suzy is a headbanger.

Who Impressed Me at the Costume Institute Gala 2009?

2009-05-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

....Not many.

To be fair, I think that this year's theme,"Model as Muse", was a wee bit nebulus to interpret. However, that really can't be the reason so many people bored me to tears. It is called a gala for a REASON. Let us go all-out, be crazy, take RISKS, celebrate!

Co-host Kate Moss looked divine, in my opinion. Although many slated her for the gold turban and looking "beat in the face", I think that her styling choices were inspired & reminiscent of Diana Vreeland & Little Edie. It was a little strange & unexpected, but her attitude worked it just right.

My absolute favorite- Russian catwalk queen Sasha Pivovarova. No one can touch that ensemble, not even La Moss. I mean- that coat!!! As a burgeoning feather fetishist, I am coveting hardcore. The choice of the tiara with the messy hair makes the outfit all the more madcap and perfect...

Fringe Appeal

2009-04-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2009

Totally stark, yet sexy & provocative without a drop of sleazy...

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #007

2009-04-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

GRUESOME
adjective: inspiring horror or repulsion. Shockingly repellent

It's funny how the colors of the real world only seem really real when you viddy them on the screen.

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #006

2009-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

SUMPTUOUS
adj. Of a size or splendor suggesting great expense; lavish.

"Colin Blunstone's voice is simply sumptuous, my darlings!"

"Give Them What They Never Knew They Wanted!"

2009-03-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

So quoth DIANA VREELAND, my end-all, be-all maverick muse fairy godmother. Seriously, are the above pictures not the most inspiring & uplifting photos you have seen in yonks?

It is like she is commanding you with one of her genius "Why don't you...." -isms

"Why don't you tie black tulle bows round your wrists?"
....because why the hell not?!

Q: What's Black & White & Red All Over?

2009-03-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

A: Yesterday's outfit. I felt like a bit of a French mime, but I can get behind that aesthetic.
H&M striped shirt // Blk pants cut into shorts // ripped blk tights // grey h&m over knee socks // Chinese Laundry thigh high grey boots // red thrifted belt // red F21 feather clip

Fabulous Fille: Kelly Wearstler

2009-03-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Interior Decorator, author, tv judge, former Playmate... Kelly Wearstler is effing rad!

A true glamourous eccentric to the core; Kelly crimps & curls her hair with reckless abandon, piles on the jewelry & thinks nothing of donning clothes deemed 'out there'.

Kelly is featured in Simon Doonan's amazing and inspirational tome, Eccentric Glamour. Her parting words?
.........
"I'd like to be gift wrapped for eternity."

Paris Picks

2009-03-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

John Galliano // Louis Vuitton // Lanvin // Jean Paul Gaultier

all pictures from style.com

Phantasmagoric Inspiration

2009-03-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Yayoi Kusama's Fireflies on the Water (2002)

I'd like to think that "the other side" would look exactly like this. Wouldn't it be a fantastic place for your soul to flit about?

A virtual 360 degree tour of this stunning piece

Rogan-cum-Kahlo

2009-03-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Vanity Fair, thank you.

Curioser and Curioser....

2009-02-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

capped by arcadiaego in the lj film_stills comm.

Today's Rotation: A Post Punk Amuse-Bouche

2009-02-24T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Monochrome Set // Eine Symphonie des Grauens

The Au Pairs // We're So Cool

Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters

2009-02-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

While not exactly breaking the barriers of innovation each season, Anna Sui's vibrancy and happy-hippy attitude is second to none. In addition to a riot of rich harvest-colored patterned mini dresses, Sui topped models off with knit toques embellished with exaggerated plumes of feathers. Needless to say, I am adoring this fashion Pied Piper moment! It is definitely worth a DIY attempt- I don't think it would be too difficult to replicate this look...

I am also quite fond of the spangly crystal celestial toppers! A bit harder to recreate, but I can dream....

(all photos are obviously nicked from style.com)

Glamour Right Down to Her Ankles

2009-02-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have a particular affinity for designer Doo Ri Chung, most likely due to the fact that her Spring/Summer 07 collection was the first runway show that myself & my two intrepid friends managed to blag our way into. I still get tiny little goosebumps when I think back on the thrill of making it into the tents, seeing Anna Wintour sitting front row, the dimming of the house lights & the way the tent's collective noise dropped to hushed whispers and the clack of photographers' lenses snapping furiously away as the first model turned the corner & strode down the catwalk.

As this week has been pretty hectic, I have only managed to slightly skim the NY f/w 09 fashion week coverage via TFS . So far, my opinion has been a collective "WOOF!"

However, Doo.Ri has lifted my spirits with these beauteous tights.

Those who know me well, know that I have a serious fetish for all things stockings/tights/knee-highs. The crystals on the hosiery sends them into the stratosphere of leg adornment. (Seriously, without them they'd just be another pair of ho-hum patterned hose.) It is almost as if the model was wearing some SERIOUS crystal bling bracelets or necklaces which broke whilst she was hastily preening & got stuck in the webbed pattern. Naturally, she looks down & noticed how amazing it looks, finishes getting ready & heads out the door. Serious lavish stuff.

(I think that's how fashion should be- the more fantasy, playfulness, lavishness, & irreverence, the better. Utilitarian & fashion should never be uttered in the same breath....)

pics from style.com

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #005

2009-02-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Imbibeto receive into the mind and retain; drink to take in or up.....

What would be my choice beverage to imbibe, you ask?

nytimes.com
A Harvey Wallbanger, bien sûr!

Wikipedia says....

The Harvey Wallbanger is an alcoholic beverage or cocktail made with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice.

The Harvey Wallbanger was invented in 1952 by three-times world champion mixologist Carlo Lanzillotti. Legend has it that the drink was named after a Manhattan Beach surfer. The drink has also been attributed to Bill Doner, bartender at The Office in Newport Beach, CA, and Robert Pratt, bartender at the Arlberg Chalet in Mammoth Lake, CA. The drink was little known outside of California until 1970, when it became briefly popular due to being featured as a cocktail on TWA flights.

Still I'd Rather Be Famous, Than Righteous, Or Holy...

2009-02-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

valentine fillol-cordier nitot.org

Things are changing, shifting gradually here chez Suzy. Fun weekend nights tinged with semi-awkward moments (I revel in them), graphic michael kors wedges (sshh..normally don't like the MK, but these shoes are an exception), impending photo shoot & a new job to boot!

Scarlet & Merry Gold

2009-02-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

katemossonline.com

Hazy Shade of Spring

2009-02-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

sourced from tfs kate moss thread -> afpmanagement.com

I have always had a fondness for Stella McCartney's ad campaigns, and spring/summer 2009 is no different. Shot by my favorite, Ryan McGinley & watercolors by Dinos Chapman.

Today's Rotation

2009-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

Stevie Wonder // My Cherie Amour (...I love how this was used in Almost Famous.)

The Zombies // This Will Be Our Year

Todd Rundgren // Hello It's Me

Floating In a Most Peculier Way

2009-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Gemini Moon

"In the lively, restless sign of Gemini the Moon's sway becomes more mutable and erratic. This does not make all Moon-in-Gemini children flighty, frivolous, and frenetic, but almost always indicates an active mind, an imaginative and creative personality, and someone who is inclined to intellectual pursuits......"

"In emotional relationships lunar Geminis display a certain free spirit. Here is where you are most intensely restless. You resent being subject to the whims and vagaries of other people's emotions, and struggle to retain independence...."

"A moon in the sign of Gemini inclines you towards loquaciousness and endows you with great personal charm. You have an enchanting vivacity that draws others towards you. Conversations with you tend to run off on unexpected tangents and take sudden turns and reverses....."

"At heart, a lunar Gemini is essentially restless and needs constant stimulation."

( excerpts from the wonderful book The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk )

Are You There Spring? It's Me, Suzy

2009-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Little Moments

2009-02-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

Feel Flows The Beach Boys

...Listening to this makes me feel like fully submerging myself in my bathtub. Time is suspended & everything is warm and weightless & you can soak the music up like a thirsty little sponge......(until you have to breathe.)

Hello, My Sweet

2009-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Dana Octopus Squid

Guess Who

2009-02-04T10:47:00.001-08:00

corbis via TFS

One day, I aspire to have enough rings to wear comme ça ......

Righteous

2009-02-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

A dreary day made better by the arrival of the "Lil Gentleman" shirts from the No Cats Allowed line I ordered from Brendan Donnelly Clothing

Also thrown in was a matching tote bag! Awesome. Every time I look at these, I compulsively start chuckling. Instant mood lifter! Clothing as an emotional bolster!

Plus the actual shirt is the perfect 'loose but not tent-like' cut & so soft. It is hemmed in tiny little vertical stitches, which I find endearing in a way..

Sufficed to say I'll be wearing this a lot.

Bedside View, Circa 2 am

2009-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Still Obsessed.

2009-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today's Rotation

2009-01-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

MC5 Looking At You

The Who My Generation

Iggy & The Stooges Search & Destroy

...What's assaulting your eardrums today?

I Can't Control Myself

2009-01-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

Jean-Paul Gaultier Haute Couture S/S 09

vogue.co.uk

My heart leapt into my throat upon the first viewing of JPG's magnificent show. This is truly stunning, true couture in every sense of the word. From the calligraphy curls to the sheer netting & lace, I want to wear it all! This should come as no surprise, as I have a huge obsession with anything sheer/lacey/etc. Romance and intellectualism all molded and tailored and draped to perfection. Seriously, words cannot express how enamored I am.....

Vetements // 01.27

2009-01-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Seeing as how the raging snowstorm is keeping me indoors today (& thus criminally under dressed- sweatpants and microfleece and thick knee socks), here is what I wore yesterday:

##Sweater cardigan w. faux fur collar - H & M
##Black sweetheart neck w. mesh collar/sleeves shirt (was dress but I chopped it)- F21
##Grey button fly skinnies- H & M, purchased in Caen
##Grey leather over knee boots- Chinese Laundry
##Pale yellow python belt- thrifted
##Scent- Snake Charmer

I Fall Down Just to Give You a Thrill

2009-01-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

Couture Warrior Daphne Guinness at Christian Lacroix (it's lacroix, sweetie, lacroix!) & Chanel.

My Only Weakness Is a Listed Crime

2009-01-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Givenchy Haute Couture s/s 09

catwalking.com

Tisci has really done it!

A petal strewn runway was the perfect vehicle for the alien glamour sauvage models with bleached brows & charcoal eyes. Tisci often serves up his sort of gothic austerity in his collections, but spring/summer 09 was tinged with a sort of wispy melancholic romance. I am especially fond of the lacey fragile veils. And hello? I would do many, many debauched things in order to have the massive jeweled collar in the first picture. Absolutely stunning. My mouth is agape.

Waiting For the Sun

2009-01-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Spring/Summer 09 couture season is descending upon us, and in twitchy anticipation I felt like sharing some of my personal favorite couture pieces from the past few spring seasons...

Jean Paul Gaultier s/s 08

I strangely like the bedraggled 'mermaid/glamourous drowned rat' hair...

Jean Paul Gaultier s/s 07

all pics style.com
Erm, yeah. JPG is my favorite courturier for many reasons including, but not limited to, his marriage of insane detail & beauty with an off-beat, cheeky wit.

Here's a short look at the preparation of the s/s 07 presentation...

"Scoops For You!"

2009-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a short, but sweet, interview with the epic Miss Cherry Vanilla! Aren't you nuts about her hair? I love it.

Cherry first got involved with the Playhouse of Ridiculous Theater & John Vaccaro & the like in good ole New York City. She was first in Island and then in a play based on Warhol tapes called Pork. It is said whilst promoting Pork over in merry England, it was Cherry, Leee Childers, Jayne Country & the rest of the cast who inspired a fledgling David Bowie to ditch the folksy vibe & get glam! She then went on to become a PR woman for MainMan (the company that repped Bowie) and even fronted her own kick-ass punk band. Fab!

Today, I Turned Twenty-Three

2009-01-22T19:41:00.001-08:00

Things I Love Thursday...

- Turning 23, obviously! I think 23 has a better 'ring', a better 'quality' to it than 22, so I am hoping that this year will be a monumental, earth-shattering one. (high expectations, me? never....)

- The sun shining through the branches of Congress Park.

- Dinner with my family at Cheesecake Factory (pine nuts in pasta are divine.)

- My dental assistant's purple hair. It was EPIC and I made sure to tell her right away before they got down to filling my (tiny) cavity (sans novacaine).

and most of all....
- All the birthday wishes from my friends...they are all so gold & I terribly love & appreciate each and every one of them. I could just burst & spatter gooey sparkly love everywhere....

Today's Rotation

2009-01-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been blasting all day..

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Nowhere to Run

Free All Right Now

Freda Payne Band of Gold

...What about you?

Sitting In an English Garden

2009-01-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

dailymail.co.uk
A scant few images from Kate Moss's birthday party, which took place this weekend. Word is that the theme was a decadent medieval gothic blow-out. I wish there were better pictures of her gown, as it looks amazing! It goes without saying that I love her Alaia coat.

No one does birthday parties like La Moss!!

A Meditation On Ewoks

2009-01-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

And I awoke and found me here/On the cold hill’s side

2009-01-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Definitely feeling the 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci' vibe of Christian Dior pre-fall 09 collection. A lace mask needs to find a way into my wardrobe as soon as possible.

Life Is A Cruel Mistress

2009-01-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

I had a dentist's appointment and discovered a (tiny) cavity that will be filled on my birthday (next Thursday). What a treat!

THEN my mom informs me that my surprise present was two really ridiculously good tickets to the Fleetwood Mac concert in Albany, buuuut it was announced today that they just cancelled that date. Cue Price is Right failure horns.

(Fyi, blog title is one of my favorite sayings. Other gems include 'slow your roll', 'i'm just trying to get my rocks off', 'quit pulling my dick', 'two sheets' )

Nerd-Out!

2009-01-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

All mine for a grand total of........60 cents! Man, I love my library's 10 cent book sale- (and the smell of old books...nay tomes!... as well.)

If All Else Fails...

2009-01-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have decided that if I cannot fulfill my (albeit vague) dream goals of moving to NYC, having a lush apartment, & a totally fun & creative job in the general fashion/writing/styling vein of things, than I can always become a professional bunny show-jumper.

The AA Gods Are Smiling Upon Me

2009-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

Behold the California Fleece Cape!

"Wrap yourself in this cozy cape, made from our 100% Cotton California Fleece. Great as a layering piece or light jacket.

100% California Fleece cotton construction

Approximately 26 1/4" (66.7cm) in total length

6-button closure

Hooded

Dual side pockets

O/S=Medium"

I have been looking for a simple, but cool, cape for what feels like an ETERNITY. It always managed to elude me & haunt my dreams instead. This is pretty much exactly what I have been dreaming of, especially with the arm slits (very important) and the hood (fun!) $65 is kiiiinda leaning towards too expensive for AA, but I think I forsee a future birthday present?

Now all I need is to find a cape like THIS:
....and I can really start living.

Vetements

2009-01-09T17:28:00.001-08:00

- H&M grey over-sized cardigan
- Creme sequined top from local consignment shop
- Proenza Schouler for Target yellow & grey belt
- American Apparel black lame mini skirt
- 2 pairs black tights (it's COLD)
- H&M grey over-the-knee socks
- Silver Doc Martens
- Scent: Snake Charmer ( Sensual, sibilant, sexual and hypnotic: Arabian musk and exotic spices slinking through Egyptian amber, enticing vanilla, and a serpentine blend of black plum, labdanum, ambrette, benzoin and black coconut.)

I went to the library today in order to suss out Infinite Variety: Life & Legend of Marchesa Casati
Surprise surprise, no book was to be found. It isn't even carried at any other libraries in my area! Curses!

Things I Love Thursday

2009-01-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

* Faux Mink Throw ... It is so incredibly soft & warm. Wrapping myself in it makes me feel like I should be in a Jay Z video, or at the Playboy Mansion.

* Collaging ... I'm not much of an artiste, but working on collages on all these ceramic tiles laying around my bedroom is getting my creative juices flowing & I love it!!

* The Great Closet Clean-Out ... I've filled at least two to three trash bags full of clothing that I don't wear/care about. Very cathartic!

* Cheesecake Factory's Guacamole ... An orgasm in every bite. Need I say more?

* Simon Doonan's Eccentric Glamour ... This book is SO inspirational & hilarious!!! Deserves it's own posting (coming soon!)

I'm a C.O.W

2009-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

As in, Certified Olfactory Whore.

Last night I did a grand tally of all of my BPAL perfume oils. The grand total? ...107..

A few of my very favorites: The Illustrated Woman, Marianne, SMUT, Jacob's Ladder

Imps galore! The lab usually throws in a handful of free ones aka 'frimps' for each order.

Old cigar boxes make for excellent & stylish perfume containers...oh yes.

Er, I'm thinking actually counting themwasn't the best idea. I am truly a lady obsessed...no shame! And hey, at least I smell absolutely out-of-this-world....(really, I get the most ridiculous compliments on these.)

Collage of Inspiration Wall

2009-01-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

It had humble beginnings on the wall next to my bed in my sophomore year dorm room, and steadily grew the next two years. I took a strange pleasure in arranging and tacking up each individual picture of inspiration- always a work in progress....

Who do you spy with your little eye?

Confession:

2009-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

I have a total internet crush on Brendan Donnelly.

Not only does his blog keep me cackling until the wee hours of the morning (def NSFW), but he is a talented illustrator with his own clothing line: Brendan Donnelly Clothing

"Lil Gentleman"
Seriously, this shirt must be mine. Look at that monacle! Genius. Everyone should own one of the "No Cats Allowed" t-shirts. (My next favorite is "Crusin" .)

pic is obviously from brendandonnellyclothing.com

Mother, I Want To.....

2008-12-30T12:09:00.000-08:00

Fantasy New Years by thesuz

An Aural/Olfactory Melange

2008-12-29T00:09:00.000-08:00

Perfume: Zombi from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab . Dried roses, rose leaf, Spanish moss, oakmoss and deep brown earth.
+++
Tune-age: Eine Symphonie des Grauens by The Monochrome Set.

I’m dead and dank and rotten
My arms are wrapped in cotton
My corpse loves you, let’s marry

(Get smart, once) Every night at sleepy time
(Get smart, twice) I hang my skin out on the line
(Get smart, sing) Oh, darling, would you be, be mine

(Chorus)
I’m in love, I think I’m in love
I’m in love, I think I’m in love
I’m in love, I think I’m in love

I’m caught in a mesh of veins
My fingers and flesh and brains
My skull gives head, so let’s wed

(Get smart, once) Every night when all alone
(Get smart, twice) I drape my flesh around the phone
(Get smart, pray) Oh, darling, would you be my own

(Chorus)

Don’t cry, beautiful, it’s just a phase
To the father and the son and the holy ghost
I chant and I pray, I love

You know, God works in mysterious ways
To the father and the son and the holy ghost
I sing and I pray, I love

I’m soft and slightly stinking
My arms are small and shrinking
My lips kiss dirt, oh, let’s flirt

(Get smart, once) Every night at half past one
(Get smart, twice) There’s a little taste of things in come
(Get smart, chant) Oh, darling, can I be your son

(Chorus)

Don’t scream, baby, it’s just a coma
To the father and the son and the holy ghost
I chant and I pray, I love

You go to heaven, I go to Roma
To the father and the son and the holy ghost
I sing and I pray, I love

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T19:49:00.001-08:00

XXXXXX

slashfilm.com

Chaussure Sex

2008-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

I want to wear these & nothing else...

Stella McCartney f/w 08... I am sort of speechless.
Kate Lanphear on Jak & Jill.....groovy website.
style.com & jakandjill.com

"What Is, Guilty Pleasure?"

2008-12-19T22:10:00.000-08:00

Man, I love Jeopardy. Specifically Kid Jeopardy & Teen Jeopardy. My roommate, Christina, and I would often get Applebee's Curbside to Go and park ourselves on our '80stastic sectional couch for a good 3 hours or so (Jeopardy followed by a few blocks of America's Funniest Home Videos.) Sigh, those were the days...

The shining beacon of light on teen Jeopardy was our future polygamist husband, Norwegian Rat-boy Stephen.

We like him because he audibly swore when he was on...

...and had uncontrollable fits of rage.

Other goodies...

Drunk Trebek..Mmmmm.
(I take back my previous post...now THIS is my dream dude.)

If I Were Dr. Suzenstein...

2008-12-19T15:35:00.000-08:00

...I would create my dream dude in four easy steps:

1)
He would have the physical body & style of Paul Simonon. EVEN THE GAP! (I love the gap.) British accent is a given...

2)
A huge dose of John Cusack circa Better Off Dead's endearing goofy attitude.

3)
Bill Murray's sense of humor.

and lastly...
4)
The TINIEST bit of Californication Hank Moody clever asshole-ishness. I stress only a wee bit, since I could see myself getting fucked off quickly with a full dose of those histronics.

(timeoutnewyork,com, clashphotorockers, foobooz.com, photobucket)

Meep!

2008-12-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling divided about the weather report for the next few days. On one hand, I love sledding, skiing/snowboarding, ice skating, & most of all, building FEROCIOUS snow animals!! However, am not down with attempting to drive in the snow. It is a right pain in the ass. Snow puts a cramp in my daily jaunts from my house to downtown (precious alone time with my musique!) and is probably gonna ruin my new boots (even if I do water proof them, I am anxious!)

Tonight, I did some Christmas shopping down in Albany. Zis eez vhat I vore....

I am still torn up over what else to get my Dad & he is offering no suggestions! Grrrr...

"He Has Such an Egon Schiele Look.."

2008-12-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

...So quoth Patti Smith about Tom Verlaine.

I quite like the vibe of Egon Schiele's work. A little creepy, but I can get behind that.

A dream where everyone looked like a Schiele drawing would be a nifty experience, methinks!

moma.org, tomatocan.net

Rip Her to Shreds

2008-12-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

I, too, have gotten pulled into the vortex that is The Maison Martin Margiela Ripped Pant Phenomenon.

It all started innocently enough whilst I was perusing the customistions thread on TFS. From there, these pants started haunting me. First through my first venture onto Polyvore, and finally-the coup de grace- the reigning pixie of cool, Gala Darling, posted her own version. (Her website is so rad, do yourself a favor & spent a chunk of time checking it all out!)

I had a pair of H&M skinny black pants that already had a rip in one knee (thanks to me eating pavement on the way to class one day). I went to town on them with some scissors & ta-dah!

I must have gotten asked 24565 times if I was cold as I strolled around downtown.

Purple Haze

2008-12-15T14:45:00.001-08:00

Braving the rain for some sushi...

"How Many Chanel Bags Do You Own?"

2008-12-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute video from the Chanel Mobile Art opening. I love the all the answers from such a range of models, actresses, and fashion folk. I had a little giggle at Carine Roitfeld's answer- I'm not really a 'bag girl', either! (Though I definitely would not turn down the offer of a classic lambskin 2.55....preferably in bright red or yellow.)

"Twelve.....I think that's reasonable!"

Do It One More Time For Me

2008-12-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Nudibranchs

2008-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

I think I have found my new totem animal and that is..... the NUDIBRANCH.
Okay, so maybe I don't really want to be represented by a slimy sea slug, but you gotta admit that these little dudes are pretty rad looking. The name isn't half-bad either! It makes me giggle.

A nudibranch (pronounced /ˈnjud ɪ bɹæŋk/ (BrE) or /ˈnud ɪ bɹæŋk/ (AmE)^[1]) is a member of one suborder of soft-bodied, shell-less marine opisthobranch gastropod mollusks, which are noted for their often extraordinary colors and striking forms. The suborder Nudibranchia is the largest suborder of heterobranchs, with more than 3,000 described species.

The word "nudibranch" comes from the Latin nudus, naked, and the Greek brankhia, gills.

Nudibranchs are often casually called "sea slugs", a non-scientific term. This has led some people to assume that every sea slug must be a nudibranch. Nudibranchs are very numerous in terms of species, and are often very attractive and noticeable, but there are a wide variety of other kinds of sea slugs, and these belong to several taxonomic groups that are not very closely related to nudibranchs. A fair number of these other sea slugs are colorful, and can be confused with nudibranchs. (merci, WIKIPEDIA)

(thecutereport.com, divegallery.com, birdhouse.org, discovery magazine)

Hot Nudibranch Action...!!

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #004

2008-12-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Beguile- v. to lead by deception; to hoodwink; to amuse or charm.

The Beguiling of Merlin from victorianweb.org

She's Not There

2008-12-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

One of the most underrated, bordering on criminally so, bands is The Zombies. I have been on a huge Zombies kick lately, and it got me scratching my head over why they aren't more popular.

Sure, they had Time of the Season (which wasn't even popular until after they broke up.) I'd hope most people would have an appreciation for that quintessential Sixties tune, even if they didn't know the band behind it. However, they've recorded many more songs that I think are even better at capturing that certain "Zombies" mood.

This Will Be Our Year- I honestly think this is one of the sweetest songs ever written. The vocals and melody just blend seamlessly. If (and this is a big if) I ever get married, I would want my first dance with my husband to be this. Case closed.

The Way I Feel Inside- Simple and raw. I loved how Wes Anderson used it in The Life Aquatic. Everyone has related to these lyrics at one point or another.

Other Notables.....

Care of Cell 44- I drove my roommate nuts playing this over & over this past spring semester. "Bum bum bum bum bum... FEEEELS SO GOOD"

Hung Up On A Dream-
Well I remember yesterday
Just drifting slowly through a crowded street
With neon darkness shimmering through the haze
A sea of faces rippling in the heat
And from that nameless changing crowd
A sweet vibration seemed to fill the air
I stood astounded staring hard
At men with flowers resting in their hair...

Live Fast, Die Young

2008-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

This performance is like a dagger twisted into my heart. I mean that in the best possible way.

Janice is Queen.

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #003

2008-11-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Tincture- n. a substance that colors, dyes, or stains. a characteristic quality; a slight admixture. a solution of medicinal substance in alcoholic solvent.

(flowerfieldnforest.com)

Happiness Is...

2008-11-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

* My new Chinese Laundry over the knee suede boots! I want them in every color imaginable.
* Goya guacamole & cheddar cheese wraps....my standard 'go-to' lunch

* Rimmel nailpolish in Hypnotize

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

2008-11-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

dkny sequin top, forever 21 hair feather doo-dad, h&m skinnies, chinese laundry boots.

My room could stand to be cleaned, but I can't be bothered at the moment.

The Wonderland Otherwise Known As Polyvore...

2008-11-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

I know I am MASSIVELY late on this, but I simply cannot get enough of Polyvore. I've only been registered for say, five minutes, but I can see in the not-so-distant future that this will be the bane of all my sleepless nights to come...

Un

"There are never enough hours in the day of a queen, and her nights have too many."

2008-11-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

I spent a good chunk of my evening yesterday watching the 1963 movie, Cleopatra featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Her entrance into Rome blew my mind with endless inspiration! The costumes, the colors!! I am swooning.

To think, this was all filmed with absolutely no special effects! Hollywood just ain't what it used to be. . .

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #002

2008-11-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

Bodacious- adj. Outright, unmistakable. Remarkable, noteworthy. Voluputous, sexy!

(the-infectious-bettie-page.blogspot.com)

Finally!

2008-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm diggin' my weekly horoscope this week from astrostyle.

Aquarius
Your ruling planet Uranus goes direct this week after a five month retrograde through your income sector. If your finances or job security have been erratic this year, expect to feel a profound sense of peace now. You may not actually know where you're heading, but you'll finally have a clear idea of what to aim for. It's likely to be a pursuit with a lot more spirituality or world-changing energy to it. Chalk this up to Pluto, which moves into your magical, mystical twelfth house on Thursday. This phase last for sixteen years, reshaping the way you view life in a major way. It's time to bring a deeper dimension to all that you do. You may work more behind-the-scenes than you have for a while; or, you may become known worldwide for one of your inspirational creative talents. If you're not touching people with your work, it simply won't feel worth it. Thursday also features a new moon in Sagittarius, your house of teamwork. A fresh round of friends and collaborators are set to enter your world. There will be lots of laughter mixed in with the inspiration, so expect to have a good time joining forces with these folks.

(pic from geocities.com/wilsontctc)

meow!

2008-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Eniko for Vogue Paris Dec/Jan Calender. Ph. Terry Richardson
(scanned by the lovely Diorette @ tfs)

Fave-Rave Word of the Day #001

2008-11-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

Let me first preface this by stating that peppering my language with fancy words is one of the little things that gives me a thrill and gives my heart a little skip.(Other things that do this- anticipation of Paris fashion week, updates on BPAL, finding a great piece at a thrift store, paying someone a compliment, driving alone at night blasting rock n roll tunes from the '60s & '70s).

Personally, I think all of us could benefit by incorporating some exciting words into our lives. Therefore, I will be posting (hopefully daily) a word that I get a little joy out of saying aloud, along with a definition and some visuals. I will personally slap myself the next time someone asks me how I am doing and I just reply "good". Life is too short for a drab vocabulary.

Today's word is: Resplendent- adj. shining brilliantly; characterized by glowing splendor.

Photo from Sarah Kraly's Flickr

Is Romance Dead?

2008-11-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

There is a passage in my current favorite book, Faithfull by Marianne Faithfull, that had me pondering that sentiment.

She talks of a man known as "Stash". "One night Stash climbed up the wisteria on the front of the house to the balcony of Cheyne Walk. He got into the house and came up to my bedroom making a grand entrance in his cape. Well, that deserves a fuck, I thought. It was terribly dangerous."

The thought of that strikes the romantic in me, and makes me swoon as well. Now, I don't have any wisteria climbing up the walls to my bedroom for young suitors to climb, but still! Where are these terribly romantic gestures nowadays? Everyone just goes to the bar to feed some lines to whatever seemingly enthusiastic candidate there is in hopes to bring them home for some awful drunken sex and then an awkward morning.

I want to bring back anonymous love letters- written by hand! Dropping perfumed handkerchiefs in the line of men! Throwing small pebbles at your love interest's window in the darkness of night! Clandestine meetings in parks!

I think it would make life so much more thrilling. We could all use a good dose of thrill, am I right?

(pic from phillyist.com)

oh, oh it's magic

2008-10-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was relaxing with a Magic Hat (...Hocus Pocus, a change from my favorite #9). As per usual, a little saying underneath the cap.

What could be better than a beer with Eddie Vedder?

Well, I could think of lots of things:

- A lifetime supply of my favorite BPAL perfume oils ( Smut, Marianne, Snake Oil, Eat Me, Illustrated Woman, Scherezade, O....I could go on.)

- Magnolia red velvet cupcakes for dinner

- My own French bulldog puppy with some sort of dandy name

- The ability to stay up all night, yet feel totally rested

- Paul Simonon circa 1979 in my bed

Renee Perle

2008-07-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

In my dorm room at college I used to construct a huge collage of all these small pictures of inspiration that I printed off from my computer. They ranged from various runway shots I loved,to shots of my favorite bands, favorite magazine editiorials, and everything in between. One picture of a woman reclining on a couch I found so compelling. I didn't really know much about it- didn't know the photographer much less than the woman subject. With a little bit of digging I found out that she was Renee Perle- gorgeous Parisienne & a wealth of style and inspiration to me (and John Galliano)!

The bedroom eyes, perfectly waved hair, piles upon piles of bangles, little bow lips...

(The last picture is the aforementioned one that graced my wall for years.)

Christian Dior: couture fall 2008

2008-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am beyond stunned and obsessed with this diaphanous creation Mr. Galliano sent down the catwalk (though I could do without the chunky necklace. I think that coupled with the statement waist cinching belt is a tad too much).

As anyone who knows me in "real life" can attest, I have an affinity for anything sheer. If I had the funds, you better believe I'd be wearing this ALL THE TIME. You really must go to dior.com and watch the couture video to see this gown in action. A simple photograph hardly does it justice.

monday bloody monday

2008-07-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Benedryl haze is coming on and that can only mean one thing...back to nyc at the glorious hour of 6 am tomorrow !

As an aside, these two pics of model/ all around cool chick Valentine Fillol-Cordier illustrate the sartorial vibe I'm feeling as of late.

For those about to rock we salute you.

i need la la la ooh la la

2008-06-27T09:05:00.001-07:00

(old apc campaign with valentine fillol-cordier & jamie hince)

Daphne Guiness..

2008-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

.. I first caught wind of this lovely lady when I spent a lovely lazy afternoon at school lounging on my bed watching fashiony stuff on youtube, namely Signe Chanel and then The Secret World of Haute Couture. Daphne was featured on the latter, and was by far my favorite couture supporter due to her wicked personal style (hello awesome Cruella two-tone hair). Plus, she comes from a pretty stellar lineage. She is so true to herself and so COOL. Ugh. Major fashion inspiration follows :

Moment of silence for thos epic purple shoes, please.

i have the greatest feet...

2008-06-13T13:05:00.001-07:00

seriously nasty.

so true

2008-06-09T12:04:00.001-07:00

the whirlwind of lovers

2008-06-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

an image to mull over.......sleep is coming.....

(this is by william blake, great poet in addition to great artist)

there is a light that never goes out

2008-06-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

take me out tonight, because i want to see people and i want to see life

the lady of shalott

2008-05-25T00:53:00.001-07:00

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And through the field the road run by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Through the wave that runs for ever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four grey walls, and four grey towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle imbowers
The Lady of Shalott.

By the margin, willow veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth silken-sail'd
Skimming down to Camelot:
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The Lady of Shalott?

Only reapers, reaping early,
In among the bearded barley
Hear a song that echoes cheerly
From the river winding clearly;
Down to tower'd Camelot;
And by the moon the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in uplands airy,
Listening, whispers, " 'Tis the fairy
The Lady of Shalott."

There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shalott.

And moving through a mirror clear
That hangs before her all the year,
Shadows of the world appear.
There she sees the highway near
Winding down to Camelot;
There the river eddy whirls,
And there the surly village churls,
And the red cloaks of market girls
Pass onward from Shalott.

Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,
An abbot on an ambling pad,
Sometimes a curly shepherd lad,
Or long-hair'd page in crimson clad
Goes by to tower'd Camelot;
And sometimes through the mirror blue
The knights come riding two and two.
She hath no loyal Knight and true,
The Lady of Shalott.

But in her web she still delights
To weave the mirror's magic sights,
For often through the silent nights
A funeral, with plumes and lights
And music, went to Camelot;
Or when the Moon was overhead,
Came two young lovers lately wed.
"I am half sick of shadows," said
The Lady of Shalott.

A bow-shot from her bower-eaves,
He rode between the barley sheaves,
The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,
And flamed upon the brazen greaves
Of bold Sir Lancelot.
A red-cross knight for ever kneel'd
To a lady in his shield,
That sparkled on the yellow field,
Beside remote Shalott.

The gemmy bridle glitter'd free,
Like to some branch of stars we see
Hung in the golden Galaxy.
The bridle bells rang merrily
As he rode down to Camelot:
And from his blazon'd baldric slung
A mighty silver bugle hung,
And as he rode his armor rung
Beside remote Shalott.

All in the blue unclouded weather
Thick-jewell'd shone the saddle-leather,
The helmet and the helmet-feather
Burn'd like one burning flame together,
As he rode down to Camelot.
As often thro' the purple night,
Below the starry clusters bright,
Some bearded meteor, burning bright,
Moves over still Shalott.

His broad clear brow in sunlight glow'd;
On burnish'd hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow'd
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
As he rode down to Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flashed into the crystal mirror,
"Tirra lirra," by the river
Sang Sir Lancelot.

She left the web, she left the loom,
She made three paces through the room,
She saw the water-lily bloom,
She saw the helmet and the plume,
She look'd down to Camelot.
Out flew the web and floated wide;
The mirror crack'd from side to side;
"The curse is come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shalott.

In the stormy east-wind straining,
The pale yellow woods were waning,
The broad stream in his banks complaining.
Heavily the low sky raining
Over tower'd Camelot;
Down she came and found a boat
Beneath a willow left afloat,
And around about the prow she wrote
The Lady of Shalott.

And down the river's dim expanse
Like some bold seer in a trance,
Seeing all his own mischance --
With a glassy countenance
Did she look to Camelot.
And at the closing of the day
She loosed the chain, and down she lay;
The broad stream bore her far away,
The Lady of Shalott.

Lying, robed in snowy white
That loosely flew to left and right --
The leaves upon her falling light --
Thro' the noises of the night,
She floated down to Camelot:
And as the boat-head wound along
The willowy hills and fields among,
They heard her singing her last song,
The Lady of Shalott.

Heard a carol, mournful, holy,
Chanted loudly, chanted lowly,
Till her blood was frozen slowly,
And her eyes were darkened wholly,
Turn'd to tower'd Camelot.
For ere she reach'd upon the tide
The first house by the water-side,
Singing in her song she died,
The Lady of Shalott.

Under tower and balcony,
By garden-wall and gallery,
A gleaming shape she floated by,
Dead-pale between the houses high,
Silent into Camelot.
Out upon the wharfs they came,
Knight and Burgher, Lord and Dame,
And around the prow they read her name,
The Lady of Shalott.

Who is this? And what is here?
And in the lighted palace near
Died the sound of royal cheer;
And they crossed themselves for fear,
All the Knights at Camelot;
But Lancelot mused a little space
He said, "She has a lovely face;
God in his mercy lend her grace,
The Lady of Shalott."

ashes to ashes

2008-05-21T19:12:00.001-07:00

I've been having a lot of dreams lately about phoenixes. Probably the most beautiful imagery ever- destruction & annihilation breeds creation......

suzanne by leonard cohen

2008-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Suzanne takes you down to
her place near the river
You can hear the boats go by
You can spend the night beside her
And you know that she's half crazy
But that's why you want to be there
And she feeds you tea and oranges
That come all the way from China
And just when you mean to tell her
That you have no love to give her
Then she gets you on her wavelength
And she lets the river answer
That you've always been her lover
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that she will trust you
For you've touched her perfect body
with your mind

And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said "All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them"
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with him
And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you'll trust him
For he's touched your perfect body
with his mind

Now Suzanne takes your hand
And she leads you to the river
She is wearing rags and feathers
From Salvation Army counters
And the sun pours down like honey
On our lady of the harbour
And she shows you where to look
Among the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed
There are children in the morning
They are leaning out for love
And they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that you can trust her
For she's touched your perfect body
with her mind

( a good song for a dreary afternoon.....)

shine on you crazy diamond

2008-05-17T14:36:00.001-07:00

and the coup de grace....

i taste just like candy

2008-05-16T10:47:00.001-07:00

(vogue paris march & lula spring)

bleached out brows, pale pastel tresses, pinkpinkpink......im adrift in a washed out candy-floss daydream

...it's always just around the bend

2008-05-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

(photo from emmanuelle alt's thread, tfs)

it came from the sea

2008-05-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

images from wikipedia, discovermagazine.com & manandmollusc.net

It must've been the night of watching ROGUE NATURE with Christina a few weeks ago that rekindled my love with all weird and bizarre creatures of the deep. Like a lot of elementary school age kids, I went through that phase of wanting to be some sort of marine biologist but I was totally not in the pretty-happy dolphin/whale camp. I wanted to study the real bizarre stuff- the weirder the better!

That particular episode was all about really aggressive squids- the Humboldt aka DIABLO ROJO. So badass. The guy actually got into a chainlink suit to float down with a whole pack of em during feeding time and they went nuts on him. Of course, being a suz, after the show was over I immediately got on my mac and proceeded to google the hell outta those babies. Humboldt squid lead to colossol squid ( many sperm whales bear scars from those dudes) which led to just sea life in general. Now I am getting a distinct memory of having some computer game way back when involving the ocean and always being pissed that I got some 'sea squirt' or 'sea cucumber' or whatever....but I can't for the life of me recall much more than that. It's gonna keep me up tonight, seriously.......

Back to deep sea creatures. I think it's so curious that life can be sustained so far below sea level. It's like a totally different planet down there- no light, extreme cold, not a lot of food. People are always so curious about different planets, but what about the stuff going on right down here?? This is probably why I always get a little anxious whenever I find myself on a boat....you just don't know what's down there. And I always envision the boat capsizing dramatically or something terrible like that happening.

i got no friends cause they read the papers / they can't be seen with me

2008-05-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Whenever I download a new song I can't help but listen to it over and over and over again. Such is the case with Alice Cooper's 'No More Mr. Nice Guy'. Watching [i]Dazed and Confused[/i] last night put it over the edge......is it me or is every song in that movie absolutely genius? I'm a total '70s rock chick at heart....

your moment of zen....

2008-04-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

karl, karl, karl

2008-04-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Can we please talk about how genius the first thirty seconds are !?

One, I fantasize daily about having enough rings to wear them like armor on my fingers. Soon this will be a reality.
Two, I'm going to start throwing things down with such a disdainful flourish when I am finished with them.

I think it's probably more than obvious that I watch Signe Chanel more than what society deems a healthy amount. Ah, merde. . .

must. . .have. . .

2008-04-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

a thought

2008-03-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

sometimes i think it would be wonderful to be a pathological liar. i'd make up such extravagent stories about myself....life would be so much more fun. . .

last night i dreamt that somebody loved me

2008-03-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

......i'm on a Smiths/Morrissey binge.

ring a ling

2008-03-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

i've become one of those people i hate who have a 'real song' ringer for their mobile. however, i can't hate myself that much since it is the intro of "foxy lady" by jimi hendrix and not some shitty rap song. . .

my head is swimming

2008-03-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

. . .i feel lame, but i'm banking it on the end of the february doldrums. things can only be exciting for so long, i suppose..

2007-11-16T22:55:00.000-08:00

"The only performance that makes it, that makes it all the way, is the one that achieves madness. Am I right? Eh?"