OOTD: Opposites Attract

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pinafore & lamé crossbody: thrifted
tank: nike
leopard wedges: steve madden
collar: dollar dash

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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.

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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

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

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The Window Shopper

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RAID MY CLOSET

grey dog window shop

On May 4th (if you’re local) you will be able to shop my collection of clothes, shoes, hats, jewels and accessories. I am doing a SERIOUS edit.
The sale will be at Grey Dog 724 N. College, Fayetteville AR from 11-6. Of course, I will be there to share stories/style recommendations or possibly just chilling and drinking! We’ll see how this goes and I may do more. Hopefully online – so some of you interested but far away parties can get in on it! —> the facebook event
Click on the photo below to see the preview  album or check out the possibilities from past outfits. I  will be posting more items as the date draws near. xo

grey dog ootd

above photo by the lovely Mallory Berry5

The Window Shopper’s MACA Musts

[CLICKABLE: see all the photos from the shoot!}

MACA CLOTHE | 745 E Joyce BLVD Suite 118 | Fayetteville | 479.935.4235 |emailweb | insta | fb
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 MaudePlato’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

photo by Jade Howard

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

favorite maes

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.

by Jade Howard

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)

The Window Shopper plays in Plato’s Closet

Payton for NWAFW-4164
[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.
L to R Mallory Berry, Kory Simpson, Payton, Taylor Johnston, Lindsey Wright
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 :)

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

Details
1. Plato’s Cisano red cotton pant | worn with red Pendleton blazer, black tank from Maude, Stuart Weitzman heels, earringsMae’s (location: Dickson st inn)
2. Plato’s Rory Beca long black sheer skirt | worn with Stefanie peter pan blouse, Jessica Simpson heels, Target sunnies, Kate Spade ring
3. Plato’s Judith March silk china blue strapless dress | worn with forever 21 leaf necklace, Stuart Weitzman heels (location: Dickson st inn)
4. Plato’s free people beige tank dress | worn with vintage scarf, bow Forever21 necklace/earrings, Michael Antonio heels, Bebe fuzzy (location: Dickson st inn)
5. Plato’s Danny & Nicole striped blazer | worn with unlabeled vintage white mini, vintage baubles from Mae’s & Cheap Thrills, Kate Spade cocktail ring, vintage belt, Jeffrey Campbell platforms {on Ro – thrifted pinstripe suit, ray bans} (location: Dickson st inn)
Most vintage is either locally purchased at thrift shops or Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville, AR
Special thanks: the Dickson Street Inn in downtown Fayetteville for being quite the gorgeous backdrop / to my hubby for being a handsome prop

What I Wore: Argyle

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what I wore: pants – bcbg via potter’s house, vest – gap, necklace – forever, earrings – ultra, pumps – kenzie

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What I Wore: It’s Freezing

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what I wore: sweater dress – max studio via dillards (old), tights – forever21, boots – a.n.a. via plato’s closet


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What I Wore: Say It Ain’t Sheer

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what I wore: dress – BILA, booties – forever21 by way of Plato’s Closet, bow necklace – mae’s, belt – thrifted,
So I found this dress at the goodwill and I knew it would be much cooler if the rather dowdy and wrinkled slip were removed. I did just that, wore another shorter slip and voila!


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What I Wore: Purple Peplum

IMG_4846what I wore: blazer – arpeja (seen here with matching skirt / I found the exact one on etsy here), cropped trousers – jcrew, heels – jessica simpson
I love this purple blazer with its giant shoulder pads. It’s not something you can wear all the time but once in a while it’s the perfect addition.

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