The Weather Outside is Frightful

But collages are so delightful :)

Heres one I did today while waiting out the storm outside. Inspired by the arrival of fall weather. Cozy sweaters and boots, leg warmers and arm warmers, scarves and hats.

Casual Crystals and Lace

I know that usually when my outfit has a bunch of stones and crystals in the jewelry, its going to be a crazy summer piece with layers and texture and flare.  But I wanted to make a more causal outfit, still very stylish and enjoyable, with crystals as side pieces that make it pop with hints of personality. Its basic black and off-white, with some texture in the lace, but just casual jeans and basic little black boots.  I like how this is something much more easily worn around town without getting the sideways looks, but when they see the jewelry upclose its all "wow! I love that!"  Because that ring is just......magnificent. Ginormous crystal, dangling chains, linked to a simple silver ring to the side, its a two-for-one, only ring you'll ever need, amazing work of art.  I am ALL FOR wearing works of art. Isn't that what fashion is for? Clothes are for?  Art is so broad - it can be heard, worn, tasted, felt, made, read, watched, inhaled. My favorite is the wearing of it. Whether its tattoos, clothing, accessories, costumes, hair and makeup - its the funnest kind for me.  I've painted, done many other forms of art. But the kind you can wear just feels like it has so much more purpose, so much more use. I can take all the ideas and inspirations that are overflowing from my heart and mind, and wear them on my outside for everyone to see and hopefully use to understand me better. Theres parts of people you really never can understand unless they show you. You look at someone with lots of tattoos or interesting clothes or an interesting home decorated in wonders and things you've never seen before, and you think : "that person has a story or two, I can tell. That person is interesting, and I'd actually want to KNOW their story" and its always fun to dream them up, be inspired by them. Ever since I was a kid I looked up to those people, the ones that draw your eye, the ones who can inspire and spark interest with just one look in their direction.  I wanted to BE one of those people. I don't know if I am or not, but I have certainly had fun with my appearance when I can. Money, of course, is an issue. I spent my highschool years despairing for all the items I wanted and dreamed about but could never find or afford or fit into. I've gotten a much better wardrobe since then, one I'm starting to be rather proud of.  Its a slow process. But thats why I make these collages!  Helps to narrow down what items I want as well.  I'd love to have the items in this collage. The top and the cardigan and that RING especially.  *wistful sigh*  (You can imagine how expensive that ring is...)

New Winter Beauties

I've tossed a couple more collages together, there themes seeming to be winter and fall. Its at the tail end of summer, but rain has started so my thoughts are already in cooler weather.  Where jeans don't mean smothering death, dresses get shorter with leggings and tights, boots are expected, and jackets can finally be enjoyed.  I have a difficult time in the cold winter months, when no matter what I wear the bone-chilling temperatures destroy my body and wrack me with nerve pains I can't escape.  I adore fall though.  I would enjoy winter a lot more if I didn't have my various health problems.  But still, even though its torture in those months, I am usually determined to look good (at least when I go out) so I'm always looking for warm, fashionable, layering options. Its a lot easier when an event is indoors. Outdoors, I'm most likely to skip it altogether, because theres no fashionable option to keep me warm enough for surviving that. Having to bus everywhere is also an issue. I have to get through those hours of travel in the elements without feeling so miserable by the time I arrive that I just want to go home.  And of course, being bundled up in the cold and walking for hours, then coming into a warm cozy indoors...you end up sweating immediately and ruining your hair and makeup! Ha. No winning. Thats why getting rides is amazing.  Or when Gabe drove....*wistful sigh*

Anyway, these outfits are for that in-between weather, not too hot, not too cold, sometime in autumn maybe.  Enjoy...