Tag Archives: favorites

My Grown Up Christmas List

6 Dec

Happy 20 days ’till Christmas. As I look over my Christmas wish list this year, I’m struck by how old and boring I’ve apparently become (I turned 21.5 today!) But let’s be real, you’re much better off asking for solid staples for Christmas gifts. Grandmas (well except mine, of course) aren’t generally to be trusted with the task of finding the perfect pair of heels or figure flattering frock. So keep the everyday pieces that can easily be found online for your family’s list and save the fun shopping for yourself. My list of practical requests is below to get you started.

J. Crew Corduroys

The new skinny jeans. Expect a rousing lecture from grandpa on the benefits of such a durable fabric.

TOMS Cordones

Your activist aunt will no doubt love to buy you such a practical gift that supports a great cause.


Etienne Aigner Riding Boots

Daddy never bought you a pony? The least he can do is get you a pair of riding boots.

Woolrich Flannel Shirt

Don’t worry Grandma, I wouldn’t dare wear this outside the house and jeopardize my future husband prospects.

Five for Fall

24 Jul

The summer is winding to an end, and I’m sure you’re starting to think about you’re back to school purchases. I’ve come up with 5 essential items to help transition your wardrobe from summer to fall, so make sure you add them to your list if you don’t already have them in your closet (if you do, feel free to buy a spare- you’ll wear it).

#1: The Romper

I decided to start out of the gates with the one piece I know about 80% of you are going to be scared of. But you shouldn’t be because unlike its older cousin the jumpsuit with harem pants, the romper is actually flattering on the majority of the female population. Think of it as a sundress with the added bonus of not having to worry about a strong wind coming along and sweeping up your skirt. A lightweight cotton romper is the perfect piece for a eventful Friday. It’s comfortable enough to sit in class in, trendy enough to wear on a quick afternoon shopping jaunt down to Hillsboro Village (or your own collegiate district), forgiving in the middle enough to wear while filling your belly with dinner at Chili’s, and flirty enough to pair with heels for a frat party. I’ve sold you- haven’t I?

Romper

Romper by nashmoines featuring What Goes Around Comes Around romper

#2: Nude High Heels

I purchased my first pair of nude colored high heels last summer, and it’s certainly a purchase I’ve never regretted. They elongate your legs and are perfect with any outfit from a pair of jeans to a white dress. Wearing nude heels instead of shoes that match your outfit will keep you from looking too Stepford Wives and I promise you won’t even look at your black high heels until we’ve hit the season where tights are necessary.





Tan

Tan by nashmoines featuring Steve Madden shoes

#3: Chain Strap Bag

How big is your everyday purse? Now think about how much you need to have with you at a party or anytime really you’re not in class? ID, credit cards, small amount of cash, cell phone. Don’t even try to convince me you carry around a check book. It’s the 21st century. So trade in your hobo bag for one of this season’s smaller chain strap bags. They’re classic enough to carry with a grown-up dress but also cheeky enough to pair with a tank, skinny jeans, and sandals.

Chain

Chain by nashmoines featuring Kate Spade bags

#4: The Grown-Up Dress

Blame it on the Mad Men craze or just on Prada’s ladylike fall line. Either way plan on making a space in your closet for a tailored dress that hits right above the knee. You’ll be happy you did when you have a job interview or wake up late on the morning of a class presentation. Slipping into a dress is just so much easier than trying to figure out at 8am which top really tucks in well to your high-waisted skirt. Remember: spandex, plunging necklines, or spaghetti straps does not a grown-up dress make (at least not this kind).

#5: A Cardigan with an Attititude…

Fellows that were in the mood. Don’t just stand there. Let’s get to it. Strike a pose there’s nothing to it. Vogue, vogue, vogue….

Sorry for that brief Madonna break, but seriously ditch your fleece pullover this fall for a cardigan that can contain your awesomeness. Whether you pick a brightly hued cardigan or just an old white standby paired with pearls and a wink, your cardigan can be your perfect go-to piece to throw over a tee-shirt, dress, or romper (hint, hint).

When You Were Young

3 May

So, for those of you who keep up with this blog, you might remember me referencing a design project for my History of Fashion class. I decided to complete my design project digitally using polyvore sets that are similar to what I use for the rest of my blogging.

Young

For this eight look collection, I have used Emma Watson as my muse. As a college student and celebrity, Emma needs a wide range of apparel. The collection is a mix of pieces from British and American designers with some French and Italian influences to symbolizes Emma’s progression from a young British starlet to a well-dressed American co-ed.

Look #1: Daywear

At its base, this look is comprised of a basic v-neck tee and jean shorts paired with sandals that would be worn by any college student. However, the gorgeously geometric Sass & Bide jacket and Burberry bag and necklace make this daytime look paparazzi ready.

Look1

Look1 by mkltrouble featuring Burberry

Look #2: Formal Evening Outfit

This ensemble is red carpet ready with a beautifully draped Vivienne Westwood gown, architecturally inspired heels, and a playful purse.

Look2

Look2 by mkltrouble featuring Diego Dolcini shoes

Look #3: Cocktail Outfit

This gorgeous hot pink Temperley frock paired with designer jewelry would be perfect for a number of events that might come Emma’s way from a formal college party to an appearance on the carpet at the Teen Choice Awards.

Look3

Look3 by mkltrouble featuring Temperley London dresses

Look #4: Menswear

No, this look is not for Emma, but rather for one of her fashion forward male friends at Brown who isn’t afraid to rock a pink sneaker.

Look4

Look4 by mkltrouble featuring Paul Smith vests

Look #5: Leisurewear

Emma chose to live in Brown’s dorms for her freshman year. If she continues to do so is unknown but regardless of if she lives in the dorm or a Rhode Island apartment, Emma needs to always look pulled together in case the paparazzi are waiting outside her door.

Look5

Look5 by mkltrouble featuring Matters of Leisure robes

Look #6: Sporting Look

This workout outfit is perfect for any student with the sleek Stella McCartney for Adidas leggings and Nike top with a comfortable zip up jacket to don on the way to and from the gym.

Look6

Look6 by mkltrouble featuring Nike

Look #7: Day-to-Night Look #1

As a busy college student and celebrity, Emma needs a versatile look that can get her through a day of classes and a dinner with her agent. This look is solidly anchored by a mesh overlay Fendi skirt with chunky heels and an oversized Quentin McKay bag keeping the look practical for every occasion.

Look7

Look7 by mkltrouble featuring Jessica Simpson jewelry

Look #8: Day-to-Night Look #2

This second versatile outfit features skinny jeans and a beautifully tailored jacket that can be taken off to expose a floaty white top perfect for a dorm party.

Look8

Look8 by mkltrouble featuring Diane Von Furstenberg shoes

So, I’ll tell you what I want….what I really, really want…

7 Feb

Lingerie. It’s not just for Victoria’s Secret anymore. Big name designers like Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and Christian Dior sent their models down the runway in corsets, lace, and my favorite- tap shorts. Obviously, the big question is can college girls pull this off in real life? Well, first off I think our age group has a much better chance than anyone over the age of 30, but still this is definitely a tread with caution trend. However, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to incorporate a lingerie inspired piece into your next going out look as long as you carefully balance out the rest of your ensemble with some trusty basics.

Look #1: The Corset

The corset is probably the most common piece of lingerie inspired clothing. The key is to keep it fun, playful, and flirty by choosing bright colors and staying away from anything lacy or black.

Look #2: The Bralet

This is not for the faint of heart, but for those of you with an itty bitty waist and not overwhelming cleavage this can look tres chic if paired with a high waisted skirt that leaves only a tiny strip of the ribcage exposed.

Look #3: Tap Shorts

Ever since my journey to Aussie Land a few summers back, I’ve been a big fan of shorts as a night time look. Tap shorts are just a comfy and silky variety. Keep it simple on top with a bodysuit that will create a streamlined look.

Favorite Places: Von Maur

26 May

By and large, I’m not a huge fan of department stores. All the JC Penney and Sears commercials in the world will never convince me they’re fashionable destinations. Here in Iowa, we aren’t fortunate enough to have better national department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks. However, we are pretty lucky to have Von Maur. I know Jordan Creek has gotten a lot of hype in the past couple years, but in my book Valley West will always be the superior mall as long as they keep their monopoly on Des Moines area Von Maur. I’m sure plenty of you have experienced the wonder of Von Maur, but for you non-Iowans and those other crazies who haven’t made  it there here are some reasons why Von Maur is by far my favorite department store.

First, the ambience of the store is great. The lighting is bright without being overly fluorescent, and the racks are spaced far enough apart that you won’t have to be cramped while browsing them. You can often hear music throughout the store from the beautiful grand piano situated between the escalators, and unlike most mall restrooms, Von Maur’s are quite stately.

Second, the service is great. Von Maur offers free gift wrapping year round. They will also ship your purchases for free within the continental United States. The staff is always very attentive and knowledgeable. I was personally very impressed last summer when I purchased my Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag. The saleswoman forgot to give me my receipt, and she took the time to mail it to me along with a very nice handwritten note.

Lastly, the merchandise Von Maur carries is definitely above par for department stores. They have a fantastic purse department and carry many of the brands that I discussed yesterday. The shoe department is also great, and don’t forget to check out the Shoe Clearance Room for great deals. (Right now, I’m wearing a pair of adorable Sam Edelman heels I purchased there for $20 that were originally more than $100). Of course, the clothes are great and many of my favorite jackets and dresses came from there.

So, check the out if you’re in the area. If not, I hope you’re lucky enough to find a suitable alternative in your area.