The Boyfriend bought our first “Munich Tour” book yesterday – complete with map.
There are so many places we want to see in short time we are there. We are going to have to be stellar planners to fit everything in. But, how are we to document it all?
A while ago I broke our Canon point-n-shoot. Lets just say there was a counter and a unintentional nudge and… splat; the camera broke with the lens out. Now it makes this horrible noise when I turn it on. Frustrating as heck. Luckily, we have a pretty awesome friend who has been letting me borrow his SLR. However, we don’t want to be responsible for his big, expensive camera in Germany, so we buckled down and got a new baby today!
I have yet to charge it and take some snaps with it, but I will. ASAP. Like when I get home from work. Excited.
This was my outfit for work and running errands Tuesday. Not sure how I feel about it. I am in a weird stage of not appreciating my wardrobe. I know I need to work with what I have, but some days I get frustrated. Yesterday was that day. I blame my blond roots. They kill me.
Luckily, I am getting my hair done this week so maybe I will get some much need confidence.
Tee: F21, Dress worn as a skirt: AA, Shoes: Steven Madden, Hat: Thrifted (I didn’t wear it all day).
I am so glad yesterday’s debut of the Inside Interviews went so well. Record numbers for the ole’ blog. Thank you all who enjoyed it. There is another interview scheduled for next week, so stay tuned!
The photos above are stragglers from our wedding road trip to Northern California back in June. I am particularly fond of the one showing the Boyfriend driving. You know he means business when the hat is sideways. Always.
On Me (first pic): Sun glasses: swapmeet, Tee: F21, Sweater: Thrifted, Denim Cut-off’s: thrifted and altered.
On Him (third pic): 1965-1970 Angels Hat: Mickey’s Place, Glasses: Swapmeet, Shirt: Thrifted, Jeans: Levi’s.
I have been blogging for just about 2 years now – and following blogs for even longer. Over the years, I have accumulated more than a few blogs that I consider my “daily reads”: the ones I constantly go through the archives of just to soak up some much needed inspiration. It dawned on me a few weeks ago that I would like to get to know these people a little more: know what inspires them and how they translate that inspiration into their everyday lives and blogs.
So, the Inside Interviews were born. Once a week I will be featuring a new interview with a blogger. Exciting, non?
My first interview will be with Rebecca from The Clothes Horse. I have been following her blog for the better part of a year and she constantly amazes me. She mixes vintage and second hand with her own artsy/eclectic style. Plus, she loves old movies! You can see why I simply couldn’t resist the chance to ask her a few questions.
How did you start blogging?
I started by reading street fashion blogs and then discovered personal style blogs. One summer I returned to my college in rural PA to work in the cafeteria after living and studying for a semester in Japan —I was in culture shock! I started my blog then as a creative release and a way to connect to the larger world outside of my secluded school.
When did you decide that fashion, blogging, and designing was your calling?
I’m still not certain it’s my calling! All I know is that I enjoy writing, taking pictures, and playing with my style. I have a hard time deciding what my “calling” is at all, I’m torn in all sorts of directions…
What people have inspired you over the years fashion wise?
Characters in old movies are probably my number one fashion inspiration—I keep on coming back to Bonnie and Clyde starring Faye Dunaway. In high school I was really into Japanese street fashion because of the Fruits books which were compiled from the original Fruits magazine. My father is in the military so he wears a uniform most days and my mother isn’t very into style either, but both encouraged me to be frugal and shop secondhand–that nurtured in an interest in vintage through the years..
Are there any bloggers that inspire you in that same way?
So many! Stylebytes was probably my number one inspiration; Agathe had a distinctive look but she also experimented with a lot of trends and managed to always look fresh. I also really admire Style Bubble and Liebe Marlene–bloggers who seem fearless and very comfortable with their own unique style.
What are your favorite stores to find vintage on the East and West coast?
Is online a fair answer? I love Etsy and eBay, but I like to do searches over particular shops. My favorite vintage shop in WA recently closed so I don’t know on the West coast anymore. On the East coast I love Fairey Godmother’s in Mechanicsburg , PA , but the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market in NYC is great too.
What is the best part of living in Washington?
The scenery; Washington state is absolutely gorgeous and really diverse. You can visit the ocean, climb a mountain, or even see a petrified forest on the East side. There’s also this wonderful sense of individuality that the west of the United States seems to foster—we aren’t explorers living on the edge anymore, but there’s still a sense of freedom and open-mindedness out here..
If you could have a lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandfather; he died when I was too young so I never really got the chance to know him. He worked as an illustrator and did a lot of black and white drawings like I enjoy doing now. Our house is filled with his watercolors and to top everything off he was color blind, which made his use of colors so interesting and unusual. I’d love to talk to him about art and have him as my “mentor.”
What is one essential item that all wardrobes should have?
Comfortable shoes? I really don’t know if one item works for everyone–even a little black dress for women could be in nearly any shape or style to suit the particular owner. Everyone has their own item that is essential for them.
If you were in charge of a fashion magazine for one issue, which one would it be and what would you like to see in it?
I’d love to get my hands on US Vogue and do a blogger inspired issue! There would be an editorial on street fashion featuring various street fashion photographs of real people, other bloggers could style a shoot, and some would write various articles. Overall, I’m interested in seeing more real people in magazines and more vintage and secondhand clothes—things that are affordable and realistic. I know we love the fantasy element in a magazine like Vogue, but I don’t think we have to sacrifice our imagination or whimsy by finding items that are within most people’s budgets.
Thanks so much Rebecca! You are such an amazing girl and I am glad to know you!
You can see more photos (plus the ones you see here) of Rebecca at The Clothes Horse.
When I was browsing through the blogroll over at BlogLovin’ this morning, I was completely taken with Jane’s (Sea of Shoes) new photos. I really don’t think she could be any more gorgeous. I mean, not only is she radiant, but she has mad skills with a camera too. Click the link above to see more photos from this set.
On a complete side note: tomorrow I will be debuting the new feature of Knockout Niki Presents – Inside Interviews. I will have more details for you tomorrow!
Photo: Sea of Shoes
I found this dress on a thrifting spree a few weeks back. With a good shortening (it was almost to my ankles!), it has become a wardrobe staple.
Dress: Thrifted and altered, Belt: Thrifted
Er, there is an excuse, I promise. An 80’s party for a birthday party. Everyone was a mess. the 80’s was not a good era for anyone. Clearly.
But it was still fun to rock the half-up side-ponytail. *wink*
You can’t tell from this photo but my dress turned top (also seen in this post) is thrifted and altered, skirt: AA, bike shorts: found in my drawer, 80’s srunchy boots: thrifted, knock-off raybans: swap meet.
Darla Baker’s silhouette is this photo is jaw-dropping. I don’t know if it is the way her hand touches the moon like a ballerina or the illusion that she is floating on water, but I was def struck by this whole set. See more here.
Photo cred: Touch Puppet via WishWishWish
Outdoor weddings are the perfect excuse to bust out the sun hats, non?
On Me: Dress (floral): I have had it so long, I don’t remember. Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: GoJane, Hat: American Vintage in Huntington Beach (this one is Jade’s!)
On Jade: Wrap dress (purple): Zara, Shoes: Report via Nordstroms, Hat: American Vintage in Huntington Beach (this one is mine!)
I suck at posting right now – I am aware.
I could bore you with details about school, work, and other nonsense, but I can’t. Not because I don’t want to (I know how interested you all are (NOT!)), but I am way to excited about what happened on Monday!
I was having a lousy day. I am sick (UGH!), work sucked, homework burned my brain, and we lost out on an apartment by no fault of our own. So, when the BF called and said I got a package in the mail from Lucky Magazine/Lucky Style Spotter, I was confused.
I never, ever get gifts in the mail – unless I buy them for myself. So, this was amazing right.
Inside that little manila envelope was a pair of black RayBan Wayfarers! WHAAAA!!??!! Are you kidding me? And not the knock off kind I usually get at the swap either; the bonafide originals complete with case (which I need since I tend to destroy sunglasses). What a great end to such a lousy day.
So I want to send a HUGE/GINORMOUS/GARGANTUAN thank you to Gina and everyone at Lucky. You treat your members too well. I promise I will contribute more. Pinky promise.
Oh, and excuse my disgusting outfit and hair. I have been ridiculously sick; and proper wardrobe is the last thing I have been thinking about between massive sneezing fits, beyond congested sinus’, and coughing my brains out. Thanks goodness for touch-ups. I knew you would understand.
Tank: F21, Cheer shorts: Sports Authority, Wayfarers: RayBan via gift from Lucky
Friday night was the rehearsal dinner for the wedding we attend last weekend [more here].
I am not sure how many of you have ever been to Hopland, but it is literally a mile stretch of quaint little buildings on highway 101. The dinner was at one of the inns in town (there are only 2, I think) called Lawson Station. While the kitchiness was awesome, we heard the rooms left something to be desired… anyway.
That is Patty and I taking pictures in the bathroom. Turned out that was where the best light was.
On Me: Dress- Thrifted and hand ruched by me, Necklace- my Grandma’s, Shoes- Nordstroms
All around, the dinner was about catching up with all the out of town families and being introduced to new people coming into the family. It was awesome. Lots of wine and beer and that always equals fun!
I think the best part of this whole night was the BF’s Grandma. I love her. She gets so riled up at the BF’s jokes and Patty’s sense of humor that I just about peed laughing.
She wasn’t really as boozed up as this photo makes it look, but it was still funny nonetheless. We had such a great time.
The BF was egging everyone on by doing interlocking chugging contests – hence the last picture of him and his Aunt. It was hilarious. His family doesn’t mess around.
Back Row: the BF and Ace (aka: Gregg, Mavrick, Goose – he’s a Pilot).
Front Row: Patty, me, and Mary
After 4 long hours of drinking, eating, a Niki-dominated game of uno, and catching up… we all walked across the street for a midnight game of bacci ball. Amazing. Turns out Patty is a ringer – good thing I wasn’t playing her. LOL.
We were so tired. So so so tired. It was crazy and fun night… and we still have one more night to go!
More pics of the wedding day festivities and drive home soon!
Click on the pics for the larger versions!
