THE MIRRORED UNDERGROUND

Talons

2010-01-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

I perch.

Feathers ruffle.

I want what you have.

These talons are sharp

after the years

I have spent grinding.

Digging my toes into bark,

I song you a song.

I'm just another sound.

I ruffle my feathers.

Omission

2009-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Your shape is too much

like my own,

my discomfort,

and I know how it wants,

how it tries to be touched.

I want to run my mouth

as abandoned as you never did

to depict the delusions

I had planned on living out.

You'll realize, one of these nights

when you're without destination

or a surefire "I need you",

that the reality of you

having what you think you need

verses what you had

is spined and wretched.

You'll have a hard time leaving

something so sharp

to be stepped on

but I'll do it, I always do.

I can never omit

that "I wont hold a grudge"

because it's true

though what's close

will always prove

the easiest route.

Ellie Goulding

2009-11-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

This morning resounds with a recent musical addiction, an artist by the name of Ellie Goulding. I only first heard her about 3 months ago and, while she’s not what I typically lunge for at the record store, I find her quite refreshing. Her voice reminds me of a delicate jumble between the lightness of Joanna Newsom, the intensity Flyleaf, and the artistic approach always seen by Imogen Heap. I know, I know, sounds completely bonkers but it works.

Some of her musical inspirations include Regina Spektor, Lauryn Hill, Ani Di Franco, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bjork. Though currently residing in London, Ellie was born in Hereford and grew up in Powys, Wales. She started her career as an alternative singer/songwriter but found success in a number of electro producers, such as Starsmith and Frankmusik, that gobbled her up in an excitement.

Her mass outpour on the European charts surely mirror that she made the right move as I’m sure anyone who has heard Goulding’s recent tracks would agree. Ellie ultimately signed a major-label deal with Polydor Records and hastily made plans to release her full-length album debut as well as release the premier video for her song, “Under The Sheets”.

Along with being a musical gem, she’s written for other European artists such as Diana Vickers and Gabriella Climi.

CardiGONE

2009-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

The air outside is growing dense with shivers and shakes but I know when the leaves fall and the sky turns white, it’s the season for knits and I am overjoyed. This winter is sure to be buttoned up perfectly as a surge of cardigans make their way into our arms. As it’s been for about 4 years now, the cardigan has simplified immensely down to monotone, basic cable knit, remnants of what they once were while vintage boutiques are thriving with artful pieces of history at a heavenly price. Today alone, I purchased four beauties on consignment, all with a story.

The first, an 80’s style turquoise diamond knitted piece by Fenn. What I love about 80’s cardigans is the distinct shape consisting of a thick collar and a thick cinched bottom which gives the “bohemian chic” look that’s been so explosive for the past couple years.

The second is a simpler design by Manson which climaxed primarily in the 1950’s so as you can imagine, I was more than thrilled to find this. This piece is a dark cranberry color with abalone buttons and two small pockets narrowing the front. It’s one of those pieces in a collection that takes you back to an era you’ve never known. I love that about fashion. It’s all a fad; it will always signify a generation.

The third purchase of the day was another lovely 80’s knit cardigan by Method. I bought it greatly oversized which is surprisingly not hard to do when you’re buying vintage, especially knits, as they tend to grow and loosen out over the years. This jewel is right out of Teen Witch and is reads extremely well with any outfit due to its rich black color. It has little glints of coral, cornflower blue, and mustard throughout but what would the 80’s be without some off colors?

The last of these finds makes my heart sing even to think about it. It’s made by a designer, Lake Harmony, which I haven’t heard much about so I’m not quite sure when it was made, though, it looks extremely late 70’s which I love. It’s in a deep pine color which I’ve never been crazy about, I’ll admit, but something about this piece is so special looking. The knit is heavy and oversized in all the right ways. Whether it was intentional or not, I haven’t the slightest idea, but it’s longer than I’ve seen most 70’s knits. It’s nearly knee length and is adorned with pristine, sienna leather, woven buttons.

I encourage all of you to search and rescue these beauties from your local thrift, consignment, and vintage shops.

Do some good. Wear some good.