Drawn Out Wardrobe

Costumed Doodle

2012-03-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

I admit that I haven't worn a zebra or a leopard costume lately, but I did do this doodle in my sketchbook instead of drawing an outfit pic. So I'm showing this to you instead. They say animal prints are hot this season...

Think Like A Pylon

2012-03-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

(Denim Leggings- AG Jeans, Coat- J Crew, Sweater & Cami- Gap,

Necklace & Boots- Anthropologie)

We have been lucky this year. As most of the continent knows, this has been a crazy mild winter. So what better year to sport an awesome bright orange coat since orange is the international colour of Spring worshippers* and community service workers. Which one am I? I'll let you decide.

*This most likely isn't true since I just made it up.

Black, White and Dots All Over

2012-03-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

(Dress & belt- Anthropologie, Sweater- Jacob, Boots- Lola Ramona)

This was my first post Binky outfit. Free from dreary deadline garb and excited about getting dressed to go out. Never mind that "out" was Safeway. I was outside of my house for something that wasn't a dog walk. Small victories people.

Blue and Orange

2012-03-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sweater & Bracelet- J Crew, Skirt & Belt- Anthropologie,

Tights- Gap, Boots- Miz Mooz

Hey look! It's an actual outfit post!

Spring takes forever to arrive here on the prairies. I'm used to Crocuses in February, Daffodils in March and Tulips in April. Back home, in BC, it's like clock work. Here, not so much. So, to fight the never-ending-winter blahs I sometimes wear more colour than is good for me. Hey, we gotta do what we gotta do, good taste be damned.

Cover Girl

2012-02-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were wondering where I went- yet again- just look at the cover of this magazine and realize how important I am. I am, of course, kidding, as I've not been busy posing for magazine covers (this shoot happened over a month ago) but I have been occupied cleaning up an inordinate amount of cat vomit. Glamourous, I know.

Anyway, I was on the cover of Quill and Quire and I think it's super cool. Don't worry, I'll draw again soon.

Resurfacing

2012-02-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

Binky Takes Charge is finished. And my household takes a collective sigh. I'm sleep deprived, a little fatter- chocolate makes too good a friend during late night painting sessions- and ready to start wearing my pretty clothes again! Plus I'm itching to draw something just for fun again. In case any of you two readers aren't familiar with Binky, he's the guy above here shown during the stages of final art creation. That's the image for the cover.

And if you think I'm a big fat whiner- which, no denying, I totally am, really, ask anyone- below is a shot of HALF the book. The other half is already nuzzling the soft bosom of their publisher adoptive mommy. That went to a weird place. Did I mention the sleep deprivation?

PS Clothes to come soon...

Still Painting (and cheating)

2012-02-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry once again Blog Fans, I'm still hard at work on Binky- who might make an appearance on here soon- but in the meantime here's some more Instagram photos of my wearings this past week. You'll probably notice the amount of colour I've been sporting and that's all due to my yearning for Spring. Those of you hardened winter-living folks know that February is still the thick of winter, but those of us wimps who grew up on the West Coast are used to crocuses and daffodils rearing their little heads around this time. Instead I am surrounded by a sea of snow and browned everything.

So, in lieu of actual flowers I have decided to dress like one. Whatever gets me through the last long days of cold.

Big Fat Cheater

2012-01-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely readers. I am still in the thick of the Binky finals, so I'm gonna be a big cheat for the next little while and use some instagram photos. I know, I'm play it fast and loose with the term "Drawn," but trust me I'm still drawing, just not my outfits. What I can tell you is that I was photographed for the cover of Quill and Quire last week by the lovely Carey Shaw (meaning I got to pick out some rad- yeah, I said it, "rad," and no I don't think it dates me at all thank YOU very much- to wear.) And I get to do some work travel next week which means more RAD outfits and maybe even some more Ativan "enhanced" drawings.

So please forgive my cheating ways and rest your eyes on my little Fran's cute tabby face. See, there's no way to stay mad looking at that furry mug.

Colour Blocking Dreams

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- J Crew, Blouse / headband- Anthropologie,

Jeans- AG, Booties- Lola Ramona [from Traxx])

I'm not sure this drawing is doing this outfit justice. I loved this outfit. Comfie, classy and just the right amount of colour mixing. This whole colour blocking trend that is going on is terribly exciting. I've been that girl who walks out the door looking like a demented easter egg for years, and now I'm in style. Great fun.

And it's only winter! Just imagine the wild times my palette will have come Spring. With any luck my clothing choices will cause retinal damage to at least a dozen people by May. Fingers crossed!

THE BOOTS

2012-01-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

(Blouse, Blazer and Skirt- Anthropologie, Boots- Lola Ramona [Thanks MOM!!])

Just to give you an idea of how far behind I am, this is what I wore to Christmas dinner. Yeah, I know. Fun outfit though. Wish I could wear this blouse everyday. And what outfit is complete without flamingos?

This also signals the return of the giant noggened Ashley (too much drawing of comic characters these days, sorry) and- drum roll please- the arrival of THE BOOTS. This was one of those "act surprised," gifts that, truth be told, are my favorite! My Mom, heretofore to be known as The Enabler, spotted these on a shopping excursion in November and the multi-coloured buttons screamed my name. Being a bit beyond me price wise, The Enabler offered to tuck them away and leave me destitute and bootless until December 25th. It was a struggle, but I survived December and now they are mine! ALL MINE!!

Keeping it Simple

2012-01-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- Anthropologie, Skirt- J Crew,

Tights- Can't really remember, Shoes- Charlotte Ross)

Ah, the trusty black cardi. What would a gal do without it? Truth be told, I don't rely on it as often as I should. Seems too easy, like I've not tried hard enough to do something unexpected. But every now and then it shows up and makes things easy. May not be the most inspired of outfits, or drawings, but it felt right people. It felt right.

Hey There 2012!

2012-01-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

(Blazer- Aritizia, Shirt- Gap, Skirt- Joe Fresh,

Boots- Miz Mooz, Necklace- Anthropologie)

And I'm finally back! Still a little under the weather, frightfully behind on the latest Binky book and plumping up daily from the post-holiday chocolate stash, but I'm here. This outfit came about from the miracle that is Joe Fresh. Head to the store for some cereal and a pepper, come home with a sequin mini.

Wasn't sure I could get away with wearing sequins, but I embraced my inner showgirl and made it work. Trying to represent them in watercolour was a different matter. Though the skirt is better than the face. I don't usually look so dour, honestly.

Happy Bling Bling

2011-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

(Shirt- J Crew, Sequined Shirt- Joe Fresh, Necklace- Anthropologie)

Happy New Year everyone! I have been the worst blogger ever, but rest assured I will be back. In the meantime I'm posting a quick image to let you know that I'm not just using this time to sit around in my man's old shirts and saggy-bottom sweatpants. I'm also wearing those things with sequins!!

Merry Holidays!

2011-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks! So Skirtmas wasn't cancelled, just postponed due to a nasty cold and Christmas travel- don't you love it when those two things are combined? But I've packed my paints and my sketchbook and I'm hoping to Skirtmas the crap out of this blog next week.

In the meantime, have a lovely holiday everyone and eat lots and lots of sweets!

The Skirtmas Rush

2011-12-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

(Faux Fur Scarf- Joe Fresh, Polka Dot Tee- Madewell, Black Tee- Gap,

Belt- Anthropologie, Skirt- Jacob, Boots- Miz Mooz)

As I am sure most of you are these days, I am doing everything in a mad rush. Seems I have fairly unrealistic expectations about what I can accomplish during the holiday season. This includes putting together and then, subsequently, drawing my outfits. Time is of the essence so having a finished drawing is the goal- small feet, horrendously foreshortened hand et al.

Stay- Puff Skirtmas

2011-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

(Blue Sweater- Lands End Canvas, Yellow Sweater/ Jumper/ Hairband- Anthropologie,

Belt- J Crew, Tights- Gap, Socks- Joe Fresh, Boots- Indigo)

I admit that I made myself look a little less poofy in the drawn version than I looked in real life. I loved the colour combo and the cozy warmth of the two sweater thing, but I looked a little stay-puff for my taste. It being Christmas time though, maybe I do look a little stay-puff with or without the double sweater action. In any case, this is what I wore.

Oh, and I know what you are thinking- isn't that the jumper that Rory Gilmore wore in the final season of Gilmore Girls? Yes. Yes it is.

Sticking with Skirtmas

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

(T-Shirt, Sweater- Anthropologie, Belt- J Crew,

Skirt- Gap, Tights- Winners, Boots- Steve Madden)

This skirt thing is harder than I thought. Everyday I come up with something I'd love to wear but it always hinges on the wearing of pants. I'm going to stick to my goal though- even if the outfits end up less than perfect.

Second Day of Skirtmas

2011-12-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- Gap, Turtleneck- Anthropologie, Skirt- J Crew

Tights- Winners, Boots- Steppin' Out in Steveston, BC)

Right on cue, as I initiated the Skirtmas goal, the weather dipped to -17C with wind chill. But I promised myself, and both of you readers, that I was going to do this. So here I am dolled up to go my printmaking class, which was, thankfully, indoors.

Oh, and here's a shameless plug, feel free to tell your friends about the blog and have them follow. You don't actually have to do anything, just click a little button to make me happy. (Plus, I'm superstitious about 13, and since that's my current number of followers, the first person to up that to fourteen gets a prize- a big ol' thumbs up from this gal!)

Work In Progress

2011-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd show how the desk looks and how I'm ignoring Binky for the morning in order to keep the Skirtmas dream alive. New post will be coming soon!

12 Days of Skirtmas

2011-12-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

(Dress, Sweater, Necklace- Anthropologie, Boots- Miz Mooz)

Every year around now it gets far too cold to even think about wearing a skirt. Unless I'm going to something fancy, my lovely winter skirts and dresses go wildly ignored as soon as the minus temperatures hit. To a gal who works at home, a skirt seems somewhat impractical when the only outside experience she gets in a day is a dog walk.

Not this year, blog fans! This year I am undertaking the Skirtmas challenge. No more will my tweeds, cords and wool frocks go neglected. I'm going to wear them, damn it, or freeze trying. So from now until the 25th I will be styling my girly winter wear in the true spirit of Skirtmas.

Cute and Sweaty

2011-12-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

(Toque, Jacket, Turtleneck, Necklace- Anthropologie, Cords- AG,

Sweater- Dots, Boots- Josef Seibel)

Trying to paint plaid is much more challenging than I previously thought. I think I did okay. Just remember folks I'm not trying to make an photographic reproduction- I'm not capable of that anyway. If I wanted it to be perfect then I'd post a photo, and you would all have to see my massive nose and short legs. Trust me, drawing is better for everyone.

I wore this last week when I attempted a bit of Christmas shopping/ errands/ stupidity. Really comfortable when getting into your cold car, but when you are sixth in line at Zellers, holding massive boxes of toys in addition to your previous purchases it's pretty much the sweatiest outfit ever. The lesson here? Only shop online.

Old Girl, er, Dress New Again

2011-11-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- Anthropologie, Dress- Urban Rack [900 years ago], Belt- J Crew,

Earrings- Era Style Loft, Tights- Steve Madden, Boots- Indigo)

My man had the courtesy of having a birthday so that I could get fancy for a day. Sure, I pulled out an ancient dress, and one I actually wore on our first real grown-up date, but I restyled and made it new again. Something that this blog was supposed to encourage me to do- remix, NOT purchase more. Then came Black Friday. Sigh. Curbing those kinds of bad habits takes time I suppose.

And on a side note, I've finally figured out a few things about this wacky technology stuff and I've enabled anyone to leave comments. But please keep it PG folks.

And on another side note, please follow my blog and add to my sad little numbers on the side there. It would be a lovely thing to do for a gal this holiday season.

With A Little Help From Ativan

2011-11-27T21:45:00.001-08:00

(Sweater/ Pants/ Necklace- Anthropologie, Shoes- Pink)

The lesson here folks, don't draw while under the warm hug, er, influence of Ativan. I'm not the best flyer so I medicate my way through it. I attempted to do some drawing while I was on the plane and this deformity was the result. Short arms, wonky hands, Angelina Jolie lips. I blame the drugs.

And sorry that this is all you get, once again the paying work is taking my attention away from the fun stuff right now. But it's the thought that counts write?

It Got Cold

2011-11-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

(Jacket/ Boots- Lands End Canvas, Sweater- Gap,

Scarf/ Pants- J Crew, Toque/Mittens- Artizia)

It gets cold here on the prairies. Like REALLY cold. It isn't quite as awful as it's going to get, but for a few days last week it was chilly. Some sensible folk might just remain indoors when it gets like this but when you have a dog, staying indoors isn't an option. Thus the Snow Bunny Style. I admit, not my most stylish ensemble, but considering the factors- cold, walking a dog, cold- not a bad effort.

Negligent Blogger

2011-11-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

(Shirt/ Pants- J Crew, Sweater- Gap, Slippers- American Eagle)

Yup, I'm the worst blogger ever. It's been a whole week since my last post. In all fairness, I have been totally starkers the last seven days, so, really, there wasn't anything to blog about. But now that my bail has been posted, I'm back on board with the wearing of the clothes.

This is my most common "work wear." The third floor of my house is normally business casual, but on this day I opted for something with an elastic waist.

Damn Stripes

2011-11-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

(Dress, Belt, Necklace, Headband- Anthroplogie, Sweater- Winners, Shoes- Aldo)

It turns out that stripes are a lot harder than they look. Not to wear, just to draw. My quick sketch turned into hours of painting the damn things. Anyway, I almost represented the dress properly. I've decided to minimize the "me" portion of the drawings for two reasons. One: because I'm running way behind on my book, and two: because I'm really not important! It's about the clothes not my demented representations of myself.

PS Long dresses are fantastic. Like wearing a nightie all day. Which I've been known to do. Working at home is great.

Hair Rock

2011-11-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

(Sweater- Gap, Striped Sweater- Banana Republic Outlet, Jeans- Marshall's,

Boots- Steppin' Out in Steveston, Necklace- Gift from Mom)

I decided to celebrate my first-in-a-long-time non-Anthro touched outfit by making myself look like a male member of a 1980's hair band. I always knew that I had a masculine jawline, but this is really taking it quite far.

My pictures may not be daily after this. Binky calls, I'm afraid. But I'll still try to do three a week. So please Don't Stop Believing in my blog. (Get it??)

Thick Legs And Anthro Worship

2011-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- J Crew Factory, Dress/ Scarf/ Boots/ Bracelet- Anthropologie)

Okay, I realize that this blog is becoming an advertisement for Anthropologie. It's no secret to those who know me that I'm mildly obsessed with that store. I do my best to switch it up but after years of worship, my closet could be titled: "Anthro, a stroll through the seasons."

And I seem to have thick legs in this one. (How's that for a non-sequitur.) In my sketchbook where I do all these drawings the final result looks one way then pop her up on the computer screen and- BLAMO!- she has thick legs. Mind you, I kind of do too, so maybe I'm just getting really good at this.

So Long Warmth.

2011-11-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

(Sweater- Anthropologie, Jeans- AG, Loafers- Seychelles, Shirt- J Crew)

This was the last thing I wore during my time in BC. I managed to score these jeans that I had been coveting for sometime in the sale section. Sadly, that will be the only day that I wear them this year since it decided to snow out here on the prairies. No more exposed ankles. No more exposed anything for that matter. Not that I routinely expose my parts. Wow, this got off topic.

Thank You Seattle!

2011-11-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

(Sweater- Madewell, Shoes- Miss Mooz,

Blazer, Wool Pants, Earrings and Scarf- Anthropologie)

As promised, the first of my unabashedly excessive shopping spree to Seattle. As a gal who lives in a small city in the middle of Canada, going down to the States gives me an unrestrained kid in a candy store rush. I'm not proud of myself for that. But, fortunately, being without pride in no way interferes with dressing up pretty. Whew.

Geek Chic

2011-11-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

(t-shirt- Gap, Belt- Anthropologie, Skirt- J Crew,

Boots- Steve Madden, Scarf/ socks- Winners)

I finally got my parent's scanner going! And just in time to show off my new super geek chic glasses. It's amazing how a great pair of glasses can change a whole outfit. Thank the heavens my eyes suck.

I'm having a smashing time out here on the West Coast, and, more importantly, I managed to shop my brains out in Seattle. Never has my suitcase capacity been so challenged. Never you mind though, just focus on all those fantastic new outfits to come...

Flying Away

2011-10-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this isn't exactly an outfit, but it has birds and since I'm flying back home (Vancouver) for a few days, I figured it was appropriate. I'll try to keep up on my outfit posts while I'm away- especially since a Seattle shopping excursion is on the agenda- but you know how vacations can get. Plus, work on the next Binky book is about to kick in again, so daily posts may be a thing of the past for a while. But I'm enjoying drawing these way too much to stop altogether.

In any case, please stay tuned.

P.S. I made the above image with Fimo and Sculpey. That stuff is so fun to use, I may abandon painting entirely!

For Real!

2011-10-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

(Skirt, Shirt, Boots, Belt, Scarf- Anthroplogie, Tights- Hue)

I left the house today! For realsies! As someone who works from home, leaving the house is a good excuse to wear one of the adorable skirts that get overlooked daily for ever more practical pants. I actually did wear this to walk the dog around the block (before I went on a glamourous Safeway run), and yes, now that you asked, I did freeze my butt off. Totally worth it.

Staples (not the store.)

2011-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

(Sweater- American Eagle, Jeans- AG, Shoes- Miss Mooz,

Blouse/Hat/Bangles/Belt- Anthropologie)

This was a pretty easy staple outfit. None too fancy, but then I'm not so fancy either. What I did omit was the long underwear that I had to wear to take my dog for a walk. It's getting to be that time again and not all practical winter clothing can be as cute at this hat. (Which is on my, once again, large head. Maybe I really do just have a freakishly large cranium.)

Pencilly

2011-10-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

(Sweater- Aritzia, Skirt- Jacob, Shoes/Belt/Tights- Anthropologie, Pins- Vintage)

I got up today, tossed on a pencil skirt, a headband that for some reason ALWAYS hurts after five minutes and heels that make stairs treacherous before settling in my third floor studio to get some drawing done. That, my friends, is what they call a big fat lie. I did, however, wear this for the ten minutes it took to take the photo. That counts right? Most the outfits so far have been things that I wore that day. But I wanted to draw a skirt this time, so I faked it. Judge me if you must.

Cable Knit

2011-10-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

(Striped Sweater- Artizia, everything else- Anthropologie)

Who knew drawing cable knit would be so rewarding. I sure as heck didn't! I messed around with some photoshop effects on this one. Watercolour doesn't always scan the best. I think I traded in the big head for short arms, but hey, it's coming along. I'm realizing now why all my life drawing teachers gave up on me. Still a rad outfit though.

Big Head Ashley

2011-10-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

So clearly I spend too much time drawing anthropomorphized animals and not enough time drawing gals in pretty clothes. I sit down with my photo of myself and suddenly I am Big Head Ashley. The leg lengthening was on purpose. The massive melon, not so much. This blog was meant to be practice, and obviously I need it.

Oh, and not that this is a totally accurate representation or anything, but all good style blogs credit the clothing items. Here's hoping they don't sue.

Sunday Cozies

2011-10-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

A lazy Sunday morning with a magazine, some tea, bed head and pull-on pants. I wish every day was Sunday. Sigh.

2011-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

A feather headband from my friend Julia. It's only the second post and I'm already thinking that drawing myself may get boring. Is it weird if I dress up my cats and dog in my clothes and then draw them? No? Good.

Let's Give it a Whirl

2011-10-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

So, I've been pretty inspired by fashion blogs that are out there but cameras and I are like oil and water if oil slept with water's husband causing water to burn oil's house down. But I like drawing, so I figured I'd give drawing my outfits a whirl. And sometimes I might just put other stuff too. It's my blog right?