Laughing With Broken Eyes

every time I look at you

2012-02-15T22:30:00.002-06:00

Operation cake pop was a success!! :) There were so many smiles as I gave out the red-velvet treats to everyone on Valentines Day.

The weather has been quite tempestuous these past few days-- icy and cruel on a Monday, bright with warm winds on a Tuesday, etc etc. While I don't mind grey skies, the chills aren't the best company for drudging across campus early in the morning.

Anyhow... I'm running my very first 5k this Saturday!! I'm nervous but excited. My personal goal is to make it the entire way without stopping. Ideally I'd like to finish it in less than thirty minutes, but so long as I don't stop, I'll be proud of myself. I ask that you all wish me luck on this!! I'm not a very athletically inclined person, though I have been training, so I'm hopeful.

One final thing-- Kate and I finally posted on Unicorns and Old Lace, our joint blog. We created it a long time ago so it's exciting to finally be posting on it. Be sure to keep checking back for fun style remixes, movie recommendations, poetry, and all sorts of fun and girly fun. :)

Dress: Modcloth
Belt: c/o ShopMamie
White Shirt: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Heels: Target

Love Always,
Amber Rose

there's love for you, up where the population grows.

2012-02-12T16:30:00.000-06:00

Valentines Day is rapidly approaching. I see hearts and romance all around me, albeit to extremities-- those in love and those lamenting the absence of it. While I think Valentines Day is a swell holiday and all (it's cute), it makes me sad to see those around me so upset about not having a significant other on this day.

I'm single, and I don't mind it a bit. I love myself, what I stand for, and I know that when the time is right, it will happen. It's a healthy state of mind that has taken me a while to reach, but I'm more than happy with it. As a Valentines Day gift for myself, I purchased a few Marilyn Monroe films and some overtly-feminine lingerie for myself because yes, it makes me feel pretty.. but then it got me to thinking about those who were truly sad about missing someone or something on Valentines Day.. and then I struck an idea.

All last night, my friend and I made red-velvet cake pops (with white chocolate chips scattered throughout them). On Valentines Day, I'll be giving cake pops to those who look like they could use a bit of sugar in their lives. I know it's really silly (something simple as cake pops) but I really hope that it can bring a smile to someone's day, you know?

Here are two photos of what the cake pops look like (pardon the cell-phone quality-- my camera battery is dead and I need to find the charger).

dress: Modcloth
shoes: Payless
lipstick: MAC Rebel
sweater: Target
hairbow: Forever21

Happy Early Valentines Day. <3

Love,
Amber

Poem + Reading (by yours truly)

2012-02-11T21:28:00.000-06:00

Mad Girl's Love Songby Sylvia Plath

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I fancied you'd return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

say aah

2012-02-08T14:50:00.001-06:00

Things are swell, things are grand. These past few days have been exemplary; I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone, enjoying coffee with acquaintances, working my bum off (literally) with my roommate, taking advantage of the fitness classes offered on campus, and reacquainting myself with ghosts from my past.

Quebec is no longer an illusion or a near-miss (as I'd eluded to in my previous blog post). It is happening. I've got a few skype dates planned with two sweet ladies in which I hope to improve my pronunciation and conversational skills in French-- such a beautiful beautiful language.

My lyrics-- ah, lyrics. I've been writing as usual but moreover have been composing my own music, something that has always been a struggle for me. Granted I don't read music nor write in proper notes, but I've been recording melodies aplenty. Life is good, and I am happy. I feel like I've finally found my step.

vest: Pacsun
shirt: Old Navy
tights: TJ Maxx
boots: Kohls
flower: unknown!

See you tomorrow,
Amber Rose

darling, don't you know the sun shines only for you?

2012-02-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

Today I had a bit of a set back in my plans to visit Quebec (for the French-immersion program) this summer, but I'm determined not to let it get me down. I finally officially declared my second minor as French, and I'm toying with the idea of double-majoring instead. Do any of you speak French? I'd love a conversation buddy.

In other news, I've been writing a lot lately, trying to solidify this first draft for the book Kate and I are working on. I'm so used to writing poetry that I've had to actually stop myself from using abstract fragments and whatnot. I'm really excited about all of these exciting things that are going on right now-- the book, beginning my field experience for my education coursework, practicing practicing practicing my French, and of course small projects as well. There's also a chance of a meet-up with Katie and Jack this summer, something that just puts the grandest smile on my face.

What are you guys excited for? :)

Dress: borrowed from Jenna!
Shoes: Target
Lipstick: L'Oreal Infallible, Intensely Mauve

Yours,
Amber

guest post on Scathingly Brilliant + a HUGE announcement!!

2012-02-02T08:43:00.001-06:00

I have very exciting news about something... well, very exciting! You'll have to stop by Kate's blog for information!

http://www.scathingly-brilliant.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-post-by-amber-from-laughing-with.html

ps: Happy Birthday Rosie! <3

music monday (on tuesday)

2012-01-31T18:48:00.000-06:00

I've always loved this song and the music video.

just be happy.

2012-01-28T15:19:00.000-06:00

Lately I've found myself in a strange cloud. I find that I dwell on negatives when in solitude. Things are grand, but they would be much better if… etc. While I know it is not realistic to expect to be happy sunshine all the time, I’ve begun questioning just how much happiness has truly eluded me versus what joys I keep from myself. By this, I mean do we control our own happiness? Do we choose to be unhappy?

I find myself happiest at night with the moon overhead and some music taking center stage of the white noise. I’ve always been a night owl—I’m more apt to write, to dance, to reach out, forgive, love. I need to figure out how to keep this disposition and carry it into smoky mornings. It seems that I’m always at two extremes, on the brink of madness and despair, lamenting my loneliness and subsequently pushing everyone away, or I’m bubbly and charming, inviting all into my life and sharing pieces of myself none-the-wiser to those who steal such pieces. Is it any wonder I’m confused? And on that note, is it possible to just shove away the shivers and light a fire to drive the shadows away—on command? My idle hands seek to destroy.

I like for my resolutions to be more concrete, and therefore ‘be happy’ evades me. Happiness? Such a theoretical word, idea, concept, yet it is what I aspire to be. Happy.

Yours,
Amber

two guest posts: following your dreams + a difficult decision

2012-01-25T16:10:00.000-06:00

I guest-posted for two lovely ladies on:
*a difficult decision I’ve made and how it affected my life
*following your dreams

I’d love it if you’d stop by!

It's only me who wants to wrap around your dreams.

2012-01-24T17:58:00.001-06:00

These photos are about two months old, though the weather is much the same. Isn't it funny how different a person can look in two months? I think the thing that dates the pictures the most, at least to me, is the length of my hair.. it's much longer now.

Lately I've been a bit uninspired by my blog and have been lacking the motivation to comment or read blogs as much as I used to. My bloglovin' account is at a menacing '907 unread posts'... scary, right? I'll be catching up this week. I have a ton of outfits to post (!!!) and a journal full of poems to type up and share as well! I know that my blog is technically a fashion blog, but when I started this in 2010 (almost at the two year mark), I'd intended for it to be a poetry blog. I think there's all this pressure to define what type of blog you have, and I love reading blogs with bits of everything. This is just a long-winded way of saying that there will still be weekly outfit posts, but there will also be more music, poetry, and bits of life. More Amber, I suppose.

Don't you just love that nice garage in the background? Classy. :)
I'm off to try and put a dent in that list of 'unread blogs' but I'll see you guys in a few days with a new poetry post.

Outfit Details:
Floral Dress: Forever21
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: Target

Love Always,
Amber Rose

music monday

2012-01-23T13:18:00.003-06:00

Today's Music Monday is Dia Frampton singing 'The Cave' by Mumford and Sons. I could listen endlessly. 1:45 is my favorite.

What are you listening to?

Modcloth Cabin Fever Sale

2012-01-16T16:25:00.000-06:00

Hi guys!

I'm sure you're heard already, but Modcloth is having another Cabin Fever Sale . I've snagged a beautiful dress and a shower curtain (I plan on hanging it on the wall in my dorm so that I'll have a nice background for my indoor photos!), and I'll be sure to post photos of them once they arrive.

Happy shopping! xo

requested: what's in my makeup bag

2012-01-13T18:50:00.000-06:00

I was requested on tumblr to do a post of what makeup I use and recommend. Below are what I'm currently using and loving. This is not a sponsored post and everything I use I purchased myself (or my grandmother bought for me). Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section and I will reply to them there. :)

(note: lipstick not modeled in order)

top left: elf pallet // tart natural eye pallete // revlon vintage lace eyeshadow // random eyeshadow // NYC eyebrow groomer // mac paint pot in bare study

nyc cover stick // clinique even better // almay smart shade // dream matte mousse foundation // stay matte pressed powder (note: I only use one foundation and listed them in order of preference)

nasty gal bad lash // sephora mascara // great lash mascara (bottom lashes only)

I keep my visions to myself.

2012-01-09T13:37:00.002-06:00

I think that people are naturally very kind and that, if you give someone your trust and the benefit of the doubt, they will do their best to honor your good-will. By this, I mean that yes, I’m very trusting and perhaps this is misconstrued as naive, but I’d rather be bitten once than to miss out on amazing friendships, lovely opportunities, and unforgettable memories.

Yes, there are snakes, but I’ve seen more butterflies in my lifetime than I ever have snakes.

People often lecture me on this, claim I’m ‘too nice’ or trusting or whatnot, but I’ve never lost any sleep over it. I suppose this is a long-winded way of saying that if you’re kind, people will be kind back to you. And who knows, your kindness may very well mean the world to someone.

lace dress (my favorite ever): modcloth
clogs: c/o Lotta from Stockholm
hairpiece: Claires

Love,
Amber Rose

Giveaway! Two winners! [CLOSED]

2012-01-06T08:00:00.009-06:00

UPDATE: WINNER ANNOUNCED. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see if it's you!

Today's giveaway is brought to you buy Beautifully Regular.
Two lucky winners will get their choice of this darling fox brooch or a beautiful camera brooch. I will draw two names and the first girl will have her first choice. Good luck!

To enter, you must be a follower of Laughing With Broken Eyes via bloglovin'.
+1 entry if you follow via twitter and tweet about the giveaway.
+1 entry if you 'like' Laughing With Broken Eyes on facebook.
+1 entry if you follow via Google Friend Connect
(leave a comment for each separate entry)
This giveaway will be open until January 12th.

Using random.org, the winners are...

Please email me at amberrose@modestjune.com to claim your prize!!!!!

classic.

2012-01-05T16:42:00.001-06:00

Do you have any outfits that are the epitome of you? When I got this lovely dress, I knew I'd love it forever. The floral pattern, blush color, lace collar.. it's classic Amber. Of course I paired it with my bow belt (I actually think I'd prefer it with a simple braided belt, but I left most of my accessories back at my dorm) and, if it wasn't so classically me, I'd probably be sickened with the sweetness of it all.

I took these photos at 4pm with the sun at its brightest, so I apologize for the quality of these photos. That being said, I'm such a fan of the outfit that I'm posting them anyhow. Perhaps I'll remix it and post a better batch later this week.

The weather has been quite nice, and I'm loving every minute of it. This just worries me as I'm pretty sure that February is going to be terrible-- on campus, I live in a dorm at the bottom of a hill, and the long walk to classes each morning is going to be grueling!

Dress: Modcloth
Sweater: Old Navy
Sandals: c/o Lotta from Stockholm
Earrings: Forever21
Hairpiece: Claires
Bow Belt: Spotted Moth

Love Always,
Amber Rose

valley of the dolls

2012-01-02T17:04:00.002-06:00

lace dress: Modcloth

orange tights: c/o WeLoveColors

platform shoes: forever21

bow belt: SpottedMoth

I’m a firm believer in taking take to get to know yourself.. so tonight, pop on a record, draw the shades, shut the door, and take it all in. You are beautiful, you are aware, you are young, and there are people who love you. Soak it in.. and discover who you are. You’re someone worth knowing, so take the time. You deserve it.

Love Always,

ps: I created a 'New reader? Start here!' page, though I've yet to create a button for it. If I've peaked your interest in the slightest, you can find the page here.

There's a Modcloth party, and you're invited!!

2011-12-29T00:01:00.003-06:00

Exciting news! Modcloth and the Swapaholics are sponsoring a fabulous party, and you are invited!
I just sent out a batch of invitations to some amazing gals in TN! If you live in/near TN & would like information, email me

We will exchange our already-loved styles to trade for others that are bound to be new favorites (swap party).

All attendees will receive a special goodie giveaway from Modcloth and The Swapaholics as well! There will also be personalized discount codes for anyone in attendence.

There will be homemade snacks, brownies, and delightful treats. Likewise, there will be fun records, pretty dresses, and fun games.

This is not a blogger-exclusive event! Likewise, you are welcome to bring a guest (so long as you RSVP!).

If you'd like more information or if you'd like to reserve your spot (there are few left!), just email me at:
amberrose@modestjune.com

Date: January 21st, Saturday
Time: 3pm
Location: Clarksville, TN

Bombshell Hair Tutorial

2011-12-26T14:19:00.000-06:00

I've been requested a few times for a proper hair tutorial, and though I've posted one in the past, I've since changed my method a bit with this new method yielding more voluminous hair and less tangles.

If you have any questions, leave them for me here, on my tumblr, or on the youtube video itself, though it's pretty simple! Hope this helps!

xo,

A Christmas Dance!!

2011-12-23T12:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve Eve. xo

pour myself over

2011-12-21T19:15:00.000-06:00

This outfit is quite unlike what I normally wear. no dress, no lace, and no cinched waist, yet comfy cozy nonetheless. It is so close to Christmas that I can taste the peppermint mocha coffee.

I've decided that pending this new year, I'm going to finally settle with a schedule for my blog so that my posts will not be sporadic and crazy. By this, I mean that I have a tendency to go weeks without posting and then post every day for a week.

This is what I'm thinking so far-- I'd really love your input. Are there any features that you'd like for me to try?
Monday: poetry (original)
Tuesday: song (original or favorite)
Wednesday: outfit post
Thursday: whatever I please
Friday: *Unicorns and Old Lace*--- maybe. Kate and I are still working on this blog, but hopefully we'll have things squared away soon.
Weekends: I'm not sure yet. Probably a break!

Anyhow, this lovely fox brooch was a gift from Bethany; she sent me an extra so that I can host a giveaway. It will probably be posted two or three days after Christmas. I'll be sure to tweet about it once I know for sure! I got so many compliments on it today. :)

fox brooch: c/o Beautifully Regular (linked to the actual item)
feather flower: c/o The Hairbow Company (linked to the actual item)

sweater: Target
pants (they're really capris!): Old Navy clearance
moccasins: American Eagle via Payless
purse: Salvation Army

I've been writing a lot more lately. It's invigorating to see my thoughts sprawled out onto notebook paper, napkins, sugar packets.. when inspiration comes, I write it down .I don't want to forget a thing.

I think lately I've just been realizing.. I'm young, but I don't have forever. Today's thoughts will be dust soon enough, and I want to look back at where I was, who I was, what I stood for.

Love Always,

one day I'll fly away

2011-12-18T00:22:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I let my insecurities get the better of me. I think that, with the internet especially, it's easy to compare ourselves to others. Often I feel like there are so many blogs and girls out there that are better versions of me, like Amber 2.0, so why compete? I think to myself 'my poetry can't compete with...' or 'oh, she's a thinner and more gorgeous version of...', etc. I know it sounds really silly and the feeling is usually fleeting, but that really does knock the wind out of me sometimes.

When I'm feeling uninspired and humdrum about myself, it helps to take a step back from the pressure. I'll look at my favorite poems and write down what I love about them; I'll look at my own poetry, my favorites especially, and remind myself why I like them. It's alright to be proud of your accomplishments and to take the time to see what's so awesome about yourself-- and it's very helpful on those mean-red days.

There really isn't a point to this other than to make my thoughts into something more concrete, something for me to flip back to whenever that lurking 'there are better versions of you' feeling creeps up on me, although it would be nice if this helped any of you out in the slightest. It's past midnight and it's nice to make my thoughts into something more concrete other than the post-it-notes of thoughts that find their way to my nightstand and eventually to the floor.

lace dress: Franchesca's Collections
mustard tights: Modcloth
shoes: forever21
sweater: thrifted
belt: I don't recall!

poem: is there a moon in your window~

2011-12-14T19:35:00.003-06:00

and what is this that I see
birds endlessly in flight
I glance over to you, biding my time
the piano keys are mashed madly
but my eyes dance out the window and I imagine what it is to be free
I am still lost
or I would run to you
but how could I run to you when I have not yet stood on my own

the truth is that
I remember
very well.

is there a moon in your window

zeppelin.

2011-12-12T12:07:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a fun day as I made my way to Nashville with Payton to see Zoso perform. Being an adamant fan of Led Zeppelin, I'm always wary of any imitation band, but let me just say how fantastic they are. If they're ever in town or near you, I very strongly recommend going!
It really was a fantastic show. I went (and posted about it) last year as well.

(zombie Amber-- I was so exhausted when this was taken. Must've been past one!)

While at the show, several gents dressed in Santa costumes proceeded to flirt in a borderline inappropriate way, alcohol being their motivator. The bouncer was very kind to us though (albeit flirty) and during the show, we even got pulled onto stage! (If you follow me on twitter, you know all about my 'OMG WE ARE ON STAGE' tweets and whatnot!) While on stage, the bouncer pulled out my camera to take a photo of Payton and I dancing on stage when fake Jimmy Paige danced over to us, in the middle of his guitar solo, and posed for the photo as well!

At the end of the show, the band made their way over to talk to us and were so very kind. I guess good things happen when you dress like a flowerchild.

Without any further ado, here are some photos from the concert. Since it was so dark in there, a lot of them didn't turn out or had to be crazily edited to look presentable.

Bet you didn't realize how short I was!!

Dress: Forever21
Tights: c/o WeLoveColors
Shoes: Payless

Anyhow, I have quite a bit of cleaning to do since I leave for winter break in two days. I'll talk to you all soon!

Love Always,

Through Your Eyes (music video)

2011-12-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

Video by myself and Brittaney

Love Always,