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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Obsession(s)

Since it has been a while, I will give you a few more things than usual which are currently tickling my fancy:

1. Soft, summery pictorials. This photo makes want to frolic through a field, pick dandelions, and make wishes. It invokes that epitome-of-summer feeling, and embodies something that I have always held very dearly to my heart. Though the season is in full swing, I haven't taken part in many summery activities. I think it is time to take full advantage of the beautiful weather before it falls away. Excuse me as I proceed to paint a heart across my cheek....

2. Colorful, winged eyeliner, especially shimmery purple cat-eyes such as the one shown above. Purple is currently my go-to color for everything lately. It is a little bit rock star, and much more fun than basic black. Greens and blues have also been prevalent in my make-up routine lately. I always love pops of color used in unexpected ways.

3. Moon River. Undoubtedly a classic, this song -- composed by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini -- has been playing in my head for the past few weeks. If you have seen Breakfast at Tiffany's, you will know what I am talking about; if not, you need to familiarize yourself immediately. I heard Moon River most recently in an episode of Sex and the City, and for some reason it has caused a strange feeling to well up inside of me. I grow teary eyed, a little sad, and inexplicably nostalgic for something I can't quite place my finger upon...

4. The anticipation of Autumn. Yes, this is completely contradictory to number 1, but as I have mentioned before, Autumn is my favorite season. I want fiery foliage dancing in the cool breeze. I need luxe fabrics to swathe myself in when that first chill hits. I crave the indulgence of the seasonal cuisine, like squash soup, pumpkin sweets, and turkey with cranberry sauce. And more than any other facet of this season, I am most looking forward to Halloween. Always my favorite holiday, it is the ultimate game of dress-up -- and honestly, what aspiring fashionista doesn't love that? I'm sad to say that last year did not turn out so well -- with my failed attempt at channeling Marie Antoinette -- so this time I am planning ahead to make cetain that everything works out perfectly. I know it is strange to start thinking about a holiday which takes place at the end of October when it is still only July, but I am a bit obessive and I seem to enjoy torturing myself with aticipation. What is my costume of choice, you ask? I suppose we will just have to wait and see ;D

5. While we are on the topic of Autumn, I can hardly wait for all of the fabulous clothes to come. You can bet that I will be sporting lacy dresses and thick patterned tights, big boots and long sweaters, and I will be looking out for the perfect long peacoat to top off my cozy ensembles. I think my Fall style will be very dark and a bit more moody than usual this year, with an array of black and deep jewel toned pieces. Slightly gothic and victorian styles have found a place in my heart, which is odd considering my usually bright and pastel hued uniform -- and the fact that there is nary a black piece in my wardrobe. I do suppose I have always harbored an admiration towards the romance of eerie things, only I have only expressed the romantic side of this. Self-reinvention is not something that I partake in, well, ever, so this might explain the inticement toward a style that may be just a tiny bit contradictory to my own.

I'm sure that there are many more things with which I am in love, but that will have to do it for now. I can't use everything up in one post, right?



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Monday, July 7, 2008

Breaking the Hiatus

I promise that there is a very good reason as to why I have not posted in a very long while. About a month ago, the internet at my current residence was turned off, therefore severely interfering with my blogging and browsing abilities. Other than that, I have had quite the busy summer thus far.

I made a trip to Portland, Oregon from the 3rd of July to the 7th for my cousin's wedding. It was an incredible trip, to say the least. I got the chance to visit with some of my most awesome relatives, all while falling in love with the gorgeous city that is Portland.

Back at home, I awaited my 19th birthday. It was a joint celebration with a friend whose birthday occurs two days before mine. The majority of people in attendance I had only met for the first time that night. It was a rather interesting time. We all met at a cool little beach with the intention of putting up a bonfire and dancing the night away. It turned out that there were no available pits, and the beach apparently had a closing time. So, with a caravan of about five full cars, we made our way to another beach. It had all of the makings of a horror flick: partying teenagers, warehouses, and railroad tracks across in a moonlit field. Yet as we crested over the hill, a giant hidden cove came into site; dotted with flames and people, it felt like I was venturing into some sort of top-secret cult meeting. The sudden urge to do a tribal dance around one of the bonfires washed over me like the gentle waves which caressed the shore. It was a perfect time, laughter mingling with the blaring music, the heat of the flames dancing in the cool, salty breeze, and the plastered smiles fixed to everyone's faces. The -- not ten minutes after our arrival --a friendly security officer kicked us out. Wonderful. The night was capped off by crashing a house party, and all ended well.

I am now currently in something of a pickle: I may soon be needing to move out of my grandfather's home. I don't know when, and I don't know how, but it is something that has been looming over my head for the past several days. Next week I am going down to Anaheim for a youth gathering with my church and friends, so it is something to look forward to. Fashion has been the last thing on my mind, but I am going to attempt to get back into the swing of things.

That's all for now, and hopefully there will be plenty of lovely stylishness to come =)



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Amanda in Wonderland

Alright, I'm sure we all know how desperately in love I am with the whimsically wonderful Alice in Wonderland, and I would like to take this moment to praise whoever decided that Alice was to be such a prevalent fashion muse at this moment in time. Though I'm positive most might be growing a bit tired of this trend -- it has been done time and again --I honestly cannot get enough. Oh well, naysayers, I'm going to post this gorgeous spread of Amanda Seyfried, from Vogue Italia April 08, anyway, say what you might, and I will continued to be inspired by this blissfully recurrent theme. I have never been one to apologize for the things I love, but I will say this: I'm so very sorry that Alice in Wonderland just happens to kick ass.

That's right, I said it =)

I must admit that the first three are my favorites, and the depicted gardens contrast strikingly with the metallic city in the latter three. It is all a bit reminiscent of Gwen Stefani's What You Waiting For? video, but I think that only solidifies my affections for this spread. Amanda Seyfried is a gorgeous, talented actress, and I can't wait to see her in Mamma Mia! If that whole acting thing doesn't work out for her (yeah, right!), I'm sure she could do some work as a model or something... ;)

I desperately want to dress like this and take fabulous pictures of myself for the world to see. Hmm, I do believe that the wheels in my head are turning, and my yard does present more than a few tempting possibilities. I suppose we shall see what happens... (cue evil laugh)



confecionts&kisses,
Stephanie

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Gossip

As I read through my beloved gossip blogs (I know, I know, just shoot me now!) I spotted this recent photograph of Gossip Girl star Blake Lively:

I love the simplicity of a shirt dress. The sky-high hemline of Blake's keeps it cool and youthful, while the half-sleeves provide an extra bit of coverage to prevent the frock from falling into skank territory. I also like that the buttons only go halfway down, and the color-blocked detail is quite chic. Though Blake keeps her accessories to a minimum, I would personally cinch it all in with a cute little belt.

I haven't the slightest clue as to who the maker of this dress is -- and lord knows I'm far too lazy to look it up -- but I would really love to add a similar item to my wardrobe. I have a deep respect for simple pieces such as this. There are times when one does not want to put too much effort into an ensemble -- one such as, ahem, myself -- so I will definitely be on the lookout for something like this adorable shift.




confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Monday, June 16, 2008

Stephanie's Guide to Summer Fun

Summer is here again. It is a time for fun and mischief, though for some it can prove a daunting and overwhelming time. As we get stuck in the routine of class and homework, it can be difficult to figure out what to do with our new surplus of time. I am one of those people who say, "Oh I can't wait for summer! We are going to [insert a million activities] and have so much fun!" only to have the season arrive and then not do much of anything. It can be very easy to spend all of your time at the mall, and while shopping is basically my favorite thing to do, there is a world out there! The world is full of possibilities that are just waiting to be discovered. Mallrats be damned, I will not live at the mall. Though, you can bet I will be shopping up a bit of storm at some point. This is all more of an advice piece to myself, because if I am actually publishing a post, I will need to follow my own tips, right? So here it is, my little guide to summer fun!

1. Figure things out! Decide if you are the type to plan things or are more apt to spontaneity. Determine what you want out of the season and the ways to achieve it. It is always helpful to sit down and make a list of goals, as dorky as it may sound. Make an outline of your plans, decide what is most likely to happen, and don't set expectations too high. Figure out if you want a jam-packed schedule or want to lay low and relax. Decide what activities fit your style and remember that things won't always work out exactly as planned. Only expect to have fun, no matter what happens. It is summer, after all, so leave your worries with school years past.

2. Plan a trip with your friends! Whether a small excursion to your local beach or campground, or a full-blown, cross state -- or country -- road trip, you are guaranteed to bond and fill your fun meter to its content. My crew loves driving down to the beach for a day, and I can't tell you how many road trips we have attempted to plan. I hope to make one happen this summer, but I know that even if it doesn't, we will do too many other fun activities to count. I also really dig camping. I am -- surprisingly and uncharacteristically -- an outdoorsy nature girl, and I love roughing it in the great outdoors. The possibilities are endless, so take a trip and have a little adventure.

3. Get down with the nightlife! This is the time to stay up all night and sleep until noon. Clubs are fun for most, but I really prefer outdoor evening soirées. Pool parties are a no-brainer -- that is, if you have one or know someone who does. If you aren't in possession of a small body of water you can always set up a giant slip and slide and just go crazy with it. Flashlight water balloon and water gun fights are incredibly fun and refreshing during balmy summer nights. If you aren't into water-fun, you can always have a cocktail party. Set a theme (masquerade, tropical, rock star, 80's -- anything you want!) or simply request cocktail attire and don't let anyone in if they aren't dressed accordingly. It's always exciting to see people dressed to the nines. Another cool thing to try is to have a Rock Band or Guitar Hero party. Have everyone come dressed in the rock star best! Despite the abundance of possibilities, my all-time favorite summer night activity would have to be the bonfire. They are so quintessentially summer, and you can really bond with friends this way. Make s'mores, sing songs, do a tribal dance. Whatever floats your boat!

4. Step up your ensembles! It is so easy to get stuck in the casual rut during the school year, but summer leaves you no excuse to get lazy with your attire. It's your free pass to get a little quirky and different. You can give yourself a complete overhaul or make a subtle change. The point is that you can be anyone, and you won't have classmates to question you. Trade your sneaks for heels and gladiators, denim of floaty frocks, and ponytail holders for flowers and butterflies. If you are in need of inspiration, there are a slew of incredible bloggers who have the best style I have ever seen. Invite some friends over and get decked out for a photo shoot. Go high-fashion with it and couturify yourselves. Don't forget the crazy make up! The point is to wear what you love with abandon and get down with your stylish self.

5. Be healthy! This is one tip that I seriously need to take. Summer is just chock-full of yummy, healthy snacks. Fruits abound, and there is nothing sweeter than some berries or a piece of melon on a scorching day. Take more walks in the sunny weather, go to the park and play frisbee, swim, play catch, run through the sprinklers. This season begs for activity, so just do it! Don't, however, forget to wear sunscreen! I am amazed at how many girls don't do this everyday. I was put in the habit from a very early age, so I really don't think about it. It just something I do, and it is imperative for us all to practice safe sun. Yes, a tan is cute, but it is not healthy. There are so many self-tanners out there today, and the wonders they work leave no excuse to tan in the sun. And nobody looks cute with a sunburn. Also, don't think you are off the hook if you have darker skin. The sun will still be just as damaging. Just slather on that white stuff, your skin will thank you.

6. Go to a festival or concert! This is the time of year when these events are in full bloom, so take advantage of it! It is the perfect opportunity to dress up and have a good time. And just a note: you don't have to buy expensive tickets to see super-famous bands! There are tons of local bands everywhere, and they tend to have the most awesome performances. These shows are dirt-cheap to free, and so much fun. Intimate, laid back, and totally hip, it's a great way to support your local musicians, and to know about them before (that is if) they ever get famous. I can't wait for the day when my band, The Blue Hour, starts to play gigs. Music and summer together make beautiful, well, music!

7. Become a cuisine connoisseur! Get a group of friends and venture to the hottest restaurants in your area. It is great to experience new things together, and summer leaves plenty of time to spread your palette and discover the wonderful flavors of the world. You can even learn to cook, if you want, and cater your own dinner parties. I am personally a very domesticated girl, and the kitchen is where I feel the most at home. I used to love to whip up concoctions with my friends and pretend we were on our own little cooking show. A fun foody-party theme: The idea here is Iron Chef. Get a bunch of friends together and form two or three teams, pick a few judges, and select a secret ingredient. If you have never seen Iron Chef, the point is to make as many dishes as you can in certain amount of time with the secret ingredient. It's great to see what people come up with. If this is too much activity for you, simply try to master the grill on your own. There is no ability more valuable for summer than this one. Throw a barbecue or picnic to test your skills.

8. Get a job! I could personally use one right now. Find a place you really like, whether it be in retail or an office. Bookstores are great places to work. You meet people with similar interests and are surrounded by books! If reading isn't your thing, try out retail. You can try major stores, or, for the more cultured types, a vintage store. First dibs and the hottest new item is beyond awesome, and hello? Discount! Waiting tables can really help one to rake in the money. Not only are you paid a regular wage, but you get tips on top of it all. Don't get a job unless you think you will really enjoy it. You will only be miserable during the time that is supposed to be enjoyable, and that is just no fun for anyone. If you are lucky enough not to need a job, move on to the next tip.

9. Take up a hobby! We should always strive to improve ourselves, and there is guaranteed to be a class, team, or activity out there to suit your needs. Become a yoga master at your local gym, take a dance class, improve your artistic skills, learn to play an instrument, train for a marathon, join a team. There are so many things to do, it's insane! If there is something you have alway wanted to try, just do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Hobbies can open your life to a new world and help you to meet amazing people who share your passions. Don't be shy, just get out there and try it out.

10. Reconnect with friends! Many people think that summer can cause friends to grow apart, but I believe that summer is the perfect opportunity to get together with those you may have lost touch with during the busy school year. I know there are people who I used to be incredibly close to, but with whom I've not recently connected with due to us being preoccupied with our own separate lives. This season is ideal for rekindling those friendships. Do any of the things on this list, invite them to your parties, make an effort to get together. It is so important to make the first step. Waiting around never got anyone what they wanted, so call them up, send a message or a text, whatever. The point is to make contact and make an effort. You won't regret it!

The best advice I can give you is don't let yourself get bored. There are so many things this world has to offer, and it is all at your fingertips. Don't get lazy! Get off the couch, away from the television or computer, and make memories. Take a camera everywhere and scrapbook you adventures when Summer ends. You will always have that little treasure to look back on. Video scrapbooks work too! Film your friends every chance you get and compile the footage into a little fun movie of your summer.

So what are your plans? Who are you making them with? What are you looking forward to? No matter what happens, remember to have fun, laugh, and live. You know I will ;)



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Obsession: Miu Miu Crisscross Bootie

Holy crap, I need this shoe. Purple, crisscrossed, and in bootie form? Where do I sign up?
I honestly can't get enough of Miu Miu shoes. Season after season, I am captivated by the delectable foot adornments that Miuccia Prada magically presents. How she works such magic on me, I will never know. What I do know is that I love these booties more than words could ever say. They would be perfect will little dresses and tights or over the knee socks, skinny jeans, or fellow coveted item, leather pants. I love how the two-toned deliciousness works perfectly to cultivate a both fun and sophisticated style. I want them, I need them, I have got to have them.

Where is $575.00 when you need it?



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Color Me Lovely

I am growing increasingly bored with myself every minute. I want to be fun, and stylish, and quirky and just something, but I feel so plain and boring right now.

I am contemplating coloring my hair red again to give myself a little boost. My mane is currently a pale chestnut hue, which I'm sure it is actually a lovely color, but all my eyes see is mousy. What's a girl to do? I went fiery ginger a few months back and I loved it, which is strange considering my previous disdain for warm-toned hair on myself. My locks are seriously damaged and beat-up thanks to years of self imposed coloring ventures. It's my drug, to say the least, and I obsessively crave change on this particular feature. I have been nearly black (my natural hue), highlighted auburn, chocolate brown, near-blonde, and fire red. Out of everything I have tried, I must say that red imparts the most excitement and confidence in myself. Also, It gives my long waves a mermaid sparkle and makes me feel like somewhat of a mystical nymph. What more could I ask for?

There is an awesome conditioner from Aveda that deposits a lavish shade of scarlet to lighter hair. It gives just as much color than dye and actually makes my hair healthier. I adore Aveda products, and if you are clueless as to what they are, you need to look it up. Like now. They are botanically based and use organic ingredients, smell like foresty lusciousness, use recycled packaging, and leave my usual frizzily insane hair completely gorgeous and shiny. I can be green and pretty all at once.

So should I just go for it? I always feel so nervous when I decide to make a change, but I suppose it will wash out eventually and it could be a nice little pick-me-up.

It's time to reinvent. And rebel.




confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Saturday, June 14, 2008

More Inspiration and Life

I have been in an ethereal mood today. Though, then again, when am I not? I love stumbling upon gorgeous photography, the kind where you can't help but the be drawn in and imagine an entire story to go along with it. These are all really doing it for me at the moment, and I find myself yearning to live in the fantasy worlds that are portrayed here. I would like flowers for my hair and a fluffy, sheer frock, please. Oh, and I wouldn't mind an enchanted forest to reside in, either. Yeah, thanks.





My yard used to resemble a little fairytale-esque wood, but the once flowing grass has since been mowed to nonexistence and has dried and shriveled to a sad shade of tan. Depression =( On the bright side, we still have plenty of woodland critters, with a countless number of new baby squirrels. We came across an injured one today, as a matter of fact, and we are positive one of our dogs got to it. He was rushed to our local humane society and we are sure he will be alright. The fruit trees are also flourishing beautifully and I will soon have an abundance of yummy summer sustenance.

I am, however, in serious need of a get-away. Home life has been sitting on the mundane -- not to mention stressful -- side, and I just wish I could go on vacation somewhere lovely and exciting. Or maybe relaxing. Yes, I think I could some major relaxation at this moment in time. The official start of summer is rapidly approaching, and it couldn't come soon enough for me.

Can anyone say beach trip? I'm so there.



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Kitty Update

In a previous post I spoke of finding three itty-bitty kitties by the railroad tracks. We went back last night -- or rather early this morning, at about 1:00 -- and they were still there, being as cute as ever. We managed to catch them, after nearly two hours of failed attempts, and brought them back home. My oh my, were they a handful! The little black one was quite skiddish and hissed every time we got too close. He even nipped and clawed a bit. The other two were very calm in temperament and rather inquisitive. One even managed to escape from the cage that we were keeping them in and put up quite the chase. She hid behind a bookcase in the front living room and then managed to dart to our other living room and shimmy behind the wood burning fireplace. It was extremely frightening.

I stayed up nearly the entire night with them, and slept (from about six to nine) on the living room floor in the main house. I would have liked to have been able to take them back into my room, but alas, I have two pups who wouldn't have been too happy about that. It was a long night, to say the least. We handed all three off today to a friend who is a certified Animal Planet rescuer and who has experience in fostering kitties. I miss them already, but I know they will find wonderfully loving homes.

I am nothing short of lethargic today, and I am feeling quite ill at that. I think I am done with rescuing kittens for a while, though it did bring me an indescribable joy to do something like this. I have a deep motherly instinct, and I feel the need to nurture every chance I get. I hope the kitties will be happy in time, though they are very scared and confused at this point. I completely love the fact that I am a crazy cat lady. It's kind of fun... and completely exhausting.

Time for little a cat nap? I think so. (haha! Get it? CAT nap? Oh boy, I crack myself up.)



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Illusions

I would like announce that I am hopelessly in love with chocolate dipped Oreos. I can't control myself. I think I am in need of professional help. In other news, here is a little poetry for you all.

Illusion lies in your hands tonight.
Searching for something wrong to make this right.
But the only illusion is there inside your mind.

We're dancing beneath a purple sky.
The writhing ground won't ask us why.
We shake the air with laughter as time floats by.

The words that you let fall behind,
From your dripping mouth as we all unwind.
We all fall down to the illusions in our mind.


I love not knowing what I'm trying to say. It's fun. Go dark poetry, yeah!



confections&kisses,
Stephanie