The Horrors of Winter

   I would first like to state I named this blog post, “The Horrors of Winter,” based on the last picture featured.  After photographing this image I thought, “Huh, well that looks a little more, “mad scientist,” than fashion guru but whatever.”  Really, who am I to say what the next, “in,” trend will be?  I know personally it’s looking like it may be a very black summer for my wardrobe.  Let’s just say I think I listened to one to many Dead Can Dance records this winter.

   Keeping with the topic of horror, I'll state I’m absolutely horrified that today we're experiencing yet another sample of winter squalls.  Perhaps it wouldn’t be so hard to accept if we hadn’t just experienced near seventy degree weather last weekend.  While I'll admit the wind was still rather insufferable during that nice stretch it was much better than the return of all this snow!  I mean yeah, I love wearing coats and sweaters, but how am I supposed to pair them with socks and designer sandals when there are drifts outside up to my mid-calf?  Damn you British Vogue, does it not snow in England too?!

   Ironically, I did have someone discuss this very topic with me the other day.  This individual stated, “It's so hard to wear nice clothes in South Dakota because there's nowhere to go in them.”  While I totally agree with this statement I wanted to add, “I’m absolutely fine wearing an evening gown while hanging out in my driveway as long as I can get a good picture of it.”  Lately between the unrelenting wind and cold I’ve not been able to get many decent images…of me wearing jeans…because denim is the only fabric that may keep me alive in these harsh conditions.  In addition to my uninspired outfit selection I’ve recently taken to photographing myself in the garage again.  This is when you know the weather where I'm at is crap.  I’ll get dressed in the morning and think, “Wow, that’s a well-coordinated ensemble I should take photographs in order to remember it."  I’ll go outside and realize it’s ridiculously cold which causes me to take pictures in front of my garage door…the closest most convenient cop-out spot for, “fashion photography."  Of course, that’s only until the weather gets ridiculously bad and I’m banished to the INSIDE of my garage.  This is where my pictures really take on a rustic motif…except when combined with black leather gloves.  For some reason the addition of my new favorite accessory hints at the grotesque here.  Good thing I love the horror genre.

   Speaking of this genre, yesterday Al and I finally made it to see the M. Night Shyamalan movie, “Split,” at the cheap seats.  It seemed the perfect drama for such a dreary day.  Before attending I prepared myself for a disappointing experience.  This director and I have a sort of, “meh,” relationship.  While  I’ve enjoyed some of his films, there have been several that have not impressed me…except this time that was not the case…this time I was extremely impressed!  If you’re an individual who enjoys the excitement of apprehension I suggest you check out this movie.  Not only did I find the acting of the main villain impressive, the story took that classic Shyamalan twist somewhere good this time…like really good.  Don’t let the PG-13 rating fool you.  This movie is suitable to make even grown-ups unsettled. 

   In conclusion, between all the goth music and horror movies I’ve been watching this winter it’s no wonder my pictures are starting to look grim.  I guess I just think someone should fight all this white stuff outside with a little darkness.

-r.

Coat:  Thrifted

Sweater:  Free People 

Jeans:  Guess

Clogs:  Vintage

Purse:  Aimee Kestenberg

Gloves:  Vintage

Necklace:  Thrifted

Sunglasses:  Dolce & Gabbana