Play Crack the Sky

Today was a beautiful spring day. The winter breeze was still in the air but the sun was bright in the sky and there was a hint of green in the land. I love winter, but I do love it when it gets into the 70's and I can wear cute outfits outside without wearing huge wool jackets on. Don't get me wrong I love my wool jackets and I have almost every color of them under the sun but I also love showing off my outfit. I know most of you are probably thinking I'm crazy because I live in Southern California and I own wool jackets and complain about wearing lots a layers but I do get really cold very easily. I can't imagine how I'm going to survive when I move back east. Enough of my ramblings.

Striped Shirt - TJ Maxx

Blue Skirt - Got it from a yard sale

Octopus Necklace - Gift from a friend for Christmas

Brown Belt - Came from another dress

Tan Shoes - Payless Shoes

Brown Tights - Target

Cirque Du Freak

      
      Hi everyone, I hope everyone has some great plans for the weekend. I shall be working all weekend and week at David's Bridal, but then rewarding myself in a long overdue trip to Disneyland. Since, I'm still sick I'm posting a look that I have on lookbook but haven't gotten a chance to write about it or post on here called 'Cirque Du Freak.'
     I've always enjoyed dressing up and pretending to be someone that I am not. I know that I can look absurd sometimes walking around in some dress that makes me look like I just stepped out of the circus but isn't that what fashion is about. Stepping outside of yourself and not caring what others think and being who you want to be. And, today I joined the circus. 
      This is why we are so attracted to people like Madonna and Lady Gaga because they aren't afraid to go out there and dress crazy for the sake of fashion. They aren't just musicians but they are artists that embody fashion and use fashion to make art. I think that is truly amazing. That's why I love things like Steampunk styles and cosplay. I love making my clothes and fashion into art. It's just another way my creativity can spill into every aspect of my life. 
      So I have a couple of questions. What about fashion inspires you? What keeps you going back to your favorite stores and buying more clothes? Is it the way you feel? How do clothes make you feel? Or do you just dress like a clown in hopes of someday joining the Circus?

Dress - Forever 21

Cropped Jacket -Not sure the brand but I got it from Burlington Coat Factory

Belt Buckle - Antique Store in Temecula, CA

Leggings - Forever 21

Shoes - Bandolinno - I got them from a yard sale

Skulls, Crosses, and Cogs.

I'm actually wearing two of my favorite items in this outfit. My cog belt buckle and my cross. I got the cog belt buckle at one of my favorite antique stores in Temecula, CA. My boyfriend, Daniel, actually spotted it first and knew it was perfect for my Steampunk outfits. As for my cross, it also has something to do with my boyfriend. He gave it to me for safe keeping after the first three weeks we were dating, when I went to Pittsburgh for two weeks. The cross was his favorite necklace and I knew the second that he gave it to me he really loved me. Corny I know, but we're totally corny. I've worn it everyday since (except when I take it off for a couple minutes while I take the photos).

My Outfit

- Shirt - Skull Shirt - Hot Topic - Was on sale for $10

- Belt and Buckle - Belt I stole from my Boyfriend and the Cog 

belt Buckle is from an antique store in Temecula, CA $15

                             - Hat - I've actually bought this hat from my first job wear I worked                                                       in a little hat shop called Wooleys in a small mountain town in Southern California $30

- Pants - Black and Tan Checkered pants from Forever 21 $22

- Ankle Boots - Clarks - Got as a Christmas present from my Mum.

Spring Flowers

I got this dress at a second hand store in Temecula. I'm in love with anything that has peter pan collars and this dress is so cute. I love the spring chic look. Perfect for a spring day date looking at antique stores and drinking coffee at a local cafe. The Steampunk watch piece is a piece my mother gave me. My father actually made it for my mother when I was little and she passed it down to me. It's been an inspiration to me in a lot of ways when it comes to my jewelry.

 

Open Mic night with Daniel in Riverside

My outfit for open mic night with Daniel and the Daily Grind in Riverside.

This is one of my favorite skirts. I've had this skirt for years probably since I was in 8th grade. The shirt I just got : ) I thought it would be unique to add some Gothic/Steampunk looking jewelry like my lions head brooch and my clock earrings. I have a little bow clip in my hair too but my hair is so crazy curly that you can't see it.


I had a wonderful time at the open mic night. Daniel played his song really well! Also there were a couple of other people there who played really well.

Daniel Cross played Dead Girl Friend on his new Martin Guitar. I think he's so in love with it that I'm a little jealous.

I don't know their names but they were awesome!

The wonderful Leandra Graves

 

C'est la vie

 Going for date night with Daniel and seeing the Perks of Being a Wallflower. I for some reason I like this pattern mix up. My boyfriend disagrees with me, but I say it works and if it doesn't then C'est la vie.

Lookbook - C'est le vie

Places to follow or 'like' me.

Places to follow me
Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmberIlysSteamcrafts
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/ilyssteamcrafts/
Polyvore - http://ily171.polyvore.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Amberilyssteamcrafts
Lookbook - http://lookbook.nu/amberily