More outfitting pictures woo! This was from last week when the zones changed themes. The first zone is called The Ted's and is inspired by the teddy girls from the 50s, but a little more harsh yet feminine. The other zone is Troubled Romantics and is a mix of ethereal/boho and goth. I only did one mannequin for that zone.

1.

 

White sheer button down, mens cardigan, black circle skirt with leopards on it, oversized metal necklace and I couldn't get a photo of the shoes but they're pale pink colored combat boots

2.

 

Black and white checkered shorts, pink burn out oversized tshirt, suspenders, a hair wrap that I used as a neck bow and black heels

3.

 

Leopard print shorts with exposed zippers down the front, black sparkle tank, varsity jacket, purple fishnet socks, patent leather loafers

 

This one is a collaboration of me and my friend Monica. She made the whole top portion of this girl and got stuck so I completed her with the leggings and sandals.  

fin

This last week I was given the opportunity yet again to play "store merchandiser" for Urban while the actual merchandiser was on vacation. As her merch team lead, I have done this a couple times already and for awhile was the unofficial assistant store merchandiser and illegitimate women's manager. Long story, but let's just say that this particular Urban is a shit show. I say shit show with endearment because during this time, I was never bored. Frustrated, yes, but bored? Never. There was never a dull moment because there was hardly a moment to breath let alone find time to be docile. I learned to love the crazy. I also loved the idea of being able to help the store merchandiser and thought perhaps through that unique experience, gain acknowledgement from the "higher ups" of my hard work and dedication to fulfill my personal goal of having my own store to merchandise. For awhile  it seemed as though it was more than a possibility, but then the "higher ups" that saw whatever potential I had were transferred to another district that did not include New Orleans and I was back at square one, or worse. Since then I mostly have been subjected to mediocre, mundane tasks that leave me drooling on myself along with immense feelings of inadequacy and a touch of spite. But I digress...

I took the time to take some phone shots of my mannequins so that I have them for my personal reference to see how/if I grow and/or evolve as a "stylist". The first 4 are what I decided to put in the window so as to entice innocent bystanders passing through the French Quarter.

1.

 

 Hi lo tent dress, lace bandeau bra, fringe ombre embellished purse, crochet booties, stone choker.

2.

 

 Tye dye wide side cotton tank, silky snake print blazer, torn studded shorts, horn necklace, espadrilles platforms.

3.

 

 Youth for Kennedy tshirt, hoodie vest, camo shorts, baja VANS

4.

 

 Aztec tank, floral button down, stained denim shorts, blue trainers.

The theme of the W's shops are "Sea Gypsy" (see photo1) and the second one is basically supposed to embody Jamaican night life. The M's shops are "Hawaiian Punch" and then some nautical inspired shop, which they always do every season.

Here are the rest of the W's mannequins. I'm sure you can guess which shop they fall into...I hope.

 

 (L) Crochet tiered shorts, henley tank open and knotted with tye dye bra underneath, wood and gold necklace (R) Jersey maxi with lace inset bodice, rose lace socks, statement chandelier necklace
I didn't mention the shoes in this one because I forgot to change their shoes to the ones I wanted before taking this picture. Whoops.

 

 (L) Open back geometric tank, aztec embroidered short shorts, crazy eternity scarf, studded sandals. (R) Strapless tye dye dress, leopard print denim vest, netted neon pink polka dot socks, suede booties, spike necklace.

 

 (Two outside babes) Bodycon color block dress, lace bra, ombre fishnets cut off into biker short style (middle babe) Bodycon cutout dress and crazy leggings. All babes wearing horn necklace and Dolce Vita platforms

Maxi dress with all over navy kaleidoscope dress, studded belt, boxy neon pink purse,  sandals

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaa! Killmyself. Feedback/constructive criticism is encouraged.

Elizabeth Taylor

I just watched Cat on a Hot Tin Roof two nights before she lost her life to congestive heart failure. It was a reminder of how intense of an actor she was and how her beauty was both harsh and soft somehow simultaneously.


I stumbled upon an article saying that a Baptist Church plans to picket Ms. Taylor's funeral because she supported homosexuality through her social activism in the cause of AIDS awareness, research and cure. It's completely disgusting and I really hope this sort of absurdity is not allowed to ensue during such a tragic event although this type of "protest" is protected under the first amendment.

Goodbye to one of the most gorgeous, stylish, talented and interesting women to ever grace Hollywood.
 

Pseudo Sophisticated French Lentil Soup

I call this soup pseudo-sophisticated because of how gourmet it tastes, even though it is one of the easiest things to make. It's a true staple for me because I make it at least once every two months and I hardly ever tire of it. I have tried other lentil soups but I always come back to this one. Give it go, why don't you?



Ingredients:  
1 large onion, diced
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) tomato paste
1 1/2 cup red wine
16 oz. dried lentils, sorted and rinsed (about 2 cups...french green lentils work well here as they do not tend to get as mushy as other types)
6 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
pepper to taste
optional: chopped spinach (frozen or fresh)

Directions:
1.) Heat up 3 tablespoons of oil in a large soup pan and put on over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery and carrot. Saute until they start to take on color. Add bay leaves and garlic. After two minutes (or if the garlic starts to burn) work in the tomato paste and add the wine. Reduce by three-quarters.


2.) Add the lentils and enough broth to cover with a couple inches of liquid. Simmer uncovered, periodically stirring and adding enough broth (or water, if you run out of broth) to cover.


3.) The soup should cook for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add enough water for your desired consistency. Add a couple tablespoons of crushed thyme or oregano, and season to taste with pepper. If your broth is sodium-free you can add salt, but be careful- a lot of vegetable broth contain a lot of salt! Stir in a heaping spoonful of Dijon mustard into the bowl you're about to eat it in and serve immediately.

This is good to pair with some barley, rice, or quinoa for complete protein. Or, maybe just a big hunk of crusty bread.

Number of Servings: 8ish

Today I love...

Jon Rafman's Google Street View

So awesome. This guy must have some real patience. And a hardcore processor on his computer.

Text Twist
  
Players form words from a set of six scrambled letters, and must find at least one 6-letter word using all the letters to get to the next round. Additional points are granted for words using at least three letters. I spend too much time playing this game but at least it uses some brain power.


Shabby Apple

 

Classic and classy vintage inspired dresses for women of all shapes. They also just started carrying swimsuits! I own the Tuileries dress in the flirty collection and it's so adorable. Perfect spring dress.

This makes me weepy.

 

Thanks Coldplay, you always fucking do this to me! Choreographer Travis Wall created this piece during last seasons SYTYCD for contestant Robert and former contestant/alumni Allison. While I was supposed to be focusing most on Robert since he was in it to win it, I couldn't take my eyes of Allison. She is definitely one of my favorite contestants ever and she just keeps improving every time I see her. But props to Robert too, of course.

TheThriftShopper.com

 

The best and largest compilation of charity driven thrift stores that I know of on the internet.

Hope you enjoyed your Sunday/funday!

Bank of America....

is evil, seriously. If you have to choose a bank know that any other bank other than Bank of America is the better option. I could get into the painstaking details of all this but I think this photo says enough.

 Yeah, you see right. A Starbucks inside of a BOA. What other bank does that? Sick I tell you.

Today I love...

I have always been a big fan of Jim Carrey and this SNL skit just reinforces why: Black Swan




The musician Twin Shadow has caught my attention as of recent. Here is one of my favorite jams off his album "Forget": Slow

I'm obsessed with this etsy designer's hats. One day I hope to be able to afford several: Hats by Behida Dolic
 

This chocolate is worth every penny: L'Artigiano Italian Chocolate OR the best cheaper alternative: Lindt




“TeuxDeux's simplicity is like Sticky Notes without the nasty residue left on your monitor and desk.”: TeuxDeux

Definitely one of the best new cartoons out there (click on "videos" to watch for free): Adventure Time!

Beautiful photos in color during the Great Depression era: Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 
 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!