Thursday, August 27, 2009

Goodbye

On Wednesday night I had to bid my best friend Gillian farewell. In the company of other friends, it became quiet once we realized how little time we had left. It didn't help that "This Time Tomorrow" by the Kinks was playing. This time tomorrow, where will we be? Well...not together. My friend Julia kicked off the waterworks and I followed shortly thereafter. As I was saying goodbye, my sobs grew louder and more horrendous-sounding. It made us both laugh, because I am not someone who cries very often. I realize that this wasn't the last time I shall see my dear friend, but when you're used to spending almost every day with somone, the fact that they're in another state is a bit frightening. I've always been one to look forward, but I could never give up on Gillian. I fear that change is inevitable, but I will just have to face it. It's up to us to keep our relationship going strong. All of this relocating has got me thinking... What will happen when I move to my beloved New York? Whether that's in college or out. Obviously, it is not certain that I will move across the country, but it is something I am very determined to do, even if that means I am thousands of miles away from everything I have ever known. Even if Gillian is in Portland, and other friends are elsewhere, we share the common bond that is home. When living on the East Coast, people don't go to the West Coast all that often. Especially not broke college students/graduates. I feel because I'm going to the UW, I will not have the same experience as many of my former classmates, who will be going to new places, without knowing anyone. I have Nina, I have Julia, and I have several other friends from high school. I'm a bit lost in thought...

On a slightly lighter note, I am listening to the entire discography of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who I will be seeing next weekend at Bumbershoot. "Maps" played and I can't help but to hurt. Gillian..."They don't love you like I love you" Sad times. Hopefully everything will go smoothy and this storm cloud over my head will soon fade. I move in September 24th. Less than a month to go...

I'm ready. Let's go!

Monday, August 24, 2009

How I love Dorm Life...

Of course, I'm not speaking of life in an actual dorm, but instead of the internet mini series that mockuments the lives of a bunch of fictional college kids.
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Every short episode brings me joy due to the stereotypical, yet honest portrayal of college life. Obviously I have yet to actually be a part of that life, but I feel as if it does a fine job in the melding reality and comedy. It even makes me excited for the adventure that lies a whole MONTH ahead of me. Many of my friends have already left or are leaving shortly to their respective colleges, while I, along with all my fellow Huskies have to wait... I am finding myself in a constant state of anxiety and expectance. Thank to Facebook, I've witnessed the new lives of my friends, but must sit around until I can be apart of the same thing. To me, my house is a prison. Sure, I could go out, but I've done the incredible deed of spending most of my money, and by most, I mean MOST. So until I finally move in on September the 24th, I will be living my life vicariously through Shane, Courtney (my favorite), and the rest of the Dorm Life kids.

Lots of love,
S.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The relationship between film and "real life"...

More often than I "should", or perhaps more often than I'd like to, I find myself living vicariously through film, music, literature, etc. These cultural, creative pieces often have the power to truly affect my feelings, emotions, and even decisions. Maybe it's the dreamer in me that hopes life can be "just like the movies..." I realize it's probably naive of me (and I credit myself with being quite aware of the world and its workings), but I don't care all that much.

A day or two ago, I watched Broken English, starring indie actress Parker Posey.
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Parker plays a woman named Nora, who feels intense pressure to find "the one" and be married. Her desperation can be cut with a knife at times, and she's a mess of anxiety more often than not. This makes her character oddly lovable, and unfortunately relatable. Maybe it's just me, but dating drives me up the wall sometimes... I of course, am not looking for "the one", but for some excitement, scandal, sex, etc. Nora meets a man named Julien, who she finds something with (after a few short days), but because he resides in France, she is left in pieces yet again. I'm not sure what this film is trying to say, but it made me lust for some odd form of companionship. Three days with a gorgeous French man sounds fine by me. It also reawakened my desire to travel to Paris... Ohhh Paris! This film was sweet and exciting in a way. It also had Drea de Matteo (of Sopranos fame) in it, whom I completely adore. I would recommend this one to anyone who interacts with people in any form. So everyone. Hopefully.

This early morning, I watched Steel Magnolias.
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This film is about a tight-knit group of Southern women who support each other through life's ups and downs. Not only is Dolly Parton in it, but the movie is incredible in itself. The relationships these women have with each other are beautiful. Their care for one another reminded me of my own relationships with friends and made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an impenetrable support system. The relationship between Shelby (Julia Roberts) and her mother M'lynne (Sally Field) is extraordinary. It doesn't always make sense, but they love each other anyway. Towards the end of the film, I started thinking about my own relationship with my mother, how much I love her, and how much she's done for me. The theme of death hovers about the movie (though I won't divulge details) and it made me think about what the future holds for my life. I thought about funerals (my own and my mother's), how I would want it, how she would want it, what I would wear, what I would say... It was obviously quite depressing to think about, but at the same time I was happy knowing that our relationship is strong, and if anything were to happen, we've done pretty good by each other. That's probably not something people say often, but I feel comfortable with the fact that one day we'll all die. Perhaps comfortable is not the right word... Anyways, the film was fantastic. It made me laugh, it made me cry, WATCH IT.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Early Morning "Escapades"

I don't know whether I would consider myself a "morning person" or a "night person". I think I'm more of an "awake person", as opposed to a "sleep person" if that makes any sense at all. Last night after returning home from Gillian's house, I took my usual spot on my bed with my laptop on my lap, of course. After endless web surfing, computer games, and an unsuccessful attempt at a late-night rendezvous, I went downstairs to the cave-like domain of my father and brother. I watched trashy TV until I stumbled upon old episodes of Queer As Folk. I guess some might say QAF is trashy, but I think there is more substance to it than say, Daisy of Love. I've only seen the first season of the beloved gay show, so this re-run in which Michael not only has a partner, but a teenage foster kid, threw me to say the least. Yet it was enjoyable nonetheless.

After a couple hours of LOGO-appropriate soft core porn, I switched to the PS3 and played Tomb Raider. Lara Croft will never cease to amaze me. Around 5:30 I decided it would be an excellent idea to go running, and so I did. The fact that I am severely out of shape did nothing to deter me, nor did the fact that I was running on no sleep and a Pepsi. Oddly enough, the run wasn't all that awful. I probably shouldn't have pushed so hard, but I'm not an athlete anymore, so it doesn't really matter (right?). And now here I am, squeaky clean after a cool shower, in my usual spot (that's hard to say). Now you must excuse me while I go get something nutritious to eat.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

(500) Days of Summer!

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Finally after months of waiting for this glorious indie-esque film to come out, it has. Unlike Harry Potter, I did not see it on opening night, but happily had an impromptu movie night with Julia and Gill downtown. I adore Zooey Deschanel, and of course I am swimming in nostalgia with the casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Who knew Cameron would ever grow up? As the poster states, the movie is no love story, but almost a study of relationships and love and everything in between. Zooey's character, Summer, is a free spirit who would rather not get serious, while Tom is a hopeless romantic. Not only is the film clever and humorous, but it is lovely to look at as well. Like all good indie-esque movies, the soundtrack was quite swell (Regina Spektor, The Smiths, She & Him to name a few...). Overall, I loved it. My most recent trips to theaters have been quite disappointing, but not this one.

Here's a look at the trailer...Enjoy!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

It's Couture Dahhhling!

This past week, Fall/Winter Couture was shown in Paris. I'm always amazed by the workmanship involved in Haute Couture, even if I don't love the aesthetic itself. My favorite just might have been Jean Paul Gaultier, who mixed Old Hollywood glamor with some futuristic garments, providing for a questionable point of reference. In any case, I loved it. Some of the clothes even looked a bit GaGa.

Lara Stone in the opening look
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Liu Wen in an amazing leather concoction
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Thana Kuhnen
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Lara Stone
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Magdalena Frackowiak
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I predict that Lady GaGa will happily claim this look as soon as possible.

Alright so I didn't showcase any of the more Old Hollywood looks, but the above were my favorites. On a more somber note, Christian Lacroix showed in what might be his last show due to his bancruptsy. Sad times.

And onto more commercial fashion, I had my second day of work yeseterday and I loved it. I adore all of the girls I work with and the atmosphere of BP is upbeat and exciting. The Anniversary sale is going to be insane ya'll!

Xoxo

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Just stopping by...

A whole lot has happened since my last post. Prom, a roadtrip to Oregon, Graduation, Gay Pride, and most recently the 4th of July. I have been quite saddened by the infrequency of my posting, but all I can do is move on and stop being such a slacker. Now I present you with a long, detailed post all about my life. I hope you missed me :)

I wasn't expecting that much from Prom. I actually think it's all a bit stupid. Ugly dresses, ugly hair, ugly corsages, and a hyped up tradition that isn't all that fun. Gillian and I decided we'd be dressing up in the spirit of Lady GaGa, because let's be honest, she's amazing. This was my main motivation for going really... My group went kayaking that morning on Alki. The sky was gray, but our activity turned out to be quite the workout, so we were nice and toasty. Not to mention it was exhilarating and at times a bit frightening. Then, sandy and salt-watered, we went to Sunfish, an excellent fish and chips restaurant run by a very friendly, very boisterous Grecian family. After that deliciousness there was getting-ready to be done. This meant pleather, sparkle, and black lipstick in a geisha style, as seen in GaGa's "Paparazzi" video.
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Love these people...
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Dinner was at a fancy waterfront restaurant that I felt quite obtrusive in. They clearly don't see very many rouched pleather leggins come through. The name of said restaurant escapes me. The dance was fun, especially during Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself". After, a stop at my friend Juan's house, and then more dancing and poor decisions at Neighbors.

After the seniors' last day, 7 of my friends and I fled to Oregon!
We rented a house outside of Newport, on the beautiful coast. The trip was quite relaxing and a lot of fun at the same time.
There were lots of incredible things to see...
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...as well as a lot of sleep to catch up on.
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Goodbye Oregon...
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Overall, the trip was a grand old time I will not soon forget.

Graduation was simply a boring ceremony, which I tried to ruin as best as I could. Gillian and Julie decorated my cap for my ill head.
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What followed was a long Grad Night in which I spent a cumulitive 4 hours rollerbading.

The Gay Pride Parade was wonderful and crazy as always... Jana, Nina, and I enjoyed our annual outing with Jana's friend Jill.
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The freaks were out to my great pleasure.
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Jana was even punished by a member of the BDSM community.
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I am so glad we live in a world where we can act this way for at least a day...

I apologize for the awful excuse for a post, but I have been impatient about getting this one done, despite the fact that it took me a month or so to start...

And now I must really get to bed... I have not told you, but I'm working at Nordstrom now! Work tomorrow. Goodnight my dear followers (as they call you).

Monday, June 1, 2009

GaGa Forever.


You should also check out her video for "Paparazzi".
Saturday (Prom) is going to be hideous-amazing.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sigh.

I hate that I am completely incapable of keeping my blog up-to-date. A lot has happened in the past week or so! Saturday, the 16th was my 18th birthday. The day I finally became a legal adult, though it certainly feels past due. Friday night I had a lovely group of ladies at my house, where we got ready to go out on the town. Saturday morning from 2-4, we danced and danced at Neighbours, a gay club in Seattle. The night was both stimulating and strange due to run-ins with three ex-somethings and a teacher from my school. Upon getting home around 4:30 am, five of my closest friends and I each found places to sleep. In about 15 hours, a large group would be coming for more celebration and a barbecue out on my deck. We all seemed to wake up around nine or ten, sleep-deprived, but still in awe of our fabulous "night". After sluggishly evacuating the house, prompted by my mother, the six of us plus one inconsiderate friend (who chose to get drunk at a frat house instead of spending time with me on my birthday) went out to eat, settling upon Benson's Bites in Normandy Park. Bites is a specialty store with tables to eat at as well, owned by a family whose wonderful daughters I got to school with. After a delicious meal, the six of us (seven ditched again) left very full. I ran to the bank at the speed of light so I could cash checks I had received and buy a party outfit.

We then went to the pool, playing and relaxing, contemplating graduation and the summertime.

Later on, Janie, Gillian, and I went to Capital Hill where I bought said outfit at Urban Outfitters, as well as some accessories in Nordstrom (BP). The shopping trip was longer than anticipated, so we hurried to pick up decorations and get home. I showered, helped decorate, and people began arriving. My mother along with her best friend used their Domestic Goddess powers to cook up some tasty food of which I ate far too much of.
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With a large group of friends, I talked, danced, and ate in beautiful and timely weather. Nearing 11, we watched a movie, and then people left.

It may be cliche, but I truly feels as if it was the best birthday of my life. I have an incredible group of friends who I love very much. Gifts were nice, but nothing compares to the relationships I share with these people.

I will proudly say I have already spent most of my birthday money thanks to Urban Outfitters. This past week has been spent shopping, enjoying the sun, and monotonously going to school. Graduation feels so far away, but it will no doubt sneak up on us. I cannot wait.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

GIRLS: Wear this to Prom!

The unfortunate tradition that many call a "rite of passage" is something I truly despise. I will be attending my own, but dressed inappropriately in black rouched liquid leggings and other pieces I have yet to decide on. No resonably-priced rental tux will neither be attractive, nor well-fitting, and my outfit will be fun and outrageous. Prom is just a bad platform for fashion, though the dresses are a major part of it. I think 90% of prom dresses are tacky and straight up fugly. The following pictures are scans from W magazine (supplied by fashionista.com).
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Karlie Kloss looks perfect in the last two pictures. Is that Stam in the first (with the hat)? In any case, the girl is fire. I see that this is a lot of black, and one of these looks is not even a dress, but they're eye-catching and beautiful. My obsession with sparkle and lace has been made public so these should come as no suprise. The only clothes I could identify by memory were from the last picture, featuring Balenciaga. The scan also credited the house in the corner, but I can proudly say I didn't use the credit! Nicholas's collection was amazing, and I need to see more of it! Why hasn't anyone worn that incredible blold-shouldered shirt Liya Kebede wore on the S/S09 runway? I mean, really.

UPDATE: I don't think that is Karlier Kloss in the second picture. Hah. Idiocracy.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

The Fashion Party of the Year (?)

I am far behind on this post, since the Costume Institute Gala at the Met was days ago. My excuse this time is a full week of IB exams. I survived, though I am not sure IB will agree. In any case, I am happy to be done. The Met Gala is often called the Fashion Party of the Year, but I found myself disappointed in terms of what was worn on the red carpet. I've seen it described as a bad prom, and I think I might agree. Anne Hathaway's hair? Disaster. I hope that wasn't the work of one of Rachel Zoe's boys. On a more positive note, these are some of the looks I liked:

Balmain Everywhere

Anja Rubik
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Give me some futurism and glitter and I'm there. Anja looked positively GaGa(as in the Lady) and fantastic. I adore Balmania. All of you who are getting down on the awesomeness, calm yourselves.

Dr. Lisa Airan
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I have no idea who this woman is, but this picture makes me want to find out! It's a very severe look. She seems to have been working the NYC social circuit lately. I hope to see more of her.

And of course the lovely, Daria Werbowy
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I think out of all the Balmain-wearing ladies, Daria did it best. The look is certainly not wearing her, which is almost to be expected with such an extreme dress. Ravishing.

The Stella Girls (minus Kate Hudson who hasn't impressed me since Almost Famous)

Liv Tyler and Kate Bosworth
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I adore both of these women in terms of their fashion, as well as their movies. Empire Records? Blue Crush? Can it get any better? Liv makes her blue Stella McCartney dress look glam, rather than too much. She manages to make it look slinky and beatiful. Kate can do no wrong, especially in Stella McCartney. I love love love the lace. Gorgeous.

Stella McCartney
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Stella's choice has gotten plenty of heat, though I must admit that I love it. How daring and amazing is a lace jumpsuit? What an incredible idea! The designer is a favorite of mine, as is her style of dress. The Daily Mail needs to lighten up.

Other favorites
Erin Wasson (in Phi)
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Leather pants. Zippers. Hot.

Vanessa Traina (in Phi)
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Let's be real, Vanessa always looks good.

Mary-Kate Olsen (in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture)
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When I first saw this dress up close, I had trouble wrapping my head around it. I do love this picture though. MKO is possibly my favorite patron of fashion, and is always leading the pack of fashion insiders. Christian Lacroix is a genius.

Lou Doillon (in Nina Ricci)
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Gorgeous.

Sasha Pivovarova (in Giambattista Valli)
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Sasha is one of my favorite models. She looks a bit like a sugar mama, but perhaps that's why I like it...

Leighton Meester (in Louis Vuitton)
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I feel like I should hate this, but I feel oppositely. Granted, it is a bit outlandish, but taking fashion too seriously can be so boring. Just look, Leighton knows she looks cute.

Shalom Harlow (in vintage Bob Mackie)
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This is fashion.

Other other favorites were Diane Kruger in Chanel, Alek Wek in Ungaro, and Madonna in this mess of Louis Vuitton:
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You have to admire her for her balls. She is Madonna afterall.

What a long post...
It's overdue though, so I can't complain.
:)

(All pictures from Style.com other than Stella McCartney from fashionista.com and Erin Wasson from Starbucks and Jane Austen)

Monday, May 4, 2009

I Hate the Way You Love

My first IB exam has been completed! After the test, I proceeded to make a horrible decision followed by a lovely lunch with Gillian, Bridget, Julia, and Monica at the Teak House. Now I'm busy watching a documentary about The Kills called "I Hate the Way You Love". I have an odd fascination with the duo in all of their chain-smoking glory. I don't actually own a full album of theirs. I need to get on that, but having no money presents a boundary. Allsion Mosshart is a machine. There's something about Jaime Hince as well. Maybe it's cause he's British. He did/is dating(?) Kate Moss after all. They, being the band members, have a wild relationship. Allison says something like, "The Kills relies on being a psychopath." Jaime says, "Good or bad, healthy or not, that's the thing that makes it the Kills, I think." I adore them.NYLON's blog will link you.

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Saturday, May 2, 2009

I have come to the conclusion that my lack of posting is a direct result of a lack of inspiration. I spend most of my time inside these days, despite the nice weather Seattle has been having. Isn't Senior year supposed to be easy? Aren't I supposed to come to class hungover? This isn't fun. This isn't right. IB tests start Monday. I have yet to begin studying, and I'm not sure how much I will. At this point, I don't care all that much.

Thursday was a good day. At school, I sat through a slew of useless, monotonous reviews. After I did a whole lot of nothing. At least nothing academically productive. I first stopped by my friend Bridget's house to see her recently-hatched hawk chicks. They're furry little things; quite adorable. I then traversed Southcenter (An unfortunate place) to get a couple magazines from Barnes & Nobel. Upon returning home, I watched a movie called The Smokers.
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The smokers is about three girls who attend a boarding school. They have bad reputations there, because of course, they smoke. All three of the girls have experienced the feeling of weakness around a man, and they want to change that. They want to spark a revolution. It's all very dramatic. To do this, the three of them basically begin raping guys at gunpoint. The movie turns into a big mess, full of crazies. I really appreciated the ideas, though rape is not my style. I too question my power among men, hoping I am not a weak source ready for exploitation.

After watching fucked-up social commentary, I went for a run in the sunshine. I have been running more and more frequently. I miss it. I ran around the neighborhood for a while and then decided to stop by Eagle Landing Park. I had been in the park, though I hadn't gone to the end of the trail. I ran and ran and then found an extremely long set of stairs. After carefully making my way down, I had reached a small beach. The view was absolutely gorgeous, though I'm sure the sun didn't hurt. The beach itself wasn't all that extensive, having private property on both sides, but it is sure to become a secret spot. A lovely one at that.

Yesterday, Gillian took pictures of Julia, Chelsea, and I in hippie garb. They might just be the first pictures on our shared blog. More details soon.

Today Gill and I are going to a tattoo shop (to check out the artists) and shopping in the U-district. Have an awesome weekend.