that new beginning thing

so i’m doing that thing that everyone says they’re going to do around the new year. here’s to actually blogging, and taking my lunch to work, and keeping my apartment clean, and buying a motorcycle, and reading 52 books in a year, and going to the gym. you know how it goes.

i did a lot of things in 2009. i planted a garden, and ate the rewards of my manual labor. i made friends, lost friends, left a boyfriend. i moved to austin, texas, for an amazing job. i met some incredible people, who inspire me every day. in 2010 there’s a lot of things i plan to do, but i’d rather do them quietly than make a big deal of it and fail myself later. cheers to a new year, then.

Published:
January 3, 2010 – 11:35 pm
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By elyse
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a little of a 2009 retrospective

january

i started the year off beautifully. i went to the adirondacks for christmas, and then i had my little brother, graham, come visit over new year’s. we went snowboarding, his first time. we made an incredible brunch.

i made a mix cd:

the recklessness of water

my mom made me lovely curtains and a table runner and pillows. it went beautifully in my newly-painted yellow kitchen.

i had short, dark hair, after the pink bob of last october.

greg and i broke up and immediately got back together (go figure). i bought expensive LAMB boots.

status updates:

elyseis even though i see it, we give into weakness and wind up here

elyse was born to gaze into night skies
elyse would like to think she’s the mess you wear with pride

february

in february i got started on my garden. i ordered seeds, and made a grow light shelf.

i had a crush. i watched LOST and battlestar galactica.

greg and i went to los angeles/pasadena for a wedding of an old friend of his.

seeing the beach in february was amazing. and i had red hair again.

i started going to troy night out regularly. josh made some amazing bacon and sent it to me via overnight fedex.

status updates:

elyse is ain’t nobody love you like i love you

march

i started to fashion blog. i was actually pretty consistent, too.

i had awesome socks.

josh informed me our dog, britten, is afraid of spoons:

josh: lol britten is terrified of a spoon in a bowl. actually he’s terrified of spoons in general it seems
josh: i tried to give him my ice cream bowl but he wouldnt even get near it with the spoon still in. he literally jumped off the couch and ran away

i started planting the garden.

i discovered bacchus, in troy, which has the most amazing pizza, and ate there a lot. i took photos.

april

i went go-karting. i watched the chuck finale and campaigned via subway sandwiches to bring it back. april was quiet, and cold. i made a lot of really excellent salads from the garden. i bought the current/elliot legging jeans, which were to become my most favorite pair of pants. i was invited to a student portfolio review as a judge, which was a huge compliment. we hosted a lot of dinners and double dates. i autocrossed, a little bit.

may

i apparently didn’t use facebook or livejournal this entire month. i got my wisdom teeth out. i listened to a lot of little boots and bat for lashes.

i went to daytona beach for my birthday, and went jetskiing (twice) with graham.

june

josh came to visit and we went to jess’ pool party. he took some great videos. life in troy was actually nice. i went to the farmer’s market regularly. i worked outside in the garden. we had friends over regularly.

i took a lot of polaroids.

july

josh, greg, and i went to see an american le mans race at lime rock in connecticut. the garden was in full swing. i was excited for the first of the green beans. and then: i got a job in austin, texas. and suddenly, everything changed. i promised that i’d blog more, stay in touch, but the blog post i made about my interview outfit in july was the last one i made here.

august

at the beginning of august, i gave most of my stuff to greg or goodwill, packed a few boxes in the car, and mailed a few more, and i was off. i visited josh in alexandria, va and some of greg’s friends in atlanta, and my parents in alabama, and my aunt and jeff in houston, on the way. and on august 10th, i was in austin.

it was beautiful.

status update:

elyse is having way too much fun

september

i kept telling my parents: “i love it here”. i went ziplining with my work team. i started using my twitter again. i started going to the gym with new friend heather. i had texas bbq. i went out with coworkers a lot. made a ton of new friends. met my lovely neighbors jessica and eric and their sweet dogs, tex and dooce. i saw a shooting star. met my new teammate steph.

i went brunette again, having finally grown my hair out to a decent length.

josh then ruined my life by making me aware of ben spies (via this hilarious video), promptly catapulting me back into motorcycle racing fandom like it was 2004-2005 again.

scowlyben

scowly ben for alpinestars!

status updates:

elyse just sat in a pile of ants :(

elyse is yeah we were dying of frustration saying “lord lead me not into temptation”

elyse is you are my electric girl, turn me on with your electric feel

october

josh came to visit me! we went to austin city limits music festival and saw mos def, flogging molly, devotchka, and new favorite band blitzen trapper. he took britten back east with him, alas. i saw snow patrol. work moved into a new office, which is huge and gorgeous and amazing. i started playing kickball with a team of coworkers. i discovered my microwave won’t allow me to change the power setting. i volunteered with coworkers at zilker park and we built and landscaped an entire garden.

ben spies won world superbike. and had a very awesome, cocky post-race interview.

i posted a halloween mix, for my red riding hood themed costume;

screaming in the dark: a little red riding hood mix

my awesome costume:

photo via the most amazing oliver wong!

but most importantly, in october, i met new bestie sarah, aka sparker. we bonded over love of fannish things and twilight and growing up cullen. for halloween we had a sleepover and watched 3:10 to yuma and drank wine and then drove to houston to see hanson play a concert in three amigos costumes. they played thriller as an encore. it was sketchy and hilarious and the best adventure i’ve had in a long, long time.

status updates:

elyse is even bad wolves can be good

elyse there’s truth in the thunder, love in the lightning, the feeling is frightening, yeah isn’t it exciting?

november

work had a great all-hands meeting. i had a bacon donut. it was amazing.

that night, we had the work holiday party early!

i only have this for proof i went, but there you go. sarah is so lovely. i wore a bcbg dress. and red lipstick, which i just got brave enough to wear after halloween.

i learned how to do a clean & jerk lift, play ultimate frisbee, and throw a football. i went to see third eye blind. i had adventures. josh bought me a huge, ridiculous ben spies poster that got put in my cube, making all my coworkers question my grip on reality.

josh and i started “planning” a trip to a motogp race next year. i discovered sarah does an impeccably good nicky hayden impression.

i went back to alabama for thanksgiving, and it was delicious. planned to go to orlando/daytona once my parents move, and see my cousin brent.

i made another mix.

a mix for unattainable things

december

we decorated for christmas at work:

sarah made an amazing video of our office decorations/office santa.

steph caught me having a nap:

and we had bacon christmas, which involved baconizing everything we made for dinner. it was delicious.

and then i went home, and had tons of great food and amazing wine and filet mignon and cheese grits, and i am probably spoiled for regular food and wine for pretty much ever.

and that was my 2009. so far, 2010 has been uneventful and frankly, a little depressing, but buoyed by the fact that my parents have finally sold the house! they should close in a few weeks and i will finally get my furniture. i’ll get to decorate, plant my container garden on my balcony, and finally feel like i live here for real. so maybe it will redeem itself.

Published:
January 1, 2010 – 12:00 pm
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By elyse
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seneca rising - grey dot top

senecarising

i think i want this grey dot top from seneca rising (via oaknyc.com) to be my spring/summer uniform. it’s perfect: pale, slouchy, sexy, comfy, and sweet all at the same time *swoon. give me some ugly/weird shoes, teensy tiny shorts, and raybans and i am alllll set.

i want the 90 degree weather, full-time sunshine, beach days, staying up until 9pm and it’s still sunny out. soon soon soon!

seneca rising grey dot top; express bangle; rayban wayfarers; jodie bra from agent provocateur; bellmer bra by vpl; pearl drop earrings by originalhardware on etsy; american eagle railroad shorts; victoria’s secret pink sporty shorts; forever21 tiger bangle; vpl stockings; dolce vita hamilton booties

Published:
April 9, 2009 – 4:12 pm
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By elyse
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do it yourself dress

I see so many cool things that I never get around to posting, but this was just too cool. DIY dresses - a coloring version, and the bottom one, which snaps together in various ways. I love the headache-inducing patterns!

do it yourself dress | yatzer | designistoshare.

Published:
April 6, 2009 – 10:03 am
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By elyse
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hold me hold me i wanna get higher and higher

apr309

I am SO unbelievably glad it’s Friday!! Finally! This week has been insanely long and stressful. It’s definitely spring though - April already and going back and forth between rainy and sunny as fast as it can. Yesterday it was bright and beautiful and today it’s rainy and grey, although I have to admit, it’s some of that lovely, fresh-smelling spring rain.

The last of my new shoe purchases came in the mail, and it seemed like a perfect day to wear them. I don’t own a lot of pumps - one brown Michael Kors oxford with a chunky heel, and a black low-heeled pair with a button on the toe (very cute) - and I wanted to add a shoe to my collection that was both adorable and “professional.” I’m a Graphic Designer so professional can be a little loose, but closed-toe, at least. I love open-toe shoes probably a little too much!

The outfit I put together in a bit of a daze this morning ended up being pretty nautical! Just imagine I have on a really adorable sailor hat. (I do in fact own one, must go dig it out!) I felt super cute today - any time I wear knee socks I feel like I need to frolick about and twirl my hair.

ohdeer

I’ve got a busy weekend ahead of me - lots of cleaning, gardening, and hopefully, working on my site!

Published:
April 3, 2009 – 6:07 pm
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By elyse
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pour la victoire sacha

so i just got these. now what do i wear with them! i am curious for your ideas :)

Published:
March 31, 2009 – 3:48 pm
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By elyse
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the little things

sockdreams.com super marleds in fawn; only hearts cream sheer crewneck tee; american eagle stripe scarf; american apparel white u-back bodysuit; american eagle railroad shorts; frye boots

I put this outfit together with texture in mind; Missoni F/W 09 inspired slouchy knit legs; whites and creams; the mesh shirt; the floaty scarf. I went for a late brunch and to get some freelance work done at my favorite diner, Miss Albany, in Albany, NY. My favorite/usual waitress, Gina, complimented me on my outfit. She said she always looks forward to when my boyfriend and I come in, so she can see what I’m wearing that day. What a compliment! Some guy in a fringed leather jacket, hawaiian shirt, and fingerless leather gloves complimented me outside as well. A little strange, but a nice pick-me-up on a day when I was feeling down.

Greg and I had a lovely date last night. We went to Bacchus in Troy, NY and had some really incredible food. I had a Marcus John chardonnay that was divine with our appetizer, a creamy cheese spinach shrimp artichoke dip. Really amazing. I had a make-your-own pizza with prosciutto, spinach, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, basil, artichokes, and garlic & olive oil instead of tomato sauce. Greg had a spicy pasta with jalapenos, and we shared a tiramisu for dessert. I’m amazed that there is food this fantastic in Troy, and more amazed that I had yet to go there! Definitely have to go back. Strangely, Gina at Miss Albany worked at Daisy Baker’s, which is right above/connected to Bacchus, for 3 years. Small world!

Anyway, that relates because after such a nice night, I was really bummed that Greg headed up to his parents for the rest of the weekend and Monday, and I couldn’t go because I have to work Monday. So to cheer myself up on a rainy, yucky, lonely day I went over to the diner. Pecan pancakes and free coffee refills can’t be wrong. The compliments helped, too.

After that I headed over to The Warehouse, an architectural salvage/vintage place in Albany, right around the corner from the diner. I found some really, really incredible stuff. I love all the mirrors and weird exterior pieces.

I found these fantastic typesetters trays for only $20. I have no idea what I would do with one but as soon as I figure it out I am going back to get one or two of them. They are just way too cool to pass up, and I am obsessed with type. I love the grungy wood, too.

I also love anything with drawers, like these art or library filing cabinets. How amazing would one of these be in my apartment?

I also am trying to collect vintage glass canning jars or milk jugs. I love the shape and the embossed lettering.

brewer & monson troy n.y. & improved gem made in canada glass canning jars.

After that I drove through Albany, just to take some photos. There’s some really gorgeous old typography in Albany. A few months ago I bought a Polaroid SX-70 and have been waiting for the weather to be nice enough to go out and use it. I’m trying to take photos of cool architectural details, signage, and historic type with them, and eventually have a collection. I’d also love to do a polaroid “calendar” if I can find enough good shots.

some recent polaroids from alexandria, va and albany, ny

I went to the mall to place a return. The looks there were definitely more on the “wtf” end of the scale. So much for compliments. That’s okay, though, return made, and I was out of there. It’s funny how the places you go make such a big difference in the way people react to you and what you wear.

lovely girls at nada’s in troy

I’ve actually been having something of a social life lately. Thursday night I went to a really lovely Girls Gathering in Troy, for all the local girls to meet and network. I met and made some amazing friends. I love these parties; they are only every few months, and I can’t get enough. Incredible food and incredible people.

miss emelie, who i met in a biology class and turned her on to being a graphic design major; nicole, who i also went to college with; jen

I actually met Rachel, who is the manager of the building my office is in; we’re going to have lunch and see if she can fix the broken heat and the shattered window in my office. Amazing. She also used to be the fashion buyer for Some Girls boutique. She had this awesome grey skirted coat on; wish I had gotten a photo. I also met the girl who runs the Troy Community Gardens, Michelle; I’ve got to go to some of her classes. She goes salsa dancing, and invited Greg and I. We’ve been wanting to take dancing lessons, so that’s awesome.

the absolutely lovely michelle; nada, our gracious hostess; and jen

I met another Michelle, who is an ER nurse and interested in homebirth and pregnancy rights; Renee of almost foodies and Jess of Modern Renaissance. Jess is like my doppelganger; we have so much in common it’s a little eerie. (Hi!) I love all these girls and it makes me really grateful to live in such a cool town.

royah, who along with nada, owned shake shake mamas, a sandwich shop in troy; jess of modern renaissance

erin and michelle the er nurse

When I got home at about midnight I discovered that the tomato and pepper transplants I ordered from Seed Saver’s Exchange finally came. I unboxed them and got them set up in my grow racks. Check out how big everything is getting! I actually made a little teensy salad for dinner with lettuce from the box below, which is getting pretty full, and some of my basil and cilantro. I rounded it out with some local lettuce, chard, an endive, cucumber, a meyer lemon, and a hydroponic tomato with sea salt and pepper and some local whole milk. There isn’t anything I love more than local milk. Grocery store milk just can’t compare.

Friday night was Troy Night Out, and I wandered around after work for a while. I unfortunately don’t have a single photo - I know! - but it was an absolutely gorgeous day and I was too involved in doing fun things to bother with the camera. I wore this grey jersey Elizabeth & James dress that I finally got on sale, and a black blazer, and my DKNY heels. I need to get that dress hemmed! I got an adorable Marc Jacobs-inspired dress at Some Girls boutique, along with some leggings and an AA white bodysuit (finally). I also got this fantastic asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder black jersey tunic/dress/tee. I picked up a gorgeous ring from a street vendor named Juan in the antique district of Troy. He makes wire-wrapped jewelry from recycled copper wire. I also ducked in 272 Vintage and got this adorable grey plaid peter-pan collared dress and a little hat and necklace. I’ll be sure to feature it all soon! There was swing dancing at the Arts Center; that’s another thing I want to do with Greg. Maybe salsa and swing dancing. I can see why dancing was considered risque; it’s so intimate and sexy.

After TNO was the Revolution Hall afterparty. I had dinner at Brown’s with my girlfriend Celine and met Jess and her boyfriend Andrew there. Saw a ton of people I knew, which was always fun. We headed over to the afterparty and danced the night away. I wore that asymmetrical dress, leggings, and my LAMB boots. Wish I had gotten a photo; those things are intense and I got a ton of comments on them.

Saturday was the RPI Autocross. I didn’t drive, but I took some photos and helped out with recording times and working on the course. It was probably 65-70 and unbelieveably beautiful outside. Too nice for jeans, so I broke out the shorts for the first time in ages. I love outfits like this; super comfy, cute, and easy to do. They’re about as easy to throw on as they look, but you never feel sloppy.

blazer, thrifted; frye boots; american eagle tee, shorts, scarf; grey bag, thrifted

my wonderful boyfriend, greg, starting the grill

To bring this post full-circle, obviously today’s outfit was a more textural version of Saturday’s. I guess I just love those shorts so much. They’re really comfy! I wish it could be Sunday for three or four days. After the past few, I need a break. My coworker is moving on Mon/Tues, so I will be the only one there, and of course we have ten million things to do which will all come down on me last minute. Sigh. Mentally preparing in 3, 2, 1…

Published:
March 29, 2009 – 11:13 pm
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By elyse
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f’in money

My friend Josh sent me these sweet wayfarer rips from OBEY and we got to clicking through the site. I found this, and I’m sorry, but what IS THAT.

josh: hahahahahahha, that is so you
me: WHAT. omg. its like a turquoise trash bag strapless romper from hell
josh: you need that and those teal wayfarers
me: yea really
josh: you would be f’n money
me: its so awesomely bad
josh: i think you should wear it
josh: and you need some patent space man boots
me: now im trying to think of a potential outfit to make that horrendous thing actually work
josh: see its so horrendous its back to good: that romper + teal wayfarers + some knee high patent leather white boots. and some bangly bracelets

yikes. watch, i’m gonna end up owning this. is it even possible to look good in a strapless romper??


Published:
March 27, 2009 – 1:27 pm
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By elyse
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& other misc outfits

a few outfits i posted at chictopia that never made it here for some reason! :)

bbvlook

Monday - It was in the 20’s out, so this is my take on the winter version of the outfit I posted previously. The best part? I’m wearing a vintage Hanson concert tee from 1998 in Atlanta. No, not thrifted. It was a great show, good memories, ha. I’m hanging out in the back stairwell at my office, which is effectively abandoned, and has great light and huge windows.

1998 Hanson concert tee; studded cream skinny jeans by BLANK NYC; leather knit sleeve bomber from bebe


yacht

paperboy pants from anthropologie; DKNYC maija huarache heels; bebe white blazer; victoria’s secret pink burnout yacht tee

rainy

Last week Greg and I went out for sushi on a rainy, icky day. Good thing it was 60 and warm and I got to wear my awesome new socks and sock garters (!!) from sockdreams and my lovely yellow Hunter wellies. I love those boots so much. Now they’re getting some genuine garden use!

aerie grey longsleeve shirt; corey lynn calter petal skirt from anthropologie; theory black trench coat; thrifted grey bag; yellow Hunter wellington rainboots; sockdreams.com lemonade stockings & white sock garters

Published:
March 26, 2009 – 4:55 pm
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By elyse
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2 Comments

riverspark

grungy

finally, the weather warms up! well, just a little. it’s in the high 40s/low 50s and overcast, but it’s not freezing! i’m grateful, at least. i got inspired by the collages i did yesterday and kept that as my color scheme for today’s outfit.

fence

necklaces

details

american eagle grey oversized tee, stripe scarf, necklaces, and ring; bebe white blazer; velvet angels charlatan buckle heels; pink tobi open-toe socks from sockdreams.com; current&elliot the loved destroyed slouchy skinny jeans; grey bag thrifted

riverspark

riverspark engraving by the hudson, troy, ny

hair

In other news, you can find me on twitter, at lookbook, and chictopia!

Published:
March 26, 2009 – 4:37 pm
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By elyse
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