apparellel

00038

2010-07-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

see the rest at my real blog: http://apparellel.com/category/blog/

00031

2010-06-24T23:56:00.002-07:00

moved. visit at my new blog http://apparellel.com

00031

2010-06-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

moved. visit at my new blog http://apparellel.com

00029

2010-06-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

more at new blog. http://apparellel.com

00028

2010-06-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

new site. http://apparellel.com

00027

2010-06-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

new post up at http://apparellel.com

xxx
t

new post.

2010-06-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

only posting at my new blog peeps, but decided to update blogger for a bit longer.

xxx
t

http://apparellel.com

new post.

2010-06-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

MOVED. MOVED. MOVED.

2010-05-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

I MOVED TO WORDPRESS. PLEASE GO TO THIS NEW ADDRESS. http://apparellel.com

I WON'T BE POSTING HERE ANYMORE.

THANKS!

xxx
t

lions, tigers and blog moves... oh my!!

2010-04-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

NOTE: IF THIS BLOG HASN'T RE-ROUTED YOU YET, GO TO MY NEW ADDRESS. I AM ONLY POSTING AT THAT ADDRESS NOW.

THANKS BEAUTIFUL ONES.

big news today. i'm switching my blog from blogspot to http://apparellel.com, so be sure to update your RSS feeds and bookmarks.

also all of my followers on bloglovin' can update here. if you don't use bloglovin', you might want to think about it, in my opinion it is the best way to keep up with your favorite blogs. i'm really excited about the new blog. all of my blogs, my store and *ask a stylist will be connected. it will not only be easier for me, but for you as well. holla!

i cut off this caftan my grandma gave me, i have a lot of long ones but i don't wear them much, so out with the scissors for this little lady. i still want to dye these platforms and i'm leaning towards either a dark maroon, dark green or dark navy--so torn. okay so you may notice the lovely little leg jewel i am wearing. i made it a few weeks ago. i like to wear it over jeans or leggings, and i am getting ready to do a diy on it soon.

hope you had a great weekend.

xxx
t

i love this pic of violetta mid-air.

caftan: grandma's vintage, shoes: jessica simpson 'dany' platform, bag: vintage gucci.

slingshot romp.

2010-04-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

i wanted to shoot this romper so you guys can see what i plan on selling. so, i make these jumpers out of a slingshot tank and like i said yesterday i can dye them any color you would like, or tie dye them. this one is done using a stripe effect, but i also did one that has a marbleized look to it that is really cool. i will probably put a few in the shop when it is up and running (hopefully by monday). but i am taking orders now too. this piece is really versatile for summer. you can wear it on it's own, throw a large chambray shirt over it, put some cut-offs on with the romper bike short peeking out the bottom--or it is ultra comfy to lounge around the house in. they do tend to stretch a bit through out the day, if you have ever worn slingshots (wife beaters, a shirts) you know what i mean. which also means they have a lot of give, which is great. so that is the deali-o. let me know if you are interested. i am also going to try working on some other patterns that aren't so form fitting as well. hope you are enjoying your weekend.

xxx
t

note: i rolled the shorts up, they are actually kind of like bike shorts (shorter version).

also sorry for the crappy pics. i was having such a hard time focusing, and even when i tried the automatic focus it wasn't working right. oh well, you get the drift, i'm sure. love.

fringe jacket: vintage laize adzer, romper: diy slingshot, boots: steve madden, belt: grandma's vintage, hat: vintage.

show me the poly.

2010-04-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

okay, so i rarely do dresses except for caftans, and... i have an obsession with 70s disco dresses. show me the poly! i have collected them for years. the sandals are my aunts from the 80s, she has the most amazing collection of gladiator sandals and she used to let me borrow them when i was in high school. no one had shoes like these, not in salt lake city, utah. needless to say i still have a strong love for them.

so a lot of you requested a romper diy. i don't think i will have time to do one, because i have others that i am working on, but they are super easy. i will also be making them to order. just give me your measurements and let me know what color you want and voila! romper city baby! i will be shooting the style i plan on selling tomorrow. it is very similar to the one i wore yesterday, and the cool thing is that not only do you get color options, but you get tie dye options... sweet! enjoy your weekend lovelies.

xxx
t

dress: 70s disco, sandals: vintage el vaquero, belt: vintage, ear cuff: apparellel.

romper room.

2010-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

today started out as a lazy day and turned into diy craziness. i turned four tank top/dresses into rompers, tie dyed four items and made this ear wrap i'm wearing. oh and let me not forget the four hours spent in frustration trying to braid my hair. my girl alecto (check out her blog, it kicks ass) was not fast enough with the video, so i had to go and try it without--bad idea. the romper i am wearing is one of my diy's. i really, really want the erin wasson x rvca romper, but it is way out of my price range right now--and being the instant gratification person that i am, had to make something somewhat similar (and by similar, i mean a romper). the opera jacket/duster is my aunt jo's, the boots are my vintage frye's that have been worn into the ground and the bag was my grandma's vintage gucci. i love that bag so much. i don't usually photograph my bags because i stick with the same ones for long periods of time, but i changed mine out today--transfered foxy (she has been with me through many a bag, and i'm kind of co-dependent) and decided to shoot it as well.

hope you are all enjoying your day.

xxx
t

note: the store isn't going to be a big deal, just selling stuff occasionally type of thing.

here is my latest diy ear wrap, i'm thinking of selling them in my shop.

opera jacket: my aunt jo's (can't remember the designer), romper: dress diy, socks: target, boots: vintage frye, bag: grandma's vintage gucci.

summer lovin' lust list.

2010-04-22T02:41:00.000-07:00

time for a new lust list. i decided for summer i am just going to be sporting rompers and caftans. it sounds uniform like and easy. i'm not really a dress person, but can definitely sport a caftan, because it doesn't feel too girly--more mrs. roper, but that's fine. so here are a few of the lovely items i am craving, and this doesn't include most of my ebay watched items. as you can see i'm not really digging on the whole 'nude' trend, i love it--it just doesn't love me. maybe when i get a tan,and i can't wait for that to happen. does anyone have a roof or a pool where i can sunbathe? so, the question is... what are you lusting for this summer?

also, in the works is going to be a shop where i will be selling clothing, shoes and some diy's. yay! i will try to get it up tomorrow or the next day.

thanks for all of your well wishes, i am feeling much better.

xxx
t

story of the night: the joys of living in hollywood. my husband and i are sitting in the front room. he is obsessively watching 24 and i am working on this post when i see our front door open (my husband always forgets to lock the door, which is a huge ocd thing with me, we live in hollywood for gods sake). i look at my husband like "wtf? are you expecting someone" and this guy just walks right in. i'm thinking he's going to whip out a gun, nothing new (it's happened to me 3 times). fortunately my little doggie violetta came to the rescue and barked him out of the house, but even then he took his time. so i go lock the door and it reeks of alcohol where he was standing. just some random drunk dude coming in to have a beer i guess. wtf? and where was my husband? he was just sitting on the couch staring at the guy. haha. okay enough stories for the night. mwah.

caftans courtesy of the amazing: spanish moss vintage, jumpsuits: shopbop mostly, shoes: zara, bonadrag, shopbop, nasty gal vintage and solestruck. purse: oak nyc, hat: free people, vest: pixie market and belt: ebay. phew! i can't believe i remembered all of those.

over the shoulder tangerine holder.

2010-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

hey guys. i am so slacking right now. i think my body is trying to fight off some sort of sickness as i can't get out of bed... i am soooo tired. so i thought i would post an outfit i had in the 'just in case' folder. every time i look at these pics i kind of have a laugh and think of 'over the shoulder boulder holders' but in my case it would be 'over the shoulder tangerine holder' (otsth). i made this harness a long time ago and always forget about it. i should have a diy (not on the otsth) sometime this week if i can get out of bed.

so needless to say i am slacking on visiting my daily blogs too. okay enough pity partying in this biotch. gonna go back to sleep. love.

xxx
t

note: nandi's gorgeous blue jacket in the last post was another jacket of my grandmothers, and her gorgeous shoes are rachel comey.

tank top: aa, over the shoulder tangerine holder: diy, pants: alexander mcqueen for target, clogs: jeffrey campbell 'charlie'.

slumber parties with side kicks.

2010-04-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

hey, hey, hey! here are the rest of the pics from the sleepover with my bff nandi. any time spent with nandi is a blast. i love that girl. i edited the photos down a lot but still couldn't let go of these 13. hope you all had a great weekend. love.

xxx
t

bolo ties, leopard and love.

2010-04-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

nandi came over tonite for another sleep over. we decided to do a photo shoot as i want a lot of pics to gaze at endlessly when she moves. i don't have time to edit them tonite, but gave you a sneak preview of what is to come monday. isn't she a beauty? that is her natural hair color... so amazing.

also wanted to give a shout out to nickie frye and her kick ass etsy shop, for this amazing bolo tie, and also the lovely and talented wendy b, for featuring bolo ties and reminding me of their beauty (she also has these amazing swear rings and an awesome wolf-fang necklace in her shop that you must go buy, NOW!--i am ready and willing for gifts as well). hope you are all enjoying your weekend. love.

xxx
t

note: also i have been getting a lot of questions asking about my height--i am 5'5--the magic of photography i tell you. also feel free to ask questions on my formspring at the side bar.

does anyone have the zara platform tassel clogs in a 7 and want to trade for my jeffrey campbell 'charlie' clogs??

just a taste, of what's to come...

velvet jacket: aunt jo's vintage, tee: aa diy, disco pants: aa, boots: sam edelman, bolo tie: nickie frye etsy, chain ear wrap: apparellel.

boucle and denim.

2010-04-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

it's been a long time since i have worn this jacket and thought it time to pull it back out of the closet. this is my grandmothers vintage chanel jacket, one of the many things i treasure of hers. it really needs to be altered to fit me better, but i'm afraid of someone screwing it up. i love all the small details, including the striped lining and chain at the base. okay i'm off to take advantage of starbucks free coffee day.

xxx
t

boucle jacket: grandma's vintage chanel, bodysuit: aa, jeans: forever 21, boots: sam edelman, belt: grandma's vintage chanel.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

todays outfit is kind of dull, so i thought i would make up for it with the excessive exclamation points in the title. thanks everyone for watching that video, i'm glad you were able to get a laugh. sometime i will tell you the story behind my husband and i. it's amazing how we finally got together after 21 years of knowing each other. i'm doing an unusually early outfit post today because i have tons to do tonite. i am my most creative self at nite and am usually up until about 5-7am so my day is just beginning. i have done some diy's for new york design shop and need to work on those. you should see my apartment, it is diy central in here--i have about 10 projects going on at once. my poor husband. the coffee table is filled with jewelry bits, the kitchen with sewing projects and paintings, and one half of our front room is a studio. bless him for putting up with my insanity. which reminds me... it's date nite, yay!

todays outfit is a simple peasant blouse AND i finally got around to taking a bunch of my levi's in so i can wear them now. thank god. needless to say, you will be seeing a lot of denim. oh, and i made that chain ear wrap/cuff and the chain ring (which will soon have a diy how-to). hope you are all enjoying your week. love.

xxx
t

blouse: vintage, jeans: levi strauss, shoes: some random stripper brand, hat: vintage, belt: grandma's vintage, chain ear wrap/cuff: apparellel, chain ring: apparellel.

confessions of a sock stealer.

2010-04-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

i decided to do something a little different today. i am too busy creating and didn't have time to do an outfit post. i'm going to post a video that my husband made featuring moi. it is called 'confessions of a sock stealer' and it is hilarious. basically it is about where your socks go--you know how you inevitably have at least a couple pairs of lone socks with no pair. well, take a look at this, it tells all. this character (my husband) was based on a costume i made him for halloween and grew from there.

i also wanted to post a pic of when my husband and i were hanging out in high school (little did i know then, that i would marry him 21 years later), i thought you might find it pretty damn hysterical... i know i do. and i posted some pics of us now. just for fun. love.

xxx
t

black and blue.

2010-04-12T23:23:00.000-07:00

song of the day: depeche mode 'wrong'. enjoy.

exciting news. new york design shop's home page features yours truly. i am so excited to do more diy collaborations with them. the denim vest i'm wearing i diy'd with their iron on studded pave. super easy--all you need is an iron and they have tons of great colors. i didn't know how they would possibly stay put, but they are on that vest for good. if you haven't checked nyds out, you really must. they got a bunch of new diy materials in today and my shopping list has expanded about 3 times what it was before.

also i just discovered that ramblings of one crazeE mama featured me on her blog today too. i really am blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing and positive people, it may sound corny--but it's true.

i hope you are all enjoying your week so far.

xxx
t

vest: cut-off and studding diy, tank top: aa, liquid leggings: express via ebay, boots: saucy stripper, bullet belt: ebay.

flower trash.

2010-04-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

a bit of grunge/glam today and every time i look at these pics i am taken back to 1992, college days--with nirvana playing in my head. and to tell you the truth, i don't want nirvana playing in my head. i had enough of them in the 90's. nothing against them, they were my absolute favorite band back then. but they bring back some funky deja vu for me, no thanks. so instead of re-hashing the past, i decided to put up one of my fave songs from roxy music--"if there is something", which doesn't bring me such not so good feelings. hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

i would like to thank the last miaow for doing a feature on my self indulgent little blog today. check out her blog, it is amazing.

xxx
t

note the red hands, from the hairspray--a special little touch just for you. (=;

jacket: thrift, sweater tank: grandma's, leather shorts: thrift, shoes: bebe, knee highs: aa, flowers: husband.

grunge-a-rama.

2010-04-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

grunge central in t-town today. i spiced it up with a little sparkle action on the legs. this is a common outfit for me, my shclepp around look i would say. i put up some la roux "in for the kill", makes me want to shake my booty every time i hear it. have a listen if you haven't already. i'm still high off the fumes from the hair spray. whoa! and can't wait to bleach the shit out of my hair. soon. does anyone know of a kick ass colorist in the los angeles area? someone that knows how to do platinum right? if so let me know. i also decided that if i were to ever sponsor anything it would be mexican coke. i love it, as you can see.

enjoy your weekend everyone. loving you, as always.

xxx
t

and just so you know, *inspire is getting lonely. give her a visit.

toyota hoodie: goodwill, mexico tee: grandma's, levi cut-offs: scissors, tights: playmates, boots: sam edelman, hand chain: apparellel, duct tape rings: diy, studded duct tape bracelets, diy courtesy of nyds.

even cowgirls get the blues.

2010-04-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

going with the theme of the day, i had to put up some johnny cash. i wanted to put up jackson, but didn't. don't ask me why. i'm asking myself why right now. why tessa... why???!!!!!!!!

okay so this outfit doesn't make sense at all, kind of like me.

i did a feature with new york design shop on my studded duct tape rings. so go check it out and learn how to make them, they are super duper easy--and you can make them in every color. shit! i find myself typing with a twang. now, does that make sense?! oop... mexi-truck is here, cerveza's waiting... gotta dash!

xxx
t

note: i was wearing the rings in my last post, but took them off to do some washin' in the stream out back and forgot to put them back on.

i almost forgot, and how could i?! kim at ice age heat wave gave me the 'sunshine award'. i feel so honored as kim kicks some serious ass, is an amazing writer and i love her (despite being a little upset at her for her sudden move to berlin...aargh). i am going to throw all rules out the window and give this to each and every one of you today. because it's a loving kind of day like that. how can you not give love, or feel love while listening to johnny cash?!! take it and run peeps! i expect to see it posted on all your blogs tomorrow. love.

tank: joie, shorts: cheapo diy, spats: diy, boots: sam edelman, cowboy hat: out of the closet, belt: grandma's vintage.

sequins, bullets and life sucks.

2010-04-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

press play.

do you ever feel like there is a playlist to your life? like you walk around and one song is playing, drive down pch and another song is playing (usually this song would actually be playing but my iphone adapter got stolen out of my car, so i actually have to pretend). well, i have been obsessing over death cab for cutie "i will possess your heart". what this has to do with my life, i don't know. the intro is ultra long, almost 4 1/2 minutes into the song until you hear any lyrics, but the bass line is so sexy. i realize i should be way over it by now, but just like trends... i jump on the band wagon when they are over.

so i haven't been very happy with the look of the pics on my blog lately. and it is ultra hard to do anything myself, in a studio type setting with lighting. the camera reads differently when i am out of the photo, so it's hard to gauge anything. i love moody lighting, probably because i'm a moody person--so my husband played with the lighting and shot some ultra cool pics. i am extremely happy with my self indulgent blog at this point.

i took on the impossible task of making some sequin tap pants. they aren't finished yet, and probably never will be, but here they are.

xxx
t

note: does anyone else feel like something is up universally lately? are your moods changing, or are you just feeling off in general in any way? it might just be me, but do tell if so. also mercury is heading into retrograde... again. heads up.

vest: earl jeans, blouse: grandmothers vintage chanel, shorts: diy, bullet belt: ebay, boots: saucy "stripper".

lace pants and snake boobies.

2010-04-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

it was time to pull out the lace flares again today. i got them at bonadrag last summer, and i love them. i want them in every color. they also have them in burgundy and lilac, i believe. so get your asses over there and get yourself a pair for summer.

i hope you all enjoyed your holidays. i am late at responding and checking out my daily blogs, but will get to it asap. sending you all loves, as always.

i'm having another slumber party with my friend nandi. i asked her to help me with a title for this post and as i type i am cracking up at the titles she is coming up with, needless to say they are all sexual innuendos---and i may have to use one. you see, my good friend nandi is moving to chicago soon, and she has been here for me through very trying times in my life. seriously i met her when i was knee deep in shit. that shit being depression--suicidal, cutting, not wanting to get out of the house... shit. and she would come over and get me out and cheer me up. basically she has been here for me through thick and thin. i couldn't ask for a better friend and i'm going to miss her, dearly. so here's to you miss nandi (lace pants and snake boobies). i love you!

xxx
t

120 followers!! wheeeeee!!!!!! and i had the highest amount of visitors ever yesterday! thank you so much everyone!!

lace flares: with hearts in my eyes @ bonadrag, snakeskin patterned blouse: goodwill, clogs: jeffrey campbell 'charlie'.

winner of the 'rock your tee' giveaway.

2010-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

congrats to bradee at 'ramblings of one crazeE mama' for rocking her tee l.a. style. and no i'm not being partial. she really put some thought into her tee. worked elastic at the bottom and in the back and added the dodgers logo with paint, embroidery thread around logo and put yarn drawstring at top.

thank you to new york design shop for hosting this giveaway and giving everyone a chance to participate. everyone really needs to check their site out. they have such great diy ideas and materials. check it, now!

as you all know there was also a point system to this contest. but i want to thank everyone for their contributions. you all really know how to 'rock your tees' and you are all ultra talented, it was so hard to choose. thank you so much for taking part!

xxx
t

thanks easter bunny! bok bok!

2010-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

happy easter everyone!! i have to admit that i am not a holiday person. i think that happens a lot when you come from divorced families where, for the holidays, you have to be torn in two--and have a drama filled day. maybe not, but that was surely my situation. but, i am trying to be a bit happier during the holidays at least. i told my husband that i was going to wear these ears all weekend long and he didn't believe me, until i did. and i am telling you... just like the wig, everyone thinks i am in a play, or crazy or something. i made these cute little lace ears, copied from some designer that i don't feel like looking up right now. jean michel basquiat? no he died. anyway i think it has michel in the name somewhere. note: looked it up, it is maison michel (designer of all chanel hats and head pieces). sorry peeps, when i tell you i don't keep up with fashion i am not kidding. anyway, i thought the perfect time to sport them would be now. this is my--in mourning of the holidays with a touch of *trying, look. i am also wearing some spat type situations on my legs. i made these out of some old leather pants, and i wear them to add a little oomph to a boring outfit. i also saw them on lovemaegans blog, in a little different style. i also made this tee last nite in two seconds, and screwed up a chambray shirt, that i was trying to make into a work of art with lace insets. it is now a work of art that will sit on my form forever, not to be worn... it is completely fucked up.

thank you for sharing your easter stories with me. i love reading about what you are all doing. as for me... i will not be dyeing eggs, but i will be tie dyeing some tights. my puppy and i will be spending easter together, as the husband has to work, "what else is new" *she says with her usual passive aggressive tendencies*. "yes honey, it's fine... go work, i have TONS (not!) to do here". haha.

sending love to all of you, and this is your last chance to get your t-shirt diy pics to me. giveaway officially ends manana. e-mail me here.

xxx
t

oh! oh! oh! and i won a giveaway! an amazing back chain work of art from closet obsessions. so psyched and i will be rocking it soon! check her blog out, it kicks some serious ass!

t-shirt: hanes diy, pants: aa, spats: diy, boots: sam edelman, gloves: diy, bunny ears: diy.

off the chain.

2010-04-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

i made this harness out of various chains a couple of weeks ago and it has been sitting on my form until now. i like how it looks like ribs, and thought on my next one i would add some more chain/ribs. i have always loved working with chain, and have made so many of these types of body chains, but this one was extra big and gold, so i love it--the bigger and blingier the better! i also made the bra out of a pair of red fishnet tights. i don't usually wear bra's unless i need coverage or a pop of color, and have been craving a red one, of course. voila! i hope you are enjoying your day. what are your plans for easter weekend? do tell!

xxx
t

token american apparel shot.

chambray shirt: lee, bodysuit: aa, bra: diy, shorts: juicy diy, thigh-high's: aa, shoes: jessica simpson dany platform, belt: vintage, chain harness: apparellel

d.i.y. lace maxi skirt video.

2010-04-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! i decided to do another video, because i found this awesome diy on lovemaegan's blog and totally jacked it from her. i really have to give her a shout out because her blog rocks and you all need to check it out. i just love the look of this lace skirt, and used this material because it was the only fabric i had on hand, but thank god i had it because i dig it. this video was whittled down to nothing. it was origninally an hours worth of tessa ramblings and such.

NOTE: i am not a sewer, in any way shape or form. i have been spoiled in my work by having others make my patterns and sew for me. the most i do is hem a pair of pants (by hand), i just want to make that clear.

i just want you to know that what i did mention, which was cut, is that this is a really quick and easy version. it's a bit janky in quality, but you know me, if it involves more than sewing a straight line i won't do it. so for all of you professional sewers i apologize for crawling over the fabric and all of the faux pas. oops. i also apologize for the pic, it was just a still taken from the video. and i would like to thank my husband for helping me with this video on 'date nite, yay!'. love. hope you all enjoy!

oh, and i decided to give you all until this coming sunday to submit your diy t-shirts. i will announce the winner this monday. there was a problem with my e-mail but it is now working, so send the pics of your tee here.

sending loves.

xxx
t

feathers, fringe and fuschia.

2010-03-31T01:45:00.000-07:00

i am so psyched about these pants i can't even tell you. when i was doing my almost daily hang out with my friends at aa the other day, my friend j told me that they had the disco pant in purple, but it had been discontinued and was only in selected stores... i freaked. as you all know i am obsessed with this pant, and having them in purple... wow! i had j order them for me asap. so i get an e-mail from him today, telling me my pants are in. i was there within 1 minute, to take a look at the lovelies. they are kind of a mix between purple and fuschia. gorgeous. i seriously can't stop staring at them. and btw thank you j for letting me cry on your shoulder. you, i love.

i diy'd this jacket the other day when i was double c'ing every item in my wardrobe. i studded it after painting it and quite like it. last nite i was up creating all nite long. and in this creation were these shoulder pads that i fringed. i got these show stopper brooches from new york design shop and have been dying living to use them. they are pinned on top of the shoulder pad itself. the tee was also inspired by nyds. they just rock so much!

speaking of nyds how are your diy tee's coming along? are you taking part in the 'rock your tee' giveaway? the contest ends in a few days, so i hope you are almost ready!! if you are please start e-mailing the images to me here.

have a great day beautiful ones.

xxx
t

diy dress.

2010-03-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

simple post today--i told you i would show you the diy i did last week with the mens 2xl tee, and here it is. nothing fancy--in fact, i don't think i will ever wear it. the main reason i made it is because i had this navajo inspired trim that i wanted to use up. i also wanted to say that i am ultra sorry that i haven't gotten a chance to get to your blogs, things have been a bit hectic around these parts and i'm hoping i can get to you tomorrow. i always miss reading your blogs so much. i hope you are all well, and just know that i am thinking of you. love.

xxx
t

dress: diy out of 2xl mens tee, boots: saucy stripper.

the illusionist.

2010-03-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

is life really an illusion? if so can it just illude (?) away?

i'm sorry i am behind on my blogs beautiful ones, will get to them tomorrow night. thank you for sharing your weekend with me.
xxx
t

jacket: laize adzer, tee: target, leggings: aa, boots: jante, necklace: aunts vintage.

baby blues and red shoes.

2010-03-27T01:17:00.000-07:00

my bff is in town this weekend and we are having a blast as we always do when she is in town. she has a hysterical blog that you should all read for a good laugh. check it! tonite we cleaned and organized my apartment (i know what you are thinking... cleaning? fun? with her everything is fun.) with neon wigs and blue lipstick on. i should have gotten pics. we are going roller skating, old skool style at venice beach on monday and have our outfits planned already. short, shorts and knee highs or thigh high's. holla!!

i am so enthralled by the reaction i get with this wig, especially being in hollywood. if you take a look at any japanese street style magazines or blogs almost all of them have bright colored hair, and yet here in the middle of hollywood people stop and stare. it's quite funny. i'm a bit addicted to shooting with the wigs and hair spray colors because i am growing my bangs out and need my hair done desperately. and who doesn't like to change it up, right?!! i am so glad you all seemed to like the diy video. i do hope my personality came through, because that is important to me. i will do more in the future. let me know what your plans are this weekend, i would love to know. mwah!

xxx
t

shirt: aa, opaque tights: aa, platform sandals: bebe, wig: hollywood toys.

d.i.y. t-shirt (video)

2010-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

hello to all of the beautiful people! try not to be shocked at the hour of my posting. i usually post anywhere from 1-3 am but had technical difficulties.

so i decided to shoot a quick (12 minute) video on a t-shirt diy yesterday as some of you had asked for it. so i set the camera up and shot it all in one take! yes i am so proud. well husband comes home and has to make it fancy. i knew this would happen. this is one of the many things he does for a living, so he tends to be a bit of a perfectionist. so what became a quick post became the 8 hour long process. the funny thing is, i only let him do the intro and a few quick cuts where i was rambling too much. he would have gone completely haywire if i let him. so anyway here it is in all its glory. thanks to my husband for making it somewhat watchable. let me know if you peeps would like me to do more of these in the future. i was planning on doing more videos but just not of this nature. love.

xxx
t

p.s. if you want to know how to do the stencil as well let me know. i had to keep the video short, but i can do a separate one with that if you would like. love!

also let me know how you are doing on your tees for the giveaway with nyds. can't wait!

wiggin' out.

2010-03-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

my hair is blue, and yes it is a wig. i wanted to get this color when i got my black one but held off until i couldn't take it any longer, which was today. so now i have my favorite color in a wig. sweet! wig is a weird word.

so i wanted to show you a couple of quick diy's i did. the tee, was a large mens t-shirt that i made into a tank, and since i haven't had a chance to paint lately, i have been having the urge to paint my clothing. since the double c logo tee is now out of style i thought it was time for me to jump on it. i not only did this shirt but about 4 items of clothing, i was very close to painting my walls chanel style. i am an all or nothing type of girl. i've been wanting to put some conchos on some item of clothing and decided on these jeggings. i love the red suede lace, of course. so that's a little glimpse. hope you are all enjoying your week so far. loving you all just as much as always, maybe even a little more.

xxx
t

tee: hanes diy, jeggings: silence + noise diy, boots: saucy, scarf: fashion bank.

stripper boots and starbucks.

2010-03-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

excuse the boring post today. i was ultra successful in the diy arena, but not so much with my personal style. this is my typical sit around the house outfit. shorts, tank top and aa thigh-high's are so comfy and warm. minus the stripper boots, of course. those i put on to add a little oomph on the walk to starbucks (=;. because i was so busy creating today i didn't have a chance to catch up on my blogs, but will try to get caught up on those tomorrow. i miss seeing all your outfits, and reading your posts. hope you are enjoying your week so far. love. and thank you so much for all your love. mwah!

xxx
t

note: i was really off my game when shooting my outfit tonite, and therefore look like i'm in a bad mood, which i kind of am. haha. more smiley pics next time. yes!

jacket: laize adzer, tank top: aa, shorts: cut off target leggings, thigh-highs: aa, boots: playmates.

doll'd up.

2010-03-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

happy monday everyone, hope you enjoyed your weekend! so i've been thinking a lot about what some of my accessories for summer will be. i feel like accessories are important in the summer months, to make up for the lack of clothing. i decided that duct tape is going to be my new play thing, a la margiela. so i spent a lot of time shredding this tee the other day, and you can't even see the detail. the good thing is i am back to creating, which makes me ultra excited. today i made some duct tape rings and laced conchos down the side of some jeggings. i will shoot them at some point this week. also these snakeskin bebe wedges are definitely some of my favorite shoes for summer, and they are red--surprise! thank you for your sweet comments, i am going to try smiling more in my pics--i know i look much better when i smile. and more than anything it shows my spirit a lot more than my serious looks. have a great day peeps. oh, and i put a formspring questionnaire box in my sidebar. ask me anything you like (i think?). yes. do. love.

xxx
t

i hope you are all working on your tees for the giveaway!

camo jacket: goodwill, tee: 3 for 10 store--shredded and duct taped by moi, shorts: cut off leggings, thigh-highs: playmates, shoes: bebe, garter belt: fredericks of hollywood, bullet bracelet: left over bullets from belt.

#1 with a bullet.

2010-03-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

let me start by saying that i am not going to be meeting all you fabulous bloggers and i'm bummed. hubby forgot to put our appt. with a healer on the calendar, and i need all the healing i can get. seriously! we do have to have a meet up soon though.

today husband had a day off, which is amazing and rare... so we walked down hollywood blvd. to get mani's and pedi's. walking down the blvd. always means danger if i'm involved. it is so inspiring with all the stripper stores, heavy metal, and souvenir shops. one would not think these stores would be inspiring but you find the most random stuff. so today playmates was having a sale on all their stripper shoes. $10-30. instant adrenaline rush. but bummed because the cash flow is ultra low right now, i did get a pair of $25 boots that i love, and i am wearing in this post. i may be wrong on this, but i usually have good instincts on predicting what is going to be trending soon and although at first i thought the heel on these boots were slightly atrocious, i now think they are kick ass and also think we will be seeing more heels like this soon.

the bullet belt was inspired from lena at quality rivets, she was rocking a different style of bullet belt, but it looked so hot on her, i couldn't resist getting one of my own. i need my own stylist, because i don't like where the belt is hitting on the shorts, i always find these things that drive me crazy, but i guess that is just the wardrobe stylist in me. okay so i ordered the belt on ebay, because it was a bit cheaper, and truth is sometimes i am too lazy to walk two blocks to the blvd. so the bullet belt arrived (not) as an empty box in my mail. seriously. so i had to go through this whole process, with the sellers. but they were ultra cool and sent me another. yay!

also, one thing. it is getting really warm here in the l to the a. which means tessa is wearing less and less clothing every day. i am ultra sorry if my posts get slightly boring, because of this. but i've got to be honest with you, i love the warmth and would take it over cold any day. in fact i plan on moving to mexico and can't wait to spend every day in a bathing suit. mind you i am going to have to find some rockin' accessories. i hope you are all enjoying your weekend. i haven't gotten a chance to get to my blogs and respond to comments today, but will try catching up tomorrow. love to all.

xxx
t

p.s. chiara from forget me not gave me a sunshine award, thank you sweet thing. i'm supposed to pass it on, so i am passing it on to all of you as you all deserve an award in my book. love!

another ocd situation. excuse the marks from the thigh-high's i was wearing prior to shooting this. i did an ursula andress inspired shoot with just the bathing suit and belt. yeah baby!

jacket: robert rodriguez, bathing suit: everything but water?, shorts: f21 cut off by moi, boots: spicy (yeah more stripper boots), bullet belt: ebay (if u would like one let me know and i will give u the sellers link).

in the navy.

2010-03-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

it's the weekend... holla! not that it ever makes a difference in my world, but i'm excited for everyone that works a normal week. shit shit shit! i just found out that i have had this appointment with a healer (and i need all the healing i can get) for ages that my husband forgot to tell me about (bad hubby!). so i will not be able to meet up. but let's all figure out another time to do so. you should still go meet up with dream sequins, inny vinny and the girls, though. i am also extremely excited to meet my blogging peeps at space 15 twenty on cahuenga, this sunday from 2-3 p.m. if you live in l.a. meet us there. they have a flea market that goes on there too. fun! if you have any questions give me a shout out by e-mail. have a lovely weekend all. loves.

xxx
t

note: tee during the day, add jacket to go out, leave sunglasses on head as accessory and ready to go. peace. out.

fuzzy jacket: zara, tee: 3 for 10 shop, disco pant, american apparel, boots: stripper (forgot the brand).

lace it.

2010-03-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

my pictures are back to normal crap quality, as i am taking them again. so, i have been diy'ing all day today, as my tweet peeps can attest to my tweets of laziness and lack of motivation. thank god for you girls, giving me online slaps and deadlines. my diy's are always quick as i am master of instant gratification. so i quickly cut off some cheap f21 skinny jeans, cut them up the front, put grommets in them and laced them up. diy #1 finished! second i started with a mens 2xl tee and made it into a dress which i will be wearing shortly. the tee i am wearing i cut up years ago. i hope you are all working hard on your tee's for the giveaway. oh and while you are at it, you have to check out this fab t-shirt that jenna at nyds made. it rocks, as does she! maybe you will get some inspiration too. check it!

also a bunch of bloggers are meeting up this sunday at space 15 twenty, would love to see you there l.a. peeps! will be there from 2-3 pm. i will post more on this tomorrow.
love to all.

xxx
t

note: i added formspring to my blog sidebar. i don't know if this is fun or sheer stupidity. ask me anything peeps!

tee: hanes diy, shorts: f21 cut off lace-up diy, shoes: cathy jean, boot chain: apparellel, hand chain: apparellel, coon tail: ebay, earring: apparellel.

spring blooming.

2010-03-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

hope you all had a happy st. patricks day. did you do anything fun? it was a big day for me, i put on a neon green shirt, walked to starbucks and got a flat tire. yeah, i know... the excitement. but it was date night with the husband tonite so that made up for it. so i received two awards. one i told you about the other day, and yesterday i was tagged by closet obsessions with a ten good things award. check out her blog while you are at it. she rocks it... hard. so here is my list, which is quite boring, but i am a simple girl.

1. my husband, brian.
2. family.
3. violetta (my pup).
4. the sun and it's warmth.
5. the desert.
6. tropical beaches.
7. green tea lattes and frapuccino's.
8. finding treasures.
9. creating.
10. watching movies at home (not at the theater, let me make that clear).

so i guess i'm supposed to pass this on, but i don't want to single anyone out, so whoever wants to do it--go for it. i would love to see ten things that make all of you happy. i actually love doing gratitude lists. every day i walk outside and think of all that i am grateful for. it makes such a difference in my day, and i feel so off when i don't do it. i was also tagged by lace and leather (love her!) with the what is in your bag situation. i already did this here, take a look--and i apologize in advance for anyone with ocd.

this outfit is what i wore today, i just switched out the neon green shirt for the purple as it's not going to be saint patty's day anymore when you all read this. as you all know by now, i cut all of my t-shirts. i love to cut, but don't love to sew. i love these diaper like bloomer shorts, they are so comfy and the awesome necklace is from new york design shop, and by the way, they just got some kick ass feather fringe in that will be pretty awesome for the t-shirt diy's you are all doing, right?! loving all of you so much i can hardly stand it!

xxx
t

tee: aa, bloomer shorts: aa, clogs: jeffrey campbell charlie, hat: h&m, necklace: new york design shop.

turbans and tails.

2010-03-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

again i am in a hurry as i am having a sleepover with my dear friend nandi, who also shot these photos. isn't she amazing! okay so in two days i have won two awards, and once again i have to put them off. i promise to come through tomorrow. there is more nipple action today, it's like nipplegate up in this bitch. love you all, thank you for your support and kick ass comments. facial time for us girls. sweet!

xxx
t

please join the giveaway peeps. i know you will all rock your tees hard!

p.s. yes it is a wig. it's cheaper than getting my hair did, which is what i really want but can't afford at the time being. hey whatever works, right? loves.

leather jacket: vintage, lace bodysuit: aa, shorts: juicy cut-off, moccasins: vintage, turban: fashion bank, coon tail: ebay, belt: vintage, hand chain: apparellel, earring: apparellel, wig: hollywood toys.

gone streakin'.

2010-03-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

i don't have time to ramble tonite. sorry to disappoint peeps. (=; i do have to thank diary of a fashion girl for giving me the happy 101 award today. tomorrow i will list 10 things that make me happy, that's easy. enjoy your day sweet things!

xxx
t

don't miss out on the giveaway!

p.s. thanks j for putting up with my indecisive ass today. don't i look like a walking american apparel ad?!! holla!

shirt: aa, shorts: aa, tights: aa, shoes: bordello.

rock your tee.

2010-03-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

new york design shop and i have teamed up for a giveaway. i am so in love with this idea. so basically what you are going to do is get inventive and diy a t-shirt. in 3 weeks we will choose a winner and you will receive a nyds tote with assorted materials. if you don't know anything about nyds you must go to their site and check it out. i really dig the concept. it is somewhere you can go for diy ideas as well as purchase materials needed for your diy. kind of like a one stop shop. i am using some of their materials right now for some diy's. really guys they rock! okay, so let me fill you in on the rules.

a. you must upload a pic of a tee you have diy'd. e-mail your pics to me at me@apparellel.com. the use of nyds materials earns you 5 extra entries.

b. visit newyorkdesignshop.com and enter your e-mail in the "stay in touch box" (lower left corner of the home page).

c. if you are a tweeter and you follow nydesignshop you get an extra entry, and if you follow me you get an extra entry as well.

d. contest will end on april 2nd giving you time to purchase materials and go crazy!

e. you will all receive 15% off at nyds throughout the contest. just enter "apparellel" at checkout.

f. contestants must live in the u.s. or canada. i am so sorry all my out of the country readers. next time!

does that sound like fun or what? i wore one of my old diy tees i made out of an x-large tee i got at the goodwill, for a little inspiration. i am so excited to see what you come up with. time to get creative!

xxx
t

note: i want to credit the kick ass ash fox for inspiring me with the tights. i saw them on her and went on a mission to find some for myself. take a look at her blog, she is a t-shirt designer and fellow stylist. she seriously rocks!!

top: diy, shorts: cut off juicy couture stud diy, tights: hollywood blvd., shoes: bordello, necklace: alex & chloe x grey ant.

raspberry beret.

2010-03-13T22:49:00.000-08:00

okay so it's more like strawberry, and it's not even a beret. i just had to say it. hope you are all enjoying your weekend. i started working on some diy's today, as i have a list of about 50 that i want to do. i'm quite proud of myself, as i seem to be lacking motivation in most areas of my life. so yay for baby steps! i bought this jacket at the goodwill for cheap and it is the softest, most buttery suede i have ever felt. and of course the red... i am so predictable. oh, and i made it to 100 followers! thank you once again for basically just being the amazing beauties that you are. remember to come back monday/tomorrow for the giveaway! love.

xxx
t

suede jacket: anne klein thrifted, tee: target, disco pant: american apparel, boots: sam edelman, hat: vintage, earring: apparellel.

knee-high n' dry.

2010-03-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

i hope you beautiful ones are enjoying your weekend so far. i am not going anywhere this friday night but to beddy-bye. i had a big day, and am lacking major sleep. but before i touch down on the pillow i wanted to tell you all that i have a special treat for you coming up on monday, so stick around. i should be posting all weekend. love.

xxx
t

p.s. i am two followers away from 100. who's going to bring me to..... that number?

oh, oh, oh.... i can't forget this sweetness! i won something, yes this is very surprising because i don't win things. so i won an awesome embellished tank top from a clashing time giveaway. thank you!! i will be sporting it in a post soon. yay!

jacket: zara, tank top: aa, shorts: aa, pantyhose: cvs, knee highs: gift from nandilicious, shoes: stripper.

kiss & tell.

2010-03-11T02:53:00.000-08:00

i woke up this morning after sleeping two hours to realize that i had written a novel on my blog at 3am about the difference between men and women. i am now completely embarrassed--but not enough to hide it from you. (=;

i really just wanted to say that i love your faces off, each and every one of them. thank you. thank you. thank you.

this kiss shirt i have had for 20 years and it is a vintage tee from the 70's, definitely one of my prized possessions. so i had to break out the cheap kiss looking stripper boots. love to all of you beauties.

xxx
t

and please check out *inspire peeps. i put really hot pics of chicks up, if you're into that kind of thing (hint hint kim).

top: vintage, tank top: target, boots: cheap hollywood blvd. stripper dealio's, tights: ??

re(d)surrected.

2010-03-10T02:53:00.000-08:00

i want to start out by saying, you all rock my world, seriously. my husband told me (nicely) that people don't want to hear about my depression, and he's right. what started out as a blog about life with a little bit of style. has turned into a blog about style with a pinch of life. so i shall keep it this way. but.... psst!.... i am feeling better!

so here i am with the red again. clearly i am obsessed or something. husband and i went out for lunch at larchmont village today. shocking for me as i am a complete vampire and getting out of the house before noon when i'm not working is quite a feat. it was gorgeous today although it was extremely chilly, so i sported my old levi fuzzy coat. that is what she likes to be called. 'old levi fuzzy coat'. glad that is cleared up. i came home and wore the cardigan wrapped around my waist like a skirt, i'm kind of digging on that look. i feel so patriotic with the red, white and blue action, oh and then i notice the eagle. what is up with that? that was totally on accident btw.

okay lovelies, thanks again for your support. i have something special coming up soon for you. yay!!

xxx
t

jacket: vintage, sweater: h and m (i have to do it without the symbol or the html goes all screwy and i don't know how to make it stop), tights: aa, boots: vintage something or other.

steez.... nervous breakdown style.

2010-03-08T22:33:00.000-08:00

speechless today, this all seems so trivial right now. i think i'm having a nervous breakdown. i will get back to all of your sweet comments when i get out of the mental ward.

xxx
t

note: i obviously didn't take these pics today.

fringe jacket: laize adzer vintage, blouse: vintage, wet look leggings: aa, shoes: stripper.

lust list.

2010-03-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

just got back from seeing the husband's band play at the unknown theatre. i've got to tell you, my twenty years of partying are over. i yearn for nights spent in silence.

i'm taking the sabbath day off today. my parents would be proud. things have been crazy around these parts so i haven't had time to get back to all of you yet, but know this...i will be stalking you soon.

xxx
t

p.s. it's freezing and rainy in l.a. right now. my wish is this: desert hot springs, july, 90°, sunset, naked in a hot spring and drinking a cool refreshing beverage (only can july come tomorrow please?).

just a preview of some items i am lusting over. oh and i would like every piece of balmain's collection, please. i expect packages soon. xxx

the mad hatter.

2010-03-06T00:34:00.000-08:00

i think by now you all know that i love hats and headpieces. this is my absolute favorite hat. i got it off of ebay so i don't know what the story is behind it, but i do know that i love it. it's a hard hat to shoot because it casts a lot of shadows, but i just had to say "screw it". here she is, in all her glory.

i noticed that i have had an increase in readers/viewers and stalkers. holla! thank you so much for taking the time to visit my site and your comments are all very sweet. while you are at it visit my *inspire site, which has a link on the side bar. have a great weekend!

xxx
t

vest: grandma's vintage, blouse: thrift, jeans: levi strauss 1974 reissue, clogs: jeffrey campbell charlie, hat: vintage.

weapons of mask affection.

2010-03-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

red just does it for me lately. i got these shoes the other day at an online stripper store. they arrived the next day but they sent me the wrong ones. (the heel was supposed to be all red too.) so, until i hear back from them, i decided i might as well wear them for a shoot. red, stripper shoes, masks--they're so hot right now.

xxx
t

jacket: max studio, lace top: thrift, disco pant: american apparel, red platforms: snaz75.com

miliscary.

2010-03-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

first, let me say thank you to hannah from london rose for doing the awesome feature on me yesterday. i will link her again in case you didn't get a chance to see it and read the interview. also thank everyone for the visit and for the sweet comments. i feel honored to have you join me in this crazy stylin' world we live in. thank you.

also please don't think i'm going to be donning military shit every day from now on. this was originally going to go with the military done minimal post i did the other day, but it was too long. and as i have been lying in bed in fetal all day with cramps, and didn't really want to do a-sweaty-miserable-tessa-in-bed-wearing-a-tee-and-hot pad-shoot, this is all i have.

now the biggest surprise about today's post is the "what's in my bag" feature. i have seen these on many blogs and i am mystified by everyone's nice and organized bags, so i had to show you the crazy person that i am, with my absolute mess of a bag. this is honesty at it's finest. have a good laugh at my expense! love.

p.s. most importantly--the iphone is missing from the bag because it was taking the pic. phew!

xxx
t

denim jacket: thrift and made into vest, tee: hubby's v-neck, shorts: thrift, leggings: american apparel, boots: sam edelman zoe, hat: vintage, belt: vintage.

purse photos taken with iphone. sorry for the crappy quality.

bag contents: wallet with drivers license, debit card, many unneeded business cards, a ton of receipts and no money, meds, 10 lipsticks, wet ones, bluetooth, comptoir sud pacifique (vanilla banana, the only perfume i can wear), calendar that i haven't touched in a year, iphone, earbuds, hand lotion, gum, crystals and rocks, leftover lighters from my smoking days, doggie poo bags, sharpies, hair clips and a scrunchie, tampons, loose change and toothpicks. i'm sure i'm missing some items. as you can see there is no way i could take every item out and photograph them, it would have taken all day and night. if you have any questions regarding the contents of my purse, e-mail me. love.

denim on denim.

2010-03-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

first and foremost: the lovely hannah of london rose did a feature on me. this is a full long ass interview and pics feature. so if there was anything you wanted to know about me and didn't this is your chance. hee hee! she did a great job and i really want to give her props. her blog is amazing as well. check it!

today was interesting. i walked the blvd. (hollywood that would be) with my husband and my stepson to find ss a hoodie. you see ss is a juggalo, and a fickle one at that (but i sure do love this boy), so we were at it for quite a while. it was quite interesting. i live a few blocks from the blvd. so i have taken many a walk down the boulevard of broken dreams and i know about all of the smoke shops, souvenir shops and stripper shops. (and all in alphabetical order. did you notice that? do you see the talent that i emanate?!!) but for some reason i never noticed that they have these awesome metal shops that carry rad bullet belts, studded everything and rings that i am living for (i don't like to say dying for, it's too hmmm....negative? and seeing as everyone around me seems to be dropping like flies, well i'm just going to start saying "living for" from now on) so now i have one more excuse to spend money. yay!!

xxx
t

i swear to god i am not a mean/mad person. i just happen to look it in pictures.

ode to the 80's.

token ass shot.

chambray shirt: vintage, jeans: silence + noise, boots: gojane, necklace: vintage, hat: h and m.

military done minimal.

2010-03-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

this here is my take on the "military trend". i am really not all about the khaki, on army green, on khaki, on army green and possibly some added dog tags. i like to mix things up, so voila. today it was my version of freezing in los angeles, which would be 65°. i am such a baby, this i know. i headed out for my starbucks run of the day in this outfit and was still freezing my ass off. so needless to say i am ready for some summer lovin'!

thank you all for your sweet comments on the snapshots of my life post yesterday. always check back if you ask a question, because i will answer it here. also notice that i (my husband) has added links to *inspire and *ask a stylist on the side bar.

xxx
t

military inspired jacket: vintage, flannel: vintage, v-neck: american apparel, disco pants: american apparel, boots: gojane.

oldies but goodies.

2010-03-01T02:35:00.000-08:00

i had to take a break on the outfit posts for a day. tuesday i will have a slammin' new post for you. i found all these old pics of me on this drive last night and thought i would give you a peek into my life. pre settle down era. these were all taken anywhere from 3 to 6 years ago. i'm cracking up at all my constant hair changes. it's also strange seeing a cigarette in my fingers constantly. wowza i was a chain smoker.

anyway i hope you enjoy and at least get a laugh. love.

xxx
t

ballet for a rainy day.

2010-02-28T01:14:00.000-08:00

okay so i must admit, i did not shoot this outfit tonight. today i sat home looking at shoes online--in my sweats. oh except for walking the dog and a trip to starbucks, which honestly i didn't even feel like doing. cfs is acting up a little worse than usual. it's been rainy in l.a. which always makes for a nice lazy day anyway. my heart goes out to the people in chile. i don't read/watch the news as i don't like to feed into any negativity, but i hear things through fb and twitter. sending lots of love that direction.

okay on another note, if you have been following my blog you know i have a love for kimonos. this one is a really pretty light mint color that you can't really see in the pics. i paired it with some aa leggings and the dany's. i also put chopsticks in my hair and my lips are painted like a geisha. i must have really been getting into character, i mean look at those poses...and a bell even! love.

xxx
t

*inspire
twitter
bloglovin'

kimono jacket: vintage, tank top: american apparel, leggings: shiny high waist in smoke, dany platforms: jessica simpson, leather belt: vintage, coral earring: apparellel, hand chain: apparellel.

babydoll blues.

2010-02-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

the last few days i have been jetting down to my local american apparel and chillin' with, we shall call him j, (until he tells me i can use his name. ahahaha!) a really styling guy that works there. we hang out and talk about clothing and style. he is the bomb people, his style, his personality....he rocks it. so if you ever want to head down to aa and if you live in los angeles i suggest the one on hollywood and cherokee, which is literally 2 blocks away from me--so while you are there call me and we will get a coffee and maybe, if we are lucky, j will join us.

okay so the point of all this. here i go getting all ADD on you again--the point--yes, is that it is so hard if not impossible to hang out at that store and not want to buy everything. i wanted a little something to help me get inspired for an outfit post. so i picked up these sangria shimmery numbers (and the disco pants in charcoal, i had to my peeps!), came home threw on this vintage dress and my michael kors cut-out wedgies that i keep forgetting about. they probably think i have been cheating on them with my js dany's--i will have a talk with them later. and voila! so anywhoo, i hope you are all enjoying your weekend so far. thank you for not leaving any nasty comments yesterday, haha! in fact the support that i got from you was amazing and i love you all. seriously every single one of you has an impact on my day. thank you for taking the time to stalk me. and believe me i'm stalking you right back. (=;
love.

xxx
t

remember to follow me on twitter, bloglovin' or google for updates. and check out my other site, *inspire. and i haven't forgotten.....i will be having a giveaway very soon, so keep checking back. mwah.

babydoll dress: vintage cut short. sangria shimmer opaque tights: american apparel, shoes: michael kors, hat: vintage, purse: grandma's vintage.

bipolar.

2010-02-26T03:12:00.000-08:00

as you have probably noticed from my outfit posts, i'm a bit bipolar when it comes to what i wear. some might find this strange, but like i have said before, this is how i express myself, and this is why i have a blog. i was reading bravegrrl's blog the other day and she was talking about how she feels like she has been "blog friendly" and keeping it too safe with her blog. i could totally relate, having just started this last november and getting serious about it a month ago, it is extremely new. and as i am one that knows what i want when it comes to clothing, i felt myself wondering if it is truly "okay" to be myself, what might people think? what if i get a hater comment? i've come to the conclusion that i really don't give a shit. i started this blog for myself and if people don't like it they can go elsewhere. but honestly i don't see my readers doing that because they are here for a reason, they like my style. and really guys thank you so much for supporting me, i had no idea i would have this many readers/lookers in this amount of time. i am astonished and honored to be a part of your world, as you are mine. thank you. and in saying that--here is my ass. enjoy!

xxx
t

tee: 3 for $10. store by trader joe's, tights: american apparel, zoe boots: sam edelman, headband: thrift, gloves: thanks nandi!

monocle macromania.

2010-02-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

short but sweet today. i can hear all the sighs of relief now. (=: today's outfit was based around this vintage chanel magnifying glass necklace, which was very popular in its day--somewhere in the '85-'89 period i believe. very madonna "express yourself." this gem was also from my grandma's collection. and... the hat. need i say more?

thank you lookers, readers, followers and stalkers. you are loved. and truly thank you for all of your sweet comments yesterday.

xxx
t

*inspire
twitter
bloglovin'

dress: vintage laize adzer, stirrup lace tights: american apparel, leopard print booties: zara, hat: vintage with added tail, vintage chanel magnifying glass necklace: grandma's collection, hand chain: apparellel.

camo toe.

2010-02-24T00:07:00.000-08:00

this is kind of my "fuck you" to the universe. i have been so agro lately and i know what it is. as most of you know i lost my brother a few weeks ago and i have been really good at distracting myself and not really dealing with it. instead of getting horribly depressed per usual i am getting mad at everything, and it's really unlike me. i am a generally outgoing, optimistic and happy person. a true sag. what is my point? i am going to directly quote something my bff wrote in her blog. she is hysterical and you should check her out. this is my thought exactly:

You see, I’ve tried spiritual cleansing and speaking to the universe (note to universe: may be time for you to get a hearing aid….BFF and I compared notes and it seems neither of us have been heard) and it seems when I speak to or throw the negative energy to the universe, it just boomerangs right back to me.
I think I’ve given the universe several chances. --grigio girl.

seriously take a look at her blog if you like witty shit. anyway i am ready for things to start looking up, the good thing is, that apparently anger is a step up from depression. so yay.

hope you all are enjoying your week. thanks for letting me vent. i love you all.

xxx
t

jean jacket: vintage?, tank top: brian lichtenberg, disco pant: american apparel, zoe boots: sam edelman, necklace: alex + chloe x brian lichtenberg, hand chain: apparellel.

fancy pants.

2010-02-23T03:56:00.000-08:00

i realized today that it has been a while since i've worn my 'fancy pants' and i haven't featured them on this here personal style blog yet. these leggings are quite the feast for the eyes and really speak for themselves. i purchased them on ebay a while back, because they were like nothing i have ever seen...since the 80's that is--when i swear i had a pair of leggings almost exactly like this, and i have the picture to prove it...somewhere (wow, a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors in that sentence). little miss violetta always wants to be in the pictures and i let her today, she was so very happy for her cameo. and also i realized that the "hat with the tail" as wendy b calls it, is only going to leave my head at shower time and bedtime. so get used to it now. haha. love.

this just in! today i was featured in an awesome blog that specializes in clogs. it is called every clog has it's day, and i love visiting this site for pure eye candy. she also gives you weekly links to clogs she finds on ebay, which is ultra cool. check it out, you will fall in love with not only her blog but some of the amazing gems she discovers.

thank you again everyone for visiting my blog, i can't really say it enough. and again, until the banner is up, here is the link to my *inspire blog.

xxx
t

cardigan: zara, tank top: 3 for $10.00 shop, fancy pant leggings: vintage, boots: dingo, hat: vintage with added tail, key necklace: vintage tiffany's, hand chain: apparellel.

wildfox wickedness.

2010-02-22T02:35:00.000-08:00

today i wore one of my favorite tank tops by wildfox. i got it a couple of years ago when they were called whitehorse. you should definitely check out their site. they have some really great stuff and their photo shoots are the bomb. i wore my fave 1974 re-issue levi strauss bell bottoms and jeffrey campbell clogs. for a jacket i added a little color with my laize adzer, and sported my alex + cloe x brian lichtenberg necklace, that i got some time ago at new high (m)art, my favorite store ever. i will have to do a whole write up on them, and if you get time check out their blog. and of course the hat--what would i do without hats. i could spend hours on ebay browsing the hats. if any of you see any really special ones will you give me a holla?!

i noticed i have some new readers and would like to thank you for visiting and for all of your sweet ass comments. you bring brightness to my darkest days--and there have been some pretty dark ones lately. thank you!

also don't forget about *inspire and *ask a stylist. twitter, google, bloglovin' etc. for updates. love.

xxx
t

jacket: vintage laize adzer, tank: wildfox, jeans: levi strauss 1974 re-issue bell bottoms, clogs: jeffrey campbell 'charlie', necklace: alex + chloe x brian lichtenberg, hat: vintage.

black lace lust.

2010-02-21T02:52:00.000-08:00

okay, so not only did i purchase the disco pants from american apparel but i bought way more stuff than i care to admit. this is why i steer clear of this place, my wallet is always empty when i exit. they really have the best staples for my closet though. american apparel, indie designers and vintage is really all i need clothing wise. this lace dress appeared right in front of my eyes, beckoning me near, and i fell for it....quickly. they had just barely gotten this in, which is always exciting knowing that not everyone is going to have it....yet. i added some shoulder pads to give it a little added oomph and paired it with some electric blue (they look purple in the pics) opaque tights and the sam edelman's which you are going to be seeing a lot of, until spring really kicks in. i really want to purchase many new shoes, and will very soon when i start making my millions! hope you all are having a fabulous weekend!

i was featured in two kick ass blogs yesterday. cocainepretti and denimology, have a look. also check out *inspire if you haven't already. i think i'm going to have a giveaway soon so follow me on twitter and google or bloglovin' and i will keep you posted.

xxx
t

p.s. there will be no nipplage showage today as i don't want one of those stupid warnings on my blog. otherwise i wouldn't give a shit. pretty amazing nude bodysuit though, aye?! (=;

black lace dress: american apparel, opaque tights: american apparel, hat: vintage, hand chain: apparellel, earrings: grandma's costume jewelry.

tell me about it, stud.

2010-02-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

excitement reigns supreme in my world today. i headed over to american apparel earlier which is literally around the corner from my house. this is good and bad. good in the sense that it is convenient and bad in the sense that it is too convenient at times. i literally have to restrain myself from cruising over there most days. anyway i have had the disco pants in black for quite some time and they are one of my favorite pairs of pants. number one being that they are just like the pants olivia newton-john wore in grease--you know when all the sudden you see her looking all kick ass in her tight black pants and red candies, flicking her cigarette as she says "tell me about it stud." this scene left an imprint in my brain and i have forever since been in love with disco pants and red heels. true. and second, they actually fit me. i have lost a lot of weight due to stress and none of my pants fit, it's ultra frustrating and i can't wait to gain some weight back. enough about that sore subject. so i picked up the pants in this color because of my fascination with all things red.

later i went to support my husband who's band was playing and i wore my new onj's (we shall call them the olivia newton-john's). when we got home i turned on the lights and my husband offered to take the pics tonite. yay! i love when he shoots, the pics always turn out so much better. i can't wait to get an exterior flash so we can do outdoor night shoots.

and btw i really wanted to tweek my outfit, but i didn't. hope you enjoy, as much as i enjoyed wearing it.

xxx
t

cocainepretti featured me on her blog today. take a look, her site kicks serious ass!

i was also featured with 3 other amazing bloggers on denimology's blog. i love this blog that features all things denim!

check out my other blog, *inspire while you're at it. love.

leather jacket: vintage, white bodysuit: aa, red disco pant: aa, boots: sam edelman 'zoe', purse: vintage, hat: grandma's vintage ski hat, coon tail: vintage, necklaces: grandma's costume jewelry, hand chain: apparellel, rhinestone bracelet: vintage.

black veil ǝsıou ʞuıd.

2010-02-19T01:13:00.000-08:00

while i was going through my closet last nite i found this stack of dresses that my great-grandmother had crocheted for my grandma. my cousin has been wanting me to take pics with them on so she can have them framed--sort of as an heirloom. so i decided to wear this today and photograph it as well. i feel so honored that my grandma would want me to have such beautiful pieces and i will cherish them always. do any of you have special heirlooms? do share.

xxx
t

check it: *inspire

crochet tunic dress: grandma's vintage, tights: ??, clogs: jeffrey campbell 'charlie', hat: vintage, heart earring: apparellel.

dreamin' duarte.

2010-02-18T01:31:00.000-08:00

having never attained a piece of duarte's in the early 90's when i really wanted to, i jumped and rejoiced when i heard that he was doing a collaboration with j brand. these jeans are quite the splurge for me, but honestly look at the detail--i'm in love. i liked the contrast of pairing them with my grandma's lace blouse from the 60's. this blouse rarely leaves my closet for fear of coffee spills or another of my many clever moves.

have you all had a chance to check out my *inspire site? if you haven't you need to.
thank you all for your support and sweet comments. love.

xxx
t

blouse: grandma's vintage, jeans: j brand duarte raygun moto skinny, shoes: sam edelman zoe, fedora: vintage.

polyvore obsession.

2010-02-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

i have been shopping on polyvore all week. this is a good alternative to not being able to actually shop at the moment. it tides me over for a bit. i decided this is what i want to wear tonight. although i am getting ready to shoot my outfit of the day, and guess what--it isn't this. check back later for the actual outfit i wore today. love.

xxx
t

check out my other blog *inspire for some awesome pics.

*lust list.

2010-02-16T02:50:00.000-08:00

i decided to feature a *lust list (items that i would love to have stat, pronto in my closet) a couple of times a week. here are just a few of the jewels i have been lusting after. what about you?

for some beautiul images check out my new *inspire site. i should have a banner up soon, so i won't have to link it every day. mwah!

xxx
t

little red riding (in the) hood.

2010-02-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

at about 4pm today i came up with the bright idea to do a shoot all in red. i literally put on every item of red i had (minus the blazer) and we headed out to the streets of hollywood. apparently the 80's/90's have been inspiring me a little too much lately. (=;

i would like to thank my husband (and valentine) for taking my pics and for putting up with me the year we've been together and the 22 years that we have known each other (i love you baby).

i hope you all had a fabulous valentine's day. and i vote for loving one another year round, how about you? i'm off to spend quality time with my beau.

xxx
t

while you are at it, take a look at my new *inspire blog. beautiful pics for all to admire. yay!

cape: vintage, dress: trosman, belt: vintage, tights: ??, boots: sam edelman, sunglasses: vintage christian dior found at the goodwill 10 years ago for $1 dollar!! best score ever!! red coral necklace: i can't remember. aaargh! earring: apparellel, hand chain: apparellel.

on the wall.

2010-02-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

quick post tonight as i'm going to see my husbands band play in about two seconds. went to spread my grandmother's ashes today, it was very special. she wanted my grandpa and her ashes spread at the high school they met at, so sweet. and their anniversary is tomorrow, which is why we chose today.

stopped and did some token in-front-of-the-graffiti-wall pics. haha! have a great weekend everyone.

for totally awesome images check out my other blog: *inspire.

xxx
t

jacket: laize adzer, top: zara, jeans: zara, boots: vintage, purse: rafe, hat: vintage, belt: vintage, hand chain: apparellel.

striped and shredded.

2010-02-12T05:29:00.000-08:00

got all dressed up to go to the art walk downtown and b ended up having to go to band practice. so i stayed home and took pictures like any good blogger would. (=;

go check out my new *inspire site if you so desire.

xxx
t

leather jacket: zara, sweater: target shredded by moi, leggings: express, boots: sam edelman 'zoe'. hand chain: apparellel.

apparellel = inspirational love.

2010-02-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

teaser today peeps, but what i do have for you, i say with much anticipation and enthusiasm is my new inspiration blog... yes! it is just a blog for inspiring photos, and maybe some trends, what's hot etc. apparellel will remain my personal style blog. so hop over to inspire.apparellel now for your fix of the day. taking it back to the 90's editorial style.

xxx
t

g's up navajo's down.

2010-02-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

okay, it was just a play on words don't get your designer panties in a bunch, i love native americans, as i am part iroquois myself.

i can't decide what category to put this jacket in. navajo inspired? ikat? aztec? kimono thingy? i mean really folks, i have been a wardrobe stylist for 18 years (dating myself, but not literally...perverts!). you would think i would know my prints and silhouettes by now. but laize adzer does that to me, she mixes it up and makes me crazy, with desire mainly. i really wish she was still around. she is one of my all-time favorite designers and does the moroccan/gypsy/stevie nicks thing really well.

tomorrow i reveal one of my surprises to you, so be on the tweet alert! thank you for following and for all of your sweet ass comments! love.

xxx
t

okay so i got a little crazy and did some research and it looks like this is probably a navajo print, as ikat is creating designs in fabric by resist-dyeing the threads before the fabric is woven. very interesting as i alway saw ikat as a print. learn something new everyday!

navajo/ikat kimono jacket: laize adzer, tee: 3 for $10 t-shirt place next to trader joe's, jeans: 1970's vintage levi strauss bell bottoms, shoes: jessica simpson 'dany' platform, studded belt: grandma's vintage, bra peeking out of tee (not purposely): calvin klein, hand chain, apparellel, white coral earring: apparellel.

to clog or not to clog.

2010-02-09T01:16:00.000-08:00

i had to do an outfit post with my new jeffrey campell 'charlie' clogs. they came in the mail today, these beautiful little creatures, taking me back to the 90's, when i had my first pair that looked almost identical. i noticed there has been a bit of controversy with the clogs this year. to clog or not to clog, that is the question? i clogged, and i love!

follow me on twitter, bloglovin', google--whatever feels right. (=;

*ask a stylist is patiently awaiting your questions and your love as well.

xxx
t

sheer burnout jacket: vintage, dress: laize adzer, leggings: american apparel, shoes: jeffrey campbell charlie clogs.

all laced up and nowhere to go.

2010-02-08T03:07:00.000-08:00

first i have to say something or i will burst. i am working on a couple of incredible projects at the moment that i am extremely excited about. i can't tell you exactly what they are now but you will see shortly. stay tuned!

outfit time. yay! first, a little bit about my aunt joanne, one of the most fashionable and classy women i know. i first really took notice in the 80's when she would be stylin' laize adzer, humongous studded coin belts and the fiercest gladiator sandals ever. they don't even compare to what you see today. well she still has some of this stuff and has given some pieces to me throughout the years. she is what i consider a BAE (best aunt ever). i cherish these garments and these gorgeous boots are one of these items. don't they look like a work of art? she found them while up at sundance in the 80's and i think they are truly one of a kind. but let me tell you they take forever and a day to lace up, it's not at all like the knee high minnetonkas--this is some serious save an extra ten minutes before you leave the house action. they are worth every second with their style and comfort level. i give them a perfect 10. do any of you have items that you consider works of art?

also really quick, follow me on twitter--it's that really obvious grey 'follow me' icon, that literally follows you wherever you scroll. and than we have bloglovin'. just click the women's breast, quite easy--i've done it myself a few times. (=;
and last but definitely not least. drum roll please.... *ask a stylist is patiently awaiting your questions in the sidebar. have a beautiful day my lovely readers. until tomorrow....

xxx
t

jacket: vintage laize adzer, mexican peasant blouse: vintage, leggings, american apparel, boots: vintage, belt: vintage, hand chain: apparellel.

anticipation

2010-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

this is a sneak peek of what's to come this week.

xxx
t

chain of fools.

2010-02-06T01:24:00.000-08:00

i thought i would do a little post featuring my usual day attire. not including the heels--unless i'm going out. when i go out it is my excuse to dress up, sometimes i dress up to go to trader joes, sometimes i wear sweats. i guess it depends on my mood. i'm quite mentally drained today as my brothers funeral is tomorrow/today and i feel like i'm about to explode into tears at any given moment. my fear with this is that i might not stop.

okay enough depressing stuff.

what i really want to tell you about is my uber cool "ask a stylist" forum where you can ask questions regarding your profession, fashion, style--whatever your heart desires and i will answer. when you click on the link to your right it will take you to the *ask a stylist page. feel free to register and begin. this is a really exciting thing for me, and i hope you enjoy it too! -----------> do it!

xxx
t

oh!!! i was featured on the cocainepretti site! such a compliment--you have to check her blog out, it rocks!!

also be on the lookout for some outdoorsy posts soon, as soon as this rain stops that is.

tank top: vintage harley davidson, jeans: zara, studded belt: grandma's vintage, boots: cathy jean (the usual), head chain: apparellel, boot chain: apparellel, hand chain: apparellel.