Packtastic Fashion

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS
this weeks fun/creative/stylish/citygirl/ is taking a break from randevoing around the Milwaukee area, to bring some very exciting news!

Ok so those of us from Wisconsin are OOBBER pumped to say the least.  For those of you living under a rock, are not true Wisconsinites, or are just plain oblivious, here's the breakdown.  The Packers Won.  Were going to the Superbowl.  It will be Epic. WATCH OUT DALLAS!! Here we come!

Now: This is great and all, BUT for those of us who WANT to show their Packer-Pride, but don't have the option to wear their Aaron Rodgers jersey to work, here at Nextdoor, we've put a cute SPRING looks together, that will not only show your team pride BUT make you look adorable at work,vacation,school, WHEREVER YOU WANT! Take a look!

On Model Ashley:
BB Dakota Stevens Vest 55.00
Hazel Miniskirt with Olive waistband 84.00
Michael Stars Olive tanktop 36.00
Splendid Lemon tanktop 42.00

On Model Amanda:
Shawls Smith Lemon Scarf 34.00
BB Dakota Olive Jumper 52.00

As I ALWAYS say GET INSPIRED by WHATS AROUND you!

Fashion Inspiration: ART

One of the things I love most in my city is the Milwaukee Art Museum.  Not only is it beautiful on the inside, but the outside is architecturally breathtaking. The head architect on the project, Santiago Calatrava once stated that he created "not a building, but a piece of the city", to which I could not agree more!  The MAM is one of the main focal points of Milwaukee because of its pure beauty and elegance.  The structure's crisp white wings and marble staircases truly exhibits a heaven-like orb that centers around beauty and fantasy like illusions.

MAM

Since I am an official member of the MAM, I decided today to put my creativity to the test and challenge myself to find pieces of Art to inspire new Fashion ideas!  Below, I took photos of many artworks that I found inspirational when it comes to Fashion and designed looks around those pieces.  Some are simple landscapes while others are sculptures, abstract pieces, and formal portraits.  Enjoy and GET INSPIRED from what's around you!

Inspiration: Gerard Richter's  "Breath", 1989                                                            

Interpretation: Shawls Smith Scarf Collection 34.00-100.00

 For this piece,  I looked at the artists work and noticed all of the colors and the texture used from the oil paint and instantly thought of scarves.  The Scarves shown represent the texture within the painting and the artists use of color.

Inspiration: Robert Irwin's "Untitled" Piece 1969

Interpretation: Pewter Necklace 60.00

For this piece titled ironically "Untitled", I noticed the shapes used within the sculpture and thought of  Next Door's stunning Pewter Necklaces.  This necklace captures the essence of the sculpture with its orb like shape, the coloring.

                                                    

Inspiration: Chakaia Booker, Tire Art

Chakaia Booker, Tire Art

Interpretation:
Seven for All Mankind Black Skinny Jeans 149.00
Buffalo Slash Tire Top  84.00
Shawls Smith Scarf 34.00

Up Close Shot

For this piece, I wanted to capture the texture in Booker's art, which is of course,the rubber in the tires.  This top by Buffalo has amazing detailing in the arms and the bodice which gives a unique play to any simple black top and creates movement.

Inspiration: MAM Outside Landscape

Interpretation:
Missme Skinny Whipstitch Jeans 98.00
Textile Junkie Bib Tee 48.00
Shawls Smith Aqua Scarf 34.00
RRT Pewter Cuff 52.00
RRT Pewter Earrings 18.00
Nicole Lee Laced Floral Stitch Bag 83.00

For this particular looks, I wanted to capture many things.  First, I wanted to convey the purity in the snow outside the MAM, the shape and movement in the sculpture, and the blue and silver accents that Lake Michigan offered in the backdrop.  For this I used a Textile Junkie top, which although just a"white tee" has all different lengths and shapes used in the back and front to really add that special touch to the piece, similar to the sculpture.  I used the blue and silver accents to make the look very serene, similar to the landscape and bring a serene looks to a cold atmosphere, and lastly, I used the purse to bring a sense of warmth to finish off the look.

Inspiration: Duane Hanson "Janitor", 1973

Interpretation:
Splendid Navy Stripe Henley 80.00
Citizens of Humanity Grey Skinny Jeans 176.00
Cowboy Double Strap Belt w/ Studs  84.00
Shawls Smith Tan Scarf 34.00

This was hands down the funnest piece to interpret and I think we did a great job!!  The color interpretation is dead on, and we used colors that many would not normally put together.  This is the perfect example of HAVING FUN WITH FASHION and getting inspired!

Inspiration:  Harvey K. Littleton "Lemon/Red Crown" 1989

Interpretation:
Free People Crown Jacket 168.00
Free People Boho Red Hat 28.00
Shawls Smith Red Scarf: 34.00

The bottom of this jacket really captures the curvature of Littleton's "Crown" piece.   It exhibits the clean lines and sophistication of the sculpture itself and not to mention is WARM!

Inspiration: Frederic Leighton's "1st Baron Leighton of Stratton"

Interpretation:
Hazel Ivory Tunic 78.00
Citizens of Humanity Medium Wash Skinny Jeans 193.00
Pewter Necklace 70.00

Back View

This outfit was all about capturing the lines the artist used in his painting "the Barron".  The lines in this stunning Hazel Tunic really capture the movement in the portrait, and exemplify an old world appeal.

Inspiration #1: Ewe's Men's Cloth, African Republic of Congo

Inspiration #2: Gerard's Valcin's Command Fieldworkers, 1971

Interpretation:
Hazel Strapless Spring Dress 100.00
Shawls Smith Peach Scarf: 34.00
Chain Necklace 30.00
Peach Flower Charm 42.00
Gold Hoop Earrings 10.00
Fashion Express Bag 73.00
Various Brown Beaded Bracelets 10.00-18.00

I absolutely fell in love with Ewe's Quilt above, and really thought this dress showed many of the patterns, shapes, and colors used within that masterful piece.  The accessories really tie this outfit together to give a very boho-chic look, perfect for any spring or summer event!

Inspiration: Eva Hesse, "Right After", 1969

Interpretation:
1921 Light Stitched Jeans 184.00
Hazel Ivory Hole Shrug 84.00
Free People Metallic Racerback Top 38.00
Michael Stars Lace Cami 48.00
Gold Leaf Earrings 36.00

Front View

For this piece I wanted my model (thanks Ash!) to move around to mimic the the structure of this minimalist piece.  This outfit captures the simplicity in lines, but still a "wow" factor, which comes into play when you see the metallics in the racerback top and the texture of shrug.  Perfect for any beach day or summer concert!

Inspiration: Tara Donovan "Bluffs", 2009

Interpretation:
BB Dakota Silver Button Up 74.00
Shawls Smith Violet Scarf 34.00
Paige Skinny Jeggings 166.00
Free People Racerback Top 38.00

The first thing I want to point out about Tara Donovan's piece is its a great example of minimalisim because its entirely constructed of buttons, which in turn, bring out many violet hues, giving the sculpture a very "glacier-like" look.  In turn, I used many purple and silver hue's to interpret this design, and really capture the essence of Donovan's simple lines and colors.  I think overall, this may be my favorite piece because of the color usage and simplicity.

Inspiration: Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Soup", 1965

Interpretation Can Number 1:
Michael Stars Peach V-Neck 55.00
Michael Stars Forest Green Tank 36.00
True Religion Distressed Jeans 224.00
Shawls Smith Laney Scarf 68.00

Interpretation Can Number 2:
Michael Stars Purple Quarter Length Top 48.00
Aqua Racerback Tank 36.00
True Religion Dark Becky Fit Jeans 198.00
Shawls Smith Vibrant Patterned Scarf 68.00

Not only is Andy Warhol one of my favorite artists, but these had to be two of my favorite outfits.  They are simple yes, but they are COMFORTABLE and perfect for any High School or College student in a hurry, be comfortable, and look ADORABLE!

Inspiration: Three Quarter Cuirasser Armor 1605-1610, Italian

Interpretation:
Linea Domani Silver Snake Print Sequen Dress 206.00
RRT Design Pewter Necklace 60.00


This piece was almost a dead on match for me. The shined silver in the armor  is most definitely portrayed in this Linea Domani Silver evening dress and gives a modern edge to a century old piece.





Model: Ashley Anton
Photography: Amanda Frank and Sherry Koeppen




























 

NEW Semester NEW Style

Between the months of September and December, there is only one word that helps me to get through those long, strenuous nights of homework, term papers, and exams.  A word that at first seems like a distant fantasy, but then, as the months progress, becomes ever clearer and more possible.  Interim. A time when you finally get to go home, relax with old friends from high school, spend time with the fam, and earn that little bit of extra cash which you will most likely put to good use when you single handedly keep every bar on Waterstreet in business (just kidding!).   Well, I hate to be the one to burst everyones bubble, but that time is almost over. I know, I know it went by way to fast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn some heads while walking into class that first day! Take this last week to ENJOY YOURSELF with some fun new looks courtesy of your friends NEXT DOOR!  I took the liberty of putting together some really FUN and EASY looks for any college student.  Not only are they fun, but their COMFORTABLE.  I know for a fact, when I have to get up at 5 AM for one of my ADPR classes, one of the last things I want to do is get all dolled up when my eyes will mostly likely be half shut anyways.  These looks are fun, stylish, easy, and AFFORDABLE! This semester, take a vow of STYLE.  Make an ENTRANCE and show who you are through FASHION. Enjoy:)

 Splendid Stripped Rugby top was $83.00 now $41.50
Splendid Eggshell Tank  was $44.00 now $22.00
Bag $83.00Shawls Smith Scarf $34.00
Rock and Republic Black Jeggings $145.00

Missme Floral Flannel was $78.00 now  $39.00
Splendid White Tank Top was $44.00 now $22.00
Shawls Smith Scarf $34.00
Seven for All Mankind A Pocket Distressed Jeans $198.00

Juicy Couture Ocean Hoodie was $128.00 now  $64.00
Hot Pink Splendid Scoop neck Top was $48.00 now $22.00
NEW Missme Whip-Stick Jeans $98.00
Big Buddah Coral Bag $78.00

Michael Stars Burnt Henley was $68.00 now $34.00
Splendid White Tank Top was $44.00 now $22.00
J Brand Heartbreaker Bootleg Jeans $210.00
Fashion Express Brown Tote $72.00
Gold Charm Necklace: $30.00
Fire Orange Charm: $42.00

Monroe Purple Animal Print Top was $97.00  now $48.50
Buffalo Jacket was $143.00 now $71.50
Citizens for Humanity Jeans $212.00
Big Buddah Rocker Bag $78.00
Square Swirls Necklace $50.00

Black Multi-length BB Dakota Sweater was $83.00 now $41.50
Tattoo Blank Jeans $90.00
Black Floral Scarf $27.00

Photos taken by Sherry Koeppen

It's All About ME

CREATIVITY is attained from all different aspects of one's being.  Some find inspiration in the pages of books, breathing in each word and phrase with hopes of achieving a deeper point of view or satisfaction.  Others, find the lyrics of song soothing and appealing, praying as each note progresses, so will their flair. Some may also gain clarity in the theatre, performing in front of large crowds, exhilaration at every line and take.  Mine however, is attainted through a combination of all of these things...through STYLE.  As Gore Vidal once said "Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn", and I could not agree more!

                                                                       My Best Friend Ashley and I, August 2010
                                                                           "The Purpose of Fun is to LIVE IT"!

First off, let me introduce myself!  My name is Amanda, I am twenty years old, and I attend Marquette University located in Milwaukee Wisconsin, MY CITY. I am majoring in Public Relations, Advertising, and Mass Communications which allows me to put my creative energy to good use and display my sense of style.  I have five brothers and sisters, two cats, and a wonderful mom who has helped all of my dreams to become a reality.  I currently work at Next Door Boutique, located in Brookfield Wisconsin and work with the most amazing creative team! I also work during the week at Marquette University Law School, where I basically do whatever they need me to do for that particular day including paperwork, calling venues etc. etc.   When I am not working, or doing fifty hours worth of homework, I find myself EXPLORING my city.  From heading to the third ward, one of my cities most creative districts, to Wisconsin Avenue where fine food such as Hotel Metro are on every corner, to even the Milwaukee Art Museum where my favorite artist ANDY WARHOL is displayed, I continually find myself inspired by STYLE.  So many unique individuals, and so many hotspots to see!  As you read my blog, remember that life is an ADVENTURE.  It is to short to sit at home, and not experience LIFE, PEOPLE, FOOD,MUSIC,DANCING, ART,and FASHION! Follow me, as I take you through MY LIFE as a single, sassy, sophisticated twenty year old living in MY CITY.