Tag: Fashion week
NWAFW: The Perfect Pencil (Skirt)?

The #NAMPENCIL c/o NA Martin
Make-up: Kory Tyler Simpson | MAC * Photos: Mallory Berry | MGB Photo * Styling/Concept: Payton Bridewell | The Window Shopper
Nancy Martin has created something wonderful. That something is a slim-fitting pencil skirt for the gal on the go. The skirt can be wadded up, tossed about, even stuffed in a plastic bag then pulled out and worn again…Can it be true?
Nancy Martin is an attorney as well as one of a handful of fashion designers living in Northwest Arkansas. She conceptualized her skirt operation (aka NA Martin) in January of 2012 and took the line to production in June of the same year. Amazing turnaround, right? Nancy is a lovely lady with a timeless look. I don’t know her well enough to say whether it’s her enormously chic eyewear or her gorgeous hair. Nancy is svelte, poised and polished. She describes her personal aesthetic as “the classic prep look with a twist of counter-culture.” She craves contrast in her wardrobe, putting outfits together that are “simple yet elegant; a mix of the extravagant with the down to earth.” That philosophy extends beyond her attire. She prefers the juxtaposition of high end with low or rough around the edges in all things. Nancy references “a velvet chair with unfinished wood, “ as an example. But, there’s nothing rough about her or her line of pencil skirts.

Nancy Martin models her creation c/o NA Martin
She created her functional/fashionable pencil skirt to give the fashion conscious lady a “perfect basic” that could take her from the boardroom to the dining room to the bar and beyond. Nancy explains, “this skirt is designed for women of all ages who have active lives. Women who may work or volunteer during the day but need to attend a dinner or meeting at night. Women who want to be able to always count on this basic in their closet. The style is timeless and ageless because of the fit and length. “ She loves the versatility of her creation. She suggests pairing the pencil with “a mesh top with pumps, a white t-shirt with espadrilles or a starched oxford, belt and ballet flats for work.” I concur. It was with that sense of versatility and contrast that I set out to style her skirt in two ways.
Look #1: skirt > NAM Pencil in Black hat > Vintage lace top > Plato’s Closet necklace > Beehive heels > MACA Clothe
Look #2 skirt > NAM Pencil in Black fanny pack > Thrifted heels > Vince Camuto headband > Forever21
Nancy goes to NYC to pick out her fabrics/materials/patterns each season and the skirts are made in the USA! This Spring/Summer look for white, cream and pink pencils with an emphasis on texture. Looking forward to Fall ’14, the pencils will be dark gray, ottoman and olive with a quilted texture.
Find the NAM Pencil online, by appointment or at the following retailers as of Feb 2014:
Klothe Bentonville, AR
Town & Country Fayetteville, AR
Grand on Oak Conway, AR
Women’s Exchange St. Louis, MO
Nancy on her inspirations: I have always loved fashion and art. I grew up with lots of art in our home and with an appreciation of art and music. I love to look at the photos in fashion magazines and create my look from them. I love to travel and do so whenever I can. I think there is no better way to be inspired. Every time I come back from a vacation, I see the world differently and with new enthusiasm. One of my favorite models is Kate Moss. For me she has the look, versatility and body in which to wear anything.
I truly enjoyed styling the #nampencil skirt and working with Nancy. There’s something incredible about borrowing an item from the actual designer. I think the future looks bright for this jack-of-all-skirts; NA Martin has set the bar high & tight. – The Window Shopper
The Window Shopper: Behind The Scenes
See the original post on NWAFashionWeek.com and {click} for all the photos.
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 | web | insta | email
Stylist: Payton Bridewell | web | fb | insta | email
I was incredibly lucky to find a few really talented people that all got along and liked working together. We were united by love for fashion and community. These wonderful people helped me on many of the shoots.
Mallory & Kory actually worked with me on my wedding day. I was pretty thrilled anyone that dealt with me as a bride wanted to work with me again. I literally cannot say enough about these amazing people. And yet, I don’t have the words. So very thankful.
The Window Shopper’s Spring Must Haves
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 Previews Art Amiss
- 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.
MAYAPPLE SALON & BOUTIQUE | web | insta | fb | email |
GOOD THINGS BOUTIQUE | web | fb | insta | email |
BLACK CHERRY VINTAGE | web | fb | insta | email |
PHOTOGRAPHY: Celi Birke | web | fb | insta | email |
HAIR & MUA: Melissa Arens of Mayapple | web | insta | fb | email |
STYLING: Payton Bridewell | web | fb | insta | 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 in Print!
AHHH I’m thrilled and honored and excited to share that I was featured in Citiscapes March 2013 Issue!
Click to view —>PRB in Citiscapes Magazine March 2013
- dress – christian lacroix via cheap thrills, sunnies – asos
- dress – christian lacroix via cheap thrills, sunnies – asos
- dress – christian lacroix via cheap thrills, sunnies – asos
- dress – christian lacroix via cheap thrills, sunnies – asos, hat – grey dog
- dress – grey dog
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 [web | insta | email]
The Window Shopper’s MACA Musts
- Payton Bridewell for MACA by Mallory Berry | Hair Guillotine Hair Lounge | MUA Kory Tyler Simpson
- (Vetro 1925) Payton Bridewell for MACA by Mallory Berry | Hair Guillotine Hair Lounge | MUA Kory Tyler Simpson
- Payton Bridewell for MACA by Mallory Berry | Hair Guillotine Hair Lounge | MUA Kory Tyler Simpson
- Payton Bridewell for MACA by Mallory Berry | Hair Guillotine Hair Lounge | MUA Kory Tyler Simpson
- (Vetro 1925) Payton Bridewell for MACA by Mallory Berry | Hair Guillotine Hair Lounge | MUA Kory Tyler Simpson
[CLICKABLE: see all the photos from the shoot!}
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, Writer, Model: Payton Bridewell [web | fb | insta | email]
Hi beautiful people! Are you caught up on the window shopping happening for NWA fashion week? So far I’ve featured Maude, Plato’s Closet & Mae’s Heirlooms. Now that NWAFW is less than a month away, it’s time to really gear up for March 13-16! *get tickets *plan outfits It’s less than a month away, have you gotten your tickets? I think NYFW has really gotten me in the mood for glamour, and speaking of…
MACA Clothe is in the window shop this week! I have been dying to share these ensembles with you. MACA is a new favorite of mine, I was actually able to pair some of my very favorite items with my finds. I can’t tell you how many staples/basics they have in stock right now and I assume, always. Jeans. Blazers. Color. Jewels. It was very difficult to choose.
MACA’s Mandy Rogers told me she is obsessed with Gwen Stefani, Chanel and her three furry babies. She’s the personification of a “fireball”. When I met her in late January (to peruse the store), I was immediately put at ease by her gregariousness but fully intimidated by her chic ensemble and fabulous makeup, complete with false lashes. She later confessed that she had been in a photo shoot for MACA earlier that day. PHEW. I was worried she was able to run a business and apply lashes daily. Having met her, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Mandy opened MACA’s dapper doors in 2007. The store leans toward edgy and trendy but budget-friendly. The store carries gobs of denim, shoes, jewelry in addition to the tops/dresses/bottoms you might expect. Did you know they’re online? Their webstore has a huge selection and everything purchased online is shipped within two days for a flat rate of $6 anywhere in the US! How’s that for service? If you’ve met Mandy, you know that she loves to make people happy; this is obvious when you walk into her store. MACA endeavors to provide affordable/attractive variety for the girl that is confident, fun loving and ahead of the fashion curve. On the MACA girl, Mandy says, “she has no rules and is not afraid to fall in love… MACA love!”
So…I have something really REALLY exciting to tell you. MACA is generously offering 15% off of the items I featured through the end of February {mention WINDOW SHOPPER at checkout}! This would be a fabulous opportunity for you to get ready to strut at NWAFW. Almost everything can also be purchased online, so the convenience factor is at an all-time high. If shopping is your cardio, the shop provides free gift wrap, alterations and custom spray tanning.
MACA takes over the runway on Saturday, March 16th!
About our shoot:
Taylor and Lindsey @ Guillotine helped me with a petite rocker faux-hawk in the front and spirals in the back for the first few looks. It was super easy to let down for a few of the later looks. It just cascaded into curls.
On the beauty, I have a confession. We had a little shoot the night before and Kory (from MAC) couldn’t make it the next day. I told him I wanted to attempt to keep the makeup on and try to make it work. He is really, really good. A little concealer and lips and my makeup was good to go!
Vetro 1925 was an absolute delight to have as a backdrop. They are very fashion-friendly and even made me a cocktail! They’re hosting NWAFW’s LBD event on Monday, March 11th, so don’t miss that!
Mallory @ MGB Photo is absolutely amazing. She actually shot my wedding and has done all the photography for these shoots, save for Mae’s. She and I have built a really good rapport, so it’s great that she can tell me to put my chin down or to suck in. She’s great at taking random/normal backdrops and making them appear high end. I feel very fortunate to have these artists on my team!
OUTFIT DETAILS:
click to purchase à MACA OVI blue blazer | worn with vintage tropical strapless dress – all that jazz, turquoise beads – Mae’s, heels – target, earrings – thrifted
MACA Xtaren nude sequin tank dress (purchase in store) | worn with sweater – Moda International, heels – charles david, vintage earrings – grey dog, cuff – forever21, necklace/locket – mae’s | location: Vetro 1925 Ristorante
MACA onemanband. by Emily Smith handmade bustier (purchase in store) | worn with sweater skirt – My Michelle, blazer – Georges Marciano, heels – banana republic, necklace – forever21
purchase à MACA Rehab black pleather pleated skirt | worn with swimsuit as top, heels/necklace – forever21, bracelets – thrifted | location: Vetro 1925 Ristorante
MACA !iT flare jeans (purchase in store) | worn with crop top – banjo via grey dog, DIY flower wreath, sunnies – a gas station pick up, wedges – bamboo
click to purchase à MACA OVI white blazer leather collar | worn with tank – gap, polka dot shorts – grey dog, heels – forever21, sunnies – ultra studios
The Window Shopper marvels in Mae’s Emporium
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photo by Jade Howard
- [CLICKABLE: see ALL the photos]
NWAFW March 13-16, 2013 The Chancellor Hotel
MAE’S| 352 N West Ave, Fayetteville | 479-575-9626 | fb | insta | email Photography: Jade Howard [web | insta | email] Hair: Jenn Harbour of Ultra Salon [web | fb | email] MUA: Fallon Yockey of Luxe Beauty [ web | fb | insta | email] Stylist, Writer, Model: Payton Bridewell [web | fb | insta | email]*window shopper photo by Mallory Berry of MGB Photo
So… you can see that I love Mae’s (let me count the ways). This collage is a mix of outfits from the past year or so, each one contains an element from Mae’s Heirlooms .. Click à here for all things tagged with Mae’s on The Window Shopper.
Mae’s Emporium (or Heirlooms – it’s listed as both on various outlets) is unlike any store I’ve ever been in. It holds the stuff of dreams. The vintage/antique bauble boutique is housed in a room the size of a tin can. It’s very small but packed to the literal brim with sparklers and trifles from almost every era. Jessica Graham, the lady of the shop, opened Mae’s nearly five years ago after a stint of successful trunk shoes. The shop has since become an institution for avid collectors and date-party-bound sorority girls alike. She, along with the two close friends that convinced her to set up shop, is and has always been a vintage jewelry enthusiast. They saw the opportunity to translate their zeal into a completely individual offering for our area. The shop has a short week {w-s 11 to 4ish} but it’s not for a lack of merchandise. At any time, there are pieces from the 1860s to the 1980s and almost every time in between. Jess loves the history behind each shiny thing and that inspires her to travel far and wide in search of pretties. She tries to stay close to home for most searches, though. She (like most of us) attempts to keep her money in NWA when she can, plus she has two adorable young sons.
In my opinion, what’s extraordinary about Mae’s isn’t just its distinct place our community; it’s the range of items available, the multiple price points (multiple options for $8 to $800, most in the bottom half of that array), and quality wares. A rival just doesn’t really exist anywhere else. Take a gander at the gorgeous, expertly-styled snaps on the store’s instagram, maintained by Jess, of course.
I feel like this picture is a perfect representation for what happens each time I stop in Mae’s. I’m like, “I’m here! Make me sparkle!” I feel like I’m bursting in, bull-in-a-china-cabinet style, every time I walk into the teeny shop. Blink and you’ll miss it from the outside, the small space is a veritable treasure trove past the front door. Personally, I have always preferred pretty over practical in a gift, especially from a man. Every holiday that implies gift-giving, I tell Ro (my hubby) that I want something sparkly. He usually delivers. But, I have no qualms buying jewelry for myself. I could complete any ensemble with something fabulous from Mae’s. I’ve worn my finds all over the place, to my rehearsal dinner, to Razorback games, to events, to work, to everything. Each piece is one of a kind and reminds me of a special time in my life.
Jess, on the origin of her store’s name:
Seven years ago (while I was still doing independent trunk shows) I bought a locket to chop for parts from a dealer in Texas. I unpacked the box of estate spoils to find a handwritten note that warranted a change of heart…the note read;
“I hope that you enjoy this necklace. I have owned it myself for over 25 years and it’s time to pass it on. It belonged to one Ella Mae Prothrow- a gift from her husband, Samuel “Boss” Cain, for her birthday. That would have been in May of 1885- give or take a year or two. Her beloved husband died in a mill accident the very day he gave her this. She wore it every day until she died at the age of 92 and never remarried. Theirs was a great love story I have cherished and I hope you will too. It should be worn and shown- enjoy!”-Fanny B
After such a tale how could I do anything to it but preserve it? Not only does that piece hang in Mae’s under glass, but we took her name as well- and MAE’S it was :)
Mae’s is partnering with Lola on the runway Friday night of NWAFW 2013 (3/15). I know I can’t wait…
Details:
All jewelry from Mae’s, styled by Jessica Graham & Payton Bridewell
Dresses/Shoes – Payton’s own | Black Dress – Ann Taylor (thrifted) | Floral, White Eyelet, Teal Dresses – Vintage (Cheap Thrills)
Exciting News: The Window Shopper Photo!
I’m pretty excited. Mallory Berry, the lovely and amazingly talented photographer who did my wedding and has done most of my NWAFW shoots, took a logo picture for me…window shopping!
what I wore: dress – vintage Christian Lacroix via Cheap Thrills
Payton Bridewell [web | fb | insta | email]
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]
The Window Shopper plays in Plato’s Closet
[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