That I've been meaning to blog about! It's like I have 7 posts up my sleeve, and not enough days to post them! I will do what I can, but in the MEAN TIME...

Today was a very nice day. Not only was it literally beautiful outside (I didnt really even need a coat!), but I spent the whole day hanging out with myself, doing things me and myself like to do. Like going thrift and vintage store shopping, and drinking coffee and talking to the cute shoe-store girl who told me I should buy the boots cuz they were hot. It was fun. These are (some of) the things I tried on:

(These blazers weren't exactly what I was looking for, so neither of them came home with me) Edit: Weird! Betty recently posted a blazer very similar to the red one I tried on today!



(These two pairs are Michael by Michael Kors, and they were SO COMFORTABLE, but I didnt get them either)



(These two pairs are the ones I ended up getting, N.Y.L.A. and Steve Madden)



But that's enough about shoes for now.

One last thing though. Go check out my new style icon over at Park&Cube. SHE IS SO AWESOME.

Since posting the shoot I did for Apartment Therapy a few days ago, I've been noticing several negative (if downright angry!) comments about the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster featured in the kitchen. Now, this poster is hugely popular. People have been putting copies of this poster, originally screen-printed here (I think), for years. And apparently some people are super sick of seeing it everywhere!


Now, I've thought about it. And although I agree that it is far from unique anymore, the simple phrase itself is nice and maybe even the sort of thing you want to read everyday. And so, I went on a hunt for other "Keep Calm" paraphenalia, just to see whats out there (and maybe to see if I wanted to put it in my house). AND THERE IS JUST SO MUCH. T-shirts, mugs, rugs and tote bags, all printed with the infamous phrase...

I especially like the custom wallpaper I found on Flickr, below. It is now mine...


What do you think? Could this iconic poster still be used in unique or interesting ways? Is there anything else out there - a trend or aesthetic like this - that bothers you as much?

Last Saturday night, I went to a party at Blacklist Vintage. They have a bunch of parties over there, but this one was special. A Hat Bash! They have an amazing collection of vintage hats, and so they threw a party! Hosted by L'etoile magazine, with champagne and goodies, Digital Cruch took pictures of the ladies in hats (you can see them all here)!

This picture was my personal favorite, who doesn't love a sweet little yellow beret?!?

2.21.09 grey coat, originally uploaded by allison the valiant.

HOW COULD I NOT?

(more spoils from Rewind Vintage and their annual 25% off sale to come soon!)

The House tour shoot I did for Apartment Therapy is finally up on the blog! Check it out!

Dear friends and loyal readers,

My show, "Relative Distance" with Scott Ener Grover and Pao Haou Her, will be closing next week. This is your last chance to take a look before you miss it. Thanks, MCAD Newsletter for giving us a shout-out this week!

IMG_0396, originally uploaded by allison the valiant.

The suspense is over. The surprise I had mentioned awhile ago is that I am now an official photographer for Apartment Therapy Chicago! They needed a house tour shot in Minneapolis, and thanks to Lyndsey Lesh for recommending me, I was chosen!

See all of the photos here, or stay tuned for them to be posted on AT!

2.13.09, originally uploaded by allison the valiant.

i finally got to wear what i wanted to work today, as I have been ushering nonstop lately. but now i have to change for work in a couple of hours... again. OH WELL Its the opening of Romeo and Juliet tonight at the theatre and I am so excited! It is sooo good, that I am taking Emma and Chance along with me. They (and you too Dangie!) are my theatre buddies!

dress: thifted by Emma, and a gift to me!
tshirt: Urban
tights: target
cute wool socks: another gift?
favorite boots: apepazza, from Opitz Outlet

white alpaca, originally uploaded by allison the valiant.

I finally finished your cowl, Katie! BEWARE, THOUGH... ITS REALLY FUZZY.

2.6.09, originally uploaded by allison the valiant.

I think I had food poisoning this morning. OH WELL I LOVE THESE BOOTSSS.

My website has a new theme, new projects, new images, new links! ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME? I KNOW.

New discovery: Opitz Outlet in St. Louis Park. Christian Louboutin, Steve Madden Luxe, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, and more. All for cheap? YES. SHOE HEAVEN. You'll not come out alive.