Vintage AF

Okay, so here I am exhausted AF and being honest. Last week was rough. As a family we had the type of September and October that should be locked in a closet and never let out again. I’m sure you can relate. You know those months where EVERYTHING goes wrong all at the same time? It makes for stressful times. Between my writing schedule, the kids school schedules, co-parenting with an ex, and about fifty wrenches thrown in our way; I went to bed and didn’t get out of it for two days. I couldn’t. I was emotionally drained and psychologically exhausted (lack of self care), and I didn’t want to speak (didn’t want to do anything actually). And so I didn’t. I cried a lot if that counts as something. Avett stayed in bed with me and man that baby gives me joy where I can’t find any. My bed was littered with baby toys and bottles and he was the only person I was okay being with. Sounds dramatic, I know. But, man, I don’t know how to rest. It’s a sickness. People who go non-stop and put everyone else’s needs before their own are susceptible to cracking sometimes. You need someone in your corner to tell you that you’ve been going too hard for too long, and that you desperately need to rest and breathe. I don’t know if you have someone like that in your corner, so I’m going to tell you. You need a YOU break. Okay? Please. Your mental health, your mind, your nurturing of your family hinges largely on your mental health and happiness. No matter what anyone tells you you are entitled to your own space, and you have a right to fight for your own happiness. Being a mother doesn’t mean you cease to exist as an individual. You’re still there, buried under the saggy tits and dry shampoo.  Your dreams, and visions, and hobbies still matter even after you expanded your life for a partner and small humans. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom, if your family is judgmental, if you “should” feel soooooo lucky about your wonderful life. You are a human who sometimes runs out of juice. Your cup dries up because you pour, pour, pour. Refill without guilt, my friends. Carve out some space for the girl who used to have time to wash her hair, and have perky tits. Create, sleep, cry, rest, go to a movie, take a bath, read a book, lock yourself in the bathroom (I do this). I love you and you’re still you.

 

My sweater (that you asked about) wasn’t supposed to be on the blog. I’ve mentioned before that I shop in the men’s department often, and that’s where I found it. Josh liked it so much he went and bought one for himself (we won’t be wearing them at the same time). But, I linked it for you. I’m seventeen pounds down and I’ve stuffed myself into two pairs of my larger jeans! I’m wearing a men’s small in the photo and it fits perfectly. I normally wear a woman’s Medium.

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Mean Green

Love this bright green, ruffle collar sweater. The collar was so cute I stepped out of my black comfort zone and actually wore color in public. Can you just picture wearing it with a messy bun? So cute. My grey overcoat is an oldie, so I listed some other options for you. And FYI I walked London all day (20,000 steps) wearing these UGG wedges. So comfortable.

Hey! It’s Thursday. I’m writing a book where the main character’s name is Thursday. Be happy, the weekend is almost here! This weekend Josh and I celebrate two years of being together. He has something planned but he hasn’t told me what. Someone tell him that I hate surprises. By the way, the book I just read is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s a hard thing for me to say that because of the subject matter. It’s not my favorite book of all time, but definitely one of the best I’ve ever read. Does that make sense? I hope you give it a shot but be prepared, it’s hard to read.

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Art

I had a really great conversation with a friend this weekend about art. Actually it’s Josh’s friend, but now that we’re married we share everything right? Right. So my new friend and I were talking about art as a lifestyle. He’d just complimented my home decorating skills, and my photo taking skills, and while we sat at the dinner table my ego bloating he helped me understand myself a bit more. Last time a dude made me think deeply he was tattooing the words I am the color of BOOM on my arm. My tattoo artist, Kaweeka is one of the wisest dudes on the planet. Too bad he left the shop and didn’t tell anyone where he was going. I’ve been on the search for Kaweeka for three years now. KAWEEKA CAN YOU HEAR ME?! Where you at?

Anyway, off track there.

Art is a lifestyle. It’s not just books, or photography, or paint. It can be simple things too, things you may not realize are there. Once you open the door to one type of art more things follow.

I started as a writer. I was only six years old when I wrote my first story. I was writing books about talking dolls and magical wells back then. Pretty soon I found the need to express myself in more ways than just the written word. I started decorating. I started writing songs. I had a friend try to teach me how to draw. I wasn’t good at everything but I only discovered that by trying. I wanted to create things, even the things I showed no obvious talent in.

Humans need a way to express themselves. We have to much boiling inside of us not to.

My home is eccentric, bold and…weird. it’s too weird to be trendy. It’s sort of Alice in Wonderland meets Beetlejuice. In other words my decorating style is sort of a well coordinated acid trip. And the way I dress, I mean most people think I’m wack. My favorite thing to wear are atrociously ugly shoes. I pull the artist card when explaining my wardrobe.

“What? I’m an artist. I need to express myself…”

The things that come out of  us like our home decor, clothes, tattoos, heck even cooking are all reflections of who we are. I know that some of you have to suppress those things because you work jobs that won’t allow blue hair, or ripped jeans. But, find ways. Find ways to let those beautiful things inside of you come out. You are an artist. Yes, you. Most people don’t think they’re creative. That’s not true. Just because it hasn’t been cultivated or acknowledged doesn’t mean it isn’t there. You may express it in the way you creatively give gifts, or the way you style your hair. But there is art in you and you need that art. it doesn’t even matter if you’re not good at it…yet. You can be. Find your art.

 

Guys, wire headbands. They’re not floppy and they don’t slide off your head like the fabric ones. I found one for you below, but there are great choices on Amazon. I included plus size options in this post, as well as a more affordable pair of jeans. So scroll right to make sure you’ve seen everything. Also some people commented recently that they’re unsure of how to subscribe to the Guise Of the Villain blog. You have to sign up on a desktop. One you visit my website from your computer there will be a pop option to subscribe. Happiest Sunday.

 

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Cable Knit

Errrrybody wanted to know about the sweater so here she is. Cable knit, comfortable, sexy, slouchy. Need I say more? I tried to find a similar style that won’t break the bank, but I wasn’t successful. I went back twice for it and talked myself out of the purchase both times. In the end it haunted me.  I can say that Free People does not disappoint. The quality of their clothes ensures that you’ll be wearing whatever you buy for years.

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Killer Boots

When I bought my boots I figured people would think they’re the ugliest thing they’d ever seen. And maybe they are, but I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! And apparently many of you do too. I bought them in Camden Town in my beloved London. Little shop with funky leather boots. I can’t find them online guys, but I did find some similar boots which are quite a bit more affordable. Speaking of London, I can’t quit it. I’ve been watching British movies, reading British books, and daydreaming of living in my favorite city. Please, God, please. I’ve never been more in love with any place. Anyway, links below and I hope you have a very merry Christmas, friends.

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That Sweater Though!

I’m not going to lie and tell you that I don’t have a lot of clothes. I do. Especially sweaters. I am a sweater junkie, and I had no idea that when I lived in Florida I was continuously depressed because I couldn’t wear sweaters. Okay, that’s a stretch. I was depressed living in Florida for many reasons, but I didn’t even own sweaters when I lived there. What type of life is that, you know? These are a few of my favorite sweaters. You all ask me about that grey waffle Leith a lot. And I get so many compliments on the mustard sweater I’m wearing in the pic. They do have it in black! Links below.

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Block That Color

Four years strong. That’s how long I’ve had my UGG waterproof boots. They were the first big thing I bought when I started selling books and moved to rainy Washington. Now I have all kinds of rain boots, but in general they’re a drag, even cute ones like Hunter. They’re kind of stiff, you know? If the zombie apocalypse hits while you’re wearing your Hunter boots you’re going to die. With the UGG boots you have the waterproof thing going on, they’re flexible and most importantly they’re extremely comfortable. Like a slipper. Imagine that. Of all the things in my closet, I love these most.

My black and white color block sweater is under sixty bucks! I did not link my fingerless gloves, and I know you guys are going to ask me about them. I bought them in London, and they’re covered in sharp weapon-like spikes. Josh is not a fan, but they keep him in line. Links below!

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Free People SALE!

My friends, Free People is price matching! They can really break the bank with their snooty prices, but I’ve never had a problem with their quality. If you buy something from them you’re going to wear if for a couple of season. I wanted to hurry and post this sweater which is on SALE with the price match. It’s not a heavy wool sweater. It’s loosely knitted so you’ll need something underneath it if it’s very cold (I wore a white shirt). But, it’s also perfect for Fall and Spring since it is fairly light (and soft). Also, these boots are made for walking. I didn’t get to walk over anyone, but I think that if I did they would still be comfortable! All day comfort, and if you’re going to invest in over-the-knee boots why not get a color that pops? What? I’m not practical. And our Egg chair. It’s dreamy. All four of us read in that thing. I’m trying to convince Josh to put it in the bedroom until its warm again.

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Home Plaid Home

Welcome to my home! I like dinosaur bones, and alligator book-ends, and at Christmastime I like all the plaid. EVERYTHING PLAID! I also like a really comfortable pair of wedges. These are probably my favorite pair, and I wear them most often. The fringe adds a little something to a plain outfit, but I know fringe isn’t for everyone. Remember, if you have shorter legs wearing a wedge with skinny jeans will give the illusion of length. Also, this cable knit sweater is something I wear once a week. This time I tucked in the front for a different look and i really liked it. Felt like something new.

Personal story: this week Ryder decided he wants to be a playwright. He’s been writing plays, practicing plays, and in general tormenting us with plays. I have to say, this is the strangest phase he’s ever gone through. At night he’s actually been crying himself to sleep over some internal play drama. I’m all like “SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR ART, RYDER! You don’t see me crying do you?” (he does). Anyway, I always thought Scarlet would be the angsty artists, but…

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Free the Skirts

 Hey there!

Happy Thanksgiving week. I am off to London today and very excited about it. My children visit their dad’s family in Indiana every Thanksgiving and so as not to be depressed…I leave the country. But, let’s be honest, England is my very favorite place in the world and I don’t care much for turkey- so, EXCITED!  My favorite time to go is around Christmastime. London has a very Harry Potter feel at Christmastime: street bazaars that sell mulled wine, the hustle and bustle of the city, red double-decker buses, very tall men wearing very beautiful clothes. You’d love it. Josh has never been and I’m so eager to share my favorite place with him. As for the outfit, I wore this on our anniversary. My Free People skirt is on MAD sale right now. It’s very soft and comfortable for those of you who are picky about skirts. And my cardigan comes in several colors. Talk when I get back! Have fun!

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