Weekend: WEARwhere

Still BEAMING over the thought of this new (genius) collaboration here on brighteyed. I am sure you all adored Meredith's intro as much as I did... her closet is extremely enviable! The girl sure knows how to buy, collect, & style! We are seriously excited for whats to come on the blog... so please check in with us as often as you please... EVERY day is totally legit. Well, here in Cincy today the weather is beeeaauuttiiffful. Hello Spring, you're here a tad early but I'll take it. I have been waiting to dust off the ol' Tory Burch flats....my poor pale feet were exposed to sunlight (and air)  for the first time in ages. The weather this past Saturday was quite delightful as well, and with that I would like to share some WEARwhatWHERE (probably already coined, but I'm gonna go ahead & coin it juuust in case) pics that were snapped this weekend. Most of my weekend was spent bopping around OTR and that's WHERE these outfits were exposed (I seriously heart the city scenery). Happy viewing!
xx -A-

top: {UO}; dress: {American Apparel}; scarf: {Banana Republic}

watch: {Michael Kors};   bracelets: {Bijouterie}

top: {Blue Life}, cami {UO}

bottom: side zip leggings {Nordstrom}

purse: {UO}

Meet Meredith: The New BARE Blogger

What draws you to fashion?

The colors, the fabrics, the constantly shifting trends, the designers, all of it.  There is something so refreshing and freeing about creating something that is totally you, but enviable by all.   It is an unmeasurable outlet for creativity and personality.

How would you define your style?

My overall style is clean and classic, but with an eclectic edge.  I have a staggering weakness for look-at-me accessories.

If we took a look inside your closet, what would we find?

I'm kind of a control freak, so everything is organized according to item and color.  I like to have it all in front of me and be able to find anything on a whim!   You would find plenty of those staple pieces that will never go out of style: Blazers, silk camis, LBDs, grandfather cardigans, vintage jewelry...and way too many shoes!

Does a specific color palette take rank within your wardrobe?

Lately I’ve been really into jewel tones, but generally, neutrals appeal to me the most: black, camel, gray, white, navy….love them all.  I tend to be braver with color when it comes to my accessories.

You have the very desirable skill of seeking out great vintage finds. Tell us about this passion!

I have always been interested in finding unique, one-of-a-kind items, and vintage shopping is the best way to indulge this.   My vintage pieces are the ones that I find myself wearing repeatedly, in a variety of ways.  Anytime I go to a new city, I hunt down the local vintage and consignment shops.  I have found some unbelievable items, which as an added bonus didn’t cost an arm and a leg. 

What/who are your current favorite brands/designers?

Right now, I’m really into Theyskens' Theory, Isabel Marant, ALC, and Boy. By Band of Outsiders.  Chanel will always be a classic, and I constantly covet the collections by Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney, Miu Miu, and Thakoon.  For jewelry, Erickson Beamon can’t be beat.

Tell us about some of your exciting post ideas to look forward to...

I plan on dedicating a series of posts to the world of vintage fashion, and one on street style/local stores of cities outside of Cincinnati.  In February, Andrea and I will be hitting Nashville, and in April, I will focus a post on Naples, Florida.  I would also love to add a lifestyle element to the blog: the best restaurants, shops, and designers, because what fun is fashion without anywhere to show it off?

What are some of your favorite items in your wardrobe now?

Left to Right: Necklace, Sachin + Babi (Saks); Cheetah Pumps, Loeffler Randall (Piperlime); Corset top, Parker (Saks); Clutch, Madewell; Boots, Frye (Shopbop); Tuxedo Jacket, Rachel Zoe (Shopbop); Bag, Chloe (Saks); Lace Dress, Pins and Needles (Urban Outfitters)

I am so thrilled to start my blogging experience, and welcome all feedback (negative or positive).  Thank you, Andrea, for this opportunity!

-M

DOUBLE TAKE

TOTAL EXCITEMENT. I have some AMAZING  news to share here on brighteyed. I am OVERJOYED to announce that a dear/beautiful/wonderful...(oh and ridiculously stylish) friend will be joining me as a CO-BLOGGER from here on out... A big warm welcome to the fabulous MEREDITH SCHIFF!!! I am so excited to join forces with this gal, and we already have TONS of amazing ideas in the works. This is such an awesome opportunity as we will be able to offer all of our readers DOUBLE the INSIGHT on anything and everything fashion related...and so much more. We are so excited to embark on this blogging journey together and hope that you will join in on the fun and follow along! We are truly BRIGHTEYED at the moment as we are filled with excitement for what the future holds! An 'About Meredith' blurb will be Monday's post so be sure to scope out my new partner! xo

REBEL against THE RULES

Lately I have been yearning to add a few new pieces to my wardrobe.... Before doing so, I stopped to remind myself that I do not have that money tree growing outside my condo that I so wish I had (in fact the greenery is quite scarce in the city so to find a tree for starters- WITH money growing upon it -would truly be a miracle). So, I decided to take a glance through my closet (enter anxiety- need to do some serious organizing). I often just throw on a random collection of layers, regardless of the season in which they were intended for- I practically live in American Apparrel dresses year round. This time I decided to take things a step further...so I whipped out denim shorts + WHITE (yes, white, gasp) items and threw some random tights &  jackets to mix in and voila, new outfits were born. My thought during this process was that the "No White After Labor Day" rule is TRULY ridiculous. While the exact origins of this rule of etiquette are not necessarily established, the info I skimmed over via google (bam, research incorporated in the blog) suggests that this rule is mainly attributed to a distinction of social class dating back to the early- mid 20th century (upper class + resort wear). I'm choosing to side with Coco Chanel on this one, who made white pieces a part of her year-round wardrobe. Yikes...I have really wandered along here....The point in all of this is that I am a huge fan of incorporating typical "warmer climate" clothing throughout the seasons, as long as appropriate layering measures are considered. It's fun and unexpected, and white looks so bold contrasted against black. So...out come my denim shorts, white mini dress, and maxi dresses. In attempt to get this blog to become more interactive going forward, please feel free to voice YOUR OPINION on all of this... in fact, it is GREATLY ENCOURAGED. ***My intention with this blog was to not just voice my own perspective but rather to gather a collection of perspectives- so please join the conversation!*** xo





Lots of LnA tops in these photos (LOVE)  Find at Sloane in OTR

WEEKEND WEARS

Hello dear readers...hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Mine was quite enjoyable... spent some time with the man  in OTR Friday and had an awesome date Saturday with one of my most favorite people- I heart you Mere- followed by an incredible bday party for the lovely Duru (owner of Sloane). I always love hangin' with this gal (Meredith)  as we have a weird amount of things in common and her sense of style is truly legit. She has a incredible eye for vintage finds which you will frequently find incorporated in her chic outfits. We had  sincerely essential convos over delish wine and plate loads of food at Cumin- Y U M. Anywho.. I have included some style pics from the weekend that I hope you will enjoy.  I obviously thought  wearing sky-high heels Saturday as the entire city was covered in a thick sheet of ice was a TERRIFIC idea....and as a result, COMPLETELY bit it later that night, and my right leg is now a lovely shade of purple & blue. ALSO....I have some seriously exciting ideas for posts to come and am planning to start capturing ootd (outfits of the day) as often as possible....whenever my "photographer" is available (best. fiance.ever.)

ps... after SEVERAL (urgh)  failed attempts, I finally produced a somewhat decent looking friendship bracelet which I have chosen not to include a picture of because it may look like it was done by a very young child. Will feature once I have mastered the skillllz ( yes, that again was an intentional typo...eh hem Adam).
HAPPY MONDAY! xo

      New iphone cover c/o Society 6, coziest fringed cape/sweater from UO, J brand jeans.

 Saturday outfit credits: LNA top, Urban Outfitters tights + mini skirt, crystalized rock necklace from      SLOANE (heart it). Mere's fab fur coat: a to-die-for vintage find.

A Splash of Inspiration

Happy Saturday all....prepare yourselves, and allow me to SERIOUSLY INSPIRE YOU. I'm kidding, but seriously the picture below may do just that. I am seriously obsessed with these quotable cards and buy one (or three) everytime I come across a spinning card stand of them. At times I do buy them for others, as they are cards, and that is their one and only intended use- for giving. However, a majority of the time I just purchase and place randomly in my condo as I am madly in love with every quote that rolls across these cards. The card below sits on my table, next to me as I type, and is my current mantra-to-live-by. Happy Weekend everyone! ....for those who were fortuate enough to be graced by sheets of slippery ice today, be careful...particularly if heels are making an appearance in your lovely ensemble tonight (they are most definitely in my outfit plans, should make for an extra exciting night). xo

Friends ForEVER.

I am TOTALLY digging the friendship bracelet trend thats been buzzing around. It completely brings me back to the days of summer camp circa the early 90's.... playing capture the flag, chasing boys, splashing around in my Speedo one piece, and ENDLESS arts & crafts.  Oh, and I was obviously a girl scout too,  so my arts & crafts skills must have been seriously top notch. If I had only known back then that the bracelets would make a TOTAL comeback gobs of years later, I definitely would have kept up with those intricate knot-tying/ ultra confusing color switching/ super fine motor coordination required skillz. Welll, I recently purchased a GLORIOUS Dannijo friendship-bracelet-esque piece which I'm basically obsessed with (see pic below). Just as I was contemplating purchasing some additions to my collection, I decided to take on (or attempt to take on) a lil' DIY project with these bright beauties. After wandering around Michaels for an hour plus (why does that ALWAYS happen there), I found the string selection needed to complete this bold (for me) task. While it should  be reassuring that the faces on the "bracelet making kits" and the tutorials on websites I have viewed, all consist of "instructors" of the ages ohhh  5 and up(??) ...it is somehow STILL intimidating!! Maybe this is only a skill one possesses below the age of 10? Well, I am about to put this theory to test! Wish me luck...please....I am already overstimulated just looking at the bag of colorful string. IF YOU decide to for forgo this task, there are plenty of beautiful options via easy online shopping, as you will see below! Success or failure will be reported tomorrow. xo

 

DANNIJO "lindsey"  piece on my right wrist while blogging it up

All DANNIJO,  love.

 

STREETS AHEAD

                                                                                     



Brightening Up

Those who know me can testify to the ultimate fact that I am ALWAYS changing my hair color. ALWAYS. I was thinking about it and have decided that I must perceive my hair as a sort of accessory, and thus, am always looking for ways to spruce it up to something more exciting & new. While I have been taking the darker route the past few years, I decided to explore with a brighter shade this time. I am currently a fan of this new hue and hope that I can stay committed to this for a while...for the dear sake of my hair (and to keep my word to my hairstylist).  TOTAL committment issues with the hair. Along with this new hair color, I have been incorporating some neon love into my look with complete acknowledgement that I am in denial that it is in fact Winter, not Spring. I really don't care, however as I am quite sick of the mass of gloomy grey that is the entire sky each day.  Time to brighten it on up. xo

P.S. HIGHTLIGHT of my weekend was reaching 1000 page views! Thanks to ALL who are joining me! xo

Contradicting Colors

L O V E  that both NEON & PASTEL color palettes are in for spring. Isn't that a PARADOX or something?  I picture the Easter bunny being chased by the "scary" ghosts in a good ol' fashioned game of Pacman - random image, huh? Guess the MASTER FASHION designers could't decide on one palette this year- and WHY should they?!   Regardless of all this rambling, I plan on FULLY EMBRACING both.  Exploration for pieces begins....now. My black-uniform-wardrobe is about to get REVITALIZED- that is if I can part a little with my go-to color. I am just going to make Spring come right now....although I can totally envision a soft blue-hued dress, or better yet, a BRIGHT NEON accented look amidst a SNOW covered background. I'll let you know how that goes..... OH, and color blocking is ENCOURAGED. xo

I SERIOUSLY want this to be my wedding dress...... in this color. No joke.

Cut. It. Out. & let's TANGO

{I just laughed out loud as I pictured myself doing the "cut-it-out" hand motions...circa 1995?!}

As discussed yesterday, I am going to highlight SPRING TRENDS throughout this week.Why you may ask? Welp, I am quite sick of Winter already, and I think it techinically just started (recently)? - yuck. So I am looking to BRIGHTER days ahead! Along with the lovely lady Linds' perspective she's obtained through viewing the reveal of SPRING clothing lines via Trade Shows, I have done my share of some style research as well. Let me add that this kind of research is QUITE fun. The first trends I invite you to take a quick peak at our CUTOUT DESIGNS and the crazy cool color TANGERINE.

While this isn't our first introduction to CUTOUT DESIGNS, it appears they have proven worthy enough to make the CUT (oh yah that pun was intended) once again for SPRING. Rather than random and SUPER REVEALING cutout designs, it seems that Spring has given more thought to "the cutout"- introducing it to SHAPES, incoportating the design into patterns, and giving it a bit more subtle appearance.

As for the "color of the year?" Pantone declares this as TANGERINE TANGO.

Sooo what you will see below are a collection of pictures featuring these two CAPTIVATING TRENDS....and gasp, I managed to find some photos that COMBINED the two trends together. GENIUS.

SPRING FORECAST Intro: via the Lovely Linds

OH. SO. EXCITED. about this post collaboration with the adorable and ridiculously fashionable Lindsey. I worked with this doll at RBC Inc. showroom in Chicago a few years ago, and she has remained a key rep there for some amazing clothing lines... Heard of  such delightful lines as Miss Me, LA Made, Kersh, Rock Revival, Renee C,  and MinkPink?? I seriously hope you have...if not, do some research asap.  I am pretty much obsessed with LA Made, Kersh, and MinkPink...as you would see for yourself in my closet. As a whole sale clothing rep, Lindsey travels to various tradeshows (Magic in Las Vegas, Intermezzo in NY, etc.) to reveal these crazy gorgeous clothing lines for the upcoming seasons..... Basically, she's on top of the trends MONTHS in advance- I seriously almost just passed out from absolute NOSTALGIA and complete longing for such a job- TOTALLY jealous here. To give a deeper glimpse at her perspective, they are currently showing fall preview, yes FALL.  Well, of course  I asked Lindsey to collaborate with me and provide amazing info for SPRING.....as well as future posts....LOVE HER FOR THIS. So, this is my lil intro to a series of posts going forward regarding the Spring Fashion Trend Forecast. Please join me this week as we push the winter blues OUT OF THE WAY and head right to SPRING..... First up tomorrow is the intensifying trend of CUTOUTS and a look at SPRING COLOR. xo


MEET LINDSEY....in a RIDICULOUSLY COOL cutout dress....




In L U S T

“FOR LOVERS OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS”

reads across the adorable little card included in my delightful box of WANDERfulness. I am indeed a lover of beautiful things, and let me just confirm right here and now, Wanderlust  + Co designs some rockin' jewelry. Oh, and did I mention the price point for these amazing pieces are RIDICULOUSLY reasonable??!! Seriously, see for yourself. The website lists the prices in AUD (Australian dollars) which led me to believe this is an Australian designer... .however, my package came from Malaysia, soo I'll have to get back to you on the origin ....Wherever it came from....I am obsessed with each piece and plan on ordering tons more. The only sliigghhttt drawback here is..... it takes quite some time to ship- a couple weeks in fact. I think they suggest a 15 day delivery time for US shipping.......however, these gems are WORTH THE WAIT .....and shipping is free when you spend over $50- which is quite a deal given that it is being shipped from the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD. I encourage you all to get your armparty on and check out this website right this second.....or at least sometime this weekend.  Heres the linkage: Wanderlust + C0
 p.s.   HAPPY WEEKEND  xo

** Michael Kors watch not included** ;)