Beuys: Coyote Crazy

{photo via FFFound}

I remember learning about Joseph Beuys in my contemporary art class in undergraduate. Beuys was a performance artist associated with the Fluxus movement in the 60's and 70's, and he did crazy stuff like locking himself in a room all day with a wild coyote, his only protection being a blanket and a wood cane. Sometimes the coyote would become aggressive...sometimes they just peacefully hung out. I remember thinking: OK, I can appreciate a lot of stuff, but this is just ridiculous...this is my limit of appreciation.

I have a degree in aesthetic studies now, and consider myself an art-lover with varied and broad tastes. But, I still cannot get past the idea of locking yourself in a room with a wild animal and expecting people to take you seriously. The one form of art I have never been able to come to terms with is performance art (*boo* *hiss* from the audience}. I just have this primitive, gut reaction to it: LAUGHTER. I had a colleague when I worked in New York that always tried to get me accompany her to performance art shows, and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't want to make her feel bad or degrade what she liked by turning her down, but I also didn't want to go and mortify her by laughing so hard that I snorted the free wine up my nose. I'm quite glad I never went with her, because she told me on one occasion that a performer had stuck a light bulb up her hoo-ha. But, I digress.

My point is: Do you ever feel this about something -- that you're supposed to like it but you just can't? What do you do? Do you just laugh unapologetically, or do you try and force yourself into appreciation?? What are your limits?

Current Obsession: {Everything from} Nadinoo

I have to thank Caroline over at Greedy Girl for my new obsession: Nadinoo. Seriously, peacock print blouses and fur-collared silk dresses!? If I were a clothing designer, this is what I would create: pretty, vintage-inspired, decadent perfection!

An Okie Expedition: Bartlesville

I thought I would share some photos from our little getaway to Bartlesville...

Oh, Oklahoma. I might complain about you a bit now and again, but I love your quirkiness! Where else can you find beautiful mid-century architecture, roaming buffalo, taxidermy, and Native American art all in one place?

It still rather amazes me that Frank Lloyd Wright built his one and only skyscraper right on the open prairies of small-town Oklahoma. The building itself is like a giant copper entity from another planet -- covered in gorgeous green angular designs and strange layers and appendages jutting out in horizontal and vertical patterns. It's so unexpected against the flat horizon, yet it seems somehow at home there. Wright based the building off the design of a tree, as well as the tall repeating columns of buds on a prairie flower, and he hoped its organic yet modern shape would compliment and reflect the landscape...

It was built in the 1950's, and the interior slowly became run down over the years, but was recently remodeled for use as office and hotel spaces. My boyfriend and I stayed the night, and I have to say it was one of the more impressive hotel experiences I've had. The rooms themselves are spacious and modern, with long rows of ceiling-to-floor windows and copper accents on everything from the lighting fixtures to the bed posts. My boyfriend is a huge architecture buff, and he was blown away by Wright's seeming ability to create a space that was both sparse and modern, while still being warm, comfortable, and completely unique. Wright's vision was certainly a distinctive one: part futuristic, part organic, and part sheer personality!

While in Bartlesville, you HAVE to visit Woolaroc -- a sort of museum / meets nature reserve / meets reliquary of the Wild West. I grew up visiting Woolaroc in the summertime, and have vivid memories of the herds of buffalo roaming freely [and my grandfather explaining that they were once very endangered]. The fact that you can buy barbecue buffalo burgers at the food stand always confused me...though, admittedly, they are yummy!

The man behind the museum and preserve was Frank Phillips, an oil man from Oklahoma's early days of expansive oil production. He collected native American art and he also had a penchant for collecting exotic animals. At one time, there was everything from giraffes and peacocks to rhinos and bears roaming his acreages. He loved them so much, in fact, that after they died, he would have them stuffed and mounted! I think my obsession with taxidermy must have started as a child, seeing his old cabin filled with every species of bird and mammal, lovingly mounted and displayed. {And yes, that is me above left, being ridiculous...}.

The entrance of the museum features a sky blue entryway, covered in tile mosaic, and depicting native dances. This guy on the right is just plain creepy and awesome...my boyfriend and I decided he was something straight out of a horror movie...Oh, did I mention there were shrunken heads and a huge doll collection? I didn't get a good photo, but believe me, they are impressive!

::If you're ever passing through Oklahoma {I say rather jokingly}, I will take you on a tour!!

Modcloth: Winston the Pug

There are some days when all you need is a cute picture of a pug wearing nerdy glasses to make you happy. Winston is Modcloth's sunglasses model -- he pretty much raises this already-awesome vintage/indie design shopping site to the next level for me. I'm thoroughly determined to arrange a meeting between my pug Gidget and the fetching, clever Winston...you know, just to see if there's any chemistry...

On another topic entirely, I'm going to be signing off for the rest of the week, which means I won't have my regular Friday post. I'm heading out for an overnight trip to stay at Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower, and then to Woolaroc {a quirky museum of sorts, filled with taxidermy and shrunken heads}. After that, my mom will be visiting from Texas, and I'll be hanging out with her. I will definitely try to get some good photos!

::I am going be taking some breaks here and there until December; my dissertation prospectus deadline is coming up in mid December, and I am going to need to simplify some of my obligations {though my blog is the most enjoyable "obligation" of all...damn}. I know you all totally understand, and I hope you'll stick with me despite the breaks in regular programming!

Have a stellar rest of the week,

xoxo

Tara

The List: 10 Beauty Products I Can Always Count On

They say French women never give away their beauty secrets. Let's face it folks, no matter how much I might want to be, I am clearly not French! I love it when ladies divulge their beauty secrets, so I thought it was time to return the favor. It's all about give and take, right? I've tried A LOT of products {and been disappointed many times}, but these are the 10 skin, hair, and beauty products I keep going back to, because they actually work! What are the products you love, love, love?

1. Chanel Red #14 Lipstick: this has an absolutely gorgeous texture and is the perfect red shade for my pale-pinkish skin tone.
2. Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream -- I use this every night on my face and neck and always wake up dewey and uber-mousturized.
3. Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap -- cleans without stripping or overdrying.
4. Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara -- I apply about a million coats of this, but it never looks clumpy, and it never rubs off during the day.
5. Origins Modern Friction Natural Microdermabrasion -- I love that this is made with natural ingredients, but even more, I love that it works like magic. It makes my skin insanely soft and smooth!
6. Bare Minerals Foundation -- this is the only foundation I have found that keeps my oily skin under control, evens out my blotches, and looks truly natural.
7. Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser -- smells lovely and helps extend the days between shampoos.
8. Brite Smile Whitening Pens -- I hate whitening strips, so these are a revelation! They are easy and quick to use and actually taste good.
9. Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer -- I never understood the purpose of primer until I used this: my makeup goes on smoother, my skin stays fresh all day, and my pores are minimized.
10. Frederic Fekkai Anti-Breakage Hair Mask -- since I've been using this {about 3 times a week}, my hair has been softer, more manageable, and less tangly.

::Do you have any beauty secrets you'd like to share?

A Coat Lover's Guide: Saving Money and Looking Fabulous

{Click on images for sources}

In case you missed it, I thought I would re-post my guest blogger post for Yes and Yes...

Most of us have at least one irresistible obsession, and mine happens to be outerwear. Not the naughtiest addiction ever, but it's an addiction nonetheless! I just can't seem to say no to a good trench, blazer, peacoat, military jacket, or swing coat. I'm inexplicably attracted to faux fur, rhinestone buttons, bell sleeves, and funnel necks. Yes, I've got a problem, but luckily I've learned to indulge my habit without breaking the bank! Over the years, I've realized that the best way to keep my coat compulsion satisfied is to stick to buying vintage.

Why I Buy Vintage:

• From classic 50's swing coats to avant-garde 80's cocoon coats, there is a breathtaking array of styles and silhouettes available out there.
  
• In my experience, the price for a great vintage coat is, on average, at least 50 percent less than a newer version...and in today's economy, that is saying a lot!
  
• Vintage outerwear is often made with better materials and craftsmanship: just imagine how expensive a brand new coat made with thick wool or velvet, silk lining, glass buttons, and little details like brocade trim or rhinestones would cost at a department store.
  
• I'm helping the environment by not contributing to waste! This is an added bonus to buying vintage -- why buy something new when there are already so many options available?
  
  

Of course buying vintage can be daunting: Where do I start? What about condition? And what about...that musty smell? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips...

Tips on Buying Vintage Coats:

1. Have a budget in mind and stick to it. I rarely spend over $60 for a coat, and for a jacket I keep it to around $15-$25. But the budget will depend on a variety of factors, like your area [vintage is more costly in bigger cities], as well as the material and age of the coat.
   
2. Ask questions! If you're buying from a thrift store, you're on your own, but if you're buying from a vintage dealer, get as much information about the coat as you can to help you make your decision.
   
3. Check for stains -- getting rid of stains on vintage fabric can be daunting and difficult. Unless the stain is on the lining where no one will notice, I usually shy away from the purchase.
   
4. Check the lining. Lining can be replaced, but sometimes changing the lining can cost as much as the coat itself -- just weight the cost/repair ratio before deciding {and if you are a masterful sewer, then you are good to go!}.
   
5. Check the smell -- because of the thicker fabric, vintage coats seem to hold a musty smell. This can often be removed with a simple dry-cleaning. Ask your dry cleaner for their advice if you have concerns about the fabric holding up. Dryel sheets are also a good, inexpensive way to get musty smells out of fabrics.
   
6. Check the details, like buttons, buckles, etc. Most things can be fixed or replaced, but you always want to be sure you are aware of the work you will need to put into it before buying.
   
   {The Glamourai, in her altered vintage coat}

Now, if you're considering joining me in the race to become the Imelda Marcos of vintage coats, you have some catching up to do. Here are some excellent places to start...

Places to Start Your Own Vintage Outerwear Addiction:

:: Thrift stores! Some of my best vintage coat finds were at Goodwill and Salvation Army.
:: Vintage store and boutiques. While these will be a bit pricier, the quality is typically more consistent and the items will usually be cleaned and mended.
:: Estate sales -- if you're into waking up early and beating the crowds.
:: Ebay is the place to go for great deals without leaving the comfort of your sofa. Search by era, material, style, etc.
:: Etsy has a gorgeous selection...and superfriendly sellers. Just for a taste, check out Good Grace, Dear Golden, Cassie's Attic, Thrush, and Bad Girl Vintage.



Good luck and happy shopping!

Living Dead Girls.

We live over 1,200 miles away from each other, but somehow my sister Lindsay and I ended up dressing in almost identical costumes this Halloween. Of course, because she is insanely artistic, her makeup turned out much more detailed and intricate than mine! Still, I loved my dia de los muertos costume...I think this was one of my favorites so far {that's me above!}.

...she looks like a tragic, macabre Flamenco dancer, doesn't she?

And for some reason, I feel very giddy about the new bar area I set up in my living room {for Halloween cocktails}, so I had to share it. I think the Mad Men mentality has finally taken over -- there is just something so old-school and inviting about a fully stocked bar. It seems to say: I can, at a moment's notice, have impromptu cocktails mixed for 20 people without breaking a sweat. Ok, I live in a fantasy world, just indulge me here...

Happy Halloween!

{Image via Art Deco}

It's almost time! What are your plans for Halloween? Mine include:

• A Thriller dance class with my girlfriends on Saturday. I'm really terrible at following choreography, so this should be hilarious.
• Cocktails at my place -- I finally set up a small bar area in my apartment, and I'm excited to put it to use. Maybe we'll play a little Ouija board as well?
• Dressing up as a Dia de los Muertos bride/zombie/skeleton {something like this}.
• Party-hopping and looking for trouble...it's Halloween, you're supposed to be mischievous, right?
• Scrounging up some Halloween candy, preferably mini Almond Joy, mini Butterfinger, and mini Snickers {because mini candy is more fun than regular sized candy somehow...}.

And remember:

"Softly cross your fingers at the Witching hour.

Over fates and fortunes, the moon will give you power!"

Current Obsession: Melissa Dixson, Taxidermist Extraordinaire

According to Freud, the "uncanny" is "the class of frightening things that lead us back to the known and familiar." Taxidermy is a perfect example of the uncanny -- it appears alive, but is dead; it is familiar, yet completely unfamiliar. We want to touch it, but we are utterly repulsed...

I have always had a sincere admiration for people with very unusual and particular skills that takes years of practice and devotion to perfect: the profession of taxidermist definitely falls under that category. I recently discovered taxidermist Melissa Dixson's shop on Etsy...then her website...then her blog. Now I have an undeniable fascination with her work, albeit a somewhat uncomfortable one.

Interestingly, Dixson views her work as the ultimate form of re-cycling. She uses only furs that have come from licensed trappers and hunters {who help aid in population control and disease-prevention}. She is active in wildlife preservation and very much considers herself an animal lover.

Her work is oddly sweet -- she creates full-size taxidermy, using animals such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, and deer. She also makes dainty decorative items out of horns and tails.

I think Freud was right -- as an animal lover myself, I find something endearing and attractive about taxidermy, but it is this very affection for animals that also makes me want to instinctively take a step back out of fear. Why is it often the things that make us feel a bit conflicted that are the most intriguing??

::What are your thoughts on taxidermy and animal re-cycling??

Last Minute Costume Ideas: Great Ladies of History

Still scrambling for a last-minute Halloween costume idea? Why not consider dressing up as one of the great ladies of history? Take some basics you already own, add a few key accessories, and voila -- a costume that would make your mom proud! Of course, you can always be the dead version of one of these spectacular ladies: Marie Curie, after being blown up by a science experiment...Coco Chanel, killed by one of her assistants with a pair of scissors?

Who: Marie Curie -- First Lady of science, physicist, chemist, and creator of the theory of radioactivity.
Why: Because you can carry your favorite beverage around in a beaker and tell everyone it's a dangerous radioactive element.
You already have: A loose black dress.
You need: Thick glasses, a clear beaker, and a discheveled top-knot.

Who: Emmeline Pankhurst -- political activist, and leader of the British suffrage movement.
Why: Because you're not into the whole slutty costume thing...and because you will be ready to protest at a moment's notice.
You already have: an oversized straw hat and a black blazer.
You need: a long black skirt, a sash with "Votes for Women" across it, pamphlets and/or a picket sign with political slogans, like "Deeds not Words" and "We demand the right to serve!"

Who: the incomparable Coco Chanel -- design ingenue, and fashion icon.
Why: because it gives you an excuse to pretend you're French for one night...and practice being snooty {she was said to be a VERY demanding woman}.
You already have: a knock-off Chanel tweed jacket, a pencil skirt, a white blouse.
You need: a strand of pearls, a chic vintage hat, a boxy little hand bag, and a certain je ne sais quois.

Who: Amelia Earhart -- the first aviatrix to fly across the Atlantic.
Why: Because any excuse to wear goggles and a flight hat is a very good thing!
You already have: a leather jacket, khakis, and equestrian-style boots.
You will need: a white scarf, goggles, and a flight hat.

Who: Frida Kahlo -- Mexican artist, surrealist, and style innovator.
Why: you get to fearlessly mix color and pattern, pile on the jewelry...and see what you look like with a mono-brow and mustache!
You already have: lots of chunky jewlery, a shawl or pashmina scarf, and a bright, colorful blouse.
You will need: flowers for your hair, a flowy peasant skirt, and brown eyeliner for facial hair enhancement.

::Have fun dressing up, my loves!!