This is still one of my favorite posts of all time, and I stand by it 100%. I play at elegance sometimes, but everyone should know what a tacky fuck I am. I think about it every time I pull out this sweater, which is one of the most beloved things in my wardrobe.
In other news, Kristina nominated me for the Leibster Award. It’s a “learn more about the blogger!” meme, and I love answering surveys and questionnaires, so why not, eh?
First, eleven random facts about me:
1. I’ve been working at haunted houses for almost a decade now. I grew up loving them, and I started volunteering the minute I was old enough. The rest is history. For next year, my tenth anniversary, I think I might take a sabbatical for “research & development” – i.e., going to a bunch of other haunted houses. I’m so busy working that I haven’t actually been to one in years!
2. I’m the only child of older parents who had tried for years to have kids. My mom was 42 when I was born; my dad, 38. The day after I was born, there was an article in the paper about women who are pregnant in their 40s being more likely to live to 100. My mom cut it out and laminated it, and she still has it.
3. I have Asperger’s and OCD. Though Asperger’s is no longer a distinct diagnosis, having been rolled into the rest of the autism spectrum, I feel most comfortable identifying as an Aspie. I was diagnosed in my teens after years of feeling profoundly alienated from the world. I’ve come a long way re: my social skills. Now, at 21, I can usually pass for neurotypical pretty well, with the exception of some motor tics and other stimmy behaviors.
Skirt: via costume shop
Shoes: vintage, via eBay
Hat: from a friend
Everything else: thrifted
4. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: I love Latin. I love it. In high school, Latin class was just about the only thing getting me out of bed in the morning. And, if I do say so myself, I’m really damn good at it. The language just makes inherent sense to me. I swear I was born with an extra grammar lobe.
5. I’ve been fascinated by criminology since I was a kid. I was about 11 when I first started writing psychological profiles of my favorite book & movie villains, and it snowballed from there. I took a few criminology classes, and I once had serious designs on a career in the subject, but I have a lot of complicated criminal-industrial-complex-related feelings, so that’s a ghost I’ve more or less given up. I do watch a lot of Orange Is the New Black, though.
6. I’m a really good cook! My specialty is a sweet potato, caramelized onion, and Swiss cheese pie with shortbread crust. Both my parents used to be professional chefs, so it’s in the blood.
7. I’ve made peace with the fact that I might never finish college. I love learning and I love knowledge for its own sake, but my brain isn’t well suited to academics (except for Latin). I went to college for two years, and that’s better than nothing. I have a day job I like and plenty of creative outlets. Not everyone needs a degree.
8. I used to sing classical music, and I miss it every day. I wish I could find more amateur musical opportunities! As it stands, all the choirs near me are either a) religious, b) a huge time commitment, or c) both. I’m often tempted to join a church just to participate in the choir, but that feels dishonest.
9. I’m polyamorous. I have a primary partner whom I live with, and secondaries scattered about. I could easily write a post and a half about this alone, so I’ll leave it there, but I’m willing to answer questions!
10. Two years ago, I ranted on reddit about a political issue that was bothering me. A scout for an international magazine saw it and messaged me, and that’s how I ended up writing for The Prague Revue until they took a hiatus this summer.
11. I am terrible at keeping track of my glasses. At least twice a week I misplace them for a few hours and have to squint my way through the day. My eyesight isn’t awful, but the glasses definitely help.
Now for the q&a:
1. What inspired you to start a blog?
I’ve had several blogs throughout my life. When you love both writing and attention as much as I do, it’s only natural. I started this particular one because I’d been posting my outfit photos on Facebook for a few months, and I decided to move them to a more formal platform. But, if we’re being real, the actual catalyst was that I was procrastinating my finals and in kind of a manic mood, and I decided to start a huge project instead of writing a paper about Latin etymology.
2. Who is your favorite style icon?
My absolute favorite designer is Elsa Schiaparelli, she of the famous lobster dress. I love Iris Apfel and Beatrix Ost. And even though she doesn’t really blog anymore, I really loved Solanah of Vixen Vintage. She had such a lush, cozy vintage style.
3. Can you name two of your favorite bloggers and explain why they are your favorites?
My current favorites are Nora of Nora Finds and Melissa of Specs & the City. My own style is equal parts of each, and it’s cool to see that mirrored. Nora has the best vintage wardrobe I have ever seen. She puts together accessories in ways that are almost too busy, but end up falling on the side of eccentric & elegant instead. And Melissa is a brilliant artist. Her entire world is madcap and overbright. I envy her editorial vision .
4. What’s one wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
Fit-and-flare dresses in every possible color and pattern, naturally. Brightly colored tights. Men’s oxfords. I have a uniform of late, and I’m pretty happy about that.
5. How would you describe your blogging style?
Overeager and pretentious. I’m kidding, but only kinda.
6. What is your greatest achievement outside of blogging?
I won eleven Latin awards in high school, but I feel utterly lame choosing that one, given that I graduated four years ago. Honestly, I suppose it would be learning to live with my mental issues and build a life to the extent that I have. I live on my own with a partner, and a few years ago I didn’t think that would be something I’d be able to do.
7. What was the last book you read?
Incubus, by Anne Arensberg. And it was AMAZING. If you like spooky, atmospheric horror, not the bloodbath kind but the kind that settles in your chest, you need to check it out.
8. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ireland all the way. Rebecca of The Clothes Horse moved to Northern Ireland last year, and her pictures have made me fall even deeper in love with the place.
9. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Married to my primary partner, with possibly a mortgage and definitely a pet. Having published my short-story collection, plus a few auxiliary stories. Earning at least half my income writing freelance. Maybe owning an antiques shop, maybe owning a haunted bed-and-breakfast. Maybe both.
10. What was the first book or movie that made an impact on your life?
I saw Sleeping Beauty when I was four years old, and I’ve been deeply in love with Maleficent ever since.
11. What advice would you give someone who has just started blogging?
Post whatever the fresh hell you want. Seriously. Build an audience by being you first and foremost. You can refine later. First you want to know that people are reading you for yourself, not for whatever airs you’re trying to put on.
I always feel so awkward tagging people in these things, so how about this: if you’re reading this and you want to participate, consider yourself tagged!
My Kingdom for a Hat 