A little looney

A favorite look from summer.
hat – italian market
bow – hobby lobby
looney tunes tee – thrifted
yellow skirt – vintage
platforms – bcbg

ootd - 144

A bouquet makes the day

my lovely friend, Bartus, brought me flowers one day. they truly do make everything better.
entire look – thrifted
ootd - 169

Hello Luvvy Love

A very sweet gal named Darcy started a website called Hello Luvvy. She was kind enough to take some photos of me and interview me for her adorable site. Here’s an excerpt from her post. For the whole thing, go —> here.

The location for this shoot was the Fayetteville Country Club.

IMG_0463

If you have followed any of my Normal Girl posts, you probably understand that I generally just love fashion blogs. Even though “The Window Shopper” doesn’t define herself as a fashion blogger (she is much more!), she is inspiring many with her style, so I want to introduce you ladies to Payton (The Window Shopper). I started following Payton on instagram a few months ago and I immediately began to love her style. She is an absolute committed fashionista. What I mean by this, is that she simply loves fashion, however individually defined. Payton is an example of how fashion should be; all personal, all fun, and all inspiring. I asked her to do a photo shoot and interview with HelloLuvvy because I believe she defines what the purpose of our Fashion section should be. It should be about expression and fun and rocking any look you love with confidence. Payton exemplifies the girl’s dream of wearing exactly what they want and when they want, and wearing it with that confident edge. Payton has been featured in Citiscapes mag, has modeled for some of NWA’s favorite boutiques, and has recently embarked on an exciting new career in fashion with Btiques. Below is a photo shoot we collaborated on and a few interview questions to pick Payton’s fashion loving brain.

Darcy: “Payton how would you describe you style?”

Payton: “My style…. I would say the first thing that comes to mind is fun. I just want to wear things that make me happy. My collection is very eclectic. I never discriminate against any decade, or style and I will try anything once. With all the thrifting I have a better understanding of what looks good on me and what I really love. I dress for occasions and locations. To me, dressing is like acting, you get to wear different hats for different events, literally.”

window shopper

Darcy: “Do you think it is important to define your style?”

Payton: “No. Absolutely not, because style should be an evolving thing. People shouldn’t put that much pressure on themselves.”

summer swim

summer swim

 

window shopper

window shopper

Darcy: “As a fashion blogger you put yourself out there {on the internet}, and open yourself up to all sorts of opinions and judgments. How do you stay positive if they are ever negative?”

Payton: “Fashion blogging, is just a part of what I do. While it can be hard to balance perceptions, most people say really positive things to me and because of my blog my life has changed for the better. I got to be a part of NWA Fashion week, and that has led me into a new exciting career. If people don’t like what I am posting that is why there is a hide button {on Facebook}. I like to share my outfits because the responses have been positive. This makes me happy and that’s why I do it. I’m not worried about anyone else when I am doing and pursuing what I love.”

window shopper

window shopper

Darcy: “What would you tell women to help them not care as much about social norms in fashion?”

Payton: ” Obviously everyone is not going to care about fashion, so if you are not interested in fashion than don’t worry about it. Find a look that works for you and wear it everyday. If you are in love with fashion but you are not comfortable with your body or your fashion choices, wear what makes you happy. Accessorize with fun things, but don’t wear things just because you think it is fashionable. You should feel good in what you are wearing.”

window shopper

window shopper

window shopper

window shopper

Darcy: “Before you are going to take a “style risk” is there something you might say to your self to encourage the risk.”

Payton: “”Is it too much? (laughing)” I typically have to talk myself down rather than up, but mostly I don’t get concerned. I do consider if things are appropriate for a certain occasion and I always remind myself that my husband and I need to look like we are going to the same place. I can’t look like I am going to the ball, while he looks like he is going to play a round of golf.”

window shopper

Darcy: “What are some of your goals with fashion?”

Payton: ” My goal was to make a living with fashion, social media, and in NWA; then I got a job at Btiques, so I really just want to continue growing in this path. I also want to make women more comfortable with themselves. The attitude of “only you can pull that off” is self-limiting. I don’t want women to feel that way.”

The details for the clothing in this shoot are basically as follows: thrifted. Pretty awesome! Payton informs me that she goes thrifting two, sometimes three times a week, and she always hits the dress racks. Her jewels are vintage from Mae’s Emporium and the shoes are from Target. I am pretty sure you love her even more now!

I had a great time hanging with this girl for a few hours snapping some photos and just talking about fashion and life. She is truly committed and confident. I learned a lot from her and I hope you luvvies do too. Below is her professional Bio and links to her blog and instagram. I highly recommend following her in some capacity and downloading the Btiques App for your iPhone.

Payton Rosenzweig Bridewell is a native of Fayetteville. After graduating from Tulane University in New Orleans, she spent five years working for Procter & Gamble on the CoverGirl and Olay brands. Payton has always been a fashion-enthusiast (find her on the blog, thewindowshopper.org or see her work for NWAFWstyling and modeling in publicity photoshoots for local stores) and is practically a fixture in local magazine, Citiscapes.

Payton recently left the corporate world to join the Ark Challenge-winning shopping application, Btiques. Btiques is a free service that allows iPhone/iPad users to shop local boutiques directly from their phones. The app changes the shopping game; it allows users to find, follow and shop the newest boutique looks on the go! Payton jumped at the chance to join the startup and is working with co-creators Sara Beck and Will Carter to introduce the app to the fashion-forward of NWA, Arkansas and beyond.

Payton on facebook@mspayton on instagram, @the_mspayton on twitter

Download Btiques from the app store on your iPhone or iPad

@btiquestagram on Instagram

@btiques on Twitter

facebook.com/btiques

the window shopper

“I’ve always loved playing dress up.”

razorback fashionista

“I’m really into wearing bathing suits as tops right now.” Payton and her Dad

payton 1

“He is always my best accessory.” Payton and her Husband

payton 2

The Window Shopper

darcy-signature

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

[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

CLOTHING -> LOLA BOUTIQUE | web | insta | fb |email | EYEWEAR -> MERTINS | web | insta | fb |email | blog | HATS -> CHEAP THRILLS ACCESSORIES -> THE WINDOW SHOPPER

Daylight savings happened early this morning, which means MORE SUN. Fashion Week commences TOMORROW (with Shop Local NightLBD 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 hostingKory 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!!

Special Guest: Vanessa Ward Cullers | 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 | Styling: Payton Bridewell | web | fb | insta | email

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

Absence to Fondness? / What I Wore: Sophisticated Christmas

IMG_4151

(what I wore: hat – vintage via cheap thrills, earrings – grey dog (revamped by Stacey @ Dark Star Visuals), dress – sketches by christine jaguin via cheap thrills, b pin – vintage, heels – stuart weitzman via daisy exchange)
While I realize your life does not revolve around what I might have worn,  I do apologize for leaving you hanging over the holidays. I was ill/traveling/hope you’ll forgive me. Posts probably will be a bit more sporadic as I’m working on some exciting stuff that I will share soon and some not so exciting stuff that I won’t bore you with. Happy 2013 & thank you for visiting.


IMG_4147IMG_4143

What I Wore: CoverGirl Photoshoot


what I wore: wax skinnies – 1st kiss via TJ, top – vintage (thrifted), hat/mardi gras necklace – vintage via cheap thrills, booties – gojane, oxfords – target, sunnies – shop ultra
Last week I was lucky enough to be included in an informal CoverGirl photoshoot. I rarely get the opportunity to work with creative types, so I busted out an ensemble I hoped they’d appreciate. The hat was everything.

What I Wore: Gameday

what I wore: hat/cut off shorts – vintage from cheap thrills, earrings/bag – vintage, swimsuit (as top) – jcrew, boots – dolce vita via shop lola, sunglasses – asos, bangle – mae’s, bow – forever21 what Ro wore: shorts – asos, shirt – curly tail via walker brothers, sunglasses – rayban

what I wore: skirt (as dress) – maude shoppe (old), boots – dolce vita via shop lola, bib necklace – vintage from mae’s, sunglasses – asos

What I Wore: River Rat

what I wore: hat – italy vendor, blouse – thrifted, tube – target, shorts – old navy, sunglasses – asos, earrings/cuff – forever 21, rings – urban outfitters, beaded bracelet – a gift, lips – covergirl lip perfection in fairytale
I have always loved to dress on theme, whether on the high or low end of the spectrum. Some of my favorite occasions to dress for include music festivals, fairs and of course, the river. We went to the Mulberry this past weekend and I dressed for the occasion!

Summer Essentials

Pinned Image

It’s been very warm and wonderful in Arkansas and it’s starting to feel like summer. Here are a few trends I’m looking forward to trying during the glorious warm days.

backless

Pinned Image

extra wide brim

Pinned Image

cropped

Pinned Image

nude sandals

Pinned Image

ultra long locks

Pinned Image

lots of jewels

Pinned Image

colorful heels

Pinned Image

picnics

Pinned Image

headwraps

Pinned Image

images via pinterest

What I Wore: Top Hat

what I wore: pants – asos, blouse – la blouse from potter’s house, purple blazer – vintage arpeja (seen here), heels – jeffrey cambell via solestruck, hat – cheap thrills, earrings – vintage from mae’s, makeup – mollie booth, photos – mallory berry