Thursday 25 March 2010

Fun Blogger tag from Erimentha!




Dearest Devotees,

I'm sorry been so scarce, its one of those awful midterm weeks again for me where I have so much school work to do and not enough time, but I should be back to regular posting and just regular stress come next week.
Meanwhile, I decided to partake in and pass along this cool blogger tag Sabine made and that Erimentha passed on to me. Enjoy :)

Rules:
Choose 1 picture that makes you cringe.
Choose 2 pictures that you could stare at for 5 hours.
Chose 1 picture that shows a situation you want to be/ want to be in before you die.
Link 2 bloggers- and tell me why they inspire you.
Link back to Sabine!

This really makes me cringe (eeeek!!!)



I could quite possibly stare at these 2 pictures for hours. I want to live there!





And before I die I hope that I will do this:

A of The Glamorous Grad Student- because she is definitely a constant source of design and creative inspiration for me.
My Darling Erika from Cafe Fashionista because she is just plain awesome. I aspire to be as awesome as her someday.

Love you all and Stay inspired,




All pictures from We HEART it

My Top 10: Personal Style Rules


Photo from: hatehandles
Dearest Devotees,

I was talking to my roommate earlier and discovered that over the years, I have developed a lot of rules that help keep me within the realms of my personal style. Some of these rules are quite flexible and may vary according to my current style inspiration but others are rules that I anchor myself to, much like Sir Thomas More anchors himself to his principles :) . They include:


  • A wardrobe full of cotton, or even just one fabric, is not a wardrobe. There is so much variety out there. It might just be me but I can't help but it reminds me strongly someone in a boarding school with a uniform.

  • Patterns and prints can be mixed. I agree it is a challenge and does require a certain amount of confidence and joie de vivre to pull it off, but if fashion didn't challenge me I wouldn't care about it anymore.

  • Comfort and style can go together. I will never understand why or how people can wear pajamas to class. I mean even sports clothes can be useful and at least semi-cute.

  • Accessories can make or break an outfit. I have believed in this rule for years, even gave a talk about in English class when I was 11. The right accessories can take an outfit from plain to dazzling.

  • You do not have to show skin to be sexy or stylish. Sexiness comes from self-confidence and knowledge of what looks good on you. Also, even if the trend is about showing off your limbs, there are several ways to indulge show them off without exposing them to the elements.

  • Do not care about what anyone else might or might not say. As long as what I'm wearing is appropriate for the occasion, and makes me look and feel good I should not and cannot go out worrying about little details like if I will look like everyone else. The first time I was criticised for my style was in 4th grade. Some girl said my wearing blue and black was tacky. I was a little upset at first but later I thought "who died and made her queen of all things fashion" and since then I wear whatever I like with total disregard for people's desire for me to blend in and look like everyone else.

  • Strive to represent who I am and what I like in all that I wear. I am told I have a very energetic, vivacious and bubbly personality. I am generally very outgoing and like to claim that my life motto is " I don't do unhappy" . It makes sense that I am attracted to bright colours, and patterns and prints, and unafraid to take fashion and style risks because of who I am.

  • Unless it is a matter of wearing a ball gown to a baseball park (or some other similarly ridiculous circumstance) I can not understand the concept of having clothes you can only wear to one place i.e. that lovely sapphire top with the beading in your wardrobe apparently only sees the light of day, when you are eating out at your favorite restaurant, every once in a blue moon. It's too dressy, to wear to work or to class, you say. Months later you give it away. Why? You never tried to dress it down. This is a sad but true story.

  • Scarves can be worn anytime of the year, not just in winter. This is coming from a girl who spent six years of a secondary school in a country where 40 degrees celsius (104 fahrenheit) is an absolutely normal temperature for half of the year. Trust me, all you have to do is find the right one.

  • Personal style is about emphasizing your beauty, both internal and external beauty. It is all about playing up the best parts of you. It's supposed to make you feel good and look good. If it doesn't do that its just not personal style.

Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your personal style rules? What is your personal style? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Tuesday 23 March 2010

What an artist needs...

Photo from: Emily Golitzin

An Artist needs...

A bunch of spirit
Rounds of pleasure
Experiences of love
A muse
Access to a well of inspiration
A jolt of eccentricity
A solid support system
A sprinkling of bitter experiences
A dash of empathy
Some sympathy
A thirst for true self expression
Love for the little things
A drive for perfection
An intense desire to create

But most importantly an artist needs...

Someone who believes in their ability to create.

Someone to believe in.

Something to be inspired by.

Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. So let me know what you think. What do you think an artist needs? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Friday 19 March 2010

Seeking Inspiration:Everything is Art



Dearest Devotees,

Is everything art? Does everything have artistic/inspirational potential? These are questions I've been thinking a lot about lately, especially in the past week. So far every answer I've come up with has just led me to more questions. Right now, I'm reading a career book that claims that a lot of not obviously artistic careers like psychology, biology and economics (My major and I never knew!) do have artistic components. If this is true, the next most logical question I could think of was what is art? I think of it as ways in which you express your emotions, feelings and self, but apparently this definition can run you into several problems. For example you express yourself through body language, therefore is body language an art? Also if you are a particularly artistic individual who tends to express your stronger emotions in your favorite art form (dance, music, poetry, etc) and you encounter a situation, such as a relationship that does not move you to art does that mean you are not invested enough in or moved enough by the situation? Hmmm....

Anyway, here is a potluck of all my favourite sources of inspiration in the past week:

Music:

Monday Morning- Melanie Fiona

Dear Maria Count me in- All Time Low (I am a total sucker for the pin up look in the video. Also the song really makes me think of a 50s style pancake house for whatever reason...)

Naive- The Kooks

Wavin' Flag- Young Artists For Haiti- Such a great song!

Photographic Inspiration





Seeking inspiration assignment: Choose any of the pictures in this section to inspire your next piece of art.

My translation;

You may think I'm crazy.

Many people do, but answer me this. Is it crazy to give up everything you've got, risk everything you have to get something you desire with your all? Maybe it is. Maybe it would be better for me to ''play it safe'', to go to college, get a degree in a secure field I lack passion for, maybe accounting, and spend the rest of my life seeking happiness and a sense of fulfillment from things I know will not fulfill me. Then maybe, just maybe when they lay me off during the next recession, as I am 3 years away from retirement, and no longer have any expectations to live up to, I will be finally able to do what I want. Live the way I have always desired to live and be the person I have forever longed to be.

I could wait for that day.

Or I could skip all the years of torment and torture, save myself from all that regret and take that chance today.

I may fall on face.

I may not succeed.

I may have to sleep in fields under makeshift tents for a while.

But don't judge me or pity me, because I will be happy.

Doing what I love or at least trying to get there.

And that's all that matters.




Links I loved

Fashion inspired by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland by College Fashion (couldn’t resist)

I love Match.com's latest advert. Can you say uber indie cute?!

Chicken soup for the dorky soul has some great ideas on how to stay in touch with your far away friends.

Zen Habits has some amazing tips on how to reclaim your attention. They really make you think.

I love this post on rocking heels by Golden Means.

Looking for something new to do with your girlfriends? Check out this post by Ashe Mischief.

I heart this girl's blog! It is so cute and happy and all of the fabulous and fun things in life.

All images from we heart it

Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. So let me know what you think. What inspired you this week? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

A Day in the Life: Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Photo from : We heart it

Dearest Devotees,

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Darlings!


Since I love the Irish, Northern Ireland and school in Boston, which is home of Irish America I felt is was necessary to spread good tidings and holiday cheer to you all. Also its uber sunny and warm here and has been for 2 days now, so yay for spring!

Anyway...
Last week I did a post on going green and other ways of saving the world, and thanks to this post by A of The Glamourous Grad Student, I've discovered another way to make my blog 'green'.
carbon neutral coupons with <span class=
It's an initiative called 'My Blog is Carbon Neutral' and it was started by the Make it Green programme in Germany to raise awareness about the effects of carbon emissions on the environment. The initiative helps each participating blog to reduce their carbon footprint by planting a tree when they join. The trees are planted in cooperation with Arbor Day Foundation with the Plumas National Forest in Northern California in order to help restore this forest which is of the many national forests that were burned down by wildfires in the past 10 years. Considering how popular blogging is and how many people could possibly join his initiative, I feel that it could make such a difference. So if you are blogger please check out this site, and help spread the word.


Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. I'm sorry I'm running late on the seeking inspiration post for this week. It has been really chaotic, but I will have it out soon, hopefully sometime tomorrow.
Monday 15 March 2010

Abazias Diamonds Giveaway Winner

Photo from: We Heart it

Here it is the moment we have all been waiting for. This week I held my first giveaway, courtesy of Abazias Diamonds, who so generously offered to give a beautiful diamond key pendant to one of my darling devotees. I wish I could give you all a diamond necklace for being such fabulous people but sadly this is not possible. Therefore, after using random.org to choose a number I can tell you all that the winner is...


Lady in Red.

Congratulations Dearest! To get your prize send me an email with your mailing address, phone number and full name.

Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway and I hope to have another one soon.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

Friday 12 March 2010

Love and Relationships: When you speak..

Photo from: we heart it


When you speak



you unlock something




inside

of

me.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

If I Had One Wish... I would save the world


If I had one wish is
a segment on dreams and wishes. I'm pretty sure you all know that I have big dreams, and I think this is partially because ever since I was a little girl, I've loved the land of make-believe. I spent time playing in it, because it was the one form of entertainment I could take with me no matter where I travelled. It grew and grew and was furnished by bits and pieces of novels I read, movies I saw and stories I heard as well as dreams that I had. I no longer spend much time in this world (not unless I'm looking for material for a book I'm writing), but I still like the idea of trying something new and fulfilling random wishes. This is why I came up with if I had one wish. Here I embrace all wishes the implausible and the fantastical, the practical and doable and the utterly beautiful. The goal is to move you (and I) to do something new. I'm excited darling devotees, are you?


I'm not a superhero.

I can't fly, lift large objects or see through walls.

I don't have superhuman powers, but that doesn't mean I can't help save our world.


Fashion and Style



I love eco fabulous clothing lines. You can look good and feel good knowing that what you are wearing will not harm the environment should you decide to get rid of it. Also I am a big fan of looking stylish all the time. I really believe its possible because style is very adaptable and really varies depending on the event. The hoodies, combat boots and jeans above are all eco-fabulous and perfect for building houses for charity or volunteering at soup kitchen.


Beauty




To contrast Spring 2010's all about pastel clothes theme, the make-up colour scheme is really bright. All the make-up above is mineral make-up and if you don't already use mineral make-up darlings I must ask why. I love it so much I may write an ode extolling it's eco-friendliness, it's smooth and soft textures and its ability to not clog my pores. My personal fave is Aromaleigh.


How to save the world today

Donate your time, skills or money to a charitable organisation or charity event close to your heart.

Sponsor a disadvataged child, animal, or grassroots organisation or business.

Visit an orphanage, an elderly home, a hospital ward. Spread the love.

Recycle : get a recycling system going in your space. If you set it up now, it will make sticking to it a lot easier later.

Smile: Greet everyone with a smile. I smile all the time. It makes me feel happier and the people around me appreciate it too :)

Pay a compliment: You never know how it could impact someone's life or what kind of day they might be having. It could brighten their day.

Don't forget to enter the silver necklace Abazias Diamonds giveaway.

Love you all and Stay inspired,




P.S. So let me know what you think. Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Checking in With Reality: 09/03/10


Photo from: Rose on Flickr


Dearest Devotees,

I'm really happy with how February went. I met loads of lovely new people in all of my classes, some of which I practice and study outside of class with. My zeal for my faith has grown infinitely, and I overcame a huge block in my musical abilities through not giving up on my intermediate piano classes and instead spending 5 hours(!) a day for a week practicing my pieces for my midterm. All the goals that I decided to meet in February have been met and now it's time to work on those for March.

For this month I want to:

  • Record all my songs A capella style on garageband.
  • Choose the 10 songs I want on my demo.
  • Fill them out as need be.
  • Work on finding the chords for at least 2 of them.
  • Write down music video ideas.
  • Practice my french at least 3 nights every week on my computer.
  • Continue with my regular blogging.
For this week I want to:
  • I will record 3 songs on GarageBand.
  • Practice my French nightly.
  • Continue with my regular blogging.
  • Finish my school work.
  • Read books, blogs and magazines.

This is mostly my music month and I am really excited for it. I am not too sure what I will be my career, I mostly alternate between music, fashion design and costuming, and writing, so I am trying to work on all of them, roughly equally. Anyway, I hope this music month thing works out.


Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. So let me know what you think. What do you have planned for the month? How are your goals for the year working out? Are any of you interested in music with regards to songwriting, singing, instrument performance? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Monday 8 March 2010

Seeking Inspiration: Cinematic Inspiration










All images from the movie Bright Star. Pictures from : Duchess of Devonshire Gossip Guide, Collider, Rotten tomatoes.com

Dearest Devotees,

Oh darlings, this week has been so full of fabulously inspiring events. It started with my voice midterms, where we had to sing the songs we'd been preparing and people sang some really moving musical and classically inspired songs. My two favorites where Left Behind from Spring Awakening and No Greater Love by Rachel Lampa. After listening to Left Behind I started to ask around about Spring Awakening and found out it was a beautifully sad and extremely moving musical. Unfortunately it's not on tour near me right now, but I've decided to travel to see it on a long weekend. All this happened on Wednesday.

On Thursday night, my roommate, a mutual friend and I went to see Alice in Wonderland, and like I've said about a million times it was aesthetically amazing. I couldn't get over the graphics, the colours, the red queen! And the costumes! I wanted everything there, even the stuff I would not have an occasion to where. Colleen Atwood, the costume designer who apparently worked on the graphics as well, did a fantastic job. I am going to see it again soon, in 3D, and the top item on my birthday wishlist is the scene book for the movie.






On Friday night, my roommate and I watched Bright Star, the movie about John Keats the English Poet. It was mostly about his secret relationship with Fanny(short for Frances, my namesake!), a 19th century fashion designer. She was artistic yet realistic and he was artistic and romantic; they were so precious. The style was classic 19th century fashion and Janet Patterson captured the period beautifully through the costumes, particularly those of Fanny Brawne. If you haven't seen it yet, and are looking for a quality period movie you should see it. All the roles were well acted and the icing on the cake was definitely the lines of John's poetry that were worked into the script. All in all, it was a great movie!


Then last night was the Oscars and I was completely enthralled by all the red carpet looks, some postively, and some not-so-positively. My favorite dresses were worn by Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Bullock, Anna Kendrick, and Penelope Cruz.







Photos from: Yahoo. Pictures of Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Bullock, Rachel McAdams, Penelope Cruz, and Anna Kendrick.


*Inspiration Assignment for the week*

One of my favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland was Chessur the Chesire Cat. Check out this picture of him and translate the emotions it evokes from you into the art form of your choice.

Here's my interpretation:

Fly little Chesire, fly

And soar above the tree tops black.

Your moon-like smile haunts me in my dreams.

Your sapphire striped fur beckons me to touch it.

Yes ghost-like quality does slightly frighten me,

But somehow I cannot stay away.

So if you disappear tonight,

I wish you may return another day.

Don't forget to enter the silver pendant giveaway, and make sure to leave a comment to say you are a follower and want to be entered.

Love you all and Stay inspired,




P.S. So let me know what you think. Have you seen Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland ? What did you think of it? What were your favorite looks from the Oscars? What inspired you this week? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Sunday 7 March 2010

Dear Devotee:My Top 10 Spring 2010 Must-Haves


A while ago, I put up a post asking you all to feel free to contact me with suggestions, questions and advice and ellie commented:

...So have you found anything out there that is a must have this spring? I did see some scarves that might brighten what I have, but then I thought..I'll get hot in that or spill something on it...


A while ago, I did a post highlighting the major trends for Spring 2010 here, but that was just giving you a general idea of what to expect ( and what I thought was lovely). But as the weather gets warmer (barely) and the time for intense spring shopping nears I realise we will all need a more definitive of what would be good to get, so I've put together this spring 2010 must-have list below:

Key outfit pieces


spring 2010 major pieces


1. A Chambray shirt: The Americana take on the classic white men's shirt, this piece is a definite spring 2010 favorite. Through it over your cute floral dress or digital printed playsuit (see below) to reinvent your outfit.


2. Brown cargo pants.

3. 80s pop slouchy tees

4.White jeans with blue wash: I tend to favor dark washes because they are easier to dress up and down, but I must say that lighter washes have definitely stolen the show for this spring. Styles to look out for are the ripped and patched jeans.

5. Lace, lace and more lace: Lace details are definitely a must have for this spring, and they are a big enough trend you should shop around for a major clothing item that is part lace. Go for lighter shades for a dreamy day look and darker tones (like black) for a rocker chic/boudoir reminiscent night look.


So those were 5 of my spring major item favorites but since spring is mostly a period of transitioning I sometimes feel that the key to creating an on trend spring look that still reflects you is through your accessories, which is why it was so difficult for me to narrow it down to five. That being said, here are 5 spring 2010 accessories that no style maven should be without:
spring 2010

1. Floral print fringe scarf

2.Navy blue military style jacket or vest with gold details.

3.Patchwork print and light blue tote.

4. Spring leather jacket: This jacket has a warmer tone and is lighter in weight than the its autumn/winter version. Think carefree indie girl at woodstock festival instead of hard-rock chic.

5. Brown cow girl boots: Channeling your inner Americana.

Finally here is my hodge-podge mix of Spring 2010 hits for those who are in search of concepts to work with:

1. Polka dots
2. Chambray (shirts most especially)
3. Bows of all sizes
4. Pastels and blush colours
5. naval strips and military details
6. warm-toned spring leather
7. lace
8.spots of bright colours
9. light blue denim
10. Florals and digital prints

Ellie don't be afraid to get those cute scarves. I know that this season seems to be all about the pastels but if you are worried about taking care of them, this season's floral and leopard prints as well its "spots of bright colour" are definitely the way to go. Hope this helps.

Don't forget to enter my Abazias Diamonds giveaway by leaving a comment under the post darlings.

Love you all and Stay inspired,



P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your spring 2010 must-haves? How will you transition your wardrobe into spring? Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below.
Blog Widget by LinkWithin

Polyvore: Inspiration centre

Popular Posts

Welcome!

"Come with me,
and See this World,
Through the eyes
of an Ordinary Girl"

An Ordinary Girl's World is a blog for stylish and artistic teens, college students and young adults, creatively finding their way in this world. Its about expressing yourself through your personal style, your lifestyle, your relationships and friendships.
This site will feature articles on fashion, love and life in general, with topics ranging from the latest trends in fashion, beauty and lifestyle, personal style, artistic inspiration pieces and real life survival guides.
Email address:
aury4eva@gmail.com


About Me

Frannie
Hello! I am Frannie a.k.a Frances Anne and I am a 21 year old Catholic Missionary. I am Nigerian but have lived all over the world and I currently live and serve in the U.S. I love God, others and life in general. I bubble over with joy everyday and would love to share my joy with you.
View my complete profile

My Devotees


Say Hey My darlings

Say Hey My darlings
Have questions, comments? Need advice? Feel free to email me:aury4eva@gmail.com

I love my darlings

I love my darlings
from Canadieren

Follow AOGW with bloglovin

Follow An Ordinary Girls World: Fashion, Love, Life

Want to receive posts by email?

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Go Green too, darlings