Winter Wonderland

Alexander McQueen dress / Zero + Maria Cornejo coat / Carven shoes / Diane von Furstenberg clutch / chloe + isabel necklace / Lanvin gloves / winter wonderland

It finally happened. Minneapolis got a real snowfall. It's first in almost two years, really, with how incredibly mild last winter was. I'm usually one who welcomes the warm winter, as I much prefer the spring and summertime, but the holiday season changes everything. It's just not right for the ground to be bare leading up to the holidays. And it pains me to admit that, without snow, I'm just not in the shopping spirit. There's no sense of urgency. Here's hoping that the change in weather lends itself to a psychological shift and I finally make and complete my gift list.

It's amazing how much impact a little snow can make. Not only have I been shopping online all day for gifts, but I finally decorated my apartment for Christmas, lit my candle that smells like Christmas, and put on my music that's all about Christmas. Let the official countdown begin!

To kick things off, a winter wonderland inspired outfit. Muted tones of blue, pink, and gray give a soft, peaceful feel to this look. I absolutely adore the simplicity of this Alexander McQueen dress;  it allowed me to feel totally fine about pairing this ornate chloe + isabel necklace to make more of a statement. The rest of the accessories are understated but lovely. And I don't care that it makes no sense to wear suede stiletto pumps in the snow. 

 

"Love To The Test" - Niki & The Dove

Markus Lupfer sweater / Antonio Berardi skirt / Rochas heels / J.Crew handbag / J.Crew necklace / Bottega Veneta ring / Love To The Test

I have been dying to dedicate a post to this song for months. I fell in love with this song the moment I heard it, which is very apropos since the chorus of this song involves "the first time I saw you, I saw you/I thought baby can I hold you". "Love To The Test" has such a cool eighties vibe that I just cannot get enough of, and the message is so great: being overcome with love at first sight, not being able to hold back any longer, but asking the new love if he's really ready for her.

This is the look of that impulsive, passionate woman. Bold, with nothing held back and a clear message sent. I love the graphic lips on this Markus Lupfer sweater, and I didn't want to play it safe with the rest of the ensemble. So. Glitter maxi, chunky heels, bauble ring with a costume-inspired necklace, and a bright bag. 

The accessories are a bit dreamy, because I think the wearer is a bit dreamy. She's someone that says yes to the idea of love at first sight. She takes risks. She wears a full-on glitter maxi skirt with a loose sweater, which means she's wearing it casually, which is not for the fainthearted. 

Listen to the song here. 

Halloween 2012: Last Minute Ideas

It's the Sunday before Halloween. Many of us may have had our party last night, but for those purists who are holding out for the real thing on Wednesday, here are a few last minute, simple ideas.

"Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)" - Miike Snow

I recently had the pleasure of seeing Miike Snow live at First Ave, sort of on a whim, actually. I was more excited for the opening band, Niki and the Dove (more on her at a later date), and was only vaguely familiar with the main act. Well. I am familiar now. And I am a fan. It was incredible visual and aural spectacle that cause the crowd to erupt into a dance party on a Tuesday night in Minneapolis. A fantastic show, and now my appreciation for their work has grown (after my initial listens of their albums to educate myself before seeing them live).

One of the songs that I enjoyed most before seeing them live and now have an even greater liking for is "Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)".

This song has a strong, militaristic drum beat layered under some whistling, keyboard, and distorted vocals. It's a really enjoyable mix of eclectic sounds and styles. What's more, the song's about imploring someone to give things up for love, and we all know how I feel about sweeping notions of lurve.

I wanted to incorporate both the strong marching sound and the sweeping notion of leaving everything behind with this look. Balmain is my go-to for exceptionally strong (shouldered) looks, here contributing both a fun jacket and a stern leather turtleneck. I started the bottom half with a no-nonsense wool skirt, but added a whimsical peekaboo with the TopShop celestial pencil skirt. A bright, fun necklace completes the look, giving away that she takes a risk and says she will.

See a live version of the song here.

Balmain jacket / Balmain top / McQ by Alexander McQueen skirt / Topshop patterned skirt / Yves Saint Laurent pumps / Marni handbag / Sass & Bide necklace/ Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)

Halloween 2012: Part Of Your World

Wildfox Couture cropped shirt / Mary Katrantzou maxi skirt / Reiss clutch purse / Kenneth Jay Lane necklace / the little mermaid

(Whoops, Halloween is in a week and a half. So I'm going to ramp up the costume options.)

Taking it back to my childhood once again, this is the sartorial interpretation of The Little Mermaid. The first time I saw this Mary Katrantzou skirt, I couldn't help but think that if would be perfect on Ariel herself, what with the mermaid silhouette and reptilian-reminiscent detail. I adore the kitchy shell bra top, and the coral necklace and shell clutch make for the perfect under the sea accessories.

"Home" - Phillip Phillips

Topshop sweater / Clover Canyon pants / Dolce & Gabbana boots / Proenza Schouler handbag
Home

Work has been exceptionally stressful lately; it's a busy time and it's been a little difficult to stay motivated. I'm not someone who is satisfied with less than 100%, so I'm able to get through it, but not without some emotional nights. I mention this because it's the first time since I started my career that I've felt a consistent struggle, and, as you may imagine, that's been difficult. Fortunately, I have an amazing support system, consisting of family, friends, boyfriend, fulfilling hobbies and activities, and music. It's incredible how a song can lift my spirits. So perhaps it's fate that right at the moment that I need some extra motivation, Phillip Phillips graduates from American Idol and inundates the radio waves with his first single.

This song can't help but inspire with it's strong bass drum beat and uplifting chorus of "ohs". It begins softly, with a plea to hang in there, because no matter how hard it gets, you're not alone, and you have a home (Perhaps I'm trivializing it when I connect it to how I'm feeling about my job when one imagines the other immense difficulties that others face, but that's something I love about music: I can relate on whatever level I need to relate, and others may do the same.).

As I created this look, I considered how I've been feeling and wanting to feel: comfortable, but not safe. I'm not asking for my life to be easier, and I don't want to stop being challenged, but I want to maintain some level of peace. This look embodies that theme, with a giant Topshop sweater (one of my all-time favorite pieces to wear throughout half the year), some Clover Canyon leggings, and Dolce & Gabbana boots. The pieces alone are always an easy, comfortable outfit option, but the print and pattern are strong and deliberate. The wearer is bold and willing to take risks.

Listen to the song here.

Halloween 2012: If She Doesn't Scare You, No Evil Thing Will

I wasn't kidding about these Halloween costumes, you guys. I've got a bunch up my sleeve. I thought I'd wait and reveal this one towards the end of the month, since it's what I will be sporting this October 31st (not exactly this look, mine is a thrifted version, though a girl can dream, amirite?), but I couldn't resist. I am very much looking forward to embodying this crazy character this year.

Cruella De Vil is arguably one of the best dressed Disney villains in existence, and if her wardrobe was faux and she wasn't fighting to murder puppies, perhaps she wouldn't be a villain at all. I've always enjoyed the utterly insane glamour she exudes - to the point of being unhinged. This is a woman who gave up everything for fashion (not that I'm condoning that level of devotion - I'm certainly not condoning the obsession with fur - it is a cartoon, after all). 

Jason Wu dress / Miu Miu coat / Versace heels / Kendra Scott ring / Causse Gantier gloves
If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will