Rainy Days and Mondays

If you have ever turned on the radio or even listen to music for that matter, you should know who Karen Carpenter is.  If you don't...you are dead to me.

IM JUST KIDDING!

 But really, Karen Carpenter is probably not only one of my favorite singers, but my FAVORITE songwriters.  I mean honestly, songs like Rainy Days and Mondays and Superstar don't come around to often, especially in this day in age when every song written appears to be utterly transparent.  Below I posted a video of the late Karen Carpenter singing her sorrowful hit.  Its one of  those songs that really relates you to the artist and makes you appreciate what good music is.  Take a look!

So in light of this RAINY DAY and the Carpenters, I decided to put a few outfits together that would not only turn that frown upside down in this clouds, but turn anyone from frumpy to fashionable! Check out this Karen Carpenter inspired looks!

Karen Carpenter Re-creation

Karen Carpenter Re-Creation

As most of you know, I'm in LOVE with retro fashion, and these looks are retro with a modern twist! Stop in NextDoor to check out all of these great looks and create your own song with style:)

The Help Fashions

Hello world! It's been a while since I last blogged, but here I am two months later finally done with summer classes (thank goodness) and ready start up again!

Well, last week, I had the privilege of seeing a private screening of a movie called "The Help" based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, a truly inspirational movie that is set in the 1960's on the brink of the Civil Rights movement. 

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

-Kathryn Stockett, The Help

 The movie itself stars rising starlett Emma Stone, who plays Eugenia, a recent college graduate who aspires to live in New York and become a big time journalist.  Stone decides that writing a tell all piece from the point of view the african american maids, better known as "the help", who take care of the white families within her community to catch the editors attention.  I won't tell you the rest of the story, but let me say it truly is life changing and an end of summer must-see!

The Help, 2011

"All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries." -Kathryn Stockett, The Help

So, in light of this movie I decided it'd be fun to play with some "help" fashions! Clothes that represent not only the era itself, but the feeling of the movie! I picked pieces with full skirts, soft colors, and impecible details, very similar to the ones that Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone showcased.  Take a look!

Emma Stone, The Help 2011

Uncle Frank Flower Power Dress



Yumi Black "Sofa" Dress



RYU Tea Party Dress

Yumi Fly Away Dress

All of these fashions plus more are avalible at Nextdoor in Sendiks towne center, my favorite place to shop and plenty of fun vintage inspired pieces like these ones!  And don't forget to see "The Help", a truly inspirational movie that will get you thinking not only about fashion, but LIFE.

Last Friday Night Fashions

As most of you may know from my previous blogs, I am the definition of a die hard KP fan.  From her eccentric style, to her corky taste, Katy truly puts the fun in fashion! In her latest music video for her new hit single, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)", Katy brings the 80's to life in a fun inspiring video of a geeky girl, who gets her chance with her dream guy all in one Friday!  Check it out below!

Pretty funny huh? I especially love the cameo's by Hanson, Kenny G, Corey Feldmann, and of course Debbie Gibson and of course Ms. Friday herself, Rebecca Black.  Below I recreated some of my favorite looks inspired by this great video!  Take a look!

Lime-Light

Up-Close Bow Scarf

Cheetah-Licious

Rebecca Black Re-creation

Up Close- Belt

Spiked Fire Cuff

Mesh-Dream

80's Style Hoops

Star Crossed Missme Jeans

Overall, putting these looks togethr was a great blast and Katy was a great muse! Dont forget to check her out this year at Summerfest and also come into Nextdoor for your latest and greatest fashion needs!

You've Gotta Try This!

Its official! Summer has officially begun meaning three whole months of tanning, late night partying, and of course shopping!  I myself have found oodles and oodles of fun these last few days, and its only just beginning!  Now this summer there are SO many great things going on that I thought I enlighten all of you on some MUST-SEE'S for this summer!  Take a look!

The Milwaukee Art Museum's "Summer of China": 

The MAM is notorious for showcasing great pieces of art and history in each and every one of their exhibits.  As an MAM member I for one am eager to see their newest exhibit coming in just a few weeks called "Summer of China".  "Summer of China" appears to be simply put, a masterpiece!  Its showcasing not only paintings but breathaking artifacts and treasures!  Just click the link below to get a taste!

Summer of China

Katy Perry:

Am I a die hard Katy Perry fan? You bet I am!  July 7th at the Marcus Ampitheater Katy will be headling at 7:30 p.m. at Milwaukee's own Summerfest! I seriously LOVE Katy! From her style to her talent, this is one show your not gonna wanna miss!  Tickets are on sale now!  Just click the link below and you can order your tickets directly!

Katy Perry Tickets

Fiddler on the Roof:

If there's anything I love possibly more than a good movie, its a good play and this year at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Fiddler on the Roof one of my favorite plays is being performed! Fiddler on the Roof is a tony award winning play filled with music and fun! Its a great way to get out of the house and an activity all ages will enjoy!

Fiddler on the Roof Information

Sea Dog Sailing:

One of the perks of living in Milwaukee, is being surronded by one the great lakes, that being Lake Michigan! What better way to get in touch with nature than to expierence it first hand by going on a sailing trip!  Sea Dog Sailing offers  private tours and flexible schuedling to get you out on the water!  So what are you waiting for.....get a taste of the lake!

Sea Dog Sailing

Brewers Game:

JUST GO TO A BREWERS GAME! For those of you who have never expirenced a baseball game, or for those of you who have but haven't been to Miller Park...ITS TIME.  Miller Park is probably one of my favorite places to go, not just because of the Brewers themselves, but boy do I love the food!  Brewers games are a great way to get together with old friends, meet new ones, and just have an all around good time!  So what are you waiting for? Go Brewers!

Milwaukee Brewers

Well I hope you found some of this information useful when planning your summer adventures! Dont forget to put on that sun screen and crank up that Katy Perry! See you next week!

Swing Time

Every year in honor of my beloved father, my family holds a golf outing called " the Bob Frank Memorial", which not only helps a charity in need, but also provides a scholarship for an outstanding student! This year, Nextdoor was featured in the silent auction, giving away a pair of great Missme Jeans and an adorable bag!  The winner was my sister Melissa's great friend Andrea who walked away looking great in the Bedazzled Wing Skinnies! Take a look!

Overall, the event was a great success and I had such  great time spending time with my family and meeting new people!! Here are some pics from the event! Enjoy and maybe we'll see you next year!

My best friend Ashley and my nephew Jacob

Friends! Andrea, Melody, and Ash

Andrea, Carrie, Erin, Melissa, Myself, Ashley, Melody

Franks! My sisters Melissa and Erin and my cousin Eileen

Hole 18! Kettle Moraine Golf Course 

Melissa, Erin , Myself, Eileen 

A special thanks to everyone who made this years Golf Outing a great success and to Nextdoor for being so generous to such a great cause!

Out for a Walk

“There are three forms of visual art: Painting is art to look at, sculpture is art you can walk around, and architecture is art you can walk through”-Dan Rice
There are so many charming and admirable things in our cities that many of us don't take the time to truly appreciate and cherish.  This week, I visited  the  Historic Third Ward located right off of Saint Paul Avenue in Milwaukee, where ingenuity and artistic stimulation are found at every turn.  Sure, there are gazillions of great boutiques, MIAD, and of course the Public Market which is great for a bite to eat, but in all due respect, the most engaging of all for me has to be the buildings themselves.  Truly a dime a dozen do you find such architecture as compelling and refreshing as ones like the Broadway Theater, and, it doesn't take a great art enthusiast to notice the pure elegance between the streets.  Take a look!

There is so many colors and textures in the architecture I saw in the Historic Third Ward, that really got me thinking about pieces that you could "walk through", and really LIVE in.  I choose colors that were darker and earthy, that could truly relate to what I saw downtown! Take a look!

Earth Mother Look
BB Dakota
Tule

Back View of Tule Vintage Top

I loved this look because it really brought together the natural elements in the city.  I choose neutral colors with simplistic lines to really showcase the elegance in the ensemble and provide for an everyday look.

I've got the Blues
Splendid
Michael Stars
Seven for all Mankind

Back View: Seven for All Mankind Jeans

This outfit was really about the "live" factor.  I choose pieces that were comfortable, with eye popping accents like the great scarf!  The jeans were a straight leg Seven for All Mankind, which is my favorite jean because of its comfort level and great pocket placement!  For the top pieces I did a layering technique, and choose a pale blue with a soft yellow to really give off an eased look!

Sky Rocket
Ya Dress

What really struck me about this dress was the texture.  The top portion is completely beaded and embellished, which really takes this dress from simple  to elegant.  It's versatile, and can be worn to work, out with a friend, or even on a night on the town!  I paired it with my great black combat boots to give it a more urban appeal, but with a great pair of heels or even flips you move this dress in any direction you want!

Overall, the Historic Third Ward is a great place to visit. It has so much culture and movement, that its impossible not to be moved by.  Next time you visit though, pay special attention to the view from OUTSIDE, and take a moment to reflect on its beauty and get inspired.

Museum MADNESS

The Milwaukee Public Museum is truly one of my favorite sites in the Milwaukee area.  Not only is it visually exciting with its truly exceptional displays, but it also offers one a true education on the subjects of science, history, and architecture!  This week, my friend Jordan and I, decided to use our morning break to our advantage and explore the many wonders the Museum has to offer.  Check out my favorite exhibits!

1. Streets of Old Milwaukee:  This is a MUST SEE if your heading down to the museum.  Not only is it visually breath taking, but great if your into set design and architecture like my friend Jordan!  The way the designers re created 19th century Milwaukee is great, and hey, you may even learn a thing or two about our cities history!

Jordan and I decided to be a little silly!

2. The Butterfly Exhibit:  Picture yourself with thousands of brightly colored butterflies, landing on your hands, clothes and even nose!  This is a great place to truly see natures wonders first hand, and you may even make a friend or two!

3. The Rain Forest:  Alright, we all wish in this supposed "spring" weather that we could travel to a far off place of swooping trees, talking parrots, and swinging vines.  Well, at the MPM you can! The rain forest re-creation is AWESOME to say the least! The designers truly paid attention to even the smallest details like the texture of the tree bark and even the facial expressions of the animals!  It truly is a glimpse of the Amazon!

There are really THOUSANDS of great things to check out here! From butterflies, to Native American History, to even talking parrots, the MPM is a great place to learn and fall in love with Milwaukee!

For more information go to: http://www.mpm.edu/ and dont forget to check out shopatnextdoor.com for your latest and greatest style needs!