She The Jezebel

Tumbleweed.

2011-01-18T18:59:00.004-05:00

So over holiday break I switched from a pc to a mac (finally!), I apologize while I try to figure out how to use photoshop to edit pictures. It helps that I am taking a class on it this semester. Also, I wanted to let you guys know that I have created a TUMBLR.

I decided to kind of go a different path with the blog, keeping this mostly fashion photography and long essays. My Tumblr, I decided is going to be more of like a daily diary, with personal writing blurbs and anything inspirational. Also, with some personal pictures mixed in as well.

Everything will be back to running normally soon, I can't wait to show you guys the thrifted treasures I acquired in Florida :)

Proportion Play.

2010-12-12T22:49:00.002-05:00

I'm excited about this cardigan because it gives me some variety when it comes to pairing different cuts. The blazer is great because it adds structure, while the drape of the cardigan softens it. This cardigan will be a repeat offender.

wearing: thrifted blazer, f21 draped cardigan, aa lace bodysuit, gap jeans.

Snuggie-snug.

2010-12-06T22:40:00.003-05:00

Not only is this thrifted camel sweater maxi dress the perfect garment for this season, it also keeps my entire body oh-so-warm. I need all the help I can get to battle the frigid temperatures!

wearing: AA circle scarf, thrifted everything else.

Dracula.

2010-12-01T00:03:00.002-05:00

The power shoulders of the jacket combined with the long skirt gave this outfit a very vampyric feel for me. Like I should have been sleeping in a coffin, or sauntering in the corner looking for necks to bite. Maybe this is just a subconscious refusal to accept that Halloween was a month ago. Oh well, I am into it.

wearing: pretty much thrifted/vintage everything.

Modern Vintage.

2010-11-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

A look that I will always truly appreciate is a well-executed modern vintage outfit. A person that can create an aesthetic that is both antiqued and fresh will always catch my eye. Many times it goes beyond the outfit, leaving it up to the accessories to distinguish the contrast between vintage and modern. Over the past 3 or so years I have been following streetstyle blogs I have acquired some pretty fine internet specimens that exude vintage style in present day, a fine line I am always balancing on. I will try to use images that are a bit older as well, I know I get sick of seeing the same stuff online all the time.

Anyway, on to the picture! I would probably wear this outfit everyday if only I had the occasion. Currently scouring the internet for a faux fur collar that I can wear in all sorts of fun ways.

{image: sartorialist, i think?}

Brr!

2010-11-21T12:16:00.002-05:00

It finally is starting to feel like winter in Michigan. Stepping outside chills you to the bone and makes getting out of bed a difficult task. My current coping strategy is just like anyone else's in the infomercial world, snuggies. Not quite the real thing, but thrifted interpretations, usually involving huge cozy cardigans or sweater dresses. This is a prime example of snuggi-wear affecting street wear, I wonder when they will show up on the runways? (mostly kidding).

wearing: thrifted cardigan, AA dress & bamboo tights

Whoops!

2010-11-15T17:40:00.002-05:00

Sometimes my flickr gets bombarded with images I want to use on this blog and some end up getting lost in the photostream. These were just two quick shots taken on my birthday in October. Unfortunately this skirt shrunk all to hell when I washed it (dry-clean only fail), so maybe it will make another appearance sometime in it's new state!

wearing: aa top, thrifted skirt.

Gustav-Adolf Mossa

2010-11-04T13:40:00.002-04:00

Creating most of his paintings nearing the end of the Symbolist Movement (1905-1914), Gustav-Adolph Mossa used women of classical myth such as harpies, sirens, and even Pandora as subjects for quite a few of his paintings. These paintings display a very over-the top and illustrious view of the Victorian Era, while simultaneously evoking an air of subversion.

It is interesting to me why women are portrayed so perversely in general by many male artists. While man is inherently always portrayed as flawed, women seem to hold a special level of nefariousness. Maybe the painter was rejected by women his whole life or slowly dying of a broken heart? This leads me to the conclusion that women must drive men to an unimaginable level of self torture. Or maybe we are just prettier to paint? Personally I blame it on Eve. Yep, it’s all her fault.

{images: google}

Bobby D.

2010-10-28T16:14:00.002-04:00

This past Tuesday I got the chance to see Bob Dylan! It was a great show, and although I am not a huge Bob Dylan fan I still could recognize a few songs. For being an old man he still puts on a great show, but was even harder to understand than usual haha.

I probably waited until it was a little too dark to take these photos, but I still want to share them with you guys!

wearing: vintage swing coat, thrifted moschino sheer blouse, grandma's scarf, AA riding pants, & super old f21 oxfords.

Monday Thoughts;

2010-10-25T20:48:00.002-04:00

A small clearing in the woods gives way,
An aged well, tall and proud it’s rocks decay.
An ocean’s worth of tales it shares,
Lost lovers wishes, many a truth’s burden bared.

Near the surface the structures age well shows,
Gone are times of gathering and dipping of toes.
Now only bitter wind blows through the cracks,
A phantom chatter of laughter reveals only black.

The rocks seem to whisper of time long dead,
A tunnel’s worth of secrets with no room to spread.
Listen closely and you will hear,
Raw emotion, weathered by love, loss, and fear.

Poor lonely well in the woods,
One hundred lifetimes worth of wisdom to share if it only could!
Forever alone, an idol lost in the past,
Time is its misfortune, and forever it will last.

Dressin' Up.

2010-10-23T15:24:00.002-04:00

This fall I have really been into dresses. By really I mean really really. They are practically all I have been buying! I feel that now that I am 20 years old it is time to start dressing like a lady, and nothing makes me feel more ladylike than a dress and heels. Sweater dresses are the best right now because as the temperature drops, you can just throw on thick tights and a long dress and your body becomes a sock. It's great!

wearing: vintage pearls, thrifted dress, belt, & shoes, AA thigh high socks

Frida, Frida, Frida.

2010-10-20T23:16:00.002-04:00

Most of the time I feel rather ambivalent over “model-style”, finding it all to be slightly redundant and not pertinent to my personal style. This was all until I met Frida…

Okay, so I haven’t “met” Frida so to speak, but I have admired her from afar for quite some time! If I was to meet her this is what I would say;

Dearest Frida,

Your ensembles make me wanna be ya.

The always stunning mix of classic and trendy,

So much inspiration, my mind is a little bendy.

I believe we are style twins separated at birth,

One more fashion week’s worth of outfits will put me in a hearse.

Your wannabe friend and slightly creepy admirer,

Tarah

{images: google, random streetstyle blogs}

Sweater Love.

2010-10-07T18:01:00.003-04:00

The weather has finally cooled in Michigan and I'm celebrating with sweaters. I don't know how it happened, but this fall I've got the sweater fever! The amount of sweaters I have acquired from thrift stores in the past month is a little ridiculous, so expect to see many more on here as the temperature continues to drop.

wearing: vintage cropped sweater & maxi skirt, miu miu lace up boots.

The Sun Was High (So Was I).

2010-10-03T15:44:00.002-04:00

Enjoying the late September sun before it leaves Michigan for the majority of the time. Maybe that's why I think winter sucks in Michigan, there's never any sunshine!

Also, I have officially decided I am finally a "hat person". It only took one man in a suit playing a saxophone to tell me he liked my hat, and the rest is history...

Wearing: UO hat, thrifted blouse, old guess jeans.

Death Through War

2010-09-26T01:04:00.002-04:00

Post WW1&2 Impressionist Otto Dix created paintings that grotesquely depicted the horror and brutality of war. During WW1 he volunteered for the German Army and was sent to the trenches. He has said he was plagued by nightmares for the rest of life because of what he did during the war. Using mostly soldiers and prostitutes as his subjects he showed society and the perverse effects war has upon it.

While his style may be distorted, I still find great beauty in the use of colors and underlying emotion in his paintings. He truly translated his view of the world into very inspiring and moving pieces.

"I have to experience all the ghastly, bottomless depths for life for myself; it's for that reason that I went to war, and for that reason I volunteered."

{images: google}

Dark Beauty

2010-09-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

As the seasons change I find that I love switching up my beauty routine almost as much as my wardrobe! Usually when it comes to beauty I am a "less is more" kinda gal, but with this season's dramatic silhouettes there's got to be a little more drama on my face as well.

As a brunette myself, I am always drawn to dark, sultry features. Anna Karina is a perfect beauty muse because of her striking beauty and thick wonderful hair. Okay okay, I'll stop talking about how hot she is and move on with the pictures....

{images: Google}

Now I'm off to my first tattoo consultation appointment (!!!). More to come on this soon.

I Got the Blues.

2010-09-22T00:04:00.003-04:00

It feels nice that my life is finally settling into a routine again. I always embrace change, but I will also admit it does frazzle me when it comes on all at once...

On a lighter note, plaid is not just for flannel anymore. Hooray for sheer anything!

wearing: AA chiffon button up, cheap monday jeans, thrifted belt & necklace, F21 oxfords.

School Sexy.

2010-09-03T17:18:00.002-04:00

So the act of moving apartments, starting another semester of school, and a surprise corporate visit at my job has left me with very little blogging time. I promise this blog will be back to regularly scheduled programming very soon. Till then, here's some Proenza Schouler FW10 to tide you over.

Sheer shirts under dangerously deep dresses, crop tops over mesh, and a chunky sweater over an oxford...meow.

{images: style.com}

Back to School

2010-08-26T23:08:00.002-04:00

Today was my first day returning to school. The weather was uncharacteristically cool for this time of year and my windows even fogged up this morning! This can only mean that fall is just around the corner. Well, looks like I'm back to brain exercise for another semester.

...I really should have studied French more this summer! Eh bien.

wearing: AA flower pullover, hat, and zipper shorts.

Are you there summer? It's me Tarah.

2010-08-24T22:41:00.002-04:00

So I know you’re about to vacation in the southern hemisphere, but if you could do me a favor and stick around just a tad longer than August 31 that would be great. I just need a liiiiittle more time to gush over the 70's yacht party looks at YSL Resort 2011. Thank you.

PS. Tell Australia I said hi.

Style Staples: Silk blouses

2010-08-22T18:12:00.002-04:00

Nearing the end of sweltering summer heat there is always one question on my mind, how does one stay cool and simultaneously transition into fall?

My favorite staple is definitely silk blouses. They add texture and shape to an outfit, while always looking great tucked into those seriously short summer shorts. Many times I will use a blouse as the foundation of an outfit, and then build the rest of the outfit around the occasion and weather. The result is stylish and breezy looks that embody the spirit of all seasons.

oops! still need to fix that button...

wearing: vintage oscar de la renta blouse & vintage north beach leather pants.

Looking Ahead

2010-08-21T13:00:00.006-04:00

As I lay around sick in the midst of a rainy summer day, I can't help but think of fall. I promise I'll stop talking about it (once it gets here). Thank you for understanding.

{images: sartorialist, dix painting, tfs, jak&jil}

Late Summer.

2010-08-20T11:57:00.002-04:00

This is my favorite part of summer. It is still really hot outside, yet autumn is just around the corner. I get a strange satisfaction from the feeling of crunchy grass on my feet. Summer is slowly drying out.

These weeds by my mom's house only get prettier as fall arrives. Expect this backdrop in the future.

Wearing: thrifted blouse, AA lace bodysuit and pants, Marni platforms.

Seeking Solitude.

2010-08-19T23:12:00.003-04:00

{images: google search}

Sometimes the quietest places are full of people.

As summer slips into autumn, I find myself attracted to the decayed and weathered beauty of old cemeteries and tombs. Mythologically fall is associated with the elderly Crone when the Earth begins to die before rebirth. Every fall I fight the urge to dress like an old woman. Am I Crone crazy, or is it an early case of Halloween fever!?

Busy Bee.

2010-07-26T14:06:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of postage lately, I have been attending some festivals in the wilderness. The week before I saw Alice Cooper play a block from my apartment! Heres are a few Facebook quality photos just to let you know that I haven't disappeared.

Is it that obvious that snakes are my favorite animal?

Gaultier Couture Fall '10

2010-07-12T12:34:00.002-04:00

When asked about inspiration for this collection, Gaultier said he wanted to get back to the "bare bones" of couture. He obviously accomplished that with looks that are over-the-top Parisian, but still have some ready to wear elements that everyone can wear (layered fishnets & velvet, anyone?).

{Images: style.com}

Landscape.

2010-07-10T22:41:00.004-04:00

wearing: AA lawn button up & mesh bloomers, thrifted disco shoes.

I would like to start trying some more landscape pictures. It adds a whole new element to a picture rather than just an outfit. Landscapes can also introduce moods, something else I am working on. So excited to keep learning from my camera!

But seriously, my AA mesh bloomers are the best thing ever invented. That is all.

Va-Voom!

2010-07-09T23:28:00.002-04:00

A little somethin somethin to help you get through the summer heat.

(source: tfs)

Brick.

2010-07-05T19:49:00.003-04:00

Wearing: AA dolman sleeve top, thrifted pants, bakers heels.

Gazing into the ocean, “I only see murky shades of blue”
An existence far from my own, unconscious to most
To know not of land, to know not of man
Songs of sirens to lull the waves.

Self absorbed, but not self aware
A simple continuance, swiftly ended in blissful ignorance
Insignificantly taken by nature
They look back, and only see a bubble.

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-04T13:05:00.002-04:00

Wearing: AA skirt as tube top, winter leggings in indigo, vintage heels.

Bring on the fireworks and bbq!!

Bows and Things

2010-07-01T17:44:00.002-04:00

Wearing: AA vintage scarf and stripe lace tee, vintage silk skirt and woven lace ups.

Currently loving all sorts of things in my hair lately. Vintage scarves, twist scarves, bows.... the list could go on.

Shadow Play

2010-06-30T13:17:00.002-04:00

Wearing: thrifted silk button down, AA mesh bloomers, vintage heels & belt

Loving my AA mesh bloomers. The lace peeking out at the bottom adds instant style to any long top or mini dress, while their sheerness makes them ideal for summer heat.
(Also have high-waist hot shorts layered underneath)

Lilith

2010-06-29T15:11:00.003-04:00

The mythology surrounding the goddess Lilith has always been very interesting to me. There are many tales of her in multiple cultures, but I identify most with her damned role in early Christian myth. She is said to have been Adam’s first wife, but was cast out of Eden when she would not submit to him. She then mated with demons and produced a race of evil creatures. During the medieval times on she was compared to the serpent of Eden. The images below present a very Victorian representation of Lilith, the serpent temptress of Eden. There are also other interpretations of her demonic side.

Lilith, Collier, 1892

Lady Lilith, Rossetti, 1863

Rossetti also wrote a sonnet to accompany the painting:

Of Adam's first wife, Lilith, it is told
(The witch he loved before the gift of Eve,)
That, ere the snake's, her sweet tongue could deceive,
And her enchanted hair was the first gold.
And still she sits, young while the earth is old,
And, subtly of herself contemplative,
Draws men to watch the bright web she can weave,
Till heart and body and life are in its hold.
The rose and poppy are her flower; for where
Is he not found, O Lilith, whom shed scent
And soft-shed kisses and soft sleep shall snare?
Lo! As that youth's eyes burned at thine, so went
Thy spell through him, and left his straight neck bent
And round his heart one strangling golden hair.

Temptation and Fall, Michelangelo,1510

Red Hot Summer

2010-06-27T13:21:00.002-04:00

Summer in Michigan is surprisingly hot and humid. Days like today call for simple style, and the least amount of clothing you can possibly wear. Also came across a butterfly fluttering through the flowers. Definitely a lazy summer day.

Wearing: AA blue chambray shirt and leotard, vintage denim shorts, bebe shoes.

Birdcage

2010-06-22T14:45:00.002-04:00

Wearing: AA Lace Tee and Denim Pencil Skirt, Vintage scarf, F21 shoes

There is a cage alone in a room.

For many years, solitude.

The stark walls for company,

The silence is deafening.

Once a bird, so full of passion,

Brought eternal joy to those who knew.

Beautiful songs spun out his beak,

Once a sight to behold, but since long gone.

That sad, lonely cage,

All that was known is now gone.

A ribcage is missing it's beating heart.

This has been a slow and steady demise.

Officially Summer.

2010-06-21T13:57:00.002-04:00

Wearing: AA lawn button up, thrifted pleated pants, vintage enzo red heels

Summer is a very light hearted part of the year for me. Everyone is happy, and truly enjoying their lives. Does such a place exist where it is summer everyday? I would live there.

Piping down the valleys wild,
Piping songs of pleasant glee,
On a cloud I saw a child,
And he laughing said to me:

'Pipe a song about a Lamb!'
So I piped with merry cheer.
'Piper, pipe that song again;'
So I piped: he wept to hear.

'Drop thy pipe, thy happy pipe;
Sing thy songs of happy cheer!'
So I sung the same again,
While he wept with joy to hear.

'Piper, sit thee down and write
In a book that all may read.'
So he vanish'd from my sight;
And I pluck'd a hollow reed,

And I made a rural pen,
And I stain'd the water clear,
And I wrote my happy songs
Every child may joy to hear.

-William Blake

Flickr

2010-06-21T13:50:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Bye Snow.

2010-01-24T16:11:00.004-05:00

Wearing: Vintage fur, Rodarte for target lace skirt, AA bodysuit& tights, Bakers booties.

When you've been stuck with snow for over two months, you kind of start to question where the ground is. Or, if it evens exists anymore and hasn't turned into permafrost. Fortunately I woke up this morning, and there it was! The ground was indeed there, now what about the sun?