Woop. It's Friday. We're gonna start doing "wrap-up" posts on Fridays. They'll just have stuff we like in them, things that happened this week, things you should check out, and maybe even a sneak peek of future posts. Who knows?!
Good eats
I have some very exciting news. My cousin Makini Howell just released a cookbook. Whoooooo!! Schwag, schwag. She is an amazing vegan chef and if you happen to find yourself in the Seattle area, you must visit on of her restaurants. Plum Bistro is what is hot and popping in Seattle right now. Though all of the food in her restaurant and cookbook is vegan, I swear you won't even be able to tell. She makes healthy, vegan food accessible. And to all you hip kids, there's really nothing more hip than being vegan. Cook your friends something tasty. You can snag her book for a cool 20 bucks via Amazon.
Good reads
- Kid Cudi might have the most under-appreciated style out there. (via Complex)
- Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci is the Man of The Moment. (via TMagazine)
- How to come out to your parents as a stylish person. As you might predict, this is hilarious. (via Complex)
- Travel while you're young. Gap year, anyone? (via Goins Writer)
- Treat Chicago gangs as terrorist. (via CNN)
Good music
The xx will be back in Chicago in September. Literally so excited. They were here this past October and I didn't go to the concert and I have been beating myself up ever since. If you haven't heard their newest album, Coexist, you have no excuse because Spotify exist. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am. Who's tryna go wit meh?
Good buys
- Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. I loved this book, highly recommend it. Check out my blog posts to see what it's about and why it's fantastic.
- I would put up links to awesome deals on clothes, but I'd like to focus on literacy. This woman was handing out free books for World Book Night (April 23rd) when I was at the train and people were like "no." They'd say no and return to playing Angry Birds or something on their phone. Or they'd take the book and just throw it on the ground. I couldn't believe it. Books are like 12 dollars. 12 dollars?! And you just got that for free. Dag. People kill me sometimes. Read a book, you might learn something.
What to expect next week:
- What I'll be wearing this Spring....well, it's been Spring for about a month now, so what I will wear when it gets warm.
- What I picked up in Prague.
- Guest post from a dapper young man.
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I have a new love in my life. It isn't blonde or brunette.
It isn't straight or frizzy haired. Nor is it fat bottomed. But it is slim and
sexy just like I like em. It's my most recent splurge. And it's a shirt.
I recently returned from Granada, Spain and who would've
known they had such great shopping. Though my favorite store was in the
shopping central I knew it'd be the same experience I could have back in
America so I skipped out on the H&M stop. But another favorite brand was
also in the same area and I knew this would be different. I passed it every day
as it hid off the main road which I took on my route to school. It was the
Lacoste store and I just knew I had to go there before my trip was over.
Then that day had finally come.
I went in knowing I was going to purchase but I didn't know
what. Having two female friends with me it made it harder to ignore that urge
to spend. I looked around and boy was I like "Ain't nobody got Euro fo
dat" but then I saw the sales rack and there it was, in sizes just for me.
I ignored the price tag because it was 40% off and that percent off of any
price is good, right? I took the two shirts from the rack and tried on both.
One fit just right and the other a size up and a better look so I went with that
one. I felt anxious to swipe my debit card so I bought it. I was nervous and a
little guilty. I text my mom right after sharing with her I felt wrong
spending so much on a shirt and she went on to reply: "You only live once
and you're in Spain."
Now that I'm
home and I am bored out of my mind and need something to love, I just see my
shirt hanging in my closet. It reminds me it has so much more of a purpose than it seems. It makes me think of how time has flown and how cryptic it all seems. It mends the heart that
experienced traveling out of the country for the first time. The heart that
misses being free in Spain and making memories. Making new connections and strengthening others. Every break seems so
bittersweet. Things have changed now that I'm back in America. Break is over. Though change has come, all I have to do is think about my shirt and remember boy is that one sexy
piece of... fabric. And I start to feel a little better.
I'm going to Prague on Monday. Woo! I'll be sharing pics once I get back, but I thought I'd share a bit of what I'm taking with me. I like to pack light and stay as far away from that 50 pound mark as possible. The only time I neared fifty was when I was traveling for a month. Imma be gone for about 10 days, so 50 pounds just seems like too much. Below is what I'll be taking to Prague, including a dress, cardigan, and tweed jacket that aren't pictured. Where y'all vacationing?! Whatcha wearing?! Let us know.
Jeans, tee, desert boots. This is just casual, but hella cool. I'm effing pretty hard with these striped tees Gap rolled out for Spring. They're not fitted, but not too baggy either. They're spot on. This is just something to wear while tromping around the city. My deserts boots are so damn reliable; they're good in the sun, good in the rain, just made to last. And they're comfortable -- obviously the move for a sightseeing trip. I'll be packing a couple variations of this outfit (because we'll be tromping almost erryday).
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Jeans, button downs, sweater, oxfords, Kerouac. This packing process made me realize how many Ralph Lauren shirts I have. Conclusion: I have a lot. But, yea, so I can wear the button downs alone or layer them under the sweater. The weather is as variable in Prague as it is in Chicago, so I'm just tryna be prepared. The jeans are from Gap; they fit so incredibly well and the wash is so dark, they're sure to look good on anyone. For their price, 70 bucks then whatever sale that never ends takes more moola off, they're such a good buy. I'll also be reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac while I'm away. If you've read it or you are suddenly inspired to read it, hit meh up. I'd love to chat about it.
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Keep ya eyes peeled for muh pictures from Prague. Enjoy your Spring breaks. And if you don't have a break, skip school, work, whatever and take a break -- you deserve one.
Jeans, tee, desert boots. This is just casual, but hella cool. I'm effing pretty hard with these striped tees Gap rolled out for Spring. They're not fitted, but not too baggy either. They're spot on. This is just something to wear while tromping around the city. My deserts boots are so damn reliable; they're good in the sun, good in the rain, just made to last. And they're comfortable -- obviously the move for a sightseeing trip. I'll be packing a couple variations of this outfit (because we'll be tromping almost erryday).
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Jeans, button downs, sweater, oxfords, Kerouac. This packing process made me realize how many Ralph Lauren shirts I have. Conclusion: I have a lot. But, yea, so I can wear the button downs alone or layer them under the sweater. The weather is as variable in Prague as it is in Chicago, so I'm just tryna be prepared. The jeans are from Gap; they fit so incredibly well and the wash is so dark, they're sure to look good on anyone. For their price, 70 bucks then whatever sale that never ends takes more moola off, they're such a good buy. I'll also be reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac while I'm away. If you've read it or you are suddenly inspired to read it, hit meh up. I'd love to chat about it.
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Because I realized I only had one pair of pants: camo, Harvard (...) crewneck, oxfords, Timex. This might just be my fly-home outfit. Or my stick-in-my-carry-on-just-in-case-my-bag-gets-lost-for-six-days outfit. This Harvard maroon needs to be replaced with a University of Chicago maroon, just sayin'.
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Just in case you don't know this about me, I love menswear. I'm not sure why, but I find menswear to be a more interesting than women's wear. Just how little there is to work with and how some men can pull that off so easily.
On that note, I just wanted to throw up a quick outfit post. Menswear inspired, of course. On top of menswear, I'm really into the prep aesthetic which, I think, really shows in this outfit. I went with a collegiate crewneck over a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren oxford, neon salmon straight-leg pants, and penny loafers with striped socks. A lot of people are against the penny with sock combo, but it was hella cold and I actually love seeing a nice pair of socks.
On that note, I just wanted to throw up a quick outfit post. Menswear inspired, of course. On top of menswear, I'm really into the prep aesthetic which, I think, really shows in this outfit. I went with a collegiate crewneck over a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren oxford, neon salmon straight-leg pants, and penny loafers with striped socks. A lot of people are against the penny with sock combo, but it was hella cold and I actually love seeing a nice pair of socks.
D'awww look at muh cute face.
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Photos by Ally Almore.
I'm often wishing that I didn't have such a brightly colored backpack. Whenever I'm tryna straight dodge and weave to stay out of someone's view, they see me. Basically, I wish I had some camouflage. Camo has been trendy for a while now, but I'm really just starting to hop on the bandwagon. I wore my brother's camo shirt earlier in the year, but now I'm feigning for some camo duds of my own. Most of these are on the pricey side, but dat's life.
Bape Vest. I couldn't do a post on camo without including a pick from the eternally cool Bape. The camo lining is a nice addition to the typical navy vest. And the funnel neck is a nice bonus, too.
Rogue Territory Drake Camo Tote. You can never have to many totes, men and women alike. Also, it's made in the USA.
Word. Notebooks. For all you writers and wannabe writers, you need one of these for the moments when strokes of genius catch you off guard. Small enough to fit in your back pocket, stylish enough to whip out anywhere. Not a writer, just pretend. 10 bucks will get you 3 of these lil' notebooks. Also, made in the USA.
Rogue Territory & Baldwin Denim. A pick for guys and a pick for gals. Both pants are made in the USA. Camo pants are good for days when you only wanna wear a white tee -- they make that white tee a hundred times more interesting.
Well, well, well...it seems like Christmas is less than a week away and I have yet to let you know what I'm hoping will find its way under my tree. I realize that I actually don't need a thing for Christmas, but nothing's wrong with a little material lust. Ya dig? Let's get to it.
Claude Demure loafers. I've been feeling loafers a lil' too hard for the past three or four months. These will put ya out 160 bucks. Even though it's (finally) getting cold, I've been going sockless in my pennies and leopard loafers. Dumb? Just a little. But, looking good is a must.
Mansai Brass Screw Cuff. Need. New. Arm. Candy. And this is the piece to take my wrist game to the next level. It's simple, but still has an intriguing design.
Madewell dotted pinstripe shirt. No joke, I've been trying to cop a polka dot for four months since I saw one at Gap. This one is awesome because it's also pinstripe. You can't really see it in the photo, but the mixing of two prints that most would never dare to do, polka dots and stripes, makes this shirt the ultimate polka dot shirt to cop. And by cop, I mean buy, not steal.
Chester Mox Chesnut Wiry Flap Wallet. I used to a wallet similar in size to this one, but then my mom gave me a new, bigger wallet, but now my new, bigger wallet is full of stuff I don't need. I'm feeling like it's time to revert to small wallet days. Also, this wallet is made in the USA out of leather from Horween Leather Company which is housed on the north side of Chiboogy. *cue USA, USA, USA chants*
Penfield parka. I don't know why I like parkas so much, but I do. I've seen a lot of small women wearing them this winter. Like short women, with chelsea boots and big scarves. Looks good. I'm not a small woman, but I'd love a parka. This Penfield one is never in stock, so I don't know if this is even a feasible option. Here's to dreaming (and the restocking of this jacket...).
J. Crew geometric print jeans. No list is complete without a little J. Crew. Pants are probably my favorite clothing item to buy. I have too many pairs of pants, and ones in shocking colors or prints always catch my eye. These fit the bill perfectly. I like obnoxious clothing.
Have a great holiday season.
Hey there. Well, I think I'd like to start by saying it is an honor to finally be able to write a post on this blog. With the holiday season fast approaching here is my wish list, so if you would like to truly be a great friend, or have a fast way to my heart, pull out a notebook and a pen and get to writing.
This being a wish list, I'm going to start with the outrageous. I think a watch is one of the most important pieces of a man's wardrobe, it holds him together in desperate times. So, I felt it fitting that I include my dream watch. Breitling is a watch brand renowned for creating timepieces for aviators, my father has one of these bad girls and it is truly beautiful. Maybe one day I'll be rich enough to have one of these.
This being a wish list, I'm going to start with the outrageous. I think a watch is one of the most important pieces of a man's wardrobe, it holds him together in desperate times. So, I felt it fitting that I include my dream watch. Breitling is a watch brand renowned for creating timepieces for aviators, my father has one of these bad girls and it is truly beautiful. Maybe one day I'll be rich enough to have one of these.
Well seeing as though I have already bought almost every item at J. Crew, there are still a few items on their website that make me a little sexually excited. Having a fresh pair of kicks is always important, lately I've been trying to bring in the dress shoes to make 'em casual, and frankly the pair I have are uglier than sin, so I was digging these suede wingtips. Not necessarily winter wear, but when it gets a lil' warmer anyone would look great in these bad girls. Classy.
One more item from J. Crew! They have probably the coolest selection of swagged out sweaters than any other store I have browsed to date. This one fits the holiday season very well, plus I love Christmas and I feel like it’d be something perfect to throw on those cold mornings when you don’t know what to wear.
Chubbies. Despite sounding like a colloquial term for a male half erection, I love these shorts. Pretty much the definition of frat, and before I start sounding like a douche, I'll just say Mrs. Kelly won't let me have a pair of these. She claims they're a bit too short, and granted showing a bit of leg may be unwanted by the older folk, short shorts are in. Soooo in.
I want a puffy jacket, Fratabronia is that brand too. I was looking at a really hipster dude on the bus today and he had one of these, I was liking what he was wearing, not that I want to cop his swag, but I want to cop his swag. I don’t know what else to say, but it’s a pretty neat jacket.
Last, but not least this anorak from Orvis. Orvis is the kind of brand your grandpa wears, but in a cool way, its classic, yet down to earth and country feeling… if you can feel that from a brand. Anyway, I love this jacket, I don’t really have any waterproof jackets, and am a total sucker for anything that was modeled after military stuff. It's good looking so I could brave the elements on those rainy day Chicago days, but tough enough to bring on my hunting trips with mah pops.
Well, I guess this is all I can think of for now. Thanks for reading everybody! Happy Christmas and Hanukah and Kwanzaa!
XOXO- MK
XD
XOXO- MK
XD
As we get closer and closer to the winter holidays, I’ve realized how much busier I’ve gotten–
as I’m sure is the same for anyone who happens to read this (thanks in advance). From looking
for the perfect prom dress in school, trying to write any supplement you can, pretending to do
your homework, and fervently checking any and all social media for news of everyone else’s
acceptance– December can get a little bit hectic. Don’t worry... I’ve compiled a master luxury
gift list, mostly of things I can’t even dream of purchasing, so you don’t have to do any extra
work! We can all afford to get a lil wistful this time of year, so take note (and 5 minutes) to just
hang out and window shop.
THE WISH LIST:
The Alexander Wang Rocco Duffle
Obviously without room for a laptop, 5 star, or large pencil case, this bag screams I’ve got
nowhere productive to go and I’m going to look bad as hell getting there.... This black leather
duffel with brass cupcake studs on the bottom has been an object of desire for 2+ years,
somehow no one close to me has mustered up the $850 that it takes to take one of these bad girls
out for a spin... It’s big enough for a camera, a wallet, and a sandwich (maybe a small one) – but
it’s the perfect day bag. It transitions from cross-body to handbag in .5 seconds, and looks good
either way. It’s also a limited resource in danger of becoming extinct...... because Alexander
Wang is now taking Nicolas Ghesquiere’s place at Balenciaga! (therefore buy now as opposed to
when you’re an established adult).
Fiorentini and Baker Eli Boots
These boots are laid back cool... I’ve seen them on some people around town, and they are the
ONLY short boots that anyone’s looking good in. They wear like nice leather, they look like
nice leather, nice leather will last forever, blah, blah, blah, bottom line– if you’re trying to be
anyone...... INVEST IN THESE BOOTS.
as I’m sure is the same for anyone who happens to read this (thanks in advance). From looking
for the perfect prom dress in school, trying to write any supplement you can, pretending to do
your homework, and fervently checking any and all social media for news of everyone else’s
acceptance– December can get a little bit hectic. Don’t worry... I’ve compiled a master luxury
gift list, mostly of things I can’t even dream of purchasing, so you don’t have to do any extra
work! We can all afford to get a lil wistful this time of year, so take note (and 5 minutes) to just
hang out and window shop.
THE WISH LIST:
The Alexander Wang Rocco Duffle
Obviously without room for a laptop, 5 star, or large pencil case, this bag screams I’ve got
nowhere productive to go and I’m going to look bad as hell getting there.... This black leather
duffel with brass cupcake studs on the bottom has been an object of desire for 2+ years,
somehow no one close to me has mustered up the $850 that it takes to take one of these bad girls
out for a spin... It’s big enough for a camera, a wallet, and a sandwich (maybe a small one) – but
it’s the perfect day bag. It transitions from cross-body to handbag in .5 seconds, and looks good
either way. It’s also a limited resource in danger of becoming extinct...... because Alexander
Wang is now taking Nicolas Ghesquiere’s place at Balenciaga! (therefore buy now as opposed to
when you’re an established adult).
The Goyard Trunk
On the topic of college, on the first day, nothing’s going to say “I’m the child of an oil sheik/
Nicolas Sarkozy/French Diplomat/African Prince” like a Goyard Trunk. One of these lil bad
boys will lock away all of your sweatpants for about $150,000... If you would like me to craft/
hand paint anything for you for $150,000 please let me know and I’ll happily run out and do so.
Cartier Tank Watch
Nothing like a beautiful piece of French machinery in classy black and gold...
Fiorentini and Baker Eli Boots
These boots are laid back cool... I’ve seen them on some people around town, and they are the
ONLY short boots that anyone’s looking good in. They wear like nice leather, they look like
nice leather, nice leather will last forever, blah, blah, blah, bottom line– if you’re trying to be
anyone...... INVEST IN THESE BOOTS.
GIFTS:
First post as an official
member of all worn out. Swag. So y'all know you have to blow it up, right? ...no
shame.
So, the year goes by and you continually add items to your list of greed: 'I really want this Mom' or 'Dad, buy me these.' My list always happens to be an endless list of brand-names which aren't within my realm... But I guess that's what the holidays are for, right?
So, the year goes by and you continually add items to your list of greed: 'I really want this Mom' or 'Dad, buy me these.' My list always happens to be an endless list of brand-names which aren't within my realm... But I guess that's what the holidays are for, right?
Jokessss
But really. I would just love to be showered
by Hermès watches and LouB loafers but that's not happening. To say the least a
lot of my items gives me a glimpse into that lavish world which I sometimes
think I live in and I want to give you a glimpse into it as well.
I really wanted to change it up this year but that
just didn't end up happening. So as usual love me some watches:
Hermès Orange. What a beautiful color.
I also run into the problem of wanting things
that aren't really school appropriate but the sad part is I have nowhere else to wear
them.
High class dinner party?
'Higham' dress loafer from Aldo.
Weekend getaway with the homies? (S/O to all my homies. You're a homie if you're reading this btw.)
Herschel Supply Co. 'Strand' Duffel Bag
These honestly always end up being the favorites on my list.
And can't forget the cold weather usuals. Ik ya see me rawking the scarves but probably have never seen me in a hat. I've literally never worn a hat despite where we live. Chi-town love. I kinda love this beanie doe.
Levi Cable Knit Beanie
Also, I want some Patagonia and I really want a new vest so voilà!
But really the ultimate item
that I'd say is the best compromise from lavish to reasonable would be a
nicely equipped Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. That's a darn good exchange for the $150,000 Mercedes Benz G550 I'm really in love with.
So there I go again making that
list of way outta my league items. And it's even the item I think is feasible. Which
it turns out is just another item to add on to my non-feasible list.
Signing off til next time
I'm diffffrentt
The weather has been awesome. And every time I think it's finally going to be cold for good, it gets a little warm. I find myself slipping on skirts and dresses for their last hoorah. It's not like I have a lot of skirts and dresses, but ya know, tryna get the best out of the one skirt and one dress I have.
On that note, I'm not much of a dress wearer. But, I bought a pair of lace-ish tights for my Halloween costume, but that costume never happened, so I was stuck with some tights. It was going to be around 55 degrees, and I wanted to test these tights out. Yes, I test out clothing to see if I like it. Don't you? You don't? Oh.
Any who...check out these photos of my tight wearing courtesy of Ally Almore. She's awesome, make sure to check out her Facebook page and give it a like. Like I thought I looked good, but I didn't think I looked that good. Ally made me look that good in these photos. She does werk.
Peep these things: my backpack, probably the dopest thing I own; my reusable water bottle, I love the earth; and my penny loafers, definitely my favorite shoes.
Want a view of this awesome outfit from the front? You got it.
So, it turns out that I really like tights. I think they're the most interesting part of my outfit. I was two seconds, well, two minutes from wearing a pair of gray tights, I'm glad I made that switch. Try a patterned pair out if you haven't already. You'll like the way you look, I guarantee it. My goal for post-Thanksgiving shopping this weekend is to pick up some mo' dresses and some mo' tights. Werd.
Okay, so, I'm really excited about this post. I've literally been waiting to put it up. (I was working with another blog, so I needed to make sure it broke there first.) Check out the full post here over on Style Bias.
About two weeks ago, I went to the annual Dress Code fashion show that features designs from students of the The Illinois Insititute of Art-Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, International Academy of Design and Technology- Chicago and the The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I had never been to a fashion show before so this was a fun intro. I got a ticket to the sold out show thanks to the Hive Fashion Network (thanks!). Also, thanks to HFN, I have some super crazy, cool collabs coming up. I'm. Too. Excited. So, I'll keep the blog updated as everything happens.
I took some of the best photos I've ever taken at Dress Code. I love these photos. If you hate them, then, uh, I don't know what to tell you. Check 'em, yo.
Click to enlarge them!
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| Designs by Brynne Putney. |
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| Designs by Alicia Bauman. Rahhhh this photo doe. |
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| Best looks of the night from Lane Spodek. |
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| Designs by Lane Spodek. |
¡Mas fotos!
The girl in the silver dress aka Roce with the girl in the blue dress aka Annie turning up da heat. Hot mamas. And we have Kristen, and Pateese (Beyonce...) showing off some trends this season: lace and peplums. On point.
I had to put this photo up. I can't even describe how good they look in this picture -- they all just go together. These ladies are Shanell, Destiny, and Micha.
And the lovely two behind this blog: Stephanie and Ashton.
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