Dear Charlotte,

Yesterday after school I went and saw The Artist with my mom, starring two actors I hadn’t heard of until then, Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo. Both are obviously French by their names but that didn’t matter because this movie was a silent film, a 10-Oscar nominated silent film at that.

I had never seen a silent movie before (I know, I know, how uncultured I am!) and went into it thinking I was in for some easy entertainment-no talking, no real emotion, right? Wrong. How naïve I was, that old non-silent-movie-watching self!

This movie beat every possible emotion out of me-nostalgia for a time I didn’t even live in (from the roaring ‘20s to the depressed ‘30s), an aching sadness that I carried with me even after the movie ended, and humor at the many comic moments including a talented jack russel terrier.

Dujardin’s expressive face helps him transform from an arrogant actor who jovially plays with his dog to a helpless and angry man shamed by his own profession. Bejo plays her part as a rising star in the new “talkies” well and the fact that she looks like Christy Turlington doesn’t hurt either (lucky b****).

I still don’t understand how a movie without talking can convey such a range of feelings and situations. And I really don’t understand how I have probably never been more moved by a movie than by this one when there is barely a script at all. I’ve sobbed through Titanic, The Notebook, and Secret Life of Bees but never has one got to me like The Artist. It deserves every nomination.

I hope it’s playing in Botswana so you can go see it!

LURVE YEW

xx

Sarah

P.S. Ever since you pointed out the Prada flame shoes to me I have been seeing them EVERYWHERE. You are quite the trend spotter buddy ol’ pal!

HELLO!

I completely agree with your last post about Tumblr vs. Facebook (we're such a deep blog...) and to be honest a lot of the artistic ideas I have often grow from various pictures I've reblogged on the website. I think it's really helpful with finding an outlet where you can express who you really are without retribution from any of those girls who like making insults that sound like compliments at school. 

So remember that fashion show a few weeks back? A day or so later it was featured on the front page of the country paper! Yes I'm just now uploading it. I ACCEPT MY FLAWS. (Anyway here it is...)

PERTY COOL? I thought so.

I've decided that this post is going to be about shoes as well so here are two different ones that I'm currently in love with. I WANT I WANT.

Prada Flame Heels

 Tom Ford's new wedge sandal

I feel that if I were to own the first pair it would instantly make me 1,00000X cooler. With the Tom Ford pair I'm picturing myself elegantly gliding in to some high class party on the top of a pent house in this Alexander Mcqueen dress . This WILL happen. 

So long dear Sarah!

xoxo Charlotte

Dear Charlotte,
Wow, I actually hate you. How come I don't get to take part in a major fashion show? Jeezlouise, you lead a blessed life woman.
I don't know if we have talked about this before, but I was thinking the other day how much knowledge I actually get from Tumblr. It's so far superior to facebook because A. people are actually honest about their emotions and don't give off the "happy effect" that facebookers give off (the one where they seem like they're having waaay more fun then they actually are) and B.Tumblr is all about sharing cool things, rather than giving way to unhealthy stalking (which I am all too familiar with..)
The point of this rant is that on Tumblr a month or so ago, I came across a quote that said "When you take a little bit from everywhere else, it makes a place feel just like home." For some reason this has stayed with me ever since I first saw it, perhaps because it was one of those statements that makes an abstract idea seem simple and substantial. I love the idea of having objects that once belonged to someone else or came from far away in my house. Not just necessary things, like furniture, but little knickknacks and chachkies that have been accumulated over years.
I like the idea of having something that had a whole life before me and a history that I don't even know about.
As I'm sure you've guessed, I'm not exactly a big-time Minimalist. My house is full of random found objects and mismatched old furniture. The other day I got home and found the kitchen bookshelf completely cleaned out (apparently my mother wanted to do some mid-winter cleaning). Walking in, it felt completely wrong so I set about putting all the little "Guys" as my mom calls them, back on their shelf (hence the photo above). I can't wait to make my own collection of "Guys" and stuff from "every where else" to form my own home. Woo to a Small Appartments in New York City!!!!!!
I miss you muchly,
LOVE,
Sarah

Hi!
It's me Charlotte, I'm not dead. Saturday was LE FASHION SHOW and it was amazing! I don't think I've ever experienced such a high-stress situation before with missing make-up artists and wardrobe malfunctions,  but I loved every minute of it. I spent my time getting water for the designers, fixing lights, dressing the models and helping with transitions. The show began in a darkened room  with only a single spotlight that illuminated a woman who began to recite a poem. She was standing inside a giant dress made out of plastics and newspapers that was probably ten feet tall. She would switch off between chanting and singing and as she did so, a model came out wearing this elaborate ring around her with metallic fringe and a large circle on her head with tassels made out of the same material. Then the show began. I'll post pictures soon after I sort them out! I loved your art post! BONNE! (I'm working on my French, how's it coming?)
Salut mon cherie!
--Charlotte

HELLO HELLO
I am just writing to say ksdflkjsd;akj you are so lucky and that I cannot wait to hear all about some great African fashion. Sweet jesus you lead a blessed life. Especially since I know for a fact they wanted to cast you as a model AND have you be an assistant. How could they resist your charms? (;;;
The above is some random stuff I've made in art over the last month or so.
BYE BYE BIRDIE,
Sarah

EEEE

Hey Sarah, I'm back.
I know I know less than 24 hours is MUCH too long to go without posting...and even though I already told you all of this over email, I still want to share it with da world wide web! I'm going to be preparing for a fashion show while I'm here! The designers are from all over Africa and I'm jumpin' for joy. Today was the first official meeting where the designers were all together and they cast the models they'll each be using. I sat in the back like a loner but my social status during this period really could not have mattered less as it was so interesting! After many catwalks and much whispering between the designers the models that are to walk in the show in February were chosen. They were then taken away in groups of about two so that they could receive their fittings. I'm so honored and excited to be a part of this experience! I love love love fashion (Really? You couldn't tell?) so I'm probably a little more crazed over this than most people.
OK I'm done!

Lots of love!!
xoxo
Charlotte

Dear Sarah,
As you know I'm in Africa. Ehh that's really weird to say even though I have been for a few weeks now. Sorry for not posting sooner but everything seems to be moving so quickly right now and I'm just standing around like:

But things finally seem to be finding a somewhat steady pace leaving time to just enjoy the fact that I am here, getting this experience in the first place. 

BUT ABOUT THE CLOTHES:

-yes my school has a uniform.

-yes I look like a man.

The uniform isn't exactly a typical one in the way that here students are allowed to wear what they want as long as their clothes fall into the guidelines of what has been set (much different from all the other schools here, private and public *gasp* THE HORROR) ie. white collared shirt and black pants(nothing tight or revealing) which leaves somewhat little to the imagination. As I got ready for school yesterday (the first day) I looked into the mirror; I won't lie and tell  you I enjoyed the sight of myself in black slacks and a boys polo from Patagonia, but when in Rome...

I'm going to have to find some time where I can model or display some the beautiful clothes here since I'm not able to wear them on a regular basis. I love how totally different fashion is in Botswana and I can't wait to check out what their couture lines look like. 

So here's a little taste of the culture here with a dress my dear mother bought recently to wear around as she has now been abandoned by her children for the sake of their education:

SO LONG AND FARTHEEWELL I'm sure I'll be posting soon<3

P.S: In reply to your latest post on tattoos I think I've always wanted one but I've never known what I've wanted to get/where I've wanted to get it on ma bod. Although as of late my letters to Mr. McCartney have been sent and hopefully someday I'll be getting a tattoo of his autograph. Writing that down sounds totally lame but I WANT ITTT I WANT IT SO BAAAD(getitgetit? heheh lyrics...get it...no...ok peace.)

Tattoos

Dear Charlotte,
First of all, you're in Botswana. HOW can this be?! I find it hard to believe you are actually there in Africa, especially because we're communicating via email so often. It seems like in actuality you're just at home pretending to be in Africa as this elaborate prank on me. You'll show up at school one day and be like, "You actually BELIEVED me?! HAH you're dumb!" and then life will continue on.
Now to focus on the topic at hand: tattoos. We have discussed them often recently and I was just thinking how my view on them has changed over the years. When I was younger I thought they were the trashiest most idiotic things, especially when I'd hear stories about a girl getting her boyfriend's name tattooed on her ass, only to break up with him the following week.
But now, I'm pretty sure when I turn 18 I want one. It would have to be simple, classy, small, and in the vicinity of my wrist or ankle, so as not to get creepy and wrinkly when I get old. The main reason I want one is as a reminder of something. Maybe a simple command like "Listen" really small on my right wrist, or the sign for "infinite" which has a lot of meaning for me, thanks to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. We've even talked about each of us making a drawing to have done when we're eighteen. Personally I'm all for it.
In the back of my mind I do sort of wonder if I just want one because I think girls with tattoos on tumblr look really cool with them. I mean if I'm being honest appearance does have a teeeeny bit to do with my want for a tattoo, but really it mostly has to do with wanting to have a reminder of a good thing.
Apparently bodies have been found dating back up to 5,000 years ago that are tattooed which I think is pretty intriguing. That means that humans almost have an instinct to brand symbols on themselves. I guess it's all just part of a battle to give our lives meaning.
The utter permanence of it does freak me out though.
Have you always been cool with tattoos or is it only recently? How did you used to think of them? Can you picture yourself as a cool old cat lady with a bunch of tats? (< kinda how I picture myself in the future HAWW)
I'LL BE SEEING YOU (except not because you're in Botswana, WAHH),
Sarah

Earrings and Goodbye(for a day or two)

HEY
So this wonderfully attractive picture of me aside, can we all just take a moment to bask in the glory of these earrings? I know you have them as well Sarah so this is for the masses. LOOK. BEHOLD. Snape's beautiful face shines down upon us all. I'm so happy I have friends like you, Clare and Emma that enjoy making creepy jewelry like this as much as I do.

Okay so ignore the strange glow emitting from my chin and my deathlike stare as I tried to center the camera...and focus on these earrings people! My grandmother got them in Venice this past year and gave them to me for Christ-anukkah(has a nice ring dontcha think...) Due to the lack of clarity in my crappy webcam the picture doesn't really do them justice. The large bottom part is multicolored painted glass and the top are hand made clear glass beads. PERTTTTYY. I'm on this thing where I really like dangly bigger earrings again(bringing back my 2nd grade fascination...)

This is going to be my last post in the good ol' U.S of A, as I leave for Africa tomorrow! So fare thee well and I'll post again soon! 

 LERV CHAR

p.s: Can I just get a round of applause for Clare's amazing musical tribute post? I kinda want to start with more guest writers, it's fun. Whaddya think?

Ok by ferrealz this time.

Quality Music Choices with Clare! HUZZAH!

Okay, I’m sending some quality music ideas your way NOW! (: 

Here are some albums that I love in no particular order. Actually, I think they might be in alphabetically order (by artist) because I just went straight down through my Itunes and picked my favorites. You should definitely check out all of them. I will explain the ones that I feel deserve/require an explanation.

1.     Back To Black- Amy Winehouse 

 This is one of my favorite albums ever. She is absolutely incredible. Her voice is so soulful and her songs so passionate. R.I.P Amy, we miss you:( 

2.     Funeral- Arcade Fire

3.     Abbey Road- The Beatles

 I AM A BEATLES FANATIC (just like Charlotte and Sarah!) They are my favorite band of all time. I love all of their albums tremendously but there is definitely something special about this one in particular. I’m in love with every single song on the album. It never gets old. Ever. 

4.     El Caminio- The Black Keys

 This is their newest album. I had doubts when it first came out because I didn’t think they would be able to follow or out do their last album, Brothers (another fabulous album, I might say) but they definitely did an amazing job with this one as well. Going to see them in concert in April. Hell yeaaaah.

5.     Bon Iver- Bon Iver

6.     Nighttiming- Coconut Records

7.     Hunky Dory- David Bowie

 David Bowie<3333333

8.     LP- Discovery

 Sarah turned me on to them! At first, I didn’t really like them but they definitely grew on me. I love the mix of electronic and Indie music. The keyboardist from Vampire Weekend and the singer of Ra Ra Riot 

9.     Up From Below- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

10.   Torches- Foster the People

11.   Easy Wonderful- Guster

 ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS OF ALL TIME. They are extremely talented in every way and their songs are creative and original. They are from Portland, mah home town, and it’s very inspiring to see how they went from being a small, unknown band to being pretty well known. Being a musician, I know how hard it is to get gigs and try to get yourselves out there. What they’ve done IS MY DREAM. Props to them! I recommend all of their albums!

12.   Speak for Yourself- Imogen Heap

13.   The Kink Kronikles- The Kinks

14.   Junk of The Heart- The Kooks

15.   Born This Way- Lady Gaga

 Not gonna lie, Gaga’s my guilty pleasure. She’s expressive, she supports everything I stand for, she’s badass and I like her music. I wanna meet her- I’ve heard she’s a pretty stupendous lady.

16.   Turtleneck & Chain- The Lonely Island

 I FUCKING LOVE ANDY SAMBERG. HE IS MY HERO. They’re hilarious. If you haven’t already, check em’ out. 

17.   Oracular Spectacular -MGMT

18.   Good News for Bad People- Modest Mouse

 One of my favorite albums of all time. They’re an alternative/indie band. They have fantastic lyrics and their lead singer has the most unique voice ever. The other album by them that I listed on here is also pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.

19.   Sign No More- Mumford & Sons

20.   We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank- Modest Mouse

21.   Harmony- Nevershoutnever!

 Another guilty pleasure.... don’t judge.

22.   Feels Like Home- Norah Jones

23.   These Streets- Paolo Nutini

24.   Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix- Phoenix

 I love Phoenix. Everything about them is appealing. They have a unique sound and they write about stuff that everyone can relate to. Does it get any better?

25.   Dark Side of the Moon- Pink Floyd

 HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED THE WIZARD OF OZ WHILE LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM? IT’S PRETTY TRIPPY AND FUCKING AWESOME. They are one of the most creative bands of all time. The way they sing, their harmony, use of other sounds other than instruments, the lyrics and of course, the instrumentals are absolutely breathtaking. This album is actually not only an album, but a piece of art. Every song leads perfectly into the next song and in a way, tells a story. It’s brilliant. I love it.

26.   Hail To the Thief- Radiohead

 Dear, everyone who hasn’t listened to Radiohead before, GO HITHER. LISTEN TO THE BEAUTY OF THEIR MUSIC. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY. love, a Radiohead fan.

27.   Californication- Red Hot Chili Peppers

28.   Begin to Hope- Regina Spektor

 The best singer/songwriter/pianist of my generation. Although her lyrics are strange, they always tell a beautiful story. Her voice is almost magical and no song is alike. Yeaaaah Regina.

29.   Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme- Simon and Garfunkel

30.   40 Oz. To Freedom- Sublime

31.   Tourist History- Two Door Cinema Club

32.   Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend

33.   The Virgins- The Virgins

34.   Young the Giant- Young the Giant

Should have won Best New Artist of 2011 this year but nooo, everyone voted for Tyler the Creator. Why would anyone pick that scaryass, rapping mofo over Young the Giant? I don’t know. I really don’t.