(Life) The new Buffalo waterfront, Miss Josie's Antiques & the Army Navy Outlet

One of my favorite stores in all of Buffalo is Miss Josie's Antiques on Delaware in Kenmore. This store is the most amazing vintage store I have ever seen! They have clothing from the 1800's all the way up to more current vintage. 

I always love trying on everything when I go there & taking pictures of myself in all the clothes that I wish were mine! 

A very fluffy lovely feather shrug- I felt so luxurious. 

A beautifully detailed vintage bed jacket, that I ended up purchasing. I think it will look very unique with jeans and very pretty over a dress. 

Another one of my favorite things in Buffalo is the new waterfront development that has been going on! It's so thrilling, I love my city so much and I'm glad it's going through a revival. 

These pictures are from the waterfront from Ghallager Beach down to Times Beach Nature Preserve. 

I collect feathers, so needless to say I was thrilled to find all these. 

They have pieces from an old building set up to form a sculpture/seating area- pretty neat. 

A view of Downtown through a field by the Lake. 

The moving sculptures are so cool! 

A closer view. 

My Ma & I! She is honestly one of my best friends ever. When we hang out, she's so much fun I forget sometimes that she is older than me & my Ma. She feels like my friend whom I can always trust. I mean, we have our days just as all parents & children do when we don't get along as well- but 99% of the time we do get along. I'm very blessed to have her in my life.

Lastly, on one of my adventures I went to the Army/Navy surplus outlet right off of Seneca Street. I am forever and always coming back to shop here. They have really snappy basics and really durable bags/backpacks. Honestly how could you expect anything less from our countries finest? 

I purchased a wool sweater & an old army shirt with some patches still on it. I know the sweater does not fit into my no new clothes challenge (which is going excellent by the way) but it does support the men & women who keep us free. 

Here are a few pictures from the outlet, they are kind of silly: 

All kinds of uniforms/clothing from many different countries. 

They had these funny little hats there! And these pretty intense helmets: 

I highly recommend visiting here. 

And, if you haven't been to Buffalo, it's a great city with a small town feel. That sounds contradictory but it's true. We have tons of Mom & Pop shops here and the country or Lake is only a short drive away. Buffalove! 

(Life) Getting myself back out there & dealing with nerves

Since my dear friend & grandmother figure Patricia Lukaszewski took a turn for the worst with her brain cancer & passed away, I have been giving myself time to grieve & I've been thinking about all the ways she inspires me.

She got her degree in Anthropology in her 60's and was a docent at the Burchfield Penny Art Gallery for 20 years- giving tours to visitors and teaching them about the artworks there.

I loved talking about art with her, and going to lectures with her at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester with her.

She always inspired me to do what I wanted, since she was 60 when she went back to school it showed me how fearless a person could be, & just exactly what a person can be capable of. 

She has left her mark big time on my life, I would not be who I am today without her. 

This week, I am being brave and going to an opening at a gallery by my home. 

I am excited to meet some fellow artists, and this show features artist's work from my hometown.

It's always wonderful to have artists to talk to. 

Networking is honestly nerve racking, but really anything worth something in life takes effort and I've found more often than not, things that make you nervous or excited-nervous have the greatest payoff. 

I love learning new things, and one of the best ways to learn is by actually doing things & exposing yourself to new experiences. 

One day, I hope to have a career that makes me really happy, as happy as Pat was when she was a docent. I know good things take time, and I've been having to remind myself of this the past few weeks. I just graduated in December, and have done very well for the short time I have had my degree.

I need to keep telling myself this more too! 

I just needed to write this post, by putting this down here, I have just lifted at least 100 pounds off my shoulders! Maybe this will even help another new graduate out there too, knowing they are not alone in how they feel. 

Everyone gets nervous about life. 

(Life) No New Clothes Update & About Blogging

Recently, I was watching the Today Show & they said blogging is an excellent way to build up your reputation! Well well, I am doing another thing right with this blog of mine. 

They said it's the best way for people to get to know you aside from talking to you because they are regarded as truthful glimpses into a person's life. Often times second hand information is very un-reliable so reading something one typed out on their own is considered very reliable. 

Yay for blogging!

My no new clothes challenge is going swimmingly, I've only bought a new pair of shoes, two cami's & a basic tee-shirt. I wear out my tee shirts so quickly since I generally always have one on underneath a cardigan or my work shirt. Also, I have only bought them on sale or from a thrift store. I love thrift stores because it helps the local community, & you get cute clothes for great prices. & who in their right minds do not love a good sale?

I am going to be getting rid of some of my especially worn in shoes- le shock!

I normally will wear shoes until they have holes, but I figure it's time to grow up & let them go. 

That hobo-chic thing was cute when I was a care-free kid- but now I just look like a hobo.

I was thinking of sharing a piece of my current wardrobe & writing a little bit about it once in a while on my blog here- just to honor my no new clothes challenge & hopefully help me get inspired to wear the pieces & put them together with other items in new ways. 

This seems kind of odd for my blog, which basically is mostly about my art, but honestly how you dress yourself each day reflects who you are- just as your artwork does. 

About my art, here is a picture of one of my drawings in progress. It's coming along slowly but I'm really liking it.

So far the materials I've used are pencil & acrylic paint. I free handed this without reference because sometimes I just want to create something really unique, not just copy something over. 

Also, I've been trying my hand at another one of the Albright Knox's photography contests- inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. Here's a few of my entries so far, you can see the rest on my Instagram: @Wistful_Victorian::

That's about all for the moment, but as usual that changes so fast because I'm always keeping busy & having new ideas pop up in my head. 

(Life) Working on my art & wanting more

I work on my art everyday, & so far- since December I have: been published in Artvoice, been in a local galleries show, sold 6 paintings, had my work shown & sold at Record Theatre for Record Store Day & my work is published in a children's book. My photograph was chosen by the Albright Knox to feature in their pictures of nature series on their website & I have been given a solo show for January. I am extremely thankful for all of these things! I am also very proud of myself, because I've kept going along and making my work & constantly trying new things. 

Currently I am trying out the new Albright Knox photography challenge, I'm not too sure I understand it- but I am trying my hardest! & I am going to enter some of my work in the Erie County Fair. Besides these things I am always looking for new art exhibits calling for work & for other contests to enter.

I am so blessed but I still want more! Not in an ungrateful way by any means, but I just want to be successful and happy. I know I can do it, & I know success takes time- I have been successful so far for the short amount of time it has been since I have graduated my undergrad school- but I want to keep working at it until I achieve even more great things. I love art so much, I have loved it my entire life.

It's natural to want more of what makes you happy- and I just want to make more art & enter more shows & do more commissions! I am having so much fun & I am so happy & thankful. 

(Life) People who inspire me

Rod Stewart- because he is outrageous.

Stevie Nicks- because she has great style, & she's very smart. Watch an interview .

Janis Joplin-Because she was a complete bad ass & always stayed true to herself.

If you know me, you know why. But... George Harrison- he was an incredibly talented musician, he was smart, aware of world problems, funny- hello Monty Python, I love learning to play his music. Just yes.

Courtney Love! Because she isn't afraid to be herself, she admits when she acted like a complete train wreck- honestly she did, and when I was in kindergarden I dressed as her for picture day. She rocks- literally & figuratively. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day & 700 Cats

I'm going to the Goo Goo Dolls concert this August! I'm so excited, I've seen them about 6 times now- they're my ultimate favorite band! So this Tuesday I've decided to post some of my favorite songs by them. 

As I'm typing this, I'm watching the documentary "The Lady With 700 Cats". She is honestly slightly crazy I think but in the best way. This woman has a no kill shelter- complete with human sized beds for the kitties! We need more people like her. 

She takes in other animals too it seems- judging from the incredible amount of doggies walking alongside her. 

Apparently this documentary first aired in 2011- I've never seen it before! How?? I just googled the sanctuary- it's still open thank God! Here is the link:

http://www.cathouseonthekings.com/

This woman is incredible, I'm in awe as I'm watching this!! 

 She has the means & a team helping her. The means being money & a team being people who know how to properly care for the cats- including vets. She's not just some crazed woman going into this half cocked. 

Kind of a random post, yes. But Goo Goo Dolls + animals= the best stuff ever.

ps: check out this great post by Kaylah of The Dainty Squid about Niagara Falls & Buffalo! Also, check out Elycia's post of <3 Elycia about Buffalo & Niagara Falls!!
Buffalo, Niagara Falls & the surrounding towns up here in WNY have so much to offer- way more than snow. This area & the cities often get a bad rap as "dying" cities & communities. We are not as big as NYC- but we have great small towns, architecture & history. There are THE BEST antique shops up here, as well as amazing food! 

So, come & visit us :)

Instagram

What I've been taking pictures of lately (from top left):

A Salvia plant in my neighbors yard.

Columbine in my yard.

A wind surfer on Lake Eerie

My simple outfit

Poco & I in the garden

A collage of my paintings

One of my zombie-mutant drawings

A picture of me wearing one of my softest sweaters

Me, looking at False Indigo in the garden 

Also, I figured I'd feature some recent pictures on Instagram I liked that other users took: 

From Top Left:

A crow sitting on top of skulls

John Stamos 

An awesome collection of Pez Despensers

Super cute styling of shorts

A kitten hanging off a pretty white dress! also, I love those boots.

Vintage dresses

A funny fabric print

A striped sweater that reminds me of one of my favorite Kurt Cobain pictures

A sparkly peach dress!

Follow me on IG: Wistful_victorian

And on Facebook: 

My Facebook Page

And one last thing- I've posted more photos I've been taking in my gallery. They are of some especially lovely Irises. 

Inspiration

http://www.victorianmicroscopeslides.com

I came across this website while looking at 

pictures of insects that inspire me. This photo

specifically led me to the site:

 

They are Victorian Era slides of insects! The 

website specializes in these, as well as slides 

from before 1840. Not only do they have 

Insect slides- but fossils & the like as well. 

I do not own a microscope, but now I really 

wish I did! It's all so fascinating. 

I found these two pictures as well. I just love 

the minty color of Luna moths, & quirky old

drawings. 

One day, I will own a microscope! 

What I Wore

I recently purchased this sweater from a thrift store near my home, & I can't stop wearing it- it goes with everything! I'm in love with it. 

Also, I've been really into the app instacollage. 

Sweater: thrifted

Dress: Francesca's collections 

Jeans:Kmart 

Tee: Garage 

Converse: converse outlet 

Working on my paintings

When I'm Rich

Of course, I'm still in school, but I'm planning on being successful. I have no clue if ill be rich by society's standards- but I do plan in having more money than I do now & being happy. That sounds like my idea of rich.
With my success, I've been planning on what I want to do.
I'd give more money each paycheck to the ASPCA than I already do.
I'm still going to donate half of the money from each artwork I sell to the ASPCA, just hopefully I can sell my art for more!
I'd love to have enough money to buy clothes for a women's shelter on a regular basis. We have donated to one before- it'd be fun to give them brand new clothes.
I want to donate art supplies to schools in my area that don't have well funded art programs.
I'd give money to Hospice Buffalo each month.
This is what I would do on a regular basis if I was rich, or just more than I do now. I wouldn't blow my money, success is meaningless if you can't share it.

Gardening

Since I have a hard time bending over to garden, I love making a "container" garden filled with succulents!
My favorite are Lithops, or living stones. Succulents are hard to kill, & they look so unique & strange.
This year, I added to my growing garden with 7 new succulents, making a total of 12 in my garden so far.
I also like gardening this way because when it gets cold I just bring everything inside & all winter I can pretend it's summer- even if it's only for the few minutes I'm watering my plants.

Record Store Day

Record store day here in Buffalo for me was amazing!
At Record Theatre, they wanted to sell my artwork, they did an awesome job of displaying my prints! & when I went to buy my vinyl a man purchased on if my prints of Jack White, it was incredibly overwhelming but in a very exciting way.
I'm so thankful!


The Vinyl I purchased was:
Horemoaning by Nirvana,
The Raw & the Cooked by Fine Young Cannibals
Soundgardens Record Store day release
Demolition by Ryan Adams
The Fear of Missing Out by Thenewno2
God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise by Ray LaMontagne

Jack White Drawing

I was commissioned by a local record store ( Record Theatre ) to draw portraits of musicians to sell for Record Store Day 2013.
So far I've done a cute cartoon of The Beatles & a more gritty drawing of Jack White.
This is proving to be so much fun! I'm so excited, & Record Theatre has generously offered to sell my art for me since I have a guitar lesson that day- scheduled prior to them asking me to draw- & I was so happy because I felt bad I could not be there all day to sell my work.
I'm definately stopping by and I'm going to be purchasing music from my local shop- I value having local music stores to go to, make sure you go out on April 20th and visit your local shop too!

Apps I love right now

I'm addicted to Foursquare & my newest camera Bezel.
I highly recommend both!
Foursquare gives you special promotional cupons for checking into participating places- and they show you what's in the area- restaurants etc with reviews too. I know I've jumped on the bandwagon of Foursquare late but oh my gosh I love it.
Bezel gives your pictures those cool shapes you see on Free People's IG feed for example.
Take a look:

A new face

I'm attempting a new face care regimen, with all products that are not tested on animals of course. I've only got one day down- but my skin does feel very fresh.
I use Walgreens Shea baby wipes, then Seventh Generation Lavender makeup remover & facial cleansing cloths followed by a few swipes of Dickenson's Witch Hazel.
If my skin gets dry I use Bio Oil, I adore Bio Oil it got rid of scars I had & has made my complexion more even looking.

As soon as I did this regimen, my pimples did open up and my skin calmed down quite a bit. 

When my face is breaking out really bad I use Revlon Photo ready primer in a lavender shade- harkening back to the Victorian Era when women used lavender tinted powders to correct many facial coloring problems. They often used T Le'Clerc powder, I cannot afford such so I was overjoyed when Revlon started making a lavender primer! Then I put in a little Revlon Photoready Airfoam makeup. I believe it's called Airfoam- it puffs up like mousse and goes on so light & does not clog my pores.
I finish it off with Revlon cream blush (rouge) and a light dusting of either Physicians Formula color correcting translucent powder or Physicians Formula highlighter for all skin types.

A trick I discovered to making my made up face look really pretty & polished is to use a powder blush the same shade as you use on your cheeks & swipe a light layer on your eyelids and finish it off with eyeliner & mascara. It looks polished without looking too done up. For the days when I'm way too busy or tired for a smoky eye! Which by the way is my favorite.

I use Revlon or Wet N' Wild lipstick, usually in red. I adore red lipstick! I do however own pink, peach, & nude lipstick for when I'm feeling less bold- but generally those poor lipsticks sit alone in their tubes because I'm always grabbing my red lipsticks! It comes from my Grandma, she always had on bright pink or cherry red lipstick & I thought & still do think that that is just the bees knees.

If you don't wear makeup you may find this post a bit boring but I strongly believe in animal rights & want to show that you can look beautiful using only makeup not tested on animals.