The Day I Met Sissy Spastik

So maybe some of you noticed that last Saturday I did not publish a blog post.  The truth is I was feeling rather uninspired and a bit down in general.  Perhaps it was a case of the early winter blues; change can sometimes be difficult.  That was, until Sunday night when someone showed me just how inspiring change and transformation can truly be. 

As I mentioned, it was a Sunday night and I just had to get out of the house so I ended up going to a dance party hosted by one of the most amazing drag queens in the city named, Sissy Spastik.  She said to me, "I love your leopard coat, is it vintage?" (I told you amazing things can happen when you wear leopard print!!!). From there we struck up a conversation and she showed me some truly beautiful and artistic photo-shoots she has been in and wonderfully innovative and expressive outfits she has created.  She personifies exactly what I love about fashion.  She pushes boundaries, has fun with it and uses it as a form of expression and art. We became Facebook friends and it was a smart move because all week long she has been inspiring me.  Here are a few of the golden nuggets I have picked up from her.

The first is this quote: "When it comes down to it, it really doesn't matter if someone doesn't like or approve of my aesthetic, or my style of drag, because I'm still going to do what I do and can't nobody tell me otherwise. Life is too short to be consumed by worrying about those that do not get you, accept you, approve of you. BE YOU, DO YOU & NEVER APOLOGIZE! I'm Sissy Spastik and I approve this message. #tellitlikeitis #beyoudoyou #loveyourself "

The second is this YouTube video: http://seniorplanet.org/dont-dress-your-age-six-inspiring-women-say-no-to-drab/.  As women, so much of our identity is intertwined with our appearance.  Getting older can be scary and there are not an expansive amount of public figures we can look to that are doing it with style, pizazz and sass.  These real life women are brave, beautiful and inspiring in the way they have lived and are living life.  They are defining their age not letting their age define them.  LOVE IT! 

Finally, is this article Sissy was featured in. http://columbiachronicle.com/sissy-spastik-untucks/  She is a true inspiration in the way she has found her voice, her personal style, and overcome adversity.  We can all take a cue from people around us who are breaking down barriers and being true to themselves and who they are.  Inspiration can come from anyone and anywhere we just have to get out there and be open to it.  Sissy reminded me that your life is your greatest work of art.  What masterpiece will you create?

Have you been inspired by something lately in fashion or otherwise?  I would love to hear about it!

Layered Lovelies

So the other day I stumbled upon one of the few French movies I have enjoyed, titled, Haute Cuisine, about a gorgeous French woman who gets asked to become the French President's personal chef.  I won't say much more than that in case you watch it but she essentially is cooking in heels, dresses, fabulous jewelry and generally looking quite fashionable yet, simple and classy, in a way I have seen many French women pull off impeccably.  One of her signature styles in the movie was layered necklaces.  She would tie knots in long strands of things to make them short, layer colors and textures together and use her necklaces to not only tie in her earrings but contrast and pop against her sweaters.  Below you can see some some shots of her from the movie wearing this layered necklace look.  In the second pic look closely, she is wearing her grey pearls with a gold chain.  LOVE IT!  It ties in gold and silver together while doing something unexpected texturally, giving the pearls a dash of modern while not taking away from their soft beauty because she kept the chain light and small.  I think my favorite part of this look is you can have fun with it and experiment.  What do you think?  Will you try this?  Maybe for one of the upcoming holidays?

See The Light (In the Darkest Denim)

In the past year I have pretty much abandoned my blue jeans and started to wear black jeans on a much more regular basis.  I have taken to wearing black jeans like a fish to water and I'm not looking back.

I think that black jeans look edgy, sophisticated and a little more polished than blue denim.  They are so easy to wear and obviously, being black, go with pretty much everything.  Pair it with a soft pastel sweater for an unexpected tough and feminine mix.  With a flannel shirt (big this season have you noticed?) blue jeans can end up making you look a bit like you stepped off a farm.  Black jeans with flannel have an urban cool feeling.  Dressing up?  Black jeans and a black, red, or sparkly top, with layered necklaces that pop, is perfect for a holiday party.  Traveling?  Black jeans don't show dirt easily.  Are you worried about wearing black with brown?  Don't be.  Black and brown together look timeless and chic.  Just be careful the brown is not a super dark brown.  Being able to see a distinction between top and bottom and or shoes, is a good thing.  I prefer chestnuts, tans and taupes with black as opposed to deep chocolate.

I love our black HUE jean leggings featured in the pic above.  They have back pockets to put your phone in and are so so comfortable (think Thanksgiving: no need to unbutton when they just stretch!).

So, in case you have not noticed I love black jeans and think everyone, man or woman, can greatly benefit from having a pair in their wardrobe.  What do you think?  Do you currently own a pair that you wear often?  If not have I helped you see the light found in the darkest denim?

Rock On Beautiful People!

Have you ever noticed how kids love to dress up in costumes and rock them everywhere whether it be hanging out at home, going to the grocery store or out to dinner?  I love this for its carefree and fun-loving spirit but I also identify with it.  Costumes can become like armor giving you super powers and protecting you from the mad world we live in.  Fashion can become your costume. As of late, I have been collecting a small yet powerful arsenal of fashionable items that make up my adult version of a costume, the rockstar, which whenever I put them on I feel like a true badass. When I find these items, I know immediately. And when I look in the mirror, I think to myself Rockstar Status.  While not everyone is going to want to wear edgy, crazy items, I do believe everyone should have some things in their wardrobe that makes them feel a little daring, a little crazy and a little beautiful.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to achieve this.

1. Shades.  A great pair like these ($15) we have at the store, can make you feel totally cognito and incognito at the same time.  Only a superhero rockstar could achieve such an amazing contradiction.  Sunglasses not only look great but protect your eyes from the sun. Clearly, a rockstar move.


2. Leather.  Everyone knows leather = rockstar.  Our faux leather leggings ($45) from Hue fit really well, look great with boots and sweaters and have back pockets.  They also add a really stylish texture element to any outfit. You can easily wear a black sweater with these pants with lots of layered necklaces and look instantly cool. 

3. Black jewelry.  I can never resist a good black and silver jewelry piece. It goes with everything and I can always layer it with other silver items I own and it definitely has an edge.  Chan Luu always has something with this combo and inevitably I always end up ordering one for myself and one for the store. 
The wrap to the left ($178) is a classic style of hers that we always keep in stock. 



4.  These Frye boots currently at Williams Shoes are the very definition of badass.  They look like you have been touring for the past year, gotten in a few bar fights and won.  The best thing about these boots is you don't actually have to do any of that that to get them to look like this.  These boots come ready to wear without the hangover and lack of sleep.

5.  A great nail color.  I was one of the last people to the manicure party but now that I've shown up I'm obsessed.  A great manicure is a real game-changer and an affordable luxury.  It's just the little oomph that can make you feel put together and edgy.  I love this color called "Go Overboard" by Essie.  Very apropos for a rock star don't you think?


6. Leopard print.  Evanston has greatly resisted all leopard print items I have ever had at the store but I encourage you all to find one thing you love in this print and give it a go. Nothing says confidence like wearing leopard and owning it!




What items do you have that make you feel like you can take on the world?
I would love to know!

Granny Chic

They say age brings wisdom.  Well, it can also bring great fashion!  "Granny chic" is a current trend that has been around for a bit now and I love it!  This trend is not about looking old but more about looking like you raided your grandmother's closet and hit the jackpot because she was a stylish biddy.   You took those things and added them to some more updated pieces so you don't look like you time warped straight from the 20's.  Below are a few items you can put together to look Granny Chic.

1. Lace up boots or booties.  My two favorites at Williams shoes right now are this little Burgandy Rieker that laces up and the black lace up boot from Steven Madden                                             

2.  Next it's all about layering.  Our 7 yr skirt at Williams Next Door is perfect paired with shoes like the above mentioned and a great pair of tights.  To really wear this trend through winter come in and grab a pair of our cashmere tights or get a little funky with our black patterned HUE tights.















3. Throw on a sweater with a vintage looking print or one like our cotton shawl sweater out of Italy











4. Layer on the long necklaces from our local jewelry section and you are good to go!


Not only is this style easy to execute, it's warm, which is all I can think about as the temp drops.  Will you be rocking the granny chic trend?  I know I will. I just bought the black lace up booties pictured above and I'm obsessed! Cheers to being stylish despite the weather and cheers to all the Grannies out there who have given us this inspiration!

chilly confusion

So, generally I try to focus on the positives of fashion and how to put things together.  As many of you who follow my blog know, I often say if you feel good in it forget the rules and express yourself that is the most important thing.  I feel obliged however, to discuss a fashion "no-no" that plagues the Midwest annually.  Just in the past few weeks as the temperature is cold in the morning and warmer once the sun heats things up and drops again at night.  I have seen these fashion offenders cropping up just as they do every year.  Yes, you know what I am talking about.  It's when someone is wearing some clothes appropriate for a hot summer day and other items appropriate for a cold fall/winter day.  I'm not totally heartless.  I know even the most fashion saavy get confused and end up under dressed or over dressed .  The weather report gets it wrong a good portion of the time and Chicago is a temperamental lady to say the least.  This can easily be forgiven for to err is human as they say.  However, illogical dressing is a crime of a different nature.  It's just not logical!  If you have bare legs you should not be wearing a big wool scarf or a heavy sheerling coat.  Wearing fur lined boots a tank top as your upper half is ill-advised.  So, in conclusion, pick a season and stick with it.  What are your thoughts on this?  Is this a fashion "Do" or a fashion "Don't"?

Give 'em some lip!

So often I am inspired (fashion and otherwise) by the amazing and beautiful women I meet from working here at Next Door.  A few women in particular come to mind for a very specific reason which I will now share with you.  These women walk into the store with a smile, confidence and LIPSTICK.  When I see these women I instantly am either glad I have on a great color lipstick or if I forgot to put some on I wish I had remembered.  Lipstick can really complete any look and with such a simple detail bump up your style factor several notches.  On days when you had a cocktail too many the night before some stylish (dark) shades and lipstick can fool the masses.   When it comes to figuring out make-up as well as clothes I generally go by if I like what I see in the mirror than it's good.  I don't think you need to read a ton about what color works for your skin tone just try them and see what you like.  Below are 3 general colors/moods that I think universally work on everyone.

This color is "Slopes" by Bobbi Brown.  A little pricier lipstick but it goes on really smoothly and the color is perfect for all day every day.  All the women in my family have this and it works on various skin tones with all outfits.

*helpful tip:  If you color in your entire lips with a lip liner prior to applying lipstick, it lasts longer!






The next color is a bright red for when you feel like being bold and sassy.  This is also a color that looks great on everyone. When wearing neutral colored clothing this can be just the finishing touch to add class and confidence. Covergirl lipstick is smooth and easy to apply and inexpensive.  If you don't like the color you can easily return it no problems.  CVS and Walgreens are great about this.

*helpful hint:  Put on some chapstick first for extra moisture and easy application.

Lastly, the Sugar sheer tinted lip moisturizer is for days when you want to feel less done up and more incognito.  A simple boost to your natural beauty.  This moisturizes, protects from the sun and adds a shine and sheer color.

*helpful hint: Trying putting this as a top layer for your lipsticks to add shine.