What exactly is soft grunge...?

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Not sure why, but I get this question a lot. I guess because I have purple hair, I'm some sort of authority on soft grunge? I mean, okay. Not really, but whatever. Anyhow, I just want to give y'all a little explanation of the trend and some examples of things that are and aren't true soft grunge. It's a term that's thrown around pretty recklessly on the internet these days, and I just want some clarification. Hope you enjoy! Plus... there just may be a pic of a kitten at the end for a little bonus.

Here's the Urban Dictionary definition of Soft Grunge that I don't like. This is the annoying stereotype that grinds my gears.

A term generally used to describe modern-day teenagers, typically girls between the ages of 14-18, who like create a "hardcore" persona on Tumblr by reblogging pictures of inverted crosses, dip-dyed hair, ying-yang symbols and toilets. They like to pretend that they listen to grunge music by wearing stylish Nirvana tees that match their $200 pair of Doc Martens. If you were ask them who the Misfits were, they'd probably say anyone who isn't sporting spikes this season.

Noun: That purple haired girl over smoking a cigarette in the rain is sooo soft grunge.

Adjective: Check out this soft grunge blog for pictures of girls that look like zombies, cats, and zombie cats!

And here's the real story:

Grunge was a movement that originated in the 80's and 90's in the Northwest. It began with musicians such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and The Melvins. The grunge style originally was unintentional; artists would wear the same sets of clothing day in and day out, resulting in a torn and worn out look. With the help of websites like Tumblr, grunge has evolved into something new. While some people view this style as a bit of a sellout, I just view it as an aesthetically pleasing look, regardless. Some common recurring themes I've noticed in modern soft grunge are:

Upside down crosses:

Mermaids:

Cat themed accessories:

Studs and spikes:

Vintage-y photos:

Creepers (the shoes):

Exotic, pastel hair colors with flower crowns:

Doc Martens

Random photos like these:

This picture is basically the epitome of Tumblr Soft Grunge:

Special episode of pastel grunge coming soon!!

Disclaimer: This is my view of soft grunge. You can have your own view, that's fine. I'm by no means an expert. But you probably aren't either... Just sayin'

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Kitten Season

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Hi, I realize this is unrelated to fashion... but it's important! and about cats! So please listen!

Spring is here, and soon we'll all be out of school, the weather will be warm, and it will be summer! While this is super exciting, summertime means "kitten season." This is the time when un-spayed female cats go into heat and start producing copious litters of kittens. Especially in areas with warmer, drier climates, the amount of stray cats and kittens gets to be astronomical. But... you can help!! Two words: foster kittens.

I've fostered multiple litters of kittens, and I can tell you that it has been one of the most rewarding and fun experiences of my life. I fostered my first kitten the summer before my senior year of high school. His name was Muffin, and when we picked him up from the Reno humane society (an amazing shelter to visit if you're in the area!!) they told us that he'd been found earlier that day wandering the streets of downtown Reno. I'm not sure if you've ever visited there... but if  you can picture a tiny 5 week old kitten stumbling down Virginia street through the land of prostitutes and run down casinos, you can imagine how much compassion I felt for this little guy! His meow sounded like he had been smoking a pack a day for 30 years; it was so hoarse from meowing, searching futilely for his mother. I remember almost crying as he was sleeping on my lap when we drove him home. I felt inadequate, unqualified to care for this half dead bundle of fur and love. He looked into my eyes and I felt this trust and love radiating from him, I was his only hope for survival and I think he knew I was there to care for him. I nursed him back to health, force feeding him until his body remembered how to eat. He grew from a pathetic, dying shadow of a cat to a playful, loving kitty. He holds such a large place in my heart still, and I won't lie... I cried when I had to give him back to the Humane Society to be adopted.

Anyways, long story short, if you love animals, I'd HIGHLY recommend fostering a kitten this summer. They need your help, and I can promise that you'll gain so much from this experience, as will the fluffy little fur balls you help out!

Here are some helpful links to find out more about the fostering process. If you're really interested, make sure to contact your local humane society!!

What to do if you find a newborn kitten

Foster Kitten Manual

Also... we can't end this post without some adorable pics of my foster kitties from years previous!

Look how pathetic this lil guy looks...

Feelin a little better sitting on my bed.

Kitty cuddles!!

All swaddled up!!

Look at those eyes!!

Hahaha, photobomb. Level: kitten.

Yoga?

Kitty cuddles, my cat Quigley loves kittens.

Loversss.

 Heres a video for your viewing pleasure:

Look how little he is!!

Those eyes.

Hehe, couch cushion kitty.

Little Bonnie!

I loves them...

Quigley really does love those kitties.

Close up!

I can't get enough of the kitten cuddles.

Japanese lucky kitty! Lil' Killer was such a sweetie.

Kitty kisses!!

Look at lil' Niblette.

Tee hee!

See! There's fashion in this post!

This is what Muff of Fluff turned into. A happy, healthy kitty.

P.S. These kitty pics will get you through finals week. you're welcome.

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Peplum Do's and Dont's

I just wanted to shed a little light on something that's been bothering me recently. I've been seeing a bunch of girls wearing peplum shirts with flowey skirts. I'm sorry, but this look does not look good on anyone. It just doesn't. It's not going to flatter anyone's body. Just sayin. Rule of thumb: loose on top, tight on bottom. Loose on bottom, tight on top. Sorry if this was a little rant, haha... Just had to put it out there.