Come and Learn to Dance

Outfit details:
Red/orange shirt: thrifted, originally American Eagle, remixed
Olive motorcycle skinnies: Gap, shortened and remixed
Jazz shoes: Seychelles, via TJ Maxx, remixed
Circle scarf: knitted by me!

Where:
Home for job applications and cleaning, out for a Halloween's Eve walk with Joe

So I totally knitted this scarf. I've been admiring everyone's circle scarves lately. I love the whole idea of a circle scarf, and I've been wanting to augment my winter scarf arsenal. I've had this gorgeous brown alpaca wool yarn for ages, since a trip to South America I took years ago, and I've just never used it, for whatever reason. But I thought this scarf would be the perfect use for it. I love how it turned out; just the right length and width to wrap around and keep my little neck warm in these upcoming winter months. Even better, when it's unwrapped it makes a cute little brown wool cowl-neck flourish.

Keep your eyes out for a pretty sweet giveaway coming soon!!

Title song: Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, "Wooly Bully"

A Saturday Morning Cartoon

I got this idea from my friends over at the d'ArteBoard. No it's not wire wrapped around objects, but this is my blog, so there. In the U.S., as long as I can remember, Saturday morning cartoons are something kids look forward to watching while they eat their sugary cereals.

Milton was a classic cartoon that I'd watch after I got home from school in the 70's. It's Halloween today, so it's a good fit. At least watch the opening song. It's awesome.

Milton The Monster - The Hearse Thief
Uploaded by DwightFrye. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

Our 12 year old and I both have gmail accounts, and she gets upset when she goes to check her email on our laptop, and I haven't signed out. The other day I received this email from her gmail address, but it wasn't from her, it was from Ted from gmail, or so he said.

(One more thing, I'm always telling her to delete some of her old messages, which are many, but she refuses.)

Dear G-mail participant,

Every once and a while we check on our G-mail users to

make sure everything is going smoothly. We have only one

complaint, you have not been signing out. We have no other

complaints and we believe that we are lucky to have

you using our sight. It may seem as if you are getting this

form someone else but, we are sending this to you from

the person who first filed the complaint that you were not

signing out. We can not say this person because it is being

sent to all the others who don't sign out. We will still let

you use G-mail, we just like to make G-mail a better

experience for everyone. Please enjoy using G-mail

and please sign out.

Sincerely,

Ted Lamasso

Remember- There is no need to delete because G-mail is big.

Thank you again, Ted.

Have a wonderful day.

----------------------------------------------------

One more thing- The art of Kevin Van Aelst

This Is What You Search Out

Costume details:
White shirt: Old Navy, recently remixed
Jeans: Old Navy, remixed
Shoes: Dansko, remixed
Hat: Walgreens, $7
Red duct tape: Walgreens, $2.99

So for the past few weeks, as I've read all of your awesome costume ideas for this year and hilarious photos of Halloweens past, I have had zero idea of what I wanted to dress up as this year. Joe and I don't exactly have huge Halloween plans this year, so I was almost tempted to just let a costume fall by the wayside. My backup plan was to just recreate my favorite costume ever. A few years ago I went as David Bowie circa the Aladdin Sane album. I've had some okay costumes over the years, but I feel like that one really knocked it out of the park. I even matched my pumpkin to my costume!

However, I felt entirely unoriginal just recreating a costume I had already done, so it was back to the drawing board. Finally it dawned on me...Where's Waldo!! Waldo is one of the classiest cartoons ever. Plus, we have matching hair and glasses. It was simply meant to be. One white beanie and a roll of red duct tape later, I was ready for my closeup...if you can find me...

What are you all going as this year?

Title song: Cut Copy, "So Haunted"

I Wanna Open This Hour

Outfit details:
White shirt: Old Navy, remixed
White tunic: Old Navy
Vest: thrifted
Jeans: Gap, remixed
Ballet flats: Target, remixed
Necklace: Snakes on a Necklace, in Objects Found shop

Where:
Breakfast, Field Museum, home for date night with Joe

Sorry for the kinda fuzzy photos. We opted to take them without the flash to get better colors, but we lost some clarity in the process. Joe and I had a lovely day today, walking around the museum, making rings out of dollar bills (anyone else remember doing that?), and making white Russians. We're watching Stranger than Fiction and The Darjeeling Limited tonight, with tastilicious pizza. I got this vest when I went thrifting with Jennine awhile back. It was in the little boys' section, and 50% off, which makes it even sweeter. It was originally button-less, but Joe sewed them on for me last night. He's so handy.

Title song: Spoon, "The Book I Write"

Spin Cycle: Covered in Leather or Plaid Patches

Outfit details:
Plaid shirt: Lark and Wolff for UO, remixed
Leather skirt: Vintage Wilson's, thrifted
Tights: Hue, recently remixed
Wedges: Old Navy, remixed
Necklace: Gold Braided Drip Necklace, in the Objects Found shop

Where:
Home, library, walk and lunch with Joe, grocery shopping, home for homemade vindaloo

This is the second "Spin Cycle" post I've done. Last time I took a look at the pieces from my closet that seem to be in heavy rotation for casual Sundays. Today is a little different. I'm still looking at certain items that seem to be frequently worn, but today it's not all about me. It's probably no surprise to any of you that the whole plaid-shirt-with-leather-skirt look is storming the blogosphere (ooh, I cringe at that word!). Here's how some of my favorite bloggers totally rocked this look:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Krystal from This Time Tomorrow, Indiana Adams from Adored Austin, Delightfully Tacky, and Julie from Orchid Grey

They've all pointed out the "style chain" that seems to be happening with this look, so I'm not exactly adding anything earth-shatteringly new, but I wanted to take some inspiration from some of my faves and give credit where credit is due. A few things just jump out as I look at these, that remind me of why I love blogging in the first place. First, we're all clearly working off each other, getting inspiration for colors, shoes, necklaces, and general style. Second, despite the similarities (long gold necklaces, nosebleed shoes), each outfit is unique and plays off the particular style of the individual. Thanks, ladies, for the continued inspiration!

Title song: Anti-Flag, "Punk by the Book"

Leaves and Leaving

Some music to go with it- Miles plays some "Autumn Leaves"...

What's a Wolf Without a Pack

Outfit details:
Magenta shirt: Old Navy, remixed
Dress, worn as skirt: New Order, remixed
Tights: Hue, remixed
Belt: thrifted, remixed
Brogues: Andiamo, remixed
Crocheted bib necklace: handmade by the lovely Noel from the owls are not what they seem

Where:
Home, downtown, long walk around town

I was so excited to win the giveaway for this gorgeous necklace, lovingly made by Noel from one of my favorite blogs, the owls are not what they seem!! It's such a beautiful creation, and I'm so excited about showing it off as much as possible. I even did some fancy photo editing to highlight this beauty. (See the fuzzy edges? Yeah, that's right.)

I also found out that I won the Beta Boutique giveaway from Keiko Lynn! I guess my karma is givin' me a few kickbacks for the whole job thing. Between the sweet thrifting booty, my free laundry room finds, and winning these giveaways, it's almost like I never got laid off at all! Well, maybe not quite... I also had a bit of karma at the DMV today. Every DMV I've ever been to has grumptastic employees wearing their grumpiest pants. This one, however, was filled with smiling, laughing employees who wanted me to look "glamorous" for my ID photo. I totally did.

This outfit was one of those ones that just came together perfectly. I'm pretty sure it was 90% crocheted necklace, 10% me. But I still loved the way the layering worked, and the neutral base with the pop of color from the shirt. I felt like it was flattering, interesting, feminine, chic, and a little bit fun. Plus, I adore these brogues. But seriously, 90% necklace. Oh, and I hope you guys aren't too sick of these autumnal backdrops. I'm totally drinking in fall while it's here. Don't worry, though. After a few weeks all the leaves will have fallen and you'll be treated to dead trees behind my lovely outfits. :)

Title song: Emily Haines, "Winning"

Yes I Am Mother Nature's Son

Outfit details:
Cream cableknit sweater: Gap, free from laundry room
Jeans: Old Navy, remixed
Moccasins: Kmart, remixed
Wood earrings: craft fair, remixed

Where:
Long walk to admire the fall colors, updating the Objects Found Etsy shop, home for dish- and laundry-doing

I've already tweeted this, but I made a major update on the Etsy shop today. I added 8 new designs, some of which are definitely my faves so far. I'm especially smitten with the Winged Asymmetrical Necklace and the Gold Braided Drip Necklace. Tell me, friends, whaddaya think? Which is your favorite?

So apparently today's outfit and backdrop fulfills this week's theme of "Turtlenecks and Fall Colors" (seriously, see here, here, here, and here). I found this gorgeous cableknit sweater in a pile labeled "FREE CLOTHES" in our laundry room today when Joe and I were doing laundry (don't worry, I washed it!). I love the knit pattern, and it's just so perfectly cozy for a rainy fall day. I guess it must be good karma that once I'm unemployed I start finding free clothes!

Title song: Lou Reed, "I'm So Free"

Some People Wake Up on Monday Mornings

Outfit details:
Magenta turtleneck sweater: Old Navy
Green skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Boots: Target, recently remixed
Necklace: Objects Found, soon to be on sale in the shop

Where:
Grocery shopping, Burlington Coat Factory, home

Despite the fact that this outfit is unbelievably simple, I felt like the great color combo made it interesting and chic, and just, well, pretty. I've had this sweater for a couple of winters and every year when I dig out my winter clothes, I feel like I'm rediscovering something special. I just love the color, the neckline, and the shape of the sleeves. When Joe got home from work today and saw what I was wearing, he said, "ooh, classy!", which I thought was perfect. Plus, I love this new Objects Found necklace that I made this weekend! It's a shorter version of this one, and will go up in the shop, along with 7 others, tomorrow. So excited!

Title song: Andrew Bird, "Simple X"

It Was Magic at First When They Spoke Without Sound

Outfit details:
Turtleneck: free! (found in laundry room)
Plaid shirt-dress: thrifted, remixed
Black leggings: Target
Boots: Target, remixed last spring
Belt: thrifted, remixed

Where:
Home, grocery shopping, dinner with Joe

I spent most of Saturday at home, working on jewelry stuff (expect a big shop update tomorrow!!), tidying, watching campy sci-fi, baking oatmeal raisin cookies, and making delicious shrimp enchiladas for dinner. It was a nice day in, and I felt really productive, but now I'm really itching to go do something. I expect to spend much of tomorrow in a coffeeshop or public library, which I'm really looking forward to. It will give me a reason to put a little more thought into my outfit, too. I liked today's ensemble, but I also felt like it didn't really get its time in the sun since I spent most/all of the day inside.

Title song: Jack Johnson, "Cookie Jar"

Doodling books while I look for leaves...

Searching for some good leaves for the next Bent Objects image.

Only the best leaf will do for my Bent Objects visitors.

Meanwhile, while I'm coming up with an idea involving leaves, several people have asked about signed copies of the book. I'll tell you the truth, trying to arrange appearances (speaking/book signing) is not something I have enjoyed. My talk/signing at The Indiana Historical Society December 5th will be it for now.

But I have another possibility for you-

I'm offering autographed copies that I'll gladly personalize,

with doodles (I don't draw, I doodle)

of all sorts for $40 + shipping.

U.S. shipping is $4, Canada and Mexico- $7, and everywhere else is $15.

I'm also still offering personalized, signed book plates for just $2 each total.

Use the "Donate" button on the sidebar to pay the $40 plus appropriate shipping.

You can email me, (Go ahead, don't be scared, I'm a fairly nice fella).

Wish me luck with the leaves!

I'm drinking lots of caffeine and thinking about Autumn! Such hard work.

---------------------
Bitchin Lifestyle has an interview of me here. Very cool site.

From the West to the East

Outfit details:
Black sweater dress: Pink Rose, via Nordstrom Rack
Mustard shirt: Target, remixed
Black leggings: Forever 21
Scarf: TJ Maxx, remixed
Socks: Target
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, remixed

Where:
Breakfast at our fave place, Art Institute for artsy ogling, home

Despite the ridiculous weather today (rainy, cold, windy...what happened to yesterday's lovely fall day?!), Joe and I were determined to enjoy the day. We went out to breakfast, like we do every week, at our absolute favorite local breakfast joint, and then headed downtown for a day at the Art Institute. It was so nice wandering through the museum, and we especially enjoyed the Art of Victorian Photocollage exhibit. Sometimes it's okay to be unemployed...

I love today's outfit, too. I love how the scarf matches the mustard shirt and navy socks, and I really like the almost-all black color palette. I wear black occasionally, but I rarely wear it head to toe. I felt part French chic, part bohemian college student, and all awesome. To top it off, it's an incredibly comfortable outfit, what with the leggings and sweater-dress and all. And it sure didn't hurt that the fall colors were so unbelievably gorgeous today.

Title song: The Kinks, "Victoria"

It Doesn't Really Matter What Clothes I Wear

Outfit details:
Sweater: thrifted
Corduroy pants: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Dansko clogs, remixed

Where:
Evanston

Joe had another meeting in Evanston today, so we spent the day exploring town. It was an absolutely unbelievable day, 65* and sunny, and it was lovely walking along the lakefront, watching students hustle from class to class, admiring the gorgeous changing leaves, and just taking a day out of the city. Joe's meeting went great, which is wonderful, and we had a simply delightful day together.

Today's outfit was basically just based around comfort. I knew we'd be sitting on the train a long time, and walking a lot, so I wanted to make sure I'd be comfy for the day. I actually ended up taking off the sweater and wearing a t-shirt for some of the day since it was so pretty out. I do love this sweater, though, especially the darling button detailing. Oh, and see those little silver glints near my ankles? Those are safety pins keeping my pants hemmed. Yup, that's right, I hem my pants with safety pins. Classy.

p.s. Hi, Mom!

Title song: The Beatles, "Only a Northern Song"

Troubled By Some Foolish Game

Outfit details:
Dress: Lux, thrifted, remixed
Knee-highs: Target, remixed
Leather woven-toe brogues: Trotters, recently remixed
Wool jacket: Gap, thrifted, remixed

Where:
Home, out and about, phone interview

I feel very blah today. Emotionally, mentally, physically. Just a big ol' blah day. But in line with my new "dress for the mood you want" motto, I decided to still put a little effort into my outfit. I love this Lux dress, and I've had fun remixing it in past outfits. I was hesitant at first about the tan knee-high socks, since I kind of felt like they made my calves look jaundiced rather than stockinged. But Joe reassured me that it looked cute, and I actually really like them now that I've seen it in pictures. I feel like the real stars of this outfit are the brogues, though. They emphasize the casual, letting my inner hipster school-girl come out (if there is such a thing)!

Title song: James Taylor, "Something in the Way She Moves"

Do Anything That You Wanna Do

Outfit details:
Olive shirt: gift from my parents, from a shop in Venice, remixed
Black suede skirt: vintage Ivy Club Classics, recently thrifted
Black footless tights: Target
Black ankle boots: Payless, remixed
Maroon belt: thrifted
Sunglasses: Target, remixed

Where:
Coffee and breakfast at home with Joe, then for a lovely afternoon walk and a few errands (involving a trip to the post office, where a homeless guy serenaded the 20-person line with a recorder solo)

I've been really focused on the uber-casual outfits lately, which is okay, but I've felt kind of half-assed for a little while now. So I decided that today I would kick it up a notch, and put some effort into looking a little more put-together. There's that saying, "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want". Well, without a job to dress for at all, I've adopted the opinion of, "don't dress for the mood you're in, dress for the mood you want to be in". I'm a firm believer in this, and I was in a great mood all day because I felt classy, sexy, and beautiful. Yay me!

I've already mentioned some of the thrifting luck I had with Jennine this weekend, but I have to mention it again! I'm so blown away by this skirt. Perfect condition, perfect length, perfectly awesome, $3.49. I know! I wasn't sure I'd be a leather/suede skirt person until I found these gems (don't worry, I'll debut the other ones soon!). I decided to go with an autumnal color palette for this outfit, to match the perfectly sunny fall day that we were graced with today. It has seriously been so awful out recently that I forgot how glorious fall can be here. Today was delightful, and I was so happy to spend it enjoying a long walk with Joe, soaking up the warm sun and admiring the fall colors.

Title song: Elvis Presley, "Blue Suede Shoes"

So the winner is autumn leaves

Autumn Leaves? Sounds like the name of a heart-breaking starlet. It's also the object of my next Bent Objects image thanks to your votes. I'm going out to see what I can rake up now.

While I try to figure out what to do with leaves, read this review of my book and think of all the many people that you know who would love it as a gift. Kathy over at The Junk Drawer, was also nice enough to talk about it.

Take My Rider By My Side

Outfit details:
Cream sweater: vintage Sag Harbor, recently thrifted
Gray jeans: Old Navy, remixed
Boots: DSW, recently remixed
Scarf: Forever 21, remixed
Necklace: made by me - in the Objects Found shop!

Where:
Proctoring an exam on campus, running errands downtown, home

This sweater is one of my recent acquisitions from my thrifting outing with Jennine. It fits perfectly, is delightfully soft, and is a lovely winter white. I just love how it looks layered with this fringe scarf from F21 and the Discover Necklace from Objects Found. This was a great outfit for running errands and getting to campus on an early morning. I have been proctoring some exams on campus recently to make a little extra money, but I had to be there at 7:15 this morning, so I needed an outfit that would be cute, comfy, and easy. Combining this sweater with my trusty gray skinnies and delightfully comfy boots, this outfit was just right.

Title song: Cream, "Crossroads"

Itchy Trigger Finger but a Stable Turntable

Outfit details:
White/oatmeal striped tee: Sears, recently remixed
Jean skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Brown tights: ??, recently remixed
Thigh-high socks: Target
Boots: Kmart, recently remixed
Scarf: Mexican sarong, recently remixed

Where:
Breakfast with Jennine and Rocky, and then thrifting with Jennine

Okay, I know this is a pattern-mixing nightmare, but I kind of liked it for some reason. I was comfy, warm with my scarf and layers, and just honestly didn't care whether it looked pulled-together or not. I had a great morning, meeting up with the fabulous Jennine (of The Coveted and IFB fame) and her lovely husband Rocky for breakfast at Yolk (for those of you who are in Chicago, I would highly recommend it!). Then Jennine and I ditched the menfolk and headed to a nearby thrift store, at which we both. hit. gold. We each literally had a cart overflowing with awesome new sweaters, skirts, cardigans, and purses by the time we finally made it to the checkout. I can't wait to debut some of the amazing stuff I found (vintage Wilson's leather miniskirt, anyone??). Seriously. One of my favorites, though, is this crazy oversized cardigan. This thing is mad itchy, but unbelievably warm, so I rocked it around the apartment all afternoon with my sweet gray leggings. I'll never be cold again.

Title song: Beastie Boys, "No Sleep Till Brooklyn"

Have You Seen that Moon-Faced Kid

Outfit details:
White v-neck tee: Old Navy
Olive motorcycle jeans: Gap, shortened and remixed
Maroon zip-up cardigan: Derek Heart, gift, remixed
Sneakers: Converse All-Stars, remixed
Bracelet: gift from Joe's mom, remixed

Where:
Museum of Science and Industry, pizza lunch, meeting, home to make apple pie!

Today was a good day. Joe and I spent the morning at the Museum of Science and Industry playing with their new exhibit. Then I got a call about doing some temp work at an office near my old work. So as of November 2, I'll be temping for awhile. Hopefully it will last at least until I find something more permanent. The office I'll be working in is really interesting, and all the people are great, so I'm really excited about being able to work there during this interim period.

Today's outfit was all about casual comfort. I knew I'd be on my feet for hours at the museum, and it's been rainy and freezing in Chicago, so I went for these ankle-length motorcycle pants, Chuck Taylors, and a simple white tee. Comfy, cozy, and just right for eating tons of homemade apple pie!

Title song: Beulah, "You're Only King Once"

What should the next object be?

Hey, time to tell me what to use as an object in a Bent Objects photo. Leave an idea in the comment section. Sometime early Saturday morning (eastern standard time, U.S.), I'll pick my favorite 5 items for you to vote on.

What are you waiting for? You have about 12 hours.

Edit- Times up! No more comments. 31 comments are pretty good for a late Friday night. Thanks!

My Little Record Player on the Floor

Outfit details:
Brown/green plaid shirt: free from stack of laundry room goodies, originally Gap
Tan sweater: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy, remixed
Woven-toe leather brogues: Trotters, remixed

Where:
Breakfast with Joe, Farmer's Market, home for Jenga, cribbage, and curry dinner with old friends

It's crazy to me that fall is already seemingly over. It's been cold, cloudy and super blustery all week, without so much as a hint of the sun or that delightful fall feeling. All the vendors at the Farmer's Market this morning looked so dejected. We bought a bunch of veggies to make them feel better. To combat this dreadful weather, I pulled out this super-warm, super-soft wool sweater that I bought years ago. It's pretty close to perfect. I like how this outfit feels so androgynously comfortable. Just right for a cozy day. What did you all do on this stormy Thursday?

Title song: The Mountain Goats, "Dance Music"

I Heard the Knock on the Door

Outfit details:
Sweater dress, worn as shirt: Target, remixed last winter
Skirt: Forever 21, remixed
Gray striped tights: Gap, remixed
Red flats: Chinese Laundry, remixed
Obi belt: The Mexican Shop (with Sally!)
Feather Necklace: made by me, for sale in my Etsy shop, Objects Found

Where:
Job applications at home, with Joe to Evanston for a meeting, home for movies and mac & cheese

The last time I wore this sweater dress as a sweater dress, I spent the whole day obsessing over how short it was. There's something about form-fitting mini-dresses that just brings out my self-consciousness. Go figure. Anyway, I love the color and the fit of the top half, so I thought I'd pair it with this fun flirty skirt that I got at Forever 21 last spring. I slapped on my new obi belt for good measure, then added tights 'cause it's f-f-freezing in Chi-town today! Finally, I added these fabulous red leather flats for good measure and called it a day. It resulted in a comfy, cozy, cute outfit for a day out with Joe. Sometimes it's good to have no responsibilities. Oh, and this skirt is definitely too short for work, so the outfit fits in with my goal of not wearing any business attire for awhile. :)

Also, be sure to check out the lovely feature on Objects Found that Sara posted on her equally lovely blog, Orchids in Buttonholes. Also, be sure to check out how she styled the Branches Necklace! Thanks, Sara!

Title song: Yo La Tengo, "Autumn Sweater"

Fruit with life experience.

I made this fella up quite a while ago to show the people of American Greetings Card Company. He's definitely one of my smallest Bent Objects "people" yet, and he's lasted a long time off to the side of my photo table.

American Greetings is producing several cards with Bent Objects on them, to be sold exclusively by Target. I've seen a couple of them in the stores already, with some more to come next year. Pretty surreal seeing my stuff in there.

I'm really thankful for the reviews that I've gotten on the book so far. Feel free to tell all your friends. Of course, maybe you don't want to tell them, because you're planning on buying a copy to give them as a present? Yes, that sounds like a fantastic idea! Good thinking on your part! You are so awesome!

I'm giving a presentation, a bit like the one here, December 5th at the Indiana Historical Society, with loads of other authors. I'll be signing books for several hours, and I hope anyone in the area will stop by and say hi (it's free). I'm also on the lookout for other bookstores and such who would like me to do the same thing in their super cool establishments. Keep in mind, I'll be driving my old clunker, so distance can be an issue!

Also- The most wacky, cool review you will ever read about milk on Amazon.