Day 47: Rooney Mara

"Look, if I'm not back in a couple of hours I'm probably dead."

Vaughn from Alias (2001)

Day 47! My first really exciting day because... I love this number! It has always been a favorite and even more so after the great J.J. Abrams came onto the scene with his love for the number too. It is nice to know that somewhere in the world there is someone else who loves all things 47.

Just like all things 47, today was not a lucky one however many a wonderful things were incorporated into the day.

1. It is Halloween and campus was filled with beautiful individuals dressed for the occasion. Favorites include the boy dressed like the kid from Up (balloons and all), girl dressed like Max from Where the Wild Things Are, and the decorated bus.

2. I aced, and then some, my transcription exam.

3. Alec made me dinner.

4. Jim didn't hate my song choice so my dreams of one day being a black woman are not crushed.

5. I walked through a giant pile of leaves and let the sound of them crunching beneath me fill my fall soul with joy.

6. My favorite professor who I dream of becoming one day dressed like a Gypsy in class and brought us candy.

7. And Meghan and I now have almost matching masks. Win.

Now to the real thing that you all care about for the day, my outfit...

Today's fashionista is Rooney Mara. For those of you who are a little behind the times and do not know who she is, get ready. Because this girl is going to become the next it girl after she owns at her portrayal of Lisbeth in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. While I do love this cast, it will not be as good as the original trilogy because of the American film industry and it's guidelines. My advice is to watch those ones after so your expectations are not too high. Also, read the books first, they are amazing.

http://dragontattoo.com/

Finding a way to mimic her fashion was not difficult because she loves plaid as much as I do in this ensemble with the dress worn in true form, a GoodWill plaid men's shirt, black Target tights, Frye boots, and vintage belt.

Happy Halloween friends! Have a safe night trick-or-treating, dancing, partying, whatever may have you. If you are staying in like I am while your nanny mom and her boyfriend go to a comedy club dressed as a cat and one of the guys from Epic Meal Time (two amazing costumes in my opinion) make sure to play Zombocalypse on adultswim.com.

Try and beat my 3,462 Zombies Served in one round high score!

http://games.adultswim.com/zombocalypse-action-online-game.html

Day 46: La Roux

"When a woman puts on her war paint, she's more dangerous than any Mohawk."

--Unknown 1956

Welcome to the week of inspiration! All week I will be selecting one of my favorite women of fashion to inspire the days outfit of choice.

After an eventful Halloweekend, my hair was anything but happy with me after being gelled, teased, sprayed, dried and straightened. I woke up with the most spectacular rats nest on my head and while most would be upset and shave their hair off, I decided I would go with it by creating a "white-girl fro mohawk".

From this I became inspired to fashion myself after Elly Jackson of La Roux. She is a woman with personal style without being too incredibly extreme, like wearing a meat dress. Her edge also makes me channel my inner This Is England cast dream life.

The dress was worn as a strapless dress with the strings wrapped around the top, grey long socks from Target, brown leather jacket I found in Montana two years ago, chain necklace from Nordstrom, home made feather earring, bee earring from Forever21, black heals donated by my Aunt Alice, and the mohawk. The makeup is also brought to you by left over Edie costume. I am pretty sure I gave eight elderlies heart attacks walking around downtown Bellingham on the Lord's day like this...

Speaking of Edie, here is the picture you have all been waiting for!

Meet Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick.

We worked really hard to recreate this picture and I think that we were successful.

Have a beautiful week everyone! Oh and never participate in making an "ass-print" unless you want to be laughed at for life. Thank you, as always, Regretsy.

http://www.regretsy.com/2010/11/29/ebay-hole-nsfw/

Day 45: The Girl in the Black Tights: Halloween Part Two

“Put A Bird On It!”

Portlandia

Before we get to today's outfit, I need to tell you all a story about the first night of Halloweekend this year. I will give you the short version to hook your interest: Party, Hot Dogs, and a Breathalyzer test. Have I caught your interest? Please proceed...

After I got off of work last night, already prep in my Edie get-up, I headed home to pick up my Andy Warhol (aka Alec) and we drove over to a dance party at my friend Bryce's. After dancing for a little over an hour to an interesting playlist full of glorious 2005 hit pop and rap songs, I drove him home and then headed over to Chase, Conner, Spencer, and Kyle's house to see my favorite guy friends that were visiting from Olympia.

At around 2:00am we decided it would be a good time to get to El Capitan's for a late night snack so we all piled into the Honda and headed over. When I say "all" I really only mean Chase, Dylan, Kyle and myself.

Once we finished the delicious evening forth meal we got back into the car, blasted one of Dylan's CDs and drove back to the boy's house. All of a sudden, the flashing lights were behind me...

I pulled over into a parking lot and Officer Steve came up to the window.

SIDE NOTE*

every cop that I have ever been pulled over by (which is one three times) has had a one syllable name

He told me that he was pulling me over because one of my headlights was out. He then asked me if I had been drink to which I answered no. He said that he could smell alcohol in the car which I then answered was from the boys who had been drinking but we had none in the car and they are all of age. I gave him my license, the insurance card and the registration.

The next step was the field sobriety test. I passed the following the tip of the pen while shining a light right into my eye test, I passed the "take nine steps forward heal-to-toe on an invisible line, turn around and come back" test, and then I blew a solid 0.00 into the breathalyzer.

I bet this kid Steve felt pretty foolish at this point! I mean in his defense it was 2:30 in the morning on a Friday night during Halloween weekend and a girl with way too much eye makeup on is driving around a boy in a track suit, a boy in pajamas, and one in a scuba suit. On any account, I did not appreciate the "the taillight ticket will cost you $300" joke. Yes, he said taillight even though he meant headlight. Well done officer Steve, well done.

I drove away with no warnings, tickets, or anything of the sort. Just three drunk boys and a bad joke.

Let's hope no one decides to pull me over tonight while driving home from work for round two of this event. As fun as it was to take the field sobriety test sober, I don't really want to do it again two nights in a row when the headlight only went out yesterday.

The inspiration for today's outfit is brought to you by, Portlandia! You guys are wonderful beings but you have made it impossible for me to wear my ModCloth bird dress without instantly thinking of you and your infamous episode. I thought that by putting the sack over it as a skirt would help with a turquoise belt donated by Lauren, black Target tights and black-lace boots from Nordstrom but sadly, it did not...

Still, the outfit was cute and comfortable while I nannied Jayden all afternoon focussing on building his vocabulary by flipping through the pages of his picture books. He is so wonderful. I feel as if his mom is getting some cheap speech therapy because I am helping this kid without even having a degree! This fact makes me feel amazingly intelligent.

Now I know I promised an Edie and Andy picture but, we have not taken sufficient one yet so you kids will just have to wait until tomorrow!

Don't drink and drive! Find a DD tonight, kids.

Day 44: Halloweekend Part One

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair."
Audrey Hepburn

My mother has always told me that when I was a tot I would change my clothes 13 times a day because there was always a new occasion to be dressed for. Today brought me back to the good ole days because I changed what I was wearing six times in the 24 hour span. In all fairness this did have a purpose serving to three costumes for the day and opting not to walk around campus in a tiger onesie.

My first costume change of the day, that I returned to twice was this number with the dress worn in true from with a white tank-top from Nordstrom underneath, black Target leggings, Anthropologie socks, and a ModCloth cover up in my favorite floral fall pattern and colors. Not pictured are my black lace booties that will be shown in outfit #2 of the day when I transformed into Edith Beale for my musical theatre performance.

Before I get to that though, I would like to point out the good luck this outfit gave me with by A I received on my first transcription quiz. If I fail at everything else in my major, at least I will always have transcription.

Outfit number two for the day was made to look like Edith Beale, the cousin of Jackie O, for my musical theatre final performance of a recreation. She had the most interesting take on fashion, wrapping skirts around her instead of wearing them around her waist, wearing boots at all times, headscarfs to cover up her head because she suffered from alopecia universalis and had no hair.

My take on the costume included the dress being worn in skirt form covered by two cardigans wrapped around my waist, one red and from Target donated by Lauren and the other black from Nordstrom donated by Riley, a blue Gap turtle neck, black Target tights, black lace booties from Nordstrom, and a scarf worn around my head that belongs to my mother.

I am a little bummed that I do not get the opportunity to sing this song again in class or dress up like this fabulous woman again... Halloween next year? I will keep this idea in the cards.

The next costume of the day was for the concert choir costume contest where one of my good friends and I dressed as Calvin and Hobbs. I do not have a picture of the two of us yet but I will be sure to edit that in as soon as it becomes available to me.

Not only did we win most adorable because let's face it, who can resist that tiger suit, but we beat a dog! A real dog! We didn't just beat the dog, with destroyed it. It was quite exciting.

We went on to win Best in Show to add to the excitement of the day. But where did the dress go, you may wonder...

Not to fear! The great thing about a onesie is that you can hind many a great thing inside them including a giant sack dress!

The final costume of the day was that of my Edie Sedgwick costume but since that will be repeated tomorrow night and I will technically not be wearing it until after midnight, I will include it in tomorrows post. Until then, here is a preview of the classic 60s Edie makeup that I will be sporting for the next few hours.

Have a safe Halloweekend friends!

Day 43: Autumn Flowers

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

Albert Camus

I haven't hit my caffeine withdrawal yet because my overdose is still going strong! I hear that on average 11 or 12 people die every year from too much caffeine... Maybe I should slow down (good luck with that).

The good news is that most of my stresses for the week are done so at least I have that off of my plate. Do I still need caffeine? Maybe, probably, yes. This evenings festivities include finalizing all of my costume changes for tomorrow and the weekend, going on a dinner and a movie date with Fiona, and rehearsing with my musical theatre loves.

Will I miss my first class tomorrow? The chances are high. Will I do an awesome job with my solo tomorrow? Let's hope. Will I fail the choir testing? The cards are not on my side. Will I fall asleep before Rachel gets home tomorrow night? Most likely. Will I go out after and have an amazing start to the Halloween weekend? Definitely, yes!

I felt very "loungy" today in this outfit with the the dress being worn as a tunic over one of my favorite shirts from ModCloth (you can't see the back in this picture, that is my favorite part, I will be sure to include that in a future outfit), a oversized black vest from Nordstrom donated by Riley, Levi jeans, black lace booties from Nordstrom, and my hand-knit light-blue circle scarf.

We are still having beautiful fall weather in the pacific northwest. Let's hope it stays like this for the weekend :)

Day 42: Caffeine Apocalypse

"I feel like that Nazi on Indiana Jones, right before his head melted!"

TJ Henderson from Smart Guy (1997)

We have all has those days when it is darn near impossible to get out of bed. I think I am having one of those weeks. It is not for normal reasons like heat deprivation, depression, anorexia, or lack of sleep... Never!

All I can say is, thank God for caffeine. Without this wonderful drug, yes it is a drug kids, I wouldn't have been able to stay awake in every class today, I would have failed my phonetics test, I wouldn't have been an expressive singer in choir, and I wouldn't have been able to do any studying whatsoever for my two tests tomorrow.

Fortunately my OD of caffeine has made the day possible in this little number which revolves around the dress being worn as a skirt, black leggings from Target, burnt-orange wool socks from my mother's closet, blue UrbanOutfitters loose-fitting T donated by Riley, green hand-knit scarf made by my aunt Suzie, and Forever21 owl necklace.

This picture pretty much shows all of the reasons why I love fall: pumpkins, bike rides, leafs of every color, and sun and rain all in one.

In about an hour I will be feeling like this before going out for a drink with Lauren:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ssxF8EaMO0

Day 41: Chillin' With My Gnomies

"It's better to help people than garden gnomes."

Amélie (2001)

Tuesdays always seam to be the most productive day of my week. I went to class and even though I fell asleep for the entirety of one of them, I felt very prepared for the other two and was very tickled with myself when I nailed the Christmas carols in choir. I did the dishes which, when you had six girls eating pie and drink wine in your house the night before, this can be quite the task. I went downtown and purchased the rest of my props for my musical theatre performance and I am quite pleased with my birdcage and mask. I studied for one of my tests this week with Steve and came up with the best study dance ever created! I practiced with Jim and Conner, their performances are going to be extraordinary. I fixed Alec's favorite cup and our counter top. And I met a famous pianist in the only way I know how.

Story:

After I finished rehearsal with Conner, I realized there was a crowd gathering in the Performing Arts Center so I went to see what the hubb-ub was all about. There was a piano concert occurring and it was going to be pretty amazing. It also cost money, I wasn't going to do that. So, being the stealthy woman I am, I went down to listen outside the doors on lower level one and saw someone else sitting there and said, "Are you listening into the concert too?" His response was this, "No, I am the concert."

I quickly became awkward and said I was just joking and was actually going to buy a ticket. He told me I should just walk on with him and get a front row seat. Then he asked me if I was a music major and then we talked about my musical theatre class. He is now going to watch Grey Gardens because of my "passion" for the story. He took down a poster and signed it for me and I told him to break a leg.

Classy Hannah, classy.

All of this happened while the dress was basically hidden since it was being worn in tank-top form under a sheer tan knit long-sleeve shirt from Nordstrom, white undershirt from Nordstrom, turquoise stud earrings that were a present, green man-cardigan from Jcrew, floral scarf from Forever21, jeans from Nordstrom, and Nordstrom half-calf leather boots. Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Nordstrom... I wore a lot of that today.

Maybe that will be my next challenge. Wearing clothing that was purchased at the same store all at once... I like it! I will do that next week!

Off to more studying and maybe sleep.

Sweet dreams.

PS

I love gnomes.

Day 40: Crafts, Wine, and a Bread Pile

“The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.”

Madeleine L'Engle

Its Monday! You know what that means...

Craft Night, with my favorite ladies. After an excellent day of school and running around with Alec, ending my evening surrounded by excellent company is the icing on the cake, or pie in our case.

Another thing that I thoroughly enjoy that is in my house right now, the pile of bread that Sally brought with her from work. No one is eating it, but it is here. Win.

Today in class we had our first run throughs of our musical theatre songs so I wore my turtle neck for the occasion form the Gap with the dress worn in long-skirt form, grey leggings from Target, turquoise wool socks from my mother's closet, black-lace booties from Nordstrom, Macy's necklace and green ring from Charlotte Rouse.

Now back to crafting, movie viewing, and homework... What a night!

Day 39: Is it Possible to Overdoes on Water?

"I bought some instant water one time but I didn't know what to add to it."
Steven Wright

Sundays are becoming my favorite day of the week because I have made a habit of cooking delicious food with friends on this day. Today's meal of choice, vegetarian chili with Henry. I don't really believe in measuring portions so it was slightly runny but still incredibly tasty. This paired with pumpkin ale and great conversation, I will call that a win.

I also remain unproductive while I played frisbee and went searching for a birdcage. The viewing of Young at Heart, a wonderful documentary about my favorite age group, continued the trend. I did however go practice with Henry in the later part of the evening and had one of the best experiences of my life as I sang alone in the mainstage theater in the dark. It is times like this that I remember, life is beautiful.

Todays outfit consisted of the dress in its true form, purple sweater from UrbanOutfitters, black Target leggings, grey long socks from Target, Frye boots and cream hand-knit hat.

I hope everyone enjoys their week!

Day 38:Classy Dining With the Boys

"I'll find you, In the morning sun, And when the night is new. I'll be looking at the moon, But I'll be seeing you."

Billie Holiday lyrics

Plans do not always go according to plan. But what I have learned out of life, is to roll with the punches and make the best of whatever situation. Instead of a trip up to Canada with Alec, we spent the day in Bellingham together and with friends.

After sleeping in and having the morning brew, we went down to the farmers market to select a pumpkin, Flanery, that would become the most delicious home-made pumpkin pie I have ever made, the only one I have ever made.

We also made a run to Value Village to get the remaining pieces to our halloween costume with Troy and made a romantic dinner of chicken, pasta, salad and Henry's Quality Burrito contribution. Wine and pie to compliment of course.

The evening will continue to be swell as we stop by Dannie and Amber's fall gathering and see the movie that is sure to make us both cry, 50/50.

Today's photo comes from our neighbors yard where there is a chair placed next to a crossroads sign. "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood..." This was the perfect place to photograph with Flanery before her death by desert creation. Today's outfit was made from the dress worn in strapless form with a plum colored wrap over top from American Apparel donated by Lauren, brown tights from Target, the Target three-quarter length light-brown cardigan, Frye boots, owl necklace from Forever21, and cream hand-knit hat.

I hope everyone is having a lovely day and that you enjoy your Sunday immensely.

Day 37: Making the Rounds

"The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you."

~Elbert Hubbard, The Notebook, 1927

Out of the many joys in my life, the number one is and will forever be my friends. I made sure to make the rounds to each of them on this Friday evening because seeing all of their beautiful faces made the day twice as wonderful. Not only did Meghan and I plan the most delicious desert (if you haven't had fried ice cream, DO IT!), for Alec as a congratulations desert for his internship, but I also saw all of my favorite boys that live on Lisa Lane, my closest girl friends at a wine evening at Kyla and Ally's, and spent a wonderful amount of time with Henry talking, walking, and eating quesadillas at 2:30 in the morning. I would say that overall this was a productive day.

Along with classes and my sixth trip to Fred Meyer for the week, I also went to the practice rooms and sang through one of my favorite pieces of all time and it was lovely. I also realized I am not bad a sight reading piano music, weird.

The outfit of the day was one not to be repeated with the dress worn in a new form of sack. I think of it more as a apron or bib or cover-up when breast feeding. I did not need any of those things today so, we will just call this one interesting... I was extremely comfortable the the American Apparel printed tube top underneath donated originally from the closet of Fiona, green cardigan from the men's section of Jcrew, Forever21 blue skinny-jeans, black leather booties from Nordstrom, brown leather belt from Buckle, and hand-knit orange hat made by my aunt Suzie.

As you can tell, the late night picture brought us back to my bedroom and taken with the ever popular, photobooth. I did include my Audrey poster. She is my fall and my life inspiration. Now, to sleep. Saturday awaits.

Day 36: Pumpkin Carving Party

"I'm sorry, Emily. I had to wait three hundred years for a virgin to light a candle."

Thackery Binx from Hocus Pocus (1993)

A Thursday evening is best spent with good friends, candy, cider, a 90s movie and pumpkin carving. I love that we use every holiday to overeat in one form or another. And tonight, I ODed on sweets. My dentist would not be pleased...

The smörgåsbord board of food that graced our kitchen table included candy corn, chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce, a party mix equipped with pretzel sticks, four cheese crackers, dried mangos, peanuts and peanut butter M&Ms, Oreos, doubled eggs, an assortment of cookies and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Thank you SO much to everyone who came by and made this evening wonderful and put up with my comments throughout Hocus Pocus. I adore you all. Also, much thanks for all the help eating the food.

The casual craving outfit of choice included the dress in true form, old man sweater from GoodWill, turquoise bead necklace, bee earrings from Forever21, and moccasins.

The pumpkins are all ready for next weekend and are anxiously sitting and waiting on our side porch. Now to only complete the costumes...

Day 35: Sleepless in Seattle

"Good wine needs no bush."
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
As You Like It, Epilogue.

Every good farewell needs a wine parting party. This is exactly what we gave my sister this evening in Seattle. She is heading off for a year in Thailand to teach the children there the universal language that is our horribly difficult, English. I hadn't seen her since her graduation for George Washington University in June and now I am preparing for my first Christmas of my entire life without her!

I am incredibly proud of the woman she is becoming and will continue to grow into and be for the rest of her life. She is one of the greatest parts of my life and I will miss her and think of her daily. Tomorrow is her 16 hour flight to her new temporary home. Keep her in your hearts for safe travel.

I was preparing for a Christmas photo for the reunion of the three Reclam Ladies for today's outfit of choice. The dress was worn in skirt form with a vintage red shirt tucked in, owl necklace from Forever21, and black Japanese shoes from UrbanOutfitters.

The fall photo includes one of my greatest hobbies of playing piano! I love playing around on

the baby grand at my aunt and uncle's house and make up songs about horses with my cousin Adele (it is okay because she is a child still... )

Day 34: Pinterest

"It's very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present."

– Edith Bouvier Beale

In preparation for my next musical theatre song which will be a recreation of a performance of any piece to my liking, I am researching the background of my character, Edith Bouvier Beale. The musical I decided to pick a number from is Grey Gardens which is based on a documentary with the same title that is a about the home life of the aunt and cousin to Jackie O. I find their relationship absolutely fascinating and even more so, Little Edie herself. There is a strong chance that many of the following day quotes will be from her...

I may have been slightly inspired by her for today's layered outfit. The dress is worn as a long skirt with grey leggings from Target underneath as well a blue knee-high socks from the same store, my Frye boots (Edith was a fan of wearing long skirts and tall boots together), a Gap long sleeve striped blue shirt donated by Riley and cream Nordstrom cover-up tucked into the skirt, vintage brown leather belt from my grandmother, and cream and-knit hat.

I have lately gone out without any makeup on but I am beginning to realizer that is not the Edie way and may be seen around town in more lipstick because a lady should never leave the house without it.

It is Tuesday so it means many things: Food day, yoga, and practice room date late into the evening. Will I spend too much time on my new favorite craft site? Maybe, probably, yes.

Day 33: Fall Is Upon Us

"This is the best thing to wear for today, you understand. Because I don't like women in skirts and the best thing is to wear pantyhose or some pants under a short skirt, I think. Then you have the pants under the skirt and then you can pull the stockings up over the pants underneath the skirt. And you can always take off the skirt and use it as a cape. So I think this is the best costume for today."

Edith Bouvier Beale (Little Edie) from Grey Garden

My new fascination is around the aunt and cousin of the great Jackie O who were both named Edith Bouvier Beale. Not only in their relationship intriguing, but little Edie one of the most disturbed characters I have ever come in contact with. I very much look forward to dissecting and recreating her woes.

I have a feeling that this week is looking up because my Monday was wonderful! Not only did I thoroughly enjoy all of my classes, not completely fail during my Peter Pan performance, but I had the day off of work and got to walk with the room mates and actually make dinner with Alec again. I am also having the best time with my homework and look forward to craft night!

It is getting quite chilly out, especially in my own house. Today I stayed warm in this little number including the dress worn in dress form, floral cover-up from ModCloth, green tights that belong to Fiona (I had to wear them again for Peter Pan) from American Apparel, lace tights over that are cream also from American Apparel, light-brown half-calf leather boots from Nordstrom, necklace from Macy's, and a patterned blue scarf from Forever21.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday!

Day 32: Use the Patch!

"I've learned there are three things you don't discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin."
Linus from Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin

Some would say that Sunday's were made for a day of rest. However, I would disagree and say they were a day made for an outing with the family, my new family.

On the 16th of October, Alec and I welcomed to our family five new members, Steve, Philip, Berry, Bertha and Face. Our pumpkin children had a very safe ride back home from the nursery that was the Black Crow Pumpkin Patch. A short 40 minute drive for a perfect month of happiness (well in reality 15 days...)

Another highlight for the family was purchasing possibly the greatest Halloween movie ever made, Hocus Pocus and will be enjoyed during our pumpkin carving party later in the week.

The outing was paired with this outfit with the dress worn as a shirt, red cardigan from Target donated by Riley, blue velvet Equestrian style jacket from Jcrew, green fingerless gloves from UrbanOutfitters, grey scarf from Target, blue skinny jeans from Forever21, Frye boots, and a knit hat from Forever21.

I must confess that the rest of the day will be spent without the dress as it is wash day. But the activities don't go beyond hanging out with my nanny child and rehearsing music for hours on end into the evening.

I hope everyone has an amazing rest of their weekend and that all of the hungover theatre folk rest up and get ready for a beautiful week!

Day 31: Month A, Check.

"Poetry emboldens the soul to accept mystery."

John Keats

Alec captured this little gem as I was walking back into the house after the original picture I wanted was taken. Clearly you can see my enthusiasm for being photography everyday... In all seriousness though, I am enjoying these pictures. This one just tickled my fancy. I can't be smiling in every picture... My smile never changes, I don't want you all to get bored.

A month of the challenge has came and went.. The continuation will build throughout the rest of this fall and into winter and spring again. Hopefully my creativity will return to me again next week and I wont wear essentially the same outfit for three days in a row again... What?

Anyways, the dress was in dress form (again) paired with a brown cardigan donated by Sarah from Gap, black leggings from Target, the Frye boots, vintage wool jacket, cream hand-knit hat, and Fiona's scarf again because I have to return it to her soon so, I want to make the most out of it! I also wore fingerless gloves today because it was appropriate for fall.

The quote for the day comes from the ever inspirational woman I fear five days a week, Dr. Guelker-Cone. She brought this quote up in choir the other day but I never tool the time to really think about its meaning until my evening stroll last nights before watching "Life is Beautiful" with two of the best friends a girl could ask for.

The weekend has been a success so far with many working hours with my favorite little boy in the world, Jayden, the farmer's market, planning the best home made chandelier ever, cookies, panini sandwiches and the best dutch hot chocolate you could buy at Fred Meyer. This evening and tomorrows pumpkin patch outing should keep this weekend wonderful and make me Monday to come a day late.

Day 30: Someones to Lean On

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence."

Eric Fromm

Whenever I wake up to a horrible day, I always attempt to make it better by at least dressing well. Today was only half successful (I am going to go with more like... three-fourths successful).

The dress was worn again in dress form with a dark-blue cardigan over, buttoned up (this was a first EVER for me, I am never a fan of this look but today, it worked well) from Gap, a sea-foam green belt to show off my newly discovered waist donated by Lauren, green tights for the Peter Pan event that did not go down that belong to Fiona, blue wool socks that I found, and the light-brown half-calf Nordstrom boots. I also wore my favorite vintage jacket to lighten the mood and keep me warm.

Looking cute, successful. Feeling good, half way there. Thank you so much to everyone who was supportive today and gave me a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, someone to rant to, and the best, most wonderful hugs a girl could ask for. I am thankful and lucky for all of you.

As for my wild and crazy Friday night plans... Well I have another date with Facebook. I want to apologize in advance to anyone on my newsfeed... This is just what happens when one cannot fall asleep at work.

Day 29: Channeling the 90s

"I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together."

Julia Roberts

This picture is very much an understatement for all that it went through during the 24-hour span that was October 13th. It started at the Shakedown for an amazing show by two of my favorite local bands, QAR and E-clec-ti-ci-ty.

Then it was worn again in the same fashion for a day of school, pumpkin patch photography, and copious hours of studying before I finally left it at home while I was away at yoga, the Honeymoon to hear three of the most talented people in Bellingham perform beautifully together, to the practice rooms and onto late night swinging.

Now I know what everyone is thinking about essentially wearing the night out outfit the morning after... but it is not what you think! Just yet another fashion trick we all do but shouldn't...

The dress was worn with this floral scarf that belongs to Fiona as well as a different flora scarf from my own closet from UrbanOutfitters, this light-brown cardigan from Target, the tall Frye boots, fish necklace from Forever21, tree earrings from a local store in Olympia, a vintage tan oversized blazer, and hat from Fiona's closet purchased at UrbanOutfitters. I apologize for not having everything pictured... I guarantee they will all be shown eventually.

I want to also put in a little message that goes out to a very good friend of mine whose life was cut short as of yesterday evening. You will be greatly missed and always in my heart. Please keep good thoughts for his family and other loved ones. Rest in peace Mitch.

Day 28: Lumber Jack

"I know exactly what he's talking about. I sprout mung beans on a damp paper towel in my desk drawer. Very nutritious, but they smell like death."

Creed from The Office: Conflict Resolution

The question mark that has magically appeared above my head in this forested area is very symbolic to the questions of the day.

Why am I dressed like a lumberjack?

Why is the dress not visible?

Why have I been listening to Biggie all day?

And with all questions come answers. To the first, I must confess that I am probably breaking every fashion rule set in stone by Miranda Priestly and she would be rolling on her stilettos if she read this... This morning I did something EVERYONE DOES! And I wore the shirt I wore to bed out for the day. This has a very reasonable explaination. I was cold, my bed was warm, the shirt was warm because it had been in bed with me, wear shirt. This was just part of the way there...

After wearing the dress like a tank-top and putting my oversized plaid from Goodwill back on and seeing the inner Bounty Paper Towel man emerging, I added the Gap blue-jeans, wool socks from REI, brown ankle boots from Forever21, and orange hand-knit hat made by my Aunt Suzie to complete the look.

Question two, the dress is visable, the camera on my computer is just extremely lame!

And three, I do and will forever be obsessed with that man and will continue to listen to him in hopes to embody him in everyday life.

Also, I ripped my pants today dancing like Peter Pan. I'm gonna say thats a win...

Day 27: Singing in the Rain!

"It's like I have ESPN or something. My breasts can always tell when it's going to rain."

Karen from Mean Girls

This picture amazes me because it looks like I am about to fall into a deadly crevasse. However, I assure you I am fine even though I do reserve this spot for my death if I do so choose.

I wore rain boots for the purpose of keeping rain out of my boots. This is not really successful when your rain-boot has a hole in it and when it is not really raining... Thanks again for your always charming reports, Karen.

None the less, I stayed dry and warm it yet another scarf ensemble with the dress being worn as a shirt, a white cardigan donated by Lauren from Gap, skinny jeans from Forever21, grey long socks from Target, red-plaid rain-boots from Nordstrom, yellow scarf that was a gift from Kallen, and peach colored earrings from Charolette Rouse.

The fall activity for the day was puddle jumping and singing in the rain because I am very inspired by Gene Kelly. If he can sing and dance in the rain with a 103 degree temperature and in a wool suit, I can sure as hell do the same with a hole in my boot!

Day 26: Everything? Really Mark Bittman?

“You'll never know everything about anything, especially something you love.”
Julia Child

Something that most people do in the fashion world is continually wear something that you love. And sometimes it is two days in a row... However, I am a firm believer that this is 100% socially acceptable as long as it is duplicated on the weekend, for the weekend, or after the weekend. In this case, the scarf is done again. As previously stated, it is okay since this was a Sunday to Monday occurrence.

Now I realize a lot of people enjoy same shirt Tuesday nights to Wednesday days, and again, I think this is okay as long as you were not wearing the article in question for my than 8 hours at a time. Is this on the verge of gross and unacceptable? Maybe, probably, yes.

Alec captured me doing a little "light reading" for my quest to be the next Julia Child. Perhaps I should be reading her cook book... I figure EVERYTHING was a better place to start.

This nook and book combo was made perfect with a green cardigan from the mens section of Jcrew, light-brown long-sleeve shirt from Gap, brown tights from Target, tan half-calf boots from Nordstrom, black with purple detailed knit hat that was made for me by my Aunt Suzie, feather earrings from Forever21 and favorite purple scarf from American Eagle. It makes me feel like I am in middle school again to say I thoroughly love something from American Eagle... I suppose they are a hit or miss. This, a hit!

Day 25:Channeling Whitney Houston

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them."

--Ernest Hemingway

Reasons to love Sundays:

1. Sleeping in until 11:10am

2. Spending the morning with my favorite woman, Audrey Hepburn, with Breakfast at Tiffany's

3. Taking a bath

4. Going to the grocery store

5. Biking around on a beautiful fall day

6. Getting to wear a hat and scarf again

7. Drinking copious amounts of tea

8. Baking strawberry-rhubarb pie

9. Prepping sandwiches for tomorrow

10. Having family dinner with Alec

11. Fresh smelling clothing

12. Warm sheets

13. Reading for pleasure

14. Fresh flowers

15. Having a clean dress

All of these occurrences were address with ease, minus the pie that is "slightly" burned, in this outfit with the dress in skirt form, a double layer of tights from American Apparel (plum color on the bottom and cream-lace over top), salmon pink racer-back tank-top from Target, black booties from Nordstrom, jean jacket from Gap, purple knit scarf from American Eagle, and knit hat that my aunt Annie made for me.

This picture finally shows my true glamor in taking photographs since I was caught with my eyes shut... Still, a proud homage to the day with my bike, Gandalf the White, the sun, and a peek of my place of education, WWU.

Now to enjoy "Kitten Mac&Cheese" with Alec and burnt strawberry-rhubarb pie.

Sunday's, in the words of the great Whitney Houston, "I will always love you."

Day 24: Mission Completed

Nina Myers: You're lying.

Jack Bauer: Yes, I am. But you're still going to have to trust me. (Day 1: 12:00am-1:00am)

Quote from 24.

A full week has past with the challenge set down by Alec with the use of no repeated clothing or accessory items, no scarfs or hats, and a different pair of shoes everyday. I was 100% successful and I am very proud of that fact.

Today was almost a failure because of my irrational sleeping habits. Completely worth it though! There is nothing more that I love other than watching one of my favorite movies of ALL time, The Boondock Saints, with three lovely people, Reuben, Danielle, and Kieran until 3:00am in the morning. Waking up at 7:15 was my choice which I still find very odd... But running and yoga is good for the soul.

So is volunteering which is something else I did with my day! The Outback is a wonderful area of campus that ever student should visit and be a part of. It is all about sustainability and community, two things that I find very important. Highlights from this event include:

1. The girl who showed up wearing a t-shirt that had construction stripes on it.

2. The boy who randomly decided to join us that was smoking a spliff in the garden.

3. That people in Bellingham think Toms are good gardening shoes. (In all fairness I guess I am in the wrong too because I think Toms are appropriate for climbing down the side of a mountain in Africa and hiking to a rope swing.)

The outfit of the day included the dress worn in tunic form, blue-jeans from Gap, purple wool lace-up Toms, and a cream cover-up from Nordstrom. I also wore my Semester At Sea sweatshirt at some point but... that wasn't really the outfit for the day.

The fall location for the day was going to be in the Outback but I forgot to ask someone to photograph me so... that will be another day. Instead it is a warm indoor area because there is few things better than wrapping up in a blanket in a warm house with a big cup of tea and blogging.

I am going to commission Fiona to take photos more often and I plan on sleeping in very much tomorrow morning. Sleep will have to remain a distant thought as I have three and a half more hours of nannying and a "Choir-Childs" party to go to. (That is not the name at all... Just my personal description of choice.)

Day 23: You Look Like the Combination of a College Professor and an Elementary School Teacher

"I always wear my sweater back-to-front; it is so much more flattering."
Diana Vreeland

I have to apologize for my very long delay for this post. Day 23 was a hectic one. I ran to school, to work, from work to the Beaver, to the practice rooms, to getting a hot dog at 12:30 am. You see! Busy, full and productive day.

I decided since this was a week long challenge of wearing things I don't normally wear I went with this little number.

I had to dig down deep into my trunk to pull out this man sweater that is complete with wool, suede and leather. You really don't come across many like it. The suede shoulder and elbow pads came in handy during all of my brawls during the day as well as the sledding across bathroom floors with my nanny child, Jayden. The leather diamond on my stomach really served no purpose other than being extremely entertaining for my friend Troy... (Wow, that sounds weird. You just had to have been there.)

The sweater was matched with a long-sleeve brown shirt from Macy's, the dress worn as a skirt, brown tights from Target, white-grey-tan striped long socks from Target, and my leather Frye riding boots. The accessories include purple look earrings from Forever21 and an assortment of silver rings from my collection.

The title for the day is brought to you by a wonderful friend of mine, Henry. Amongst all the compliments I received on Day 23, his was my favorite... At 10:04 am he said, " You look like the combination of a college professor and an elementary school teacher." There are so many reasons to adore him and that is only one.

The fall location in the porch to my house. I love being outdoors in the fall, even when it is raining like it often does in the PNW (Pacific Northwest). Today was a rare occasion without rain and therefore perfect for a wool man-sweater. This is only the beginning of your introduction to my relationship with the Goodwill man sweater...

Day 22: Steps For "Beauty"?

"A beauty is a woman you notice; a charmer is one who notices you."
Adlai E. Stevenson

Some things are very certain...

1. I am the worst person to select a musical theatre song to sing. I much prefer having music shoved into my hand and told, "SING!" even when it keeps me up at night worrying about getting certain notes wrong during testing for, let's say... music by Bach!

2. I love sushi. Especially when it is shared on a date with my best friend, Fiona, whom also played photographer on Alec's evening off from duties.

3. I much prefer photos for my blog from a real camera and not from Froid, my horrible Droid.

4. The internet situation in my house is starting to drive me nuts.

5. I need to make a children's novel about my dream saga I have been having. It. Is. Epic.

Today's outfit takes the dress back to tunic form with a cream cover up from Nordstrom, 501 Jeans in a off grayish color and cuffed because that style is all the rage, tree earrings from a boutique in Tacoma, floral headband from Gap, yellow beaded necklace that I made long ago, and shoes that used to belong to my dear friend Leah.

The week challenge of not repeating any article of clothing or accessory is going well. However, all of these new shoes that I am pulling out of the closet are taking a toll on my feet. I have never had so many blisters! Sorry, that is probably too much information. THIS IS A RELEVANT FACT THOUGH! It is a fashion problem I am facing daily...

Instead of channeling my inner fall today, I went for more of a Christmas feel with this beautiful chair in Fiona's apartment. This picture says, "Hey kids! Tell me what you want this year." (For some reason, as I typed this I imagined the Uncle Sam poster screaming those words out in a deep man voice... not quite fitting to this enthusiastic face.

I was asked to share my morning routine about how to pick out what I am pairing with the dress. The steps are as follows.

1. Wake up on time or not.

2. Shower or not.

3. Pick which style I am going to be comfortable with.

6. Pair random articles with it like I would any other outfit.

7. Try on multiple choices of accessories.

8. Make sure I approve of he way I look from the front.

9. Oh, and have good morning music playing the whole time.

10. And, have tea or coffee brewing or in hand.

11. Don't forget, it is also important to always check out how you look from behind.

12. Get a jacket if needed.

13. Head out the door just in time to make it across campus to class.

This is not always the steps, not always a success, but it is the method of choice.

Day 21: Into the Woods

"Hell is full of musical amateurs."
George Bernard Shaw

OH NO!! Where is the dress??

Never fret my dears, it is only hiding. And taking new form today in the role of "slip" under this black and white sheer dress from Urban Outfitters that was donated by a lovely blonde friend, black cover-up sweater also from Urban Outfitters donated by Riley, black tights from Target (because let's be honest, where else do you really find good, cheap tights?), red t-strap flats from Modcloth, burgundy bangle from Target, black charm necklace that was a gift, a green bag from a store in Holland, and bee earrings from Forever21.

This outfit worked well in transitioning for school, to work, to a date night out with dinner and a musical with Alec. There is nothing I love more than spending time with my best friend after a long day of productive classes and time spent with very enthusiastic children that I adore.

Something I also enjoy is going to a theatre with friends but then sitting alone. Really, I thoroughly enjoy it. Knowing that they are somewhere else watching it, getting a different perspective that we can later share with each other is beautiful. I also love when the people next to you are perfect for each other and they laugh and smile and joke about everything. I even enjoy the old ladies that have to leave early because it is past their bedtime that was 2 hours ago...

Great job to the cast of Into the Woods. Only ten days of rehearsal and you really put something special together.

Unfortunately, all this fun and games has left me with the first all-nighter of the new school year. Wish me luck as I embark on an evening of papers, readings, studying, and learning music. Who is a winner? This girl, me.

Day 20: The Princess is Not Allowed To Show Her Bloomers...

“I wonder what Piglet is doing,” thought Pooh. “I wish I were there to be doing it, too.” (from Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne)

Today was a beautiful, productive Tuesday. I not only got everything finished that I wanted too but I also practiced my music for a solid hour and a half today, went to yoga, finished a paper, and did all on my responses for the week. Did I also have four cups of tea, decide I don't really like the "New Girl" TV show, and watch the documentary "Man On Wire" with Alec? Yes, yes I did.

The day also called for this awkward combination of a middle school printed hoodie from Lucky Band, high school Forever21 necklace, rust wool socks from my mother's closet, and heals that were donated by my Aunt Alice. The teacher skirt look with the tucked in long-sleeve purple shirt from Nordstrom was another added bonus. A highlight is the fact that my hands were warm all day with my teal finger-less gloves from American Eagle.

Did I enjoy this outfit twenty days in? It is safe to say that it was not a favorite by any means. I am bound to have more days that have some hit and miss.

Hit: The shoes.

Miss: Wearing them with socks.

Hit: The long-sleeve shirt.

Miss: The stain on the right side of my chest.

Hit: Warmth of a hoodie.

Miss: Middle school horrid print.

The favorite thing that was said today by my love, Alec, "The Princess is not allowed to show her bloomers! ... Spreading her legs and jiggling, no doubt." I adore him so.

Side note: I love French.

And I promise to have a better outfit tomorrow. Good news is, no repeats yet!

Day 19: They are long socks, not leg warmers...

"By rights, leg warmers belong in an Eric Prydz video."

Kate Ross (fellow blog spot user)

When stumbling around the other blogs last night, I came across a new favorite for the "30 Fashion Faux Pas" and want nothing more but to never call the Fashion Police into service. You can imagine my horror when my long socks were mistaken for leg warmers this morning in my first class. But none to fear, I am safe from the clothes Nazi's, long socks prevail.

I was going for the "hipster" flair that Bellingham offers all of us Hamsters with this cozy oversized sweater from Goodwill look complete with a bird necklace as an ode to my favorite "Put a Bird On It" Portlandia friends, grey long socks that were a gift, and polka-dot shoes from Urban Outfitters.

The fall photo location, the area between my house and my neighbors where the colored leafs fall...

It was a perfect ensemble for a beautiful fall day while running to class, to work, making salad with Alec and Jessii, taking an evening stroll to Film is Truth for the Monday Bundle deal, and stoup lasagna with Meghan and Celeste. Now to enjoy another Spanish film, "Hable con Ella".

Day 18: Sunday Pie Day

"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe."

Carl Sagan

And so forth it begun the week of no repeats or hesitations
to leaving the house without a hat or scarf on with the dress worn as a tunic top with a navy blue zip-up hoodie with red stripes, Citizen Jeans, my "old man" shoes from Dumpster Values in Olympia, and gold Anchor necklace from Forever21.

The October event of the day... Baking Apple Pie! It was a great success because of the help of Alex. This is not a mistype and is not to be confused with Alec. I am cursed to live a life where all of my friends have different yet so similar names and I would n

ot want anything to change.

The additions to the chalkboard include a dead dog by Alec's dad, the word "smile" and a face by Alec's mom, the three roommates drawn by Meghan, and the best wolf I have ever seen expressed through chalk and a message from the "Wolf Den" by Alex.

Also, I raked leaves today. I just thought I would add because it was a very fall activity and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

The Pie.