pleats and thank you

Well, this is ironic.

Today's post shares my incredible excitement for spring...unfortunately, I'm writing it buried under a foot of fresh snow. Either way. A pleated skirt adds the perfect touch of girly class to fun summer looks, especially paired with bright tones.

Christopher Kane, H&M, Halston Heritage

But the best thing about pleats is that they're versatile. They even look perfect applied to other styles, such as this gorgeous flowy top by Jason Wu.

Jason Wu tank, Zara sandals, Essie 'A Crewed Interest' nail color, Maxmara Studio trousers, Fleure Leaf Wrap ring, Proenza Schoulder bag

The anticipation of spring is pulling even me out of my neutral-color comfort zone. Bring on ze brights.

bright ideas

I always have fun trying out new ideas on the blog. For today's entertainment, I put together a bit of a street style feature on this lovely lady and her interpretation of casual brights. 

Gap dress, borrowed sweater, gifted scarf, Target boots, TJ Maxx tights

Adorable Joanna's boots caught my eye right away. I love a good pair of ankle boots, and the stacked heel, ruched leather, and elastic band across the back are just about perfection. Joanna told me she was having one of those mornings where nothing seemed to look good...but of course, the best outfits always come out of mornings of total perplexity.

I also love the layers in her look--this is a perfect example of having style while being practical, since the morning I snapped Joanna's photo it was a brisk thirty degrees.

This is one instance where it's cool to be a copycat.

Seychelles, Topshop, F21

cherry on top

Free People top, Target jacket, borrowed scarf, Levis jeans, Cut n Paste bag, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Yosi Samra flats

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know the last thing I said last night was that I was craving Thai tea. Lucky for me, my friend and I were able to squeeze in a trip to the Tea Garden before continuing on with the rest of our day.

It was way too cold for a thin faux leather jacket, but it gave off the perfect vibe for strolling through uptown. And fortunately, there was just enough brightness to justify the glasses. Also, writing this blog post hours later, I want more Thai tea.

It has officially started snowing again, which makes me that much more excited for my trip to Los Angeles in April! I have big plans to be a beach bum and busy shopper with whatever money I can scrounge up by then. So excited! Till then...lots of working and sleeping this weekend. And fighting off the cold with endless coffee.

U of M fashion: sophomore designers

Over the weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 44th annual University of Minnesota fashion show, entitled 'twelve' for the number of graduating students in the fashion design program. Before the collections from the twelve graduating designers were shown, sophomore and junior designs were showcased. I got to sit front row thanks to press passes from my good friend Lindsey over at Ruby Girl Blog, so I was able to get some good shots.

Favorite look of the night: flowy chiffon maxi-dress in a delicious seventies' rust color. I would totally love this with a leather jacket and flat sandals for a summer-to-fall transitional look.

All-black texture craziness layered with more black (tights and shoes)...so not me, but so edgy and striking.

Totally loved this Jason Wu-inspired peachy pink number. Just enough shape, and I love the petals that seem to fall across the front of the dress. Such a perfect fifties' silhouette.

The creativity of this dress is just phenomenal. For awhile, I seriously couldn't tell if it was a blazer and skirt combination or not. I love the structured lapel and the color pairing with the deep red blouse underneath.

Yay! Here's happy me and adorable Lindsey after the show. My dress was by Kensie. It was a lovely night, can't wait to post more collections!

wanted: summer

I've been shopping with my sister all morning with nothing but spring and summer on my mind. I had quite a specific list of items in mind (button-up tanks, loafers, printed skirts) and came back with a bunch of beauty products, so once I got home I took my search to the Internet.

Alexander Wang, Full Tilt, Quiksilver, Miss Selfridge

I love the touch of class something as small as a button can add, and the variety of styles within the broad "button-up" category. You can go for something more fun like this bright coral or polka dot, but use a muted color or add a silky bow for a more dressed-up look.

Topshop, bed|stü, Witchery 

Loafers are an obvious choice to follow my recent obsession with ballet flats. Whether you are into prints, classic styles such as this pair from Topshop, or more of a driving-loafer style, you are sure to find a pair that will suit your needs.

Kelly Wearstler, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Of Two Minds

If any of you are a fan of Zooey Deschanel's new show New Girl, you know where I'm getting this. I love her collection of flowy, bright miniskirts that bring such a youthful look to your typical warm-weather uniform. I have big plans to stock up this summer.

The warm weather has been teasing me lately. Apparently there's a bit of snow expected tonight, which might put my summer dreams to sleep for a few more months...

plaid world

 J.Crew cardigan, Walmart tank, Levis jeans, TOMS shoes, vintage Coach bag, Forever 21 ring and scarf, vintage gold ring

Today is one of those bursting-with-happiness Fridays. The sun is out, it's way above freezing, and I'm still on last night's high of attending a live comedy show and enjoying the anticipation of a jam-packed Saturday.

Halfway through this morning, I changed from my grey sweater and black leathery jacket into this lighter, springy look complete with wavy hair and a braid. It seemed much more appropriate for a coffee date and perusing an unfortunately less-than-charming strip mall with my dear friend Katie (hiiii, Katie!). I love how anything can be fun when you're in good company.

Now, I'm off to my last shift of work before the long weekend. An extra day off (and all-day plans with my sister) sounds better than perfect.

wednesday hairday

Due to lots of lovely feedback on my last hair tutorial, I knew another one was in order! Lately I've been pretending that it's summer (can't wait for some warmer weather!). To prepare for when it actually hits, here is one pretty updo that is perfectly easy for those days that it's just too hot to wear your hair down.

This look works perfectly for those with naturally curly or textured hair, although for those of us with finer hair there are products like Bumble and Bumble's surf spray. Rachel also used spin pins by Goody for this look, a great alternative to using a zillion bobby pins. Embrace the piece-y look and allow for a bit of fallout--this style is meant to be breezy and not uptight, just like summer should be.

Leave a comment or tweet me if you give this look a try!

the darkness

Last year, I was able to volunteer for two shows at Seattle Fashion Week. I knew once I moved to Minneapolis, I wanted to get involved with the local fashion scene again! I'll be working for some up and coming designers' runway shows later next week.

As a girl who loves neutrals (and, to be honest, lack of color much of the time) the all-black dress code couldn't make me happier. I love playing with texture while staying comfortable, and within my color-comfort zone.

Vero Moda Very top, J Brand waxed jeans, Botkier satchel, Jewelmint bracelet, Yosi Samra flats

I know from experience that too much jewelry gets in the way when you're dressing models, setting up chairs, aaaand yes, stocking juice bottles from sponsors...one statement piece is the perfect accent to the basic look. Although the bag isn't part of the uniform when volunteering for fashion week, I fell in love with this black Botkier satchel and its simple gold hardware.

Another favorite of mine is coated jeans. I love the extra layer they add to a look without sacrificing comfort. The sheen is just too good!

Can't wait to get started. If you're local, check out the schedule of events here!

hometown pride

Urban Outfitters top, Target jacket, Madewell jeans, Yosi Samra flats, necklace c/o Maya Brenner

When I got out of the car to take these photos, it was a lot colder than I thought it was outside. Hence the quick ground glances, the hands in the pockets, and telling my sister to hurry it up so we could get back inside. Ick. This would never happen in Washington...

Speaking of Washington, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that I adore Seattle and my west coast home. I was so excited when Maya Brenner Designs reached out to me about gifting me one of their beautiful silver necklaces. Now, I can wear a this little piece of my heart around my neck all the time (awhh cheesy). It's so much fun to getting comments on such a unique piece of jewelry.

Of course, I've had a couple people say, "Cool Colorado necklace." Or "Oh, I love Oregon!" I mean, have ya never seen a map?

Luckily, you guys have me to steer you in the right direction. Enjoy the weekend and look for a pretty hair tutorial going up next week!

avoid the grey

Over the weekend, I got to attend a fashion event in Minneapolis hosted by the adorable Cliche Boutique with my good friend Brittany of B. In the Know! Instead of your typical runway show, you can see in one of the photos that there were boxes set up in the venue that the models were placed in to pose. They were kind of like giant dioramas, which was a little third-grade art project throwback. So unique!

Each box was viewable through little peep holes, which made snapping photos a bit of a challenge, but I love the way they turned out. So inspired by those four fishtail braids with the floral headpiece! 

There were so many unique looks that I felt more like I was at an art gallery rather than a fashion show, but as Brittany said, it's refreshing to see that the fashion scene in Minneapolis is alive and kicking. Can't wait for more fashion week events coming up next week!

color block

Color blocking is a trend I never got into because I'm a prints girl. I can't seem to pull off simple, solid colors in large doses. Like as in color blocking. As in stunning looks from Honor's pre-fall 2012 collection.

Although striking, I can't do solid brights with other solids. I love both these looks, but they are unfortunately not in my future. So when I finally got around to taking the style quiz on Stylemint, I was excited to see they selected pieces that were perfectly me. Just enough print (stripes), and muted enough tones to take color blocking down a notch to Chelsea-level.

the Barley, the Camden

the Fillmore, the Hudson

 My daily uniform is literally a comfy tee and my favorite jeans. That said, Stylemint is definitely one of my dream-come-true places to shop...perfectly drape-y, flattering necklines, typical "me" neutral colors...I can't get enough. So excited to order my first tee! 

from me to you

Vintage sweater, Madewell jeans, Free People bag, Target flats, Urban Outfitters hat, Forever 21 ring

This sweater was given to me by my friend Bekah as she was clearing out her closet to move to Nepal (B, if you're reading this, hiiiiiii!) She also gave me these flats which I now wear on a daily basis, and a few other pieces she threw at me while I sat on her bed watching her pack.

Last weekend, I got to go to a fun little blogger get-together in St. Paul! Pop over to Lindsey's blog to see all the fun that was had.

Aaaaand tomorrow night, I hope to attend my first Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week event with my good friend Brittany. Can't wait to share with you all...but I still don't know what to wear. Eep! Have a haaaaappy weekend.

simply inspired

The second I saw this fall editorial on 80's Purple, I knew I had to recreate the look. I took the basic pieces (big sweater, black boots) and changed the overall style into something you'd see me wearing any day of the week.

Topshop sweater, Steve Madden ankle boots, Paige denim leggings, Modcloth handbag, Allsaints beanie, Forever 21 ring

But of course...you can't forget the look for the imaginary man on my arm. You didn't think I'd ever get around to posting men's fashion on Zipped, did ya?

Black Fleece blazer, Hartford shirt, Jack Spade pants, John Varvatos boots

Well, there you go. Now that you're acquainted with the idea of menswear on Zipped, you can be sure that the next one I post for the guys will be well-accessorized.