The Return of Grunge (or how to do summer grunge)

The Return of Grunge (or how to do summer grunge)

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

As each August chapter sprouts, I slowly begin to wish for autumnal waves to enchant my world. As much as I try to live in the moment, it is so very difficult to show gratitude for hot, humid 90 degree Fahrenheit days, especially when you have been having them since early May. In so many words: I am weary of summer's thickness wrapped around my neck.

With these feelings in tow, I can honestly say that although I definitely identify my style as bohemian on the strength of grunge, the latter does take a bit of a backseat when the May tide brings waves of heat. Whispers of autumn, however, trigger cravings of it's return, and thus, this year, I am tempted to find summer grunge styles that capture the slight edge I so crave, but also give way to my summer bohemian love affair.

Needless to say, I have done it. With a dress that I have literally worn at least 4 times on this blog. Donning my trusty floral friend, black stiff tee, tenacious combat boots, and a berry lip that I wear regardless of the calender's whims, I can dance my way into that autumnal waltz, while still remaining cool enough to function in summer's blistering fever.

I am glad of it. I always miss the grunge aesthetic in summer, but now, perhaps I can have a marriage of the two. Or at least a peaceful tolerance.

How do you dress grunge in the summer? How do you transition from summer to fall without feeling like you are baking in an oven? Are you craving autumn as much as me, as much as I do every year? Why do I have so many questions?

Dance your way through the seasons, loves.

Stay Beautiful,

Liz

Follow

Read more »

On Transforming the Ugly into the Beautiful

On Transforming the Ugly into the Beautiful

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

A good many years ago, I had an art teacher who told me something that I didn't fully understand, but has stayed with me through the many cycles of the calendar.

"Art does not have to be pretty."

Read more »

How to ditch the plan and love the chaos

How to ditch the plan and love the chaos

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

I did something amazing a few Friday nights ago. I went without a plan.

Let me explain, it sounds like nothing, but it was really a magical something. It was barely cold... winter's full force had not yet knocked us down with its fierce blustering winds. Not yet were we sprawled under warm sheets for hours watching little white petals drip from the sky. So we went out with the camera in one hand, and love in the other. We had no reason to be out other than to see what there was to cradle into our chasm of memories. As I snapped at whatever I wanted, hoping for jewels in the dark skies and shadowed sidewalks, I was reminded that really, there are many reason we all ought to embrace the chaos a little more often and let the world happen.

You might miss something beautiful.

The best moments happen spontaneously. One moment passes and as the lights blur out of focus a soul drifts through your path. They are forever etched into your life, embedded in a photograph preserved by time itself. When plans control our lives, it’s so easy to miss these miniscule fragments on the sidewalk. Why always be in such a hurry? Whenever there is an opportunity to slow down the ringing of life’s bell, it is best to seize it and hold that jewel tightly clenched in your palm until the imprint is forever molded into your body. Do not let tiny treasures slip by your face in the city’s whirl.

It's a break for the mind. 

Spontaneity is the loosening of all the tightly wound coils keeping the brain in place. It is the hot bath your soul needs after a month of hasty showers. So much of our lives are stuck in a flurry and before we know it the lights have swirled round and round and round - then darkness eats the scene. As you watch the world zip by in a furor of bright lights, as you hold each other close, let the dance become lackadaisical until you can hear each other’s heart beating. 

Only then will the mind find true freedom. The freedom from responsibility in that moment. The freedom to love anything and anyone for any reason. It will feel like a thousand pounds have been cut from your back.

 You find little surprise locations for creating memories

With those pounds shed so far away, it is easier to adventure with clear eyes. There are so many lovely things to see in a city, but the hidden gems are the best to hold close. The alcoves that you never knew existed until their paths slowly untwisted onto your feet. The little scraps of city that no one else seems to desire -These are the medicines your mind needs. With your own little secret garden, chunks of time will be frozen into eternity. The possible blurs of hidden kisses and hastily eaten donuts are suddenly sharper with hope.

As we embrace our new hidden joys, the chaos grows into a familiar dance and suddenly, briskly, we are woken from the stupor of repetition. After all, plans, while an important part of our life, need to be used in the same moderation one would give to crisp lagers in the summer sun. Too much will make you sick. So I long for nights without plans. Nights to roam the streets looking for scraps of love wherever I can find them. More frequently, I would like to sit back and take my hands off the steering wheel of life. The autopilot does a fine job of it's own volition.

Do you ever go set out in the city without a plan? What kind of beautiful stories do you have from unplanned events?

Stay Beautiful,

XOXO Liz

                                                                   Follow

Read more »

How to do Grunge Part 3 + How to Deal with Sorrow

How to do Grunge Part 3 + How to Deal with Sorrow

Sunday, November 22, 2015

 Firstly, forgive me for being late in posting these photos. Besides being tired from shaping the fragile minds of children, I have been a dark place not conducive to writing. My heart is sick with the ways of this world - how people can have so much hate bottled inside their torso until their anger and insanity bursts, inflicting everyone around them with despair.

Read more »

How to Do Modern Grunge, Part 2: With a Boho Twist

How to Do Modern Grunge, Part 2: With a Boho Twist

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Last week I talked about how all the precious little autumnal bits beckon me into a 90s grunge-inspired theme. This week, I am expounding on that, this time pulling out a little feminine dress in a seemingly retro print that feels oh so 90s.

Read more »