American Gothic

I shot these on a sunny Sunday in the early stages of spring; the day was freakishly warm for the time of year and the fields blazed with flowers. The photographs above were taken by the side of the road, a frequent stopping area as I find myself pulling over my car quite often. The urge to photograph is a strong one. The photos below were taken on my tripod in my backyard. The fig tree was still bare, and the ground was barely green. I found this dress at a thrift store; it's one of those sharp-shoulder padded silhouettes, with the high neck and the long hemline. I took out the shoulder pads, as I feel like they are too much, but the general outline remains. 

I was at first timid to wear this dress out when I bought it a year or so ago. I usually wear my outfits to school, and at the time, I felt like it was a little too much. Now I just laughed at the notion; the dress seemed very toned down and almost normal, compared to some of the stuff I have worn/wear now. :) 

It's funny and emboldening to see how my style has changed and evolved in a continuing narrative that often correlates with my state of mind. Although I've always been self-assured and independent,  I am stronger and more confident in myself than I have ever been. I am beautiful and love wearing beautiful things, and I love creating visual stories with what I decide to wear. This look reminded me of the famous painting American Gothic, by Grant Wood. It wasn't a exact matching outfit or anything, but rather the expression and almost severe plainness of the dress that evoked the feeling of the painting in my mind. Probably in my expressions too, haha, I just love a stern face.

Dress - thrifted, belt - thrifted, shoes - thrifted, tights - who knows? Not me ;)

 

Love this shell clasp belt. Another thrift store find. <3

This post's reference: 

And makeup!

<3 The Magpie

Last Day Of School

The final day of last semester, I was tired and worn from staying up late multiple nights to study for finals. My face felt dry and crinkly, and the skin under my eyes folded into papery wrinkles. I threw an outfit together, one of comfort and ease. I find that I tend to not want to dress up when I'm tired. In a stab of defiance at my tiredness and of the lackluster world in general, I put on some bright lipstick in order to prove that I existed. Lipstick tends to be fussy and needs upkeep, something that is both annoying and endearing. Even if I have to check a mirror every few hours, at least it means I'm maintaining my look, no?

For all of that, I found that I quite liked how the outfit turned out and the lipstick definitely made the day better. I like how these photos captured me - tired, but loving the moment.

I find that red accessories make strong color points, and I especially love red with a deep navy blue. That blue wool sweater I found at a thrift store for probably $3, and I have been wearing it to the point where it is no longer part of my wardrobe, but rather a cool-weather necessity. It is so easy to grab and put on.

The hat makes another appearance. 

Is the tunic a dress, or is it a dress-like tunic? I thought it was a dress when I bought it, but with its extreme danger level of rising, especially in a breeze, I'm not sure I'd have the guts (or absolute cheeky shamelessness) to wear it bare-legged. Regardless, it worked perfectly with my skinny jeans and boots, and the plaid went so well with navy and red.

 

Sweater - thrifted, tunic - thrifted, scarf - no idea!, hat and jeans - Target, 

Boots and earrings - Modcloth

<3 The Magpie

Black Widows In Tunnel

I have a natural enthusiasm it seems, of living that forceful vividness that overwhelms one so strongly. Life is beautiful, and I am swept up in awe and an uncontainable joyfulness that one's heart can fairly burst. Life is not without its bitter sorrow, and sometimes the nights are dark and long indeed, but for now, I'm soaking up the light and am full of happiness.



I love vintage dresses that have a certain fit, and this one is almost baby-doll, with a little gold-leaf print and a black lace trim. I took out the shoulder pads as I am not a fan of the broad-shoulder look, but I love how this dress fits and it is easy to run around in while still looking cute. (Which is always a plus, in my book!)

I also love these shoes.

I found the dress at a thriftstore (surprise, surprise) while the shoes were on discount from DSW. I love the multi-strap look to them - they actually have a zipper in the back though, so they are extremely easy to put on!

Can you see my feather hairclip? It's gorgeous.

Leaves are delicious?

Dress - thrifted, shoes - DSW, earrings - gift, hairclip - I forgot!