What I've Been Up To

So, it may seem that I've been MIA these past few weeks... it's been, what, two weeks since I've posted an outfit? Truth be told, I haven't really been dressed in anything besides a tshirt and cutoffs, if that. Most days I've just been lounging in a tank and pj shorts.

Life has been a little crazy, as usual, and I'm dealing with some personal issues at the moment. Sometimes it's really difficult to detach myself from a situation - I can't be too involved in others' problems too much, or this happens. And that's just not fair to me, regardless of whom I want to help. I need to remind myself to protect myself before trying to assist others.

I just caught up on blog reading, and loaded up my Tumblr queue. I'm contemplating a few purchases (many items from the ASOS summer sale, a suitcase at Ruelala and a skirt at Ideeli...) but I'm experiencing typical indecisiveness. If anything, I should probably go for the suitcase, but I could probably find a normal looking one for cheaper. I've never owned a "regular" suitcase, now that I think of it... it's always been polka dots, animal prints, and bright colors.

Lucky me, I've won giveaways at What I Wore and LIVE GLAM OR DIE.

I hope all is well, and I may go on a city date tomorrow which would mean an outfit post, finally!

(P.S. I have been writing frequently on EIU, though. Check out my articles here, here, and here.)

xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 17: 6/19 to 6/25

Clockwise from top left: Trini, Stylesightings, The Styling Dutchman, STYLECLICKER

Polka dots, mixed prints and socks with shoes.


Clockwise from top left: Song of Style, Stylesightings, Late Afternoon, gary pepper vintage

Summery whites, bold colors, and Liz's perfect Rachel Comey sandals...

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday: Knockoffs: Plagiarism? (on Chictopia)

En lieu of this week's Thought for Tuesday post, check out my latest article on Chictopia's Everybody is Ugly, concerning knockoffs in fashion.

xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 16: 6/12 to 6/18

Clockwise from top left: La Catrina, the owls are not what they seem, tick tock vintage, taghrid.cc


Clockwise from top left: Mr. Newton, KANSAS COUTURE, lifesize paperdoll, Vanessa Jackman

First post from my new laptop! So much faster, though I'm still getting the hang of everything. Used GIMP for this post, but contemplating buying PSP X3 since I'm familiar with it...

xox Catherine

Graduation Day

Dress - Urban Outfitters, necklace - Piper Blue on Etsy, cuff - my sister's, shoes - Calvin Klein via Buffalo Exchange

I took these photos prior to heading out for a graduation rehearsal then the actual ceremony. I bought this dress the other day and sort of fell in love. It fits perfectly, and isn't quite like any other dress I own. The material is lightweight and silky, but not actual silk. Score.

This beautiful necklace arrived in my mailbox yesterday morning. I had a similar vintage necklace, but I lost it this past winter. I loved the uniqueness of it, and even though the sentimental value is gone, this cottonwood leaf will replace it quite nicely, I think.




I was expecting a long, drawn out ceremony like last year's, but it didn't drag on nearly as much as I expected it. Also, I was delightfully surprised at winning one of eight awards! Truthfully, I was a little zoned out, but I heard something pertaining to achievement in visual and performing arts. And what do you know, I won. I'm honestly very proud of myself - something that's a little rare since I'm so critical most of the time.

That felt more like an accomplishment than simply graduating. I usually say I don't/didn't put much effort into my work at high school, but that was sort of just an excuse or preventative measure so I wouldn't care when I wouldn't be recognized. I know, I know - that's sort of lame and that recognition can be overrated, but out of all the talented people that could have won it, it was me. And it feels good.



After the ceremony, my family, a few friends and I went to the Wayne location of White Dog Cafe. It was really nice, even with the torrential downpour upon exiting.

Today shall involve cleaning my room, and hopefully purchasing a new computer (Macbook Pro!) with my award.

I'm happy.

xox Catherine

Senior Prom, 2011

Dress - vintage, earrings - vintage via my aunt, bracelets - vintage via my grandma, shoes - Calvin Klein via Buffalo Exchange

Prom was nearly a week ago, but I'm just now finding the time to post these photos. It's been a little hectic, with a shore trip, wallowing in self-pity due to some terrible sunburn, graduation rehearsals, and whatever else.

So, I suppose I shall explain my outfit! The dress is vintage, and I've had it for years. It's miraculously fit me all along, and the second I tried it on, I knew I had to wear it to a prom. Or somewhere, but prom was the most likely option.

All of the jewelry is borrowed from my aunt - these awesome firework-esque earrings and the rhinestone bracelets which were formerly my grandma's.

And the shoes... I had spent a day in the city trying to find shoes, and came across these beauties in Buffalo Exchange for a mere $26. Unfortunately, I didn't get any good shots of them, but they're pretty versatile so don't expect this to be my last time wearing them!




Now, for some typical prom photos, since I guess that's the thing to do when you're going to prom. I went with my friend Christian, who I may or may not have mentioned on here before? He's taken a few outfit photos for me and has been one of my really good friends over the past year.




Below, pictured is Tracey and I, along with a random date lurking in the back with whom I'm not familiar.




Above, is Christian, Manny (Tracey's date), Tracey and I, being the usual goofs that we are. This pretty much describes each of us.

I didn't take many photos at prom since I was too busy dancing and mingling. I'm sort of joking about the latter - I'm a chronic non-mingler. My hair and makeup were in tact by the end of the night, thanks to my lovely friend Lauren who will soon be graduating from cosmetology school.

Within the next eight hours, I will officially graduate from high school. It's become less and less of a big deal over the past few months, but it's gaining a bit of significance as I'm going to be studying abroad in London this fall. And you know, it's sort of a big transition. I leave in a little over ten weeks, which is entirely surreal.

I hope all is well!

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.13: June 14, World Blood Donor Day

Recently, I've been pondering my beliefs relative to my actions. There's so many issues I do care about, but getting involved and actually doing something has proven a bit more difficult. Case in point: today is World Blood Donor Day, and I've never donated blood. By the time I turned sixteen, I had lost too much weight and wasn't eligible. In accordance with the Red Cross guidelines, I'm still technically not able.

However, that doesn't mean I can't do anything. As with many issues such as these, raising awareness can be incredibly important. I've heard people ask why there's so many walks for breast cancer and other diseases and illness, stating that simply walking does nothing. But it's not just taking a walk. Along with fund raising, events such as these raise awareness.

Nexcare has created a line of colorful, fun bandages with the word "give" boldly written across. Along with being arguably more stylish than your typical bandage, the message is there. However, there's more to it - Nexcare is in its third year of a collaboration with the American Red Cross and Niki Taylor, a model who suffered a nearly-fatal car accident and has since become an advocate for this cause.

Truth be told, I have wanted to donate blood for years, as I've mentioned, but I never fully realized how important it is. Blood centers typically face shortages at this time of year, and on average, someone in the country needs a blood donation every two seconds. Yet only 8% of people eligible to give blood do.

I've set a goal for myself to become more involved with charities and causes I consider important, such as environmental issues, animal cruelty, and yes, blood donation. Even if I can't donate, such as in this scenario, I can still raise my voice.



xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 15: 6/5 to 6/11

Clockwise from top left: Late Afternoon, KANSAS COUTURE, Raspberry and Red, Delightfully Tacky


Clockwise from top left: YeYe! Style Blog, Flashes of Style, Tick Tock Vintage, The Styling Dutchman

After a whirlwind weekend of prom, lounging in an inflatable boat in the front of a YMCA, going to the beach, going to another beach, falling asleep on the beach with my clothes on beneath an overcast sky and waking up to the bright sun... I'm back. Plus sunburn, which you'll probably see soon if I can find anything suitable to wear.

To-do list for the evening includes: posting on my Tumblr and emptying the tabs I'm browsing, aloe vera, catching up on blogs, more aloe, and editing all of my photos.

Hope your weekend went just as well... minus sunburn, of course.

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.12: Sincerity in Blogging, and Life

It's not seldom that someone (in real life) calls me rude. I'm a bit introverted, a little awkward, I daydream frequently (thus distracting myself), and my sense of humor heavily relies on sarcasm. I do not believe I am rude - my voice is quiet, often to an inaudible degree, I suppose. Friends, family, and whoever else told me I needed to become more outgoing. Long story short, I accepted that I'm just not a social butterfly and my personality is a little awkward (but endearing). So what?

My real-life demeanor is barely evident on my blog. My writing is indeed personal, but my carefree attitude isn't always displayed to onlookers. I've been told I'm too serious, but once someone gets to know me, he or she would say otherwise. However, amongst people I don't know too well, I'm a different person. Perhaps it's partly due to my natural shyness, but regardless, it can feel a little fake. There's a time and place for certain behavior, and I often feel that my true personality does come off as rude. So I ditch it.

I'll switch the focus to how this relates in blogging, since I've been talking about myself nonstop on here. We can all appreciate niceness, but there's a point at which someone may seem too polite. It doesn't seem sincere. Not always, anyway.

I'm just as guilty. Come on, I think we can all admit to commenting on other blogs just for the sake of commenting and possibly gaining exposure. It's this type, from my observation, that tend to be inauthentic. Granted, one doesn't typically make an effort to comment on something a little lackluster, but telling another her dress is nice and typing all those characters into the word verification box is barely worth it. Unless of course, you're trying to reach out in as few words as possible. Or maybe you're just too tired or lack time. I can't speak for everyone, but it happens.

I suppose I'm one of those people who believes sincerity and being genuine have merit, and that a good personality is truly valuable. Maybe that's bullshit, but why pretend to give a damn when you don't?

xox Catherine

Floral Dress Day

Necklace - thrifted, dress - vintage, shoes - Keds via Chictopia

I ventured into Philly today in hopes of successfully ending my quest for shoes (and for an appointment). Stopped at Blackbird Pizzeria for a slice of vegan pizza... which was quite good, as I remember it being. I browsed many shops in Olde City - reminder to self: return whenever money is not scarce - to no avail, though I did see many clothing options. I also came across the Google Maps vehicle, but that's irrelevant. I went to my appointment, then went down to the Rittenhouse area. And I found shoes! I would post a photo, but I'll be posting my prom photos sometime this weekend, hopefully, so you'll see them then!




Also picked up the latest issue of Bust, aka my favorite magazine for a plethora of reasons, and met a tiny kitten going home with her owner on the El. All in all, today's been a good day. Hoping tomorrow will go just as well, or at least smoothly.




I just decided I find myself more attractive in the mirror or in mirrored images. Such is life?

xox Catherine

Weekly Favorites, v. 14: 5/29 to 6/4

Clockwise from top left: calivintage, OnTheRacks, Going West, That's Chic


Clockwise from top left: Liebemarlene Vintage, The Clothes Horse, Mr. Newton, Trini

See anything you like?

xox Catherine

6.1

Necklace - thrifted, dress - Leifsdottir via Neiman Marcus Last Call, bracelet - gift via Saudi Arabia, shoes - Aldo

I wore this on Wednesday... also an incredibly hot, sticky, humid day. I made a much wiser choice in wearing this simple dress. It's lightweight and doesn't require much adjusting. Perfect for such days! I've found a new love in outlet shopping... last weekend I ventured over to a center with a Last Call store (which had a fabulous 30% off everything sale in honor of Memorial Day) where I found this cool dress in the clearance section for a mere $30 (originally $150+, score!).

Since then, I went to another outlet mall featuring a Last Call store and Saks Off Fifth, the latter at which I encountered a pair of fall 2010 Alexander Wang mules in my size for $120. Seriously. And a pricier pair of lucite spring 2010 Prada heels... sadly not the chandelier version, but wickedly cool nonetheless.




I ended up changing into my swimsuit shortly after I arrived home so I could go swimming with some friends. It's not officially summer yet, say the calendar and my last few high school events, but it already feels like it. And I enjoy that.

The forecast called for rain, and it became a little cloudy and windy, but then sunny again. Hurrah.




On a slightly different note, I'm reconsidering opening a blog shop (skirts, tops, dresses, shoes, and perhaps some jewelry!)... though I'm curious if anyone will actually take interest. I suppose I can photograph a few items and see what happens!

xox Catherine

My New-to-me (Reconstructed!) Vintage Skirt

Necklace - thrifted, cuff - antique, shirt - Target, skirt - vintage reconstructed, shoes - Dolce Vita

I wore this yesterday... probably a bad choice. It was around ninety degrees outside, as well as incredibly humid. I should have opted for a simple sundress, but I was so excited about this skirt. My aunt had some vintage clothing she offered to alter/reconstruct for me since she's getting back into sewing, and I fell in love with this patterned fabric! I think it was originally a dress, but now it's a mini floral skirt!

These photos were taken at a state park near my house. I've had a few shoots here before... one back in February, and in the other during October, I believe. However, my sister doesn't really understand my camera or how to focus anything, and my lens kept fogging up due to humidity... thus photos not as sharp as they could be. I thank my sister for putting up with me, though!




Also, I've discovered my hair can go into a ponytail. It's been years, really. Granted, my bangs still fall out, but I don't have to use a million bobby pins to keep my little hairs up at the bottom.

And I just realized all of these photos include the slightly-bend-sideways-leg pose. It's my go-to pose, even though I'm not even sure it's the most flattering/it makes me look insecure.

...except this photo:




Yep. I hope all is well!

xox Catherine