Helvetica

"Type is saying things to us all the time. Typefaces express a mood, an atmosphere. They give words a certain coloring." 

-Rick Poyner

"The meaning is in the content of the text and not in the typeface, and that is why we loved Helvetica." 

-Wim Crouwel

"You can say, "I love you," in Helvetica. And you can say it with Helvetica Extra Light if you want to be really fancy. Or you can say it with the Extra Bold if it's really intensive and passionate, you know, and it might work."

-Massimo Vignelli

I just finished watching Helvetica (2007), a film that documents the reign of this Swedish-born typeface in Post-modern times to it's affect on today's visual culture. It sounds a bit boring, a film about a typeface, doesn't it? But as a design student I found the insight of the designers, artists, and writers featured to be eye-opening. Not to mention it addresses the concept of design as a whole. I don't think you have to work in a visual field to be able to appreciate and understand the way in which these fonts affect visual communication. We all communicate with words, don't we? 

...just as long as it's not Comic Sans.

Delicately Hazy

Last week I received a question on my tumblr asking for my styling advice on how to wear a sheer navy blouse from H&M. Lo and behold, what would I find on the H&M sale rack later that week but the perfect navy blouse? I'm usually a little wary about anonymous questions; I've received my fair share of both mean and bizarre messages, but this anonymous user only had kind things to say. Most of all I was excited to see that someone had found this blog through my other. I have a link to Coloured Theory posted in my "about" section and I've posted my photos from here once or twice, but since I never directly addressed the existence of my personal style blog I assumed the tumblr community had no idea it existed. So than you, anon, for you lovely complements. I hope I was helpful!

I wore this to work on Wednesday and so I paired the blouse with a solid black camisole and high-waisted skirt. If I was going somewhere more casual, either out with friends or maybe just running errands, I would wear my black bandeau with high-rise jeans instead. My mom pointed out that my outfit didn't look very "bright," I guess navy and black outfits are more characteristic of colder seasons. Her comment sent the wheels in my head turning, and now I'm searching for a yellow or gold patterned skirt that will brighten this blue a little more.

I'm also completely enamored with this shade of seafoam green nail polish from Essie's "Brazilliant" collection. It's called Absolutely Shore, and depending on the light it changes from a soft green to pale blue or even a dove gray. 

Looking at these photos now, I think I may have unintentionally given my hair an ombre color effect as I'm letting the color grow out. Or maybe it just looks like I have massive roots.

Close Encounters

Keira Knightley by Yu Tsai for Flaunt Summer 2011

I don't mind the styling as much as other people seem to. I think she looks especially stunning in the lavender shift with flowing pink fabric and sheer embroidered veil. 

*images via FashionGoneRogue