SUMMER LOVIN'!

The weather may beg to differ, but summer vacation is almost upon me! I have two exams left (easy peazy) on Tuesday and then I am a free woman until I get my summer job!
I've hit a bad streak of unfortunate circumstances as of late, hence my neglecting of le blog. Not that the world will stop if I stop blogging, but it's a fun hobby that I'm trying to keep up.
Despite my moments of serious bummer times, I've been daydreaming a LOT about this summer, and all the things I want to do!!

Here is my Summah-time Bucket List!:

1. Beat Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, for the umpteenth time.
I have owned this game since it first came out back in 1998. I don't own any of those fancy new gaming stations. My N64 has been my old faithful. Pretty much every summer, with the exception of the last two, I have beat it. Time to get back on it. Maybe this time I'll be able to find all the Gold Skulltulas.

Oh look, it's the WHOLE GANG!

2. Find a GOOD summer job
This should probably be the first thing on my list. I've already applied for 3 positions that I'm reeeeally hoping I get. I don't want to do cleaning again (waste of my skills!), and I'd rather not serve (summer student work is way more convenient). Boring, but true

3. Go Camping
I haven't gotten to go camping since I lived in Kitimat as a young kid. I hear Waterton is really nice this time of the year, and this summer I actually have pals to go camping with! LOVE being outside. LOVE building fires. LOVE roasting hot dogs.

Yes Please!

4. SLED ISLAND
Hunx & His Punx, Buzzcocks, Bare Wires, Bison B.C., The Greenhornes, Quest For Fire, The Raveonettes, Thee Oh Sees (!!!!), and Vicious Cycles are just a few of the rad bands that are confirmed, and those are just the ones I've heard of! In addition to that, local bands/friends are also playing. I won't be able to make it up for the whole thing, but here's hoping I can at least make it up for the weekend!

5. Sew, Mamma, Sew!!
God, I'm pissed at myself for my lack of motivation and ambition. But really, it's hard to get it sometimes, when so much else is going on. No excuse, this summer I want to make at least 2 outfits. And that's aiming low.

I actually intend on making myself a dress form just like this, only I'm going to use leopard print duct tape.

6. Learn an instrument
Well, I have this damn guitar that I bought, that's just sitting there looking pretty (so pretty). I should make my fingers work so I can learn something, goddammit. For someone who loves music so much, I should at least be able to play something!

7. Go see dinosaurs!
Not actually, but Drumheller isn't that far, and I haven't been there since I was a kid! As long as those velociraptors keep their distance...


8. Frisbee Golf
Back when I lived in BC, a few of my friends got me into this past time. But then when I moved here, I didn't have anyone to play with, which is a damn shame, because Lethbridge ACTUALLY has a frisbee golf course! So, who's in?


9. Reading
I've always loved to read, since I was a little girl. And I don't do enough of it. I have my own bucket list just of books I want to read.

World War Z - Max Brooks
God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything - Christopher Hitchens
Sit Down and Shut Up - Brad Warner
The Rebel Sell- Joseph Heath & Andrew Potter
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
1984 -George Orwell

Just to name a few.....

10. Spiff up my Bike
I bought a cool little cruiser bike from Canadian Tire a couple summers ago, and I have been wanting to paint it ever since I got it. Right now it's just boring white with some pink flower stickers that I've ripped off. Hopefully by the time I'm done with it, it will be a bad-ass red with black and gold accents.

I hope you got a big trunk, because I'm gonna put my bike in it.

Tumble'd

I just wanted to share a little thing I'm trying out via tumblr, I'm trying to do a photo a day.. we'll see how it goes.
You can still look at my photography on my Flickr too!
http://jessicajurassic.tumblr.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessica_awesome/

Ghost to Coast

What'd you do when I was gone?
I pretty much just hung around.
Did you get any work done?
I said "no, I just hung around..."

I've got a lack of motivation, a lapse in ambition,
I sit and watch the fire burn and wish I could burn with it.
I've fallen by the wayside of pretentious young writers,
looking for inspiration in party time liars.

What do you do now that I am gone?
I spend most nights alone, singing songs in my room,
and all of them are for you.

It's an awful sinking feeling when your own heart starts stealing
reason from the mind. Some nights I dream of getting in my car,
and driving straight through the night.

You can't force a feeling and you can't conjure up meaning,
without perhaps believing that you're good enough.

The Hardest Thing to Do

Yes? No? Maybe so?

Just tell me which way to go,
Tell me so I know
I know you're scared
So am I
But we don't know
We'll never know if we don't try
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is smile when you want to cry

Fight back those tears
Keep back those fears
You gotta be strong, girl
If you don't then who will?
I feel it in my chest
Squeeze.
Squeeze...
Squeeze....
I try my best
Please.
Please..
Please....
I always have to fight
Looking for the light
at the end of the tunnel.

Sometimes being strong is smiling through the tears
Sometimes, it's fighting through the fears
And sometimes it's letting go
Even when letting go
Is what hurts you the most.
Yeah, sometimes it's letting go
But I can't let go...
I can't let go..
I can't let..
I can't...

Thank You, Mr. Marley.

You can get Your Kicks in Mexico!

My tan might be wearing off, but I'm still coming off the post-vacation high from spending a week in Mexico. Most of the time we spent as beach bums. Our resort was right on the beach, a large but homey 3-star (all-inclusive),with brightly coloured buildings and lots of gorgeous and fun decor to give it a Mexican fiesta atmosphere - despite the majority of the guests being Canadians (escaping our brutal February, no doubt!). The ocean was beautiful, with a clean beach and warm, shallow waters. Every morning I would wake up early and try out the morning activity, which was either yoga, stretching, or tai chi - none of which I'd any experience in. The little 60 year-old woman from Quebec was in better shape than me.

But I really enjoyed doing yoga, I'd always had an interest in it, but never tried it. That's what this trip was all about for me - other than family bonding - new experiences. I tried yoga, tai chi, octopus, haggling with locals, blackjack, boogie boarding, ziplining, swimming in a river, holding a snake, feeding monkeys, sailing on a pirate ship.. and I would have done so much more given time and money! I loved going and walking outside of the resort... the fleamarkets, the buildings, the locals, it was great. I had never traveled further past the United States, and was blown away by how it contrasted Canada and how we live, for better and for worse. Mexico is definitely a poorer country, but don't let the negative publicity deter you. It was a beautifully astounding experience, and I feel like I've been bit by the travel bug.

Without further ado, here is just a teaser of some of the beauty I captured. More photos can be viewed on my Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessica_awesome/ , with more to come as I sort through them.

Fashion. Music. Love.

I have made my return from a week in sunny Mexico, and if it wasn't for all the people I love in this town I probably would have stayed! That place is amazing, and so laid back. I took a LOT of pictures, some of which will be edited and posted on my Flickr (check it out, I'm not half bad a photographer)... as soon as I can upload them to my computer. Currently, I'm having technological difficulties. I'm taking donations for a new computer... just saying.

Once I do have pictures up, I will devote a post to my love for Mexico, but in the meantime, lets talk a bit about what's been heating up this small Southern Alberta town.

Last night was Lethbridge Fashion Weekend, a small fashion show that was created by my very talented instructor, check her blog, Schizo Style, out here. It featured some of the local designers, but was not as big as it was last year, sadly two designers dropped out, and I didn't get my shatner together in time (or at all) to make my collection. Lack of motivation would do that. I neglected to bring my camera, which is dead from Mexico, but my wonderful colleague, Kat, took lots of pictures for her blog, The Visual Gerbil. Both blogs are much more interesting than mine, as they're probably not high when they write them. Not that I am right now... it's too early.
I digress.

Last week was the Oscars, and despite my lack of movie watching of late, it was fun to attend an Oscars viewing party and watch all the stars in their amazing dresses. My top 3 favourites?

Halle Berry in Marchesa

Photo via weblogsurf.com

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana

Photo via sawfnews.com

And lastly...

Anne Hathaway in Oscar de la Renta
(one of her many dresses of the evening!)
Photo via celebrityfashiondirectory.com

Also in blogworthy news, next weekend me and my fella are going to go to Medicine Hat to see.... wait for it....

....Drum roll please....

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL

I'm SO EXCITED I COULD PEE.

Photo via www.medicinehatmedia.com

I'm rather surprised it's playing in Medicine Hat, of all places... last year it was in Calgary, but I was still living in BC, and then when I moved here, it was in Vancouver. So this year, there is no missing it, and thankfully my significant other is just as big of a dork as I and wants to go too. Needless to say, it's going to be ridiculous.

In more exciting news, this summer promises to be a great one for music.
First up, April 1st in Calgary....

THE FLATLINERS!

Photo Via Groundcontrolmag.com

Anybody who knows me knows how much I LOVE this band. Anybody who's read my blog knows how awesome the last time I saw them was (SOOO RAD). They never disappoint, and every time it has been worth the trip - and then some.

Keeping with the Fat Wreck line-up, this coming June we have the self-crowned kings of candor, sultans of slander, Bastions of D.I.Y.....

NOFX

Photo via lastfm.com

Taking off on their first coast-to-coast Canadian tour since the 90's, NOFX will be coming to Alberta, playing dates in both Calgary and Edmonton. Words can't describe how STOKED I am to see NOFX. I've never seen them before, and I've been listening to them for about 10 years. These guys have been doing this since before I was even born. Also touring with NOFX, are lablemates Teenage Bottlerocket (upbeat pop punk), and Old Man Markley (punk rawk bluegrass). If you live in Canada, check out the dates at any of the links I've provided!

Also coming this June, we'll have SLED ISLAND in Calgary. I didn't get the chance to attend last year, but apparently I missed out on a lot of awesome bands, so this year I will definitely be going, especially if any of the local bands go up there.

Wow, with all of these exciting things going on, I have spent about an hour blogging about it and now my coffee is cold! I didn't even get the chance to answer the questions that I was tagged to answer from Kat's blog. Next time!

South of The Border

I should probably be designing my line, but I'm hard pressed finding the time between case studies, tests, work, and my social life. That doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of my Mexicali collection that I began designing months (and months) ago.

But what's exciting is I may have a new source of inspiration: I'm going to MEXICO!
I get to spend a week at a resort just outside of Puerto Vallarta. It's my first time in Mexico, and my first time traveling to somewhere other than the US or other Canadian provinces. I am ridiculously excited.
And since I've been lazily neglecting this blog, I've decided to perk it up a bit by tracking down some Mexican-inspired fashion photos for all you fashionistas to geek out on. Try not to drool, I know it can be hard.Printed Canvas Bag, Prada
Eeeee, I WANT IT. Orange isn't usually my thing... but this is CUTE. If only it didn't have the $1,750 Prada insignia on it...

OPI Nail Colour Ad
Elegantly traditional.
"Huaraches " Sandals by Intuition
While I'd probably fall on my face wearing these shoes, it wouldn't stop me from wearing this fancy version of a traditional South American sandal, even if for only 20 minutes..
Ecote Embellished Chiffon Dress, Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters, please hire me? I love you.
Ecote Printed Silky Skirt, Urban Outfitters
I'm just going to take the rest of my pictures from Urban Outfitters, and dream of having a limitless credit card that I never have to pay back.
Ecote Batik Tank Top, Urban Outfitters
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BDG Hi-Rise Cigarette Jean, Urban Outfitters
Yellow highwaisted skinny jeans? Yes Please.
Betsey Johnson Mexicali Rose String Bikini Top
I love Betsey Johnson, and this is exactly why. Mexican inspired, embroidered, and bearing the same namesake as my collection.
Day of The Dead Skull Post Earring, Urban Outfitters
My favourite aspect of Mexican Culture, Los Dias de Muertos.
Leather Navaho Cuff Bracelet, Urban Outfitters
Yes to leather.
Bird Skull Ring, Urban Outfitters
Pretty much bitchin'.
Sweetheart Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters
<3>

Wise Words from an Icon

This life is what you make it.

Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes,

it's a universal truth.

But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up.

Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway.

But just remember, some come, some go.

The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends.

Don't let go of them.

Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world.

As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too.

And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart,

but you can't give up

because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate.

You'll never find that half who makes you whole

and that goes for everything.

Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything.

Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself,

because if you don't, then who will, sweetie?

So keep your head high, keep your chin up,

and most importantly,

keep smiling,

because life's a beautiful thing

and there's so much to smile about.

Thoughtful Thoughts.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein

"There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment." ~ Sarah Dessen

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ~ Marilyn Monroe

"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind." ~ Kurt Vonnegut

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity." ~ Gilda Radner

"We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be. ~May Sarton

"You can't force love, I realized. It's there or it isn't. If it's not there, you've got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you've got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love." ~Richelle Mead

"Without music, life would be a mistake." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Smoley Hokes!

My goodness, has it ever been some time since I've posted here.
Probably a sign that school (and my social life) are keeping me as busy as ever.
There's been some changes since I last posted, I've shifted my focus from Design to Marketing. At least for the duration of this program. I feel like I've learned as much as I'm going to through the design stream, and figure it would be a good idea to be well-rounded and taking some marketing.

I had taken on the responsibility to spearhead a fund raising campaign for the Fashion Club to help us raise some cash for program costs (perhaps a new buttonhole sewer?! maybe some muslin!?), as well as raise some money for charity. Our original idea was to have an "Anti-Fashion" show, featuring Lethbridge's best garage-punk bands, and have everyone dress up as outrageously as possible. This didn't pan out, so we opted instead for a more mellow, moustache and ugly sweater party.
It was a total hit! A small group of us came together and were able to pull it off, thanks to all the awesome musicians who volunteered their time to help us out.

After the success of this, I'm interested to keep dipping my toes into this promotion gig. As such, perhaps marketing is a good way to go. I'm still wanting to do my collection for Spring/Summer 2011, but I need to do it for me. School is sucking the inspiration out of me, and I'm done trying to be put into a little box of the same old same old. I don't care about your trends, I don't care about your fashions. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it by my own terms, and I've learned everything that I can be taught here, so here's hoping I can at least get a decent collection!

Other than the lack of inspiration, school is going by decently, and I'm looking forward to being done for the semester! My favorite class by far is Surface Design, and I'm hoping to post some interesting techniques and things I have found later on! But in the mean time, I'm running on little sleep and should probably get back to work.

Can't wait till Christmas!

A Softer World

I've been feeling a little cynical lately, and nothing makes me smirk more than the webcomic known as A Softer World. The photography is always visually interesting, and the captions themselves are a delight. For your pleasure, maybe just amusement, here are some favorites that I pulled from their extensive archive.

That Binge Was Monumental!

I know making lists isn't traditionally proper blog etiquette, but if I was to write all about this last weekend, it would be one epic blog post. So, I present to you, my weekend, abridged:


4 year anniversary of local record shop, Blueprint
1 free show
5 great bands, including Lethbridge's own Cheif Mountain, Moby Dicks, and Fist City
1 weekend rental car
5 hours to Edmonton
4 friends from BC
1 friend from school
1 friend from Michigan
1 spot on the guestlist, compliments from said Michigan friend (Thanks buddy!)
The Flatliners & Against Me! under the same roof
Rock the fuck out, pissing of most of the people around me
Pizza and hangouts with The Flatliners
3 hours to Calgary
1 friend convincing me to go to the show in Calgary
2 shows for the price of one
Lose my friends before The Flatliners even play
Rock the fuck out even more!!
Backstage access, thanks to The Flatliners and their crew
More hangouts with The Flatliners
Getting to watch Against Me from backstage
Getting to meet 3/4 of Against Me
Free bong from The Flatliners
2 hour trip home becomes a 3 hour trip due to rain and dark
20 minute nap outside of a Super 8 somewhere in rural Alberta
3 hours of sleep
1 day of school to catch up on

.......Would I do it all over again?
Fuck. Yes.

Live Through, Live Strong, Carry On (& On & On..)

As much as I love clothing/fashion, anyone who knows me know that my true love will always be music. So as such, of course I'm going to blog about music, even if this is supposed to be a "fashion blog".

But I digress!

In a week's time I'm going to be on my way to Edmonton, Alberta, to see two of my most favorite bands play under the same roof. Both of which, have been the topic of my blog in the past: Against Me! and The Flatliners. What's even better, is that a friend of mine is touring with The Flatliners, and has been so kind as to put me on the guestlist. Wow! Guestlist?! How can I say no!?

This will be my fourth time seeing The Flatliners, but my very first time seeing Against Me! To make things even more exciting, some friends from BC are going, and I'll be going with a good friend of mine from school who graduated last year. It will be a huge reunion of people I know that haven't seen in a long time, seeing two of my most loved bands.... it's just something I can't pass up.

So, without further ado, allow me to share with you the latest video by The Flatliners, called "Carry The Banner." Check it out, get their album, and if they're coming to a town near you, go see them!



And while you're at it check out this awesome video of Against Me! featuring Tegan (You'll have to go to YouTube to see the video)

I'm Sick, Your Tired, Let's Dance

Canada is often underrated when it comes to things such as music and fashion. When in such close proximity to our American neighbours we tend to be outshined by Hollywood and New York.

However, we have one thing that America doesn't have. Emily Haines.

For those of you who don't know, Emily Haines is the front woman for the Canadian group Metric, and also has Broken Social Scene and her own solo career, not to mention several cameos in the songs of other well known artists.

Not only is she one of the most talented women in the music industry today, but she's also so stylish and cool it hurts.

My dear, you are my sick muse.