Molecular models never looked so delectable.

This stuff is so durn cool!

dec17

dec17, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

This is what I wore to see The Addams Family at the Oriental Theatre on Thursday. I was surprised to note that I was the only member of the family who showed up that night! ;o)

mini hat from H & M, trimmed with feather, african mask brooch, and five pearl hatpins.
lace katyusha purchased online.
diamond shell earrings from the african festival this past summer.
thrifted hot pink silk scarf and hot pink vintage gloves.
atelier boz bow tie and retroscope pinstriped ruffled blouse purchased online.
thrifted embroidered velveteen jacket.
diagonal ruffled skirt from the empty bottle swap last winter.
moon & stars socks from cosmo beauty on state street.
vintage victorian-style boots thrifted years ago.

Christmas Does Cleveland

I'm tripped out by how much I enjoy this show; it's so fascinating to see Black characters interpreted by white actors (and vice versa, for that matter), without stumbling into Minstreltown. Having a Christmas episode ensures you'll be seen again someday, so hopefully this means there will be another season of this show. Happy Holidays...

addams family

addams family, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Last night we went to see the show. It was hilarious, and definitely a spectacle worth seeing. My favorite characters were Uncle Fester (whose lover is very large, round and pale, like himself) and Grandmama (who partakes in certain herbal remedies rather regularly!) I was surprised for a moment at how casually everyone was dressed, and then I remembered that I live in Chicago ;oP

Bottle Dance

Happy Chanukah to all my Hebrews out there. Here, have one of the best scenes in the one of best films about Jews ever made:

Penny Lane - The Literal Version

I've been watching this over and over, and laughing more with each subsequent viewing...there's a plethora of these literal version sendups on YouTube but this is one of the better ones, I think.

Comedy of Terrors

I'm loving Hulu for posting all these old classic horror films. When I'm bored I listen to films/cartoons like some people listen to albums; this one has some especially good bad acting. Boris Karloff was very sadly under-cast in this...

debauchery ball, december 11

debauchery , originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

debauchery ball, december 11, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Yesterday was my pal Khari's birthday bash. The dress code was "all black and scandalous," so I knew I had it down pat. I didn't take any pictures of myself that evening, I was too busy dancing! Thankfully some other people at the party shared their snaps with me.

dec8

dec8, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Wasted no time getting those tickets for the Addams Family. I'm really excited for it, and I will be sure to do it up right for the occasion. My new job is going well so why shouldn't I treat myself?

red and black fleece beret from ebay, pinned with vintage hatpin.
fox fur fling was a gift from a neighbor (she wanted me to have it, how could i refuse her?)
red empire waist coat from a church sale this summer.
tweed bag from a flickr swap a few years ago.
suede and leather gloves thrifted in portland last month.
cashmere jersey overskirt, thrifted.
thrifted cotton petticoat.
thrifted navy blue patent snow boots.

Yes and Now

Yes and Now, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Yes and Now

It's a must that I see this show; I'm looking at dates now...will keep you posted.

first snow

first snow, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

nov20

nov20, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

A birthday party tonight, then another birthday party tomorrow, then another birthday party on Sunday! Aw sookysooky now!

top hat modified by me, wrapped with a blue leopard print scarf.and various hat pins.
slightly mismatched earrings made by me.
thrifted tahari jacket, vintage leather pants, vintage gloves and snakeskin print boots.
frog skin purse found abandoned at the flea market.
scarf was a neighbor giveaway.

Something Funny

I derive endless joy from our newly emerging mash-up culture...

nov12

nov12, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Another one of those instances in which I only had one shot of the day's outfit. I liked this one because of the cropped jacket, which I was happy to find in my size.
All week I've been getting prepared for my new job which will start next week. It will take some time to get settled into it, naturally, but I'm looking forward to this new chapter.

thrifted chinese silk scarf, chinese print pashmina, cropped jacket, leather double buckle belt, green leather belt, vintage blue gloves, art institute tote bag and kenzo mixed print skirt.
paisley petticoat from knee deep.
vintage white victorian style boots from a church sale last year.

The Old Man of the Mountain

Cab Calloway's fantastic band and vocal performance drive this Betty Boop short; for a moment you almost forget she's there.

nov7

nov7, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

While I waited for my bike to be fixed at the place on the left, I browsed the beads and findings in the shop on the right. In all we rode about 26 miles throughout the city today! (And I came home with some pretty beads.)

thrifted red poncho, red studded belt, kodona style pants and red clarks flats.
merino wool bolero reconstructed by me from an old cardigan.
bottle cap belt from the flea market years and years ago.
gray OTK stocks from urban outfitters.

hans' jacket and overalls are passed down from a family member :o)

nov6

nov6, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Every year around this time I blather about how much I love fall. But it's sincere; I love the crunch of dry leaves and the unique mix of warm and cool each fall brings.

thrifted green mini beret, foldup wayfarers, studded ruffled bag, ruched skirt and suede ankle boots.
copper/brass earrings made by valarie.
alice temperley for target jacket from ebay.
socks from H & M.

nov5

nov5, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

I'm starting a new job this month, it's my first out of grad school and lady, it is sweet...on-site childcare, flexible hours, and I can wear whatever the hell I want! This is what I wore to a preliminary meeting.

thrifted mini beret, foldup wayfarers, red zip blouse, vintage white gloves and puff sleeve jacket. the jacket came with the poppy pin (for veterans)
doorknockers and various chain necklaces from maxwell street.
waistcoat modified by yours truly.
retroscope skirt from egl_comm_sales.
floral knee high socks from urban outfitters.
suede/velvet loafers from a neighborhood rummage sale.

Bentley in the Hood

prewar bentley on king drive, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

It was the best shot I could get from the car, but whoosah, what a beaut!

nov1

nov1, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

I can hardly believe that the end of the decade is only a number of weeks away. So much has happened for me since the turn of the century: attending and graduating Harvard, two trips overseas, dozens and dozens of new friends, met courted and married, became a mother, had several jobs and internships, started and completed social work school...on top of all that my personality and style have changed so much since then. So far, change has been overwhelmingly good for me.

burgundy snood crocheted by me.
fertility figure earrings reconstructed by me.
hunter green merino wool jabot made by me from an old cardigan, and pinned with a vintage "M" stick pin.
thrifted velvety flower print coat.
dinosaur bone ring from ebay.
brown twill skirt from a recycling bin.
thrifted vintage minnetonka moccasins.

oct25

oct25, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Sunday reminded me of why I love fall so much. We took a lovely ride through Jackson Park and throughout the South East side, then along the lakefront. Couldn't have asked for better. I liked the day's outfit because it was perfect for the weather and very comfortable.

thrifted vintage hat, trimmed with a floral silk scarf and two hatpins.
vintage sunglasses.
labradorite and pearl earrings of my own design.
knit cape from forever 21.
fingerless gloves from H & M.
waist pack from forever 21.
moonstone ring from ebay.
thrifted simply vera wang purple cardigan.
thrifted striped t-shirt dress, restyled by me.
gray hammer pants from urban outfitters, years ago.
half socks from H & M.
nanette lepore keds from crossroads trading.

oct21

oct21, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

It was a picture perfect fall day today, and I do mean spectacular. I wanted to wear my short pants and newly modded stockings while I could, and the rest came together from there. I almost went without the hat, but I felt unfinished without it.

my vintage betmar hat was thrifted, and it's pinned with several vintage hatpins.
cat-eye glasses thrifted.
silver/crystal hoops from now-defunct steve & barry's.
bunches and bunches of chains from maxwell street.
cropped jacket from H & M.
cameo pin with manet print was thrifted.
Rob found this tapestry tote bag last week at the thrift store, it perfectly matches the pattern of one of his hats :o)
hip pack from forever 21.
vintage turquoise ring from flea market, onyx druzy ring from ebay.
i found the pinstripe knickers during the summer, on top of a recycling bin. serendipity!
the stockings are a pair of little girl's disney princess print stockings, modded into knee highs with garters. i love the way they turned out!
vintage suede loafers thrifted a few years ago.

hat pins

hat pins, originally uploaded by lush bella.

Why do I want them lately?

Ah. I know why. My collection of tiny vintage hats has been screaming for them. How else are those little beauties to stay on one's head? Now I see there is a reason for all those little old-fashioned accoutrements; like tie tacks, watch chains, sock garters and boot spats, hat pins are beautiful and fiercely functional. On top of keeping one's coif in place, they've been known to put more than a few eyes out of state, which is a bonus when you live on my side of town.

oct9

oct9, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Went to a friend's theater production last weekend, so I thought I'd bring some drama of my own.

My friend Sarah gave me this coat; what a pal, what a pal. It's pleather and it has lacing in the back.
My top hat was purchased online, but I was underwhelmed with it and modified it myself with handstitched leather and a violet sash.
My pashmina was thrifted a few years ago, I love it.
My studded bag and gray lace-up boots were also thrifted.

O The Silliness

Labradorite

Labradorite var. Spectrolite, originally uploaded by Orbital Joe.

I can't stop looking at it lately.

Labradorite Storm, originally uploaded by Aethereal Minx.

Simple Labradorite Ring, originally uploaded by small::bird

Orange Flash Labradorite Fire, originally uploaded by cozysister.

labradorite and blue sapphire necklace, originally uploaded by jadecicadajewelry.

I'm obsessed.

sep30

sep30, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Today, rather than wait until the end of the day to take a snap, I did it before I went out. I've decided that that is a better strategy; smiles come easier :o)

vintage red beret thrifted
vintage jet glass hatpins ebay
vintage oversize sunglasses thrifted
rhinestone dangles thrifted
ruffled hoodie forever 21
vintage white shorties thrifted
black twill skirt neighbor giveaway
red/black striped socks egl_comm_sales
white/black striped flats crossroads trading

sep24

sep24, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Finally! I've opened my etsy shop. I have a few items there now, and I'll be adding more tomorrow and over the weekend. Please check it out and share any feedback if you have it.
Today's outfit was more or less thrown together, but I like the way it came together.

the black wool mini beret was thrifted.
my mostly matched hoop earrings were found on two different occasions and "married" by me. they may as well go together!
same necklace as before, which i made.
my trompe l'oeil zip dress was purchased last year from forever 21.
my black hobble skirt was given to me by my godmother.
the black slide loafers were thrifted a few years ago.

My Etsy Shop Is Officially Open

etsy banner, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

sep27

sep27, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

sep27

Chicago slammed the door on summer just like that. Now I actually need sleeves and socks.

pink leopard print headband thrifted
blind man sunglasses from knee deep
vintage mickey mouse pin from harry
pearl tie thrifted
black zip blouse thrifted
gray undershirt forever 21
studded hip pack forever 21
camo print skirt thrifted
over the knee half socks from flea market
toe socks from filene's basement
melissa plastic dreams flats from crossroads trading.

Young, Gifted and Black

To me, to be young, gifted and Black means not just surviving, but thriving in harsh conditions, like some sort of weed that refuses to be stamped into dust.

School Days

Maybe those teens two entries down would like this track. You think?

sep23

sep23, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Today's goal was a lolita look that was bike-friendly. The last few times I wore this skirt I didn't take any photos, so although this is just a shot on the fire escape, at least it's there. I wanted to wear it at least once more before storing it away for winter.

black and white beret from ebay.
vintage flower bandana, cardigan, brooch and striped top and Doc Marten maryjanes all thrifted.
same necklaces as yesterday.
the music note print skirt was made by chiaki_ayumi and purchased on egl_comm_sales. so were the over-the-knee bodyline pirate socks.
i made the zebra print underskirt.

All The Cats Join In

An old Disney fave. I remember seeing this as a child before I understood racism, so although I thought it strange that there weren't any black people in it, it gave me the idea that white kids were pretty cool and liked to party.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery, originally uploaded by twm1340.

I've been watching The Great Train Robbery on hulu over the last couple of days, and it has put Sean Connery to the forefront of my mind. Not the more mature Sean Connery of today, but the hottie from the 60s; damn that man was so fine. The kind of fine that makes you slap a close relative!

Granted, he has aged as well as a man can, but he was pretty worshipful in his youth. I've been trying to figure out that je ne sais quoi, and I've decided that it's his lips.

Why is he always cast as a scallywag though? It's the only reason I don't envy any of his leading ladies...no one ever actually catches him, and it's hard for a heroine to keep caring about a fellow like that, no matter how fine.

Just as an aside, I thought Donald Sutherland was pretty good in this, though I can't look at him without thinking of Kiefer Sutherland, whom I knew about first (maybe to Sutherland Sr.'s chagrin?) I know it's unfair to overlap his son's personality on him but I can't help it.

monarch season

monarch season, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

sep21

sep21, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

First day of autumn, my next favorite season after spring. I couldn't not take my aforementioned Fluevogs out for a spin, and yes I am quite pleased with them.

I've been so busy since graduation working on making things destined for sale in my etsy shop. I hope to have it all set up before the end of the month. I know, everyone and their mom has an etsy shop, but I'm okay with that! The world needs more entrepreneurship.

Outfit details:
beige wool beret, cartouche pendant and evil eye amulet earrings from miz valarie.
ruffled hoodie came from forever 21.
i got the sterling silver cowrie shell ring from the african festival a few weekends ago, as the vendor was packing up.
suede skirt originally thrifted, then handpainted by my pal shelly.
black fishnets from a vendor at the flea market.
oxblood fluevog wedge boots from crossroads trading.

My, was that fast!

fluevog boot, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Thank you thrift gods for sending me a beautiful pair of Fluevogs!

The South-East Side of Chicago

There is one. I live on it.

The Wiz

The Wiz influenced my early life in some pretty interesting ways. When I was three or four I was cast as Dorothy in my preschool's production of The Wiz. I'm betting that it was because I was an extraordinarily verbal and highly dramatic child, even at that tender age. I remember having a ball doing it: watching the movie over and over was fun, rehearsing was fun, the costumes were fun, and performing it was fun. I got to throw a bucket of glitter on the witch instead of water....how often does anyone get to throw buckets of glitter? Even though it was a little school production I was empowered by the experience, and began to believe that I could actually be or do whatever I wanted in life.

Looking back on it though as an adult, I see how creepy this film actually is. Abandoned theme park? Sinister subway? Fire-breathing robot head? Evil sweatshop taskmistresses? Torture devices? Yeah. But at the same time the film is richer for me now. I can appreciate the entirely Black (and very talented) cast, the fantastic music by Quincy Jones and the sexy, uplifting dance scene at the end with the hot sweatshop workers.

A Case of the Fluevogs

It happens every so often: I'm inexplicably drawn to the Fluevog store window or the website, and dream of strutting down the street somehow wearing several pairs at once. Fall tends to bring it on, as I look forward to showing my boots some love after a summer of skimmers and strappy things. I blame my old friend Christina from prep school for first infecting me; she'd pull me with her into the store in Boston whenever we were in town.

My top drool-inducing favorite of late is the Xie Xie (which means "thank you" in Mandarin Chinese; Fluevog likes to use variations of the word for some of his designs). Sleek and just enough under the radar to wear anyplace, but unmistakably Fluevog in design and quality. They're beautiful and even practical, but not so delicate as to shun wear and tear.

Xie xie in advance to the kind benefactor who would like to gift me these boots...*bow*

Addams Family

Addams Family sketch by Charles Addams, originally uploaded by WithoutLightIAm.

The Addams Family has been one of my favorite classic sitcoms since I was a pipsqueak. I like that the Addams Family is a lovable, loving and functional family, despite the fact that they cannot relate at all to the world around them, and vice versa. Only people that fantastically wealthy can avoid the mainstream as completely as they do, but it's something to shoot for, right?

There's a channel on YouTube that shows a few full episodes from the first season; this one in particular is hilarious (can't embed so I just linked it).The laugh tracks can get annoying (whose idea was this anyway?) and at times feel like social dictation, but the lighthearted silliness takes the edge off.

When I really think about it, this particular franchise has gone much farther than it seems to have, from the original cartoons by Charles Addams to sitcoms, cartoon shows, feature films, video games and other assorted crap which I search for on ebay...and now the musical which will be opening in Chicago this November (and which I delightedly await).

aug29

aug29, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Today was a gorgeous late summer day, with a deliciously cool hint of fall. I wanted to wear a bike-friendly steampunk ensemble today, so that's what I've assembled here. In other news, I've finally received my master's degree in clinical social work. After I finish uploading these pics you know I'm going to celebrate!

my vintage cap, which is wrapped with a leather belt and pinned with a kilt pin, was thrifted.
the round glasses were thrifted also.
my cowrie shell choker was bought years and years ago at the african festival.
my jacket and bag were thrifted and my brooch was thrifted and modified by yours truly.
my amulet ring was purchased at the israel museum in jerusalem, and my udjat ring was purchased at the field museum here in chicago.
my skirt has a great story: i owned this back in 2006, but sold it maybe a year or so later, only to regret selling it later on (hate when that happens!) Back in June I saw it in Buffalo Exchange and simply had to buy it back again.
you can barely see it but i have a coin chain going across the bustle; that was thrifted.
my knee-high half-socks are from H & M. I caught them on deep discount and bought every pair they had; that's my style!
my vintage tasseled wingtips were purchased at maxwell street market last year, I think.

achievement

achievement, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

I've done it. I've finally received my MA in Clinical Social Work. It was hard work but I rose to the challenge. No matter what happens in my life, nothing can take this experience away from me. I'm grateful to see this day, and I'm looking forward to my career in the helping profession.

Little Mama

Don't be Little Mama if you want to keep a man as good as Billy Eckstine!

aug25

aug25, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Where did all of my money go?

usual black shades from knee deep.
vintage Chinese jacket and mary jane slippers from the thrift.
white tee from H & M.
black leggings from Gap.

restored mural at 56th

restored mural at 56th
Originally uploaded by bijouxdejais

"You are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all and the earth itself to nobody." --Rousseau

aug14

aug14
Originally uploaded by bijouxdejais

On this particular day I had to kick some ass and take some names, so I figured I may as well wear a pretty dress while doing so.

giant parasol hat from buffalo exchange, pierced with my hatpin from a random store.
vintage sunglasses by thrift.
aluminum machete earrings purchased at the ghana fest a few weeks ago.
vintage poppy print dress and striped bag by thrift.

Eyes of Eagles

Eyes of Eagles
Originally uploaded by Christopher Porché West - A Studio On Desire

Oh. my. Gah. Unbelievable beadwork.

This is a Mardi Gras Indian costume. the Mardi Gras Indians (not necessarily native American) are known for blending native American, African and European influences in their fabulous costumes for Mardi Gras. This is the kind of stuff I love about being a multiracial American :o)

The quality of this clip isn't that great, but this basically sums up my feelings about anime. I'm an old-school person (if you haven't gathered that by now) and I would much rather watch Popeye beat the crap out of the same guy again and again (but in slightly different situations), than get involved in meandering anime plotlines.

atari video music

atari video music
Originally uploaded by bijouxdejais

Listening to Off the Wall while testing out the Atari Video Music. Pretty trippy, eh?

Oldies with Soul

I'm an oldies person, and have pretty much always been one. Funk, soul, stank, blues, whatever you want to call it...I love the blues cadence, it just gets in my bones when I hear it. So much of the music from the 40s and 50s has that kind of soul in spades. I can see why blues and early rock and roll threatened some people in those days..not everyone can take it!

aug5

Bleh. It's hot. (But I liked my outfit!)

same old thrifted hat, with clip-on flower from H & M.
standard shades from knee deep.
silver curlicue earrings from valarie's collection.
ruffled pinstripe blouse and corset skirt by retroscope, but purchased from different sources. i have a white rose clipped there.
various jewelry, some gifted, some thrifted.
thrifted striped bag, lacy leggings and canvas x-strap slippers.

aug4

aug4, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Light steam for a sunny summer day, the warmest so far.

I always browse the shops on State Street when I'm downtown. Today I picked up the cutest ruffled hoodie dress.... I almost never pay retail price but I knew this was my only chance to buy it. And I do not regret it! (At least not yet :oP)

my vintage straw hat was thrifted a while ago, it's a bit scrunched but i like it like that.
my striped headscarf is an neighbor giveaway from years ago.
my vintage sunglasses were thrifted, but i swapped between these and some foldup wayfarers throughout the day (i keep two pair in my purse because i can never find them when i need them!)
my wood and brass ring earrings are from last year's african festival.
my cuff watch was a gift, and my silver studded cuff and golden wooden bangle were both thrifted.
my lacy cutsew, striped bag, cotton skirt and mephisto walking sandals are all thrifted.
the vest was a neighbor giveaway, and i replaced the buttons with a random assortment of vintage buttons (sadly the bottom one popped off :oP)
my vintage porcelain cameo was purchased at the flea market this past weekend.

The World of Tomorrow

I love retrofuturism; it's a unique interaction with the past. This is an old fave featuring mid-century predictions of a 21st century farm. Love the hybrid farm creatures...





Here's another good one...so many of these little gags are still essentially true!

jul29

jul29, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

Today's outfit felt pretty and elegant to me, so I wanted to be sure to capture it. It was a fantastic day today weather-wise, not too hot and not too cool.
In other news, I've been reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows like a madwoman the last few days; I have to return it to the library. Damn, it's so sad! I haven't finished it so please don't spoil the ending for me.

my green pashmina, which is worn here as a headwrap, came from a bijoux terner in atlantic city about 3 years ago.
the large white rose pinned to it was thrifted. i'm eventually going to be using it in a project but until then...
my vintage glass bead necklace was thrifted at some point....
my ruffled blouse, eyelet dress, striped bag and shoes are all secondhand as well.

Do Yourself a Favor, Don't Come Out at Night

An old fave from back in the day; makes me want to badly attempt doing the robot ;o)

jul22

jul22, originally uploaded by bijouxdejais.

On my way home. I really wanted to wear a lolita look today for some reason; probably so I can get it out of my system before it's too cold to wear short skirts anymore.

my flower corsage headband is from forever 21, but i added more flowers with clips from H & M.
my ebony wood earrings were purchased last year at a shop in kensington market in toronto.
my red zip blouse was thrifted years ago, i still love it :o) i've pinned a bow to the collar center.
my vintage swatch was thrifted.
my black and white pinstripe skirt with flower embroidery was thrifted this week!
my wraparound socks also came from forever 21; i'm so glad i bought two pairs of these.
my red leather flats by clarks (wow, unbelievably comfortable) were also thrifted this week.