Get Up, Get Out.

It may come as no surprise to you, considering my lack of posts, that I am lacking a bit of influence and passion. Passion for those things that I used to be totally amped on, like fashion and blogging. But in light of trying to dedicate this year to making things in my life better, I decided to stop that quickly, and turn my rut around.

Welcome March: month of sensory overload and forced inspiration. This month I have been striving to bring my creative side out of hibernation by making myself do something different involving culture or art every week, and I think its finally working. Over the past couple weekends I attended the Cleveland Art Museum, a friend's art show, a few local shows and tonight my roommate and I really pushed the creativity envelope for ourselves, and made a bookshelf into a bar! (thanks to pintrest, of course!) My friends and I will also be having another clothing swap this month, So if that doesn't get the creative juices flowing, I don't know what will.

Outfit post is in a way pushing myself creatively, as well. Not saying that it was hard for me to assemble a blouse and skirt together, more like…bright colored florals are a little intense for me. But I was drawn to this top’s brightness, I feel like it’s not your average floral, It’s like floral on acid, and I like it. Pushing myself out of this rut has been difficult, but I was the only thing holding myself back from feeling creative again. So I got up, got over it, and forced myself to go out and see and do until I finally felt it again.

So if you are experiencing a bit of a rut, and it’s winter so I believe I’m probably not the only one, Get up! Get out! and force yourself out of it! you are the only one who can really put an end to it and make yourself better. It was a lot easier than I thought, and besides, of course things are only going to get better, spring is right around the corner!
 
All Photos By Lindsey at http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewoutoffocus

Year of The Blonde.

 

These photos were intended for my New Years post, however, when I went to post they had some how disappeared. So it’s appropriate that they resurfaced for the first of February, so here is my not-quite-so New Years outfit and post.

 

 

 

How could I not incorporate this vintage sequin bustier into my New Years outfit? This puppy is probably my proudest vintage find, but i don’t know if people could handle it in day to day setting, so I brought it out to be a little fancy to ring in a new year, which, not in a selfish way, I am devoting to me and self improvement.

 

I am not one for resolutions, but I have had a rough start to the new year, with that being said I am setting small goals for myself this year to achieve. Last month, Obviously, was keeping positive. And this month I am devoting my month to health. I have always been health conscious, especially regarding cholesterol (seriously, I’m a freak about it!). But this month is going to be about staying active and eating well to improve my physical health, while, of course, being mentally healthy.

 

So here is to kicking off the New Year (Better late than never!). I hope you all have amazing goals set for yourselves and I hope you know you can achieve them!

 

All Photos by Lindsey.

Happiness Is a New Idea.

 

I don’t talk about being in school on here often, but each day further into my fashion merchandising major fuels me. I have a love hate relationship with the school of fashion. Obviously, I am incredibly grateful for going to school everyday and learning more about my passion, but I am also newly inspired everyday by what surrounds me. Whether it be the fashion I see on other students (sometimes I feel like I’m at the capital in The Hunger Games with the styles I see), the abundance of information regarding fashion news and trends, or just the fact that every class I attend reassures me that I am doing the right thing.

 

I have mentioned this before on here, but I have been in school for a while, I started college as a fine arts major and two years into it I panicked and knew it wasn't right for me. Fashion was not always an obvious career path for me, just something I was interested in, but I took a chance with fashion merchandising and couldn't be happier.

 

To those who are unsure of what they want and where they will end up, this is for you. Take a chance, go with your gut, and see what happens. Amazing things are bound to happen.

 

In light of a theme I’m noticing emerge here on my blog…keeping positive and happy, especially in the winter, and taking chances and finding what is right for you..

 

I chose a way to dress up in the winter. It is so easy to fall in the funk of not caring what you look like when its cold, but it is just as easy to throw on a dress and a nice pair of shoes and tights. I am so inspired by girls here in Akron especially, regardless of how cold it is, I know I can probably go to High Land Square and see some girls who care. This goes out to you as well.

 

All Photos Be Lindsey

Love is a Place.

         

Though I have been living here for five years now I have never considered Ohio my home. California will always be my home. I came here for college and family, and during my time here I have made some of the best friends of my life and someone I consider the love of my life. I never excpected to fall in love with the place, but after years of being here, how can I not call this my home? I have been thinking a lot and discussing with my friends that I want to go home soon. But I kind of am home.
Ohio has a certain charm about it in it’s cities and in it’s people that I feel like you can’t find anywhere else. I have spoken to others who are not from here and they say the same thing, this place is home. It actually makes you feel like home. My time in Ohio made me recognize all the things I love most, it helped me find my love for fashion and style. It has inspired me.
Of course there are places and people here that would make you feel otherwise, but when you got to the right areas and find good company, it’s pretty obvious to me that this place has a lot of heart.  

(Dress Figleaf. Shoes Wet Seal. Purse swapped. Jewelry Aldo, Forever21.)

I was lucky enough to end up in Akron. I’m not saying that I will always be here, I dont know where I will be, but right now, I am so happy to have this as my home. If you live in Ohio and think other wise, slow things down and take a look around you at the places and people you love, and see how wonderful this place really is.


All Photos by Lindsey.

Promise.

                        



This summer holds so much promise for me. Nothing too huge is happening, but I just have a really great feeling, ya know? The 330 Blogger collective already held an extremely successful clothing swap, I am going to Chicago in July with all of my good friends, and possibly Kelly’s Island, plenty of summer concerts, moving and of course spending time with friends and family.

I still have a full-time job, but since I don’t believe in summer classes, I am taking my free time for spending as much time with friends, family, and Mike. Mike just left to for a few days to Chicago to play a show with Empires, he will be back but leaves for tour next week. So we have been squeezing in as much “us” time as possible, and it really has been nice.

I also plan on spending as much time AS POSSIBLE with one of my best friends, Missy. She is moving to France in September to teach English for a year. So since I have basically seen her almost every day of the past 3 years(we live together) I am going to try to see her even more to get in all the friend time I can!

So this outfit post is kind of a kick off to a fun, promising summer! I figured a fun retro-inspired outfit would do the trick with my tied chiffon blouse and polka dot shorts(Forever 21), accessorized with striped cat-eye glasses(Wet Seal) and fuschia loafers(Target).






All Photos By Lindsey.

The 330 Clothing Swap

Hello! It feels pretty good to be back! I am sorry for the little break I took, but it was much needed after busting my ass this semester( straight A’s woop woop!). I have been taking a much needed break from things to enjoy the beginning of summer with friends and Mike since he leaves for tour next week.
During this nice little break, some fellow bloggers( Midwestern Muse, For the Birds and A Lovely Little Blog) and I held a public clothing swap for Akron and I must say it was better than I ever expected!
This was not like the average swaps that I’ve posted about before on here, it took a lot of time and energy preparing, counting and organizing clothes. The swap was held at a local hair Salon called MC Studio. The swap was held in 4 different time segments so we could keep traffic pretty even. There were also three different vendors, snacks and refreshments, raffles, and goodie bags! I also did styling for those who needed it and I worked along side this really awesome seamstress, Ryan Kosmach( Seriously, if you are in the area, go to her! She is based out of Stow).



























Over all I think the swap was a HUGE success! I had a lot of fun and it was really amazing to see the turn out. It was probably the cutest group of girls I’ve ever seen in a confined space! I really hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and I look forward to having one next year!

All Photos by Lindsey

Successful Swapping!

This past Sunday was the clothing swap and I have to say it was a HUGE success! Hopefully this can be an annual thing for Akron! There are so many pictures to go through for my main post, but her is a little sneak shot!

Stay tuned!!

All Photos By Lindsey

The 330 Clothing Swap

Ladies, I have some very exciting news! To those who are not already aware of it, The 330 group of bloggers is hosting North East Ohio's very first public clothing swap!

If you have been reading my blog you may have already seen how they work through my frock parties. This is about the same thing amplified by 100 for the public, with multiple vendors and prizes!

Here is the general run down for what the clothing swap has in store:
-you bring your older, gently or never worn clothes that go with the season(this time would be spring and summer) and you swap them for something that you would love. This way you will empty your closet and gain new items to love for your wardrobe with out spending a dime.
-You will sign up through pay pal, go to http://330swapandshop.blogspot.com/ to find out how, and you will save a spot for yourself in the swap! admissions will be five dollars and be sure to sign up because spots are filling quick!
-The swap is May 20Th, however before hand we are having two drop off dates for you to bring your things, that way we will organize them for you and that is how we will build our point system for you to swap.
-Be sure to bring clothes that are clean and in good shape, if you bring an old gym shirt it will be donated to good will.
-Anything that is not chosen at the swap will be donated to good will.
-Gift bags will be given to attendees as well as opportunities to shop our vendors and get manicure and pedicures provided by Studio MC.

This is very exciting for our area because it is the first public swap! Hopefully it can generate some buzz and can become and annual thing!

So if you are interest go to http://330swapandshop.blogspot.com/ to read about all the rules and vendors and check out a preview post by Rachel from http://www.forthebirdsblog.net/ and see what she is bringing!