03|30|2009

apricot’s closet: sarong as a scarf.

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white tank top, from Urban Outfitters; shorts, from Ross; stockings, from H&M; shoes, from Forever21; organic cardigan, from Ruche; scarf (which is actually a sarong) is from my sister.

I’m still slightly reeling from the outstanding feedback & recognition I received from my last post. My only intention was to vent a little bit, & perhaps get the opinions of my readers. I did not expect such a huge voice from all of you. I’m very relieved to know that I’m not that only one who thinks this way, as well as grateful for all of your opinions. Thank you.

I must say that even though my feelings remain strong about American Apparel’s ads, this does not mean I’m planning on boycotting them, nor does it mean I’m going to burn all the clothes in my closet. American Apparel’s fashions are great; it’s their risque ads I do not like. I must reiterate that everything I purchased of theirs was way before I knew of their exploitative ads. Had I would have known what I know now, I would not have purchased it.

Writing that post, though, caused me to rethink the way I view AA, & for future purchases, I will most likely go elsewhere. But everything in my closet, at this moment, stays.

I am only saying this because I don’t want anyone to be confused when they continue to see me wearing AA pieces.

[edited to add: For good measure, I will also no longer "advertise" my wearing their clothing in my fashion statement posts.]

I leave you now with some eye candy, in the form of my husband; also, a lovely picture of he & I together.

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Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” –Aristotle

03|26|2009

irrelevant nudity in advertisements.

This (women being exploited in the media) is something I’m very passionate about, but I never found the right words to describe my feelings. It’s obviously really difficult to talk about, so if my thoughts on this seem random, unprovoked, and/or disorganized, please know that I am still trying to make sense of this myself. I should also warn that the pictures & links in this post show graphic nudity.

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I’m going to be quite frank: I cannot stand going to American Apparel’s website. What starts out as simple browsing, turns into a blatant titty-fest. I try to ignore it; I try to see the “art” behind their bold displays of skin, but it’s very difficult because I see it as unnecessary & borderline offensive. Especially when I see advertisements like this. I get really perturbed. (& I truly pray that I’m not the only one.)

When I showed those links to Lover, I asked him what he thought of them. He said that the zipper ad, specifically, was “understandable” because it is only “showing how the zipper works.” He considered it an accurate portrayal of advertisement. I do not see it this way.

I responded, “Show how the zipper works, my ass! She doesn’t have to be nude underneath. She could easily wear a bra if they wanted so desperately to show how the zipper works. Her being nude has nothing to do with how the zipper works.” Lover immediately saw my irritation & hinted that I might be overreacting. I told him that I didn’t care if I was overreacting; I don’t like it, & I won’t stand for it.

(continue reading…)

03|24|2009

things I’m loving at the moment; etc.

Wanting What You've Got

[collage courtesy of polyvore.]
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I wanted this collage to be light, fun, & informative. (People are always asking me what products I use; not to mention, I’m trying to “want what I’ve got.”) But now, it seems arrogant, boastful, & gluttonous. (Or, perhaps I am being too hard on myself…)

(continue reading…)

03|20|2009

apricot’s closet: high/wasted.

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tri blend tee, from American Apparel, courtesy of trendyblanks.com; pants are very vintage; shoes, from Ross; scarf, from Cali; bracelets from Jaloux & Urban Outfitters.

By “high/wasted” I was referring to my pants, with a little play on words. (FYI: I’ve never been high, nor wasted, in my entire life.)

The last time I wore these pants, I tucked in my shirt. This time, I opted out & decided to wear my shirt out. I adore these pants & the way they look un-tucked, but these pants are very high-waisted; they come up to the middle of my stomach. So all day, it felt like I was being slowly squeezed to death by polyester fabric. Even worse when it’s over 80 degrees (F) outside.

Not only that, but the zipper is broken, & all day I was walking around with my fly wide open. Not at all lady like…

I wish I had more interesting things to write about, but unfortunately, my life has been extraordinarily stale lately. I have no funny stories, no secrets to share, & no sorrow to indulge in. This is especially annoying when I get asked the question “So, what have you been up to?” I have nothing else to say but, “Oh… you know; same old, same old.” Everything is the same: married life is the same, family life is the same, even Sofie’s life is the same.

But… as they say, No news is good news. So perhaps I should be counting my blessings. Either that, or pray that I my writer’s block goes away soon.

Oh yes, & spring is here!**

**& I wish I were more excited about it.

03|18|2009

all your fears are lies.

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customized Hanes t-shirt (using a sharpie marker) & acid-washed jeans, from Target; cardigan, from Charlotte Russe.

Inspired by discotheque confusion, who suggested:

“grab a marker… & customise a white t-shirt.”

I saw this sentence on a bumper sticker a few months ago, & it completely resonated with me; so much, that it’s become a very intimate mantra of mine ever since. Whenever I feel fear (or anxiety) seeping into my thoughts, my mind booms with “all your fears are lies!” It’s been a great sentence to remember in times of timidness & doubt. & shy of me tattooing it across my body, a white tee shirt is the perfect canvas for it.

Not to mention, what a great way to have something “new” in your closet, without spending any money!

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Q: if you could customize your own white t-shirt, what would it say?

03|15|2009

apricot’s closet: ev’yan is… comfortable.

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blazer is very vintage; Paris tank top, from Forever21; grey pants, from Ross; sandals, from Cali; bracelets, from H&M. (I could absolutely live in this blazer.)

Ev’Yan is:

excited about… moving up a pants size & weighing 117.5 pounds.
worried about… not having health insurance.
readingThe Awakening, by Kate Chopin.
creating… a huge collage for her apartment using inspirational & bold words, with a backdrop of newspaper articles & breathtaking landscapes.
loving… my husband’s company.
hating… this incessant crick in my neck!
wondering… if musicians ever get their own songs stuck in their heads.
craving… LUSH bath bombs.
listening to… Beck’s “Modern Guilt” album, & Amon Tobin’s song “Slowly.”
watching… the sky go from sunny to cloudy in a matter of minutes.
netflix-ing… CSI: Season 7.

thank you, my dear wishcake, for the “currently” questions. :]

To whom it may concern: I have yet to buy one article of clothing in the month of March! Even in spite of desperately needing pants right now (as well as new tights), I’ve stayed completely true to my vow. I am so very proud of myself!

& since I know that there are a few of you who had also made this pledge: How are you doing with your No Buying Clothes in the Month of March vow? Stay strong, & remember: You Don’t Need It.

edit; my mother has interviewed me on her other interesting blog, On Being… If you have any questions about beauty or fashion, please ask away!

On being… a fashion extraordinaire.

03|12|2009

apricot’s closet: torn.

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lace shirt, undershirt, & obliterated boyfriend jeans, all from Target; tights, from H&M; boots, from Payless; jewelry is miscellaneous.

I put on these shorts today, sat down, & heard a nasty RIP! I looked down to see the slits I created completely split apart, leaving huge gaping holes on the legs. No longer are they “distressed”; they are just destroyed, & I’m unsure of how I feel about them now.

Part of me feels like I should throw them out, because it looks like I got run over by a lawn-mower. But another part of me is emotionally attached to them. I mean, I created these demolished little things. But… they’re clearly torn to shreds, & I don’t know if it’s tasteful to be walking around with holes in my clothes.

I’m all for distressed denim (even t-shirts) if they’re done right, but I have my limits…

(continue reading…)



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