Tipa Tipa

Yelena Bryksenova

Monique — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:17:49 +0000

elephant dream, houseplants, and kitchen

Film Fridays: Bill Cunningham New York

Monique — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:28:56 +0000

“i’m not interested in celebrities with their free dresses…i’m interested in clothes.” bill cunningham

“the wider world perceives fashion as a frivolity that should be done away with in the face of social upheaval and problems that are enormous. the point is in fact that fashion–it’s the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. i don’t think you could do away with it. it would be like doing away with civilization.” bill cunningham

i watched this doc a few days ago and really enjoyed it. has anyone seen it? bill is such an earnest man who is consistent in upholding his values. as an urban educator on the front lines fighting daily to give my students some semblance of the quality of education that i received. the concept of fashion as an armor stood out to me. there’s been even more changes at work and i have even more responsibilities. yesterday i threw on this dress to carry me through. so, any plans this weekend? the mr. is off camping with the boys tonight and tomorrow we have friends visiting from out of town. can’t wait to show them around the city. hope you all have a great one. image credit 1,2,3,

Spring Embraces

Monique — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:33:23 +0000

this wee blouse is a bit racy for me, but hey it’s spring time. i usually wear this scarf to go to bed, but made an attempt at transforming it into a turban. i should really watch a tutorial. pardon my sleepy eyes. same old–same old, crazy busy. but it’s friday and my freezer is well stocked with ice cream.

outfit details: head scarf/turban: vintage, blouse f21, Jeans f21, belt gap a while back, satchel vintage, sandals marais

“behold my friends, the spring is come, the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love…sitting bull

Paper Sparrow

Monique — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:56:37 +0000

i am loving these prints by paper sparrow.

Maman

Monique — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:49:26 +0000

more and more i’m appreciative of all the hard work and sacrifices my maman has made for me. we have our moments, but all told she is incredibly fierce, stylish and incredibly loving. mothering three girls is no joke but she managed to do it with grace. i’m giving thanks to her this weekend. i also want to wish a happy mother’s day to all you mommies out there. much love to you…

The Classic Trio

Monique — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:48:17 +0000

after work yesterday i met up with one of my gals. she insisted that i post this outfit. it’s been quite some time since i’ve worn a black-white and red getup. while very casual, i’m pretty happy with how this outfit turned out. coat gifted by mom, blouse vintage, jeans target, shoes thrifted

Goals Revisited IV

Monique — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:34:41 +0000

goals, goals, goals, how are they going for you? this month i plan to focus on decision making, exercise and quality time with friends. i decided that while i have my long list of goals, its necessary to focus on what’s most pressing. i have some major decisions to make and i need to allow some room and space in order to soundly make those decisions. exercising has still been a challenge, due to my insane work load, but this must be the thing i do for myself. i must build up my strength and endurance. reaching that goal will require at least six hours a week of cardio. i may start with twice a week and work up from there. my friend abbie and i have been having mani/pedi days. i love this little ritual of ours. our apartment is in need of the warmth of our friends so i’m going to host a dinner party in the next few weeks to fill this place up with all our gems. oh and these boys surely know how to take it easy…

first image unknown source, second image by josh

Film Fridays: Harold & Maude

Monique — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:56:09 +0000

this 70′s cult classic is on par with submarine. if you like that film, you must check this one out. happy weekend. i plan to plant myself on the couch for a much needed movie marathon.
image credit

and the beat goes on…

Monique — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:50:39 +0000

miss julia topaz of la belle oiselle has been a major inspiration when it comes to putting together clean and simple outfits. this one in particular is now a staple of mine. i have to stop myself from wearing it more than once a week. by the way, thanks for your encouraging and kind words. it is much appreciated.

outfit details: coat: vintage, mesh sweater: levis, pants: gap a while back hence the bleach stains, belt: vintage belonged to my mom, shoes: vintage

Mama said, mama said

Monique — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:17:28 +0000

last weekend we had a lovely time at my friend’s baby shower in philly. after the shower i made my way back home, i desperately wanted to stay and catch up with friends but i had so much grading to do. the bus ride back was painless as i had enjoyed quite a few cucumber, mint, lemon & gin cocktails at the party. the mr. stayed in p.a. where he visited some friends in the suburbs of philadelphia… (media, p.a.) our car was parked in the car port of his friends home and of all the cars on the block. mind you our friends, both husband and wife each have bmw’s and i have a bumpy, bruised up and scratched 2000 nissan altima with 165,000 miles on it. anyways. our car was broken into and josh had left our camera in the car. it had 2100 photos on it. i know shame-shame if only i had completed my 12 before 2012 goals. it had two more outfit posts from our trip out to l.a. which i was strategically trying to save the best for last. if only the thief would have left the sd card, i know times are rough but he doesn’t need my memories. my mom would simply say, you can’t always have good times, you have to have bad times too. i have since gotten over it but damn, ouch! that one really hurt. my sister was sweet to lend me my old nikon that i gifted her a few years ago so all is well. we plan to sell some of our other video equipment to buy another camera. then i’ll really be good to go. image credit