Home Decorating... With a twist!

I've been busy trying to get all of my (many, many) things all packed up and ready to move into my new apartment, and it has been crazy. I accidentally packed all of my clothes (so I am now living out of a suitcase), I misplaced my computer for several hours, and somehow managed to pack one of every shoe so that I have no single pair to wear. UGH. Plus, I didn't know that I owned this much stuff! It never ends!

Anyway, to pull myself out of the stressful, panicked, and worrisome mind frame of moving, I've been de-stressing by window shopping for the new apartment. It's been really fun finding elegant and alternative ways to style a room to fit your personality, and so I thought I'd share my favorite things.

First up is this skull planter from Mudpuppy, which I am completely in love with. I'm a really big fan of having plants in the home, and finding creative ways of displaying them can be ridiculously fun. Plus, I like that this particular planter could really go with any style: punk, goth, soccer mom... Okay, maybe not soccer mom.

Next is this Rococo style vanity/dressing table, which is so pretty (and inexpensive), that I have been having to speed scroll past it so that I don't buy it immediately. It's totally okay to have three vanities in your home, right? RIGHT?

Then there's this beauty, which I kind of want a million of so that I can one in every room of the house. And maybe outside, too. I especially love that this is also subtle and isn't too gaudy, and could fit into different styles of living and taste. It's just so pretty!

And these neat little steampunk votives are adorable, and again can go with any style. I really love that they're all different shapes and sizes, and could go anywhere in the home. I want a million of these, too. Clearly I'm having a bit of a problem with portion control.

Now, I have literally had this pipe bookshelf on my wishlist for YEARS, and every time I move I completely forget that I want to put something like this somewhere in my new apartment. I haven't forgotten this time, though, especially after learning that you can use this same set up to display heels, too. My walls are officially a goner.

And speaking of things I've wanted for a long time... Printed plates are some of my favorite things to look at, and personally I can't wait to own my own set sometime soon. The thing I love about these plates in particular is their use of flowers with the skulls, playing the skulls down a little, and making it a little more fancy and a little less cheesy. There are tons of different serving-ware you can choose from, from cups, utensils, plates, and more. I've had my eye on so many that I may just have to forsake normal plates altogether, and sell my kidneys to get them all. They're just so lovely!

And for the sake of not having this entry be a mile long, I'll leave you with this lovely little jewel. I literally want everything that Polopuentearanda has to offer. I mean. Seriously. Looking at it makes me feel as if I died and went to steampunk heaven. 

Anyway, wish me luck on the move! If you have any links or images of little knick-knacks, furniture, or decorating blogs that you especially love, send them my way! I looooooove looking at home decor, and could do it all day long if I could. 

Hope you're enjoying your week!

-Brianne Jeanette. 

Festival Phenom: Cultivating Your Summer Fashion Sense

Fashion Gone Rogue, Stylebop Designer Collaboration

It seems these days, summer is synonymous with festivals, and for good reason! Columbus alone, in recent weeks, has hosted a bevy of acclaimed annual festivals. Red, White and Boom; Comfest; Pride Fest; Columbus Arts Festival; and Park St. Festival are just a few of the fests gracing the capital city as of late. I even found myself at Utica’s Ice Cream Festival in late May, primed to take in the delicious wonderment of Velvet Ice Cream’s hometown.

There nearly countless other fests to come for our beloved town. The Ohio State Fair, Irish Festival, Fashion Meets Music Fest, Oktoberfest, monthly Moonlight Markets and more are all on the horizon. But festivals aren’t just for us Ohioans. They can be found all over the nation (Bonnarroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Electric Forest and Sasquatch are all heavy-hitting music fests drawing thousands of fans each year) and they all require a killer wardrobe to brave the activities and the elements in style. Denim cut-offs, floral headbands, the occasional dreadlock…you know the game.

Over the past month or so, as I’ve started my summer celebrations, I’ve taken note of alternately wonderful and wild attire in order to deliver straight from the street sartorial advice for staking a claim in the festival fashion scene! Here are a few of my favorite summertime trends that fit in well with the festival culture. 

ASOS, Elastic Waist Pant

Tapestry pants – Either cropped at the ankle or cascading like wide-leg trousers, tapestry pants, as I’ve dubbed them, typically come in an array of bold prints and colors. The shape alone speaks for itself, but the patterns aren’t for the faint of heart either, which is why they’re one of my favorite festival go-to pieces. Wear with confidence!

Nasty Gal, ReverseForget Me Not Kimono

Kimonos - Elegant yet hip all wrapped up in one svelte garment. I'm in love with this concept! Re-invent your look by simply throwing on a slinkly kimono. Here, festival mainstays like denim shorts and a loose tank top are spiced up with this beautiful piece. Kimonos have been all over the place lately, so finding one to suit you, like this one bearing an adorable floral motif, should be a breeze.

SparkleHaus, Queen Crop Top

Geometric and southwestern prints - When the temperature rises, there are few things I love more than sporting a rich tribal print. Elevate your look with a dose of worldliness while simultaneously showing off that sun-kissed glow. The two styles above incorporate this print favorite along with the still-popular crop top wave!

Lulu's, Daisy If You Do Floral Print Maxi

Maxi skirts - Floor-skimming skirts and dresses have been de rigueur the past few spring and summer seasons and the forecast still looks bright for these extended hem pieces. From solids to prints, maxis are a great way to keep cool while staying protected from the sun. Play with proportions by pairing them with more revealing shirts or go all-out flowy with a kimono topper! This skirt also emphasizes summer's floral and sheer trends.

Pia Pauro, Embroidered Bag with Tassles

Fringe and embroidery - Fringe and embroidery are two more themes that are tough to ignore in festival land! This gorgeous purse employs daintier tassles for embellishment, but full on fringe is never far from sight. Embroidery is another popular technique that can be spotted on clothing and accessories alike. In short, this bag is everything.

So there you have it! A few fun styles to pepper in with your current clothing to stay fresh and on-trend during the festival season! Keep in mind that many of these looks can be adjusted slightly to be made appropriate for other warm-weather occurrences like small parties and BBQs, weekend shopping, nightlife and everything in between.

For a full list of local festivals, check out this link and get to planning your looks!

http://www.columbusunderground.com/the-2014-columbus-festival-season

-Michaela Neu

Model and AFM blogger