{Fashion Friday} Have Some Class

Oh, happy are the days when I get to be a personal shopper! Strangely enough, both of my more recent experiences (apart from perusing jeans with my unfairly leggy mother) with this pastime have been with young men. Namely, my brothers. Recall "How To Be A Stud" and tell me it's not fun to shop for boys. This morning, my wake-up call was a literal phone call from my dearest Brocky inquiring whether I might want to go shopping for some fall things. Even through a cloud of sleep, I did my best to make my "YES!" loud and clear.

The epitome of style, right here

Yes, we both had procrastination issues today, so we only had an hour to pick up some vital wardrobe items. After throwing out a lumpy green sweater and exchanging some jeans for a smaller size (yay!), Brock settled on some great skinnies and a couple attractive long-sleeved tees. Though I truly intended to only shop for my brother, I couldn't pass up the 30% sale on a dress I had been eyeing for a while...

My justification is that I can totally wear this to work - I just got offered the job I wished so badly for but didn't think I could get. More details to come on Tuesday - and layer it with next to anything.

As you're doing your back-to-school shopping, it's important to have in mind an idea of the pieces you want. I am the guiltiest statement shopper there ever was, meaning that I go to a store thinking, "Okay. Make my day," and when I find something unique and crazy I go for it. In other words, I struggle immensely with buying basics. However, I do recognize their inimitable value in every closet, even mine. So, let's go over the foundation upon which most stylish autumn wardrobes can be built.

{JEANS}

Though I'm not the biggest jeans fan there ever was, in a fix I always turn to my black or dark blue skinnies. Find the right style, wash, and fit for your body and waste no time in stocking up.

{TIGHTS}

I own several black pairs for the sole purpose of covering up, but I love to use brightly colored or patterned tights as a focal point for an otherwise plain outfit.

{BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT}
Likely the most versatile article of clothing in my possession, I can pair my oversize denim shirt with dark jeans, a skirt, a dress, shorts, leggings...really. Anything. I bought mine at Old Navy, but stolen from a father, brother, or boyfriend is just as effective. Grab a few that you really like in different colors and sizes.

{TRENCH/PEACOAT}
Light jackets are a necessity for the transition between summer and fall, but you needn't spend all your money on a whole bunch. Pick a few classic structured pieces and layer them over any outfit.

{SCARVES}
You can never have too many. Pile 'em on like it's 1999.

{MAXISKIRT}
This one's easy. Avoid heavy fabrics and just go with the flow. Here's a tip: Pull the skirt up over your chest and belt it to make a dress. I like to wear mine with cardigans in Central Park. (Eek!)

{DRESSES}
As we discussed last Friday, dresses are my thing. You can do so much to accessorize a simple dress, or let an intricately detailed garment do the talking for itself. Take a looksee! Three ways each to wear two dresses.

Dress One:

Dress Two:

{AND, OF COURSE, A SMALL DOSE OF FAUX FUR}

I am begging you, please do not overdo this. Furry cardigans and skirts and entire boots are kind of a bit much. However, a nice line around the rim of a hood or a pair of cold-weather shoes can look expensive and tasteful, not to mention it'll keep you toasty when the air begins to bite.

Happy back-to-schooling!

{Literary Thursday} Closer to Home

       The other day I was flipping through a two-year old copy of my high school's literary magazine and I found some pretty great words! I'm constantly amazed by the talents of so many good friends. Today, I'd like to highlight a few of my favorite homespun pieces composed by pals. If it isn't too dreadfully imposing, I also thought I'd throw in lyrics from Alarmingly Charming's oldest (Relentless) and most recent (Cascade) songs, courtesy of myself and my musical other half.

        I can't say I've always been excellent at writing, but the act of doing so can prove astoundingly tranquilizing. Whether that is positive or negative is up to you. For those who don't believe me, try it! Go write a poem or a short story or a song or a haiku or a journal entry. And if you're already used to consistently writing the same types of literature, experiment with something new. Write for at least half an hour a day, spanning a week. See what you come up with! After this, you're more than welcome to send your work to me at my Gmail account. I'm interested to find out who might accept and excel at this challenge.

{ODE TO THE LADY}

Amid gloomy demeanors of comrades, we

marched

Through villages - not understanding

Or wanting to attack this place

Just as we rounded the corner - 

I saw her.

The epitome of beauty, dark hair shone golden

in the sunset

Oh, to the lady! When she glanced my

way,

As I continued past her with my army,

Eyes beautiful crescent moons, like

broken glass.

She will be mine. I think

grinning -

Until her eyes turn to fire,

Piercing my heart,

Before turning on her heel,

And walking away.

 - Rachael Knudsen

{HEART OF GOLD}

Nine o'clock on a Saturday

The world outside is covered in rain

I think of her, but hesitate

I don't want my heart to beat at that rate

When she's around I gravitate

She's the only one who can levitate

My heart, for a little while

My heart jumps out to greet her

Before I get the chance to smile

You've got a heart of gold,

I'll be real careful

But won't let you go.

Priceless possession in my hands of stone

You've got a heart, a heart of gold

Nine o'clock on a Saturday

The world outside is covered in rain

I think of her, but hesitate

I don't want my heart to beat at that rate

- Thomas Koch

{SHELTER}

As the snow cascades in waves

Above the home I knew before

It's getting hard for me to stay

But worse if you open the door

And I've run out of things to say

A flaw that I've grown to abhor

As everything we've made

Becomes too important to ignore

So I'll keep dreaming

Of back when it was warm

And it was you and me and no one else

As we pulled our pages off the shelf

Desperate for a shelter from the storm

The midnight bell has rung

A tirade of her late nights left alone

Like the songs we never sung

Reflected on the life we just let go

It's easy to be young

To stare with awe into the great unknown

But after everything you've done

How could you expect to come back home?

I'll keep dreaming

Of back when it was warm

And it was you and me and no one else

As we pulled our pages off the shelf

Desperate for a shelter from the storm

It's becoming too important to ignore.

-James Robert Shepard III

{RELENTLESS}

A handful of songbirds bleeding out my memories
A throatful of your words never really aimed to please
And battlefield broken relentlessly put me at ease
A fistful of angels whispering on the breeze

Call in your troops and summon the guards
The war isn't won until you've dealt all your cards
Numberless men have encountered the shame
That inevitably joins the thrill-seeker's game

An earful of anger serenades me while I wait
A mouthful of ashes greets me when I reach the gate
And time hasn't stopped since the enemy asked me to stay
A heart full of danger discourages me as I pray

Pull out your weapons, forget all the rules
This time I play the unfortunate fool
Concourses weaken, but try to be strong
What would they do if they knew you were wrong?

A world full of people who think they have what it takes
A song full of verses that counteract what it fakes
And I'm just a kid who's about to run out of her faith
A cup full of water that characterizes your strength

A handful of bluebirds hanging on a melody
A throatful of harsh words never really seemed to be
What battlefields conquered relentlessly beg you to see:
That a fistful of angels was never quite harmony.

- Andrea Alexis Hewitt

Happy writing!

{Wedding Wednesday} the Fourth

       This week I began my very first Institute classes at Utah State University. While I'm not attending the school itself yet, I love being on campus and can't wait to start next year! One of the two Institute classes I'm enrolled in is called Preparing for a Celestial Marriage. I know, I know. It seems like I'm going overboard with the whole thing. But this class is mainly focused on self-improvement, becoming the right person for the right person, and maintaining healthy relationships, which I believe are important skills for anyone and everyone. So, in honor of the 15-week learning process that I'm so looking forward to, I must make it clear that marriage is a whole lot more important than the wedding itself.

       As an observant child watching my parents take care of our family, fight, separate, divorce, date other people, and then both get remarried, my view of marriage was sufficiently whipsawed by several different forces. Over the past few years I have found within myself the deep desire to sort through my positive and negative experiences and figure out how to properly acquire and maintain healthy relationships of the romantic and non-romantic type. At this point I would not imagine professing to have even an adequate knowledge of the necessary tactics for stabilizing a marriage, but I know I'm on my way to it.

       I have expressed concern for the general lack of years' experience currently requisite to obtain a marriage license. I have also made it known that this concern is due largely to my own unpreparedness, rather than a reflection of those already making such decisions. I have also tried to get the point across that I am very happy with myself and where I'm at in my life. Today I learned that I do not have to plan out the next ten years of my life, because there is hardly any chance of every single one of my plans turning out the way I expect it to. Heavenly Father just doesn't work that way.
     
       However, goals are vital and excellent. So, right now, I'm setting the goal to learn all I can and improve myself to the point where I will be worthy of an eternal marriage. Not everything will be perfect, and it may be that my course of life will go in an entirely different direction than I am working toward right now, but I am satisfied in the knowledge that I am moving forward. With every little decision I make, I can choose to do the right thing and consequently be happy. This is what pushes us along, dear friends. Make the small choices with an eternal perspective in mind.

       What a tangent. Here's the wedding.

The dress: Marchesa. One of my very most beloved designers, any of their magnificent gowns would have been suitable. The crocheted panel adds visual interest to an otherwise clean Grecian silhouette.

The flowers: Cream carnations and lavender. Carnations are sweet, pretty, and cheerful, while the lavender bud is unexpected and quiet. The perfect bouquet for a pleasantly shy pair of lovebirds.

The cake: Inventive and modern, this confection's ruffles certainly cater to the bride. I love the creative fading and actually appreciate the small size of the cake. Of course, the lavender sprig ties everything together.

The playlist: Triumphant and mellow all in the same pretty package. The seventh song is in YouTube video form. It was just too beautiful to pass up.

Happy drooling...

{Beauty Tuesday} Get Ready With Your Pal, Me!

       One fine day I was browsing the diverse land of YouTube when I saw a video of a young woman detailing the process she endures every morning to put on her face. After this, I began to see clip after clip of girls doing their makeup. For a while I was extraordinarily confused. One girl may review the latest product, but another may just appreciate the way her face looks from a certain angle and therefore deemed it necessary to stick a camera there while she sat and got pretty. At last it dawned on me. Some of these girls are completely unrecognizable before they slather on the face that everybody else in the world is used to seeing.

       Now, I'm an occasionally lazy individual, and on many days (usually during the sweaty heat of summer) I am not even slightly interested in taking precious time to make myself look especially delicious. So there are plenty of people who have seen me without makeup on, and I am more than fine with that! However, I must admit that I actually enjoy wearing makeup, and I think the right amount with the right application can make any woman's appearance improve. That said, I decided maybe I oughta try making one of these videos myself? I couldn't help but giggle watching the resulting video without sound...I dance and sing and make faces to music (not to mention having several continuous conversations with myself) while I get ready, and that doesn't translate incredibly well when the viewer can't actually hear the music I'm listening to or the words I'm saying. So, just pretend that my mouth is actually following the words.

This is right out of the shower, before doing anything.

This is after making my face up.

And this is how it's done...

       Before you judge me, please remember that I am a human being, just like you! I'm not always this good looking. Wink wink. While I will never pretend that my acne is supposed to be appealing, I am grateful for my flaws and imperfections. We're blessed with weaknesses so that we may turn them into strengths, like an excessively social personality, an obsession with knitting, or big eyebrows. Sometimes it's a relief to remind myself that I don't have it all just yet. I always have room for improvement, and there is a whole lot of "up" for me to go. Some of these videos are more of a reality check than anything else. I have no doubt mine was.

Happy getting ready!

{How To} Improvise An Apple-Pear Pie

       Nine months previous to last Thursday, a then-near-stranger and I shaped together the world's most delectable pie on a mere whimsical craving. Naturally, pie brought the two of us closer, but we certainly did not expect my stepdad to actually ask me to date this boy due to the tasty results of our cooking adventure. The secret to our success is that we didn't actually do everything we were supposed to. We randomly tossed a lonesome pear into the made-from-scratch apple filling, dripped in a little too much lemon juice, and devised an igloo (complete with eskimo, campfire, and sealskin roofing) atop the upper crust with leftover homemade dough. Plus, we watched Balto and then Coldplay music videos until way past our bedtime. The element of Whatthe...? made that evening so much more enjoyable, even if we didn't know each other very well.

       We recklessly abstained from making another pie until...you guessed it...last Thursday, when on another whim I called that cool cat up and we set out to reincarnate our original masterpiece. The only problem? We didn't have any of the recipes we used the first time. Welcome to Google! I found a promising-looking crust recipe, which we whipped up quick enough before discovering it was supposed to be refrigerated for four hours prior to use. Aaand it was already 10:00 at night. Humbug. After dicing up a cornucopia of apples (and, of course, one juicy pear) and mixing in some other stuff, we stuck that in the fridge and rolled up our ball of dough into plastic wrap. Here's my genius idea: we'll just put it in the freezer for two hours! That'll work just great! Ta-da! So we found an empty nook in the freezer and went to watch Deja Vu (oh, Denzel).

       After 45 minutes I was too nervous to bear it, so I went to check on the dough - hard as a rock. Smooth move. To the refrigerator it went. Another half hour passed and I came upstairs once again to inspect the damage. That stupid dough was still solid! My next fantastic plan: run it under hot water. I burned my fingers, but managed to loosen up the ball a little bit. My partner in crime and I pounded and smooshed the stubborn material into the bottom of the pie tin until it closely resembled a crust. At this point we realized that the recipe did not yield enough dough for an upper crust. Ah! Exasperated, we searched the kitchen for something to cover our pie. ("Graham crackers?" "Marshmallows...?" Don't ever take suggestions from a Russian.) At last, I reverted to Google and found a simple crumb topping recipe. That was one good idea.

       Eventually we constructed our experiment to the best of our abilities and baked it to golden perfection. The verdict: "It looks like we made the beach." "And oh, look! The pie filling coming out on the edge looks like the ocean!" It is true. We are proud of ourselves in even the most mundane of circumstances. Would you like to know something? This pie was even better than its predecessor. The remaining two slices now reside in James's fridge. Unless they've already been sought out and consumed by his roommates. (Hunger Games, anyone?)

The end result.

Really excited for this right now.

The most important part.

 "A triumphant mess."

The first bite!

 Chocolate milk turns everyone into a champion.

 Even me.

 He took his last sip.

And I took care of the last bite. Yum yum.

Now, this is how we make a pie (with a few revisions):

{CRUST}

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced

1/4 cup ice water

1. In a big old bowl, combine flour and salt. Dump in all that butter (one chopped-up stick) and gently knead it in with very well-washed hands until the mixture has a crumb-like texture. Stir in a tablespoon at a time of the water (I had to look it up on Google again - that's four tablespoons) and knead just enough to make a ball. Cover this ball completely in Saran wrap and stick it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

2. Transfer dough to refrigerator for 45 minutes.

3. Run dough (still covered in Saran wrap, you goose) under hot water for 4 minutes, or until soft enough to knead again.

4. Grease the bottom of a 9-inch glass pie tin and smash the dough into the tin to cover all inside surfaces evenly.

5. Press the prongs of a fork against all edges, and maybe a few times on the bottom for pizzazz.

{FILLING}

3 large Fuji or Braeburn apples, cored and roughly diced

1 pear of the delicious variety, cored and roughly diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup butter, melted

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1. While dough is in the freezer, dice up all that tasty fruit and put it in a large bowl, then toss in the lemon juice. Pour melted butter over the top. Mix in sugar and flour until fruit is thoroughly coated. Throw that bowl in the fridge until dough is ready.

2. Pour filling into crust. Use a spatula to get out all the juices from the bottom of the bowl and to even out the filling in its crust.

{TOPPING}

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup butter, diced

1. Mix together the brown sugar and flour with a fork. Again, using those very well-washed hands of yours, incorporate the butter to create crumbs. Don't worry if it seems to be too smooth; it bakes impeccably.

2. Spoon topping over pie filling, being sure to get all those hard-to-reach spots.

{BAKING, ETC.}

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees at one point or another. Nobody's going to freak out if you have to wait a few minutes for it to finish warming up.

2. Cover edges of assembled pie with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes.

4. Extract pie from oven and cool for 7 minutes.

5. Gingerly cut a slice and serve it to yourself before sharing. A pie this awesome deserves the cook's undivided attention above all else.

6. Listen to this song.

Happy improvising!

{Soulful Sunday} The Civil Wars

       As a long-studied soprano, it was not brought to my attention until several months ago that I had next to no ability whatsoever to harmonize. This was extremely obvious come band practice, when I'd try and try and fail consistently to make our songs prettier and more put-together. After weeks of frustration, I vowed to improve. The first step in this process was to listen to artists who always created gorgeous harmonies. The very best that I've found of these is The Civil Wars. A folksy acoustic duet, these two have individually stunning voices that blend together flawlessly. If you ever need an example of vocal idealism, look no further. Add beautiful lyrics and elegantly understated instrumentals, and you have found romance. At least, I have.

Happy harmonizing!

{Random Saturday} Texting Sucks. Listen to Music Instead.

       It has been unanimously and officially declared by the several entities who manage my innermost thoughts and feelings that I will not maintain an ongoing text message conversation with any young man who I may potentially have a crush on/relationship with. Why? Because it's just too much! In fact, the other night I was comparing two of my relationships with my mother (she is the one who suggested I blog on this topic). In the first, we texted constantly. That isn't an exaggeration. Day in and day out, we felt obligated to be connected 176 percent of the time. In the second, we would send an occasional message back and forth on Facebook, but focused our energy into the weekly-ish dates we'd spend together. Guess which relationship I was constantly worried about? Which one might I have grown resentful of faster? And hmmm...which ended in catastrophe? That's right, the second. Fooled you! It was the first. You knew that. Pay attention.

       The moral of that story is that yes, text messages are incredibly convenient when you are not able to chat on the phone or you want to give someone a bit of information whose response is not urgent, but if you're just texting for the sake of talking ALL THE TIME, then get. Your. Freaking. Thumbs. Away. From. The. Cell. Phone.

       Now.

       In other news, me and my Alarmingly Charming bandmate James are giddy beyond belief about opening for Swedish folk sensation Sofia Talvik at WhySound, a friendly music venue in Logan. The show is on September 7 and begins with yours truly at 8:00 pm. So, to any of my friends in the Logan area, you are welcome and encouraged to bring 8 bucks and a couple pals to enjoy some phenomenal tunes. James and I have been practicin' up a storm, and we have four new songs despite a two-month musical hiatus. Here are a few videos from our very first show at WhySound, waaay back in February. Excuse the rough melodies and harmonies! Preparedness has not always been my thing. But we are more than ready for this upcoming show. All you have to do is prepare yourselves! Wink.

       Don't you worry. We have improved dramatically. Andrew even said so. And he is sufficiently critical for our needs and well-being. Plus he is super cool (see "How to be a Stud") and recorded a few of our songs during practice the other day. We love Andrew! Look for him at the show.

Happy quality time!

{Fashion Friday} Let's Not Skirt The Issue, Eh?

       I like to wear dresses. Dresses are pretty, feminine, and the easiest way to throw on the bulk of an outfit all at once. Upon taking a recent closet inventory, I discovered that I have over 30 dresses (and counting!) that I wear on a regular basis. Sure, I'm capable of matching separates, but I am also capable of being incredibly lazy. We'll discuss frocks later on. Today I'd like to tell you about my love/hate relationship with the half of dresses: skirts.

       When I was 11, I owned a long, columnar denim skirt. It was mid-calf length, which I figured suited me because it showed off my innately pretty ankles but disguised my less-than-toned legs. Looking back on how generally bad that time of my life was and how, in reality, that skirt was incredibly unflattering, I've developed an extreme dislike for denim paraphernalia. For example...

       I feel like that should be self-explanatory. Other reasons why I'm afraid of skirts...

       On a significantly less dismal note, some great finds have ameliorated the situation and caused me to believe there may be hope for this article of clothing afterward. Here are a few pieces I'm in love with!

       Skirts don't have to be bad. Just be careful. Find ones in good quality material and pretty silhouettes. Calico prints are not typically as great in skirt form as they are on the bolt, but chiffon, lace, and sturdier brocade or silk fabrics are almost always spot-on. Also, you can't go wrong with a big bow. Skirts must not be settled upon. Search for a select few that you adore and pair them with lovely additions. May the force be with you.

Happy skirting!

       P.S. I figured out how to use the Spotify Play Button! YAY. So, here's a great song.