tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54025866303423128642024-03-15T20:10:03.502-05:00The Drawing MannequinAli Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-68754238740352870912018-07-13T20:03:00.000-05:002018-07-13T20:03:16.186-05:00Sunscreen and Lace<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/41564790840/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_2990"><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/41564790840_61f5db5148_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28504183127/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_3138"><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/844/28504183127_0857389d4d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>This felt like the first time I've dressed up in weeks. I've been muraling most of the summer and my primary lük has been a paint-stiffened tank, grungy, year-old tennis shoes, and globs of paint in my hair... sweat, sunscreen, and small bugs have been the closest things to makeup I've worn. The first couple of days muraling I'd partake in my usual makeup routine, but knew it would just sweat off or I'd resort to covering my face in sunscreen, thus rendering it moot. Eventually, I succumbed to going makeup-less, and although not anything over a 4-minute regimen, it was nonetheless unnerving those first few days. But then it became easier since I grew more focused on the task at hand and less on the way I looked to potential onlookers.<br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white;">______</span>And on a day when I wasn't muraling, such as the day these photos were taken, suddenly spending so much time again on my appearance felt like a considerable transformation; regardless, I still recognized myself as me at the core of this so-called transformation. In sum, I'm glad to say I'm comfortable with both versions of myself--it feels just as acceptable for me to be slathered in sweat with my hair in a scraggly, paint-striped ponytail while I'm at work as it does spending time on picking out an outfit and curling my hair for everyday errands.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29450304738/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_2987"><img height="auto" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1830/29450304738_4ded3c1e40_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/41479530580/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_3240"><img height="auto" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1786/41479530580_5e9e27671b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29503089628/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_3208"><img height="auto" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1770/29503089628_56e20aa5e9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Dress: Forever 21<br />
Lace kimono: <a href="https://rstyle.me/~aypsi">similar</a><br />
Heels: Vince Camuto (<a href="https://rstyle.me/~aypsu">exact</a>)<br />
Necklace: Dolls Kill<br />
Earrings: Francesca's (<a href="https://rstyle.me/~aypsR">similar</a>)Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-75675029674212987312018-05-18T22:14:00.004-05:002018-05-26T10:33:08.737-05:00Quiet in Blue<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/42135341861/in/dateposted-public/"><img height="auto></a><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed=" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/41415269904/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/967/42135341861_d1966dde30_b.jpg" true="" width="550" /><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/949/41415269904_d6788d30b2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white;">______</span>I once read a book where the story's main character was transported from one dimension to another; initially residing in a bustling city, cacophonous from dawn to dusk, she was abruptly transported to a time and place where the sounds of a modern city waned. She noticed, after a few weeks, how at peace she felt with herself and those around her. How every interaction was savored, unhurriedly, how every situation gleamed newness from all that did not distract her. Nothing seemed to irritate her and everything was slow, meditative, deliberate.<br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white;">______</span>My upstairs neighbors moved out what must have been a couple days ago. I recently returned to my apartment after a week at home and immediately felt the quiet, palpable as ever. There weren't any heavy feet pattering from one side of my ceiling to the next, and chair legs no longer scraped the linoleum. Usually, even into the wee hours of the morning, I'd hear water trickling through the walls, feet shuffling, cabinets opening and closing. If the way my body reacted to these sounds was a line graph, the line would surge sharply with each sound I heard. But now, it was a shallow, undulating line, at ease with the knowledge there would be no surprises in what I was hearing.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/40328632100/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp=""><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/903/40328632100_de6432c646_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/41415255404/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp=""><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/971/41415255404_f8498ae8bc_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/41415279184/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp=""><img height="auto></a><a data-flickr-embed=" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/42135341861/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/906/41415279184_94a92608a9_b.jpg" true="" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/40328642850/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp=""><img height="auto" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/945/40328642850_b71ef546aa_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white;">______</span>I like the quiet. I'm drawn to the slow serenity nature boasts season to season, from twigs snapping crisply in autumn to the buzzing of bugs in deep summer. I enjoy the sounds birds make, the nocturnes of night owls and the melodies of robins, but the clamor of a metal utensil scraping against a ceramic dish or the drone of vacuuming ramps up my heart rate. I don't know why this is, but I listen to it and can't seem to shake it off as just white noise; unlike nature, it does not eventually fade into the background undetected.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I think the quiet is an experience I try to recreate in whatever environment I'm in; at home, it's by pairing the soft, orange flames of candles with something I'm interacting with--a drawing, a book, even something on Netflix. In my studio, it's music that cancels out other noises alongside an organized space.<br />
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<b>What is the quiet to you?</b></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/42088907962/in/dateposted-public/"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/904/42088907962_458c9fa5bf_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Dress: Scheels (<a href="https://rstyle.me/~at4ag">similar</a>)<br />
Heels: Charlotte Russe (<a href="https://rstyle.me/~at4ak">similar</a>)<br />
Earrings: Charming Charlie (<a href="https://rstyle.me/~at4ao">similar</a>)<br />
Necklace: Forever 21Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-66982114278151192382018-02-11T16:48:00.001-06:002018-02-11T16:48:15.042-06:00Button Up + eShakti<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39314030755/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/39314030755_d1966d5014_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/40178710482/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4602/40178710482_6da6331518_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Last week, <a href="http://eshakti.com/">eShakti</a> sent me this <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/product/CL0054967">lovely navy dress</a> with chunky black buttons which trace the neckline, chunky black buttons that I <i>adore</i>. Adore, I say. The dress came swiftly in the mail--in under a week, which is astounding considering it was customized--and fit just as expected. In the past, I have selected dresses from them which use my specific measurements for a custom fit, but this time around since I had nobody to measure me (#foreveralone), I opted for my usual size and just customized the dress in the form of adding longer sleeves and chopping the skirt length to something shorter.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="http://eshakti.com/">eShakti</a> offers sizes 0-36W and a variety of customization details beyond your body's measurements and height: varying sleeve lengths, necklines, adding or removing pockets, dress length, color, and more depending on the specific garment you've selected. So even if a dress seems a little "off" and doesn't necessarily pique your full interest at first, you can tailor it into whatever you'd like. In the end, that basically means you could customize every dress on their website into something you'd like. And that's dangerous, my friends.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39500027634/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/39500027634_86bd23ab6b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/25340171947/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4630/25340171947_6b4f7cc1b0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/25340145277/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4651/25340145277_70226515c9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/25340164597/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/25340164597_2a67295572_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39313613355/in/dateposted-public/" title="eShakti"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4761/39313613355_fc21438a98_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Dress: c/o <a href="http://eshakti.com/">eShakti</a><br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Bracelet: Lulus, probably an ancient artifact by now<br />
Ring: from papa bee<br />
Earrings: <a href="https://rstyle.me/n/cxri5bzh8n">similar</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-57914614318347895212017-12-30T20:43:00.001-06:002018-02-11T21:55:16.866-06:00Racing Stripes<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/38686987344/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4726/38686987344_fbb1f61864_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39365035072/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/39365035072_0a75abba73_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I've always been compelled to keep a personal timeline through text and image since I was young, and this has been accomplished through a variety of mediums: diaries, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, and even restaurant napkins. Diaries and the like are basically self-portraits you write in order to figure yourself out, to figure out wha image you are projecting into the world. That being said, I don't always see my own image clearly, which is perhaps strange since all this text is accompanied by none other than pictures of myself.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I see photos of myself and don't always recognize them as me. I see them as someone I recognize on a daily basis but often fail to view that person as myself. I've always struggled with body image, but recently it's been less about body image and more about attempting to construct who I am in my head, noting what it is other people see in me--not necessarily just in terms of physical appearance, but with personality and demeanor, too. I feel like I'm composed of parts and pieces due to pulling personalities and styles from my friends and other influences, taking in their little witticisms and sayings and absorbing and merging them with my own. Perhaps all this image-taking and writing is just me trying to figure out how everything I've come into contact with congeals into one cohesive Ali.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/38686984374/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4596/38686984374_3c2ecbbd5f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/24529476757/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4739/24529476757_a933a99d37_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27617903269/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4681/27617903269_4dc9db75f5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">_____ </span>I know I have blonde hair and hazel, sometimes dark green, eyes. I have a scar on my chin from crashing my bike into a parked car and a caterpillar-like scar on my leg from where I had a large birthmark removed many moons ago. I nibble on my nails but don't bite them. I twiddle my hair a lot. I've got some pretty decent sewing skills and lots of pin-pricks on my fingertips to prove it. I spend more time with words in my head than I do speaking them. I get exhausted by people quicker than most, and thus need a solid amount of alone time per day. I don't think I've gone a day in my life without nibbling on some form of chocolate.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">_____ </span>Though I have a plethora of photos of myself from day to day that I can look at and definitely confirm as me, I suppose I never think of myself as a specific-looking person when I'm doing something. I suppose in the end, that's what's important: seeing yourself as the actions you perform or the things you do rather than solely your outward appearance.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/38517223165/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4637/38517223165_b5dc48a756_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/24529464997/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4690/24529464997_8c1a0abdbe_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27617924629/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4692/27617924629_6753d602e1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Dress: Lulus (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~aeIZA">similar</a>)<br />
Jacket: F21<br />
Gloves: ASOS (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~aeIZI">similar</a>)<br />
Tights: ASOS<br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Choker: Valfré (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~aeInG">similar</a>)<br />
Rose earrings: Charming Charlie (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~aeInT">similar</a>)Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-1699685113279436982017-12-19T16:54:00.002-06:002017-12-19T17:06:41.987-06:00Glitter Bomb<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39166491851/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4690/39166491851_1f0628fe9e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/38286538975/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4683/38286538975_1976c0291e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Glitter, rhinestones, metallics, and faceted glass... though acceptable year-round, they seem even more appropriate during the colder months, as they resemble those scintillating and radiant wintry moments like dripping icicles or glittering snow piled in comfortable tufts on the ground. It doesn't get terribly cold in Alabama until late January (traveling from Iowa to Alabama, I gained fifty degrees and shed a few layers of clothing) so one must make up for the lack of winter through other mediums: festive Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, even the way one dresses.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>It's strange to not partake in any of the Christmas decorating at my parents' home; rather, I come home to perfectly fluffed garlands, draping lights, crisply wrapped presents, and tiny elves strategically sprinkled in various nooks and crannies. I miss watching a tree become slowly enshrouded with ornaments until nearly every branch has something nostalgic dangling from it, just as I miss the way the outdoor lights snap on right as night falls. I no longer have much of a way to decorate for Christmas in my Iowa apartment, that is, unless you count the white icicle lights which reside in my apartment year-round or the fir-scented candles that crack like a fire. I feel that decorating any further would be a waste as I end up coming home over the holidays anyway. It's a strange in-between state to be in.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Nonetheless, I still celebrate in all the ways I can: listening to cheesy, overplayed holiday music and more contemporary versions of the same thing, wrapping and making presents for my own friends and family, and baking a variety of holiday themed goodies are just a few...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27389017279/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4597/27389017279_0b3ebc9709_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39166487171/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4692/39166487171_26dc916712_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39136036842/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4587/39136036842_3cf1fe31dd_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39137429132/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4595/39137429132_4c4a3c601a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/39166497801/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lav"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4687/39166497801_f447d94a06_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Top: Lulus<br />
Skirt: Urban Outfitters<br />
Fur vest: Charlotte Russe (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~adWkN">similar</a>)<br />
Heels: ASOS (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~adWlr">similar</a>)<br />
Rhinestone tights: <a href="https://rstyle.me/n/cvxmx9zh8n">Amazon (exact)</a><br />
Opal ring: gift from dad<br />
Choker: Forever 21<br />
Open glass bracelet: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br />
Earrings: Charming CharlieAli Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-71123933166153598412017-09-13T22:58:00.000-05:002017-09-13T22:58:22.646-05:00Back To School + Wade and Belle<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36779755160/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4377/36779755160_82144baffa_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36340769314/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4415/36340769314_3dfe9ed344_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Here's another lovely pair of tights sent to me from <a href="http://wadeandbelle.com/">Wade and Belle</a>: these, an opaque black that once again weren't painfully tight but still stayed up all day long. Their motto is literally "Not Too Tights" which is the greatest because, hey, guess what, they're not lying. You could down an entire can of peas (or beans, or sliced potatoes, or a whole chicken because that's actually a thing--an entire canned chicken--which is unsettling) and still have enough wiggle room for dessert. Dessert is very important, my friends.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36987734506/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4379/36987734506_2e80899ae6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36779790380/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4429/36779790380_bc19514126_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/37005509972/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/37005509972_d5fc64a028_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I can already tell this semester is going to be a hectic one, what with teaching two classes, taking an English Philosophy class where I read and write a response to a new book ever week, and all while constantly trying to better my work. The moments where I have free time (that are also tranquil in the sense that I am not worrying about anything) are rare, but I savor them more than ever now. That's not to say I don't enjoy how overstuffed my days are, because I definitely do love having something to keep my time slots full; it just seems that graduate school is almost over even though I still have two years left, and savoring it as it zooms by is a nearly impossible task...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36779804490/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4398/36779804490_bb8f9a3885_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/37177312515/in/dateposted-public/" title="Plaid"><img alt="Plaid" height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/37177312515_454a947082_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Top: Charlotte Russe<br />
Skirt: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9nyAQ">similar</a><br />
Tights: c/o <a href="http://wadeandbelle.com/">Wade and Belle</a><br />
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Choker: Nasty Gal (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~a5HHl">similar</a>)<br />
Earrings: Charming Charlie<br />
Rings and bracelet: all c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-15016830106900927132017-09-04T15:05:00.000-05:002017-09-08T00:07:32.892-05:00Strange Tides + Wade and Belle<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36857720942/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4404/36857720942_a533dc58f1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="https://www.wadeandbelle.com/">Wade and Belle</a> sent me over not one, but three pairs of sheer tights to make some outfits with for the next few posts. I received a pair of diamond patterned tights, tiny polka dotted ones, and a sheer black pair to make some outfits with over the next few posts. The best time to wear tights that aren't entirely solid is when the weather is crisp, but not freezing, which is right about now... viva la autumn!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The first ones I'm trying out are the <a href="https://www.wadeandbelle.com/collections/frontpage/products/not-too-tights-diamond-tights">Diamond Tights</a>. What I love about these is how the waistband isn't suffocating but the tights remain in place all day long without having to do the infamously awkward pull-dem-tights-up dance. I also have this issue where if tights are too restricting up top, I end up getting cramps about halfway through the day. These didn't do that to me, which is the hugest hoorah and something I myself can never seem to find in tights.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Also, being taller than average, these tights are the perfect fit so that I don't end up a victim of Horrid Drooping Tights Crotch<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">™</span>. You know what I'm talking about: when it feels as if the legs of the tights aren't long enough and you're wearing tights made for small children, or worse, tights made for <i>ants</i>. All their tights are one size fits all and stretch just the right amount to fit you so the pattern doesn't become all skewed and elongated. Snug as a bug in a rug!<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36857691652/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4376/36857691652_8bb2fc9060_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/37028837295/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4352/37028837295_a0f70fc55f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36220972743/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4377/36220972743_5ac7eb7de2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36220918483/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/36220918483_c17e64706f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36220955263/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4355/36220955263_67a5a002b9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36631788120/in/dateposted-public/" title="Turquoise"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4340/36631788120_c95c086b2e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>We had the most fascinating light today: mid-afternoon, it poured through the trees in salmon pink blotches. The sky was the softest grey, almost peachy, and the entire landscape was tinted orange, as if someone had put a massive warming filter on the sun. There was absolutely no wind and it seemed eerily silent for about an hour and a half; insects stopped hissing and buzzing, there seemed to be no human activity outdoors, and the leaves of plants and trees were still as pond water. It reminded me of the calm before a storm, except after this strange light event, there was no storm.<br />
<br />
Sheer holo top: Forever 21<br />
Black dress: Lulus<br />
Diamond tights: c/o <a href="https://www.wadeandbelle.com/collections/frontpage/products/not-too-tights-diamond-tights">Wade and Belle</a><br />
Heels: ASOS<br />
Necklace: vintage<br />
Diamond bracelet: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br />
All rings: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-43753422347912593772017-08-01T21:56:00.000-05:002017-08-02T11:44:57.623-05:00Rainbow Teal<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36280204176/in/dateposted-public/" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/36280204176_c8f7a6aee4_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35515815183/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Woods6"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/35515815183_577d06f6f7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I've found it increasingly difficult to write blog posts; whether this is the busying that comes with graduate school, knowing that so many are switching to Instagram and other easily digestible forms of social media, or simply wanting to wait until something sparks my brain to write, my blog post capita has definitely decreased over the years.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Nonetheless, blogging has become a medium with which to discover myself: from learning what makes me tick, to accounting the good nuggets of goodwill that happen, to experiencing those less happy things that bring wisdom, writing down each of these little things shapes me. Blogging has become less about an audience and evolved into more of a personal diary to keep memories and thoughts etched in digital stone.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/36187970931/in/dateposted-public/" title="Woods7"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4401/36187970931_246b6ae767_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35481234054/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_1250"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4319/35481234054_2ab394fdb0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35508737453/in/dateposted-public/" title="_MG_1362"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/35508737453_4d56fff205_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35515490363/in/dateposted-public/" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4324/35515490363_2c8e346578_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Sometimes it's just as simple as noticing the way the downtown lights up with conversations in a range of voices, inhaling the scent of wood-fired pizza in a dimly lit corner of a restaurant, or listening to the clink and clatter of dishes being delivered to and fro. It's noticing the way the evening begins with a pink sunset that drops into a deep purple, shaking a town awake and bringing the night owls to flock from their nests to the street, and simultaneously returning the early birds to the comfort of four walls and a ceiling. It's lighting a candle in your room and watching the flame wiggle and dance along to the low hum of music. Being present and noticing all the small things is what keeps this little blog alive.<br />
<br />
Dress: New York & Co (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~a2EFZ">similar</a>)<br />
Rainbow strappy sandals: Lulus<br />
Poof hair band: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cqzr6xzh8n">Amazon</a><br />
Earrings: Charming Charlie<br />
Nails: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cqzr7mzh8n">OPI I Just Can't Cope-acabana</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-17624752355158438992017-07-07T15:32:00.000-05:002018-05-26T10:32:43.866-05:00Rain Makes Flowers<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34355456913/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4204/34355456913_c6ef115909_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I witnessed the most pure and selfless form of humanity when I was home at my parents' earlier this summer.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Picture it: Alabama, an early summer morning. Rain dropped down hard and vertical from the sky; I was in my dad's massive truck that rumbled along the paved concrete of my parents' driveway, popping and crunching pavement chunks as I turned out of the watery cul-de-sac and onto the neighborhood's main road. The wipers swished and squeaked against the windshield, pushing rain away only to be replaced by more of it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As the vehicle hummed along the pavement, in the middle of the road I noticed there was a large rock--nay, not a rock. A turtle. A large turtle covered in moss and pine straw, stuck and in dire need of LifeAlert to save its ancient soul. Its head and limbs were retracted into its lumpy shell, and clearly the intense rain took this guy by surprise. I stopped and pondered whether to not to save this waterlogged turtle friend.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34320488284/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4213/34320488284_07d9b87fa5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34355465373/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4210/34355465373_009704c974_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35165166605/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4215/35165166605_0cccbec5d8_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34778698350/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4202/34778698350_9022e3a653_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Just as my car slowed to a halt, an old white Bronco's did as well on the opposite side of the road, it's wipers and its yellow headlights just barely scraping through the thick rainfall. A man dashed out of the car and slammed his front door shut to keep the interior dry, not minding how he instantaneously became a soggy waffle. He whipped open the back door of his truck, snapped on some blue latex gloves, and scrambled for the turtle through the pouring rain.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I watched with high interest. It was like a movie scene playing before my eyes. A romantic comedy, perhaps. Perhaps this man was seducing me somehow by saving a turtle. If only such a thing could happen to me.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Like Rafiki holding Simba up for all the animal kingdom to see, the man scooped up the clawing turtle and held him high and away from his body. He brushed the moss and pine straw carefully from the turtle's shell, revealing the pattern the way an archeologist delicately dusts bones at a grave. The man gave me a look. I gave him a look and clapped from the inside of my car, content that this turtle pal had been saved from his morning of misfortune.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35034471211/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4212/35034471211_9c79f0201b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35165207535/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4272/35165207535_62f1d7fca0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35125345526/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4226/35125345526_9aacc2af25_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The man set the turtle down on a patch of grass beyond the curb the turtle was facing* and returned to his car. We both watched the turtle, now out of harm's way, and saw it peek its awkward little head out, first a little to test the rain, back in, and then out all the way. Within seconds, the turtle began stumbling away from the road's center. The Turtle Rescue Man was hidden behind waving wipers and a dark windshield, but I knew he was grinning for he was a hero that day.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Not all heroes wear capes and stop the plight of bank robbers. But they can wear latex gloves and save a helpless turtle's life.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>*<i>Friendly reminder that if you do decide to assist a turtle in need this turtle season, <b>please don't relocate it to a different area!</b> Rather, put it in the same direction it is going in out of harm's way, otherwise it's more likely to turn back around and get stuck in the center of a road again.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Dress: Charlotte Russe (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~a0QCY">similar</a>)<br />
Heels: Katrina by Sarah Jessica Parker<br />
Holographic choker: Forever 21 (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~a0QDl">similar</a>)<br />
Tassel bracelet: handmade, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~a0QDq">similar</a><br />
Gold bracelets: vintageAli Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-12329117567222722532017-06-17T20:21:00.001-05:002017-06-18T12:26:55.055-05:00Fishing for Florals + BornPretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35328862646/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Floral1"><img alt="Floral1" height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4248/35328862646_c72e00704e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Another week has zoomed on by like the Wicked Witch of the West on her broomstick through the stormy night sky. It's been one of those weeks where there's been a faint buzz of something on my mind that's been bothering me, something that pokes at my heart, gut, and instinct just gently enough to keep me aware of it at all hours of the day. I'm a strong believer that if you're thinking about something so much you need to take action to resolve whatever it is, whether that's a conversation with someone or completing a task that's been lurking in the future.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Regardless of these feels, I've been feeling ultra-feminine lately, doing my best to acquire all the pretty floral prints, swishy dresses, and generally feminine articles of clothing that I can. Anything adorned with lace, pearls, ruffles, and/or the color pink is catching my eye like a venus fly trap... catches... a fly.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Totally good simile there. I'm rusty, okay?<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34525305614/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral6"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4255/34525305614_46bccf46d7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35238318331/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral3"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4290/35238318331_229e2a862c_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35368074525/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral2"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4238/35368074525_b67487cf5a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35368084565/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4223/35368084565_5b406f3896_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>BornPretty sent me another round of jewelry, and of course I picked out some dainty flower items that are budding (pun!) with details. I received a <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/magnolia-flower-open-adjustable-silver-ring-double-color-allergy-simple-style-free-ring-p-22106.html">magnolia flower ring</a> in gold and silver, two delicate floral rings, one <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/sweet-plum-blossom-opening-ring-elegant-design-finger-ring-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-35821.html">plum flower</a> and <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/female-lotus-handmade-ring-silver-plated-open-ring-index-finger-ring-jewelry-decoration-p-27757.html">one lotus</a>, and a <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-bracelet-arabesque-pattern-slim-open-bracelet-p-24739.html">skinny silver bracelet</a> carved with just enough details to make someone look closer. As always, you can get 10% off with the code <b>ALT10</b> at checkout.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>May your minds be free of worries and well-rested. Awwwwwwuh-men.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35201770442/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral7"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4271/35201770442_52839d35d5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34525335854/in/dateposted-public/" title="Floral4"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4232/34525335854_271b17d230_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/35204685662/in/dateposted-public/" title="FLoral8"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4251/35204685662_d896e5b078_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Dress: KnowStyle (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9ZodJ">similar</a>)<br />
Fish purse: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9Zodo">Betsey Johnson (exact)</a><br />
Necklace: Charming Charlie<br />
Magnolia flower ring: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/magnolia-flower-open-adjustable-silver-ring-double-color-allergy-simple-style-free-ring-p-22106.html">c/o BornPretty</a><br />
Three flower ring: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/sweet-plum-blossom-opening-ring-elegant-design-finger-ring-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-35821.html">c/o BornPretty</a><br />
Silver bud ring: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/female-lotus-handmade-ring-silver-plated-open-ring-index-finger-ring-jewelry-decoration-p-27757.html">c/o BornPretty</a><br />
Flower bracelet: c/o BornPretty<br />
Silver bracelet: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-bracelet-arabesque-pattern-slim-open-bracelet-p-24739.html">c/o BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-68875093859272955362017-05-31T21:01:00.001-05:002017-06-17T20:35:30.467-05:00Rose Thorns<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929206745/in/dateposted-public/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4224/34929206745_82a511d3d3_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>My dog was halfway toward the center of the lake, swimming eagerly toward something dark in the water: a massive black duck with one feather that stuck up like a cowlick does on a small child with unruly hair. The duck had a brass beak, beady eyes, and was as still as a decoy near the lake's edge up until the moment my dog darted after him. With a great leap and splash into the water, Gunner was off like an Olympic swimmer, his orange hunting collar catching the sun like a traffic cone in hot sunlight. He was determined to catch this duck even though it swam incrementally farther away from him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>With each stroke of Gunner's paws against the water, the duck quacked. <i>Quack</i>, swim forward, <i>quack</i>, swim forward, <i>quack, </i>duck-paddle forward a little faster, <i>quack,</i> I'm scared this hairy beast is gonna get me now, <i>quack</i>. It was almost as if the duck was saying, "Stop. Please. Stop. Go away. Stop. Omuhguuhuhguhuhhhhhhh. <i>BRUH</i>."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>I think he was.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>I followed Gunner around one edge of the lake, only to watch him swim after the duck in the complete <i>opposite</i> direction. Now, the edges of the lake aren't friendly mowed lawns from backyards that were smooth and easy to glide around; rather, they are infested with tall grasses, brambles, and thick ferns that gathered dragonflies, wasps, and other insects gifted with flight. My legs were scraped from hobbling over uneven ground and brushing past spindly weeds.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929301245/in/photostream/" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4195/34929301245_1f52e3e503_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929222165/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4221/34929222165_32ed706f14_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929283025/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4249/34929283025_ff11939f3d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>I reached the shore of the lake where Gunner was closest, huffing and puffing and not ready to blow any houses down, and also sweaty as a gym sock that had been used for not one cardio workout, but three. There was a long scrape on my lower leg and another on my ankle. I poured over the events of my dog and his duck-wrangling adventure, helpless to do anything, praying he would not drown of exhaustion from chasing ducks. If I had to, I would jump into the lake and rescue him. But that time had not yet come. I still had hope, though it was very little.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>And eventually, and thankfully, and perhaps with enough thinking that I somehow rooted the duck on to speed up just enough, the duck with the skewed feather had gained enough distance from my dog that Gunner stopped swimming and merely paddled in place. Gunner recognized that he would fail to catch up with the duck. He was lost now. He looked around; to the left, to the right, to the left again. He was directly in the middle of the lake.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>And there it was.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>The neighborhood swan.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929294075/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4249/34929294075_2cc435a2db_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34929290805/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4252/34929290805_59fe9896e3_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34765393612/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Rose"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4224/34765393612_75e83ae8ea_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>Now, the neighborhood swan is no kind feathered friend; rather, dear Charles--oh yes, he has a name, a rather polite name for a rather impolite creature--dear Charles is quite the nasty little scumbag. Born to kill and burning the fires of hell within his soul, Charles did whatever he could to wreck havoc among the lake and any humans who neared him. He possessed a mighty, shriek-like hiss and a threatening wingspan that a small jet would cower in fear at.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>Gunner knew that this swan was no equal adversary. Charles would often paddle to where the lake met our grassy backyard, waddle up to the shore, and hiss at Gunner just for giggles and shits. Occasionally the two would have an amicable meeting where Charles may fluff his feathers and Gunner may simply cock his head at the swan, but mostly the two were sworn enemies with their teeth gritted.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"> ______</span>Thankfully after some flustered paddling from point A to point B, to point B to point A, and even sometimes from point A to point C and back to B, Gunner returned to my calls and swam up shore, avoiding Charles the swan. He crawled up the sandy shoreline, placing a paw on a dead crawfish as he did so, and shook the muddy water from his back (and on to me, naturally). I yanked him by the collar all the way home, fringing the overgrown edges of the lake, relieved that my sweet little puppers didn't drown doing what he loves most: hunting ducks and responding to the nature's wild call.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34797412971/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Rose"><img alt="Rose" height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4248/34797412971_9e4b7e7d39_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Sheer rose bodysuit: Urban Outfitters (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9XSp0">similar</a>)<br />
Skirt: Urban Outfitters (<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cnxv6wzh8n">similar</a>) (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9XSoR">similar</a>)<br />
Heels: Stein Mart (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9WSWT">similar</a>)<br />
Necklace: Nasty Gal<br />
Rose earrings: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9WSX7">similar</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-2988777582588494602017-05-15T16:38:00.001-05:002017-05-15T16:38:29.711-05:00Finish Line<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34641064686/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4163/34641064686_27e301f82f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34641126586/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4187/34641126586_7ed5b5a6a1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The end of the semester is always predictable but something you never quite get used to, like a wave of salty water toward your eyes; you know it'll hit before you can shut your eyes, you brace yourself for it, but it always stings a little, regardless of how many times you've experienced it. It is a mad, heated rush toward the finish line, where days crash into one another the same way the Kool-Aid man recklessly smashes his way through brick wall after brick wall. He is a lawless Kool-Aid man. I'm sure he's got half the police force after him for all the property he's damaged.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34296897440/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4186/34296897440_8d02f305a5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33839247814/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4190/33839247814_3292a687c2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Within an instant, that papery red finish line snaps like an uncooked spaghetti noodle and boom, you're done. And then you're stopped like a pendulum in time, poised in a starry-eyed daze of not being entirely sure what to do with all this free time you've suddenly acquired. The sands of time have stopped falling. They're piled around you in soft lumps and you can breathe again. In, out. Inhale, exhale. It seems all the time in the world has cascaded down like a sweet rain on you, and you can spend it however you want: performing kitschy hobbies that serve no purpose other than to create something for yourself, baking new recipes that have been digitally amalgamating in the bookmarks section of your browser, or reading books you've been purchasing over the course of the year that have been jammed in your bookshelves like an abundance of cheese in stuffed-crust pizza.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34519863442/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4186/34519863442_f54266e562_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34296877780/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4178/34296877780_2ffdab2ee1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34641076466/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4176/34641076466_0024714584_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33839457404/in/dateposted-public/" title="red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4178/33839457404_1440512b15_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>You can never have too much cheese in your stuffed-crust pizza, just as you can never have too many books in your bookshelf. Anyone who says otherwise cannot be trusted. There is nothing more attractive than a bookshelf that is so chaotic and disorderly but full of things that somehow are tied to one another based on the personality of the person reading them. There is also nothing more attractive than a pizza with a fat, chewy crust. There is a relationship between pizza and books, I am sure, I am positive, there must be, somehow.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>May your bookshelves be filled and your pizzas ever oozing with copious amounts of cheese. Amen.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34641118006/in/dateposted-public/" title="Red"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4183/34641118006_fd59e7b1f4_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Dress: <a href="https://www.lulus.com/products/at-ease-red-striped-lace-up-midi-dress/420512.html">Lulus</a><br />
Heels: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9WSWT">similar</a><br />
Necklace: Nasty Gal<br />
Gold bangle bracelet: <a href="http://lulus.com/">Lulus</a><br />
Rose earrings: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9WSX7">similar</a><br />
Rings: vintage<br />
<br />Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-70613257686302107462017-04-20T07:35:00.000-05:002017-04-20T09:15:41.784-05:00Lavender and Blush<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33761988540/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2880/33761988540_baf59b8114_k.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33335809393/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2925/33335809393_bf563cf717_b.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Green is beginning to speckle Iowa's landscape like freckles on the earth, dandelions are sprouting in patches that straddle sidewalks, and flowers in shades of butter yellow, lavender, and tropical pink are popping up here and there.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>What I love about spring is how slowly everything unfolds; time creeps by regardless of how fast your own life is going, and the bright greens of spring and summer tiptoe in little by little until all things are cloaked in a lush carpet of foliage and flora. It is comforting to know that no matter how quick our day-to-day routine may be, the changing of seasons will always be something to savor over time.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Living in a world of instant gratification, we can forget how rewarding it is to be patient for things that are important to us; whether that means not knowing the predetermined day of the week a package will show up at our door compared to predictable two-day shipping, or deliberating over a decision opposed to immediately choosing one based on impulse, the drawn-out wait is just as worthy of recognition as is the final destination there.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I am constantly trying to slow and control time, whether that be through letter writing, the use of traditional media in my artwork, or using those few free moments in the day put away my phone and people watch from my studio window.<br>
<br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34106179146/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2885/34106179146_cc10397cab_b.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34016347451/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3931/34016347451_d24eb95561_b.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33304250624/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2909/33304250624_a2d3b8c427_b.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I know I'm not entirely susceptible to the rapid-fire abilities of technology, for I do take my photos with a digital camera instead of using 35mm film (but wouldn't that just be <i>so </i>hipster?) and I did type this entire post on my phone while sipping on a cocktail at a bar with jazz music, rustic bar counters, and bartenders dressed in black vest and white pressed button up shirts. I guess this is what adults do besides tax returns, watching House of Cards, and carrying suitcases around. They type out blog posts on their phones. <br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>But like, a $9.00 cocktail--just one, savored slowly over half an hour while I wait for my friend to get off work and type away all businesslike on my phone--is totally an adult thing I can manage. Pretty sure there are three different kinds of alcohol in this thing. And a <i>lime slice</i>. Yeah, lime slices don't mess around. Lemon slice? Whatever. Been there, done that. Lime slice? Something serious is going down.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>You ever see a kid with a lime wedge on the rim of their glass? Didn't. Think. So.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Enjoy a cocktail sometime this week, friends, slowly and deliberately as possible. Really appreciate it. Responsibly and only if you are legal, of course.<br>
<br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34106140276/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2870/34106140276_0ec47f67ae_b.jpg" width="550"></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/34016354531/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dream"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2841/34016354531_5b482a7786_k.jpg" width="550"></a><br>
<br>
Lace top: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cmdd2bzh8n">Forever 21 (exact)</a><br>
Blazer: Forever 21<br>
Skirt: Urban Outfitters<br>
Jelly sandals: BooHoo (<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cmdd96zh8n">exact</a>)<br>
Faceted ring: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br>
Necklace: NastyGal<br>
Bracelets: all vintageAli Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-55866104415686404112017-03-20T18:45:00.000-05:002017-03-20T18:54:04.851-05:00Ghost Lace + BornPretty<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33412380591/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3851/33412380591_dc6c21be76_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33157409210/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2916/33157409210_cf89b70b65_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">_</span><span style="color: white;">_____</span>When the temperature is below thirty degrees, I'm not bothered by the coldness unless there's wind; that being said, there was definitely a wind yesterday that blew everything from my hair to the birds in the sky to places they surely didn't intend to go. I suppose that's why there are so many seagulls circling above the river here--they must have been blown here from a land far, far away.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>There was one morning, however, when I woke up on the happy, buttered side of my bread: outside my windows, falling in the slowest and chunkiest of chunks was the softest, purest, whitest snow my Southern eyes have ever seen. Overnight, the wind halted. There was the silence and stillness that only accompanies snow or a heavy rainfall. The sky was a shade of pale grey that Restoration Hardware would totally dig for their next wall paint color, and the landscape was blanketed in white, white, white, as if mother nature herself had knitted a massive scarf overnight for the earth. Snow plows were purring in and out of my hearing range, pushing snow from walkways and streets, and footprints were pressed into the ground in roads, across grass, and on sidewalks, revealing some of what was below.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33383985472/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2874/33383985472_ca83d67dd1_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33383998212/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2809/33383998212_d902199274_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33384005572/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3736/33384005572_d94e15ca6a_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33157385000/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3736/33157385000_1b32e472ed_k.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The first time the snow was predicted I didn't believe it for a second because <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br98ad469og">where I come from</a>, a forecast of snow usually means a) rain so cold yer extremities weep gross amounts of tears, or b) there are ten minutes of snow flurries that are as disappointing as a fun-sized pack of milk duds that only has two milk duds in it. Usually fun-sized portions have three or even FOUR milk duds. And I was always the ugly duckling that ended up with two. This has happened to me on more than one occasion--always around Halloween, always a little depressing. First world problems at it's most severe.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>In honor of the first day of Spring, I received two lovely items from <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a>: this dainty <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/silver-plated-bangle-classic-plum-open-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-27129.html">silver blossom bracelet</a> and gold and silver <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/gingko-open-adjustable-silver-ring-double-color-simple-style-ring-p-22104.html">gingko leaf ring</a>, both which are eagerly awaiting the return of warmer weather. I used to be afraid of mixing gold and silver, but when the jewelry does it for you as this leaf ring does, it makes things much less stressful.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As usual, you can get 10% off your order at <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> with code <b>ALT10</b>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32697432764/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiet"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2891/32697432764_3725e1b52b_k.jpg" width="550" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Dress: Lulus (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9JVdF">similar</a>)<br />
Lace robe: Forever 21<br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Tassel Necklace: Charming Charlie<br />
Blossom bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/silver-plated-bangle-classic-plum-open-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-27129.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Gingko leaf ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/gingko-open-adjustable-silver-ring-double-color-simple-style-ring-p-22104.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-67117634296426216722017-03-03T22:13:00.001-06:002017-03-03T22:13:13.894-06:00Translated to Charcoal<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32850714610/in/dateposted-public/" title="bw1"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3932/32850714610_23026ab43e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33077341752/in/dateposted-public/" title="bw2"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/580/33077341752_9c8b2a42fe_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>It's been a long and busy week, one that doesn't have a need for many words or many colors... and these extremely artsy, cheesy greyscale photos have <i>nothing</i> to do with the fact that I had the white balance set wrong the whole time and was too frigid to take more. NOTHING AT ALL.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>*nervous fidgeting*<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>*immediately vacates the area*<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32389689474/in/dateposted-public/" title="bw3"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/671/32389689474_9d46669838_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32389681084/in/dateposted-public/" title="bw4"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2894/32389681084_6cb9e53ffe_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32850721350/in/dateposted-public/" title="bw"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3815/32850721350_25f240da78_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Baseball tee: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cgzdc5zh8n">Forever 21 (exact here)</a><br />
Jean skirt: TJ Maxx (<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cgzda5zh8n">similar</a>)<br />
Socks: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cgzdbzzh8n">Amazon (similar)</a><br />
Choker: <a href="https://valfre.com/products/bowie-choker-black?variant=5677674433">Valfre</a><br />
Jelly heels:<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9HEQw"> Juju (exact here)</a><br />
Star ring, cross ring: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br />
<br />Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-79515300636857637192017-02-19T19:09:00.000-06:002017-06-18T12:49:27.052-05:00Blue Dusk<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32620046480/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/32620046480_6490115de6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33001928015/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly5"><img height="Auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/491/33001928015_dccbec0bd9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Unless I am intently focused on the completion of some task, there's a gear spinning in my head reminding me of something else I could be doing at that moment. Part of this inability to be completely at ease at all times is anxiety, part of it is likely from existing in a world where you fault yourself if you're not constantly in motion, whether that be mentally or physically. It is retracing thoughts you've already had to make sure you've thought them correctly. It is making unnecessary lists and crossing things off your unnecessary list. It is a constant hum, an anxious white noise machine that spits sounds of buzzing electronics and the heightened voices of news casters arguing over one another.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I call these things--these happenings of overthinking, of worrying, of not knowing how to chill the heck out during downtime--The Screamings<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">™</span>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32156785014/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly4"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2530/32156785014_73c419bccf_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32846618832/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly2"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2457/32846618832_7fa78425aa_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32960338826/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly7"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3750/32960338826_8eb96d5554_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/33001972165/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jelly1"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/547/33001972165_cb1450b6e7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I suppose The Screamings<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">™</span> begin about halfway through my morning workout, the moment I wake and become something more than a tired shell of a human stumbling through her typical morning routine. You know, that moment the tea or coffee kicks in and you realize it's a new day with new checkpoints to reach.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The Screamings<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">™</span> can pertain to anything: thought-screaming scenarios that I weave in my brain, thought-screaming encounters with friends or dogs I dream of petting, thought-screaming ideas of future projects to work on in the studio, or even thought-screaming all the things I need to buy at the grocery store and their exact location within the store. If these thought-screams could be illustrated, they would be words tangled in swirling lines that swept across the page like a smudgy charcoal tornado; the paper would be cheap newsprint that'd rip a few times but could be pieced back together.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Though my brain screams, I wouldn't be myself with it. Were I not constantly busy or thinking of things to do and make, I'd probably not be me. Better busy than stagnant...<br />
<br />
Bralette: Alter'd State <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9Et9S">(similar)</a><br />
Top: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9Et7x">(similar)</a><br />
Skirt: Urban Outfitters<br />
Jelly shoes: Juju <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cfqu29zh8n">(similar)</a><br />
Antler ring: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br />
Braclets: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-55920174771907451162017-02-01T23:16:00.004-06:002017-02-01T23:17:55.427-06:00Winter's Spoils + BornPretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32530664321/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/585/32530664321_de6436b3ba_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Many times I've heard people say that no situation is perfect, but I find it hard to believe such a saying applies to me at this point in my life. I feel I am in a place of personal growth where I am constantly pushing limits, breaking boundaries, and other such actions with powerful verbage.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Even if whatever task or project I am pushing through is difficult and I am living on the meager salary of a graduate student (with much help from the parents in other areas, thank goodness), things have been, well, pretty darn swell. Since I've moved to Iowa, I've found myself more comfortable with myself and my surroundings, no matter how unfamiliar they once were and still currently are; I also feel I have a greater understanding with the work I am producing in the studio, even if it constantly stresses me out and twists my dreams into anxious ordeals. Being alone with myself is more of a solitudinous treat to enjoy than a feeling of emptiness that overwhelms.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32500047062/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/448/32500047062_0fbec18130_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32612443606/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/346/32612443606_aeb7b4f23f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32652995415/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/400/32652995415_de004efae9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I'm feeling more content than I have ever known before, even with the stress I put on myself, minus maybe that one time my grandma fed me an Oreo when I was small and I discovered my life-long passion for all things sweet and chocolatey. But the stress is good stress, because it's stress about the things I care about. Were it not, I'm sure a little grey raincloud would be following me around, dumping and dripping its rain all over me.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>That being said, I know I am thankful for all that I have now and will continue to have through graduate school, no matter what scholastic hardships I may face...<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31840824693/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/760/31840824693_784208c0ac_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32612499706/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/705/32612499706_d9825799b0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32530597441/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/776/32530597441_4b2c456157_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Appreciation of life aside, <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> sent me another round of gold-coated items: this uniquely-designed <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-antler-shape-adjustable-ring-jewelry-decoration-goldsilver-p-25478.html">antler ring</a>, these dangling teardrop <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-stylish-water-drop-earrings-colorful-leaves-studs-jewelry-decoration-p-23358.html">leaf earrings</a>, a delicate <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/leaves-adjustable-gold-silver-bracelet-double-color-bracelet-p-22453.html">branch bracelet</a>, and a <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-rhinestone-bracelet-fashion-shiny-gold-silver-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-23944.html">bracelet with rows and rows of glittering rhinestones</a>. I'm always fond of their bracelet selection, especially the delicate pieces which are perfect for adding subtle detail on outfits which already have a solid amount of bling in them--such as this glitzy <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cd3hrnzh8n">mesh top</a> and sparkly tights.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>And as usual, you can get 10% off your purchase at BornPretty with the code <b>ALT10</b>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32500001462/in/dateposted-public/" title="spoils"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/622/32500001462_096585ebbb_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Mesh top: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cd3hrnzh8n">Urban Outfitters (exact)</a><br />
Skirt: Urban Outfitters <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=39676176&category=W_APP_BOTTOMS_SHORTS">(similar)</a><br />
Tights: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9zrQw">similar</a><br />
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Necklace: Nasty Gal<br />
Rhinestone bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-rhinestone-bracelet-fashion-shiny-gold-silver-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-23944.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Leaf bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/leaves-adjustable-gold-silver-bracelet-double-color-bracelet-p-22453.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Earrings: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-stylish-water-drop-earrings-colorful-leaves-studs-jewelry-decoration-p-23358.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Antler ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-antler-shape-adjustable-ring-jewelry-decoration-goldsilver-p-25478.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-17898449959877134332017-01-11T22:29:00.005-06:002017-01-24T18:40:05.694-06:00Fur-Trimmed<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32217285526/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/713/32217285526_d05a1a7455_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>The temperatures peaked in the mid-30s for the first time in what seemed an eternity. The snow that was blanketing the ground when I left Iowa was completely melted upon return, except for a few frozen patches that lurked in the shadows. It was a much-needed break after so many days filled with icy blasts of wind, unexpected snowfall, and a raw throat from sucking down so much dry air. I do love the quiet and solitude that comes with grey days and snow, but it's nice to escape what Southern's call "the devil's dandruff."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Good thing the devil acquired some dandruff shampoo. Things were getting a little wild there for a minute.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32255480365/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/545/32255480365_c5d7f9c531_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32106234422/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/662/32106234422_6dddc30ae3_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31445558003/in/dateposted-public/" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/560/31445558003_772c1c7656_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32136227841/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/592/32136227841_7c8818368b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I busted out this vintage jean jacket trimmed with rabbit fur that screams "Slightly Gaudy Upper Half of a Canadian tuxedo." I still remember the day I bought it and ran into my printmaking professor who told me it looked like it belonged on a backup dancer straight out of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes">Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" video</a>. I did not disagree with her. I snagged the slightly tacky garment nearly two years ago but haven't had any days cold enough to wear it. That's one of my favorite thing about living in the Midwest: I'm actually able to cuddle up in sweaters like I'm being coddled by a dozen golden retriever puppies without feeling like I just did an intense interval workout. I can wear furry scarves and fur-lined cardigans and stay toastier than toast.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32217192876/in/dateposted-public/" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/749/32217192876_c729388dea_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/32106259682/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/296/32106259682_09bf91e5fc_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31414131084/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="fall"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/648/31414131084_553a6a054e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> (use code ALT10 for 10% off) sent me a four leaf <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/enchanting-four-clover-ring-pretty-leaf-branch-rhinestone-midi-ring-p-17977.html">clover ring</a>, blue <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/women-fashion-blue-crystal-pendant-charm-necklace-clavicle-chain-jewelry-gifts-p-27551.html">necklace</a>, and an <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/stylish-open-bangle-shiny-rows-rhinestone-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-30125.html">open rhinestone bangle</a>. More accessories to add to my mountain of accessories, and I am absolutely loving all the glitz, especially when the skies are grey and the temperatures a wee bit sad.<br />
<br />
Jean jacket: vintage<br />
Dress: Forever 21 (<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cb5rqizh8n">exact</a>)<br />
Tights: Nordstrom (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9tgN5">exact</a>)<br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Clover ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/enchanting-four-clover-ring-pretty-leaf-branch-rhinestone-midi-ring-p-17977.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Necklace: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/women-fashion-blue-crystal-pendant-charm-necklace-clavicle-chain-jewelry-gifts-p-27551.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Rhinestone bangle: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/stylish-open-bangle-shiny-rows-rhinestone-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-30125.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-80263495623215894732016-12-21T20:45:00.001-06:002016-12-22T11:54:47.514-06:00Flying Solo<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31792534835/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac1"><img height="auto" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/627/31792534835_042c8307f4_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>It was as dark as it could have been along an ice-encrusted highway in Iowa at four in the morning. Wind blasted the windshield. There were heaps of snow at the shoulders of the road from the plows that had shoved them there the night before, and a thick blanket of white covered the fields the airport shuttle whizzed by. Stars speckled the clear, inky sky like lint on a black T-shirt, winking and blinking and probably trying to flirt with each other under the cover of night. I glanced at the dashboard in the shuttle: in lime green, the temperature professed it was a toasty -4 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I made my way through the first airport easily enough; it was rather small and the signs were massive and colorful with writing even giants could read, kind of like Airporting For Beginners. The plane began boarding and I sat next to a kind middle-aged man on the plane who was more than content I switched seats with the woman-and-baby duo previously sitting there. When the plane descended from Iowa into Atlanta an hour and a half later, the man generously offered to show me my way around the airport and to my next gate. I was quite thankful for this as the Atlanta airport is a eclectic smorsgaboard of escalators, subway systems, moot stores, and human beings who shuffled eagerly from one place to the next. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>It was definitely not Airporting For Beginners. It was Airporting: Expert Mode, Gold Collector's Edition.*<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>*with voiceovers by special guest Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30982929673/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac5"><img height="auto" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/397/30982929673_058a5aa27c_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31420037220/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac2"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/537/31420037220_bb971e2710_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31420030290/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac3"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/504/31420030290_2e21892518_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The man and I paced through the airport like two bros on a mission, speedier than any subway system could ever be, and he even implored to carry my bag. My bag was a one-hander opposed to a backpack that distributed weight evenly, and it was weighing me down like a willow tree that sagged one way after a heavy rain shower.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>It was safe to say I did not turn down the offer. We passed a bar filled only with two bored employees who wore white shirts and loosened black ties; both were scrolling through their phones to occupy their slow morning. There was a Sonoma store boasting wireless noise-blocking headphones and a Swarovski store stocked with glistening jewels that dazzled under hot white spotlights. The smells of various fast food joints--hamburgers that sizzled on greasy grills, spicy Thai cuisine, and slimy burritos--all permeated our noses.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I wondered if people ever went there solely to shop and eat. I would.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30982926253/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac6"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/606/30982926253_a6650ce6e2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31420023030/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac4"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/360/31420023030_c3ab6e6c2a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As it turned out, our flights were in the same wing of the airport. We got coffee between our two gates had a jolly conversation pertaining to dogs, Alabama football, the state of the economy, and a strangely similar tradition our families had of going out to watch a movie on Christmas Day. I discovered he had five dogs in his residence, three of which his wife had brought in as shelter dogs. I could only wish my life would be as exhilarating and dog-filled someday. There is no sarcasm whatsoever in that sentence.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I hopped on the plane, hugged the kind stranger goodbye, and after a second 34-minute flight, was reunited with me mum and pop in the land of Alabama.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31755337366/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac7"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/500/31755337366_980e2d5f4d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31792539165/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lilac"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5581/31792539165_59892b2bb7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Top: Forever 21 (<a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=top_blouses&productid=2000194598">similar</a>)<br />
Skirt: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cafpd6zh8n">Forever 21 (exact)</a><br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9nibl">similar</a>)<br />
Sparkle tights: TJ Maxx (<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9nib9">similar)</a><br />
Necklace: Forever 21<br />
<span style="text-indent: 48px;">Bow ring: c/o </span><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/bowknot-inlay-zircon-ring-elegant-design-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-32617.html" style="text-indent: 48px;">BornPretty</a><br />
<span style="text-indent: 48px;">Bone ring: c/o </span><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/silver-ring-bones-matte-brushed-opening-tail-adjustable-simplicity-ring-p-30212.html" style="text-indent: 48px;">BornPretty</a><br />
Rhinestone cuff bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-rhinestone-bracelet-fashion-shiny-gold-silver-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-23944.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Twist bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/posh-bracelet-twisted-pattern-open-bracelet-p-24745.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-62392528131463203942016-11-26T21:48:00.005-06:002017-01-24T18:35:55.585-06:00Black Velvet + BornPretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30454828373/in/dateposted-public/" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5744/30454828373_d089a19666_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I haven't purchased jewelry in two years and it's all thanks to <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> and their eclectic selection of shimmery accessories. Thankfully their products are always on point and the recent set of items I recieved is no exception; that being said, I've had a wee bit of an obsession with choker necklaces ever since they made their revival from the 90s, and this <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/exaggerated-rhinestone-heart-choker-necklace-simple-velvet-collar-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-36251.html">heart choker</a> brings me back those perplexing days of middle school and the its curious fashion trends. I also received a silver <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/silver-ring-bones-matte-brushed-opening-tail-adjustable-simplicity-ring-p-30212.html">bone ring</a>, rhinestone <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/bowknot-inlay-zircon-ring-elegant-design-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-32617.html">bowknot ring</a>, and a <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-design-fashion-bracelet-chain-link-ring-p-16859.html">thin criss-cross bracelet.</a> All sorts of things that mix girly and edgy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As always, you can get 10% off your order with code ALT10.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30894824760/in/dateposted-public/" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5342/30894824760_caba583dd2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31226427806/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5794/31226427806_53933056e6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31262554405/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5763/31262554405_c9eac56f5b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30454868273/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5826/30454868273_457c6cda5a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30454830703/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5517/30454830703_1f073ea435_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Somehow we are already three weeks away from winter break even though it feels like the semester has just begun and that I only started making my way around the land of Iowa. Whereas I only used to know where one Walmart is, I now know where <i>both </i>Walmarts are. I know. It's wild. Fight me. I also know of many more local spots that once I may have never discovered were it not for outings with friends. Some of the entrances to these places go underground or up to another floor and have tiny doors squished between two buildings that nearly go missed when one passes by. These places remind me of the scene in that beginning of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where the buildings split apart to reveal a secret building in the middle...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30454840123/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5508/30454840123_debbdb6a49_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/31226458386/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5697/31226458386_611c11a1f6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Nonetheless, I'm already dreaming of baking mountains upon endless mountains of cookies that spill over the countertops of my mother's kitchen (she reads this and dreads such disarray in her domestic space), shopping at home where the bell-filled sounds and piney smells of Christmas permeate the stores, and seeing the glittering lights at night that speckle the homes of my parents' neighborhood. Even driving along what is normally a mundane highway at night is transformed over Christmas, for each of the traffic light poles is accented with a lit-up snowflake, reindeer, or bell marquee.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>The same goes for up here in Iowa: I'll admit to driving around at night just to soak in the delicacy that is the light-wrapped trees and lampposts on and off campus. It really may be the most wonderful time of the year...<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30894835180/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-indent: 0px;" title="Woods"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5460/30894835180_c1c9f8cd48_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 129%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
Top: TJ Maxx<br />
Skirt: Urban Outfitters<br />
Oxford heels: Jeffrey Campbell<br />
Socks: ASOS<br />
Bow ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/bowknot-inlay-zircon-ring-elegant-design-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-32617.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Rhinestone heart choker: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/exaggerated-rhinestone-heart-choker-necklace-simple-velvet-collar-fashion-jewelry-decoration-p-36251.html" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">BornPretty</a><br />
Bone ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/silver-ring-bones-matte-brushed-opening-tail-adjustable-simplicity-ring-p-30212.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Thin cross bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-design-fashion-bracelet-chain-link-ring-p-16859.html">BornPretty</a></div>
Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-88201073157396156402016-10-09T17:46:00.001-05:002017-01-24T18:37:29.157-06:00Twinkle Toes + BornPretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29926596870/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5275/29926596870_118255e8a7_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29592793144/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest2"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8589/29592793144_9c67011fa0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> sent me over some glitzy goodies again this month, and thanks to them, I have been upping my collection of silver jewelry. They sent me these trailing <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-stylish-tassel-line-earrings-elegant-crystal-rhinestone-earrings-jewerly-p-24943.html">silver earrings</a>, diamond <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/shining-rhinestone-bracelet-fashionable-bridal-bracelet-bridal-jewelry-p-25367.html">netted bracelet</a>, rhinestone <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-rhinestone-bracelet-fashion-shiny-gold-silver-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-23944.html">cuff bracelet</a>, and a dainty <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-gold-silver-rhinestone-ring-fashion-shiny-ring-jewelry-decoration-p-23989.html">silver ring</a>. I'm embracing all things glittery: jewelry, glitter eyeshadow, and even glitter body gel are in my fashion vocabulary right now. Perhaps it is the thought of being a snow princess in Iowa that fuels these sparkly wants, or perhaps it is simply a result of the appeal of shiny things.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As usual, you can get 10% off your order at <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> at checkout with code <b>ALT10</b>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30137359741/in/dateposted-public/" title="ForestShoes"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8723/30137359741_bddd34d6da_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29592750424/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest7"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8132/29592750424_e8b3de2880_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29592784264/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest4"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5621/29592784264_66d137407d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30137391171/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest6"><img height="auto" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5496/30137391171_628aa32217_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>It's a blessing that BornPretty sends me goodies every month, for if they didn't, I'd be more likely to forget about that #bloglife. I haven't completely dropped off the face of the earth, but this past month has beens so busy with grad school critiques, classes, and teaching that I've been running on empty. Plus there's that whole "staying sane" thing that goes in there somewhere... I digress. I hope everyone has been enjoying the cooler weather that's settled in.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Leaves are starting to fall that crunch like crinkly chips on the ground, trees are yellowing ever so slightly, and the morning begins with crisp prairie air that makes your throat shiver when you suck it in. And everyone is pulling out their boots and cardigans to begin the layering that will last all the way through winter... because here in the Iowa, winter is very real, and winter is always coming. I'm excited for a taste of all four seasons.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30107981952/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest1"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5646/30107981952_988b855cdd_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/30137405091/in/dateposted-public/" title="Forest5"><img height="auto" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5198/30137405091_4d0d5b5ce9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I made a pigeon friend the other week. There's a bridge that I ride my bike beneath in the mornings and this pigeon, who I soon dubbed Carter, would always be waddling around beneath it. He was a solid chap, with feathers of emerald and magenta wrapping 'round his neck like a silky scarf, and a fluffy body that would puff up if one approached him too quickly. Day after day, I would ride by him, say hello, and take some pictures of his fine, flirty self.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>I noticed that Carter had an orange anklet around his foot and after mentioning my pigeon-pal to my dad, he informed me that there were numbers on the band that described from whence the snazzy bird came. I couldn't ever get close enough to grab Carter to look at some of the numbers on his orange band, but I did squint enough to figure out what pigeon organization he was part of. I soon learned that this pigeon was part of the National Pigeon Association, meaning he was someone's domesticated pet pigeon. Also meaning his name probably wasn't Carter. Also meaning he was not a secret mission pigeon sent to take down terrorists with pigeon kung-fu... I can dream, can't I?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Only trying to help, I suffered through many attempts to clasp his chubby body between my hands, but he'd waddle away or fly to an unreachable fencepost if I got too close. He was kind of a piece of shit, but he was also basically my boyfriend based on how many pictures I took of him and how much I showed him off. #pigeonboyfriend #luv<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Alas, this pigeon-ship didn't last long, because for the past couple of days, I haven't seen Carter in sight. Perhaps he has gained enough energy and was able to continue his journey. Perhaps he simply needed a break from flying. Or worse: perhaps he had found another woman to woo.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Godspeed, Carter.<br />
<br />
Studded jacket: <a href="http://rstyle.me/~90H4T">similar</a><br />
Dress: Kohls<br />
Heels: ASOS<br />
Earrings: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-stylish-tassel-line-earrings-elegant-crystal-rhinestone-earrings-jewerly-p-24943.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Rhinestone net bracelet: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/shining-rhinestone-bracelet-fashionable-bridal-bracelet-bridal-jewelry-p-25367.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Silver ring: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/simple-gold-silver-rhinestone-ring-fashion-shiny-ring-jewelry-decoration-p-23989.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Rhinestone cuff bracelet: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/elegant-rhinestone-bracelet-fashion-shiny-gold-silver-bracelet-jewelry-decoration-p-23944.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-11248257521193777442016-09-09T20:04:00.003-05:002016-09-09T20:04:45.135-05:00Two-Faceted + BornPretty<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29534239956/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8145/29534239956_f16801fd09_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28944769393/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7513/28944769393_195e95951d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> sent me a package that is essentially fairy crystal jewelry, for it's complete with gold-plated jewelry that boasts faceted prisms glittering with rainbows. I received an <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/women-fashion-artificial-crystal-cube-adjustable-open-cuff-forefinger-rings-p-29867.html">adjustable cube ring</a>, crystal cube <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/classic-glass-open-bracelet-goldsilver-plated-bangle-jewelry-decoration-p-26651.html">open cuff bracelet</a>, and some mint and rainbow <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-retro-diamond-earrings-candy-color-rhinestones-studs-earrings-p-23106.html">rhinestone earrings</a>. I actually own the bracelet in silver, but loved how sturdy and thick the metal was that I had to have it in gold, too. Never one to disappoint, <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a> s products are of superb quality, especially considering the price one can buy them at. I'm especially fond of the variety of crystal cube items they have!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>As usual, you can get 10% off with the code <b>ALT10</b>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28944761533/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8676/28944761533_a37f19b925_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28942606294/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8484/28942606294_225918d15f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28942562904/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8298/28942562904_4e1a038df3_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29568210245/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8110/29568210245_109991c76c_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Naturally, since I found a comfortable spot in the woods to take blog photos here in the land of Iowa, karma decided I did something terribly wrong to disturb the balance of the universe... what I'm saying is karma decided to drop a tree on the planked bridge I became so accustom to taking photos on. That honestly felt like a painfully relevant metaphor to life--when something falls on a bridge you've come so comfortable crossing, find another way to cross.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28942579684/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8757/28942579684_3de43a73e9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28942637884/in/dateposted-public/" title="Faceted"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8406/28942637884_c9556a995c_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Top: TJ Maxx<br />
Skirt: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/bd5phnzh8n">Urban Outfitters (exact)</a><br />
Necklace: Charming Charlie<br />
Jelly shoes:<a href="http://rstyle.me/~8RLNi"> Juju (similar)</a><br />
Bracelet: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/classic-glass-open-bracelet-goldsilver-plated-bangle-jewelry-decoration-p-26651.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Ring: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/women-fashion-artificial-crystal-cube-adjustable-open-cuff-forefinger-rings-p-29867.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Earrings: <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-retro-diamond-earrings-candy-color-rhinestones-studs-earrings-p-23106.html">BornPretty</a><br />
<br />Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-34621938761432031972016-09-09T20:00:00.000-05:002017-01-24T18:46:59.446-06:00Fringe and Lace<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27884966045/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7298/27884966045_629e10e355_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27272961243/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7395/27272961243_36638339a4_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>So recently I did something I would never normally do and wore what's basically a longline bra as a crop top. I'm pretty sure my pale stomach blinded anyone who attempting to judge me for it, rendering their opinion on useless as they stumbled into walls and blundered over thin air. But in all honesty, it was one the comfiest "tops" I've ever worn, especially considering how hot and sticky it is outside in this scorching Alabama heat. That being said, I fully encourage anyone who is someone out there to consider the bralette-as-shirt-when-it's-hotter-than-Alexander-Skarsgard-when-he's-shirtless-at-the-beach look.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>This is a real look. I promise you. Just google it and you will understand.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>Really. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=alexander+skarsgard+shirtless+at+the+beach&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiCt8y9hsLNAhXF24MKHbnFAMQQ_AUICCgB&biw=1137&bih=708">I'll google it for you</a>.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27884974505/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7319/27884974505_072160db81_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27273066214/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7511/27273066214_948fcbb20e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27273010714/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7039/27273010714_cfdf9f971d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27607200210/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7666/27607200210_511560052f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27272940173/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7557/27272940173_ca9fd6bfa6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27273015834/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7102/27273015834_db331c6cae_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I'm done being a creep on the interweebs now. I hope you all survive the heat, and if you don't have the heat, enjoy it and drool over some ice cream anyway. And tell me your favorite ice cream flavor as well. I'm a big fan of Moose Tracks, mostly because I like to pick the fudge out of it.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/27273037354/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fringe and Lace"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7446/27273037354_197ca5c284_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
Kimono: Alter'd State<br />
Bralette: Alter'd State (exact)<br />
Skirt: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/bd5phnzh8n">Urban Outfitters (exact)</a><br />
Booties: Chelsea Crew<br />
Necklace: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a><br />
Rings: c/o <a href="http://bornprettystore.com/">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-3883394691383687702016-08-19T10:57:00.000-05:002017-01-24T18:44:39.746-06:00Starry Eyes + BornPretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28725804110/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8400/28725804110_3578d15786_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28411799604/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8746/28411799604_1753bcd19a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">______</span>BornPretty always sends me the loveliest accessories as I am sure you all know, and this set of items did not disappoint. I opted for some silver jewelry as I have been lacking in that area and picked a few stellar pieces: this silver <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/fashion-s925-silver-pentagram-open-ring-adjustable-jewelry-decoration-p-27936.html">star ring</a>, <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/posh-bracelet-twisted-pattern-open-bracelet-p-24745.html">twisted silver bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-cute-mini-irregular-star-moon-stud-simple-silver-plated-nail-p-29491.html">moon and star earrings</a>, and a pointed <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/rhombus-rhinestone-necklace-multi-layer-crystal-necklaces-womens-necklace-p-24627.html">chain necklace</a>. I'm always impressed with their quality as it's tough and long-lasting; I know that these will be no different, and I'm digging all things star, planet, and galaxy-related right now. And forever. Pluto is still a planet and I believe in it.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Ahem. As usual, you can get 10% off with code <b>ALT10</b> at checkout.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28394931093/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8626/28394931093_208e8efc80_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28979082606/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8150/28979082606_e2648b963e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28411790214/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8366/28411790214_000fd515e4_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Now that I've roamed around Iowa City enough both on foot and bike, I feel comfortable with my environment and excited about living and teaching here for the next couple of years. Rather than having a downtown littered solely with bars and bar food, it's peppered with delicious eateries, unique shops, and coffee cafes galore. Each place has its own personality: there's a coffee shop with Edison-style lights and knotted rugs on the floors, a bar with candles and wooden accents, a kitchen shop with hand thrown bowls and mugs, and a couple yogurt shops with brightly colored chairs and glass windows for walls.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I know I haven't seen everything there is to offer here, either, but I look forward to peeling away the layers of this city. I've been biking a lovely, foliaged trail that hugs a river and swoops around a lake, but I know there are more trails out here. Just the the other day, I was driving and noticed a couple of neon helmets pop out from beneath and bridge and then dip down into tall grass that hides a path. As I looked over, I saw a yellow sign designating a bike trail.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span><b>How do you explore new places?</b><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28906852622/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8467/28906852622_b79c3ec07c_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/29011876055/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leaf"><img height="auto" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8515/29011876055_ef1108fd7d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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Necklace: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/rhombus-rhinestone-necklace-multi-layer-crystal-necklaces-womens-necklace-p-24627.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Bracelets: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/posh-bracelet-twisted-pattern-open-bracelet-p-24745.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Moon and star earrings: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/pair-cute-mini-irregular-star-moon-stud-simple-silver-plated-nail-p-29491.html">BornPretty</a><br />
Star ring: c/o <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/fashion-s925-silver-pentagram-open-ring-adjustable-jewelry-decoration-p-27936.html">BornPretty</a>Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402586630342312864.post-66372337517288293772016-08-12T17:04:00.000-05:002017-01-24T18:46:11.212-06:00Bubblegum Genie + Gamiss<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28632468910/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8659/28632468910_6d7819d0d5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28632476950/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie6"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8549/28632476950_0b7df10992_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span><a href="http://www.gamiss.com/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a> sent me over some beautiful items this week. I was sent this <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/skirts-9/product137948/?lkid=905">tie-dye wrap skirt</a>, pearl open <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/necklaces-161/product91594/?lkid=905">necklace</a>, <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/earrings-163/product127381/?lkid=905">knot bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/rings-165/product123077/?lkid=905">criss-cross ring</a>, and pink pearl <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/earrings-163/product127381/?lkid=905">earrings</a>. Everything is in tip-top shape and the order came in just a week. I'm in my new apartment building now, and whenever an item is delivered to me, the delivery person rings a bell that actually sounds like a house alarm going off. It's the loudest beep that sends my heart up my throat and makes me scream a little more than I'd like to admit.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>Any who. Freaky alarm aside, you can check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gamiss-1787085334859227/">Gamiss's Facebook page here</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>I'm going to give mega-respect to those of you who have mastered the art of taking your own blog photos. Usually, my most wonderful momma Hval snap photos for me, and the process is usually done in a quick twenty or thirty minutes. Now, however, things are different; I am in the corn-infested land of Iowa (seriously, corn is fifteen cents an ear here) and all on my own. Just me, a tripod, a self-timer, and limitless fields of corn surrounding campus. Let the games begin.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28632520860/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8604/28632520860_177ebe1a03_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28917781065/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie5"><img height="auto" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8042/28917781065_fd58d35719_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28812665082/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie"><img height="auto" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8514/28812665082_f78673d056_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28886136676/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gnie7"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8827/28886136676_4c72f565fd_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28299904244/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie3"><img height="auto" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8631/28299904244_360e95f4ca_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>The other morning, I scouted out a place for photos not far from my apartment. In the forest next to where I'm situated, a long set of steep, concrete stairs trail down to a wooden bridge. These woods seemed charming before, as I had seen two deer, multiple squirrels, and a little grey rabbit scuttling through them. Very Disney-esque. So down the concrete stairs I went to this wonderland where I smacked my tripod into some ooey-gooey mud and <i>did the posing thing</i> on the creaky bridge. I was soon stumbling around with my camera figuring out how to get everything in the frame and sharp. It took me a solid hour to make some decent photos and I was sweating by the end of it.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">______</span>It's hard being on both sides of the camera. But with time, I'm sure I'll learn.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28886195366/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie4"><img height="auto" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8740/28886195366_e7290c13c1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedrawingmannequin/28302285263/in/dateposted-public/" title="Genie1"><img height="auto" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8101/28302285263_ee9c7069d0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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Lace top: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/tank-top-11485/product69539/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a></div>
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Tie dyed skirt: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/skirts-9/product137948/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a></div>
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Necklace: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/necklaces-161/product91594/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a></div>
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Bracelet: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/earrings-163/product127381/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a></div>
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Criss-cross ring: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/rings-165/product123077/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a></div>
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Earrings: c/o <a href="http://www.gamiss.com/earrings-163/product127381/?lkid=905">Gamiss</a><br />
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell</div>
Ali Hvalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02234587079073148606noreply@blogger.com4