chinatown and lazy days.

Today was a lazy day.  But a really great day.  But the kind of day where you sit in front of the computer, never change out of your pajamas, and say "Let them eat cake."  I never left the house except to get the mail, which was oh, approximately 20 steps away from my front door.  Everything I did was out of self-indulgence.  I haven't had a day like that in a long time.  And I loved it.  I can honestly say it was one of the best days I've ever had.  I was able to catch up on all my comments and discover new blogs too.  I broke down and made a Twitter account, which I've always considered a convenient way to stalk people.  You can follow me on Twitter here or else on my sidebar:

I'll start making actual updates on it once I have followers because if I don't have any followers, it just seems like I'm talking to myself.

I went to Chinatown on Monday, found lots of interesting things, but what do you expect in Chinatown?

Lots of markets:

Lots of stores bursting with little trinkets:

Some people weren't so happy with me taking pictures inside the store:

Let's focus in on that:

I'm sorry, you probably thought I was going to report your illegal shop to the authorities.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I saw a street named Jack Kerouac:

How many times have I been in Chinatown, passed by that street, and not noticed it?

The street I was on:

Cutest little man:

Does anyone know what kind of instrument that is?

Saw the sweetest two girls:

Didn't want to sound like a complete stalker, so I told them the photo was for a street style blog (tee hee).  Mildly felt like the Facehunter, which made me happy for the rest of the day.  Does anyone know where I can get Doc Martens like that (what color are they because I went to the website and couldn't find it)?

Ran into two segway tours:

Never knew they had segway tours...they look really funny, but kind of fun.  I might be a major dork and go on one someday. There were a huge line of 15 or so people riding on the sidewalk.

I have received three lovely awards from Lavelle.

Wow! Three at once! That's pretty exciting!

I'm going to pass this on to a blog I just discovered yesterday while aimlessly surfing the blogosphere.

Merily.

She has quickly become one of my favorite bloggers and her blog is just absolutely adorable.  She's also the first blogger I've known from Estonia.

Two days ago, I received a lovely little package from Michelle:

And in it was the most precious little strawberry cake necklace!

She has the cutest little Etsy shop ever!  Makes you feel like you're in a fairy tale land with unicorns frolicking in fields of daisies.

Check it out here.

Also, I've stumbled upon quite a touching little blog.  So About What I Said is a quirky blog focused on teaching people that "smart is the new sexy, awkward is the new cool, and flawed is the new beautiful."  Written by Melissa, every post has a moral to it, making you see the world a different way and appreciate what you have.  Just visit it-it will make you see the world a different way and give you a daily dose of compassion.

Finally, this is the last thing I will say (promise!)

I don't know if you guys have already seen this, but I was mentioned by Jade on Hel Looks when she was asked where she got inspiration.  I'm not allowed to post the photo here, as they are copyrighted by Hel Looks, but I'll quote what she said:

"I like girlish and unique clothes. Now I'm wearing a jacket from Ansa vintage store, an Estonian hand-knitted cardigan and second hand hat, shoes and bag. The woollen socks are warm and comfortable.

Fashion blogs like The Drifter and the Gypsy inspire me. I like the blog's dream-like pictures, femininity and sensitiveness."

Jade, I hope you're reading this, because I just wanted to express how grateful I am and how surprised I was after reading your little blurb.  Sometimes, blogging gets to seem more like a chore than anything else, but to see that people all around the world are being inspired by me, that's just unimaginable.  When I started this blog (less than a year ago), I never in a million years envisioned that this sort of thing would happen.

After I read your shout out, I just couldn't stop smiling.

Thanks Jade!

xoxo,

Micaela

awards, tags, and the like.

While on my hiatus, I have gotten numerous tags and awards (And I really think I am missing some, so if I missed your tag or award or something, do tell me.  It's nothing against you, I'm just having trouble catching up on comments, awards, tags, etc.)

First off, I have been tagged by Eve to do the answer the questions/delete one question you don't like and add one of your own tag, which I think has circulated around the whole entire blogosphere.  I've done this tag at least three times, so if you really want to see my answers that bad, go here. 

I have gotten a very special award from three different people (blushes): Maria Angela, Ahsma, and Sarah.

It's very cute, and I've seen on other people's blogs, so I'm very happy to get it myself!

Thanks guys!

I'll pass this on to...

the beautiful Elizabeth Victoria C.!

Awesome style blog, lovely girl.

Just discovered her blog yesterday, but if you want to check it out, just click on her name.

I have also stumbled upon Alex and Ani, an environmentally conscious unique line of jewelry, each handcrafted from recycled materials, by the designer Carolyn Rafaelian.

Here are some of my favorites:

The idea sounds pretty cool, so I might splurge and buy some.

But definitely check out the site here.

Speaking of stumbling upon new things, I've stumbled upon Stumble Upon (bad pun intended).  Anywhoo...apparently my blog is on there (which I was totally unaware of until like two days ago, maybe you guys knew all along, and I was the one totally oblivious) but I'm so honored that people actually share my blog.  It's such an amazing feeling...and I'm so glad people had good things to say about it too:

freckledmystery said: "One of the most gorgeous blogs I've ever seen."

terrie212 said: "Lovely blog (i luv to sleep outside)."

and finally...

mushlya said: "That's another beautiful source of inspiration.  I become addicted to blogs.... ****:-)"

Awww...thanks so much! You've melted my heart (and I do hope you're reading this)

Shout out to freckledmystery, terrie212, and mushlya!  You guys made my day (or should I say evening because it's pretty late here...)

If you want to see the Stumble Upon page I am talking about, go here.

Moving along...as most of you are probably well aware of, Anna Sui is collaborating with Target to make a collection of Gossip Girl inspired outfits due to hit stores September 13th.  It's kind of hard for me to believe Anna Sui is getting her inspiration from Gossip Girl-I've never really thought of her as an avid Gossip Girl fan, but, hey, I guess she is.  Or maybe she could just like it because of the outfits (like most people). Here are some of the photos that were recently leaked on Lookbook:

Blair Waldorf

Serena van der Woodsen

Jenny Humphrey

Vanessa Abrams

Photos from here.

I love all of them, but my current love affair is with the Little Bo Peep-esque one (the first one).  And I pretty much love the whole Blair style.

Which one are you craving?

I was so pleasantly surprised last week to get an email from the card company Compendium, the one that I posted about in the last post:

"Someone recently sent us a link to your blog with our Positively Green cards, and our other products on there. I just wanted to say thank you for such a nice mention about our company. We really appreciate it!

 

I also wanted to tell you that we added you to our list of blogs, too: http://www.live-inspired.com/inspiredcommunity-forum.cfm

 

Thanks again!

 

Kristel"

I just wanted to thank whoever it was that emailed them with a link to my blog!  Whoever you are, if you're reading this, I'd love to know who you are!

Hmm...I think that's it for now...this was sort of my random, catch-up post.

Have a lovely week!

xoxo,

Micaela

P.S. Oh and I forgot.  How do you guys like the new header?  I made it myself...but I've stared at it for so long, I'm not quite sure what to think of it.  Maybe it should be longer and cover the entire length of the page?  What do you guys think?

things to live by.

Always forgive freely,

Returning injury for injury to no one.

Never let the sun set before you clear your transgressions,

Repent of your sins.

Clothe yourselves with love,

For with it you can conquer the bitterness abundant in our lives.

Adorn yourselves with the beauties of the world:

Kindness, self-control, and goodness of heart,

That by demonstrating these qualities

You can make the Earth a paradise.

All too often our love is tainted by our pride.

Never be guided by the impetuous impulses of the heart,

For it is the most treacherous tool of the body.

Count every beautiful thing you can see,

And suddenly all the hatred, corruption, and 

Violence of the world will vanish.

~My words, photos from Rosie Hardy,  Do it for the fame, and of course the lovelies: Eleanor Hardwick and Sarah Hermans.  There's a few I don't know where they're from.  If anyone knows, just leave a comment or email me as I would like to give these people credit.

I just discovered the most beautiful cards while at a local coffee shop.

And this one was my favorite:

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Apparently, upon looking at the website, much to my delight, the company sells other gifty things too.

Okay, I'll stop now with the pictures.

"Compendium is a Seattle-based company that creates and distributes a fresh, design-rich line of inspiring gift products. Our ever-growing line of gift books, journals, stationery, desk accessories and home décor are now sold in thousands of specialty retail gift stores worldwide."

Visit the website here.

Also, starting soon, I'm going to be a contributing writer for the blog of a new online magazine called Antler.  If you haven't heard of it already, I highly suggest you check it out here.

And lastly, I've finally created a Polyvore account.  This is my second one, but I never did anything on the other one, so this will be a fresh start.  Hopefully I'll actually spend time on it (or have the time to spend on it).  Here's the first set I made a couple of days ago:

My polyvore.

Oh and one last thing:  As I was checking other people's blogs, I noticed mine was looking a little shabby, so anyone who wants to design a new header and/0r layout for me, feel free.  I tried designing a header myself, but failed miserably, so if you want to submit a design to me, please contact me via my blog email, which is posted in the sidebar.  I really like Daydream Lily's new layout, so something along those lines.

Thanks guys!  It's great to be back!  I'll update you more on what I did while I was on hiatus, and also, I have so many awards to catch up on, but let's leave that to a separate post.

xoxo,

Micaela

hiatus is ending.

Hey guys.  Just to let you know, I didn't forget about you.  This break was a break I needed, but I'll be back sometime this week.

xoxo,

Micaela

hiatus.

I'm so terribly sorry for being so negligent about commenting/posting.  There have been circumstances that have arose in my life far beyond my control and I have found it near impossible to maintain a balance in my life with blogging too.  I'm afraid, right now, I don't have the time nor the energy.  With that being said, I need to take a break.  I'll be back in the next two months or so, maybe sooner; I have a feeling I won't be able to stay away from this blog for long. Occasionally, I might comment on your blogs.  My life is a little hectic right now and I don't need to make it crazier with trying to blog on the side.  I just need some time to sort things out, then I'll be back.  So long for a short time, my dears.

xoxo,

Micaela

anna wolf.

Anna Wolf, at 30 years old has shot for over 20 magazines and catalogues, including Bon Appetit, Domino Magazine, Free People, Jane Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Nike, Urban Outfitters, and Quicksilver.  Her photography evokes a certain air of nostalgia and she charms the world with the beautiful, dreamy way she captures life.  Her lovely photography certainly matches her sweet personality.  I was so privileged to have her grace me with an interview.

Me:  Many photographers say that photography has been their passion since they were little.  Do you find that to be the case for you?

Anna:  Yes and no.  One day in middle school I shot a polaroid of three of my friends hanging out in a school bathroom.  I brought the photo home and my mom told me I should be a photographer.  I started shooting seriously in high school-mostly because I pretty much hated school and just wanted to party and take pictures.  It was kind of a default interest since at the time I wasn't interested in anything else.

Me:  When you say you started shooting seriously in high school, do you mean that was the moment you knew you wanted to do photography and did a lot on your own as a hobby, or do you mean that you started your career then, actually taking your work to magazines and such?

Anna:  Well, I was shooting because, aside from reading and writing, not a whole lot else in high school appealed to me.  So, I can't say I was passionate about it then.  But it was definitely when I started doing it in a serious way.  I was on the yearbook staff and was the photo editor for the school paper.  I spent a lot of time ditching other classes and hanging out in the darkroom...my photo teacher was pretty laid back!

Me:  You wake up one morning, and as you are sitting up in bed, realize you have absolutely nothing planned for the day.  How do you spend your free time?

Anna:  I never have nothing planned for the day!

Me:  Wow, you are quite the busy person.  If, one day, a natural phenomenon occurs and you have a bit of free time, what do you like to do?

Anna:  In my free time I really enjoy cooking at home with friends.  Weekends are my favorite-tons of coffee and a big brunch.  I also live very close to Prospect Park, so I spend a lot of time hanging out there.

Me:  What type of camera do you use?

Anna: Mamiya 6x4.5, Contax 6x4.5, Mamiya RZ for film. Hassleblad, Canon 5D and MarkIII for digital, and tons of old cameras and toy cameras.  Half frame, Lubitel, Lomo, Contax G2, polaroid cameras, etc.

Me:  Wow, you certainly use A LOT of cameras.  I only expected one or two, or even three.  Do you have any particular one you are constantly using more than the others?

Anna:  For jobs, without a doubt my favorite is the Contax 6x4.5.  It is really well designed, super light and easy to run around with.  My arms are pretty scrawny, small so holding anything bigger is just crazy.  When I started at Art Center College of Design, I was shooting with the RZ 6x7.  My wrist always felt like it was going to snap in half!

Me:  What would you recommend budding photographers who are looking to get into the industry to do?

Anna:  Work hard.  Wake up every day and work like the rest of the world works.  You don't just become successful over night.  There will always be setbacks, you are constantly picking yourself up and dusting off-and if you want it, you can't ever give up.  That's the only way.  There are so many things.  I spend a ton of time marketing myself to magazines, ad agencies, retail clients, and design firms.  Emails, promos, phone calls, meetings, etc.  And I'm always shooting and generating new work.  One thing I come across with new photographers, is that they never feel ready to show their work.  But the thing is, you'll never feel ready.  You just have to put it out there.  You meet with a particular photo editor today, and then in one year you go back with a whole new book, and show them how much you've grown.  And then you do it again in two years...all the while sending them new shoots and stuff you're working on.  I'd say for ever 20 meetings I go on, I'll get one job.  It's a numbers game, and you just have to go full force.

Me:  How were you able to bridge the gap from photography being a mere hobby to an actual career?

Anna:  That's a really big question and a really long answer.  When I moved to New York I was assisting, waiting tables, shooting and constantly going to meetings and doing self promotion.  I had to be 5 places at once.  But I never talked myself out of things.  Even when my work was crap I would take it around to magazines.  Then a year later, I would take it around again.  And people got to know me.  They saw my work progress.  There isn't a formula for getting from photography as a hobby to shooting as a career-but one thing almost every successful photographer, is work really hard.

Me:  Wow, you sure showed true commitment and dedication to your work.  Did you also have any contacts, or connections to people in the industry that helped get your name around, like a relative or friend?

Anna:  Yes definitely.  Friends are always getting me into places to show my work.  But you have to have the work to back it up.  Connections are huge, but they just get you in the door.

Me:  Do you have a photographer who's your icon?

Anna:  Right now (and it changes a lot) Coliena Rentmeester with Ray Brown Agency.  Others that I love are Cass Bird, Cedric Bihr, Emma Hary, and Melodie McDaniel

Me:  Cool-I've never heard of her, but I'll be sure to check her out!

Me:  What type of message/motif do you try/want to get across through your photos?

Anna:  I don't try for message or motif in particular.  I just shoot what comes out and it typically ends up looking pretty quiet, honest, and at times nostalgic.

Me:  Yes, indeed-they are all very dreamy and inspiring.

Me:  What inspires you?

Anna:  Friends/peers and the work they are doing, locations, light, fashion, magazines, blogs.

Me:  Do you use any of your family or friends as models in the photos you take?

Anna:  Yes.  I've been working on a portrait series of my brother Michael who goes to Bard College.  His friends are really cool and interesting, and the setting at Bard is quite beautiful.  My other brother Daniel, is about to go to college, so I'm planning on visiting him at least twice a year and shooting him and his friends.

Me:  Where do you get most of your props and those lovely dresses?

Anna:  Stylists!!!

Me:  Wow that must be nice having other people pick out the clothes and props for you!  Do you get to choose what clothes and props get used, though, after the stylists gather a whole selection, or do the stylists do everything?

Anna:  Every shoot is different.  With jobs, I don't have a big say in what is being used.  The marketing teams have that on lock down.  But for fashion editorials or test shoots, its much more of a collaborative effort.  However, having said that, I work with people who's work I admire, and most of the time I let them do what they are good at.  And for the people that are starting out, it's really great to hook up with stylists who are starting out as well-you can do shoots and give them prints in exchange for styling the shoot.  It's a win-win for everyone.

Me:  Where's your favorite place to take photos?

Anna:  Outside surrounded by trees.

Me:  Mmm...sounds pretty.  Do you often travel far to shoot?

Anna:  Only when I'm lucky!

And now for some random fun questions...

Me:  Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?

Anna:  Chocolate!

Me:  If you were stranded on an island and could only have three items with you, what would they be and why?

Anna:  My boyfriend, my phone (as long as there was reception), and the New Yorker Magazine.

Me:  Any quirky pet peeves and/or idiosyncrasies?

Anna:  Chicken bones on the subway.

Me:  Ewww...chicken bones on the subway?  There's really chicken bones on the subway?

Anna:  Unfortunately yes!  It's one of those weird things about New York that make this place so unique but horrifying at the same time!

(Ahhh I love this picture so, so much)

Me:  Do you have a blog of your own?

Anna:  I started this blog because I didn't want to make a bio...I thought it would be a good alternative.  I ended up making a bio anyway but the blog remains as a bridge between my personal life and my work.

Me:  Awesome!  I'll be sure to check it out!

Me:  Thanks for letting me interview you, Anna!  It was such a privilege to work with you!

Anna:  Thanks, Micaela for the interest in my work, and thanks to the readers for taking the time to read my interview!

To check out more of her work, go to Anna's website or blog.

Sorry for my lack of posting/commenting.  I do believe I've become the queen of irregular blogging.  I got back from Florida on Friday night and spent the weekend unpacking and getting things done around the house.  Here are some photos that I took in Florida:

I think the one with the birds all lined up is the cutest...

I finally picked my mug up from this pottery place where a few friends and I painted mugs.  Here it is:

Also, I just recently watched the Coco Chanel Movie for the first time.  I loved it so much and I found it was incredibly well-done for just a TV movie, although I wasn't particularly fond of Shirley MacLaine's part.  The transitions from the present time to the flashbacks could have been smoother also.  But I did adore the person playing the younger Chanel.

The costumes are just simply exquisite.  I wish people would dress like that today.  

Last week, I was so pleasantly surprised to check my blog email and discover 3 new fan mails for the day!!! That's more than I ever get in a week, never mind a day!  Needless to say, that made me very happy.  These were such sweet emails, I just had to share them with you, so here they are:

Email #1:

hey,
drifted through your blog. couldn't resist but to write to you. its
looks either you are too clear a person and put all your thoughts and
emotions on a platter. or you are the best faker who have just faked
each and every bit of emotions. who ever you are- it was a pleasure to
come across your blog. was very sensitive. thanks for creating it.

Email #2:

Dear creator of this blog, 
 
I accidentaly found your blog by google.
Probably you have heard this a million times already, 
but I can't describe how in love I am with your blog.
 
The music, the photographs, the taste, the words,...
 
This is like the magic where only some can believe in.
 
I just wanted to say this to you, because I am realy thrilled by how 
much I love it. I'm daydreamer myself and I always seem to believe in things.
 
That's the main thing why I adore your blog. Because it's not only beautiful, 
it's meaningful as well, and most of all; I can find myself in ALL of the quotes 
that you've put down. And all the pictures inspire me to get inspired even more.
 
Now i'm dreaming away with every page i'm watching.
So please keep continuing with this, it's amazing.
 
I love to write texts and quotes myself.  So, I was wondering if you would like to take a look 
at them and give your opinion, I would realy be happy if so.
 
With kind regards, from A., from Belguim.

Email #3:

I'm just writing to congratulate you. Your blog is amazing.  The photos are great, the song too. I feel very comfortable seeing it.  

Congratulations, Micaela

I am absolutely in love with your blog. It's not just any old photo blog. You've really made it something else and completely unique!

Thanks to everyone of my sweet commenters and emailers for making me smile every day.  If it wasn't for you, I probably would have quitted blogging a long time ago.

I have a received a few awards, but I will leave them for the next post.

xoxo,

Micaela

florida.

Hello darlings.  I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of commenting.  I've been preparing for a trip for Florida, in which I leave tomorrow, so I will most likely be unable to reply to your comments and visit your blogs.  But, I have a special treat for you guys upon my return!

xoxo,

Micaela