um, unconventional?

"The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his life. He is not fed, sheltered, clothed, warmed, like his contemporaries."
-Henry David Thoreau, Walden


Q: So, what's so "unconventional" about this blog?

A: The word "unconventional" is inspired by the produce labels at the health food store. The choices are "organic" or "conventional". I find it amusing. I also find it amusing that at the regular grocery store there is a tiny section reserved for natural foods, the rest of the store being...unnatural?

I have a tendency to question everything. I can't help it, it's just how I am. I find it nearly impossible to participate blindly in something, if I don't understand why it is the way it is.

This is stupid. Sometimes. Sometimes I find myself reinventing the wheel. Sometimes I can't improve on something that humanity has already been improving on for thousands and thousands of years. Sometimes my mother is right. Sometimes you really will shoot your eye out. Sometimes.

The other times are sweet bliss. Going against the grain and finding meaning where there was no meaning. Finding a better way. Being a part of changing this world for the better. These things counteract the stupidity a hundredfold.

And that is why I continue to question. And blog about it, sharing with you the sweet bliss part. The stupid part... not so much. (But sometimes, 'cause I know I like it when other people share their mistakes.)

So, here's what's so unconventional about this blog (so far):

FASHION: Vintage. Tons of perfectly good clothing already exists. And it's back in style. Buying vintage (and I believe your dollar is your vote) reduces the demand for sweatshop made clothing, consumption of new materials, and keeps heaps of perfectly good things out of the landfills. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Right? I admit, this isn't a long term solution. But it's a good practice until we live in a perfect world, where all clothing is conscientiously made by loving hands and eco-friendly material.

And here's more unconventional things to come:

FOOD: Oh, where do I start on this one? Organic. Local. Fresh. In season. Vegan. Gluten-free. And for lots of reasons. Lots. It's really hard to change food habits, so I plan to share tips for making it easier, recipe ideas, and inspiring information.

PHILOSOPHY: Yep, every once in a while I plan to delve into the "What" and "Why" behind it all. Why vintage? Why gluten-free? Why bother? What's the meaning of life? An attempt to satiate the inner three-year-old's never-ending appetite for knowledge and wisdom.

FUN: What's the good of any of this if it's no fun? Salamanders like to have fun.We get bored easy. Conventional ways are so boring. So we make our own fun. You'll see.

Thanks for reading!

Oh, and PS: I do buy new underwear. Just so you know.

do you tumble?

Tumblr alert: The Salamander is now Tumbling. (That's a word isn't it?) If you'd like, follow me: http://thelifeofasalamander.tumblr.com/

balance

Color blocking may be in, but monochromatic color schemes are a long-time favorite of mine.

That's where I was going with this outfit until I tried adding this '70s velvet blazer.

Yep, velvet.

Couldn't resist.

Let's just call it balance, shall we?

That's what I was going for anyway. ;)



blazer : vintage, estate sale
blouse : vintage, estate sale
belt : vintage, borrowed from a dress
pants : topshop, years ago
shoes : steve madden, thrifted



standby

One that can always be relied on.

 A favorite or frequent choice.

This shirt.

blazer : vintage, estate sale
shirt : so long ago I can't remember
belt : forever 21
skirt : vintage, estate sale
tights : forever 21
shoes : target

in one month's time

Over the next few days I'm going to play catch up. I have some outfit pics that didn't get posted over the busy holiday season. This one is from about a month ago.

I don't think my life has changed more in one month's time. A lot of new things coming up...

On another note, this is the first shirt I've owned that I need cuff links for.

shirt : vintage, estate sale
sweater : the limited, from years ago
belt : forever 21
skirt : new york and co, from years ago
tights : forever 21
shoes : target

Excuse me while I go buy some bling...
(Did I really need an excuse??? :)

fashion soup

Ruffles, puffs, stripes, and tights.

Sounds like a good combination to me.

70s ruffle blouse : vintage, estate sale
50s high waist shorts : vintage, estate sale
tights : forever 21
shoes : steve madden, thrifted

Here I combined vintage 50s and 70s, polyester and cotton, long sleeves and short pants, storebought and thrifted.

Fashion soup is what I call this.

I could eat it everyday.

fall finale

I've been trying to work this leaf and acorn print cotton top into my fall wardrobe rotation all season, but I just didn't know what to pair it with.

Finally I tried these vintage wool trousers (and yes, for some reason they are trousers and not pants).

Perfect.

scarf : vintage, estate sale
novelty print cotton blouse : vintage, estate sale
wool trousers : vintage, estate sale
shoes : steve madden, thrifted

It's not officially winter yet.

I managed to squeak it in.

Barely.

 

I love, love, love vintage novelty prints.           The perfect high waist wool trousers.