A Broad Abroad!

So these past couple months have been nuts. I won't go into the gritty details, but moral of the story is that I'm going on a study abroad to Madrid, Spain, through BYU! I literally cannot wait to go! I feel like I'm itching to get overseas. Oddly though, it doesn't feel like I'm going, even though I have the plane ticket, I've paid the deposit that guarantees my spot, I know where I'm living in Madrid, and have my passport. This whole thing is so surreal that I know it won't feel real until my bags are packed and I step through customs into a foreign culture.
Fortunately, even though I recently graduated from BYU this past August, I was accepted to the program. The only glitch in the system is that the student loan I thought I was going to be able to get (I'll be a full-time student once I start the program in January) I'm not eligible for, because according to the federal government I'm not a full-time student in a degree seeking program. Awesome. That means that I have to rely on my pitiful savings and the grace of my mother's loan of her own money to pay for my trip. And this is where I start tightening my belt.
As of right now I'm attending my prep class through BYU to prepare me for the my months abroad, as well as tying up loose ends. By that I mean that I'm trying to sell my contract, find the funds to finish paying for my tuition, etc. Here's a list of everything I've had to get done, as well as what I've accomplished. I swear though--I feel like I'm leaving on a mission, because I've seriously had to consider EVERYTHING.

To Do:

• buy contacts
• change oil in car and get crack in front car window shield fixed (for when I return my car back to Cali while I'm in Madrid)
• post contract on KSL and Craigslist
• sell contract
• pick up backpack from study abroad office
• ask BYU computers if I can rent a laptop to take overseas--if no, then find a laptop to borrow/purchase
• look into getting cheaper train ticket booklet for overseas from BYU
• find out about where I'm going to store my things while I'm gone
• finish paying for study abroad
• plan trips for "off" weekends and email schedule to the program director
• get haircut prior to leaving

What I've Accomplished:

• bought plane ticket
• posted contract on BYU housing
• paid deposit
• paid for and picked up my ISIC card (International Student Identification Card--it'll let me get huge discounts to tourist attractions, museums, etc.)
• updated blog about travel stuff and am actually blogging! :)
• sent letter out to family members letting them know of my financial situation in accordance with my trip

Still a lot to do, but I feel like I've accomplished a lot, right? I'll definitely keep everyone updated though on what I get done. I hope it's soon 'cause I have a full plate!

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese. The ultimate burlesque dancer, and lady of classic 1940's retro style. Definitely an icon I would love to dress like. After reading a little bit about her, I learned that she does all of her own makeup and styling. Wow. That's pretty amazing, considering she looks flawless every time she leaves the house. Below are a few pictures that represent only a fraction of her amazing wardrobe:

Oh to be Dita for a day. A girl can dream.

The Sartorialist

After browsing the internet looking for outfit inspiration (and passing time at work) I came across The Sartorialist, a fashion blog that shows off day to day fashion of those of us on the streets. Here are a couple looks I enjoy:

Alright, so this look is actually from Dolce and Gabbana's runway, but this is something I would totally love to wear. The pencil skirt, the amazing heels, and the idea of the fitted, v-neck top all scream me.

I'm not exactly sold on the look on the right, but the look on the left is totally mine. I have the shoes, all I need is the dress.

I'm not in love with the colors of this dress (actually, there's no way in heck I'd be caught in orange--honestly, a redhead in orange? there's no way), but the peephole cutout in the bodice, the collar, and the a-line full skirt are to-die for.

The skirt is classic, but paired with the more conservative top and the funky heels only add pizazz to an already great outfit.

Definitely a spring look I'd love to emulate.

Same with this look. Love.

I love the playfulness of colors, her thick ponytail, and 1950's flair.

Again, love the pop of color, the trench, and her shoes--fabulous!

And just because I can, here's some eye candy for us all:
Obviously not something I would wear, but if I could find a man that wears this...

Bright Star

Bright Star has got to be one of my favorite movies of the decade- the story is heartbreakingly lovely, the imagery is stunning, and the costumes are to die for. The main character Fanny Brawne is a fashonista, revolutionizing the fashion world of her time during the Romantic Period. One of her dresses has a triple pleated mushroom collar, and I am determined to make/own one. Here are some pictures:

Here are other pictures of her costume as well:

Can you see why I love Fanny and obviously would love to dress like her? I don't think I've seen such a collection of Romantic Period costumes that I would love to own and wear. If only we could dress like this everyday. Sigh.

Christina Hendricks

This is the post where I blog about how amazing Christina Hendricks is. And I have pictures to prove it. I love how she's a bottle redhead (like me) and originally blonde (again like me), has a curvaceous hourglass figure, has a bigger top than bottom, and just exudes sex. Though I don't necessarily bleed sex wherever I go, I do want to have her sex appeal.

What's not to love?