midoritsuru

nov19
Originally uploaded by midoritsuru

Shades to disguise tired, puffy eyes.

I have so much work to do right now, it isn't even funny. But I will get it done and well, like I always do. I don't have any other option!

wool beret, valarie's collection
cat-eye shades, thrifted
black/pink silk blend scarf, hospital fundraiser (ha, like they need more of my money!)
wool sweater coat, thrifted
maroon knit gloves, thrifted
red leather tote, thrifted
vintage pink leather skirt, thrifted
green stockings, thrifted
brown wedge boots, thrifted

nov17
Originally uploaded by midoritsuru


Today is momentous in that I discovered my first gray hair...considering all the drama of the past year, I earned it! (Surprised I don't have more..)

gray felt wool hat, thrifted and wrapped with rob's tie (l left it like that ever since the last time I wore it, I love it this way)
green pashmina, bijoux terner in atlantic city
gray/black zip cardigan, forever 21 sale
vintage wool topcoat, thrifted
vintage black gloves, thrifted
red leather kenneth cole shoulder bag, thrifted
AG jeans, thrifted
suede tassel flats, maxwell street market

Ever since I was little I've been fascinated by impressions of leaves on the sidewalk. Can someone explain to me how this happens?

Don't forget to thank a veteran today! Let's work to build a world in which warriors are no longer necessary.

brown wool beret, valarie's collection
silver indian earrings, harvard square street fair
reversible faux fur vest, valarie's collection
moto jacket, flea market
green tweed purse, swap with iseepretties
vintage blue suede/leather skirt, thrifted
vintage black western boots, thrifted

Have you ever had a day in which one too many bizarre events tip the day from being tolerable to being aggravating? Yerg.

I'm still high off the election, though. We're a winner!

gray wool beret, valarie's collection
vintage sunglasses, thrifted
woven wool scarf, thrifted
green twill jacket, thrifted
silver spoon ring, flea market
brown merino wool skirt, thrifted
navy blue leggings, thrifted
blue patterned socks, thrifted
vintage tassel loafers, maxwell street market

Some people think we don't have the right
To say its my country
Before they give in, they'd rather fuss and fight
Than say it's my country

I've paid three hundred years or more
Of slave driving, sweat, and welts on my back
This is my country

Too many have died in protecting my pride
For me to go second class
We've survived a hard blow and I want you to know
That you'll face us at last

And I know you will give consideration
Shall we perish unjust or live equal as a nation?
This is my country

And I know you will give consideration
Shall we perish unjust or live equal as a nation?
This is my country

"This Is My Country" by the Impressions

I cannot even begin to express my feelings about yesterday's election. I am so utterly proud to be a Hyde Parker, a Chicagoan, an American and a woman of African American heritage today. I'm filled with hope for our nation in a way I never have been before.

During my time at Harvard my area of concentration was African American studies; often the question of whether America could overcome our long history of racism surfaced in conversation. I myself hoped it could happen in my lifetime, but I just couldn't be sure and I didn't want to get my hopes up, only to be disappointed. Barack Obama (whose name, by the way, means "blessing") has been nothing but a source of pride for me throughout his campaign. He's really a mensch, as they say. But what's more, I am proud of my fellow Americans who rejected the old paradigm and turned out in record numbers to make their voices heard.

Oh! My outfit! Almost forgot...
multicolored fedora, urban outfitters sale
silver hoops, flea market
vintage sunglasses, thrifted
vintage silk liberty scarf, thrifted
flag pin, thrifted
vintage white trench coat, thrifted
green tweed purse, swap with iseepretties
vintage denim skirt, thrifted
gray tights, thrifted
silver flats, thrifted

Maybe it's because I live in Obama Central (Hyde Park, Chicago) I've been sensing a palpable tension (excitement?) around the upcoming election...perfect strangers are telling one another to get out and vote on Tuesday. I've never seen anything like it!

wax fabric as headwrap, african festival and thrifted
blue suede strand as necklace (hans can't break it)
military jacket, thrifted (originally from target)
neon green long sleeve shirt, thrifted (also originally from target)
beat up bellbottoms, from high school
vintage black western boots, thrifted

I thought dressing as myself today was enough this time around :o)

vintage bow hair comb, thrifted new
vintage faux amber clip ons, flea market
tie dyed scarf, street vendor in seoul
chef pendant, flea market years and years ago
wool cardigan, thrifted
ruffled tank, forever 21 sale
turquoise nugget bracelet, flea market
friendship bracelet belt, thrifted
green tweed purse, swap with iseepretties
vintage high waist jeans, thrifted
purple suede flats, thrifted

Channeling Secret Squirrel...;o)

The hat had this strange yarn wrapped around it when I bought it. So, I took one of Rob's ties and wrapped it around the hat, and pinned it with a pearl safety pin. I love the way it came out!

felt wool hat, thrifted and wrapped with a thrifted tie
silver beaded hoops, steve & barry's
vintage aquascutum trench coat, thrifted
vintage gray gloves, rummage sale
brown knit skirt, swap from andreaiscool
gray tights, h & m
blue studded flats, ebay

I like those days like today, when it's warm in the sun and cool in the shade. Ah, October.
Today I'm wearing a 1-inch button of Barack Obama I bought at a hip hop festival back in 2005, and I remember hoping then that he might run successfully for president...how close we are to that reality!

gray wool beret, valarie's collection
vintage white clip on ear buttons, thrifted
gray knit cape, H & M
tiny obama button, scribblejam 2005
black cowlneck knit dress, thrifted
black gloves, swap from atomicrose
turquoise nugget ring, harvard square street fair
turquoise tights, H & M
vintage white leather boots, thrifted in las vegas

The other day in an attempt to entertain Hans, I started singing "This Old Man", but I couldn't get through the first verse without laughing. What a ridiculous song, really! And I felt ridiculous singing it.
Anyway...he got a kick out of it. :oD

gray felt fedora, flea market
silver hoops, steve & barry's
vintage lanvin scarf, thrifted
sky blue adidas jacket, thrifted
wine corduroy jacket, thrifted
paisley print skirt, thrifted
vintage navy ferragamo pumps, thrifted

Also, I just wanted to say that I especially liked the way this outfit came together; it's one of my better ones, I think.

Here's a question: can there be infinite growth on a finite planet? If not, why do we pretend otherwise?

I know the above question is most marginally related to my outfit, but I've really had a lot on my mind lately regarding our collective future...

umbrella, uo clearance
wool beret, valarie's collection
wool scarf, thrifted
cashmere blend zip dress, forever 21clearance
red jeans, thrifted
black lace-up boots, thrifted

I'm not sure why, maybe it's because I'm a mom now, but lately I can't leave the house without some sort of wrap, shawl or sweater, no matter what I'm doing...is it a security blanket? Probably.

brown crochet hat, i made it in college
vintage silk scarf, thrifted
vintage sunglasses, thrifted
mexican silver hoops, flea market years and years ago
red cowlneck poncho, thrifted
frog pin, gift from mother-in-law
black sweater, thrifted
black vintage gloves, rummage sale
longchamp tote, thrifted
patchwork leather fanny pack, thrifted
green knit skirt, thrifted
black knee-high socks, street vendor in korea
satin/patent leather peep toe wedges, crossroads trading

First day back to graduate school. Three more quarters...

gray cloche hat, forever 21 (love this hat, bought it both colors)
printed pashmina, thrifted new
black military jacket, thrifted
corduroy skirt, thrifted
black net leggings, urban outfitters sale
vintage suede pumps, thrifted

sep25

OMG people. They are lying. They've been lying. Why believe them now? NO BAILOUT.
Excuse me, just had to get that out. Back to the outfit.

red corduroy cap, from my sister elyce
e pin, a record store in roscoe village
giant cape verde girl earrings, gift from mom
vintage sunglasses, thrifted
chinese dragon tee, thrifted
old brown woven belt, thrifted
"disco jeans", thrifted
yellow keds, thrifted (when i was growing up people called these "buttermilks" or "Whitegirls", why I don't know)

sep24

This dress is designed by Double Stitch, a local sister design team. I like supporting local designers when I can and I had always wanted one of their pieces, so it is very special to me. This spring I found one, with the tags still attached, for $3.

vintage betmar fedora, thrifted
gold studs, thrifted
vintage purple sunglasses, thrifted
cotton cardigan, thrifted
message button, found on the ground (it reads: "The most violent element in society is ignorance." Emma Goldman)
double stitch crochet dress, thrifted
vintage gloves, swap gift from atomicrose
patent/snakeskin ferragamo pumps, thrifted

100% thrifted!

sep20

How can I spend a nice afternoon with my son without spending a dime? Take him to the park. As it turns out, there was a house music party in the park this afternoon. Bonus!

vintage silk liberty of london scarf, thrifted
mosaic sunglasses, thrifted
pearl drop earrings, gift from grandmother
cotton sequined tunic, thrifted
leather backpack, thrifted
batik bellbottoms, college dorm recycling bin
nigerian sandals, thrifted