All about the braids

Sorry about the random disappearances lately.  A lot of life changing events going on!  Finally getting back to blogging and happy about it.  A little braiding inspiration for the middle of the week.  It doesn't seem to matter what time of year it is, I always seem to fall back on different types of braids when I'm feeling blah with my hair.  I can't help it.  There's something so effortlessly beautiful about a braid, be it messy, tight, up, down or across.  I don't discriminate, I love them all!

Akira Fashion Show

 (Motel Leopard Print Dress)

 (Free People Navajo Dress and Black Lace Slip, Urban Outfitters Mixed Chain Necklace, Vintage Velvet Jacket, Acne Atacoma Wedges)

Spent Sunday night at the Akira Fashion Show, which ended up being tons of fun.  My roommate Kitty and I just had general admission tickets so we couldn't see the show well at all, but we had a wonderful time playing dress up at the venue.  Loved seeing everyone dressed up!  I was obsessing over the black fringe dress on the Akira representative, but couldn't find it in my size.  And how adorable is the guy with the bow tie? I ended up getting a tight little black dress with adorned shoulders and leaving the leopard print dress behind, since I already have a sleeveless one very similar by Motel.  Its already starting to get pretty chilly in Chicago, my favorite time of year is fall so I'm excited to experience it in a new city. 

The back way

(Freeloader Grey Deep V Back asymmetrical tank, American Apparel Micro Mesh Bra, Grey Sweater from Denmark, Akira Black Tie Skirt, Urban Outfitters Mixed Media Necklace, Jeffrey Campbell Snick Wedges)


Finally a blog post! This one is dedicated to the lovely Morgen in Iowa City, since she brought the fact that I wasn't to my attention.  Miss you love bug! Here is the back way out of my 3rd story apartment.  Complete with Gnomes, walking sticks, graffiti and of course brick walls and locked gates.
Life has been hectic since my move to chicago, between my new job, getting settled into my apartment, selling my car, catching the flu bug and looking for art gigs, I feel like I haven't had much time to do anything else. But things are finally starting to come together so I'll have more time for the things I like to do...
I'm so happy to be in a big city, even if the adjustment has been a bit rough.  As my mom said to me, "Lauren, you're not in Kansas (ummm...Iowa) anymore."  And it's true.  I have definitely lost my sense of direction, familiarity, and the closeness I had in Iowa City.  I'm excited for all of the opportunities that seem to be available and I intend to take full advantage of them.
xo

Don't you let me go tonight...

(Secondhand chiffon floral top, Citizen of Humanity skinny jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Clogs, Vintage and Forever 21 rings, Vintage necklace, random watch, Forever 21 headband, Express bralette) 


Lykke Li continues to be my favorite.  Sitting alone in the efficiency I'm staying at in Iowa City after not being able to go to work earlier tonight due to rain. Wishing to already be permanently in Chicago living in the beautiful apartment that my boyfriend and I have....missing him more. Wishing I had more outfits because I'm running out of options more quickly that I'd prefer.  Cant wait to show you my new roommate, she's the cutest ever :)

Candy flavored mission to the moon

(top photos: Nylon Magazine, Copenhagen Fashion Week. Other images: original artwork by me)


I know pastel highlights are nothing new, but I can't help that I want still find myself thinking about and wanting them.  I even made an appointment in July to get them done but ended up having to work when I scheduled it.  They are subtle, yet fun.  Do I still do it?  I'm interviewing for jobs in Chicago, so maybe I should wait, but at the same time I want to just do it. Ahhh.....
So I've been thinking a lot about pastels, and light colors, fabrics and textures when I came across these images I made back in 2005.  They are my own original drawings collaged with items I scanned in the computer.  I used coffee filters, fabric, jewelry, and even went as far as putting cotton candy ice cream on my scanner. To end my thoughts on all things sweet and girly, the heading of this post is a tattoo I have down my right rib cage...I just can't help but be attracted to sweet, candy like ideas...

Window Sill

(Forever 21 White V-Neck, Zara Jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Wedges, Vintage Bracelets, necklaces, and scarf)


My favorite summer hairstyle has been the side fishtail braid.  It's so easy and fun, it makes a simple outfit not so simple.  And people always comment on it.  Since I'm living out of a bag of basic clothing, mostly work clothes, I'm having to get creative in other ways.
I'm staying in an efficiency in downtown Iowa City right now and it's so cute, I love old buildings.  Snapped these quickly right before I was on my way to run errands this afternoon.

Happy Hollow

(Zara Chambray Button-up, Goldesign black jeggings, Urban Outfitters beige tank, Forever 21 Sunnies,  all vintage jewelry, Aldo Wedges, Top Secret Snakeskin Tube Bra)


I haven't been around but its because I have super exciting news!  I moved to the windy city of Chicago!  Yipppeeee!  I'm so excited to start blogging from my new city.  I have a beautiful apartment in Wicker Park, right by some amazing little shops and great restaurants.  I'm still hanging out in Iowa until I can get my car sold though, so I've got a bag of clothes and shoes and my jewelry box to keep me sane.  I've had a hard knack for some serious vintage jewelry lately, so bad that I can't close my vintage jewelry box anymore...I keep telling myself this is a good thing, but I can't wrap my head around replacing the jewelry box I have because I love it so much.  I found this amazing owl necklace straight out of the 70's in a store called Vintageville in Riverside, Iowa.  Cheap vintage finds are definitely one thing I will miss about Iowa.  So if anyone has any friends in Chicago or know of any job opportunities or small shop recommendations please feel free to email me :)

Also please check out the link below: I was featured on the Guide to Art Schools 50 Best Fashion Design Blogs.  There are a lot of really great blogs to check out on here also.  This is a great site with wonderful resources!

http://www.guidetoartschools.com/tips-and-tools/fashion-design-blogs

Humidity

(vintage hand sewn skirt, vintage cropped velvet top, forever 21 necklace, shoedazzle heels)

I picked up this fun skirt at the Goodwill months ago and it has just been sitting in my closet.  I spotted it on the rack, saw the $2 price tag and couldn't control the urge to buy.  Soon I'll find a place to wear it.

 The humidity is nearly unbearable here.  The minute I walked outside with my camera, the lenses fogged so bad that it created a haze over all of my photos...so why not just work with the challenges that life gives you?  Being outside feels like being in a sauna, literally.  And most of my shifts at work lately have been on the patio so I spend my hours there with rosy cheeks and a sticky forehead.  Oh the joys of extreme weather changes in the midwest.

I've been doing more research for MFA grad programs in San Francisco and had a phone interview yesterday.  It went really well, and it looks as though I could be starting classes in September and moving in October! I'm so excited I could jump up and down!  No more small town Iowa. Okay, off to work in this dreaded humidity yet another night....

xo

Go if you wanna go, but I won't follow...

(Beulah Asymmetrical Sheer Top, Vintage Levi's, Forever 21 Necklace, Express Leopard Print Bra, Vintage Boots)

Leave if you wanna leave, but I won't be here when you come home...

Getting excited thinking about new beginnings and leaving this familiar path.  Trying new things, putting myself out on the line, taking risks, exploring the unknown, falling through gravity....I'm so ready.  

I was supposed to work on the patio today downtown, but a big bad storm came rolling through around lunch time and I got to do some much needed research and fun photo time after the storm passed.  I also picked up these vintage Italian boots today at one of my favorite second hand shops, Revival...for $20...a steal! It's also fun to have really tiny feet.

I've been so pleased with the versatility of this top, I will be sure to document what I mean by that. I really just need to start carrying my giant camera with me more places.  We are celebrating a few of my good friends birthdays tomorrow night, so I'll remember to get a few pictures of the beautiful lace dress I am wearing with these new boots! I've noticed that I tend to purchase similar articles of clothing...I can't help myself.  What can I say? I know what I like....