Hi Fashionistaville readers! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? As you may know, my life in the past five months has been a whirlwind of unemployment mixed with crazy busy work trying to resurrect BRAVA and now even more crazy busy stuff happening to put our magazine out each month!
As it’s not feasible to keep up two blogs at this point in time, I’d like to direct you to my BRAVA blog, Style File, which I assure you is equally, if not more entertaining! Please add it as a bookmark from here on out:
http://bravastylefile.wordpress.com
Thanks for your support and I promise, this won’t be the last you hear from me in Fashionistaville!
XOXO,
Mollie
Upon opening each of my September fashion mags, I came along the inevitable Gap advertisement that reads, “Introducing America’s Best Fitting Premium Jeans.”
Best fitting … really?
From a girl who has NEVER looked good in Gap denim, I had to test the claim. Thus, Sunday afternoon was spent at West Towne Mall.
Gap Boyfriend Jeans: $59.50
Gap Always Skinny Jeans: $69.50
I grabbed a few pairs in a few different sizes, washes and fits. Simply put: I was pleasantly surprised.
Of course, there were fits that simply don’t work on my body-type, but I felt like I actually fit into my correct size at the store. Typically, I’d have to size up one or two sizes whenever I went into Gap (never good for the ego), but with this new “best fitting premium denim,” I fit into my true size, which was nice.
Specific fits that I loved were the “always skinny” and the “boyfriend.” In fact, I picked up a pair of the boyfriend jeans (full length) to transition into winter. I absolutely love them, and I couldn’t resist their weekend offer: $20 off any pair of jeans! I wish I would have known about that sooner…I would have posted about it for all to see!
Ladies and gentlemen, Gap has hit the nail on the head—and it’s about time. Go get yours…they’re selling like crazy! The price and new and improved fit is a combo just too good to resist.
I’m still here!
Just very VERY busy. I apologize to all of you out there… things have been absolutely CRAZY (in a good, I’m-so-thankful-to-have-a-job-I-love kind of way), and unfortunately, blogging has taken a backseat. But check out what I’ve been working on—to the left is our re-launch issue of BRAVA. I wouldn’t trade all this madness for anything! Click on the image to subscribe.
(Please, I’m serious … subscribe! You won’t regret it … and if you do, remember that in my humble opinion, buying a subscription counts as part of the “shop local” movement. Doesn’t everyone just love that?)
I promise you, I have big things in store for the future of this blog … there are a million little idea babies in my head that I’m just dying to give birth to. That being said, it just might take a while for those ideas to come out in blog world. Patience my friends.
But I of all people know that having patience is difficult (I have a hard time waiting for the toaster to finish in the morning), so in the meantime, bookmark my blog at BRAVA, Style File: http://bravastylefile.wordpress.com and check back there for regular updates on Tuesdays (informative posts) and Fridays (beauty product reviews).
I miss you, and this little world—thanks for checking back…I’ll post updates as I find a moment here and there!
XOXO,
Mollie
Hello dear readers … I’ve missed you!
And although I don’t have much time to chat, I wanted to thank you for your continued loyalty to Fashionistaville, even during this crazy time when I’m not able to blog every day (BRAVA is going to be fabulous!). Rest assured, I’ll be back up and blogging in a regular capacity—I hope—by August.
For now, I want to talk about what I’m excited for tomorrow … The Bachelorette!
I absolteuly love watching Jillian’s outfits—she gets a new one in almost every scene … very Carrie Bradshaw-esque. Her clothes are adorable and I’ve been looking for pieces to emulate her style. (And in tomorrow’s episode, it’s down to the final three … the anticipation is killing me!)
Here’s a few looks I’m on the search for thanks to Sharp In San Diego:
I've seen this cardigan at Forever 21, but alas, they didn't have it in my size
This cardigan is currently topping my list for favorite Jillian pieces. The tunic-belting is definitely something I want to try as well.
And finally, it's the famous jacket and a scarf. Maybe I'm just a sucker for any outfit with a scarf ...
Check out this post for a big list of outfits Sharp in San Diego has archived.
I know I posted this before, but how about one more time for kicks?! Visit our In the Know blog to check out our new LOGO and to find regular updates!
We are thrilled to announce that after a three month hiatus, BRAVA Magazine is back in action, under new ownership and set to launch an August issue! After seven years of celebrating women in Madison and beyond, we simply couldn’t let such an outstanding product fall to the wayside. Read the following press release for the full story …
And until August, we want to stay connected with you! Please excuse the construction on our Web site (bravamagazine.com) as we’re in the process of updating everything with our fresh new look, but in the meantime, check back here to stay In the Know on all things BRAVA, sent to you from our brand new digs: 951 Kimball Lane, Ste. 104 in Verona. (Feel free to stop by … we love visitors!)
And, if you’re up for it, we’d be honored to have your support on the Web.
- Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/bravamagazine
- And if you haven’t already, become a fan of BRAVA on Facebook
As always, thank you for your continued support. We’re eternally grateful to our dedicated advertisers and devoted readers — spread the word and stay tuned!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michelle Page-Alswager
(608) 235-3857
michelle@bravaenterprises.com
BRAVA MAGAZINE AND MADISON WOMEN’S EXPO ANNOUNCE RELAUNCH
###
BRAVA magazine confirms release date of August 1, 2009
Madison, Wis. — June 15, 2009 — BRAVA magazine, the monthly lifestyle publication dedicated to celebrating the lives of women in south central Wisconsin, announces it will re-launch the popular magazine with a brand new look on August 1, 2009.
Erickson Publishing, LLC, former publisher of BRAVA magazine, its sister publication the annual encore edition and producer of the Madison Women’s Expo suspended operations in April. The fate of the products was unknown. Kristin Erickson, owner of Erickson Publishing, LLC, is happy to have sold the business to a core group of former employees. “I am so proud of the impact BRAVA made to our readers, our advertisers and the community as a whole,” Erickson says. “It was extremely hard to suspend publication, and I am absolutely thrilled that this team of talented professionals will continue to take the products to new exciting levels. I am delighted to pass the baton to Laura Houlihan.” Erickson will also remain working with the team as a consultant.
“The team is assembled and has been working behind the scenes for weeks in the hopes the purchase would go through,” says Houlihan, the newly named publisher of the magazine. Houlihan brings to the table her past experience running Skirt Magazine in Jacksonville, Fla., as well as her sales experience at BRAVA. “The outpouring of support from our readership and advertisers has been amazing. We couldn’t let it die,” says Houlihan. “It’s like having our family back together.”
The Madison Women’s Expo, a yearly event produced by BRAVA and held the weekend before Thanksgiving will also return for its 11th year. Marketing and Events Director, Michelle Page-Alswager, will remain at the helm. “What can I say? Women look forward to this event and exhibitors love the results they get from the thousands of attendees visiting them. It’s the perfect tie in — the premier women’s magazine in south central Wisconsin, and the best Women’s Expo, I’m lucky to be part of both,” states Page-Alswager.
More information to follow.
For more information, contact Michelle Page-Alswager at (608) 235-3857 or Laura Houlihan at (608) 609-9149 or michelle@bravaenterprises.com.
I’m going to go ahead and jump on the bandwagon and publish my own tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
One of my favorite singers as a kid, I would listen to his hit songs — like Black & White and Heal the World — on repeat for days! And as NY Magazine’s The Cut reported yesterday, he is also a King of Style, known for his embellished military jackets, armband and glove. Here are three of my favorite looks from Jackson.
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
There’s something bold and badass about the rolled up sleeves on Jackson’s red (and here, only slightly embellished!) leather jacket in stark contrast to his bright, almost childlike graphic tee . It’s a great combination.
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
Haven’t we seen jackets like this all over the runways this season? Jackson was certainly ahead of the fashion times in 1993 with his sequins, gold studs and fierce shoulders (OK, so it was the 90s …) — rightly so, he’s being heralded as a King of Style.
Speaking of sparkly embellishments …
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
You just have to appreciate this look from the 1990 Grammy’s for what it is. Jackson’s love of the mixing military pieces with over-the-top flair is bold and admirable — he was certainly not afraid to wear what he loved!
For that and his immense musical talent, he will be sorely missed in Fashionistaville. Here’s to the King!
Photo Credit: kiehls.com
Last week a made a purchase at Keihls.com (like I mentioned I would!) and I want to let you in on what I think of my newest product: Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15.
In short: I’m obsessed!
I’ve never used tinted moisturizer before, fearing that it would be the wrong color for my complexion, thus making me appear like I’m suffering from a bad case of sunless tanning. On a whim, I decided to test this seemingly trustworthy product and I’m extremely pleased. I rub a layer of this cream on my face and neck and — I know it sounds weird — I feel like a new woman! Suddenly, my skin is glowing and I don’t have the look of “tired” on my face.
I think this is the start of a beautiful cosmetic relationship …
Photo Credit: http://agirlnamedstephanie.blogspot.com
Next up, I came across this vintage-inspired frame for $25 … and while I really wish it was a mirror, I’m thinking of putting something artsy and very bright pink in this before mounting it on the wall:
Photo Credit: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com
One thing I’ve always wanted to do is learn more about buying vintage. I’ve dabbled in vintage stores around Madison … in fact, one of my favorites is Lou Rags in Verona (sign at left). She has a fantastic selection of scarves, hats and jewelry, as well as a great selection of clothing.
Check out these fabulous scarves I picked up and blogged about on Style File a while back …
Walking in the store is like walking back in time! You wouldn’t think so many great things can be hiding in one store, but they certainly can. Find this gem at 215 S. Main St. in Verona.
But what about online vintage stores? It seems like an art … not only do you have to determine your size, but you have to regress back to the era you’re buying from, and translate your size now to what the sizing was then. Without charts of information or a heck-of-a-lot of experience, one might purchase a gorgeous gown, only to find out that it doesn’t even zip over her ribcage (sad!).
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone Vintage
Luckily, helpful shop owners like Bryna from Rolling Stone Vintage are here to help. Her online store’s Vintage Clothing Guide is a gold mine for wannabe vintage shoppers like myself. It breaks down the process into determining your sizing and measurements for clothing, for vintage shoes and boots and then little tidbits about cleaning and storing your vintage goods. All in all, it’s a huge help!
I took a moment to get acquainted with Bryna and her shop:
Mollie: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Bryna: I’m actually Australian but I moved to America in January. At the moment, I run Rolling Stone Vintage Clothing (my online vintage store) and I write a fashion blog (Mama Was A Rolling Stone) but I am currently looking for a job in New York as well.
Mollie: Why did you decided to get into Vintage as opposed to regular clothing retail?
Bryna: I spent four years travelling and living overseas before returning to Australia at the end of 2007. I really wanted to do something different with my life. Some of that time was spent living in London where I regularly trawled Camden and Portobello markets for vintage finds. I had brought a lot of this vintage clothing back to Australia with me and when I was going through it one day, I decided I really would love to do something that involved vintage.
Mollie: How do you select the pieces that go on your site? Is there a Brick and Mortar store?
Bryna: No, there is no B&M store. I make it a point not to sell anything that I wouldn’t wear myself. Therefore, most of the pieces I have selected have “caught my eye” because they are pieces I would wear. I also keep up on current trends and try to fit that into the store’s selection.
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone Vintage
Mollie: Tell us a little bit about the idea behind your blog.
Bryna: I started my blog in November. I was about to launch Rolling Stone Vintage’s online store (we sold on Ebay for a while) and I had really gotten into the fashion world that was online. I was cruising around, looking at different fashion blogs, seeing who was interested in vintage. I loved seeing all the different outfits and street style that people posted and I wanted to do it myself! I have since started to expand the topic – it’s definitely all about fashion and style but I want to have a little more beauty/lifestyle emphasis.
Mollie: There are a few things that set you apart from other online vintage retailers, like styling and chat with a stylist services. Tell me a little bit about those.
Bryna: I really liked the idea of offering little “style” tips for each product. A lot of the time when I am shopping for myself, I try to picture what I would wear a piece with, before I buy it. I wanted that to carry across to the vintage store. The same goes for the “Chat With A Stylist” service – sometimes people want to know if they’ll be able to wear a dress with a certain pair of shoes or if it’s going to look tight or loose. This is where the chat service comes in. Unfortunately, because we’re a one-man-band, I can’t always be on chatting but I try to have it up and running as much as possible and I answer any missed messages ASAP.
Photo Credit: Allen Company Inc.
In addition to online shops, Allen Company Inc. has set up (virtual) shop on Etsy — an online gathering place to sell handmade or used (like vintage) — with their vintage goods. I just had to make mention because the items are gorgeous, from handbags to dresses, shoes and more! Thanks Kristin for bringing this shop to my attention.
They also have a blog for daily musings.
I think my favorite part of this shop is the adorably simple photography. It’s so clean and intriguing. Of course, it’s ultimately easier to purchase a vintage purse like the one at left because you don’t have to fit it to your body, but Allen Company also sells dresses and clothing, and they suggest:
Please be aware that sizing on vintage clothing & shoes, is usually dated. All items are measured with the item laying flat, and it would be most beneficial for you to measure your own personal garment this way, and compare. If you are questioning the measurements of an item, please conversate me so that I may give you more information.
For example, items like this fabulous red coat below come with the following, easy to navigate measurements:
Photo Credit: Allen Company Co.
size XS-S
make Marcia Madelynne
bust 34 in
waist 29 in
hip -
length 36 in
sleeve 15.5 in
shoulder 14 in
If you can hold a tape measure, you’re on your way to becoming an online vintage buyer-extraordinaire!
In the past few months, I’ve been a little obsessed with using reusable shopping bags at the grocery store. Despite the frustration of walking into the store and realizing one of two things — 1) you forgot your bags in the car, or 2) you forgot your bags all together — I’ve finally gotten past that initial forgetful phase and it seems to be smooth riding from here on out.
But then I wonder, what happens to all those plastic bags my roommates use? Or my parents use? Or my neighbors still use? Is all my remembering helping anything if people around me are still forgetting to use reusable?
Have no fear: Blue Sky Bags are here!
Photo credit: blueskybags.blogspot.com
When I came across these yesterday, I couldn’t believe my eyes … Mandy, of Richmond, Virginia has hit the jackpot on reusable fashion! Each bag — which is handcrafted from about 130 plastic bags — takes her about 15 hours to make and comes out lookin’ professional yet playful. She even handcrafts the buttons.
At about $100 a pop (depending on the bag itself and how much skill went into it), Mandy adds, “I have over thirty people saving their plastic for me rather than throwing them away.” It takes a village …
Photo credit: blueskybags.blogspot.com/
If you’re interested in purchasing a bag from Mandy, visit her site at: www.blueskybags.blogspot.com or e-mail her at blueskybags@ymail.com.
