If we are to stay alive - see the peace in every eye.

 

Wearing:

Vintage White Vest - mum's closet

Ruffle Blouse - boutique on the eastern coast (so long ago!)

Organic Cotton Eyelet Shorts - h&m

Cameo Ring - Nordstrom

Semi-Sheer White Tights - Kohl's

Pour la Victoire Heels - Pour la Victoire

Maurizio Taiuti Floral Handbag - mum's closet 

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

Photoshoot sleepover! Isn't that a pretty typical girl fantasy? 

Anyway - my friend Shay of What the Mirror Saw was kind enough to host me at her house yet again for some photos. And, needless to say, the one's included were far from all of them. I think we snapped enough photos for a lifetime, but it was worth it. 

I am hardly a photographer - and even less a natural model, but Shayli had us running about to catch this beautiful light and snap these amazing photos! The forest setting was taken just as the sun was setting and the meadow/stump buisness was taken at dawn. 

Needless to say - I'll have to return the favor eventually and host her over at my house to get some snaps too. We have plently of summer break fast approaching, so I think we'll be able to.

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

I wanted to talk today about responsibility, work ethic, and motivation. Namely, the serious lack of it.

There are a multitude of things that I love about America - so many of the people, the places, the marvels - I'm not a super patriot, but I appreciate my country greatly.

That being said. There's a serious lack of responsibility and work ethic - or, at least, it appears that way. If there's one thing this nation was founded upon more than anything else it's hard work and effort. You could re-invent yourself, at least a little bit - at least by degrees - if you were willing to put the work in and take responsibility for your life.

I like to think that what I lack in natural talent in things I make up for with hard work. And I think that's how it should be. Natural talent can take someone so far - but if they lack motivation and work ethic, what does it matter? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work. 

So many people my age and even into other age groups have very little motivation or interest in improving themselves. I guess that should be a good thing - people being satisfied with what they have and who they are - but that isn't what it really is. 

Complacency is not the same as happiness - and you shouldn't be satisfied with what you have if you haven't worked for it. 

People need to appreciate what they have, yes. But people need to dream, too. People need to have some kind of desire or drive to improve, because, otherwise, what does it all mean?

If you spend the rest of your life the way you are now, are you living? 

I don't know - maybe I'm wrong here. But I guess I'm from the school of thought that you should push yourself to your limits and be happy with that - be happy with who you turn yourself into.

There's nothing worse, in my opinion, than being stagnant.

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

On a less philosophical, muse-ish note:

Shayli and I each shot with two outfits - so I'll have photos from the other shoot soon.

Also, if you need some music to finish the weekend off:

"In the Middle of the Night"

"Iron"

"A Demon's Fate"

All from the new Within Temptation album, The Unforgiving. 

I love the sound and they lyrics to this album, definently a one of their best.

Maybe not your cup of tea - but give it a try! Variety is the spice of life. 

:)

Bye~

Jenna B.

Even the stars refuse to shine.

And, because my mummy somehow convinced me - allow me to give you "model pose 101":

 

Yeah! Hand on your hip - BA-BAM. :)

Like my face there? I couldn't help from nearly laughing to death. And it was really hot outside, so I might've been slightly delusional.

Anway - I'm wearing:

Betsey Johnson Antique Rose Peplum Dress - Betsey Johnson.com

White Cardigan - Ross

Beige Sandals - stolen, again, from the mum

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

For whatever reason, I always associate the song "Collide" by Howie Day with either Felicity or Dawson's Creek. I loved both of the shows, even though I was likely too young to appreciate them for what they really were. I think the song might've been briefly featured in one episode of Felicity and now I just come to associate it with the show.

Anyway, this is the Betsey dress I referred to in the previous post. :)

I wish I had some kind of profound thought to share today - but I'm pretty much drained! And I need to save any and all energy for my photoshoot with the fabulous Shayli (of What the Mirror Saw) this evening.

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

Along with Howie Day - give the song "I Don't Want to Wait" by Paula Cole a try as well, just discovered it's the real opening to Dawson's Creek. 

Bye!~

Jenna B.

Stop. Colour Block.

Unplanned. Seriously. 

On me:

Pink Scoop Neck Tee - stolen from the mum

Black Merona Skirt - Target

Rose Flats - Ross/Marshalls?

Lime Green Tote Bag - also stolen from the mum (poor thing won't have anything left pretty soon!)

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

Now then. Yes. The matchy outfits are in fact unplanned. I swear! The Shayli (of What the Mirror Saw) did not consult with me in the morning. We just had a mind melt. Shows how close we are, or how crazy - it's a toss-up.

I wanted to try colour blocking for the first time. I saw these pieces in my mum's closet and said "hey. I should definently snatch these and throw them on. Such cute colours!"

So, since my mummy loves me - she allowed me to do so. And there you go. 

I love this outfit now - not to mention all the "omg - you guys match! you planned this right?" from our fellow classmates. Good times! :)

...

Now, allow me to ramble about something.

People.

As much as I am annoyed/disturbed/distressed by them many times - I love them to death. All of them. 

I think it's very easy in life to be overcome with hatred and apathy toward your fellow man - needless to say, it isn't without reason or justification, people can be cruel. They can disappoint you. They can hurt you - in all sorts of ways. They can do all manner of things - seemingly without cause when you experience it.

But, that's the thing. Everyone has a reason for everything they do. Even if it isn't a good one - in fact, even more reason when it isn't a good thing. Everyone has stuff.

"Stuff" being pain or whatever else is the root cause of their actions. Jealously. Prejudice. Anything, really.

That never makes up for the things they do to other people, but it's the fact that people always have reasons that gives me hope. It means that people are, in fact, people - people who screw up, people who don't know how to handle their anger or their sadness.

Everytime someone insults me - which isn't all that often (at least to my face) - I try to remember that I shouldn't take it so personally. Usually, or almost always I think, people project all their own insecurties or "stuff" onto other people to feel better. 

It doesn't so much matter who - it just matters that it isn't them.

Whenever I hear someone sling something like "He should have been aborted" or "he's such a retard" - horrible things, that no one should say to anyone - I try to think about it for a minute.

Because, when I stop and think, I can process and make sense of it.

I can reflect and realize that the kid saying all of those hurtful things probably worries that his mother or his peers wish he had been aborted or he fears that people think he's stupid. And he thinks if he slings that kind of talk on someone else, it will distract or make him feel that much better about himself.

It never does - but it's easier than accepting himself or his own fears.

People are cruel and crude, yes. But they're people, and I get to share the Earth with each and every one of them. I just like to think that their actions have some kind of motive behind them - that maybe, someday, they'll change their ways or accpet themselves and be happier than they are when they do the cruel things.

I love people. All of them. Every part of them. Even the cruelty.

So, I think I've rambled enough for the day! This wasn't really inspired by any incident today - just a musing that I wanted to get out.

I'd be interested if you agree or disagree and why - drop a comment if you want to share and get in on the discussion. :)

...

On a lighter, less ramble-ish note: I recieved a package yesterday from the fabulous Betsey Johnson! I had ordered a dress from her during her Memorial Day Sale and it arrived today.

Sneak preview:

Hehehe. Yeah. A box and a cute bag. Guess you'll have to wait to see it!

I actually wore the outfit in this post on Thursday, and wore the Betsey dress today - but, alas, internet world shall have to wait and see.

:)

...

Also - recent iPod listens:

"Wonderwall" by Oasis

"Naive" by The Kooks

"Light up the World" by the cast of Glee!

"Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins

Maybe one (or two or all) will strike your fancy. You really can't go wrong. :)

...

I think is my longest post to date! 

I'll wrap it up with a toodles and see you later~

Jenna B.

Let's go on a Safari or something.

Flores&Flores Silk and Tulle Safari Dress - Nordstrom Rack

Candie's Rose Heels - Kohl's

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

Bear in mind, for this post, that the weather outside for the majority of the day consisted of 90-100 degrees with almost 100% humidity and a heat advisory. Ridiculous.

Now - the reason I donned such an outfit on such a day: research project presentations. A year-long investigation of how to design a fashion collection and incorporate corsets into them.

Corsets and I = lifelong love affair. 

I would've worn one for my presentation but I would've likely lost points - so I kept it professional and braved the heat in this. Naturally, in the afternoon, in my air-conditioned home, I was able to have a little photo shoot with the mum. :)

In the news also, I confronted a fear today:

Wearing my hair back in a bun. I love the feeling of having my hair out of my way and just letting my face be. That said, I've always lived with the feeling that I have a "man face" and I feel really masculine and exposed without my hair to point out my femininity. The combination of my father's face and a small bust just makes me think that everyone might look at me and think - "huh. Is that a guy in a dress or just a really ugly girl?" - Which, I guess is silly and probably untrue, but. Still. 

Anywho - my insecurity aside, I really feel good about the project I turned in and the presentation I gave. Hopefully my grade will reflect that. One can only hope.

I am famished now - silly computer, keeping me from a delicious dinner! 

I bid you adieu until tomorrow~

Jenna B.

Movie Night.

 

The quest for a family film last night was completed when we finally settled on Almost Famous.

There were quite a few (now) big name stars and a few guys you might recognize from The Office, Modern Family or My Name is Earl.

So there you have it - the main cast all lined up. :)

Basically - let me see if I can synopsis-ise this movie well enough - a high-school boy is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour. 

But - it's more than that. 

I'd rather not spoil the movie for you if you haven't seen it - because you really, really should. Despite the movie's R rating, the movie is rather PG-13, save for the use of the f- word. If you can handle that, you can handle this movie and love it.

Most importantly - the entire reason this movie deserves a blog post - is the character Penny Lane. Played by the gorgeous Kate Hudson. Yeah. :)

Now - this is a fashion blog at it's heart, so I will now proceed to ramble about the fashion here.

Penny Lane - I love thee. 

Now - don't take that as my advice and consent to round up all your crop tops, skirts and fringe coats to put on again. No. Not what I mean.

The beauty of all of Kate Hudson's costumes in this movie are that they never strike you as costumes. Her outfits - no matter how simple or how era specific - always have the sense of being complete and put together. She has a certain "style" that is her own, that one can associate with her.

Once again, that's not to say that all the outfits we own need to match and follow a certain set of rules - how boring would that be? But, there's something to be said for having a distinct vision and a distinct look that people can associate with you, and that's what I hope this blog is helping or will help me accomplish.

Now - allow me to shower you with quotes that I loved from this movie too, and then I'll let you go:

Penny Lane: You're too sweet for rock and roll.
William Miller: Sweet? Where do you get off? Where do you get sweet? I am dark and mysterious, and *pissed off*! And I could be very dangerous to all of you! You should know that about me... I am *the enemy*!

Anita Miller: FECK YOU!
Elaine Miller: HEY!
Anita Miller: This is a house of lies!
Elaine Miller: Well there it is, your sister used the "F" word.
Young William: I think she said "feck."
Elaine Miller: What's the difference?
Young William: The letter "u." 

Anita Miller: All the kids make fun of him. They call him the Narc behind his back.
Elaine Miller: What's a narc?
Anita Miller: It's a narcotics officer.
Elaine Miller: Well, what's wrong with THAT?  

Hopefully you'll run to the nearest movie place and rent this now,

Anywho-

Bye!~

Jenna B.

Hello Friday - Goodbye Thursday.

And posted on a Saturday. Go figure. 

On:

"Hello" Hello Kitty Tee - Hot Topic

Black Skinnies - Target

Skelanimals Skimmer's - Hot Topic

Chococat Watch - McDonald's

You're never too old for Happy Meal toys! If you get nothing else from McDonald's - just get the toys.

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

I love Friday's.

The other days of the workweek, from Monday to Thursday, are alright - I've never really suffered from the anxiety or trouble getting through the week that some people do, and now that I've said that I might've jinxed myself but, alas, alack and oh well. The week drags on, but it's never really great or terrible.

Saturday's are great - and I enjoy them, but not quite as much as Friday's. I'm probably my laziest on Saturday's, which is nice but isn't necessarily the best thing. And Sunday is nice but ruined by the idea of the work week starting the next day - and all the monotony that goes along with that.

Friday's, though, are pretty much perfect. You've had to work, probably, but when work let's out you're free. You carry all sorts of promise for a productive and fun weekend and the sun shines a little brighter while the stars twinkle with a little more effort too. 

My Friday was lovely - filled with food from a local Noodles store with the family and some much needed downtime with them afterword with a movie.

You may not be the type of person that enjoys anime or anything animated at all (Toy Story, etc.) but, even if you are one of those people, I really believe in my heart that you'll enjoy a Hayao Miyazaki film.

The family and I watched Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind yesterday - which prompted this sudden belief. It has a really calming soundtrack for the most part, and a great story line to boot. A very obvious moral lesson about the dangers of industrialization and pollution - but still, really well crafted.

I think Miyazaki's most recognized film is Spirited Away - which makes sense, because it really is one of his best. But you really can't go wrong with any of his films.

Anyway - just food for thought.

Any movie recommendations for me? Drop a comment, and I'll probably watch it. 

:)

Bye~

Jenna B.

Stripes and Sun.

 

Hey. There's a kitty sneaking into my picture! 

:)

Wearing:

Anthropologie Striped Halter - Anthropologie

Celebrity Pink Black Capri's - Macy's

Forbidden Bump Flats - Ross

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

I got into an argument today (more like a friendly debate...but, same thing really) - about the definition of the "universe." 

I don't know about the rest of you but I define the universe as being synonymous with living things, and people. And that's the thing - the "universe" is really just a word that was created to account for all the stuff that makes up the space we live in. So, essentially, the "universe" doesn't exist unless people are around to give the word meaning - the same goes for time, and space, and every other word in any language. 

So I can define the universe however I see fit, because if I really want to I can say red is yellow - and the color itself (the actual thing - the idea and the form) doesn't change because I label it differently. Which would also mean that I can define a word differently or interpret it differently because it's just a word.

Now, that wouldn't be practical at all, if I went around calling cats: "pumpkin pie" and such  - but in this case, with something so undefinable as the "universe", I think there's a great deal of leeway as to what it is - and I happen to prefer my definition to the definition of others.

 I'd love to know where the rest of you stand - how do you define "universe"?

.........

On a lighter, less mind-boggling note - I'm still addicted to the Glee kids and their version of Light up the World. Just by the way. Listen if you haven't yet!

Bye~

Jenna B.

Light Up The World.

 

Feel free to "awww" - even though this picture does her no justice. :)

I have fallen behind in my updates, so here I am - catching up with not one, but two outfit posts. Hope you guys can handle it. I think you can.

First photo:

White Scoop Neck Tee - Nordstrom

Merona Capri Jeans - Target

Crocs Sandals (yes. Crocs. :P) - a sporting goods store of some kind

Kitty Scarf - Colombian Artisan

Second Outfit photos:

Burgundy Tee - Target, maybe Walmart?

Ralph Lauren Black Blouse (unbottoned) - Macy's, or Belk.

Black Skinny's - Target

Seychelles Cuckoo Booties - Nordstrom

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

In case you haven't joined in on the whole Glee-phenom, the title of this post comes from their cover of the song. Yes. I watched the Glee season finale. I didn't watch the rest of the season because of NCIS being on at the same time. I plan to watch the rest of Glee over the summer. Be as disgusted or delighted as you wish.

Now. I don't obsess over Glee, and I still refer to the characters with descriptions because I really can't be bothered to remember their names (ie. the football one, the blonde. the wheelchair kid) - but, I do have to say, that I have been playing this song repeatedly all day at whatever opportunity I may have because it is the most addictive song I think I've even come into contact with. Lady Gaga, step aside. 

Of course, maybe some other song will replace the Glee kids in a few days - but for now, crazy addicted.

I'll now log off, probably blast this song for awhile longer and conquer some reading for my English class - school year's almost up! 

:)

Bye~

Jenna B.

I am my hair.

On:

Merona Black Tee and Tights - Target

Red Bustier Dress - Papaya

Rose Flats - Marshalls?

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

I have a great deal of respect for Lady Gaga - sure, she isn't the most traditionally beautiful woman or the most talents singer/songwriter/performer, but you can't deny that she knows how to take theatrics to the extreme and, as she's said herself, she isn't afraid nor does she complain about the "game" that is fame or the music industry in general.

In which case, most of us are familiar with Lady Gaga's first few songs - but her new single "Hair" is my new-found anthem because *my hair* is one of things that really makes up my identity. Take a listen to it here - (crazy addictive beat! You've been warned).

Anywho - since this pretty much a celebration of hair I thought I'd share some inspiration type photo of some really neat hair:

Now, that's from tumblr from ages ago and who's to say it isn't photoshopped a million different ways to Sunday, but it caught my eye and I figured I'd pass it along.

Another inspiration photo (just in general, though Jane's hair is amazing!):

I almost wish it was fall again. 

From Sea of Shoes

Now then -

Go forth and love your hair! If it's short, long, curly, straight, dark, light, whatever - it's your hair. 

:)

Bye~

Jenna B.