Tag Archives: art teacher

Last Licks

Bailey 44 top and skirt, Michelle DaRin jewelry bracelets, BCBGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 top and skirt, Michelle DaRin jewelry bracelets, BCBGeneration sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress, Michelle DaRin jewelry, Minnetonka boots
BCBG Max Azria dress, Michelle DaRin jewelry, Minnetonka boots
Banana Republic T-shirt and skirt, Michelle DaRin jewelry, Calvin Klein sandals
Banana Republic T-shirt and skirt, Michelle DaRin jewelry, Calvin Klein sandals

Here I am, officially home from the last day of school.  I will be heading over to the Sullivan Library in Chittenango, New York in a bit to install my annual summer art show.  It will hang through August 2016!

BCBG Max Azria dress, BCBGeneration sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress, BCBGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 dress, Nine West boots
Bailey 44 dress, Nine West boots
Chan Luu bracelet, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt and dress, Nine West booties
Chan Luu bracelet, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt and dress, Nine West booties

I have many plans for my summer – travel, parties and lots of art shows.  I thought last summer was my best ever, so I am really looking forward to all the fun and surprises in store for me in the next two months.  I don’t know why I am certain it will be even better, lol, but I get the feeling that my life is getting better and better every minute…because it is!

Banana Republic T-shirt and skirt, BCBGeneration sandals
Banana Republic T-shirt and skirt, BCBGeneration sandals
Trina Turk dress, Guess sandals
Trina Turk dress, Guess sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress, belt and pants, Calvin Klein wedgies
BCBG Max Azria dress, belt and pants, Calvin Klein wedgies

Here are my final outfits of the day (#ootd) from the past couple of weeks.  No more outfit pics for a while since I will be living in Champion sports gear and Trina Turk bikinis, although I just received my new Trina Turk top and am dying to wear it.  Lord & Taylor had a CRAZY sale on-line – 30% off almost everything plus an additional 15% off on top!

Honora necklace, Banana Republic jacket and pants, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt, BCBGeneration sandals
Honora necklace, Banana Republic jacket and pants, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt, BCBGeneration sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress, BCBGeneration sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress, BCBGeneration sandals
Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt and top, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGeneration sandals
Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt and top, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGeneration sandals

I love fashion!

Honora necklace, BCBG Max Azria top and pants, BCBGeneration sandals
Honora necklace, BCBG Max Azria top and pants, BCBGeneration sandals
Trina Turk dress, BCBGeneration sandals
Trina Turk dress, BCBGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 top, Banana Republic skirt, BCBGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 top, Banana Republic skirt, BCBGeneration sandals

Happy, happy summer!

Michelle DaRin jewelry, Bailey 44 top, Trina Turk pants, Nine West sandals
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Bailey 44 top, Trina Turk pants, Nine West sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress and belt, BCBGeneration sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress and belt, BCBGeneration sandals
Trina Turk dress, Guess sandals
Trina Turk dress, Guess sandals
BCBG Max Azria dress and pants, Calvin Klein wedgies
BCBG Max Azria dress and pants, Calvin Klein wedgies

 

 

Classroom Tashionista

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JCrew blazer, BCBG Max Azria top and pants, BCBG Generation sandals
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Lucky Brand top, BCBG Max Azria pants, BCBG Generation sandals

Here are my most recent #ootd pictures.  I am grateful for Katy Conden, my fellow art teacher, work colleague and all around bestie who has been taking such good pictures with my Samsung Galaxy 6.  She makes it so fun to vogue it up every morning.

I am getting my hair done more frequently these days.  Amanda LaDue at Miracles in Fayetteville, NY is a true miracle worker.  She has single-handedly transformed my look.  The other day one of my work colleagues told me that I look younger now than I did ten years ago when we first started working at the middle school together!  That is so sweet!

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Banana Republic cardigan vest, Bailey 44 top, INC pants, Nine West sandals

It is such a thrill to get such positive responses on Facebook and on Instagram as well, where a lot of other fashion bloggers are giving me kudos, most notably the local fashion sylist, Jackie Terribile (@thesmalltownstylist)  She is a friend of my little sister.  Jackie blogs about the Syracuse fashion scene and does some guest hosting on a local morning show.

I am a lot older than the typical fashion blogger so, yes, it is all so flattering and wonderful.  I am empowered by Madonna’s statement about her Met Gala outfit and the idea that age should not even be relevant when it comes to fashion, beauty and all that.

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Coach headband, Lord & Taylor cardigan, BCBG Max Azria top, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West boots

The above picture was taken by Roberta Mou, the Home & Careers teacher (when Katy was absent one day).  Note the kitchen background.  I am never normally in a kitchen, lol.  I never cook except to make cupcakes once and a while for the art talks we have at school.

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BCBG Max Azria dress, Ralph Lauren boots, Fossil bracelets

I wore this white dress on a day I was demonstrating an India Ink lesson!  I wore two smocks.  In my defense, I love this dress and I can’t just stare at it in my closet and not wear it once and a while.  I am going to an event at the end of the month that has a dress code – resort casual – and this dress is perfect except for the color.  It is literally never appropriate to wear white to anything wedding-related unless you are the bride.

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Honora necklace, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt, knit top and leggings, Ralph Lauren boots
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Vintage necklace, JCrew cardigan, Bailey 44 top, Calvin Klein jeans, Nine West sandals

Nine West asked to repost the above picture on their website and on their Instagram account.  Those sandals are my most recent purchase.  They are so comfortable.  They come in two other colors – emerald green is one of them.  They have a zipper in back and a gladiator style lace-up in front.  I love the support this style offers!

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Free People cardigan, Trina Turk top and pants, Nine West sandals
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Vintage necklace, BCBG Max Azria dress, Nine West booties

The beaded cross necklace – my mother got it from the Indian Village at the New York State Fair in the 1940s.  I am in love with it!  I built many of my outfits in the past two weeks around this blue, gray, beige and gold color scheme.

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BCBG Max Azria T-shirt, Lucky Brand top, 7 For All Mankind jeans, Nine West booties

Now that the school fair is over, it is pretty much smooth sailing until the end of the school year.  Hopefully, the backgrounds in my #ootd pictures will improve, meaning I will start cleaning the room and putting away unnecessary supplies.  (Sure I will.)  And then before we know it, it will be summer vacation!

Yeah, I guess I am not a typical fifty-something, lol.  No cooking or cleaning, but a big yes to a stress-free aesthetic in four-inch heels.

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Free People cardigan, BCBG Max Azria dress and belt, Calvin Kliein jeans, BCBG Generation sandals
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Michelle DaRin jewelry bracelet, BCBG Max Azria top and pants, BCBG Generation booties

Neutrality is a Cool Cat

I guess I feel most comfortable wearing neutral colors – black, white, gray, beige, navy blue….

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Banana Republic turtleneck sweater, BCBG Max Azria leggings, Ralph Lauren boots

People keep making comments to me about my wardrobe – that it seems unlimited, that my closet must be colossal, et cetera.

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Lord & Taylor cashmere cardigan, Banana Republic leather top, Trina Turk leather skirt BCBG Generation booties

It is an illusion, I think, because I have repeated a lot of separates, although I try to mix things up enough in order to create new looks.  And I have to admit, this is a lot easier when you stick with neutrals.

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Coach headband, BlackBrown1826 cashmere sweater, Bailey 44 top (underneath), BCBG Max Azria pants, Nine West booties

One of my friends wants me to be her stylist and while I love fashion, I cannot see myself as someone else’s personal shopper.  Fashion reflects one’s personality, of course, but as well as I know her, I can’t be limited by a budget.  If I desire something, I don’t stop until I get it.  I know that other people, my friend included, do not generally live by that creed.

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Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria skirt, Nine West boots

Case in point – I just bought two evening dresses – a gown and a cocktail dress – for upcoming events (a BCBG Max Azria and  a Jill Jill Stuart!).

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They were in the $300 price point range.  So…I will be driving to work on fumes for three more days.  I have also lost three pounds, lol, no food in the house.  No biggie.  Everything always ends up working out for the best.

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The Limited silk scarf, Banana Republic dress, Steve Madden boots
KEY, 30X30, 2000 (300x300)
Karen Tashkovski, Key, 30″ x 30″, 2000, oil, latex & collage, $825

Hey – if I sell every “cat” painting I brought to the Summit Medical Group art exhibit (in the Lawrence Pavilion Lower Lobby Gallery) in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, I will make $11,800 less a 10% donation to that local animal care charity.

WING, 30X30, 2000 (298x300)
Karen Tashkovski, Wing, 30″ x 30″, 2000, oil, latex & collage, $825
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BCBG Max Azria cardigan and T-shirt, Banana Republic pants, Nine West booties

That’s enough to buy at least a few more clothes.  That show starts April 25, 2016.  It is open to the public – my favorite type of art show – a captive audience, people who may not seek out art venues but are at the offices for other reasons.  It’s my bread and butter (ha ha – figuratively.  You know I don’t eat bread or dairy).

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The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 5th, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 pm.  Summit Medical Group is located at 1 Diamond Hill Road, Lawrence Pavilion, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922.  Call (908) 277-8806 for more information.

#ootd on Time

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Trina Turk dress, Michelle DaRin bracelet, Nine West booties

Here are the outfits I wore to work from the past couple of weeks.  I donned my orange Trina Turk dress on Friday in support of Syracuse University sports (my alma mater).  The men’s and women’s basketball teams did well this year.  They both made it to the Final Four!  There was so much excitement in this town.  I watched the last three games at different venues and it has been a blast.  Last night, the crowd was disappointed with the outcome, but that energy turned into an amazing night of dancing to the live band that took the stage at Shifty’s once the game ended.

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Of course, Mother Nature took the loss a bit harder and decided to give us back our snow!

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How crazy is this?  It is the view from my back porch taken a minute ago.  Yes, just this morning!  Funny, because yesterday I was contemplating whether or not I would mow the lawn today….

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Honora necklace, JCrew cardigan, BCBG Max Azria top, T-shirt and pants, Nine West booties

My 5th graders finally finished their wood sculptures.  They are currently on display in the school library.  Next we will tackle a slab/hand built clay sculpture.  I haven’t done the lesson in ten years, which was the last time I taught 5th grade art, so that should be fun!

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Lord & Taylor cashmere beanie, Berkley Cashmere cardigan, Lucky Brand top, Bailey 44 skirt, Nine West booties
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Ann Taylor denim jacket, Bailey 44 top, Trina Turk pants, Nine West booties

My Studio in Art class is working on a mixed-media still life drawing and the rest of my 8th graders are painting their clay projects.  They have a choice of metallic paint or fluorescents.  The glow-in-the-dark element is soooo fun!  One of my students donated his black light to the classroom.  We can now check the projects in progress to see if the paint is covering well.  Thanks, Joe S.!

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JCrew blazer, BCBG Max Azria dress, Steve Madden boots
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Honora necklace, Free People cardigan, Warner Bros. Harry Potter Gryffindor T-shirt, Calvin Klein jeans and belt, BCBG Generation sandals

The end of the marking period is fast approaching, leaving only ten weeks of school for the year!  Wow.  It was about this time last year that I got my first cell phone.  Yeah, I know!  I was living under a rock for the first fifteen years of the new millennium.

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Coach headband, Free People cardigan, BCBG Max Azria T-shirt, Trina Turk dress, Nine West booties

Stephanie G., one of my Studio in Art students from last year, was the one who told me about #ootd (outfit of the day).  I guess you can blame her for turning me into a fashion monster, lol.

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Michelle DaRin jewelry, Banana Republic jacket and pants, BCBG Max Azria top, BCBG Generation sandals

But, of course, I was already coo-coo ca-ca for fashion.  It seems as though time has flown by this school year but at the same time… it seems to be standing still.  I don’t feel as though I am aging.  I actually really love the way I have finally caught up to myself.  To my dreams for myself, I mean.  Because suddenly, I’m achieving everything the real me has ever wanted.

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Free People cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria leggings, BCBG Generation booties

And in the process, I have found my life’s purpose.  Giving visual voice to local artists. Assisting them in any way I can to help them achieve their goals and dreams.  Offering positive energy to students – not to persuade them to have art careers necessarily, but to help them fall in love with art, with the arts.  And to believe in themselves in the way that they know they can achieve anything they want.  That they should not stop working towards a goal until either they achieve it or stop desiring it.

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Viola top, INC pants, BCBG Generation booties

It’s taken me a while to learn this stuff, but time hasn’t actually mattered, if that makes any sense.  This journey has been the true gift.

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Michelle DaRin choker, Banana Republic dress, Ralph Lauren boots
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BCBG Max Azria cardigan, Bailey 44 top, INC pants, Nine West booties

Okay, time to throw on the giant parka and venture out into the April sprinter (winter in spring?) wonderland on my way to a brunch date with one of my besties.  But first I need to decide what to wear….

Techno Fashion Glitch

Lucky Brand jacket, Warner Bros. Hogwarts T-shirt, Trina Turk skirt, Nine West booties
Lucky Brand jacket, Warner Bros. Hogwarts T-shirt, Trina Turk skirt, Nine West booties
Honora necklace, Banana Republic leather top, cardigan and velvet pants, BCBGGeneration booties
Honora necklace, Banana Republic leather top, cardigan and velvet pants, BCBGGeneration booties

One of the main reasons I haven’t been blogging – I was having technical difficulties with my Instagram account.  The pictures were not saving to the camera’s gallery.  I tried uninstalling the program and reinstalling it and it didn’t work until tonight.  Yeah, tonight it worked.  Weird.

Michelle DaRin jewelry, Banana Republic cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and skirt, Nine West boots
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Banana Republic cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and skirt, Nine West boots
Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt and leggings, Lucky Brand top, Ralph Lauren boots
Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt and leggings, Lucky Brand top, Ralph Lauren boots

I must be more relaxed or something – I am on vacation.  Or maybe it’s just an example of perseverence, although I had been on the verge of giving up, lol, over something so simple.

Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBGMaxAzria dress, 7 For All Mankind jeans, Nine West booties
Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBGMaxAzria dress, 7 For All Mankind jeans, Nine West booties
JCrew blazer, Rachel Roy top, Banana Republic skirt, Steve Madden boots
JCrew blazer, Rachel Roy top, Banana Republic skirt, Steve Madden boots

A former student asked me how he could get his creativity back.  He thinks he’s lost it, I guess.  And the truth is, no one can find it for you.  You just have to take the time to quiet your mind of all the bugs that are attacking you.

BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Berkley Cashmere cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria pants, Nine West booties
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Berkley Cashmere cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria pants, Nine West booties

No more I’m not good enough…I can’t do this and all that junk. Believe you can do it.  Know you can.  Then think about how you will do it and just do it.

Viola top, Calvin Klein jeans, BCBGGeneration booties
Viola top, Calvin Klein jeans, BCBGGeneration booties
Lord & Taylor cashmere cardigan, Banana Republic cashmere dress, Nine West boots
Lord & Taylor cashmere cardigan, Banana Republic cashmere dress, Nine West boots

I know that some of my friends did not like hearing me say that I did not want to make new artwork until I started selling the art I have already made.  It is not that I lack creativity.  I just desired a sign from the universe that my art is leading to other great things.  It is very important to me to achieve financial success as an artist because I want to show my students that it is possible.  I mean, that is one reason.  I mean, I didn’t make over a thousand works of art for them to just be stored away forever.  That doesn’t make a lick of sense.

JCrew cardigan, Banana Republic dress, Nine West booties
JCrew cardigan, Banana Republic dress, Nine West booties
BCBGMaxAzria cardigan and dress, BCBGGeneration booties
BCBGMaxAzria cardigan and dress, BCBGGeneration booties

And then, I haven’t been doing anything to make any of it happen.  I haven’t been actively seeking venues or peddling my wares anywhere since the Natur-Tyme exhibit where I sold a handful of $5.00 cards.  So, I kind of sound like a person who does not take my own advice.

Michelle DaRin jewelry, Free People cardigan, Lucky Brand top, BCBGMaxAzria belt, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West booties
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Free People cardigan, Lucky Brand top, BCBGMaxAzria belt, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West booties
Banana Republic suit, BCBGMaxAzria top, BCBGGeneration booties
Banana Republic suit, BCBGMaxAzria top, BCBGGeneration booties

The truth is I wanted to manifest getting an art show in a passive way.  I was already doing everything I could to get myself out into the stratosphere.  I am here.  Right here.  And on Instagram and Linkedin and Facebook.  I have over 20,000 views on this blog.  I wanted someone to find me.  Someone who was looking for me and my art because they know it will sell.

Banana Republic sweater and pants, Calvin Klein belt, Nine West booties
Banana Republic sweater and pants, Calvin Klein belt, Nine West booties
Berkley Cashmere cardigan, Warner Bros. Gryffindor T-shirt, Nine West booties
Berkley Cashmere cardigan, Warner Bros. Gryffindor T-shirt, Nine West booties

Well, it finally happened.  I will give you more details as it gets closer to show time.  I was asked to be part of an art show at a medical facility in New Jersey.  The show starts some time in April with a reception on May 5th, 2016.  I will be exhibiting and selling my Dreamtime and Echolalia series paintings (it is an animal-themed show).  The curator saw my work on Linkedin.com.

Michelle DaRin jewelry, Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria tank top and leggings, Ugg boots
Michelle DaRin jewelry, Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria tank top and leggings, Ugg boots
Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, Ralph Lauren boots
Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, Ralph Lauren boots

Trina Turk recently replied to my comment on her picture on Instagram.  She said, Love you, too and something about wanting to be an art teacher one day!  I have the dream of meeting her one day, becoming friends and maybe even working with her – designing clothing with silk dyed to match my watercolors.

BCBGMaxAzria cardigan, top and pants, Nine West booties
BCBGMaxAzria cardigan, top and pants, Nine West booties
Bar III sweater, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, BCBGGeneration booties
Bar III sweater, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, BCBGGeneration booties

Two years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed I would actually be interacting with her on social media.  Things can happen.  You can mold your life consciously even if you dream big.

This blog is about my community, my artwork and fashion because I have all of these other dreams.  And I think it is perfectly okay to slide your creativity around to wherever it takes you.  Who knows where it will stick?  There are bound to be more glitches along the way.  That is kind of the fun of it.  To never lose faith even when junk makes you feel like quitting.

Banana Republic sweater, Trina Turk dress, Nine West boots
Banana Republic sweater, Trina Turk dress, Nine West boots
Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBGMaxAzria top and pants, Nine West booties
Michelle DaRin jewelry, BCBGMaxAzria top and pants, Nine West booties

I have a few more goals to achieve with the remainder of this February break.  I am buying a car, so I guess these fashion posts are going to seem redundant for a while.  While preparing the stuff for my taxes I tallied how much money I spent on clothes this past year and it was kind of a lot.  (No, I don’t deduct any of it, lol)  It would be nice if clothes were free, wouldn’t it?  Just thought I’d throw it out there if anyone is listening.  Would love to make that one stick….

Sandals in Syracuse in December!

Banana Republic cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria top, BCBGGeneration sandals
Banana Republic cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria top, BCBGGeneration sandals

I am officially starting my Christmas vacation!  Wore this holiday look today.  My new BCBG Max Azria pants with my favorite top and a sweater I never wear, lol.  But my absolute favorite part of the above look is that I could wear sandals to work today!  It is sixty degrees in Syracuse.  Yes.  On December 23rd!  Last year at this time we had a bunch of snow.  A week later we had these cray-cray sub zero temps!

Banana Republic cardigan and pants, Bailey 44 top, BCBGGeneration sandals
Banana Republic cardigan and pants, Bailey 44 top, BCBGGeneration sandals

I am LOVING this warm weather.  Green Christmas, here I come.

Banana Republic cardigan, Banana Republic dress, Nine West booties
Banana Republic cardigan, Banana Republic dress, Nine West booties
Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk dress, Nine West booties
Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk dress, Nine West booties

After Christmas, I am going to put on my thinking cap and start making future art plans.  I expect to concentrate on this art career of mine.  I should have bigged myself up a few weeks ago – I could have sold some art and merchandise from my redbubble.com site.  You can still buy it, just not in time for Christmas.  Oh well.

Ann Taylor cashmere sweater, Bailey 44 skirt, Nine West boots
Ann Taylor cashmere sweater, Bailey 44 skirt, Nine West boots

Happy holidays!

Tashionista’s Trinkets & Boots

BCBGMaxAzria top, pants and belt, BCBGGeneration sandals
BCBGMaxAzria top, pants and belt, BCBGGeneration sandals

I’ve been in a whirlwind of social activity, including art stuff – like I went to Plowshares, an art show at Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY over the weekend.  I went there to shop for Christmas gifts because I am a firm believer in buying local.

BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots

The vendor in particular – Michelle DaRin.  Michelle is a jewelry designer and I absolutely love her work!  She often does art shows and fairs but you can also find her work here.  For Christmas, she is offering different specials every day.

Lord & Taylor cashmere cardigan, Rachel Roy top, Champion yoga pants, Nine West booties
Lord & Taylor cashmere cardigan, Rachel Roy top, Champion yoga pants, Nine West booties

I also stumbled upon a great boot sale at ninewest.com.  On Black Friday, they had 50% off boots then an additional 20% off that, so, I bought lots.  Not that I needed them, of course, but now that I am fashion blogging, I just desire new things.  Curbing spending will be a New Year’s resolution…or not.  I say it in my head then go – nah!

JCrew sweater, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West booties
JCrew sweater, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West booties

Most of my waking hours are spent on bcbg.com.  They have 60% off stuff!  Just bought a top, and pants that I haven’t worn yet.  As you can see, my new belt has been in heavy rotation these past two weeks!

JCrew cardigan, Trina Turk dress, BCBGMaxAzria belt, Nine West boots
JCrew cardigan, Trina Turk dress, BCBGMaxAzria belt, Nine West boots

I see Amanda LaDue at Miracles in Fayetteville, NY every three weeks.  She added more highlights to my hair to the point that my blonde sister asked me if I was single-white-femaling her, lol.  We are definitely twinning right now!

Trina Turk dress, Steve Madden boots
Trina Turk dress, Steve Madden boots

I took my sister’s yoga class for the first time ever.  She is an instructor at O Yoga.  It was really pretty amazing!  I am a pilates girl but I think Sophie is about to convert me to yogini – nah!, well…maybe….

Lord & Taylor cardigan, Bailey 44 top, Trina Turk pants, Nine West booties
Lord & Taylor cardigan, Bailey 44 top, Trina Turk pants, Nine West booties

Trina Turk was doing 30% off stuff.  What you need to do is get on the emailing list so that you can receive invitations for all the special sales.

BCBGMaxAzria dress and belt, Ralph Lauren boots
BCBGMaxAzria dress and belt, Ralph Lauren boots

I am not sure what is up next – there are loads of craft fairs going on.  A new art gallery in Armory Square and several art exhibitions that I have been invited to attend through my connections on Facebook.

Banana Republic cardigan and pants, Bailey 44 top, BCBGGeneration booties
Banana Republic cardigan and pants, Bailey 44 top, BCBGGeneration booties

As for my own work, I will wait for whatever comes my way in the new year.  I am planning to revise my Shopify.com store and you can still purchase merchandise with my artwork on it – phone cases, T-shirts and mugs – through http://www.redbubble.com.

Free People cardigan, Lucky Brand top, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, Nine West boots
Free People cardigan, Lucky Brand top, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, Nine West boots

I guess that is another New Year’s resolution – to be more the vendor than the customer – nah! well, you know…yes!

BCBGMaxAzria sweater and belt, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
BCBGMaxAzria sweater and belt, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGGeneration booties

 

 

 

Skirts, Leggings & Klimt

Trina Turk dress, Nine West boots
Trina Turk dress, Nine West boots

It’s been relatively warm here.  Sunshine – no rain, no snow.  I still feel comfortable in bare legs and/or sandals at forty degrees!

Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots

I think that’s because last winter it was, like, four or more below zero in the winter, so we Syracusans think that thirty degrees is sort of warm.  It’s a relativity thingamabob.

Trina Turk top and skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
Trina Turk top and skirt, BCBGGeneration booties

Whenever I wear Trina Turk, the amazing fashion designer likes or comments on my Instagram pictures so, of course(!) I do it as often as possible.  Here is the outfit with and without the Banana Republic cardi.

Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk top and skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
Banana Republic cardigan, Trina Turk top and skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
Lucky Brand jacket, Banana Republic dress, Steve Madden boots
Lucky Brand jacket, Banana Republic dress, Steve Madden boots
Free People cardigan, Rachel Roy top, BCBGMazAzria pants, Coach booties
Free People cardigan, Rachel Roy top, BCBGMazAzria pants, Coach booties

This Free People cardi is in heavy circulation.  I just love the color.  It’s a sort of raw sienna/yellow ochre dealio, which truly suits me.  I am always instructing students to use this color as the underlying structure to a painting or a colored pencil drawing – the perfect neutral.

Free People cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, BCBGGeneration booties
Free People cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria leggings, BCBGGeneration booties

Been going to Green Lakes after school every day – I either bring exercise clothes to change into or I’ve been wearing leggings almost as a uniform, which is just easier.

Berkley Cashmere cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings BCBGGeneration booties
Berkley Cashmere cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings BCBGGeneration booties
Banana Republic cardigan, Bailey 44 top. Champion leggings, Enzo Anglioni boots
Banana Republic cardigan, Bailey 44 top. Champion leggings, Enzo Anglioni boots

The picture below was my casual Friday look.  We call it dress down day.  The teachers contribute money to fund various charities in order to wear denim since jeans are technically not professional attire.

Ann Taylor jacket, JCrew top, Calvin Klein jeans, BCBGGeneration sandals
Ann Taylor jacket, JCrew top, Calvin Klein jeans, BCBGGeneration sandals

I always top my look with an apron or a blue smock during the school day.  I look more like this crazy guy when I am not posing for a picture:

Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt

He’s Gustav Klimt.

I love this man!  His work is sooooo beautiful!  He was very eccentric.  He loved cats to the point that I think he hoarded them.  I only have the one – I am not technically a crazy cat lady, but just being an artist, the word crazy is tossed about a lot directed towards me, like some sort of embraceable put-down, lol.

Right now, I have something like six or seven different preps – I am doing different lessons in every class.  Painting – Wolf Kahn barn paintings in acrylic, fluorescent clay lizards and frozen faces; additive sculptures in one class, reductive sculptures in another…what else?  Colored pencil dessert drawings à la Wayne Thiebaud and Japanese fan mixed-media pieces,  Needless to say, the classroom is a crazy, topsy-turvy mess.

So, smock, cats, crazy…you can see that I identify with Klimt.  We could have been besties in another life.

Mada Primavesi by Gustav Klimt
Mada Primavesi by Gustav Klimt

This is my favorite Klimt painting.  When I stood in front of it at the Met years ago, I literally wept at it’s beauty.  It just has this innocent freshness.  The painting is actually life-size.  The girl and I are the same height. Hmm, that gives me an idea for a fashion look….  Think I will sport the side hair part tomorrow, maybe wear my white BCBG Max Azria dress again…but I think I will pass on the white tights.

 

Wrath of Tash

Trina Turk dress, Steve Madden boots
Trina Turk dress, Steve Madden boots

Here are my #ootd (outfits of the day) from the last couple weeks.  Am dying to buy something new, but, I know, I know…I should be grateful for what I have and for being able to figure out a way to wear what I have in different ways – mixing designers, changing up the shoes, etc.

My classroom is weirdly one of the warmest rooms in the school, so I am always wearing a cardigan or blazer thinking it will be a lot colder than it is only to end up flinging it on my desk chair as soon as I get to class.

BCBGMaxAzria sweater, Banana Republic pants, BCBGGeneration booties
BCBGMaxAzria sweater, Banana Republic pants, BCBGGeneration booties
Lord & Taylor cashmere beanie, Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt (underneath) and leggings, Eitienne Aigner boots
Lord & Taylor cashmere beanie, Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt (underneath) and leggings, Eitienne Aigner boots

I almost always toss on an apron too.  Students are painting in two classes, clay in one and colored pencil in the others, so it’s not that messy yet.

JCrew cashmere hoodie, BCBGMaxAazria top and leggings, Ralph Lauren boots
JCrew cashmere hoodie, BCBGMaxAazria top and leggings, Ralph Lauren boots

But still – the minute I get paint or marker on the sleeve of something, I get so frustrated.  The lure of on-line shopping rears its pretty little head and I’m like, please let me have new stuff!!!!!  I want, I want!

Lord& Taylor cashmere cardigan, Banana Republic cashmere dress, BCBGGeneration booties
Lord& Taylor cashmere cardigan, Banana Republic cashmere dress, BCBGGeneration booties

The joke is that you haven’t really lived until you have experienced the wrath of Tash.  Usually I’m just angry with myself but…if someone is behaving inappropriately, I’ve been known to turn green. Steam comes out of my ears and I say, “Tash mad.” (lol)  I am always laughing at my own jokes, sorry.  I guess you have to be there.

Bailey 44 top, INC pants, BCBGGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 top, INC pants, BCBGGeneration sandals

This kid in the hall told me he’s going to be all cammo for Halloween so I said, “No one will see you.  You’re gonna end up with no candy.”  I laughed and laughed at that one.  I’m telling you – camouflage jokes just never get old.

Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
Free People cardigan, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt, Trina Turk skirt, BCBGGeneration booties
Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria skirt, Honora necklace, BCBGGeneration booties
Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria skirt, Honora necklace, BCBGGeneration booties

Another thing that never gets old – finding money on the ground.  I love when this happens.  It’s like the universe is saying – see, you can manifest cash anytime you want.  In the US, the streets are lined in gold…sort of.

Target, Fayetteville, NY
Target, Fayetteville, NY

Nickels, dimes and mostly copper pennies!  And we all know those are really worth two cents because that’s how much, apparently, it costs to make a penny these days.

Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru, Eastwood (Syracuse, NY)
Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru, Eastwood (Syracuse, NY)
Dunn Tire parking lot, Dewitt, NY
Dunn Tire parking lot, Dewitt, NY
Greenwood Winery, East Syracuse, NY
Greenwood Winery, East Syracuse, NY
Greenwood Winery, East Syracuse, NY
Greenwood Winery, East Syracuse, NY
BCBGMaxAzria sweater (reversible!), Banana Republic skirt, Ralph Lauren boots
BCBGMaxAzria sweater (reversible!), Banana Republic skirt, Ralph Lauren boots
JCrew blazer, BCBGMaxAzria top, Banana Republic pants, BCBGGeneration booties
JCrew blazer, BCBGMaxAzria top, Banana Republic pants, BCBGGeneration booties

It’s a fun game to see how much you can find in a year.  Whoever wins gets to brag and then all the money is given away.

Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt, 7 For All Mankind jeans, BCBGGeneration sandals
Bailey 44 top, BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt, 7 For All Mankind jeans, BCBGGeneration sandals

You can’t really hunt for it.  Money usually just finds you.  You just have to believe.

Free People cardigan, Banana Republic (leather!) top and pants, Coach booties
Free People cardigan, Banana Republic (leather!) top and pants, Coach booties
Banana Republic sweater, BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
Banana Republic sweater, BCBGMaxAzria dress, Nine West boots
BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings, Ralph Lauren boots
BCBGMaxAzria top and leggings, Ralph Lauren boots
BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt and pants, BCBGGeneration sandals
BCBGMaxAzria T-shirt and pants, BCBGGeneration sandals

 

Art Tease

Bailey 44 top, INC pants, BCBG Generation sandals
Bailey 44 top, INC pants, BCBG Generation sandals

It got cold again in the ‘cuse this week after 85 degrees last week, so it was back to sweaters and long sleeves.  It also felt right to go neutral palette – black, white, cream, beige, and grey with some navy blue thrown in, which is pretty much my whole wardrobe (heavy on the black).

J Crew cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria leggings, BCBG Generation booties
J Crew cardigan, Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria leggings, BCBG Generation booties
Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria leggings, BCBG Generations booties
Bailey 44 top, BCBG Max Azria leggings, BCBG Generations booties

When I really like something I buy it in several colors.  I have the above Bailey 44 top in black and in red, and I have these BCBG Max Azria leggings in black with faux leather and in navy blue.

Lucky Brand jacket, Bailey 44 top, Banana Republic pants, BCBG Generation sandals
Lucky Brand jacket, Bailey 44 top, Banana Republic pants, BCBG Generation sandals

It’s already been a month since I got my smart phone, a month of different outfits and about a month of school left to go.

Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBG Max Azria leggings, ine West booties
Black Brown 1826 cashmere sweater, BCBG Max Azria leggings, Nine West booties

Life seems really exciting.  I love that feeling I get when something is fun and the universe is filled with things to look forward to, as though it will fulfill its promises.  Not sure if that is bad for my art. Lots of artists seem to be brooders, creating work out of anger, misery or melancholy.  But I am all into happiness and joy.  I want people to feel good when they look at my work, as if they are in on a secret.  A secret language that enlightens, if that makes any sense.  I am thinking about painting on paper for the “futura” series. That feels right too.

BCBG Max Azria lace top with Victoria Secret camisole underneath, Calvin Klein jeans, Coach booties
BCBG Max Azria lace top with Victoria Secret camisole underneath, Calvin Klein jeans, Coach booties

I will have time to paint this summer, but before I do anything I want to work on the business of being an artist and that includes securing venues for exhibitions.  I have something in the works for July that I am VERY excited to share but I believe it will have to wait to be revealed, as it is some type of top secret thing-a-ma-gig.  Will let you know soon though.  I promise.