A Big Pig Post

A surprisingly large amount of people come to this blog looking for pig pictures. Don't get me wrong, I get it, I have a pig. But looking for pig cartoon pictures? Sorry, can't help you there. But for the pig lovers/ pig picture hunters out there, this post is dedicated to you.

This is Dracul, my pet pig. He is 3 years and two months old. I've had him for three years and one month. It hasn't all been good but he's my pet and I love him.Why hasn't it all been good? Well, for one thing, it's difficult having a pet pig. He gets bored easily when he's alone and he destroys things. He eats everything (like even things you wouldn't expect - like the kitchen floor), he eats clothes (my favorite sweater! R.I.P.), he eats paper (my creative writing essay - I swear, my pig ate my homework!). He attacked the refrigerator too many times to count and we had to put a chain and lock on it. Also, people's reactions tend to be either overly enthusiastic (following me around while I walk him, taking unwanted photos of him or me, stopping me to talk - this one's not so bad, petting him - this one depends, if they ask me and he's ok with it, I don't mind, but if they just do it, it's not really ok) or on the contrary.

I think my life would be a lot easier of I didn't have him but I made a commitment the day I took him in and unless something happens to change that (he goes nuts and attacks me or something), he's going to continue to be my pet living with me. There are definitely ups and downs when it comes to having him as a pet. He can be really sweet and I do love him. But as I said, it's complicated.

Dracul in his new room. Notice the walls are covered and so is the door. Necessary because of his attacks.

My boyfriend hates the pig (Dracul used to get up REALLY EARLY and start making noise - banging things around and basically screaming - to wake up the boy and to get his breakfast; and he destroys stuff) and also we used to live in a tiny tiny apartment. We moved and things have improved a bit - Dracul has his own room, for one thing. But Dracul doesn't like to be alone and so he has been attacking the door to his room. And he has been stealing stuff from the desk I have in his room and destroying/eating it all. Like he's eaten my notes for an upcoming exam and he destroyed this month's Burda sewing magazine. Bad pig!

You know that song about that lady that takes in a snake and then she takes care of it and then the snake ends up biting her and is all like "woman, what did you expect? I'm a snake!"?Yeah, so ok, I know he's a pig. Duh. But still, there are rules and he needs to start following them. Currently I have emptied out the desk I keep in his room so that he doesn't have the possibility to fuck up any more of my stuff. I left him some papers to play with and the bubble wrap. But no more important stuff or books. I'm quite sad about the books he's torn up.

Dracul on his bed. Tired after a day of destroying things... That's his bubble wrap beside him.

We moved last week and things have been tough on me. A lot of cleaning, getting the new flat prepared, the old one fixed up, oh and the boxes everywhere! But all-in-all, I'm glad we moved and hopefully Dracul will come to like his room and the parks that are here and hopefully we will make some friends (we had a lot of dog walking people and their dogs as friends in Nusle, where we lived before).

I'll leave you with a picture of me in my pig walking gear and the lobby of our new flat. Btw, mr. pig is behind me in the last picture. Can you see him? :)

*All pictures were taken from my instagram account. So if you want to see more pig pictures, you should definitely follow me on instagram: http://instagram.com/msveveve#

Lusting After...

...this Asos pencil dress with button detailing. I want it so bad. Sadly, it has sold out in my size. How stupid of me, because it was available like two days ago and I didn't pounce on it as I should have done. Lesson learned.

Motorcycle jackets - Now and Then

I'll start by saying that I'm a huge huuuuuge fan of the leather jacket. I have a few and I wear them over and over until they die, yeah. That's how much I love the motorcycle/leather jacket. The good thing about the moto jacket is that it basically goes with anything in your wardrobe, be it jeans, tailored pants or a girly dress. Versatility, that's it's biggest plus. That and their instant chic factor.

I'm currently lusting after this quilted Zara version.

 The motorcycle jacket is a classic example of clothing that went from function to fashion. But of course, not all leather jackets are suitable to wear on a motorcycle. And obviously, all jackets are not made equal. Quality is an issue and the style and cut of the jacket is key. There are some truly hideous ones out there but when it comes to the leather jacket or the motorcycle jacket, I think it's not that hard to find one that is perfect for you.

The History of the Motorcycle Jacket

Let's take a look at how the motorcycle jacket came to where it is today. It all started in the 1900s when aviators and members of the military would wear brown leather flight jackets with button front closure. They wore these jackets for their durability and for warmth. So definitely more function than fashion, though I bet those boys wore proud to wear theirs too.

"The initial development of the motorcycle jacket began with companies like Schott who opened in 1913, and began producing motorcycle jackets during the 1920’s. In Detroit, The Joseph Buegeleisen Co. started business in 1933 providing motorcycle accessories & saddlebags, and began producing motorcycle jackets in the 1940’s. Other early jacket makers/retailers include Indian Motorcycles with only one model jacket, the 'Ranger' for men, and the 'Rangerette' for women. The woman’s model had the pocket and zipper opposite of the man’s model."                           - http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com/

Harley Davidson has also fielded quality leathers since the early days, starting business in 1910. In 1928 Irving Schott designed the first motorcycle jacket, which he named after his favorite cigar, The Perfecto. He sold it for $5.50 at the Harley Davidson store in New York.

Iconic Marlon Brando in The Wild One

 In the 1953 movie The Wild One, Marlon Brando appeared in a classic leather bomber. This style began to symbolize a rough and rebellious youth culture, leading schools in the US to ban their students from wearing similar jackets.

"The 'Pistol Pocket' holster shaped design on Harley Davidson jackets was also used by such makers as: Buco, Hercules, Beck, and a number of others. This was a popular 1940’s design element that carried over into the 1960’s with the Sears Oakbrook model. Another old style design incorporates a storage pocket in the back accessed by a zippered opening on the left side, not unlike the pockets on many hunting jackets.

An additional factor in the design of the motorcycle jacket was the Seminal influence on fashion provided by Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones in which his double breasted 'one star' Schott jacket became the norm. Many jacket manufacturers followed suit, and added another star to the epaulet, though not necessarily a quality improvement over Schott’s original."                           -http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com

James Dean

"In 1955 James Dean's motorcycle jacket practically became his second skin--which definitely helped its rebel reputation." Plus he looked pretty darn good.                                         

 - Glamour Magazine

Blondie

 In the 1970s Debbie Harry wore her sleeveless version with pride. And lookit, here she is mixing prints before it was a trend. Love her.

One of my all-time favorite bands - The Ramones

"In 1974 when The Ramones hit the stage at CBGB (also wearing the Schott Perfecto), Punk magazine founder Legs McNeil described them like this: 'They were all wearing these black leather jackets…They looked so striking. These guys were not hippies. This was something completely new.'" I'm also having some serious fringe/bangs envy here.

Kate Moss looks perfect in her leather jacket.

In the 2000s celebrities like Kate Moss and the Olsen twins help usher in a new era of the motorcycle jacket. One that is still strong today. And I couldn't be happier. Below is a picture of moi from over three years ago wearing a fake leather jacket (not my favorite but whatever) and holding Dracul. Obviously, you can't see much of my outfit but the point is that this picture might well have been taken three days ago and you wouldn't know it because leather jackets are timeless. They can be investments pieces. They can be worn almost all seasons and they are bloody fantastic.

MsVeve and tiny Mr. Pig.

Okay, now you know about my obsession with motorcycle jackets and I can go get some work done. I've got an essay to write and books to read. And planning some sewing soon.

Till next time,
xo,
Miss V

 All quotes from http://www.glamour.com/ and http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com

Back From Holiday Blues

As I have probably mentioned before, last week I was on holiday is Austria.Now, I'm a city girl, through and through. So mountains aren't really my thing. But it's nice up there sometimes. Like in the picture above, that was pretty neat. But I had a head cold and having a cold whilst being on vacation sucks.

I tried to get the most out of my holiday by enjoying the trips and resting when I could. I read two and a half books. I went swimming. I had some fun.

I saw a gigantic mushroom. So obviously I posed with it. I wore cropped green pants. Sometimes I didn't bother wearing a bra but that's besides the point. Which was probably due to reading this book. (Love it!!! And yes I have said "I am a feminist"while standing on a chair...)

I rode on a ferris wheel and wore my new glasses (a lovely feeling of actually being able to see).

I bought a new hat. I was inspired by a photo that Shoeperwoman posted on her instagram to give hats a chance. I tend to be shy of hats. I just kinda feel ridiculous wearing one (if it's not the middle of winter and the hat in question in a beanie and necessary for my ears not to freeze off). But I decided to give it a go and was quite happy with the outcome. But then again, wearing a hat on vacation for three days is different than wearing one in normal day life. So we'll see...

Lastly I want to say that I really, really, REALLY missed my pig. He was on holiday as well, on a farm of a friend. He was there 9 days and I'm told he had fun (he actually didn't want to go home). But I am super glad to have him home. This is us over at my parents' garden having a chill out on Sunday. All pictures are from my instagram account.

Wedding fevers

Last Saturday the boy & I were invited to a friend's wedding. It took place in Prague at the Staromestska radnice and the wedding lunch was over at V Zatisi and later we all went to the couple's house for a garden party. Luckily the weather was near perfect and it really was a lovely day indeed. I went as the yellow fairy in my Julien Macdonald strapless prom dress, Mango purse and Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Skyscraper heels. It was the first time I wore them and to be honest, they definitely were NOT the most comfortable shoes. I was in loads of pain since they scrunched up my toes. Luckily there was a lot of sitting involved.

 

We still have two weddings to attend this summer. It seems that everyone is getting married or turning thirty. Speaking of birthdays and celebrations, about three or so weeks ago we attended a weekend getaway birthday party at Zbonice, the cabin was called Devin. It really was a great cabin - with a pool table, a small swimming pool and a sauna. It was so nice to just hang out with friends and eat grilled food. We were there Friday and Saturday and Sunday morning we left for Prague. My only complaint was that it could have been warmer but that's really not much of a complaint anyways.

It was great during the day but at night I was freezing. Reminder to self: next time pack more warm clothing! Because summers in the Czech Republic suck. But then again, this happens basically anytime I go anywhere. You'd think I'd learn by now but nope. Same old same old mistake over and over again. But as I said, when the weather is the only thing that's not perfect, well that's pretty darn good.

Till next time,
V

Last Week...

 Last week was my birthday and I had this whole super day planned. Yeah, well, you know the saying about making plans and God laughing? Well, apparently, there's something to it, cause most my plans were canceled due to Mr. Pig. He bit me. I was on the phone talking to the boy about the mortgage and things and suddenly the pig ran up to me and attacked. Bit my hand. Instead of going to the Zoo as I had planned I went to the hospital and got my hand looked at. They said it needs stitches but it being an animal bite, they only taped it up a wrapped it - no stitches due to the risk of infection - and have been going to check ups and am currently on antibiotics. Fun. So that was my birthday for ya. Well not all of my plans were canceled, the boy and I did end up going to a steak house for a celebratory dinner.

I wore a new dress I bought myself for my bday. (Sadly, probably the last thing I'll buy for awhile - the lab I work has less money now so all our pays have been shortened.) The dress is from Zara Woman. The shoes were a gift from my sis and are also Zara Woman (I love those little golden spikes everywhere!). Bag is from Paul B from Dubai. Anyways, the hand is doing better though it still hurts and thus I actually have a genuine excuse for not blogging. :) I am, however, planning a big blogging comeback once we move and I have internet at home. Until then bare with me, please. Yours, xo, Miss V.

Summer Adventures

Over on the blog Yours Truly there was talk of summer adventures. In the comments, in order to win a copy of the new issue of Betty magazine, readers could share their own summer adventures -

here's what I shared:

a story from seven summers ago:

I had just graduated from high school (has it really been so long??) and as is tradition in my family, I got to choose a gift for passing my final exams. I remember my brother had chosen a watch when he graduated and I can't recall what my sister chose. But for me it was a simple decision: I had always wanted a dog. I was never allowed one, because my family kept moving around (I grew up in France and in Maryland, US, although we come from Prague, Czech Republic, where we are all currently living too) but I had always always wanted one so so much.

I had the breed BULLTERRIER in mind and was looking for a suitable puppy but then one day soon afterwards my brother came to me with an add from the pound. There, a three and a half year old dog named Buddy was looking for a new home. He had hardly any fur, poor thing, and it was apparent from the picture in the add that he had his tail broken. He also had worms and a bad eye infection. But the look he had on his face...that look went straight to my heart and I knew right away that that is my dog. I called the pound and it took a while to get the proceedings happening and since he was of poor health I had to wait until they "cured" him of the worms (they so didn't btw) before I could go pick him up.

The pound was located in a little village somewhere far far away and my brother and I packed up the car and went for a lovely road trip. We arrived in the village Maly Jenikov and finally found the pound and there was Buddy, super excited that he had visitors. We were a bit uncertain and so they told us to take Buddy for a walk and see if we were a good match. I had already bought Buddy a new leash so I snapped it on him and we went out for a walk. Buddy was so happy, (he obviously wasn't walked much, poor thing) and was really enjoying his walk when he happened upon some other dog's dried pooh. What he did next was he literally threw it at me with his paw. I laughed so hard I almost cried. That decided it: this dog has character and he is going home with us.

We went back in the pound and signed the papers and I gave them a donation and we put Buddy in the back of the car and headed back home. Buddy would not stay in the back of the car and jumped over the seats and was trying to play with my brother who was driving so in the end I had to have Buddy on my lap (he smelled really bad too poor little dude) and his tail kept hitting the stick shift:) After we finally got home we opened the door and my parents greeted Buddy (they were against me getting him because he had looked so awful without the fur and everything, but they're nice people so they let me have him) and he ran into the house, tail wagging like it's his birthday, ate his dinner that was waiting for him in the kitchen in a bowl and then jumped on the couch and smiled. The dog was smiling because he knew he was home.

It's been seven years and I must say that Buddy is the most amazing dog ever. He is a true friend. There may have been a few problems on the way (he is allergic to a few foods and his paws get bad in the winter if we're not careful, and we had to teach him not to attack hedgehogs - that was his one vice,hunting hedgehogs) but it all was worth it. He now has such lovely fur that people stop me on the streets and ask me if he is a show dog :)) Oh, and my parents love him so much that when I moved from their house to a rented flat (only 10 minutes away by tram), they begged me to let them keep him (they have a garden so they won).

Life is funny that way I guess. But that summer adventure was one of the best moments in my life. Thanks for letting me share it with you:)

Above: the photo according to which Buddy found his way into my heart:) Below: Buddy from the side, you can see he was missing a lot of fur. I honestly think no one else would have taken him in.

Buddy now - he likes to guard the garden from the living room sofa:) He is a lovely and happy animal.

Uncle Karl & Melissa

When I recently read in a magazine that Karl Lagerfeld was teaming up with Melissa I was super excited. I had visions of Chanel and plastic. Sadly, the collection is really tiny (4 different styles of shoes: 2 flats, 2 heeled, 0 wedges :/ ) and they're not really me. I do like the heeled shoes though. The color options aren't amazing but I did like the blue pair of the Ginga shoe (they're fun enough in the blue version for me to give them a go):

And the shiny white pair of the Incense (hey, a shoe with an ice-cream cone, I'm game):

However, I'm not as in love with these as I am with the Vivienne Westwood collection. I mean, I wouldn't say no to them if they were gifted or for cheap but to actually dish out loads when I'm currently on a budget? Not thank you. And to be honest, the flats are hideous. Sorry uncle Karl. Better luck next time.

Summer Haven

 Life has been crazy hectic these past few weeks. There was TONS of uni exams (one of which I did not pass and am now going to be studying for a year longer. It sucks but hey, it's not the end of the world!) and I don't have internet at home (long story). We'll be - hopefully - moving soon. I was supposed to go to the bank today but the bank lady canceled (weird), so I'll be going tomorrow morning. This past weekend, I was at a cabin with friends and it was perfect. Though the weather could have been better, was definitely a tad too cold at night. The weekend before I was at my parents' place and we took Dracul and he had a blast! :) He had like a million strawberries. The picture below speaks for itself. Such a happy pig!

It's my bday next week and my lovely sis took me shopping and got me this fake leather jacket from Mango. It's a motorcycle jacket - with padding and all. Love it! I actually have been very good with shopping - or rather not shopping - and am saving up all I can for the move. I can't believe I'm actually getting a mortgage. It feels so grown up!

Speaking of new stuff. My sis also got me this awesome belt. It's from Zara.

I know I've been neglecting the blog a lot but if you want to see more pictures try my instagram. It's easier for me to upload there because I have the internet on my phone (but not enough data to post on the blog). It may be mostly pictures of the pig, but I do post outfit posts once in a while. I'm looking forward to the move because a) we'll have the net there and b) hopefully there will be better places to take outfit photos. I'll try to keep you posted. Till next time, xo, Miss V

Crazy Times

These past few weeks have been crazy indeed. Have had so many exams and still have quite a few to go (five more). But mainly I finally found a flat! That's right! The boy & I & Mr. Pig are moving! (Well actually, we're moving sometime in August/September but were buying the flat now.) I can't wait to move! Though I'll miss the part of Prague we live in, I definitely won't miss the tiny tiny flat.

Here are some photos of the flat:

This is the building. It was built in 2009. There's a parking space in the garage that goes with the flat too.

The flat has a really big balcony. I cannot wait to have a veggie grill party. Dream come true.

Also the flat has a great kitchen! I am in awe of all the room we'll have! Currently we have a one room flat (one room = the whole flat) whereas this is a two bedroom plus kitchen and living-room flat with a balcony.

We're signing this Thursday, woo-hoo!

Margot Fonteyn

Style inspiration, role model and completely amazing woman all rolled into one. Margot Fonteyn was one of the best ballet dancers of all time. She may not have had "great feet" but watching her dance was something genuinely magical. She was simply gorgeous, but also talented and incredibly passionate. I hope one day I find such a passion for something as she had for dancing. Today I dedicate this post to her.

A New Favorite

 About a week ago, the Boy surprised me with this Zara see-through clutch in orange. I had been looking at it while waiting for him once and it was quite sweet of him to take notice. It has fast become one of my favorite accessories: it's quirky, it's cute, it doesn't fit much but then again, I usually carry around way too much stuff anyways and it's good to sometimes prioritizes and take just what's necessary. Image is from yesterday, back from the pub. Wearing: Thrifted jacket, Zara dress, Bershka belt, Asos flats and watch, Zara clutch.

Stressed and Thoughtful

Last Thursday I went to an exam and sadly did not pass the test. It was my second attempt so that leaves one more go. I failed the test by very little (6 points, and the first try 2 points, but this time it was objectively a harder test version) and am in no hurry to try again. Truth be told I'm feeling very disinterested in my major. I should be working on my thesis and I should be constantly studying but instead I find myself distracted. Like right now, I should be writing an essay I'm to hand in tomorrow morning (on Eliza Haywood's Fantomina) but here I am, musing on my blog. I'm twenty five years old yet I don't feel "grown up" at all. On one hand I feel like I have all the time in the world yet on the other I feel like I've already run out. I keep hoping that everything will fall into place once I find my ideal flat and purchase it and move. I have all these plans but I know I'm really procrastinating. I should be focused on uni right now. Instead here I am and applying glitter nail polish and making a mess. (Model's Own Pink Fizz  - a really good glitter nail polish, but it's a bitch to remove.)

Instead of analyzing Fantomina I've spent the last half hour watching an episode of Bones (s08e22) and thinking how the show used to be a whole lot better while eating Lay's chili and lime chips (so so good).These are by far my favorite chips. Back to the issue of Bones - I used to dislike Cam but as the show goes on, I find I like her more and more and in a way am interested in Temperance less and less. While rooting for so long for a relationship between her and Booth, it feels like they were kind of better before they were together. Make any sense?

 As to not leave you with just a bag of chips and nail polish, here's an outfit I wore last week to the pub. This type of dress has fast become one of my favorites. I love knee length TIGHT tight dresses. This one is from H&M.

Also wearing: Reserved jacket, Zara shawl, Asos belt, Stradivarius bag, Asos watch and Zara heels. I like that they have a bit of sparkle to them but it's very understated. Anyways, wish me luck in finishing my essay and in my pending exams. Till next time, xoxo, MsVeve