Wicked

Now I've always been wary of musicals. I think I've inherited my *ahem* disdain for them from my father, who whenever we went to go see Phantom of the Opera, would have a sour grimace on his face. My grandfather is the same way, except he groans loudly, attracting the attention of others to us, watching as I slowly sink into my seat from embarrassment. When we went to see Sweeney Todd, he said loudly, "Arielle, you didn't tell me this was a musical! I should go get my money back!" There have been few, very few musicals which I have enjoyed such as Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story (I'm still debating whether or not it is technically a musical). So when one of my good friends invited me and Ezra to see Wicked with her for her eighteenth birthday, I was a little apprehensive. I didn't want her parents to pay for my ticket if I didn't think I was going to enjoy the musical.

Imagine my surprise when, as soon as the first song is sung, I find myself drawn into the alternate Universe of Oz, smiling as the actors prance around on stage and sing love ballads to one another. As I walked out of the theater, my cheeks glowing in excitement from the surprisingly, decent, happy ending, I realized, I loved it.

It was interesting with a strong dash of romance but most of all it was witty and humorous. Glinda's outrageously happy go lucky character was amusing, albeit charming wile Elphaba's biting wit reminded me of my own sense of humor. It was a musical anyone could enjoy because it spoke to the outcast that exists in every single person. Oh, yes, I enjoyed it immensely.

But of course, it was also an excuse to wear a fabulous, simple outfit (silk homecoming dress with opaque black tights, BCBG heels, and a DIY bow headband).

Have you ever seen Wicked and what did you think of it?

Lovely, Lovely Autumn

Unlike my dear friend over at isingamerica, I haven't been so dedicated in posting very often. I must admit, its a heavy combination of ridiculous amounts of IB work, college applications, the SATs and the SAT IIs, the stress of moving, and of course, my old friend, Procrastination. So today, I really looked outside, and I mean really looked and found myself smiling without remembering moving my facial muscles. Why?

Its fall.

The slow and beautiful transition from green to fiery shades only found in a cackling fire or the setting sun is something to inspire poets and take the long esteemed position of the muse. It makes me want to breath, deeply and slowly and passionately in order to take in the clean crisp air mingled with the scent of pine and change. 

Fall is a herald of all things lovely to come- apple cider mulled on a sunny, chilly Saturday with my mother to be brought with us to the dog park, hot chocolate made to drink whilst reading my battered copy of Pride and Prejudice as the sun slowly descends towards sleep, a carpet of oranges, reds, and yellows creating an ethereal but all the same, beautiful world in which we trespass for one season of the year, cozy moccasins lined with synthetic fur (I love my animals!) unnecessary due to the thick, velvet like socks covering my feet, flannel sheets, and Thanksgiving. 

All of these things make me smile, giggle, and cover my gently reddened cheeks with hands snuggled into knitted mittens made especially by Great- Grandma (with love). 

However, lets not forget the most important aspect of Autumn.

Fashion

So I've compiled a list of things I would like to have before the start of lovely, lovely winter (although many items from fall can easily transition into the wintry months). 

1. Rugby inspired scarf

This one from Target for $12.99 is perfect!

2. Ruffled shirt

This would look perfect underneath a peacoat or a partially buttoned cardigan/ vest for a more professional feel

3. Peacoat/ Some sort of Wool Coat   

Both of these would do excellently, although I am more drawn to the classic lines of the belted pea coat

4. Blazer

This one from Old Navy looks similar to the Ralph Lauren striped blazer (worn by Serena in this weeks episode of Gossip Girl)

5. Knee high leather, flat boots

These pulled over light washed denim skinny jeans would keep me warm and stylish

6. Bow and Charm Hat 

While I am usually not a fan of Juicy Couture (often an enemy of it), I love this whimsical hat in a pleasing shade of ivory. Although it looks like a hat one could find anywhere, the bow and the charm just won me over. 

7. Pleated skirt

paired with the sweater tights below and the blazer or pea coat above, it would be a perfect, versatile piece for my fall wardrobe. 

8. Sweater Tights

No need for explanation

9. And finally, This lovely headband, perfect for brightening the cooler days of Autumn

What are your fall essentials?

Happy Autumn

Sincerely, (drinking apple cider with scones)

blackroserei