Simple & Perfect

(source: Stockholm Street Style)

Bahama Mamas

Just got done editing a few of the pictures we took on Sunday Funday on our way back from the Bahamas. Right around when the sun was setting was so beautiful, I just couldn't resist getting out my big camera...which attracts a lot of attention :) Misti, Ciara and Liz joined the photoshoot. The girls and I had so much fun with our little captain hats, we were trendsetters!

Backyard Bliss

(Express Leather Jacket, H&M Hair Bow, Vintage Leopard Slip Skirt, Chloe-Look-a-like BCBG booties, Vintage purse and bracelet, Museums Smykker Necklace)

Spent the weekend on a cruise ship to the Bahamas and am actually very glad to be back in Iowa. Not that the Bahamas isn't beautiful, it's just nice to be back to working on my art and photos. I'm not very good with "fun-filled" vacations! A trip to NYC or Europe is what I really could have used...

Documentation

(Aerie Plaid boyfriend nightshirt, Samsøe & Samsøe white bodycon dress, random black tights, Acne Wedges, Vintage Jewelry)

These pictures were taken by my friend Mary when she visited a few weeks ago. She took some candid shots of me documenting my art work in my studio. I am currently building my portfolio for graduate school, so this is a typical thing for me to be doing.  Always documenting, tracking progress...the camera has been a permanent accessory :)

I've been on a cruise from Miami to the Bahamas all weekend and just got back around 3am last night, so I'm pretty beat today. I have a feeling its going to be a rough week. 

Pick your poison

(Lauren Moffatt Vintage Blazer, Second Jarbo double layer mesh tank, Lux Acid Wash Skinny Jeans, Sam Edelman Platform Booties, vintage bracelets, Urban Outfitters beaded necklace)

Rode my bike to class again today and almost got hit by a car on the highway. So I was glad to hear that my car was fixed (thank goodness for my warranty). I biked over to pick up my car and tried to throw my bike in my tiny trunk. Made it two blocks and it fell into the road, sending the man behind me on a honking spree....I scattered out and threw the bike back in the trunk. Quite the comical scene, I imagine.

The painting fumes in the studio are making me extra goofy lately. I've switched to acrylic and watercolor for a little while to give my head a break :)

Of corsets me

(American Apparel Mesh Bodysuit, Urban Outfitters Floral Corset, Vintage Belt, Forever 21 Skirt, Vintage Leather and Suede Boots, Museums Smykker Necklace, Infinity Indian Necklace, Vintage bracelets)

My car broke down and I have had no other choice but to ride my bike around. Riding a bike in high heels and a mini skirt is very challenging, especially on Iowa terrain....lots of hills, highways....I'm surprised I survived. ha! And the looks I got, well that's just another story.

Sleepy

These photos were actually taken at night with a small nightlight beside the bed, but I love the fact that editing can completely change the atmosphere of a photograph...allowing these images to feel like early morning shots.

I love you Alexander Wang

(source: tfs)

Dear Shoe Gods, 

I would absolutely love to own at least two pairs of these. I promise to love you forever and ever. Amen. 

xo

Lolo

Silkscreen

Last year I took a silkscreen class and this is one of my prints. It was a good transformation from taking my images and making them into a print rather than a painting. Something fun and different.

the truth is tiptoeing the edge of my skirt

(Ella Moss Black lace slip dress, Revival Cardigan, Vintage Jewelry, Secondhand studded heels from Italy, Vintage Bag)

Being that I am always working with my hands and wearing high heels so darn much, I don't ever have much time to manicure my fingers and toes...I also don't really care, ha! They get chipped within minutes of doing them...Oh well I say.

The weather is still so beautiful, it's been perfect outside lately. These photos were taken right outside the University of Iowa Public Library.

will you look me up when you come around

(Ella Moss Nude Slip dress, Samsøe & Samsøe bodycon dress, vintage necklace, Forever 21 scarf worn as headwrap, Mom's pearl earrings)

Baby Ariel with baby Ralph.

Don't you know you're my best friend and I've been having such a hard time making new ones... 

I really miss my ushi bang.  

Sheer business

(Source: Caroline's Mode)

Man oh man....my love for these pictures styled by Caroline is out of control.  Iowa is in some trouble because I am bound to be parading around in things similar to this... I am obsessed with bodysuits and anything sheer or studded! Ma ma!

xo

80's Ragbrai

(Vintage Ragbrai t-shirt, B Skinny Jeans, Vintage Jordache Sandals, Revival Silver Rings, Roommates random black ring, vintage bracelets, Erica Weiner Vertebrae Necklace)

The other day I spent 16 hours in my studio! These were taken around 1 am when I decided I had painted enough for one day....

xo

Irving Penn

(Source: Google Images)

Irving Penn is the photographer who changed the way women were photographed in fashion. He is the man who brought in the plain backgrounds: simple white/black/gray backdrops and he's in his 90's and still photographing! 

He photographed beautiful women for years and years and then he started to photograph trash! This is the sort of transition I am in with my paintings, though not a complete turn from the human form. For years I painted beautiful photorealistic women and now these women have turned into something different. Something damaged and not always so beautiful. Well not to get all serious on you, but I feel like his photography is something to take into consideration here. 

And I think the top photo may have inspired Caroline's Mode lace bunny ears! :)

xo

Somethings

Photographer: Adam Hascall 

(Top photo: Vintage Leather corset dress, Forever 21 Pearls, Urban Outfitters headband, mom's old pearl earrings, random ring Bottom Photo: Vintage Wedding Dress, Ella Moss Nude Slip, Kenzie Heels, Gap gold sequin scarf, DIY flowers in hair)

Last winter I did this photo shoot with my friend Adam for his final portfolio in photography class.  He's a photo major at the University of Iowa and I am hopeful that you will see more of his handy work up sometime in the future. For now, its off to bed for me. I've had a killer headache since I left work, I believe I may have semi-poisoned myself with bug spray....haha

xo