If I could do it all over again...

My friend Lisa over at Solo Lisa tagged all her readers to come up with their fantasy prom get-up. Though I actually never had a prom (just a graduation promenade where we walked around the school gym for an hour while excited parents took pictures) I do sometimes think about what I would have done differently. For one, I would have gotten my hair and makeup done by a professional. I did it myself and it looked a little clownish, to be honest. Pulled-tight hair, too-red lipstick, overly-lined eyes... typical gaffes for a young girl just discovering makeup and with no idea what to do with her hair. My dress, I liked. It was a red traditional Chinese choengsam done in lace with high slits to show off my legs. It was very flattering and lovely. My shoes on the other hand... just... fug.

So, being the creature of imagination that I am, I jumped to do this tag. In fact, I had so much fun, I did it twice. Behold: Striking Arty Prom (gotta love my crappy title...)

fantasy prom by serenakay on Polyvore.com

And Luxe Hippie Prom in honour of my hippie-ish ways in high school. Seriously. I wore sarongs everyday in Grade 8. Of course, this Missoni dress is much prettier than that dastardly piece of batik I wore so faithfully.

luxe hippie prom by serenakay featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

I know it's Spring but...

...I want these boots!

I can actually see them working really well with all my light spring dresses to ground them a little and make them less prissy. I think my summer project will be to save up for these and buy them in the fall. See? I'm being a good fashionista, saving up for quality that will last instead of waiting a week and buying them on credit or buying a cheaper pair. Oh wait, that could still happen. But I will prevail!

And wouldn't they be lovely with this dress in a sort of girly/punk juxtaposition? God, I am such a child of the '90s...

Frye Veronica Slouch boots + Victoria's Secret dress

Also...

... I got these boots!

Wishful Dressing and Childhoods Spent on Mountain Tops

I wish it was warm enough out to wear this...


Sandals: Aquatalia, Dress: Winners, Beret: Urban Outfitters

However, it is cold and windy and I'm staying inside to write my final paper, the final paper that is so late that my prof called me on my cell to ask where my essay is. Not my finest moment, and I am now petrified of this woman. I'm so close to being done this blasted degree, it almost itches. I guess I'm suffering from 'major burn out,' as the young academics say these days. Anyways, because the weather is nasty, this is what I'm actually wearing today:


Sandals: Aquatalia, Sweater: deeply discounted Aritzia

And yes, I realize I've committed the heinous atrocity known as 'Socks and Sandals' but in my defense a) it is freaking cold in my apartment and b) sometimes I'm really drawn to ugly chic. But you can't blame me, because I grew up in the forest on top of a mountain. It's not my fault. I come by it honestly. Et pour toi, a close-up of the atrocity:

Alice in Wonderland

Apologies for the boob-shot. Fortunately, at this point I'm pretty sure my only reader is my boyfriend, so they're no news to him. Anyways, as you can imagine, my outfit is sort of my version of Alice in Wonderland if Alice was half-Chinese and horrifyingly busty on film. I wore an old fashioned undershirt (I refuse to call them 'beaters' for political reasons) under my creamy polka dot dress from Edun, a Zara cardigan and thrifted red platforms.

Usually when I'm in feverish paper-writing mode, I go to my local adorable French cafe Coco et Olive (owned and operated by real French people, no less!) and sit with my notebook and write up a storm before going home to type it all out. However, today I was not very productive so I must end this post and cease procrastinating!

New shoes and inspiration

I had the best luck at the thrift store the other day. I think my best find was these vintage sandals. In the picture they look black, but in real life they are really more navy blue and I think navy is a little more unexpected and interesting. I especially like the different colours of wood in the little heel. So lovely!

I also got a long skirt which I plan on making into a bubble mini and a lovely corset with a delicate pattern of elephants on it. That sounds very strange but it's subtle and sweet. More pictures to follow.

I've been trying to figure out the best way to do outfit shots. I'm often very pleased with an outfit and I get some compliments from my friends and I'd love the share a picture of my outfit on my blog but I just don't have anywhere in my apartment that makes a good background, not to mention setting up the camera and using the timer without my roommate coming out of her room and catching me and thinking I'm strange. I'll figure it out...