First Round of Interviews

Wolf Sweatshirt, Threadless.com//Floral Pencil Skirt, Spanish H&M//Boots, Ebay//
Striped Oxford, Wolfe Street//Earrings, Target

 Oh man, this humidity is doing strange things to my shaggy head!

Then again, I may be due for a haircut.

MOMMA! Haircut, please. (You see, she reads this religiously.)

But then again, the fanciful razoring of my hair in the shower probably didn't help.

MOMMA! Fix it, please. (Are you reading this?)

Let's see if this web-based plea actually works. These frizzies are really bugging me.

That previous ramble has nothing to do with the title of this post.

As a member of my honors program's Student Committee, I'm involved in the interviewing process.

I kind of get to help decide who gets accepted in the Fall! Somewhat daunting, but always fun.

It's especially rewarding when I spot someone I interviewed get in the program.

Interviews are also a great excuse to look spiffy. This is me being spiffy?

Ugh, I really do need a haircut.

Until next time, ♥.

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Deutschland Treasure

 It's weird to look back on Saturday's Spring-like t-shirt weather, only to be smacked in the face with the biting cold. Mom recently gave my shaggy hair a trim, so now it requires a cozy hat more than ever.

It's freeeeezing out there! Sweater tights and layers help combat the chill, sort of. 

 I was hoping my red nose would show up in the photos, 

but I guess I had warmed up by the time I set up my tripod to shoot the day's outfit.

I really hate being all snotty-nosed in class. Fortunately, I am not alone.

Pleather Jacket, Sports Academy//80s top, Gift//Tights & Socks, TJ Maxx//Boots, Ebay//
Hemmed Skirt, Goodwill //Leopard Print Cardi, Ebay//Beanie, Savers//Gold Tassel Earrings, Spain//Skeleton Key Necklace, DIY

 My skirt's all wrinkly. That's what happens when you sit in class all day!

Isn't this a fun geometric top? It's wonderfully 80s and was a gift from my friend Memory.

She recently got back from studying abroad for a semester in Austria 

and picked this up for me in a vintage haunt during a rendezvous in Germany. 

I love receiving thoughtful gifts almost as much as I love giving them!

Until next time, ♥.

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Where'd the Time Go?

I can't believe it's already October. Fortunately, the weather here is surprisingly nice, though a bit chilly. I wore this number to class last Wednesday. Whoa, Wednesday? Yes, I have totally neglected this poor blog.

In my defense, it's that time in the semester; extra readings, midterms, papers...severe procrastination!

I also have a bad habit of stretching myself too thin with commitments and obligations (and funnn).

I just don't feel right with idle time on my hands. My philosophy? If I'm not busy, I'm not doing enough.

I'll be sharing what kept me so occupied over the course of this week. 

Starr invited me to an estate sale on Friday, so I need to photograph my spoils! 

I haven't been to an estate sale in ages...I was under the impression that they were super expensive. 

I was proven wrong, but still managed to spend a good chunk of change.

I did some volunteer work (of the fun variety) and shopped for a pet rock. 

(That will make more sense later, I promise!)

Oi! I also went to the symphony and a play. 

So basically, I'm feeling very cultured. 

('Tis a shame that I'm required to write papers on each event. Boo!) 

Somehow I managed to get everything done.

->Canary Yellow Cardigan, Thrifted

->Creme Oversized Pleated Blouse, El Rastro Fleamarket in Madrid

->High-waisted Daisy Dukes, Thrifted/DIY

->Articulated Fish Pendant Necklace, Thrifted

->Cognac Leather Oxfords, Thrifted

Until next time, ♥

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Splish-Splash, I Was Taking A (Sun)Bath

This post will be short but sweet, because I have a serious case of the nods right now. It's becoming difficult to keep my head up! I'm sleepy. Why so sleepy? Well, instead of my usual siesta activity of a 2-hour long siesta, I went with my friends (pictured above) to the pool. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I did not go in. I mean, someone needed to stay behind to watch the valuables. However, I also had ulterior motives. I hoped to eliminate my wonky tans I gained from walking around in the blazing sun. Aside from sunbathing, I made more progress in my book and iPod. Oh, if only I could've slept!

For Your Viewing Pleasure: Sunbathed Attire

->Swimsuit, Half of Half

->Boyfriend cut shorts, ZARA

->Black Gladiators, TJ Maxx

->Black Turban, Urban Hair Store

->Leopard Print Pointy Flats, H&M

->Shorts, ZARA

->Black dress worn as a tank, H&M

->Silk Scarf, Thrifted

After my "swim," I showered, changed, and met up with my pals at the Plaza Mayor where I can get free Wi-Fi. Hooray! I like my friends.

Stay tuned, it's bedtime!!!

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El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is a major chain store here in Spain. The one here in Salamanca is a whopping six floors of retail consumption!  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I went exploring with some friends yesterday. I imagined something like Dillards or Walmart, but no...this place is like a hybrid of anything imaginable, including the dinky souvenir shops that line the Plaza Mayor. 

The best part? It's air-conditioned!

I remember reaching what must have been the third or fourth floor and practically yelling out, "SHOE HEAVEN!" This floor had all manner of shoes, all labels, all models, all anyone could ever imagine...except for the price. I guess it was good that these were out of my price-range. I would've splurged like nobody's business. Plus, it's not like they had my size...fortunately.

So, this is a really awful photo. I tried to be slick and snap photos with the camera still wrapped across my body. As you can clearly see, that didn't exactly work out. Oh, but these babies were beautiful! They were the perfect shade of tan, made of the softest buttery leather, and the soles were cushioned. They felt as though they had already been broken in. I was nearly salivating. However, I wasn't exactly convinced on spending the 35 euros they were priced at, and...I guess it helped that they didn't have my size. I WANT THEM SO BAD! Seriously. I walked away from them, only to come right back and inspect them. I'm sure I can find a decent knock-off pair around here somewhere! I am determined. Haha, I wrote too much about a single pair of sandals. What can I say? I appreciate a good pair of shoes!

Of course, I did not leave empty-handed. I found this cute lil' number on the rack for a mere 8 euros. Haha, I look really stupid...but, this is about the dress...not about my personal appearance. Bah, I need to figure out what I can leave behind to make room for all of my new goodies. 

I can already imagine the difficulties ahead.

My shopping buddies, from left to right. Sophia, Porntip, and Christian. I think here we were discussing these gaudy over-priced flip-flops and how ridiculous they were. There was a swanky floor featuring the likes of Sephora and Burberry and another with books and CDs. I'm seriously considering the purchase of a Spanish cookbook. The food here is just so yummy! Speaking of food, on the bottom floor, there is a full-blown grocery store. The grocery stores are so different from those in the states. 

There's just something about them.

For Your Viewing Pleasure: First Day of Cooler Temperatures

The heatwave has finally passed, so now I can finally break out some trousers! The temperature differences from morning-afternoon-night are amazing. It's really chilly in the mornings, which calls for a sweater, then it heats up around 4 (SIESTA TIME!), and cools down by the time the sun goes down. I have class during the day from 9am-1:10pm. Here I am toting my books for class.

Haha! I had to post this particular photo, even though I look a bit stupid...but, that's exactly how I feel when I flip up the shades to reveal the spectacles underneath. I'm just a blubbering, bespectacled fool! 

->White Deep-U Tshirt, Burlington Coat Factory

->Striped Cardigan, Thrifted

->Khaki High-waisted Trousers, Thrifted

->Caramel Oxfords, Thrifted

->Silly Sunnies, Ale-Hop

-Blue Headscarf, Thrifted

I've made it half-way through my stay here in Spain. I've got about two weeks left. I'm having a great time here, but part of me also longs to be back home with my loved ones. Alas! I must make the most of it. Hello! I'm in freaking Spain. I still can't believe it. Until next time! ♥

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Spain vs Germany

The highlight of today was the soccer game and the resulting triumph for Spain. The people here really know how to party. I would've stayed out again, but I have homework and I'm sleepy. So sleepy in fact, that I was definitely nodding off during the game, even though they had the volume turned up insanely high. I blame it on having to skip out on my daily siesta today in order to purchase my train ticket back to Madrid. The good news? I'm here, in Spain, during the World Cup! Sunday will be a day to remember, now let's see if I can just remember to wear my jersey. 

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, right after Spain beat Germany 1-0.

Friends. I'll claim them as such. 

For Your Viewing Pleasure: General Electric Slide

I ran back home so that I could shower and do homework (instead of party it up! LAME), but first I took a few outfit photos, dancing to the chaos coming from outside. 

-> General Electric T-shirt, Threadless

->Polka-Dotted Skirt, Zara

->Golden Denim Slip-Ons, Keds

Time for bed. Stay tuned!

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My Second July 4th Spent Abroad

With Porntip at the Plaza Mayor, Salamanca...Eating Calippos, sabor a fresa.

The first time I was ever out of the country during the Fourth of July happened back in 2005 when I vacationed in Chile. Once again, I am abroad but under very different circumstances. I mean, it's kind of a vacation, but I'm really here for school. Speaking of, I have entrance exams tomorrow...at 9am!!! It is currently midnight. OH! I have internet, sort of. I have a signal now from some unsecured network. Works for me!

I left Madrid this morning and went by means of locomotive to Salamanca. I'm in my personal room as we speak. I arrived around 4pm. My French roomies just arrived around 10pm. They're French. They're gorgeous. I'm gonna have to step my game up. Eh, luckily I enjoy a challenge. What I lack in conventional beauty I can make up with charm and wit and clothes! Here's what I wore today. This may just be the worst outfit photo yet! I took it using the dinky table-top tripod, poor lighting, and self-timer. I'll work on it.

For Your Viewing Pleasure: How One Arrives To The Alojamiento

->Mauve Babydoll Dress, H&M

->Kids Denim Jacket, Thrifted

->Gold Metallic Denim Keds, Ebay

->Straw Fedora, Marshalls

->The Nuddy Pants Pendant, DIY

Erm, so I should embrace the fact that I'm a tourist/student and just have a nice enough looking stranger take my photos from now on...This just ain't cuttin' it but now it's time to cram/sleep. Placement tests are tomorrow morning and it'd be embarrassing if I placed lower than I should..

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First Day In Madrid Without A Wink Of Sleep

If you read my last post, you know that I went to sleep real late the night before my flight. Well, turns out I didn't sleep at all during the 8-hour flight from Atlanta to Madrid. Fortunately, the back of each seat came equipped with a touch-screen made of magical intrigue and wonder. It's an insomniac's dream come true...wait! that can't be. Anyways, I stayed wide-awake watching dubbed Spanish films and funny sitcoms, playing games, and listening to tons of good music (Broken Bells, She & Him, 

Vampire Weekend, etc). I had plenty to keep me occupied. 

The Culprit!

After seemingly time-traveling through a 7-hour time difference, we arrived. 

This is where I'll be sleeping while I'm in Madrid.

I freshened up, swapped into more appropriate clothes, and prepped to hit the town. However, I was not prepared for what all my professor had in mind. My legs are so sore. I'm also pretty sure that I have severe jet-lag. Oh well, I'm about to hit the sack here in a second, but first! More photos!!!

Advertisements for a photo exhibit that I saw frequently along my travels today.

 Makes me want to see it really stinkin' bad. The pictures are all pretty bad-ass.

The whole thing reads Mercado de la Reina or Market of the Queen. 

It's chopped off image makes for an interesting photo.

For Your Viewing Pleasure: What a Zombie Wears in Madrid

I was so dead, zombie-like. Here I am at the Plaza Mayor. I asked a friend to take the shot. I felt too embarrassed to ask for several so that I could choose a decent one...so here you go!

->Straw Fedora, Marshalls

->90s Cotton Floral Dress, Thrifted

->Tan Cardi, Charlotte Russe

->Black Gladiators, TJ Maxx

->Toffee Messenger Bag, Thrifted

I took several more photos today. 

Like, loads: stuff that inspires, stuff that repels, stuff that makes you think.

Like, sneaky creeper-esque streetstyle shots...architecture...legitimately creepy costumed street performers... the European store fronts that I've always dreamed about...public demonstrations...but! those will be saved for a later date because I have a feeling that each will require its own post 

and that related photos will be taken in the next couple of days.

Stay posted! With a teaser like that, who wouldn't?! 

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River Market Memory(s)

It seems like a million years ago since these were taken...though, they're just over a week old.

 I met up with my pal Memory at the River Market downtown for an exchange of goods and some picture playtime.

She purchased this feather headband from me. You see, I've had better luck selling to the locals through my Facebook. I would've updated the Etsy shop, but meeting up with people I know seemed much more appealing and less troublesome this time around. There's nothing like meeting up with friends for food and conversation (and money!) I've made about $100 selling my goods (even doing transactions while I was on the clock at Half of Half!). 

Oh well, mo' monies for Spain!

This is what I wore. 

It's much too hot for jeans, but I had to swap out when I went to work later that day. 

->Nude Cardi, Clearance - Charlotte Russe

-> Striped Cami, $1 - Thrifted

-> High-waisted Denim Shorts, $3 - Thrifted

->Fat Man Face Pendant, DIY - Upcycled Eyeglass Lens

->Brown Oxfords, $4 - Thrifted

->Leopard Print Scarf worn as Turban Wrap, Thrifted

This is Memory. Ain't she purdy?

We spotted these kiddos splashing around in the spraying fountains near the playground. 

It's a great way to keep cool and immediately we decided to join in on the fun!

I kept squealing from the sudden bursts of water splashing around me. 

Memory did a really good job of capturing the moment because every photo she took of me had me flailing about like a dork. 

Seriously though, I look like a total pansy...but it was so worth it!

Of course, Memory needed a good splash as well. Getting soaked is the ideal way to keep cool in the hot Southern sunshine. 

I mean, the lil' kiddos definitely know what's up!

We had also ventured around the shops in downtown, looking for knickknacks and doodads. 

I picked up a book featuring the Pictorial History of Little Rock for my Spanish host family

 as well as two Natural State pins for my host-brother and host-sister. 

I think pins are neat, let's just hope they think likewise!

Memory picked up this Arkansas Razorback snout for her host family in Austria. 

It's very becoming!

WOOOOOO-PIG-SOOOOOIEEE!

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The Thought Alone Makes Me Itchy

Just before moving back in with Momz and Popz, I consolidated my overgrown magazine collection by ripping out pages. These pages were meant for my sketchbook/inspiration book and images for my upcycled eyeglass lens pendants. One image in particular I saved for my friend Tatiana, the one with the elephant farm from a few posts back. 

I forget exactly where I found this image, but I think it's so great. From afar, you can't really tell what's going on...and when you do, you can't help but laugh. Sorry if this offends anyone, but really..."You and me baby ain't nothin' but mammals." 

I'll be making more of these babies to put in the shop. I want to make them more functional, so I'm thinking about attaching findings so that these pendants can also be worn as hair clips and pins.

This is a pin that I found this weekend when I was hunting for more vintage findings. I'll also be handing it off to Tatiana. I hope she likes it!

Now I'm off to meet up with some of my fellow Donaghey Scholars for dinner at Masala's. It's bound to be tons of fun. I'll have Cammy Jr. on hand to document!

For Your Viewing Pleasure: What I'm Wearing to Dinn-Dinn

New spot, but I was just told that there may be poison ivy back there. Gah, I sure hope not! The thought alone makes me cringe...and itch.

At least it looks pretty?

->Wolf T-shirt, $10- Threadless.com

->Braided Leather Belt- Catholic High Junktique Sale

->Red Abstract Print Skirt, $3.00 - Savers

->Straw Fedora, $9 - Marshalls

->Brown Oxfords,$4- Goodwill

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Summer Rip-Off

Making Bubbles at the Donaghey Scholars Picnic Photo Cred: ShuBacca

It's been a whole week since I've moved back in with Moms and Pops for the summer. It's odd not going back to my apartment every night, but it's nice being "home." I say "home" because it's not the same as it once was. I guess that's what happens when you leave the nest. I'm having a hard time adjusting. Luckily, this is only temporary because I made the decision that the presumed rent will be better spent in España. It's such a great motivator; I never want to be in the position of moving back in because of difficulties making ends meet. I refuse.

Haha, Dirty Hippie Photo Cred: Chris H.

So, what have I been doing with my time? I anticipated a quick return to retail at Half-of-Half, but so far that has not been the case. It's funny to think that last summer I was working two jobs. It's not that I need the money, I need the distraction, something to do with myself, people to be around before I go mad. Instead, I find myself sleeping in until noon, latest 2pm, and killing time until 10pm, when all the fun usually starts up. It's become a vicious cycle, one I hope to escape, starting Monday. 

Kissies for only $1! Photo Cred: Chris H.

I can't really complain though. It's nice to be available to do stuff, having two jobs usually got in the way of activities that started before 10pm. So far, I've gone to an outdoor-hippie-let's-paint-our-bodies-and-blow-bubbles kind of shindig, Donaghey Scholars picnic, the Chile Benefit where I volunteered (whored?) myself out for a kissing booth--it was for a good cause!, the typical slue of shows, spontaneous game nights, and the Argenta Art Walk. 

Yeah, I really can't complain...unless I run out of funds!!!

Game Night! Photo Cred: Tatiana

Speaking of dwindling funds, I really ought to stay away from any kind of thrift/vintage/ retail store. I've scored some awesome finds on the cheap, but man! that stuff sure does add up! I go in looking for one specific item and find it, along with a ton of other awesome stuff that's been on my mental wish-list of goods. I've started a second major closet purge in hopes of having a yard sale. I also have hopes of making/selling crafts on etsy. Oh, and taking my nicer, newer pieces to consignment. 

(I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler, baby)
Ah, so many ideas, so much to do to have them realized. 

Starting Monday.


pssst!
Tomorrow I get to model for the lovely Starr Crow of A Thought is the Blossom!!! 
We'll see how that goes.

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