tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148049798346567222024-02-18T17:56:22.854-08:00bombasineAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-51705500021211523662015-08-15T16:14:00.003-07:002015-08-15T16:15:20.334-07:0010 Reasons to Wear All Black<i>Even though <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alextinsley/knit-it-black-for-black-dogs-and-cats">Knit It Black</a> has met it's goal, I still have a few black-related blog posts and such to go up, so I'm gonna do 'em anyway! Plus, we're still working on the stretch goal, there are still some groovy prizes, and it's a good chance to snag the collection for a few bucks less than the final price ;-)</i>
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I don't always wear all-black (as you can probably tell from, you know, all the pictures of me on this blog.) I've been moving steadily towards it over the last few years, and at this point my wardrobe is mostly black and gray, with the occasional red or white pop (and a few pairs of regular jeans.) But many days I do, and I have to say, there are a lot of reasons to love an all-dark wardrobe:<br />
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<b>1. Black is flattering</b><br />
Doesn't matter what "season" you are or what your body shape is like: you're gonna look hot in black. It's just a fact.<br />
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<b>2. People fuck with you way less</b><br />
.... and that goes triple if you slap some dark sunglasses on. I've noticed a significant decrease in creepy comments when I'm walking around in head-to-toe black. Dudes will still look at you, but then they'll quickly avert their eyes and scurry away, before you have time to cast a spell on them or something. You will occasionally get a meddling old hen telling you to wear more color, but as long as you perfect your blank, skeptical stare, it won't be a problem.<br />
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<b>3. Shopping becomes crazy fast...</b><br />
You only have to look at the black items of clothing in the store, so you're going to blow through those racks WAY faster.<br />
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<b>4. ...As does getting dressed</b><br />
You know what matches black? Black. (Well, there is the issue of different "shades" of black, but I say embrace the subtle tonal differences.) Go ahead, get dressed in the dark, before your coffee. You'll look great and you'll save time and creative energy for other things.<br />
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<b>5. No more sorting laundry!</b><br />
Darks AND lights? Ain't nobody got time for that. (Pro-tip: wash your blacks in cold water, they'll stay darker longer. When they start fading you can always pep them up with a little Rit dye. Or pep them...down, I guess.)<br />
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<b>6. Great for slobs</b><br />
You know what's tough to stain? Black.<br />
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<b>7. You feel like a badass</b><br />
Wearing all black is basically like wearing an exoskeleton made of confidence.<br />
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<b>8. Black is classic</b><br />
Barring certain trendy silhouettes, your clothes won't be going out of fashion anytime soon.<br />
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<b>9. All-black is attention grabbing, without looking attention-whorey</b><br />
The ultimate "trying without trying" look.<br />
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<b>10. Pretty much appropriate for any occasion</b><br />
Okay, maaaaybe cave and wear some gray to that spring garden wedding if you're really worried, but for the most part, in the words of fabulous fashion weirdo/genius Karl Lagerfeld, "One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a little black dress."<br />
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Yep so... prettttty much the best. Looking to craft a little black into your wardrobe? <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alextinsley/knit-it-black-for-black-dogs-and-cats">Lemme point you over here...</a>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-32573203297533193302015-08-03T14:03:00.000-07:002015-08-03T14:03:15.917-07:00Knit It Black!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alextinsley/knit-it-black-for-black-dogs-and-cats/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe></div>
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This is a bit more relevant to my knitting audience, but as this blog has often celebrated the wearing of black, I figured it was appropriate to post here too! I am currently running a Kickstarter to help me produce an all-black knitting pattern collection that aims to raise awareness and funds for black shelter pets, who are adopted less often and euthanized more often than their lighter-colored brethren. Amazingly we are almost at the goal amount, after only two days...BUT if we can hit the stretch goal (another $2000) I'll be able to realize the long-dreamt dream of putting out a small ready-to-wear collection, which will also support the same cause (and also be pretty darn heavy on the black, heh heh heh.)<br />
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For more info, click the video above, or you can <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alextinsley/knit-it-black-for-black-dogs-and-cats">click through here to read all about it!</a><br />
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-30642213181020556522014-11-19T16:09:00.003-08:002014-11-19T16:09:45.574-08:00psssssstJust popping in to say that Bombasine is not dead, just sleeping. I know it's been quiet, and it will be quiet for a bit longer...but there are big plans in store :-)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-72604326700190446712014-10-03T13:41:00.002-07:002014-10-03T13:46:37.371-07:00Lessons from SkirtemberWell! <a href="http://www.bombasine.com/search/label/skirtember">Skirtember</a> is over. I'll admit I had it a bit easy, since I work at home and don't always NEED a real outfit (I also cheated a few times, but it is really hard to work up the gumption to get fancied up just to go to the post office... which I did do at least once.)<br />
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These were my take-aways:<br />
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<b>- If a skirt or dress requires special undergarments, it ain't gonna get worn.</b><br />
I've got some of those no-show "hipster" undies from H&M that really aren't bad, compared to thongs, but still. The notion of a strapless bra will not even be entertained. This is a really good thing to know about yourself and keep in mind while shopping :-P<br />
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<b>- Getting into or out of a tall car in a short skirt is exceedingly difficult.</b><br />
I've got a lot of sympathy for Britney and Lindsay now. Though, knowing this information, I probably wouldn't go commando.<br />
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<b>- You'll get more comments when you don't wear pants</b><br />
Some of these will be the creepy-leering-dude sort, many will be the ladies-of-all-ages saying your outfit is cute sort. Nobody likes the first kind, and if you're as painfully introverted as I am you may find the second kind a little stressful too, even though they are delivered with the kindest intentions. I find that sunglasses really cut down on how many people talk to me, as does walking around with a gait and expression that says "I'm running late because of someone else's incompetence and they are definitely losing their job and at least one limb when I make it back to the office."<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">More like "Keep Calm and Don't Fucking Talk To Me"</span></i></div>
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<b>- Tights need to be like, three inches longer in the leg.</b><br />
Seriously, I'm not particularly tall and I don't usually have to buy "long" jeans, but tights crotches are almost always way too dang low. Makes you feel like a penguin, but not as cute.<br />
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<b>- A skirt-based wardrobe is annoying to launder</b><br />
All kinds of tights and fabrics that shouldn't go in the dryer... just how many lingerie bags is a gal expected to own, man? I guess you could choose only hardy-fabric items and skip the tights and it wouldn't be so bad, but...meh.<br />
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<b>- I love jeans... but skirts are more fun to style.</b><br />
They're also tougher to style, since you have to actually consider the colors on your bottom half instead of just going "PFfffff jeans go with everything!" I've got my wardrobe whittled down to a fairly limited palette, though, which definitely helps.<br />
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<b>- I definitely feel more comfortable in skirts than when I started</b><br />
...which was the goal (I'm prone to feeling too "dressy" and getting a bit self-conscious... it's also the reason I rarely wear earrings.) I'm also kind of sick of them, but I'm sure that'll fade. There were a few skirts/dresses I didn't get around to wearing, and now I need to take a long hard look at them and figure out if I really like them enough to keep.<br />
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All in all, definitely a challenge I'd recommend.... and it's not too late, I just saw the word "Frocktober" somewhere! And then there's always "No-pants November" and "Dresscember"...Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-8100520999815350182014-10-02T12:22:00.000-07:002014-10-02T12:22:30.076-07:00Skirtember's End, Sept 23-30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4JMzvj0TVU9CMMasCTkRujgu1_PuyZEm0SsMvBh5xpNmsoL0Hi9kiflXSu2eRDKKNeE5MHQVub9dK8oQx2w6q4cmJZoOgSuYcFYCpb__GT17h_1XHsobSLtgH9zR1lbGR9XBxYWsaQ3X/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4JMzvj0TVU9CMMasCTkRujgu1_PuyZEm0SsMvBh5xpNmsoL0Hi9kiflXSu2eRDKKNeE5MHQVub9dK8oQx2w6q4cmJZoOgSuYcFYCpb__GT17h_1XHsobSLtgH9zR1lbGR9XBxYWsaQ3X/s1600/4.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2011/01/heartbreaker-beret.html">Heartbreaker</a></div>
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Cowl: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2012/03/bandana-rama.html">Bandana-Rama</a></div>
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Shirt: One Step Up</div>
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Skirt: Stoosh</div>
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Tights: Michael Stars layered over solid black</div>
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Shoes: <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/sneakers">Aldo</a></div>
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Plaid shirt: <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Search/SearchResult.aspx?dsNav=Ntk:primary%7cflannel%7c3%7c,Ny:True,Ro:0,Up:regular&dsDimensionSearch=D:flannel,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&dsCompoundDimensionSearch=D:flannel,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&keyword=flannel&fromsearch=true">Forever 21</a></div>
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This is around the point when I started getting sick of Skirtember and pushing it a bit farther. I wanted to make sure to work in some of these slightly trickier skirts (though I'll admit there were a few I didn't get to.)</div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2012/12/i-call-er-marla.html">This one</a></div>
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Jacket: Vintage Paul Louis (my mother's! Unfortunately she's shorter than me and was itty bitty, so it's a bit small.) </div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.kohls.com/catalog/juniors-rewind-dresses-clothing.jsp?CN=4294719935+4294873189+4294719462+4294719810">Rewind</a></div>
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Tights: Unknown</div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.target.com/c/boots-women-s-shoes/-/N-5xtd1#navigation=true&category=5xtd1&searchTerm=&view_type=medium&sort_by=bestselling&faceted_value=5y746Z5y6q6Z5zl8a&offset=0&response_group=Items&isLeaf=false&parent_category_id=5xtd2&custom_price=false&min_price=from&max_price=to">Mossimo</a></div>
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Purse: <a href="http://www.thesak.com/pax/pax-leather-large-crossbody/ochre">The Sak</a></div>
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Necklace: <a href="http://www.rustbeltmarket.com/merchants/">Precious Hardware</a></div>
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Bats! They are very important. And adorable. </div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2014/01/its-mah-fave.html">Fave</a><br />
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Jacket: <a href="http://www.theory.com/">Theory</a></div>
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Sweater: Abound (seems to be a Nordstrom/Rack brand?)</div>
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Skirt: <a href="http://www.windsorstore.com/category/Bottoms-Skirts">Windsor</a></div>
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Fringe Slip: Val Mode (vintage)</div>
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Tights: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=W_ACC_LEGGINGSANDTIGHTS#/">UO</a></div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.minnetonkamoccasin.com/Products/Detail/calf-hi-2-layer-fringe-boot">Minnetonka (similar)</a></div>
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Necklace: Unknown</div>
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Jacket: <a href="http://www.bebe.com/">Bebe</a></div>
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Flannel: <a href="http://www.target.com/c/tops-women-s-clothing/-/N-5xtbq#navigation=true&category=5xtbq&searchTerm=&view_type=large&sort_by=newest&faceted_value=55ybbZ55p84&offset=0&response_group=Items&isLeaf=true&parent_category_id=5xtcm&custom_price=false&min_price=from&max_price=to">Merona</a></div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.marika.com/showitems_dc_1046-pd_500.htm">Balance Collection (by Marika)</a></div>
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Tights: <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leggings-Black-Shredded-Back-Footless-Tights-Hosiery-NEW-Ladies-Size-/371153763417">these</a>- they're not quite leggings, not quite tights.</div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/product/DROVER/173569.uts">Freebird by Steven, "Drover"</a></div>
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Necklace: found on Fab.com, but I don't think it's <a href="http://fab.com/product/bat-skull-necklace-antique-459123/?ref=sr-p1&pref[]=search%7Cbat%20skull%20necklace&pos=0">this one</a>.</div>
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Back view of fun legging things:</div>
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Whew! Well! That wraps it. I've got another post in progress where I do a little naval gazing about this whole skirtstravaganza, but in the meantime... time to turn our attentions to the great month of Halloween. Or October. Or whatever you want to call it. </div>
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-55612637632643723972014-09-26T14:44:00.000-07:002014-09-30T13:08:49.072-07:00Fragrance WarsThe other day I realized that I had accidentally purchased disposable razors with scented handles.<br />
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Scented. Fucking. Handles.<br />
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As a society, we have apparently decided that it's not enough that every product we put on our body has a smell, now the tools we use to do so must smell as well. I am fanatical about avoiding artificial perfumes, but I never even thought to check goddamn RAZOR BLADE HANDLES.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ZtER0NueNH_pKzV6W-PFgGvXSATGciTxcy84FJKfTKCPD13x51F-cWBf7OGLimdy-5hc2pMYhMBM9Q4TQKxCDoqXYKXrdSmOkkMf-oRdN6LVSLT_ziKpn4GHjrY6vN8rK4FJ-zyf4nE/s1600/1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ZtER0NueNH_pKzV6W-PFgGvXSATGciTxcy84FJKfTKCPD13x51F-cWBf7OGLimdy-5hc2pMYhMBM9Q4TQKxCDoqXYKXrdSmOkkMf-oRdN6LVSLT_ziKpn4GHjrY6vN8rK4FJ-zyf4nE/s1600/1911.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Don't mind me, just heading to the shower.</i></span></div>
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There are <a href="http://magazine.good.is/articles/ten-things-you-should-know-about-fragrance">plenty of </a>very <a href="http://nomoredirtylooks.com/2012/01/fragrance-one-readers-story/">good reasons</a> to <a href="http://asbbs.org/files/2009/PDF/D/De%20VaderC.pdf">avoid synthetic fragrances</a>, but let's back up a minute and make the assumption that you, like many people, don't mind and maybe even enjoy perfumed products.<br />
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You step into your shower, where you use your Berry-scented shampoo, Lily Essences conditioner, Pink Grapefruit body wash, Mint Julep facial scrub, Cashmere Rain shaving cream (wtf?), and your stupid ass Venus razors with the "tropical scent" handles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAbjXGytZBAAvx7zMI4L4SGz8Rwzzyz8i9h1S5QHmnOylSwO4qTlnmTeYsOZ0-zYyiZ4aVn-p3ZILApgzg5PmGfHY27g04F0DOvRz01nZoA0rAnWENj7di91rczAc-ZUkrgKm79CInAT_/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAbjXGytZBAAvx7zMI4L4SGz8Rwzzyz8i9h1S5QHmnOylSwO4qTlnmTeYsOZ0-zYyiZ4aVn-p3ZILApgzg5PmGfHY27g04F0DOvRz01nZoA0rAnWENj7di91rczAc-ZUkrgKm79CInAT_/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grrrrrrrrrr.....</span></i></div>
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You step out into your bathroom and take a big whiff of your Clean Linen plug-in. You slather some "PasiĆ³n de Tango" deodorant, moisturize with your Rose facial oil, and spray a little "Fresh Fragrance" hair product into your hair for some texture. Gotta moisturize those newly-smooth legs, so you grab some Pumpkin Latte and Marshmellow body lotion (it's fall, after all!) Perhaps you're expecting your period, so you make use of a "Clean Fresh Scent" pantyliner, then wash your hands with some Crisp Morning Air handsoap and follow up with Berry Blossom hand lotion. Oh, and let's not forget a puff of Chanel No. 5!<br />
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You walk into the other room to get dressed - your laundry detergent claims to smell like a Butterfly Kiss, but you're not sure how that's even possible. Next it's time to slap on some lipstick that smells curiously of Gummy Bears, some Watermelon blush, some Chocolatey-smelling bronzer and Vanilla-scented mineral eyeshadow. When you come out into the living room, looking fab and ready to start your day, you realize that it's smelling a bit musty in there- but hey, it's nothing that a little Midnight Storm Febreeze won't take care of. Just for good measure, you light up a Summer Wish (equally perplexing) candle.<br />
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At this point, you smell like a Yankee Candle shop operating upstairs from a funeral home. You are the olfactory equivalent of taking everything in your fridge, putting it in a food processor, and calling it soup. Migraineurs scream and run at the first whiff of you. Airplane seatmates sniffle and dab at watering eyes. Dogs are confused by you.<br />
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But honestly? Unless you're actively trying to avoid scented products, this is probably the sort of stuff you'll end up with in your home. Fragrance is ubiquitous- it's in EVERYTHING. <i>It is literally even in products marked "Unscented", I shit you not. </i>(Men, you are not exempt- your soaps, shaving creams, colognes, deodorants, detergents, and god-help-you "body sprays" are just as bad. Though I don't think we've started scenting your <i>goddamn razors </i>yet.)<br />
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Of course, you can't smell these smells. Your nose is used to them, so except for that first powerful whiff when you open up the bottle or light up the candle, you don't even notice them. One of the most shocking things I learned when I gave up scented products was just how much EVERYTHING smells- once your olfactory receptors have recovered from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olfactory_fatigue">their constant fatigue</a>, you'll be amazed what you can smell.<br />
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So you don't smell particularly good to yourself, since you don't notice. Other people either also don't notice (being used to synethtic fragrance themselves) or notice and find you, frankly, unbearable (and that's if they're lucky and don't end up with a splitting headache, nausea, or congestion.) And all the while, the dang stuff is fucking with your hormones and slowly giving you cancer (<a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/toxic-effects-of-perfume.html">among a jillion other things</a>.)<br />
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So why? Why do it? Marketers want you to buy perfumed stuff because our olfactory memories are so intensely strong and linked to emotion- if you associate a particular smell with someone or somewhere you love, you'll want to smell more of it, and you'll pay money for the privilege. (It also nicely covers up the odors of the other nasty chemicals used in a lot of products- which is why "unscented" often...isn't.) Stores will pump scents into the air to affect your buying behavior and mood state - it sounds like some creepy Big Brother shit, but it's true. Restaurants will slap an air freshener into the bathroom outlet to hide the fact that it smells like pee all the time. They don't care if they're pumping you full of neurotoxins, just as long as you keep giving them money. Please, stop encouraging them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRgOTbdjJpXTzicPnMsu7s4plydA2MiOAgS30akEKAKAZmUXDcyVU7BXKaMELpNQmso2hiE90UjkM_A6CxlPtvLal1IOy2uCQiCQLg3TsqfTutJeM9sV34GmTzXHbceK_m14GEXV6z6Ww/s1600/Misty-02-10-11-_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRgOTbdjJpXTzicPnMsu7s4plydA2MiOAgS30akEKAKAZmUXDcyVU7BXKaMELpNQmso2hiE90UjkM_A6CxlPtvLal1IOy2uCQiCQLg3TsqfTutJeM9sV34GmTzXHbceK_m14GEXV6z6Ww/s1600/Misty-02-10-11-_0021.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There is a 0% chance that your handsoap smells like this.</span></i></div>
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<h3>
Tips for Going Fragrance-Free (or at least Freer)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Read the labels. As I mentioned above, "Unscented" is sometimes meaningless, but "Fragrance Free" or "Free and Clear" is usually okay. Still, to be safe, look at the ingredients labels- avoid anything that lists fragrance, perfume, parfum, or fragrance oils. It's important to do this even when shopping at "natural" stores or for "natural" products, as many things claiming "With Lavender Essential Oil!" will also sneak in some artificial fragrances as well. One of the grossest things about fragrance is that companies don't have to tell you what's IN them because it's considered a "trade secret"... it could contain pretty much any kind of nasty poison they want to include. </li>
<li>Don't forget things like dish soap and laundry detergent! Laundry detergent is particularly insidious, and if you start un-fatiguing your sniffer, soon you'll realize just how bad it is- when I buy second hand clothes, I have to wash them repeatedly and let them air out in the basement for <i>months</i> before I can stand to wear them. (New clothes usually need at least a wash or two, but aren't as bad.) Vinegar in the wash water helps, especially if you soak it (baking soda helps too, but may cause it to fade a bit.) </li>
<li>If you want smells, consider natural sources. Essential oils do give some people headaches (or sniffles) but by and large are much safer than synthetics, and more and more products rely on them instead of their chemical alternatives. They're much less "sticky," too- if you wash your hands with soap scented with EO, the scent will fade very soon after, whereas conventional soap smells can stick for HOURS. (Just remember- don't use EOs on your skin at full strength, dilute them with a milder oil! A little goes a long way.) Many beneficial skin oils and butters have lovely scents on their own- my current <a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2012/06/byodiydeo.html">deodorant</a> is made with cocoa butter and coconut oil, and while it's not very strong, my armpits definitely smell like some sort of delicious confection. Linens can be stored with sachets of dried herbs to help keep them from getting stale in the closet (or you can just wash them again right before you use them, if they've been away for a long time.) </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydcVAqz3NvwYTEmn0jyUPuBNIUKfw9r-13zSM7Nis4e28ZXeU6R5Qt67TcuuBSx_bcrwIJmNt4ts5HaNYbA8eB0A1q2iKAML5sf-Dy3rZ6sOuNmHhnsrok8G8a6Q5X4GxanffQkNoUrOf/s1600/1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydcVAqz3NvwYTEmn0jyUPuBNIUKfw9r-13zSM7Nis4e28ZXeU6R5Qt67TcuuBSx_bcrwIJmNt4ts5HaNYbA8eB0A1q2iKAML5sf-Dy3rZ6sOuNmHhnsrok8G8a6Q5X4GxanffQkNoUrOf/s1600/1493.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hello, I am delicious, and <a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2012/08/12-ways-to-party-with-mr-coconut-oil.html">oh so useful.</a></i></span></div>
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<li>Even if you don't choose to ban fragrances from your life entirely, at least be picky. If you want to smell like your expensive perfume or fancy body lotion, you shouldn't be using 20 other products with different smells at the same time. Soaps, hair products, detergents, shaving creams, etc really do not need to have smells- all they do is cling and compete with whatever smells (deodorant, perfume, lotions) you are actually <i>intending</i> to put on. (And don't even get me started on scented make-up, wtf is THAT about?) Figure out what you actually want to smell like and eliminate the rest so you don't smell like potpourri vomit.</li>
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<b>A Disclaimer:</b></div>
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Yes, cutting artificial scents out of your life will probably make you more sensitive to them. Walking past Abercrombie & Fitch will feel like chemical warfare, and if you're a hugger you'll soon learn what detergent all your friends are using. But the trade-off (besides all that "not putting poisons in your body constantly" stuff) is that a healthy, less-fatigued schnozz is much better for smelling <i>good</i> smells- things like <i>actual</i> vanilla, <i>actual</i> pumpkin lattes, <i>actual</i> clean air and autumn leaves. Given how entwined smell is with taste, I wouldn't be surprised if there were benefits there too.</div>
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(By the way, those scent names up there? All totally real products. I think Gain detergent wins for originality- Sweet Sizzle, Icy Fresh Fizz, Moonlight Breeze, Dreamy Desire..... and I'm always amused by scents claiming to be "Fresh" or "Clean Air." Oh the irony.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Gas mask photo by <a href="http://vivianaubrey.com/">Vivian Aubrey</a>, butchered by me... she would never commit such crimes against Photoshop.</i></span></div>
Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-1182351940404020602014-09-23T08:09:00.001-07:002014-09-27T14:34:29.597-07:00Feelin' Skirty, Sept 10-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8aNi76REjzLdRDnXru3Ofq-3dnw6o28-MkXR_t3IzIyyqde-xhYUMYHeA2PdkgtcRprdcsnAmHNa9ar1BFzfj1E71OTt3J1h5Liq28mxjv2FXTQtrVVLIMwHkidV7rIlW_11p4Xvu6br/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8aNi76REjzLdRDnXru3Ofq-3dnw6o28-MkXR_t3IzIyyqde-xhYUMYHeA2PdkgtcRprdcsnAmHNa9ar1BFzfj1E71OTt3J1h5Liq28mxjv2FXTQtrVVLIMwHkidV7rIlW_11p4Xvu6br/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2014/01/its-mah-fave.html">Fave</a> (handknit)</div>
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Shirt: OP (as in Walmart, I think... I got it second hand and it's my favorite ever.)</div>
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Skirt: Windsor (old, but they've got<a href="http://www.windsorstore.com/category/Bottoms/Skirts"> a lot of pencil skirts.</a>)</div>
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Tights: <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=opaque+tights&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_opaque+tights">xhilaration</a><a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=opaque+tights&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_opaque+tights" style="background-color: white; color: #ff938b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.9400005340576px; text-decoration: none;"> </a>(probably? I don't know, I own a lot of opaque black tights.)</div>
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Boots: Minnetonka (these are a few seasons old, but <a href="http://www.minnetonkamoccasin.com/Products/Detail/calf-hi-2-layer-fringe-boot">these</a> are similar.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgY1KDXthSsWKc_gQ7W0-ZFLaSmw-II8kcNq2ae1Kib_9cQHK1NRnF0L0gN-RBB9T48g1nVktayTo5wQXDCu7M6tWeX6SycSExn4n1M7Tj1fWez8-i36Uu9M1i1sLmlCk2WvWVFsnhFoD/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgY1KDXthSsWKc_gQ7W0-ZFLaSmw-II8kcNq2ae1Kib_9cQHK1NRnF0L0gN-RBB9T48g1nVktayTo5wQXDCu7M6tWeX6SycSExn4n1M7Tj1fWez8-i36Uu9M1i1sLmlCk2WvWVFsnhFoD/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2013/11/doomvember-suture.html">Suture</a> (handknit)</div>
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Sweater: <a href="http://www.target.com/bp/mossimo+supply+co">Mossimo</a></div>
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Dress: Lux</div>
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Socks: unknown, but probably from <a href="http://www.sockdreams.com/">Sock Dreams</a></div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.target.com/bp/mossimo+supply+co">Mossimo</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUSSkMwYucN6YfWivSQhCq4N24GgD9FvzAoyCtsCRsmmd3y9PXT19zY6uWQJmry38BR0AKWA4QuP3nj_EcfL_126jgkdvogmRTCGMwmJ6sUiVC9Xc5mUrl4TPuYnBmaLrWqIS1jKyh0zE/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUSSkMwYucN6YfWivSQhCq4N24GgD9FvzAoyCtsCRsmmd3y9PXT19zY6uWQJmry38BR0AKWA4QuP3nj_EcfL_126jgkdvogmRTCGMwmJ6sUiVC9Xc5mUrl4TPuYnBmaLrWqIS1jKyh0zE/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sweater: <a href="http://www.roxy.com/">Roxy</a></div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/99167?article=99167-A">H&M Jersey Dress</a> </div>
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Socks: <a href="http://www.sockdreams.com/products/bella">b.ella</a>, I think. Believe it or not they are different from the last pair.</div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/product/DROVER/173569.uts">Freebird by Steven "Drover"</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyuzPHhSXIFYsB2ZbsujIlGHZ6zJVBJ7eHcRhg_wkJeMECd0b_9RFXy-P7_zniR256iN2hgczUX70KUyy4IM5xvnOzne9PxMzd6mIY_qWA7xeVWbkRe18WcgCaO2oWxfUeDS6mO-3XN84/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyuzPHhSXIFYsB2ZbsujIlGHZ6zJVBJ7eHcRhg_wkJeMECd0b_9RFXy-P7_zniR256iN2hgczUX70KUyy4IM5xvnOzne9PxMzd6mIY_qWA7xeVWbkRe18WcgCaO2oWxfUeDS6mO-3XN84/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shirt: The tag just has a bunch of spiderwebs on it instead of a name (?!)</div>
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Dress: <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/99167?article=99167-A">H&M Jersey Dress</a></div>
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Tights: cheap random-ass nylons like the kind you buy in an egg or whatever</div>
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Socks: unknown, but probably from <a href="http://www.sockdreams.com/">Sock Dreams</a></div>
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Boots: Blue Suede Shoes (I find it disturbing how many brands just straight up don't have a website. At least TRY, geez.) </div>
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This was my Halloweenified outfit for <a href="http://hearsefest.com/">Hell's Hearsefest</a>, an event that anyone in the area should absolutely attempt to attend someday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU4H-TyzvBC0kAVeteKs1GSKIPRzbH3Kyo3sVyPKkmaaH75eOoJj-zsc5udMjb96Yp2oEpTrjsggrZe1LVwpl713pUBr4pUecUUQ25QCluWAA-AgrHQVSGGJzfWPYYRzo7UJ7eYqj-OtU/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU4H-TyzvBC0kAVeteKs1GSKIPRzbH3Kyo3sVyPKkmaaH75eOoJj-zsc5udMjb96Yp2oEpTrjsggrZe1LVwpl713pUBr4pUecUUQ25QCluWAA-AgrHQVSGGJzfWPYYRzo7UJ7eYqj-OtU/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Clearly, I had estimated the aesthetic of the event accurately.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofV_ixQZe3PS73zAeuYeEAvxvcONHm2Wqz7PwTqwy-nJ49S836I4_o5UtlhHNzCugtg7oIFpurz_DPGR7UqOTI4vUcJ0ONo1WR5sk0LOZJ-552qgKUoVEAt2oPQ5d9hs4JGgjw-tp5D7L/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofV_ixQZe3PS73zAeuYeEAvxvcONHm2Wqz7PwTqwy-nJ49S836I4_o5UtlhHNzCugtg7oIFpurz_DPGR7UqOTI4vUcJ0ONo1WR5sk0LOZJ-552qgKUoVEAt2oPQ5d9hs4JGgjw-tp5D7L/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hat: <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/2014/01/its-mah-fave.html">Fave</a> (handknit)</div>
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Sweater: <a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a> (ancient)</div>
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Skirt: MICHAEL <a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/">Michael Kors</a></div>
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Socks: Urban Outfitters (<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=32355208&parentid=W_ACC_LEGGINGSANDTIGHTS#/">similar</a>)</div>
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Boots: <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/product/DROVER/173569.uts">Freebird by Steven "Drover"</a></div>
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I think when this month is over, I'll feel a lot more comfortable wearing skirts (which was the goal) but I'm also going to be really freakin' sick of it. And this is without even going out everyday...and having a few cheat days (because it's really hard to get all gussied up JUST to go to the post office, y'know?)<br />
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<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-58501496052922506632014-09-09T16:36:00.002-07:002014-09-27T14:34:46.066-07:00Skirtin' along, Skirtember 2-9 When you see how few outfits I have to show for September, you'll really grasp the full extent of how much working at home isolates you, haha. It appears that I left the house 3 times in 8 days (yikes.) In the interest of honesty, I did cheat and run two quick errands in jeans, though. So, 5 times. (I've been posting these on <a href="http://instagram.com/bombasinedoll">Instagram</a> as I go, so if you follow me there you've probably seen them. Look for the #skirtember tag.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDfYFCY058ROxOGTeV1iwuf4hmYHLPjTHHOenDk5SMZllSmK4qxVkU0eme8sjEXJYA7o-Aou41MBARw5ygbFUdgUeALsQUmtkjRbXNeiisR4l_8Onae2v0le5dhx7T0UPYG6GEMnyJTG4/s1600/3rd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDfYFCY058ROxOGTeV1iwuf4hmYHLPjTHHOenDk5SMZllSmK4qxVkU0eme8sjEXJYA7o-Aou41MBARw5ygbFUdgUeALsQUmtkjRbXNeiisR4l_8Onae2v0le5dhx7T0UPYG6GEMnyJTG4/s1600/3rd.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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Hat: Garage sale find of the year, whoop whoop!</div>
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Tank: Thrifted and tagless, whomp whomp.</div>
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Shirt:<a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/james-perse-top-side-panel-button-front?ID=609028&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-GS-Yes%20II-_-James%20Perse-_-675921393816USA&CAWELAID=120156070000105603&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=120156070000320399&cadevice=c"> James Perse</a> (TJ Maxx always seems to have these, in various colors, for way less than that.)</div>
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Skirt: Vintage, no label</div>
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Tights: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28508364&awc=2077_1410304838_cea20e26f930cdd8c7d985ae143fbc45&cm_mmc=AffWin-_-Winter09-_-Polyvore-_-null#/">Urban Outfitters</a> (Don't buy these ones if you're tall- they want to slide down so that the line is on or below your knee.)</div>
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Shoes: Ole standby's from <a href="http://www.payless.com/womens-claire-scrunch-flat/70092.html?dwvar_70092_color=menswear#prefn1=color&prefv1=Black&start=3">Payless</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEEg2Gq0gZBLk9rlMM_rEVHu7Rt9Ci3VI1GSZ8k2DsAmHjKppZg6pDfEsVc8RV02de3V6AYDJwT0vN8g0EmTXBzC4Sl_ViFgPYkeBzHEMb_ruAdy_W-D-THkxUAvu1xTPyHxks7somFcn/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEEg2Gq0gZBLk9rlMM_rEVHu7Rt9Ci3VI1GSZ8k2DsAmHjKppZg6pDfEsVc8RV02de3V6AYDJwT0vN8g0EmTXBzC4Sl_ViFgPYkeBzHEMb_ruAdy_W-D-THkxUAvu1xTPyHxks7somFcn/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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Tank: <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/23651?article=23651-C#article=23651-A">H&M</a><br />
Cardi: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=BRANDS&brand=bdg">BDG</a><br />
Skirt: <a href="http://www.gap.com/">Gap</a> (thrifted and ancient... Gap is super excited about black denim right now though, FYI)<br />
Tights: <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=opaque+tights&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_opaque+tights">xhilaration </a><br />
Boots: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soda-Western-Cowboy-Stitched-leatherette/dp/B009F7QA4Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1410304438&sr=8-4&keywords=soda+cowboy+boots">Soda</a> (I bought these for my halloween costume... scroll down a few posts and I bet you can guess what I'm planning to be, haha. I looked everywhere for a real leather pair but didn't want to spend $100+ on halloween cowboy boots, so, oh well.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dq9RJcbmRO2rdnhOHCBsqiRrsXcpaA6U7vzWspoPXRIcmqe0FkKPx3GiDJ08pToQ60tjkh9MfZQxq8d9ZIeasJJEzkJcsHp4fIP9BFlNMeOwAI7w_EoqwecQt30QrL43N8RSfatc0Toy/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dq9RJcbmRO2rdnhOHCBsqiRrsXcpaA6U7vzWspoPXRIcmqe0FkKPx3GiDJ08pToQ60tjkh9MfZQxq8d9ZIeasJJEzkJcsHp4fIP9BFlNMeOwAI7w_EoqwecQt30QrL43N8RSfatc0Toy/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you something about pestering your significant other to take pictures of your outfits: Eventually they may start getting bored. As a result this is the best picture I have of this one, haha. But that's an awfully nice ice cream truck, right??<br />
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Top: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=BRANDS&brand=bdg">BDG</a><br />
Skirt: MICHAEL <a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/">Michael Kors</a><br />
Tights: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/">Urban Outfitters</a><br />
Shoes: <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us">Aldo</a> (I wish they still sold these- they look like black-on-gray wool chucks and I love them so, so much. I'm going to be devastated when they wear out.)<br />
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I'm a little ashamed that I've worn the black skirt twice when I still have plenty that I haven't touched. A lot of them just feel a bit more... formal, I guess? Ah well, I'll have to tough it out. For science.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-51137031559751898622014-09-01T15:33:00.001-07:002014-09-01T15:43:27.713-07:00Remember, Remember, the First of Skirtember....Somehow, it's already September. This month means a lot less once you're out of school- especially if you're childless- but I'll never shake the urge to buy new notebooks and pencils. It also has the perfect weather for a little experiment I've been cooking up...<br />
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I have a pretty healthy collection of skirts, dresses, and tights, but I almost never wear them because tossing on jeans is so damn <i>easy</i>. So I've challenged myself (and you, if you want to play along) to celebrate the holy month of Skirtember.<br />
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The rules are simple: No pants outside of the house until October (exceptions can be made for things like manual labor, horseback riding, etc. But otherwise. Skirt 'em up.)<br />
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I'll post all my outfits, either here or on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/bombasinedoll">bombasinedoll</a>, btw) under the #skirtember tag (I thought I was being terribly clever with the play on words, but a quick Google search indicates that I am far from the first to think of it. Ah well.) Since I work at home there won't necessarily be an outfit everyday, but I'll try to drag my sorry ass out of my pjs at least a few times a week ;-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOWBUNXd5ps2j5P1YW8rQkRJh0jt7J76tDAamHs47kXGJWTe1p9cK21qB9fOywG8cwj7W6QgmBWY1Z2TH8kw___LniC5S5GaoKDgUJBSB7JJmsmNc3tqm8qMT5JXUcjh16dAINchuqNPX/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOWBUNXd5ps2j5P1YW8rQkRJh0jt7J76tDAamHs47kXGJWTe1p9cK21qB9fOywG8cwj7W6QgmBWY1Z2TH8kw___LniC5S5GaoKDgUJBSB7JJmsmNc3tqm8qMT5JXUcjh16dAINchuqNPX/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Today's outfit is nothing to write home about, but it's hot as balls (and twice as muggy) so I wasn't really feeling "layers" or "tights" (I loathe having bare legs, so you KNOW it's gotta be gross out for me to go without.) </div>
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Shirt: Bozzolo</div>
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Skirt: MICHAEL <a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/">Michael Kors</a></div>
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Shoes: <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/">Aldo</a></div>
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Sunglasses: Garage sale junk</div>
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Necklace: <a href="http://www.satomistudio.com/">Satomi Studio</a></div>
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Dogs: Out of frame because it's WALKIES TIME, dammit. </div>
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(Speaking of dogs, do other people's leashes manage to get riddled with impossible-to-untie knots? Or are we just really talented?)</div>
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If you're feeling a bit skirty as well but need some inspiration, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bombasine/skirtember/">I've been hoarding pantsless Pins hardcore the last few days</a>. Please do join in! </div>
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<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-32869664663443877322014-08-27T07:32:00.001-07:002014-08-27T07:32:14.159-07:00Metrotimes MentionKids, if you befriend a goth-souled pre-journalist in your adolescence, sometimes later <a href="http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/all-dolled-up-its-midnight-somewhere/Content?oid=2240715">this happens.</a> Thanks Lee!<br />
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<a href="http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/all-dolled-up-its-midnight-somewhere/Content?oid=2240715"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjDV8dloRKrXzwBcMws9OWTmgrPlQGdiYCj9f7CtNuImP6IhdQ8bssgqH7_rnoYgVUsn-9HSmxNiVxYyyzlzJUadmhUtAI76cdJajLJLIaoeRUrL1xIjJkJLq7_wU5SuBmlwZh_KmoIQf/s1600/screenshot.tiff" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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For context, the "midnight somewhere" was a response to his protest that it was too early to hang out ;-P We all know I'm actually in bed by then.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-62519351453298774082014-08-22T13:09:00.000-07:002014-08-22T13:11:13.080-07:00Dyeing Dark Brown Hair with HennaI've been using henna to dye my hair for awhile now. I started with the Lush products (<a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2012/05/tutorial-how-to-dye-your-hair-poop-brown.html">detailed here</a>) but ultimately their overpowering perfume smell and relatively fast-fading results were not doing it for me anymore. I'd heard good things about <a href="http://hennaforhair.com/">hennaforhair.com</a> but was a bit overwhelmed (there's a lot of info and a lot of choices, there, haha!) and never got around to ordering. Eventually I came across <a href="http://hennacolorlab.com/">Henna Color Lab</a>, which has lots of lovely premixed colors and really pretty darn good prices, so I gave 'em a whirl.<br />
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I started with the <a href="http://hennacolorlab.com/shop/natural-black-henna-hair-dye/">Natural Black</a> a few months ago. This is the color you see in all my recent outfit posts, and in the "before" picture here:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh40zljDozqFM_ueEj3qn22ac6nQICGUpNSeEF1w3Nt-wIbO3F5tJIgmVNLnd0xM4JykhhjW4dMyH2mTxliBWD4gI5qeYvjI3QPaKo7udmBXtC617oag2s899s7aOVg9WjovROoCoMVGe/s1600/Hennahair-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bombasine.com- dyeing hair with henna, before" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh40zljDozqFM_ueEj3qn22ac6nQICGUpNSeEF1w3Nt-wIbO3F5tJIgmVNLnd0xM4JykhhjW4dMyH2mTxliBWD4gI5qeYvjI3QPaKo7udmBXtC617oag2s899s7aOVg9WjovROoCoMVGe/s1600/Hennahair-1.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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(though it is just now starting to fade a little.) It gave me a great, neutral-toned, long-lasting, super-dark-brown...but it wasn't black. And I'm itchin' for black, lately. It's tough to get a good black without using the cancer-loaded stuff, so I haven't done it in years.<br />
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For true jet black, I've always heard that doing an application of pure henna first followed by an application of pure indigo (rather than mixing the two) was the way to go. So that's what I decided to do, though as you'll see, it didn't quite work out as planned...<br />
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So first, the henna:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsw0TpC6TE51iAUYKRO3JmyLY4blGx8IhWK7MVLwCniA8qoJjfmzKB6m5kUUXTscla8xaXYlKdEFGfdtO4cf4ozPELHQU4xOMACRi0LhR2vTIcdgJnO16fFiMcMrLa5eY60sXDjAvVD_P/s1600/Hennahair-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bombasine.com- dyeing hair with henna, during" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsw0TpC6TE51iAUYKRO3JmyLY4blGx8IhWK7MVLwCniA8qoJjfmzKB6m5kUUXTscla8xaXYlKdEFGfdtO4cf4ozPELHQU4xOMACRi0LhR2vTIcdgJnO16fFiMcMrLa5eY60sXDjAvVD_P/s1600/Hennahair-2.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Left henna for almost two hours and got this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcBlqMlmhBIPsSj6bW4Cw80gldIE6hwBs25Y2_eccH4R_qs4EPoa6ifof_XiocuudcrEQzMbbCUl8CB-lg0rZbt65tDeFSbvsdk0NhKcVoQi_cnYvKSTz8fzRiG-lNpTl19pmtaJSOeY5/s1600/Hennahair-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bombasine.com- dyeing hair with henna, after" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcBlqMlmhBIPsSj6bW4Cw80gldIE6hwBs25Y2_eccH4R_qs4EPoa6ifof_XiocuudcrEQzMbbCUl8CB-lg0rZbt65tDeFSbvsdk0NhKcVoQi_cnYvKSTz8fzRiG-lNpTl19pmtaJSOeY5/s1600/Hennahair-3.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infinite hair photo!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zmkaSe6lH0V8P2WRtUiw9eDkxd-tqYalxstyoNBTh5U7N0VfarfyxAteq-rQxu9ZHNE8M8hP3kNZ2f1zlWFXee5GEYu6PmsettmHqonViMTVYS8IIol01PYB9C00YpsvB6qzu1hJtQpd/s1600/Hennahair-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bombasine.com- dyeing hair with henna, after" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zmkaSe6lH0V8P2WRtUiw9eDkxd-tqYalxstyoNBTh5U7N0VfarfyxAteq-rQxu9ZHNE8M8hP3kNZ2f1zlWFXee5GEYu6PmsettmHqonViMTVYS8IIol01PYB9C00YpsvB6qzu1hJtQpd/s1600/Hennahair-4.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Annnnd I LOVED it. I thought just plain henna would probably turn my hair strange and brassy, but it was just like a lovely red glaze, and surprisingly natural looking (I've never used a commercial dye that actually resulted in natural-looking dark red-brown hair.) So for the moment, the indigo will wait. I still do plan to aim for black for the winter, but for now, I am digging the reddish.<br />
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Some notes/tips: </h4>
- buy your own plastic cap and gloves, because the ones that come in the kit aren't very good. The tighter the gloves, the better, because the muck is sticky and will pull loose gloves right off your hands. While you're there, look for ear caps- they're like tiny shower caps for your ears, and they're awesome.<br />
- They say to mix the powder with hot water until you get a "pudding-like" consistency... mine was super lumpy, but it was fine. I mushed it a bunch with my hands just to be sure. Having it be a little on the thick side helps it go on without too much splatter.<br />
- Speaking of splatter... this shit looks like, well, shit. Do not have people over until you've had time to thoroughly clean your bathroom, because it is almost guaranteed that you will have tiny blobs of what appears to be poop stuck to various surfaces. Not a pretty sight. But potentially useful in practical joking?<br />
- People say henna is super messy, but I don't think it's worse than regular hair dye, really... unlike normal hair dye it doesn't stain immediately, so if you wipe it off your skin fast enough it won't leave too much of a mark. (It will, of course, stain your skin... that's henna's primary use, after all. But at least you don't have to panic about what chemical nastiness you're getting on your hands- at worst you'll just be a little colorful.) Rinsing is a bit of an adventure, but unlike the Lush stuff that seems to rinse out in chunks, this stuff dissolves pretty well.<br />
- It smells herby. I find the smell a little obnoxious but not horrifically awful (unlike Lush and chemical dyes.) Once you've got the shower cap on, you barely smell it.<br />
- I have heard that you can amp up the indigo by not wrapping your hair, but that sounds messy. A porous hairnet might be helpful though.<br />
- Protip: Make yourself a<a href="http://instagram.com/p/foRwK0P16T/"> super fashionable poncho out of a garbage bag</a>.<br />
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<i>Um, so this post is about two months old, but I waited so I could give you an update on how it wore over time. It has definitely faded a bit, but it still has a red tinge when the light hits it. I'll probably try the indigo pretty soon, but I'm torn as to whether to do the henna again first (as you're supposed to, to make it stick and balance out the blue tones) or just give it a whirl and see if it sticks to what's left in my hair. </i><br />
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<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-78054839802512493822014-07-16T13:31:00.002-07:002014-07-16T13:31:35.274-07:00Fantasy Shopping: Free People DressesIt would appear that someone at Free People got the memo about the whole "goth hippie cowgirl" trend, 'cuz their current collection is pushing all the right buttons. A sampling, while I daydream about a life in which I actually wear dresses more than twice a year...<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fpdressroundup3/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=128710853" target="_blank"><img alt="FPdressroundup3" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/2iJdxNCwjbuiSR5MnvPOQ/cid/128710853/id/HIocNycN5BGwzEWOzSGTQA/size/c600x259.jpg" height="259" title="FPdressroundup3" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=113919619" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">Elizabeth Maxi Slip</a><span style="text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=113418812" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">Frontin Slip</a><span style="text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=113255418" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">Black Magic Mini</a><br />
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(that third one is my favorite. It's like Wednesday Addams westernwear.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fpdressroundup2/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=128710761" target="_blank"><img alt="FPdressroundup2" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/pFdaXm8sNvRHKNEx9YRgLw/cid/128710761/id/Mr3zEScN5BG78X5RDXURzQ/size/c600x257.jpg" height="257" title="FPdressroundup2" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=108647037" rel="nofollow">Phoenix Cut Away Dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=110981671" rel="nofollow">Isis Beaded Maxi Dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=108758105" rel="nofollow">Landslide Cut Out Dress</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fpdressroundup1/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=128710577" target="_blank"><img alt="FPdressroundup1" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/0uYzoQoS8GIJ0XbH0Xrqw/cid/128710577/id/WpFE1CYN5BGNefJwZFZllw/size/c600x259.jpg" height="259" title="FPdressroundup1" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=111125786" rel="nofollow">Merrie's White Victorian</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=94207989" rel="nofollow">Wrapped Around You Dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=112950535" rel="nofollow">Shell Game Shift Dress</a></div>
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Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-68384169462585558852014-07-03T16:14:00.001-07:002014-07-03T16:18:31.044-07:00Fixing Snagged Knitwear<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gzuFLbrfNDQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Figured as long as I'm fixing this sweater, I might as well make a tutorial ;-) Snagged knits are a pain in the butt, but fortunately they're pretty easy to fix. I can tell already that this one will be catching on every splinter, loose nail, and dog claw it encounters, but oh well.<br />
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Apologies for wandering off camera a bit towards the end- new set-up, still kinda figuring it out!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-71714570520481144032014-06-23T09:53:00.001-07:002014-06-23T09:53:30.760-07:00OOTD: Solstice(I'm a few days late posting, ah well.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW2p1CPJfZnbAjjcFv06_PfgsDB0-sCE-NmgXqOd3b4ryjYVWQklasT1zlm74xnLgQEsxNoaNHKazUSbjMYc1AQNjWlUcqFVFoXrXZsABV2d-L7v4ylu-c9cwWh_OPb-QUUqjG39VpNSm/s1600/june212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW2p1CPJfZnbAjjcFv06_PfgsDB0-sCE-NmgXqOd3b4ryjYVWQklasT1zlm74xnLgQEsxNoaNHKazUSbjMYc1AQNjWlUcqFVFoXrXZsABV2d-L7v4ylu-c9cwWh_OPb-QUUqjG39VpNSm/s1600/june212.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pretty much everything in this outfit is cheapy-cheap, old, or both.<br />
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Tee & shorts are some generic brand from those chintzy, dirt-cheap, most-likely-made-in-China stores. I don't love buying that kinda junk-food clothing, but I looked EVERYWHERE for a perfect pair of black shorts that actually fit me, and lo and behold, these are the only ones I could find. I also stocked up on basic tees at one of those places years ago, and they're still going strong- holding up a lot better than the ones I bought at UO around the same time, actually.<br />
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Boots are second-hand Mossimo<br />
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Hat and sunglasses are from garage sales. Good deals both, though the hat needs a little reshaping with the ole steamer. (I took a millinery class years ago, I should get back into that...)<br />
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The tights are similar to <a href="http://www.sockdreams.com/products/codori-crochet-tights:4538">these</a>, but I've had them for at least ten years now (um, wow) so who knows. (<a href="http://fc00.deviantart.net/images3/i/2004/11/b/8/too_sexy_for_this_fence___.jpg">Proof</a>- note the date in the address bar!)<br />
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The necklace, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/oJHz03P19s/">which you can see better here,</a> is made of crystals and comes from a seller at the Rust Belt Market called<a href="http://www.rustbeltmarket.com/merchants/"> Precious Hardware-</a> unfortunately I can't find a website for her stuff.<br />
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-77905621876015708462014-06-23T06:25:00.000-07:002014-06-23T06:25:57.028-07:00Fashion Icon: Marceline the Vampire Queen<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline-basic/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125982808" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline-Basic" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/vJqnCVzPuBA0i9NTT41dA/cid/125982808/id/-L7Np3b64xGBZfufmu7EJQ/size/c600x492.jpg" height="492" title="Marceline-Basic" width="600" /></a></div>
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I feel like <a href="http://adventuretime.wikia.com/wiki/Marceline">Marceline's</a> style really resonates with me- simple, comfortable, darkish but not exactly goth. Lots of gray and red, and boots. I guess after 1000 years you pretty much get your schtick down pat. And can we take a moment to applaud the creators of Adventure Time for actually having characters wear different clothes sometimes? (Not so much Finn, but hey. At least he's got a nice hat.)
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline_sunhat/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125982466" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline- Sunhat" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Nl7UFtM490UrUAipJuPYw/cid/125982466/id/iG-zjHD64xGXQmRnDXURzQ/size/c600x435.jpg" height="435" title="Marceline- Sunhat" width="600" /></a></div>
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The boots are the wrong color, I know, but I couldn't believe I actually found heeled boots with tiny bows!
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline_sweater/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125983187" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline- Sweater" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/pTa1oPRq1mjlrrenpWGxTQ/cid/125983187/id/Hndik3H64xGoDBFqDXURzQ/size/c600x416.jpg" height="416" title="Marceline- Sweater" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline_purple_top/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125984152" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline Purple Top" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/nQsF9ha50gKMg5tdGc9nQ/cid/125984152/id/VkvkA3P64xG3XMRiNxsv_g/size/c600x401.jpg" height="401" title="Marceline Purple Top" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline-plaid/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125986093" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline-Plaid" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/kUVHYfEucUcakdCo1yK7A/cid/125986093/id/Jq_yx3X64xGDk398DXURzQ/size/c600x396.jpg" height="396" title="Marceline-Plaid" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marceline-dress/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=125987591" target="_blank"><img alt="Marceline-Dress" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/otXqcOOvIwOlh2rz1BOXg/cid/125987591/id/3rsb-Hf64xGgfrcYSbYPRA/size/c600x449.jpg" height="449" title="Marceline-Dress" width="600" /></a></div>
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Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-68954060080164643612014-06-12T10:37:00.000-07:002014-06-12T10:37:00.250-07:00Inspired by: Dark Crystals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6zYQbCtG6zVpRhevh0oePgfTLy2PGK5wgrL1X-f8vXTzGaOV5kapUvdUIBgXwHfqu4NnZDoqlRNHhTofFMISYbVpXMQ7VlTtHQW0nqd4jIEs6q5yVyFpY_oNjrIX-R_agXtKJyU8g6a_/s1600/usa09xbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6zYQbCtG6zVpRhevh0oePgfTLy2PGK5wgrL1X-f8vXTzGaOV5kapUvdUIBgXwHfqu4NnZDoqlRNHhTofFMISYbVpXMQ7VlTtHQW0nqd4jIEs6q5yVyFpY_oNjrIX-R_agXtKJyU8g6a_/s1600/usa09xbg.jpg" height="640" width="270" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irocks.com/minerals/specimen/7643#">Source</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click through to read about this particular stone, it's kind of interesting.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF5s_irlO1mJe2wpNZLj3O0Kx-12A99nsHSM_NfslOWXVMpS6sTSrHVjuUU-ZKK4bw_Y_XnifQEs2jacJNRjLG6ZDgHUQgqUbDTeLFhltN7F2vdavKUXkEb5CpPkCjo6ORbF2oTmR5f4N/s1600/0782030001171979919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF5s_irlO1mJe2wpNZLj3O0Kx-12A99nsHSM_NfslOWXVMpS6sTSrHVjuUU-ZKK4bw_Y_XnifQEs2jacJNRjLG6ZDgHUQgqUbDTeLFhltN7F2vdavKUXkEb5CpPkCjo6ORbF2oTmR5f4N/s1600/0782030001171979919.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-92675.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LsQweCs5zuxm5GgLGB5H5wbAq_gW3R9cHMjEJgjLW9_70Z7I2Map4g1-xtXVor4m2u8Fsj3tRTHq-zzihX0pKWjXQ54jvhtaUIcZMMBZWLSMWPM5bMStsqwPM1M-OQV2NcMe7_7stP9I/s1600/0252531001248462422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LsQweCs5zuxm5GgLGB5H5wbAq_gW3R9cHMjEJgjLW9_70Z7I2Map4g1-xtXVor4m2u8Fsj3tRTHq-zzihX0pKWjXQ54jvhtaUIcZMMBZWLSMWPM5bMStsqwPM1M-OQV2NcMe7_7stP9I/s1600/0252531001248462422.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-242798.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9GpHyk0LpTHceSX1Egs6ZmIh25ksWUVb14KyQELqXepXpjdAoHdbzTZxcySZtzLlXHF5JzeKHd_dQz3H09tXTI_ngToXtvBUmyzOMEKm9igFWv_mNuv5evvSEnh1iRp53PsWXNJVezM/s1600/0683432001239297147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI9GpHyk0LpTHceSX1Egs6ZmIh25ksWUVb14KyQELqXepXpjdAoHdbzTZxcySZtzLlXHF5JzeKHd_dQz3H09tXTI_ngToXtvBUmyzOMEKm9igFWv_mNuv5evvSEnh1iRp53PsWXNJVezM/s1600/0683432001239297147.jpg" height="640" width="346" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-224147.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0CEvx2cmBUxNG_DnslIvpySBmHE7A7Xoxavd5Th8eawit8cND3QpmeoxZbiC8bckQV_s4sgqkJZZz8A8sAm6rxVDl4uy-zciwzoWXLsRddbzevOeH7CZHcd6quk_gW8P3vjokkhiSW0-/s1600/The+Dark+Crystal+(1982)+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0CEvx2cmBUxNG_DnslIvpySBmHE7A7Xoxavd5Th8eawit8cND3QpmeoxZbiC8bckQV_s4sgqkJZZz8A8sAm6rxVDl4uy-zciwzoWXLsRddbzevOeH7CZHcd6quk_gW8P3vjokkhiSW0-/s1600/The+Dark+Crystal+(1982)+5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://geekynerfherder.blogspot.com/2012/08/movie-poster-art-dark-crystal-1982.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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I was going to put that last one in as a joke but actually that's a pretty nice poster. </div>
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Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-41611379140147404592014-06-12T08:13:00.002-07:002014-06-12T08:26:27.646-07:00Peonies and Off-Blacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqULuWtZRb4MnkNKC2PisszpXJmisErGPrbeNlnc4-NZ666YDaz0SezXgSIlQFARHZ92viofLIeG0m0_I_elcrr33Qud9vrY4oxAPhXpCLkd9giZVobozXSAzPMz_IPPRnL9v_ShxLsEo/s1600/peonies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqULuWtZRb4MnkNKC2PisszpXJmisErGPrbeNlnc4-NZ666YDaz0SezXgSIlQFARHZ92viofLIeG0m0_I_elcrr33Qud9vrY4oxAPhXpCLkd9giZVobozXSAzPMz_IPPRnL9v_ShxLsEo/s1600/peonies2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku2PMP3OzAQTiiSjqUxiL5E1zGkPTeDasN087LRi1Er5CTS9B9YpIrD_I2RqGNEIwHT7la5_Ly0igqVcF20WFoP1-NHEQXBxogBJlimRqn4kdll7WxhXkcu1vBKK9eCzBGM2FvIWbY5Gs/s1600/peonies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku2PMP3OzAQTiiSjqUxiL5E1zGkPTeDasN087LRi1Er5CTS9B9YpIrD_I2RqGNEIwHT7la5_Ly0igqVcF20WFoP1-NHEQXBxogBJlimRqn4kdll7WxhXkcu1vBKK9eCzBGM2FvIWbY5Gs/s1600/peonies3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://mbgna.umich.edu/peony/">Peony Gardens/Nichols Arboretum</a></div>
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I love peonies, they're so darn fluffy. I found this hat at a garage sale for $1 the other day- it is measurably improving the quality of my life (and cutting down on my anxiety about burning the top of my head- I've done it before, and would rather not repeat the experience.)</div>
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<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-16462927905955371792014-04-22T11:21:00.002-07:002014-04-22T11:23:39.076-07:00OOTD: April 22nd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiBCdb_fwLbIerPe87zGbf8mjw_hYkqRJ_rtOdX-hg-D3x1ulFqe9ncDfyoUK9sSaHy84zX4d3FEjhSX7mMRIXAwTCGGwpAS4HZWDqmOFND0soJW85ho3shAUPFfBV8CF3gsLCQLthXFX/s1600/velvet6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bombasine.com- Shirt: James Perse/ Pentagram Cage Bra: DIY, link provided / Leggings: From GoJane, but weirdly unlabeled/ Shoes: Modesta " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiBCdb_fwLbIerPe87zGbf8mjw_hYkqRJ_rtOdX-hg-D3x1ulFqe9ncDfyoUK9sSaHy84zX4d3FEjhSX7mMRIXAwTCGGwpAS4HZWDqmOFND0soJW85ho3shAUPFfBV8CF3gsLCQLthXFX/s1600/velvet6.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw8ZRb-qM5IPb59F-bWmKQAM6g39u0nt-TutVLu92AzrF-GB_npvLziv8waxvz8yV2PnflkDAn26SD79qu7hMlEzZ2WK6OTmK2F06Geh0HKCSIkmqq1Z3WJEfKUwufrV720sxMqehAkLa/s1600/velvet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bombasine.com- Shirt: James Perse/ Pentagram Cage Bra: DIY, link provided / Leggings: From GoJane, but weirdly unlabeled/ Shoes: Modesta " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw8ZRb-qM5IPb59F-bWmKQAM6g39u0nt-TutVLu92AzrF-GB_npvLziv8waxvz8yV2PnflkDAn26SD79qu7hMlEzZ2WK6OTmK2F06Geh0HKCSIkmqq1Z3WJEfKUwufrV720sxMqehAkLa/s1600/velvet5.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Shirt: James Perse</div>
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Pentagram Cage Bra: DIY, <a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2013/10/diy-pentagram-cage-bra-or-alex-takes.html">here</a></div>
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Leggings: From GoJane, but weirdly unlabeled</div>
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Shoes: Modesta (similar to <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/patent-office-heel-in-ink">these</a>)</div>
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Black velvet photographs so strangely- it doesn't seem to reflect any light, so it just turns your legs into black holes, haha. Good to know, I guess, if you ever wanted a really rich (and probably expensive) black background for photography...</div>
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These shoes are pretty but they're almost unwearable. They're from Modcloth, but not the ones I linked above- maybe those are better. </div>
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-9559507789386924352014-04-16T13:20:00.002-07:002014-04-16T13:27:25.987-07:00NYC Snapshots: AKA Dogs, Mirror-Selfies, and Shit I BoughtI've really got to try and take more relevant pictures. I don't like to play tourist and stand outside taking photos of tall buildings and junk...but there's probably a happy medium between that and.... this. But nevertheless...<br />
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<a href="http://www.hometownbarbque.com/">Hometown Barbeque in Red Hook</a>. I don't know if it was actually amazing, or if it was just really, really good and I was really, really hungry, but either way I recommend it. I do have a picture of the food but I don't think the suave city boys making gross chewing faces in it would appreciate my posting it. So instead, here is their rather charming bathroom.<br />
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I met an excitable Boston Terrier named Liam who lived in a curiously long apartment with his two dogfathers. He is the source of the <a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2014/04/packing-list-3-nights-in-nyc.html">aforementioned dog drool</a>, btw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FhpOYZ24wb-Xt226kAxScXXCv_8JZzMZa7je0hq0xOkSHfH6uUcV_tbYq9wMFh1Mk4QCXVnBBJRHyESj7NwQq1BGcQ_eIvJ_LooYn_Piy6gehMnHOQGwwlQQHvHFZY_F_XrPvfuyVXLR/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FhpOYZ24wb-Xt226kAxScXXCv_8JZzMZa7je0hq0xOkSHfH6uUcV_tbYq9wMFh1Mk4QCXVnBBJRHyESj7NwQq1BGcQ_eIvJ_LooYn_Piy6gehMnHOQGwwlQQHvHFZY_F_XrPvfuyVXLR/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided at some point that it would be funny to text pictures of dogs to my husband all weekend, just to be annoying. I will spare you most of them. This dude was cute though. Travis suggested I start a tumblr called "Dogs of New York".... I assured him that that <a href="http://dogsofnewyork.tumblr.com/">must</a> <a href="http://mygooddognyc.tumblr.com/">already</a> <a href="http://lookwhoipettoday.tumblr.com/">exist</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtCOTCQxXz6JzsnJCDje6cChLaBaIXI-UdstamKGpgpoIjnWZXr5bR3iyBu6spZ0NPuiPDcZZ-hhBYJ5PunMGTo1mkcQegFNnWvg4DGMDdzj7DN7h7fsCM3nt3BxyWhD4OeiFY1lRFXH_/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtCOTCQxXz6JzsnJCDje6cChLaBaIXI-UdstamKGpgpoIjnWZXr5bR3iyBu6spZ0NPuiPDcZZ-hhBYJ5PunMGTo1mkcQegFNnWvg4DGMDdzj7DN7h7fsCM3nt3BxyWhD4OeiFY1lRFXH_/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last time I was in NYC I went to <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl">Purl Soho</a>, which is a gorgeous shop, but I thought this time I'd mix it up and go to <a href="http://www.downtownyarns.com/">Downtown Yarns</a>. In my light-packing frenzy I hadn't brought any yarn or needles which was obviously foolish. I purchased both. This is Madelinetosh DK in the rather amazing Cosmos colorway.<br />
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I also bought this necklace and a random-ish gift shop- I'm fairly sure it's not a real porcupine quill, I think it's burnt wood. Pretty, though.<br />
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This is what I look like hiding in the dressing room at Urban Outfitters so I can sit down without being cold or spending money- not an easy thing to do in Manhattan.<br />
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An <i>amazing</i> elderberry-lime soda, the best of a great many drinks I purchased in order to use various coffee-shop restrooms. Notice the self-defeating-ness of this strategy. Regardless, I now have the drive to learn to make "mocktails" even though I can't say that word without gagging on the tweeness a little.<br />
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On Tuesday I had some time to kill around the garment district so I stopped into <a href="http://www.kinokuniya.com/us/">Kinokuniya</a>, a huge English/Japanese bookstore with an amazing English-language fashion section (because duh) and a fabulous Japanese-language craft section, including these obscenely adorable needlefelting kits. I didn't buy one...but it took a lot of willpower. (There's another Kinokuniya just outside of Portland, in a big Asian grocery store, but I'd only ever made it over there once or twice and I think it was almost exclusively Japanese.)<br />
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This is <a href="http://vinegarhillhouse.com/">Vinegar Hill House</a>, which was literally across the street from the apartment my friend and I were renting (which is remarkable because there is NOTHING else in that part of town, heh.) It's hard to see, but above that weird wheel thing is a window made of agate slices. I am completely obsessed with it. Definitely having a pretty rock phase, lately. Also, amazing cornbread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d3bql8923VNTXchO9NyctZdjQ8LmEmNdYm0v6FBot7yHcfjttWZWJ_J6btXXJ9RGndPiYDUrn4kbraTk9hG5e4ASG0EzibRfz9Wg5Uuq5G9jwoH2S6XqkzRmbXjuonztQEVmiiqNhVOD/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d3bql8923VNTXchO9NyctZdjQ8LmEmNdYm0v6FBot7yHcfjttWZWJ_J6btXXJ9RGndPiYDUrn4kbraTk9hG5e4ASG0EzibRfz9Wg5Uuq5G9jwoH2S6XqkzRmbXjuonztQEVmiiqNhVOD/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plane pup! A satisfying end to my dog-pic-texting (poor Travis.) And no, I don't know why he was allowed to fly all free like that- maybe an anxiety dog? But he behaved like a total champ and deserved that seat to himself.<br />
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<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-18427946010047566392014-04-15T13:27:00.003-07:002014-04-15T13:39:53.336-07:00Packing List: 3 nights in NYCI have to admit, I am absolute crap at packing light. This is mostly because I'm a klutz, and by the time I take an item of clothing off, there's a pretty good chance it's not fit for another day's wear. So even though I fawn over other blogger's "capsule wardrobes" and what-have-you... there's just no chance I'm going to manage a 3-day trip with one pair of pants and two shirts.<br />
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But still, I love peeking into other people's suitcases, and as long as it still fits in the carry-on.... hey!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nyc_packing_list/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=118268389" target="_blank"><img alt="NYC packing list" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/mGSzWnUVFmE2RXuOPY4Vw/cid/118268389/id/FPKdIyO84xGq1jrZ6xSULw/size/c600x447.jpg" height="447" title="NYC packing list" width="600" /></a></div>
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The list:<br />
- Comfy jeans (for the plane)<br />
- Black jeans<br />
- Blue jeans<br />
- 3 tees<br />
- 1 tank<br />
- 1 flannel shirt<br />
- 2 sweaters<br />
- 1 hoodie (for the plane)<br />
- Leggings (for sleeping)<br />
- Leather jacket<br />
- Water resistant jacket (for the day(s) it was supposed to rain)<br />
- Knee-high boots<br />
- Black flats, just in case<br />
- Scarf<br />
- Hat (I ended up bringing a yellow one and a brown one, rather than black)<br />
- All the requisite socks & underthings<br />
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If I'd wanted to pack lighter I could've reworn more of the clothes and only brought one jacket, but even so all of this fit into a carry-on easily.<br />
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Other tips for hopefully-not-having-to-check-a-bag:<br />
- Hoard bath & body samples like it's your job. A lot of natural-ish food stores will occasionally have them (one of the shops near me periodically does a "spa day" even where they give out a ton) and they are so great for short trips when even a little bottle full of shampoo is too much. Also hoard tiny bottles- anything that you don't have a sample size of, stick it in a tiny bottle. I even brought about 1/2 a square centimeter of liquid foundation in a tiny plastic container that once held a lotion sample.<br />
- Bring the smallest device you can get by with. In my case, my phone was fine. It would've been nice having my laptop, but not worth the trouble.<br />
- Leave space in your suitcase, or bring an extra bag just in case. You're probably gonna buy stuff, c'mon.<br />
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Here's how the outfits played out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nyc1/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=118268476" target="_blank"><img alt="NYC1" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/livkFYGuTbG9A6Av8XKxKA/cid/118268476/id/auuoMiO84xGEWQ3qmu7EJQ/size/c600x597.jpg" height="597" title="NYC1" width="600" /></a></div>
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Sunday night: insanely good BBQ with friends<br />
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Jacket: <a href="http://www.theory.com/">Theory</a><br />
Shirt: <a href="http://www.op.com/spring_2012/">OP</a><br />
Jeans: <a href="http://www.granejeans.com/">Grane</a><br />
Boots: <a href="http://www.francosarto.com/">Franco Sarto</a><br />
Tee: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=BRANDS&brand=bdg">BDG</a><br />
Hat: a modified <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bivouac">Bivouac</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nyc2/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=118269929" target="_blank"><img alt="NYC2" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/GcZ5Pnaxlf4mvNkbesWU3w/cid/118269929/id/mD9ukCO84xGc0DKCtP8JyA/size/c600x517.jpg" height="517" title="NYC2" width="600" /></a></div>
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Monday: Checking out shops, lunch with a friend. Notice the room around me getting messier as I go.<br />
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Jacket: Green with Envy (it was supposed to rain this day, though it barely did. Old coat, can't find a website.)<br />
Sweater: <a href="http://www.roxy.com/clothing?camp=psdid">Roxy</a><br />
Jeans: <a href="http://www.hollisterco.com/shop/us">Hollister</a> (I can't go within 100 feet of their stores because they reek of perfume, but I found this pair used and it turns out they're crazy comfortable around the waist while still being good 'n tight. Score.)<br />
Boots: same as above<br />
Glasses: no clue<br />
Hat: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corone">Corone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nyc3/set?.embedder=6182242&.svc=copypaste&id=118269800" target="_blank"><img alt="NYC3" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/THYjKbNCkzjx1pc0PtWkw/cid/118269800/id/yB4EWiO84xGtnzlWSbYPRA/size/c600x567.jpg" height="567" title="NYC3" width="600" /></a></div>
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Tuesday: Meetings of a secret and covert nature in the fashion district. You can't tell, but there is a small amount of dog slobber on the jeans- I TOLD you I can't be trusted to wear things twice! Luckily it wasn't very noticeable.<br />
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Sweater: ABound<br />
Jeans: Grane again<br />
Scarf: <a href="http://www.collection18.com/">Collection 18</a><br />
Hat: same<br />
Boots: same<br />
Ended up wearing the waterproof jacket again as it was lookin' mighty misty.<br />
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I'll spare you my flying outfit- let's just say I prioritize comfort, heh.<br />
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I didn't take a ton of pictures during the trip (as you may have surmised from the shitty mirror selfies, the only camera I brought was my phone- packing light, see?) but I did take a few- I'll post 'em up tomorrow :-)<br />
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-23891082739997085822014-04-12T10:37:00.003-07:002014-04-12T10:37:57.262-07:00Inspired by: Agates<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsjTxT7ETLpOhkg0u_MzGB_k6NWGHcfPN4yd6Tb8tcIdZj3ZQe4W8J60Am8UAF06UXqAkU5PMN0EtbM3jf11o-QBvZIsD-Q5BEOyE6wcbbbcxo-Ir_fghtx-Xi9NPuq3Gb0e2QBgndNsE/s1600/11684856106_09f9147b98_z.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Bombasine.com- Agate by Bill the Eggman" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsjTxT7ETLpOhkg0u_MzGB_k6NWGHcfPN4yd6Tb8tcIdZj3ZQe4W8J60Am8UAF06UXqAkU5PMN0EtbM3jf11o-QBvZIsD-Q5BEOyE6wcbbbcxo-Ir_fghtx-Xi9NPuq3Gb0e2QBgndNsE/s1600/11684856106_09f9147b98_z.jpg" title="" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bill_the_eggman/11684856106/in/photostream/player/">Source</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tshearer/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.billatkinson.com/GenerateCatalog?page=0&filter=_Rocks"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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Kids, science is pretty cool. </div>
Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-77232351330315813952014-04-05T16:46:00.002-07:002014-04-05T16:48:41.238-07:00OOTD: April 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0Zc2uQCo3rcTXbKR9tKs26gGV8NG1L5bJwO0PQvWywGpo9H6AaHxzy4qzPuI49zAxtaoFnhLhe5cT7OdK1rSVW7JZuL5V4CmJ9ezO7SzhPdGiy8ULSb2usC23cOEecvN9lhbTalme4vh/s1600/rockscruff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bombasine.com-- Tee- J Crew/ Leggings- Helmut Lang / Shoes- Aldo / Pentagram bra- DIY, linked in the post" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0Zc2uQCo3rcTXbKR9tKs26gGV8NG1L5bJwO0PQvWywGpo9H6AaHxzy4qzPuI49zAxtaoFnhLhe5cT7OdK1rSVW7JZuL5V4CmJ9ezO7SzhPdGiy8ULSb2usC23cOEecvN9lhbTalme4vh/s1600/rockscruff2.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tee- J Crew </div>
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Leggings- Helmut Lang </div>
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Shoes- Aldo </div>
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Pentagram bra- DIY,
<a href="http://www.bombasine.com/2013/10/diy-pentagram-cage-bra-or-alex-takes.html" rel="nofollow">link here</a> </div>
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I am off to New York in the morning, on top secret business that may or may not stay top secret, depending on how it goes. Also gonna bum around in some cool shops I can't afford. There's a fair chance I'll end up blowing all my money at the Strand and then not be able to get all the books home. These are the risks you take. Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-85772507301236883692014-03-28T13:10:00.004-07:002014-03-28T13:10:53.003-07:00The Great Oil Experiment (with DIYs)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPpvc_EDoi_x-GIkUAX2gmcFB-5uImW0mMJ7L8b4m8iv_HqAss8iNjJiY-NbZDX2nK_wN2QAflF3Ase3p_6XXu_XTZ9VptHmTlyeKZUAt0KnZfapmcrbA_ywD-aT-C1eKZj9EPTFhMQhF/s1600/Face+Oils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bombasine.com- DIY Face Oil and Cleansing Oil" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPpvc_EDoi_x-GIkUAX2gmcFB-5uImW0mMJ7L8b4m8iv_HqAss8iNjJiY-NbZDX2nK_wN2QAflF3Ase3p_6XXu_XTZ9VptHmTlyeKZUAt0KnZfapmcrbA_ywD-aT-C1eKZj9EPTFhMQhF/s1600/Face+Oils.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Don't forget to label your bottles with old publicity stickers! Or, you know, actual labels.</i></span></div>
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The concept of washing your face with oil sounds very strange, but it makes sense - the basic idea is that the oil dissolves the excess grease and grime on your face, without stripping it and drying out your skin the way soapy cleansers do. Moisturizing with oils seems similarly frightening, but most people report a decrease in breakouts rather than the expected increase- apparently not all oils are as comedogenic as our own delightful skin oil.<br />
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As a fan of skin oils in general, I've been meaning to try oil cleansing for awhile now. I'll admit my usual face-washing routine is pretty lax (I usually just splash some hot water on there in the shower, and occasionally use some Dr Hauschka's Cleansing Cream which I buy entirely because it smells AMAZING and for no other real reason.) I occasionally use coconut oil to remove make-up, but that's not quiiiite the same (though this method will remove make-up very well.) Likewise, I'll occasionally use coconut oil in lieu of lotion for moisturizing, but I've never tried actual "face oil."<br />
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Now, if you go out and buy face oils, for cleansing or (especially) moisturizing, they will run you into the realm of ridiculou$$. The ingredients are usually obscenely simple (sometimes, it's just a tiny fancy bottle of a pure oil that they're charging $50 for, when you could get twice as much for a third of the price at a hippie grocery store- <i>looking at you, argan oil</i>.)<br />
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Anyway, that makes them natural candidates for DIYing! Here are my very simple recipes for both- I recommend putting them in a little eyedropper bottle (which you can usually find at the sorts of hippie grocery stores that carry the oils- I got everything necessary at Whole Foods.)<br />
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<h3>
Cleansing oil:</h3>
2 parts Grapeseed oil<br />
1 part Jojoba oil<br />
A few drops grapefruit essential oil (or EO of your choice)<br />
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Many people like to use castor oil for cleansing- apparently it works a little better than other sorts, but it can also be drying and since my skin veers towards dry, I went with gentler grapeseed (which is also good for balancing oily skin.) Jojoba is more moisturizing, but also usually pretty safe for oily skin. Depending on your skin, you can tweak the ratios of lighter and heavier oils (some Googling will give you waaaay more info about what different oils are good for than you ever wanted or needed.)<br />
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As far as EO's are concerned, you'll be washing it off so it's mostly about whatever you like. I love the smell of grapefruit EO but it's not one I necessarily want to leave on my skin all day, so this is a good chance to use it.<br />
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To use a cleansing oil, take a few drops and massage them thoroughly into your face (if you're wearing make-up, be sure to give those areas some extra attention). Grab a washcloth, run the tap water nice and hot (not burning, obviously, but good and cozy), soak the cloth, and press onto your face for a few seconds. Rinse the cloth, repeat. Try not to rub too hard- the hot water well melt the oils off, taking the dirt, grime, and skin oil with it.<br />
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Moisturizing Oil:</h3>
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4 parts Jojoba oil<br />
1 part Grapeseed oil<br />
A few drops lavendar essential oil (or EO of your choice)<br />
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You'll notice I used the same oils- that is called "not spending a freaking insane amount of money at Whole Foods." I went heavier on the jojoba because I want this one to be more moisturizing than the cleansing oil was, but again, you can tweak this using whatever oils you need to for your skin type.<br />
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As for EOs, here's a quick and dirty guide*:<br />
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For dry/aging skin: Geranium, Lavendar, Neroli, Rose, Birch, Rosewood<br />
For normal/combination skin: Lavendar, Rose, Sandalwood<br />
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For oily skin: Pachouli, Myrrh, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang</div>
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For acne-prone skin: Lavendar, Violet, Rosewood, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Chamomile<br />
For sensitive/irritated skin: Lavendar, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang</div>
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Bergamot and some other citrus oils are useful for oily or acne-prone skin, but they can make your skin more sensitive to UV light, so I wouldn't recommend them for anything you're going to leave on your skin. Neroli is apparently an exception, and sweet orange and grapefruit may or may not be okay...but might as well play it safe. On the flip side, apparently some EOs like lavendar, Roman chamomile, and myrrh as well as sesame, coconut, and olive oil actually offer some UV protection.</div>
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Another note on EOs: Go easy!! A little goes a long way. </div>
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<i>*Disclaimer: I haven't used all, or even most of these. Please research whatever oil you want to use before committing, in case my ten minutes of Google research was mistaken.</i><br />
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To use the moisturizing oil, put a few drops (like, two) in your hands, rub them together, and then pat all over your still-damp face, aftershave style.<br />
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So how's it work?</h3>
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<b>One day later...</b><br />
My face felt really soft when I went to bed last night. Skin looks pretty decent today- hard to tell after just one use though. One thing to note, if you're not extremely careful, the oil does tend to work it's way into your hair, especially if you have bangs- no big deal (it's probably really good for your hair) but you'll want to make sure you can shower before going out the next day.<br />
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<b>Several days later...</b><br />
So far so good! My face tends to get more or less moody depending on the time of month, but the oil doesn't seem to have made anything worse, and it's at least as moisturized as with the lotion I was using before. My pores seem cleaner than they did with normal facewash, possibly because I use the oil more often (I didn't want to overdry my skin with soap.) The biggest downside? The required washcloths. Normally I just wash my face in the shower and splash some water on there to rinse, but that doesn't work as well with the oil (I tried it, but it was much harder to get the oil off without a cloth.) I'll just have to be diligent about laundry and maybe buy a few extras.<br />
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In conclusion...</h3>
Totally worth a try. The ingredients aren't that pricey if you think of how far they go- the EOs are the priciest part, but they last a long time and have many applications... and honestly you could probably skip them if you wanted to, but they make the process rather nice. Keep your other oils in the fridge unless you're using one with a long shelf life- that way they'll stay good longer.<br />
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Would love to hear your guys's recipes and results- I'm a sucker for DIY skincare/beauty stuff!<br />
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Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-79911073006696596892014-03-25T10:05:00.002-07:002014-03-25T10:18:08.642-07:00OOTD: March 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rk8EPecH07jtLtOP9hnPA9tWRR0qn9P5rFZt5NSj1VZj6dRWY51nmm7PxUb8T0Q2xlDBiG7MBdMtvbzSwYyrRUU5gbAcRgNouWjMoIy_qhu6hLhz__PkaoCQWvKRMghizfO8h6yWyEQm/s1600/gothcasual1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bombasine.com- Shirt: James Perse / Tee: Mossimo / Jeans: Grane / Shoes: Aldo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rk8EPecH07jtLtOP9hnPA9tWRR0qn9P5rFZt5NSj1VZj6dRWY51nmm7PxUb8T0Q2xlDBiG7MBdMtvbzSwYyrRUU5gbAcRgNouWjMoIy_qhu6hLhz__PkaoCQWvKRMghizfO8h6yWyEQm/s1600/gothcasual1.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Shirt: <a href="http://www.jamesperse.com/women/landingPage.do?categoryId=cat20004">James Perse</a></div>
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Tee: <a href="http://www.target.com/sb/women/mossimo/mossimo-black/mossimo-supply-co/mossimo-supply-co-petites/-/N-5xtd3Z5x4ebZ5xx5gZ5xvm1Z5rs1q#?lnk=lnav_more to explore_4&intc=805575|null">Mossimo</a></div>
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Jeans: Grane</div>
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Shoes: <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/us">Aldo</a></div>
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(None of those are direct links since I think all of these things are from at least one season ago. Sorry. Slow fashion! Woooo! (I don't think that's what slow fashion means.))</div>
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Good 'n Casual.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXueF75wiBffA8gMbLK6ZUw4xhkjVOKZABAV0tDpw2RNWKEA0zK66rpXu33w3LkOj-VawYFlOyaRYTeWl1uTOu-Eat5wPDnSW_dQ5tu3qVENceW5Y4A5vmJPclo2jEgOLZYUdmELudA9KN/s1600/gothcasual2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bombasine.com- Shirt: James Perse / Tee: Mossimo / Jeans: Grane / Shoes: Aldo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXueF75wiBffA8gMbLK6ZUw4xhkjVOKZABAV0tDpw2RNWKEA0zK66rpXu33w3LkOj-VawYFlOyaRYTeWl1uTOu-Eat5wPDnSW_dQ5tu3qVENceW5Y4A5vmJPclo2jEgOLZYUdmELudA9KN/s1600/gothcasual2.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714804979834656722.post-54498914481365630342014-03-22T11:37:00.001-07:002014-03-22T11:40:13.862-07:00Mountains and CrystalsThe last few months I've been dabbling with watercolors and gouache... finally got my scanner set up (though admittedly, these scans still aren't very good.)<br />
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<a bombasine.com="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alex_tinsley/13333769203/" watercolor-=""><img alt="watercolor- Bombasine.com" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/13333769203_21ea2252cf_z.jpg" title="" width="453" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alex_tinsley/13333627185/" title="watercolor- Bombasine.com"><img alt="watercolor- Bombasine.com" height="453" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/13333627185_98fe69ac34_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been about 7 or 8 years since I dropped out of art school and switched to psychology. It feels good to play with color again. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alex_tinsley/13333810483/" title="watercolor crystal- Bombasine.com"><img alt="watercolor crystal- Bombasine.com" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/13333810483_4151446e03_z.jpg" title="" width="453" /></a></div>
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Super into crystals and such lately. Not the healing-energy-spiritual-whatever side of crystals, though that's all well and good. I just like geology and think they're damn pretty. And fun to paint. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alex_tinsley/13333820183/" title="watercolor crystal- Bombasine.com"><img alt="watercolor crystals- Bombasine.com" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/13333820183_06794d7724_z.jpg" title="" width="558" /></a></div>
Experimenting with linework over watercolor... I have some mountains done the same way but they won't fit in the scanner and piecing wasn't working out so well. I'll have to photograph them sometime.<br />
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Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10086293333256908911noreply@blogger.com2