Sweater – Thrifted
White skinnies – Target
Clogs – Sam Edelman
Sunnies – ASOS
Vintage Dooney & Bourke – The Attic
Tag: spring
NWAFW: SOHO CLOTHIERS
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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
“I’ve always loved playing dress up.”
“I’m really into wearing bathing suits as tops right now.” Payton and her Dad
“He is always my best accessory.” Payton and her Husband
The Window Shopper
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 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)
From the Weekend
Beaver Lake
Long weekends are always wonderful. We went to the lake, out to dinner, to the pool and farmer’s market. It finally feels like summer!
beautiful flowers from the Fayetteville farmer’s market
at dinner
snuggling with the beautiful Bird
a refreshing cocktail (via @meetracerx )
my Sunday evening ensemble (vintage)
at the pool
Weekend in Charleston Moodboard
One of my baby brothers is graduating from college! He has been living in the most preferable of situations. School in downtown Charleston, minutes from the beach. My mom, other brother and I are going early to spend a few days at Folly beach before the rest of the family comes in and we fete Hampton.
While trying to keep in mind the packing guides I found last week, I’ve got to plan several chic dinner ensembles & beach day looks. I’m thinking flowing dresses and big hair, stripes & denim cutoffs, bright lips.
Have a lovely week. I’ll be back may 14. xo
What I Wore: Spring Wedding
what I wore: dress – vintage from cheap thrills, heels – bcbg, bag – ann taylor (thrifted)
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I wore this on Saturday to an evening wedding. The dress is one of my favorites that I own. It’s a great party dress that can be worn in any season. It does only good things for the figure and the gold threading actually sparkles. I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
What I Wore: Pleats/Bow/Blazer
what I wore: dress – grey dog, blazer – banana republic, heels – kelsi dagger
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I found this great dress at Grey Dog the other day. I always find beautiful things there and Molly has constant loveliness on her sale rack. It’s hard to resist pleats & bows in the same frock!
What I Wore: Cream Puff
what I wore: dress – impressions (seen here), blazer – antonio melani, heels – kelsi dagger, earrings – vintage from grey dog, bracelet – house of harlow (similar)
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This is a dress for all seasons. In August, I wore it to my post-wedding brunch. In December, I wore it with black tights. I love shape, the color and of course the bow. Paired with a muted plaid blazer and my new favorite earrings, I thought it proved its versatility.
The Window Shopper 