a handful of inspirations

Japanese Tomatoes + Abstinence

2012-04-12T21:58:00.002-07:00

My computer's memory banks are over flowing with pictures of inspirational Japanese street fashion and runway stylings. I decided to come out of hiding and do a quick GTL.

(Japanesestreets//Japanesestreets)

The little lady on the left feels like A Clockwork Orange meets Lisa Turtle with a twist of demure.

The look on the right blew my mind when I saw it, please let's just focus south of her ankles for a sec. DELICIOUS MIXING! Not quite sure what that shag rug-esque bib/apron is, but I do like it. To top it off she has a hair 'do reminiscent of Dr. Seuss. Five stars. These two 'fits drastically differ, yes, but I decided to pair them together because of the use of not-yet-ripe tomato red. Now let's get the look.

Clockwise from the top right corner:

Watermelon Boyfriend Blazer by Topshop $130

Quilted Purse by Chanel

Olive Harem Pants by Ralph Lauren $110

Bowler Hat by Goorin for Urban Outfitters $30

Floral Bustier by Versace for H&M

T-Strap Mary Jane Platforms found at Lulu's $67

Red Brick Eyeshadow by M.A.C. Cosmetics $15

Comrade Loves of the Samurai by Ihara Saikaku $15

(I wish I could remember the source)

DISCO BABUSHKA

2012-01-09T16:25:00.001-08:00

Lord Have Mercier!

2012-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Oh I just remembered I wanted to express my new found love. I've been an Aveda girl for about three or four years now. Aveda hair, skin-- everything. But when I moved to Las Vegas and searched for an Aveda (found one at Fashion Show Mall) I was really disenchanted. The week I moved I ran out of everything in my cosmetics purse (and tell me why everything ALWAYS has to run out at the same time?? And usually when the bank account is LOW?!) and I mean every essential part of the mask that I wear on my face, foundation, mascara, blush, brow pencil...etc. As I stood there picking out my things the girls there were snubbing me in a way that I'd never felt outside of once when I wore my yoga clothes to Bloomingdales. They were rude and refused to be of any real help as I needed to be color-matched for my foundation. I left without buying a single item and swore I would not support Aveda going foward (amazing what a couple disillusioning moments will do to your will to spend your money). Afterwards I bought some generic stuff that worked alright but wasn't too kind to my skin. Last week I hauled my ass to Sephora, something I do about once a year, and a very awesome and sweet associate helped me for about thirty minutes. Of course, at the end of it all I felt like "that" needy customer we all love to avoid during a rush. Anyway, I got turned on to Laura Mercier's line and immediately fell in love. I've been using it for several days now and my skin has cleared up, my face doesn't feel like you could fry a fish on it anymore and best of all it's really light and feels like I don't have any makeup on at all. I AM IN LOVE.

I whole-heartedly recommend oil-free primer and tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier. And the concealer or what they call 'Secret Camouflage' has done wonders for my undesirable dark circles! Flawless.

Okay, enough about make up.

Huaraches + Calcetines

2012-01-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Commited a fashion faux pas today and wore socks with my sandals. And I'm starting to realize why so many (unfashionable) men do this. It's freaking comfortable as hell. Okay, that is all.

2011-12-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

These amphibian studs are my new go-to. Now that I cut my again to a pixie style, I find that heavier earrings are stunning but only when I feel especially fancy and confident. Never before have I embraced the stud earring, but things have changed and I am loving it. And aren't these just darling?! After digging through a lot of (sorry) junk with my pal Cass at Forever 21, we scored these for a buck-ninety each!

Do it, do the hustle.

2011-12-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

Alright. In the spirit of bringing in the new year, I want to construct a customary list of some of the things I want to achieve in 2012. Goals, resolutions, DIYs...you get the gist. And I think if I post it here, I'm going to have to follow through (for the two people who read my blog). Here goes... in no particular order.

1. Ressurrect my Etsy, FINALLY

2. Roadtrip to New Mexico

3. Dust off my pliers and make some banging jewelry

4. Read three books a month

5. Make a book strap

6. Dip my toes in the pond of photography for play

7. Take better care of my blog

8. Learn to play the uke

9. Construct a book lamp

10. Write more letters to my loved ones

11. Make this amazing chucky rug

12. Cut myself some slack.

Mmmk, that's all folks.

OMG

2011-08-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have been on Ruffledblog.com for about three or four hours. Oh I wish I wish I was an event designer. Here are some of the incredibly inspiring fifty or so pictures I have right-clicked and saved. All images are from Ruffled.

Prepare to drool.

Style Crush #5: Letty

2011-05-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is VERY very (very) embarrassing, but I recently rewatched Fast and the Furious (yes, the one with Vin Diesel). Everything about this movie is pure cheese. Not the good tasting cheese either. Processed cheese more like. But anyway I was admiring Michelle Rodriguez's character's look, not the particular outfits (as the outfits themselves are too bad-90's) but the concept. I wanted to make a GTL but with a modern twist-- please don't judge me too harshly. I know this movie sUx0Rz!1

1. Nude Tie Crop Top from Top Shop $100 2. One Hundred and Thirty Piece Tool Kit by Apollo Precision Tools $60 3. Lace detail Tank Top from H&M $5.95 4. Laser Cut Suede Shorts from Top Shop $165 5. Dr. Marten's Leather Lace-Up Boots $160 6. Aviator Sunglasses from Ray Ban $70 7. Leather Wrap Bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs $100 8. Dog Tag Necklace from Diesel $80 9. Detailed Black Leather Belt from Christian Dior (homme) $500 10. Skinny Black Leather Pants from Zadig & Voltaire $770

Because It's Where You Catch Your Z's

2011-04-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of pimping my bedroom, so I've been collecting many, many inspirational pictures some of which I am posting here. Bedrooms are so important. It's where you sleep, get ready for the day, relax, make love, etc. So essentially it needs to be a room you love to be in. This is my project. I am going to make my bedroom somewhere I love to be. As of right now, the walls are plain white, we have ugly brown renter's carpet in there too. I would like to post photographs of the progress of the makeover, but for now, inspiration:

Photographs are from ApartmentTherapy, Anthropologie and various interior decorating website that I can't remember because I saved most of these a while ago.

Vintage Reads

2011-04-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to say that I've added an extension to the ol' Etsy! So far just the one book, but many more goodies for your bookshelves, linen closets and the rest of your home. Huzzah!

Visit Pearly Smith Vintage Here

Style Crush #4: Mallory Knox

2011-03-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

I recently saw the film Natural Born Killers on a whim because my boyfriend bought it on video at a thrift store. The movie itself is a satirical dark comedy that follows two fictional mass murderers across the united states and the frenzy that ensues. If you haven't seen it, go do yourself a favor. Do note that the movie has strong tones and imagery while making a statement on today's society.

....but I digress; the outfits, Juliette Lewis' character, Mallory Knox wears throughout most of the first half of the movie are cute and totally relevant to today's trending styles. I hope I'm not the only one who thinks this. I love that indigenous, Americana circa 1960's look Juliette Lewis pulls off effortlessly. Although, since this was made in 1994, her hair (when she's not wearing her wig) is shutter-worthy.

Get the look:

1. Tribal Earrings from Forever 21 $6 2. Bugs Paisley Bandana from Eastern Mountain Sports $12 3. Red Peg Leg Trousers from Topshop $58 4. Leather Belt from H&M $10 5. Tibetan Snake Silver Ring from Hinky Import $25 6. Roderick Tenorio Silver Ring $57 7.Billy Buck Jacket from Crows Nest Trading Co. $420 8. Crochet String Bikini Top by Rampage $40 9. Lipstick by M.A.C. in Lady Bug $15

New Additions

2011-03-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

So I just got finished listing a few items onto the shop- thanks to Cogey these photos look very nice and clean. Check out the old Etsy and brace yourself for many dreamy items to come.

American Goldfinch Dress $32

Hungry Hungry Hippos Apron Wrap Skirt $18

Russian Roulette Red Dress $46

Champagne & Strawberries Tunic $48

Because It's Where You Do Your Numbers

2011-03-15T23:56:00.001-07:00

Pictures are from Marthastewart.com and Apartmenttherapy.com

New To Me

2011-03-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Style Crush #3: K-K-K-K-Katie!

2011-03-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I finally watched The Way We Were and I am proud to say I now have two very serious crushes.

1. On the beautiful Robert Redford

2. Katie's style (Streisand's passionate character) & her hair

Inspired?

1. Blousy Tie Button-Up from Anthropologie $88 2.Conair Instant Heat Curler Set $25 3. Rose 70's Wide Leg Trousers from Topshop $68 4. The Communist Manifesto By Karl Marx $8 5. Wilson BLX Six-One 95 18x20 Tennis Racquet $200 6. Black Hat $6

Hello.

2010-12-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

It's been about two months since my last post. Laggg.

Etsy news:

1. Pearly Smith Vintage is having a One Week Only Sale with everything at 25% off.

2. New additions coming very soon (stuff for your home and stuff for your boyfriend/brother)

Also, I finally posted some brand new listings!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PearlySmithVintage

Regal

2010-10-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Theda Bara is the ultimate silent screen siren. She inspires me to bust out my head ornaments.

Crisp

2010-09-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

Just tried this recipe tonight and fell in love so I thought I'd share.*

Celery and Grapefruit Salad with Parmesan
serves two

6 stalks celery, chilled
1 grapefruit, chilled
Pinch sugar
Extra-virgin olive oil, of finishing quality
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese

Slice the celery thinly at an angle using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Cut the ends of the grapefruit then stand it on one flat end to carefully slice away the peel. Cut into slices or segments, (See pictorial instructions here for peeling and segmenting the grapefruit.) Toss the sliced grapefruit and celery thoroughly in a bowl. Season with a pinch of sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Shave a little bit of Parmesan with a vegetable peeler or with the mandoline. Toss with the salad.

Heap the salad on two plates, and garnish with a few more substantial shavings of Parmesan. Eat immediately, or chill until serving.

*Picture was not taken by yours truly. I took it from thekitchn.com!

Style Boner

2010-09-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

I have one for Ali Macgraw right now. She's so tickling my senses. I wish I was near my closet right now. I'm away for work with about 7-8 pieces of clothing to last me two weeks. Wish I brought my camera, I'm just beginning to look silly after all these combinations. Two more days to go, then it's S'LONG BUENAVENTURA. Or whatever...

Ok, get inspired. Go, go.

Genius Color

2010-09-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1. Old Indian man

2. Cogey

3. Curried pumps by Anthro

4. Death Valley

5. Red kitchen via Apartmenttherapy.com

While I'm at it

2010-09-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Look at how pukey these are. I can't believe my eyes.

Weaksauce

2010-09-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

The following is a list of a few things I want out of my sight. I am over it.

1. Shoulder embellishments (i.e. sequins, studs, lace)/over exaggerated shoulders/ puffed or ruched sleeves

2. The Kardashians and the keeping up with them. C'mon! I don't even have cable and I can list their names just from hearing about them every-freaking-where.

3. Ugg boots in California. Make that Ugg boots in general. (And I just saw a Jimmy Choo-Ugg collaboration boot and it was horrifying)

P.S. THE CHOOG! Google it.

ALREADY?

2010-09-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

What the hell, how is it already September? It's truly amazing to think back on the days before puberty and how slow time seemed to waddle on. September would hit, school would be back in session and man, December seemed a hundred miles away. This year has gone by quicker for me than ever before and it's a little frightening to fathom how fast time will seem to pass when I become a real grown-up.

On a lighter note, I've been brainstorming Halloween ideas and I can't come up with any costume idea worthy or at least anything that will outdo my costume last year. My guy and I dressed up as Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo. We looked good if I do say so myself.

My New Shoes

2010-08-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Special urban.

Summer Cleaning

2010-08-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PearlySmithVintage