Death Through War

Post WW1&2 Impressionist Otto Dix created paintings that grotesquely depicted the horror and brutality of war. During WW1 he volunteered for the German Army and was sent to the trenches. He has said he was plagued by nightmares for the rest of life because of what he did during the war. Using mostly soldiers and prostitutes as his subjects he showed society and the perverse effects war has upon it.

While his style may be distorted, I still find great beauty in the use of colors and underlying emotion in his paintings. He truly translated his view of the world into very inspiring and moving pieces.

"I have to experience all the ghastly, bottomless depths for life for myself; it's for that reason that I went to war, and for that reason I volunteered."

{images: google}

Dark Beauty

As the seasons change I find that I love switching up my beauty routine almost as much as my wardrobe! Usually when it comes to beauty I am a "less is more" kinda gal, but with this season's dramatic silhouettes there's got to be a little more drama on my face as well.

As a brunette myself, I am always drawn to dark, sultry features. Anna Karina is a perfect beauty muse because of her striking beauty and thick wonderful hair. Okay okay, I'll stop talking about how hot she is and move on with the pictures....

{images: Google}

Now I'm off to my first tattoo consultation appointment (!!!). More to come on this soon.

I Got the Blues.

It feels nice that my life is finally settling into a routine again. I always embrace change, but I will also admit it does frazzle me when it comes on all at once...

On a lighter note, plaid is not just for flannel anymore. Hooray for sheer anything!

wearing: AA chiffon button up, cheap monday jeans, thrifted belt & necklace, F21 oxfords.

School Sexy.

So the act of moving apartments, starting another semester of school, and a surprise corporate visit at my job has left me with very little blogging time. I promise this blog will be back to regularly scheduled programming very soon. Till then, here's some Proenza Schouler FW10 to tide you over.

Sheer shirts under dangerously deep dresses, crop tops over mesh, and a chunky sweater over an oxford...meow.

{images: style.com}

Back to School

Today was my first day returning to school. The weather was uncharacteristically cool for this time of year and my windows even fogged up this morning! This can only mean that fall is just around the corner. Well, looks like I'm back to brain exercise for another semester.

...I really should have studied French more this summer! Eh bien.

wearing: AA flower pullover, hat, and zipper shorts.

Are you there summer? It's me Tarah.

So I know you’re about to vacation in the southern hemisphere, but if you could do me a favor and stick around just a tad longer than August 31 that would be great. I just need a liiiiittle more time to gush over the 70's yacht party looks at YSL Resort 2011. Thank you.

PS. Tell Australia I said hi.

Style Staples: Silk blouses

Nearing the end of sweltering summer heat there is always one question on my mind, how does one stay cool and simultaneously transition into fall?

My favorite staple is definitely silk blouses. They add texture and shape to an outfit, while always looking great tucked into those seriously short summer shorts. Many times I will use a blouse as the foundation of an outfit, and then build the rest of the outfit around the occasion and weather. The result is stylish and breezy looks that embody the spirit of all seasons.

oops! still need to fix that button...

wearing: vintage oscar de la renta blouse & vintage north beach leather pants.

Looking Ahead

As I lay around sick in the midst of a rainy summer day, I can't help but think of fall. I promise I'll stop talking about it (once it gets here). Thank you for understanding.

{images: sartorialist, dix painting, tfs, jak&jil}

Late Summer.

This is my favorite part of summer. It is still really hot outside, yet autumn is just around the corner. I get a strange satisfaction from the feeling of crunchy grass on my feet. Summer is slowly drying out.

These weeds by my mom's house only get prettier as fall arrives. Expect this backdrop in the future.

Wearing: thrifted blouse, AA lace bodysuit and pants, Marni platforms.

Seeking Solitude.

{images: google search}

Sometimes the quietest places are full of people.

As summer slips into autumn, I find myself attracted to the decayed and weathered beauty of old cemeteries and tombs. Mythologically fall is associated with the elderly Crone when the Earth begins to die before rebirth. Every fall I fight the urge to dress like an old woman. Am I Crone crazy, or is it an early case of Halloween fever!?