AMY UHRICH

Because Making Decisions BLOWS…

Amy — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:45:47 +0000

…no matter how small they are, sometimes I use tarot cards to help me make them.

As in, which nail polish I should wear. Because this is an important dilemma, people.

King of Chalices: “Just channel your emotions. This is easy.”
Four of Swords: “Look as if you’re ready for battle. Wear what pumps you up.”

The answer to both of these was, resoundingly, Hot Pink…

…as someone demonstrates very well (I love how literal the cards are at times).

Reminder: this is actually one of two nail colors up for grabs in my nail polish giveaway, which ends Tuesday! Having this on my toes really brightens up the day…in a fierce, don’t-mess-with-me kind of way.

J’Adore: End of Summer Edition

Amy — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:39:42 +0000

“The Bear Went Over the Mountain” by Kareena Zerefos (via)

_________

♥ The Secret to Success. This is it. For reals.

♥ DIY Teacup Candles (via Here Comes the Sun)

♥ The Inspiration Pad – love this!

♥ Vintage ‘Lolita’ book covers – awesome (thanks Matt)

♥ The Persuasive Power of the Pinup (via Gala)

♥ Buy this studded sandal and save children from Malaria

♥ Flower Headbands Tutorial from Abbey Karson

Illustrations by Yukari Terakado (via)

_________

(via VS Magazine Live)

_________

♥ Paint Bomb: Ana Locking Autumn/Winter 2010

♥ Divine Idylle by Camilla Akrans, Numero 116

♥ Gossip Girls by Joseph Sinclair, Pride Magazine

In remembrance of a magical summer.

Wardrobe: Neon Dreams

Amy — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:11:44 +0000

BAM.

So I went totally neon the other day, which is always fun. We live next door to the Pittsburgh Glass Center – literally, I was looking straight down through my living room window – and I noticed that someone had tossed out this huge pallet of mortar and blue (!) glass, which I couldn’t resist posing next to. We got some pretty odd looks (er…stares) from customers. I need to get better about taking photos around people.

These shades are way too cool for school. I picked up these vintage wonders
as soon as I spotted them. I love the reflections – it’s like I live in a rainbow city.

My oh-so-well-loved mood ring. I’ve been going through these since high school.

I’ve been wanting to photograph these knee-highs forever; they make me smile
in a way that should be criminal. I think I might get them in tights for fall and winter.

Pardon my knee scars.

I will love these shoes ’til death.

I know. This looks suspiciously like blue Jell-O. Mmmm, tasty.

I almost took a piece home with me, but it was heavy and full of shards. Boo.

♥ Pink tank – Forever 21
♥ Neon green tube top – Pink Ice
♥ Black tube top/skirt – thrifted
♥ Rainbow sunglasses – Nasty Gal
♥ Tie Dye stockings – We Love Colors
♥ Mood ring – Hemp Fest, Idaho
♥ Jessica Simpson ‘Adreana’ wedges

Speaking of color, I’m extending the Nail Polish Contest/Giveaway another week, because so far I’ve only found, like, two people who want free nail polish (madness). I know my readership is better than that, so get on over there and put in your comment, or I’ll have to keep the polish for myself :)

Tough Ballerina

Amy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:24 +0000

Freja Beha Erichsen by Craig McDean, Interview Magazine, April 2010 (via FGR)

I die. Craig McDean never ceases to amaze me.

Clothing vs. Lifestyle: Do They Match?

Amy — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:47:17 +0000

Freja Beha Erichsen by Emma Summerton, i-D Spring 2010

_________

Mine don’t.

My clothes and my life don’t make sense together. Shoes are a prime example of where my wardrobe doesn’t match my lifestyle. Because truthfully, most of the outrageous pairs of heels I own can’t be worn on a daily basis, since I don’t own a car and have to walk most places (like the grocery store, where many of my heels would be deemed outrageous and unnecessary by passersby anyway. Not that I’ve ever really cared about that kind of thing). If I do wear a pair of heels, it’s usually because I’m taking the bus somewhere, or have a ride – in either case, this doesn’t happen nearly as often, since I’m the type of person who rarely leaves the neighborhood (and, many days, the apartment). Even most of my outfit photos are “everyday” outfits – things I wear just for the sake of wearing them, not because I have any sort of agenda. Which is fine, but I admit it seems pointless at times. So why do I do it?

Passion Pit – I’ve Got Your Number

I think a lot of us dress to fulfill personal needs. For most fashion-conscious people, I think this is a well-known fact that we resign ourselves to without thinking about it much. Granted, most people actually get out there more than I do, and those who have the money to spend on particularly expensive wardrobes often tend to lead lifestyles that allow their fashions to be seen and heard, whether or not said individuals are recognized in a larger professional or social sphere. But like many of us, I’m not one of those people. I’m not particularly well-known off the web. I don’t build my wardrobe to satisfy social or professional needs – parties or conferences or other events (even though deep down, I probably daydream that these things happen for me far more often than they actually do).

Truthfully, I dress to express parts of myself that are simply not otherwise being expressed. There are certain parts of my personality I tend to bottle up, especially in person, and dressing to my moods and to fit how I see myself – that is, who I think I am at my core – is my way of coping. I wear leather and chains, for example, not simply because they look cool, but because deep down I feel as depressed and wild as a troubled rock star. And though I don’t play (or smash) any instruments, or do any drugs (frankly, clothes are a much better, albeit still expensive, vice), I feel like I do. I’ve been very close, in the past, with people who do. And sometimes, I want to. Sometimes I want to get so zonked out of my gourd that I feel like I already am. Like I should be that person. Like I should do these things, lead this lifestyle. So why don’t I?

Well, that’s a whole other topic, really – I was so traumatized by certain nasty peers as a pre-teen/teenager that I’ve spent my whole life trying to be the ‘good girl,’ to avoid being like them – avoid doing everything they, and most normal teenagers, and twenty-somethings, do. But further examination would show that that’s simply not who I am (given such things as my penchant for breaking into buildings, lying in the middle of the street for fun, punching walls, and stealing other people’s boyfriends; not to mention cursing out my friends many times in high school, back when I didn’t try so hard to keep things to myself. And believe me, it’s hard). The resulting ongoing internal struggle has made me more moody and confused than I care to admit. So confused that I’ve spent a good number of years of my life alternating between girly dresses and said leather and chains. No matter how much more right the latter feels, I’ve had trouble letting go of the more positive connotations of the former – thus my somewhat confusing outfit posts. (Incidentally, sometimes I smoke a cigarette not because I’m a smoker – I’ve spent my whole life avoiding that so-called ‘bad girl’ vice – but because it just feels so painfully right.)

My clothes and my lifestyle don’t match. And for the sake of practicality, maybe they should. But I don’t want them to. Because they are more me than anyone knows. Because, somehow, I am not my lifestyle.

Contest: Nail Polish Giveaway!

Amy — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:13:54 +0000

Since summer’s drawing to a close I figured I’d have a giveaway, and what better way to remember the sunlight and warm nights than brightly colored nail polish?

The winner gets both nail polishes. These are FLARE by L.A. Girl from Forever 21: Hot Pink & Salmon. I have both these colors myself, and I love them so much that I’m planning on wearing them throughout the year. They layer on smooth, thick, and vibrant. Perfect with black or colorful ensembles.

♥ ♥ ♥

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me how, where, or why you want to wear it! My favorite answer wins :) Be sure to include your email address.

Edit: CONTEST CLOSED! Thanks to all who entered – I’ll reveal the winner soon :)

The Big Two-Five

Amy — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Fourth Birthday, 1989. Awesome clock/mouse cake with pink Smarties (the real ones)!

♥ ♥ ♥

Today’s my birthday, and I can’t believe I’m 25. It doesn’t bother me like I thought it would, though!

I just finished eating birthday cake for breakfast, and later when Matt gets off work we’re going on an adventure. Not sure what just yet! :)

Stuff I got for my birthday so far:

♥ Birthday cake & bouquet (& a board game, I think?), & money from my Mom & Dad
♥ Too much money from my grandparents :)
♥ More money from my other grandparents, aunts and uncles
♥ A set of tea spoons (!) from my grandma
♥ A set of neon lipsticks (!) from my aunt
♥ Steve Madden A-Yoko boots (!! – black, of course!) & these adorable mice, snail, & hedgehog soaps from Matt
♥ I think Matt’s also getting me a new printer…I want/need one so badly!

Self-gifted (this list is always longer):

♥ Several awesome pairs of shoes (stay tuned!) – I’m a tease!
♥ Elastic cage skirt from Leilanni (been wanting this for AGES. I got lucky and got it for 50% off but I guess it’s not on sale anymore – darn!)
♥ ‘The Villainess’ leather fairytale corset belt from Contrived to Charm
♥ Two chain harnesses (here & here – love!) from Snefter
♥ Threadless ‘Streetlife’ tee
♥ Some fall/winter wardrobe updates (naturally) from ASOS, American Apparel (soon!), & Forever 21
♥ New shelving for my room/shoes/trinkets from Target (hopefully getting this today!)
♥ Leather backpack (so excited – this may replace my purse!) and travel bag
♥ Hana Professional flat iron from Misikko (I love it! Also, the people are so sweet, and it came packed with tons of free extras, silk roses, and tied up with ribbons! Ridiculous!)
♥ 8 oz jar candles from Great Lakes Candles (Lemongrass, Lilac, Sweet Pea, & Rain!) – if you get any, make sure you check out the discounts.
♥ Three vintage teacups & saucers (here, here, and here – too serendipitous, I spend nearly every summer in Penticton!) – I’m going to burn votives in them!
♥ Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk (which so far, I’m loving!), and…
♥ A jump rope! For those active moments :)

♥ ♥ ♥

So far I’m in a really good mood, and I think it’s going to be a great day! Thanks in advance to everyone who wishes me a happy birthday.

Knockouts vs. Knockoffs: Thoughts?

Amy — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:13:42 +0000

Ahhhh, knockoffs. Where would we be without them? Hard to say. Take for instance the outstanding (albeit odd) Balenciaga hoof bootie from 2006 with its monster platform (released in various heights), back seam, two-tone leather and suede, and removable harness. It’s no wonder they were in the thousand-dollar price range, and no wonder Sam Edelman took the liberty of replicating them in the ‘Zoe’ boot circa 2007 (sold exclusively at Victoria’s Secret, of all places). The knockoffs sold out quickly, and became almost as coveted as the originals – to the point that Sam Edelman brought them back (at double the price – $345) in the summer of 2009, at which point I snapped them up. These days they’re still circling the web at a reduced price, and going just as strong as ever – and there are even more similar (though cheaper and lower quality) Balenciaga knockoffs kicking around. And I suppose they all do the trick. Without them, we’d still be pining for costly Balenciagas, forced to wear non-hoof boots. Tragic (she says only half-sarcastically).

I wanted to talk about this because it seems to be more of an issue now than ever. In 2009, Alexander McQueen (rest his soul) sued Steve Madden for replicating his ever-popular ‘Faithful’ bootie. Of course, McQueen is not the only victim. Designer shoes are being ripped off all the time, and not just by Steve Madden. These days, Jeffrey Campbell is a brand that gets major cred for ripping off designer shoes (at prices in the $100-$300 price range – lucky them). One victim is this coveted buckle wedge by Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony (yet another that was also ripped off by Steve Madden recently, I might add, in the ‘Reana’ boot – you’d think maybe they learned their lesson, but no):

…not to mention the Jeffrey Campbell ‘Potion’ (below), which actually came long before the ‘Genius’ and was first considered an Opening Ceremony knockoff years back, when everyone and their dog owned a pair. It may stray enough from the original design (the buckles are quite different) to be considered ‘inspired by’, rather than a blatant rip-off – but the ridiculous (and I admit, humorous) thing about this is that the problem has become so bad that we are now getting knockoffs of knockoffs, as witnessed by Aldo‘s ‘Daskal’ wedge, and the Dollhouse ‘Alley’ boot, which is a direct copy of Jeffrey Campbell’s ‘Potion’, with any uniqueness it might have attained:

Clearly, the problem of knockoffs extends far beyond one retailer per shoe – I’ve seen several replicas of Alexander McQueen’s ‘Faithful’ bootie, for example, in even cheaper incarnations from very low-end brands (like Dollhouse and others) who also seem to make a killing with these ‘designer-inspired’ shoes, selling knockoffs like candy for as low as $20 a pop. Usually, when the price point drops for a pair of shoes, quality and comfort are sacrificed (there’s a reason designer shoes often retail in the $1,000+ range). But for some, cheaper materials and a little discomfort come at a price much less painful.

I own several pairs of knockoff shoes. I’m in the camp that can’t usually afford high-end designer shoes unless the prices are slashed. I do prefer to spend more on higher quality shoes when possible, and I often do. But at this point in my life, I won’t pay more than $400 tops for a single pair of shoes, no matter how much I love them – and even then, they have to be pretty damn special (and I can’t just do it anytime I feel like it).

However, some consumers whose moral fiber (and in some cases, wallets) are stronger than their desires, are pissed that companies like Jeffrey Campbell are getting away with this. But it begs the question: can you copyright a shoe? And if so, when does ‘inspiration’ become plagiarism? As it turns out, U.S. law (I can’t speak for other countries) doesn’t really protect clothing design against copying. There are some potential workarounds with trade dress claims, but it seems quite complicated. And of course, design inspiration (rather than blatant copying) is what drives the fashion industry – meaning, it’s actually good for business (for everyone). This is called The Piracy Paradox.

One argument I’ve heard is that knockoffs don’t hurt designers because the knockoff will always be tied to the original – and that it’s simply more good publicity. I agree and disagree, because however true that may be for people in the know, there will always be way too many people buying low-end knockoffs without realizing they’re doing it – without even an inkling of where these designs trickled down from. And I have to admit, though I’m fairly up-to-date on all the latest, most coveted designer shoe trends, there will always be knockoff versions of shoes I’ve never even heard of popping up. A good example is the Jeffrey Campbell ‘Madness’ (below), which is a blatant rip-off of these Akiko Ogawa boots (which, gorgeous as they may be in their original glory, seem less well-known in this country than Campbell’s mirrored version – which has formed several outrageously popular incarnations besides the ‘Madness’, including the X Ray, the Clinic (I own these last two), the Solestruck, and several non-mirrored versions of the same style heel – too many to name):

I’ll say right now that I’m not going to stop buying knockoffs. I feel privileged to have access to designs I couldn’t otherwise afford. But as a creative writer, I also get the importance of copyright/intellectual property. No one wants their work or ideas to be stolen (intentionally or unintentionally), just as an artist or photographer prays that their images won’t be used unscrupulously (something that, sadly, is all too common on the web). It’s important to give credit where credit is due, if only for moral reasons, and this is something I do whenever possible – something I want to be even more clear about in the future (in terms of image use, and otherwise). I would implore you all (including ‘designer-inspired’ shoe retailers, stockists, and copycats) to do the same.

I think it comes down to what we know. I know where my shoes come from. I know if they’re designer-inspired, or replicas. I’m thankful to attain such style at a lower price point, but I’m even more thankful that high-end designers are putting in all this inspiring work, and I never forget where that inspiration comes from. Just like with borrowed images or text, I’m going to make more of an effort to attribute the original source of my shoes – in person, and especially in writing. I’m thankful for those who can spend their money on original designer shoes – and for those of us who can’t, it’s important we remember just how privileged we are; that we praise and promote the right people.

Thankfully, some knockoffs just don’t do it for me. Give me ACNE over these (er, IMO, kind of ugly) copies any day; hopefully that day will come when I can pay for the real deal.

What are your thoughts on knockoffs?

Wardrobe: Heavy Metal

Amy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:35:25 +0000

I’ve been meaning to feature these for awhile (though I could say that about a lot of things at this point, more shoes included). I got these delicious sandals at Victoria’s Secret a few months back, and I don’t regret it. I know knee-high gladiators are a few seasons old, but that’s never stopped me before, and I’m glad it didn’t this time. The leather straps, the silver and brass studs, the zipper up the back – I love everything about these.

I ended up going down half a size in these because they were somewhat loose in the calf (the straps, unfortunately, are not adjustable). But a half size fixed that problem, mostly – they’re still loose, but comfortably so, and it doesn’t look funny now; they’re a little snugger in the foot and ankle, but it’s nothing I can’t deal with. The first time I wore them they were a bit snug, but I think they must have broken in because I practically lived in them when I was in Canada, without a single problem. Except a slight zipper indent up the back of my leg by the end of the day (haha!).

A sunny day in B.C. Shamefully pale, right? (In my defense, I was still pretty sick.) I wore the sandals with basics and lots of funky (mostly silver) jewelry – my go-to look these days. I’ve realized I feature a lot of cute dresses and such on here, but most of the time I prefer to dress in black with either lots of jewelry or pops of color (especially hot pink and neons – and I’ll never get sick of colored tights!). I’m very 80s rocker at heart (with a healthy dose of 90s grunge/casual and some very modern, sometimes futuristic details).

I’ve had this bracelet for months and wear it constantly. Cost a whole $8.
(Excuse the random tailgate. Ha! Oh, Canada.)

The rings are all new (pardon the slightly blurry pics – that sun was ridiculous).
I went on a mission recently to get a cool new ring for every finger. I succeeded.
Now I have more than enough (these are just a few).

One of my new favorites.

Had been wanting these earrings for awhile (again, a whole $8!).
I love how they look like a spike through the ear, but it’s really just a post & backing!

My favorite thing about this tank – it dips so low on the sides! Pardon the cat hair:

This is Jewel. She still lives with my parents in Canada, to my dismay.
She’s more social than I am. She likes to converse with people. A lot.

Here’s the house. I always thought it looked like an oversize dollhouse.
Except for maybe the satellite dish and massive internet antenna.
My room is (was?) on the top left – I loved crawling out on the roof.

Some of my mom’s flowers, and a cute little cherub statue. (I want one.
I had a pixie statue once, but she broke when I moved to Pittsburgh.)

The raspberries I picked at my grandma’s that day. Nothing beats them.
Sigh. So long for now, Canada.

My thirteen-year-old cousin Dylan dubbed these my ‘heavy metal sandals’.
Love it. They shall henceforth be known as such.

♥ Colin Stuart studded gladiator sandals
♥ Sexuali-tank – American Apparel
♥ 100-Way bra – Victoria’s Secret
♥ Seamless stretch bike shorts – Pink Ice
♥ Black metal spike earrings – ASOS
♥ Stud bracelet & rose ring – ThreadSence
♥ Spider ring – Gem Avenue
♥ Boat-shaped ring – 80s Purple

Belated Update

Amy — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:31:25 +0000

Vogue Girl Korea, July 2006

Hi all! My apologies for the posting delay. I had every intention of blogging at least once or twice during my Canada vacation, but did not anticipate such abysmal internet service (I figured my parents’ new connection would be better than the old one; it wasn’t – it took ages to load images). Glad that’s over! In addition, it seems traveling took a lot out of me – I needed about a week’s recuperation before I felt well enough to start blogging again! And here I am. So before I get back into it, here’s an update on the vacation escapades.

First off, I missed my flight because the airport bus was rerouted (unbeknownst to me), and my parents had to re-book my ticket. I also carried my boyfriend’s cold/flu/whatever across the continent with me. Then it turned into pink eye (which I’m still getting over). So it was an especially rough first couple of days. It wasn’t enough to ruin the trip, though – I had a lot of fun with friends and family. Everyone parked their trailers, motorhomes, and tents on my aunt and uncle’s lakeside cabin property, and for nearly two weeks we didn’t leave the beach (except to venture to my parents’ house for showers, and into town for donuts. Okay, I admit it, I spent most nights sleeping at the house with my grandparents, but only because I missed my bed and my cat). My parents, brother, both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles, and most of my cousins were there (some far-removed that I haven’t seen in years), not to mention their friends, girlfriends, children, and dogs. It was especially nice to have so many canines around, large and small (I want a dog so badly!).

Vogue Girl Korea, July 2006

I had some of my favorite frozen yogurt from the general store down the road (I used to work there and make the cones, and it’s ah-mazing!), filled up on my grandma’s raspberries, waded in the lake, and visited two friends. Both have had babies since the last time I saw them, and it was both strange and fun to reminisce under new circumstances – so much changes yet so much stays the same. We had a joint birthday party for my brother and aunt on the 29th, complete with two cakes and a few cards, gifts, and cash thrown my way as well (this was sweet and surprising, since my birthday isn’t until the 23rd. Also, I’m getting a little old for this). I surprised myself by going rainbow trout fishing with my dad one evening (something I haven’t done in more than ten years), but we didn’t catch anything. It was fun to rocket across the waves in the same red motorboat, though.

A mama bear rustled through my parents’ apple trees for breakfast one morning, though I didn’t see her personally. My mom said she’d been spotted around the area with two cubs (we live right on the edge of the woods, so none of this is surprising), and she hoped my dad wouldn’t have to call Wildlife Conservation if the poor hungry bear kept returning and wrecking the trees. Sadly, my aunt and cousin and I, driving back from town one day, saw that someone had just hit a bear cub not far from there. The poor thing was still alive, lying there injured, and eventually conservation officers arrived and shot it (thankfully, I didn’t witness this). This really saddened me, as I’m sure it was one of the mother bear’s cubs, and maybe this all could have been prevented had the bears been relocated sooner; it shows just how little is done for the wildlife in our small rural town when it becomes a problem. But I’m glad I catch a glimpse of it while I’m there; as glad as I am for having moved to a faraway city, I do miss the beauty of British Columbia.

♥♥♥

Unfortunately, I didn’t really take many photos (I don’t really like wielding my camera on trips, I’d rather just experience the moment usually), but I did manage to snap a few outfit photos, which I’ll post soon. On the whole, it was a great trip, but I’m glad to be back in Pittsburgh. I’ve been trying to relax, getting through the last bits of summer with Matt, prepping for fall, and spending some of my birthday money (more on that later). I hope you’re all having a wonderful August.