What to Wear {Bikes Blues & BBQ}

September 18, 2013February 21, 2014Leave a comment

OK. I know you planned to go out of town and miss all the biker business. But that fell through, didn’t it? A large part of you wants to stay holed up in your house and avoid the countless bikes/bikers altogether. But, you’ve been saving those pleather leggings for a special occasion, so — if you can’t beat them, why not join them?

I met my husband at BBBQ in 2008; and who’s to say Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now isn’t waiting on the steps of the walton arts center to buy you a chili dog and sweep you off your feet?

To me, this look says, I could really be going anywhere…but I just happened to grace the folks at BBBQ with my presence.

shirt dress: thrifted

heels: vince camuto via Plato’s Closet Fayetteville

The Window Shopper’s Spring Must Haves

March 12, 2013April 8, 2015Leave a comment

Payton Bridewell shares The Window Shopper’s must-haves for Spring with At Home in Arkansas

I had the honor of sharing my must-haves for Spring with At Home in Arkansas. Here is the post.

Payton is the PR Chair of NWA Fashion Week. She is a fashion enthusiast with a corporate job in the beauty industry. She produced and styled photo shoots for the boutiques participating in NWA fashion week. She can also be found playing dress up on her blog, thewindowshopper.org or @mspayton on instagram. She’s very excited about fashion week; you can find her hosting the events on Thursday & Friday nights!

1. An Earcuff: I love wearing an earcuff lately. It adds edge without an actual piercing.

Ear Cuff, $88 shopbop.com

2. A bum bag: I’ve always loved fanny packs and I’ve picked a few up at thrift shops over the years. But for those who want something a little higher end, there seem to be more options out there. This version is both convenient & chic.

Bumbag, $165 DKNY

3. A one piece swimsuit: I wear a one piece as a leotard with jeans or high waist pants because it keeps the lines very clean. You can also hop in the pool at a moment’s notice.

Swimsuit, $59 ASOS

4. A colorful nail color: I work for P&G and I love the new CoverGirl Nail shades, like Mint Mojito. You really don’t need a topcoat!

CoverGirl Outlast Nail, $4.94 Walmart

5. Go with everything sandals: I gravitate toward anything clear or Lucite so I hope to pick up these Seychelles’ sandals from Maude in Fayetteville

Seychelles Heels, $89 Maude

6. A portable iPhone speaker: I keep one in my purse for impromptu dance parties.

iHome Speaker, $19 Target

7. Insoles: I wear heels almost every day. Dr Scholl’s insoles make it possible

High Heel Insole, $7.97 Walmart

The Window Shopper Debuts a VERY Dynamic Duo: Mertin’s Eye + Lola Boutique

March 12, 2013April 8, 2015Leave a comment

[CLICKABLES: see the original post + ALL the photos ]

THE WINDOW SHOPPER DEBUTS DYNAMIC DUO…. LOLA BOUTIQUE + MERTIN’S EYE

LOCATION: VETRO 1925 | AN ABANDONED BUILDING | ARSAGA’S DOWNTOWN | CAFÉ RUE ORLEANS ROOFTOP

Daylight savings happened early this morning, which means MORE SUN. Fashion Week commences TOMORROW (with Shop Local Night, LBD Party @ Vetro & 3W/L’Oreal are putting on a swanky affair at Ruth’s Chris in Rogers). Mallory, who so gracefully shot these photos will be capturing “street style” Thursday-Saturday so, you know, bring you’re A-GAME.

When I started planning for Lola + Mertins, I i knew I wanted to do something different from what I had done so far. This was the last window shop we shot (although not the last post!) and so I recruited my favorite team and a new face. My friend Vanessa.

I wanted to change it up a bit this time so I asked Vanessa to ‘help me’. We’ve been posing together since church camp in 1998 (there are photos but they’re classified). Vanessa was amazing and we had a ton of fun at Vetro 1925 {will I see you there on Monday?}, Arsagas Downtown {we got a few stares + I’ll be there Monday, later} and overlooking the city on the roof of the delectable Café Rue Orleans {don’t try it at home}.

Mallory {MGB PHOTO} worked it out as always, she has mad skills with the camera. But she’s 5’nothing so she’s gotta bring her ladder {so cute}. Guillotine has literally been open two months. They have happy hour hair every Tuesday…They are freaking sick at what they do. Taylor and Lindsey tag teamed us – they gave me a faux bob which I’m going to try to get them to recreate for one of the nights I’m hosting. Kory could literally do makeup with his eyes closed. *super secret tip from him – liquid brown liner on your brows I’m going to post more on my buddies who helped me next week.

My friend, Jade Terminella is both the proprietor of Lola BoutiqueAND the co-founder/fearless leader of NWAFW. Jade has always loved animals (she has three dog babies at home). Jade joined the board of Spay Arkansas in 2007 as Fundraising Chair and her first instinct was to bring awareness for their cause through fashion. The girl moves fast and 2007 was the inaugural year of Strut for a Mutt.

Although Strut was a consistent success, Jade had her eye on
the bigger picture. She and Danielle Vaughan conspired to combine all the local fashion for philanthropy events and create an all encompassing “fashion week” in NWA. She recognized that our
community has a heart for helping others and looking fabulous while doing it.

Mertins Eye has been on board since the conception of NWAFW as the official accessory sponsor. Jennifer Esty is the stylist and marketer for the offices and she contacted me about the Window Shop. I asked her about Mertins’ involvement in NWAFW, she told me that last year they “jumped at the chance to be the official eyewear sponsor. Keeping business local, supporting local charities and doing it through fashion??? Can’t think of a better group to be involved with and cause to contribute our time and eyewear to.”

In 2006, Dr. Allyson Mertins opened Mertins Eye Care & Optical. She recognized a need in NWA for a combination of well-appointed, unique eyewear & exceptional eye care. The store expanded to a second location in September of 2011 in the Garland Center on the University of Arkansas campus. Dr. Mertins values impeccable service and has quite a loyal clientele. Her patients constantly compliment her on the eye exam, which is thorough and rather detailed. She stays up to date on the latest research and findings in the optometric industry.

Mertins offers fashion forward eyewear for every budget, recognizable high-end labels {like Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Derek Lam, Jason Wu, etc} and exclusive independent lines –
SALT.optics and Mykita, which are handmade. Mertins knows that the sartorially inclined public of our area express their personality through eyewear as much as any other part of their ensemble. Or….perhaps more, after all you don’t change your RX frames daily, so they’re even more important to a look than clothes or jewelry.

Dr. Allyson and the staff of Mertins are thrilled to be
invited back as the official accessory sponsor for NWAFW 2013…this year they will present a runway show!!

THE CLOTHES				THE FRAMES
On Vanessa	LOLA	{Elizabeth And James}	WHITE ‘PARKER’ LAYERED BLAZER	MERTINS	Salt	“FULCEY” RED TORTOISE SHELL FRAMES
On Payton	LOLA	{French Connection}	STELLA’ CREPE CLASSIC BLAZER IN CREAM	MERTINS	3.1 Phillip Lim	“CELIA” EGGSHELL RIMMED CLUBMASTER (ISH) FRAMES
On Vanessa	LOLA	{Nicole Miller}	LONG SLEEVE TUCKED DRESS BLACK	MERTINS	Elizabeth And James	“RIVER” jackie O black oversized sunnies with gold accent
On Payton	LOLA	{Graham And Spencer}	3/4 FITTED MAXI DRESS	MERTINS	{Elizabeth And James}	“KENDALL” white square sunnies
On Payton	LOLA	{Graham And Spencer}	DRAPE TANK DRESS IN VANILLA	MERTINS	Mykita	“DAISY NO 2″ BLUE ANGULAR FRAMES
On Payton	LOLA	{French Connection}	ALMOND STRETCH CAP SLEEVE DRESS – BLACK	MERTINS	Mykita	“GOLDA” black round sunnies
On Vanessa	LOLA	{Velvet}	LEATHER SHOULDER PATCH DRESS BLACK	MERTINS	{Rayban}	CLUBMASTER SUNNIES
On Vanessa	LOLA	{Alc}	HARLAN JUMPSUIT NAVY	MERTINS	Salt	“BRIGGS” SQUARE GRAY FRAMES
On Payton	LOLA	{Riller And Fount}	RITA’ CREW NECK MAXI IN GOLD
On Vanessa	LOLA	{Haute Hippie}	GOLD TWIST FRONT STRAPLESS DRESS

The Window Shopper Previews Art Amiss

March 11, 2013February 13, 2014Leave a comment

: Mayapple

: Black Cherry

: Good Things

[CLICKABLES! see the –> original post & –> all the photos]

I wasn’t exactly familiar with Artamiss before becoming involved with NWAFW. As I said, I had already worked with Mel @ Mayapple. We got along really well and I love the one stop shop she has going with Mayapple (hair/makeup/clothes). When she asked me to put a few of the Art Amiss designers in The Window Shop, I readily agreed. Black Cherry & Good Things were the shops that really wanted to participate. I’ve been a Black Cherry fan since Leea opened. She even put me in a unitard for her instagram recently. So I knew it would be fun to show a few things from there. I had seen Good Things and maybe popped in on my way to Dark Star but didn’t really know what it was about. I met Jessy, the owner/designer and found that she has a passion for organic fabric, processes or practices. That carries over into her boutique and the clothing she carries is either made of an organic fabric or the company employs green practices. I have to admit that, at first glance, the store didn’t carry clothes that I would normally buy. However, I quickly understood that what I could love about Good Things were the basic. Tanks, tees, yoga pants, jackets but mostly bralets. Jessy was not sure what I was going to do with the bralet I took for the shoot but as you may know, skin is in. Everything in moderation, right?

Celi is an art student that Mel asked to shoot for us (Mallory was out of town) and she was really good. It was cool to work with someone that has a different aesthetic and doesn’t know all the faces I’ve already made…At one point Celi told me to “do something with {my} hands”. We got into a friendly rapport.

Mel gave me two different hair & beauty looks. 1. Princess hair complete with a braided bun at the crown with minimal makeup and glossy lips 2. Messy side braid with giant false lashes on the bottom! Needless to say, we had fun.

Leea from Black Cherry came along for the party, she gave me some posing pointers, which I had trouble remembering. We talked about marriage and boys and how to get men to clean. Mel ordered pizza for the group, which annoyed me because I was about to pour into a leopard unitard. Anyway, we had a blast and I hope you enjoy!

I’ve gleaned more info on Art Amiss, Black Cherry, Good Things & Mayapple for your reading pleasure. These ladies will be showing on the runway Thursday but I know you can’t wait so you must try to stop by Arsagas at the Depot tonight from 7pm on. The coffee shop is hosting an artist appreciation exposition put on by Art Amiss. I’ll be heading there after I sip & see at Vetro 1925 (in my LBD, natch).

Good Things’ Jessy Lang majored in Apparel Studies at the University of Arkansas and then worked in product development at the Wal-Mart corporate office for eight years. She opened Good Things in 2008. She describes the store as an extension of her lifestyle and values. She explains, “I like simple, natural, pretty things. I wanted to support positive and good things in my business and also make it easier for others to support those things, and look our best while doing it.”

Jessy told me she is inspired by every girl with big dreams, a huge heart and a great sense of style. She admires women who are motivated to do great things for their communities & world but also look fabulous doing it.

Black Cherry Vintage opened in the summer of 2012. Leea Lee saw a need for a retro woman’s clothing store in Fayetteville and she’s been delivering ever since with feminine silhouettes, beautiful dresses, fun t-shirts and enviable separates. Somehow she finds the time to be an active roller derby girl & play with her (relatively) new hubby, Spencer.

ARTAMISS | web | fb | email |

Art Amiss is a not-for-profit art collective based in
Fayetteville, AR created with the express purpose of providing services for artists living in, working in, or from Arkansas.

The organization is composed of 5 board members. We host
semi-annual events for all medias and are interested in working in conjunction with artists all over the state to increase the artistic awareness in our local environments. More @ artamiss.org

The Window Shopper plays in Plato’s Closet

February 4, 2013April 8, 2015Leave a comment

[CLICKABLE: –> SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT!]

Hi pretty people! I hope you are well and getting excited about NWAFW! Are you following @nwafashionweek on instagram? liked on facebook? Just looking out for you! Isn’t it surprising/wonderful how many fashion conscious people there are in our little neck of the woods? I found a few to help me with this project. They areridiculous talented. Quickly, let me give credit where credit is so very due.

THE TEAM:

Photography: Mallory Berry [web | fb | insta | email]

Hair: Taylor & Lindsey of Guillotine Hair Lounge [web | fb | insta | 479.582.8770]

MUA: Kory Tyler Simpson @ MAC [ insta | email]

Stylist, Blogger, Model: Yours Truly, Payton Bridewell [web | fb | insta | email]

Ok, did you catch my first NWAFW Window Shop collaboration with Maude? If not, head –> here !

If so…let us venture on! Up next, window shopping in Plato’s Closet.

was thrilled to hear that Plato’s Closet (PC) was participating in NWAFW. I am in my element buying resale. I was already a stopping by PC on occasion, attempting to sell clothes and typically buying some instead. I’m a treasure-hunter by nature and I enjoy perusing and browsing. I tell myself I won’t buy unless I can’t live without it. But I’m really good at convincing myself of that, especially with the affordability factor. I almost always find something special hiding/wait! They recently opened a new, much larger location, everything is really streamlined and they have GOBS of shoes in every size. Just last night, I went back and found some Jeffrey Campbell cutout platforms (regular retail: $100+/ PC: $20).I found Marc Jacobs, DVF and all kinds of name brand jeans almost immediately. I kept my closet in mind and settled on a mix of pieces. As their Facebook page explains, Plato’s Closet “specializes in gently used clothes and accessories for teen and twenty something girls and guys”. They will also pay cash for clothes, if they’re on trend (mine usually aren’t…boo) and allow shoppers to drop off their stuff and leave, returning anytime that day. I don’t know for sure but I think that several of the boutiques send stuff there after the current season… I can’t wait to see what PC shows on the runway because I love that we have the option to buy “green” clothing that is has been worn and loved and is now CHEAP! I’m not kidding when I tell you that you could spend HOURS in there and not see everything. Thus, I was able to widen my range at PC and pulled favorites from my personal collection to create looks.
Staci Deal is the proprietor of the local Plato’s Closets. With her family, she opened the Fayetteville location in 2008. They quickly expanded to Rogers and Fort Smith in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Staci and her husband (Rob) have three dogs and spend a lot of their free time outside. She’s obsessed with Rachel Zoe & Taylor Swift and says that “fashion is everything.”
So I styled & piled. My team fluffed & puffed. Then magic! Oh and keep your eyes peeled for my hubby as a very handsome prop in one look :)

: by mallory berry

: by mallory berry

: by mallory berry

: by mallory berry

: by Mallory Berry

ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT IN THE NWAFW ALBUM –> HERE.

Details

1. Plato’s Cisano red cotton pant | worn with red Pendleton blazer, black tank from Maude, Stuart Weitzman heels, earringsMae’s (location: Dickson st inn)

2. Plato’s Rory Beca long black sheer skirt | worn with Stefanie peter pan blouse, Jessica Simpson heels, Target sunnies, Kate Spade ring

3. Plato’s Judith March silk china blue strapless dress | worn with forever 21 leaf necklace, Stuart Weitzman heels (location: Dickson st inn)

4. Plato’s free people beige tank dress | worn with vintage scarf, bow Forever21 necklace/earrings, Michael Antonio heels, Bebe fuzzy (location: Dickson st inn)

5. Plato’s Danny & Nicole striped blazer | worn with unlabeled vintage white mini, vintage baubles from Mae’s & Cheap Thrills, Kate Spade cocktail ring, vintage belt, Jeffrey Campbell platforms {on Ro – thrifted pinstripe suit, ray bans} (location: Dickson st inn)

Most vintage is either locally purchased at thrift shops or Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville, AR
Special thanks: the Dickson Street Inn in downtown Fayetteville for being quite the gorgeous backdrop / to my hubby for being a handsome prop

I met my husband at BBBQ in 2008; and who’s to say Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now isn’t waiting on the steps of the walton arts center to buy you a chili dog and sweep you off your feet?

To me, this look says, I could really be going anywhere…but I just happened to grace the folks at BBBQ with my presence.

shirt dress: thrifted

heels: vince camuto via Plato’s Closet Fayetteville

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

Payton Bridewell shares The Window Shopper’s must-haves for Spring with At Home in Arkansas

I had the honor of sharing my must-haves for Spring with At Home in Arkansas. Here is the post.

1. An Earcuff: I love wearing an earcuff lately. It adds edge without an actual piercing.

Ear Cuff, $88 shopbop.com

2. A bum bag: I’ve always loved fanny packs and I’ve picked a few up at thrift shops over the years. But for those who want something a little higher end, there seem to be more options out there. This version is both convenient & chic.

Bumbag, $165 DKNY

3. A one piece swimsuit: I wear a one piece as a leotard with jeans or high waist pants because it keeps the lines very clean. You can also hop in the pool at a moment’s notice.

Swimsuit, $59 ASOS

4. A colorful nail color: I work for P&G and I love the new CoverGirl Nail shades, like Mint Mojito. You really don’t need a topcoat!

CoverGirl Outlast Nail, $4.94 Walmart

5. Go with everything sandals: I gravitate toward anything clear or Lucite so I hope to pick up these Seychelles’ sandals from Maude in Fayetteville

Seychelles Heels, $89 Maude

6. A portable iPhone speaker: I keep one in my purse for impromptu dance parties.

iHome Speaker, $19 Target

7. Insoles: I wear heels almost every day. Dr Scholl’s insoles make it possible

High Heel Insole, $7.97 Walmart

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

[CLICKABLE: –> SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT!]

THE TEAM:

Photography: Mallory Berry [web | fb | insta | email]

Hair: Taylor & Lindsey of Guillotine Hair Lounge [web | fb | insta | 479.582.8770]

MUA: Kory Tyler Simpson @ MAC [ insta | email]

Stylist, Blogger, Model: Yours Truly, Payton Bridewell [web | fb | insta | email]

Ok, did you catch my first NWAFW Window Shop collaboration with Maude? If not, head –> here !

If so…let us venture on! Up next, window shopping in Plato’s Closet.

ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT IN THE NWAFW ALBUM –> HERE.

Details

1. Plato’s Cisano red cotton pant | worn with red Pendleton blazer, black tank from Maude, Stuart Weitzman heels, earringsMae’s (location: Dickson st inn)

2. Plato’s Rory Beca long black sheer skirt | worn with Stefanie peter pan blouse, Jessica Simpson heels, Target sunnies, Kate Spade ring

3. Plato’s Judith March silk china blue strapless dress | worn with forever 21 leaf necklace, Stuart Weitzman heels (location: Dickson st inn)

4. Plato’s free people beige tank dress | worn with vintage scarf, bow Forever21 necklace/earrings, Michael Antonio heels, Bebe fuzzy (location: Dickson st inn)

5. Plato’s Danny & Nicole striped blazer | worn with unlabeled vintage white mini, vintage baubles from Mae’s & Cheap Thrills, Kate Spade cocktail ring, vintage belt, Jeffrey Campbell platforms {on Ro – thrifted pinstripe suit, ray bans} (location: Dickson st inn)

Most vintage is either locally purchased at thrift shops or Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville, AR Special thanks: the Dickson Street Inn in downtown Fayetteville for being quite the gorgeous backdrop / to my hubby for being a handsome prop

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

Most vintage is either locally purchased at thrift shops or Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville, AR
Special thanks: the Dickson Street Inn in downtown Fayetteville for being quite the gorgeous backdrop / to my hubby for being a handsome prop