Lady Lunching

March 26, 2014April 3, 2014Leave a comment

I happened to have a lunch meeting at the country club. The occasion created the perfect excuse to dress like a lady who lunches. I think Dorothy would approve.

heels – shoe republic via shop lola
blazer – thrifted dana buchman
dress – thrifted banana republic
leo necklace – game girl
lipcolor – nyx
earrings – kenneth jay lane via charm & chain
purse – vintage
sunnies – asos

: deets

NWAFW 2014 Recap

March 21, 2014April 3, 2014Leave a comment

wearing a Mayapple jumper to the Wednesday night party

with the lovely Nancy Martin, designer of the NA Martin Pencil Skirt

Tuesday night @ Lola

LBD night

going hard backstage with my favorite cohost, Bo Counts

front row with my gal Mal

pal-ing around with Ms. Candy

Darcy, Mallory & I pose in sunnies from Mertin’s Eye on Friday night

Backstage Pass Friday night

with the lovely Anna

backstage

Friday’s outfit by MGB Photo

the stunning Mary Semon

the lady of the hour, Jade Terminella

galpals!

with Haylee, who did my hair Friday

with the lovely Leslie & Kasie of 3W

my saturday look by Mallory of MGB Photo

with my guy on Saturday

with Farron & Deja of She Said Yes

my seat!

Dapper Dudes: Donny Hubbard of The Independent & my hubby

Mertin’s flipbook with Mal & Ro

Mertin’s Flipbook with Mal & Darcy

Mertin’s Flipbook with Ro

Ro, Bo & DJ EJ

I’m not going to pretend I didn’t have a fashion-hangover afterwards but all in all it was a ton of fun and quite impressive! I must give a shout out to 3W Magazine/Tres Lifestyle for sending me behind the scenes.

Also, check out Elysian, E. Leigh’s, NA Martin, She Said Yes, SOHO Clothiers, Jodie Franklin, Nicole Shipley in the NWAFW Window Shop! A huge thank you to Mallory Berry, Kory Tyler Simpson, Suzannah Files, Samantha Clark, Darcy Morton Munoz & Celi Birke for their contributions to the Window Shop this year. It was truly a labor of love.

If you STILL need more, here are all the photos I took during NWAFW 2014. And, my buddy Jess Whalen of Truebadours did badass videos for each night.

NWAFW in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette

March 18, 2014October 7, 2015Leave a comment

photo credit: Helaine Williams, AR Dem Gazette

Hey friends! I’ve been working on a NWAFW recap but wanted to share this lovely article written by the AR Democrat Gazette’s Helaine Williams.

Helaine was sitting close to me at the show on Thursday night and we struck up a conversation. She was sent up by the Little Rock paper to cover the event. We exchanged contact info an she called me last week to chat about the shows. She was kind enough to share the above photo she took that “didn’t make the final version” in the paper. She had some very kind things to say about my Thursday look on the second page of the article and there are a few quotes from me as well.

Outfit: hat/jacket – vintage via cheap thrills | transitions/earrings – vintage via grey dog | solar system dress – thrifted

Excerpts from today’s Style Section article:

1st excerpt

2nd excerpt

3rd excerpt

page 1

page 2

page 3

Also – below is an amazing video of Thursday night from Truebadours!

NWAFW: E. Leigh’s, The New Girl in Town

March 5, 2014April 7, 2014Leave a comment

Erin, before the launch of her first store in 2012

That “fashion doesn’t have to be a luxury,” is E. Leigh’s shop mantra. Erin Hohnbaum is at the helm of the quickly expanding brand. I visited the Fayetteville store and found that the clothes are pretty, feminine and fun; just like Ms. Hohnbaum.

with Erin “E. Leigh” Hohnbaum outside her store in the Heights

Meet Little Rock native and U of A Alumna, Erin Hohnbaum. You know the type…ferociously driven, gregarious, beautiful, the type of young woman who starts a business hocking clothes out the back if her car, then turns it into three successful retail stores in less than two years. A young woman who made the 2013 Arkansas Business top 20 in their 20s and was named one of Soiree magazine’s 24 women to watch in 2012. Yeah that’s right. She did all of this before turning 30. So maybe you don’t know the type?

I finally had the opportunity to meet Erin this summer. For years, mutual friends had been saying that we would get on famously. Of course, they were right, (had we but known!) Anyway, I was working on a business venture that gave me a reason to call her up. That particular business relationship didn’t work out but we remained friendly. So friendly in fact, that she recommended me to a friend of hers at Mangan Holcomb who needed help with PR. She has taken the time to help me personally and professionally. I’m indebted to her, but she has yet to call in the favor. I have a feeling if she did, I wouldn’t even notice.

Despite how busy and stretched she is – Erin remains refreshingly gracious and accessible. She’s open to new challenges like the upcoming NWA Fashion Week. This will be E. Leigh’s inaugural time participating in the Northwest Arkansas based event. Her shop’s involvement, (along with West Little Rock store, Scarlet) begs the question; will this soon become Arkansas fashion week?

E. Leigh’s will be hitting the runway on Saturday, March 8th. Keep up with Erin & her fabulous trio of stores on facebook & instagram.

——————————————————————————-

Red lips sink ships. MU by Samantha Clark of Crown Beauty

this E. Leigh’s dress cuts a great silhouette

Bodacious 60’s hair by Suzannah Files of Crown Beauty

Photos by Celi Birke

Look #1: Dress E. Leigh’s * Heels Lulu Townsend * Blazer Thrifted Ralph Lauren * Rhinestone Ring Kate Spade * Rhinestone Necklace Mae’s

making a monochromatic statement

the Fay Jones house we shot in is actually my accountant’s office!

Look #2: Top Everly, E. Leigh’s * Skirt E. Leigh’s * Belt Vintage via Cheap Thrills * Earrings * Vintage via Grey Dog * Heels Shoenami NOLA

This dress is E. Leigh’s namesake brand and the necklace is from a dollar store

Look #3: Dress E. Leigh’s * Hat Vintage Thrifted * Silk Blazer Thrifted Argenti * Heels Michael Antonio

—

The Window Shopper for NWA Fashion Week | styling Payton Bridewell | MU Samantha Clark & Hair Suzannah Files for Crown Beauty Bar | photography Celi Birke for MGB Photo | shot on location at Daniel McCormick Accounting (designed by Fay Jones)

——————————————————————————-

Q & A with Erin

Erin Hohnbaum

The Window Shopper: Tell me more about the E. Leigh’s brand. Who is the E. Leigh’s girl? Erin Leigh Hohnbaum: I describe the E.Leigh’s brand as feminine and fashion forward. We know that modern women wear many hats. We (as a company) are working women, on-the-go mothers, fun, flirty date-night girls. The E.Leigh’s brand tries to help women be everything they need to be seamlessly.

TWS: Describe your personal aesthetic. ELH: Personally, I love clean lines and feminine pieces. Clothing that make me feel strong and put together, but look like a woman.

TWS: Describe your aspirations for E. Leigh’s short term/long term. ELH: Goodness, this is a hard one. I feel like my aspirations for E.Leigh’s are constantly evolving. My number one priority when I started this business was to make sure our customers AND my employees love E.Leigh’s. I have always wanted it to be a place where people look forward to coming. A place you feel better leaving than when you came in. Would I love to have 100 stores someday? Absolutely! But, I certainly do not want to sacrifice quality for quantity. A very short -term goal is getting our website back up and running. (Editor’s note: look for this to launch soon @ eleighs.com)

TWS: Who/what inspires you style-wise? ELH: Of course, my style is always a direct reflection of my mood that day. Comfy casual or sleek and buttoned up, I just wear what feels good. My celebrity fashion icon of the moment has to be Zoe Saldana. I just love her.

TWS: What trends/looks/colors/whatever are you looking forward to this spring? ELH: I’m SUPER excited about this spring. There are so many wearable trends. I’m always a fan of shift blouses. I saw TONS of these at market. I’m also really into skater skirts right now. They’re so girly and easy to wear.

TWS: Do you have any advice for young women (like myself) who look up to you for your entrepreneurship? ELH: One of the biggest life lessons I’ve learned is “thoughts become things.” Your thoughts and energy shape your life. If you want to change your life, first, you have to change what’s going on in your head. Second of all, I believe that a woman’s intuition is one of her greatest gifts on this planet. Listen to it. Fine-tune it. You’ll end up right where you’re supposed to be.

TWS: What can we expect to see at your NWAFW 2014 show? ELH: Since E. Leigh’s is a NWAFW virgin; we decided to just be very true to who we are as a company. We are striving to show NWA exactly what being an E.Leigh’s girl is all about. We couldn’t be more excited!

NWAFW 2014 Hair

March 3, 2014March 16, 2016Leave a comment

WELCOME! THERE IS A NEW AND EXCITING ADDITION TO THE WINDOW SHOP! VIDEO. JESS WHALEN IS THE ON-STAFF VIDEOGRAPHER AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES. WE RECENTLY BECAME FRIENDS AND HAVE BEEN PLOTTING THIS COLLABORATION. SHE AND HER HUSBAND (HE DOES SOUND MIXING, ETC) HAVE A COMPANY CALLED TRUEBADOURS AND THEY ARE A PRETTY POWERFUL PAIR. DOESN’T VIDEO INTEGRATION ADD SO MUCH TO ANY EXPERIENCE? ESPECIALLY ALONGSIDE A FASHION-FOCUSED PHOTOSHOOT, IT ADDS A STORY BEHIND THE PICTURES. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

[VIMEO HTTP://VIMEO.COM/83822565]

FOR THE PART II OF THE 2014 NWA FASHION WEEK WINDOW SHOP KICK-OFF, I WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU TO NICOLE SHIPLEY. SHE IS THE HAIR CHAIR FOR NWAFW; THAT ROLE MEANS SHE IS IN CHARGE OF ALL OF THE STYLISTS THAT VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME FOR THE RUNWAY SHOWS. FROM CONCEPTION TO EXECUTION, NICOLE MAKES SURE IT ALL GOES SMOOTHLY. IN ADDITION TO THE HAIR CHAIR POSITION, SHE IS A FULL-TIME STYLIST AT STUDIO 8 IN FAYETTEVILLE. HER ENTRÉE INTO HAIR STYLING IS SELF-DESCRIBED AS UN-GLAMOROUS. HOWEVER, I DISAGREE. SHE STARTED STYLING HAIR ON THE SIDE AS A WAY TO PUT HERSELF THROUGH SCHOOL. SHE QUICKLY REALIZED THAT SHE TOOK TO THE SCISSORS AND ENJOYED HER PART-TIME JOB MORE THAN SHE EVER EXPECTED. WHEN SHE SAID SHE HAD BEEN PRACTICING FOR 10 YEARS, IT IMMEDIATELY AGED ME. BUT THAT’S BECAUSE I’VE KNOWN HER SINCE WE WERE YOUNGINS – WE GREW UP TOGETHER IN FAYETTEVILLE. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TALL AND BLONDE WITH A MODEL FIGURE. SHE’S ALSO INCREDIBLY KIND AND FUNNY BUT DOESN’T TAKE HERSELF TOO SERIOUSLY. NICOLE HAS PERFECTED HER TOMBOY-CHIC UNIFORM – OPTING FOR STYLISH COMFORT PAIRED WITH STATEMENT PIECES (LEATHER SWEATS & A TANK FOR WORK / SKINNIES AND A VINTAGE FUR FOR OUTINGS). SHE GRAVITATES TOWARD CLOTHING THAT IS SLIGHTLY ANDROGYNOUS (WHICH TOTALLY WORKS FOR HER CHILL PERSONALITY AND TALL STATURE), STICKS TO SOLID COLORS PAIRED WITH EDGIER PIECES AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BLACK.

NICOLE RECOMMENDS HAIR TRICKS/SHORTCUTS THAT ARE SUPER SIMPLE. SHE ADVOCATES GOING TO SLEEP WITH A STYLE IN YOUR HAIR (FOR EXAMPLE: BRAIDED, BUN/S, LOOSE PINS – SET SO THAT YOU WAKE UP, SHAKE IT OUT, TOUCH IT UP AND GO. TO CONTROL FRIZZ YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM, EACH STRAND OF HAIR HAS A CUTICLE LAYER THAT RUNS DOWN THE HAIR SHAFT SO DIRECTING THE DRYER DOWN THE HAIR SHAFT WILL GET YOU ONE STEP CLOSER TO A SMOOTHER FINISHED PRODUCT. IN CREATING AN UNDONE LOOK, SHE SUGGESTS BLOWING OUT YOUR FRAME FIRST (THE BANGS AND HAIRLINE AREA BECAUSE IT’S WHERE ANYONE YOU SEE WILL FOCUS) THEN BLOW-DRY THE REST BEFORE WORKING IN YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT (SEA SALT/DRY CLAY/DRY SHAMPOO/OIL OR MOUSSE). THIS SPRING, NICOLE PREDICTS WE’LL SEE MORE STRAIGHT/UNDERSTATED LOOKS, TUCKED BACK BEHIND THE EARS AND SMOOTH, UNKEMPT / FUZZY TEXTURES, LOOSE (ALMOST FALLING OUT) BRAIDS AS WELL AS SLEEK, POLISHED OR LOW SLUNG PONY TAILS.

I HAVE ONE PARTICULAR MEMORY OF A PARTY SHE HAD IN JUNIOR HIGH WHERE WE PLAYED SPIN THE BOTTLE AND DANCED TO “NO DIGGITY”. NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED. SHE’S STILL A BLAST. I WAS THRILLED TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH HER; CONSIDERING I’VE HEARD (ONLY) RAVE REVIEWS ABOUT HER SKILLS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SHE WAS IMPRESSIVE – SHE BROUGHT PROPS! A BIG PROPONENT OF DAVINES, SHE USED SEVERAL OF THEIR PRODUCTS (SEE WHICH ONES BELOW) TO CREATE FOUR-FIVE LOOKS FOR ME ONE EVENING IN MID-DECEMBER. PHOTOS BY MALLORY BERRY

THE (NOT-SO) CLASSIC PONYTAIL

: First, Nicole pulled my hair back into a loose ponytail. (by MGB Photo)

: Then, she wrapped the length with pompoms (by MGB Photo)

THE FRENCH

: She smoothed it back

: Into a sleek french twist

TWIST

: She wrapped black lace trim around my hair and face

: Which added a very exotic element

UNSTRUCTURED CURLS

: Then she took it all down and curled it with a flat iron

: She used dry shampoo and tonic to revitalize the style

MINI CRIMPED!

: Spring ’14 Hair Preview with Stylist Nicole Shipley of Studio 8 Salon (plus a video!)

: Pulling the baby hair down around my face to create softness

I ASKED NICOLE TO TELL ME HER FAVORITE LOOK OR STYLE TO GIVE SOMEONE IN HER CHAIR. SHE QUICKLY TELLS ME SHE PREFERS TO DO WHATEVER HER CLIENT FEELS CONFIDENT WEARING. “IF SOMEONE FEELS GOOD ABOUT THE WAY THEY LOOK, THEY CAN PULL OFF ANYTHING.” TOO TRUE, NICOLE, TOO TRUE.

GET THE LOOK

| PAYTON BRIDEWELL > @MSPAYTON > THE WINDOW SHOPPER > NWA FASHION WEEK 2014 | HAIR NICOLE SHIPLEY > @NICO_TICO > STUDIO 8 | PHOTOS MALLORY BERRY > @MGB_PHOTO > MGB PHOTO | VIDEO > JESSICA WHELAN > @TRUEBADOURJESS > THE TRUEBADOURS |

SHOT ON LOCATION AT STUDIO 8 IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS / #NWAWINDOWSHOP #NWAFW #THEWINDOWSHOPPER #MGBPHOTO #NWAFASHIONWEEK #BEAUTY #NWABEAUTY #HAIR #SPRING14 #VLOG #VIDEO #TRUEBADOURS #COLLABO #STUDIO8 #NICOLESHIPLEY

NWAFW 2014 Beauty

March 1, 2014March 16, 2016Leave a comment

TO KICK OFF THIS YEAR’S WINDOW SHOP, I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE WORK OF THE TWO TALENTED BEAUTY CHAIRS. NICOLE SHIPLEY (HAIR) AND JODIE FRANKLIN (MAKEUP) ARE RUNNING AROUND FOR MONTHS BEFORE – AND CONSTANTLY DURING THE WEEK OF – NWAFW. THEY’RE IN CHARGE OF ALL OF THE ARTISTS WHO VOLUNTEER DURING THE SPRING SHOWS TO CREATE THE LOOKS WE SEE ON THE RUNWAY. FIRST UP, JODIE…

THIS WILL BE JODIE FRANKLIN’S THIRD YEAR AS THE BEAUTY CHAIR OF NWAFW. HE STARTED WITH THE INAUGURAL EVENT IN 2012. IT’S BEEN A FORTUITOUS RELATIONSHIP FOR JODIE. AFTER HIS FIRST YEAR IN THE ROLE, BEAUTY SPONSOR L’OREAL WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH HIM; THEY RECRUITED HIM TO BE THEIR MAKE-UP PROFESSIONAL IN NWA. IN ADDITION TO HIS BEAUTY RESPONSIBILITIES, JODIE ALSO HAS TWO FULL-TIME JOBS. HE’S THE ON-STAFF MAKE-UP ARTIST FOR THE NEW DEAD SWANKY DRY BAR AND A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT WITH LINDSEY. JODIE AND I KNEW EACH OTHER THROUGH OUR WORK WITH FASHION WEEK BUT HADN’T GOTTEN THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING MUCH TIME TOGETHER, SAVE FOR THE RATHER FREQUENT RUN-INS WE’VE HAD AT THE LOCAL GOODWILL’S. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY IMPRESSED BY HIM. HE IS TALL AND TRIM WITH A LOVELY SMILE. HE’S TYPICALLY DRESSED IN BLACK BUT IT HAS MORE OF A FASHION EFFECT THAN A GOTHIC ONE. FOLLOW HIM ON INSTA FOR A CLOSER LOOK AT HIS AESTHETIC.

I ARRIVED TO MEET JODIE AT THE DEAD SWANKY DRY BAR AND WE HAD EXACTLY ONE HOUR TO DO THREE BEAUTY LOOKS. HE TOLD ME UPON ARRIVAL THAT HE HAD A MINOR SURGERY SCHEDULED LATER IN THE DAY. I WAS A LITTLE ALARMED BUT HE WAS UNFAZED AND WE IMMEDIATELY GOT TO WORK.

THE FIRST LOOK WAS NATURAL. WE BOTH SAW THIS ALL OVER THE SS14 RUNWAYS. BUT LOOKING BARELY THERE IS NOT THE SAME AS GOING BARE. JODIE TOLD ME THAT THIS LOOK IS KNOWN AS “PRIMED” IN THE INDUSTRY AND BACKSTAGE AT FASHION SHOWS. THE HEAD MAKEUP (MU) ARTIST WILL GIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS/HER STAFF TO “PRIME THE MODELS”. IT CONSISTS OF CONCEALING, PRIMING AND PREPPING WITH A DASH OF SCULPTING. TOPPED WITH MASCARA & HIGHLIGHTER, THE GOAL IS TO LOOK HEALTHY & FRESH.

TIP/TRICK: FOR COVERAGE, SPREAD CONCEALER UNDER YOUR EYES THEN ALL THE WAY TO YOUR HAIRLINE & TO PREVENT SHADOWS LATER, USE A CONCEALER BRUSH TO ADD POWDER

OUR SECOND LOOK WAS COLOR -FOCUSED. I WAS PARTICULARLY ANXIOUS TO TRY A PUNCHY POUT. I LOVED THE ORANGE JODIE APPLIED. WHILE I AM ON THE ADVENTUROUS SIDE WITH MY LIP COLOR IN REAL LIFE, I GRAVITATE TOWARD DARK OR TRUE REDS. WE ADDED THE LIP, A SWIPE OF BLACK LINER AND THAT WAS IT. I BEGAN TO APPRECIATE THE CONCEPT OF BEING “PRIMED” AS THE TRANSITION FROM FIRST TO SECOND TOOK LESS THAN THREE MINUTES.

TIP/TRICK: DON’T USE MASCARA ON YOUR BOTTOM LASHES FOR VERY DRAMATIC LINER LOOK ON YOUR UPPER LIDS

LASTLY, WE DECIDED TO TURN UP THE VOLUME. JODIE ADDED FALSE LASHES, RED LIPS AND BLUSH TO THE HIGH HEAVENS – POOF! – I WAS RUNWAY READY. IN A FEW SIMPLE STEPS, MY LOOK WENT FROM POLISHED TO PIN-UP.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WE FINISHED ALL THREE LOOKS IN UNDER AN HOUR. THE MAN TRULY IS A PROFESSIONAL.

TIP/TRICK: BLUSH THE APPLES OF THE CHEEKS AND ALL THE WAY UP THE CHEEKBONE FOR A DEFINED, HIGH-FASHION LOOK

L’OREAL HAS PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE ALL THREE OF THESE LOOKS!

: For a Primed look, start with Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup, Magic Lumi Highlighter & Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

: Punch up the polish with Infallible Blackbuster eyeliner & Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in Orange Tempo

: Pump up the glamour with Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Endless Red + Visible Lift Color Lift Blush

NWAFW: Elysian Feel

February 25, 2014October 7, 2015Leave a comment

By definition, Elysian is an adjective defined as “of, relating to, or characteristic of heaven or paradise.” I headed North to get a feel for the Bentonville boutique.

Elysian/NWAFW Look #1

I added this one-of-a-kind bowtie by Emily Smith The cropped carrot sweater is chic and tongue in cheek Elysian/NWAFW These pants are a great transitional item because of the colors make-up by Kory Tyler Simpson/MAC Elysian/NWAFW Look #1 Yummy lipcolor: Impassioned creme lipcolor by MAC I’m pumped palazzos are back in because I’d be wearing them regardless Elysian/NWAFW

Peach Palazzo Pants – Elysian * Cropped Carrot Sweater – Elysian * Handmade Bowtie – Emily OneManBand Smith * Heels – Forever21 * Earrings – Dillards

Elysian/NWAFW Look #2

this metal belt from 410 Vintage is an instant corset

Wear this kimono with e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g

Elysian/NWAFW

yum

Elysian/NWAFW

Kimono – Elysian * Dress – Vintage from Cheap Thrills * Hat – Vintage Metal Belt – 410 Vintage * Heels – Forever21

Make-up: Kory Tyler Simpson /MAC
Photos: Mallory Berry/MGB Photo
Styling/Concept: Payton Bridewell/The Window Shopper

Lisa & Me, Summer 2013

Lisa Wright opened downtown Bentonville’s Elysian Boutique at the end of 2012. In March 2013, shop moved into its current spot, conveniently located a block from Bentonville’s booming downtown square. When she initially opened, she kept her full-time dental hygienist job while her mom, who retired from WM corporate, worked the store. In the evenings, she would photograph her inventory and post on social sites. At the end of last year, Lisa decided it was finally time to give up on her dual career (as a dental hygienist) to focus on Elysian full-time. Fast-forward to today and the shop is already in the throes of a success story.

The lovely Lisa Wright, Elysian owner

Women of all ages and incomes shop at Elysian and Lisa aims to please them all. She endeavors to remember details about everyone who shops at Elysian, she credits her customer service for shoppers returning over and over again. Lisa, and in turn Elysian, is style-focused. The shop is stocked with multi-use pieces, items that can be worn a variety of ways. I asked Lisa for her wardrobe staples and she told me “a blazer, a pencil skirt, a pair of pumps and a tunic can get you anywhere.” For Spring, she is looking forward to mixing black & white with pastels.”

Expect whimsy with an edge from Elysian on Saturday night (March 8^th) at NWAFW. Check out Elysian’s latest stylings on Instagram, Facebook or ShopElysian.com. – The Window Shopper

NWAFW: SOHO CLOTHIERS

February 18, 2014October 7, 2015Leave a comment

I visited the new & improved SOHO Clothiers in Rogers to pick up a few transitional pieces just in time to look chic for Spring.

Look #1

Pants – Ella Moss/SOHO Clothiers | Bolero – Vintage | Bow ties – Vintage | Heels – Plato’s Closet

Vintage bowties secure the bolero

I styled the pant with a vintage bolero

The trousers are comfortably cool

I chose the slouchy black & cream pant for it’s supreme versatility. Comfortable but still dressy, the trouser can be paired with virtually anything.

Look #2

Blazer – BB Dakota/SOHO Clothiers | Earrings – Grayling/SOHO Clothiers | Shift/ Scarlet Clothing | Sunnies – Vintage/Grey Dog | Heels – Go Jane

The sequin collar of the BB Dakota Blazer adds sophistication to a simple shift

BB Dakota Blazer available at SOHO

Lipstick – MAC {sidenote: I have been obsessed with this lipstick since trying it for this shoot. I promptly purchased it. It goes on like a stain with the feel of a cream}

I was immediately drawn to the BB Dakota embellished blazer. The sequins picked up whatever color they were near, making it a wear-with-everything staple. It also had a trim fit which gives it a continuity with the outfit rather than feeling like an add-on.

Make-up: Kory Tyler Simpson /MAC

Photos: Mallory Berry/MGB Photo

Styling/Concept: Payton Bridewell/The Window Shopper

SOHO:

Leslie Claud Freeman and her family finalized the purchase of the Rogers shopping staple, Soho Clothiers on April 20th, 2013. After almost a year on the ownership side of retail, she’s as enthusiastic as ever. She speaks about SOHO with an air of gratitude, excited to see the store continue to grow, while still satisfying the existing customer base.

SOHO Reopened with a ribbon cutting on April 20th, 2013

She hopes current and new shoppers will come see the “updated” shop. Shoppers have actually been her priority long before she bought the store. Leslie was an apparel studies major at the U of A and spent several years in the fashion industry – first at Mason’s, then at BCBG. Even in high school (yes, I remember!) she always dressed to impress and had the best hair.

Leslie Freeman

When dressing herself, Leslie loves to be feminine but also comfortable. She likes an outfit (like a maxi dress) that takes her from low-key to dressy by the switch of a shoe or the addition of a blazer. But she admits, “nothing can beat a good pair of jeans”. Like most of us, Leslie is ready for spring. Drawing inspiration from magazines and stylish people everywhere, she’s stocked SOHO with color and prints. She’s especially looking forward to helping her customers find those transitional pieces (like the Ella Moss pant or the BB Dakota blazer I chose) to refresh their wardrobe. See the latest from SOHO on facebook & instagram.

NWAFW: The Perfect Pencil (Skirt)?

February 13, 2014October 7, 2015Leave a comment

NA Martin @ NWA Fashion Week

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.

the black NAM Pencil Skirt | by MGB Photo

Look #1: skirt > NAM Pencil in Black hat > Vintage lace top > Plato’s Closet necklace > Beehive heels > MACA Clothe

the NAM Pencil Skirt in Black | by MGB Photo

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

NA Martin Designer, Nancy Martin

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

NWAFW Window Shop: She Said Yes Bridal

February 5, 2014April 3, 2014Leave a comment

So… turns out it’s really fun shopping for a wedding dress when it’s not for your wedding day. Want to play in a beautiful gown for a day and then give it back with no damage done to your pocket book? Yes, please.

I met up with Farron & Deja at the She Said Yes store in Rogers. We easily fell into conversation about fashion and weddings and dresses (oh my!). Farron told me, “Brandi opened the store after shopping for her own wedding. She realized there was nothing in the area that provided the level of customer service or selection that you could find in bigger cities. So, she left her corporate job behind and opened She Said Yes to fill that void.” And fill the void it has for nine years and counting. Since 2004 She Said Yes has helped over hundreds of brides locally and across the country to find the dress that bring them to say “yes”. But they aren’t sure how many exactly…they don’t keep count. They’re too busy focusing on the bride at hand and making sure she finds the dress of her dreams.

I went into the appointment sure that they would let me leave with a couple of formals that I could whip up a situation where I would wear a formal in my everyday life. However, Farron quickly told me that they were only showing bridal on the runway at NWAFW. So, would I be down to be a bride again? Ummmm yes!

I decided that we should find a few dresses that weren’t too bridal. But that was my only qualifier. For my own wedding, I did not want strapless, only because that’s what you see the most of. For this, no such rules. Farron & Deja took me back to the dressing rooms where there were a few gowns left over from a recent sample sale. We ooohed and ahhhed and they quickly beckoned me to strip. You get really close with anyone who helps you in or out of bridal couture – take it from me. Farron & Deja saw me completely nude within moments of our first meeting.

We found a gorgeous Anne Barge ball gown (a blush silk taffeta gown featuring a beautiful rouched drop-waist bodice that softly flows into a full skirt full of romantic pickups) that was so delightful and princess-like. We went back out into the showroom and I began gravitating toward lace. We eventually happened upon a lacy Romona Keveza (blush silk shantung fitted, with Alencion lace overlay; featuring a beautiful lace illusion sweetheart neckline and soft sweep train) that was sweet and perfect in its simplicity. I told the girls I was feeling an “I skipped my wedding because I wanted to party” vibe for the window shop and they were totally down. Seeing so many brides on the regular, they seemed to get excited about the fashion aspect as much of more than the wedding side. Speaking of the fashionable side of things, they have a very cool concept planned for NWAFW 2014. Farron said the goal is to bring the focus back to the beauty of the dress and how a bride will look in it.

Find out more about She said Yes Bridal online & @shesaidyesbridal on Instagram. This post is in honor of Brandi Rushton and dedicated to her recovery.

Beauty by Suzannah Files for Crown Beauty Bar | Photos by Darcy Munoz for Hello Luvvy | Styling/Concept: Payton Bridewell for The Window Shopper | Flowers by Pigmint | The jewels are available for purchase at Cheap Thrills

buy these one-of-a-kind vintage baubles NOW at cheap thrills

heels – shoe republic via shop lola blazer – thrifted dana buchman dress – thrifted banana republic leo necklace – game girl lipcolor – nyx earrings – kenneth jay lane via charm & chain purse – vintage sunnies – asos

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I’m not going to pretend I didn’t have a fashion-hangover afterwards but all in all it was a ton of fun and quite impressive! I must give a shout out to 3W Magazine/Tres Lifestyle for sending me behind the scenes.

If you STILL need more, here are all the photos I took during NWAFW 2014. And, my buddy Jess Whalen of Truebadours did badass videos for each night.

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Hey friends! I’ve been working on a NWAFW recap but wanted to share this lovely article written by the AR Democrat Gazette’s Helaine Williams.

Outfit: hat/jacket – vintage via cheap thrills | transitions/earrings – vintage via grey dog | solar system dress – thrifted

Excerpts from today’s Style Section article:

Also – below is an amazing video of Thursday night from Truebadours!

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Look #1: Dress E. Leigh’s * Heels Lulu Townsend * Blazer Thrifted Ralph Lauren * Rhinestone Ring Kate Spade * Rhinestone Necklace Mae’s

Look #2: Top Everly, E. Leigh’s * Skirt E. Leigh’s * Belt Vintage via Cheap Thrills * Earrings * Vintage via Grey Dog * Heels Shoenami NOLA

Look #3: Dress E. Leigh’s * Hat Vintage Thrifted * Silk Blazer Thrifted Argenti * Heels Michael Antonio

Q & A with Erin

TWS: Describe your personal aesthetic. ELH: Personally, I love clean lines and feminine pieces. Clothing that make me feel strong and put together, but look like a woman.

TWS: Who/what inspires you style-wise? ELH: Of course, my style is always a direct reflection of my mood that day. Comfy casual or sleek and buttoned up, I just wear what feels good. My celebrity fashion icon of the moment has to be Zoe Saldana. I just love her.

TWS: What can we expect to see at your NWAFW 2014 show? ELH: Since E. Leigh’s is a NWAFW virgin; we decided to just be very true to who we are as a company. We are striving to show NWA exactly what being an E.Leigh’s girl is all about. We couldn’t be more excited!

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THE (NOT-SO) CLASSIC PONYTAIL

THE FRENCH

TWIST

UNSTRUCTURED CURLS

MINI CRIMPED!

I ASKED NICOLE TO TELL ME HER FAVORITE LOOK OR STYLE TO GIVE SOMEONE IN HER CHAIR. SHE QUICKLY TELLS ME SHE PREFERS TO DO WHATEVER HER CLIENT FEELS CONFIDENT WEARING. “IF SOMEONE FEELS GOOD ABOUT THE WAY THEY LOOK, THEY CAN PULL OFF ANYTHING.” TOO TRUE, NICOLE, TOO TRUE.

GET THE LOOK

| PAYTON BRIDEWELL > @MSPAYTON > THE WINDOW SHOPPER > NWA FASHION WEEK 2014 | HAIR NICOLE SHIPLEY > @NICO_TICO > STUDIO 8 | PHOTOS MALLORY BERRY > @MGB_PHOTO > MGB PHOTO | VIDEO > JESSICA WHELAN > @TRUEBADOURJESS > THE TRUEBADOURS |

SHOT ON LOCATION AT STUDIO 8 IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS / #NWAWINDOWSHOP #NWAFW #THEWINDOWSHOPPER #MGBPHOTO #NWAFASHIONWEEK #BEAUTY #NWABEAUTY #HAIR #SPRING14 #VLOG #VIDEO #TRUEBADOURS #COLLABO #STUDIO8 #NICOLESHIPLEY

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I ARRIVED TO MEET JODIE AT THE DEAD SWANKY DRY BAR AND WE HAD EXACTLY ONE HOUR TO DO THREE BEAUTY LOOKS. HE TOLD ME UPON ARRIVAL THAT HE HAD A MINOR SURGERY SCHEDULED LATER IN THE DAY. I WAS A LITTLE ALARMED BUT HE WAS UNFAZED AND WE IMMEDIATELY GOT TO WORK.

TIP/TRICK: FOR COVERAGE, SPREAD CONCEALER UNDER YOUR EYES THEN ALL THE WAY TO YOUR HAIRLINE & TO PREVENT SHADOWS LATER, USE A CONCEALER BRUSH TO ADD POWDER

TIP/TRICK: DON’T USE MASCARA ON YOUR BOTTOM LASHES FOR VERY DRAMATIC LINER LOOK ON YOUR UPPER LIDS

LASTLY, WE DECIDED TO TURN UP THE VOLUME. JODIE ADDED FALSE LASHES, RED LIPS AND BLUSH TO THE HIGH HEAVENS – POOF! – I WAS RUNWAY READY. IN A FEW SIMPLE STEPS, MY LOOK WENT FROM POLISHED TO PIN-UP.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WE FINISHED ALL THREE LOOKS IN UNDER AN HOUR. THE MAN TRULY IS A PROFESSIONAL.

TIP/TRICK: BLUSH THE APPLES OF THE CHEEKS AND ALL THE WAY UP THE CHEEKBONE FOR A DEFINED, HIGH-FASHION LOOK

L’OREAL HAS PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE ALL THREE OF THESE LOOKS!

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By definition, Elysian is an adjective defined as “of, relating to, or characteristic of heaven or paradise.” I headed North to get a feel for the Bentonville boutique.

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I visited the new & improved SOHO Clothiers in Rogers to pick up a few transitional pieces just in time to look chic for Spring.

Look #1

Look #2

SOHO:

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So… turns out it’s really fun shopping for a wedding dress when it’s not for your wedding day. Want to play in a beautiful gown for a day and then give it back with no damage done to your pocket book? Yes, please.

Like what you see? Tell your friends!

Like this:

heels – shoe republic via shop lola
blazer – thrifted dana buchman
dress – thrifted banana republic
leo necklace – game girl
lipcolor – nyx
earrings – kenneth jay lane via charm & chain
purse – vintage
sunnies – asos