never blow out the eastern candle

“Lover," she whispers, and closes her eyes.

It falls upon her.

Love is like dying.” 

-Stephan King

    Exploring the City Workhouse Castle (also known as the Vine Castle, and various other nicknames), is something I do every couple of years. I had ever been in the snow, or winter for that fact even, and when I gathered the idea to do a small photo-shoot there I decided to venture back. This is probably one of the most commonly known places to go urban exploring in Kansas City, but still an interesting and eerie place that is one of the "safer" places to wander around. I had some free time a couple afternoons ago and decided to shoot a few photographs here, and thankfully my imagination didn't get the best of me. 

    The castle was built in 1897, and originally was used a prison for a period of time. It became abandoned in the 1970's, and still to this day. There is another abandoned workhouse right across the street, but the castle is still the most interesting of all. If you are a local and haven't explored here, or simply someone who likes castles, I would suggest a trip here (during the daytime of course!). This collection was inspired completely by the eerie surroundings, a movie about exorcisms I watched the evening before, and a few winter wardrobe pieces. Find more of my photo-shoots on my photography website, here. (A few of these prints will be for sale soon in my print shop, as well.) 

snowflake ballet

(tights/boots: forever21, everything else is vintage or thrifted)

    Snowfall is the best thing about winter, although it does tangle up plans and make your Saturday much different than it was planned to be. I ended up staying around town, took a little drive (after much clearing of ice on my car and carefully walking down my ice-covered back staircase) to the Waldo Flea Market in search of Valentine's Day cards/decorations. There was such an assortment of cards perfect for the holiday, I ended up choosing my favorite and heading home with it. 

    I decided to wear my newest addition to my nightgown collection, a vintage Dior silk and lace piece, out and about today. When I was in high school, some of my favorite dresses where in fact nightgowns as well, and it's quite funny to me how my personal style is like "an ever-repeating circle" (or so I thought that today). Does that feeling ever come to you? It's quite a wonderful thing being able to use your past wardrobe choices for current influence. I hope to be able to look back at how I dressed now for future clothing choices. 

knees of my heart

(maple salted lattes and soy vanilla chais at Whistle Stop.)  

(exploring Blackwell's Thrift, always a must for decorating.) 

(dress: Brass Giraffe Vintage, scarf: handmade, tights: h&m, everything else is either thrifted or vintage)

     The last few days have been extremely nice to me. Despite the dreadfully cold weather for some of the time, I have sincerely enjoyed this time of my winter break. I stayed over at a friend's house the other day, drink too much wine, explored around the small downtown, grabbed coffee, and managed to spend a whole day away from emails/my laptop. It's great to have those days away from your home and other responsibilities (or just habits) that you tend to. 

      I ventured to my favorite little shop in Kansas City today, Blackwell's Thrift Store. The name has people often confused, it's more like an antique store of your dreams than a thrift store that you have to dig through racks and usually find contemporary items. I just adore the shop owner, our conversations of being collectors, and the friendship we've developed since I am always headed there. If you're a Kansas City native, I'd suggest a trip there if you haven't yet. I walked out with a teapot, a vanity mirror top, and a stainless steel pitcher. Sometimes I wonder how many of items purchased from her shop are displayed in my home... probably most of my dishware. 

a christmas spirit (part two)

(tights: target, everything else is vintage) 

  This Christmas seemed to come so quickly this year. Maybe it was because I have been working in retail almost everyday leading up to the holiday, or the fact that Thanksgiving came so late this year. That's besides the point, because this holiday season was as great as ever. I saved this dress specially for Christmas that I bought at a vintage warehouse sale months ago, and it fits me like a glove. Defiantly one of my new favorite pieces from my wardrobe. 

  One of my favorite parts of the holiday is the act of giving and receiving presents. I love finding the perfect gifts for each person on my list, and I love unwrapping the gifts they picked out especially for me. My Christmas, and Christmas Eve, was full of family time and wonderful food (large amounts of baked goodies, breakfast food, potato casserole, the best coffee). I love this time of the year, and I can't wait to reflect on this post next year (like I did with my Christmas post from last year) when the time comes again.