Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Archive for June, 2010

Red Rocks Ampitheater at Dusk

As June comes to a close and summer officially sets in with Independence Day barbecues and fireworks this weekend, I have collected a little list of things to squeeze in this week in between the hot dogs and watermelon. On Wednesday Diesel is having a cocktail party in the evening, and the photographer Ethan Jantzer’s artwork will be on display. This Wednesday also happens to be Film on the Rocks night at Red Rocks Amphitheater where our classic movies get shown on a giant screen and we get to picnic at the gorgeous, picturesque Colorado venue. This week is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, not my fave, and sold out online last I checked today, but I’m holding out for Clueless on July 27th. Then, I’ll hopefully have time to check out Denver’s bike share program and rent a cherry red cruiser to bike over to the annualCherry Creek Arts Festival, how fitting! Lastly, if you get a chance to peek online at Free People’s sale section- they have a fabulous “Under $30″category where you’ll find something awesome for summer gallivanting. I even spotted the perfect straw bag for less than $20- beats the Balenciaga for a grand, right?!
Straw Tote- Free People- $19.95

Across the Border Skirt- Free People- $29.95

Convertible Harem Pant- Free People- $29.95

Fashion Chalet Advice on Miami Delay

June 24, 2010
I am getting so excited for our trip to Mexico, about two weeks away! We have a long delay in Miami, but it’s actually perfect because we’ve both been wanting to visit. Two and two finally clicked together when I noticed that Erika of Fashion Chalet is actually from Miami and recently posted about it. Erika was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions about my Miami pit-stop. Thanks again Erika! Be sure to check out her fabulous blog here!
Erika of Fashion Chalet wearing necklace by Krystal Rae- Photo Courtesy of Fashion Chalet Blog
FF: How long did you live in Miami?
FC: “I was born there and only just moved away October 2009.”

FF: What’s your favorite boutique or store in Miami?
FC: “I love Sunset place there’s Studio LX and Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 in this convenient outdoor location. Along with great restaurants, bookstore and Cinema. I also love Lincoln Rd. many great Vintage boutiques. I used to roller blade there as a kid. They have pretty outdoor cafes and restaurants as well.”
Lincoln Road Mall- Miami Beach
Model Alessandro Ambrosio via Foto Fama
FF: Favorite restaurant, coffee shop, bar and hangout?
FC: “The Falls mall for books, people watching and shopping. My favorite restaurant is quite a few actually ;) but I really love AURA – Modern Mediterranean cuisine and bar. The restaurant itself was designed by Morris Lapidus, world famous architect who designed the Fountainbleu Hotel. And Nespresso for upscale coffee.”
Famous Fontainbleu Hotel
Katy Perry at Fontainbleu Hotel- photo via Zimbio Images
Cafetto Cafe and Cocoa Miami
Nexxt Cafe Miami- Photo via BurgerBeast.com
FF: If someone were visiting for a few hours in July- what would you recommend wearing? Keep in mind, they were just on a plane ride from Denver and about to board a plane to Mexico….
FC: “Loose cottons. Nothing lycra, polyester or denim. TOO HOT. I’d maybe pair a loose cotton dress over ankle tie sandals and cotton shorts. Sunglasses are essential! Rompers are also terrific.
What fashion trends should I expect to see in Miami? Color and lots of it.”
Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian in Miami- Photo Source Unknown
Jessica Alba in Marc Jacobs Sunnies- Photo via Celebrity-Sunglasses-Finder.com

FF: What should I buy in Miami?
FC: “A mug, pen and postcard. If you get a chance, pop into Fly Boutique on Lincoln rd. for some vintage sunglasses or shoes.”


If you have any ideas about what to do or things to see in Miami feel free to comment! Renee Mudd of The-Intersection suggested I try: “Check out Espanola Way at night…adorable little street off the main strip. Eat at Tapas & Tintos. News Cafe or Front Porch for brunch alfresco.” Thanks love!

Fashion Folio Whispers with Kristin Knox of The Clothes Whisperer

June 21, 2010
I thought it would be fun to get other fashion bloggers’ opinions of Denver fashion. I was fortunate enough to hear back from one of my favorite bloggers, Kristin Knox of The Clothes Whisperer. Read the interview below and feel free to comment! I want to thank Kristin again for taking the time to respond and sharing her fashion insight with us! I have her link at right on my Blogroll, but if you haven’t checked out her blog do so here!
Kristin Knox of the Clothes Whisperer photo courtesy of her site.
FF: Have you ever been to Denver?
CW: “Yes! I moved to Boulder for middle and high school, where I went to Alexander Dawson, though my mom stayed in NYC for the first few years.”
FF: If so, what is your best memory or perception of our city? Could you see a style or trend that Denverites possess?
CW: “HMMM. Hard to say, really. I haven’t been back really in many years, and my mom has now moved back to NYC. I know that in Boulder, there is the “Boulder Muffin” epidemic and I propose a mass burning of all khaki shorts and sneakers. But I guess on the whole, Colorado style is quite laid back and all about the all American wholesome outdoorness. That is to say, people don’t really take fashion risks and North Face reigns supreme. I got mocked for style choices as commonplace and classic chic as sporting a Burberry toggle coat instead of a parka and a Herve Chapellier tote in lieu of North Face backpack. It may have since changed.”
Herve Chapellier Tote Bags
FF: What advice would you have for Fashionable Denverites who are deprived of the retail boutiques to support their fashion fix?
CW: “Shop online! Also, quick trips to Santa Fe can be good for picking up great textiles and fabulous jewelery. They have great markets, both vintage and antique. And I suppose you can always trek up to Aspen. Also, never underestimate the power of Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie for a quick fix. Just for god sake, stay away from all things fleece and TEVA!”
FF: I couldn’t agree more! I would only visit Patagonia for camping attire, not everyday. I just went hiking this weekend and found myself in a $10 Gap tee, Nike running shorts and sports bra and Merrell hiking shoes. Not chic, but VERY Colorado from Kristin’s perceptions!
FF: Since a lot of our boutiques have closed, online shopping is a great alternative to say, moving. What are your favorite online stores?
CW: “I live in the UK now, so not sure if these all exist in the US yet, but here goes. ASOS, Net-a-Porter, My-Wardrobe. But since I live abroad, I often shop American stores like J Crew online.”
FF: I LOVE the Crew lately….
FF: How do you afford such expensive pieces as a blogger?
CW: “I’m a smart shopper! I never buy anything full price, just sale, secondhand and so on. Sample sales are king and I’ve unfortunately had to bite the bullet and learn to save up for major items like designer bags since the Parental Bank shut for good. But freebies and press discounts make a world of difference. I also work as a journalist, write books and consult—that’s how I pay the rent!”
FF: What are your goals beyond fashion blogging?
CW: “I’m working on my first novel. I’d really like to get into fiction and then perhaps a doggy guidebook series…essentially, I just want to write! I’d also love (big dreams here) to have my own publishing house someday and perhaps stage a dramatic return to academia and teaching.”
FF: A girl with BIG dreams and ambitions is alright in my book!
FF: Are you going on any summer vacations? What do you plan to pack?
CW: “Still up in the air, just came back from a press trip to Rome where I busted out my summer clothes for the first time since last year. I am considering either a holiday in Sorrento, Italy or checking out Croatia (either the totally familiar and easy or totally different and adventurous). I will pack a legion of brights, printed maxis, super super soft white cottons tops, dresses, printed silk harem pants and comfy wedges. And none of that trendy one piece crap, while the look great, when you live in a place as gloomy and rainy as London, you don’t want to take a chance on getting whack tan lines during your one glorious week of sunshine, so skimpy bikinis all the way!”
Sorrento, Italy

Street in Sorrento, Italy

Maxi Dresses as seen on celebs

Givenchy Printed Silk Harem Pants- Polyvore.com

Marni Wedges

Proenza Schouler Wedges- S/S 2010

FF: How will you dress for the plane ride? Or what is your favorite jet setting attire?
CW: “Comfort is key. I look at those women who travel in skirts and heels and just want to smack them. I tend to get a little chilly on planes, but I always dress for the destination, not place of origin. On this week’s flight to Italy, for example, I wore a supersoft pima cotton maxi dress from Topshop with a tank underneath (which I took off upon landing), sandals and a cotton stretch sweat-type jacket from Helmut Lang. On the way back, London-bound, I wore slinky harem trousers (once you go drop crotch on a flight, you never go back to leggings, so much more comfortable for long stints of sitting), Converse and layered cotton tops and a scarf. ALWAYS pack a scarf. My favorite go-to for travel is a grey linen “Love Scarf” from Calypso.”
Harem Pants

Calypso Scarf

Converse Sneakers

Helmut Lang Cashmere Zip-Up $370
FF: There are a lot of weddings this time of year. I’m a bridesmaid in one this July in Steamboat, Colorado. When you aren’t the bridesmaid, there can be an anxiety for some women of what to wear to a wedding, any suggestions?
CW: “Obviously depends on the type of wedding, but for a mountain wedding I will dispense the following advice. Remember you are in the Rockies, not the beach. Florals look a tad silly, as do graphic prints and super strong brights. Anything with a peasant-y and natural bent works well, as do earthy tones. Lovely nudes and neutrals are the way to go, with some chunky earthy jewelery—such as layers of African beads. Excess makeup is a no no, keep it natural and simple. In general, I just use weddings as an excuse to buy a dress I’ve been personally lusting over for weeks and will wear again and again. If you’re not in the wedding party, excuse my language, f*ck the bride and wear what you want as long as its appropriate to the venue etc.”
FF: A lot of fashion bloggers, like me, are also students. I find it’s hard to dress fashionably and comfortably for campus. I have a large campus which requires a lot of walking, and I have long breaks so I find myself living out of a bag during Fall and Spring semester. Do you have any suggestions on bags and footwear for such a lifestyle?
CW: “Bags: large totes that aren’t leather and don’t have much hardware (i.e. not massively heavy!). Longchamp is classic, and Prada/Marc Jacobs have done some super cute nylon totes in adorable prints. Alternatively, you could carry a large purse and a spare bag—i.e. a canvas tote for extras and computers, that’s what I do here in London when running around. Shoes: Footwear in Colorado can be tricky, the weather being what it is (80 degrees one day in January, snowing the next in May). But I suppose the slouchy everyday ankle boot can be your new best friend. Good for tromping around on a day to day basis (looks cute with skirts, dresses and skinnies), not too hot, not too cold and you won’t freeze your tootsies in the event of a freak blizzard. Ankle cowboy boots are really hot right now, seems to me a great look for Denver and Boulderites alike!”
The Ankle Boot trend as seen on celebs

Carvela Sheriff tn boots

Kate Moss in Ankle Boots

Nine West Slouchy Ankle Boots

Marc Jacobs Nylon Bag

Prada Crispy Nylon Totes

Prada Nylon Tote

Two Wheel Reel

June 17, 2010
Next Wednesday, June 23rd 2010, is “Ride Your Bike to Work Da”y for Coloradans. So pull out your cruisers, ten speeds or low riders and get to peddlin’. Here’s some sartorial inspiration to prevent you from looking like Lance Armstrong, and more like a super cool European chick. I also came across several blogs devoted to the world of cycling including, Bike Hugger,Cycle South DakotaLet’s Go Ride a Bike, and Cycle Girls, and of course our man Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist always finds amazing shots as seen below. Isn’t the last photo fun! My friend Molly Zinzi rode bikes on her wedding day too! She stayed at the Briar Rose B&B in Breckenridge, Colorado, but had a lovely intimate ceremony and brunch in her hometown Boulder atThe Kitchen restaurant. Such a fabulous, intimate and fun idea for all of those brides to be out there!
Agyness Deyn from Teen Vogue- Source unknown

Sassy striper. Photo sourced from www.letsgorideabike.com

Source Unknown

Pink Petunia. Image Source unknown

Soho she rolls. Image Source Unknown

Image Source Unknown

Long Skirt, yellow bars. Photo- The Sartorialist

Milan- Image from The Sartorialist

Milan 2- Image The Sartorialist

Koln- Image The Sartorialist

Eva- Image The Sartorialist

Soho- Image The Sartorialist

Berlin- Image The Sartorialist

Milan 3- Image The Sartorialist

Racer- Image The Sartorialist

Topper- www.whatiwore.com

Wedding Bells- Image Source Unknown

Blushing Purple

June 16, 2010
Next Thursday head to Larimer Square for a little boutique party.

The Woman Behind Gracious Lupita and Black Poodle Jewelry

June 16, 2010
I have posted about my fabulous earrings by Gracious Lupita before, purchased at Perfect Petal, but it wasn’t until months later that I found out who the artist was when I received an e-mail from the designer of the gold stunners, Madeline O’Connell. She works with vintage jewelry finds and re-crafts them into one of a kind, fabulous modern designs. She sells Gracious Lupita at Perfect Petal in the Highlands in Denver, and her new line, Black Poodle, can be found at Perfect Petal’s sister store, Posh, on Larimer, which just opened a few weeks ago. I still need to get over to Posh; with school out, I am not on Larimer Square as much. If you’re south in Colorado Springs, you can find her jewelry at Rich Designs. Madeline O’Connell is hosting an art and jewelry show of her work this Saturday June 19, 2010 from 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm, at her studio in the Highlands, which also happens to be the same day of the Highlands Street Fair as well, on 32nd & Lowell. So if you’re looking for a Saturday activity, you’ve got the Highlands Street Fair on the west side and the Greek Festival happening on the east side!
Medeline O’Connell Studio Address-3273 Osceola Street, Denver, CO 80212.

Casual Friday

June 14, 2010
Friday nights at my house usually consist of couch crashing and takeout. This Friday we ended up going to Rubio’s, really good fish tacos especial, on Colorado Blvd., and then picked up a yummy peanut butter pie before heading over to see family.
Arabic cookies, and an adorable lil' baby cookie monster...


Picking up a cake. Wearing a casual Friday outfit. Gap jeans, Franco Sarto shoes, bag and trench from Violet Boutique.

Gaining Fashion Points

June 13, 2010
Denver is slowly but surely getting on the fashion map. While in Cherry Creek Mall this weekend I spotted a new store- BCBG!!!! Did not stop in this weekend, but I plan to soon. It’s two weeks old! Ohhhh…..wait, does this mean another baby shower gift?

Weekend Shopping

June 13, 2010
It’s like Carrie Bradshaw says, the single girl’s weekend consists of buying things. Birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, but this weekend it was for my trip! The mission: new swimsuit. The list of stores to hit, Gap,Victoria’s SecretJ. CrewPacific SunwearTargetMacy’sNordstrom, andDiesel. I hit Victoria’s Secret first, and found about five suits that fit, flattered and were on sale! A lot of their swimsuits were marked down to $9.99 and up, for each top and bottom. I put a few I loved on hold and meandered over toGap where I had seen a floral bikini in Glamour magazine. I did not have success at Gap with the swimwear; there weren’t any sizes left, apparently they get them in April, and the floral suit in person did not strike my fancy. VS was actually less expensive than Gap! I popped in Pac Sun, but I was fading. Pac Sun was a little too Twilight Saga age appropriate if you know what I mean; I’ll leave the Billabong and Roxy suits for the Water World crowd. I skipped the department stores and headed to Diesel where I used to work. Man I miss it! Their suits were tiny, but had LARGE price tags, and the prints this year looked cheap. I di find an awesome beach bag hear though. There are some fabulous neon, oversize totes and large hobo bags perfect for the beach or weekend gettaways. I couldn’t go further than MAC at this point, so I skipped J. Crew, I had a feeling their suits would be more Nantucket-picnic than Playa del Carmen-calinte anyhow. Before heading back to VS to get the first suits I tryed on, I stopped in Gymboree, yes the children’s store. My freind Monique gave birth to baby Quentin on June 10th which meant a hospital visit from Auntie Glo, and a little welcome gift. Gymboree has the cutest prints for infant wear, and they ALWAYS have a sale. I found a receiving blanket with farm trucks at a steal- let’s just say it was less than lunch. I went back to VS and bought two suits for what I had budgeted for one! After the suits, I headed to Target for a floppy sun hat, which was now on sale for $9, from $12.99. Here are some great Target finds. P.S. If you’re swimsuit searching I suggest Vicky’s first- they were even less expensive than Target- gasp!
Target- Leopard Pumps

Target- Cowboy Hat- on SALE for $9.08! LOVE

Target Cover Up- Less than $25- LOVE

Target Beach Tote- $12.99- LOVE!

Target Graphic Suit

Target- Floral Suit

Target- Plaid Suit

Target- Yellow Ruffle Bikini

Target Polka Dot Bikini

Pink’s

June 13, 2010
I finally made a special trip to Bonnie Brae, no, not for ice cream, but to visit the Pink’s boutique! From the moment I stepped inside and was greeted by Jen with a smile, I found that the customer service and affordability were probably why there were always at least three other customers in the store at all times in the short time I was there. I was also so happy to see artist Allie Pohl’s Ideal Woman necklaces, which I selected, in an exclusive Pink’s flourescent salmon color, for my friend’s birthday gift, and Olivia was kind enough to wrap it pretty! I treed on so many things, I couldn’t help myself I loved it all! Jen was so helpful too, sharing with me the flow of the store- new stuff in the back, sale stuff in the front, that they get new merchandise in every day, and that Pink’s is famous for their tees and tanks which they even have a punch card for. Jen even helped a customer pick out the perfect attire to attend a wedding in. The vibe of the store was amazing and reminded me of a boutique in Danville, California when I lived in San Francisco, or maybe how the Kardashians’ store Dash might be, a place where college girls from DU stop in and chat about their summer plans and exchange tips on what belt goes with what dress. The sales girls were all so sweet and helpful, I even found two perfect dresses for my Mexican vacation, and I’ll definitely be back again. Prices range from $24 for oversize tees and tanks, and beachy cover ups to $39, $42, and $57 for adorable floral and en pointe dresses. One customer came in for a bracelet and ended up spending $60, and I agree it’s hard to escape without buying at least three items- it’s that good! I would describe their merchandise by saying that if you were to pick up any Lucky, Glamour, People, or US Weekly, you’ll probably find a celebrity wearing something similar to what they sell at Pink’s. The buying is really good and what Colorado women want! Mothers fear not, Jen mentioned that most mother-daughter duos shop here together side by side, which I did see for myself. I was never in a sorority, but if it were anything like being at Pink’s boutique for an afternoon, I would want to rush! Thank you to Jen, Oliva and Marissa for making my shopping experience great! Positive Pink Yelps!

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