The Girl in the Paper Dress

Everyone Feels that Way Sometimes...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:21:00 +0000

I feel like I've copped out.

I've tried so very hard to keep my blog afloat, but I don't know if it's the right fit for me anymore. When I started my blog last spring, I was a completely different person. I was still in high school, still aspiring to be a doctor, and had a lot of spare time on my hands. I was able to put all of my effort and heart into establishing my blog and promoting it as well as finding subjects to actually write about. Now a days I'm working 7 hour days at work and I find I'm working on other pursuits during my free time. While at college I learned that I was actually a pretty good poet and joined a band thus those being my main pursuits now a days. I also want to work on my art and photography which I've been neglecting as of late.

I don't know anymore. I've been so confused. I love fashion but I no longer feel like I can maintain a fashion blog. However, I still love blogging. So I'm still going to use my Tumblr to post things I like, and original poetry, art, music and photography. Here's the link.

I don't know if this will be my last post, I hope not.

Times I wish I were so small,

Invisible to the naked eye

Or maybe I should be so large,

So I could blend in with the sky.

To know it all would be too much,

But to know nothing would be a bore.

I catch myself acting one way,

But tomorrow I can be someone more.

Close my eyes, Wild Beasts in dreams,

My bed clothes tearing at the seams.

Which way does the tower lean?

Towards the wood! What does that mean?

-Catherine "The Girl in the Paper Dress"

Listening to: "Everyone Feel That Way Sometimes" by Computer Magic

Your last daydream is slowly unreeling...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:25:00 +0000

My sister Anna rocking out to something...

Listening to "The Heart in Your Heartbreak" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Listening to "Lewis Takes Action" by Owen Pallet

Me!

So I'm here in Jersey after a less than scenic three hour car ride. It was eventful; I compulsively took pictures in the car, saw an 18 wheeler go up in flames, and my sister forgot to put the cap on the gas tank. But in the end we all made it back in one piece and now I'm eating an overpriced yet delicious meal.

Lobster Macaroni

Yummy Calimari

After we had some free time before meeting the guys so we walked around the Asbury Park Boardwalk. It's very strange to walk up and down the boardwalk because you can just imagine what used to be there. The abandoned Casino was once filled with people and the boardwalk was Bustling with tourists from the city. Now the boardwalk is basically empty and the building are abandoned. However there is still beauty there. I love old abandoned buildings so it was this was the perfect place for a photo shoot. Actually inside the abandoned casino there were a few really cool murals that were perfect.

Beautiful and sad quote

Anna's Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Shoes: Forever 21
Purse: H&M
Necklace: MINE!

Dress: H&M
Purse: H&M
Shoes: H&M
Thesis: I spend too much money at H&M

The funny thing is that I'm actually typing this on my iPhone so I can keep consistent with my blogging. However it is quite annoying due to the fact that blogger is super slow and non functional in mobile web. Do any of you know of any good iPhone blogging apps? But for now I'm standing outside of a jazz club with the band ignoring them and typing, my fat thumbs fumbling about. I admit this is a bit socially inept but then again, when else will I find time to do this. But I think I'm done now, and I will be adding pictures and posting this tomorrow.

Listening to: The Body by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Sheila Take A Bow, La La La, La La La La La

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Hello again. Look! I posted again. Hopefully this isn't a passing trend.

Dress: Darling @ asos.com
Shoes: Vintage Nine West
Ring: Forever 21

So today I decided to take it easy. I slept in until nine, not too shabby. Sleeping in is one of the few luxurieees I enjoy as an unemployed college student durring a summer off. Actually it's probably the only luxury I'm able to have because everything takes money now a days and I only have $32.74 in my checking and $52.40 in my savings. I have been playing alot of shows but I'm not seeing any of the money yet... so I'm broke. At least I don't have to pay rent, or for food (unless it is not provided by mi familia). Being poor isn't fun. :(

Now that I think about it the other luxury of being unemployed is having spare time and a very flexable schedule. Which is perfect for the band, expecially since my sister and I are always driving back and forth from Jersey. Blah. As much as I like the band thing, always going to a place I'm not familiar with, where I have no friends besides my bandmates, is kind of disheartening. Oh well, I guess it's part of the job.

Here's a list of shows again:

Wednesday July 6th, Langosta Lounge

Asbury Park, NJ

Thursday July 7th, Trinity and the Pope

Asbury Park, NJ

Friday July 8th, Mill Creek Tavern

Philadelphia

Saturday July 9th, Arlene's Grocery

New York City

I really appreciate you guys in the fashion blogging world. And if you can come out and see me play one of my shows. It would mean so much to me!

I guess this is too much complaining and not enough fashion. Or is it okay that this whole post isn't fashion concerned. Truthfully I'm not all fashion. It's only one facet of my life. I play music (which takes up most of my time), I make art, I read, I'm great at math. Should a personal fashion blog be just be about fashion? I don't know.

And if you read my whole post... Thanks <3

Listening to: Sheila Take A Bow by The Smiths
~~Tip: Listen to the Smiths while your upset, it really helps ~~

The Blues are Still Blue... (my first real post in a very long time)

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Look what I did... I acually posted as promised!

Right now I am sitting infront of my computer as I watch Twin Peaks on Netflix and eat an egg salad sandwich. What a wonderful way to start out the Fourth of July.

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Forever 21

Before any of this happened though I got all dolled up and took a few outfit pictures before the heat became unbearable. I had the perfect outfit for this festive day. I actually got this vintage dress freshman year of highschool, actually it was first authentic vintage dress. The greatest thing is that it still fits. And truthfully I can't think of anything else to say right now. I'll come up with something. My head is currently swimming with visions of fireworks and hot dogs and swimming, and the exciting happenings in Twin Peaks...

By the way this is actually my first time wearing these espadrilles. I got them a while ago but I never wear heels, they are just to restrictive for my everyday running around. Unfortunatley, I love buying heels so maybe I should put them into good use...

What else to talk about let's see... Well on Wednesday I'm heading to New Jersey to see a few friends, and play a few shows with my band. Fun stuff right? Actually it's a tremendous amount of fun and our band sounds fantastic. Really. If you haven't read any of my recent posts my band is called, "Underwater Country Club" and we have a fan page on the Facebook. And if you can, come to one of our shows. They are so much fun. What I'm really excited for is Saturday's show in New York City at a venue called Arlene's Grocery. The Strokes played one of their first shows there. We actually played there in the winter, but they liked us so much that we were called back for their best of night. Here's the link to the event if you want to go (It's 21+) LINK. Here's a list of our shows in the next week, see if you can come out for one of them, maybe even shoot me an e-mail for more info:

Wednesday July 6th, Langosta Lounge

Asbury Park, NJ

Thursday July 7th, Trinity and the Pope

Asbury Park, NJ

Friday July 8th, Mill Creek Tavern

Philadelphia

Saturday July 9th, Arlene's Grocery

New York City

So I guess this is goodbye. Until tomorrow...

Listening to: The Blues are Still Blue by Belle and Sebastian

You're the one for me, you make me so very happy...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:56:00 +0000

I'm back...

After an extended hiatus I have returned to the fashion blogging world. While I can't claim I'm back and better than ever, today, in the whole process of putting together and outfit, talking outfit pictures and blogging about it, I realized how much I've missed this. I haven't done an outfit post since October. OCTOBER!!! I've had a difficult time lately finding out who I am in this wildly confusing time of young adulthood. I'm no longer a child, and not quite an adult. Just in limbo somewhere in the middle. Where I am in that vast gap between the two stages is what has been confusing me so.

If you haven't read my blog in a few months let me recap for you on my college experience...

I went through three roommates, made a bunch of friends, cut my hair, lost a bunch of friends, made a few best friends, gained the freshen 15, lost the freshman fifteen, tried to fit in, realized it was alright to stand out, joined a rock band, dropped my Biology major, discovered I was a pretty good poet, acquired an appreciation for geometric abstraction, cut my hair even shorter, decided to double major in English and Math, started writing songs, and died my hair blonde....

This year I have had to make a few really hard decisions in my life. One of the biggest was to stay at my college. Truthfully I don't enjoy it much. People there just don't get me, just pass me off as weird, or even worse, think that I'm aloof. It's a very homogeneous population, everyone’s the same. If someone is a bit different everyone notices and comments. It's frustrating to not be able to feel comfortable being who you are. However I've decided to stay there for one more year because 1) I have a scholarship and 2) my sister is there. And there are nice people there; I just had to get through a few rotten people to find the sweetest.

Also this year I joined a band, Underwater Country Club where I play the cello. I wouldn't admit it to anyone (people mistake my introverted nature for boredom), but it's the most fun I've ever had. The music is great, the people are great, and the whole experience has made me a more independent person. You can buy our music on iTunes (though I'm not on that record), but our current music is a bit different now, with the addition of the violin and the cello, it's more of... how do I describe it... chamber indie rock. Think Ra Ra Riot, the Smashing Pumpkins, and a bit of Squeeze. We're doing a bunch of shows this summer so if you are in the Philly, New Jersey, NYC, or CT area, come and see one of our shows! It would be so much fun to see you guys at one of my shows. And they're usually free so that's even better. Now, not to sound like I’m promoting myself, but here's the website. And all of our other links (like twitter and Facebook) and shows dates are on there. This will be fun!

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Forever 21

Hat: Forever 21

Shoes: Steve Madden

Ring: Vintage

Listening to: Happy by Best Coast

ALSO!!! Vote for my band in this poll pretty please!

To settle our thoughts, never minding what for...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:54:00 +0000

Dress: Vintage

Belt: H&M

Tights: Lord & Taylor

Boots: Jeffery Campbell via Nordstrom.com

So, this is my first outfit post in a while. I found time because I came home this weekend from college to catch up on some work. Do you know how hard it is to concentrate in college. It's ridiculous. There are people around all of the time and all you want to do is socialize. Especially on weekends, and especially when you need to study for midterms. So around Thursday I resolved I would go back home, so I wouldn't be tempted to socialize and could actually get work done. Though this may seem like a boring weekend, there is a silver lining: I get to blog!

Back to the topic of college. At first I really enjoyed college, there were great people, it was so much fun! Now I see what a lapse in judgement that was. It's terrible. My friend and I were talking and It's like limbo/ a retirement home/ brothel. It's the weirdest experience. Time passes quickly on the week days, never allowing work to be done and takes forever on the weekends. My friend describes this weird sensation that is college as, "shitting where we're eating." I couldn't have said it better myself. We are trapped in cell block sized rooms where we do everything, have scheduled times for everything, food laced with laxatives (I'm sure of it) and scheduled activities. It is a retirement home, but full of drunk sluts and bros. Oh, college. Hopefully it will get better

There are some fun things about college, like the radio station. My friend Cristina and I have our own radio show, as I said in my last post. Our show is called, "the Freshman 15" and we play fifteen of our favorite songs (I pick half, she picks half) and in between we talk about being freshmen. We've actually had some pretty interesting topics and we have people call in and everything. The music we play is mostly indie rock/ pop. Last week I played music from: God Help the Girl, the Dum Dum Girls, Owen Pallet, the Drums, the Zombies, Local Natives and Ra Ra Riot. So it's pretty chill. Another fun thing about college is the close proximity of concerts. I already went to a Ra Ra Riot one and now Cristina, I and a few other friends are actually going to a Matt and Kim concert in a few weeks and are so excited! I'll take pictures and share them with you guys.

Listening to: Dying is Fine by Ra Ra Riot

P.S. If you want to listen to my radio show you can go to WVOF.org and click on web stream. It's on 10-12 on Tuesday nights!

The rain falls hard on this humdrum town...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Rain Coat: My mom

Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Target

Boots: TJ Maxx

Ring: Fred Flare

Yesterday was an unbelievably rainy day. It was raining really obese cats and dogs, it was cold, and there was no light to speak of, so no photo shoot that day. Instead, I decided that I would spend the whole day in my pajamas. It was a good call. I got a lot of things done. I updated my blog layout, played about thirty rounds of computer solitaire and practiced a few orchestra pices on my cello.

Inspired by yesterday's rain and Gene Kelly's birthday (you know Singing in the Rain?) I decided to do a rainy day themed outfit post today.

So that's pretty much it, no excessive writing today. Don't forget to follow me on my new twitter account, and my blog on bloglovin' or blogger. Also, sometime in the future I'm planning to do an about me post, but I want to talk about what you guys want to know, so ask me anything on my formspring.

Listening to: William, It Was Really Nothing by the Smiths

Keep moving forward...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:11:00 +0000

So, as you might have noticed (if you've been on the blog before) there have been many improvements to the blog. What readers might not know about me is that I'm a perfectionist and I need things looking good. The blog was starting to look a little messy to me so I decided to make it snazzy and new looking with a fresh color palate. I also added a new banner and buttons to organize my mess of badges.

There is another new development... as of about fifteen minutes ago I made a twitter account! I've resisted twitter for quite some time, but i decided it would be a great way to connect more with everyone and network some more.

Also, one more thing...

I was thinking about doing a post about me based on questions asked on formspring (I haven't done an about me post yet). So I'm asking you guys to ask some questions and I'll answer them. Fun, right?

Anyways, goodnight, I'm exhausted...

Well our mamas, they left us, and our daddies took a ride...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:16:00 +0000

Yesterday night, lacking anything better to do, my sister and I walked to the a for mentioned fair to take some pictures for the blog. We promised each other we wouldn't waste any money on rides, or games, just some caramel apples. Armed with our camera, we entered the hillbilly haven. We just decided to act like this was all new to us, and to enjoy ourselves. So we people watched, ate some carnival food, took way too many pictures and had a surprising amount of fun (and made fun...). So here are some of the many pictures we took (for more pictures click here).

"Its this long!"

Miniuture ponies!!!

An awkward picture in front of the swings...

Listening to: Jangilin' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Ah Home, Yes I am Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:25:00 +0000

As you know from my "about me" (if you didn't read it that's okay) I live in a really small town in which I've lived my whole life. My town is usually quiet, except for the second to last weekend of August when there is a gigantic fair in town. It's absolute hoopla. When I was a little girl I loved it; the carnival rides, the cotton candy, the rigged games that you can't win at, but waste your money at anyways. As I've gotten older I've lost most appreciation for the fair. Now I see it more as a weirdo attractor and peace disturber. Most of this spite is because of it's proximity to my house (about a quarter mile). I usually avoid the fair at all costs, but then I realized that you, the readers, might like a little taste of small town charm, so I decided to take a few pictures throughout the weekend, these first ones are from the parade that comes before the fair (told you it was a big hoopla!)

Kilts! And bagpipes are the most beautiful of all instruments. NOT. Especially when they were practicing for an hour in front of your house!

He kind of reminds me of Papa Smurf...

Old people in old cars...

Anna, smiling, in front of a fire truck...

More kilts...

A leather clad marching band...

People watching the parade at a pot-luck picnic...

My favorite picture of the day, a fully bearded saxaphone player...

Anna walking in the middle of our blocked off road...

Me, not looking like a hot mess (at all) ...

Part two coming soon...

I found myself while I was away...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:49:00 +0000

Sorry that I've been such a bad blogger lately, I thought I was well when I wrote my last post, but then I relapsed. I felt so lousy, and though I'm not completely better, I finally feel well enough to blog again! It's exactly eleven days until I go to school and I haven't packed at all yet, also because of my illness. I was going to try to today, but I want to get some sleep (I haven't gotten a good night's sleep in forever). My problem with packing is that I want to bring all of my clothes, which isn't possible when you have a dorm room the size of a lifer's prison cell (actually, maybe theirs is a little bigger). I am a little worried about what will happen to the blog when I get to college. Who will take my pictures? Will I have time for it? I haven't yet told my roommate, because I don't know how to explain fashion blogging, but it seems like she would understand because she loves creative things. I'll tell her sometime...

Dress: H&M

Clogs: Jeffrey Campbell via FreePeople.com

Ring: Slightly sketchy jewelery store in a ghetto mall

On a different note, look at that awesome connector ring on my fingers! Isn't it the best. I've been loving connector rings for a while, but I haven't been able to wear any because of my chubby fingers. I'm usually a size eight in rings, but in those pesky connector rings both finger holes are the same size, despite the well known fact that middle fingers are chubbier that ring fingers (I don't actually know if that's a well known fact, it's just a characteristic I observed in my own fingers). Anyways, I went to this really ghetto mall in a town I've never been in, with my sister and a bunch of her college friends. There Anna (my sister), Brianna (her friend), and I decided not to go into the normal stores, but the strange ones, like this giant dollar store, a wood carving store, and a store called Pretty Woman that sold bedazzled braziers. Somehow during or strange excursion, we ended up at this accessory store that was kind of shady, but surprisingly, despite it's sketchy exterior, it had some pretty amazing jewelry. I found these amazing connector rings that had stretchy ring holes! Finally there was a solution to my fat finger dilemma. So now I'm finally rocking the connector ring and loving it!

Also another thing, I just entered this contest on Chictopia called the Make Life Juicy contest by Juicy Couture. So basically, you enter an outfit photo and say how you make our life juicy. As you guys know, I'm not exactly the most glamorous person in the world but I wrote this...

How do I make life Juicy? Do I go to the most exclusive and fabulous parties? No. Do I go on extravagant shopping sprees? No. Do I carry around a small yippee dog with an emasculating name? No. Today I studied some textbooks so I can know the material before college classes start. Then I picked up my room and went to the grocery store. Glamorous, right? Okay, so maybe I don’t lead the most exotic life (I’m actually quite the nerd), but I make it juicy with the smallest things. First of all I always get dressed up, no matter where I’m going. Going to Wal-Mart to buy some storage boxes for school I wore a dress and high heeled clogs. Practical, no. But very juicy! I also make sure I am always wearing a large and impractical ring, usually with some sort of bedazzled animal on it. Granted, I can’t do much in them, but they make me feel important, like some sort of Maleficent like villain (check Sleeping Beauty for the reference). The component that makes my life the most juicy is my blog The Girl in the Paper Dress . Every time I take pictures I feel like a supermodel, though I am only a nerdy 18 year old bio major. Every time I update it with my thoughts or talk about events in my life, it makes my life just a little more important. During these three months of blogging, this mostly narcissistic practice has made my life a little juicier.

Here's a link the the Chictopia post: CLICK HERE

Listening to: The Orchard by Ra Ra Riot

(I love orchards, FUN FACT: I actually live on a part of an old apple orchard)

You're sure to do impossible things, if you follow your heart...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:08:00 +0000

I know very cheesy title and yes, I've been gone from the blogging world for quite some time. The break was in part caused by at the beginning laziness and towards the end, illness. But now I'm back and will now tell you about the title. So, I was at Target the other day looking for some final things for my dorm. I was frolicking around the children's area (where there are all of the toys and baby books, including this big foot toy display, which if you pressed a red button on the display it would make a big fuss by dancing and roaring (off topic?)) Anyways, I was in that section when I started to look at some kid' movies for $5 and there was my childhood favorite, Thumbelina. When I got home I was so excited about it I put it into my little sister's TV/ DVD player as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I jammed the DVD player, because there was another DVD in there before I put Thumbelina in there (my enthusiasm usually end in disaster). After sticking long flat objects into the DVD slot for about an hour, my father took the TV apart and retrieved both DVD's, though Thumbelina ended up quite scratched. I was so upset, but I wanted to check for sure if it was scratched. So I put it in the DVD player and watched it, the whole thing! It ended up working perfectly fine. As for the title, that's some lyrics to one of the Thumbelina songs.

Beret: American Apparel

Dress: Tulle (tulle4us.com)

Tights: Target

Clogs: Jeffery Campbell via Free People

I know it's still summer, but it was cold today and I've decided to enter this outfit in the Modcloth style contest on Weardrobe. Click here to like it and help me win (I probably won't, I'm such an optimist!)

Anyways I guess, after that riveting story I'll talk about my outfit. I'll start with the shoes. These are the most amazing shoes I've ever owned (even better that my jellies in 1st grade). I just received them in the mail today along with some of my college textbooks. When I first ordered them online it I had nightmares because they were sooooo much money ($145 including shipping). Yes, it's alot of money. And yes, I will probably not be buying anything else for a while. But, I see them as an investment. If I wear them all the time then they'll be worth the money.

This is a really funny picture because it's so candid. My mom was taking pictures and wanted me to read out of my new chemistry textbook. As I glanced at it I was shocked at the content. It was completely foreign to me.

This may seem off topic, but yesterday I was shopping with my mother and sisters my mother was being helped by a very nice women. She casually asked what the ages of my two sister's and I were. My youngest sister says 11, my older sister says 19, and then I say 18. She was shocked. She then told me that I looked like her 14 year old daughter! I am so tiered of this. I was getting my hair cut about a month ago and the one of the stylists asked my mom what grade I was going into. She said that I was going to be a freshman. He asks, "High school?" And when my mom responded with the correct answer s he says, "I could have sworn she was in High school." Ahhh! I feel like there is a certain expectation, set by the media, to look and dress a certain way. I'm supposed to wear tons of make up, and wear revealing clothes. Especially with people in their mid-twenties playing teenagers in movies and teen stars like Miley Cyrus, dressing disgustingly and sending skanky messages. I'm not like that and refuse to do that. I rather look a little younger than look like I'm trying to hard. That's a little revelation. I just had. Thanks for reading.

Watching: Thumbelina

P.S. Don't forget to follow my blog through Blogger or Bloglovin' and if you have any questions you can ask me on formspring (I'll eventually put them on an about me post) or e-mail me. Also thanks for all of the supportive comments. They always put a giant smile on my face. As for the sponsor thing I was contemplating a few posts ago, I think I'm going to wait until my blog grows a little bigger. Thanks for all the feedback though!

On creative pursuits...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:48:00 +0000

Last post I was whining about how I haven't done anything creative in such a long time. This in part because I just met my college roommate (on facebook) and we have so much in common it's ridiculous. We love Disney movies, watching medical specials on TLC, and doing crafts. She talked about all of the crafts she has done, and I told her all about mine. It made me miss doing all of those creative things. So I decided to dig out some photos of one of my favorite creative activities, cutting paper snowflakes...

It may seem kind of odd to be pulling these out mid summer, but one of my favorite things to make are these snowflakes. I started making them because around Christmas time I was going though a tremendous amount of stress. I dealt with it by making these. I would make about 10 -15 intricate flakes a day all day. I would even cut during classes (surprisingly it didn't effect my grades at all).

These are a few of my best, though my masterpiece isn't displayed. The best one I made took me hours to make. It's an extremely delicate scene of a present under a Christmas tree. Each present has a different design cut out of it and almost every centimeter of the flake is cut out in some sort of design. I'll have to dig it out and show you guys some day.

Well, this was fun. I can't wait until I start my newest creative project! I'm going to make a dress inspired by the new Alexa Chung by Madewell collection. In it there is a velvet dress with a sweet peter pan collar and 3/4 length sleves. Because I'll probably be unable to afford it and have a ton of extra burn orange velvet left over from upholstering my bed I have decided to create my own. I am so excited. I'm glad I'm almost out of my creative rut!

They ensure me health, life and fire...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:37:00 +0000

Today, I did two outfit shoots. The first was outside in the morning. There was the most amazing lighting. Unfortunately the photographer, my older sister Anna, was not enthusiastic about it at all. She snapped about four awkward, unflattering pictures then ran away. So those were no good. The second was at 10:00 pm and my mom wanted to help me get better outfit pictures. So she took the following. I like posing with the cello, but the artificial light was terrible. So we shall attempt a cello photo shoot another day.

Top: Free People

Skirt and shoes: H&M

I've been in kind of a rut latley. Just in everything. I realsized that I haven't done anything creative in a really long time. I haven't sewed, collaged, or even done origami, in forever. It sort of depressed me. I want to spend the rest of my summer crafting and having fun. However, there is the issue of money. I have a job, working for my dad and I'm trying to save up money for spending in college. However, as I've said before, I dropped two sizes since last fall and have absolutley no fall clothes. And I can't seem to afford anything. I'm trying to think of extra ways to earn money and I came up with one, but I don't think my blog is ready for it. Sponsors. First of all I have no clue how to do it. How do people pay? How much do I charge? Also who would want to advertise on my blog? I have no delusions about my blog, I know it's small and not widely read. Also my blog is just a fetus right now (too graphic?). It has just grown fingernails, it isn't even close to being able to be born. Maybe I would be jumping the gun a little bit. I have no clue. I will sleep on it.

What do you guys think?

By the way, sorry I look so evil in these pictures. I've been in a particularly sassy mood lately due to a lack of dairy in my diet. The doctor asked me to refrain from eating anything with dairy in it to isolate it as an allergy. I've been so upset about it becaue all my favorite things contain milk (ice cream, Italian food, chocolate bars). I can't wait until this is over!

Listening to: Beat (Health, Life & Fire) by Portland Cello Project feat. Thao

P.S. Someone wrote me that the music on the blog was slightly overbearing, and I couldn't agree more (I usually have my computer on mute, so I just discovered this). I changed it so you can just press the play button on the music player and decide for yourself if you want to listen to the playlist. Thank you so much anonymous person. If you have any suggestions (I love constructive criticism) or anything you want to ask me you can just ask me on my formspring or e-mail me at girlinthepaperdress@gmail.com

My August Playlist!

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:12:00 +0000

So if you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ve probably noticed the newest addition, Music. Anyways, I wasn’t originally going to do this, but I’m making a new playlist each month. The playlist is going to consist of music that I’ve been listening to lately and that go well with the blog’s feel. Here’s the list and comments about a few songs…

An unflattering picture of me on my laptop. I didn't want this to be a pictureless post. I look slightly entranced by the computer screen. I wonder what I was doing?

We Used to Wait by Arcade Fire: This is one of my favorite songs from Arcade Fire’s new album, The Suburbs. It’s about a longing for time’s past where the simple things were precious (or at least that’s my interpretation). One of my favorite lines is “It seems strange, how we used to wait for letters to arrive. But what's stranger still, is how something so small can keep you alive.”

Airplanes by Local Natives: Local Natives is my new obsession. They are amazing. I wanted the make the whole playlist them, but decided against it (people need variety). This song makes me cry almost every time I listen to it. It’s about one of the band member’s grandfather that he never got to know. It reminds me of my great grandmother and how people say we are so alike, and I wish I could have known her.

Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine: I love this song especially for my blog because it invokes the feeling of a fairytale, all of her music does. My blog name is actually based on my favorite (but slightly obscure)fairytale from childhood, “The Three Dwarfs in the Wood” where the protagonist is forced to go find strawberries in the woods, in the snow, wearing a paper dress (hence the name). I’ll write more about the story another time.

Perfection as a Hipster by God Help the Girl: I love they’re sound. Catherine Ireton has the perfect voice. And I can relate to this line, “How should I wear my problem hair, my dirty, no good problem hair?” (It’s my life, I never know what to do with my hair, I don’t do anything to it, just brush it. Any suggestions would be great.)
Oh, La by Ra Ra Riot: I can’t get enough of those strings. If everything works out I’m probably going to see Ra Ra Riot preform in September. I’ve loved them for years so can’t wait!

** Tiered of writing, now the songs are just going to have a comment or two, possibly none at all. (I’m so lazy at 12:45 am) **

Cemetry Gates by the Smiths: They’re the Smiths. They’re amazing. That’s it.
Eet by Regina Spektor: Her voice is haunting…
I Can Try by Sambassadeur: I love my strings!
Love Lost by the Temper Trap: Invokes longing. Also makes me think of 500 Days of Summer.
Number One Son by Camera Obscura: Camera Obscura never disappoints.
Overnite Religion by Kurt Vile: My sister and I listened to this in our Jeep as we drove through a dirt road in the woods/ nature reserve. It was picturesque to say the least.
Quelqu'un m'a dit by Carla Bruni: I don’t understand a word of French, but the song is beautiful nonetheless.
Small Town Crew by the Brunettes: It suits the blog because I’m from a very small town. It only consists of 1,800 people (about half only live here on the weekends).
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here by She & Him
Windstorm by School of Seven Bells
Yulia by Wolf Parade
40 Day Dream by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero

So that’s my playlist.

If you have any suggestions for my blog, PLEASE, suggest. Is there anything I’m missing? Any type of post I should do? Something I can change in the layout? Anything, I’m trying to improve, my feelings don’t get hurt easily. I thrive off constructive criticism. Also if you have any questions you can ask me a question on formspring or, better yet e-mail me at girlinthepaperdress@gmail.com.

Well, good night, I’m pooped.

I never took my true heart, I never wrote it down...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Blouse: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: J*Crew

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Vintage

Truthfully, I don't feel likewriting much today. I'm tiered form going to the doctor and getting four viles of blood drawn for allergy testing. It made my arm hurt. So enjoy the pictures, they do say 1,000 words each.

Yeah, another picture...

My lovely saddle shoes.

Listening to: We Used to Wait by Arcade Fire

I had some brand new shoes...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:13:00 +0000

Yes, I promised outfit pictures soon, but I've been in a kind of slump. I had an amazing outfit on today, and this awesome giant bun in my hair, but was unable to get any pictures of it, at least decent ones. :( (Yes I just did a cheesy frowny face, but that's the look on my face right now.) My older sister took them, but only wanted to take unflattering pictures of me, like ones that made my head look really big and my body small. Think the Queen of Hearts in the new Alice in Wonderland movie. Yeah. So I only have a few pictures, none showing my face because it was distorted in many ways. To make them interesting I photoshopped them a little.

Today, I decided to plan my fall wardrobe, on a budget. I need a considerable amount of fall clothes, since I dropped two sizes since last fall, but don't have that much to spend. So first, I looked at my closet and decided what fall clothes I already had, and what I needed. I then made a list of the item and the number of the item I need. I wrote...

2 cardigans/sweaters

4 Tops

3 Skirts

2 Jeans

2 Pairs of shoes

2 dresses

Tights

After that I looked online (where I do most of my shopping) for things that would go under those categories. After I picked a bunch, I narrowed the selections down to the number I needed. So for 2 cardigans/ sweaters I picked a cardigan from Urban Outfitters and a sweater from Fred Flare. Now I am going to keep those slightly expensive choices in mind and look for cheaper version or something that functions like the one before (either thrifted or from a less expensive store). Following me? Then if I can't find something like it cheaper, I'm going to buy the more expensive thing. This way I save money, but get the items I want.

The two dresses I want
urbanoutfitters.com asos.com

I actually went to the mall today, and tried out my method. I was looking for a full black skirt, which was on Urban Outfitters for $68. I went to H&M and found a different black skirt, the worked just as well, for $17.95. I also bought a pair of skinny jeans there for $10. My method is working!

Anyways, sorry for boring you guys with my anal shopping strategies. Tomorrow my sister said she'll take some outfit pictures for me at different locations. Then I hope do a wonderful mega post. Isn't that exciting!

Listening to: Brand New Shoes by She & Him

The desk where you sit inside of a frame made of wood...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Sorry for the lack of posts. The Internet hasn't been working at my house and as I type I am in my backyard using my neighbor's. I was actually going to blog this last night but, went to a late showing of "Dinner for Schmucks" with my older sister and one of my good friends. I wasn't really excited to see it, but it ended up being one of the funniest movie's I've seen in years (only a slight exaggeration). I usually don't laugh out loud during movies, but I was dying, actually the whole theater was dying. If you are going to see a movie see that one. I saw "Inception" last week with my sister and we both agreed that "Dinner for Schmucks" blew our minds much more. See it!

sorry for the sparkles on my desk, I've been doing some crafts

Anyways, before the movie my sister and I went to a vintage store to see what we could find for fall (I've promised myself that I will only shop for fall now because I need whole new fall wardrobe (I lost a lot of weight during the winter so now I have no clothes that fit me). I didn't find any clothes during my trip but I did find these amazing Bass saddle shoes. I had a pair of Bass saddle shoes on my fall wish list that were on Urban Outfitters for $90, but these were a wonderful $24, and couldn't pass them up.

I also found this cute whistle from the 60's. It was in this giant bin of trinkets for $1 at this thrift store next to the vintage store I found the shoes at. I've had great luck in that bin in the past, and this visit was no exception. I plan on using an extra chain I have and making it into a necklace.

another angle of the whistle

I also purchased this amazing cameo ring at the thrift store. Though it was fairly expensive ($20), considering everything else was $1 to $15, I fell in love with it instantly ( I am a sucker for cameos). Though my snake ring has been my favorite for a while, I now have a new favorite.

I also purchased some amazing old photos from various time periods (1900's - 1960's). There were hundreds of old photos being sold, but these four really caught my eye.

1902

This one I chose because it was the first one I saw. I was amazed with it's age (it was only one of two with the date on them). I also loved her boots and the slightly rococo decoration around her.

These kids crack me up and are currently the background for my computer. The looks on their faces are hysterical, their short shorts are so telling of the time, and it almost seems like these kids should be in a Vampire Weekend music video.

I chose this picture because the guy had a great mustache. That's pretty much it.

May, 1952

This is the only other picture with a date. The calender in back of the girls working at the Hodge Insurance Agency says the month and year. I love everything about these working women; their hair, their outfits, they way they are not taking themselves too seriously.

My sister says it's creepy that I bought these pictures, but I love them. What do you think, is it creepy to buy old photos of people you don't know? (the wording of the question makes it sound weird). Anyways, I don't know when my next post will be, my Internet is so volatile and I can't steal my neighbor's Internet all of the time. I hope to take some pictures with my new Bass saddle shoes and share them with you guys soon !

Listening to: Airplanes by Local Natives

P.S. Happy Shark Week tomorrow! (I am such a nerd)

Out in the garden there's half of a heaven...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Dress: Vintage

Shoes: Free People

Hairband: H&M

I love this dress. The funny thing about this dress is that it was unwanted. It started out with a sad, sad, life. It was in a vintage shop I frequent for awhile, but nobody wanted it, so it was banished to the sale bin, where all of the boldly printed polyester dresses and mumus go. One day I was going through the box (which seemed a hopeless case) and I stumbled upon this beauty. It's a really incredible 70's dress. I feel so cute and country. And I'm a sucker for gigham. When I tried it on, and if fit almost perfectly (a little loose in the bust), so i picked it up for around $10. Pretty good deal.

Here are my new brogues from Free People. They were on sale and I think I want to get them in another color because it was such a great deal.

Today's photo shoot is courtesy of my little 11 year old sister. She did one unsuccessful one before, but I let her try again because I was desperate, because she was my only choice. So, I pretty much begged her to take my picture. She said yes, if I agreed to dress her and put her picture on my blog. So, without further ado, here's my little sister Margaret...

She's wearing an H&M dress with an H&M floral headband. Isn't she adorable? In terms of personality she's like Little Miss Sunshine (you know the movie with Abigail Breslin?). She's spunky and really doesn't care what she wears, so I'm surprised that she's been really excited about my fashion blog and let me dress her.

And don't forget to ask me questions on formspring, become a fan on chictopia and follow me on blogger or on bloglovin'.

Listening to: Suspended in Gaffa by Ra Ra Riot

A demon at maths and science...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:32:00 +0000

Blouse: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Vintage

Top-siders: A shop in Nantucket

Today's outfit was inspired by yesterday's post. It's very old fashioned and reminds me of a college girl in the 40's. There are actually two items that I showed yesterday, the blouse and the shoes. I actually got the blouse in the mail today, along with a few other things I bought on sale on both Urban Outfitters and Free People.

In preparation for going to college I cleaned out my closet for the first time since 9th grade (I've organized it, but never cleared it out fully). I didn't know that I had so much stuff. I ended up throwing out two garbage bags full of stuff along with four plastic shopping bags full of additional junk and gave away about 10 items of clothing to my little sister. I did discover a few cool things, like two vintage corduroy skirts that I need to hem and a pair of snake skin heels from the 60's. Overall, I feel better, like I have a clearer mind, with an organized. Plus, now there's more room for new clothes.

My sister took a lot of pictures so I made a little video clip. I wanted to make a gif, but I couldn't figure out how for the life of me!

Listening to: Act of the Apostle by Belle and Sebastian

Fall Inspiration: The Freshman (1925)

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Today's post is about the 1925 silent film, The Freshman, staring the greatest silent film star of all time Harold Lloyd.

imdb.com

The Freshman is one of the funniest and most timeless silent films I've ever seen (despite my age I have seen many). I first saw the film last year during a Harold Lloyd marathon on TCM and have been slightly obsessed with it ever since. This fall, since I'm going away to college for the first time, I decided to figure out a fall wardrobe inspired by The Freshman because it has one the most inspirational selections of collegiate wear I have ever seen.

from the you tube video above

dvdtalk.com

The funniest part of the movie was his special college handshake. He would start off by doing a little jig (which I spent about an hour after viewing mastering), then extend his hand and say, "Step right up and call me Speedy!"

***

When coming up with my style board I wanted to mix vintage and preppy and was inspired by both the menswear and girl's clothes.

From Left to right:
Top row: all urbanoutfitters.com
2nd row: modcloth.com, sperrytopsider.com, Jeffery Campbell shoes
3rd row: forever21.com, urbanoutfitters.com, modcloth.com
4th row: allynscura.com, 6pm.com, modcloth.com

One more thing! when I originaly posted this I forgot a key item. These bow ties from fredflare.com!

Now for some shameless self advertisement...

First: If you like my blog you can follow me. The number of followers I have gives me an idea of how my blog is growing. I want to expand it more, but hope to have a little wider audience to share it with.

Second: I have a Bloglovin' and Formspring account so if you prefer to follow through bloglovin' do that and feel free to ask me any questions either on the blog or on formspring (though I'm kind of confused how to answer questions in comments, maybe you guys could share with me how you respond.)

Third: If you have any suggestions on how I can make my blog better, please, share your opinion with me. I love constructive critisism so lay it on me!

Fourth: Thank you to all my followers for following my small blog and those who comment, I'm improving the site every day with the motivation you guys give me. I recently looked at my first post again ang was suprised how much the blog has changed in a short time; the photographs are bettter, the writing is of a better quality, and my style has developed rapidly.

It might have been the lighthouse spark...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:08:00 +0000

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Satchel: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Necklace: Christmas Present

Shoes: Jeffery Campbell via Lori's Shoes

Today I went back to the lighthouse. Last time I visited it was so mysterious and spooky. This experience was quite the opposite. Apparently my mom and I aren't the only ones who know about the lighthouse. There were throngs of people entering the lighthouse. Herding through the door, up the stairs, down the stars, out the door. The lighthouse looked nothing like it did previously. I was disappointed. I was also not able to get any good pictures of my outfit because there were people all around me. For example there was a great picture of me on a windowsill, however there was a fairly heavy set woman in a proportionally small bikini behind me. Didn't really take me back in time like I intended.

I ended up taking most of my pictures outside on the beach instead and they ended up pretty good. I love beach lighting. It is always the best.

I love this picture of the watch. I tried to take a picture that showed off my sparkly nail polish and the necklace and this is the result I got. I personally love it!

Good night! which put the candle out?

A jealous zephyr, not a doubt.

Ah! friend, you little knew

How long at that celestial wick

The angels labored diligent;

Extinguished, now, for you!

It might have been the lighthouse spark

Some sailor, rowing in the dark,

Had importuned to see!

It might have been the waning lamp

That lit the drummer from the camp

To purer reveille!

Emily Dickinson

Listening to: James by Camera Obscura

Swing my weight around, begin the windstorm...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:48:00 +0000

Top: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Shorts: Thrifted

Necklace: Modcloth

Bikini: Juicy Couture

Vans: ?

So today my family and I went to the beach again, this time to Great Point. I love that beach because you get to drive your car right on the beach and there is a beautiful lighthouse. I had the best time at the beach. So many fun mini adventures!

The first thing I did was stalk a seal for about 15 minutes and take way too many pictures of it. I have about 30 pictures of this one seal! It reminds me of my dog. I wish I could have a seal as a pet.

The second adventure was the lighthouse. As I said, one of my favorite features of the Great Point is the lighthouse. However, my mother (the photographer) and I were surprised to find it open, so naturally, we explored it (and took amazing picture). It was so spooky inside. It's never open so it looked so old and abandoned. It was slightly romantic, in an erie way, and I wish I wore one of my vintage dresses there. Here's some pictures...

My mom and I were so enchanted by the lighthouse that we were oblivious to the ongoings outside. There was actually a major storm a brewing and people were being told to leave the beach. We made it out fine and reunited with the rest of the family. While escaping the storm in the car my dad turned on movie music, which happened to be from Lord of the Rings. It was intense. Just like the sky.

Listening to: Windstorm by School of Seven Bells

P.S. I am very excited to announce that yesterday's outfit photo was admitted to the Chictopia style gallery. This is my first time and I am sooooooo excited. Hopefully there's more to come.

Also...

I got a formspring so people can ask me questions about my style, life, or random things : My Formspring

I also got a blog lovin' account: Follow my blog with bloglovin

The most beautiful colors chase the sun...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Today is the second day of my Nantucket vacation. Yesterday was chaotic, driving 4 hours from Connecticut to Cape Cod, then taking a ferry to the island. I am really excited about all the photos I am taking of the trip, both digital and film. I actually brought my Diana F+ (from Lomography) and I'm going to end up with some (hopefully) amazing pictures to show you guys. I took some pictures today! Here they are...

Romper: Forever 21

Shades: Fred Flare

Keds: TJ Maxx when I was 14

Retro two-piece: Modcloth

There's my sister. She's wearing my necklace. Anyways, when we were on the beach she was heavily hit on by a slightly creepy 30 year old man from Montenegro (by the way, she's 19, just a year older than me). He asked why we were not swimming. She responded that the water was too rough (it was crazy, someone was just saved about 20 minutes before). He did not speak a lot of English so he was confused what rough meant. 10 minutes later, after she made many strange hand movements, and he asked her three times "Sister shy?" (I responded "yes, I am shy", but the real reason I wasn't talking to him much was because I wanted him to leave.) my dad came up to my sister and I and the Montenegro man fled. Fun story right?

Don't worry, there will be more beach pictures soon (and other outfits as well)...

Blue sparkly toe nails!!!

Listening to: Sun Hands by Local Natives

P.S. Here's another teaser for my sparkly nail polish DIY post

On blogging, music, and some updates...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Sorry I haven't had any blog posts in a while. Actually I haven't read any blogs in a while either. I've just become slightly disillusioned with the whole fashion blogging thing lately. I feel that I can never get a good enough outfit together. I think "I could if I had more shoes" or "only if I had more hats." The truth is that I don't have an unlimited supply of clothing. So I don't have these things. I told my mom I felt this way and she said, "You can't buy any more clothes, you have enough already." It's true, I have no room, I live in a tiny tower at the top of my house with a small closet. So I feel stuck and inferior to other fashion bloggers. I was unsure if I was going to continue blogging, but I decided to persevere. I wonder if others feel the same way.

Anyway one thing I have been doing lately, in extreme excess is listening to music. I've been reading Pitchfork and Sterogum like a madman. I usually read them, but latley it has become a slight obsession. I decided since I'm going to do radio in college I better start reading up on the music scene. So, I've been posting videos on Facebook non stop. About 4, 5 songs a day. Yikes. I bet people are starting to get annoyed.. Here are some songs that I enjoy...

Local Natives has been a slight obsession of mine for a few days. I had their music for a while, but haven't enjoyed a lot until now.

This has been a favorite song since May. It makes me feel like such a badass!

Catchy song isn't it! I'm going to buy the vinyl version because of the great songs and record partly because the record is bright blue.

In other news here are some updates:

I got a new computer for college. Dude, I got a Dell, and has a beautiful pattern on the lid. (I will take a picture of it.)
Tomorrow I will be heading on a family vacation to Nantucket Island off of Cape Cod (how CT of me), I will try to keep up to date with the blogging and take lots of pictures. (Lots of bikes)
I came up with the best DIY project ever. It has to do with sparkly nail polish and how you can save big $$$ on it. I didn't need to buy the Anna Sui nail polish after all, I learned how to make my own (and it's amazing!) I'll do the DIY post after the vacation (it's only a week).

(Really bad web cam picture of my sparkly nails. The blurriness makes it mysterious, right?)

Thanks for reading the whole thing (if you did). There were some things I needed to get off my chest. Now I'm feeling better and excited to keep on blogging.