MKE Style: Halloween Decorating

1. Target Eyeball string lights
2. Trixiedelicious Skull Plate
3. Modcloth Downtown Coat
4. Vintage black vase
5. BugsUnderGlass Museum-framed Cicada

Our annual Halloween costume party/Husband's birthday is fast approaching! Every year we throw a themed costume party, get a keg, and celebrate. It has turned into one epic event. I usually expect about 50 people, but the number has ballooned up to 80 friends and co-workers. Fortunately, I feel like I have the prep-work under control this year. Most of the major floor cleaning, dusting, etc is behind me. The next few days I will be arming myself with a roll of cheesecloth and putting on the final touches. And putting out some of my favorite halloween decorations, including my framed bug collection. It's pretty spooky. My vintage pieces will surely go nicely with the noise-activated life-sized ghost hanging from our ceiling.

MKE Style: Book Club Classy

1. Splendid Blouse, 2. Penguin Books travel pouch, 3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett, 4. Green pants (I'm seeing a lot of hunter greens this season, right?), 5. Zara Plaited Shopper, 6. Zara Velvet Moccasin (ZARA's online store is now OPEN! - hide your credit cards), 7. MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo (often seen on Sydney from The Daybook


I'm off to my first book club meeting tomorrow morning in Chicago. I figured since I'm going to be in Chi-town two days a week this semester, I better start networking. After all, I'm gonna need a place to stay. My friend's book club is reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett and then going to see the movie. I'm going to skip the movie and head back to MKE for a wedding at Best Place, but I'm excited about a.) meeting some new people b.) talking about what I liked about this book and c.) eating some brunch! I enjoyed The Help but must confess that some parts had me yawning. I liked how the narrators alternated throughout the book and how well their characters were developed. I liked the writing style - it was a fairly easy and effortless read so I highly recommend it for beach reading and the chapter set up makes it easy to set it down and pick it up a few days later without skipping a beat. And there were parts that made me laugh out loud, too.

Have you read The Help or seen the movie? How did you like it?

Local Style: Flea Market Chic

via


via


via

Along with finding great deals, flea markets are great for people watching. Granted, the majority of flea market go-ers dress in a mixture of overalls, gym shoes, and baseball caps, there are some pretty well-dressed peeps in the crowd. Being well-dressed also means dressing practically. You'll be walking through some gravel, some mud, and puddles, so shoes work the best. An extra layer for the chilly mornings, some sunscreen, and a nice big bag should be worked into the wardrobe. I really don't get why people wear platform wedges or short skirts to these things. But, I love seeing people incoporate vintage jewlery or a hat into their style. I hope I find some of those pieces like that this weekend.

The Elkhorn Flea Market is this Sunday and just a 45 minute drive from Milwaukee and 90 minute ride from Chicago. And since the weather looks beautiful this weekend, their over 500 dealers will be wheelin' and dealin' left and right. As always, I'll be there bright and early with travel mug in hand. See you there!



The Details:
What: Elkhorn Antique and Flea Market
Website: www.nlpromotionsllc.com"
When: General Admission, $5: Sunday 7am - midafternoon (no official close), Early Buyers, $25: Saturday 1pm - 7pm, Sunday 5am-7am
Where: Walworth County Fairgrounds: 411 East Court Steet, Elkhorn, WI

New Stuff: Sondra Roberts Raffia Tote

I picked up this Sondra Roberts Raffia Tassel tote yesterday at Five Hearts boutique in the third ward. I have mentally switched into summer mode with this bag. I can see bloody mary's on Trocadero's patio and sunning at Bradford Beach on the horizon.

Stylish Helmet Heads

On Monday, there was a fatal scooter accident just a few blocks from our house. A SUV pulled in front of a 29 year man riding his scooter home from work and they collided. Unfortunately, he was not wearing his helmet. So let me just say that I, too, have ridden short distances on our Vespa without my helmet. It's a horrible mistake. My husband was involved in a very similar accident sans helmet last summer but luckily the only damage was a busted up hand. So now, my husband rides home every day on his Vespa wearing his helmet faithfully. After his accident and especially after the accident on Monday, I strongly believe in wearing your helmet whether you're on a bike, motorcycle, or scooter.

Look, helmet head is pretty cool.......

MKE Style: The Lady Cyclist

Madewell bicycle purse, Bern helmet, Beetle head light, Carrie bicycle basket, Leather bicycle bag, Wine + Bicycle bag, weather-resistant daily riding pant, Bicycle Diaries by David Byrnebicycle greeting card

Warmer weather is nigh! If you're not in Wisconsin you're probably thinking, 'what the heck, it's almost May'. But, our weather is still cold, rainy, and sometimes snowy. I have faith we will one day see sunshine, ride our bikes in the street, and feel the wind through our hair again. I've seen a few gents biking downtown, but soon us ladies will join! I've gathered a few stylish necessities to help you get ready!

These pants are definitely my favorite. See what I mean?

The New Do: the Katie crop

After having shorter, chin-length hair for a decade, I started to grow my hair out. Well, after a year, it only got to a couple inches past my shoulders and often made me look like a teenager. Some people just aren't meant to have long hair. So, last night, I went in for my hair appointment and chopped it all off. Now all is right in the world.

I love the Katie Holmes crop; a warm dark brown color with a versatile shape. She has an easily rockable look, minus the couch-jumping husband. And if you're in Milwaukee and looking for a good hair stylist, Sara at M Salon is my favorite gal ever.

MKE Style: Cabin Cozy

1. White Birch Rosemary Candle, $38
2. Bomber Fingerless Gloves, $98
3. Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food by Paul Greenberg, $25.95 (hardcover)
4. Silver Melange Boyfriend Cardigan, $88
5. Patagonia Tranquila Leggings, $59
6. Highlander Plaid Boots, $175


Deer hunting season in Wisconsin is in full swing meaning that half of the state's male population treks up I-41 to have some "man-time" at the family cabin. If you're a woman and getting towed along, it's not a bad deal. Up North is a nice refuge from the cities and suburbs (albeit cold). Personally, I would skip the hours in the tree stand and morning hikes (unless I'm decked out in orange), but he brisk woodsy air and gatherings around the campfire are worth the trip. So, if you're going, here are some things to bring along so you can rough it in style back at the cabin.

Milwaukee Style: Army Green Military Jacket

Fall is here, so you're probably going to have to start grabbing a coat on your way out the door. Here in Milwaukee, it's a nice and mild 60 degrees--perfect for layering with a light jacket. I bought an army trench last spring from the Gap that I have been wearing a lot lately. It's so versatile: green goes with just about anything, you can dress it up or down, it's the perfect weight for fall/spring. For Milwaukee weather (and our laid back atmosphere), this is a pretty good closet essential. Here are some more versions of the army green military jacket......


the sartorialist


the sartorialist


J Crew


style sightings


Roxy Starr via Lookbook


J Crew


gryphon - new york



And for the dudes, too......



american apparel blog


the sartorialist

Style: In the clear

The clear plastic trend is pretty hot right now. I'm starting to see a few of these things around Milwaukee. Are you seeing it, too?
I like the subtle modern edge it gives things. Check out the clear stuff at Anthropologie (I love the clear drawer handles).

1. Selima Optique for Jcrew clear glasses 2. Kartell Louis Ghost Chair 3. Urban Outfitters clear umbrella 4. Alexis Bittar lucite hinge bracelet 5. PRISM rectangle frame eyeglasses 6. Prada thong sandals 7. La Mer Carpe Diem watch

Packing List: Summer festivals

Nicole Sunglass, Modcloth, $11. J Crew caprese tunic, $35. J Crew studded leather belt, $68. REI Platypus, $12.95. GAP jean shorts, $49.50. iPhone 4, $199. Marc by Marc Jacobs cross-body bag, $198. Travel-size Neutrogena Sunblock, $4. Simple Tantan sandals, $85.

Summerfest is in full swing this week. I hope to go sometime this week to hang out and enjoy some summer music (maybe the Hold Steady July 1st??). And in Milwaukee, it seems there is a street festival or ethnic fest on the lakefront every weekend. Sadly, we'll be in Italy during Chicago's Pitchfork festival. But, if you go (or go to any other festival), here's what I suggest you bring.

Here's my game plan:
- Wear comfortable shoes! Preferably black because it's gonna be a dirty mess out there.
- Load up on the water. Especially if you're drinking in the sun, dehydration can set in very fast. Lots of grounds don't allow bottle/can carry-ins, but the platypus can easily roll up in your purse and be filled at the water fountain.
- Pick loose fitting, light colored clothes. Again, it's gonna get hot. And you're gonna sweat.
- Don't bring anything you'll leave in the bathroom. Like clutches, hats, coats, etc. Opt for a crossbody purse and sunglasses that will fit inside.
- A phone with a camera and internet access are great. One less thing to carry. And you can read books or check email when waiting in those long lines waiting for the bands to start. Phone service is often touch and go at big festivals due to all the people trying to call at once, but 3G and 4G work like a charm. So email or text to stay in touch with your group.

Weekend Style: Yoga clothes (with or without yoga)

I love wearing workout clothes on the weekend, especially yoga pants--they're like sweats only classier. This weekend is going to be pretty busy, so no actual yoga to go along with the pants. I plan to stop by the Fondy Farmers Market first thing tomorrow AM, then swing by Lululemon in the Third Ward on my way home. I am pretty excited for my first visit to this store. I hope I find some good workout clothes for when I hang out with new my best friend. We've been hanging out a lot lately.



(top to bottom: harpers bazaar, people, karen cheng)

On the Mind: The Kentucky Derby

We were out walking the dog tonight and I was talking about how badly I wanted to have a Kentucky Derby party.....mostly because of the hats. I love the Kentucky Derby. It's southern class all the way--the hats, the mint juleps, the thoroughbreds. Here is my inspiration board for the party in my mind. Regardless, odds are this classy party in my head will turn into a pizza party and we'll be wearing pajamas. I can dream.

Cute outfit

new brahmin
Last May, I was walking around the South End of Boston and found this little shop, Looc. Everything was way too expensive for me, but I loved the boho prep style of the store.

Summer is in the air

It was 77 degrees today! I had the sunroof open and sunglasses on!

Now I've been going through my closet and getting out my some of my summer clothes. I would love to add this to the rotation.


Pixelated silk top by larilemon

Daily Fix: vintage Dior scarves

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford real couture like the people pictured in The Sartorialist, but sometimes I can afford vintage pieces. Thank god vintage couture is uber-chic, otherwise people would know that I'm cheap. 70's and 80's Dior is really reasonable. Here are some great scarves from Etsy. I like to wear them as headbands, neck scarfs, or if long enough, belts. And pair them with a neutral colored outfit so they really pop.



from top to bottom: Vintagous, Vintage Style 101, , Babouches, VJones1

Stay warm, Milwaukee

lookbook.nu and caroline b.

garance dore

the sartorialist

lookbook.nu and alma l.

99 Bottles of Beer on the door

These beer bottle doors can be found in lower level lounge at The Blatz Condos (270 W. Highland). Johnsen Schmaling Architects rehabbed the entire Blatz Brewery several years ago and added a lot of cool features to the now condo building, including these doors, a pool, and very sleek lobby and concierge desk. The bottles were apparently found in the basement and were leftover from the old brewery. I love that they kept some of the history of the building yet made this incredibly modern and translucent door. Very cool.

Milwaukee Style: Hunter boots

I was screaming like a little girl at Hannah Montana when I unwrapped my new pair of Hunter wellies this past Christmas. I have been seeing them on fashionable people here and there, but that's not the only reason I wanted them......they are sooooo practical for Milwaukee winters. You can go out shoveling, walk the dog, step in mud, and still go out and look cute. I love that you can just wipe them off; no leather, furry lining or laces to worry about.

Here are some cute outfits topped off with a pair of wellies!.......







images from: lookbook, weardrobe, the Guardian

New Year's Resolution Week: dress more European

Photos: Orchid Grey, The Owls Are Not What They Seem, Peter Miszuk

One of my goals for next year is to, overall, dress better. I feel that I have gotten myself into a rut this past year. The solution and plan is not to go out and buy a bunch of new clothes, but just to wear things better. I love the European philosophy that you dress "simply", buy your 10 basics, quality shoes, a quality handbag; and you use the accessories you have in new ways. Based upon these pictures, I need: more skinny pants, more statement necklaces, a REALLY nice Balenciaga bag, and a classic black blazer....and just stick to black in general. I'll get working on this.

For more tips on dressing European, see Joanna Goddard's blog ; she writes a whole section about "How To Dress Like a French Woman". Check out the photos from Paris Fashion Week in Elle magazine. I also go to the Weardrobe site to browse what other fashionable gals are wearing these days.

Over the next few days, aka "New Year's Resolution Week", I'll be posting more resolutions. Now, let's just hope the resolutions last for more than just this week.