Today was (unseasonably?) cool, so I took advantage and wore a jacket.  Can you imagine?  A jacket in September in Los Angeles.  Perish the thought!

Dudeguy and I got into it on the way home, so I was out a photographer…sucka.  I used the opportunity to go exploring on the second floor of the house I live in.  A couple of people left recently, and there was one completely empty room with a mirror on the wall.  Naturally, I assumed it was a photo studio.  Yaaaaaaaaaaay.

Now, I know way back when I first started this here blog, I was supposed to do a formal post on the house.  I’ve toyed with the idea, but would rather not put all the secrets, stories, and general weird happenings that are said to have gone on here out into the internets.  I don’t think anyone would come and visit.  In fact, several of my friends have vowed not to come back over.  I don’t know why.  Nothing ever happened to them while they were here…

Ok, so MAAAAAAAYBE it was because I told them that the house was potentially haunted because a family that used to live there disappeared sometime during the mid-1900’s and all their pictures and furniture are still on the first floor.  No biggie.  I hardly think that’s a reason to never come back over to someone’s house, but that may just be me…

I probably shouldn’t have showed them the blood on the walls, huh?

Possible apparitions aside, it’s a pretty freakin’ sweet house.  Craftsman style, root cellar in back, servant’s quarters complete with dumb waiter, a huge garage, sun room, huge porch, and (my favorite) an old-timey den.  It looks like the room the men retired to to smoke cigars and listen to Orson Welles on a bakelite radio while sitting in big leather chairs.  If I had enough nerve, I’d chill in there, but it just feels weird.

All that said, we’re having a Halloween party!!!  It’ll be on the top level above all the old furniture, pictures of disappeared people and blood on the walls…just saying…you know, in case anyone was concerned for their welfare and sanity.  =D

Wearing
Kill City jacket
Pleasure Principle dress
Acne Atacoma wedges
Brixton hat
Vintage Poran & Mexican hammered knuckle rings

While going through my spam filter, I found a comment that basically accused me of violating the migratory bird act because I sell castings that look a lot like bird parts.  I have a strict “NO ASSHOLE” policy re: comments here, so it won’t be posted (remember to ask before you ASSume ladies and gents), but I wanted to clarify for anyone who was wondering.  Each piece in Talonalia was cast from items from a taxidermist’s shop.  Molds were made and the final products are completely brass.  I do not sick my army of cats on wildlife, because that would be dreadful.  Besides, I’m way too squeamish to engage in that activity.

Everything in Instant Vintage, however, was made from the precious breath of newborn children that I stole with a device similar to the one the Skeksis used to steal Gelfling essence in The Dark Crystal.  It’s possible that I’ve violated tons of laws  making the stuff there, so make sure you report me to the proper authorities.

And speaking of, here are several pictures of me wearing my huge ass (and conflict-free) Owl Talon necklace:

Wearing:
That thrifted shirt I like to turn into a skirt as a dress (thanks for the idea, Jowy!)
Thrifted jacket
Vintage Bruno Valenti shoes
Talonalia Owl Necklace and Hawk Talon+Vintage Bracelet

This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.  This is a post about arm candy.

Thank you, my darling dear ((pseudo)) sister!

Word on the street is that she’s opening an etsy store soon.  I’ll keep you all informed.

Do check out her blog because it’s fucking awesome.  Go soon.  Go soon because she likes to move around a lot.  It’s brimming with nice photos, great writing, and (AND) she makes stuff.  Really, really cool stuff.

She’s a girl after my own heart…and that’s probably why I appointed her as my ((pseudo)) sister.

Yeah.  I’m like that.

I know I don’t usually talk about my innermost thoughts and feelings in this space, but I really need to get these words in front of me and out of my head. Right now, I’m feeling a bit “anti-fashion.” I’m over the influx of what’s supposed to be new/hot/trendy. I’m over the “chic-er than thou” hierarchy that exists within the industry. I’m tired of being dictated to and directed and of having Alexa Chung/Erin Wasson/(insert your favorite model here) shoved down my throat. But more than anything else, I’m completely over stuffing my closet to the gills with things that, at the time, I just HAD to HAVE.

CONFESSION: at present, I’m considering writing down every single possession of mine and reducing it by half. I’m taking a very sideways look at the things I like and really reevaluating my level of like.  In theory, I’m vowing to ditch everything that I don’t absolutely love.  In fact, I love too damn much and my closet will probably still be stuffed to the gills.  Ugh. Note to self: be more cut-throat.

Despite this feeling, I realize that I am still very much a consumer.  I’m a mixture of a self-loathing and self-celebrating consumer (depending on the purchase, of course), but indeed a consumer.  Although I’d rather cater to the minimalistic, ascetic side of my personality and dedicate myself to eliminating debt/establishing an emergency fund/being fiscally responsible and all that shit, lately, I’ve been spending more money.  Yeah.  Fuck this recession.

On this point, I will give myself a bit of credit.  I’ve managed to (mostly) avoid the trap of fast fashion and spending money on things that I know I’m not going to love for more than a few months.  In trade, I’ve spent money on items that I think are absolutely amazing and that I’ll get some serious wear out of (see the Herman Munster wedges of amazingness that made it into 3 of the last 4 posts).  Sure, those Draped Harem Pants from Twelve by Twelve may look cute, but I’m sure the Pleasure Principle dress that I narrowly managed to score on Shoes and Your Mom will give me exponentially more pleasure in the long run.  Does this mean I’ve finally “grown up” stylistically? That I’ve learned that an investment piece is better than a cheap fix?  Probably not.  I’m just tired of throwing my money away on shit that is “supposed” to be cool.  The same day I got those Acne shoes, I also picked up that navy blazer from the Salvation Army for $6.  Just saying.

CONFESSION: after paying off all of my credit card debt and not charging anything for 5 months, I managed to rack up a full month’s rent in one day. ONE.DAY. I probably could have waited and paid cash, but delayed gratification is SO not my style. Then again, neither is about 90% of what I see in stores/magazines/the blogosphere. I’m not knocking anyone mind you; my perspective has just shifted a bit. I still <3 all of my blogger buddies like play cousins and follow more than a fair share of blogs in general.

Speaking of, I don’t really know what I’m doing with the blog anymore.  When I think back on why I started it in the first place (honestly, it was because I was tired of dressing like a boy in junior high school and was in the middle of a MAJOR (and in hindsight, highly unnecessary) spending binge), I think I’ve accomplished my initial goal.  I’ve also happened upon a couple of very fun side hustles and met some very cool people in the process.  Now, I’m wondering what direction to go in.  If you haven’t already noticed,  I’m not going to be up on (insert city) Fashion Week, posting Polyvores of the outfits I wish I could wear to places I’m not going, or giving you incredibly photographed outfits against serene landscapes.  I live in Koreatown…in Los Angeles…let’s be realistic.  What you’ll probably get is whatever is in my head space…”anti-fashion” related or not.  Sure, my own sense of vanity will keep me doing my semi-regular outfit posts because…well, because I’m vain like that, but the other content is going to be a complete toss up.  This should be interesting; do stick around.

First up, my buddy (overshooting, but I’ve seen him enough times that I couldn’t call him a random dude) Tiron just dropped this video for “Throwing My Money” off of his mixtape Ketchup.  I think it sums up my feelings quite well…

Shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes…shoes I do adore…

Video posting aside, I guess the crux of this post is that I’m finally comfortable with taking WendyB’s advice and wearing what I want without putting much stock in any outside influence.  YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY.

Now if I could only get a plan together to re-rid myself of revolving debt…

What’s presently rocking my world:

This blog:

She’s just dope.  Others agree.  Follow her.  You won’t be disappointed.  In fact, I believe I just doubled the effectiveness of my existing wardrobe just by going through her post archive.  I’m telling you; she’s dope.

These shoes:

My love for the Acne Atacoma is unyielding.  I don’t think I want to wear any other shoes.  At least not for now.  I have to get the cost-per-wear down to a respectable level.

This phone:

I got this physical display of awesomeness at the Melrose Trading Post yesterday.  What are the chances of running into a first and last time seller who happens to refurbish rotary phones?  In this shade of blue?  Very slim, my friends.  Very, very slim.

What are you digging in your respective worlds? Anything new/cool/share-worthy?  Hit me with it.

Talonalia Sparrow Skull Necklace

It’s the first in a series and very, very cool.  Solid brass casting with a nice weight to it and looks great layered with…everything else in the store.  See how convenient I make things for you guys!

Starting Monday, get it here.  Very limited quantity available (for now).

Being the shining example of will-power that I am, I naturally got the damn shoes.  American Rag has one more pair in a size 38.  Just saying.

I think I’ve gotten more compliments from guys than girls on these shoes.  SWEET.

T minus 15 hours before I make these mine…or not…

Pressure is on…

Vintage Bracelet + Hawk Talon

In store Monday.  If you have an eye for this particular bracelet, I suggest you act quickly on Monday.  There is only one.  ONLY.ONE.

Available here.

AA Raglan
Three Layer Cake

My last chance to wear it before it ships out tomorrow.  I’ll miss it.  Luckily, there are (technically) three more to keep me company.  One has yet to be listed (aiming for tomorrow!), one other is on “tour,” and the third is available in the store.