"We'll All Sleep When We're Dead"

I may or may not have mentioned on here that I have a little bit of a purse problem.

While grabbing lunch with an old work friend/new school friend (apparently us Borders girls are actually huge school nerds... Who would have guessed?) on Friday, the topic of handbags came up. Thankfully, she too is a purse addict. Neither of us could explain why they, of all fashion accessories and articles, were the most alluring. Here's hoping someone else agrees.

I am unbelievably picky with handbags. I am a firm believer in the bigger-is-better bag rule (my excuse is I need to carry textbooks, a sweater, a drink, and possibly my laptop to and from classes.. In reality, I just like giant bags.) I pay a weird amount of attention to the hardware, strap length, stitching, and feet. And most importantly, they must go with my everyday pair of black boots.

So that means they need to be black bags, right? Or colored, or maybe white? Possibly gray? Kind of.

I'm slowly warming up to brown. It's taken me long enough, but I'm starting to like it. Maybe it's because of the absolutely wonderful and comfortable camel semi-perforated, cut out oxfords from Bakers I just found on clearance that I can't stop wearing. Maybe it's my "Old Man Hat" that I bought off Tomas for 50 cents in 2005, which Yogurt (another fan of accessories) is currently asleep in. Who fucking knows. All I know is, I'm on the hunt for a multi-strap camel carryall on the cheap(ish.)

Top Shop, $170

Top Shop, $80

Hmm. I'll be on the look for a while. On an unrelated note, I can't stop listening to the Star Fucking Hipsters album, Until We're Dead. I can't tell if the Naked juice or loud music or lovely bags or cigarettes that have me so half-asleep+wired. Perhaps now, since it is 2 AM, I should be sleeping. Maybe.

Triumphant return, or something.

Hello, Blogger! So much has changed since I last logged on! I'm no longer a sophomore at SWIC with a hamster living in the Metro East. I'm now a junior at SLU with a cat in St. Louis. I'm loving my new apartment, new school, and new pet (RIP, Tort) but have definitely found a few issues thus far.

Living in St. Louis is genuinely cheaper than Illinois except for one minor thing: groceries. The price difference from store to store and item to item is staggering, and has lead me to start shopping at multiple locations. I think I was spoiled by the ungodly cheap 24-hour Super Walmart in Collinsville. Thankfully, there is a Target/Schnucks/Walgreens intersection that makes my three-stop bargain hunting doable.

The stadium-like classrooms with 200 students and a mic'd professor are also a new concept. Weirdly enough, I also have classes with possible 11 others. It's a mind-boggling combination after two years of 35-ish per room.

And finally, it seems as though I missed the memo on what to wear to school. Maybe it's because I commute, or maybe it's because I think good skinny jeans are comfortable, but apparently there is a uniform. The very popular decorative hoodie + running shorts + flip flops + stretchy headband combination is so common, I'm sure I see 5 girls in it for every 1 who got dressed. I understand you want to be comfortable, I understand you probably live a few buildings down from class, I understand you might be hungover, I understand you're still half-asleep, and I understand that sometimes you just don't give a shit. But every day?!

College is meant to prepare us for the real world, yeah? Well here is the truth of it: before you leave the house, you should be wearing real-world appropriate clothing. You want to slack off and wear "loungewear"? Fine. I get it. But c'mon, not every single day. We're three weeks into classes and I'm starting to doubt some of you own pants.

The worst of it is I don't think it's just that ladies are wearing their pajamas out and about. I honestly think some people got up, showered, and decided this counted as an option Monday-Friday.

And so, to prove my point that wearing real clothing isn't so bad, I've prepared a little This-Or-That segment. For the price of your fancy workout clothing you could have a comfortable and appropriate outfit. It's just as easy to wear, it's just as easy to put together, and it will leave you with enough money for some lovely accessory (or three scrumptious espresso drinks, or a handful iPhone apps, as those seem to be more popular on campus as well.)

See? Not so hard.

Speaking of university, I should get back to my newspaper articles before Mad Men starts. But I'll be back on you, Blogger. I've been missing my rants and rambles on clothing and the like. And clearly I need more tools of procrastination.

Dance till you drop. Or your face meets someone's elbow.

Ska is Dead IV proved that, contrary to popular belief, ska is alive and kicking. Scratch that—skanking.

I haven’t danced through an entire show in years. Today I woke up with a sore back and a partially bruised and swollen eye. Oh, the glories of the pit.

Today, partly because of my exhaustion, I did not accomplish much. I paid my electric bill (woo-hoo!) and ran a few errands.

I decided to try the bareMinerals Mineral Veil Buffering Brush from Ulta. This line of make-up has single-handedly cleared up my skin in less than two weeks. I don’t care if it’s pricey, it’s worth it. However, it is a huge pain to carry around. So far, this little brush seems to work perfectly.

I also went to TJ Maxx to check out discounted home items. I snagged a great, and gigantic, casserole dish, a few Hello Kitty blown glass Christmas ornaments, holiday cards and an early gift for my mother.

After, Ricky and I grabbed dinner and ended up watching movies at the guys’ house. All around, it was a fun, but non-productive, day.

Hence I am now working on some pieces for The Eye of the Storm.

As pictured in my previous post, I recently snagged a sweatshirt-material motorcycle jacket. I had been looking for one just like it for months; it seemed they were only available in unflattering colors or at ridiculous prices. But lucky me! I was wandering Target, killing time, and spotted one left in my size. When I brought it to the register, I was informed it was 25% off. The woman in front of me, while collecting her bags, even congratulated me on my smart shopping skills while I jumped for joy.

The elbow to the eye from last night is staring to hurt again. Perhaps it’s time I caught up on my sleep.

Inter Nos.

Without going into too many details, this has been one of the best weeks in a long time. And it's just getting started.

Chicago was fantastic. Lexy's vegan extravaganza was not only delicious, but positively boisterous (in the best of all ways.)

As a post-party form of recovery, we did some much needed shopping on Saturday. Thankfully, I didn't spend too much. I did, however, find some killer blindbox toys and a pair of thigh high socks I'm madly in love with.



The Marc by Marc Jacobs store had a haunting Halloween display, which I basically adore. They also had the Latin bracelets I had been looking for. Needless to say, I've been wearing at least one ever since.



We also visited Chicago's Bleeding Heart Bakery, which was divine. I had a latte and the fruit tart, which was almost too cute to eat. The astounding cakes on display were made so much better by the Misfits poster hanging behind them.

The rest of the weekend is a blur of shopping, music, coffee and highway. I was gone longer than expected, but when I was offered a ride home to see the Lower Class Brats and my oldest friends, how could I possibly say no?

But I am home now. It's good to be back, although I can't see myself winding down. I've literally slept maybe 20 hours since Thursday, by choice.

Tomorrow starts St. Louis Fashion Week, along with The Creep Show. I am hoping to make it to the latter, but I can't guarantee it.

I have to roll. The party isn't over just yet.

Too cold to sit outside; Too bored to sit inside.

I am sitting in the Cyber Lounge on campus, trying to kill time. I had a brief meeting at 4:40, but my next class doesn't start until 7:00. Oh, joy.

I'll be going to Chicago this weekend to visit my best-friend, and "twin", Alexis. It's going to be a weekend of retro fun and shopping fiascos. I couldn't be more excited.

Since my last visit, Marc Jacobs has opened his Chicago store. I've been eyeing the current Special Items all day. I plan on paying all of my bills before leaving, because who knows what shopping self-control I'll have once I'm there.

On a completely different, but equally exciting, note, Ricky and I went midcentury furniture shopping on Monday. We ended up snagging a pink and grey formica hairpin-leg kitchen table (with the leaf!) and a butter cream chrome bar cart from TFA for under $130. What a steal. I also snagged a clearance vintage miniature doctor's bag for $5 from The Vintage Haberdashery.
God, I love St. Louis.

But, no matter how peachy our new kitchen is, or how much fun I'll have with Alexis, the real highlight of my week was when a man yelled "Arrr, yer be a sexy pirate!" to me at a gas station last night. How I didn't fall for that line is still beyond me.

October, at last.

The past week has been a blur of coffee and newsprint. However, it was entirely worth it.

The first newspaper this semester (and my first as editor!) came out Wednesday evening. Needless to say, I am over the moon with happiness. The stories turned out good, the layout looks wonderful, the brand new addition of color on the front and back pages is striking.. It really makes all those 11 or 12 or 13 hour days on campus worth while.

The newspapers are available at the Granite City, Red Bud, Belleville, and East St. Louis Southwestern Illinois College campuses.

In my spare time since my last update I have gone successfully gone both vintage luggage shopping and on a mad DIY spree. The luggage, which very well might not actually be that old, is a light brown leather-looking suitcase with a buckle and a small handle that cost me $7 second-hand. The DIY projects have included everything from an assortment of throw pillows to apple-green pelmet boxes. I would go snap a picture, but they are in the bedroom, and Ricky is still asleep.

I can't blame him, though. I would love to still be asleep. The sun hasn't even began to crack over the horizon. Every year I forget how hard it is to wake up when it is still dark.

There is a plus side to the seasons changing. It is finally October, which means I can finally wear my trench coat without looking totally insane. The high temperature for today is somewhere around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, plus a lovely wind, which means it is a legitimate time to wear a long jacket. The coat, which is a light grey Nine West toggle trench, was a birthday present, meaning it was only useful for a few weeks before it became too warm. It has been hanging, sad and lonely, inside my closet, waiting for the leaves to fall. Jacket—your time has come.

On another, and completely off-topic, note, I have suddenly began caring about my nails. Although yes, I've always painted them, they've never been a big deal. I am too impatient to wait for normal nail polish to dry, so I only use fast-drying on my fingers. Up until last week, I was addicted to Avon Speed Dry Nail Enamel (what can I say? I used to be an Avon lady!) which dries very quickly, but bubbles horribly. Now I am in a mad love affair with Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Fast Dry Nail Color and Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen. They look perfect and dry quickly. I have polka-dot toes and little flowers on my thumbs. I feel nauseatingly girly, yet oh so happy every time I notice them.

I should go dry my hair. I'll be tutoring 9-4, followed my sushi with some friends from my algebra class, then extreme-cleaning my apartment. Fridays are always something.

Should today be a Starbucks day? Silly me, of course it should!

Glorified Tee

[Dress, Express; Leggings, Hot Topic; Boots, Nine West; Belt, Hot Topic; Watch, Target; ID Bracelet, TJ Maxx; Silver bangle, thrift store; All other jewelry, vintage]

I woke up late today. And by "woke up late," I mean hit the snooze button for over an hour. Way to go, Julia.

I was exhausted, my head hurt, and I couldn't imagine sitting in class for nine hours. But then I remembered I have not only my first algebra exam, but also my first biology exam, on Thursday, and I could not afford to miss the reviews.

I think it is a safe assumption to say that many rushed and worn out college females turn to sweatpants in the morning, especially if they're running late. But not I. No, no, I still feel embarrassed going to the drugstore in pajamas when I'm ill. Instead of the terribly comfortable, but God-awful eyesore, sweats-and-tee outfit, I turned to the prettier alternative: a t-shirt dress.

If you don't own a t-shirt dress, go buy one. I'm been having a wonderful obsession since I bought my eggplant one at Express several months ago. Although they no longer offer it, they have a similar style, the Shoulder Snap Sleeveless Dress. I also really like Alexander Wang's T-Shirt Dress, with its low, rounded neck. Although typically I'm against pre-fitted "t-shirt silhouette" dresses, I think the Silence & Noise Silk Print T-Shirt Dress is actually very sweet. Perhaps it is the fact that the pattern is reminiscent of something M.I.A. would wear, or perhaps it is because I adore Silence & Noise. Either way, I think it's delightful.

Prior to the t-shirt dress, I turned to trapeze dresses for presentable comfort. Although I still wear them from time to time, nothing is better than jersey knit. Clothing like this ruins the oh-so common "but I like to be comfortable.." excuse.

Despite the fact that I ignored the alarm for so long this morning, it was a good day. I found the time to grab a latte and a bagel before class, BIOL100 was released thirty minutes early, and I was happily greeted by my Moleskine in my mailbox when I got home.

With any luck, tomorrow will be marvelous as well. I'm covering an event for the newspaper at 11 AM, and my last class won't be out until 10 PM. Oh, joy.

At least it gives me an excuse to wear my new heels.

Nostalgia & Pretty, New Things

I did some much needed retail therapy today. Although I didn't buy much, I somehow managed to wander the store for almost three hours. It was exactly what I needed—mindless and fabulous.

I walked out of the store with three items, none of which were a wallet. Ha!

I found a gorgeous burnt orange pleated-bib blouse (Nine West, on clearance for $10!) for interviews/formal business events, a pair of low retro-looking red pumps (Madden Girl), and this adorable bracelet.



I wish I knew who made it. I'm kind of in love with it.

The shopping definitely brightened my day. I am a firm believer in retail therapy. In high school, during fights with friends or significant others, I wandered to the local Hobby Lobby to browse craft supplies and fabric for hours on end. These days, I like to stop by Rag O Rama (aka "Avalon Exchange" as of earlier this year; it is still Rag O Rama to me), Timeless Authentic Garments, or the always fantastic TJ Maxx.

I am listening to PARK, an ex-Springfield, Ill., emo band (and a guilty pleasure for us lucky kids who used to see them during our hometown scene's glory days), on headphones. Is it 2004? It very well might be, since I definitely wore torn jeans and a black tank top out tonight. Thankfully, I've upgraded from back-pocket-less flares to skinnies and a black hoodie to a plaid shrunken blazer.

Despite the desperate need for purchasing pretty things, the day was good. After the editorial meeting and shopping, I came home and worked on newspaper things. Then, around eight, I went to Benedict Arnold's band practice and hung out with the guys. I'd say today was an all-around success.

Tomorrow will hopefully be equally as nice. I'll be in class from 12-9, with a break or two thrown in. Another long day. I think I'll leave early enough to grab a skinny vanilla latte on my way in. Nothing makes algebra more bearable than coffee.

I'm anxiously awaiting a few internet purchases. I ordered a Moleskine Pocket Memos book (I'm a total Moleskine snob; I just can't get enough), along with some new business cards. Hopefully, they will be here when I get home, making a long day much more exciting. After all, a little shopping thrown in helps even the bleakest day.

Wallet Woes

Today at work I helped a woman dig a card out of her wallet. It was stuck deep down in a shockingly tight pocket, and she couldn't get it out by herself.

Later on, a different customer mentioned, after I complimented hers, that finding the perfect wallet is one of the hardest shopping tasks. And I'm starting to agree.

I have been dissatisfied with my wallet for a while. For the last few years, off and on, I have been carrying a pale pink vintage leather pouch with a few small pockets and a zippered coin pouch. Although I still adore the thing (which costs me a mere ten cents at a yard sale), it has lost its shape and strength over time.

Last week I switched back to a wallet I bought in 2007 on clearance at Urban Outfitters. It is a somewhat-slim, armored teal leather zip-around. Although I love it, it is very heavy. And the life of the zipper is starting to be questioned.

So I find it important that I prepare early for my possible upcoming wallet loss.

When I begin looking for anything new, I automatically turn to Marc by Marc Jacobs. I really love the Totally Turnlock Zip Wallet, $138.00 at Bluefly. It looks spacious, but doesn't seem overwhelming. And who doesn't love his classic turnlock pieces?

But, alas, if I spend $138.00 on a wallet, I will have no money to put in it. So I stared browsing Betsey Johnson's website, in hopes of finding something more reasonable. Her Little Bow Pleat Checkbook is very sweet, but is still $125.00 and doesn't show any inside detail pictures.

Then I found what may be it... the perfect replacement. The Gianni Chiarini 'Athene' Clutch in Olive, available for $88.00 at Nordstrom, seems ideal. It's a classic leather envelope with better storage.

But have I bought it yet? No. I am being picky and it is bothersome.

Odds are, I'll search vintage Etsy, second-hand stores and sale bins until my current wallet dies. When it comes to accessories like purses and wallets, I need to make sure they fit; not me, of course, but all of my stuff. I'm a sucker for club cards (hello, Starbucks Gold, Sephora Beauty Insider, CVS Extra Care, Kerasotes Five Buck Club, Borders Rewards, T.G.I. Friday's Give Me More Stripes, The Club at Ulta, just to name a few...)

Needless to say, I have to have a wallet that can hold its own. And then some.