Chambray and adventures

Tshirt - Wildfox, skirt - Urban Outfitters, cuff - antique, socks - Target, shoes - Doc Marten via flea market

To be honest, it never really crossed my mind that I might have wanted a chambray skirt prior to trying on this and feeling like a million bucks. It's not that it's my new-favorite skirt, but I just can't help but feel good in it, you know? And for $10, I said why not.





I wore this yesterday. The weather was fantastic, and I had an overall good day. I swapped the skirt for a pair of shorts then went on an adventure to a state park, a big tree on a hill (photos soon!), and a giant wooden castle for children. Yes, that sounds creepy, no, there were no children present.



I think at this point, I can make the decision that this has been my best summer ever. I've been to the beach twice (with friends), I've gone on numerous adventures, I've been taking classes at University of the Arts (one week left! sorta bittersweet...), and I still have time to relax. Usually I worry about things changing in the future, but my attitude right now is one that allows me to go with the flow. And sometimes there's nothing better!

xox Catherine

PS I have another outfit post from Wednesday... I'm so behind!

7.28.10

Tank - Target, skirt - Element, necklace - made by me, cuff - antique, boots - Doc Martens




These photos are embarrassingly out of focus. And I probably have viewers wondering why I'm wearing boots in the middle of summer - it's because I can't wear open shoes in the metal studio and I've already worn both pairs of sneakers that I own numerous times.

I haven't much to say, so I'll leave you photos of "the big tree on the hill." Note: this place is far more beautiful in real life. It's the kind of place at which you get sad when you see trash.




Hope all is well, xox Catherine

Recent Purchases - 7.25.10

I don't believe I mentioned that I'd be going to a flea market this past weekend, but I did, and made out pretty well! I would've done more damage if my friends didn't want to leave. But in all honesty, it was ridiculously hot and pretty unbearable! I'm particularly pleased with the pretty-but-still-a-little-badass tank and the clunky Maryjane Doc Martens.

We got caught in the rain after stopping at Urban Outfitters...




So, I guess I'll give you a rundown of the prices I paid for these items, since I'm rather proud about how "well" I did.
Anna Sui tank - $1
Doc Martens - $10
Necklace - $3
Sandals - $10
Skirt - $10
...totaling at $34.

Again, I apologize for my lack of posts. I'm actually taking a day off from school since a few events from last night have left me feeling emotionally unstable. So don't expect an outfit post today. And I have to keep telling myself: I'm fine, it'll all blow over, it's for the better, but it's just hard because it's now. I guess the biggest drawback to learning to live in the present means feeling affected when stuff like this happens rather than trying to forget about it by providing myself the privilege of hoping too much for the future.

But I hold true to what I've been saying - this year remains the best year I've experienced yet. I wouldn't say I'm quite ready to take this as a learning opportunity just yet, but I'm hoping I'll look back in the future - remembering fondness as well as what I don't deserve. Because in the end, I feel there's nothing else to do. It might sound a little pessimistic, but if I'm able to keep the good memories I garnered with me, I'll be content. And you know what else? Happy.

Hope all is well for my lovely readers,
xox Catherine

PS I've reached 130 followers! And I don't think I can thank any one of you enough. But I'll just say it simply - thanks.

Untitled

Top - Anthropologie, skirt - vintage, jewelry - antique, shoes - Keds

These shoes are definitely wearing out... I guess that's what happens when you wear the same pair of shoes all throughout two seasons! Anyway, I apologize for the (unintentional) absence. I felt better Friday, so I went on a few adventures... Saturday I played with a neighbor's puppy (see below, pictured with my dog, Sadie), Sunday was mostly relaxed except for a few particularly bad moments. Monday morning was rough, but later in the day I hung out with a friend and got my mind off of things. Yesterday I ended up having class then going to Horizons, which is a mostly-vegan restaurant. I brought a friend who's definitely not even vegetarian, but he enjoyed it too. The food was delicious, so quite worth the $20 each (!) entree costs. Maybe I'm just not used to fine dining? Ha.





Half way through the week! As much as I'm enjoying my classes (I'm definitely considering U Arts as a potential school choice), waking up at 7am and commuting an hour each way is tiring. I'll be sure to post photos once I finish some of my projects - I'm almost done with my pendant and I've started a belt buckle. Exciting, right?

Oh, just some cuteness for you - this is the photo I mentioned. Sadie is on the left, and Simba is on the right. It's the funniest thing, Sadie acts so motherly when a puppy's around. Adorable! (They're both golden retrievers, in case you were wondering.)



Hope all is well! xox Catherine

Wardrobe Remix

I've not been feeling very well these past couple of days, but I decided upon submitting a last-minute entry to Chictopia/Teen Vogue's Wardrobe Remix contest.

Outfit 1:



Black dress - Volcom, white dress - Target, necklace - made by me, belt - vintage, shoes - Kohl's

So this is what I actually wore today. I had my classes in the city, and while I was in my second class my sandals broke! Luckily, it's an art school with a variety of materials that can be used to reattach such items. I wouldn't have worn these if it weren't for pesky blisters from wearing too-thin socks with my Doc Martens! Surprisingly enough, I think the extra layer kept me cool throughout the day. It's gross, but normally I sweat a lot when I wear belts over things. Not today!

Outfit 2:




Shirt - Olive and Olivia, necklace - thrift, dress worn as skirt - Target, bracelets - antique/gift, shoes - Aldo

This is probably one of my favorite outfits that I've put together. Unfortunately, it's much too hot for such a shirt, so I'll have to wait until it cools down to repeat this combination. And believe me, expect to see this again. I see this working well for a late-summer night.

Outfit 3:



Necklaces - antique, dress - Target, cuff - antique, shoes - Keds

Sometimes simplicity is awesome in its own. I must admit, my blisters made these shoes very uncomfortable to wear, but I could see myself wearing this on a day where it's too hot to wear anything complicated... everyday in my mind!

Anyway, my classes are going well. I've actually encountered a fellow blogger in one of my classes, which I think is awesome! I'm so excited to see what else this program will bring!

xox Catherine

I Heart Blogs

Today, I'm going to share ten of my favorite blogs. Some are well known, some not... But all are wonderful and on my must-read list! (Keep in mind, these are in no particular order.)

1. night lights
I feel fortunate to have met Mitzi of night lights at Chictopia 10 - she's definitely going somewhere in the blogging hall of fame! (Please excuse my lack of humor.) She always looks very put together, but doesn't sacrifice any bit of personal style while doing so. Her style is well-defined, and definitely something to watch.

2. lifesize paperdoll
Maggie, the girl behind lifesize paperdoll seems like such a sweetheart! She's having a great giveaway right now... and I'll just say it's not your average giveaway!

3. Simply Hope
I always feel a little jealous when girls younger than I am are very well dressed. Hope's a natural - she puts together stylish outfits very well, often touching on some of the latest trends in a way that's not gaudy.

4. Tick Tock Vintage
Veronika is another Philadelphia blogger, and I admire her vintage/vintage inspired wardrobe. She also has an Etsy shop with some great picks. And her hair? So jealous.

5. The Clothes Horse
Rebecca's blog is awesome, to put it simply. She manages to put together unique outfits with a strong sense of personal style. She was one of the speakers at Chictopia 10, and she was very down-to-earth and easy to relate to.

6. style is style
I also met Lydia at Chictopia 10 after I had been admiring her style for quite a while. I love the pops of color that often make an appearance in her outfits. Her style is very fun without being too kiddish.

7. The Stylish Wanderer
I don't actually know the Stylish Wanderer's name, but this is another example of a girl younger than I who exhibits great style. I love the California-cool ease of her outfits... definitely makes me wish I could replicate it as well.

8. Daily Puppy
No, Daily Puppy is not a fashion blog. But I beg you to find something (or someone!) that you don't want on this blog. That's right, you can't. Who can resist puppies?!

9. Karla's Closet
I must admit, I'm partial to the pieces in the "old" Karla's Closet, but I love the way Karla puts together outfits. She's one blogger that has a fabulous closet along with a fantastic sense of style. I'm not an expert of any sort, but I feel that her approach is often a little French - not overdone, sometimes understated. And that's what I like!

10. Hand It Over
I can't resist pretending to be funny... after visiting Wendy's blog, you really wish that she'd just hand over her whole wardrobe. But for real, this seriously pretty girl has a great way of putting items together. She layers fabulously, but looks just as great in something simple.

Earrings - Lost Boys & Lovers, necklace - antique, dress - Billabong, cuff - antique, shoes - Dolce Vita

I took these photos literally minutes before a pretty big storm hit, so please excuse the poor quality/etc. Nothing out of the ordinary... wore this for my first day of class. I suppose that's why I look dazed and tired. I'm so excited to make stuff! And I have two different classes tomorrow. It's weird feeling positive about education since I would characterize my high school experience poorly.

Everything's well. Life is good.

xox Catherine

PS On July 15 (Thursday) I'll be participating in We Heart Blogs. It's pretty much going to be a giant blogroll/bloglove, so if you love blogs, check it out and/or stay tuned for my top picks!

Not when that damn sun is shining down over me...

Tank - Anthropologie, earrings - Lost Boys & Lovers, skirt - Target, cuffs - antique, sandals - Dolce Vita

Within the past couple weeks, a myriad of goodies have ended up in my mailbox and then my dining room tables. There's a dress from a contest I won... it's more appropriate for fall, so expect to see it then. I love these earrings that Sadie Rose Casey over at Lost Boys & Lovers sent me. They're so cool and not comparable to most earrings that I see in stores... and I'm a fan of jewelry that isn't so plain. I haven't actually worn anything in my ears in the past couple of years, but these make me want to go crazy over buying earrings. But of course, I can't, so I'll probably try to make something when I start my art class on Monday!

Yeah, how did that sneak up so quickly? I've been having a good ol' time since my last post... and then some. Today was one of those days that starts out good but gets progressively worse as the day presses on. So naturally, I ended up in my bed curled up with my cat, fell asleep, and missed out on any Friday night plans.






This is my first post since changing my layout... hoping that the pictures fit! It's taking some time to get used to it, but I feel it's more personal since I drew it all. Not surprising... and I'm now questioning why I'd put up stuff that I don't feel is the best of my ability, but whatever.

xox Catherine

Catching up

It's been a while... and I have some tidbits to catch you all up on!


1. My weekend was spent at the beach with some friends - night swimming in the ocean is so much fun. Anyway, we got lost on the way home, making us all late for a friend's Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza. This photo was taken post-being lost... going into Philadelphia!


2. It surpassed 102 degrees yesterday. Upon hearing that it was 95 degrees at 10am, I instantly contacted friends to see who would be willing to go swimming somewhere. I did end up going swimming - at three different pools. I love summer.


3. I received an adorable package in the mail from Sadie at Lost Boys & Lovers (and Tigercult). Aren't these earrings stunning? I can't wait to wear them in an outfit post once the weather cools down.


4. I've selected a winner for the Chickdowntown.com giveaway - missamy! Thank you to all who participated, and I can't wait for another giveaway in the future.

Summer Simplicity

Necklace - antique, dress - Modcloth, shoes - Aldo

Hello, hope you've all seen my giveaway post! Yes, I posted it today, but I'll just tell you in case you haven't seen it.

I was actually wearing another outfit earlier, but I was extremely dissatisfied. Normally, I manage to suck it up if an outfit isn't anything special, but I didn't feel confident whatsoever in it. I felt insecure, which usually doesn't happen with my outfits.




So this is outfit number two. It's significantly more simple than the previous one, and I like it better. Coincidentally, I feel prettier and it seems that all of my photos came out better. The latter is probably due to me finally applying common sense to photography, but either way, I feel that this is more "me."

I'm going to throw in a little bit of opinion right now - am I the only one that's getting sick of Jeffrey Campbell shoes? Maybe it's a sort of bitterness since I refuse to buy anything made with leather (unless it's used, but no one ever seems to give them up!), but it's becoming a little repetitive. The latest style of heel is done eight different ways, then bloggers wear it in approximately sixteen ways. I certainly don't feel that I'm in the position to criticize anyone, nor do I intend to. But I just can't help but wonder if it's "indie brands" such as these that are taking away from some of the variety in the blogosphere. And then again, maybe Jeffrey Campbell shoes are well-made. I don't know.




As I might have mentioned, I'm thinking of setting up an online shop with pieces I don't want anymore for whatever reason... such as this cool vintage belt that I've never found a way to wear. However, I think I might just save vintage items for the ebay store I'll be setting up with my aunt and I'll try to swap other items on Chic Swap.



Speaking of Chictopia, I've been published again on the Uglies blogs! This time it's on TeenUgly, which is truthfully the column I feel more comfortable writing for. Check it out here.

xox Catherine

PS I'm trying to think of a way to revamp my layout. It's getting a little cluttered.

Another Giveaway... with Chickdowntown.com!

I have some exciting news to announce.

Chickdowntown.com and Silhouette Girl have teamed up for a giveaway! In case you've never visited before, Chickdowntown.com has tons of cool items from some of the trendiest brands. There's a huge selection for any fashion lover, regardless of her own personal style.

The winner of this giveaway will receive the pretty Print Prairie Skirt by Alice + Olivia along with an LNA Tank in Charcoal.



To enter, leave a comment with your name and email address. The limit is one entry per person, and excess entries will be deleted. The giveaway will close on Tuesday, July 6 at 11:59pm EST, so get your entries in soon!

The winner will be selected using a random number generator at random.org, and the lucky winner will be announced soon after the contest has ended.

And for those who don't win, Silhouette Girl readers can receive free shipping with the code SGIRL. Be sure to select "save now" shipping in order to redeem this code.

In all honesty, I'm going to be quite jealous of the winner! I'm so glad that Chickdowntown.com has given me this opportunity to share with my readers.

xox Catherine