Nor a Thorn Nor a Threat Stain Her Beauty Bright

One of the little hobbies I picked up during my time home for spring break was the making of floral hair wreaths. I find them absolutely darling and the approaching spring season is making me want to replace my entire wardrobe with chiffon and wear flowers in my hair every day.

I have long wanted to have my own etsy shop, mostly because I admire the work of so many artists who have their own shops on the site. So, what I am wondering lovely readers, is what you think of my proposal. Do you wear wreaths, or perhaps would if you could buy one? What other things would you like to see if I did open a shop? Just some of my musings.... And some enchanting pictures of my floral supplies.

Some Things Aren't Meant to Be

Just a little update from my spring break; I'm back at school now for my last quarter for freshman year. Whew! I already posted my one fabulous shoot from my backyard- these were taken during my trip to Santa Cruz to visit my beloved cousins (one of whom was not home for my visit. Sob!)

Anywho, I love a good shopping trip in downtown Santa Cruz, even if I was being frugal this time and walked away with just a ring, some socks, and a few fabulous pairs of tights. The top picture is what I actually wore (with a jacket over the top, which is unfortunately not pictured, whoops!) The second two pictures are of a darling BB Dakota dress I was trying on. I do think I'm rather in luck that it did not fit because I was in no way tempted to purchase it- it's way outside my price range. Ah well!

Outfit details:

Thrifted sweater

Urban Outfitters shirt

BDG jeans

Wanted boots

and

BB Dakota Dress

Beauty & the Beast

When I was planning what to pack my suitcase for Spring Break, I checked weather.com and my heart broke a little. It was supposed to rain every single day of my break. I had planning to have grand adventures, perhaps take some walks, and definitely try to squeeze in a photoshoot or two. And it didn't look like that was going to happen. But yesterday when I went outside, not only was it not raining, but it was sunny! (Mostly... There were definitely times when a huge cloud would block the sun and everything would go all dark- you can see this effect in some of the pictures below.) I really love how these turned out, although I had to brave the meadow (which was full of spiders) to get some of the pictures. But it was worth it I think.

Also, notice my hair wreath! I have been in love with Gardens Of Whimsy on Etsy, and finally ordered my own wreath a few weeks ago. I had to leave it at school because it was too delicate to travel, but it has inspired me to make my own wreaths. I have already made three (they're very fun to make) and have considered making an Etsy shop of my own in the future. But we'll see...

Outfit details:

American Rag shirt

American Rag skirt (heheh those rhyme)

UO tights

Ribbon-laced shoes (I don't know what brand)

Cameo necklace via Ebay

Self-made floral hair wreath

To Dim the Stars

Mist goes up from the river to dim the stars,

The river is black and cold; so let us dance

To flare of horns, and clang of cymbals and drums;

And strew the glimmering floor with roses,

And remember, while the rich music yawns and closes,

With a luxury of pain, how silence comes.

Yes, we loved each other, long ago;

We moved like wind to a music's ebb and flow.

At a phrase from violins you closed your eyes,

And smiled, and let me lead you how young we were!

Your hair, upon that music, seemed to stir.

Let us return there, let us return, you and I;

Through changeless streets our memories retain

Let us go back again.

Vogue Australia, August 2010

Rosie Tupper photographed by Nicole Bentley

Spring Swaps Snow for Leaves

I don't know that the weather we're having here could necessarily be qualified spring, since there aren't really any particular seasons in San Diego. The weather one day is completely unrelated to the weather the next. For instance, yesterday was overcast and quite chilly; today was sunny with a cool breeze. It was unexpected lovely in the, so I took advantage and wore some the jacket I'd bought weeks before. And to match my somewhat springy mood I decided to take pictures with the delightful patch of flowers behind our dorms. Although I am a winter and rain girl through and through, there is much to be said for a warm day full of flowers.

Outfit details:

Nordstrom lace jacket*

American Rag shirt

BDG zippered jeans

Modcloth heels

Old necklace of my grandmother's worn as a hairpiece

*There's a funny story behind this jacket. I bought it a few weeks ago but hadn't worn it yet-the weather had been too cold- when I was watching Glee and saw it on one of the characters! It was definitely a high point in my life. I mean, how many girls can say they owned a jacket worn by someone on TV before the episode was even released? Ahh, good times... (see Santana on Glee wearing it here)

The Heavy Weight Of Stone

I know that spring is approaching and that I'm supposed to be longing for bare legs and sundresses, but please allow me a moment of nostalgia for fall with these lovely photographs.

By Narunael

Hidden Away Somewhere In the Woods...

One of my dreams is to one day have my very own pure white Victorian sanctuary. It seems that someone has beat me to the punch. Just absorb the pure delight brought on by this perfect little cottage hidden away in a forest...

Read about it here

For Your Inner Librarian Pt I

I have always had a deep and abiding love of books, but in particular old books. I have a small collection of lovely old books at home- my favorites include a book of fairy tales and "The Boy's Own Guide to Natural History". The latter of these is a beautiful little specimen I found last summer in a bookshop in a small town in Northern California. It has an emerald green binding with gold detailing and these delicate, wonderful illustrations for each different type of animal. And it was only $15.

Lately I have been feeling rather trapped and isolated at school, especially since I really have no friends who have any artistic inclinations whatsoever. So to distract myself I have spent a lot of time online shopping, looking for little treasures to make me feel better. Unfortunately this means that my Amazon.com wishlist is filling up faster than I know what to do with it. So, in the spirit of all things literary, I give you some beautiful book-ish pictures.

Oh the Foxes, and Bison, and Bears!

I've had an incredibly fateful relationship with the internet today (a rare occurence) which consisted of a multitude of wonderful finds- etsy stores, art colleges in Seattle, lace dresses on sale. Although all of my discoveries were delightful, one store caught my eye in particular: Sea of Bees Handmade Jewelry. I cannot even begin to describe my obsession with the woodland creature jewelry in the shop... Suffice it to say that it is taking every ounce of my self-control not to buy literally everything in the shop. Just looking at the pictures as I write this is weakening my resolve....

11,000 Deviantart Messages

I have 11,000 messages on DeviantArt right now. Oy.... Eventually I will have to empty out my inbox, but I'm now I'm just avoiding it out of sheer terror and a desire not to waste four hours looking through deviations. Ugh. Anywho, speaking of DeviantArt, here's some recent deviations I loved.

All by Bloddroppe