Photo Sunday: Stephen Shore

I can't believe that it wasn't until last week that I'd ever heard of or seen the work of Stephen Shore.



Working in much the same vein (and the same time) as William Eggleston, Stephen Shore's style is nevertheless distinct. While Eggleston, as far as I know, always or at least usually shot with medium format or even 35 mm cameras, Stephen Shore works in 8x10.



Shooting with such a large camera and negative size, Shore's work has a much more painterly feel to it. It feels less spontaneous, but retains that impartiality that characterizes so much of Eggleston's work, too.


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Shore's interiors seem like a point of inspiration for Todd Hido, another of my favorite photographers.


This image is such a precursor to the work of Nan Goldin. She was more interested in people than fabric patterns, sure, but the aesthetic is quite similar.



Shore was born in 1947 (still alive, for the record) in New York City. His passion for photography began in childhood, and by the time he was 24, he had mounted a solo show in the MoMA. Shooting on cross-country road trips, Shore captured that proverbial American Landscape in its 1970s glory.


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As a young man, Stephen Shore hung out in Warhol's factory, and managed to snap some beautiful shots of the classic Factory denizens.


Nico


Lou Reed <3 and Andy Warhol

Unless otherwise specified, all images come from the website of Shore's representing gallery, 303 Gallery. All rights reserved to Stephen Shore and 303 Gallery. Biographical information comes from Shore's Wikipedia article. 

you've got too much to wear on your sleeves

Just a quick one today!


dress: thrift -- cardigan: thrift -- shoes: thrift -- scarf: present from Alex, thrift -- tights: present from my sister Molly, Target

I actually wore this yesterday, anticipating that today's forecasted rain would mean I'd be dressed in the jeans, boots, and huge cardigan that I'm currently sporting.



I love this dress. It's a Gap 90s does 60s number. I've seen it at the thrift store a few times, oddly enough. If I find it again in a larger size, I think I'll have to buy it. The one I have seems like it was put through the dryer, and, beyond that, it's just too tight in the butt :P I spent all day yanking it down.

Here's another way I styled it in the fall:



And a little detail shot of the super cool pattern:



I think yesterday's version was the more youthful, fun styling, and the way I styled it last fall is more classic. I like both! Seeing that picture makes me miss having (comparatively) longer hair. What do you think?

I spent some more time in the darkroom yesterday and made a print using two negatives. It was a pretty labor intensive process with lots of contrast tinkering, dodging, burning, time tinkering, etc., but I love the end result. Totally worth it.



Off to go buy more photo paper and read this really fascinating book for class about Reconstruction and depictions of enslaved Americans and emancipation through public monuments. I'm not being sarcastic; I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys American history. It's called Standing Soldiers, Kneeling Slaves.


Today's title comes from The Shins -- "Kissing the Lipless." I love that song so much. The Shins are part of an elite group of bands that I've liked consistently since 7th-8th grade, and have a very special place in my heart :)

up the hill backwards, it'll be all right

top: thrift -- pants: thrift -- shoes: thrift -- jacket: vintage -- necklace: won from Sydney's giveaway!

I'm finally back with an outfit post! Hooray! I wasn't feeling especially inspired over the last couple of weeks, and when I was, I didn't have the time to take photos. But things are mellower now, and I'm feeling like I'm back in the game.



So, strictly speaking, these pants aren't flattering at all. But I love them anyway. They may make my butt look as saggy as a deflated balloon, but they're just so fun to wear. What do you guys think about wearing things you know are less-than-flattering? Is it ever a good idea?

I was so touched by the feedback on my last post about some mental health struggles that I've had. I really appreciate that so many of you took the time to comment and share some of your experiences, too. Writing is very near and dear to my heart, so your feedback has been really validating. I want to try to get back into writing--I'm actually thinking of starting a writing Tumblr or something.

Today's title comes from David Bowie -- "Up the Hill Backwards." The title/lyric of the song is such a great image of how life is: always working toward something with no ability to see what's coming next. All we can do is gaze upon the past. Oooh. Deep.

Speaking of David Bowie, on Friday, Alex and I watched Labyrinth, which was terrible/hilarious/awesome. I think the wine we were drinking enhanced the experience. (Sadly, the movie did not enhance the wine. Gotta spring for the $5 bottle next time.) Labyrinth contains what I have to say are The Worst Bowie songs I've ever heard. But it was fun, and I can't believe that I'd never seen it before.

On Saturday, I went with my photography class to a little town on the coast. We had breakfast together and then went shooting on a couple different beaches. It was a really wonderful time, in spite of the rain. I got some great shots that I can't wait to show you when I get a chance to scan them.

I got in some R&R on Sunday and spent yesterday in the darkroom. I'm really excited for the week ahead, and it's off to a good start :)

How did you spend your long weekend?

Palm Springs with Sam!

Back from my haitus! I hope that you enjoyed the guest posts as much as I did :)

Sam and I left on Friday morning for Palm Springs to spend the weekend with my aunt and uncle in their new studio condo unit. We spent 10 hours in the car driving down, which might sound awful to some of you, but I actually really like long drives. Besides, nothing makes a long drive go by faster than being with a dear friend!

When we finally made it through the LA traffic and got into Palm Springs, my aunt took us out to a lovely dinner and she and Sam had a great conversation about feminist theory. (I love my family!) We spent the rest of the weekend by the pool, traipsing around town, and eating some awesome food. Lots of cheese and carbs.


Sam and I posing poolside with the mountains in the background


The really lovely water feature running through the complex


Sam in his hilarious, campy, and ridiculous shirt that he bought at "GayMart." Gotta love Palm Springs.


Basking! Blinding people with my paleness! I bought that funky swimsuit at Goodwill the day before we left, and it worked out great. I could actually swim in it, unlike most bikinis.


What a lovely pool it was. It had this funny fountain-pedestal thing in the middle of it, which was really good for pretending to be a statue.


This is how we spent most of the time that we weren't eating.


This is what we look like when we're hungry and overheated.


Don't cross me when I'm hungry and overheated.


Note my wonderful aunt and uncle exiting their unit. They were pretty much the best hosts ever, and not only put up (and put up with) me and Sam but also treated us to 3 delicious meals and delighted us with their entertaining, intelligent company.


Palm Desert Goodwill organized as a spectrum. Very cool! I bought an awesome 80s cardigan (to add to my collection).


Palm Springs has a lot of empty lots like this. It creates a strange, desolate feel. That's the desert for you, I guess!


OMG my own souvenir shop! Okay, my name isn't Sophia, but it's close. My name is unusual enough that I get excited whenever I see something close to it.

On Sunday, after 9 hours on the road with Sam full of late-night driving punchiness, disgusting and absurd "would you rather..." questions, and the entire Chicago soundtrack, we made it back to school at 1:30 AM.

It was all cloudy and rainy on Monday, so I took the opportunity to wear my new cardigan. When I got back from class in the afternoon, the light looked so gorgeous that I just had to take some self-indulgent self-portraits (are there any other kind of self-portraits?).



I took some photos with the 4x5 camera I'm using while we were in Palm Springs, and I can't wait to post them when I'm done printing them!

guest post: Lauren of Someone Like You

Today's guest post comes from Lauren of Someone Like You! I first saw Lauren's looks about a year ago and was shocked to learn that she's still in high school. What a classy lady! I love all of the sweet, elegant looks Lauren creates from a mix of thrifted, vintage, and contemporary pieces. We should watch this one!

Pink Dress with Gold Buttons: Thrifted.

Gold Clip Earrings: Thrifted.

Brown Purse: Thrifted.

Gold Heels: Thrifted.

Brown Vintage Hat: Gift from my aunt.

Brown Tights: JcPenny's.

Why hello everyone!

I'm Lauren from SomeoneLikeYou, and I can't tell you how thrilled and completely flattered I was when Sophi asked me to be one of her guest bloggers! Sophi has one the truly most lovely and unique styles that I just love. She's fearless in what she wears! Not to mention I am totally jealous of all of the beautiful pieces she finds while thrifting... She is someone I greatly look up to, and I am so honored to be doing a guest post for her!

I thrifted this pink dress with gold buttons last spring for only a few dollars, but surprisingly I haven't hardly ever worn it. It's actually a size sixteen, but for the strangest reason it fits me... I received this lovely vintage hat from one of my aunts for Christmas, but I was so stumped on what to wear it with. Then I thought of this lonely pink dress and knew the two would just be the perfect pairing :)

Hope you all are doing wonderful!

With much love, Lauren.

P.S. One of my very good friends Blake took my outfit pictures. He's going to school to study photography, and here's the link to his blog: the STYLE MANUAL . He's absolutely incredible!

guest post: Michal of North Country Girl

Today's guest post comes from Michal of North Country Girl! Michal is one of my favorite bloggers because she just has the greatest taste in everything--clothes, books, music--you name it. I mean, her blog name is from a Bob Dylan song! She's also quite the master of layering, a skill that I have yet to acquire and admire greatly :)

Hello Oh So Sophi readers!  I am so excited to make an appearance on Sophi's lovely blog while she catches up on her busy life.  I must admit I'm a little nervous to be following such stylish ladies as Annebeth and Sydney.  I've enjoyed reading their guest posts so much- I hope you enjoy mine!

I wanted my outfit to be partly inspired by Sophi, and one of the things I admire so much about Sophi is her excellent eye for thrifting.  I'm always lusting after her beautiful wardrobe, and often come to find out that she purchased this or that for only a few dollars at a thrift store.   As an ode to her thriftiness, I incorporated two of my favorite secondhand items OF ALL TIME into today's outfit.  The first is my pressed wool jacket I got in Boston in the beginning of the year.  It is super warm and has this really neat rope detailing on the shoulders and collar.  It is also a marvelous red-orange color that I want more of!  So far I've been wearing the jacket with more sophisticated office attire, so it was fun to dress it down with this cool little shirt dress from Modcloth.  The second thrifted treasure is my cowboy boots.  If any of you read my blog, you'll know my style is often influenced by the American West.   I have multiple pairs of thrifted cowboy boots, but these black ones are by far my favorites!  I dread the day when I wear out the soles and we have to part ways.  They were less than ten bucks at a thrift store and I have worn them day in and day out.  They are my babies.  My sweet little cowboy boot babies.  Sorry, that was creepy.

In other news, it's Friday!  I am actually writing this on Thursday, and the thought of tomorrow makes my toes tingle with happiness.  I am getting to see the Ailey II dance company tomorrow night and I'm sure they'll be nothing less than marvelous.  I don't have plans for the rest of the weekend, but I feel like going on an adventure.  Maybe I'll drive off into the New England countryside with my trusty sled, and tobaggan down the hills with whomever I can wrangle up.  I've finally given up on this snow leaving anytime soon, so I might as well embrace it!  Or maybe I'll just hop on down to the cupcake shop and eat a red velvet cupcake and finish reading A Passage To India.  Oh the possibilites that come along with Friday!  What are your plans for this lovely weekend?  Do tell.

dress&necklace/Modcloth | jacket&boots/thrifted | leggings/Target | belt/GAP

★ Listening to Radio Head//Talking Heads

guest post: Chelsea of Zipped

Today's guest blogger is the super-sweet Chelsea of zipped. Chelsea's expertly-paired online shopping finds are always a treat for the eyes. I love that Chelsea focuses on ready-to-wear and makes great style un-intimidating and accessible. And, oh, did I mention she's got a flair for great thrifted pieces? I'm dying over that babydoll top!

Hola and nice to meet you! I'm Chelsea from zipped. I'm not exactly a style blogger in the sense that I take pictures of my outfit every day; I call myself a stylist blogger, because I don't own most of the clothes I post. I love shopping online and making outfits out of everything I find. No surprise that I want to be a stylist professionally, right? When Sophi asked me to guest post, I was so honored + excited because her blog is a regular read for me. So thank youuu, Sophi! We're pretty much even now, since she guest posted for me as well.

I hope you all are basking in the unadulterated glow of love that comes the week before Valentine's Day.  I have always enjoyed Valentine's Day, even as a single gal, just for all the cute colors, sweet sayings, and pretty hearts and lace. Even if you aren't into dressing in full red and pink attire on February 14, I've compiled some of my favorite accessories for the perfect nod to the holiday of hearts.

Nancy Gonzalez floral clutch, L.A.M.B. wedges, Modcloth chain strap bag, Barton Perreira readers, Topshop belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, Lucky Brand ring, Kate Spade bow bracelet

Browse thrift stores (or choose overnight shipping) for some fun pink pieces to add a splash of loooove to your Valentine's Day ensemble! Myself? I might just go all out and wear my pink chiffon 1960's tank. I can't think of a better day to wear it.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

guest post: Sydney of The Rabbit-Hearted Girl

Today's guest post comes from the incomparable Sydney of The Rabbit-Hearted Girl! Sydney manages to combine timeless sophistication with quirky, charming details that make her style impressive and accessible all at once. If her looks don't inspire you, well, gosh, I just don't know what will :D

dress//modcloth; cardigan//target; belt//american eagle; tights//target; socks//american apparel; boots//nine west

Hi everyone! I'm Sydney from the rabbit-hearted girl, and I'm so excited to be guest posting for Sophi today. Honestly, guest posts make me nervous, because a) Sophi has such awesome style and b) I never know what to say. So if you get bored reading this, I give you full permission to go play with today's Google logo instead. It's fun.

So while Sophi is off enjoying her gorgeous California weather, it's quite cold and windy here in Texas, which does not make for fun outfit pictures. My friends and I are planning a road trip to California this summer, so I've been daydreaming about warm weather and sundresses constantly for the past few days. This leads to a severe case of wanderlust. It doesn't help that I then listen to songs like California by Phantom Planet, which not only makes me wish I was on my way there, but also makes me wish I was a character in a teen soap opera. 

Okay, I'm going to stop typing before I start to ramble about The OC. I hope all of you lovely oh so sophi readers are having a wonderful week!

love, sydney

guest post: Annebeth of The Styling Dutchman

Kicking off the guest posts is the lovely Annebeth of The Styling Dutchman! She posts eclectic, fun outfits that mix vintage/thrift and H&M/Zara-type pieces every single day. That's right, every single day. Annebeth's blog is one of my favorites because her easygoing, unpretentious style and outlook on life really keeps things fresh and fun. Enjoy!

Hey guys! Is it weird to see and hear me over here on Sophi's blog instead of on The Styling Dutchman? I can tell you it's weird for me! Sophi contacted me last week to do a guest post on her blog and I was like "AWESOME WHAT SHOULD I DO AND HOW AND WHEN" (seriously, that was probably literally the e-mail I sent her) because I love me some KANYECAPS from time to time. You should try it sometime, me and one of my friends chat in ALL CAPS from time to time and it's really hilarious, everything you say is funnier when it's in CAPS. I'm telling you, Kanye is on to something.

It isn't intentional, but this outfit of mine is definitely something I could see Sophi wearing! That hot little minx would look stellar in short shorts, overknee boots and a croptop. I think you should all tell her you want to see her in a similar outfit! Every so often I get the uncontrollable urge to wear my denim cutoffs, they always make me feel really sexy but in a casual, easy going way.

I just read that my girl Emma tried to make an order on that crazy asian website that basically GIVES AWAY their adorably cute dresses, so I'm very interested to find out her experiences with the service and the quality! But for under 10$, I'm not scared to take a risk.

I got an awesome surprise this afternoon: a Belgian tv-station contacted me on my tumblr for a feature in a program about personal styles! They'd want to see my closetspace (ok, so I'd REALLY need to clean everything up asap because my closetspace is a disaster) and hear some personal tips and tricks concerning style. I probably don't have to tell you guys this, but my ultimate dreamjob would be to have a Trinny and Susannah-esque tv program where I help people find their style and make them feel better about themselves. It's not sure if I'll get the feature just yet, but they're calling me back tomorrow and I'll let you know! Burn a candle for me, ok babes?

sweater: H&M

headband: don't remember

boots: vintage (Isshoes shoeparty)

shorts: vintage Levis (T2)

tights, black wifebeater: Pimkie