Frida Love

We took our students to see the Frida and Diego exhibit at the High Museum of Art, so I got a little Frida-fied with my outfit. 

While I can easily recognize her work, there was a lot I didn't know about the colorful Frida Kahlo! I didn't know that her body was constantly in pain from polio and a bus accident as a teenager. I didn't know she was in love with a much older (and larger) Diego Rivera... that they got divorced.... then got married again. I didn't know that her accident made her unable to have her own babies. That she lived in the USA and hated it and Paris and loved it but was always obsessed with her native Mexico. Turns out, there's a lot more to Frida than colors, flowers, and self portraits!

Cool thing about being a teacher #951: sometimes you get to do as much learning as you do teaching!

Anyway, if you live in Atlanta, you should definitely visit the Frida and Diego exhibit at the High. If you have the option, definitely see the lovely multimedia performance before the exhibit. It's appropriate for kids and entertaining for adults, too. And if me and my blog post are any proof, educational!

Wearing:
Vintage peasant skirt
Blouse from somewhere crazy cheap and probably not ethical at all
Belt bought in Paris
Circle scarf gift from a parent
Boots from Target
Glasses from a boutique in Brooklyn, NY

festive, or how another sunhat came into my life

The school I work at was silver for the local neighborhood festival and parade that took place. I took the theme seriously from tiptop to toenail. 

It's magical to wake up one morning and walk out your front door to find your quiet sunny neighborhood transformed into a bustling market. When not participating in school fun and painting the faces of adorable youngsters, I wandered around the booths. My favorites were one selling raw crystals and gems for about a dollar apiece, and another boasting "packable" sun hats located directly outside my yard. 

On the first day, the packable hat lady wouldn't bargain with me, but I was not discouraged. I lay patiently in wait, my floppy be-ribboned prey in sight. As she was packing up on Sunday, I ran across my yard and asked for a last minute end-of-festival deal; One more wide-brimmed sunhat became mine. 

Hope you wake up to a little magic in your front yard!

Silver nails with a sparkle accent.

The cutest Power Ranger.

Lovely packable hats.

Crystals

Gems

Gourd face.

New hat <3

big bling 2012 / why all my friends should have style blogs

The supply of possible New Years plans seemed limitless this year, but somehow the decision was finally made to spend the eve at Stankonia Recording Studio, a cool little spot in the West End owned by none other than Atlanta's famous hip-hop duo, Outkast; The event boasted an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight, for no small fee of $35 in advance, $50 at the door. This probably had visions of Long Island Iced Teas and partying with hip hop legends dancing through our heads, but these dreams were quickly squashed. 

The bar was packed with thirsty desperate party-goers, with a selection offering no better than the grungiest of chest-hair sprouting tequila... straight up. Forget you ever learned the word "Patron" and forget about a chaser. Morale was low over by the kegs as well, where a sad ever-lengthening line resembled the DMV more than a chic Atlanta party spot. And surprise surprise, at midnight, no Moet did it rain.

It hardly mattered. I was too busy tearing up the dance floor with my bests to notice the absence of champagne. Thank goodness the music was good and I was in the best possible company! Inability to get a cab towards the wee hours even turned out to be a blessing, as we found ourselves standing directly across from Big Boi himself! What a badass. I take it as a good omen for 2012. Big Boi at least guaranteed we started our year on a high note ;)

I only took the one crappy cell phone pic at the actual event. So instead, enjoy a slew of photos from our pre-party! Isn't it ridiculous that these girls don't have their own fashion blogs?? The tall blonde in the amazing technicolor dress and the girl with the super cute braided up-do both have wonderful tumblrs you should check out. Anyone's Road and Florence Alan, respectively.

florencealan.tumblr.com

anyones-road.tumblr.com

Wearing:
Festivity blouse
Lace ruffle shorts from China
Sparkle tights from China
Wedges from Underground Atlanta
Vintage broach
Gifted bracelet
Hornet ring from Fort Myers

Big Boi also made sure to wear his gold and glitter this NYE ;) 

Brock Cassidie

One highlight of a weekend filled with highlights: A visit to Brock Cassidie Salon and a fancy Old Hollywood hairdo to sport all day!  My sister chose this adorable Buckhead salon to ensure beautifully primped bridesmaids on her big day. And lucky me! I got to tag along to the trial run to see what the stylists over at Brock Cassidie are made of. 

First thing to note about the salon is the location: on a side street in Buckhead, where the charming little houses are home to several businesses. 

The interior was equally charming, with lovely little touches of color and whimsy.

Our fearless stylist, Rheanna didn't even bat an eye at the bedraggled state of my hair. 

Before:

From "Good Gracious!"

She flung her bobby pins and whipped her curler about, and tamed these unruly strands into gentle, cascading curls. 

After:

To Grace Kelly :)

And my beautiful sister was somehow made even more radient by Rheanna's expert makeup job! I sincerely tried to absorb tips as I watched her, but some things are just a gift. 

We were utterly transformed, and our day was, too! Thanks Rheanna and Brock Cassidie Salon!

Wearing:
Shirt: world's easiest DIY crop top
Skirt: jazz skirt, swapped
flats: China

Pretty people I SCENE in the A

Yeah yeah yeah, I know people give "scenes" a hard time, and the well known Cabbage Town dive bar 97 Estoria may be a breeding ground for this criticized demographic, but you have to admit that "scenes" can be the best place to run into the most attractive, interesting people!

Just check out these adorable fellow Estoriafest attendees:

(this photo stolen from Myss Bond on flickr)

I am always impressed with how we ATLiens find ways to cope with the heat and still look cute. I saw lots of adorable rompers and lightweight 80s dresses converted into minis. I hope this girl in the yellow flats didn't notice what a stalker I was standing behind her.

It also seems pretty typical for creative types and artists to have some of the best looks, like local musician Brittany Bosco (above), looking perfectly effortlessly delectable in her summer cutoffs and kitschy cat-eye glasses. Her friend there doesn't look half bad either with his black Buddy Holly thing goin on.

And then of course as soon as the Coathangers came on stage, I developed an instant obsession. These girls are bad ass. Not only do they scream and stomp like dirty punks with extreme daddy issues, they dress cute while doing it. I dig the monochromatic thing. And notice that they switch up instruments throughout their sets! So awesome.

Sharing the elixir of life and beverage of choice for Estoriafest, Pabst Blue Ribbon

Before the night was through, I had a belly full of PBR, ears full of good noises, and eyes full of pretty people. In other words, I was beyond satisfied.

Your humble narrator.