Gearing up.

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You probably haven't heart yet (since I've been keeping it a secret) that I am starting a shop for handmade goods. I'm really nervous about selling my little watercolor petri dishes, because I feel like the idea isn't quite complete. I'm hoping you can give me some feedback. So here's a sneak peek into OfAFeatherIllustrated. You lucky duck.

Lady-like

When fall arrives, I always have a craving to mix it up with some menswear. The prospect of layering makes my heart go all a-flutter. Ruffles with knife pleats. Plaids with florals. Vests with v-necks. Bomber jackets. I just love adding a little menswear to the mix. These are some of my favorites on Etsy right now. Go ahead, androgynize.

If you want to put all of these items at once, like I do, you can find them here:

* Fabulous Grandpa Sweater on 10th Avenue East, a shop that has a fresh, yet classy mix of vintage

* Amazing High-waisted Wool Blend Pants on HumpAStuff, a shop whose name suggests that there is some adult content (and there is), but that also has a bold collection of vintage apparel and housewares

* Gorgeous Silk Blouse on GreatestFriend, and one of my personal favorites, a shop with quality hand-selected timeless pieces

* UNBELIEVABLE Deadstock Oxfords on kakronti's Bummertown, a shop run by a lovely lady here in my home town

* Totally unique Elk Cufflinks on PossumGully, a shop I'm hoping to see more of in the future

Luxury

Sometimes all you need to make the world right again is a little nap. This post is brought to you by my luxuriously long-haired cat, Arno.

Following a thread

After a manageable day at work, I arrived home with enough energy to sink my teeth into an episode of Art21. Marathon consumption of this television show is just not possible for me. I watch this series slowly, for fear that if I tried to take it all in at once, my brain might explode out the top of my head. Episode 2, season 1 introduced me to Ann Hamilton, whose work I found compelling, varied, and exploratory. Her ability to take a concept and translate it into something both profound and accessible is nothing short of magic.

The thing that I identified so strongly with is the fact that she is an artist, not through medium, but through the exploration of a thread of ideas. Ann manages to meander through her artistic notions. The suit above, a simple mens suit covered in toothpicks, originally caught my attention. What a strange combination of materials. How did she join the two? How on earth did she get into that suit?! I immediately identified with this artist because I can see that she is constantly creating in problems, and then solving them, just to keep things fresh.

Ann Hamilton's work seems wrought with possibility, and as I prepare to enter a large-scale adventure of my own, I am sure I will be looking to her work as my inspiration.

The Structural Heel

Sometimes they are a geometric phenomenon. I went in search of interesting geometric heels in a range of extremity. You've probably seen the Alexander McQueen collection, but if not, you should check out this article from the Huffington Post For your viewing pleasure:

My inspiration for this post is this pair of 1980s Italian-made Walter Steiger heels avaialable in my Etsy shop. I naturally turned to Etsy for more inspiration.

I found these beauties at Miscusi. These heels are wonderful, and look like they would be so comfortable to wear! Miscus, I am with you: purple heels are awesome. However, the purpose of this post was to entertain the idea of shoes that I would an could never wear, for reasons of balance or budget.

.....how exactly does this work?!

On a very important related note, RIP, Alexander McQueen. You will be remembered for you contradictions.... I mean, contributions, to beauty and fashion.

Potential MadMen Bombshell needs your vote!

My friend Katia is one of the most beautiful ladies I know, and she's contending for a walk-on role on Mad Men. If you have time, please visit this link and vote for her!

overwhelmed!

Navigating social media advertisements for my shop have a little overwhelmed lately. I've been slowly working out what sites I can link with others, in order to kill two proverbial birds with one cyberspace stone.

Paired with the extreme tumult that my home has been experience lately, I have been feeling like I have bitten off more than I can chew. However, in true BirdsChasingBugs style, this Phoenix is ready to rise from the ashes and plaster dust. To celebrate the rising, here's a photo of the bathroom progress. 2 of 3 major fixtures are now functional! Visit my facebook page to see the full photoreel.