Wednesday

Necklace - thrifted, cardigan - sister's, dress - Volcom, belt - thrifted, shoes - Aldo

This outfit was worn on Wednesday, which involved play practice, going to a friend's house, and a dress rehearsal. Despite increasing humidity in my school, this outfit was rather comfy. Yeah, it's a little odd to me too that a super short dress and five inch platforms are comfy in my book. But whatever. It happens.




I've developed a new obsession. It's a tumblog - Cats, Where They Do Not Belong. I'm a sucker for cute animals in funny places. Never did I realize so many kitties enjoy sitting in refrigerators.

At this point, I must decide where I want to go next year by tomorrow. I'm confident I'll make this right decision, but until then, it's pros and cons lists galore.




Hope your weekend is going well!

xox Catherine

Through the roof and underground

Necklace - thrifted, top - Madewell, cuff - antique, skirt - Urban Outfitters, shoes - Urban Outfitters

I wore this on Tuesday, and I've been busy since thus haven't gotten around to posting. The weather was ridiculously beautiful - sunny and warm with the perfect breeze. Nice weather also entails neighbors outdoors, and I'm a little awkward posing in front of my camera in front of anyone. So this session involved lots of back and forth, trying to adjust settings accordingly, and a bit of frustration.




Later on, in the midst of watching the Flyers game, I attempted to discuss possible living situations for next year in the event I move to the city, but it's so difficult to talk about when so much is uncertain. Sure, I've imagined trying to find a place my sophomore year or such, but freshman year? Not quite. It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

I have three days to decide where to go. It's between two schools, each with a significant amount of pros and cons. I've been list-making all week! If I'm accepted to a particular program, I would have the opportunity to live in London. As exciting as that sounds, it's scary. But how could I possibly pass up something like that?

Oh, high school senior woes.



I hope all is well in your life!

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.7: The Irony of Anti-Thinspo

Just a note: sorry for the late posting! I'm completely overwhelming myself. It's bad. But anyway...

"I mean, is 'fat' really the worst thing a human being can be? Is 'fat' worse than 'vindictive', 'jealous', 'shallow', 'vain', 'boring' or 'cruel'? Not to me; but then, you might retort, what do I know about the pressure to be skinny? ... Maybe all this seems funny, or trivial, but it's really not. It's about what girls want to be, what they're told they should be, and how they feel about who they are." - J.K.Rowling

Recently on Tumblr, a certain post pertaining to body image came to my attention. I suppose it was intending to spread a positive message (NOTE: I do not know how to reblog GIFs, perfection was crossed out and replaced with "pizza" in an edited version), but it sat a little sourly with me. If you eat, you're might get fat. But they're okay with that! Bring it!

Since my sarcasm translates poorly through writing, just know, I mean no hard feelings. However, just the mere feeling of guilt that stirs when I simply use the word fat shows how obsessed we are with weight, but more specifically, being thin.

Within the past few years, I've unintentionally lost a significant amount of weight. I was comfortable with myself, but all of a sudden I became surprisingly toothpick-thin. My friends, family, and even acquaintances complimented me on my "new" appearance. Or, at least they believed their words were compliments. "You're so skinny! I wish I looked like that!"

It didn't cease until I finally revealed that I took it as an insult. Ironically, the recent surge of accepting "real" model bodies had something to do with it. Magazine articles embraced curves - the body of a real woman. A feminine shape. Not a boyish twig. And of course, ever so proud of their own opinions, they enforced that real women have curves.

What about the rest of us? The aforementioned Tumblr post included shockingly negative opinions toward skinny girls. "I just don't like extremely thin girls," said one. Another admitted, "I think super skinny girls are kinda scary..." And many have cited the ugliness of protruding bones. Even those who admitted to - gasp - eating and having visible bones stated that thigh gaps are gross. (Yep, mine refuse to touch unless I'm sitting, and my bones commit the horrid crime of sticking out from my skin.)

Yet if anyone said this about a fat girl, it would be mean. It would be hurtful. Telling someone she needs to eat less is a stab at her self esteem, but suggesting a thin girl eat more is just as bad. Obviously, there's a double standard at play here. Naturally, there's still many that bash larger gals, citing unhealthiness and claiming skinny is synonymous with health. But assuming smaller girls are unhealthy and anorexic? No one bats an eyelash.

Everyone deserves to love her (or his) own body. No one should feel shamed by others for mere appearance. I strongly hold the attitude that those who mind don't matter, but in most cases it's easier said than done. Accept yourself and others, thick or thin, short or tall, or any other lovely combination. There's not just one body type that's beautiful, despite whatever anyone may tell you. You are beautiful. You just have to believe it.

EDIT, 4/27/11: Just for clarification, I am not trying to induce sympathy for skinny girls, sound whiny about my own experiences, or say that it's difficult to be thin. I just intended to point out a bit of hypocrisy and suggest that accepting one body type shouldn't come at the expense of another.

xox Catherine

PS If you ever want to discuss any of the topics featured in my Thoughts for Tuesday columns, don't hesitate to email me! I'd love to hear your feedback, and if there's anything I can help with, I'd be more than happy to.

I Don't Want to Wonder

Dress - Asos, necklace - antique, ring - made by me, bracelet - gift, shoes - Aldo

So, even after the horrible, horrible monstrosity that was last night, I'm still here. And smiling, no less! I blame the weather. If it were rainy, I wouldn't have bothered wearing anything nice, nor would I have been in a pleasant mood. Life goes on.




I really need more level terrain to show off these shoes - sidewalks, driveways, or even cut grass. However, I chose to look like I was frolicking in the springtime grass instead. In 80 degree weather. I'm loving it so much.

Seriously, thank you to anyone who left heartfelt advice on my last post. As illustrated in said post, I'm really stressed and I haven't had much time today. I've come to a temporary decision, but I think it's pretty obvious that I'm not too certain.




I have a few ideas for tomorrow's post. Yep, believe it or not, I actually write them all on Tuesdays... despite original intentions to assign it to Monday's duties.

I hope all is well in your life.

xox Catherine

PS Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Deliberation and whatever else

Dress - H&M, jewelery - antique and gift, shoes - DIY

I wasn't exactly intending to do an outfit post today, but considering I had plans for dinner and the weather was gorgeous, it just happened. I told myself I desperately needed spring break to recuperate, to let the idea of finishing high school sink in, and to choose where I want to go next year... but of course, none of that actually occurred. I'm exactly where I started. Go figure.




I've been tossing several options around, even ones that are completely far fetched and plain ludicrous. You know, like finding a job in NYC and living in a tiny apartment with a friend. Seems that I'll either be going to a certain nearby school (despite my wishes not to), or I may try to take a semester off and do something weird, or I may actually pursue colleges I ruled out. And here I go again with the great debate! It's seriously stressing me out and I have less than a week to decide.




I just don't know what I want to do with my life. I could just go somewhere undecided, do general studies my freshman year... but I don't think that would be remotely satisfying. I know I'd get stuck in this same rut, and the idea of creating anything would drift yet further away. And if I were to pursue art, there's the chance that I'll lose any remaining passion and then I'll have wasted a year. I hate wasting time...

I know, I'll look back and realize it's hardly a big deal, but for now, I'm completely consumed with such thoughts. So if you were curious about why I've slowed down with posting, here you go.

xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 8: 4/17 to 4/23

Welcome to the eighth edition of my weekly favorites! Spring is in full bloom, but there's still a chill in the air in some places.


Clockwise from top left: District of Chic, Going West, La Catrina, The Styling Dutchman

It seems the unofficial color of the blogosphere this past week is orange! Whether it's a bold, reddish shade, or a softer floral selection, these girls did it very well.


Clockwise from top left: the owls are not what they seem, variacje, The Clothes Horse, Selective Potential

See also: pastels paired with covet-worthy shoes and vintage-inspired floral prints.

Happy Easter to anyone that celebrates!

xox Catherine

PS Don't forget about my giveaway!

A (Belated) Celebration Giveaway: Win a handmade beaded necklace!

I'm finally conducting that giveaway I've been promising for, oh, months. You know, for 200 followers, then 250? Well, consider this a celebration for almost reaching 300. Almost.

These necklaces (I made a few) were inspired by geometry, but in a softer, translatable form. This one is made from a type of nut bead, I believe. Quite honestly, I forget the exact variety.




This necklace can be yours! I assure you, I made it with love - and a little bit of frustration because I'm a tad clumsy. Want it?

Here's what you have to do:
1. Follow Silhouette Girl through Google Friend Connect and/or Bloglovin' (and be sure to tell me which!)
2. Leave a method for me to contact you
3. Tell me how you would wear this necklace if you were to win it!

Entries will close at 11:59pm EST on May 3 EXTENDED TO MAY 10. Entries are limited to one per person, and the winner will be selected using a random number generator. The winner will be announced shortly after the contest closes.

And seriously? Thank you, anyone who has ever read my blog. It means so much to me.

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.6: Is Fashion Art? Or Just Plain Useless?

I recently visited the Roberto Capucci "Art Into Fashion" exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For those unfamiliar with his work, he came to fame in the 1950's as a brilliant young Italian designer. Over the years, his work became more sculptural. Garments from his recent collections (not shown on a regular basis, just when he has a solid round-up) are hardly even wearable. They're art.

What we see in mass-retail stores is obviously not on par with Capucci or other couturiers' work. Regardless, some consider fashion superficial, or completely consumerist based. Only a self-obsessed, insecure woman would spend $1000 on a pair of structural Balenciaga heels (A/W 2010), right? However, for just as many that blindly follow fashion, there are those women and men that value design and craftsmanship. Yet such aspects of fashion go unnoticed by many, and the fashion world remains impenetrable.

Some cannot justify spending a couple thousand dollars on any single item, nor may they have the funds to do so. (Myself included.) But in this context, fashion is comparable to any functional art. However, as I've mentioned, it's looked down upon. As stated by Oscar Wilde, "fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." Then again, it's constantly evolving, not merely changing. Fashion exists for aesthetic value as well as basic necessity, but it also mirrors the state of society. It can push boundaries or stay within the social norms.

Obviously, contemporary lines are more commercial than ready-to-wear, and ready-to-wear is more commercial than haute couture. In most of these, we see design instead of simple knockoffs. While contemporary and ready-to-wear fashion are marketed to a specific consumer, it is evident that there is thought behind the fabric (especially in the latter). Haute couture, though not for everyday use, is undeniably art in the sense of thought and technique.

With that being said, someone can dress herself or himself creatively, no matter where the clothing comes from. Wearing expensive clothes doesn't even guarantee that person will be dressed creatively. As we know, it's completely possible to put together an artistic ensemble using any sort of garments. But I digress.

Let's return to the claims that fashion is materialistic and essentially useless. If that's true, isn't all art materialist? Especially that which serves no purpose to the audience other than aesthetic value? And useless? If you live in the US, chances are, there's a few laws applicable regarding clothing oneself.

There's nothing wrong with not having a favorite designer or simply not giving a damn about the industry itself, as it's not everyone's cup of tea. Following fashion obsessively isn't necessary to appreciate or respect what it is.

xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 7: 4/10 to 4/16

Clockwise from top left: Orchid Grey, Mr. Newton, tick tock vintage, Flashes of Style

Things I'm loving: floral dresses paired with kick ass shoes, as well as shades of pink.


Clockwise from top left: Selective Potential, valentine, Natalie Off Duty, OnTheRacks

Also, a plethora of printed skirts. Mini, midi, whatever. It's all good.

xox Catherine

Philly Frolicking

Top - Asos, necklace - thrifted, skirt - Urban Outfitters, bag - Deux Lux, sandals - Aldo

I wore this on Monday. Sunny, 83 degree weather served as an enabler to my ever-growing senioritis, as well as my compulsive need to frolic. For now, such rare temperatures bring excessive joy and a failure to let anything get to me. You know, like blisters on my feet because I haven't worn these sandals sans-socks this season or minor personal issues. But exploring the NoLibs area of Philly and eating a yummy veggie burger at Honey's Sit 'n' Eat makes such problems trivial, regardless of weather.

I've had this outfit in my head for a while, but I haven't worn it because the colors are those of a school from which I was rejected. So I felt a little bitter about the situation, but I've gotten over it and paired two colors that look good on me.




My friend Christian was kind enough to take these photos for me. He's into photography and doesn't judge me for posing all awkwardly and posting photos of myself online. It's cool. I felt like I was doing the typical boyfriend-takes-my-outfit-photos thing (most of which turn out splendidly) minus the fact that I'm single, which isn't a problem whatsoever.




I've been trying my hand at the whole vintage-photo-effect edit on my software (Corel Paint Shop Pro X2, in case you were wondering), but I feel like I'm trying too hard if I do that. And I find usually it takes away the shadows I rely on to make certain pieces stand out, since I'm sort of into baggy/drape-y/textured/whatever clothing.



I want to do more food posts/posts about Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Other than that, what would you like to see on Silhouette Girl?

I hope all is well with you!

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.5: "Boyfriend Stealing" and Name Calling

I apologize that this is being posted rather late! I've been incredibly busy trying to find an internship for school, doing other schoolwork, and enjoying the glorious weather we had.

I've been thrilled to have been part of the ongoing conversation about feminism and miscellaneous issues within a few blogs. Annebeth from The Styling Dutchman brought up something I'm still thinking about: it's very common for women to be mean toward one another. From making a general statement such as "girls are bitches," or being down right vicious and spreading rumors about a so-called friend, I've witnessed it. I've been a victim. Haven't we all?

Today, while flipping through Cosmopolitan , I read an article entitled "I Exposed a Boyfriend Stealer". Perhaps this sounds good, ridding evil amongst female peers, but the photo was captioned "sigh... another skank bites the dust". Apparently, the woman was wrong for being a slut and compulsively stealing boyfriends.

Yeah, I know many of us gals detest or simply shun the opinions of the misogynist magazine, but this happens outside the men-centric pages as well. I'm very reluctant to take the phrase "boyfriend stealing" seriously. As much as women are objectified and sometimes treated poorly in relationships, stealing implies ownership. And women don't own men, just as men don't own women.

I'm firm to believe the males are at wrong in these scenarios - seduction only goes so far. There's a crucial part of this equation that many seem to miss: his consent. I highly doubt that in these situations, the men are being forced against their will. He enabled it. He actively participated, making him just as guilty, if not more.

So why blame the other woman? Yes, a friend should respect the boundaries of a relationship her friend is in. Yes, she might have started it. However, that doesn't make her a slut. I know this happens between guys too. I've witnessed several physical fights over a lady. But you don't hear one calling the other - the alleged culprit - a slut, whore, skank, bitch, etc.

We do that. It's unfortunate. Sometimes women take pride in being a so-called bitch. There's a bit of irony in that, but it's acknowledging and arguably not dispelling this self-hating thing us women have going on. Of course, we're less likely to pride ourselves in being "sluts". But calling a friend a slut or whore as a term of endearment - something I've been guilty of - has the same effect. We're just pushing that it's okay to call each other sluts and whores.

Words are just words, but these are loaded with highly negative connotations. Seems we (collectively) have a way to go in terms of dealing with fellow women on a civil basis. How sad.

xox Catherine

4.9.11

Necklace - thrifted, shirt - Olive and Olivia, cuff - antique, skirt - vintage, tights - Target, boots - Spring

I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't take photos outside because I'm actually pretty fond of this outfit. But I didn't even get home until 7pm and by then it was sort of dark and so it goes. Ignore my messy room. I need to do laundry so badly, but I've been too lazy. In fact, this is an "I-have-nothing-to-wear/I-need-to-do-laundry" outfit.




The other day, I made a pizza with vegan cheese. I've never been too fond of cheese, so it was kind of weird to use a vegan/"fake" version. But it was good. I need to work on the crust, though. I used whole wheat flour, so maybe that made it a little too dense, but I'll definitely try it again.



Seriously, I'm on a food spree. It's not that I'm even bored of what I eat on lazy days - pasta with garlicky sauteed broccoli - but it's fun to be creative with it. Within the past week and half, I've made avocado-infused salsa, pad Thai, lemony pasta with veggies, yaki udon, kale chips (new obsession, perhaps) and probably tons more. I'm obsessed. I need to start photographing my concoctions to show you guys! And to prove that vegan food isn't necessarily hippie food.

EDIT 10:30 - I've since made chocolate sherbet and pasta and asparagus in a jerk sauce. Hell yeah.

xox Catherine