Easter

Bella and the Butterflies (Original Digital Collage by Bella Q)

 “April's air stirs in
Willow-leaves...a butterfly
Floats and balances”
― Matsuo Bashō, Japanese Haiku

Easter Sunday

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

 
Uh, hello. I haven't really got anything to say, just that this dress and these photos look to me a lot like Easter. This dress is for sale on Etsy, but now I'm not sure I want to sell the dress! Ha ha, but it's listed as are some other fun goodies.

Gold on the Ceiling: Fashion + the Forty-Seven Year Old Woman

The Golden Years: Fashion Forward, Fashion Forty

Funny thing about fashion and images, they color our version of reality and "the norm," yet they are pure products of fantasy. So when we dive into the tsunami of images showcasing super skinny, long + lanky twenty years-olds held up as our sartorial role models, we also crumble under an avalanche of admonishments directed at women over the age of forty.  Blue-haired Fashion Moseses dictating a 10 Commandments of Fashion Faux Pas: Thou shallts, and Thou-shallt-nots dot our +40 landscape. The bottom line gets summed up in the mandatory drop of the hemline: no knees, please! We're advised for invisibility- hide your upper arms and cover those knees. Skip the minis, stock up on maven modest knee-length midis, and dignity preserving maxis. Which isn't really a bad thing, is it? I mean, we, women, of "a certain age" need our dignity to remain intact, and lowering the hemline is one way to do that. Right? 

Here Kitty Kitty!

Stripes or Kitties! This Reversible Cotton Windbreaker Lets You Have it All

Last Friday, I had one of the most time managed and productive days in all of Bella history. I got up early, slurped my coffee, ate some breakfast (a habit I'm trying to form) and got to work. Now work entailed dolling up, setting up a sheet and some lights, the camera and tripod, and then prancing about in front, playing supermodel in my vast horde of vintage goodies. Over 400 pictures were taken in all, including two outdoor outfits posts, and a big pile of clothing to sell in the shop. 

Outfit Post: Animal Instincts

Seattle Fashion Blogger: Trying my Hand at the Official Fashion Color of Seattle: Olive Green.

Put this in YOUR diary: this was the outfit that I finally felt like a real Seattle style blogger. Why? The elements are pure Pac-Northwest. No shocking sun-drenched brights, no short shorts or skirts, just a bit of punch to what seems to be the official color of Seattle, olive green. You will see loads of army green, olive drab, whatever you call it, but that color of green on twill that one associates with the military, you will see it all over the fine denizens of this fair city. Usually paired with fleece, and some running shoes.

Well, here, I am wearing it. Only no fleece, and definitely NO trainers.

Now Blooming: at Atlas

Just in time for SPRING! 

Now blooming at Atlas Clothing, in Fremont. I've opened up a micro-boutique inside Atlas Clothing, a place after my own heart, full of local, vintage and pre-loved clothing and accessories. Inside this funky (Center of the Universe) Fremont space, in a corner of a room, you'll find Citizens of Rosebud, my fresh picks of vintage and pre-loves, blooming quietly amidst the riot. 

Friendly cashiers (say hi to Billy!) and affordable fashions, make this a great place to come + shop. Prices are modest, ranging from a few bucks to under $100.  So if you're in Seattle, stop by and check out my shop. Look for the florals and rose prints, and the exclusive Citizens of Rosebud label. 
Atlas is open Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-6 pm.

Atlas
3419 Fremont Place N
(between 35th and 34th St)
Seattle, Washington 98103

Neighborhood: Fremont

(206) 323-0960

Dots + Flowers, or What I Wore to Hang with Ari of Advanced Style

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasant opportunity to meet up and spend some time with one of my blogging heroes. It all started with a short email- in it I had suggested the next time he was in Seattle, that we should meet for coffee. 15 minutes after I sent the email, I got a phone call. It was Ari, who just so happened to be headed towards my neighborhood, and was wondering if I'd like to go to Value Village and do some thrift shopping with him. Would I? 

Ummmm, is the pope Catholic?

Street Feet: Self Portrait with Shoes

Animal and Reptile: What to Wear for the Urban Jungle

Animal prints and exotic skins hit the streets in real time. Observe your humble narrator taking pictures of shoes to sell online. I really liked this behind-the-scenes snap of my favorite leopard casual kicks standing over this dreamy Mad Men era lizard skin pumps. Dressed up, or dressed down, I'm on hunt for the perfect shoe. And perfect means it can walk the walk with style and comfort in my concrete jungle. 

Be sure to check out Seattle Street Feet for a peek at Seattle style from sole to soul.  

Linking up to lovely Lakota for Ta-dah Tuesday

Guest Post: The Skinny on Male Body Image

I'd like to open up the Citizen Rosebud to a variety of voices and perspectives. Ever since I "met" Arash Mazinani, body image consultant and a male fashion blogger,  from Anika's feature of him back in 2010 (you can read it HERE) I knew I could count of him to provide provoking posts regarding fashion and style of both genders. Not only does he regularly write for his self named blog, he discusses his views on his own body with Ash in her Beautiful Bodies series.  I value Arash's take on things, and one thing on my mind has been regarding body image. I was curious about the way men deal with their own body image. Arash, was up for the challenge, and the following is an article he wrote exclusively for the readers of the Citizen Rosebud. Enjoy!

So ya wanna be Ryan Gosling?

I was watching Crazy, Stupid, Love with my girlfriend,  when Ryan Gosling entered a scene with his shirt off. She immediately made a comment about his superior physique and giggled. A strange feeling came over me, I looked down at my skinny lean frame and thought:  “I better hit the kettle bells again on Monday."

The account above is nothing new, as far back as I can remember girls have commented on the naked torso’s of celebrities, whether it be the monthly features in Cosmopolitan, or the shots of David Beckham in the H&M window displays. You're probably thinking, it doesn’t really bother men though, does it? But that’s where you’re wrong. But, I don’t want to talk about the negatives too much, as I covered that already in a post entitled ‘The Adonis complex.’ Right now, I’d like to celebrate positive male body image instead.

Sprung

Crushing Out on My Newest Dress by Karina Dresses: The Gala

I really enjoy putting together my favorite things and having it turn out to be a great outfit. Today's outfit is a result of some wardrobe play for me. Emerald is having its day in the sun, and I can't help but become even more drawn to it, after all it is the color of Spring! And what's more spring right now than the trending (but never out of fashion) "color" combo of Black and White? Or animal prints? Or polka dots? So while it looks like I'm acting like a fashion victim wearing all the latest trends together, the result is a classic (if not a bit quirky) blossoming of chic. In fact I feel the silhouette looks a bit turn of the last century, what, with a dash of panache from a bowler hat and librarian oxford heels and all.

And my most recent crush? BUTTERFLIES! I had started a budding collection of butterfly broaches some time ago- but when I stumbled onto a stash of them for sale at my local Goodwill, I went butterfly crazy. These two little vintage broaches have been pinned on me for about 4 days now. What better way to wait for spring than to be sprung?

Wicked

Come Closer My Pretties. Bella's feeling WICKED in her vintage USA made cobalt jacket.

I might have a little Oz on the brain; as a kid I was a big fan of Frank L. Baum's books (a BIG fan) so I'm really looking forward in seeing Sam Raimi's Oz the Great and Powerful soon. Maybe that's why a few of my artsy collages have been "Emerald City" themed, or it could a mere coincidence. I do think that this lead picture reminds me of the poster for Wicked- squint your eyes and tilt your head: maybe you see it too? 

Bella + the Emerald City

Bella + The Emerald City. Original Collage made on PicMonkey

Dorothy: Weren't you frightened?

Wizard of Oz: Frightened? Child, you're talking to a man who's laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe... I was petrified.

Street Feet: Have You Hugged Your Wildcat?

Take a walk on the wild side: Today's Street Feet can be glimpsed prowling the pages of Seattle Street Feet. Click HERE to see the purr-fect platforms.

The Day Job

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau

When Megan, The Fashionable Bureaucrat tweeted "I'm quitting my job in 1 hour. #happydanceofglee #feelingnauseated" my stomach clenched a little. And I took a big breath and made a wish for her. After all, this marvelously styled woman is obviously off to explore a new adventure, sans her old day job. My heart goes out to Megan, and all I can say is that I hope she gets plenty of opportunity for success! I suppose I can relate more than a little- after all, in a matter of speaking, I just quit my "day job" too. Now my main income and my focus is selling vintage and the pre-loved goods that I've been collecting for over two decades . Let's hope this new day job can bring me better financial favor than I had working in kitchens.

I am a nervous Nellie about the challenges but think I'm up for the adventure. There are so many sisters who also are doing it for themselves! I take note from the likes of Karina Dresses designer, Karina Cousineau, and Serene The Elegant Bohemian who also sells on eBay, A big inspiration for me is Gabriala, who is not only the elegant dresser of Style Higher, but a business savvy CEO and Green business owner. She is someone who appreciates organics and sustainability, making products that are people friendly and good for the environment. Local friends, like Jodie who runs Lemon Drop Boutique, and O'maima of Beats and Bohos, have created wonderful businesses and have given me smart advice to help make it happen for me too.

First Rate Women Who SHOP SECONDHAND FIRST. (And sell it!)

Women like Vix, Terri, Dusk, glorious creatures I haven't met, but who put the fire in my belly with the determination to  succeed in the currency of joy and happiness. I want to send out a thank you to every soul sister who is carving out their own take on happiness and still finds the resources to be a source of strength and support for others. Vix is thrillingly selling her vintage stash at her Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique, and word on the street is that Terri, the academic with a heart of gold is nearing retirement and will be supplementing her income on eBay too.

Lounge Lizard

Now Playing: Rocking in an ethically made Burgundy Brocade EDUN Blazer

I knew when I left the house in this get-up, I wasn't going for invisible. In fact, I needed a rock-star day- you know, when ya wake up with the urge to put on heavy eye-liner and drink a beer with breakfast. I felt loosey-goosey, and so ambled out in the daylight in my "Lounge Lizard" attire. I was going for the jazz-musician-on-a-job-hunt look, and this Edun burgundy brocade blazer was the hair of the dog for me. With the saxaphone in the pawn shop, in bad need of a double Americano and a Lucky Strike, I'm lurking around the studio, trying to rustle up some crumb or my next gig. In reality, I'm headed to the corner market, and maybe a peek in The Daily Planet and see what's on the clearance racks. Sometimes, you want to dress for the life in your head, and not the one on the table.

Product Review: Prada 16PS

Described as "an elegant cross between the wayfarer and cat eye" the Prada 16PS is what you'd call "an instant classic." Just add sun, and stir. While I agreed to write a review for the Sunglasses Shop, I think the mere look of them, pretty much speaks for itself. They are stylish, sexy and they look good with almost everything. And anyone.

The Prada Parade: Confetti Colored Classics, Prada 16PS

Prada, and its sister line, Miu Miu are among the top labels when it comes to "designer" fashion. There is a reason for this. Savvy and sexy and smart are the way Prada clothes look on a woman. Prada's designs, season after season become cult classics, and seem instantly iconic- Miuccia Prada is not known for being one of the greatest WOMEN designers in fashion history, but as one of ITS GREATEST DESIGNERS, and arguably one of the most influential of the 20th (and 21st) century. Miu Miu, far from being a diffusion line, is a hot label that "redefines elegance for women that want something different from fashion." 

Outfit Post: Eye of the Needle

The punchline here, is CAMEL. As in color, as in textile. Camel hair wool is an enduring fabric. I love the richness of its color- the beige has lots of yellow, and is one of the few beiges that doesn't drain the color from my olive skin tone. I think it looks classy, and have always wanted a great camel hair coat. I think I've finally found mine. This is a glorious beast of a coat, an oversize vintage wool coat with an opulent satin lining. It's loose fitting and big, and I love the detail in the back, that curve of the back belt- so insouciant and elegant, if you ask me.

The great thing about classics is that they look good no matter what era you're wearing them. This vintage coat is from the 1950s, but looks so fresh and modern still, very Celine, very Phoebe Philo's Chloe, circa 2010, with the clean lines, slouchy cut and simple but strong detailing of the offset big buttons in front, the swoop of a belt in the back.

Street Feet: Floral Revival

Floral Revival: Grunge Era Floral Doc Martens Blossom for Spring

As if to encourage Spring and leading by example, I've been wearing some form of floral for over a week now. Observe this ditzy print thrifted floral skirt ala grunge floral, paired with a blooming like mad vintage 90's era floral printed Dr. Martens. The term, I've learned to describe this look, is "punk/grunge revival," and since I was old enough to wear it the first time, perhaps I best step away from them now? What is it about Seattle that makes you crave all things 1992? I've been eyeing army jackets, tattered concert Tees, beanies, plaid, plaid, and more plaid, and a whole array of classic Docs.

Kind of revives my spirit, you know?

Outfit Post: Canadian Cashmere

There was a brief moment of sunshine filtering through the slats of the window blinds. I seized the opportunity, grabbed the camera and tripod and ran out of the house. Bright sunshine, unfiltered by cloud, bled on my face and shoulders. It was a cold shot of sun- not having enough time to warm the walls, rocks or walks of my neighborhood. But the bright light seemed a good match for the pale sky blue  coat I was wearing- an icy pastel of cashmere blazer that seems something a beautiful  blonde Swedish woman would wear for a winter outing.

Seeing Double: Emerald-Emerald, Doublemint

Double the Trouble, Triple the Fun  Doublemint

You've been hearing all about the color of the year being emerald green, haven't ya? And then, seeing it pop up everywhere on cue, like some pop culture fulfilling prophecy. I'll admit, I love the color emerald, but it never has felt like "me." Perhaps I'm too much of ruby  girl. But Atonement, and the lovely Keira Knightly rocking the frock out of that emerald green gown, I've softened a bit towards this lush, precious hue. And, when I saw this green- as-spring vintage dress on the racks of Beats and Bohos, for the first time, the color emerald felt like me. 

All of two of me, in fact.

Bloomtown

One year ago this month, I took the big plunge and uprooted from my native soil of California and planted myself here in Seattle. What a marvelous course of events has brought me to this moment, where I can look forward and say: I want to do this. I AM DOING THIS! I won't say there hasn't been struggles or hardships, but it's been a mighty pay off: feeling truly happy. I'm truly "blooming madly," and am gearing up for a big boom of growth and industry.

It's a Bloomtown.