Ok. So really, I’ve been wearing this color for the last season, but I just can’t get enough of it! Grey and beige nail colors were extremely popular on the Spring 2011 runways- but really, I just like that it goes with everything. This color is called “Steel Grey” by Rimmel London. Go out and buy it, now!
Some days I think it’s brown. Some days, purple. Today, I think it’s grey. What do you think?
It definitely has a certain “je ne sais quoi” about it that keeps you coming back. Non?
Filed under beauty, Fashion, My Life, My Thoughts
As I watch friend after friend move towards the big M, I often catch myself wondering about my own wedding day. Even now at 23 years of age, I think of marriage as a place I will visit when I’m a “grown up”. But when I saw the first images of BHLDN (Anthropologie’s new wedding line to launch, you guessed it, February 14th), my mind began to swarm with the details. Flowers, centerpieces…seating arrangements!
Though Anthro has kept many details quiet before its big launch, the online teaser is enough to make any girl (or even boy) dream of matrimonial bliss. The textures are soft, airy, delicate and rather whimsical.
Ranging from $700-$5,000 for a wedding dress, blushing brides will be lining the street to get into one of these gowns. Especially if they’re reminiscent of their trendy siblings- Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters- both brands that strive to connect to customers on an emotional level.
Right now I might be the furthest thing from marriage material, but I couldn’t help but get excited about the line and the latest addition to my mental wedding scrapbook.
Filed under Fashion, My Life, My Thoughts
…it’s been a while and I’ve missed you.
More to come soon. Promise.
Filed under My Life, My Thoughts
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
I always seem to bring up shoes. I love shoes. They can complete an outfit, create an ending to your fashion story and, depending on the style, provide killer confidence. But when the time comes to adjust your wardrobe in accordance with with the season, it can be difficult to find the right shoe to make the transition — especially when you consider how severe the shift can be in Milwaukee. We all want something that’s practical, that can stand up to a cold-weather beating without sacrificing fashion.
Luckily, there is one go-to fall/winter shoe that is both functional and fashionable, and in comes in a variety of styles that will look good on everyone.
Ladies, I’m talking about the boot.
By definition, it’s a covering that is fitted to the foot, usually made of rubber or leather that typically reaches above the ankle. Boots are the quintessential functional footwear, but I’m not talking about your average lace-up, salt-caked, flannel-lined, made-for-a-Midwest-winter type of boot. I’m talking about the chocolate brown, up-to-my-thigh, I-just-got-these-on-sale type of boot that puts a flutter in your heart and a bounce in your step.
There are so many types: knee-high, ankle, bootie, mid-calf, thigh-high — and even more ways to wear them. Let’s explore the good, the bad and the (very) ugly use and abuse of the classic boot.
Thigh-highs
Wow, could Kate Hudson look any cuter in these?
Her simple outfit allows for her legs and feet to be the main attraction. It’s important to always remember when piecing together an outfit that only one article gets to be the star of the show. In this case, it’s the boots, and they definitely make a statement.
Flickr via AlwaysHighHeels
On the flip side, the thigh-high boot can quickly go from classy to trashy. To the right is a classic example of the latter. I don’t care how old you are, what your profession is, or whether you’re about to get on a motorcycle; leather thigh high boots paired with more skin-tight leather or short anything is bad news. A boot that reaches to your thigh is sexy enough on its own — like the old adage says “all good things in moderation.” Period.
Flickr via lindsay_gardner_season
Ankle Cut
Another fun version of the classic boot is the ankle-cut boot. I personally love the ankle cut paired with skinny-jeans (just like our friend Michelle Trachtenberg, pictured to the left).
The one problem with women who chose the ankle bootie is when they don’t show it off! Don’t wear boot cut, flair or wide-leg pants with these shoes, you won’t be able to see the cut. Pair them with leggings, jeggings or skinnies as better alternatives.
Though these tend to draw attention to the width of your legs, booties with a higher heel can show off strong muscles and elongate the leg.
Knee-high
Last but not least, let’s talk about the classic knee-high boot. Miley Cyrus has the right
Flickr via wideept
idea when it comes to wearing these shoes in style. Almost always, pants should go inside the leg of the boot to show it off. Again, leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans will probably be your best option when it comes to tucking in fabric.
Here, Miley is really rocking the bohemian look, and the boots are what’s pulling it all together. To create a more polished look,
try pairing boots like these with dark skinny jeans and a flowing top. Either way, anyone wearing boots fashionable will stop traffic!
I’m excited for the temperature to drop so we can start to see more of our friend the boot. In good times and in bad, it will be there to protect our feet from the harsh elements as well as create the perfect finishing touch to the perfect fall outfit.
Filed under Fashion, My Thoughts
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
Photo by Frank Ockenfels 3 courtesey of Amctv.com
Everyone seems to have Mad Men fever now, especially after last Sunday’s season premiere. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the show, we can all agree that if nothing else, it sure is easy to look at and the costuming is to die for. The impeccably tailored suits, the crisp and elegant dresses, the perfectly sculpted hairstyles — it’s got everyone loving 60s styles right now, myself included.
With the hit AMC series as inspiration, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite recycled vintage trends. Enjoy!
Flickr via PinkFlamingoSwizzleStick
The pencil skirt. A wardrobe essential for women. The elongating shape flatters a woman’s curves in all the right places. Paired with a men’s style oxford blouse, it adds the perfect balance of structure and femininity.
Pearls. Whether they’re yours or your grandmother’s, real or fake, black or white, pearls go with nearly everything. If you’re feeling ultra-femme, pearls may be the perfect accent. Conversely, if you ever need to soften a hard look they can also be the perfect addition to something edgy.
Flickr via Liebemariene
Waisted dress.The ‘Mad’ ladies can frequently be found wearing these sassy frocks throughout the shows. I personally think they’re super retro-chic and super cute! Many vintage stores sell dresses in this style, but as an alternative you can achieve this look by belting a cute patterned dress too!
Red lips. Okay, so it’s not really a fashion trend, but when put with the right outfit, the combination can be explosive. As scary as it might be to put something red on your face, hone in your inner Joan Harris (Holloway) and pucker up, ladies!
Flickr via Medicone
I hope you can find your own way to adapt these trend to your personal style.
Whatever you wear, wear it with conviction. Hopefully we can all take a little bit of sauciness from Betty, Peggy and Joan- after all they do make the men go mad!
Filed under beauty, Fashion, My Thoughts
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
I was reading a magazine the other day when my eyes ran over an article with suggestions for “end of summer” fashion. What?! July just started!
Flickr via llymlrs
Then, a quick look at my calendar reminded me that, yes, summer is half-way over and whizzing by faster than a jet ski on the lake. Though I personally am not ready to let go of summer just yet (we’ve still got a few solid weeks of sunshine and fun left), it’s always good to be prepared for what’s coming next. Here are my personal picks for transitioning your wardrobe from skimpy summer clothing to cozy, cool fall looks.
1) Throw on an oversized cardigan. Nothing feels more like “fall” to me than adding an extra layer or two. With a baggier cardigan over a tee and skinny jeans or
Flickr via liebemarlene
a dress with leggings, your look will go from perfectly polished to cozy and comfortable. I’ve never met a cardigan I didn’t love. This essential wardrobe item will help you transition seamlessly into the cooler months.
2) Add a military/cargo jacket. Swap out that sweater set for its rougher, tougher cousin. Throw this on to create a harder look. I personally love seeing this type of jacket juxtaposed with something soft and feminine like a skirt, tights and ballet flats.
3) Step into tights. You didn’t think it was time to retire those summer dresses, did you? Phew! Just add a pair of cute tights underneath to make them autumn-ready. Black, opaque, bright, patterned, neon—whatever! Go wild (or tame) with a pair of stockings.
Flickr via triplyksis
4) Kick back with some boots. Need I say more? Donning a pair is the perfect way to say goodbye to flirty cute, and hello to seriously chic. Ankle-cut or thigh-high, I support any and all in between. Knee length paired with a shorter dress and tights — adorable. Ankle high paired with some skinnies– amazing.
Now that we’ve established how to properly transition your wardrobe by adding just a few key items, enjoy those last few weeks of summer- worry free!
Filed under Fashion, My Thoughts
Courtesy of TheOnlyAnlya via Flickr.
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
I’ve been making fashion choices for myself since the age of four. I’ve partaken in trends — some good and some bad. Everything from stirrup pants to bib overalls to my personal favorite- the jelly shoe.
Even at a young age, I seemed to understand that pain was beauty. I still remember the blisters and the tiny red imprints they left in my foot. Rocks found their way into the tiny holes on the playground, my pinky toe often slipped out of the sides and the most memorable of all — once, my father accidentally slammed my jellied foot in the car door.
The not-so-functional plastic slip-ons had a shelf life of about two and a half weeks before they cracked and split in half. After a while, I swore off plastic shoes forever. Those were the days.
Fast forward 18 years. I’m barefoot in a shoe store staring at a pair of bright, shiny, plastic blue shoes.
I quickly slipped them on and walked around, casually glancing into each mirror I passed and admiring the shoes.
Were they ugly? Were they cute? I couldn’t tell, but they were totally unlike my usual purchases.
Courtesy of Carlo Nicora via Flickr.
“Get the shoes,” said my best friend and best mirror, “you need something to throw on when you want to splash around in puddles.”
Well, that would be a great excuse if I was five years old.
“Really? You think so? They aren’t hideous?” They had a way of looking so ugly they were cute. Kind of like a pug.
“Yeah! You need to buy them, they’re not taking no for an answer.” She could help me sign any receipt.
I quickly swiped my credit card before I could change my mind and put the shoes on (it was a rainy day, after all).
I pranced into the mall with my snazzy new shoes and a sassy new attitude. It felt good to be back in plastic. All of a sudden my feet were a novelty again.
My blue shoes.
“Great shoes! Where did you get them?” asked the sales lady at Banana Republic.
“They were 30 percent off and there’s only one more pair left!” I screeched giddily.
I had fallen in love.
The day went on and those little plastic shoes seemed to be the topic of conversation.
You may think I’m crazy, but it would appear that my passion for plastic shoes has returned. I think that everyone can appreciate brightly colored footwear, and I encourage everyone to get a pair plastic shoes — if for nothing else, than prance around like a five-year-old in the puddles.
Cheers!
Filed under Fashion, My Thoughts
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
About six years ago in a land far, far away, a land called New York City, a small t-shirt line was born.
Photos courtesy of Heavy Rotation
Natalie and Brian Holoubek say that they got their inspiration for starting Heavy Rotation from Brian’s father, who was an avid screen printer in the ’60s and ’70s. About a year into their new venture, the pair decided to move themselves and their company to Milwaukee, to be closer to family and continue with their mission — to inject art into fashion.
With a completely organic public relations strategy, the company has some pretty impressive press placements. Celebrities have been seen sporting these unique graphic
Photos courtesy of Heavy Rotation
tees on television, out and about in Hollywood and in the pages of magazines.
“We don’t push our product; people find us and contact us when they want it,” says Natalie. Even so, it was pretty lucky when the costume designer for “That 70’s Show” and “The Big Bang Theory” started using tees from Heavy Rotation. Other placements include Tina Fey’s Baby
Mama and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
The demand for shirts is high and the small staff at Heavy Rotation (their business is called Holoubek Studios) works tirelessly to produce the designs for the graphic tees.
“A lot of it is us observing what’s going on in world and popular culture and pursuing our take on it.
Photos courtesy of Heavy Rotation
It may be direct or indirect. [We like to] see what consumers are looking for,” Natalie says.
Brian and designer Zach Bartel do the majority of the original designs made for the line, which has recently expanded to more than just generic t-shirts. The artistic designs can now be purchased on tunics, tanks and other top styles. There’s something for everyone, even one called “Mini Rotation” for the little ones.
Want to see Heavy Rotation for yourself? Check em’ out online or at their upcoming Urban Garage Sale! That’s right! On June 19, Heavy Rotation hosts their third sale with almost 30 other Milwaukee boutiques. The only requirement from the stores to participate? To provide discounts to the masses. At Turner Hall Ballroom, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, you can enter into one of the biggest sales known to Milwaukee for just $3. And if you download the flyer on the site, you can get in for $2!
Filed under Fashion, My Life, My Thoughts
Here is my latest fashion entry! Be sure to check out more of my articles on the ThirdCoast Digest website!
In these days in between spring and summer, leggings have become my go-to for comfy, casual chic. But there is a fine line between leggings being your best friend or your worst enemy. Lately I’ve been noticing some abuse.
Photo: Flickr via Seeking Intelligent Life
Sure, we won’t all look like stick-thin celebrities with our leggings and Louboutin’s, but we can rock a good pair just like any other girl next door.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will look ultra-cool with one of this season’s comfiest essentials.
1. Pair leggings with an appropriate top. This isvery important. Leggings with a tight shirt is not OK. When two tight things are paired together, nothing is left for the imagination and the whole look starts to look Jersey Shore-ish. And despite the fact that most media is saturated with all things Jersey right now, it’s NOT a good thing.
Photo: Flickr via Thelaughingstork
2. Never pair leggings with a shirt that hits above the bum. No one wants to look like a pregnant Christina Milian (left) when running errands and, trust me, no one else wants to see it, either.
3. Do pair leggings with a loose top. Oversize t-shirts and tunics were made to be put together with leggings, tights and skinny jeans. Try putting your look together like Hilary Duff (bottom right). H&M has great top options at low prices.
Photo: Flickr via Bartbergan.
4. Know which style works best for you. There are so many different styles to choose from – long, mid-length, leather, shiny, lace, jeggings (yes, jeans + leggings) and more! Don’t be afraid to mix it up every once in a while. One day, pair your mid-lengths with a cute pair of ballet flats to be comfy and cozy, the next day, sky-high black booties with a leather pair to give your self a little edge.
Threads is a weekly fashion column on ThirdCoast Digest, Milwaukee’s online Arts and Culture magazine.
Filed under Fashion, My Thoughts
On Sunday, May 9, 2010, I graduated from Carroll University with a degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and minors in Spanish and Marketing.
Mom, me and Dad at Graduation
On Monday, May 10, 2010, I sat in my living room and reflected. Did that just happen?
Yes, yes it did. I looked aimlessly around the room pondering what to do next. Homework? No, never again. Deadline? No, just published. American Idol? No, it’s awful this season. What to do with a four-year degree and no full-time job?
Now begins the search that everyone is telling me will inevitably, in time, come to a finish. The search for gainful employment that will allow me to do what I love, while simultaneously paying my own bills.
My situation is a lot better than some. I have an awesome internship that I will start later this month at a downtown Milwaukee Advertising and Public Relations agency as well as a writing gig as a fashion columnist for the company I interned for my last semester of college.
For now, I will bask in what can officially be called a break. Phew.
Filed under Graduate, My Life, My Thoughts, Work
