lightsabers & doc martens

Ah, I'm getting so bad about updating Urban Tease. And this photo is so unflattering. But, alas, it is all I have to show for the past week (or has it been two?!). The photo was taken down by the Mississippi River by my friend Nora. The university campus is right along the river, which is lovely, because then you can just skip on down there for some studying (or romping through the field, which is more of what I have been doing). My friends & I have been exploring the area, scouting out the best study areas. Okay, actually just my friends. When I'm away in photo class, they go exploring & then bring me to the newfound places the next day. We've been learning about early American explorers in American History, and apparently it's been releasing the inner-Conquistador in my friends.

I find dressing for Uni strangely easy & un-stressful. However, wearing a skirt can be a problem because I've experienced a Marilyn-moment on more than one occasion (which I've usually managed to pull off with the utmost dignity) and I've developed a few new blisters on my feet from various shoes (these Docs, to be one of the culprits).

This week I begin Czech language classes & I'm printing some film photos in the darkroom. Last week, I developed my first roll of film (taken with my grandfather's lovely Pentax KX, pictured). Cannot wait to put those up here, I think I got a few really good ones. I also have to do a post about some recent purchases (can you say plaid skinny pants?!) and my atrocious karate uniform (photos will be included, jeje).

Well, off to read some of Changes in the Land, most boring book ever. Looking forward to writing that 4-6 page thesis on it & being done with it forever. I have a job interview at Aeropostle on Thursday, wish me luck!

the answers

How tall are you & how much do you weigh?

I'm a shorty - only a bit over 5 feet tall! I've always wanted to be a model, ever since I was about 7 or 8, so that's one life-long dream that will never play out. I am roughly 90 pounds, give or take a few on certain days. I have good genes which allow me to eat mostly ice cream and junk food but remain slim.

What are your favourite shops to buy clothes in?

I buy most of my clothes from Urban Outfitters, H&M, Macy's (they've started to carry some really unique brands), Delia's, and Heritage 1981. I also like ModCloth & Fred Flare for unique items that not everyone is going to have by season's end. I thrift or go to vintage or second hand shops frequently, too. You can find some really great items that way.

What type of camera do you use?

I use a Pentax K200D, a really nice DSLR. I swear by Pentax, they've been around forever and create high quality cameras and equipment.

What's your favourite music to listen to when you want to zone out?

Lately I've been a bit of a Simon & Garfunkel junkie. I also listen to a lot of Cat Stevens when just cooling off and thinking. Other favourites are Something Coporate, David Bowie, Gregory Lemarchal, & George Harrison. I listen to these guys when going to sleep, doing homework, writing, etc.

What are your views on America having a public health service, similar to the NHS?

I think that health care should be available to everyone, and thus I am for universal health care. However, I'm not entirely convinced that Obama is going about it in the best ways. It's a tricky issue for America right now, there are still a lot of revisions to be made before Americans will have universal healthcare. Hopefully one day it will be more than a privilege.

What's your favourite brand?

BB Dakota is one of my favourites. I also love Cheap Monday for jeans. Sretsis is really cute, but I don't own anything by that brand. American Apparel is always very innovative, so I dig their stuff. For shoes, Doc Martens & Steve Madden are both great (& affordable!). Other brands I really like include Stolen Girlfriends Club, Soundgirl, Happy Socks (socks are totally underrated).

How much money do you spend on clothes a month?

Too much. Depending on the month I can spend anywhere from $5 (sad month for clothes) to $100. Lately I've not been spending much, as the U.S. is in a recession and I've been broke.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Nope, unfortunately I don't. I used to play the recorder & the violin. I wish I kept up with the violin. I've always wanted to play guitar, but my parents wouldn't ever let me learn. I also always wanted to play piano. We've never owned a piano however, so I couldn't learn. I love rag time though...I have my friends play for me instead.

it wouldn't be right to leave your best girl home on a Saturday night

Since September 1st signals the beginning of autumn for me, I thought it was time to begin with inspiration for fall looks.

The loose jeans look is really refreshing after years of skinnys (still love those skinny jeans, though). Also, I've been on a mad search for a cape/shawl type thing like her's.

Well Guntars makes me faint either way, but this look is divine. I love the arm warmers.

Does this even need explanation? Haphazardly tucked in denim shirt, plaid pants, work boots.

I have these jeans and I, and probably everyone else who struggles to match things with acid wash, should be plently happy to see that red can be matched without looking too gawdy.

Okay, I guess I just thought that Cheap Monday was amazing for their F/W 09 collection. His jeans are amazing!

Emma Watson for Teen Vogue, so sweet. And I never say no to blazers, especially in a deep red.

The shoulder structure!!! Not digging the skirt, but the jacket and the tie are great.

I'm kind of anti-leggings, but I love the trench & the pink gloves.

The blazer is great and those pants are fantastic!

I love sailor inpsired looks. They make me want to go sailing (not that I ever have). The cropped pants are really great.

That dress with the blue shoes is perfect. The proportions on the other outfit are interesting.

I've always really dug super wide legs pants like that, also very sailor-y. Unfortunately there's no hope for me for pulling them off. Too short. But they look great with the suspenders.

Hmm, well I recently went job-hunting. Am expecting a call back from at least Delia's. Hopefully Urban Outfitters & American Apparel as well. AA took my photo & my resume, the girl complimented me on my style. I had to go back twice though, because the first day the camera wouldn't work & the guy told me to wear "classier shoes" (he said this while wearing moccasins with socks). But I suppose dirty old converse aren't really all that classy. I also got a job application from H&M. The guy behind the desk said, "Well you have to be at least 18 and available to work every weekend." But he was giving me this, 'I know you're not 18, I bet you're not even 16' kind of look, so I simply couldn't give him the satisfaction & I took the application. It's still sitting in my bag. Today I was offered a job by one of the guys at a kiosk. He told me they needed a "chair mover" which was basically his way of telling me I looked pretty...or sexy...I don't read kiosk workers' minds (luckily).

Anyway, I've got some great questions for the Q&A post (which will be my next!). If you have any additional ones, leave them in the comments. You can leave them annonymously if you need to. Also, I keep forgetting to leave this link after every post - I've still been adding to my story. Check it out if you can, I'd really appreciate it. (I'll answer any questions about the story in my Q&A, too). Soren Story