tranish

a very tranish advent

2010-12-24T12:14:00.001-06:00

Wearing Ruffian for Anthro tuxedo jacket, Anthro Left of Center lace eyelet silk dress, Cynthia Rowley striped tights from Gilt, and thrifted Kate Spade heels. Making cameos are the vintage wool and velvet top hat, and vintage mink scarf.

Photos by Hanna Maria van Zijp

Some of the best things in life can come in the form of a charming vintage clothing shop in Stockholm, the aura of the holidays, and a particularly wonderful Norwegian beauty with a sweet eye for photography. But you already knew that.

I'm still getting used to wearing only one layer. Being in snow filled lands to 80°F temperatures is still quite surreal. Austin is as beautiful as we left it. And now I have feathers in my hair. Cheers, smiles, and love...that's everything I offer at this point. Hope you'll take it.

The Mouton Saga

2010-12-01T08:57:00.001-06:00

Photos by Samantha Braun

Wearing vintage mouton coat, vintage velvet dress, vintage necklace, UO lace tights, thrifted rabbit fur scarf, & Jeffrey Campbell velvet ribbon heels

I bought this vintage coat as an afterthought, about a year ago, not quite knowing if I'd ever really wear it, and wondering if it was real fur or not. It was a "joke purchase," of $20, of which the incentive for buying can only be explained by the pure whimsy of the item - I'd never owned anything so soft and well, cuddly! The cashier laughed when I asked her if it was real fur. Of course not! Jared suggested that the coat was probably made from teddy bear. It was my mom-in-law who knew it had to be mouton, as she recalled having a similar coat in the 60's. After confirming the authenticity of the mouton by fending off dogs who love to bite and chew on the coat via my mouton-clad arm, this has become one of my most beloved coats.

Samantha, a fashion school classmate from Paris, re-inspired my love for the mouton, when she became quite smitten with the way mouton rolled off my American tongue. I personally think it sounds a lot nicer in its native French, but what do I know? I'm happy she was able to capture Stockholm in its autumnal glory. It's been all snow, all the time since then, about a month ago. And looks like it has hit the rest of Europe now as well.

Only for the wild at heart

2010-11-25T16:58:00.004-06:00

Photos by Callie Richmond

Hair & MUA by Lecia Bates Harkins

Wearing thrifted black lace midriff tank, thrifted heart necklace, thrifted Moschino Cheap & Chic silk newsprint skirt, denim bow wedges from Buffalo Exchange (first outfit), thrifted Christopher Kane for Topshop black one-shouldered lace/mesh dress, thrifted gold horse bracelet, black rosette heels from eBay (second outfit), Pencey silk dress from Gilt, vintage liquid gold belt, & Seychelles heels (third outfit)

While Jared indeed asked me to marry him, I believe I asked him to elope. It was one of the most brilliant ideas I’d ever had, be it not entirely original, but original enough for either of us. Being in love somehow causes an influx of inspiration. I call it the “happiness spill-over effect.” So, we eloped at the city hall in downtown Austin a year ago on this day, and quite coincidentally it happened to be the day before Thanksgiving. We share the day this year, which seems to be more appropriate anyway, being that food is quite a passion for both of us (although Jared will tell you that it runs much more deeply for me, and I won’t argue with that), and aren't anniversaries about celebrating and being grateful for everything wonderful in your life? So sharing our anniversary with Thanksgiving is quite perfect.

I love being a Huke. I think I was always meant to be a Huke. Not only does the surname come along with an incredible family, the origin is Norwegian and so close to my favorite word, hygge, which is a Danish word meaning coziness, love, warmth, and everything wonderful. Like a glass of wine with your love in front of a fire place on a snowy night. Now there’s some hygge if there ever was one.

With Jared, I’m able to experience hygge...prettty much all the time. He makes my cup of happiness spill over. And over. I’m more me with him than I ever was. It would be too easy to say that I’ve pursued my passions because of him. Well, I think that is one thing. But being excited and successful in my endeavors is something else. He makes me feel like the little boy in The Alchemist. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Our love mirrors this in a way. Even my mom thought so. And when my mom thinks anything, it is usually right. My favorite person, best friend and my love. No one else would laugh uncontrollably at the crude humor that comes out of my mouth, or understand half the utterly weird things I squeak out. He makes me laugh, he inspires me, he shares my love for Family Guy. And he gets it, completely. And I love him for that.

The talented Callie Richmond captured us in the gorgeous mansion that is home to the Austin Women's Club, right before we left for Stockholm. It was originally going to be a shoot of just me and my outfits, but it became so much more when Callie suggested that Jared be my "partner in crime" for the shoot. It was perfect, as I had worn the Pencey silk dress for our elopement party, but we didn't have many photos from it, so this shoot became something like a vision of our marriage day. Many, many thanks to wonderful Callie!

Afrodisiac: Welcome to the Afroshop

2010-11-19T11:20:00.002-06:00

Photography by Damon "Chocolate" Daood

Location: Austin, TX

Wearing ModCloth jumpsuit and lattice heels, heart earrings, and thrifted floral bangle.

I've finally received a copy of the Afrodisiac book and it is even more delectable in person. I was scared to open it, lest I cause any blemish upon such glossy pages of perfection. I'm utterly and constantly struck by how talented Damon is. Afrodisiac is a splendid culmination of his brilliant photography, design prowess and keenness for composition, color, and style. The epitome of suaveness.

Here is an excerpt from the book on the AFROSHOP shoot, featuring my afro ego, Zenobia Dào:

the toothsome 4OURSOME

"What happens when you put four afro lovelies together in a room? See

for yourself. Welcome to the Hyde Park Afroshop featuring Shellah the

Schakolad Shiva, Adinkra Theobroma, Zenobia Dào and the luscious

Fiona Berry. Pick it out, baby!"

mochafrochino

"Our shoot lasted one hour exactly. Afterwards, we had drinks and

appetizers at the sweet spot next door; Dolce Vita (a place I’ve spent

much time over the years akin to a second office). Let’s just say a certain

veil of intrigue happened when I walked through the door with my

quartet of afro chicory roots best defined as mocha cafe sua da with

a pinch of advieh de la crème–drink that with your biscotti and think of

something naughty."

--Afrodisiac

In addition to the Afrodisiac book, here is an Afro Strut video of images from several Afro shoots. Yours truly in the intro:

Afrodisiac at Fabi + Rosi

2010-11-12T16:23:00.001-06:00

Photography by Damon Daood, with last three photos taken by myself

Photos are part of Afrodisiac

Wearing this same outfit here

Location: Austin, TX

My absence via this blog does not reflect my participation in life at all. So don't get the wrong idea. I'm not sure what would be an appropriate "update," but let me give you a small sampling of what I've been up to: enjoying my fashion classes and gaining some level of intellectual fashion enlightenment, getting to know new friends and wonderful classmates, enjoying the art of fika (the Finnish word for having coffee with friends, it's so lovely and this is the reason why we should learn languages other than our own, to fill in the missing pieces), engaging in my first snowball fight ever, with adorable Swedish children, learning new things about Stockholm almost daily, cooking great meals and drinking homemade hard cider with my best friend/husband, etc. I haven't been terribly busy in the sense that I haven't been bombarded with "things to do" constantly, other than making my own way in this snowy, dark land, and I like the way things are.

These photos are from another land obviously, not to mention another time. They are part of an out-of-this-world-afro-riffic book dubbed Afrodisiac by the ultra talented and suave Chocolateur, Damon Daood. You can actually own a piece of this fine "chocolate" and flip through these colorful pages of afro-delight at your own pace.

More on Afrodisiac next time, including another photo shoot from the book. Tomorrow Jared and I venture out with Swedish friends to a forest outside of Stockholm for a day trip sure to be an enchanting time.

Zenobia Dào, as seen in Afrodisiac

Come to me

2010-10-20T10:36:00.006-05:00

Photos by Jack Hollingsworth

MUA: Myself, plus touch-up by Jenny Lin

Wearing BB Dakota dress from ModCloth, pearl necklace - gift from Mom, ModCloth earrings, & thrifted Giraudon heels

If my companion post was channeling Betty Draper, than this look would surely be Joan Holloway. In fact, I believe this dress was dubbed "Joan Dress" from ModCloth, and rightly so, couldn't you see her in something like this? I wish I had red hair just for this dress. These photos conjure up such lovely midsummer feelings. Which makes sense since that was when I took them. But even so, and I've already made much ado on posting out of season looks, I'd like to think of this as my tribute to Mad Men, which I just saw the season finale of. Farewell to Mad Men until next year, and likewise to the summer.

Back to life in Sweden. Lots of changes, all of them good. The weather reports all forecast snow for tonight, tomorrow, and the entire weekend. Earlier than usual, the Swedes say. Which can only mean one thing, they tell me. Apparently, it's going to be the coldest it's ever been in 1,000 years. Yeah, I'm not sure where they came up with that number, but I've heard it from the Swedes themselves. Last winter was the coldest in 50 years. So there's going to be hell to pay this winter. I've got a huge puffy down coat that goes all the way down to my knees with a big fur trimmed hood, so I think I will be okay. But hopefully it doesn't mean that any chance of doing an outfit photo sans huge ass jacket outside will be utterly obliterated. I've lost the memory card for my camera, so there hasn't been any current photos of Sweden to post. I'm considering leaving my little camera altogether and getting an SLR, but I haven't been able to justify the purchase. I miss having photographer friends in Austin with great cameras, that's for sure. Maybe I can do outfit photos via the iPhone camera? Or would that be a complete fashion blasphemy?

You try to remember the dreams you had

2010-10-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

Totem maxi dress by Lindsey Thornburg

The totem tells of a mystical story, one steeped in an ancient time, where civilizations were fought and conquered. Its bold aura begs to be worshiped. I can't resist, with its silk rayon material, it envelopes the body in a sea of smoothness and never-ending flow. An inspiration from the gods themselves. The body is transformed into a flawless silhouette prone to our adoration.

More otherworldly, mind-blowingly epic designs by Thornburg:

Images source: Lindsey Thornburg

Lindsey Thornburg, you've a lovely, trippy mind.

Image Source: Elle Magazine

Lindsey, brilliant and wearing her own design.

Hello my love

2010-10-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Photos by Jack Hollingsworth
MUA: Myself, plus touchup by Jenny Lin

Wearing a vintage silk floral dress, vintage purse, ModCloth earrings, pearl necklace - gift from my mom, and heels from Nonno.

Rarely do I get inspired by a television show (especially since I don't watch television), fashion-wise, but Mad Men is an exception. Essentially wonderful, the show features its leading ladies in some of the most brilliant late 50's and 60's era dresses and outfits I have ever seen. I'm quite smitten with them all. From Joan's lusciously tight, pin-up dresses to Betty's demure house-wife-y styles, I love it all. So I very much had Mad Men on the mind when putting together this outfit. While the backdrop isn't quite the usual urban, New York-esque feel, I was thinking this would be Mad Men on a weekend trip. You know, a road trip to upstate New York with the kids to get away from the grime and crime of the city every once in a while, and reflect on nature. Yes, something like that.

There are companion shots to this shoot, which I'll be posting soon, so stay tuned!

I'm not lost in space

2010-09-24T14:40:00.001-05:00

Photos by Jack Hollingsworth

Wearing boater hat from Buffalo Exchange (new merch), thrifted floral & striped crop top, and thrifted UO silk shorts.

I hope that at least some of my readers come from Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and any of the other countries from the southern hemisphere, because, fair readers, these photos are just stabbing autumn in the heart and may only make sense to those experiencing the season that these photos recklessly flaunt (oh, impudent belly button!) Alas, I did forewarn you in this post that I'd be posting some off season shots.

The photos come from a series of shoots that I did with respected Austin photographer, Jack Hollingsworth. As I've mentioned, Jack isn't a fashion photographer, so we didn't do any full length shots. I forget which shoes I was wearing with this outfit. I'd worn this same outfit one other time to work, but since the shorts are less than appropriately short (to figure this out, you can employ the "bending over test" and ask someone whom you're comfortable with to let you know if they see any signs of cheekage) I wore black tights underneath. Now I'm really curious to know what shoes I'd paired these with. As my entire shoe collection became disjointed with the big move, along with my clothing and accessories (but never my fashion!), I have been putting together looks with the suitcase and a half of what I have brought with me to Sweden, that I probably never would have before, given the full extent of my wardrobe and continuing purchases from such places as my beloved Buffalo Exchange. But I believe, and I have seen, that sometimes creativity can happen in the most limited and restricted of conditions. And certainly fashion creativity falls into that realm.

N.B. Don't cry for me, as I've had to make do with four pairs of shoes, but my amazing parents are shipping over some more, for my sake of variety and since I apparently can't afford to buy any new shoes in Stockholm.

Watch out the world's behind you

2010-09-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Wearing a thrifted Free People corduroy waistcoast, UO Silence & Noise lace bodysuit, thrifted Lux denim skirt, Free People tights, & Lucky Penny boots. Jared is wearing a vintage leather jacket.

I really need to start posting things as soon as they happen, because a few days makes all the difference, and, case in point, I can't remember what I wanted to write about regarding these photos from our last day in Mørkholt Strand, end of last week. It was probably something about my outfit. It seems very north European. Perhaps the hint of fraulein-wear in the top half? (an unconscious flow from my German cousins?) Regardless, it was fun frolicking about the beach in. As you can see, even though I'm only wearing a handful of colors, it's quite a nice contrast to the black painted Danish house we stayed in. Jared and I both noticed that the Danes seem to be really into black houses. And we're really quite fascinated. It's just so sophisticated and unusual. Jared tried to look up any references to it online, but none was found. Those Danes, with their air of complexity. For whatever reason, I bet it's got something to do with the pure aesthetics of high contrast in the winter. The Danes really know design, and damn well.

Balance is not only desirable in the design world, but really in everything. I could have posted this already instead of attempting to get in a few more words (although by the time you read this, it will have been posted...the relationship between the passage of time and Internet speak of real-time, is all so strange). But I keep looking at the preview and wishing it wasn't such a Tran-Jared photo-a-thon, and while Jared wouldn't protest to so many of his photos being on my blog, I know the designer side of him might wince a bit at the repetition or plurality of it all. But I think I like it, and so I'll go ahead and share it all. Besides, if you look at the whole of my blog, it really is all me, isn't it?

And on rainbows: I've never witnessed so many in my life as I have in the short time I've spent in Denmark and Sweden. Since rainbows are culturally seen as a sign of good luck, could it be linked the to the high happiness index in Scandinavia? I wonder.

Earthly Delights

2010-09-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

Individual photos from Rodarte Spring 2011 collection take from The Cut: New York Magazine's Fashion Blog. Nature photos taken by Jared.

The Rodarte Spring 2011 collection has had me swooning and dreaming of wonderful objects in space and nature. And what better place to have inspirational thoughts and ideas than in Mørkholt Strand, Denmark? We ventured to this town we had no earthly clue about, on the premise of staying in a house on the beach. My German cousins whom I haven't seen for 15 years, through the efforts of my mom and uncle, invited us to stay with them during their holiday. It's been nothing but relaxation, reading, pondering, enjoying Danish gray skies and typical European rainy weather. I've had time to do what I please, so I've gone through slide shows of amazing collections from New York Fashion Week, and I'm really blown away (Marc Jacobs is a constant). The one I can't stop thinking about has been Rodarte. I love the nature-inspired ensembles; some of the textures are like tree bark, with earthy tones, and ethnic and traditional Japanese prints.

We took a stroll along the beach, a few steps away from the house. Windy, with some blue skies and puffy white clouds juxtaposed against ominous greyness. Perhaps I had Rodarte on the mind and the human brain likes to make connections and patterns, or it was pure inspirational coincidence, but some of the beautiful macro landscape shots of the beach that Jared took seemed like it could have come straight from the inspiration board of the Mulleavy sisters. Like it was dipped into the natural textures and tones of the surrounding nature.

And it's moving my life

2010-09-13T08:20:00.002-05:00

Wearing Domino striped bodysuit from Ideeli.com, Anna Sui for Anthropologie hot air balloons silk skirt, Anthro purple fuschia tights, green heart heels from Nonno

I'm in Malmö now for a few days. It's in the south of Sweden, approximately 4.5 hours from Stockholm by train and 30 minutes from Copenhagen. This is where Jared lives most of the time. Since I don't have classes this week, I'm spending some days getting to know Jared's home away from Stockholm. We are living in a hostel-like environment at a house where the photos are taken, and it's been lovely, reminiscing about my hostel stays in Amsterdam and Brasil. It's so wonderful to be traveling again. I've been thinking about how long it usually takes me to feel "at home" in a new place, but the longest I've ever been abroad in my life was only three months in Brasil. So I don't think I'm so focused on making any place my home as long as I keep traveling. I may not always have the right shoes for traveling (read: walking) long distances, but at least I've got the appropriate print this time! I just love the idea of flying away in a hot air balloon to paradise, don't you?

All images are from Disney/Pixar's "Up"

Let's talk about the weather

2010-09-08T17:27:00.001-05:00

Photos by Jack Hollingsworth

Wearing thrifted Voom by Joy Han denim vest, striped bodysuit from Buffalo Exchange (new merch), and thrifted Marc Jacobs pants.

I know, I know, I was all bundled up in my new warm coat in my last post and talking about autumn and now I show up in seemingly spring mode. Well, your eyes do not lie. These photos come from a shoot I did in Austin in May. My intent isn't to flip flop around with the seasons (weather is no joke, especially in Sweden!) In the midst of moving my life overseas, photos being in limbo, etc, I couldn't get these photos up any earlier. Anyway, I thought about waiting until next spring to post these looks, but that seemed kind of silly to me. It's not like we're in the midst of minus-x degree temperature, where I would seem maybe a bit off. Just think of this like in the fashion world where if you're in New York right now for Fashion week, you'd be seeing all the spring/summer '11 collections, right? Right.

Coincidentally, climate-wise, it was quite nice and sunny in Stockholm today. I don't mean to make this whole post about weather, but you know, sometimes, weather isn't just for small talk or conversation starters. This scene of Austin in my photos is very different to current Austin, where Tropical Storm Hermine has hit - fifteen inches of rain and counting! Seems like every time a tropical storm hits, I'm always out of the country. Maybe that's why I'm not wont to owning rain boots.

One might say that the Marc Jacobs pants I'm wearing in the photos are of the flood pants variety. I do love their shape and cut. When I put my legs together, it becomes almost skirt-like. They seem south Asian inspired. South Asian farmer that is. I wish I had full length photos - I'm wearing this outfit with my green heart heels, which I tend to do when I'm wearing anything the least bit nautical. But the photographer I worked with isn't focused so much on fashion photography as he is on portraiture and stock photography which is something I've never done before, but really enjoyed doing.

I have many more photos that I've done with Jack that I'll be posting in no particular order amongst "real-time" Stockholm ones as those come. So please don't be confused about what season it is - I promise not to post anything too wildly out of weather-sync!

On another note, applicable to all and any seasons, I wanted to thank Emma at Daily Clothes Fix for presenting me with a fashion-related award on her blog! She's always coming up with such beautifully put together outfits, always at a bargain. My kind of style!

An early autumn is the best fashion scenario

2010-09-06T13:25:00.003-05:00

Wearing a secondhand Marc Jacobs coat, thrifted ruffles top by Velvet, Corey Lynn Calter pleated high-waisted shorts, Cynthia Rowley floral tights, Leifsdottir heels, and secondhand leather cross-body purse by Fly Bird Fly.

We're now experiencing the official end of summer, where the air is chilly enough to put on not just a jacket, but a coat with some weight to it. I don't quite have all my autumn and winter gear here with me just yet (I've also never had to put on a coat in the beginning of September), so it was very fashionably convenient that Swedish blogger Sandra of Niotillfem, whom I discovered earlier this year on the ModCloth blog (she was featured on Blogger of the Moment), was having a used clothing and accessories sale at Beyond Retro in Stockholm. One woman's formerly loved now becomes another woman's most prized item! I adore my new wool coat by Marc Jacobs for so many reasons: it's the perfect fit and cut on me, heavy enough for the weather right now but not bulky, and it has that perfect shade of mulberry that really just cannot clash with anything even if you tried. Oh, and the lining is precious, like any Marc Jacobs jacket or coat. Like the discreet yet noticeably charming wrapping paper on your favorite Christmas gift.

I also purchased my first real cross body purse that fits everything I need in it. For twenty-something bucks! Man, did I score or what? Real leather. I even found some wrapping tissue paper in the front pocket, so I guess Sandra didn't use it too much. It's an odd shade of green, with some blue tones in it. I don't think I own anything that is quite like that color. Again, like the mulberry coat, it really doesn't seem to clash at all with anything I've been wearing. I don't know if I'm somehow subconsciously choosing complementary tones. But I'm glad to be adding to the color palette of my wardrobe. Always strive for fashion diversity.

With my two new very practical purchases, I felt ready to ease into the new autumnal season and semester in my fashion program. The first day started last Friday, very optimistically. The course seems so interesting and I can already feel that I'll be learning a lot (and writing quite a bit). The director of the fashion program and two lecturers/professors gave the students an introduction of the material, expectations, and a run down of what we'll be doing. They all have a wealth of experience under their belts and seem very easy to talk to. There was a social mingle afterward and I felt even more at ease with the class, other students, and professors. There's much reading, but that means I'll be able to share some interesting fashion books. Speaking of, I've some more reading before tomorrow's class to review. To be honest, it feels a bit surreal to be a college student - again. But being a grad student is quite different from the college freshman, as I'm sure many will concur. At least I dress better now.

Copenhagen, you make me feel so good.

2010-09-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

Wearing Free People suede corseted creme top, ModCloth cigarette jeans, and Lucky Penny boots.

The next morning and our second day in Copenhagen, Jared and I hurried back to the Swedish embassy to get our future handed to us. My horse necktie from the previous day obviously impressed them, so they gave us a big, warm yes on our visas - we get to stay in Sweden and be grad students! Hooray, now it was time to celebrate! Although we'd been celebrating quite a bit already. We joked about Copenhagen being our honeymoon since we didn't have a traditional one (or a traditional anything, we're total rule breakers). With us, celebration means amazing food. So we went to a bakery near the embassy we'd seen earlier that had these brilliant loaves of bread. We were yearning for soup, but they didn't have any, and instead of just turning us away, the sweetly helpful bakery woman recommended the best soup spot in all of København, or at least the best in the central part of town. Good enough for me. So off we went to find Soupa Natural. Located in a basement in a young, hip part of town, very Indian inspired, totally my style. And it was some of the best tomato (and lentil) soups to speak of. Cup of happiness filled.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying every bit of the city, just trekking about. One thing you can always count on in Europe is that they have really great walls. Walking on cobble stoned paths next to beautiful, old walls. When traveling, I try not to bring more than one or two pairs of shoes at most. I'm always amazed at how people can bring so many shoes on short trips. Anyway, if I can find several outfits that go with the one or two pairs brought, it's travel success. So I wore my Lucky Penny boots throughout the trip and it really has become my favorite traveling shoes. I can't wear everything with my boots, but one thing that never falls short are jeans. I don't remember the last outfit post I did wearing jeans and/or pants, but I guess I'm wearing them more these days (because I'm wearing the boots more?) These cigarette jeans are almost like jeggings and they fit so nicely inside my boots.

It was not such a sad farewell we said to Københaven, because we'll be back before anyone knows it. Isn't Europe just great with all its proximity to other Euro countries? Just a train ride away.

I fell hard for Copenhagen.

2010-09-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

Wearing a vintage horse tie, creme lace bodysuit by Silence & Noise, thrifted Anthro bubble skirt, vintage vest, Gap tights, and Lucky Penny boots. Jacket by Leifsdottir. Jared is wearing a Kenneth Cole sweater, J. Lindeberg jeans, and oxfords from a Swedish designer.

I knew I loved Copenhagen long before we met. Under some strange circumstances (there's nothing like government officials ordering you to leave the country), we happened upon the city sooner than (un)planned. København, as the locals or surrounding Scandinavians call it, is a fantastical mixture of sorts. The Danes are neither Germans nor quite Scandinavian (at least the Swedish variety). They have all the best parts of their European neighbors. And they seem so edgy. Complex. They intrigue me. You see, I've been smitten with Denmark for quite awhile now. Everything I love about the country was reinforced, confirmed, verified, strengthened in this trip. I also experienced real live hygge, which is one of those things I live for. It means coziness, warmth, the feeling you get when you're curled up with your love in front of the fireplace on a snowy night, or on the other end of the spectrum, an ice cold pint of your favorite beer on a beautiful summer's day, or it could be anything you're in love with, life, art, beauty, that's how I interpret it. So my real Danish hygge occurred after it had been raining while we were in Christiania, which is such a magical place. Just a slice of Amsterdam and Austin. I'd been wanting to go there ever since I researched it for one of my class essays. I'd heard rumors that it had been taken down by the government, but it's there, existing, more than ever. A Dane there told us he doesn't think it will ever go away. After rushing out of the rain, we found the perfect coffee shop to stow away in with a hot cup of mochaccino and watch the rain and people going by. It was real hygge.

In the serious meantime, Jared and I had to show up to the Swedish embassy to let them know we were there for real. I decided on my vintage brown vest with cool antique brass buttons for the ultimate impression. The horse tie was to charm their socks off and help them hurry their decision along. The embassy is right by the picturesque harbor, Nyhavn, probably most every photo of Copenhagen you've most likely seen is of the colorful strip of old, charming buildings sitting along the harbor. It's absolutely gorgeous, of course more so in person. After a couple hours of milling about waiting to see if the embassy had an answer to our visas, we were told that the decision was now in the migration board's hands and that we'd hear back the next day. It continued raining through the latter part of the day, but a brilliant rainbow emerged. And not just any rainbow, but a double one. My first double rainbow. A good sign? I think so.

To be continued on Day 2 in København...

I've got to leave here before I go.

2010-08-27T07:48:00.000-05:00

Photo by Karen Suen

Wearing a vintage wool and velvet trimmed top hat, vintage red bow tie, thrifted victorian mesh lace blouse, jumper from ModCloth, floral tights from UO, & Harajuku Lovers spectator heels

My wonderful friend Karen took this photo a few months ago when she was trying out her new SLR camera. This is one of my favorite outfits because every clothing article and accessory is so delightfully fun, and especially when put together, I mean, it's just an Amélie-styled adventure waiting to happen.

Speaking of adventures, we've a couple lined up this weekend. Jared and I are heading to Uppsala this afternoon for a kräftskiva party, where we'll be eating Swedish crawfish. I come from a cajun crawfish loving family, so I'm excited to try the Swedish version, even if it isn't spicy!

Come Sunday, we're fleeing Sweden temporarily to deal with visa issues in Copenhagen. While the initial and urgent reason for traveling to Denmark is not so much pleasure, I have a feeling our visit to the Swedish embassy will only be part of the adventure. Ever since my college course in Contemporary Danish Culture, I have been dying to visit this fairytale-esque country. I am quite sad that Christiania no longer exists, but I'm sure we'll find hints of it.

By the next time I post, hopefully, we will be legal, visa-holding residents of Sweden!

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten.

2010-08-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

Photos, Hair & MUA: Waterstone

Wearing a blue romper from Lulu*s.

These photos are from a hair photo shoot that I did for Waterstone earlier this spring, as you may have recalled me mentioning them in a couple of February posts. I guess the photos have been floating in photographer limbo, but I'm pleased that they have finally found their way to my blog. The electric silky-esque blue romper is one of my favorite onesies. Since I've had it, it's always the piece I pull out when spring comes around, and when I need a quick and easy outfit that still says sleek. Anyway, it's now sitting somewhere in one of my "inappropriate fashion for Swedish weather" boxes at my parents' house. My sweet parents are planning on shipping the boxes to me soon, and I could always pair it (and many other similarly made rompers) with some black tights and a big, warm coat that I have yet to purchase...

I still have somewhat the same hairstyle that my favorite stylist/friend, Jon D, pulled off. I'm in desperate need of a Swedish Jon D now, though. My bangs are getting out of control, and I don't know whom to take them to. I may have to take this hair matter into my own hands, but I don't think that would be good for anyone. Or perhaps it's time for a whole new look altogether. To say that there's been a lot of changes in my life this year would be quite an understatement. So maybe a new hairdo would be just the icing on the cake.

Today in Stockholm has been rainy with a hint of chill and not that I'm reminiscing about the spring in Austin or anything (these photos coincidentally came into my hands just yesterday), but I guess I'm figuring out where to take my wardrobe next. It's that seasonal border where summer isn't quite over, and autumn hasn't quite made its debut, but it's a strange intersection. It's always sort of a fashion exercise to see what I come up with that will be good for daytime and transition well in case of rain and cooler evenings. It's definitely a nice change from Austin, where you simply dress for either hot or somewhat cold in December/January, if even. Seasonal changes, what a brilliant thing that I'm experiencing for the first time in my life.

SFW: S/S 2011 Fashion Show at Stockholm Modecenter

2010-08-23T05:02:00.000-05:00

Wearing a vintage 70's paisley print caftan dress and Seychelles heels.

I attended my first Swedish fashion show last Friday during Stockholm Fashion Week, and it was pretty fabulous to say the least. I'm quite excited by the S/S 2011 collections I saw and if I were a shop owner or a buyer, I'd have my orders in stat. The clothes were all very wearable, flowy, easy pieces to put together. Some of the outfits I saw, I would have pegged as more "fall" wear, but I think it makes sense with Swedish weather (or perhaps I just need to get rid of the Texas heat mindset). Some of the designers included See by Chloe, Love Moschino, Vivienne Westwood, and Missoni, among the names I recognized. My favorite outfit from the show is the striped jumpsuit by Missoni (6th photo, to the right). However, time to put aside all springy aspirations, for while it has been sunny and bright in Stockholm, I hear the cold will come in no time. I'm on the hunt for amazing and preferably rain-proof boots. Saw some nice ones in the show, but they were mostly men's. Any ideas?

The start of something really, really beautiful.

2010-08-16T04:53:00.001-05:00

Stockholm. I'm here, more alive and well than I've ever been. This place is so incredibly delightful, it is truly a wonderland of sorts. The Swedes are a happy people with a wonderful quality of life. Summer in Sweden has an unequivocal loveliness to it.

To my friends, readers, casual observers, all, many apologies for my long absence! My last few months in Austin was spent preparing for the new adventures in Europe. I've many photo shoots that I have queued up and can't wait to post once I get to them. I'll be starting a Master's programme in Fashion at Stockholm University in a couple of weeks - utterly thrilled, and you can be sure I'll be writing about it here to you all.

So now I leave you with this stunning image of the fairy tale land of Stockholm in summer.

Puss och kram!

Travana

2010-06-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

Wearing a romper from ModCloth and denim heels from Zara. Photos by Damon Daood

My second Fro shoot. The location reminds me of Latin America - the vibrant colors with a bit of the old world feel. A summer fro moment in the sun.

Feeling Buy Definition

2010-06-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Wardrobe provided by Buy Definition. Some of the shoes are blogger's own. Makeup by Maris Malone Calderon.

When Esti Choi, owner of Buy Definition, contacted me to do a shoot modeling their latest spring/summer styles, I was overwhelmingly thrilled - it was a fashion dream come true! I've done several posts on them and have been a huge fan of their amazing collections of gorgeous, dreamy clothes and accessories for quite awhile. The designers they carry are personally handpicked by Esti and I have been constantly impressed by the designs. Esti is truly one of the best dressed women I know - an artist in her own right. The sophistication and grace with which she presents herself is one of a kind and utterly flawless. You can always catch her in her classic red lipstick and silky rompers/jumpsuits, which you know I utterly adore.

During the shoot, I had the absolute grandest time modeling BD's latest fashions - there wasn't a single thing that I wore that I wasn't just lusting after. Most of my favorite outfits came from the delightful Dear Creatures and Spanish designer, Gemma Degara (the darling petal purse is also from her collection!) Good thing I now have a "model discount" at the store. Check out more of what I modeled under their New Collections.

After the shoot, I did a fun interview with Buy Definition - read it on the BD blog.

Thank you for the amazing opportunity, Buy Definition!

my eyelashes catch my sweat

2010-05-28T11:46:00.001-05:00

Photography: SolarHalo Studios

MUA: Lecia Bates Harkins of Beauty On the Go

Apparel: Ruby Pearl Fashions. Reconstructed dress, made from vintage fabric. Wearing my own heels from Seychelles.

Jewelry: Susan Blankenship, Sueanne Gatlin

A sampling of photos from a recent shoot I did with talented, smart, and fun creatives. Austin is full of them!

Soul Tran

2010-05-19T13:14:00.002-05:00

Wearing a striped blazer, cropped black lace tank, heart necklace, and gold zebra necklace. All thrifted. New merch shorts from Buffalo Exchange. Belle heels from Seychelles. Afro, courtesy of Damon.

Photos by Damon Daood

The way gold chains and leopard prints sit.

2010-05-12T19:35:00.000-05:00

Outfit Details

Black twofer vest tank - Drew

Gold chain necklace - from Jared, won at silent auction

Jeans - Free People

Belle heels - Seychelles

Most people I know have a distinctive or certain signature look that he or she usually follows within the fashion realm. I like to change things up a bit, but not always intentionally. There is only one rule that I follow when shopping and that is simply to buy what I absolutely love (or like sometimes). The rest shall follow.

I've been admiring the drapey, flyaway vest/tank trend and liked it on other people, so when I spotted this two-in-one by Drew, I pictured myself wearing it with an easy flow. But this is something that I wouldn't consider to be my usual "style" - it's got a bit of an edge to it and I usually don't wear black. Perhaps not in recent memory, really, except occasionally for night time rendezvous. I always seem to gravitate toward lighter colors (with the exception of browns and darker tones in cold weather). But change is good. Constant evolution is even better.

I suppose my taste is jewelry is slowly evolving. I've never owned anything remotely like this statement gold chain necklace, which I am smitten with. Jared won this for me at a silent auction during Bohemian Blitz, a fabulous event of sorts, including vaudeville circus performers and art installations, that my friend Frank put on last Friday evening. His mother designed and made the necklace, along with several other beautiful jewelry pieces, which she donated to the event for the silent auction. The necklace has become very special to me for this reason (and also because Jared managed to nab it while another bidder was hot on the heels).

I got to show off my new necklace when we visited my parents for a lovely Mother's Day weekend. What I've always known is that my mom has an eye for home décor and design. And something that has never failed to capture my attention is a leopard print chaise lounge sitting in my parents' reading room. If she weren't so in love with it herself, I certainly would have taken it ages ago. But she really uses the chaise lounge for what it's meant: lounging about and reading her favorite books. A great art that I am really glad was passed on to me.

Nautical shadows.

2010-05-05T13:44:00.001-05:00

Outfit Details

Vintage red anchor print jumper

Blue & white striped crop top - F21

Shipping wheel & sailboat earrings - new merch at Buffalo Exchange

Canvas blue, green, & white striped heels - Pink Studio via Anthro

I was wary about this little red vintage nautical jumper when I first laid eyes on it. Someone else actually picked it up and said it seemed like something I'd wear. I was ready to be skeptical, but when I tried it on, I figured I could make it work somehow. I believe this may be a little girl's jumper, from the 70's, but I don't mind wearing children's clothes. I went through a stage in high school and part of college where I would only shop in the children's section of any store that had one (Gap Kids, anyone?)

I know the spring nautical look has been overwhelmingly overdone this season, but I can't help that I've taken such a liking to it. The nautical attitude is one of whimsy and playfulness that I really have fun styling. I admit, I have seen some nautical looks out there that are more nauseous than inspiring. But all in all, the nautical style is fun and adventure-inducing for me. So navy and white stripes, anchors, ship wheels, sailboats and other nautical shapes can come out to play anytime. Perhaps up until vernal equinox when something else catches my fancy.

Home is wherever I'm with you.

2010-05-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

Randy and John on their wedding day. Also, the ultimate vintage wedding photo.

Delicious mulberries growing by the parents' house.

One of our presents to them: a voodoo toothpick holder.

No doubt that Jared is his father's son.

Back-lit and swingin' it.

Wearing a Radcliffe denim strapless dress and Target wife beater.

Thrifted pink leather purse and thrifted floral bangle.

J. Crew socks and Matiko wedges from Anthro.

J. Crew Polka-dot headband.

More good times with Randy and John.

Sunset view from parents' porch.

The three amigas.

My love.

My parents-in-law celebrated the beginning of their love for each other 40 years ago on May Day. They illustrate to me what love truly is and how wonderful life is when you've found your best mate. Easy, free, and full-on love. They are having as much fun as they did the first time they met, maybe even more. We're taking after them quite a bit. Real, live happiness.

I am also finding some real joy in their wedding day photo - aren't they so beautiful and handsome? Randy's dress is simply gorgeous. I love the sweet puff shoulders and the floral border trim under the bust and sleeves. Like their love, John's floral print shirt matches her dress in tone. His brown vest gives him such a dashing look. And check out his circular belt buckle - isn't that just awesome? The dandelion pin near his collar is such a gentle sigh of love. Young, hippie love lives on.

High Voltage

2010-04-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

Last night's UT fashion show, High Voltage, was brilliant. Some of the designs blew me away - I was utterly impressed by my alma mater's textiles and apparel department of talented graduating seniors and designers. There were all kinds of looks on the runway, from classic Coco Chanel-inspired designs to flirty, colorful ethnic influences, to a tribute to Alexander McQueen. The models were wonderful and put on quite a fun show. Although I was reminded a bit of graduation (the fashion show took place at the Frank Erwin Center where UT holds their graduation ceremonies), I quickly forgot about that as soon as the fashion hit the runway. Photos pictured were some of my favorite looks - you can view more photos on my Mobile Me gallery. For a live viewing of the show, you can watch the live webcast below from Fashionably Austin.

I was lucky enough to sit in the VIP seats for press, thanks to Diya of In Her Stilettos. She was so sweet and had a little blogger gathering before the show where I got to meet a couple of new people including Jenny, a designer of beautiful handbags, as well as see some familiar faces from the SXSW New Media fashion event. How come networking was never this fun when I was in the business school? Anyway, I know some of the photos are a bit on the blurry side (but not too bad for my point and shoot!), but I think you can get a sense of how amazing the show was. I'm looking forward to keeping up with these budding designers and seeing where their fashion takes them. Perhaps I should be in touch with them about borrowing a dress or two while I still can....

Aberdeen

2010-04-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

Outfit Details

Strapless dress made from vintage material - handmade by Aberdeen

Wedges - Aberdeen's favorite pair that she swears by, from Anthropologie

Slouch beret

Belt

Let me introduce you to my fabulous friend, Aberdeen. She is such a lovely person, inside and out, and she happens to be one of the most fashionably creative people I know. However, the difference between me and her would be that she can actually design and make her own clothes. We spent an afternoon catching up and I couldn't help but admire her fun striped red dress that was so well tailored. She recently made it, using vintage material she found. I love how she paired it with a wide brown leather belt. Her slouch beret is perfect and its oatmeal color is really great with the red and goes quite nicely with the rest of her accessories.

Since this was just us enjoying ourselves over yummy iced coffee and sangria, I didn't get a chance to get detailed shots, and I wish I could have gotten one of her beautiful face looking up! I'm thinking to get more outfit photos of friends, because I really have such amazing friends with wonderful and unique styles. I hope this is something you all would be interested in because I am continuously influenced by the people around me whom I interact with on a normal or daily basis.

In the meantime, get some more Aberdeen in your life via her blog, En Vedette.

Springing in my jumpsuit (and other joys of the season).

2010-04-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

Outfit Details

Silk jumpsuit - Anthro

Latticed tan heels - ModCloth

This is the jumpsuit of the season for me. It's perfectly silky(100%!), sits on a gorgeous lavender periwinkle background with an interesting orange-pink and white bow(?) print with a real bow at the top, has adjustable and removable straps, and pockets! This was another sale find from Anthro, which is one of the things I won't end up reselling, at least not this season or anytime soon.

Jared just built a fence in the back of our house, and I love the new wood smell. The fence itself looks beautiful, with sandy tones and a kind of ombre-esque from light to dark and back. He got some quick outfit photos before we went to Whole Foods. I'm not a big fan of grocery stores, but I absolutely love visiting Whole Foods. If you've ever been to Whole Foods, you probably understand. I feel like I could whip up something gourmet with such wonderful, organic and fresh ingredients. And believe me, while I absolutely love and am passionate about food and eating, I'm not really a cook. But Whole Foods makes me believe that I can be. With all our amazing products and ingredients, Jared whipped up some lemon-glazed salmon with artichoke and buttered orecchiette. Yum.

Last night I saw Grosse Pointe Blank for the first time. Fantastic movie. Jared is really catching me up on my list of amazing classics that must be watched. He's a cinema buff and there really isn't any movie that I've seen that he hasn't seen. Except we came across it a few weeks ago. A John Cusack 80's original and classic, Say Anything. John Cusack is easily my favorite actor (there are a couple of others vying for that position) and I'm completely smitten with him, simply because he's such a charming bad ass. If I could have any celebrity for a friend, he'd be it. I just found out he's an occasional, contributing blogger on Huffingtonpost.com. Sweet. Another reason to admire my friend John.

Primary Schoolteacher

2010-04-23T17:38:00.002-05:00

Outfit Details

Gray blazer - Taikonku from Anthro

Red rosette pin (taken from a skirt) - J. Crew

White blouse - thrifted Odille

Blue diamond print with yellow band skirt - Odille from Anthro

Faux geek chic hipster glasses - new merch from Buffalo

Green heart heels - Nonno

Vintage Kate Spade purse (which I scored for $5 at a vintage garage sale!)

This outfit, which I so called based on the primary colors involved and the thought that the tortoiseshell faux glasses (which have UV protection, so at least they're not just sitting on my face, useless and completely for the sake of fashion) and added blazer, I felt, really kind of gave me that professional air, but not in the corporate professional sense, more in the didactic, lecture-like manner, was revolved completely around the skirt. The bright blue and yellow, diamond print skirt, was another item I scored from my recent Anthro sale binge. I wasn't crazy about it, nor did I dislike it - I suppose I was neutral in the purchase. It was so cheap that I just couldn't pass it up. I figured I'd wear it once or twice, and then resell it. That's kind of how my mind works when I'm justifying a sale purchase. I know, it's probably not very healthy, but what is healthy in regards to fashion and shopping? Well, there I go. I do like the skirt much more after wearing it with what I did, but it doesn't mean I'll keep it. Sometimes, or many times, the things I buy are owned very fleetingly, and well, usually end up belonging to someone else in a matter of time. But I'm okay with it because life is a bit of a reflection of that. It's about having and not having, winning and losing, seeing and not seeing. Artfully speaking, I'm thinking of an Impressionist painting, something that can be so utterly beautiful, yet may last but a moment.

This entire week has been comprised of nothing but moments that have passed so very quickly. Jared had his wisdom teeth out in the morning (I know, we totally made April into Oral Surgery Month), and last evening I had a very special photo shoot with one of the most wonderful boutiques I've come to know. It was very exciting and so much fun, and before I knew it, we were six hours into the shoot, forty something odd outfits later. I don't want to say anything before the photos come out (I can't wait, I'm quite beside myself with elation!), except that it should be soon and that I love every single thing I'm modeling. It's the most amazing, personally handpicked, spring and summer collection I've seen where I've wanted to own every item. And my feelings over that is seemingly the yang to the evanescent yin in my life.

Distant from other interests on your favorite weekend.

2010-04-21T15:36:00.008-05:00

This past weekend, I broke my six month burger ban at my favorite local burger joint, P. Terry's.

Alamo always shows the best filler stuff before the previews and movie starts. And they're always on target to the subject matter of the movie. A movie about superheroes. Mexican Penguin and Robin.

Classic Catwoman in the Adam West days.

Nothing like a refreshing ale, except two of them.

Night time festivities at Spider House.

Outfit Details

Manoush ruffle front jacket

Little Yellow Button leaf print dress from Anthro

Thrifted loafers

Bell earrings

Vintage mint green purse

We had a very "Austin" weekend and it felt nice. Very nice. The kind of nice that you can really appreciate. Overcast skies, cool weather, freshness in the air. Starting with a burger from P. Terry's (it's the most natural you can get without being organic) was probably the best choice. After my involuntary diet, I'm really just now getting back on my protein intake. There was a storm brewing as we made our way downtown, which made things a bit exciting! (as long we didn't get drenched, that is, which we didn't) It was actually my first time at the Alamo Ritz, and we somehow were able to get tickets during opening weekend of Kick-Ass, which indeed kicked ass. Besides craving real food, one of the things I missed during my surgery recovery was cold beer. And that's why I'm such a fan of the Alamo Drafthouse. I won't go anywhere else to watch a movie, because well, if you can't have a cold beer while sitting through a great film, what's the point? Anyway, it was really a perfect day. There was a lot going on that night, but we decided to skip it all and enjoy ourselves at our neighborhood Spider House.

My outfit was comfortable enough to wear all day, especially the loafers. I'd never owned any before, and these two-toned ones are the perfect tan and whites. I wasn't thrilled about the dress, but it was on sale at Anthro and I am such a sucker for sales especially if the discount reaches into the 70 percentile. Stay tuned for many more Anthro items that I will be sporting in outfit photos, for I recently found many a things for great deals that somehow made it past my crap filter in my right amygdala. So much for my degree in marketing - I am prey to the tactics that we teach. Anyway, this jersey cotton dress has such a light and soft fabric, and the leaf motif really grew on me throughout the day. It also has pockets, which is always a plus. I was glad I brought a light jacket - it got pretty chilly, which has been so abnormal for April. But no complaints. I'm happy and taking things as they come.

One delightful evening.

2010-04-16T10:57:00.001-05:00

Tracy and Cameron preparing dinner.

Tracy's delicate and pretty horseshoe necklace.

Shane, talented musician, host, and master chef.

Jared, the orator. My orator.

Bella, sporting the geek chic trend.

Teresa and Christian.

Menu of culinary delights for the evening.

First course. I almost died of pleasure.

The food orgasm continues. This dish was inspired by Shane's travels. He's been all over the world, and ironically enough, he had something like this in a restaurant in...Tennessee, of all places.

My favorite hostess, Cameron. Because my throat is still a bit raw from the tonsillectomy, she mashed up my roasted potatoes for me. What a sweetie.

Post-dinner entertainment provided by songstress Bella.

Outfit Details

Shimmery gold tunic - Michael Stars

Vintage necklace

Black stirrup leggings - Lulu*s

Denim strappy heels - Zara

It's good to be back. Able to enjoy life again and all its little wonders. In my last post, I was reflecting on appreciating what I have. A few days later with my tonsils on the healing path, I'm just plain loving the decadence and pleasures. I suppose my wearing gold goes hand in hand with the rich theme of the food, company, and love for life.

Finding the joys in life.

2010-04-12T11:57:00.003-05:00

The brilliant breakfast tostadas, at Texas French Bread. My last brunch, pre-op.

My handsome husband, with his revolutionary iPad.

A pressed flower of one of the orchids Jared had given me awhile ago. I finally opened up the book it was pressed in after several months, and voilà!

My mom's delightful Orla Kiely purse, of coffee cups!

Easter Day Outfit Details

Sky and mushroom lace dress - Free People

Satin mauve boater hat - new merchandise at Buffalo Exchange

Time's running out necklace - Lulu*s

Green yarn patch wedges - ModCloth

Medically deemed as "the worst week of my life," there was only truth and still more truth in what my doctor was describing about the days following the tonsillectomy I underwent last Monday, the day after Easter.

I don't know how many times I tried struggling over to my laptop for a blog post/update, only to make a rapid retreat back to the safety of my bed, due to a bout of dizziness or nausea caused by the pain medicine that is essentially heroin.

No need to go into the gory details of the week except the obvious, that physically, life sucked very much (and is continuing to, at least for another week). On the other hand, I had very many happy moments with my loved ones. I got to spend more time with Jared, which is always needed because we never feel like we get enough time together, (oh, us newlyweds!) my parents' warm visit was full of mom massages and out of this world soups, flowers and all the sweetness in the world from my in-laws. I also got to practice my handwriting (does anyone do that anymore?) given I couldn't utter a word, still can't, and won't be able to for a few more days (I'm hoping). However, this blog post isn't meant to dwell on the negative, rather, it's to celebrate all the wondrous joys I do have in my life. As Jared used to tell me, don't focus on what's missing, focus on what you have. And I'm so lucky to have so much.

It's the time of the season.

2010-04-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

Photos taken by Jared and attempted Photoshopping by me (well, I tried to fix the color balance because my point-and-shoot doesn't take good pictures in shade)

Outfit Details

Twofer floral print dress - BB Dakota via ModCloth

Men's bow tie - Buffalo Exchange

White peeptoe oxford heels - Anne Michelle

This is one of the first dresses I ever got from ModCloth. I love the way this twofer starts with a slender, crisp white, collared-button down and then descends into a girly, perfectly pouffed floral print skirt. Just the perfect yin and yang. Back up to a bit of menswear perk in the beige bow tie and then back to pristine white socks and open-toed oxford heels. This dress always makes me feel like bouncing around happily and frolicking about the neighborhood. However, this was my last play in the dress as I have sold it to Buffalo Exchange. I hope the dress' next owner will have as much fun as the dress is meant to evoke.

It might be silly, but I get pretty sentimental about certain things I own, even if I didn't own the item for that long. Generally speaking, I know women more than men, have a penchant for remembering landmarks, certain details and artifacts, and odds and ends in the memory bank. Well, I think Julia of Song of the Exile mentioned in a blog post that she always remembered certain outfits she wore on particular days. If I went through my closet right now, I could probably name several specific moments or events by looking at the outfit I wore to them. I always find myself reminiscing when I'm putting on a familiar dress or seeing Jared in a shirt that he wore when we first met. Anyway, I do remember the first time I wore this dress. Jared remarked that I looked like a "cupcake." Somehow, the pouffy skirted dress does give that impression.

These photos, taken in our neighborhood, really remind me of Slacker days. Though it was filmed in the neighborhood, it might as well have been filmed in our house. I do love Austin.

Today's weather is something of an anomaly for this week, which has been bright sunshine and highs in the 80's. Today is overcast, cool, and London-esque (sorry photos don't reflect that...it was taken a few days ago). It's days like these when I'm at perfect ease.

Made out of fine stripes.

2010-03-29T16:14:00.001-05:00

Photos by Damon Daood

Outfit Details

Vintage striped jumpsuit - Prototype

Heart necklace - Buffalo Exchange

Anchor necklace - Buffalo Exchange

Vintage mint green leather bag

Black leather heels - Seychelles

This is the other vintage piece that I got at Prototype during the SXSW New Media Fashion boutique crawl (which seemed like ages ago!) The white striped-blueish gray cotton jumpsuit is oh-so-comfy (one of the reasons I love wearing onesies so often as talked about in my post on jumpsuits and rompers)and I love the way it folds and wraps into a fitted v-neck in the front. When I was putting together this outfit, I wasn't thinking nautical at all, since the stripes aren't of the traditional or popular sailor variety, but I decided to pair it with my black and gold anchor necklace anyway. I also wanted red in the outfit somehow, and my heart necklace seems to have been made for the anchor. My mint green vintage bag is definitely my go-to bag, even though most wouldn't think so upon first glance. I also really enjoy mixing red and green together, despite its Christmas connotation (I love Christmas, don't get me wrong, but green and red together always seem to be found in an ugly reindeer/Santa sweater). And then my new black Seychelles heels are the perfect ending to such striped madness.

On with this Vintage Monday, check out this blog post with the same name, from Miskabelle Vintage featuring my cream vintage 70's prairie dress, which is (what I'm calling it) the counterpart to this striped jumpsuit.

Nothing like a lot of vintage love to start off the week with!

Beating like a hammer.

2010-03-25T09:15:00.003-05:00

All photos of me by Paul A. Bradley
All other photos of models and party scenes by Damon Daood
*Disclaimer made by all photographers at the show: Keep in mind that this was not the best possible shooting scenario given that the show occurred between 1:30 AM and 2:30 AM, in the back of a parking lot of a yoga studio with less than ideal lighting.

It's all about the attitude. That was the essence of the SXSW Black Swan After Party last Friday night. I've been to some fashion shows (more recently than ever before I'm happy to report) and always admired from afar, but never thought about actually being on the runway. So for my first time on the catwalk, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't walk correctly, or linger long enough, or just walk too quickly. I'm not sure if any of that happened, because I was busy having too much of a good time.

The behind the scenes of getting hair and makeup done were even better than being on the runway (at least for me!) I've never gotten my makeup done professionally until a few weeks ago when I did hair modeling for Waterstone Aesthetics (which I'm still waiting to get photos from!) The second time around for the Black Swan fashion show was even more therapeutic. It was a dreamy sort of titillation, having the makeup brush softly glide across my closed lids and cheeks. Siiiigh. Waterstone provided hair and makeup for the show, and I'm so glad, because the men and women there (most of them are wonderful friends!) really know what they're doing and it makes me happy that two of my only professional artistic makeup sessions were in good hands. All the models had the same makeup, which was a smoky, sultry look - I was pretty thrilled because I'd always wanted to try out that smoky-eyed look, but never had the patience for all the eyeshadow, plus, I have shaky hands, so it probably wouldn't work out too well. As for my hair, I got a sort of weave bun that was attached on to my right side of my head, half-Princess Leia. The other models looked amazingly gorgeous and were all so sweet and I'm thrilled to have made some new, lovely friends. We all had a good time practicing our walk minutes before we were to walk, rushing back in for outfit changes in between walks, and trying not to fall on the runway which was composed of mostly cemented gravel (it was outside in the back of a yoga studio!) But good thing I have experience walking on rough terrain in high heels, pretty much everyday, in the back alley of our house. That saved me.

And on to the fashion...two designers were featuring their lines, and I was fortunate enough to model both of their clothing. René Geneva of René Geneva Designs is a local Austin designer, whose clothes I've seen at Whole Foods. Flirty and ultra feminine corsets, floral vest-holsters, Victorian inspired ruffles and lace shorts, all made from eco-friendly material like hemp or fabric made from trees found in Asia and Latin America. Lovely and sustainable clothing. Andrea Spratt, based in LA and the designer behind Kucoon Designs, focuses on creating flair and panache to basic clothing pieces. From Kucoon's website, "KUCOON IS

An enchanted life

For the girl with a flair for the theatrical who wants to create magic in her world.

Kucoon is organic elements of nature crafted from cotton, leather, feathers and crystals juxtaposed with the unexpected frivolity of stripes, ruffles and lace:

Kucoon is elegant, yet whimsical."

What I love about Kucoon is that the clothes are very wearable, but have this amazing touch to them that suddenly transforms them into a sort of simple couture that any girl can put on and look and feel delightful in.

It was a magical experience to be part of something that so many designers and creatives collaborated on and put together. Besides the fashion show, our good friends Govinda and DJ Manny were spinning great music, Yasmin and Mira were dancing beautifully, and the crowd was full of dancing, fire-swirling, hula hooping, happy people with the right attitude.

Chocolate and lace dreams.

2010-03-19T10:54:00.001-05:00

Photos by Damon Daood.

Outfit Details

Vintage dress - Prototype (local Austin vintage store)

Chocolate brown wool floppy hat - Beehive (local Austin boutique)

Victorian pink boots - Kimchi & Blue via Urban Outfitters

I am wearing a vintage 70's cream prairie mini dress that I got during the New Media Fashion boutique crawl at Prototype. I fell in love with this dress right off the rack and couldn't wait to wear it to work the next day. Thanks to springing forward with daylight savings time, we had an extra hour of sunlight to play around with, so Damon was able to shoot these photos in the neighborhood right around when the sun was starting to set.

The detailing on this dreamy cream number is amazing. Diamond shapes crafted from yarn, white lace trimmings, and a bit of ruched between each border of lace and yarn along the bell sleeves and front. I paired it with my vintage-pink Victorian boots, which had nearly identical matching laced up strings as my dress! I usually avoid being matchy-matchy as much as possible, but sometimes, things are just meant to be. I was scrambling to look for a hippie flower headband because that was my original vision with this dress, but I don't own any, so I touched off my look with my chocolate floppy hat instead.

I see a young maiden wearing this dress while strolling through some beautiful gardens on a warm spring day, stopping every once in awhile to reflect on some notion in her book that she is so immersed in. Entranced by the setting sun, she puts down her book to watch it go down over yonder.

A day of fashion glory.

2010-03-17T08:30:00.003-05:00

Super stylish Diya, of In Her Stilettos.

Adorable Amanda, of Dishevelled Stars.

Shopping and chatting at Girl Next Door on 2nd Street.

Fashionable Katy, of dirty hems.

Fabulous Brooke of Fashism.

Checking out the amazing threads at Estilo.

The doubly cute duo, Kelly and Kristin, of We Hate Nike Shorts.

Sweet and demure Rachel of walls are imagined.

Pretty Pamela of Market Publique.

Walking on South Congress toward the vintage shops.

Feathers (and Prototype next door), two of Austin's vintage store staples.

After six hours of shopping, we finally got a rest stop at Guero's aka Bill Clinton's favorite restaurant in Austin. Photo by Damon Daood.

Both photos by Brooke.

Outfit Details of my outfit which I thought might be the perfect combination of playfulness and comfort for an entire day of walking and shopping!

Headband - Free People

Romper - Puella via Anthropologie

Denim Vest - ModCloth

Belt - LuLu*s

Boots - Anthropologie

Purse - Pink Studio

Brunching, meeting and sharing ideas with fashion-minded and amazing bloggers and personalities of Austin, New York, and beyond, free goody bags chockful of beautifully handcrafted jewelry and other fun stuff by Etsy Austin, shopping at some of the best boutiques in town, taking up offers of free champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and vanilla cupcakes, finding incredible vintage pieces that fit perfectly, and then reconnecting with my love at the end of it all. Yes, this was the definition of a truly glorious day.

I hope my photos capture a lot of that glory. Unfortunately my point and shoot camera doesn't take very good indoor photos without a lot of light, so I didn't get any shots during the actual brunch. However, I highly recommend visiting the blogs/websites of the lovely women that I met above. I couldn't take a photo of everyone, but you can find the list of all the sponsors and attendees on the New Media Fashion site. There was even a news segment on the local Austin news about it. I was on it for about 3 nanoseconds, so I guess I still have almost 14.9999 minutes of fame left to waste elsewhere.

I know there is always so many people involved in making wonderful things like this happen - the host and organizer of the event, Indiana Adams, thoroughly thanks all of those involved on her post.

Some of the girls and I talked about having events like these at least once or thrice a month. I can't wait to see what the next events shall bring!

Love fashion, love life, love,
tranish

Crystal blue persuasion.

2010-03-10T13:52:00.001-06:00

Outfit details

Blue floral flouncy dress - BB Dakota

Vintage gold bird necklace

White lacy tights - UO

Tan lattice heels - ModCloth

I don't think I've ever felt so anxious about spring as I do this year (and it's nothing to do with my vernal equinox birthday :) ) I'm not certain what it is, perhaps the "winter" season in Austin lasted a bit too long. Or have all the major fashion houses really stepped up on their spring 2010 collections? I've been seeing so much inspiring spring beauties in all kinds of blogs and magazines and it makes my heart flutter. I've always been a fan of florals and pastel tones, so I suppose that helps. But I definitely consider fall and winter more of my favorite seasons to dress in, because I love to layer and I adore coats and all the warm and soft accessories that go along with cold weather. But who doesn't love spring and freshness and life?

Someone said my outfit made me look like I had just stepped out of an Urban Outfitters spring catalog. How timely, because I received their catalog a couple of weeks ago. I love UO for basics such as tights, socks, and hair accessories. I don't own too many clothing pieces from there, but I'm reconsidering it because their spring line is so lovely and I wanted to own every piece of it!

The BB Dakota floral dress that I just got and wearing is just one of many more spring dresses I'll be adorning myself with. I have a stockpile of spring/summer dresses waiting to be worn (and purchased :)). I am absolutely loving the sheer knee high socks look that I sported recently and I'm totally going to be wearing more of those.

Look over yonder
What do you see?
The sun is a'rising
Most definitely
A new day is coming
People are changing
Ain't it beautiful

spring love,

tranish

P.S. Reminder for my Austin friends and visitors: the SXSW New Media Fashion Boutique Crawl is THIS Friday, March 12, at 12:30 PM. I'm really excited about the participating boutiques who are offering discounts (and some are welcoming the boutique crawlers with champagne!) After the boutique crawl, Cru (back on 2nd Street) is offering half off appetizers. Let me know if you are planning to attend, I would love to see you there (and shop with you!)

Vintage French and Russian kisses.

2010-03-08T18:10:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details

Black and white striped bodysuit - vintage French, Buffalo Exchange

Teal bubble skirt - F21, Buffalo Exchange

Black thigh highs - gift from Jared, Wolford

Red felt bow heels - Nonno

If I ever had a sister, she would be Russian, her hair would smell like fresh flowers, and we would laugh constantly. I do have two women in my life who fit that bill and they really are my sisters - we call each other the Reds, as a camaraderie joke between the two countries we hail from. Ksenija lives in London and is currently getting her PhD in Sustainable Design while Julia isn't too far away from me, in Houston. Every time we get together, it is the happiest of reunions.

On Friday, Ksenija and I had a mini happy moment over beers at Spider House, before Julia could make it in to town. We reminisced about London and Amsterdam, the trip that Julia and I had taken almost a year ago to see Ksenija. Later that night, the three of us were all together, laughing about how different our situations had been last year, and how much things had changed for the better. My outfit plays into this, as I feel like I would have never worn anything like this a year ago with all the bold black and white stripes and the massive amount of ruffles and lace. It's a bodysuit, by a vintage French label, and made in France. I did feel like it was a very French/Parisian inspired outfit, and I love when my outfits are international. It makes me feel closer to my heart's home, which is wherever my travels take me :)

Our reunion, as any wonderful one goes, was far too short. The next morning, all three of us had to part ways. Ksenija is already safely back in the UK, waiting for us to visit her next.

I suppose I really did have France on the mind, or at least was thinking globally thanks to my Russki counterparts, and was craving a real French onion soup, so Jared and I went for a dinner date at Justine's, an affordable French restaurant on the east side owned by a Frenchman and his francophone wife. I absolutely adore their French onion soup. Next time we go to Justine's, I am ordering just French onion soup - three bowls and a glass of red will do.

After we satisfied our soup craving, we stopped by Red House on Manor to see Phil and a few other friends. I've seen Phil in his white turtleneck before, but it was really quite an impression that he made pairing it with the black sweater/jacket, and with the background of Red House's old style hunting decor.

The spring state of mind is definitely here with all the winter hangups almost gone or fading away. I have much to look forward to this season and can't wait to share them on my blog with you!

Russian kisses,

tranish

Le sacre (tôt) du printemps.

2010-03-04T12:21:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details

Emma dress - ModCloth

Butterfly earrings - eBay

Knee-high lace trim socks - Anthropologie

White oxford peep-toe heels - Anne Michelle

While it may be too early elsewhere to call it spring, I think in Austin we can safely say it's (early) spring. The last few weeks of oddities such as snow, plane crashes, sickness, etc. all seem so long ago. So with March, I'd like to propose a tabula rasa for myself. Blue skies, bright sun, feel good weather, wearing dresses and skirts without tights...oh, boy, it's spring all right.

SXSW Interactive starts next week, and I am happily looking forward to attending the New Media Fashion Brunch, on Friday, March 12, hosted and organized by Indiana Adams of Adored Austin. I can't wait to meet the other attendees, local fashion bloggers and personalities. One of the featured guests include Suzanne, of Weardrobe, whom I am particularly excited to meet! SXSW always brings many unique people to Austin, including internationals. I remember when I used to work downtown and all the free music shows from SXSW were going on pretty much everywhere, and I would hear French, Turkish, and both Brit and Aussie English just walking down the street (and then get stopped for directions, but I was very glad to give it!) It's a splendid time to be in Austin!

For all my Austin friends, (or if you happen to be in Austin!) there is a boutique crawl directly after the brunch, so please join us! I was planning on wearing heels as usual, but we'll be walking from downtown to South Congress (1.4 miles - translation: big, nasty, pulsating blisters if wearing heels), so flat boots it is. The boutique crawl includes discounts from some very nice shops, so there's your incentive!

love and may spring come to you,

tranish

Playground love.

2010-02-26T19:25:00.003-06:00

Outfit Details

Blue tweed jumpsuit - Buy Definition

Cream beret - gift from Mom-in-law

Fingerless cream gloves with gray trim - Free People

Faux fur bow neclace - Nonno

Brown leather boots - Anthropologie

All photos by Karen Suen.

Jumpsuits. Rompers. Playsuits. There's a reason they are named as such. Not only are these onesies, as they're affectionately referred to, some of the most adorable and comfortable pieces of clothing to wear, they are made for and encourage you to jump, play, and romp! It's that playful element that makes them such a delight for me.

There are differences among the three onesies, of course (why else would you have three different names for a type of clothing?) Jumpsuits are longer and pant-style, rompers are shorts, and playsuits are a bit of both with a casual spin (although I feel like playsuits more refer to short-styles and not long, but I have seen both). While each has its own "rule", one thing all have in common is their effortless femininity and seemingly timeless style, since their introduction in the fashion of the 60's, and later in the 80's. While the origin of the jumpsuit may sound more familiar among such occupations as skydivers or pilots, they have found a solid place in fashion (and in my heart).

Like dresses, (how come no one ever calls dresses onesies? I guess because dresses are dresses. And you can't call a romper a jumpsuit, or a playsuit a jumpsuit. Ah.) they are one piece and no frills. I just need moments where I don't have to worry about having to find a top or a bottom to go with something I own that I really just want to wear right away, but can't because I don't currently have that perfect second clothing item. Oh, the fashion stress that onesies do away with!

My love affair with the one-piece wonder really only began last spring when they started popping up in fashion runways, boutiques, and stores. All of a sudden, my closet began filling up with romper after romper, jumpsuit after jumpsuit and playsuit after playsuit. Modern ones, vintage, I had to have them all. They are so versatile - dress them down for a nice spring day with sandals, pair them with heels for a sleek look, put a belt on them, or pins or brooches, or whatever you feel like. At the end of the day, it's all about having fun.

So while I have paired rompers with tights, I'd never really thought about them in the context of winter. The ones I own were made for spring and summer and all really use light material such as rayon, silk, chiffon, polyester, light cotton, etc. I didn't think anything else existed. I was forever bound to thinking of rompers and playsuits as summer wear.

Fashion enlightenment struck me. I was introduced to the winter jumpsuit this past fall, at Buy Definition, an amazing boutique in Austin on South Congress. I've mentioned them before, in one of my first posts (when my blog was still a secret). This place is so enchanting because I want everything in there. I usually can find many things I like at a boutique, but almost never do I want to own every single item. Austin is extremely fortunate to count Buy Definition as one of its fashion destinations, because this boutique seriously belongs in New York or even Paris. Many of its designers are from New York. Buy Definition owner, Esti Choi, has a very talented eye and is one of the best buyers I know (probably the only buyer I know personally, really). The first time I went to her boutique, I remember her wearing an awesome strapless black cotton spandexy jumpsuit, with a black leather belt as the top. Super sophisticated look that she rocked. The winter jumpsuit I'm wearing is made of wool and it's oh-so-snugggly. Jared referred to it at one point as my snugglesuit :) Blue tweed with a brown satin trim at the top and belt to match. Easily one of my favorite outfits ever. Made by Lorick, a New York designer, this jumpsuit is made for cold weather. I wore it in New York and I seriously started sweating (the good sweat) after a few steps outside. Nice. Esti was recently in New York for Fashion Week, and she tweeted along with a picture, of the new Lorick Fall 2010 collection...it was brilliantly gorgeous. I can't wait for fall! But wait, let's get through spring and summer first. One at a time. Breathe.

The photos were taken a couple of weeks ago at Spider House, while it was pretty chilly outside. Good thing you can't see the goosebumps all over my skin, but the jumpsuit warmed me up after a few photos.

While I have to let my winter jumpsuit hibernate pretty soon for the season, I'm thrilled to pull out all my spring and summer ones from last year and new ones that I know I won't be able to resist owning. I'll probably model some for the Waterstone photo shoot on Sunday.

Do you own a romper, playsuit, or jumpsuit that you can't wait to wear? If not, are you planning to grab your own and come play with the rest of us?

Laughs and kisses for a playful time,

tranish

A spring preview.

2010-02-24T15:40:00.001-06:00

Wearing a mustard yellow maxi dress from Anthropologie and a smoking pipe necklace from Buffalo Exchange.

All photos by Damon Daood

The weather in Austin has got everyone in a tizzy. It was a brilliant sunny day of 70°F on Sunday...come Tuesday, snowflakes were falling steadily, while the ground and cars were covered in snow. It was really a strangely beautiful thing to see snow in Austin. Perhaps it was "winter's last hurrah." But who knows, not even the weatherman. However, I'm happy that I took advantage of the gorgeous weather on Sunday. We'll call it spring's preview. Damon and I decided to do a quick shoot, our first one together! (with many more to come, I am thrilled to say :)) We ended up at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, in the Japanese bamboo patches. I've only been here once or twice, but it's very pretty and quite peaceful.

These will be some of my last photos with natural hair color. I mentioned in a post from a couple of weeks ago that I would be modeling my hair for Waterstone Aesthetics. The photo shoot is this Sunday, which I'll get a trim for, but to create an even more dynamic look, the stylists will be coloring my hair this afternoon, highlights and whatnot. I'm excited to see what they come up with. I'm leaving it all to them. The last time my hair was colored, involved me, a box of hair coloring from Walgreens, and a bathtub, circa sophomore year high school. It actually wasn't bad since I only lightened my hair at the time, but I think Waterstone Aesthetics is going to do a little bit more than that. I will try to get some pictures right after the coloring. I must say, I'm excited to see my new look. New tranish. The photo shoot may also involve several spring outfit changes, which makes me so giddy! I am ready for spring!

And thanks so much to all for your kind comments on my last post with the vintage jacket!

Love,

tranish

To grand adventures.

2010-02-22T12:50:00.005-06:00

Etsy is a wonderful land filled with lovely treasures, one of a kind gifts, and I pretty much want everything on there. Surprisingly though, I'd never purchased anything from Etsy before. Until last week that is. I stumbled upon MinxShop by mere coincidence; I was tired of eBay and decided I needed to feast my eyes only on the vintage and hand-crafted. On the homepage, they have "featured items", and one tuxedo dress in particular caught my fancy. I clicked on the dress, only to be transported to a shop where some of the loveliest and romantic vintage-inspired hand made dresses lived. However, what immediately tugged at my inner desires was the only vintage item in MinxShop. It was a nautical, military admiral-inspired jacket, all crisp white with the right navy blue stripes and most amazing gold buttons. I had to have it. I spent a week poring over the pictures and details and dreamt about it every night. I still can't believe it was still there after a week. And even more shocking was my self-restraint with waiting a week for it. I suppose I had to first dream about it and envision myself wearing it to make sure it looked good on me. Something so flawlessly designed had to be "tried on" to make sure the buyer is worthy enough to own such a perfect article of clothing.

I received the jacket a few days later, and even before I had a chance to get to it, I was busy relishing the gorgeous aesthetics and whimsical thoughts that went into the packaging. Minkie, lovely owner of MinxShop, truly has an eye for beautiful things. The package included a card which simply had "A Wish" written on it. I peeked inside it and found lovely flower petals...and dandelion puffs! So dreamy and so wondrous. Next was a card that was filled with words none truer than any I had ever spoken. I smiled, thinking about the "grand adventures" that I would wear this jacket on.

From Minkie on the dandelion puffs: " It was random inspiration one day when I was packing up a package to include a giant dandelion puff. It actually comes from a plant here called milk weed. They look terrifying and spiky on the outside, but then they open up and are filled with dozens of little puffs that are so amazing and magical. I just loved them. I came across a field of them one day in the fall, and spent about an hour throwing handfuls of wishes into the air. It was only fair that I shared them."

I am so thrilled to own this special jacket from such an inspiring designer. MinxShop is everything I dream about. I'm sure you don't need any prodding from me to check out her magical shop of luxuriously wearable clothing and find something suitable to fit your fantastical voyage.

Here are some of my favorite picks from MinxShop, all hand made by Minkie:

I couldn't wait to try on my new favorite find, and my sweet friend Karen and her camera conveniently had fifteen minutes to spare on Saturday late afternoon. I wasn't exactly sure where the jacket would fit in, especially since I didn't have any cool nautical props or knew anyone with a boat. So, we opted for an urban downtown look. Jared suggested an alley on 6th or 7th. We went over to a back alley on east 7th, which was starting to look a bit hopeless, but then we happened upon a certain wall. Who knew there would be such an awesome blue wall in a back alley on east 7th street that would go so well with my new vintage jacket? Only in Austin, as I like to say.

All photos of me by Karen Suen. Many thanks & hugs to Karen for her time!

Outfit Details

Vintage jacket - MinxShop

Cigarette denim jeans - ModCloth

Vintage bronze & gold purse - Buffalo Exchange

Green heart heels - Nonno, in Houston

Fifteen minutes later, Karen was still snapping away, we had successfully dodged a couple of homeless bums, and the wind was blowing in my hair...pretty good stuff. Then a group of crackheads happened by. We stood our ground, but one of them decided to amble on closer to us, singing, "I just can't hold it in any longer, I just can't hold it innn..." and went behind the dumpster facing us...and was true to his song. We got out of there pretty quickly after that. I guess you could say I've already had an adventure with my jacket. Let's just hope my next adventure is to a more fantastic place.

Onward, through the fog!
tranish

P.S. I've entered this outfit on a Weardrobe contest, "Best Downtown Look" (yes, completely agreeable to our shooting locale!) If you are on Weardrobe (or you can get in on the fun by creating an account), please vote for me by "hearting" my photo (in the top right corner of the photo). Thank you! XOXO :)

Excuse me, but are you dancing?

2010-02-21T01:28:00.004-06:00

Outfit Details

Gray blazer jacket - by Taikonku, Anthropologie
Red dress (tucked into white skirt) - Splendid
Ballerina tutu tulle white skirt - Free People
What the Brooch? - ModCloth
Black thigh highs - Wolford
Spectator heart heels - Harajuku Lovers

These photos turned out pretty grainy, but I think it adds a certain dimension to the shades of gray, red, black, and white. I love those colors together. There's a natural harmony and classy flair to these tones when put together, and they really bring out the best in each other. I added my What the Brooch? pin from ModCloth to the mix, and it gives it a pretty fun look. Unfortunately, the back of the pin fell off after the pictures. But nothing super glue won't fix.

Whilst wondering where I might find super glue in the house, my thoughts wandered to this week's weird events. And where I could get my hands on a sort of glue to keep things in real life from falling apart. The plane crash on Thursday seemingly set things in a very strange sort of off motion. Nothing to worry about, but I think the Year of the Tiger is going to keep us all on our toes. So better learn to dance or something. At least I've got my dancing shoes (and skirt) on.

Start dancing!
tranish

When the sun is out, forest animals and fairies come out to play.

2010-02-18T14:34:00.007-06:00

Outfit Details

Forest fairy tale dress - Aoyama Itchome

Blue suede belt - Anthropologie

Black thigh highs - Wolford

Red booties - ModCloth

Sunshine, blue skies, temperatures in the 60's. You'd think it was spring time already. But not to fear, winter lovers, I smell yet another cold front sometime early next week. That's actually what Texas winter really is comprised of. A bunch of cold fronts that take turns with each other every week until early March-ish and then some. But then you have also to consider that it changes every year, too, so really, you just never know.

I do check the weather everyday, to which Jared was quite surprised at first. Well, it's not so much that I have a fascination with meteorology, but, I do need to know how to dress appropriately and accordingly with the weather, right? He got it after that.

So for this sunshine-filled day, I opted for my forest fairy tale dress by Japanese designer Aoyama Itchome. I love this dress because of the forest fantasy scene, such as one you'd find in a children's illustration book. Perhaps evoking a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, where animal friends are frolicking alongside beautiful muses who live in castles. Yes, I would probably live in a fairy tale if I could.

Your fanciful blogger,

tranish

A beautiful soul never dies.

2010-02-17T16:12:00.000-06:00

Bella and friends.

A painting of Andrea.

Andrea's giclee prints on auction.

A beautiful memorial/altar of Andrea, illustrating her life as mother, daughter, friend, sister, lover.

Cameron, the cutest photographer around.

Jared and Shane.

Chocolate (Damon) and Jared.

A fairytale book filled with so much love from everyone who loved Andrea.

An outfit tribute from me to Andrea and her dreams.

Outfit Details:

Felt flower headband - Anthropologie

Black crushed velvet top - Sans Souci

Vintage necklace - Buffalo Exchange

Green aqua tutu skirt - Buffalo Exchange

Lace tights - Urban Outfitters

Fuschia patent flats - J. Crew

One of my favorite original paintings by Andrea. Full of whimsy and delight.

Last night, a group of loved ones held an event at The (United States) Art Authority in memory of Andrea, one of the loveliest and kindest people on this earth. The event included a silent auction of giclée prints of some of Andrea's beautiful paintings, with auction funds to go toward her family.

Andrea's daughter Bella, is growing up so beautifully. She is really taking on after her mother, and is becoming quite the fashionista. I was thinking of Bella and her mother's whimsical and dreamlike paintings as I got dressed for the event. The color of my skirt is so reminiscent of the color palette in Andrea's skies. Looking at her paintings always makes me think of a magical dream world where happiness reigns. I like to think my outfit not only emulated her color palette, but her perspective on the world. While Bella has lost part of herself, she'll never lose the beauty that her mother gave to her.

May the beauty and love in your life flourish,

tranish

Le Tigre a faim.

2010-02-16T10:48:00.000-06:00

Velvet Women. My mom was wearing something else, but when she saw that I had my velvet jacket on, she went back in for an outfit change and came back out with a lovely velvet jacket. Like mom, like daughter, and vice versa.

Forest green velvet jacket - gift from mom-in-law, Anthropologie

White eyelet lace dress - Left of Center, Anthropologie

Rocking horse necklace - Nonno, in Houston

Sparkly tights - Gap

Victorian pink boots - Urban Outfitters

On my lovely mom

Black velvet jacket

Jeans

Black leather patent boots

Kubo's, my favorite Japanese restaurant in Houston. They have the best agedashi tofu I've ever tasted.

Fresh salmon and eel nigiri.

Deep fried white fish roll.

Kubo's roll - shrimp tempura with three different colors of tobiko. YUM.

Houston roll - salmon, tuna.

California roll.

Shrimp tempura udon. One of the only udon I've had in the States that is comparable to udon in Japan. Believe me, I've tried many an udon. At one of the Japanese restaurants we frequent, I was apparently referred to by the waitstaff as Tempura Udon Girl. Nice. Not to say I haven't had other delicious udon, just saying that that the udon at Kubo's is very similar to typical udon in Japan.

Green tea ice cream. Completely spot on. Takes me back to the ones I had in Kyoto, where the first green tea ice cream was made.

Post dinner. My parents are also into Japan. I mean, really, who isn't? We had Jared's home brewed sake. Very nice.

After our amazing Japanese dinner at Kubo's, we still had room for a little midnight bowl of soup. This is bún bò huế, made by my mom. The best. I've never had it so good. I usually don't order this dish at Vietnamese restaurants because it's just a big bowl of disappointment next to my mom's. One of her signature dishes, I'd say. Bún bò huế literally means vermicelli beef from Huế, which is the middle region of Vietnam.

The first day of the New Lunar Year. Mixing in the old (vintage old) with the new.

The print on this awesome 70's peter pan collared dress reminded me of lotuses.

My mom assessed our outfits and approved that yellow was an agreeable color for me (the color(s) you wear on the first day of Lunar Year is extremely important. Hell, everything you do on the first day is important and affects the rest of your year. Have a shitty first day? Yeah, the rest of the year is going to be shitty, too). So apparently, yellow is a very good color for the wood rat (year of the rat, then depending on the month in which you were born, you are assigned an earthly element).

Wearing my vintage bell earrings.

The shoes that go with every vintage outfit or any outfit for that matter. I need at least ten more pairs of these.

Outfit details

Vintage dress - Buffalo Exchange

Sparkly tights - Gap

Brown heels - by Leifsdottir, Anthropologie

Múa lân. Dragon dance. This is China Town in Houston.

At Thien Thanh, my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Houston. My dashing dad.

My beautiful mom.

My handsome husband.

Bánh bèo tôm. Steamed rice cakes with dried shrimp flakes and mung bean paste. They added the julienne carrots as a garnish (a bit much for a garnish I think). The best bánh bèo tôm I had was in Saigon. Drool.

Outfit and food pairing!

Chả cá. Grilled catfish on a bed of dill. A special dish from Hanoi, north Vietnam. Eat with vermicelli noodles and spicy mixed fish sauce.

Bánh cuón thịt nuớng. One of the best made dishes at Thien Thanh, this dish is a definite crowd pleaser. Grilled pork wrapped in steamed rice paper. Eat with cilantro and bean sprouts and dip in spicy mixed fish sauce.

Bánh canh tôm cua. One of my favorite Vietnamese soups. Very favorable at Thien Thanh. Tapioca noodles, shrimp and crab, broth of pork bones and topped off with lots of greenery (cilantro, scallion stems).

My mom told us we had to be full so that for the rest of the year, we'll always have food to eat. It ties into the Asian idea of food and wealth, or food = wealth, I guess. Especially in the Year of the Tiger, I would think that the hunger level would be on a high, especially for those with a good appetite.

The cutest random little dragon.

We stopped inside the Asian supermarket to do some sake research. Sake in a carton? How about that?

The bottles of sake that we are going to er, test out for research purposes. Campai!

The Year of the Tiger...what's in store? Looks like amazing food, love, and more food. Happiness. Please don't forget to feed the tiger.

Wishing you much strength, perseverance, health, and love this year!

tranish

Luck, I'd like to hold you if I could.

2010-02-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

All photos by Karen Suen.

Outfit Details:

Brown wool hat with white pouf - Buffalo Exchange

White blouse with puffy shoulders - by Esley, LuLu*s

Heart & rainbow necklace - Buffalo Exchange

Red corduroy jumper - Buffalo Exchange

Golden tights - Free People

Brown heels - Leifsdottir, Anthropologie

Vintage '60's purse - Buffalo Exchange

Why everyone continuously referred to this weekend as a "holiday" weekend really baffled me at first. Is everyone really celebrating Tết (Vietnamese name for the Lunar New Year)? I felt proud and excited for a moment. But then I slowly remembered that Tết falls on the 14th this year...which is the same day as you obviously know what already. Can you tell I'm not a fan of the Hallmark created "holiday"? It is a wonderful thing for people to celebrate love - but not to spend loads of money and frou ha ha on one day. Anyway, enough of that. Jared and I received lì sì, which are the red envelopes filled with cash that elders give to their younger loved ones. My mom never fails to send me lì sì every year. We haven't opened them yet and are waiting until we get to Houston and let the celebration begin! She's ecstatic that we are visiting and so am I.

While Tết and Valentine's Day fall on the same day (at least this year), they do carry another similarity with the color red. Red for Tết signifies fortune and readiness for what the new year will bring. My friend Karen, whom I met freshman year of high school in Spanish class (we bonded over a similar crush), visited from Houston on Friday and we spent the day immersed in food and pictures. She was kind enough to photograph my red outfit, which she said reminded her of Little Red Riding Hood. Perhaps a German Red Riding Hood. I believe this is the only red I'll have on for the whole weekend, so I hope it is enough luck to last through Sunday. And while we're on the subject of luck, I was extremely lucky to pick up this incredible vintage purse, which is just soooo lovely and one of my best finds ever. I actually got it a few months back, but just hadn't found the right outfit for it until this little red riding jumper came around. The purse was in mint condition when I found it hidden among the purse/bag racks of Buffalo Exchange. And for $12, it was just one of my luckiest days of 2009. Let's hope this new lunar year of Le Tigre brings as much luck in vintage treasures and love, love, love.

Chúc mừng năm mới! (Happy New Year!)

tranish

Everyone likes a well-dressed man.

2010-02-10T18:40:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

On me

Vintage-inspired pale pink coat - Lulu*s (one of the items I won in their Outfit of the Month contest!)

Dark blue with pink trim dress - Nonno, in Houston

Heart necklace - Buffalo Exchange

Gold tights - Free People

Plaid flats - Corso Como

On Jared

Wool cap - Zara

Vintage chocolate brown leather jacket - vintage, Buffalo Exchange

Brown wool turtleneck sweater - Zara

Oatmeal pants

Chestnut brown leather shoes - Osklen, purchased in NYC

"Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that."

Charles Dickens

The one thing I enjoy as much as shopping for myself is shopping for Jared. He always loves what I choose for him and then totally rocks it. It's a wonderful thing to have your significant other be interested in something you have a real passion for. Not to say that Jared is obsessed with fashion or spends any time browsing online catalogs or fashion blogs like I do, but it's so nice that he has a knack for dressing his best. I truly appreciate it and it's one of the things that attracted me to him. The man has a natural talent for looking fine and dashing in his outfit choices, usually made in about 3.5 seconds or less. He isn't someone who spends loads of money and time on fashion. I do enough of that for the both of us.

"The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice."

William Somerset Maugham

That's my husband.

Cheers and smiles,

tranish

Don't let someone put you in a box.

2010-02-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful day for enjoying a Strong Bow (and coffee for others) at Spider House.

Phil, always looking cool, especially with his hipster black leather jacket.

Sweet Claire.

Claire, showing off her LBJ clip pass. Frank, not sure why he's holding up an iPhone.

The three are good friends and also quite proud that they'd gone to see the Declaration of Independence at the LBJ Library, in all its original parchment glory.

Quite a reunion of wonderful friends.

Outfit Details:

Navy blue floral print dress - vintage, Buffalo Exchange

Red necklace - vintage

The Jolly Post Clutch - ModCloth

Black thigh-highs - Wolford

Green heels - Nonno, in Houston

Showing off the ModCloth Edie Earrings in Socialite that I am wearing these days.

All photos by Jared Huke, except the first and second one.

By peer coincidence (yes, pun is very much intended) did I meet up with Claire, my sweet and funny friend and roommate of five years ago, whom I had sadly lost touch with. Phil, of whom I have the pleasure of seeing once or twice every couple of weeks, invited me and Jared to see the Declaration of Independence. We missed the window, as it was a lazy Saturday and we were getting quite a slow, but good kind of slow, like a slow-roasted chicken, morning on. I later received a call from a strange number, which turned out to be Claire. That Claire and Phil were standing in line at the LBJ was enough for me to get my day started. Later, Frank, another good friend whom I see a little less than Phil, had seen Phil's status on Facebook about seeing the Declaration of Independence and so joined the two.

Afterward, we all congregated at the magical Spider House and it was as if Claire and I never lost any days, much less years, talking about international cultures and living abroad and laughing about our lives then and now. Claire spent a year in Argentina, and I spent the summer before that in Brazil. I thought she had gone back to Argentina, but of course it turns out that Claire lives about five minutes away from us. Oh, Austin. Even though the last time I saw Claire, I was in a very different spot, it doesn't matter because of the joy and happiness that has trumped all else. I also now have someone else to join me at Spider House on random afternoons. And that is always a good thing.

Warm hugs, especially for friends on the East Coast!

tranish

Last night she said

2010-02-07T22:22:00.000-06:00

So far, February has been an incredible month. This weekend really topped it off. Let's see, recap of Friday: winning a great contest, receiving lots of positive feedback and blog love, getting to see and have lunch at Alborz, our favorite Persian restaurant in Austin, with Jared and awesome in-laws midday, spending time with Lauren, at my favorite coffeeshop/bar/hangout, Spider House, two very Austin events, the Blanton Museum's B: Scene, presenting the new exhibition Desire, and Fashion Freakout at the Mohawk. I was going to do a full weekend post, but I think Friday's events merit their own post, so stay tuned for the rest.

Julia, whose blog is songoftheexile.blogspot.com, was kind enough to feature me in her blog post on Friday, as a favorite :) So thrilled to be noticed by an established blogger and amazing fashion goddess! As a new blogger, her support really means the world to me - there were times when I felt pretty under-motivated to post anything, do outfit photos, update the blog, etc, but I'd see the sweetest comment left by Julia and it would just paint a permanent smile on my face and make me feel like the smartest blog writer, or something, at least for one joyous moment, and that was enough to get a new blog post down. She has some of the most beautiful photos on her blog, always accompanied by excellent commentary. Julia has such a classic and worldly style and manner about her. She always finds the best deals (which is a definite fashion cornerstone for me) and puts her outfits together quite effortlessly. Anyway, I would like to say much more about her style and personality, but that will come sometime later in a feature on Julia.

On to Friday evening. We briefly stopped by the Blanton for their once a month Friday night event, B: Scene. And it was...brief. We were excited about sipping some wine and having warm and delicious conversation over the new exhibition, Desire, but instead, the line to get alcohol, quite reminiscent of theme park lines, put a dent in our plans. We took a quick gander around Desire, which showcased some interesting and delightful representations of sexual meaning.

Photo (taken via iPhone) by Jared Huke

Outfit Details

On me:

Velvet purple and red dress - Free People

Mulberry tights - Gap

Pale pink heels - Corso Como

On Lauren:

Purple velvet dress - Free People

Yellow silk feather belt - J. Crew

White tights - Lauren's own

Gray faux suede heels - Urban Outfitters

The big event of the night was next with Fashion Freakout, presenting fashion by Buffalo Exchange, New Bohemia, and Prototype. Mohawk was completely packed and the energy was on the high. Buffalo Exchange and Prototype showcased fashion with an 80's punk rock theme while New Bohemia featured fashion more on the sweet side of the late 70's. There were two acts and the latter was definitely the winner of the night with more couture looks. All in all, the show was a blast - I have never been to a more fun fashion show! I decided not to post individual photos of the models and their awesome get-ups, because, well, we somehow lost my camera battery in between leaving the house to the car, and thus, the iPhone was our only way of capturing the evening. I adore the iPhone, but the camera isn't the best feature for night time shots.

Freaking out over the fashion show that's about to start!

Images (taken via iPhone) and collage design by Jared Huke. Click to enlarge.

Lauren

The mysterious and handsome husband. Oh, and main photographer of this blog.

Photo (taken via iPhone) by Jared Huke. Scarlett

The only regret from this evening is that Fashion Freakout only happens once a year! I think they should do Austin a favor and host these fabulous events at least twice, or thrice, a year. Looking forward to the next fashion shebang, whenever that may be.

Love,

tranish

C'est un jour très magnifique!

2010-02-05T14:37:00.001-06:00

C'est un jour très magnifique!, originally uploaded by so tranish.

Happy Friday! I am featured on ModCloth's blog, ModLife, as the winner of their Model Your ModCloth Contest.

You can read the full blog post here.

The photo was taken at Blanco and W. 6th - one of my favorite areas of Austin! Photo credit goes to Jared, of course :)

Love,
tranish

New Do, Same 'Tude

2010-02-05T10:05:00.000-06:00

Taken by iPhone - New Do by Jon D, Waterstone Aesthetics

I was originally planning on coming to my favorite hairstylist and friend, Jon D, just to get a trim. However, I left Waterstone Aesthetics with a brand new look that I absolutely love! It was the day before our trip to NYC, so Jon D. wasn't about to let me walk off without a kickin' do to impress those big city dwellers. After he styled and chopped off some lengths (you can see it more in the side view), he left two delicate strands out in front and then grabbed my hair from the crown of my head and tied it in a messy ponytail. Voilà! The perfect new do for a gal who doesn't own a hairdryer or any hair products (except the ones I got when Jon D. first did my hair last year...still haven't used it, really, I just don't know what to do with them). So the other exciting part is that I not only have a bad ass new hairstyle to play with, but Jon D. asked me to be his hair model for a Waterstone Aesthetics promotion and possibly enter my hair into the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). Too freaking cool.

Love&Hugs,

tranish

Who Loves the Sun

2010-02-03T17:21:00.001-06:00

Cloche to the Gold, originally uploaded by so tranish.

Outfit Details:

Deep purple and orange wool cloche - vintage
Gothic cathedral necklace - vintage
Lava Lounge Dress - ModCloth
Black velvet thigh highs - Wolford
Pale pink Victorian boots - Urban Outfitters

It's been a dreary and drippy one here in Austin. It's no surprise since the days leading up have been quite overcast, which I am quite fond of! I just don't like dealing with the wetness, especially while driving.

I wore this on Sunday before the rain started, to Jared's cousin's birthday dinner. This is one of my favorite dresses from ModCloth! I got the hat from a GoodWill (for a whole $3!) and had never really worn it. It was sitting near my dress, so I decided to just put it together. Wasn't planning on such light boots either (or boots at all), but they called out to me. That usually happens when I am putting outfits together, or really it's just me bringing together beloved clothing items, especially the ones that just need to be with the other. I like to personify things I like, if you haven't noticed.

Love and stay warm (and dry!),
tranish

Afternoon at the Museum

2010-02-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:
Victorian red plaid and cream blouse - Japanese boutique
Rocking horse necklace - Japanese boutique
Blue suspender shorts - ModCloth
Brown leather boots - Anthropologie
Brown leather purse - Pink Studio
Golden tights - Free People

The Blanton Museum of Arts. We've been members for almost half a year, but haven't made it over to the museum since. Our recent NYC trip served up some art inspiration, so we took a walk over. Of course, we had to try out the museum cafe. Afterward, we had exactly half an hour before closing a la National Lampoon's European Vacation 15-minutes-at-the-Louvre-style. In that limited timeframe, we were still able to see most of the ending exhibition in time for the new one to open up this Friday, which we will be in attendance for.

Love,

tranish

Love. New York. Love.

2010-01-30T21:42:00.000-06:00

Departing Austin and watching the sun rise on our early flight.

Incredible daiginjo sake at Ariyoshi, a Japanese restaurant we happened upon in our quest for food after arriving.

Shrimp tempura udon: oishiii desu!

The display in a shop window in SoHo.

Gnocchi at Robert, the super swanky design restaurant inside the Museum of Art and Design (MAD).

An interactive exhibition with the artist present. We were encouraged to participate.

He inscribed, "Jared & Tran, Austin".

Exploring Cooper-Hewitt.

Outfit Details:
Cream beret - gift from Mom-in-law
Winter Jumpsuit - Buy Definition
Faux fur bow necklace - Japanese boutique
Fingerless cream wool gloves - Free People
Brown boots - Anthropologie

At Macchiato, next to our hotel: Yummy mochaccino perfection.

Waltzing and reflecting through the Met.

Outfit Details:
Tweed and rabbit fur trim shawl - vintage, Buffalo Exchange
Black wool turtleneck
Black jumper
Shimmery tights - Gap
Brown boots - Anthropologie

At Caracas, a Venezuelan restaurant recommended by a Venezuelan friend: Amazing chicken cream soup.

At Caracas: Delicious arepas that live up to their popularity.

Immersed in art, foodgasms, and the shopping wonder that is New York City, what is there not to love? All we could do was love, love, and love. New York City, that is.

xoxo,

tranish