Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Set of the Day

"Big girl living in a small world" by guccilovexo

Okay, so I'm cheating a bit. Technically this set was made 24 hours ago, which is a day, but it didn't say "yesterday" yet, so here it is, our set of the day! I find it phenomally whimsical, and I don't just mean the painting. The outfit is restrained, but wild. That beautiful color of the bag with the stripes in the shirt? Genius. Of course, Gucci always makes phenomenal color choices. She and I were chatting a bit today, and we decided that we are sane people living in a mad world. But looking at her sets, you can tell she's enjoying the entertainment and the inspiration of madness. As am I, friend, as am I.

One Last Morrissey Tribute

I recently came across a bevy of Morrissey quotes in my search for quotes about dolls (he was into the New York Dolls when he was a teenager) and i fell a little bit in love with him again. How is it the most "miserable" man in the world can make me smile when no one else can? He is an utterly charming gentleman.

  • Age gives you a great sense of proportion. You can be very hard on yourself when you're younger but now I just think 'well everybody's absolutely mad and I'm doing quite well'.

  • Age shouldn't affect you. It's just like the size of your shoes - they don't determine how you live your life! You're either marvellous or you're boring, regardless of your age.

  • Artists aren't really people. And I'm actually 40 per cent papier mache.

  • I normally live in Los Angeles, if you can call it normal living.

  • I've never intended to be controversial but it's very easy to be controversial in pop music because nobody ever is.

  • Long hair is an unpardonable offense which should be punishable by death.

  • That was the problem with the 'celibate' word because they don't consider for a moment that you'd rather not be, but you just are. I was never a sexual person.

  • That's why I do this music business thing, it's communication with people without having the extreme inconvenience of actually phoning anybody up.

  • The Smiths was an incredibly personal thing to me. It was like launching your own diary to music.

  • You have to, at least from a distance, look as if you know what you're doing, and I can manage that.




    • I have opinions.

      "Annie Does it Again"


      Well, kittens, I went back and forth deciding whether or not to post a blog about the scandal du jour. But reading some comments, I of course developed some opinions.

      Miley Cyrus, Teen Idol, Actress and rock star, famous enough to draw the camera of one Annie Leibovitz. I don't know much about her. I am older than the Hannah Montana viewers and even if I wasn't, I never REALLY did the whole teen idol thing. When girls were pissing themselves over New Kids on the Block (oh yes, as young as 7 or 8, they're already going there, parents), I was fawning over the beautiful musical stylings of Pat Boone. So yeah, I'm wierd and always was, and I don't really "get" the parental concern about teen idol "role models". The first time I saw her perform was on American Idol Gives Back. She's very talented, performs with the confidence of a woman twice her age...in every way. She was shooting come hither looks at the camera, her lips in a sexy pout, running her fingers through her hair...She's 15, she can't be a child role model forever. Children grow up, and parents, if there are any of you reading this...15 year olds have sex. Just, come to terms with that. Teach safe sex along with abstinence...children will make their own choice, you can trust that.

      If Miley IS going to grow up, I'd like to see her take this sophisticated, artistic road to it. She's been a working stiff for, what, 5 years now? She's more mature than your average 15 year old and no matter how much you paint over that fact with glitter and hair ribbons and "child friendly" paraphernalia...she is no role model, she's too extraordinary. The neighborhood girl who works at the pre-school and walks dogs to make her way through college...THAT'S a role model...there's dignity to that. Singing and dancing and acting...that's just games. Selling yourself (or your child,.. oh yes, I went there!) to get rich and famous...I don't see the dignity in that.

      If anybody thinks these teen idols have any choice in whether they do or don't do anything...they're delusional. These kids are being used by Disney, by producers, marketing execs...they are treated like products, not people. Every word out of their mouth is nothing more than ventriloquism. Some over-powered prick up on the top floor thinks he can control the world through this child...and he's wrong. Because art, culture, entertainment...there's no scientific method to it. He can try to manipulate the people, lie to them, herd them along like cattle, but at some point, the curtain will drop, and the great and powerful Oz (Miley) will be discovered as nothing more than a sad old man working the control room. People like Annie Lennox, Bono, Madonna...they last because they controlled their own careers. Will Miley take control of her own? Chances are, she won't. This photo shoot was a chance for her, and by apologizing, whether it was genuine or not (I doubt it was), she took the coward's route.

      Vintage Wednesdays

      Medium Brown Bag

      So I've recently been using a few vintage items in my sets occasionally...and this is one of them. I was attracted to this dress because I liked how the white looked with the green and blue plaid fabric, and the button details are fun. For some reason, I always knew I'd style this dress with brown. White would have looked too clinical, and another color, too garish. It had to be brown. I also knew the shoes had to be oxfords, after a little searching. Anything else looks entirely out of place with this dress. I did want to portray this as an every day "shopping" outfit...just something to be out on the town in. So I included the shopping bags and, to me, they're absolutely indispensable. This is the sort of outfit that NEEDS some sort of context, otherwise it just looks like a costumey blast from the past. I liked the hair because it looked sort of disheveled and undone, and I thought, under the hat, that's perfect! It's 3 pm, you've done all your shopping and dealt with rude cashiers and people stealing your parking space and this going wrong and that going wrong...But no matter what, you will look FABULOUS through it all.

      Tuesday, April 29, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Alice" by ★♪☆PoPo15☆♪★

      Well I picked this for set of the day because I love the proportions. Those big ole' rabbit foot like boots, the costumey top hat and yet...most of this, I can see myself wearing. Honestly, this is really close to my style. Even I don't think I'd have the guts to walk out of the house with that hat on, but the rest, yeah, definitely. And while it hints at Alice in Wonderland, it isn't obvious, and the comparision is nicely subtle. Very nicely done!

      "Nor Cast Your Pearls Before Swine" by Etranger

      "the telephone in your house wants to sing" by purpess

      This has long been one of my favorite shirts because of the versatility of it. Of course, there's the obvious direction, the tuxedo inspired look, but these two ladies went somewhere else with it and this is WHY polyvore can be and IS so inspiring for so many fashionistas. I picked these two sets because in character, they are very similar. Both are using bold, block colors, both paired the shirt with unusual pieces, and both have a certain "geek chic" mentality about them that I mean in the best way possible. However, while Etranger chose to feature the shirt, purpess chose to use it as an accessory, almost as a shell underneath the dress. both work equally well.

      Monday, April 28, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Ha!" by BeyondFashion

      Beyond Fashion is right! This breaks all the rules. This is such a beautiful update of 70's disco era. Don't you just picture these women on a yacht with their respective mustached beaus at the wheel...snorting coke and lathering up with suntan oil? And yet, it's modern enough to move "beyond" that stereotype. I mean, who can resist those shiny purple shoes? Or the big leather corset belt? This stuff is fabulous! And that's what I'd use to describe this set, absolutely FABULOUS.

      "I Dig a French Bikini On Hawaii Island" by xxshellxx


      What she had to say:
      The Beach Boys! Gotta love them! They are a perfect example of how times could be innocent and free! With their songs about surfs, cars and innocent love! Who can resist them I ask you!

      So OF COURSE I HAD to go with a set based on the BEACH! DUH! The guy in the center of the picture was the inspiration of the color I used, and I used subtle 50's items like the high-waist shorts, maybe the sunglasses, and I guess you could throw in that vest. Dont you wanna dance on the beach with your ... boyfriend to that music? Huh? Dont ya? :)

      What I have to say:
      I LOVE the Beach Boys. Seriously, it's so easy to take them lightly because they're music is so happy and simple sounding, but if you read the lyrics, they're just PERFECT...I mean, so straight-forward, no unusual phrasing, easily understood, but still poetic and full of message. Brian Wilson didn't screw around with what he had to say. It fell within rhythm and it rhymed, but it also sounded like...like you could quote it in an everyday conversation and nobody would realize you were quoting a song. For example (my favorite BB song)...

      "Caroline, No"
      Where did your long hair go?
      Where is the girl I used to know ?
      How could you lose that happy glow?
      Oh, Caroline no

      Who took that look away ?
      I remember how you used to say
      You'd never change, but that's not true.
      Oh, Caroline you

      Break my heart
      I want to go and cry.
      It's so sad to watch a sweet thing die.
      Oh, Caroline why ?

      Could I ever find in you again
      Things that made me love you so much then ?
      Could we ever bring 'em back once they have gone ?
      Oh, Caroline no ...


      so, okay, that's the 60's and I'm totally cheating, but I think of the 50's when I think of the Beach Boys, sue me :-P.

      "Pure Estrogen"

      Once I had a secret love
      That lived within the heart of me
      All too soon my secret love
      Became impatient to be free

      So I told a friendly star
      the way that dreamers often do
      Just how wonderful you are
      And why I'm so in love with you

      Now I shout it from the highest hills
      Even told the golden daffodils
      At last my heart's an open door
      And my secret love is no secret anymore.

      Now I shout it from the highest hills
      Even told the golden daffodils
      At last my heart's an open door
      And my ... secret love is no secret anymore.
      --Doris Day


      Happy Mid-Century Mondays, Kittens!

      Friday, April 25, 2008

      "Whimsical Pippi" by Suzanne4

      This is FREAKIN' awesome. I mean, I'm always going to be a fan of any set that included "whimsy" or "whimsical" in the title, but beyond that, this is just inspired. Now, okay, the Pippi I know wouldn't wear a black tulle tutu with red ribbons, but I wish she did. Those shoes are amazing, the red [RED!!!] top hat, the shag carpet jacket over a black corset...i mean, FREAKIN'. AWESOME. You can tell I'm crazy about this set and since I missed yesterday's "Set of the Day" (bad Internet connection, SO frustrating) I am making this Thursday's Set of the Day. Did I mention I'm crazy about this set?

      Thursday, April 24, 2008

      Inspiration

      "Pollen in the Air"

      I won't lie...this set and...about 3 of the following sets are directly inspired by Mannoneke's inspirations. See, I usually work off of one picture, but she works off of many at a time, creating a richer tapestry of images and an ultimately more sophisticated look. She is always whimsical and playful, but it comes from a base of nature and reality. Of course, lets not forget that the real artists of polyvore are the photographers who have the inspiration to take the shot in the first place...or the designers who design the garments to be featured in the photographer's shot, or the model who selects the pose, or the make-up and hair crew who add to the vision...I guess what I'm trying to say is...all art is built off of inspiration. It's interactive, between the artist and the audience of artists...art is a fundamental human experience that needs to be cultivated a lot MORE...I'm tired of the world being driven by the inventors and scientists and money. Money, as a rule, is the biggest threat to art. More on that later though.

      "We're All Mad Here"

      Well, what was I thinking? I saw this picture...i can't remember who's set I saw it on, but I know I stole it...and was immediately inspired by the saturated colors in it. Obviously, the white top hat with a big pink scarf wrapped around it was inspiring, but I tried to stay away from really obvious Alice in Wonderland references. So I stuck to the colors. I've had that Batman t-shirt saved in my items for a month now and every time I intended to use it, the set went another way. This time, luckily, it didn't. I found those fabulous shoes by chance and then the rest of the set sort of built up from there. I didn't waste too much time looking for items because...well, I had the shoes. The rest was incidental. I do think the feather earrings were important. I said to myself...there's just not enough FEATHERS here...why I felt it needed feathers is a mystery, but that's what I was thinking. All in all, I'm rather happy with the wackiness amidst these sophisticated colors. Oh, and the vest...yeah, that's just to pull in some pink. This is, after all, meant to be inspired by the picture. And it sort of "goes" with this carefree bohemian look.

      Wednesday, April 23, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Ona radi u rudniku i zivot joj nije lak..." by Stefanoceras

      Okay, I don't have much time to write this, but I will tell you I had my Set of the Day already picked at 2:40. I admit it, I just knew. I kept my eyes open all day, but this is it. I LOVE that dress, and I love it's presence in a library. I'm loving the hat and the shoes with it, particularly the hat, as it elongates the silouette even futher, making the wearer statuesque and feminine. Everything is perfect, well done, Stef!

      Vintage Wednesdays

      "The Night They Invented Champagne"

      This is one of those sets that walk the line between vintage and classic. And that's kind of nice, that classic truly IS...'classic', rather than "derivative". That's really all Ihave to say about that.

      Tuesday, April 22, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Summer of Love" by Cotton Tail


      I like hippies. This set evokes the spirit of hippies. So I like this set. I always enjoy seeing a "hippy-ish" updated look. This is very present, very "now", but has that flowy, carefree look of the past.

      I suppose it makes sense that flowers,loose fabrics, natural fibers etc...should be a re-occuring trend in fashion during those times when the world most desperately needs to focus on nature and being natural. It's been blatently obvious to me that the way we live our lives here in the U.S. of A is entirely UN-natural and rather senseless. I keep waiting for...the world to change lol...no no, I keep waiting for a drastic overturning of the way we proceed with daily business. We need more small town businesses that are within bicycling distance from home (A.K.A-Kill off Wal-Mart and Target), less gas-guzzling cars, less central air conditioning, less hairspray, less plastic, less preservatives...more home gardens....generally a complete rehaul on American priorities. *sighs* I'm ready, how about you?

      Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir


      "Earth Day" by CJF Design

      I conceive that the land belongs to a vast family of which many are dead, few are living, and countless numbers are still unborn. ~A Chieftan from Nigeria

      We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb

      There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew. ~Marshall McLuhan, 1964

      I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. ~Elwyn Brooks White, Essays of E.B. White, 1977

      Man must feel the earth to know himself and recognize his values.... God made life simple. It is man who complicates it. ~Charles A. Lindbergh


      "The Wonderful World of Garbage" by Gokarm



      Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth. ~Henry David Thoreau

      For 200 years we've been conquering Nature. Now we're beating it to death. ~Tom McMillan, quoted in Francesca Lyman, The Greenhouse Trap, 1990


      Oh Beautiful for smoggy skies, insecticided grain,
      For strip-mined mountain's majesty above the asphalt plain.
      America, America, man sheds his waste on thee,
      And hides the pines with billboard signs, from sea to oily sea.
      ~
      George Carlin

      Humanity is on the march, earth itself is left behind. ~David Ehrenfeld, The Arrogance of Humanism, 1978

      Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. ~Cree Indian Proverb

      There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet. ~Brooke Medicine Eagle



      Monday, April 21, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "ivory, mint, dark brown" by Doxophobia

      Interesting Fact:
      Doxophobia - Fear of expressing opinions or of receiving praise.

      Well, sorry, sweetheart, but you shouldn't be so darn talented if you don't want to recieve praise :D Anyway, in regards to selecting the Set of the Day, I just wasn't up to it today. I'm really tired in a "monday" sort of way and just totally groggy and can't focus on any single task. I must have selected fifty other sets to be set of the day, but in a moment of weakness, this prevailed. Why? Because I simply LIKE it the most. The rest of them were good, clever outfits, and of course, this is too, but it's not BETTER than the others, it just suits my mood best today. That said, I love how all the items in this set look "worn". Like the Velveteen Rabbit, these items are the type to be much loved and much used, and thus begin to look...worn. The t-shirt is fabulous and offers alot of creative "stuff" to work with, colors, shapes, etc...It's all very peaceful and easy...the kind of thing one wears to wander about aimlessly. But as easy and peaceful as it is, it isn't boring, at least not to me. It's crisp colors contrasted with the grubbiness of the clothes is fresh and pleasantly satisfying, somehow :)

      Mid-Century Monday

      Hotel California


      I really like this set, but I have some issues with the dress. Am I seeing it from the back or the front. Common sense tells me, that if one takes a picture of a dress, they will take it from the front, but looking at it...of course the hands could be either way, either her hand is in front of her, or it's behind her back...and angle-wise, it could go either way. Also, the model is either in the high fashion couture pose, which is the image of having a bad tummy ache, or she's got her chest puffed out and her back is arched...and I can't really see any sign of breasts, not that they aren't camoflauged by the pattern. At any rate, either way, I'd like this dress. Happy Mid-century Monday!

      Friday, April 18, 2008

      "Dark Side" by Natasha11

      I don't know how she does it, but somehow Natasha manages to find THE MOST incredible garments I have ever seen on Polyvore. I was gobsmacked when I saw this set. It was clear, vivid, vibrant and, like the title says, dark. I have never seen deconstruction look as good as it does on this dress. The ruffled pieces sort of haphazardly attached to the skirt, the uniform pleating around the bottom reminding the viewer of a past sense of order, the way it looks dirty and oily, but also looks really comfortable and wearable...it's just stunning. And then, paired with that ghostly woman and her deep set eyes...a sort of androgynous priestess...oh, it's all so epic! Bravo, Natasha!

      Thursday, April 17, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Another romantic daydream" by shrimp crackers

      The first time I saw this set, I didn't get it. But the more I look at it, the more I'm digging it. This wreaks of creativity, folks. The colors are very complementary and not terribly surprising, but what's unique is how it's being worn. Taking a floral tiered skirt and using it as a short petticoat is just adorable, especially under that fiercely modern dress. The way the dress cuts in around the bottom would gather the skirt underneath and make it look thicker and fluffier, more like a petticoat and less like excess fabric. I love the frilly fishnet socks with the pink flats too. Oh, and I just noticed the balance sitting underneath the dress, hah! I was just about to say, this set is all about balancing super super contrasting ideas. You've got the bad ass with the dress and fishnets, and the sweetie pie with the ...well, the rest. And the look does not really sway to either end, it's firmly set in the middle of those two conflicting ideas. Really, a brilliant, brilliant set!

      "Lying awake intent at tuning in on you" by Misseliz

      Happy Street Style Thursday, kittens! Well, as I think I've said before, street style, for me, has a certain freedom...you can be too coordinated, but you can't be too UNcoordinated...does that make sense? Yes, well...this is Gokarm "pre-coffee" so you'll have to forgive my slight meandering. Okay, TO the point, this set is really cool. I love the pink shoes pulling out those little pink flowers hiding in the bag, "I see you there, little pink flowers, you can't hide from meeee"...without the cardigan, I don't know that I'd like this set much at all, but luckily it is there to tone down the t-shirt. I like the t-shirt, it just needs something to...you know...tone it down. Of COURSE the super polyvore trendy chunky frame glasses are present and generally speaking, that's it. It's comfortable, casual, but stands out and uses color creatively. Well done!

      Wednesday, April 16, 2008

      Set of the Day

      What'sAGirlToDo" by lovepolyvore

      Pretty, pretty, pretty. Lovepolyvore had a few good ones today to chose from, but I picked this one because the colors are just delicious. The outfit is gentle, quiet and unassuming, but if you look closely enough, you'll find that it has a few surprises. My favorite piece is the blouse. The crinkled lace and embroidery around the edges, the soft, crepe like effect of the fabric, the gently cinched waist...it's comfortable, flattering, and has a timeless charm about it. But the shirt alone is not enough. I love the selection of that pale violet skirt, almost silver in tone...it really pulls out the pale violet in the shirt...and then saturating that color further with the shoes and the ring. The bag adds a touch of shine and elegance and builds on the stained white color of the shirt. I'm sure you'll agree this deserves to be Set of the Day.

      Vintage Wednesdays

      "B Movie Babe" by Henedina

      I was looking through "my comments" on Polyvore and, well long story short, i was reminded of this marvelous set. MARVELOUS. This would go on my top 5 all time favorite Polyvore sets list. At the time, I was in this whole "Ed Wood" phase in my life so I was particularly digging this, but it's just as awesome now as it was then. That screaming lady has been used and abused countless times, but this is the most effective moment for her. The dress is sexy in a B movie babe kind of way, but it is also PERFECT for the Creature from the Black Lagoon. I've tried to match the coolness of this set, and I just can't. I give up.

      Vintage Wednesdays

      "Lillian Gish"

      This is both vintage in style and vintage polyvore, created by myself 11 months ago. Well, at the speed life moves these days, heck yeah, that's vintage lol. It's an interesting thing to go back to these old sets and see, i guess, how far I've come. Frankly, if I were to edit this set, I'd change just about everything but the dress. and the background and the puppy. Really, the whole set has less to do with "fashion" than to do with pulling together colors and textures from a variety of places. I'm quite sure nothing in this set is genuine vintage clothes, but they are indisputably inspired by vintage...the antique lace and embroidery in the dress and the boots with the illusion of a lace-up front are reminicent of something you'd find in your great grandmother's attic and that's why this is featured on Vintage Wednesdays.

      Tuesday, April 15, 2008

      Set of the Day


      by Trishy

      Another fine example of creative color use. You'll note that not a single color is repeated, but also that it all flows so seamlessly. If each color wasn't in here, it wouldn't click. For example, you couldn't use that bag without the shoes, because they flow into the silver. Without them...nothing flows into the silver and it's discordant. Not that it'd be a BAD thing, but the mood of the look would change entirely. I'm also a big fan of the cuts. Those slightly cropped pants over the chunky sandal...GORGEOUS...and the collarless yellow jacket matches the modernism of the rest of the set. It's timeless, effortless, classic with a modern twist, comfortable and absolutely flawless.

      Two for Tuesday

      "Clean" by stickypinkgum


      "Dirty" by Gokarm

      This is a fine example of why I slightly miss the days when we could edit someone else's set. Obviously, the tool got abused and the administration was forced to get rid of it, but it was fun. I saw this set by stickypinkgum and was inspired not just by the set but by the title. So you see I made a "dirty" to match her "clean" using the same proportions and items that she used. Also, by editing her set, I was able to show the rest of Polyvore that I had indeed been inspired by another Polyvorian and they could just click on the picture to see the other set bigger. Now, I know you can provide a link to another set, but let's be honest, it's just not as cool :).

      Monday, April 14, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Mary Ann" by Henedina

      THIS is the kind of thing Henedina is known for, by my estimation. Each piece is unique or...there's so much unique-ness going on that you don't even notice the classics (like the pencil skirt) and the classics' mere presence in a set as varied as this MAKES it unique. Furthermore, it's not just about each item being unique, but also how it is put together. That hat, that top, those shoes, that necklace and those sunglasses...What?!? Together?!? Miss Henedina says "Hell to the yes!" (my imagined response, not an actual quote ;-)). And she's right, that hat would seem nearly ordinary if it was paired with a more...girlish business chic ensemble...and all the items in this set seem to belong somewhere else, but when they come together...something spectacular happens; which is why this is Set of the Day!

      Mid-Century Mondays




      Totally loving Dollydagger again.

      Caramel Appletini

      Sorry for the delay! I had computer issues.
      So this is Mid-Century Mondays, Kittens, but for me, it's just a really typical "MONDAY", in the most threatening, dangerous, deep-voiced delivery you can imagine. I had to practically drag myself to the office, and traffic was miserably annoying...people cutting me off the entire way...ugh.

      Not to set women's lib back 60 years but...oh, how I long for the days when men and women got married and one's husband went off to work while the wife/mother stayed home and kept house. There's a few advantages to working at home and not making a salary...


      1. You don't have to sit in traffic.

      2. You don't have to argue with payroll every other week because they didn't get your time sheet even though that's bull because you sent it in.

      3. I could totally get into the whole cooking and cleaning thing...over time. I don't like grocery shopping, but that's mostly because I'm spending my own money.

      4.You're sleeping with your boss...so you get "special treatment" and it's legal in the eyes of the lord (I know, this is the most sickeningly submissive thing you've ever heard, but I want the man to be in charge, sue me.)

      And frankly, I don't think current society DEMANDS that both parents work. They could downsize...buy a smaller house, trade in the SUV for a Prius...Let me put it this way...the mantra for most parents is "I want my child to have everything I didn't have growing up".But modern parents...they were spoiled rotten with their own room and private bathroom, tv, videogames etc... So now the mantra is probably closer to "I want my child to have everything I had" and since that was everything...that's a lot of pressure for new parents with financial struggles. And the irony is, while the parents are out making money to give their children everything they could ever want, they're NOT giving them the one thing they NEED...which is parental attention. I could write a book on the common sense of family life in the 1950's but...not here. Happy Mid-Century Mondays!

      Saturday, April 12, 2008

      Set of the Day



      By Manonneke

      This is pretty typical of miss Manonneke. Inspirational, charming, beautiful, comfortable and just the slightest hint of masculine overtones. I wouldn't be lying if I said she's been a huge influence in some of my sets on Polyvore and I'm delighted to be able to feature her here on Imprisoned Whimsy. Now, what I like most about this set is the waistcoat's color. You see a bit of it in the shoe, but mostly, it's just a nice complementary color to the creams and oranges in the set. I also love her ability to 'set a mood' with a couple of random pictures. I could get into the psychological implications of including a fashionable clown amidst the rest of the country style pieces, but it's Saturday and I just don't have the drive to think about it. Beautiful work, Manonneke!

      Summery Saturday

      "So Once and For All" by xxshellxx

      This is pastels with an edge. Think about that. Pastels. with an EDGE. Obviously I'm going to love it, I don't know about you. So...this is a super summery outfit. She has the sailor inspired bag, the modified gladiator sandals (a really marvelous pair) and a nice light blue flouncy skirt. All well and good, but when I start to love it is when I see the striped mens shirt. A mens shirt over a light blue flouncy skirt? Madness! But it totally works. She managed to create a girly tomboy look. I also love the light blue cameo ON THE MEN'S SHIRT. That's brilliant. This whole look is really hipster, really interesting, and really unique. Well done, Shell!

      Friday, April 11, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Little Yellow Spider" by eyesthatlie


      Sunglasses. For some reason, that seems to be the only reason I can come up with for why this is Set of the Day. Not that the whole outfit isn't awesome. I love the orange t-shirt with those particular skinny jeans and the matching orange shoes...and I don't want to discount the animal print bag or Devendra Banhart...it all plays a part in the coolness of this set. But if I take out those sunglasses...It's just a mildly good set. However...WITH the sunglasses, this set is unbeatable. UN. BEATABLE. Great way to top off Freakin' Awesome Fridays!

      "Little Yellow Spider"
      by Devendra Banhart

      Little yellow spider laughing at the snow
      Well maybe that spider knows something that I don't know
      Cuz I'm goddamn cold

      Little white monkey staring at the sand
      Maybe that monkey figured out something I couldn't understand
      Who knows

      Well I came upon a dancing crab and I stopped to watch it shake, I said,
      'Dance for me just one more time before ya hibernate,
      and ya come out a crab cake'

      And hey there little snapping turtle, snapping at a shell
      Oh there's mysteries inside I know
      But what they are I just can't tell for sure

      And hey there little baby crow, you're looking kind of mean
      I think I oughta split before ya start letting off your steam
      For sure

      And hey there little sexy pig, you mated with a man
      And now you've got a little kid
      With hooves instead of hands

      And oh all of the animals, all of the animals

      And hey there little mockingbird, they sing about you in songs
      'Oh where ya been? Have ya broke a wing?'
      I haven't heard ya in so long

      And hey there little albatross, swimming in the air
      'Aw, come on you know I can't fly and I
      Think we really oughta play fair'

      And hey there mister happy squid, you move so psychedelically
      You hypnotize with your magic dance all the animals in the sea
      For sure

      And oh all of the animals, all the animals

      And hey there Mr. Morning Sun, what kind of creature are you
      I can't stare, but I know you're there
      Goddamn, how I wish I knew

      And hey there Mrs. Lovely Moon, you're lonely and you're blue
      It's kind of strange the way you change
      But then again we all do, too.

      "Inspired by all you polyvore-people :)" by North of Anna


      1,151 people like this set (so far), there are over 500 comments on it and I believe it holds the record for most "I like this" hits ever on polyvore. That is why this set is being featured on Freakin' Awesome Fridays and for no other reason. The amount of success this one set has had is unbelievable. Granted, a lot of that is bandwagon folks who get excited by a common cause...and some of it has to do with the fact that anything rainbow tends to be very popular...and shoes, of course, there is some strange psychological attraction young girls have to shoes that I don't personally share...at least not for any of the shoes in this set. It is also a single unified image with one clear statement that sort of sums up what polyvore is about, creating art with clothes.

      HOWEVER...I am not going to sit here and tell you that I like to see this kind of thing. It's cute, but it's not what I look for on polyvore. If you look at the top 5 most popular sets EVER at the moment...it's this, 2 coffee cups filled with multi-colored crap, a panda made out of a rainbow of flowers, and a rainbow spectrum of high heels vs. a rainbow spectrum of converse sneakers. Is it any wonder adults don't take Polyvore seriously? I have to say, there was a time when Polyvore was a lot more sophisticated than it is now...but I suppose with popularity comes a vast amount of mediocrity. That's why I'm so proud to have the friends I have on Polyvore...you guys are chic, cool, classy, and totally fierce and I love you for it!

      Thursday, April 10, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "275." by Black Dahlia


      This is so cool. I love the loose t-shirt over a pencil skirt look with bold colored pumps. It's so 80's and for my money, totally fresh. The proportion is hot, and if i'm not mistaken, it's all very affordable too. That's pretty much all there is to say about the set because it's simple and flawless. Well done, dahlia!

      Now, I have a perfect platform to introduce the topic of the eeevil cigarette (ghostly oooOOOOoooo). Now listen, I understand how fashionable it is of late to be against smoking. "Smoking kills" and has all kinds of nasty side effects and it's ALLL "no shit, Sherlock" kind of stuff. You're ingesting smoke, pollutants, etc...yeah, I'd say that's going to have a side effect or two. I even get the problem people have with second hand smoke. Really, I get it.

      But no matter HOW much you hate it or HOW much you're against it, don't walk up to a smoker and say "oh, you know smoking kills, right?" It's insulting, condescending and totally self-righteous to do so. As if YOU've never done something unhealthy. Unsafe sex, trans fats, the sun itself...all really bad for you...but we're humans and we do it, we eat it, we bathe in it because we LIKE it. Nobody is smoking for their health, it has to do with enjoying our lives however we choose. And if you're trying to be as healthy as possible and you're avoiding all the right things and exercising every day and petting every damn cow you come across...good for you...you're still gonna die. And you still don't have the right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my own body. That issue is between me and my loved ones.

      I feel for the smokers of the world, I really do. I feel for the folks who love leather and fur and steak, I feel for those who enjoy french fries...because around every corner is some opinionated asshole telling them they're murderers, deviants, pigs, and they stink. Where is the love?

      "Don't Edit"

      This is the last 'pure' street style set I made. It has the usual "gokarm" features...doc martens, gloves, vest, hat, glasses...I think i was getting a little punchy when I made this lol. I normally wouldn't have gone with the peacock clutch AND the checkered scarf...which is why this is titled the way it is. It was hard for me not to take that bag out and replace it with something a little more acceptable/predictable. I mean I already had crazy going on with the shoulder length leather gloves and the top hat and the round frame glasses...did I REALLY need to go further and add the bag? Looking at it now though, I think the bag is perfect (with the earrings). It's an added element that pushes forward that "glam" david bowie-ness...without it, this would be just another boring hipster set.

      "no, I promise you...wearing a Harvard tee will make you look smart" by tay.ah.luuhrr.

      For me, the best way to make an impact in streetwear is to create an outfit that you would actually wear, but others wouldn't. This is that sort of look. I can imagine someone walking down the street in this and looking so hip and cool, but I would NEVER leave the house wearing it...why? Because it's not my street style, it's her's. Another reason I think I love this is more to do with my Beatles fetish i.e. anything featuring the Beatles and I'm on board. But I love that hat and I have used it a few times myself (well, maybe once)...and I love that she took chances with color. Pink, mauve, orangy brown, black, gold, grey, red...it all goes.

      Wednesday, April 09, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Big City Life" by guccilovexo

      Just spectacular; Awesomely cool, while maintaining a summery breeziness. The bag and the shoes were MADE to be worn together. The hat...a blue straw fedora...HAS to be the only one in existence...This is another example of a totally chic but totally COMFORTABLE look. I am the kind of woman who shakes her head and rolls her eyes when I see a severe looking chick in razor sharp stilettos, tight skirt and any other painful type of clothing you can think of...maybe it's sexy, but in everyday life...why put yourself through that when you can look like this?!? Of course, anyone with a brain knows that this is a sexier look. (Did you ever notice that most men don't have brains when it comes to women? What's up with that? I was in a dressing room and and this girl's boyfriend was reviewing her clothes, and she put on this uncomfortably tight top where her gut was hanging out ... she didn't like it but he loved it. What's even MORE aggravating is she BOUGHT it...what is WITH that? But I digress...)I am a big fan of this set. Well done, guccilovexo!

      Vintage Wednesdays

      "Attic Treasures 2"
      (apparently there was an Attic Treasures 1?)


      Up in the attic, Down on my knees
      Lifetimes of boxes, timeless to me
      letters and photographs yellowed with years
      some bringing laughter, some bringing tears

      Time never changes the memories, the faces
      of loved ones who bring to me
      All that I come from, and all that I live for
      And all that i'm going to be
      My precious family is more than an heirloom to me
      --Amy Grant



      So this is one of mine, 9 months old. I remember those photographs on the ground were a very popular image at the time. Henedina had found that picture frame...and it was around this time folks were first introducing non cloth items...like the plant and the boxes and the books and everything. Using old letters as a background was very fashionable as well. This is really when Polyvore started to be about more than clothes...for better or worse. I still like the idea of fashion telling a story rather than just...telling a story...but I suppose that concept is difficult for many to grasp...I still don't fully understand it myself. But I love this set (and a number of the sets I made around the same time) because they're rooted in something deeper than the latest trends or Galliano's Fall/Winter line...they really are timeless.

      Vintage Wednesdays

      "The Attic" by ToniB

      This isn't just a vintage set, it's an attic full of it! This is such a charming set, laid out three dimentionally with books, shoes, trinkets and treasures strewn about the attic floor. Who hasn't invisioned going into grandma's attic in the house she's lived in for 60 years and finding this scene set before you? Masterfully excecuted and at the time, it was really an original(ish) idea. Great Job, girl!

      Tuesday, April 08, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Oui!" by Etranger

      This one came in late today, and I'm glad I waited. Now, if you got the body for it, this is a fantastic summery outfit. I'm a big fan of ribbed tanks, high waisted anything and platform sandals. So it's no surprise this is Set of the Day. I also love the burnt oranges and wheat colored accessories. The clutch is particularly cool because it's *the* item that pulls the whole look together. Well done, Etranger!

      "Chanel" by love_to_shop


      This is such a fantastic set, I can't even stand it. Okay, maybe I'm overstating a bit, but it's early and I'm easily amused. I love that she used a cardigan as a dress. Normally, I don't like that, I'm like "why didn't he/she include the rest of the outfit?" or "omg, that's so slutty, she ain't got no pants on" but in this case, I find myself just adoring this whole look. Frankly, it just looks so darn comfortable. Flat boots, well covered up, all soft fabrics...I could cuddle up in this outfit and go to sleep and then get up and go to the organic grocery store and look totally put together and chic.

      "Boy, can i borrow your clothes?" by mrs. Brightside
      This is just really, so cool. Obviously, she's playing with menswear, as ladies of 2008 are known to do...and this is a really sexy result, because it's not boring menswear, it's rockstar menswear. This isn't Wally Wallstreet with his suit and tie and suspenders...no...this is younger, hipper, non-conformist menswear that verges on androgynous. My favorite part of this look is the Rolling Stones t-shirt. Something about the color of the red...it's just enough color without being *too* much.

      Monday, April 07, 2008

      Set of the Day

      "Accessorizing Gray" by Mewsmom

      Mewsmom, a polyvorian best known for her interior designs, attempts a fashion set. But not just any fashion set...9 in 1!

      I chose this because each outfit really works with it's designated dress. All of the dresses are knock-outs (except maybe the bottom middle one, that's just meh), and you can see a variety of ways to wear a gray dress. Well done, Mewsmom!

      Rock-a-Billy Babe


      Our visit to the mid-century continues with a totally different facet of the era...rock-a-billy. I think I'm more inspired by John Waters than the actual 50's but that's okay, because I know somewhere, somewhere in that great big 1950's world, there was a chick who rocked this look...sans the high tops because high tops didn't exist. This is, like steampunk, a retro look that flashes back to something that didn't actually exist except in the warped history of pop culture. It's taking an inspiring thing, like Rock-a-billy, and running with it. It's a filthy/gorgeous look. Colorful and trashy and over-done and not at all chic...and totally fabulous.

      "Limoncello"

      Happy Monday, Kittens! I know, I know, it's rough, first day off the weekend and it's hit the ground running. But let us take a moment to reminisce of better days, days of cocktail parties, full skirts, dapper men and curly haired women with full figures, days when a size 14 was considered voluptuous and sexy, not obese and embarrassing.

      When I think about the 50's, my brain shoots off in various incongruant directions. There's the James Dean bad boy image, there's the sex-pots like Marilyn and Mamie Van Doren, and then there's the icon to beat all 50's icons...Donna Reed. Sure, she was fake and set a standard of feminine perfection that no woman in real life could possibly hope to live up to, but hey, that's the American way, right kittens?

      ;;