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prehnite-soul · 6 months ago

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regarding this post;

THE REST OF THE BOYS(ft. The Star Sanses, Error & Cross)!!! (In alphabetical order) (under the cut)

Blue:

Origami & writing amateur comedic theater scripts because it keeps him occupied and he likes to learn new things, like new paper figures, and new (character-) tropes for the scripts

Cross:

Model building because I think it reminds him of the home AU he lost (maybe that’s a bit dark, but I think that could be how he copes with it.)

Beading, because it might give him a sense of organization he rarely experienced. Like- being able to clearly control which color follows which, and where which color is stored.

Dream:

embroidery/lettering because it’s something that can be so very pretty, just like the childhood he remembers , and it requires a calm hand which he needs for his archery. (And I head canon he’s kind of insecure about his wonky natural handwriting)

Collecting stickers from every AU he’s been to, as a small token of his accomplishments.

Dust:

I think he would he makes candles because the light bulbs in his room would be to bright for his eyes (I headcanon the LV strains his energy/makes him feel overwhelmed).

Maybe that even causes sensory issues. That’s why I though to him making soaps, because that way, he can control if the soap is feeling rough, soft, chunky, and so on.

Error:

So we know Error is into making dolls by sewing - but what if we add crocheting to that? I think that’d fit him

Floristy- he likes cute things, and hey, flowers are supposed to be cute. No but seriously, it’s just relaxing seeing the colors come together.

Horror:

Fishing because it’s so calm and peaceful, and he is actually really smart so he memorized, like, every single fish.

And carpentry because he can blow of steam if he’s agitated by making furniture to fill Nightmares endless rooms(no, seriously, WHATS IN THERE?)

Ink (ngl I struggled with him):

Sewing because idk he likes outfit changes

poetry. no explanation.

Nightmare:

I headcanon him to have lost some of his senses when he corrupted. Especially his sense of taste. So what if he makes cocktails because he can regulate what he tastes? Fuck, who would dare touch HIS liquor cabinet? Exactly, no one. He can make the drinks as strong as he wants as long as he knows how to handle his alcohol.

Book binding. Not only does he own many books he wrote himself over the 500 years he lived, but it’s also productive as it makes sure SOMEONE can repair the fucking books in his many libraries.

#THE RABBITHOLE IS SWALLOWING ME #HELP #HAHAHA JK #its nice down here #IMAGINE them giving their partners gifts related to their hobbies #Blue writes a script about you and him falling in love #Cross gifts you a carefully crafted necklace with all your favorite colors #Dream sends you letters in his most intricate lettering (or his actual handwriting if he really loves you)#Dust makes sure he knows your favorite smells so he can give you perfect candles (or soap whatever you prefer)#Whenever you go visit Error there are TONS of new flowers waiting for you #Horror makes you the most beautiful and plush armchairs you could ever imagine #Ink writes about you all the time #Nightmare makes you drinks wether it’s dinner or lunch and if you’re not into alcohol he makes you non alcohol ones #And if you prefer books (writing/reading/sketching/etc.) he book binds for you with the finest leather

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delucadarlingwriting · 18 days ago

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Vampire Divorce Court - The Real Monster is the Friends Who Divorced Us Along the Way

[drags self in] I did it...

Life has been a bit all over the place. I've had this one written for a while, but I've been letting it marinate because I wasn't super happy with how I had it. I did make a few little revisions tonight and I like it more now, but I do still find there's just....there's SOMETHING here that I want to wiggle around into a better configuration.

Maybe I'm just craving a Farah/Adam scene and have yet to really write one. Making a note to self to add one in soon.

Summary: Farah doesn't know what to make of Barbie, but sometimes the best way to see inside a wasp's nest is to hit it with a baseball bat at Mach Fuckthousand.

First | Previous | Part 9 | Next

word count: 2,221

***

Book 1, Wayhaven, Marty’s Outdoor Store and Bike Rental

Wayhaven is completely, ridiculously boring. Alaska wasn’t exactly much better, but the lack of humans meant Farah didn’t have to think so hard about pretending to be human. Wayhaven has enough humans around that Farah’s always got to be thinking about which behaviors are too strange for humans to shrug off. It’s totally exhausting.

At least the store they’re in now isn’t super busy. The owner is around, he’d poked his head out when they came walking in, only to tell Kira to knock on his office door when they want to check out. Then he’d disappeared inside said office, followed by the sounds of a TV coming through the door. Other than that though, it’s just Farah, Kira, and Barbie in the whole store.

Apparently, this store is meant specifically for doing stuff outside, liking hiking and fishing and stuff. Farah still can’t get over how much stuff there is on Earth. It seems like humans are always buying things. She goes to a display of sunglasses, spinning it around until she finds a pair of dark aviator style sunglasses. Her reflection is grinning back at her in the opaque lenses.

“Are you going to get anything?” Kira asks, appearing beside her. Farah looks around at the various displays of clothes. Mostly a lot of boring shades of orange, brown, and gray, unflattering fits, and that awful plastic fabric that makes the worst sound imaginable when it touches itself. Farah wrinkles her nose.

“Nah, I think I’m good,” she says. Kira presses her lips together, but Farah can feel the humor radiating off her.

Even if Wayhaven isn’t Farah’s favorite place, Kira’s definitely worth sticking around a while longer for. She’s even called Farah her friend a few times.

“I feel very much the same,” Barbie says from a few feet away as she picks through a shoe display the same way one might pick through a bush for scorpions. She holds up a pair of chunky brown boots and sighs. “None of these are very…in line with my style.”

“It’s not really about style though, is it?” Kira walks over to help Barbie, Farah hanging back to casually continue browsing the sunglasses. She meant what she said about not buying anything though. If she did buy sunglasses, she’d have no excuse to steal Adam’s, which would really kill one of her favorite sources of fun. Looking at the sunglasses does give her the excuse of not helping with Barbie’s current dilemma though.

While the past few days have been absolutely mindnumbingly boring with basically nothing to do other than hunch over the same old files and pictures again, Farah hadn’t really jumped at the opportunity to accompany Kira to help Barbie find clothes for their upcoming hike through Wayhaven’s vast woodland. Normally she loves a side quest on boring missions, especially with someone fun like Kira. The addition of Barbie definitely put a damper on the prospect though.

Apparently, Barbie hadn’t bothered bringing anything other than two pairs of heels, several tight dresses, and a few suit jackets for this trip. Not that Farah has anything against her sticking to her personal fashion style. None of Unit Bravo (save Adam) really has anything that would be particularly outdoorsy either, but none of them would be thrilled to run around outside in one of Barbie’s usual outfits. Seeing Adam’s expression as Barbie explained they’d have to wait for her to find new clothes before the outing she’d demanded to go on was really freaking priceless. She laughs to herself even now just thinking about it.

Though Barbie has provided Farah with a bit of unintentional entertainment, Farah doesn’t really know what to make of her either. Farah had opinions on Barbie before they met, based on what she’s been told about her. The woman herself hasn’t done too much to disprove what anyone has said about her. Adam finds Barbie irritating and egotistical, but apparently his opinion on her has been exactly that since before she left Mason. Nat likes Barbie, but sort of diplomatically avoids actually saying much about her. Mason doesn’t talk about her at all. He doesn’t really like when anyone else does either.

“These should be suitable,” Barbie says, twisting her heel around to look down at the clunky brown boot wrapped around her foot. Her nose is wrinkled, because it’s a truly ugly shoe. She then looks up and around. “I suppose clothes will need to be next.”

“Sure you don’t want to do some shopping too?” Kira asks Farah playfully. Farah grins.

“Nah, I couldn’t step on your fun,” Farah says with a laugh. Kira gives a shake of her head, then goes off to link arms with Barbie, leading her over to the pants. Farah follows, because she’s supposed to, but also because if she has to babysit their special little human, she may as well get a better read on Mason’s ex.

She knows how everyone else feels about Barbie, but Barbie…well, she’s a bit of a tangled mess. Or…Less of a mess and more like a beehive, zipping around looking for a bear to sting. It’s hard to get past all the buzzing to figure out what’s going on past it.

What she did to Mason was pretty awful. There’s a lot that can get under his skin, but very little that inspires actual hurt. He doesn’t care about most people enough for that. So what is it about Barbie that let her wiggle in so close to his heart? And why would she break it?

There’s a low buzz from behind, and Kira says, “Oh, this is Tina.”

“Duty calls?” Farah asks, turning. Kira, phone in hand, gives a tired sigh and smiles, then jerks her thumb behind her.

“I’ll just be over there to take this,” she says. Then haltingly, she adds, “Maybe help Babs? She seems to be struggling.”

Farah’s expression falls. “Oh, uh. Yeah.”

Kira swipes a finger across her phone to answer, then hurries away as she says, “Tina? Everything okay?”

Technically, Kira isn’t in charge of Farah. She doesn’t have to help Barbie. There’s not exactly anything else to do though, and listening in on another report from the police station sounds even more dull than watching Barbie move hangers on the same rack again.

As she approaches, Barbie pulls out a tan button up and hums.

“The green one you just had is better,” Farah says, causing Barbie to yelp and drop the shirt. She lays a hand over her heart, which is beating almost as fast as it should now.

“Good Lord, don’t sneak up on me,” Barbie chastises before bending down to retrieve the shirt.

“What, you didn’t hear me?” Farah laughs. Humans not hearing, sure. But Barbie’s just about as much a vampire as any of Unit Bravo.

“Clearly not,” Barbie grumbles, returning to her slow, slow, slow shopping process.

“Is it because you don’t drink blood?” Farah asks. The metal hanger Barbie’s sliding makes a gut curdling skreeeeech.

“…Probably,” Barbie replies, a twitch forming near one of her eyes. Farah tilts her head.

“So why don’t you then?” Farah asks. Barbie pauses. “You know. Why don’t you drink—”

“Has no one told you to mind your own business before?” Barbie hisses. Farah grins.

“Sure. I’m terrible at it though. I heard you are too,” Farah says with a chuckle. “Though, that was before your grand transformation.”

“Grand is a word for it.” Barbie shudders. Farah frowns.

“Surely being a vampire isn’t that bad,” Farah says. “Do you just refuse to drink because you want being a vampire to be a terrible as possible, to justify what you did to Mason?”

The buzzing of Barbie’s emotions turns into a low roar, crackling with electricity that leaves a tang in Farah’s mouth.

Barbie slams the hanger in her hand back onto the rack, turns to Farah, and draws herself up to her full height. She is tall, but it’s still not terribly intimidating considering she looks like a stiff wind would crack her into a hundred pieces. Not to mention she has to pause to push her fake glasses up her nose.

“Stop talking about Mason,” Barbie demands. “Stop asking about me being like this. I don’t have a problem with you yet, but you are on your way to creating a problem.”

This feels like vindication, at least a little bit. Barbie’s been so detached about everything, especially about Mason, or least seemingly so. Now she’s being sort of honest. She cares somewhere in there.

“You definitely do have a problem with me,” Farah points out. Barbie frowns, ready to argue. “I mean, I’m a monster too, aren’t I?”

That comment has stuck with Farah since they first met, and though she’s tried to move past it, it just won’t dislodge no matter what. So many people see Farah that way, and her team, without even getting to know them. Just because of what she is. It doesn’t feel any better coming from another vampire.

Barbie flinches back, then growls.

“Yes, yes you are,” Barbie says. “A monster. Just like Murphy. Just like Adam.”

Something snaps in Farah at that. “Just like you.”

“Exactly!” Barbie yells.

The already quiet store goes absolutely silent. Even Kira, who was in the middle of a sentence on the phone, cuts herself off.

Barbie’s chest is heaving. There’s an odd, crazed look in her eyes. She slaps a hand over her mouth and turns away, but not before Farah catches sight of her fangs. Either Farah really managed to piss her off, or she has absolutely zero control over them. Either seems pretty likely.

A long, slender hand lands on Farah’s shoulder, giving a light squeeze.

Nat says, “I think that’s enough.”

“Yes, it is. I apologize,” Barbie says, the words muffled against her hand. She takes in a shaky breath. “I’ll be over there.”

She goes off, high heels clicking off beat. Farah watches, frowning still as she shakes Nat’s hand off. Nat sighs.

“Farah, please don’t antagonize Barbie about this,” she pleads.

“She isn’t even trying to cope with it,” Farah says. She shakes her head, then looks up to Nat. “Was this how she was about vampirism when she and Mason were married? Like, before?”

Nat shakes her head, sadness clinging to her like raindrops. “No, it isn’t. She used to be fascinated by vampires, along with any other supernatural beings.”

“Makes sense,” Farah says with a sigh. “I doubt she’d have been so tight with you guys otherwise.”

Nat makes a soft noise of agreement. “I didn’t…She’s changed a lot, since then. If I’d known the state she’s in, I might not have suggested we ask her for help."

“Should she go back to France then?” Farah asks. A brief feeling of concern floods her, taking Farah off guard. Maybe she shouldn’t be surprised. Sure, Barbie’s cold and mean and hurt her friend, but…she’s clearly really going through it. Being here doesn’t seem to be helping. Nat turns and Farah follows her gaze, all the way to where Kira is standing with Barbie, a hand rubbing her back gently as they talk. She could listen in if she wanted, but Farah focuses instead on Nat.

“They’ve bonded quite well,” Nat says with a small, tight smile. “Barbie’s hard to dislodge from the people she cares for. I doubt she’d go back even if we told her to.”

“It can’t be that hard,” Farah says pointedly. Nat shakes her head, but doesn’t fight her on it. Farah’s not really keen on arguing anymore either. “Well, at least I can say I don’t blame Barbie there. Kira’s pretty great.”

“Yes, Kira’s wonderful,” Nat agrees readily.

“Do you think that’ll be a problem for her fiancee?” Farah asks. Nat scoffs and waves a hand delicately as if to shoo the very notion away.

“I highly doubt Kira has eyes for Barbie,” Nat says, a little too quickly. Farah grins, but suddenly Nat is refusing to look at her.

“Right, because she’s got them for someone else,” Farah says. Nat doesn’t respond. Fair enough. Farah gives her a break, if only because that whole thing is probably going to get really messy. Well, it would, if they weren’t leaving Wayhaven as soon as they track down Murphy.

A pang of sadness has Farah blinking hard; she doesn’t actually want to leave. As boring as this town can be, Farah has gotten used to the dynamic Kira brings to the team. She likes seeing their detective every day. Kira even likes some of the same TV shows Farah does, and it’s WAY better watching stuff with someone else than by herself. Plus, she’s funny and tough and great to hang around. It’s going to really suck not seeing her anymore.

“I’m gonna miss her,” Farah admits. Nat puts an arm around her and draws her in close.

“It will certainly be hard to say goodbye,” Nat says, sounding melancholic. “It’s for the best though. She deserves to live a normal life. Once she’s safe, it’s best if we leave her to it.”

Farah leans against her, wondering how many times Nat has told herself that in the hopes of believing it eventually.

#darling writing #twc #wayhaven #kira kingston #barbara 'barbie' robertson #twc farah #vampire divorce court #I haven't added a big side plot for anyone else's relationship/romance yet #I need to come up with something Juicy for Adam and Farah #my favorite way of riling up A is to put their LI in a blender though #so #hmmmm #also Barbie's getting haaangry #but it's fine #it's chill #I should probably make a master post for these at some point

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being-of-rain · 2 months ago

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The last time I read an EDA, in 2024, I was on my flight to visit my girlfriend. This year I did the same thing. Which shows just how slowly I'm getting through this series. But hey, at least on this trip I read two of them! I'm forever optimistic that I'll pick up the pace eventually.

First things first, I'll talk about Anachrophobia. I'll make a second post about Trading Futures soon.

Anachrophobia is definitely one of the books that had been hyped up to me the most by EDA fans - and now that I've read it, I understand why! While I wouldn't personally rank it as one of my absolute favourites like some people would, it's an extremely atmospheric little sci-fi horror and it had me hooked. I'll start with what I liked, which is most of the book... and then move on to how the book ended. (So there'll be gradually heavier spoilers as this post goes on.)

Probably the best aspect of this book is how strong its aesthetics are. Consider the setting: A seemingly endless forest of dead trees that's forever a pitch black midnight and forever a bone-chilling snowy winter. An uninviting, utilitarian bunker with stark concrete walls that burrows several floors underground without much hope of protecting its occupants. Chunky computers and analogue clocks. Men in business suits and bowler hats. Soldiers and scientists being ground up by their capitalist system, who try not to give into despair while waiting for their next orders to help the war effort. Anachrophobia is bleak and brutalist, and, credit to Jonathan Morris, frankly a delight to read.

Add time-travel-related eldritch horror to this setting, and most of the book is a tense little base under siege story. I was almost surprised by how quickly things were moving when the majority of the supporting cast were dead (or undead) by the halfway point, but the remaining characters being forced to wait in a locked room while their enemy prowl the corridors outside just added to the claustrophobia. The book is well paced, and I'd say it definitely earns the eleventh hour setting change that it subtly builds up to.

It certainly doesn't earn every twist in its last act though. The book hopes that you overlook that one character vanishes for over fifty pages (which I didn't, as I was trying to keep track of where everyone was during the action), and then suddenly reveals that he's a robot. Which felt a little strange since I don't think it was hinted at before then. It makes for a good visual, at least.

The way that the Doctor defeats the unnamed antagonist is another thing that I'm not really sure if I liked or not. It played with the rules of the sci-fi elements in ways that hadn't been set up, and felt a little too much like making things up as it went for me. Which is a shame because it did have the makings of a great timey-wimey satisfying conclusion.

And another thing about the primary villain of the story (although not something that impacted my enjoyment of the book while reading it)... apparently they were intended by the author to be Faction Paradox, which is strange to me. That gels with their habit of forcing people to unwrite their own history, but in all other ways I really didn't get the Faction vibe. To me the villain felt far more like an eldritch and unknowable creature from outside spacetime than a society of refugees from another timeline.

Those are all minor nitpicks though. Now to talk about the other villain of the book, and the very ending. I might ramble a bit here. Halfway through the novel, it's heavily hinted that one of the characters, named Mr Mistletoe, is actually Sabbath. It's revealed that he has two hearts, and implies that one of them is the Doctor's. Now, I was a bit confused by that, because Mistletoe didn't act anything like Sabbath. And I was also excited by that, because ever since Henrietta Street I'd really been looking forward to Sabbath's proper second appearance. But that plot went nowhere for so long that I was starting to wonder if it was just trying to bait me into thinking Sabbath would be in this book. But then, literally two and a half pages before the end, Mistletoe reveals himself to be Sabbath. He tells team TARDIS that he brought them here, he "moulded your perceptions" of some of the adventure (with no explanation of how, why, when he did that, or what that means), tells them he's working with Evil Allies, then leaves as the book ends.

This all left me very disappointed. Not only did Sabbath only pop up at the very very end, but it felt like he was trying to take credit for everything while having seemingly no impact on the plot. I assume the "perceptions" he was moulding included Mistletoe's whole personality, but even so it felt more like something the Master would do than Sabbath, and one thing I really didn't want from Sabbath was to be a knock-off Master. The whole scene gave the impression that Sabbath was squeezed into the book at the list minute. And the fact that they didn't use his name during that scene also gave the strange impression that they were trying to avoid copyrite on him, which I have to assume wasn't the case(?) The arc elements that he hinted at didn't sound very interesting for the character either. Overall, the book raised my hopes for Sabbath's return, then made me wait over one hundred pages to disappoint me with a half-baked conversation at the end.

So yeah, it definitely felt like the book tripped and fell at the very last hurdle. It left a baffling and annoying taste in my mouth after finishing the book, but I'll try not to let that cloud my opinions of the rest of the story, which were very high. I can see why fans love this one so much. And it sure has motivated me to keep reading the series, so I can get up to a book where Sabbath actually fits into the plot.

#my thoughts #edas #eight #fitz #anji #the faction #sabbath

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binarybitex · 5 months ago

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it's time for a Heart Hollow writing update!!!

i have been making good progress with the unnamed chapter 13!!

it's a little over 5k and wraps things up very nicely!!

buuuuut.......

i said this 👇 a month or two ago:

i find it incredibly funny bc i'm considering combining the unreleased Court Date: Part II (ch12) with the unnamed chapter 13 but that will make it the longest chapter in the book.

pros of combining ch12 and ch13:

it really just flows so much better

ch13 is a wrap-up of everything that happens in ch12 (and earlier chapters). i've honestly been fighting the urge to call it "Court Date: Part III" but meeeeeehhhh....

ch13 kind of doesn't have its own story or point to prove. it's like a conclusion to an essay. it feels weird on its own

CDp1 (ch11) being longer than CDp2 (ch12) just feels wrong to me!!

cons of combining ch12 and ch13:

i just think 42 page 15k chapter is actually a bit insane tbh!!

but.... maybe..... so insane, it just might work....

anyways, we're pretty endgame now for Heart Hollow book I !!

after the Court Date arc is over, i really only have one or two more chapters until it's done.

i may self publish, but i'd like to do one big reread and edit before that. there's a lot of fat that can be cut, and there's a few plot things that I'd like to add too!!

it's gonna be a chunky book, but i'm so proud of what i've created.

and good god..... im SO excited to start working on book 2

thanks to everyone that follows me along with my lil pet project 🎉

#heart hollow update #oc #oc story #oc series #indie novel #indie fiction #heart hollow #writing update #writers on tumblr #ocs #oc writing #original writing #tumblr writers

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gamesception · 1 year ago

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Sception Reads Cass Cain #31

Superboy (1994) #85 Writer: Joe Kelly Pencils: Pascual Ferry

Another Guest appearance. I vaguely recall DC trying to push a Cass/Conner relationship, or at least a crush or something? I don't remember there ever being much to it, more of a kind of arbitrary 'might as well try pairing batgirl and superboy, because compulsory heterosexuality or something'. Not bad exactly, but nothing I remember anybody wanting or caring about.

But I only would have seen it from a single side, since I didn't really follow Superboy. Like, I read scattered issues of Young Justice here and there and liked that, but not enough to follow any of those characters outside of the team up book. So lets see if Joe Kelly writing of the two can win me over. Also, I think Ferry's another new artist to tackle Cass, and that's always neat.

Ok, right off the bat, the writing isn't really my thing. Conner is supposed to be that annoying-but-funny-and-endearing chatterbox type characters that is so often just ends up being obnoxious, with the annoyance of the other characters around them only enhancing that obnoxiousness instead of undercutting it. And, yeah, that's kind of what happens here, at least imo.

Not to get all 'cinema sins ding' or anything, but why is Kelly having Conner do a parody of Adam West batman? Like, where is he pulling those mannerisms from in universe? Minor nitpick, but kind of adds to the obnoxiousness.

We're here for Cass, not Conner, though, and Conner makes a strong enough first impression rescuing her from a bunch of random exploding zombies no it's not worth getting into.

To which Cass flips over to Tim and is like "who is this?"

I do like Cass in that last panel there. I like how expressive the eyes are, how the chunky belt pouches are used, the casual conversation between Cass and Tim, who knows her well enough to know what she's saying without saying anything. Honestly, Cass's interactions with the rest of the Bat Family could have used more of that sort of easy camaraderie within her own book.

Her waiste is weirdly pinched in that panel, but surely that's just from Ferry squeezing her into the panel and not because we're dipping into outright escher girls territory, right?

Oh, oh yeesh, uh oh.

On a more positive note, this was a cute moment from Kelly, and well executed by Ferry.

But then this, and, yeah, ouch. Ooof, Ferry.

Kind of a shame, because he does a pretty good job with her face, and it's honestly rare to see her unmasked in a guest appearance.

Conner and Cass escape of course, but the villain's long gone by that point, and Batman's medium pissed, plus doing his overprotective strict dad 'I don't like you hanging out with that boy/metahuman' schtick.

But then Conner stands up for both himself and Cass in this bit here that's, uh, honestly kind of endearing? Like, if more of his appearances with Cass were like this, in particular if they were about standing up to Bruce, about giving her a human connection outside of Bruce's sphere of influence that could call him out or help Cass see the problems with how Bruce treats her, then I think it would have made more of an impression on me. It could even have been an important part of Cass's own character development and story arc instead of the plot cul-de-sac it ended up as, iirc.

For now, though, this is honestly pretty cute. Which is way more than I expected, especially after not gelling with Conner's dialog throughout most of the issue.

#cassandra cain #batgirl #conner kent #superboy #sception reads cassandra cain #guest appearance time #with shorter commentary than usual #all the better to ease back into the update habit #after a couple weeks break

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red-dye40 · 1 year ago

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hairline! boots!

plan under cut if ur into that sorta thing 🫨

this is an arda wigs VIRGINIA classic in magenta (they’re being discontinued so it was Super on sale esp for a lace front)—i didn’t cut the lace AT OLL yet which is why it looks so busted

it’s a little too light and pinkish for dev compared to most panels in ifs (i never noticed how dynamic the coloring in the comic is until i started looking for cosplay references ????? But in general it needs a little more purple color)

im going to sew in some wefts in the same magenta to make a defined part for pigtails, and possibly ventilate the hairline ????? still debating whether or not to do that bc the widows peak is already so good but at the same time devi has a rly distinct hairline and it’s super prominent ……….:… either way im gonna do all that addition and then dip dye the whole thing a darker more purpley color (may color the roots later but i also think the lighter roots might look nice, i know my roots get really light as my natural hair color begins to grow back)

and for DA BOOTS: i made the executive decision that devi does not wear new rocks—i think her style is lot more neo-futuristic / tech wear leaning so i found these nice chunky knee high dealies! they’re super lightweight which im grateful for and while i don’t at all love wearing pu leather this material is much more breathable and skintight

plan for dese is to paint the soles gray and add some paneling detail in gray to the front like she has on her book 2 boots (im recreating end of book 2 devi look complete w cat scratches etc)

thanks for reading if you in fact read all this ;)

#gosplay

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bbarican · 1 year ago

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november 19, 2023; 6:24 pm - beyond blessed

so so so so many blessings and i am just so thankful

still sick though pero im pushing through; i have this nasal spray that helps me A LOT pero paubos na siya and i have no idea kung saan siya na bili ng dad ko so i guess i just have to stick it out and not depend on the spray masyado din

i decided to buy the bag guys - the things kasi, ive been thinking of this bag for months not even though tintawanan ko nalang siya whenever i remember it but yun nga deep down i really want it kasi plus instead of buying a bag off of tiktok with a similar design, eh di might as well buy the one i actually want with way better quality for sure

so yun yung plans ko for after work tomorrow! plus i might go aand look at new earrings too kasi ive been meaning to buy new earrings naman na talaga kasi i want something thinner and smaller since i feel like my ears are already big and having chunky jewelry just accentuates them

im so inlove with my custom charm necklace, i might end up collecting charms here and there just to add them to my necklace

i ended up buying 1 box of the sonny angel winter wonderland series kasi nung sumilip ako sa fully booked kanina nagulat ako may stock so i took the chance and i ended up getting the one i want and im so so so so happy; my luck these days is just amazing

and lastly, we’re having starbucks for dinner tonight

i hope we all have a great and productive and overall lovely day tomorrow!

#bbarican #prsnl #thoughts #personal #life #writings #love #update #updates #dump #list #sonny angel #gratitude #thankful

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spectralsleuth · 2 years ago

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“Oh yeah? You left class real fast for someone who just wanted some fresh air. You even lost that girl that’s obsessed with you.”

"I WISH TO JOIN AS WELL!”

Sprinting at a dead run, book back bouncing off of her shoulders and dark hair streaming behind her, was a girl Raph vaguely recognized from fourth period. She was faintly out of breath, wearing an oversized black death metal band T-shirt of some kind, paneled black leggings that looked sweaty as all hell in this heat, and big chunky combat boots that looked like they got more wear and tear than they would if they were just for show.

"Yeah, she’s definitely mentioned you a few times- we take the same bus home.”

"...Rose just doesn’t like people she doesn’t think are going to take it seriously, and Sandy is a pretty well known flake.”

She stared at him a long time, and at a very pointed cough from Coach Garcia, she rolled her eyes and took his hand to shake. Her hand disappeared into his.

“Fine. But, my name is Cassandra. You can call me Casey.”

--Or honestly anything you want to say about Casey in this au,,I love her sm :D

[OH MAN I'm gonna tip toe around this one so I don't give away the story. Not because I don't want to spoil you guys (I don't) but because if I do I might not write it lol.]

“Oh yeah? You left class real fast for someone who just wanted some fresh air. You even lost that girl that’s obsessed with you.”

[I kind of portrayed Raph (or at least I hope I did) as that kid who EVERYBODY knows in a good way, who get like, "Hey Raph's!" all day when he goes down the hallway and answers them without thinking, teachers always dote on him even if he's not the best at school work, parents are pleasantly surprised at how polite he is-

And this man does not notice.

His brothers do of course, and think it's very funny, but Raph CANNOT read situations or people. So imagine Raph in class with Casey sat behind him, eyes burning into his soul through the back of his head, and he turns around and asks for a pencil. They've been seat neighbors all last school year and this year and Raph doesn't remember her name or face, but MIKEY sure does. He's got spies EVERYWHERE.]

"I WISH TO JOIN AS WELL!”

[I think @tangledinink is starting to effect my fashion sense for characters bc he draws the turtles in such cute little outfits. ;-; Chunky boots... piercings...

Whenever I write- well, anything, I always make note of what everyone's wearing? I probably put too much thought into whether I'm going into too much detail of what someone's wearing, vs. adding relevant flavor. When it comes to Yoshi it's easy, because his outfits (when he was human) were super flamboyant and flashy so I imagine that carries into his old age, and it adds to the character. When it comes to everyone else, I try to make it a passing comment and hope I don't come across as 'My name is Ebony Dementia Darkness Way and I'm 15 years old-' levels of description writing.

ALSO coming up with outfits is haaaard someone come do it for me. ;-; ]

"Yeah, she’s definitely mentioned you a few times- we take the same bus home.”

"...Rose just doesn’t like people she doesn’t think are going to take it seriously, and Sandy is a pretty well known flake.”

[Imagine Casey Jones trying super casually and nonchalantly to grill people about the Hamato's, and doing a terrible job of it.

Blair: Wow she's down bad. Imma help my bro out-

So Casey has a lot of info about Raph's star sign, hobbies, and food allergies, but nothing that she was probably looking for. It's very confusing for her. EVERYONE (except for Raph) is aware of Casey. Casey in the show just did not strike me as a subtle person, even though she IS a ninja.]

She stared at him a long time, and at a very pointed cough from Coach Garcia, she rolled her eyes and took his hand to shake. Her hand disappeared into his.

“Fine. But, my name is Cassandra. You can call me Casey.”

[Raph is going to ask a lot of polite questions and introduce himself and be super lame, and Casey is going to feverishly try and pretend she hasn't been stalking their family. (Mostly Raph though.) Mikey will benevolently watch, like he's making sure two dogs sniff each other through the door and get along correctly. He'll only intervene to make sure Raph gets her phone number before they leave.

Cassandra will think she nailed it.

Mikey is of the opinion whether she has a crush on Raph or just wants to be a friend, her and Raph will probably get along so he's in full support of this.

What DONNIE AND LEO are aware of though is a whole other story.)

#LSoW #ask #tmnt #rottmnt #me seeing choco and sroloc in my inbox #damn... the gang's all here... hi guys.....#cool-chocolatebouquet #ask game #my fic

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sweetfirebird · 2 years ago

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I got an audiobook on writing through Libby and I... immediately, like immediately, felt that the book had been written (and narrated by) a writing teacher in flowing hippy garb complete with chunky necklaces and sandals, who sometimes spends time in art communes in New Mexico but has a comfortable retirement fund and has a million dollar home/apartment, and who hasn't been around regular working class people in a very long time except when in a store to buy something.

I have no idea if that's all true. I haven't looked her up yet. But she did mention visiting New Mexico with her poet friends so...

Anyway, so far her advice has been to ignore editors (yikes), what editors tell you is just "prattle" (yiiikes)... she might have meant your inner critic but that's not what she said and she's supposed to be a writer so I assume she knows to be precise with her words.

She also gives some very convoluted messaging about getting to your truth, which you have to think of as jewels, and you have to get to the jewels.

....

It's very possible that her sort of advice is helpful to people like her. And I don't want to dismiss her outright for telling people to do other kinds of art or to learn other skills because it will "make their writing more creative." Definitely do other kinds of art and learn other skills if you want! I do think it will add to your writing! And even if it doesn't, it's fun!

But I suppose I was expecting observations on the task of writing, or discussions of different writing styles, or explorations of the difficulties of doing it for a living, or even, *how* to stop listening to your inner critic so much and how to learn to take useful advice from editors.

My view of her might also be tainted by working in a wealthy town full of rich, professional men and their "artist" wives who dress as I described above, who have no idea how the world actually works. I have no problem with that on its own. Work on your art all day even if you never sell a damn thing! Live the dream! But dealing with those women every day was a special kind of hell because they gently yet constantly refuse to accept that anyone else in the world does not live like them and to them, all problems can be solved by taking a painting class or a writing a poem, and not like... how their problems are actually solved... which is with their husbands' money.

I might be biased.

I will listen a little more, but if she doesn't actually talk about writing soon, I am switching to the m/m romance audiobook I found.

#i am trying to get the hang of listening to audiobooks #it's very strange though

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sangeetasha9820 · 3 days ago

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Banjara Market's Eclectic Mix of Art and Artifacts

Banjara Market: An Eclectic Haven of Art and Artifacts

A Treasure Trove of the Unique and Unusual: Banjara Market isn't your typical marketplace. It's a sprawling, semi-permanent setup where discarded, repurposed, and handcrafted items converge, creating an atmosphere of serendipitous discovery. You're more likely to stumble upon a one-of-a-kind piece with a story than mass-produced goods.

Furniture with Character: From rustic wooden tables and chairs bearing the marks of time to intricately carved chests and repurposed cabinets, the furniture section exudes a vintage and bohemian charm. Each piece seems to whisper tales of its past, offering a unique statement for any home.

Pottery and Ceramics: Earthy Elegance: A diverse array of earthenware awaits, ranging from traditional terracotta pots and hand-painted vases to quirky ceramic figurines and tiles. The textures and colors reflect the artisanal nature of the craft, adding an organic touch to d��cor.

Textiles and Fabrics: A Riot of Colors and Textures: Expect to find piles of vibrant fabrics, embroidered tapestries, vintage saris, and handcrafted quilts. These textiles often showcase intricate patterns and traditional techniques, offering a glimpse into India's rich textile heritage.

Metalwork: From Ornate to Industrial: Whether you're seeking delicate brass lamps, sturdy iron candle stands, or quirky metal sculptures fashioned from scrap, Banjara Market's metalwork section offers a fascinating contrast of styles and craftsmanship.

Wooden Wonders: Carvings and Crafts: Intricately carved wooden panels, decorative boxes, handcrafted toys, and rustic serving platters are common finds. The natural warmth of wood adds a touch of earthiness to the market's offerings.

Tribal and Folk Art: Echoes of Cultural Heritage: Banjara Market often features art forms rooted in tribal and folk traditions. This can include vibrant paintings, handcrafted jewelry using natural materials, and unique decorative items that reflect the diverse cultural landscape of India.

Repurposed and Upcycled Creations: Sustainability in Style: A significant aspect of the market is the presence of items creatively repurposed from discarded materials. Old tires transformed into seating, glass bottles reimagined as lamps, and scrap metal molded into art highlight a sustainable and innovative approach.

Antiques and Collectibles: Whispers from the Past: For those with a penchant for history, Banjara Market can yield antique coins, vintage photographs, old books, and other collectibles that offer a tangible link to bygone eras. Patience and a keen eye are key to unearthing these treasures.

Home Décor with a Bohemian Flair: The market is a haven for those seeking to infuse their living spaces with a bohemian aesthetic. Dreamcatchers, wall hangings, macrame art, and an assortment of eclectic decorative pieces contribute to this unique vibe.

Jewelry: Adornments with Character: From chunky tribal silver jewelry and beaded necklaces to vintage pendants and handcrafted earrings, the jewelry selection offers pieces that stand out from mass-produced accessories.

Tools and Hardware: Relics of Functionality: Surprisingly, you might also find old tools, vintage hardware, and other utilitarian items that have acquired a certain rustic charm over time, appealing to those who appreciate functionality with character.

A Sensory Experience: Beyond the tangible goods, Banjara Market is a sensory feast. The vibrant colors, the sounds of haggling, the textures of the diverse materials, and the aroma of street food create an immersive and energetic atmosphere.

A Hub of Negotiation and Interaction: Bargaining is an integral part of the Banjara Market experience. Engaging with the vendors, often skilled artisans or resourceful individuals, offers insights into the origins and stories behind the items.

A Reflection of Resourcefulness and Creativity: The market stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the ability to find value and beauty in unexpected places. It showcases the skills of artisans, the resourcefulness of upcyclers, and the stories embedded in pre-owned objects.

A Glimpse into Local Life: Visiting Banjara Market provides a unique window into the everyday lives and creative expressions of local communities. It's a space where tradition and innovation intersect.

An Ever-Evolving Landscape: The offerings at Banjara Market are constantly changing as new items are brought in and old ones find new homes. This dynamic nature ensures that each visit can be a fresh and exciting experience.

More Than Just a Market: Banjara Market is more than just a place to buy things; it's a cultural hub, a space for discovery, and a celebration of individuality and the beauty of the unconventional. It's where art and artifacts intertwine to tell countless stories.

Find more details in Banjara Market So You Can Check our Full Blog

#banjara market

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latriviata · 8 days ago

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Book log April edition! I’m in the middle of two chunky non-fiction books and not going to finish either this evening. My original plan for this log was to have a single post for the year i add to, but that was getting annoying to both write and read, and is kind of redundant when you can just tag.

Another fairly busy month (finished some but not all of the books I’d had on the go for a while) and I hit @batmanisagatewaydrug’s bingo, whoo! Twice!

(Gonna keep filling out this card but also start a parallel one for non-white authors I think. I don’t know if I can entirely complete it bc I’ve never made a zine in my life but definitely have plans for other squares)

26: The Transgender Issue - Shon Faye. I think this might be the best of the primers I’ve read on trans topics for mixed audiences - really appreciated the chapters on issues that aren’t as palatably media-friendly like low-paid work, sex work, and incarceration, and reflections on changing terminology. I honestly don’t know based on my own close observations whether this book would do anything to sway entrenched terfs and other transphobes, but also I increasingly think that’s an unrealistic or at best semi-relevant standard to hold trans and queer books to. Kira liked it, anyway:

27: Kintu - Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. This is hard for me to post about because there’s no real metric by which I can say it isn’t a good book, I just wasn’t really into it. It flips from the mid-18th to late-20th century and just after the millennium as somewhere between a mosaic novel and intergenerational saga loosely structured around a family curse. It does have some really interesting nuance on gender roles and religious practice, and I loved the decision to skim loosely over the colonial and Amin periods in favour of less-written-about moments in Ugandan history.

The things that felt most first-novelish towards the beginning (mostly over-exposition, which is harder to fault a historical novel for) bugged me less over time; I think one thing that stopped me connecting so much with it is that there are so many POV characters and half get dropped with no warning. I do want to read her later novel, I just struggled a bit with this one. Interesting and more positive discussion from a sff perspective here with an author interview. (another interview here)

bingo square: set in a country you have never visited (again, because my last entry was a little borderline)

28: A Case of Conscience - James Blish. I have read pretty little pre-1960s sf and if this had just been about the first half of the book, it would have been among the best I’d read from that period- it’s striking that all my cultural osmosis knowledge of it was the basic theological crisis set up in the first half, because that’s the most compelling part. The second half bounces between several potentially interesting ideas - a future Earth driven underground by nuclear arms races, a solitary alien on the planet, a lot of Jesuit intellectual angst - and didn’t quite deliver for me on any of them. secondarily, while i had fairly moderate social expectations from a male SF writer in the 1950s, i do have to note that it took til fully half way through for any female character to show up. She was very good when she gets to do stuff rather than be described in vaguely creepy/exoticising tones.

I did like it! I just could have liked it a lot more. I did find it hilarious that the author has a foreword replying to all his theological critics with “it’s the future and in space, deal with it”, enjoy this energy.

bingo square: 20th century speculative fiction

29 (reread): Over Sea, Under Stone - Susan Cooper. I loved this series as a kid - mystical Arthurian contemporary fantasy with a great sense of place - and am enough of a completist that I wanted to reread from the beginning even though this book is kind of an outlier. It’s still good for what it is! It’s just pitched a bit younger and is much more of a straightforward E Nesbit-esque adventure story than the later ones. Also fairly dated in both language and craft - the children have very limited internal lives - but it was formative for the time. I’ll carry on reading but maybe later in the year, The Dark is Rising is such an intrinsically wintery book.

bingo square: reread a childhood favourite

30: Whites - Otegha Uwagba. On the fence about whether to count this bc it’s a standalone essay, 70 small pages, but it was published and I bought it as a paperback, so. It’s a set of reflections on George Floyd’s murder, and the most interesting part to me was her writing as a Londoner about white British people still viewing racism and anti-blackness as something that happens Over There - also a lot on Black writers being treated as anti-racist homework rather than artists and what allyship actually means in practice. I also have her book on money queued up so will read that at some point!

31: Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia. S M-G has been on my to-read for years after I read a couple of short stories and she keeps writing books faster than I can keep up, so I picked this semi at random to start. It’s great - as the title suggests, moody and atmospheric and menacing. I realised reading this my Mexican literary knowledge is a) scant and b) mostly non fiction so I can’t trace that many likely influences/references, but I felt a lot of echoes of Shirley Jackson and Daphne du Maurier (and, switching medium, more than hints of Get Out). Except that here it’s low-key intensely relevant that the lead is Mexican mestiza and her sister’s in-laws are English settlers with an interest in eugenics who never learned Spanish.

bingo square: historical fiction

32 (reread): The Sparrow - Mary Doria Russell. Yes, I reread this after liking A Case of Conscience (above) but being keenly aware of how much better that book would have been if it had had Emilio Sandoz. I’ve read this book maybe ten times in the last decade and will almost certainly read it another ten. It’s not perfect - I have issues with Emilio’s crisis of faith, and the cultural narratives are sincere but often in broad strokes - but ugh, it is such a beautiful and painful book. About religion, yes, but also about systems protecting themselves, and good intentions, and the perils of translation and exchange.

bingo square (reread): 20th century speculative fiction

—

33: Manifesto - Bernardine Evaristo. I loved Evaristo’s books in the noughties but haven’t read anything since Mr Loverman - started this last month, forgot about it and then read most of it in a day! It’s autobiographical and structured in an interesting way, by theme (family, houses, relationships, theatre etc) rather than chronologically so it darts back and forth and layers on top of itself. I loved the chapter on her sexual identity and relationships evolving over time, but it’s all interesting and very compassionate about the family members who made her life hard growing up. I will read Girl Woman Other at some point, ik, shame shame shame dot gif.

bingo square: memoir

34: The Man Died - Wole Soyinka. This is Soyinka’s 1966-69 prison notes, on the effects of his detention without trial during the Biafran war and on the links between Nigerian dictatorships and political movements and parallel global civil rights movements. A lot is on the psychological effects of the simultaneous tedium and peril and being moved from prison to prison. I honestly don’t know how comprehensible a lot of the detail would be to people who don’t already have a fairly in-depth knowledge of Nigerian politics and c20th history - there’s a lot on very specific names I wasn’t familiar with, and I had previously read up on the period - but the writing is extremely powerful. I really need to watch some of his lectures because he comes across as the sort of person who naturally speaks in soliloquies.

Also, my second hand copy had an original Penguin review copy flier in the front, almost exactly fifty years old! That’s cool.

35: Strong Female Character - Fern Brady. This has been on my tbr since I saw her on Taskmaster. It’s pretty good though not entirely what I was expecting - it’s mostly about late autism diagnosis and was a harder read than I had thought. I did appreciate the attention to all the less palatable parts of autism and mental illness, and discussion of what jobs autistic women can and can’t easily do (stripping, in her case, surprisingly compatible), but fundamentally a lot of stuff about people having a shit time at university is just not that interesting to me. Worth it for the first few pages alone on talking to her dad about autism, tbh, which is an uncanny preview of what it would be like to talk to my father or father-in-law.

—

36: The Wishing Pool and other stories - Tananarive Due. I’m not a huge horror reader but have enjoyed Due’s work in the past, this is her second short story collection and a large section of it (even the works written pre-Covid) is preoccupied with pandemics. Varyingly creepy supernatural stories mostly with Black characters and families, mostly in the southern US, back and forth across the 20th century and future. Still not my top genre but these were all good and I liked the sense of a loosely interconnected universe in many of them. I really need to read The Reformatory, I’d like to see what she does in long form!

—

37: My Sister, the Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite. This has been on my tbr for years and was such a quick and entertaining read? It’s a fairly low-key thriller where (similar to reading Yellowface last month) the guilt is revealed from the start and the tension is just in which conses are going to quence. Really refreshingly different from most other stuff I’ve read that got its initial publishing deal in Nigeria (which was also good! but considerably more serious), and pretty darkly funny, though it wrapped up quite abruptly. Interesting interview here also:

Braithwaite is unabashed that her novel makes no attempt to address her country’s difficult past. “I don’t have that knowledge. I can’t give you what I don’t have,” she says. The idea that writers can represent some universal Nigerian experience is a chimera, when a universal Nigerian experience simply doesn’t exist, she explains. “We have a wide divide between classes and we have a wide divide between cultures because we’re from different tribes, we have different religions. You don’t have to walk very far to see someone who has a really different life from you.” She may live in a house where all you have to do to turn on the light is flick a switch, but in Lagos you only have to cross the road to find someone who has never had electricity. “I wouldn’t want to write a novel and people feel that I’m speaking to a Nigerian experience – I’m speaking to my experience, to the things I’m interested in, and that’s all I can do.”

—

38: Feminism, Interrupted - Lola Olufemi (available on jstor and archive!). This is short but pretty dense - it feels almost like a taster session of a ton of contemporary feminist issues, with a focus on Black and Asian British women. I liked it a lot but did have the experience of being thrown out of every chapter after about 15 pages just when it felt like it was getting into the issues. There’s a really good range of quotes and interviews from both more- and lesser-known activists and artists to balance out more academic summaries. I couldn’t help wondering what it would have been like if it had either been fifty pages longer or gone into more depth on a slightly smaller range of topics, but I can’t say it was wrong to be written the way it was - I’m maybe not the target audience in that I had already read most of the theory and seminal books she’s referencing.

39: Star Trek Lower Decks—Warp Your Own Way - Ryan North and Chris Fenoglio. This is a choose-your-own-adventure comic and I still don’t feel like I’ve fully read it because I haven’t followed every possible path, but I’ve been through it a few times and it’s so clever and fun! Beautifully in the spirit of the show and immersive. I thought it would be easier to navigate with comixology but it doesn’t have hyperlinks quite set up (missed opportunity tbh), so I might look out for a paper edition to reread/return to. Also, Abigail Nussbaum did a delightful CYOA review.

bingo square: graphic novel, comic book, or manga

#2025 book bingo #books #it me #sff #the sparrow #nigeria #uganda #trans #lower decks #feminism

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cleverhottubmiracle · 3 months ago

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Today, I’m sharing another listicle. This time, we’ll look at 10 Style Mistakes That Make You Look Older (and how to fix them). I’m all about aging with grace, strength, and beauty, but staying modern, fresh, and relevant is also important. Aging is a privilege, but looking frumpy is optional! Style is meant to evolve with us, not work against us. Yet, some common fashion mistakes can add years instead of enhancing our natural beauty. The good news? Simple tweaks can modernize your look and give you a fresh, youthful edge—without chasing trends. Happy Sunday, gang! The first week of February is in the books, and we’re onto Valentine’s Day. Last week, we shared 10 Luxurious Self-Care Ideas, Pretty in Pink, and 10 Must-Have Wardrobe Staples. I had a weekend getaway to 30A this weekend, so stay tuned to what I packed, which will be in a blog post shortly. If you’re interested in Packing Lists, Curated Reading Lists, or more in-depth content (I have a video series about The Foundations of Ageless Style), please check out our Exclusive Membership, which includes ad-free blog posts. Its never been easier to Become A Member. If you want to look polished and elegant without aging yourself, here are 10 style mistakes that make you look older and the simple solutions to fix them. 1. Wearing Clothes That Are Too Baggy While we all love comfort, drowning in oversized clothing can make you look shapeless and older than you are. Baggy silhouettes lack structure, and instead of hiding problem areas, they often exaggerate them. ✅ Fix It: Opt for tailored pieces that skim—not squeeze—your body. A structured blazer, high-waisted trousers, or a cinched waist dress can add instant polish without sacrificing comfort. This is key if we want to avoid 10 style mistakes that make you look older. 1. Structured Blazer: ASOS DESIGN Cinch Blazer in Black: This tailored blazer features a cinched waist, offering a flattering silhouette that accentuates your curves. Quince or J.Crew also carry excellent blazers. 2. High-Waisted Trousers: ZARA Belted Straight Leg Pants: These high-waisted trousers come with a belt to define the waist and straight legs for a sleek, elongated look. Ann Taylor is an all-time favorite of mine, specifically for pants. They just get a woman’s body. 3. Tuckernuck Cinched Waist Dress: With a scoop neckline and self-belt, this dress will take you to a number of places. ANTHROPOLOGIE Dresses Collection: Explore a variety of dresses for weddings, vacations, and a casual day out. 2. Sticking to All Black, All the Time Black is slimming and chic, but head-to-toe black can wash you out as your skin tone changes over time. It can emphasize shadows and make your complexion look dull. ✅ Fix It: If you love black, balance it with softer neutrals like camel, navy, or gray. Add a pop of color near your face with a silk scarf, bold earrings, or a soft-colored blouse to brighten. 1. Silk Scarf: Patterned Silk Square Scarf: This vibrant-patterned silk scarf adds a pop of color to any ensemble. Its luxurious texture and design make it a versatile accessory for various outfits. 2. Bold Earrings: Chunky Drop Chain Link Earrings: These statement earrings feature a bold chain link design, perfect for adding a modern touch to your look. Their versatile style complements both casual and formal attire. 3. Soft-Colored Blouse: Willa Silk Blouse: Crafted from silk crêpe de chine, this blouse showcases a delicate scarf print in soft hues. Its slim, boxy silhouette and tie cuffs offer a blend of comfort and elegance. 3. Wearing Dated Denim Coming in at number 3 out of 10 style mistakes that make you look older is denim. If your jeans are still low-rise, overly distressed, or boxy and shapeless, they might be aging you. Styles that were trendy decades ago can look out of place today. ✅ Fix It: Upgrade to modern, structured denim with a slight stretch for comfort. High-waisted, straight-leg, or ankle-length jeans are universally flattering and effortlessly stylish. 1. High-Waisted Straight-Leg Ankle-Length Jeans: MOTHER The Tomcat High Waist Straight Leg Ankle Jeans: These jeans feature a high-rise waist with a straight-leg cut that hits at the ankle, offering a classic yet contemporary look. 2. Barrel Jeans: Old Navy High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans: These high-waisted jeans have a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh with a tapered leg, creating a flattering barrel silhouette that hits at the ankle. 3. AGOLDE 90s Pinch Waist Straight Leg – A vintage-inspired, structured fit. 4. Ignoring the Power of Accessories Minimalism is chic, but skipping accessories altogether can leave you looking unfinished. On the flip side, overdoing statement jewelry can feel outdated. ✅ Fix It: Keep it balanced and intentional—a classic leather handbag, a sleek belt, or delicate gold jewelry can add instant sophistication without overwhelming your look. 1. Classic Leather Handbag: Kate Spade Reegan Shoulder Bag: This elegant and minimalist bag is versatile enough for both formal and casual events. Made from durable Saffiano leather, it features a main zipper compartment, an interior pocket, and a decorative flap with a magnetic snap. Available in three colors—Meringue, Black, and Orange Cream. 2. Leather Belt: Gucci Leather Belt with Interlocking G Buckle: A timeless piece from Gucci, this black leather belt features the iconic interlocking G buckle in gold-tone hardware, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit. 3. Delicate Gold Jewelry: 14K Gold Teardrop Necklace: This dainty necklace features a simple teardrop pendant on a delicate chain, offering a subtle yet elegant touch to your ensemble. Square-toe pumps from the ’90s or clunky orthopedic-looking shoes can date your entire outfit. While comfort is a must, style doesn’t have to be sacrificed. ✅ Fix It: Invest in modern yet comfortable shoes like pointed-toe flats, sleek loafers, or block-heel ankle boots. A classic white sneaker can also add a youthful edge to casual looks. 1. Pointed-Toe Flats: Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats: These flats feature a sleek pointed toe and are made from sustainable materials. They offer a comfortable fit with a cushioned insole and are water-repellent, making them suitable for various weather conditions. 2. Sleek Loafers: Birdies The Starling Loafers: Combining the elegance of a loafer with the comfort of a slipper, these loafers feature a sleek design with a soft quilted insole for added comfort. Quince Italian Leather Loafer is a great alternative. 3. Block Heel Ankle Boots: Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots: These classic Chelsea boots feature a sturdy block heel and are known for their durability and timeless style. 4. White Sneakers: Vionic Kimmie Slip-On Sneakers: Praised by Oprah Winfrey, these sneakers offer both style and comfort with podiatrist-approved support, making them ideal for everyday wear. 6. Neglecting Your Eyewear Eyeglasses are a necessity for many of us, but outdated frames can instantly add years to your appearance. ✅ Fix It: Swap out old, heavy frames for lighter, more modern styles. Think sleek tortoiseshell, oversized yet refined shapes, or rimless designs that enhance your features instead of overwhelming them. 1. Oversized Shield Sunglasses: Make a bold statement with oversized shield sunglasses, a trend highlighted in Luar’s spring 2025 runway show. These frames offer a futuristic look while providing ample protection. 2. Vintage-Inspired Round Frames: Embrace a retro vibe with round frames reminiscent of the 70s, updated with modern materials and colors. This style offers a playful yet sophisticated touch to any outfit. 3. Cat-Eye Sunglasses: Add a touch of glamour with cat-eye sunglasses, a timeless shape that continues to captivate. Modern iterations feature sleek lines and contemporary details, making them a versatile choice. 4. Sustainable Frames: For the eco-conscious fashionista, consider sunglasses made from recycled or bio-based materials. Brands are increasingly offering stylish options that are both chic and environmentally friendly. 5. Statement Aviators: Aviator sunglasses have been reimagined with bold frames and tinted lenses, offering a fresh take on a classic style. These statement pieces can elevate your look effortlessly. 7. Wearing Too Much or Too Little Makeup Caking on foundation or skipping makeup altogether can both age you in different ways. Thick makeup settles into fine lines, while bare skin can look tired without a little enhancement. ✅ Fix It: Aim for a natural, radiant look. A light-reflecting foundation, a swipe of cream blush, defined brows, and a hydrating lip color can work wonders. 1. Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation: This foundation offers a natural finish with buildable coverage, suitable for various skin types. It’s praised for its inclusive shade range and skin-friendly ingredients. 2. Cream Blush: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder: This cream blush provides a natural, long-lasting flush with a lightweight, blendable formula. It’s designed to blur imperfections and control shine. 3. Brow Gel: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Brow Gel: This water-based gel sculpts and smooths brows for a brushed-up look. It’s buildable and provides a flexible hold without stiffness. 4. Hydrating Lipstick: Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick: This lipstick offers rich pigmentation with a hydrating formula, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day. Available in a variety of shades to suit different preferences. 8. Sticking to One Hairstyle for Decades Your hairstyle should evolve with you! If you’ve had the same cut and color for 20+ years, it may not be the most flattering for your face shape and hair texture anymore. ✅ Fix It: Consider soft layers, volume-enhancing cuts, and subtle highlights to brighten your look. A modern, well-maintained hairstyle makes a world of difference. 9. Ignoring Proper Fit & Proportion Wearing clothes that are either too tight or too loose can be equally unflattering. The wrong proportions—like long tunics over wide-leg pants—can overwhelm your frame. ✅ Fix It: Focus on balance. If you wear wide-leg pants, pair them with a more fitted top. If you love flowy blouses, tuck them into structured trousers or skirts to create shape. 10. Dressing “Too Young” Instead of Youthful There’s a fine line between looking modern and chasing every single trend. Whether it’s the naked dress, crop tops, or low-rise jeans, there are some trends that highlight your age rather than making you look youthful. ✅ Fix It: Instead of dressing for a different decade, focus on timeless pieces with a modern twist. A structured blazer with tailored jeans, a chic midi dress, or classic loafers with a trendy handbag strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and current. The key is subtle updates—incorporating trend-forward accessories or silhouettes without veering into teen territory. 1. Tailored Blazer: Theory Single-Button Blazer: This classic black blazer offers a sleek, tailored fit, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. 2. Tailored Jeans: AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans: These high-rise, straight-leg jeans provide a flattering, tailored silhouette, combining a vintage-inspired look with modern comfort. 3. Chic Midi Dress: Veronica Beard Midi Dress: This elegant midi dress features a timeless and flattering fit, suitable for various occasions. 4. Classic Loafers: G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns: These classic penny loafers offer a polished look with timeless appeal, perfect for both casual and formal outfits. 5. Trendy Handbag: Kate Spade Reegan Shoulder Bag: This elegant and minimalist bag is versatile enough for both formal and casual events, adding a contemporary touch to your ensemble. Closing Thoughts Looking youthful isn’t about trying to be younger—it’s about being the best version of yourself today. By making these small adjustments, you’ll feel more confident, polished, and effortlessly chic at any age. Yes, it’s possible to avoid 10 Style Mistakes that Make You Look Older. What’s a style mistake you’ve learned to avoid? Share your thoughts in the comments! About The Author Beth Djalali is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more. She’s 66, 5’8, and size 8. Source link

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casspurrjoybell-20 · 10 months ago

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FOOLS - Chapter 9 - Part 2

BOOK ONE: The 'Fools Fall in Love' Trilogy

*Warning - Adult Content*

Samuel Moretti

Oh my God, oh my God.

This is happening.

'No, stop, Sam.'

Noah has a girlfriend, so nothing was happening.

I tried telling myself this but the butterflies in my stomach wouldn't give it a rest.

'Ugh, the life of a teenager, gay boy.'

Okay, I wasn't sure how much time I had to prepare.

I thought about texting him an ETA but thought that might make me sound too eager.

I changed into my slim-fit tan, chino pants and put on my pale pink crewneck over my white t-shirt making sure the hem of the shirt is sticking out a bit for layering and put on my white Vans.

The gym shoes, not the slip-ons that time.

I went to my bathroom across the hall and brushed me teeth.

Haven walked in, mid-brush.

"Where are you going?"

"No where," I responded too quickly with a mouthful of paste.

I was obliviously lying and my sister knew that.

"Mhm. You look cute."

I spit out my toothpaste, rinsed my mouth then popped my toothbrush back in it's holder.

"You think? Should I add jewelry? Like rings or a necklace?" I asked her anxiously.

"Who're you going out with?" she questioned me again with narrowed eyes 'daring me to lie' 'but she already knew who I was going out with.

"I'm not going out with anyone. I'm having a casual hang out with Noah. N.B.D, no big deal," I said in nonchalance, looking at the jewelry I had in a tiny tray that was shaped like a cat's head.

It was yellow and glass.

I glanced at Haven through the mirror and caught her rolling her eyes at me.

"I know what 'N.B.D' stands for, head-ass and going out with Noah isn't a 'casual hang out' for you and go with that thumb ring and then the plain silver one."

I put the silver, chunky thumb ring that she mentioned, on my right thumb, then slid the simple, silver ring on my right finger.

"Too much? Too little?" I asked.

"You look good. Oh. Use this lotion I just got from Lush. It's smells amazing but not girly, you'll like it," my sister insisted, handing me a small tin of the scented lotion that was apparently vegan.

She might not have been supportive of my crush on Noah but she was always supportive of me and I loved her for that.

"Thanks," I said, taking the tin and uncapping it.

I smelled it.

"Hmm."

It smelled like coconut and Shea-butter.

"Right?" Haven exclaimed with excitement.

I chuckled, then I gasped when I received a text from Noah saying he was here.

"Oh my God. Noah's here."

"Chill out, you look good and you smell good."

I nodded, trying to build up some self confidence.

I took another look in the mirror, mused my hair a bit, before telling Haven goodbye.

I let my parents know I was going out, to which they informed my curfew was eleven PM.

I walked out and tried to suppress a grin as I opened the passenger door of Noah's car, hopping into the seat.

"Hey," I greeted him and I received that mini smile.

"Hey," he replied ack at me.

Noah had changed from what he was wearing at school.

At school, he wore joggers and a hoodie.

Now he's wearing dark skinny jeans with rips in the knees, a fitted black t-shirt and a red flannel with hints of grey and black.

High top Chuck Taylor's.

'No, Sam, he didn't change for you.'

He probably already changed into nicer clothes when he got home.

I inhaled, he's wearing that intoxicating cologne again.

I took a deep breath.

"Noah, about earlier today..."

"Where did you want to eat?"

Uh, okay, so that conversation at school never happened.

Well, I was warned not to bring up his parents.

"What I was going to say, earlier during lunch, you had something on your face," I pointed to the side of my mouth, obviously joking.

"Oh yeah?" he questioned amused.

"That's what you were going to say?"

"Yeah and I was going to tell you 'cause quite frankly, it was embarrassing for you."

Noah laughed, like genuinely laughed as I continued with with my faux story.

"But then I thought about the time 'multiple times' you called me a dumbass and figured, I'd let you find out yourself that you had stuff on your face."

I grinned at him.

"Fuck you, Sam," but he was chuckling.

"Tell me where the hell you want to eat at."

"Um, I don't know. Portillo's?" I said as he reversed out of my driveway.

"Oh, I could fuck up some Portillo's."

But when we got there, the place was packed.

Even the drive through had a line around and beyond the building.

Noah and I must've had the same thoughts because I suggested...

"Wanna go somewhere else?" right as he said...

"Let's not eat here."

Which I was happy about.

"Okay, well..." then I realized we were a block or two away from my work.

"Hey, I know a place we could go that's less crowded and we could get food 'or at least junk food' for free," I offered.

Noah smiled.

"I love free food."

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