Tuesday, May 24, 2016

changes

Lately I've been going through the archives of style rookie, and Tavi's feelings and aesthetic obsessions are so present in those posts, they're leaking out of her. It's truly her diary, and it's incredible and pure. There are so many mood boards of stills from Sophia Coppola films, references to favorite albums, couture pieces that floor her, this whole stream of consciousness that's so unique to this time in adolescence.

I've also been devouring Kate Zambreno's Heroine, in which she draws a stunning portrait of the wives of modernism and other influential women writers who are so often used as muses and dismissed as real artists. She examines the female writer and the way she's perceived-- as emotional and impulsive and of less literary merit in most cases. She empowers this feminine experience, screams for young girls to begin sharing their voice in whatever way they choose, however raw, it has value.

"A diary as a way for girls to be kept safe, to feel free to write her emotions and nascent ideas without being disciplined. This is often the mode that allows her to come to writing-- perhaps this is why it's so widely decided as not literary or seen as raw material. Yet the diary is part of the girl's process-- a way to do the work." Kate Zambreno in Heroines

That being said, I've been embracing this diary style of writing. It's not new for me; in a way I'm reclaiming my preferred method of writing-- expressive, rambling, the unashamed portrayal of self. I feel most comfortable with this style and like it's the best work I produce. But often it's been things I'm afraid to share so they remain in my journal-- or worse, as bits of inspiration or repeated in my head until they're forgotten.

Even though I've made a conscious effort to portray myself, I feel like the me on this blog is so suppressed, so contrived, even though I'm the one in charge of it. I do love the things I write about, but I feel like I'm more concerned with displaying these things rather than depicting their importance with my writing. I'm not displaying my authentic self, my authentic passion. I'm not satisfied with a lot of my words on this blog because I feel like so much of it doesn't actually mean anything. And also, I've changed and evolved a lot as a person even in the past 18 months of this blog, but I feel trapped by the structure that I began with.

I'm going to start sharing these things that I was scared to post before. I don't have to be polished because I'm not polished. I've been so afraid this past year because I used to think I had this crystal-clear idea of where I was going, and then I realized I have no idea. That ambiguous fear has distracted me from exploring all of these things that I'm truly passionate about. There's so much potential if I explore these things, so that's going to be a main part of this blog. Expect things to be more personal, to have that diary-esque feel, more mood boards!

I want to sort of redesign the way I view and treat the whole blogging process this summer. It's probably going to be messy, but that's the point. I'm seventeen, and I've had a fashion blog since I was fourteen, and now I want things to be different.


much love as always,
claire

Monday, May 9, 2016

may playlist

Today marks the middle of the AP testing craze, and everything seems to be happening at once. Recently there's been AP testing, the end of the school year approaching, the state track meet, two proms, Dallas for my cousin's wedding, the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association Conference, and a million other things.
I've felt my best in months because of spring taking over and all of this going on, but I'm so ready for summer and unstructured days. Here are some songs for anticipating those times:

Juicy by Radiation City (the band I saw in Portland! check them out!)
10,000 Emerald Pools by Borns (ready to see them with the Lumineers in October!)
Space Song by Beach House (if you want to feel like you're in a dream)
Turn to Sand by Musique Le Pop (for dancing in the car on a bright day)
Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) by Arcade Fire
Flesh Without Blood by Grimes (completely obsessed with this song as of late)
Cool Party by Mal Blum (really digging this song, sometimes it makes me cry a lil tho)
No Love Like Yours by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes (their new album is so dynamic & cool)
Lovers in the Parking Lot by Solange (a true anthem)
Swingin Party by the Replacements (so summery, I love Lorde's cover as well)

it's not legible due to my excitement, but I won runner up for Newspaper Writer of the Year at Arkansas' High School Journalism convention!
current inspiration via the pages of Teen Vogue and Nylon
when in Dallas, I got to meet up with the lovely Jen of Modern Ensemble. she was so sweet & gave me a ton of tips on blogging
prom #1 with my pretty cell group girls
Braums means so much to me
this book has been taking over my life lately; it's about the wives of modernism & their genius that was so often dismissed 
sunny days call for iced lattes at the new Arsagas
the best parts of track meets are taking pictures of it
Fayetteville is so magical!
prom #2 (to see more)

much love,
claire
outfitsandobservations@gmail.com
@outfitsandobservations on instagram


Monday, May 2, 2016

prom 2016

Nordstrom dress, choker and booties via Masons

Prom includes spending hours getting glam, dancing like crazy in a dream dress, and staying up until 3 am laughing with friends, so I’m a definite fan. The concept of prom as a whole is pretty overhyped, but getting down to Gold Digger with my friends in pretty clothes is never going to get old. 

Here’s a photo diary that begins with our bare faces and pajamas and ends with Beautiful Young Ladies, all captured by the lovely Ana Estrada.

We spent Saturday afternoon alternating between doing each others hair and makeup and having dance parties to Britney Spears’ Greatest Hits (when I was in charge of the music). It rained in the morning, but by noon the sun was shining. Helen’s solarium gave us the most perfect natural lighting and the illusion that we were spending time outdoors.
 



For my makeup look, I did dramatic liner and emphasized my brows. Laurel gifted us all with access to her makeup collection and did my contour. Ana helped take my sloppy daily hairstyle to a more glam level with loose curls and a more structured mini bun.

I found my dress at the Nordstrom in Portland over Spring Break and had been daydreaming about wearing it ever since. It’s simple but has just the right amount of detail to add some edge. The slit and the low neckline were pretty daring for me, and I felt so good in that dress! I wore my absolute favorite little black booties for some height and left my Birth of Venus art socks peeking out. Since there’s all the neckline drama going on, I kept jewelry simple with a gold choker that I’ll probably be wearing all summer. 




Everybody’s look ended up flawless! It makes me smile so big to see everyone so pretty, especially since we’re all in school uniforms half the time. 




















matched most with Gaby <3

stunning, floral Ana
Laurel is a real life princess
I want to be Helen when I grow up

my very best pal Georgia and her dress from Ireland



beautiful best friends!

love,
claire
outfitsandobservations@gmail.com