Uncreated Conscience

Does no one sell silk flowers anymore? I must have walked into 6 florists this morning in search of a large white silk (or other sort of fake) flower and not a single one had them. I could have sworn you used to be able to buy artificial plants at a florist (I know, I know, it defeats the purpose) but I suppose not. I found a few at last at a local 99 cent store and with some judicious application of Krazy Glue to a few hair pins, hopefully we shall achieve success.

Yesterday I went on a mini makeup shopping spree at Duane Reade as I don’t really own any. Eye makeup in the 30s was dramatic, but also shimmery (women used to dab a bit of Vaseline on the center of the eyelid for a bit of shine). I lucked out and found some shimmery eyeshadow that matched my dress, as well as false eyelashes. I also bought The Scariest Lipcolour Ever. This lipstick, it is BRIGHT and IN YOUR FACE. It isn’t sultry plum or dark rose, it is Drunk-In-the-Alleyway-and-I-Woke-Up-with-Gonorrhea red. Called “Heartbreak” on the tube. It is the reddest, most saturated shade I’ve ever seen without the slightest hint of either blue or orange. I have never in my life worn a colour like this; girls of my complexion are told to stay away or else risk looking sallow. I don’t think I look sallow, but my god, I look like a vampy harlot.

Perfect.

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I am apparently a knitting guru. Yesterday on the commute ride back home to Astoria from work, a random girl asked me to help her with her dropped stitches. Is it easy fixing a stranger’s work while standing on a moving W train? No. Did I do it anyway? Yes. Not that I’m a font of knitting knowledge myself; I just started a new pair of mittens that I may or may not have to unravel entirely. (Six inches of it! Watch as I cry.)

Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter

I have changed my mind with regards to how I will style my makeup and hair for med school prom. As my dress is not period 20s, I will forego the flapper makeup for another time and occasion and instead ape Claudette Colbert‘s look from It Happened One Night (a favourite romantic comedy of mine and Mum’s along with The Sound of Music).

As I’m researching fashion and hairstyles of the 1930s, I’m finding that a few of Nicole Kidman’s recent movies serve as great visual inspiration. While The Golden Compass isn’t set in any “real” time period, the art design team obviously went Art Deco with the movie’s look which is perfect for my needs. Australia is a little later what I want, but I love the idea of a white flower in my hair.

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As I was recovering from whatever illness wreaking havoc with my immune system this past weekend, I found myself with plenty of time to knit. I’m officially hooked; I’ve finished two scarves and have been knitting practice swatches like crazy; I’ve been working on my cable, Fair Isle, and textured pattern skills. I will reveal my little project swatches another time, but for now, my next goal is to start needle felting a baby harp seal into my newest scarf. And then make a matching hat and mittens.

I’ve been extraordinarily into handmade crafts lately and I discovered via Etsy an amazing shop in Prague called Baba Studios that sells Alice in Wonderland-themed items and other assorted fairy tale/Gothic wares. I want.

Wares from Baba Studios

1. The Shower of Cards Messenger Bag
2. Alice & The Caterpillar Wristlet
3. The Mad Tea Party Shoulder Bag
4. Winter Ukiyo-E Messenger Bag

When discretionary income comes my way, I shall have to be sure to purchase at least a messenger bag. I’m in need of one anyhow.

Today I played Dress-Up which I haven’t done for a while. My closet is a strange collection of stuff that in a pinch, can yield some awesome Halloween costumes. Or non-Halloween costumes, as the case may be.

I am jazz baby from the 1920s.

Of course, I spent all this time doing 1920s makeup (no mean feat I’ll have you know, mostly because I don’t know how to apply makeup)–and it even looked period appropriate!–only to have it washed out by the light. The only think I’m missing is tonnes of rouge, but I don’t own any blush.

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Move over ModCloth, I have found another favourite less-expensive Anthropologie replacement: Ruche.

I would like this look, please.

1. Heather-grey flowing cardigan
2. Waves of Grain ruffle-knitted scarf
3. Delphinium bronze filigree earrings (My birth flower!)
4. Black cigarette pants
5. Bronze charm bracelet
6. Everlasting Love pendant necklace
7. Brown olden Oxfords

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I think I might have found a replacement for my beloved Anthropologie when it comes to dresses: ModCloth. Although nothing touches Anthropologie when it comes to the level of detailing in their wares (especially their home decor–I want my entire apartment to be furnished and decorated by their window dresser), the dresses at ModCloth are exactly the vintage-inspired retro look I’m searching for at a much more reasonable price.

Observe two red dresses, one from Anthropologie and one from ModCloth.

The first is the Street-to-Street dress from Anthropologie for a cool $128. The second is the Caliente Salsa dress from ModCloth for a slightly less painful $82. Comparable? Close enough for my tastes (and my pocketbook) anyhow. So many more pretty things in this store!

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I think I’ve got the hang of this hair. Instead of pushing my hair away from my face, I ought to push the bangs down in front. The way I had it before made it appear too much as though I had a mullet and by god, a mullet looks good on no one.

More pictures because I’m in love with my hair!