i noticed something this evening that, truly, is a reoccurring realization in my life. i noticed how there is such a simplistic beauty in the most subtle movements and, before i continue, i should mention: this topic can very quickly and easily become terribly cliche and so, to prevent that as best i can, let me just provide several examples of what i mean and not attempt to bore you with my uneloquent attempts at describing something that is beyond my creative process, at 2am on a Sunday morning.
i notice it more often in those that i am attracted to but when i truly pay attention, i can find it in anyone. there are physical appearances, sure. but, as the saying goes, there is so much more than what we can see with a passing glance.
i recently found myself on a tangent regarding the body and my feelings towards it. my partner in conversation said she liked to imagine the body as a home, something that is lived in and comfortable, and not something that should be held so sacredly. and i loved that image: the time we spend in our physical bodies, in the grand scheme of things, is a small fraction of eternity. it is our instinct to adapt to situations or locations in our lives but part of the way that we adapt is to do whatever it takes to make ourselves comfortable: we purchase clothing that is either comfortable or practical or lovely or rich or ornate or inspiring. we may adorn our bodies with artwork in the form of makeup, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, paints or masks. we purchase a car or computer or comforter to suit our personalities and our lifestyles. all of these things add up to the expression of our souls, a deeper entity than just our physical beings.
but so often, we underestimate just what power our physical beings possess. our brains have the ability to process massive amounts of information. our hearts know to pump just the right amount of blood. many of us possess the abilities to see, hear, smell, and taste. and we have communication, the power by which we form many of our relationships in life. communication, really, is the basis of all relationships, i would say.
and although i suspect much of our ability to pass on oral histories or the true art of conversation is degenerating somewhat, we truly underestimate how much we are saying, all the time.
it's in the way we slide our credit card from our wallet. it's the way we button or unbutton our jeans, either before or after the zipper, and wiggle our way into them so that they fit just right. it's in the way we slip on a perfect pair of heels. it's in the way we flip our bangs out of our eyes when we're playing soccer or when we're driving down the road with the windows down. it's in the way we struggle to retrieve something at the bottom of our purse or the way we slip on our sunglasses before we unlock our car. it's in the way we stretch at our desks or the way we reach for the hand rail in the subway or metro or underground. it's in the way pick up our delicate glass of wine and hold it at such a precise angle, near our face, as we continue to speak. it's in the way we text when we're excited about the person on the receiving end. it's in the way we tighten our scarves or loosen our ties. it's in the way slip our hand in our back pocket or run our fingers through the back of our hair so carelessly. it's in the way we do that little half smile that means so many different things, all at once. it's in the way that we place our fingers in front of our lips and seemingly stare into space when we are really concentrating on something. it's in the way that we choose to lean on nearby objects, or the way we slouch when we're waiting for the bus. it's in the way we wave, whether it's enthusiastically with both hands, or whether it's a tamed, fan wave of each little finger. it's in the way we caress an object of importance. in short- these little, tiny movements that are so often simply survival mechanisms or learned behaviors are conveying something, are telling a story, in some capacity. it is for this reason that these behaviors or movements are so beautiful, because they are unique to each individual. no two people will hold a glass of wine just the exact same way and no two people will retrieve a dropped pen the same way. these physical actions are an outer reflection of what makes each of us beautiful.
soon, at elsewhere, i'm establishing a storytime, of sorts. i haven't sorted out all of the details yet, but there will be smores. i'm requesting that each person bring with them a story- true, fable, personal, borrowed. in this way, we will not only be practicing an art that has been practiced as long as people have existed (oral story telling) but we will also get a chance to know one another more deeply, once we learn about the stories that have shaped them.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
summer @ elsewhere.
Wow.
So, it's been a while...?
In short, the semester was a bit of a disaster. And although I still feel some things looming over me that may or may not have been taken care of before I departed, it is (for the most part) behind me.
But two fabulous things did occur this semester: I secured an internship position at elsewhere and I designed my first set of costumes in the theater department at Elon and...ever, really. It was successful, I think, and I learned so much. I think the opportunity presented itself at just the right time and, although it was very time intensive, was an experience that I very much needed for a whole slew of reasons. After emerging on the other side, it is an experience that I am sure I would like to be a part of again. And I was finally exposed to some of the students within the department on a much more personal level, which was very fun.
My internship at elsewhere has begun!! I started with a staff meeting last week, and so my second full week commenced today. My schedule is very flexible, as long as I ensure that I complete at least 20 hours of work a week. The museum is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 1pm-11pm, but Tuesdays are staff days. I came in on a very good week, I think- it was the kick-off to "urban green", a whole week's worth of events celebrating the completion of the urban, alley garden that has been an ongoing project for quite some time.
I am completely engaged and pleased and satisfied not only with my position(s) there but also with the people that I have had a chance to meet and work with (collaborate with, if you will). In short: I couldn't be happier.
The atmosphere is just what I needed, self-prescribed I think. I think the best way to explain it is that I not only feel comfortable and lose myself in an alternate universe of discovery, but the people that I am encountering are all of the same mindset (we are all together to collaborate and create works of art within the space that, in turn, will help us involve and educate our community that we are a part of) yet they are not afraid of their individuality and their unique voice, which is so empowering. It's a nice community for me right now, for my growth, I think. And the process of learning and collaborating and creating is ongoing, using objects that are in a constant state of change and "re-birth", so to speak.
I'm nearly positive I've posted the link here before but, just for good measure, I'm throwing it in again:
elsewhere
My official title is "fashion/wardrobe intern". A large part of my position requires me to organize/be responsible for the extensive wardrobe that seemingly multiplies on a regular basis in a small room on the 2nd floor of the building. Before I leave at the end of the summer, the wardrobe will (God help me...) be completely reorganized and a new system will be set in place for maintaining that organization. In addition, all of the clothing in the building will be contained in a small space that can be easily accessed. Smart, right? Put the obsessive compulsive organizer in a room full of costumes and have her go at it. It's perfect. I'm in hog heaven, really.
But, in addition, my job changes on a daily basis. I'm there to assist the artists working with whatever they need. And I'm learning how to work the front desk, to welcome visitors. I'm also working at the events, to help prepare or manage the crowds during the event. This has been really fun, getting to meet members of the community. I have really enjoyed that.
We regularly have events on Friday evenings, at 8pm. In the month of June, these events will be a series of artist conversations that are interactive.
We also have a food co-op, which has been really interesting just to get the hang of. But I've helped cook dinner (all the food is vegetarian) and I've begun to get a little more involved in that. The teamwork process of a co-op is really inspiring, actually, and such a community-builder.
Because I so easily lose myself at/in elsewhere, I have yet to assess the rest of my summer life: meeting up with old friends, babysitting, actually tying up all those lose ends at school (unpacking my things from school to home!?), and being on top of a normal lifestyle at home, as well. These are all things that, I hope, will fall into place as my schedule becomes a little more consistent at work. But I will continue to enjoy myself.
I have taken a few pictures at elsewhere, particularly of the wardrobe as it progresses. Those images will come soon, I promise.
In the meantime, if you're reading this locally, I'd be really thrilled to see your face at the museum any time, be it during an event or even normal business hours. I'll give you a mini tour (the best I know how, at this point?).
Thanks for your patience during this semester, with the lack of blog postage. I'm terrible, honestly, and I vow to be better this summer (isn't that always the case? Poor summer, is always having responsibility piled on top of it that it, so often, cannot realistically handle).
In the meantime... :)
Alexa
So, it's been a while...?
In short, the semester was a bit of a disaster. And although I still feel some things looming over me that may or may not have been taken care of before I departed, it is (for the most part) behind me.
But two fabulous things did occur this semester: I secured an internship position at elsewhere and I designed my first set of costumes in the theater department at Elon and...ever, really. It was successful, I think, and I learned so much. I think the opportunity presented itself at just the right time and, although it was very time intensive, was an experience that I very much needed for a whole slew of reasons. After emerging on the other side, it is an experience that I am sure I would like to be a part of again. And I was finally exposed to some of the students within the department on a much more personal level, which was very fun.
My internship at elsewhere has begun!! I started with a staff meeting last week, and so my second full week commenced today. My schedule is very flexible, as long as I ensure that I complete at least 20 hours of work a week. The museum is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 1pm-11pm, but Tuesdays are staff days. I came in on a very good week, I think- it was the kick-off to "urban green", a whole week's worth of events celebrating the completion of the urban, alley garden that has been an ongoing project for quite some time.
I am completely engaged and pleased and satisfied not only with my position(s) there but also with the people that I have had a chance to meet and work with (collaborate with, if you will). In short: I couldn't be happier.
The atmosphere is just what I needed, self-prescribed I think. I think the best way to explain it is that I not only feel comfortable and lose myself in an alternate universe of discovery, but the people that I am encountering are all of the same mindset (we are all together to collaborate and create works of art within the space that, in turn, will help us involve and educate our community that we are a part of) yet they are not afraid of their individuality and their unique voice, which is so empowering. It's a nice community for me right now, for my growth, I think. And the process of learning and collaborating and creating is ongoing, using objects that are in a constant state of change and "re-birth", so to speak.
I'm nearly positive I've posted the link here before but, just for good measure, I'm throwing it in again:
elsewhere
My official title is "fashion/wardrobe intern". A large part of my position requires me to organize/be responsible for the extensive wardrobe that seemingly multiplies on a regular basis in a small room on the 2nd floor of the building. Before I leave at the end of the summer, the wardrobe will (God help me...) be completely reorganized and a new system will be set in place for maintaining that organization. In addition, all of the clothing in the building will be contained in a small space that can be easily accessed. Smart, right? Put the obsessive compulsive organizer in a room full of costumes and have her go at it. It's perfect. I'm in hog heaven, really.
But, in addition, my job changes on a daily basis. I'm there to assist the artists working with whatever they need. And I'm learning how to work the front desk, to welcome visitors. I'm also working at the events, to help prepare or manage the crowds during the event. This has been really fun, getting to meet members of the community. I have really enjoyed that.
We regularly have events on Friday evenings, at 8pm. In the month of June, these events will be a series of artist conversations that are interactive.
We also have a food co-op, which has been really interesting just to get the hang of. But I've helped cook dinner (all the food is vegetarian) and I've begun to get a little more involved in that. The teamwork process of a co-op is really inspiring, actually, and such a community-builder.
Because I so easily lose myself at/in elsewhere, I have yet to assess the rest of my summer life: meeting up with old friends, babysitting, actually tying up all those lose ends at school (unpacking my things from school to home!?), and being on top of a normal lifestyle at home, as well. These are all things that, I hope, will fall into place as my schedule becomes a little more consistent at work. But I will continue to enjoy myself.
I have taken a few pictures at elsewhere, particularly of the wardrobe as it progresses. Those images will come soon, I promise.
In the meantime, if you're reading this locally, I'd be really thrilled to see your face at the museum any time, be it during an event or even normal business hours. I'll give you a mini tour (the best I know how, at this point?).
Thanks for your patience during this semester, with the lack of blog postage. I'm terrible, honestly, and I vow to be better this summer (isn't that always the case? Poor summer, is always having responsibility piled on top of it that it, so often, cannot realistically handle).
In the meantime... :)
Alexa
Saturday, March 14, 2009
spring semester; part uno.
Oh my Lord...somehow, I was under the delusion that I wouldn't be overloading this semester.
I was wrong.
But, it's been ok. I've gradually been finding my motivation, in little spurts, which is better than nothing, I suppose.
I've begun to really get involved with the designs for Mother Courage, and that will quickly be all consuming. But that will be a good thing. :)
As promised (although not EVERY day...shame!!), below are several weeks' worth of outfits from my...hallway?
Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but the full length mirror is essential, I feel like.
I have skipped out on a few days but, TRUST ME, it's for the best...
i'm adding more to this later...
xoxo
I was wrong.
But, it's been ok. I've gradually been finding my motivation, in little spurts, which is better than nothing, I suppose.
I've begun to really get involved with the designs for Mother Courage, and that will quickly be all consuming. But that will be a good thing. :)
As promised (although not EVERY day...shame!!), below are several weeks' worth of outfits from my...hallway?
Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but the full length mirror is essential, I feel like.
I have skipped out on a few days but, TRUST ME, it's for the best...
i'm adding more to this later...
xoxo
Friday, February 20, 2009
fash-ee-onn
In case you haven't ever visited it, The Sartorialist is a Blogspot blog that has received unending acclaim. The author/photographer has been named one of Time Magazine's Top 100 Design Influencers and his photography is incredible.
I don't normally include photos that aren't my own, but part of my new dedication to fashion is discovering other outlets and productions that are on the cutting edge. A friend of mine from high school (little shoutout to Katie, here) shared with me several fashion blogs that she frequents, The Sartorialist being one of them.
These are two photos from the month of February that I really enjoy (note: these are not my own photos!!):
Please visit the blog for more beautiful photos: The Sartorialist
I've been taking photos of my outfits every day since my last post!
My thoughts are that I'd wait about a week and post them all at once.
They're tiny because they're from my phone. :)
Perhaps I'll swing back and write a bit more later today, but for now...
I don't normally include photos that aren't my own, but part of my new dedication to fashion is discovering other outlets and productions that are on the cutting edge. A friend of mine from high school (little shoutout to Katie, here) shared with me several fashion blogs that she frequents, The Sartorialist being one of them.
These are two photos from the month of February that I really enjoy (note: these are not my own photos!!):
Please visit the blog for more beautiful photos: The Sartorialist
I've been taking photos of my outfits every day since my last post!
My thoughts are that I'd wait about a week and post them all at once.
They're tiny because they're from my phone. :)
Perhaps I'll swing back and write a bit more later today, but for now...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
new. blue. hoodie.
Ok.
So.
It's been a few weeks since I last updated.
I am, indeed, home- back in North Carolina. I'm several weeks into my new semester at school and am struggling to get back into the swing of what a normal class schedule is like.
I'm taking: Media Law and Ethics, Communications Research, Photography as a Social Critique and (the most exciting!) Costume Design.
I've recently been asked by a fellow student to help design costumes for her production of Mother Courage and I'm both honored and terribly anxious at the same time; what a big task! But one that I am excited and willing to throw my whole self into.
I also recently received some fantastic news regarding an internship for this summer.
I discovered, a few months back, a museum on Elm Street called Elsewhere.
Elsewhere is an old thrift store-turned-living art museum and it's absolutely brilliant.
The thrift store was passed down from Sylvia Gray, an avid collector of the most bizarre things- costumes, suitcases, typewriters, toys, cloth, books.
Now Elsewhere serves as a collaborative space, open for tours, events, and educational purposes. But they also house rotating artists and interns for each season.
I've just been accepted to work as the fashion and wardrobe intern, so I'll be working with costumes and fabric, organizing and pulling, and assisting with other documentary needs around the museum.
I couldn't be more ecstatic. It's going to be the perfect creative atmosphere that I need in my life and I have a lot to gain from it. I can tell.
Check out the link, if you're interested! Elsewhere
I attempted to do this in London and can't believe I didn't, but I'm back in my element (and in my own closet!) and have been creating some of the most fantastic ensembles of late. My style changed a lot since I've returned from London.
And I'm pretty sure it's time to start recording that.
So, with the help of my iPhone and my tiny point-and-shoot, I'll be documenting my outfits for the next few months EVERY day (so help me...).
It's so simple and it takes two seconds; I should have no problem doing it.
So I begin. American Apparel makes some pretty stellar zip-up hoodies in solid colors.
But so does Old Navy. For $12.99.
I got it in two colors.
I've been all about the hoodies since I got back- hoodies, hats, and my staple: the plain white, men's v-neck tee.
It's so comfortable.
And I practically never wear pants nowadays- I can't live without my leggings. I seem to have gathered quite a collection at this point!
Let me take just a moment here to list some items in the fashion world that I am currently obsessed with:
1. ANYTHING that is buffalo plaid!! (to date, I have a jacket, tunic, taffeta skirt, hoodie, scarf, and zip-up blazer. It could be an unhealthy obsession...but it's so fantastically "i just rolled out of bed and threw on my dad's old plaid shirt" that i really can't help myself)
2. leggings (every color. but it is essential to start off with black, brown and gray)
3. v-neck t-shirts (hanes. men's section of target. 5 shirts for $8. i LIVE in these shirts!)
4. flat boots (i have three pair now: "english riding boots" from Rack Room, slouchy, gray suede boots by Steve Madden, and a rather high calf pair of cream colored boots from Primark)
5. zip-up hoodies (the louder, the better.)
6. and large, oversized sweaters worn over tights (this is seriously the most comfortable I've been in my whole life, I think. there's something about the shapeliness of the legs, hidden under a warm, baggy sweater or shirt. it's so boyishly feminine.)
On a completely separate note, I also have a few more photos from our last days in Mile End and around London that I wanted to share. I wish I had a more appropriate segue into them...but I suppose this will just have to do, as a final farewell.
Mile End tube
From the street
Final visit to the market
My final presentation for London takes place on March 3.
I compiled my best photos and created a powerpoint presentation for my individual portion of the final grade, but the final presentation is a culmination of our group's best work.
I'm at a place in my life where I'm really trying to focus my attention to creative endeavors and harnessing my creativity.
I've begun reading a book that was given to me by my Aunt Melissa called "Living Artfully" by Sandra Magsamen.
The author has such a refreshing way of viewing life- by living artfully, we add meaning to our lives.
Magsamen defines are in the broadest sense: "it is every possibly medium of human expression. It is in what you say and how you say it. It is in using the rich resources of your senses to connect with the beauty in life. The art is in the message an in the medium you use to express it. Art is simply the name for how you live your life and how you tell others what you think and feel".
She reminds us that, at our core, "the messages contained in our hearts are universal...we all wish the same basic things".
And that love "is the essential ingredient and to live fully engaged with the heart, our ultimate expression".
I've been trying to live artfully. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've always tried to live artfully. But, now, I'm consciously living artfully and it is, indeed, very fulfilling. I handmade my valentines this year. It took a long time, but I was really proud of the result. I created homemade feathered headbands. I found similar ones at Urban Outfitters for $24. I made two for about $4 each.
And I'm really trying to focus on fashion and take some initiative to research some things myself and begin branching out. I'm learning a lot in costume design, but I want to start reading other fashion blogs regularly and reading more about the history of fashion, design and material. There are, really, very many thing I'd like to do and realistically not that much extra time.
But I will try. Because I owe it to myself to delve even deeper into what it is that I think I might really want to do, in the long run.
Which is, in a way, for me: living artfully.
So.
It's been a few weeks since I last updated.
I am, indeed, home- back in North Carolina. I'm several weeks into my new semester at school and am struggling to get back into the swing of what a normal class schedule is like.
I'm taking: Media Law and Ethics, Communications Research, Photography as a Social Critique and (the most exciting!) Costume Design.
I've recently been asked by a fellow student to help design costumes for her production of Mother Courage and I'm both honored and terribly anxious at the same time; what a big task! But one that I am excited and willing to throw my whole self into.
I also recently received some fantastic news regarding an internship for this summer.
I discovered, a few months back, a museum on Elm Street called Elsewhere.
Elsewhere is an old thrift store-turned-living art museum and it's absolutely brilliant.
The thrift store was passed down from Sylvia Gray, an avid collector of the most bizarre things- costumes, suitcases, typewriters, toys, cloth, books.
Now Elsewhere serves as a collaborative space, open for tours, events, and educational purposes. But they also house rotating artists and interns for each season.
I've just been accepted to work as the fashion and wardrobe intern, so I'll be working with costumes and fabric, organizing and pulling, and assisting with other documentary needs around the museum.
I couldn't be more ecstatic. It's going to be the perfect creative atmosphere that I need in my life and I have a lot to gain from it. I can tell.
Check out the link, if you're interested! Elsewhere
I attempted to do this in London and can't believe I didn't, but I'm back in my element (and in my own closet!) and have been creating some of the most fantastic ensembles of late. My style changed a lot since I've returned from London.
And I'm pretty sure it's time to start recording that.
So, with the help of my iPhone and my tiny point-and-shoot, I'll be documenting my outfits for the next few months EVERY day (so help me...).
It's so simple and it takes two seconds; I should have no problem doing it.
So I begin. American Apparel makes some pretty stellar zip-up hoodies in solid colors.
But so does Old Navy. For $12.99.
I got it in two colors.
I've been all about the hoodies since I got back- hoodies, hats, and my staple: the plain white, men's v-neck tee.
It's so comfortable.
And I practically never wear pants nowadays- I can't live without my leggings. I seem to have gathered quite a collection at this point!
Let me take just a moment here to list some items in the fashion world that I am currently obsessed with:
1. ANYTHING that is buffalo plaid!! (to date, I have a jacket, tunic, taffeta skirt, hoodie, scarf, and zip-up blazer. It could be an unhealthy obsession...but it's so fantastically "i just rolled out of bed and threw on my dad's old plaid shirt" that i really can't help myself)
2. leggings (every color. but it is essential to start off with black, brown and gray)
3. v-neck t-shirts (hanes. men's section of target. 5 shirts for $8. i LIVE in these shirts!)
4. flat boots (i have three pair now: "english riding boots" from Rack Room, slouchy, gray suede boots by Steve Madden, and a rather high calf pair of cream colored boots from Primark)
5. zip-up hoodies (the louder, the better.)
6. and large, oversized sweaters worn over tights (this is seriously the most comfortable I've been in my whole life, I think. there's something about the shapeliness of the legs, hidden under a warm, baggy sweater or shirt. it's so boyishly feminine.)
On a completely separate note, I also have a few more photos from our last days in Mile End and around London that I wanted to share. I wish I had a more appropriate segue into them...but I suppose this will just have to do, as a final farewell.
Mile End tube
From the street
Final visit to the market
My final presentation for London takes place on March 3.
I compiled my best photos and created a powerpoint presentation for my individual portion of the final grade, but the final presentation is a culmination of our group's best work.
I'm at a place in my life where I'm really trying to focus my attention to creative endeavors and harnessing my creativity.
I've begun reading a book that was given to me by my Aunt Melissa called "Living Artfully" by Sandra Magsamen.
The author has such a refreshing way of viewing life- by living artfully, we add meaning to our lives.
Magsamen defines are in the broadest sense: "it is every possibly medium of human expression. It is in what you say and how you say it. It is in using the rich resources of your senses to connect with the beauty in life. The art is in the message an in the medium you use to express it. Art is simply the name for how you live your life and how you tell others what you think and feel".
She reminds us that, at our core, "the messages contained in our hearts are universal...we all wish the same basic things".
And that love "is the essential ingredient and to live fully engaged with the heart, our ultimate expression".
I've been trying to live artfully. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've always tried to live artfully. But, now, I'm consciously living artfully and it is, indeed, very fulfilling. I handmade my valentines this year. It took a long time, but I was really proud of the result. I created homemade feathered headbands. I found similar ones at Urban Outfitters for $24. I made two for about $4 each.
And I'm really trying to focus on fashion and take some initiative to research some things myself and begin branching out. I'm learning a lot in costume design, but I want to start reading other fashion blogs regularly and reading more about the history of fashion, design and material. There are, really, very many thing I'd like to do and realistically not that much extra time.
But I will try. Because I owe it to myself to delve even deeper into what it is that I think I might really want to do, in the long run.
Which is, in a way, for me: living artfully.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
i bought a pair of suspenders.
It's both upsetting and unbelievable for me to type, right now at this very moment, and know that I have only two more days in this fantastic city left to accomplish a whole list of things that haven't yet been accomplished: there are still so many museums, performances, markets, shops and streets that I haven't been to and, at this point, will certainly not get the chance to do this time around.
That's why there's always next time...I hope?
Many of the people we've met here have insisted that we return someday. Vanessa and I were even offered a free plane ticket to return to Mile End! But it's true, I think: you can't do everything you want in London when you're just "on holiday". You have to come and really spend some time here to be able to do both "tourist-y" things and live as the locals do, so to speak.
At any rate, my time here IS coming to a close and I suppose I'm finally coming to terms with it. And it will be nice to return home.
I mentioned, I think, that the fashion here in London is exceptional (and if I hadn't, you would've been able to gather if you're aware of the fashion industry at all today). A personal goal of mine, coming here, was to snap photographs of people or outfits that inspired me while I was here, but that was quite a bit easier thought than done. Not only would my camera have to be out, on, and ready to snap at any given moment, I'd be putting quite a few people on edge, no matter how discreetly I could have taken the photo. Needless to say, I haven't got one photo of a male or female whose fashion inspires me.
But:
I have been documenting my own fashion evolution, if you will.
In retrospect, it would've been great to have gotten a shot every day. But, as fashion goes, some days are better than others.
These were a few of the more inspired outfits I've worn here.
The first one is with my new suspenders, from H&M.
I'll have to snap a photo when I return home, displaying my fashion wares that I've purchased here. My goal, as far as purchasing clothing here is concerned, was to purchase clothing items that were distinctly European, that I more than likely wouldn't be able to find as easily in the States. This includes a new pair of boots, multiple pairs of tights, a few skirts and a few tops, and a gray beret. I've made my purchases in some pretty unique locations, as well: chain stores on Oxford Street, markets, vintage stores on Camden Road (incredibly bizarre punk/vintage section of London), and antique malls. I'm ecstatic about coming home and assembling some incredibly eccentric outfits.
I took a day to walk through the parks in Mile End a few days back; many of the boroughs in London make incredible efforts to keep communities spruced up, clean, and constantly involved- planning events or building new community centers or parks.
A few years ago, The Green Bridge was built to connect multiple parks, or "green spaces", in the Mile End area.
A few more shots from some well-known spots in London:
Parliament
Westminster Abbey:
Tonight is our final, celebratory dinner. All of us have been wrapping up our community work and squeezing in the last few tourist ventures that we can.
We'll be sure to make the most of our remaining time here.
Be home soon!
xoxo,
Alexa
That's why there's always next time...I hope?
Many of the people we've met here have insisted that we return someday. Vanessa and I were even offered a free plane ticket to return to Mile End! But it's true, I think: you can't do everything you want in London when you're just "on holiday". You have to come and really spend some time here to be able to do both "tourist-y" things and live as the locals do, so to speak.
At any rate, my time here IS coming to a close and I suppose I'm finally coming to terms with it. And it will be nice to return home.
I mentioned, I think, that the fashion here in London is exceptional (and if I hadn't, you would've been able to gather if you're aware of the fashion industry at all today). A personal goal of mine, coming here, was to snap photographs of people or outfits that inspired me while I was here, but that was quite a bit easier thought than done. Not only would my camera have to be out, on, and ready to snap at any given moment, I'd be putting quite a few people on edge, no matter how discreetly I could have taken the photo. Needless to say, I haven't got one photo of a male or female whose fashion inspires me.
But:
I have been documenting my own fashion evolution, if you will.
In retrospect, it would've been great to have gotten a shot every day. But, as fashion goes, some days are better than others.
These were a few of the more inspired outfits I've worn here.
The first one is with my new suspenders, from H&M.
I'll have to snap a photo when I return home, displaying my fashion wares that I've purchased here. My goal, as far as purchasing clothing here is concerned, was to purchase clothing items that were distinctly European, that I more than likely wouldn't be able to find as easily in the States. This includes a new pair of boots, multiple pairs of tights, a few skirts and a few tops, and a gray beret. I've made my purchases in some pretty unique locations, as well: chain stores on Oxford Street, markets, vintage stores on Camden Road (incredibly bizarre punk/vintage section of London), and antique malls. I'm ecstatic about coming home and assembling some incredibly eccentric outfits.
I took a day to walk through the parks in Mile End a few days back; many of the boroughs in London make incredible efforts to keep communities spruced up, clean, and constantly involved- planning events or building new community centers or parks.
A few years ago, The Green Bridge was built to connect multiple parks, or "green spaces", in the Mile End area.
A few more shots from some well-known spots in London:
Parliament
Westminster Abbey:
Tonight is our final, celebratory dinner. All of us have been wrapping up our community work and squeezing in the last few tourist ventures that we can.
We'll be sure to make the most of our remaining time here.
Be home soon!
xoxo,
Alexa
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