm weather that graced Bellingham with its presence this afternoon. Another is knowing however bad my day may go, I can always come home to the two best roommates and end the evening smiling. Tonight I will wear the third pair of shoes of the day to attend the opening night of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. Come support my best friend and all his beautiful and talented cast-mates! Show at the Shakedown later? I think that may be needed.

Things I learned today:

1. How to say "Teva's" correctly thanks to my roommate Meghan.

2. Saddle shoes and not good for lots of walking, especially uphill

3. Alec's name was inspired by Alec Baldwin

4. Never forget your sunglasses at home

5. Spilling milk onto your kitchen floor is quite entertaining

Day 8: Pocahontas is Incredibly Politically Incorrect.

"Hurry now, Percy. We must be all squeaky clean for the New World."

Wiggins (in the 1995 Disney classic, Pocahontas)

The new school year brings new stresses, responsibilities, and restless nights. These issues can all be relaxed and solved through three things: Dumplings, Ice Cream, and Disney movies. This perfect combination made for a beautiful evening with my love, Alec, and Pocahontas.

The burdens of the day were addressed in this comfortable school ensemble equipt for any studious college attendee complete with the dress worn as a shirt, a grey blazer from Jcrew, yellow scarf that was a gift from my friend Kallen, skinny jeans from Forever 21, grey long-socks from Target, my "cheater" Frye brown boots, and a repeat of my cream knit hat.

As I am sure you have noticed, I not only have been trying out new photo locations, but I also found that my cell phone takes better pictures than my computer. Awkward cellular devise photo-shoot makes for awkward hands in an awkward photo...

Day 7: First Day of School

"You send your child to the schoolmaster, but 'tis the schoolboys who educate him."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I was in elementary school, the first day of school meant playing all day with friends in a no stress environment. In middle school it meant staying up until 1:20 in the morning the night before to make sure I had the perfect shirt/skirt ensemble to impress my currant crush without seaming to desperate and appearing effortlessly cool. In high school I graduated from my middle school scheming toward the opposite sex to a more sophisticated outlook when creating my own personal expression through my clothing while also keeping a professional and organized persona leaving the Ugg Boots and sweatpants at home. Now that I am in college a lot has changed...

While I still try to live up to my personal style on a daily basis, the excitement of wearing that "perfect" outfit on the first day back from summer vacation has lost its finesse. There is no more planning the night before especially when your last evening of freedom is spent stuffing your face with cheese, fruit, bread and home made ice cream with your closest friends and finishing off the evening with velociraptor impersonations by my roommate and adding dollars to the "snarky bitch"jar like it was my job.

However, I think that this was a first day success doing a daring mix of black and dark blue! Pairing the dress with "Robins-Egg" blue (thanks Crayola) belt donated by Lauren, grey tights purchased at Target, navy blue cardigan from Gap, light-blue hand knitted circle scarf, jade ring that was a gift from my sister, and light-brown half calf boots from Nordstom.

This look was perfect from quickly running around to my five back-to-back classes, eating out for sushi, and viewing a preview of my best friend's recent theatrical performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. If you are in the Bellingham area this weekend or next, you should make a visit to http://www.ennw.info/2011/09/21/to-bee-or-not-to-bee/ to read a review as well as a link to purchase your tickets!

Where the sack we take me... only time will tell.

Day 6: Knit Combo

"It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one’s hat keeps blowing off.”

Woody Allen

Last night while watching "The Sing Off" because my not-cousin Jo was participating in the competition as a member of the Delilah group (you should all go watch it because it was AMAZING) and there was a commercial for an amazing organization. Needless to say, it inspired todays outfit through my favorite thing, a hat.

Krochet Kits International is the organization.

Their mission, "to empower people to rise above poverty."

Their vision, "to create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations." AND, "to inspire the knowledge of a generation about their ability to bring change to a world that is in need."

Their values are the same as mine: people, their product, and love.

I am incredibly impressed with the men that started the organization and hope you all can find a way to support them as they move forward with their passion, mission and vision. I think that if we all work together, more will be accomplished than ever could be imagined. Please visit their website to learn more and see how far they have already come at: http://www.krochetkids.org/

The dress was made into a tunic top today paired with Levi jeans, the grey cable knit sweater donated by Riley from day three, a beaded bracelet from Sundance, green plastic flower ring from Hot Toddy in downtown Olympia, and lace ankle boots from Nordstrom. The hat is a knitted cream hat from my own collection of hand made hats. The first purchase at the end of this year will be a new one from Krochet Kids.

This outfit was perfect for errands including paint purchasing, rite aid, and the Euro Market for Thursday Dumplings in a few days. Later it will serve as a great lounge get-up for a back to school potluck with all my favorite ladies. OH MY GOODNESS!! BACK TO SCHOOL?? That is tomorrow... better start thinking of that first day of school stunner.

Alright dress... let's get crackin'.

Day 5: Fall Fashion Commencement.

"Now, we used to say we put on our tights to put on the world. So I don't think it tarnishes the image at all. "
Burt Ward

An outfit made for an afternoon stroll in the fall. As the colder months draw near, it is time to bust out the variety of dress/skirt ensembles with tights under for extra warmth.

The dress is back in true form belted with a vintage belt from my grandmother's closet, light-brown cardigan from Target, necklace from Macy's, assorted bangles, hat from Urban Outfitters, American Apparel tights and Frye boots.

Side note: I know that I said everything that I wear other than the dress will be donated... these boots are the only exception. They are my pride and joy and I could not go a year without them. I also could never give them away. I know this is a fault in the purpose but I promise it will be the only one!

I have managed to keep is down to one outfit a day lately but we will see how that progresses as the year goes on. I am still on the job hunt... However, if this outfit didn't do the trick, another one is bound to be my lucky one. Wish me luck!

Now off to an evening of French film and wine...

Day 4: Prima Ballerina

"Man must speak, then sing, then dance. The speaking is the brain, the thinking man. The singing is the emotion. The dancing is the Dionysian

ecstasy which carries away all."

Isadora Duncan

Every once and awhile, I have the urge to feel and be classy. Today was one of those days. And of all days I think I chose the perfect one. The events of this afternoon were complete with an audition into my schools mixed chorus and running to the co-op for vegetables for this evenings meal of couscous with fried zucchini, squash and corn-on-the-cob on the side.

The dress has been a skirt, and a dress in multiple fashions. I decided to continue to mix it up by creating a shirt option paired with a ballerina inspired skirt from H&M, black skinny belt from Fred Meyer, black patin leather heals from Charlotte Russe, pearl earrings that my sister Rachel bought for me in India, and a flower clip in my hair to tie it all together from H&M.

Not pictured: My lucky bra and underwear. Hopefully they do the trick!

Day Three: Gay Boys Love Cleavage

"Looking at cleavage is like looking at the sun. You can't stare at it long, it's too risky. You get a sense of it then you look away."

Jerry Seinfield

Today's look was inspired by what my best friend told me when in conversation the question was asked, "why do gay boys love boobs so much?" Now I want to be clear, this statement is not meant to stereotype. This was a generalized statement and I am fully aware that this does not apply to all.

That being said, his response was... cleavage. So here is my ode to that statement. I created a V-neckline on the dress with a little magic, or as some would call it, the switching of string placement. And paired it with a grey cable-knit sweater donated by the lovely Riley that was purchased at Urban Outfitters, a yellow belt from Target, tree earrings from Nordstrom, and brown ankle boots from Charlotte Russe with blue tube socks underneath peeking through to be in with the Bellingham style from my mother's closet.

This comfortable look transferred very well into an evening of dancing at Rumors "club ensemble" by simply removing the sweater. And I can restate the obvious, this dress was a success because gay boys love cleavage (among other reasons).

Deux Two: And the award goes to...

"Caviar is to dining what a sable coat is to a girl in evening dress."
Ludwig Bemelmans

It is always important to be well dressed at an event especially when it is an award ceremony and even more so when your date is a nominee.

For this evenings event, I kept the skirt from earlier but made it evening appropriate with a grey lace top from Charlotte Russe, silver flower bracelet which was a gift, blue and purple bracelet made by my aunt Suzie, belt from Goodwill, slight heeled vintage style shoes from Urban Outfitters, earrings from a random store in Rome, scarf from Target, and Gap jacket donated by Meghan.

I'm staying classy San Diego!

Extra shout out to Alec who won an award tonight! It was either because of his purple tie or the fact that I am already four outfits down two days into the project... Clothing problem? I think it is safe to say I have one.

Goals for tomorrow

1. Perfect audition songs

2. Only wear one outfit.

A friend of mine also brought a new clothing dilemma to the table today. Someone she knows lost everything in a fire recently. If anyone has extra clothing or cash that could by given to her I would really appreciate it. Please comment here or send me an email to hnlgh91@gmail.com and let me know if there is anyway you could help a friend in need.

Day Two: Experiencing Hatism

"A woman's place in public is to sit beside her husband, be silent, and be sure her hat is on straight. "
Bess Truman

When you wake up late and your hair is not so great, what do you do? You wear a hat. This is one rule my mother taught me that I will never forget and always find useful.

Day two and I am already getting creative and switching the convenient dress into other forms of wear that has now been dubbed "the sack", carrying with it endless jokes including wanting to hit the sack later and the classic, "do you like my sack?"

With that said, I think it makes an excellent skirt! Paired with a oversized tee from Urban Outfitters donated by Riley, a fish necklace, 20s style hat and sunglasses from Forever 21, a hand knitted scarf by moi, beaded bracelet from Sundance, jean jacket from Gap, lace booties from Nordstrom, and leather brown purse donated by Lauren.

Perfect for a day stroll up to campus for rehearsing as well as a trip to the grocery store for flowers, wine, bread and cheese.

Day 1 part Deux: An Evening in Paris

"America is my country and Paris is my hometown."
Gertrude Stein

A typical Thursday evening with my dearest friend, Alec, in which we dressed up to go out to an event in downtown Bellingham only to stay for five minutes due to the lack of free food and beverage and that we were the only attendees who will not be needing adult diapers in the next five years (knock on wood). Our matching ensemble was still a success as we spent the evening cooking and spending time with friends.

This look was accomplish with a red cardigan from Target donated by Lauren, a brown belt from my Grandmother's closet, a chain necklace from Nordstrom, leather bag from my friend Leah, and saddle shoes (or as Alec would refer to them as my "bowling shoes") from a vintage shop in Olympia, WA.

Day 1 : Little Black Dress

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

-Lao Tzu

The single step, a dress. Made specially for me by Shairezim Noftol. This will be my palate for the next 364 days.

For now it is paired with golden-yellow flats (Target 2009), a gift pair of earrings from Sarah, and bangles from Urban Outfitters.

This is a perfect Day outfit that will later transition into night-wear later for "An Evening in Paris", a 25th Anniversary Benefit for Chocolate Necessities with proceeds going toward Mercy Corps.

Belted with heals? I think that will do the deed.