@ VSVP Rock-ette @

I may look NOTHING like her, but Snow White has always had a special place in my heart. When I was 4 I proclaimed I had to be her for Halloween (my mom actually sewed me an adorable costume)...I’m actually currently working on some writing and collage projects inspired by “Snow White,” despite my limited familiarity with the Disney movie/franchise, not the original Brothers Grimm story. It’s my goal to read some original Grimm tales in February 2015, so hopefully by then I’ll authentically know what I'm talking about. Nonetheless, “the fairest in the land” was a key inspiration for my look here. Snow White also feels perfect for this time in winter. 

I also looked to some other seasonally-appropriate sources of inspiration: namely ASAP Rocky and the Rockettes. Maybe not the likeliest combination, but hear me out.

Fun fact: the Rockettes actually originated in St Louis is 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets." Whaaat, right? They moved to NYC's Radio City in 1932 and have stayed there ever since.

I couldn't help but be inspired by the Rockettes in my choice of glittery tights, tweed peplum mini skirt, and faux-fur trimmed cape. As the Refinery 29 addict that I am, I was also very inspired by this makeup tutorial:

My makeup was partially Rockettes-inspired (liquid glitter eyeliner, bright pink cheeks) and partially ASAP-inspired.

ASAP touched more upon Snow White in some ways than the Rockettes did in examples like:
"Talkin' bout no diamonds cuz that **** is a facade"

"Only thing bigger than my ego is my mirror"

"I be that pretty motha*****"

lol.

Makeup-wise I'm wearing:

Tarte Amazonian clay BB tinted moisturiser in Light

Tarte colored clay CC under-eye corrector

Benefit PosieTint (I've consistently bought this for 5 years and it's the perfect blush/lip combo for when you're in a hurry)

Nyx Wicked Lippie:"Cold Hearted"

Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner

random bright pink lipstick worn as under-eye eyeliner for "bloodshot" effect

Urban Decay Heavy Metal in Gold

Benefit Bad Gal lash

The eye inspo?

Bloodshot.

Skirt, Topshop.

Top, Urban Outfitters.

Bandeau, American Apparel. 

Capelet, Collectif, Modcloth. 

Tights, Topshop. 

Booties, Bottega Veneta.

Bow, H & M.

Pearls, Mikimoto (hand-me-down)

Note: don't be afraid to mix textures this winter-who says tweed doesn't go with gold shimmery tights?

A very special thanks to my talented sister, Annie, for taking these photos. 

Happy New Year, and may your 2015 be #DarkWhimsical

xo ♡ SFB

✁ Thank-you Notes ✁

Christmas came and went in the blink of an eye, but hopefully you’re still in good holiday cheer. I am extremely pleased to say I received a wonderful Nikon 3200 DSLR camera from my parents for Christmas (among many other amazing gifts from friends and relatives), which will be put to good use for this blog.

I regret to say I neglected to say thank you to many people during college. More often over the past 4 years I said “sorry” (I tend to be overly apologetic), often to friends who didn’t deserve it, to situations that I was not sorry about it, and with no intention of gratitude. In hindsight I wish I had expressed my appreciation to those who gave me kindness, through their friendship, gifts, or help. The holiday season is high time for lots and lots of gifts, and lots and lots of gratitude. Even in this day and age, there’s no better and less personal way to say “thank you” than a handmade (or at least hand-written) thank-you card.

I’ve been making stationery cards for family and friends since I was in 5^th grade, when my friend and I wanted to start a “stationery business” (we were inspired by her mother, who is a graphic designer). We called it “Stationery Sweets by S & N.” Pretty cute, right? Unfortunately the business never took off, and I’ve set my stationery business desires aside for the moment decade, but I still love to make stationery for friends and family. You get to put your creativity into appreciating their thoughtfulness into a memento (the card), not necessarily another gift. It’s not an exchange of commodities, but rather an exchange of care and gratitude.

At this point I'll cut the crap and show you how I make my stationery.

What I use:

• ·       Nail polish
• ·       Sequins
• ·       Scissors
• ·       Fine-point pens (Stabilo are my favorite!)
• ·       Occasionally colored pencils
• ·       Old pens and pencils as “drawing utensils” for nail polish, acting as fine-tip “paint”
• ·       Card stock 

There’s no real direction-illustrate and design whatever you want and decorate it however you want! I like to stencil out designs on one piece of card stock, decorate as desired, and eventually cut it out and glue onto the card stock “cards” I’ve pre-made.

Use an old pen or pencil to “draw/paint” with nail polish…looks cooler than using a pen.
Stencil out shapes and cut them out on card stock. 

Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from any source! It doesn’t matter how great or bad your rendition is of a cartoon-it’s the thought that counts! "Messy" designs can also be fun :) 

Cut individual sequins into small pieces and glue into the card stock shapes with superglue. It takes a lot of patience, but the effects are worth it if you appreciate small details.

Nail polish is a great medium to use because:

1.       It saves you money on paint

2.     Lacquered effects/colors are lovely

3.     Shimmery/glittery nail polish adds amazing embellishment!

Whenever I buy new nail polish, I think both about how I want my nails and my cards to look. 

With all the glitter I was using in the stationery, I thought a glittery “vase” using a cute recycled can of seasonally appropriate soda would be cute….the glitter didn’t quite work out. But I tried.

Create, curate, and don’t forget to be GRATEful!  

xo ♡ SFB

♧ Show Me St Louis ♧

I haven’t eaten there since I was probably 9, but TGI FRIDAY! For some reason this week seemed to drag on and on…I couldn’t tell ya why. Luckily, this particular Friday was festive in perfect St Louisian fashion for me...

As part of my internship at Alive, every Friday I accompany my manager to local St Louis news station KSDK for Allive’s weekly “Show Me St Louis” segment. In the spirit of the holidays and in honor of tomorrow’s 13^th and Washington event (which I will be bar tending at), today’s segment featured Valerie of 13^th and Wahington. The model didn’t show up, so I (or really, my hair) filled her spot! Here’s the clip & some stills:

Despite waking up with very dry hair, Valerie spruced it up so much that I wore my hair like that for the rest of the day. I love this style-if only I had the patience to do it myself! 

Aside from appearing on “Show Me St Louis,” I indulged in another staple of St Louis today: Hodak’s! Hodak’s is right next to the Alive offices, and having heard it was a “quintessential St Louis restaurant", it was the perfect place for today’s lunch. I went with fellow Alive intern and blogger, Angelica! 

Sweater, Vero Moda at ASOS

Skirt, Vintage from Wasteland LA.

Tights, ASOS.

Shoes, Urban Outfitters.

Necklace, Topshop.

PS…notice that my nails are Laker purp & yellow ;) I may be in STL at the moment, but I’m definitely thinking about LA in my near-future. 

xo ♡ SFB