And Now We Ride the Circus Wheel

Outfit details:
Turtleneck: free from laundry room, remixed
Satin pleated skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Tights: Hue, remixed
Boots: Ciao Bella, remixed
Earrings: craft market, remixed

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
Sweetness Sings from Every Corner

This is definitely one of my more literal remixes. The first version of this outfit is very similar to this one, complete with this darling pleated skirt and the smattering of neutrals. I think I like the first one better, because I feel like it captured the perfectly sultry summer heat, but I also really like the more bundled up version. This (free!) turtleneck will, I think, be a great staple layering piece, and both these Hue tights and Ciao Bella boots have more than minimized their price-per-wear. One of the things I really love about this skirt is how it can be a variety of lengths, depending on where it is belted. When left to hang naturally it hits just below the knee, but can be easily adjusted up even shorter than this. Versatility, baby.

Title song: Neutral Milk Hotel, "Holland, 1945"

Meet me in person? I'm so excited for you!

Hey there, I'm speaking at the Indiana Author Fair December 5th, at, I believe, 2:30. I'm also there from 12 until 4 to autograph any books you want autographed. They don't even have to be mine. Heck, if there are any ladies out there who want their bodies autographed, come on by. My wife can't be totally vigilant the whole 4 hours.

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Are you in part of the world, Singapore or Eastern Europe for instance, that makes it difficult to order the Bent Objects book? I can't vouch for them or anything, but I've heard from a couple of people who have used The Book Depository. They even claim free worldwide delivery.

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The winner of the limerick contest from last week? Very challenging to judge. The final three were a toss-up. I finally went with this one-

espyle said...

In November, the turkey thought, "Damn,
I don't want to be served with the yams."
So he cooked pig for folks
As he told them great jokes,
And he was spared for being such a ham.

If any of the other limerick contestants who entered would like one, I'd like to send you one of the holiday cards from me to you. Maybe even a worthless doodle in there also. Just send me your address.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Don't forget to order your doodled-in Bent Objects book . Order now and it'll be there in plenty of time for whatever holiday you want it for.

Spin Cycle: Silk Scarf and a Napkin

Outfit details:
Plaid shirt: Old Navy, free from laundry room, remixed
Skinny jeans: Gap, remixed
Silk scarf: TJ Maxx, remixed
Teal belt: Forever 21
Purple peep-toes: Old Navy, remixed

Where:
Crafting, cleaning, unpacking

In my last Spin Cycle feature I snagged the look of some of my favorite bloggers and wore a plaid shirt with a leather skirt. In the past few weeks I've noticed some super-stylin' gals rocking the belted scarf. A few have worn it over a shirt-dress, other over a collar shirt with jeans. I've loved all the versions, and have wanted to partake in the style chain that seems to be going on. I know others have done this too; send me a link if you've tried the belted scarf look this season!

Clockwise from top left: Orchid Grey, Second Skin, This Time Tomorrow, Adored Austin

My Thanksgiving weekend was crazy but good. We spent the holiday with Joe's family, which was really fun. I immediately felt like a part of the family, and we ate and laughed and played cards well into the evening. On the more stressful side, Joe's car broke down while we were in Minnesota, so the getting home part was a bit more frustrating than it was supposed to be. We did get home, though, and I got a chance to relax at least a little bit today, which was good. How was your Thanksgiving weekend (and for all of you outside the U.S., how was your Thursday)?

Title song: Neil Young, "Carmichael"

Nepali by TDM Design Giveaway Winner

...and the winner is...

Amy, of Love Always, Amy, a gorgeously delightful blog! Amy, I'll send you an email to work out the logistics. Congratulations! I hope everyone is having a delightful holiday weekend!

Fallen Leaves in the Night

Outfit details:
Ruffle-front shirt: Banana Republic, remixed
Gray skinny jeans: Old Navy, remixed
Red flats: Chinese Laundry, remixed
Tan braided belt: TJ Maxx, remixed
Necklace: grandma's heirloom

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
Hi as Fi Can Go

I'm actually really pleased with this remix. The only actual items that survived the remix were the necklace and belt. For everything else, I substituted something new in this outfit. Instead of a gray dress with tan accents, like last time, this time I paired a tan blouse with these gray skinnies. I kept the red shoes, because I adored the pop they give to this neutral-heavy ensemble, but switched these flats in for the sandals I wore the first time. I love that even with an almost complete overhaul of the items in this outfit, I still feel like both ensembles convey the same feeling.

Title song: Roxy Music, "More than This"

Build a Wall of Books

Outfit details:
White button-down: Target, remixed
Green sweater vest: Old Navy, remixed
High waist sailor jeans: Kenneth Cole Reaction, remixed
Red patent heels: Amanda by Myers

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
I Write Myself this Later

Welcome to the scheduled posts of the Thanksgiving holiday! I'm actually in Minnesota with Joe's family right now, but I set up a few daily style posts to keep you entertained until I get back. Don't worry, I'll be home in time to announce the winner of the big giveaway! So let's talk about this outfit, while I stuff myself with sweet potato pie and tasty turkey. In the first incarnation of this outfit, I mentioned that I wanted to pair this sweater vest with these pants, so I figured I'd just go for it this time. I feel like I'm totally channeling Danielle from Fell 4 Fashion in this outfit. She can rock a wide-leg pant like nobody's business, and I love the look of these fab sailor pants with the sweet patent heels and this punchy sweater vest. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!!

Title song: Tegan and Sara, "Back in Your Head"

Holiday Card Giveaway

30 Bent Objects Holiday cards go to the best limerick having to do somehow with Thanksgiving. Winner announced and cards mailed Monday.



Still plenty of time to order a doodled-in book too! (and I do doodle in them a bit more than the example I photographed).

Only Love is All Maroon

Outfit details:
Coral shirt: thrifted, American Eagle, remixed
Magenta tank: Old Navy, remixed
Maroon cardigan: Derek Heart, remixed
Skinny jeans: Gap, remixed
Boots: Rockport, remixed

Where:
Work, drive to Minnesota

How I wore it first:
I Told You to Be Balanced

Happy holidays, everyone! I always feel like the holiday season officially starts when Thanksgiving starts. Joe and I took off early today to head to Minnesota to have Thanksgiving with his family. It will be a pretty quick trip, with two very long drives, but I'm really looking forward to having some real quality time with Joe.

Since I knew I'd be sitting in a car for a long time, I wanted to wear comfy clothes, with lots of layers. I wore the original version of this outfit on a Sunday, so it isn't really a work remix, but I'm counting it anyway. My new office is pretty casz, so jeans are okay, especially on Thanksgiving Eve (or that's what I'm telling myself, at least). This outfit is just perfect for a day in the office and in the car, and all the layers will serve me well for the certainly chillier temps in Minnesota.

Title song: Bon Iver, "Flume"

To Warm a Lonely Night

Outfit details:
Dress, worn as blouse: Velvet Torch, remixed
Black pencil skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Black cardi: Old Navy, remixed
Black tights: recently remixed
Jazz shoes: Seychelles, remixed
Buddha Necklace: Objects Found (on sale!)

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
It's Got Groove, It's Got Meaning

I gotta say, I love myself for doing this remix project. I don't even have the slightest urge to go shopping, and I'm discovering hidden wardrobe treasures everyday. What's more, I feel like I'm really proving that "seasonal" pieces don't really exist. In the first take on this outfit, I paired this teal dress (which I wore as a blouse then, too) with white and silver accents, giving a summery, Grecian vibe to the whole thing. Today, I swapped white for black, and silver for gold, and ended up with a totally new outfit. I kept it simple, and comfortable, which was a major factor of the first ensemble, and I really loved the monochromatic result.

Title song: Frankie Valli, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"

The One that Makes Me Laugh

Outfit details:
Dress: Target, remixed
Purple shirt: New York & Company, thrifted
Obi belt: The Mexican Shop, remixed
Black tights: L'eggs, recently remixed
Wedges: Old Navy, remixed

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
Dressing Up to Dance All Week

So is anyone else as excited about Thanksgiving as I am?? For me, I think it's a combination of anticipating the delicious food, the delightful company (I'll be meeting some of Joe's family for the first time, yikes!), and the shortened work week (oh, thank goodness). All in all, it's all good.

This outfit remix felt a little more like a dress remix to me. I know it's kind of the same thing, but I feel like there's a distinct difference. Some of the other remixes I've done lately have really remixed the whole feeling of the ensemble, whereas with this I was really just creating a whole different outfit around one constant central piece. Although to be fair, the first version of the outfit was very simplistic. I loved the result of this remix, though. I never thought to pair black/purple with this dress before. I had always paired it with shades of brown before, and I'm really excited to find some new color palettes to pair with one of my favorite dresses.

Enter the giveaway, y'all!

Title song: The Cure, "Just Like Heaven"

That Zero Is Too Cold for Me

Outfit details:
Gray sweater: Target, free from laundry room
Linen shorts: Forever 21, remixed
Brown tights: L'eggs
Fuchsia lace tights: Urban Outfitters
Gray socks: Target
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, recently remixed

Where:
Breakfast with Joe, home

This was the perfect cozy comfy weekend outfit. I did some reading, caught up on lots of loads of laundry, did all the dirty dishes, sorted, organized, paid bills, cooked tasty meals (including a delectable acorn squash stuffed with brown sugar oatmeal), applied for a couple of jobs, watched my favorite shows, and got ready for the upcoming holidays. It was a productive, and rehabilitating, weekend. Just what I needed.

Don't forget to enter to win a comfy cozy cashmere scarf from Nepali by TDM Design!!

Title song: Billy Preston, "Nothing from Nothing"

An old photo for now.

Caribbean Jerk

Photographed with a decent point and shoot on tripod.
Lighting- Under cabinet radio/cd player light, plus two flashlights.

I was hoping to get a shot done over the weekend. Even had everything ready to go, but it's the first in a very long time that will be photographed outside, and things didn't work out. Instead, here's an oldie that didn't make it into the book, pretty much because I couldn't find the original big file of it. That's never happened before, but no, I'm not the most organized guy you will ever come across.

I saw this photo on Reddit.com once, and all the comments were pretty entertaining. One person didn't believe that there was really a seasoning with that name, but I can assure you that there is.

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Also- Christoph Niemann is an awesome, creative, son-of-a-gun. More proof here- Leaves.

And what's worse than being an athlete who is hurt bad enough to be carried off by stretcher? Being carried off by these guys.

Bonzie Featured on WedLuxe Magazine Blog

Gals,

We are so grateful to a dear online friend of ours TraceyPaul of InviteMeCreative who brought us a wee publicity scoop that we almost missed this weekend. Canadas Luxury Wedding Magazine, "WedLuxe" chose to feature our work in their editors picks on their official blog and we were very excited to see our wraps as the editors "haute picks" for bridal couture.

Thanks to WedLuxe magazine and thanks again to our online pals like TraceyPaul who bring us the scoops hot off the press so we don't miss anything exciting. xxx

(you made our weekend TP!)

In style........

bonzie & ger

Giveaway: Nepali by TDM Designs

Well, the goodies just keep comin'! I'm so excited to announce another giveaway, this time hosted by Nepali by TDM Design. Nepali by TDM Design (it's a mouthful, I know) "works directly with predominantly women cottage industries in Nepal to support women weavers and women craftsmanship in Nepal." This kind of microcredit* project is something I've been passionate about for many years, so I'm thrilled to host a giveaway with a company that is doing good with women around the world.

I'll be giving away this gorgeous Kiki Cashmere Neck Warmer to one lucky reader. The actual scarf for the giveaway is a gorgeous toffee/sand color, and is delightfully soft. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. In your comment, please be sure to include your email address (e.g. clarebld at yahoo dot com). One entry per person, please. The giveaway is open to international readers, so comment away! I will announce a winner on November 28.

*You can learn more about microcredit here:
Nepali by TDM Design
kiva.org
Grameen Bank (founded by Muhammad Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize)
The Microcredit Summit Campaign

Unless It's Fiction

Outfit details:
Magenta shirt: Old Navy, remixed
Tulip skirt: Forever 21, remixed
Cardigan: Forever 21, remixed
Black tights: Leggs
Boots: Target, remixed
Cherry Blossom Necklace: Objects Found

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
I'm Held Back by a Velvet Rope

I took a lot of liberties with this remix. I kept the skirt, and the predominantly gray color palette, but I felt like I changed the outfit drastically by adding this maroon shirt instead of the more neutral one I wore before. But I guess that's one of the major take-home lessons of remixing. You can keep everything in an outfit almost identical, but you change one piece and suddenly the outfit conveys something totally different. This was a great work outfit, comfy and forgiving, and cozy for another gray day in Chicago.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend, and the holidays next week. I've been very busy, with very little time to recoup and settle down. I hope to devote some time to me this weekend. I don't want to start the holiday season feeling flustered and overwhelmed. I also wanted to mention that I have recently (and not-so-recently, sorry!) been given a couple of awards from some of my favorite blogs. I just wanted to assure you that I haven't forgotten, and I pinky promise that I'll get to it soon!

Also, all of the items in the Objects Found shop are now 10%-off with FREE international shipping! I just wanted to let you all know first in case there was any holiday shopping you wanted to get done. 'Tis the season...

Title song: Okkervil River, "Unless it Kicks"

Coquette

New Winter Coquette Scarves available from the shop now. :)

In Style............

bonzie & ger

Like a Film I've Seen

Outfit details:
Gray shirt: Old Navy, remixed
Navy jersey skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Black footless tights: Target, remixed
Navy rayon scarf: Forever 21, remixed
Maroon belt: thrifted
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, remixed

Where:
Work

How I wore it first:
You'll Know What Makes the World Turn

I loved the first take on this outfit. It was a perfect summery ensemble, light and airy and simple. So when I decided to "winter-ize" it, I knew I wanted to keep the feeling of it, keep with the simplicity and class of the original outfit. I ended up really liking the feeling of this remix. The colors, the textures of the soft jersey, and the classiness of the whole look. Plus, it was comfy, which is really what made it worthwhile.

Title song: Depeche Mode, "New Life"

Va Va Voom!!

Guys, with Christmas swiftly approaching we just couldn't resist a shot of hot red into the mix. Boleros in our store now available in poppy red silk from our etsy store. Perfect for over that little black dress this Christmas or a terrific way to add a flush of blush to your special day!

In Style.....

bonzie & ger

Confetti Revisited

Gals I happened upon these stunning photos from the "Confetti Magazine" shoot that we were involved in last year with Irish stylist Roxanne Parker. I shared the feature with you all from the magazine but it was purely just a camera over the magazine type of a job.

I saw these actual jpegs on Roxannes Facebook and they took my breath away. Its such a treat to see our pieces styled in such a romantic way and captured by renowned professional photographer Agata Stoinska.

The Neatorama Bent Objects Book Contest

Interview and giveaway here.

If you've ever wondered about what goes into a Bent Objects image, I go into some detail about the making of one of my latest.




People have wondered if I still have holiday cards. I've sold quite a few, but I had to order 2500 so that I could sell them for a reasonable price. So yes, still have probably half of them left. Here.

Also, yes, I still have books for sale that I'll doodle in.

We Can Lie in a Homemade Canoe

Outfit details:
Dress: Soprano, remixed
Brown tank: H&M, remixed
Navy blazer: thrifted, recently remixed
Navy tights: Legg's, recently remixed
Boots: Ciao Bella, remixed
Necklace: gift, remixed
Wood ring: gift, remixed

Where:
Work, office social

How I wore it first:
A Readiness of Things to Do

For this remix, I really wanted to stick with the original color palette of the outfit I wore the first time. I liked the navy blue, and the accents of brown. I think they both cooled off the potentially overwhelming hot pink of the dress. However, today was one of the first days that has really felt like winter...cold, blowy, gray. I needed to really winter-ize the dress, which is pretty thin. So I swapped some things out and replaced them with others that still matched in color and overall feeling. I really liked the outcome.

Title song: Wolf Parade, "Fancy Claps"