A Conundrum...and an [Embarrassing] Plea for Feedback

This post might seem a little strange since I always try keep this blog positive and to leave out my personal problems. I started this blog with the intention of finding a platform for my passions and creative curiosities and not as a place to complain, whine, vent, or divulge [though those type of blogs have their place as well]. However, recently I have found myself feeling strangely sad and alienated, and I was hoping to get some feedback from my wonderful readers, because I know many of you are also bloggers, writers, researchers, artists, and aesthetes...and maybe some of you have had similar issues or thoughts?

When I first started this blog [a year ago!] it was an experiment. I had no idea how long it would last or how devoted I would become. As it turns out, it has been amazing, inspiring, fun, enlightening...and tons and tons of work! I have made friends with so many interesting and talented people from around the world. Sometimes I wish I had a magic wand and could make all of my incredible blog-friends appear right here, all at once, and that we could all sit around drinking tea and chatting about strange, beautiful things!

I guess that is kind of where the alienating part comes in though: while I have so many fellow "virtual" compatriots, I don't actually feel like I have anyone in my life to share many of my interests with. Now don't get me wrong, I have a wonderful boyfriend and fantastic friends, but very few people I actually know look at or give me feedback on my blog. So, I often feel like I have this separate little box that I keep my passions in, and when I'm around friends or family, I just set it aside, because I sense that it is not of interest to them.

My boyfriend reminded me the other day that I did not start this blog in order to create a stronger bond between myself and the people already in my life, but rather as a way to cultivate a new community of people out in the world that have similar interests. While he has a good point, I guess I just assumed subconsciously that the people I am close to would automatically take interest, because it was something that was important to me. What I did not foresee happening was that I would become so passionately attached and serious [in a good way] about the work and ideas I share here every week or that my blog would become such an important part of me, my daily life, and my self-perception. Because of that, I find myself taking it personally that no one I know seems 'impressed' or 'interested' by what I do [this is a Leo trait, LOL!]. While that is slightly embarrassing for me to admit, I feel that it is a legitimate feeling and I have to at least acknowledge that it is there [if not, at least, to overcome it].

So, I guess my question begins here: have any of you had these same issues or these same confusing feelings of fulfillment on the one hand mixed with alienation on the other? Is it reasonable to want the people close to me to take interest and give feedback or should I just come to peace with the idea that this project is a separate endeavor from my day-to-day life?

I feel as if on one end, if I continue to maintain this blog and delve deeper and deeper into my particular interests, that I will just feel more and more sad that I don't have a person in my life to appreciate and share my ideas with, but on the other hand, I feel as if I ignore this part of myself that I will just become disconnected, fake, boring, and unfulfilled. What a ridiculous conundrum!

Thanks so much for your kindness if you read this...I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Cheers,
Tara

Weekend Reads: Links to the Strange and the Beautiful

What are you up to this weekend? It is my friend Melanie's birthday [Happy B-Day Mel!], and we're heading to the lake to celebrate. I'm excited to lounge in the water and enjoy the outdoors with friends...

* I am going to: relax and try to stop being so negative [long story, I've been quite emotional this week...]

* I need to: list more items in my Etsy shop -- I'm so behind!

* I hope: to finally go see "Public Enemies." Two words: Johnny Depp.

I wish: I could hang out with my sister Lindsay and my brother Jared -- they both live so far away, and I miss them like crazy.

* I will probably forget to: make phone calls. I can be very phone-phobic sometimes.

Here are some links for those spare moments you might have this weekend. Pour a glass of wine, sit back, and browse:

♥ The Butterfly Effect blog is cool and quirky, but the links to image archives [on the right side] hold a treasure-trove of vintage images that will keep you busy for hours at a time!

♥ Need a new summer read? Here's a really fun tool -- get interesting, new book recommendations at The Book Seer.

♥ My boyfriend loves Buster Keaton, so I couldn't resist the cuteness of Buster Keaton-inspired style at Refinery 29.

♥ It's less of a "read" and more of a shopping experience at Shoes and your mom.

♥ I'm a sucker for creepy old ruined buildings, and the abandoned man-made ruins at Artificial Owl are mesmerizing...I just want to sneak around in them looking for ghosts!

♥ Forget Youtube! Check out amazing vintage news, images, and film shorts at British Pathe.

♥ Check out news and reviews on fragrances from around the world at the perfume blog 1000 Fragrances.

♥ Well-written, academic Fashion articles on Fashion+Film tackle historical and cultural topics relating to clothing and costume.

♥ One of my childhood favorites --Drawings from the the "Wind in the Willows" series on BibliOdyssey.

♥ Fascinating photo collages of favorite collectibles by Dragonfly on Flickr -- you'll want to copy this idea!

"I have always thought of sophistication as rather a feeble substitute for decadence" : Bally, Fall 2009

If you have a tendency toward the decadent, then you will probably agree that the Fall 09 Bally collection comes quite near utter perfection. A mix of the glamorous 30's and the over-the-top 80's, the collection features a mix of velvet, lace, brocade, fur, gold embellishments, and oversized jewelery. Staring at these images is not helping my sudden Fall-fashion fixation...I keep imagining how I can pull off these looks on a budget. *Sigh*...

Current Obsession: Lace-Up Ankle Boots

I just realized that I'm starting to think about Fall fashion already. Oh, why can't we just live in the fashion-moment? Because that's no fun! I am getting the vibe that this Fall/Winter is going to be all about Victorian touches [for me anyway]. I'm starting to crave things like long military coats with soft, furry collars and flowy, feminine tops in moody colors. I'm particularly excited to find a perfect pair of lace-up ankle boots with just a bit of a heel, like these beauties:

Biviel Boots

Jeffrey Campbell Leather Lace up boots

Stuart Weitzman Grandma boots

Taryn Rose Icarus boots

Jeffrey Campbell booties

DKNY Cathee boots

Things You Never Knew You Needed Until Now...

Repose Nesting Dolls by Belles Lettres

Recycled Fur Necklace by Sara Lagacé

French Love and L'Alcool T-Shirt by Cubist Literature




Josef Frank textiles and furniture at Svenskt Tenn

Sugar Creme Organic Cane Sugar Emulsifying Scrub by Gloi Soap

Antler Girl Brooch by My Cavalier

Felt Flower Fairy Cakes by British Cream Tea

Azurite and Teak Ring by Unbunny

Vegan Handmade Perfumes by Sweet Anthem Handmade Perfumes



Victorian "Masterpiece Theatre" prints at the bazaarium

Happy Independence Day!!

If you live in the States, you are probably preparing for a long, hot Saturday filled with grilled meat [or veggie burgers] and lots of fireworks! Corny as it might sound, right now I am just feeling very grateful for my home and the opportunities and liberties I've been given.

I kinda-sorta really like you, America. And here are a few reasons why:

♥ Levis, Coca-Cola, and cowboy boots.

♥ Diners and greasy-spoons.

♥ Route 66 [I'm lucky enough to live right on the longest remaining strip of Route 66 in the U.S!].

♥ The plethora of swimming pools.

♥ Grilling outside with family and friends.

♥ The abundance of hilarious political humor.

♥ Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Patsy Cline.

♥Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and french fries.

♥ Wide, open spaces.

♥ Fiery pink sunsets.

♥ Cicada songs.

♥ Buffalo and Prairie Dogs.

♥ And lastly [probably because I am feeling very heart-sore for Iran right now], I feel really appreciative of the freedom we share to say whatever the heck we darn well please and change things when we are truly fed up!

Happy 4th of July, and I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!!

Yinka Shonibare MBE

I often seem to be more enamored by art of the past than contemporary art. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course, and sometimes an artist just comes along that takes my breath away, and I have to bring myself -- body and soul -- back to the present. Yinka Shonibare is just one of those artists...



The new exhibition of his work at the Brooklyn Museum of art is a major midcareer survey of work by the Nigerian-born British artist. According to the museum description: "Shonibare’s artwork explores contemporary African identity and its relationship to European colonialism through painting, sculpture, installation, and moving image. Working with visual symbols such as Dutch wax fabric (produced in Europe for a West African market) and headless mannequins dressed in brightly colored costumes, Shonibare evokes the complex web of interactions, economic and racial, that reveal inequalities between the dominant and colonized cultures of Europe, Asia, and Africa."

A key material in Shonibare's work since 1994 are the brightly coloured 'African' fabrics (Dutch wax-printed cotton) that he buys himself from Brixton market in London.

"But actually, the fabrics are not really authentically African the way people think," says Shonibare. "They prove to have a crossbred cultural background quite of their own. And it’s the fallacy of that signification that I like. It’s the way I view culture—it’s an artificial construct [Wikipedia]."

He has these fabrics made up into Victorian dresses, covering sculptures of alien figures or stretched onto canvases and thickly painted over.



Of course, the political and historical implications of his work resonate with the violence and racism of the past, of Western imperialism, and of the erasure of African culture in favor of European culture, art, and costume [which is still happening, many would argue].





The repetition of the missing head in many of his sculptures works to emphasize the erasure of identity and race, while the theatrical and decadent costumes create a polarity between the false and the real -- what is missing and what is being lied about? Does the costume represent the only identity that matters? Can the African identity simply be morphed and tailored into something else? The beautiful pattern and fabric decorate and cover a harsher reality.

For more information on Shonibare's show in Brooklyn, check out the museum site.

The 20's Cloche Hat

I've got quite a weakness for hats and haberdashery! Up until now, I've always thought of hats as a casual, throw-it-on-when-you're-lazy kind of accessory, but these gorgeous 20's style hats and cloches by Yellow Field 7 have me thinking that the fancy cocktail hat needs to make a comeback!

And just look at these dashing vintage ladies, sleek and oh-so-gamine in their cloches...

All vintage images from My Vintage Vogue

Shameless Plug: Huge Clothing Lot for Sale on Ebay!

If you or anyone you know is looking to amp up their wardrobe, I have listed a huge, 60-piece lot of clothing on Ebay. Yay for closet-purging! Everything is in good condition, most of it has barely been worn more than one or two times. I have sweaters, cardigans, jackets, summer dresses, skirts, and a pair of Seven white skinny jeans. In addition, I've got a great DKNY dress, a super-cute romper from Urban Outfitters, a cashmere sweater, and a mirror-image "Balenciaga" motorcycle bag. That's the tip of the iceberg! Take a look if you're curious and let me know if you have any questions!!

Fernand Khnopff and the Symbolic Woman

I'm feeling a bit under-the-weather today, so instead of plotting an exciting new post, I thought I would just post some images I've been collecting by one of my favorite artists, Fernand Khnopff. Khnopff was a Belgian artist who had quite a cult following during the 1890's. In some respects he reminds me of Felicien Rops, another Symbolist artist I've written about previously. Both artists had a knack for portraying women as beautiful, yet strangely eerie and foreboding.

"At the Altar of Hypnos"

Khnopff had a very particular way of depicting women's eyes -- their stares are a rather paradoxical combination of vacant and possessed, wouldn't you say?

He was also fond of imagining his female subjects as animals, as you can see in his most famous image, "The Caress" [above]. It was not uncommon during this period to see women in art and literature associated with primal urges and bestial tendencies.

"Medusa's Blood"

Like many other Victorian and Symbolist artists, Khnopff was also intrigued my mythology, and one of his favorite subjects was the Medusa figure -- potentially a symbol of the dangerous, deadly woman, but also an evocation of being cast-off, alienated, and misunderstood...

"Istar" [left], and "Listening to Flowers" [right]

"The Offering"

"Young English Woman"

"The Veil"

Of course, I particularly love this piece depicting a woman smoking a cigarette ["The Cigarette, 1912]. As I've mentioned before, there is something so fascinating to me about images of women and cigarettes from this period -- it would have been considered quite taboo at the time, because it was a habit only considered acceptable for men!

"Who Shall Deliver Me?" [from the poem by Christina Rossetti].

"The Kiss of the Sphinx" [left], and "Sleeping Medusa" [right]

"Head of a Woman"

"Des Cheveux Noirs" [sold recently at Christie's auction for over $65,000].

"Study of a Woman"

Or is it two? Doubling was a common theme among late Victorian artists, as well. Women were often depicted kissing, staring at, even fondling their own image in mirrors. Khnopff's version here seems ambivalent -- are there two women or is this a fantasy in which the mirror-image has a will of its own? Some critics argue that these double-images represent women as narcissistic, egoistic, and incapable of loving any person other than themselves...what is your take??

Have a Steamy, Sweltering Weekend...

Do you have any interesting plans this weekend, dear readers?

* I am going to: listen to some Michael Jackson and reminisce / spend the day with my friend Sarah at the pool on Saturday /see some live music on Saturday night / go to a museum on Sunday.
* I need to: clean the house [*blah*]

* I hope: my boyfriend and I will have time to snuggle and watch a movie...and have a tennis re-match!
* I really need to: catch up on reading.

* I wish: it weren't so damn HOT!!

It has been sweltering here in the Midwest [100 degrees!], and it is really making me wish I lived near a large body of water. But, alas, I am 9 hours from the closest beach, and I will just have to be satisfied with lounging by the swimming pool at my apartment complex. What are your must-have items for a hot day by the pool or at the beach? I don't need anything too fancy in my "beach bag" -- the key thing is to have items that keep my pale skin from getting fried. I also need a girly fashion magazine, some good summer tunes...and, yes, cold beer [do you find it as funny as I do that I put a can of Bud in my Polyvore collage?].

Here are my essentials:

♥ A modest, retro style swimsuit.
♥ My cozy black Havaianas...that I've had for 8 years.
♥ A big floppy hat to keep the sun off of my face.
♥ My ipod classic.
♥ Some cute sunglasses.
♥ Yummy-smelling sunscreen with SPF 50.
♥ A cold beverage [and my monogrammed koozie -- have you seen these?]
♥ A floral sundress.
♥ An oversized waterproof bag to keep all of my stuff.

♥ Rosebud Salve to keep my lips from getting dry [applied after I've applied sunscreen, of course].

♥ And if I'm hanging out alone, a good poolside book is essential.

I've been dying to read these -- has anyone had the opportunity to check these out? [click for descriptions]

Have a steamy weekend loves!!!

Goodbye Michael...You Were a Wiz

Despite his questionable antics and the array of scary accusations over the past few years, nothing changes the fact that Michael Jackson was one of the most influential figures in my life as a little girl: in addition to being my first crush, he inspired my love of dancing, my interest in sequins, and my obsession with horror movies [Thriller!]. And how incredibly, adorably cute was he back in the day?? Bye, Bye MJ. You will forever remain in my mind as the well-dressed man with the amazing voice...and the pet tiger ;)

Manhes Massun's New Collection, Fall 2010

I swooned over Manhes Massun's previous Frida Kahlo-inspired collection for Mexico fashion week a while back, so I thought I would give you a little sneak-peek of the new collection for Fall/Winter 2010. It is very different from the last show -- instead of the bright, vibrant colors of the Spring looks, this show featured deep, rich jewel tones, thick satin fabrics, and tiny floral and animal prints. To me, it has a bit of a Biba Girl vibe -- a sort of mish-mosh of mod-60's-meets-bohemian-does-30's vibe. My absolute favorite is the top image: the hat and dress are just dreamy! What do you think, dear readers??

Things you never knew you needed until now...

Midnight Bow Clutch by Davie and Chiyo

Woodland Fairy Tale Bed by Attila Design

Modern alchemy candles at Unica Home


Memory Lane Necklace by Red Heart 13


Southern Peach Lip Balm by Vintage Bella


Do Not Faint card by Yardia


Acai sugar Scrub by Live Laugh Love Soap


Raven Couple sculpture by Woodswise


Suitcase pillow by Olive


Tabac eau de toilette from Portland General Store

Monday Mischief: In Every Father's House a Treasure

I spent the day with my wonderful family yesterday for Father's Day, and after lunch my dad invited me and my boyfriend over to "go shopping" in the house [like he often does]. Perusing his tables and shelves full of vintage toys, dishes, books, games, and records, I was reminded that my fondness for kitschy, vintage trinkets and beautiful antique baubles undoubtedly comes from my father. I also realized: a.] I get my shopping addiction from my father. b.] I get my taste for all things strange and unusual from my father -- an eccentricity that seems charming, in his case!

Just thought I would share a few snapshots of some of his current treasures [they are on an ever-rotating cycle]:

My dad and my boyfriend playing vintage games:

My dad made my boyfriend's day with these hockey and basketball games from the 70's:

Some goodies I took home: Pink glasses, little vintage floral trays, and a ceramic bud vase...

And some crazy new necklaces, including a giant owl charm [which I gave to my friend Kate] and some Bakelite charms...oh, and me being a goofball, as per the usual.

All-in-all, a very fun day! And, yes, don't worry -- my dad got a present, too!

Weekend Reads...

What are you up to this weekend, my dears??

* I am going to: attend a wine-tasting and post new items on my Etsy shop.
* I need to: go grocery shopping...and buy my Dad a Father's Day gift. Oops!
* I hope: I will have time to play a game of tennis with my boyfriend and watch "Fingersmith."
* I wish: I could go for a lazy float down the river with some friends and some cold beverages.
* I will probably forget to: read for my dissertation research. OK, so that's more of a conscious choice ;)

And I'm sure I will be doing some blog-reading. Here are some of my favorite recent links. Enjoy:

♥ Vintage Bathing Beauties at Child of the Moon -- bring on the ladies with real hips and thighs!

♥Un Siecle de Pin-Up at Au Carrefour Etrange features feisty 20's calendar girls.

♥ Bonnaroo Style at Vogue...next best thing to being there?? *Sigh*

♥ Rossetti and His Baubles at Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood explores Rossetti's obsession with jewelry.

♥ The Uniform Project -- 1 dress for 365 days! A true inspiration for frugality and creativity in dressing.

♥ Nerd Boyfriend -- the absolute sexiest and most adorable men's fashion blog imaginable.

♥ Louboutin Still-Lifes at Because I'm Addicted features the breath-taking ad campaign for Louboutin's new collection.

♥ What We Wore at Square America Archives chronicles all the wonder and randomness of regular folk's fashion through the years.

A Damn Fine Cup of Coffee...

Just had to share this adorable treat I bought for myself at The Great Northern's shop on Etsy. I think this is going to look perfect in my little kitchen! Can you guess the reference? Here's a hint: it's from my favorite TV show of all time. ..

Barbara Hulanicki and The Biba Girls

I feel a fashion-metamorphosis coming over me lately. Does that happen to you from time-to-time? It seems that roughly every two years, I start getting bored and restless with my personal aesthetic [and with my closet, to be frank]. I find myself wanting to shed my skin like a chameleon and find a new persona to inhabit. Don't get me wrong, it isn't drastic [except to me] but it is very rejuvenating! For the past few years, I have been going through a very casual/minimal/80's phase of dressing. I've enjoyed the ease and comfort of this style, but recently I have found myself yearning for some romance, some bohemian frivolity, some eccentricity in my wardrobe.

News of the upcoming Biba documentary could not have come at a more opportune moment! If you haven't seen the preview yet, you really must check it out. It will make you want to take a time-machine back to the 60's, and visit the original Biba store in London -- land of the Biba Girls, with their soft curls, big floppy hats, granny dresses, and 30's-inspired fashion...

Everyone from Twiggy to the gorgeous girlfriends of rock stars shopped at Biba. The look was decadent and dark, but with a playful edge -- deep, rich colors intermingled with chunky platforms, long lashes, and bright makeup. The Biba look consisted of what Hulanicki called "Auntie Colours" - Hulanicki described them as ‘look[ing] like a funeral.’ These colours were blackish mulberries, blueberries, rusts and plums.

Hulanicki herself was a marketing genius, far ahead of her time in her conception of the shopping experience: the store was marketed to a younger generation of women, and unlike the other stuffy, formal department stores in London, Biba encouraged women to experiment in the shop with makeup and to try on and play with clothing combinations.

The Biba logo also played a crucial part in Biba’s success; the logo was gold and black which reflected the growing taste in youth for art deco. The logo was designed by Antony Little. To create a look for Biba in the first store, Little painted the Biba sign above the shop and blacked out all the windows. The blacked out windows didn’t allow the store’s interior to receive any sunlight which was vital for the Biba’s art nouveau atmosphere [wikipedia].

I'm officially smitten with the Biba look, and look forward to incorporating more of the rock-n-roll romantic vibe into my wardrobe. Aren't the Biba girls just too gorgeous for words???

If you love vintage Biba as much as me, you should also check out Hulanicki's website, chock full of old photos and ads for the store in its heyday [as well as some of Hulanicki's new looks!]

New Vintage Postcards, Bloomsday...and an Award!

Please pardon the randomness of this post, but I just have so much to say today! First of all, Happy Bloomsday!! If you're a lover of modern literature or just love James Joyce, then you should be celebrating today by reading the naughty parts of Ulysses with friends and perhaps taking a few sips from your flask in his honor [look how cute Marilyn is reading Joyce on the playground!]. Dammit! I don't have a flask. That will need to be remedied. Until then...

Speaking of naughty, I have purchased some new vintage postcards I wanted to share. I am completely enamored by these images of women smoking, and for no other reason than they seem naughty...

This beautiful 1920's Parisian lady is from Dog Day Afternoon:

And this one from Fike's Funtiques Too...I love the way the smoke from the cigarette is actually forming the image of the woman:

I also recently recived these two splendid prints from the very talented Sam from Matou en Peluche, who creates such elegant, quirky girls!

Sam also recently awarded me with the "Your Blog Makes Me Smile" award. I am so honored!! You should definitely check out her store and her gorgeous, inspirational blog.

And, drum roll please, here are my 10 picks for blogs that make me smile:

1. Progress on the Prairie -- a local blog, a great friend, and witty, clever, political commentary !

2. Child of the Moon -- the most amazing collection of vintage fashion and music photos.

3. Chintz of Darkness -- quite possibly the most dramatic design aesthetic ever!

4. Oh, Mishka! -- always inspirational art and decor ideas.

5. Poetic Oneirism -- thoughful, exquisite poetry, art, and music.

6. They Don't Call Them Lovers in High School, Leland -- hypnotic and surrealistic juxtaposition of photographs.

7. Pandora -- a modern-day style icon and art lover extraordinaire!

8. Lost in a Spotless Mind -- her posts are always thoughtful and full of excellent fashion advice.

9. Sea of Shoes -- how can her shoe collection not make you smile??

10. The Cherry Blossom Girl -- sweet, wearable, romantic clothes and mesmerizing photography.

Obsession du Jour: The Peasant Mini-Dress

I am completely in love with these peasant mini-dresses from French Connection. Now I just have to decide which I like the most...