keep your promises

Sometimes all I need is a good record, a hot cup of coco, and a 1965 Seventeen Magazine. Classes are canceled today due to the snowstorm last night, so today I plan on catching up on all the blogs I read and being a complete bum. It's time to recharge-- yesterday was a very draining day.

Yesterday, I ventured to Nashville to a vintage shop I'd heard so much about. It was lovely, but I wasn't in the best of spirits that day--- a year-long friendship had ended earlier that day, and as I drove on the asphalt road, I wiped my tears and knew that it was for the best. Truthfully, we had drifted and had "broken up", but I had decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. I'm not angry, though, just disappointed. I am, however, glad that I found this out now instead of later, when I really needed her. Still, without her guidance (literally), I found myself lost in downtown Nashville. It was hectic trying to get home (I'm terrible with directions, so I've now added a GPS to my shopping list). I'd made it about half-way home and was stopping to get gas when a random guy ran up towards me, shoved me, and even tried to take my purse! Luckily for me, it was swung across my shoulder so he couldn't take it; unluckily, however, when I fell, I got a ginormous run in my stockings.
Ah well. Today is another day, and I'm actually in a very good mood.

I took these shots the other day--- I've recently declared to the universe (not cheesy in the slightest!) that I am a freelance photographer and, surprise surprise, I've actually gotten a few inquires and a job with a friend (he's paying me in Trident Layers!). I went to the railroad tracks to take some test shots and, behold, I forgot that my suitcase was still in my trunk. It's funny, but the photoshoot that just sort of fell into place ended up being my favorite!


On one last note (if you're still with me, then ten points for you), it's really nice to know I'm not alone with the home issue. I got some really amazing feedback, and I'm grateful. There have been so many signs as of late, or maybe that's just me reading too much into things, but I can't just plop down and expect to feel at home. I have to make a home. And the same goes for friendship-- I have good friends, and when I'm meant to have a best friend, it will happen. It's funny that the two things many take for granted--- feeling at home and friendship--- are the two things that elude me most.

Coat: Urban Outfitters (on sale!) // Dress: Modcloth // Tights: Target // Shoes: Nashville // Belt: ?

Love Always,
Amber Rose

Listening to: Oh Comely, Neutral Milk Hotel on vinyl.

bravery

The days are growing colder, and snow is continually falling upon the ground, blanketing everything until the sun melts it away. Sometimes I'll close my eyes in the middle of the snowfall and wish for spring. In my heart, I can feel it, though it does seem endlessly far at times. Another day passes and nothing has changed. I'm still a student as I was yesterday and as I will be tomorrow. Another winter has passed. My favorite thing is to leave the heat on and the windows open that way you can enjoy the breeze without getting too cold in the middle of the night. All blanketed in the warmth, I feel safe with the flick of the breeze to relieve me from myself as I wish for spring and summer.

Last summer, I went to New York for a spell and spent my summer in Philadelphia, immersing myself in everything about it. The foods, the community, the atmosphere. I'd convinced myself that "this was where I belonged." Upon further reflection, I realize that it didn't feel like home. Philadelphia, the place I am from, is not home. Perhaps it's because I've spent so much of my life moving around; I've only ever stayed in Philadelphia for one consecutive year with the exception of of check-back visits to see loved ones. And as I visited New York, the place of dreams and all that other shit, it felt so forced. Sure, it was grand and all-around more of everything, but it wasn't mine.

So if Philadelphia isn't home.. if New York isn't home.. and if Tennessee isn't home..
well then I'm back at square one.

I'm not so disillusioned to think that I'll waltz into a place and suddenly everything will be rainbows and butterflies, but I'd like to think that if I was in the right place, I'd feel it in my heart.

Truthfully, the most exciting things in my life have been the adventures. My tattoo, for example. The breath before he started my tattoo, I felt so alive. After the fact, it was incredible to have a reminder of my bravery whenever I glanced down at my wrist. My tattoo is lovely, but the memory of that moment is the greatest of all. Or the drive to New York. I pressed my hand against the glass window of the car and imagined all sorts of scenarios. Would I bump into a Carrie Bradshaw-esq woman? Would there be beauty and magic everywhere? While the visit was nice, my anticipation was, again, the greatest of all. I guess what I'm trying to say, in a long-winded and too-detailed way, is that I'm trying to find more of that adventure and what it is that awakens that passion in myself. I'm at a standstill, and nobody is going to shake things up for me.

I often feel like my life is a waiting game. I need a change, but at the same time, I worked like hell for this scholarship, and I'd be foolish to throw it away.. I'm trapped by the very thing I worked so hard for.

This post was rather long; Sometimes I like to make my thoughts into something more concrete.

Love Always,
Amber Rose

It's time to be brave.

whisper hello, I miss you quite terribly.

the air smelled of rain and the grass was outgrown
I drove to your house, the porch light was on
it was early in the morning and your eyes looked like sleep
we made idle talk but it was nothing too deep

the light shined through your curtains and we laughed at the sun
but the colors looked different, suddenly we weren't young

-Amber Rose

Chasing Pavements

Hello my darling readers! I hope you're all enjoying this three-day weekend, I sure know I am.

On my first day back to school, I went to a concert for a band called Zoso-- these gents emulate the very best (and the very worst!) of Led Zeppelin. It's no secret that I'm a Led Zeppelin junkie (Babe I'm Gonna Leave You is my favorite!), so I tentatively went, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Imagine my surprise when they rocked out! For three hours on a Thursday night, I was able to pretend I was at a Led Zeppelin concert! While appearances weren't dead on, I can honestly say I'm surprised at how much Zoso sounded like the band! A gal friend and I met up with another friend of ours and had way too much fun, really! By the end of the night, I was so tired (as evident by these photos-- I was zonked out, man!) and let me just tell you, it was no easy task waking up the next morning (four hours of sleep anyone?) for classes. That deserves a medal.

I hope that you've all enjoyed my featured blogger post and Nicole's guest post over here! Just trying some new things out is all! Another new thing in the works, but don't worry, I won't go-a-changin' too much.

Speaking of changing... I had my weigh-in today. I was really nervous because this past week was very hectic resulting in a lack of exercise. Somehow, I managed to lose 3 lbs, and I am so pleased! Only 25lbs left to go! How do you balance school/work/exercise/blogging? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Until next time,
Amber Rose

Listening to: Se Tu M'ami-- Lacrymosa

ps: I know you guys must be getting sick of the blogger updates-- a post last night AND two posts today? Don't worry, I'll take a break! It always seems that I post a lot at once or hardly at all. hmh.

red velvet, if you please

Hello there! I'm Nicole from Coco Maria! When Amber Rose asked me to do a guest post, I was so excited! Not only is she such a lovely lady inside and out, but she's a great writer and blogger. When she told me I could write about whatever I wanted, I really had no clue what to do! After a little bit of thought, though, I figured I would combine two of my favorite things into one post: fashion and baking. While my blog is mainly a "fashion blog" I also really love to bake all sorts of things, specifically cupcakes. Since I started weight watchers a little over a year ago, though, I've had to give up on my baking a bit. So, I figured that I could give a nod to cupcakes by dressing up a bit like one! So, this outfit is (loosely) inspired by a red velvet cupcake (my favorite kind). Would you believe me if I didn't immediately think of wearing this dress, which is both "red" and "velvet?" After running through a bunch of red, white, and brown outfits that just didn't seem right, I remembered this dress and just went from there. My big puffy white cowl is a little like a dab of frosting on top of my cupcakey dress (Okay, so I'm slightly corny. And cupcake-obsessed?), and I put on some rusty brown tights to keep with the color scheme.

Dress: Forever 21
Cowl: Taylor House
Tights: Hue
Wedges: Ruche
Belt: Target





I hope you enjoyed my post, and thank you again to Amber Rose for asking me to be a guest on her lovely blog!
-Nicole

Ruby Slipper Journeys

Drum-roll, everyone!I would like to announce my first featured blogger of 2011--- Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys! Emily started blogging around the same time that I did, and I highly suggest heading over to her slice of web. As you can tell by her blog's title, Emily travels all around the world. Through her blog, you can live vicariously through her and soar to all the corners of the world just like this lovely lady does!

Where ever Emily is, you can bet she's driving headfirst into whatever adventure the area presents. Another thing you can be sure of? Here darling style, of course! Mark my words, this girl is going places, and when she does.... well, then some skeezy tabloid will link back to this interview from "before she made it". And we can all say that "We knew her first!!"
So sit back, prop your feet up, and let's chat with Emily for a spell!

1. I'm so glad that you agreed to be my featured blogger-- you really are wonderful. To start off, what are some of the most memorable places you've been to?
There are so many! I'm one of those annoying people who says things like "every place is interesting in one way or another." However, there are some places that are so beautiful I couldn't believe it-- like the coast in Mozambique where I was lucky enough to go earlier this year. Another major favorite is the little coastal town in England where my Dad is from. It's called Whitby has the ruins of an abbey standing on a cliff overlooking a fishing town; it's just magical (some of my earliest blog posts were about Whitby). And I love Barcelona.

2. I remember those posts! What is your favorite thing about traveling?
For me, the excitement just never wears off. I love seeing new places, and I love thinking that to the people who live there, these places are so everyday as to be boring, whereas I'm running around taking pictures (I'm an unashamed tourist in that regard). I also like trying new food (I don't always like it though), and experiencing new cultures and trying to learn new languages.

3. Life's too short to not be a tourist! You must have some good travel stories. Share one?
The best travel stores always seem to be the ones where your trip was disastrous in some way! The way to Mazamique this year was pretty interesting. We set off from Johannesburg at 2am with the idea of reaching the border in the morning. We rolled in 13 hours later. In between, we lost half our party down another highway, almost all the cars (there was a group of us) got a flat tire, and most memorably, we actually got stuck in a few feet of mud down a dirt track in the middle of the night. Even the jackal that had been runing in front of us for a while deserted and took off in the grass. I couldn't believe I ws out in the wilderness at night, in Africa. I'm sure African readers will be rolling their eyes, but for me it was pretty hardcore! After we finally got out of the mud, we drove down a ridiculously pot-holed road with signs like "Hippo crossing," and "Beware: Explosion Zone." and had to leave the car in a field next to a helicopter before walking across the border! I've also, of course, spent way more nights semi-sleeping in airports than is fair...

4. "Hippo crossing!?" That had me in stitches. Now.. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
For style? This year it has mainly been blogs. I've always really liked fashion but never really gelled with the images in magazines (except Elle Canada, randomly I always quite liked that magazine). I wouldn't say blogs have changed my aesthetics much... I've been wearing little dresses and cute flat shoes for years, but they've shown me a more directional way of wearing these things and have given me inspiration on layering and accessorizing.


5. How funny-- I quite like Elle Canada, too. What are some of your favorite blogs?
I have a soft spot for a lot of bloggers who started around the same time as me and were serious and creative about it from the start. That would include you, Amber! And also Milk Teeths, Rags Against the Machine, Embracing Style and Dressed Up Alligators. Obviously I get lots of inspiration from people who've been doing it longer too. I love The Cherry Blossom Girl (though things are getting a bit too designer-y around there), A thought is the Blossom, Waking Life, Resplendent Tranquility, Orchid Grey, Black Sheep, Diversions, Hannah and Landon for the photography... I read way too many blogs I think.

6. Aw, shucks! Now onto music; are there any songs on repeat right now? What are they?
I'm one of those people with no soul who isn't that into music. Erm... I've always really liked Sufjan Stevens and Rufus Wainwright. And this year I discovered French Canadian music a bit with Les Cowboys Fringants. Yep, that's probably all the music I've put on in a month!

7. You have a soul--- I'm pretty sure of that! What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Everyone says this but the community. I don't talk about fashion that much in the non-blogging world. Most of my friends would likely think I'm shallow if they knew. But style is an undeniable interest for me, and I'm glad to have a place to ramble on about it.

8. What is something that sets you apart from the other blogs out there?
Well, judging by the questions you've been asking me, my various experiences living abroad! I like to think that Ruby Slipper Journeys is part fashion blog, part travelogue. I like to let the two subjects overlap, to showcase all the places I go nicely, and I often have fun dressing for my location. In Mexico there were a lot of old colonial mansions in my neighborhood, and I had way too much fun thinking up outfits to match all of them!

9. What is your favorite fairytale?
Anything involving a dragon, especially a good dragon.

10. How are you able to live in so many places?
I get this question a lot and would like to set the record straight, in case people are thinking I'm some kind of heiress or something! It's been a combination of luck and initiative. I was lucky to be born with dual citizenship (my Dad is from England and the European passport has been invaluable). However, I think it's perfectly possible to move around a lot without this bonus. I've taught English, predominantly, but also gone places to study (like now), and also just kind of showed up in a place and overstayed my tourist visa. Dodgy...

Blogs mentioned in this interview (in order): www.modestjune.com (me!) www.milkteeths.blogspot.com www.ragsagainstthemachine.blogspot.com www.embracingstyle.co.za www.dressedupalligators.blogspot.com www.thecherryblossomgirl.com www.athoughtistheblossom.blogspot.com www.makinglifewakinglife.blogspot.com www.resplendenttranquility.blogspot.com www.orghidgrey.blogspot.com www.blacksheepr.blogspot.com www.shallowmallow.blogspot.com www.haannahandlandon.blogspot.com

Well there you have it folks! Click on any of the photos to be directed to Emily's blog!

Hope you enjoyed the feature! If you're interested in being my Featured Blogger for March (February has already been chosen!) then shoot me an email at amberrose@modestjune.com!

Best Wishes,
Amber Rose

EDIT: I cannot get the photos to link to her blog... rubyslipperjourneys.blogspot.com

Young at Heart

Disclaimer: I look like a deer in the headlights in the following photo!

I was all set for my first day of school--- very excited (I'm a dork, remember?), outfit set out.. when I flipped on the news and checked my university email. A former APSU student had made threats on our school and our students! If you follow me on twitter, you know the full story. If not, you can click here to read about it online. Needless to say, a lot of folks elected not to go to class that day. This fellow is still out there..

Thank you to everyone for their support with my dieting aspirations! I'm finally starting to see results, and it feels so good! And... that last post. I was upset when I wrote it-- note: you should NEVER blog when angry. Oops. But thank you for the wonderful support. You guys really make me feel so much better every time, and you really boosted my confidence in my writing! Speaking of writing... I wrote a song that I will hopefully be recording soon-- I'll keep you updated! (I'm so nervous!)

And now for some sporadic updates:

Just so you gems know, I have three-- that's right, THREE!-- posts planned for this three-day weekend, so be sure to check back.

Coming soon--- featured blogger, Led Zeppelin Concert (bam.), a VERY 60's look, and maybe a little something else up my sleeve.

Also, if you're interested in having your etsy shop featured on my blog, shoot me an email! I'm doing a featured shop for next month. Another thing-- I'm accepting sponsorships for February, but I'm almost out of space, so shoot me an email if you're interested in that as well!

Outfit Details: Shoes: c/o Blowfish Shoes // Dress Modcloth (may be in the shop soon!) // Tights: Target // Cardigan: Nashville // Purse: Mulberry for Target ($15!)


Love Always,
Amber Rose

Listening to: Young at Heart-- Landon Pigg cover.

out of focus.

With shaking hands, I reached for my car keys and threw my overnight bag into my car. I was at the point of no return, and all I could think was "Amber. If you do this, there's no going back." I wiped the tears from my face, took a deep breath, and went back into the house. And paced. Then paced some more. Was I really about to leave? And that's when the screaming hit a new level. Words meant to sting, hurtful looks, and the guilt trips. I went back to my room, unpacked, put on a John Lennon album, and had myself a good cry. The next day, I drove my car to a barren forest, one with no one around for miles, and I just screamed. I screamed until my throat was raw, until I choked on my own spit, until I didn't have any more air in my lungs. And then I turned around, walked back to the car, and drove home.

Everything was just as it'd been left, and if you didn't know any better, you could almost convince yourself nothing had ever happened.

Outfit: Sweater: Pacsun // Shift: Thrifted // Shorts: UO // Shoes: Endless // Tights: Target

Listening to: There's No Secrets This Year- Silversun Pickups and Moth's Wings- Passion Pit

Love Always,
Amber Rose

wake your ghost.

I drug your ghost across the country and we plotted out my death. In ever city, memories would whisper: "Here is where you rest."

Perhaps one of the most chaotic, frantic, incredible songs ever written.. Click to listen.

In recent news... I'm alive! I didn't crawl off the face of the earth pending the New Year, promise. I'm saving that one for 2012.

If you guys follow my twitter you'll know that I've been doing some hardcore workouts and dieting. I've recently started Weight Watchers and a crazy exercise routine so that I can get in to the best possible shape before my dad returns from Afghanistan this March. (Although, since WW is rather pricey, I found forms online and the formula for calculation how many points something is. Let me know if you'd like me to email them to you.) I've actually got this whole notebook I composed of a letter to myself (to read after I reach my goal), points for my favorite foods, food journal, exercise journal, and all sorts of good stuff.

As I'm typing this, I'm snuggled in bed.. sore. My body just isn't used to working out! I'm excited, though, because as often as I'd gripe about my weight, this is the first time I've ever really made the commitment to doing something. A few of my blogger pals and I have been emailing each other to "keep tabs" on progress, if you will. It makes this seem more concrete since I feel more accountable for my actions/diet/etc.

Anyhow, time to throw on those sweats and eat some Special K, then I'm out the door. How are your New Years Resolutions coming along?

Outfit Details: Dress: UrbanOriginal // Tights: c/o WeLoveColors // Cardigan and Shoes: Nashville

ps: For good measure, here's a photo of me cradling what just might be the creepiest babydoll I've ever seen.



Love Always,
Amber Rose