tutu 2.0 (now 37% less gaudy)

Yar, here be life decisions. I promise: just wade through a few paragraphs and you’ll get some pretty pictures.

I’ll finish my sophomore year of college in May. I’ve been studying religion and Latin, but despite the fun I’ve had, I always knew that University of Vermont wasn’t really where I wanted to be. It was my safety, and I’m an in-state student, using the school as a metaphorical holding tank until I found something better. I’ve always known I needed to do something macabre with my life. Every career I’ve ever aspired to has been pretty dang morbid: criminal psychologist, prison guard (hey, I thought I’d end up a lot taller than I am now), FBI agent. I’m very comfortable in the underbelly of the world, and someone has to work there.

Long story short, I’ve decided to apply to the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. I originally had my eye on Chicago (which fell through for reasons I won’t go into), or Montreal, but New York is an excellent alternative. I badly need the pulse of a city, and I’m tapping into it a little with this outfit. Consider it practice for living in New York.

I reworked the tutu outfit from last month. It was altogether too busy. I should really let a piece like this stand more or less alone. This time, I went with a few broad blocks of color and kept smaller details to a minimum. The forgiving sweater and smooth jacket also streamline the outfit quite a bit. The leather jacket kept things too bulky; tutus demand flow.

Inspiration courtesy of Franceta Johnson.

Sweater & Jacket: Battery Street Jeans Tutu: Old Gold Tights: Wild Mountain Thyme Shoes: Stella Mae

not your grandmother’s lolita

You are now picturing your grandmother in full Loli gear. You’re welcome.

Once upon a time, I had a tutu that I wore at least once a week. I bought it the summer before my senior year of high school, and I wore it until I went to college, when I decided that I didn’t trust it to stand up to the elements while I bopped around town running errands. That said, I’m more comfortable now in impractical clothes than I ever used to be (I’m wearing heels now, perish the thought), and I think it might be time to dig out the tutu again. If Gabi and Franceta can do it, so can I.

I’m not yet fully satisfied with this look, but I’m still test-blogging the rudimentary version. Any and all suggestions welcome. I’d ultimately like to emulate Franceta’s take. She makes a short tutu ethereal and elegant rather than gaudy. However, I knew I didn’t have the means to imitate her fully, so I filed her inspiration away and went with a more urbane version. I feel like an off-duty ballerina.

I’m home for Christmas break. It’s hard to take photos in my parents’ house. I have my apartment-bathroom selfies down to a science; it’s a little harder here. I did my best.

Gold necklace and gold nails. Silver bracelet and silver ring.

I adore these shoes. They go with everything.

Note the cat’s shadow in the background. She was rocketing off the washing machine just out of frame.

Tutu: Old Gold Jacket: Handed down from neighbor Shirt & Necklace: Urban Outfitters Shoes: Stella Mae Bracelet & Ring: Battery Street Jeans