Good Hair Day

This simple outfit isn't terribly exciting, so I wasn't going to share it on the blog. But, I couldn't resist because I had my hair all done up that day (a rare occurrence)! I don't know how girls do the daily wash, blowout, curl and so on. Because I try not to wash my hair too often, I end up with lots of top knots and braids. Those styles are cute too, but when I actually take the time to do my hair like this, it feels like an occasion!

Dress: TJMaxx
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger
Necklace: Gift

Summer in the City

You know when you get home from work, and all you want to do is put on the comfiest of clothes? That’s how I felt last Friday, and it was hot and humid on top of that. What I really wanted to don was a tank and boxers, but happy hour was on the horizon, so that get-up was out of the question. Instead, I went for this backless cotton romper. Just as comfy and much more chic.

Romper: Target (old)
Necklace: Zara
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 17

Vol. 17

The Record: R.E.M., Lifes Rich Pageant 

The Refreshment: Peach Black Tea Whiskey Smash

R.E.M. is a band I casually enjoyed as a kid in the ‘90s, but I didn’t realize how long they’d been around! I guess I always think of them as a ‘90s band when, in fact, they came about in the ‘80s. I only knew a couple of tracks off this record (“Fall on Me” is my favorite), but I enjoyed the full listen. As for the cocktail, this drink carried on the southern theme we seem to keep revisiting. I took a classic Whiskey Smash (bourbon, lemon, mint, simple syrup), and infused it with Georgia-inspired flavors – a black tea concentrate and peach liqueur in place of the simple.

Right as Rain

I’m such a sucker for rainy days, and we’ve enjoyed a few lately. I’ll take the cooler air and layering opportunities while I can!

Striped Shirt: Target
Polka Dot Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Forever 21
Wellies: Thrifted

Pants, Please!

Each year when hot, muggy summer temperatures start to settle in, I realize once again how reliant I am on pants! Jeans, specifically, are truly the crux of my wardrobe. I tend to favor separates, but skirts aren’t my thing for some reason. Perhaps I will have to work on finessing my skirt collection, so I don’t fall into a boring sundress rut this summer. Until it becomes really unpleasant, I will just keep wearing my pants!

Shirt: H&M
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger
Necklace: Zara

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 16

Vol. 16

The Record: Regina Spektor, Far

The Refreshment: "Russian Strong Man"

The boy concocted this cocktail. Inspired by his favorite Regina song, "Samson" (from Begin to Hope), he made a mix between a Strong Man (a beer with a shot of vodka in it) and a Moscow Mule (ginger beer with vodka and lime). Though I thoroughly enjoyed the record, I realized halfway through that I prefer Begin to Hope over Far. Well, actually, I would like to take half the tracks from Far and half the tracks from Begin to Hope to make the ultimate album!

Ceremonial Summer - The Big Night

Saturday’s West 18^th Street Fashion Show was undoubtedly the best yet! From the hard work of all the volunteers to the seamless execution thanks to my fellow producers to the world-class fashion that debuted on the runway, it was an unforgettable event. I felt so proud to stand on that stage! Here’s what I wore to the show…the vintage emerald gown is something I bought a year ago to wear to my friend’s wedding. I ended up wearing something else, so it’s been hanging in my closet, waiting to be worn ever since. The regal meets bohemian feel of the ensemble was a fine fit for the occasion. To everyone who attended, thank you for taking part in the magic!

Dress: Vintage
Necklace: Zara
Shoes: Anne Michelle

Crown: Self-made

Kick in the Pants

These crazy pants are one of the few gems I found during a Wichita thrift trip. They’re a bit more bohemian than my usual duds, but I’m utterly in love with them! And, the occasion for wearing them was equally exciting…a Vampire Weekend (with Cults!) show. Vampire Weekend is a band I loved when they first appeared during my college days. I grew tired of them, but I fell for them all over again with the release of their most recent record! Their live show was impeccable.

Top: Forever 21
Pants: Thrifted
Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T.
Necklace: Forever 21

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 15

Vol. 15

The Record: Gold Panda, Companion (digital this time, not vinyl)

The Refreshment: Strawberry pepper balsamic shrub soda 

For this Vinyl Vednesday, I was taking a booze break, so I went with a soda. But, it was just as exciting as a cocktail! I’m just dipping my toe into the world of shrubs*. Lately I noticed shrubs popping up as an ingredient in cocktails, and I always loved said cocktails, so I did some research. No wonder I enjoy this sipping vinegar, as I’ve always been a huge fan of Kombucha. So far, I’ve made a blackberry mint shrub with apple cider vinegar and the strawberry peppercorn balsamic shrub used in this drink. Both delicious! And I can’t wait to try making more flavors.

*From Wikipedia: A shrub can also refer to a cocktail or soft drink that was popular during America's colonial era, made by mixing a vinegared syrup with spirits, water, or carbonated water. The term "shrub" can also be applied to the sweetened vinegar-based syrup, from which the cocktail is made; the syrup is also known as drinking vinegar. Drinking vinegar is often infused with fruit juice, herbs and spices for use in mixed drinks.

Ceremonial Summer

Calling all you Kansas City kids! The West 18th Street Fashion Show, which I'm helping to produce, is this Saturday! It's the the fashion event of the year. If you're in the area, you won't want to miss it! A limited number of ticketed seats are still available for purchase at Birdies, 116 West 18th Street. Standing room is free and open to the public. See you there!

Ceremonial Summer

Saturday, June 14, 2014

West 18th Street between Baltimore & Wyandotte

Dusk 8:00 p.m.

Sunday Fun

I had a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon last weekend, including brunch and browsing at the Kemper Art Museum and a trip to the Farmers'/Flea Market.

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil

Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 14

Vol. 14

The Record: Bob Dylan, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

The Refreshment: Big Ginger

Bob Dylan is one of my lifelong musical loves, and this record is among my favorites. "Girl from the North Country" and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" are two of the most beautiful songs ever. As for the beverage, I asked my Minnesotan co-worker for a drink idea. She recommended the Big Ginger, a Minnesota favorite consisting of Irish whiskey, ginger ale, lemon and lime. It was nice and refreshing!

Over and Over

All three pieces of this outfit -- the little yellow crop top, quirky printed pants and fail-proof sandals -- have been on repeat lately!

Shirt: Marshall
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger
Necklace: Handmade by Sara Cramer

Looks I'm Loving

No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10

Here are  handful of my must-haves for the season!