Furry Friday

fur vest


If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely love a good fur vest. I think they are fun and fashionable, and can complete an outfit without looking like you tried too hard. The only downfall is that fur vests can be quite pricey. So, in order to alleviate sticker shock when shopping for the perfect one, I have given four examples in different price ranges. 
1) H&M is a great store for many reasons. First of all, they have on trend clothes at a fraction of the cost. Secondly, the clothes tend to last longer than some of their competitors. In my mind, that is always a plus. I love this fur vest that they have for only $30!

2) American Eagle is admittedly not a store that I go to very often but I've noticed a few hidden gems tucked away in the racks. This lighter colored vest they have for $67 is a little more expensive but gives the same look to an outfit. The style is a bit different but I think it works if you pair it with dark wash jeans and a simple top.

3) Madewell is one of my favorite stores, so it should be no surprise that I love the fur vest they manufactured. This one is nice and simple, providing a clean silhouette. A bit expensive at $118 but it's good quality so you can keep it for several years.

4) Calypso's fur vest may be my favorite one but it's also the vest to splurge on. At $595 it's not exactly affordable, but I love how it drapes and the texture and color is perfect. If you have been in the market for a fur vest for a while now, and feel like really investing in this statement piece, I say go for it. It is gorgeous after all!

xoxo

Turtlenecks!

snuggle up!

Finally, the weather seems to be consistent and now we can all officially break out those wonderfully comfortable, turtleneck sweaters! If we have to be covered instead of in our sundresses, we might as well be comfortable and cute right? Right! 

I've put together a collection of some of my favorite turtlenecks. These are great because they can either layered or worn alone. Currently my favorite was to rock a turtle neck is alone, but under my awesome J.Crew field jacket. Adding a jacket or blazer to an outfit as a completer piece, really makes the outfit more polished and put-together.

Here are some great styles that can be paired with essentially anything for the perfect fall outfit:

1) J.Crew Collection Cashmere turtleneck sweater
2) Mango Cable-knit turtleneck sweater
3)Vionnet Alpaca and silk-blend turtleneck sweater
4) TIBI Peekaboo turtleneck sweater
5) Lauren by RL Cable-knit and buttoned turtleneck sweater
6) Helmut Lang Asymmetric Rib turtleneck

*all of these styles are suggestions to splurge on. Get creative and find more affordable versions to complete your fall wardrobe!

xoxo

Le Défilé - a French inspired, student fashion show

On Friday, September 27th, I attended the Le Défilé fashion show to kick off Boston Fashion Week. Le Défilé presented the French inspired work of Boston's up and coming fashion designers and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!  I have to admit, when I first arrived I was not sure what to expect as I had never attended such a high profile student show before. However, I was blown away by the meticulous details, craftsmanship, and sheer passion that was poured into these pieces. I was lucky enough to be sitting front row and therefore had the opportunity to really zero in on the details that may not have been noticed from farther away. 

The night began with socializing and light hors d'oeuvres followed by a short introduction of the designers and their inspiration. Once the show started, the models walked to up-beat music and paused at the end of the runway for further description about the looks that they were wearing. The hair and makeup for the models was perfect and unique, something that I appreciated as I think that the entire composition of the model really adds to the aesthetic of the show.

Guests beginning to gather at the start of the show
Loved this girl's look. She seemed so effortless and put together!
The runway spanned three rooms- this was the middle room.

Loved this dress and the rich, red fabric that was used. It fits her body beautifully and I could definitely see a celebrity wearing something like this on the red carpet.
In my opinion, feathers always add a little oomph to an outfit, don't you think?
In this case, they created an innovative visual resting point for the eyes before continuing down the rest of the look.
How cool is this piece?

Chanel inspired active wear.



Please just take a moment to really appreciate the detailing in this leather bodice. How incredible is it? I'm absolutely in love and want something like this to wear!


Another look that I would wear right off of the runway. It's definitely a bit low-cut, but for the right occasion, I think it's flattering and tasteful.
Just look at the detail! The juxtaposition between the structured leather and softer textured skirt is eye-catching yet elegant. This piece was one of my favorites!
This look kind of reminded me of a J.Crew phone case that I once had... I know that's a weird comment but clearly if I liked the color blocking combination enough to see on my phone everyday, I think I could rock this dress and like it.

I would absolutely wear this right off the runway.


The feathers again! This look is absolutely stunning. Watching her walk down the runway in this made it truly come to life and the dress was literally glowing.

I love the contrast between the overlay and the simple blue.

The creativity in this dress caught my attention first. I then noticed the details in the flowers. To me, the top almost looks like the stems of the flowers which created great visual interest.

Sometimes simple details make the biggest statements.



Last look, what a show stopper. The entire aesthetic of this dress is perfect.



Fashion Event Production for Le Défilé was by Kathy Benharris and the models had their hair and make-up done by French designers from the Camille Albane Salon. It was only fitting that this French-inspired show was held at The French Cultural Center.

The entire show was a definite success and I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the designers involved. What a great way to show off your hard work and contribute to the Boston fashion scene. Well done!


Participating Schools:
School of Fashion Design
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Lasell College
Mount Ida College
Fisher College
Bay State College


xoxo



Photograph Something- Challenge Winner!

Congrats to Jackie for winning the photo contest! This girl is a national representative for Sigma Kappa and is currently traveling the country visiting chapters and tracking her experiences through her own blog. It's an exciting, well written, and just over-all awesome blog. You really need to check it out!

Below are the three pictures that she submitted to the contest. I couldn't pick just one so I chose them all. These particular pictures are from the Lego store in Nashville and from a visit to a chapter in Bowling Green, Kentucky!



Congrats Jackie!!! 

xoxo

Sunday Challenge: Photograph Something!


It's that time again! This time, I want to see your awesome photos from this weekend, especially today (Sunday)! Submit your pictures to mass.musings@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on the blog! Can't wait to see what you capture. 

Xoxo

TGIF!

Happy Friday my fabulous followers! Thanks for all of the love and support during Boston Fashion Week! Next week I will be writing articles and posting about some of the great shows that I went to so keep an eye out! Until then, have an awesome weekend and relax after hustling all week. 

xoxo

Cumberland Fair!

This past weekend I ventured back to my home town, Cumberland, Maine, for the Cumberland Fair. "Always the last week in September," the fair brings people from around the state together to enjoy barn yard animals, 4H projects, harness racing, and of course some good old Carnival rides. My great uncle Don is actually one of the most recognized harness racers in Maine, so it is always a treat to see his barns and witness him and his friends competing on the track. Not bad for a man in his early 80s if you ask me!

This is my new Alpaca friend


 So happy to be back in Maine :)
 I hate heights... I don't know why I keep going on this thing.
 How cute are these piggies?!


 Yum.
 Double Yum!

Harness racing!

 Stacks of "old time" photos of different towns in Maine.
 Friends of the family advertised their apple orchard at the fair.
Intricate details of a crafter in the exhibition hall. 

Overall it was incredible to be back at my old stomping grounds. It really is special to be able to come home and appreciate all of the things that are no longer right at your finger tips. I also love fairs and craft shows so this weekend was perfect! 

xoxo