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

Red hot pro-tips for your own looks, inspired by Alternative Fashion Week 2014 runway looks

The Finale Runway show of Alternative Fashion Week 2014 was nothing short of extraordinary. It featured 18 original designers and their over the top imaginative works of art. From clothes to shoes, hair and makeup, the Finale show was not only alternative but EVERYTHING in between. In my opinion, Fashion = Inspiration. Fashion IS inspired by everything and fashion CAN inspire anything. This show was no exception. 

Here are my picks for accessories inspired by some of my favorite looks from the Alternative Fashion Week Finale Runway Show 2014. Not only are they fun and adorable, but budget-friendly!


I love this AFW runway look from Oliver P. Zhang because of the color blocking. This bold orange paired with pink is the perfect summer color combination!

(photo = Sen Bai; fashion = Olver P. Zhang (by Peng Zhang)

Now here's the inspiration for your own summer looks:

(From left to right: Handmade, hand painted, wooden color block earrings-www.Etsy.com (TopazandOpal) for only $25.00. Coach boyfriend watch, www.amazon.com $148.00. Dolce & Gabbana 100% silk scarf, www.overstock.com $39.99. Dee Platform Wedge- www.nastygal.com $88.00.)

The neon yellow of this look, also from Oliver P. Zhang, is one of those colors that's always sure to turn heads.

(photo = Sen Bai; fashion = Olver P. Zhang (by Peng Zhang)

Here are some ways to incorporate this electric hue into your daily fashion:

Clockwise from top left: Flora Lime Hard case clutch, www.shopcameleon.com, $38.75; Ophra neon yellow bag, www.missguidedus.com , $26.98; Orly yellow nail lacquer (GLOWSTICK), www.orlybeauty.com , $8.50; Stone fragment statement necklace, www.statementbaubles.com , $24.99

Anything MINT is just meant to be in my closet, like this flirty lingerie from Isolda Couture.

(photo = Sen Bai; fashion = Isolda Couture by Isolda Marie Meade)

Here are some minty pieces to freshen up your summer wardrobe:

(Clockwise from top left: Chevron canvas beach bag, www.soniavboutique.com, $30.00; mint green seersucker bowtie, www.etsy.com (LaurenPerkin), $36.00; iPhone case by Rikki Knight, www.amazon.com, $7.99)

The power of the flower is real this season. Recognize it!

(photo = Sen Bai; fashion = Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs by Betsy Stevenson)

Here are some flowery ways to power up your wardrobe:

(Clockwise from top left: Floral print stretch headband, www.shopellamadison.com, Floral print Fedora, www.gojane.com , $7.50; $30.00; Kate Spade New York reversible belt, www.fashionthorp.com, $88.20; Center: Floral print block heel sandals w/ankle strap (CADAUDDA), www.aldoshoes.com , $80.00)

I hope this inspires you for some of your potential summer looks. It sure inspired me!

                                                   Until next time, STAY FASHIONABLE!

                                                         ~The Fashion Wordsmith
                                               www.thefashionwordsmith.wordpress.com

Runway to Reality: Getting the Looks from AFW

Alternative Fashion Week gives designers a chance to express themselves with complete freedom and that's an opportunity that wasn't missed during this year's Grand Finale Runway Show. From hand-felted dresses to those made entirely out of hair, the runway event was a truly spectacular expression through clothing. 

Below are some looks I've put together inspired by some of the noticeable trends from the show and what I took away from the collections...

First things first, when it comes to "alternative" fashion, edgy looks are always on trend. From the dominatrix-style pieces seen at House of Baboski and Isolda Couture to the glam rock styles at Shannon Kelleher Designs and Ryain, tough, sleek, and sexy was a popular combination.

To get the look, think strappy and black, like the dress and heels shown below. 

Edgy metallic accessories, like the handcuff clutch, and bold makeup, like the oxblood lipstick, lend a touch of glam to a tough ensemble. 

 dress | eye shadow | shoe | necklace | lipstick | phone case | bag

Another trend emerged through the use of lace, florals, and ladylike silhouettes at Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs, Carrol + Cleopatra, Anti.Label, and Phlipped Fashions. With nods to 30s and 40s silhouettes, these designers showed how to make vintage look current.

This style is all about an edgier take on femininity. Hourglass silhouettes, like this peplum top and high-waisted shorts, mixed with precious prints, like polka dots, florals, and hearts, lend a classic feminine air. While unexpected twists, like the use of leather, keep the look cool.  

top | shorts | watch | shoes | bag | sunglasses | eyeliner


And some designers said "screw everyday" and showed collections that were complete fantasy. HubbleScope went dark with a steam punk fairy vibe, Synthetic Rebellion went full-on Rapunzel, and Glamazon Jayne told a woodland nymph romance story.

Capture the essence of the fantasy life with layers of silk, lace, and ruffles. Get the braided goddess look with a faux plait headband and golden braided bag. Classic boots lend a steam punk air while rich lipstick and layered metals give some needed toughness to a very pretty look.

skirt | top | bag | headband | lipstick | necklace | boots


Raw edges and layers of hand-crafted fabrics look artistic and casually cool. Asymmetrical pieced layers that focused on draping and hand detailing were seen at Torn Angel, Jefferey Steele Designs, Molvar=Stewart, and Katelyn McClain Designs.

To get this style, either do a lot of DIYing or just look for items that are already distressed, like this tee and boots. Items that look hand-painted or hand-crafted, like the skirt and earrings, help add an artsy feel. Added layers and textures, like a draped fringe scarf and crackle nail polish, provide even more levels of visual interest.

top | shoes | skirt | nail polish | scarf | earrings | bag

Minimalism has been a major fashion movement in recent seasons and the designers at Arlo Menswear, Lydia Hopmann, and Oliver P. Zhang, took the look a step further with futuristic influences. Exaggerated shapes, unexpected materials, and solid color-blocking help add to the out-of-this-world feel.

To get this look, opt for silhouettes that are both simple and exaggerated, graphic elements, metallics, and geometric shapes. Space-age influences, like the moon boot-style sandals and astral ring, help propel your style into the future. 

dress | necklace | bag | ring | bracelets | nail polish | shoes

Now tell me: what's your favorite look?

Thanks for reading, now let's connect elsewhere!

StyleOnHigh.com

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Runway Re-hash: Reliving DRAUMA and the AFM Finale Show

Two grand events made the month of April so awesome that the Alternative Fashion Mob, along with fans all over the city, are still gabbing about it. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at these larger-than-life events, here's a recap from a model's perspective!

On April 19^th, DRAUMA returned for their annual showcase of head-turning creations. A week later, the Alternative Fashion Week Finale Show gave another sartorial thrill. Having been lucky enough to model for DRAUMA and the AFM Finale two years in a row, I’ve become accustomed to the backstage mania and all it entails. 

Clothing: Trulie Scrumptious (Photo by Zombie Tapdance)

DRAUMA is a fusion of many things. It is a synthesis of art forms and of people. Those who attend DRAUMA wear their identities on their sleeves with every action, from style to behavior. They push the envelope on a daily basis, and one night a year, they celebrate their vastly unique perspectives. From wearable ensembles to avant garde hair and makeup and sometimes minimal fabric –  fashion, music and art came together at DRAUMA for an evening of arresting sights!

One of the most fun things about DRAUMA is that what I view behind the scenes is pretty much what the audience sees once models take to the runway. Girls and guys prancing about in glitter and body paint? Check. Women baring their chests in varying degrees of coverage (i.e. strategically placed waist length hair)? Seen it. Confetti, papier mache, latex, lace, chains, duct tape... Name a material, and chances are it’s been used for some aspect of a DRAUMA look. 

Look 1: Josie Wills (Photo by Shadow Services Photography); Look 2: Josie Wills (Photo by Jim Sanders Photography); Look 3: Green Fashion Designs (Photo by Shadow Services Photography)

But the fun isn’t relegated solely to cat-walkers! Attendees dress to impress in a range of creative get-ups that include stand-out pieces of their own. DRAUMA draws the most diverse pack of humans you’ll ever see and, as a model, I love that people come to the show in anticipation both of what they’ll be entertained with and what they can show off. If I love modeling enough to have had dead butterfly wings glued to my eyes, had my entire body coated in sparkles and laboriously washed out teased hair more times than I can remember, I appreciate when those coming to a show are just as stoked to get fancy, whatever that definition of fancy may be.

This year, DRAUMA also served as the kickoff to Alternative Fashion Week’s second year. Following DRAUMA, a full week of events made up AFW14, culminating in the Grand Finale Show on April 26^th. Highlighting 18 local designers, the show paid homage to the array of aesthetics encompassed in this city’s fashion mavens. A handful of the designers were veterans from last year’s inaugural show, but the majority of the collections stemmed from designers who were new to the Alternative Fashion Mob game. Throwing themselves into the madness, the pieces they toiled over took center stage at the finale show, and it was definitely a show to remember!

My stunning outfits - Look 1: Katelyn McClain Designs (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 2: Malvart = Stewart (Photo by Troy Mueller); Look 3: Lydia Hopmann (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 4: Esther Hall (Photo by Sen Bai)

This time around, I walked for four collections, which allowed me to don a beautiful assortment of looks. Fringe leggings and a hand-knit vest gave way to a painstakingly felted, hand-dyed wool and silk gown. If those looks weren’t a lesson in time-intensity, I was then clothed in a skirt and crop top made of patterned contact paper and super glue. I rounded out my runway time with an asymmetrical lace dress worn over shorts with a long vest.

Seeing AFM’s finale show both this and last year, the growth I witnessed was a sight to behold. This year’s show expanded the number of featured designers, which in turn meant more models, hair and makeup stylists. And though the rooms backstage were a bit tighter, that closeness led me to observe the tremendous talent around me. One collection used hair pieces in lieu of fabric and another used heavy upholstery for the most adorable crop top. A personal favorite of mine used rigid neon fabric to form modern street wear looks. 

Look 1: Synthetic Rebellion (Photo by Kris Misevski); Look 2: Oliver P. Zhang (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 3: Caroll + Cleo (Photo by Kris Misevski)

The pay-off for AFM’s Finale show is tough to put into words. For me, the connections I’ve made with both old and new friends and acquaintances are incomparable. The long hours of rehearsals and the adrenaline of outfit changes – it’s all worth it. There is no bigger satisfaction than commanding everyone’s attention, having cameras flash at the end of the runway, and subsequently being enveloped with kind words and hugs once the show is over.

Anyone involved in these types of events can identify with that odd combination of tired elation. At the end of the night, knowing you helped bring a designer’s vision to life is everything I live for. Energized and exhausted – that’s how I want to leave every show. DRAUMA and the AFM Finale were no exception, and that’s what will keep me coming back for more.

- Michaela Neu

Model and Alt Fashion Blogger