DIY & Spring Time!

Crop top; The Laundry Room | Kimono; The Laundry Room | Shorts; Originally from Pac Sun/DIY | Thigh highs; Urban Outfitters | Shoes; Shoes Cult by Nasty Gal | Jewelry; Vintage, Modern Design, Altin Place

Photos by Megan Lane

What a blessing it is to live in California, with this wonderful weather. Not having to deal with the polar vortex here is pretty awesome. It was a bit windy this day (as I'm sure you can tell in a few of these), but the weather was wonderful nonetheless. I love shooting with my best friend. She gets better with it every time. If I'm being honest, this crop top was a bit out of my comfort zone. I usually wear crop tops that aren't so... Cropped. These shorts I got from Pac Sun a couple of years ago, but I hated the colors. White and pink. So, I decided to try dip dying them. I folded them in half and dyed the middle black (which ended up turning out gray, but I'm liking the effect anyway). Then one side purple, and the other blue. I'm really loving how they came out. 

So I have started applying for jobs... In LA. Yeah. I think it's time I just throw myself out there and get out of Fresno, and living at home. Not going to lie, I'm absolutely terrified, but, it's time. If I don't push myself, then who will? I have applied for some pretty cool jobs there though, so prayers and good vibes would be appreciated. I'd be pretty stoked if I could land one of these. 

Hope you all have wonderful week!

xo

Maddie

Black Friday!

Bell bottoms; The Laundry Room | Kimono; The Laundry Room | Top; Forever 21 | Rings; Vintage and Modern Design 

Photos by Betty Leanne Photography

These photos were taken on Black Friday! I had actually gotten this kimono at The Laundry Room right before I met up with Liz to shoot. I actually really like how it looks with these bell bottoms, which I also got from TLR. Who, by the way, are having a cyber Monday sale which you all should check out. Literally my favorite boutique at the moment. They carry brands such as Nasty Gal, Mink Pink, and more. These pants are my absolute favorite.

How was y'alls holiday?

P.S. this KarmaLoop contest is still on, and I'd be so grateful if you guys would vote for me here!

xo

Maddie

Family Style

 Dress; Vera Wang for Kohl's | Boots; Dolce Vita | Jewelry; Vintage

So Demi took my family's portraits about a month ago. Yes, I know I'm behind with these, haha. It was definitely an... Interesting experience to say the least. My family hadn't gotten portraits done since early '09, so it was well overdue. Both Demi and I had to help pose everyone because no one else knew what they were doing lolol. Good times though, I don't know where I'd be without them. My parents have always been so supportive of me, no matter what paths I've decided to go down in life. I'm incredibly blessed to have the family that I do.

xo

Maddie

Lost Girl

Tank,necklace, & feather earring; Forever 21

Shorts; vintage via The Laundry Room

Rings; Wasteland, vintage.

This has got to be my favorite photo shoot to date. I LOVE how these came out! All thanks to Mariaya. I feel like such a lost girl in these. We drove out to Millerton Lake, which was perfect location, especially with the face paint. Awesome concept shoot, I'm seriously obsessed. I forget how many gorgeous places there are just outside of the city. I love California, I really do.

xo

Maddie

Finding Beauty In The Ruins

Skirt; Unif via Revolve Clothing

Shoes; Jeffrey Campbell Claw Damsel via Miss KL

Top & bracelet; Forever 21

Turquoise rings; vintage, Cross ring; Ooh La La

Necklace; Christmas gift

Tights; Target

Photos by Demi Rueda

I think this may be my favorite shoot to date. Definitely wanted a more grungy look, so we drove around downtown until Demi spotted this location, which had obviously become a place of rest for some of the homeless people downtown. Shoes, mattresses, trash everything. But I loved the look of the broken down brick wall. This here is witness that you can find beauty, even in the ruins. 

My parents got me both this gorgeous necklace and my amazing new shoes for Christmas. They spent way too much on me, way more than I deserve. I'm just grateful to have such amazing parents.

It is now the last day of 2012, and it has been one big roller coaster of a year. So many ups and downs, and as always, the highs were the highest, and the lows the lowest. I've learned a lot this past year, and matured an incredible amount. I've learned how to love and be close to someone again. I've learned what I know I don't want to be. I've made mistakes, and now I'm working on redeeming myself. I'm working to get what I want, and learning to leave what I don't need behind.  I started school at Paul Mitchell, and I only have two and a half months left there. I've gained some of the best friends I could ask for, and lost those who could no longer help me along this journey called life. I am so grateful to everyone who has been a part of my life this year, no matter how small the role. My friends, my family, and Kuppajoe, have all played huge roles in making this year what it was. 

For 2013, I hope to have more highs. I have a lot I need to improve on myself. I'm not setting any resolutions, because you shouldn't need a new year as an excuse to work on bettering yourself. I must redeem myself to those I've let down in the past. I have a whole lot to prove, and a whole lot of love to share. 

Farewell 2012, and I pray that 2013 may exceed you. 

God bless you all, and have a safe and happy New Year!

Much love

Maddie

Dip Dye

Sweater; Azkara

Jeans; Azkara

Boots; Kohl's

Necklace; Forever 21

Purse; Kardashian Kollection via Sears

Turquoise rings; Vintage

Thanks to Yezmene for these photos!

Please excuse how ridiculous I look when I laugh. Yes, I got my hair cut again. My Phase Two Learning Leader at school decided to make a mini class out of it. It was driving him crazy, haha. It works out though, because it got rid of the last little bits of damaged hair I still had left, plus now it won't grow out as a huge mullet. And yes, I changed my hair color again as well. I've come to the conclusion that I don't like myself with light hair, and that I will never go blonde again. Whoops. Lesson learned.

How awesome is this sweater?! Which is crazy coming from me since I never wear sweaters... But when I saw the ombre/dip dye color scheme of it, I couldn't help myself. Plus it's really comfy, and warm. Also, these are the only pair of jeans that have ever fit me correctly. If I ever find these again, I'm buying more pairs. 

I can't believe Christmas is in a week! What do you all have planned for it?

xo

Maddie