Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

14 June 2013

Friday's Fancies with Long Distance Loving



It's that time of year when your summer weekends seem to disappear in the midst of champagne and wedding bells.  The only event I have to attend this year is in September, but if I had a couple more, these outfits would be front runners.  Ceremony on the Cape? Bash at a downtown hotel?  BCBG is my go-to for a dress to suit any occasion.  Whether inspired by the waves or the city lights, here's what I would be wearing this wedding season!


Check out all the Friday's Fancies submissions on Long Distance Loving!

23 May 2013

Bonobos + Bow & Drape Event

Last night, I stopped by the Bonobos Guide Shop on Dartmouth Street for an event co-hosted by Bow & Drape!  The two companies are a match made in heaven (if they were people, they'd totally date).  Both make specially tailored clothing, and have a classic American style that everyone needs in their closet.  A couple decked out in these duds, walking down Newbury Street, would be a perfect picture of Boston living.  

Bonobos and Bow & Drape are revolutionizing the way we can shop.  Both are set up online with guides to getting the perfect fit and creating a custom look.  The Guide Shop for Bonobos is a sanctuary for guys who have no clue what they're doing, or prefer to leave the opinionated gf at home (eh hem, not me).  No purchases are made in store, rather it's like an oversized fitting room filled with cool clothes and expert stylists.  My roomie and I were impressed by the Guide Shop, and are attempting a plan to get our bfs there asap.

Here's a peek at the event!



And one of my favorite quirky details... 


Follow them on Twitter for updates and events (or just to chat, they're pretty cool peoples)! 


20 May 2013

MHM: Brandy Melville

Brandy Melville opened its Newbury Street store recently, and I am thrilled.  On my first trip to the store, I picked up a floral tank and light denim chambray, which I left the store wearing.  I've been practically living in the chambray since.


 My latest trip could have put a gigantic hole in my bank account had I not exercised a little restraint. (Very difficult to do, people.)  I'm a t-shirt queen desperately in need of summer bottoms, so I was 'good' and purchased this maxi (in stripes) and these tie-dye leggings.


I swear to you no softer, more wonderful thing has ever touched my legs.  They are literally heaven sent and I think they're made of angel hair and baby lotion, (okay, just cotton and viscose).  I'm currently wearing them with an over-sized black button-up top, but they are thick enough to wear with a regular length shirt if that floats your boat too.  The print is just loud enough that I feel like a sassy rock star, but subtle enough to wear to my very casual office.  I literally might wear them to work, yoga, and to sleep.  They're so affordable, $25, that I need to go back asap for the black, green, and striped pairs.   My potty mouth really really wants this silly top too...


Do you think Brandy Melville will send me a 'thank you' pair after that rant? Seriously though, go buy them.  These leggings are a must have.

Brandy Melville
344 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 


Product pictures via BrandyMelvilleUSA.com

14 May 2013

Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Dream Outfit

Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Dream outfit

Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Dream outfit by kaitmills

If I wasn't on a shoe string budget, here's a complete outfit I would purchase from the 1 day only sale from Kate Spade!  I have yearned for a book clutch since their debut, and have even DIYed two for myself out of real vintage books.  There is so much to love on sale, so check it out- fast!! 

P.S.- How cute is the bag my Mom ordered?

02 May 2013

#BBBos Outfit


A huge thanks to Katherine of Style Tab for taking these pictures!  Our impromptu shoot to end the day was a first for me, and despite my awkwardness, I had a blast.  The best thing about the Blog Better Boston: Style Summit was enjoying the company of fellow bloggers.  Our community is small, and as I'm not a fashion blogger, I was in the minority on Saturday.  Still, I learned a ton, like how to pose better in front of the camera!  (I'm lucky Katherine caught me laughing in my attempt below...)  I made a rookie move and chose an outfit for the day that did not photograph very well.  Lesson learned for next time!  The best part of my ensemble, the ear cuff hair tassel, photographed pretty awesome though (my favorite spring accessory).  No matter what I looked like, the bottom line is that this was a really fun experience for me, and these are seriously genuine smiles!  
Thanks again, Katherine! 






Outfit details: 
Moto leather jacket, old GAP [true story: this jacket is my prized find, $70 soft leather, 2 years ago!]
Emma and Sam wht/blk sheer back top, LF
CarMar highwasited jeggings, LF 
Sam Edelman suede booties, [similar
Green chevron ring, Moxie on Charles Street
Gold ring stack, vintage/my Grandmother's wedding rings!
Ear Cuff Hair Tassel, Amazon
Nail polish, Miniluxe

30 April 2013

Blog Better Boston: Style Summit

This Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Style Summit hosted by Blog Better Boston.  The event was fabulously put together, and I was floored by the attendance and enthusiasm of everyone involved.  Our little Boston community of bloggers is so fun!

Photo courtesy of DavidHBrooks Photography

Although the summit was focused on fashion bloggers, all were invited to join (which I really appreciated!).  Much of the advice given in the 6 mini sessions was universally usable for any kind of blog.  As a newbie, a frantically took notes; every piece of information was new and exciting.  I especially loved my sessions about creating a content calendar, and simple design elements to improve your blog.  

Alison of Long Distance Loving gave amazing advice on do's and don'ts of design
Along with meeting some seriously amazing women, the highlight of my day was talking to Smita of Hogger & Co.  Not only is she on my "Inspire Me" list, she's my favorite 'friend' on Instagram.  Meeting each other in person and talking about our Instagram conversations was surreal- a true testament to how weirdly amazing social media can be!

There were also fantastic sponsors at the event who spoiled us with goodies.  Lulu's arranged a style scavenger hunt, with a rack of clothes to shop from as prizes.  I chose this sheer maxi skirt to take home, but I also loved this tribal print dress I'm holding in the picture below!  (Picture thanks to Julie from Orchid Grey via Instagram!)

^ That's my new blogger bud Katherine of Style Tab!
Miniluxe treated us to manicures too! I'm usually a light pink kinda girl, but I was feeling bold so I went with a bright spring green.  I love it, and can't wait to go to the salon on Newbury Street for a pedicure!


There are so many other wonderful goodies to list, that I might just have to do another Swag Bag feature post.  This is what happened when I dumped the bag out on to my bed:


In all seriousness, the Summit wasn't just about the swag.  I certainly see the value in having great sponsors to get us all excited and chatty like we're 13 years old and it's Christmas.  But, most importantly, I found true value in the discussion and connections I made on Saturday!  I am thrilled to feel part of this niche community in Boston, and can't wait to share more events I attend with these ladies.

Thanks again to Amy and Alana of Blog Better Boston for putting on the event! 


P.S. Look out here for another #BBBos post later this week featuring my outfit!


10 April 2013

H&M Conscious Collection

Have you ever lost your breath? Over a dress? At H&M?  If not, you must be the last person alive to see the new Conscious Collection.  The eco-friendly fashion line is not the first move by H&M to be more environmentally aware (woopwoop!).  When Helen Hunt wore an H&M Conscious Collection dress to the Oscars this year, I was floored.  Maybe an unexpected match up of celeb and store, but none the less I love seeing the possibility of main stream designs on the red carpet.

H&M Conscious Collection

Last Friday, I went to the H&M on Newbury street in hopes of viewing the new collection. Before the launch, I spotted this Daily News article and immediately fell in love.  The first dress shown in the article, the tulle mint dress for $199, is just as stunning in person as in the gorgeously styled picture.  There is a faint gold thread through the hem of the tulle that emphasizes the fairy feeling you get while trying on the dress.  Try-on was all I did for this dreamy number, at $199 I have no upcoming event as a reason to splurge.


I did however, splurge on the second dress pictured in the article. This bare back nude gown for $59.95 is absolutely stunning.  Every girl needs a gown in her closet, just in case, right?!  H&M was offering 25% off any dress in store over the weekend, so I totally scored on this piece from the collection.  I love the way this dress fits me and how beautiful it makes me feel, but more importantly I love that it is made from recycled fabric and was super affordable!



I can only hope more designers hop on the affordable sustainable fashion trend!


*I hope you like my horrible, cheesy, blurry fitting room photos. Someday I'll get around to actually styling myself in a snazzy photo shoot and blog about it.  For now, this is what you get. :) *

26 March 2013

Must Have: for Spring

The sun is shining today and I am craving spring!  Last night, I picked up a few vintage skirts in bright colors and cannot wait to fix them up to wear (look out for DIY projects soon).  As I'm trying to be as budget conscious as possible in the coming months, I'll have to remix my wardrobe and mostly work with what I've got. Which is a lot, unfortunately for my tiny closet space.  

There are a few key pieces that I'm on the hunt for, in order to fill in the gaps.  A new light denim chambray, a neon soft leather tote, perfect trousers, military jacket with leather sleeves, and a super simple metallic sandal.  The ear hair tassel cuff (top left) is a piece I spotted a few weeks ago on a blog and am tempted to make myself.  I think it's the perfect unexpected accessory to make a statement this Spring. (Because everyone and their mothers have a 'statement necklace'.)




The links to these specific pieces can be found on my Polyvore page. This is more of a visual guideline than an exact grocery list.  Lord knows I cannot afford a $495 Theory blazer.

My #1 Must Have purchase for Spring/Summer 2013 is not one of these items, though. It's a wetsuit!  Last summer I (finally) discovered my love of surfing.  But you can't get much time on a board in with New England weather.  A wetsuit is a necessity. As they say, "once you buy the board, the waves are free forever".  (I borrow The Engineer's board, but I'll buy the wetsuit!)


12 December 2012

Start-ups Pop-up

    One of my early resolutions for the new year is to get out and play in the city more.  There are way too many nights I spend lounging around the apartment because of chilly weather, or a suggestion to play FIFA (Commandment #5: Video Games). I want to wander around, meet interesting people, and attend fun events more.
    Boston's lack of reputation for a fashion industry tends to work in my favor;  I can sneak myself into some events just by showing interest.  It is fantastic.  Granted last year I had a legitimate reason to attend Fashion Week while I volunteered with Snapette, but the kickbacks continue.  So on Monday night, I hit up a new pop-up shop on Newbury Street for a small gathering.  I fought through my sniffles to stick to my resolution, and accepted the party invite that afternoon.
    At 115 Newbury, on the third floor, three new local start-ups have found a home to display their work until December 23rd.  (It's right above the Alex and Ani shop, where I admittedly stopped to buy myself a present.)  I encourage anyone and everyone to check out what these guys have to say on each of their sites, because I won't do them justice here.  

 Bow & Drape creates customized garments that a woman can design online from a selection of their fantastic basics.  I desperately want to design myself a Michelle Swing dress with studded shoulders.






 Project Repat creates cozy blankets out of your favorite old t-shirts. You ship, they sew.  The hippie in me loves this... hint hint.

Ministry of Supply is an innovative menswear line combining smart fabrics and sleek design.  These guys know how to keep a man looking and feeling cool, literally.  They used NASA-heat-regulation technology for their, aptly named, Apollo shirt!  Added bonus: the brand name is inspired by James Bond.
 
P.S-  These three are some wonderful examples of fashion + technology, which I began to preach about previously....and will continue too. Hey, it's kinda my life.

    Follow them all on Twitter, now:


05 December 2012

Fashion is Smart

    "Smart" and "Fashion" may not be two words often used in the same sentence.  The Boston fashion and design industry is out to change that.

  Last night, I had the privilege of attending Boston Fashion is Smart, a panel discussion hosted at The Boston Globe headquarters.  It was co-hosted by Jay Calderin and Christopher Muther, with four female insider panelists (Valerie Fletcher, Alexandra Hall, Alicia Kennedy, and Michelle McCormack) who discussed everything from teaching fashion history, to self-promoting photographers.  It was encouraging and inspiring to be in a room of people who are trying to push Boston fashion forward, along with all other art forms.
   A big chunk of the night focused on conversations; it seemed to be the theme of the evening.   Pushing Boston forward will be made easier if people start talking and collaborating from all industries, the panel discussed. The idea of salons where insiders chat on a weekly basis, sharing ideas and brainstorming, was brought to the table.  Encouraging Bostonians to be comfortable with pushing the outfit envelope, and proving to ourselves as a city that our niche for fashion matters, was an important point as well.  Christopher Muther asked us all to stop thinking "That's too much for Boston!", when judging street style on Newbury, Boylston, and Mass Ave.
   My favorite part of the panel discussion was insider Michelle McCormack speaking about how she leverages digital media for her clients.  Her passion, experience, and advice were perfect.   "I'm not a blogger, but I keep a blog," she explained... which is exactly how I feel.  Not everyone who has a blog needs to call themselves a blogger. (But hey, if someone wants to pay me to do this one day, fantastic.)  She spoke about finding your niche and really going after it, find your people, "no bullshit".  I love that.
   While the panel brainstormed ways to create a motivated design community in Boston, McCormack suggested a mentoring program similar to tech start-up incubators.  She was recently involved with one in Kendall Square (shout out!) and thinks the fashionistas should take a cue from the techies. I couldn't agree more.  I generally live between the two worlds, and love to see them mingle.  Snapette is a fantastic shopping app (founded by Harvard grads!), Chic Geek is a great blog, Kate Spade makes the coolest gadget accessories.  The list goes on and on.

    Boston is smart. Boston has a fashion industry.  The two together make perfect sense for our scholarly city.