Nomadic // Free

Ralph Lauren Ruffle Blouse // Belk

Lace Cami // Target?

Elizabeth and James High Waist Tennis-Skirt // Neiman Marcus

"Pearl" Strand // Kohls

Floral Flats // Nordstrom

I don’t think we should try to make space our own. I believe that as modern people we should live in mobility. We should always be moving.

                                                -Yohji Yamamoto

 

I find myself often wondering what the view is like from somewhere else, as someone else, in some other time or some other mood. That’s the heart of me – the fabric of my body, my soul, my mind. And that’s why I wonder about you.

I wonder where the rage comes from. The hostility for everything and everyone. I wonder where it will lead you – I wonder where you think the loathing will guide you. And I wonder where the goodness goes - where the kindness dissapates from you…leaving your body for the air and space and everywhere in between.

You seem immobile to me and I think that’s what I find the most confusing. There’s no desire in you to change – but an intense determination to change everyone else. I wonder if you’re standing up against something. I wonder if you know what you’re fighting for, because I don’t, and I’ve frightened for you - I don’t know that anyone ever will.

I wonder what the view is like from where you choose to stand. Where you choose to isolate yourself. Where you choose to freeze yourself with your burning detestation.

I hope the view is nice from there, but I don’t see how it could be. I don’t see how you can drape yourself with the fabric you’ve chosen.

Just remember that you can change. I know you can, if you find that you want to. And if you choose to travel beyond the small borders you’ve made, you might find that the view is nice here too.

And there are so many more vistas to discover - if you’ll only open your eyes to them. Someday, maybe, learn to enjoy the silence rather than the sound of your calculated words and sentences; inorganic and harsh.

The more you move – the easier it will be.

Trust me for once. 

---A letter to someone I know. Likely to fall on deaf ears, but we all know someone like that...

Have a wonderful weekend~

Jenna B.

To be modern is to tear the soul out of every thing.

 

Dress, Corset, and Slip // Handmade - my own

Shoes // Macy's

        Yohji Yamamoto is one of the wisest and most talented people I've ever had the privilege of knowing without actually knowing. When I read his quotes and snippets from his autobiography (a book I hope to own soon - My Dear Bomb) I feel a certain kinship. There's something immensely compelling about a man who can unite people from vastly different demographic groups with ideas and thought.

        On that note, I've been inspired to begin blogging again - as a motivator. 

         I've had this post as a draft with nothing written for close to 4 months now. I made these pieces for my independent study project final at school. I loved the process and I loved the results.

         Since then, I took a trip to New York, as mentioned in a previous post. My time there was amazing, I made 3 new garments, which are far better than these, I met some of the most talented individuals I know and I realized that fashion was, in fact, the absolute and definite purpose of my life. Not because I think it's cool, or easy but because it let me say something. Say something worth expressing. Think thoughts worth sharing.

          I hope this blog will inspire me to continue doing that - in spite of the fact that work is piling up, college applications are looming, my portfolio needs attention and I can't say for certain when I'll have time to make things or even think of making things.

          I suppose I'll just have to make some...

Until then~

Jenna B.

And I wait for the Postman to bring me a Letter...

Outfit Details

Striped Sweater - Hinge: Nordstrom

Jeans - Target

Sandini Leather Boots - Nordstrom

Perfect Red Satchel - The Cambridge Satchel Company: modcloth.com

----...----...----...----

 I think there's something rather wonderful about a letter in the mail. Snail mail, you might call it.

There's something to be said for writing in your best penmanship, on crisp paper and mailing someone a note. As opposed to scrawling on someone's Facebook wall at 3 in the morning.

Not that I don't love Facebook as much as the next person...

I'm really not that old fashioned.

I recently ordered a new pair of ankle boots from Urban Outfitters, and it prompted me to think about the mail. Which then prompted me to think about this outfit, from forever ago, that I've never actually gotten around to posting.

I thought of myself as a Postman - delivering letters from my leather satchel, bringing joy wherever I might go - but never actually recieveing any letters myself.

I suppose postmen received mail in the olden days too - but if they didn't, it would be rather sad and melancholy, don't you think?

---

Anywho - the mail also prompted me to remember that novel I've been letting sit and fester in my Documents folder...

I've resolved to order my proof copy and actually get around to publishing it.

I'm hoping it comes in the mail soon and, for you, a preview of the lone poem that made it's way into the collection:

Cold Oatmeal and Burnt Toast

The morning grind

Too early – Too soon.

Rolling out of bed

Can’t find a spoon,

So my oatmeal cools

Too cool

Cold.

So, I hit reheat

Thought that might work

But, my microwave broke.

And by the time

I clean up my mess

My toast was a burnt little stump.

Should have watched the toaster too,

But I didn’t know what to do.

Guess there’s no breakfast today-

What can I say?

The morning grind

Too early – Too soon.

Rolling out of bed

Can’t find a…damn it.

---

I think it gives E.E. Cummings a run for his money.

Until next time~

Jenna B.

P.S. I'm going to include little sketches of my outfits in my posts from now on, I think. It's fun and cutesy, and gives me something to do when I should be paying attention in Chemistry class.

Preview of my latest outfit, anyone?

Some Things Change; Some Things Remain.

Make your eyes hurt a bit? Haha. I thought it looked neat.

 Outfit Details

BCBG Ruffle Trench - BCBG

Ruffle Blouse - boutique purchase from years past

Elizabeth and James Tennis-style Skirt - Neiman Marcus

Hue Sweater Tights - Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Cat Print Litas - solestruck.com

---...---...---

And the New Year begins. Hello 2012, nice to meet you.

2011 and I have parted ways. He was great and all - I'll remember him fondly for many reasons. But our time came and went. It came and went quite quickly, actually.

---

People like to reflect at this time of year. They like to look back and reminisce and try to think of ways to better themselves.

Statistically speaking - most people reflect on their health, their wealth and their happiness and resolve to improve, or maintain them. Also statistically speaking, most people tend to fail. 

I don't really subscribe to the New Year's resolution. I think if you want to change something in your life you shouldn't procrastinate and wait for the calendar to switch to suddenly improve yourself.

So I suppose that's my own type of resolution.

I want to stop procrastinating and do the things I want to do when I want to do them. No more waiting around. No more "one day..." and more "today..."

If you happen to have some resolutions, I wish you luck with them - if you truly want to accomplish them, I'm sure you will. And if you don't, perhaps you might discover something even more important that needs doing this year.

---

Much as I don't subscribe to the resolution bit - I am rather taken with the reflection bit. 

Cue the nostalgia.

This year I started this blog. I laughed so hard I cried. I cried so hard I laughed. 

I went away on a Spanish retreat. I survived 3 weeks without technology. I survived 3 weeks without my parents. 

I learned to better appreciate those same parents. 

I rediscovered my passions. I discovered new passions. I still have straight A's.

I bought too many pairs of shoes. I learned I can never have too many shoes. (There might be a photospam of shoes...)

I wore makeup on a daily basis. I went without makeup on a daily basis. I had ridiculously fun photo shoots with Shayli and Asia.

I had ridiculously fun photo shoots with my mum. 

I made some mistakes. I did some things right. I lived this past year, I didn't just survive...

---

Speaking of which, did you survive all that nostalgia?

Well done.

The final outfit of 2011 now posted, my nostalgia now sated, and my to-do list finished - I look forward to the new year.

---

Best wishes for an amazing ride in 2012~

Jenna B.

As The Wind Starts To Cut Through.

Outfit Details

Tee - Target

Hinge Tuxedo-style Jacket - Anthropologie

Kilt/Skirt - United Colors of Benetton

Tights - Target

Vince Camuto Zipper Boots - Nordstrom Rack

---...---...---

Song inspiring today's title:
Hear the Bells -- Vanessa Carlton

The sound is eerie and soothing simultaneously. Worth a listen, if you ask me.

---

Now that I have been home for a few days for my much needed break, I've had the chance to begin catching up on various films/series that I've neglected for schoolwork.

One of the standouts from my various viewings was Miss Potter - a period piece based on a biography about Beatrix Potter. Potter is the author of some of my most beloved children's books, and after seeing the biography numerous times at work and shelving a few of her books, I decided to plop down and watch the film.

Begin: movie review time.

I'll start with an odd little tidbit. The cover of the DVD version (above) has Ewan McGregor sans-mustache. Throughout the entire movie, he has a mustache. Not one scene without one - probably to appeal to people browsing and wanting to make it obvious that it is, in fact, the famous actor. It's amazing how a little facial hair changes the face.

Anyway - continuing. The movie is really adorable. Super cute. It makes you think about bunnies and kitties and other small, fuzzy-wuzzy animals. It's really cute. Reaaaaaally cute. Until it gets depressing.

I don't really want to ruin it, but just be warned, that despite how chick-flick, lovey-dovey it looks, it does become rather sad. Still totally worth the watch, but prepare your tear ducts accordingly.

The movie would probably be adorable to anyone who has a heart in their chest, and maybe even to those of you who claim to lack emotions - actually - but it's ever more wonderful when you understand how prolific of a writer Potter actually was.

To begin -

The author, young-ish, with one of her pets. The love she had for animals was very apparent from a young age, and (fun fact time) she also had a love for fungi. She toyed with the idea of becoming a mycologist.

However, if you remember being read to as a child - you might remember the stories of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, or Benjamin Bunny. There are others, to be sure, but some of the more popular titles included those characters. Peter Rabbit was a personal favourite of mine, as seen below:

With Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, too.

Mycology was not to be, but book writing was. And write and illustrate, she did.

If you have a local library, or a bit of holiday fun money coming your way, I would definitely recommend buying a few of her tales. Even as a teenager, I adore them. Adults can feel free to oooo and aaaah and awwww at them too - no shame.

Nostalgia over - and back to movie review time.

The point is - the movie does a really wonderful job not only of portraying Potter, but of bringing all the childhood stories to life. The illustrations make appearances throughout the movie and add considerably to it's charm.

And while we're on the topic of charm, let's not forget to mention that Renee Zellweger is charm and hilarity and wonderfulness wrapped in a cute little package.

 

The expressions on her face are delightful, and made me smile throughout the movie. Which, I'll have you know, is rather difficult to do. 

Another element that made me smile were the costumes. I found them pitch perfect. The Edwardian style is clear throughout the movie, with very little historical inaccuracy and adds to the feeling of the movie rather than detracting from it as some period costume tends to do. 

And then, finally, I have to comment on the vistas and towns. As seen below, the countryside is beautiful and wonderfully shot.

The town scenes are equally as effective. Wherever it is, exactly, that they shot these scenes are places I'd love to go.

Anyone will tell you (myself included) that I absolutely detest nature with a passion. Unless I can observe it from the indoors. But, I found myself rather inclined to visit the outdoors after this movie.

Hopefully that part will wear off. Bugs. Eww.

---

I have developed quite a hankering for some gingerbread in the process of writing this post. I leave you to explore my kitchen in search of some.

Until next time~
Jenna B.

Happy Holidays in advance, should I not make another post until after they all conclude.

Finding Enjoyment in The Powerful and Terrible.

Outfit Details

Tee - Target

Ruffle Blouse/Jacket - gifted from the Mum

Simple Black Skirt - Target? Maybe...

Red Tights - American Apparel

Lace Tights - Target

Seychelles Cuckoo Booties - Nordstrom Rack

---...---...---

Some people have accused my tragedy of being too sad, as though one desired a merry tragedy. People clamor for enjoyment as though enjoyment consisted in being foolish. I find enjoyment in the powerful and terrible struggles of life; and the capability of experiencing something, of learning something, gives me pleasure.

- August Strindberg

Something to consider, if you feel so inclined. The quote really struck me as ringing true,  but maybe that's just me.

---...---...---

I use the Post-It feature on my laptop quite often, because I spend so much time on the computer doing all that needs doing and if I didn't I'd probably lose track of the things I have yet to get done. Today, on this rather glorious December day, I have the shortest list I've had in ages.

As a result, I finally had time to sort through my backlogged outfit pictures and make an actual post. It feels good.

---

In keeping with the recent trend, I have another excerpt from my novel below the cut. Feel free to hit "read more" and enjoy The One Where I Open my Mouth and Speak:

Riding Sidesaddle and Other Adventures

 Outfit Details:

Tabitha Purple Ruffle Jacket - Anthropologie

Basic Tee - Target

Grey Violet Jeans - United Colors of Benetton

Sandini Leather Boots - Nordstrom Rack

---...---...---...---

I never doodle in class all that often - mostly because I would be the person who gets caught. And because I like to really focus intently on what I'm drawing.

Nonetheless, I managed to crank out a few doodles during my slow moving Chemistry class.

Cue the fangirl-esque inspired doodlings in honor of Sherlock:

To explain: My Chemistry teacher was trying to explain the concept of "moles" and "molecular formula" to us simpletons, and I couldn't help but start to doodle.

Anyway - both photos started as doodles on lined paper, and I tried my best to remove the things using GIMP, but the first drawing (in pencil) resulted in a few new grey lines. I would have preferred not to assualt you with the ever obnoxious college ruled lines of your schooldays - but, they're pretty pesky.

While we're off in the land of fandom-ry, I think it's the perfect time to recommend you go and watch all three Sherlock episodes on Netflix. My friend Shayli, of What the Mirror Saw, is responsible for my addiction. And now, I can say with great certainty that you need to watch as well.

This is probably the greatest investment of your time you can possibly make. Drop everything and go.

---...---...---

Until tomorrow. :)
Jenna B.