You're so nice and you're so smart

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, sweater - TJ Maxx, brooch - made by me, skirt - Urban Outfitters, boots - Dolce Vita

And yet again I've unintentionally taken a break from blogging. School has been kicking my ass, and a few situations at home have turned very sour and have left me a bit upset and in an overall glum mood. I figure I'll be able to put that all aside once I leave for Scotland... in just twenty three days! It's totally overwhelming but just the thought of starting the new year - symbolically a fresh start, I suppose - in a different city and country seems like what I need.




On a more positive note, I made the brooch I'm wearing! It's two pieces of copper riveted together with a paint chip I've doodled on laid inside, then with resin poured over. I made a few similar pieces as well - two pendants and another brooch. For a while I was questioning whether I wanted to continue with jewelry as my concentration, but I've become more comfortable with it. I recently tried lost wax casting for the first time, and I'm very pleased with the result. It's a sterling silver ring - I'll post photos at some point, I promise.

Where does this time keep going?

xox Catherine

Rainy

Blazer - Urban Outfitters, necklace - thrifted, sweater - 3.1 Phillip Lim, cuff - antique, ring - self made, jeans - Madewell, shoes - Rachel Comey

This week somehow wasn't as bad as its predecessors; I suppose having classes cancelled three out of five days helped ease my anxieties about coursework, and I learned I've been accepted to study abroad in Scotland next semester! Which is such a huge relief, especially since it's something that caused seemingly infinite stress just two weeks ago.

Since I'm incredibly sentimental, the prospect of leaving the country (again) inspires me to reflect upon my experiences here over the past year that I've been home. I suppose it's been dull compared to my first set of European adventures, but I've made some important decisions and stuck to them. So, that's good. I think I'm ready to head off again.




Life works out in funny ways.

xox Catherine

Late October

Necklace - thrifted, sweater - TJ Maxx, purse - Lulu's, jeans - Madewell, shoes - Marais USA

I think this is the longest break I've taken from blogging since I've started - and I'll add that it's entirely unintentional. To summarize the past two months of my life in just a few words: I moved into an apartment, I've been incredibly busy with school, managing my coursework with my part-time job, a few awful events have occurred, my trial of Photoshop has expired, and so on. To illustrate that I've been busy/unmotivated to blog, I'll mention that these photos are from 2.5 weeks ago, and I have another set of photos from early September.




It's crazy how's time flying and it's already a month into autumn. Midterms week has passed, so I'm hoping the stress will temporarily halt. This semester is truly terrible, so far. Over the past two years I've questioned my dedication to and passion for art, and it's only worsening as of late. I'm not one for autumn, but maybe this crisp weather and infinite amounts of tea and baking will make everything better. I can hope, right?

xox Catherine

Off to NYC

Tshirt - C&C California, necklace - from Mindfulnest in Venice, dress (worn as skirt) - Target, shoes - Rachel Comey

I wore a variation of this the other day to go to a hookah lounge with some friends - I ended up ditching the heels and wearing a different white skirt, but the sun had set long before I could take photos of that outfit. Oh well.




I'm heading off to NYC this morning for a late-summer mini-vacation. Hoping to get in some sightseeing, shopping, and meeting up with a blogger friend! I have just a little more than a week left of summer. It's entirely bittersweet.

Hope all is well!

xox Catherine

Saccharine Sweetness

Shirt - Asos, necklace - thrifted, skirt - Forever 21, shoes - We Who See

I wore this on Monday for a brief excursion to the market to pick up some stuff to make japchae/chapchae? I'm not sure how to spell it properly. I was just in the mood to get dressed and wear something I hadn't worn in a while (this shirt). It ended up feeling a little too twee... these shoes are rather feminine, and this shade of purple? blue? isn't exactly bad ass when paired with such. I'm on a quest to find myself again. I feel like my style has become a diluted version of its former self, for which I haven't quite found a solution other than shopping. I'm determined to save my money/not buy so much, but I end up spending it on things like food and a new phone.




So, an entirely different subject: I'm a bit perturbed with Independent Fashion Bloggers' recent scandal. In case you missed it, here's a recap: IFB contributor Taylor Davies wrote an article that touched upon the lack of successful, high quality blogs written by women who aren't skinny. To quote:

"In order for a more holistic image of fashionable women to permeate the top tier of blogging as well as traditional fashion media, there needs to be a serious commitment to higher-quality content. Plain and simple – there aren’t enough insanely good blogs that are run by these types of women."

Taylor subsequently apologized, but what really irked me was the open letter response from IFB's founder Jennine Jacob. It was entirely dismissive, defensive, and even a tad elitist. I've always imagined IFB as a community that values input from its members, but going on to argue that any opposition is "bullying" is immature and unprofessional. Several people commented on the original post about the lack of the "other" in IFB's posts highlighting professional bloggers, and Jennine simply said the author never said the word "other." But it doesn't have to be explicitly stated; it's a sociological concept that is used to justify the majority's inequality against those who are different (the "other") - in this case, not thin, blonde, white.



I'm mostly just rambling, but I no longer feel comfortable supporting IFB. To echo the commenters, criticism isn't bullying. Arguing isn't bad. The fashion blogging community skews toward adoration and compliments instead of any sort of criticism. Even something as simple as "I'm not crazy about that dress you're wearing" will often be deemed unwarranted. But isn't the whole point of personal style blogging to keep it personal?

Just my two cents.

xox Catherine

Not Just Black and White

Necklace - thrifted, shirt - Madewell, skirt - H&M, shoes - Bakers

I'm in need of some new jewelry... not need, obviously, but craving. One perk of going back to school is having metals and ceramics courses this semester; it's been so long since I've worked with either (2 years and 1.25 years, respectively) and I'm a bit too excited to return to my preferred mediums. In the meantime, though, I've been scouring Etsy for electroformed pieces with druzy-type minerals. I'm into organically designed jewelry more than usual; sometimes I drool over bright, costume pieces or anything silver plated, but I'm definitely feeling something more subtle, gold and natural for this fall.




By the time this is published, I'll probably be at the beach absorbing sun and frolicking in the ocean. Most beaches on the Jersey shoreline are crowded with tourists their fluorescent umbrellas, but it's incredibly calming to be sitting along the water listening to music or reading a book... ignoring the children who have no problem splashing whomever, of course. I seem to have painted a picture of my summer that's entirely lackluster, and while that's not entirely untrue, it just isn't the full story. I've hit several rough patches with my significant other of two years (on and off) and it has me pretty upset. I do mention tidbits of my personal life on here, but I try to stray away from anything too involved or detailed. It's the internet, after all, and despite my online presence I am generally very reserved, especially when it comes to sharing my most personal matters.

On a similar note, I always wonder how accurately my own written words portray my personality and life. It's surprisingly easy to write that everything is always quite peachy, but of course, that isn't always the case for anyone. I also look pretty serious in some of my photos, but I'm usually very silly when I'm around close friends. Conversely, I'm often told I talk/dress in a decidedly proper manner, to which I refute: stoned librarian. It's my alter ego, if I must have one, but my style inspiration regardless. It's late and I'm rambling.

xox Catherine

Chevron and Striped

Dress - ASOS, cuffs - antique/thrifted, sandals - Bakers

Today I went into Bucks County with my aunt to visit the Michener Museum - an art museum in Doylestown featuring a nice collection of works by several local artists - and the nearby Peddler's Village. I was impressed with the museum; I especially liked seeing some of George Nakashima's original work and James Auth's political cartoons. Afterwards, we ate at an Indian restaurant called Cross Culture, which was somehow my first time eating Indian food since returning to the States... it was quite delicious and filling (but not heavy).




My sister told me I'd love Peddler's Village, but I was actually a bit underwhelmed. There were a few nice shops and the "village" itself was so charmingly beautiful - and peaceful! - but overall the vibe was a little too Martha-Stewart-country-home for my tastes. I did walk away with some delicious jasmine incense, though, and I'm now regretting my decision to not buy an amethyst pendant from the same shop... eh, it happens.

I have very few complaints about life as of lately, which is nice. Last Thursday I ended up having what I proclaimed to be "the best night of summer so far" at 6am or so following a walk (during which I frolicked and cartwheeled) around my neighborhood. I saw friends I hadn't spent time with since last year, and it was good to catch up and reminisce and whatever else. I've no plans for this week aside from a double shift at work tomorrow and the morning shift on Sunday. I'm hoping to have fun.

xox Catherine

Those dreams weren't as daft as they seem

Shirt - H&M, skirt - vintage, purse - bracelets - mostly antique, shoes - Rachel Comey

My posts have become even more sporadic, and I just wish I could say it's because I've been out so much doing so many fun things. I have, but not enough to reduce my time to blog. I went to the beach with my brother, sister, and her boyfriend and forgot to reapply sunscreen after swimming in the ocean. Can I just say swimming - not just wading - in the ocean is a good work out? Yeah. I also ended up a little less pale than usual, so any evident difference in my skin tone is not just imaginary.




I have only a little more than a month left of summer, which is such a bummer, for lack of a better word. I'm definitely excited to see my friends back at school, but I know I'm going to get my ass kicked academically since I'm taking four studio courses and two other classes. I always have this idea that summer is such a whirlwind of fun and adventures and spontaneity, and sometimes it is. But it hasn't been, for the most part, and I just have my fingers crossed that everything will look up and that I won't mope around quite so much. I've been letting anything and everything get me down, and that's not good.

xox Catherine

P.S. HOW GOOD IS THIS SEASON OF TRUE BLOOD?! Seriously.

Pastel Shades

Dress - ASOS (similar here), bracelets - thrifted/antique, shoes - Aldo, nail polish - Sally Hansen "Coral Reef" and "White On"

I've been bored and have taken a sudden interest in painting my nails... mainly trying to perfect an ombre technique. This is attempt number two. Expect to see three and four sometime soon? My friend/hairstylist Lauren did my hair the other night; it's a bit shorter than what I was hoping for, but I love it regardless. It's so soft and actually has shape again. I think I have a goal hairstyle for whenever my hair is long enough, but it could take a few months.




I really like how the detail shots came out this time around; I downloaded a few curves from Julia Trotti and am quite pleased with the results. I know I always say it, but I want to improve my self-portrait photography skills. I might invest in a larger tripod instead of using a Gorrilapod with a stool, and a remote would seem to be a handy addition.




Not much has been going on in my life - I worked a double on Wednesday, ran into a friend I haven't seen in ages last night, and caught up with another friend over lunch this afternoon. I'm very sentimental and tend to see the past through rose-tinted glasses, but it's always nice to discuss the present while reminiscing over distant memories.

xox Catherine

Neutral Colorblock

Dress - courtesy of Sugarlips, cuff - thrifted, ring - made by me, purse - Lulu's (similar here), shoes - Bakers (similar here)

Just posting very quickly before I head off to the beach - I wore this on the fourth of July but removed all jewelry upon realizing the weather was going to stay a hot, sticky mess instead of cooling down. My friend's party was fun, if only for how interesting it ended up being. I saw lots of old faces that haven't been present in my life for months (or years, it seems) so it was nice to catch up with a few people.




How was your holiday?

xox Catherine

With a Bow

Dress - Leifsdottir, belt - from a pair of pants, bracelets - thrifted, shoes - Bakers (similar here)

I wore this to work yesterday but didn't have the opportunity to take photos yesterday. That's a lie, actually; I did, but I fell asleep. And I suppose it was slightly different since I wore a cardigan to cover my tattoo and a necklace instead of bracelets.

I think I had only worn this dress twice before - once on the blog, and the other time was when I went out during my first weekend in London. It hangs very loosely and long, so I decided to add some sort of belt. I'd prefer it without the bow (something I managed to do yesterday) but it's just as well, I guess.



Today was spent lounging around before finally forcing myself to put on proper attire. Later on, I made a pie with my sister - strawberry blueberry, and it is as delicious as it sounds - and cooked spaghetti with mint and zucchini for dinner. I think my life may just revolve around food...



I'm trying to plan out the next few days - Wednesday will entail a block party (maybe), then heading to my friend's house for fireworks and drinks. It's always entertaining, which is perhaps an understatement; it's terrifying, hilarious, fun, and relaxing all at the same time. By Thursday it seems I'll be off to the beach for the first time this summer (aside from California, of course), and then I resume work on Saturday.

What are your plans for the holiday?

xox Catherine

PS I wonder how long it will take until I stop posing in ways to show off my tattoo...

June Gloom

Shirt - H&M (similar here), necklace - made by me, shorts - Cheap Monday, sandals - Bakers (similar here)

I figured I'd try to squeeze in one more post for the month of June, so here you go. I've been having endless lazy weeks where I sleep all day and go out at night, and by the time I actually get dressed it's dark. There's summer for ya. I have work tomorrow, and then I have definite plans for Wednesday, so maybe two posts if I'm feeling generous. Kidding, kind of.



I'm trying to think of what direction I'd like to move my blog. I've been considering adding weekly food posts - Vegan Food Fridays? - but I don't want to become a lifestyle blog. But I guess it's ultimately up to me as to what I define my blog as. Personal style/outfit of the day/occasional fashion?

I know I'll risk sounding shallow and vapid and materialistic, but I'm feeling uninspired by my wardrobe lately. Perhaps less so since I've emptied four bags' worth of gently worn/old clothing, but it's feeling a little stale. I have ideas, but it's just a matter of being a little less frugal/having the patience to sift through thrift stores. On a similar but contradictory topic, I bought these sandals today. I generally associate Bakers with six inch patent leather stilettos, but these are quite the opposite.

Also, I can't wait to do something with my hair. I want to keep the length but get rid of the bulk, especially towards the ends.



And to add even more change, I've installed Disqus to replace the Blogger comments. I think it's easier to use, but we'll see. In the mean time, leave your thoughts below.

What would you like to see more of on Silhouette Girl?

xox Catherine