My backpack's got jets

Sorry for the month long sabbatical! Cara and I have been adjusting and preparing for the last long haul. It is now officially our last semester in college! Instead of discussing the oh-so-many ways in which my years of academia have been useful for me in preparation for the future, I would rather talk about one of my favorite things...Nerds, Geeks, and Star Wars!

Okay, so recently I was thinking about learning and how television and pop culture fit into this realm of new media. When someone says the words: "nerd" or "geek" what do you first think of?

So, let's be real, I'm a nerd or a prefer Geek Chic. I told someone this and they thought I was being derogatory on how I viewed myself. I am proud to be a nerd! It is not something that holds a negative connotation or a positive one. It just is a fact.

Since I realized that I'm not even on the surface of being the ultimate nerd, with yoda-like wisdomosidity in all things nerd, I started doing research. I wanted to know what qualified in becoming the ultimate nerd, so in other words, I started "geeking out" on how to be a geek. (Silly I know...) I discovered that there is no right consensus. There are endless mediums and explanations for nerd-culture.

On a side note: this is a really neat graphic that I found that was the most all encompassing. <http://9.mshcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/The-Evolution-of-the-Geek.jpg>

Anyways, has the term geek become associated with being an expert in a particular field? If this is the case, then everyone is a geek at something. I would hope that everyone has excelled in some sort of field. I'm not just talking about a scholarly advancement of trades or knowledge, but anything. It could be a hobby or a social skill or some sort of street smarts that you cannot learn from simply books.

Either way, I conclude by suggesting that everyone could be classified as a nerd or geek in some way. You might not go to Comic Con every year, but you might know something so well that you are now an "expert" in that area of expertise, which makes you that nerd.

There is something endearing about being labeled as the underdog in our culture. From now on geek and nerd is a compliment for me. I may be a fashioista, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, video game playing, D&D dice rolling, film snob, fairy tale connoisseur kind of nerd, but I like that!

Outfit:
Dress- Borrowed from sister
Ring & Necklace- Forever 21
Tights- Target
Shoes- Thrift store, Goodwill

What I'm listening to is MC Chris' song "Fett's Vette" (genius clash of gangsta and uber Star Wars nerd)

Bittersweet Between my Teeth

With a quick break between finals...I thought I would bring back the summer breeze. Here's an outfit from the summer that I never posted and really liked!! I think I was going for some kind of washed up nautical mermaid look...I'm not really sure.

Outfit:
Crop Top- Forever 21
Skirt- Merona, Target
Necklace- North Carolina Aquarium Gift Shop
Shoes- Liz Claiborne, Goodwill
Ring- Forever 21

Music: The Naked and Famous "Young Blood"

Come Back as Fire

Let's talk about closets today!

I am a firm believer in Organized Clutter! This means that you know where everything is, but no one else may understand your methods-and-ways at first glance. My closet is something that needs to stay fresh. I like to keep things organized, in my own clever way. I have things grouped by what they are...dresses, long sleeves, tanks, jeans, purses, underthings, etc... I used to make sure everything was color coated, but I do not have the time to be so meticulous anymore. Although, I still make sure to use non-wire hangers, it keeps clothes less limp.

I have recently invested in organizational things. I got some under-the-bed storage systems to put all my crafty things in. I bought a purse holder that hangs in your closet. I also have a belt hook that hangs up and a rack of shoe cubbyholes that hang up. There are hooks on my wall for my jewelry. At the back of my closet, I have a sash that holds my headbands and sunglasses! It looks cute and has easy access to what I need, when I need it. I am constantly cleansing things that I don't need.

I don't want to become a hoarder or so dependent on material things, but I do take pride in making sure I look my best everyday. It helps to keep your space, room, and clothes clean. I do love the smell and warmth of laundry!

I'm very serious when it comes to clothes. Growing up with an older sister there was always a fight over "borrowing" clothes. We would catch each other wearing each others clothes and then Bitch-it out over the justifications of stealing or borrowing or asking to wear each other pieces.
Now-a-days, I'm more lenient with letting people wear my things, but I want them to ask, not take. It's all about the R-E-S-P-E-C-T, for others, yourself, and your things!

Outfit:
Hat- UO
Jacket-Dad's Old Army Helicopter Jacket from 'Nam
Top Dress- UO, Lark & Wolff
Belt- UO
Orange Dress- Target, Gilligan & O'Malley/Sleepware(I used a silver hair clip to keep the straps together on the back)
Boots- Nike, Plato's Closet

Inspiration: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Today I'm listening to: Nirvana - "Frances Farmer will have her Revenge"

Super Supreme di-ba-be-di-oh

I still have Fall fever!

The leaves changing, scarves, tights, and all those rich jewel tones! It really puts me in the holiday mood. First, Halloween, then Turkey-day, and finally Christmas (or whatever winter festivities you partake in)! It's so exciting!

One part of this season means that it's almost NaNoWriMo time again!! NaNoWriMo means, National Novel Writing Month (ie. November)! This year Cara and I are going to write novels again and I am getting keyed up for the entire process! I have been brainstorming for a few months now, just wating for November to start!

My novel is called "Hearters" and it's a young-adult fantasy novel about a human family who lives in a world where the Hearters are second class citizens and how a series of events leads to thier family being torn apart. It's basically a story about all sorts of fantastical beings; like all the nerdy things to write about: witches, wizards, vampires, shapeshifters, beasts, and a race called the Fairen.

So, I look forward to the 50,000 word challenge! Unfortunately, I know that my schoolwork is going to become harder to keep up with and that my blogposts will become less frequent or just shorter...sorry in advance!

Outfit:
top- ReRuns, vintage
skirt- Christopher & Banks, thrifted
tights- target
ring and headband- Forever 21
shoes- Easyspirit, thrifted

These pics were taken right outside our front door!
I'm listening to Alphabeat - "10,000 Nights"

What I Want My Life To Be

A Day in the Life of Kelly:
Today was a great day!!
I woke up at the crack of 10ish! And then I stumbled to the coffee that I now drink every morning! I think I sing "the best part of wakin' up is Folder's in my cup" every morning. (Probably to my roomies annoyances)
Then I watched TLC, What Not to Wear - love this show!! Then we decided to photoshoot it up...I got to play in the leaves with Cara and embrace Fall-time! :D Okay, so my hair was not cooperating at all, but I embraced my wildwoman/Amazon hair and let the leaves fall where they may.
It's not all butterfilies and roses, I had to go to class; I went to Western Civilization and learned I got a B on my midterm. Not too shabby. Then I went to Technical Writing, learned a little somethin'-somethin' about Graphics and got to go home early!
When I got home I ate some of my Dad's lasagna leftovers (Yummy!) Then all my friendzies came over and we watched Project RUnway!! I am so excited for the finale next week! I hope Anya wins! ANd I love that Zoe Saldana guest starred today! Loves <3
So, that's my day!! Now, I need to get ready to buy FLorence + the Machine tickets tomorrow!!


Outfit:
Jumper-Salvation Army
Plaid Button Up- Re Runs
Headband-Forever 21
Bunchy Socks-Urban Outfitters
Boots-Urban Outfitters

Music: Those Dancing Days - "Hitten"

Better Lock it, in your Pocket

This is my favorite Fall look! It might look like I'm going to a square-dance or a harvest hoedown, but I like to mix the country/floral sweetness with a bit of nerdy and edge. Hence, the big spotted black and brown glasses (or as Cara says BCGs) and the Madonna lace black gloves.

In reality, I would probably wear this if I was going out with some friends or even out dancing (probably not a farmer barn dance, but possibly...maybe some where like Pitchfork Festival, though)!

Another reason I really like this dress is the print and coloring. It is a peachy color, but has bright pops of purple, orange, and red for the floral print. If you look really close there is also little Roman-esq structured domed buildings on it too. The lace around the edges give it some frill and make it sweet, but also a bit folksy-old-fashioned!

Overall, super cute and fun to spin in circles in!

Outfit:
dress- Wild Man Vintage
lace gloves- Forever 21
glasses- Forever 21
shoes- thrifted

I'm currently listening to The Pierces' song called "Secret"

You're Skins so Fair, it's not Fair

I'm constantly inspired by Roman and Grecian styles. One of my favorite TV series was Rome (it's 2 seasons that focus on Julius Caesar and Marc Antony = wondrous!) This love for antiquity maybe started when I watched Disney's Hercules or maybe ever since I got to build the Colosseum out of marshmallows and toothpicks in elementary school!

There is just something about the elements of Greek and Roman mythology; drapery, gold, popping colors set in marble, and intricate detailing that makes me a sucker for the classics. In the show Rome, fashion plays importnat role in setting up the scene and Invoking the Muse.

This outfit makes me think of a wearable interpretation of this. The gold flats are something that I've had for a long time and always add an extra kick (no pun intended) to any outfit. The belt is subtle and has a cute heart clasp to cinch in for the waist. The hairband is brown and braided suede chords. I'm obsessed with braided items right now!
I guess this look was my own little "Ode to a Grecian Urn," but in a contemporary way and a cute switch from the toga party boring white bed sheet.

Outfit:
Dress- thrifted, Liz Claiborne (Petit Dresses)
Shoes- bag sale, Carysma brand
Belt- I have no idea...
Headband- Forever 21
Ring- Forever 21

Listening To: St. Vincent's "Your Lips are Red"

Alleyways and Payphone Calls

This was the first "photo shoot" that I ever did. I remember thinking it was silly because I didn't want to be one of those people who take their own MySpace shots. You know the ones from above where you can see their arm and it just looks silly! I had just got a new Fujifilm camera and wanted to test the waters. So, I set the timer and just dove in. I didn't really know what I was doing, but then I realized that it is all about the clothes!

So this is from forever ago...I must have been 16 or 17. It's funny because I still have that dress, in fact I wore it this past weekend! It's awesome not only does it look good with or without a belt, but the color is great too! It's not quite white or tan, but a blend fabric and it's double layered so you don't have to worry about wearing a slip or anything underneath. (I mean except your underwear ;) I also still wear that belt! It's a "go-to" belt when I need something to pair with a skirt and blouse or pinch in a dress, since it's black it goes with everything!

Outfit:
Dress - Lux by UO
Necklace - from Italy
Leggings - Forever 21
Belt - local outlet store
Shoes - my sisters' heels

Where: my room from high school
Music: "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Where the Light Is

It was a loverly hotty day on the Little Bit O'Heaven Farm when we took these pictures. BUt despite the Sahara-like heat I think they turned out fairley well! Cara and I bought the same skirt at the summer sidewalk sale, but when we wore them we wanted to bring our own unique styles to them. I added lots of accessories and Cara detailed her skirt with a neat graphic tee!

It's a fun skirt because it has all these colorful mini shapes that make a funky pattern and the yellow is just so striking, that you could wear a white shirt and you would still stand out. I wore this outfit on a hot day, but also I might throw it on if I wanted to go out to dinner with my friends or to go to class.

Outfit:
Shirt- my Oma's old top
Skirt- UO
SHoes- $3 at a Garage Sale
Headband- I'm not sure where I got this? (it might be my sisters!)
Braclets- Gift from my Dad from Korea
Belt- @ Bag Sale

Listening to: "Gold Lion" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Pumped!

Being a broke college kid means savings! There are plenty of ways to save when you are poor like me! The key is to reuse and recycle!

I like to rummage through my parents closet. I don’t just limit myself to my Mom’s side either; my Dad has some cute old vintage tees and plaid work shirts with paint splatters. He also has some really awesome belts! My Mom has so many random clothes, too. Some are from back in the day, like her leather motorcycle vest and old military uniforms. Recently, I have even taken to wearing some of her old swimsuits that are krazy prints and we also wear the same shoe size!

I am the younger sister so I grew up with hand-me-downs! We used to constantly fight over who stole what from each others' laundry basket. I still love clothes swapping and borrowing each others’ stuff. Between my friends and family, I am able to scrounge up some awesome finds!

Giving back to Thrift Stores or Goodwill, not only makes me feel good, but it also allows more room in my wardrobe. I love going to Plato’s Closet or Arizona Trading Company or vintage stores and getting money back for last year’s clothes.

This outfit was from a while ago, Cara and I had fun just dancing around taking pictures out our own front door. I would wear this outfit to go out in or even just to go shopping . The good thing about this dress is that it can be dressed up, with accessories and heels, or down, with some sneakers and socks. The color and fit are important. This dress is such a neutral color so it can be worn doing anything and also has a good fit.

Outfit:

Head wrap- Indian Silk Scarf from my Mum

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Shorts- Black Soffe

Bracelets- Forever 21 Bangles

Locket Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Shoes- Black Nine West Pumps

Location: Our Appt, parking lot/alleyway

Music: Foster the People - “Pumped up Kicks”

Show Me Your Teeth

I’m the other half! Cara and I have known each other since we were babies running around in pigtails watching Lion King. Since the little girl days, we have traded our diapers and Barbies for a slew of clothes, shoes, and a kick ass wardrobe to play dress up! (Okay...so we still play dress up!) We already parade around town taking pictures of ourselves, so we might as well blog about it. Fashion is something that I have always loved and my style is constantly going through drastic turnovers and evolutions.

Soooo it is summertime and in case you haven’t been outside for the past few months, you don’t watch the news, or have been hibernating in Alaska it is a scorcher outside! I mean dragon-inferno-flaming-firey-pits-of-hell hot. All I can think about is going swimming and sitting inside in front of the fan drinking ice cold lemonade! Luckily, I spent my first half of summer in England and have been influenced by my travels though London, Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands. Traveling made me realize how hard it is to live out of a suitcase and now that I’m back it’s time to kick summerwear into full gear!

My new loves at the moment are pastel jumpers, braided headbands, high-waisted floral shorts, folded down boots, and my fuchsia Speedo swimsuit!

Overall, I would describe my fashion sense as an emporium where whimisical meets practicality, a menagerie of colorful confection. Someone once described my style as a mix between an old lady’s antique wardrobe and a child’s dress up box. I’m a bit crazy, but I like to take risks and keep it classy, usually.

This is me just monkeying around!

Headband: a sash from a dress

Shirt: my Oma gave it to me!

Shorts: Soffe

Location: My Closet

Music: Lady Gaga’s “Teeth” (in honor of Shark Week)