editor's eye: fall fashion ads

Looking at the ads has always been one of my favorite parts of magazine flipping. First I collaged cut-out scraps for elementary school notebooks, then framed editorials for "artsy" wall decor in college. Today, designer campaigns are still a source of inspiration, even if I'm not taking a gluestick and scissors to the glossy pages. Elle compiled a swoon-worthy assortment of this fall's fashion marketing photography, and I filtered out my favorites. Here they are, through my lens.

First thought: I hope it storms soon.
Mood: Young, beautiful and ambitious.  
Story: The city's a gray place but this coat will keep you warm—and high above the soot.  
Phillip Lim.

First thought: I will eat haggis if I have to, just take me to Scotland.  
Mood: Approachable and traditional, with hidden secrets.   
Story: Tartan is a lifestyle and it has a sexy side.  
Mulberry.

First thought: Fall doesn't have to be dark and brooding.  
Mood: Balanced, diverse and driven.  
Story: Transcendent of time and place. 
Missoni.

First thought: Pistachio gelato.  
Mood: Soft, luxe and discerning.  
Story: Dress like a lady, think like a man.  
Armani.

First thought: I need to buy a long trench and book a road trip.  
Mood: Easy and free, pretty masculinity.
Story: Crossing the frontier. Are you coming with? 
Cole Haan.

All photos via Elle.com

one shoe, three ways

I bought these heeled sandals earlier this spring, but they've just recently become a top priority. I'd wanted a pair of cherry-colored kicks for a while, but it's hard to find some that aren't cheap looking or triple-stacked-platform, hooker style. SO when I saw this fairly conservative pair in the Boden catalog I pulled the trigger on the spot. At first I only wore them with a white sweater and jeans (snooze), and kind of questioned the purchase—would I really end up wearing these more than once or twice? Then when packing for Michigan last week I rediscovered my mint denim (they've been on unintentional hiatus lately) and really liked how it looked against the patent hibiscus. I had several outfits laying on the bed, ready to be stuffed into my suitcase, and looking from one to the next I slowly realized that these shiny red shoes added an interesting contrast or pop to every outfit. I stick to pretty basic silhouettes and a fun shoe like this is the perfect dose of personality for my daily uniform—classic but not boring, simple but interesting. I wore them to a casual dinner last Friday, Saturday night drinks downtown and Tuesday for work. I'm kind of on a roll. And I'm gonna keep rollin'.

HAPPY HOUR:
The unexpected marrying of mint and hibiscus gives basic jeans a fresh, trendy feel.
I wore these with a black and white colorblock crop top for 2 for 1 cocktails and burgers at Dlux.

WEEKEND BRUNCH:
The neon pink pattern and juicy red clash, but in a really complementary way.
A dark teal boyfriend sweater topped off this look for an outdoor bite at the lake.

WORK:
I'm obsessed with this color combo: it gives a standard t-shirt an energetic twist.
My navy Minnies completed this easy professional ensemble from 9 to 5 yesterday.

These sassy sandals are sold out, but Boden is a good destination for uncommon colors and stylish shoes that aren't over the top. Keep your eyes peeled for new arrivals throughout the season—you might find something as surprisingly universal as these. In the meantime, peruse three of my top picks for fall (right around the corner!) from the stylish British brand:

T-bar Flats 

I'd get the Bronze Metallic, but Aubergine and Gray Zebra are both fresh. 

Brogued Chelsea Boots 

Flat boots were my number one go-to last year and these feel so chic and...British. 

Black is a smart bet, but I love the Claret, which functions almost the same, in a less basic form.

Sixties Slingback 

Pink Houndstooth—I'd wear these with army green—

perfect example of the unique colors, patterns and textures Boden carries.

sorority secrets: a guide to rush (and life)

Just two weeks left in July and summer's really hitting its stride. Around Madison that means the normally overstuffed isthmus has a bit more breathing room—students are home to pad resumes and refill wallets before another wild year at the UW. For me, July no longer brings that back-to-school itch I'm sure so many are feeling by now, but living in a college town makes that lifestyle a part of my consciousness basically constantly. As young whippersnappers (I had to) around the country fill backpacks with fresh ballpoints, raid Target for bright bedding sets and stalk future roommates on social media, I'm reminded of my first week on campus: a humid streak of August days ruled by Recruitment. I'm old and wise now (ha), so read and learn from my experience. If I were a 2014 incoming freshman, here are three things I'd do differently during Rush (and—spoiler alert—each point is applicable beyond the college bubble):

1. EXUDE CONFIDENCE.
Ah, the old fake it til you make it. Classes hadn't started yet, I was alone in a depressing dorm room, there were unfamiliar and intimidating faces everywhere, and I was supposed to find my way in an unfamiliar grid of residential streets to Pi Beta...Phi? Um? I let a little homesickness get the best of me mid-way through the week, while spreading glue and sprinkling glitter on an art project I had zero interest in (what is this, kindergarten?). I wasn't the best conversationalist that day and needless to say wasn't invited back. It's going to be overwhelming at first, but shrug it off, roll up your sleeves, and cut and color like you love it. It's OK to be a rookie—a reality it's easier to embrace than mask. Everyone was in your position at one point, and everyone thinks the crafts are lame. Just control what you can—smile, engage and ask questions, even if you're kind of crying inside. There will be time to let it all out on the phone with your mom later.

2. HAVE A PLAN.
I wasn't sure I wanted to go Greek—and wasn't shy about saying it. That's fine, but sororities are more interested in girls who are pumped up and excited about diving right in. They want contributing members and are assessing whether you could be the next Social Chair or will lead them to victory in a philanthropy 5K. Saying you're hesitant to join translates to a deadbeat member who lies in her bed all day (whether or not that was your intention). I think my uncertainty could've been a defense mechanism against potential rejection, but put yourself out there! It pays to gush and flatter here. Actual excitement will follow once the nervousness subsides.

3. DRESS UP.
You may not want to hear it, but how you look will affect your Pref Night picks. I cringe thinking about the Nine West purse I carried through the week—picked up from the fashion re-sale store where I worked the summer before college (cringe cringe CRINGE). Don't give up who you are, but know the game and tailor your style accordingly, just as you'd tuck your shirt a little tighter for an interview or bust out your best running shoes for a big race. A classic and tidy crossbody and elegant but understated jewelry (a little this, a little that) will win points.

It's funny—I originally titled this post "if I could redo rush," promising insider info on what went "wrong" and how I'd go back to make it "right." But despite my missteps, I wouldn't change the outcome. I joined a house in January and it made everything about my four years (and beyond) better. And the thing about this list that reveals why signing up for sisterhood (cheesy word choice intended) is excellent prep for post-grad success? Every point can be applied to the "real world"—and is especially relevant for job interviews. Whether or not I realized it, my experience rushing has stuck with me and without a doubt affected how I've conducted myself since, in terms of meeting new people, trying new things, dealing with uncomfortable situations, thinking long-term and following through, contributing to a team and prepping for success. Yes, there were creepy chants, ridiculous choreography and excessive pomp and circumstance, but that was just one week in a full year of uncontrived fun. You'll throw away the name tags and matching t-shirts, and the overarching awkwardness of Recruitment will fade, but you won't forget the rest. AOE!

weekend recap: iron river

Apparently even five-day weekends aren't long enough. I'm hitting the coffee hard today after a relaxing few days in the Upper Peninsula. My mom grew up in Iron River, and my family and I spend time there every summer. We've always stayed with my grandma and grandpa at Sunset Lake, but they've recently moved out and my parents are in the process of building a new house at the site. In the meantime, it's definitely different to stay somewhere unfamiliar, but some things—like pizza at the Riverside—make it feel the same as it's always been. Take a break from Monday and peek inside the weekend. And in case you ever find yourself in the UP, a few pointers on how to do it right:

1. KEEP IT CASUAL.
This is the Northwoods (Iron River is just minutes from the Wisconsin border), not Lake Geneva. A low wedge is OK for dinner at Alice's (best Italian food west of Firenze), but leave the bold baubles at home. Fleece, jeans and tees are all you need.

2. GO SWIMMING.
It can be tough to coax yourself in at first, but this is not where you go to simply sunbathe. Practice back dives off the dock, pontoon around the lake perimeter, and bring your shampoo down for an au natural shower as the sun sets. Getting IN the water is required.

3. MIXED NUTS.
Cocktail hour overlooking the lake isn't complete without Planter's Deluxe Mixed Nuts. G&Ts, cheese, sausage and crackers round out the spread. After a long day outside there's nothing better.

4. THE PIZZERIA.
The decor is pure kitsch sprinkled with Packers memorabilia, but The Riverside pizza is as good as it gets, courtesy of the famous Dina Mia thin crust and special sauce. We always order a #6 (sausage, mushroom, onions, pepperoncini). Ask for "cheese out" for an extra layer of ooey-gooey goodness.

5. BACK-UP PLAN.
The weather isn't always ideal (understatement of the century) and cell service can be spotty—so be sure to pack a good book, cards and board games. We used to play rummy a lot, and Dominos is a family favorite. Stock your own suitcase here.

Stanley Lake sunset on Wednesday night. I arrived at the cottage a little after 5:00. My mom served skirt steak with an avocado and corn relish, seasoned home fries, grilled bread and cantaloupe.

The ultimate lakeside snack. 

Dinner at the pizzeria on Thursday night. There were sadly no leftovers.

My mom and sister enjoying the Thursday night sunset.

Nikki Nasser, UP Princess.

 

My dad built a fire on Thursday night—Boy Scout Bobby's still got it!

My dad

My mom and I walked to the ski hill on Friday morning. I haven't skied here in years and we're excited to start coming back over Christmas.

Live music at The Snipe after Friday night fish fry (like I said, this is the Northwoods..).

look again: the little market

Do you follow people you don't know on Instagram? Bloggers, celebrities, brands? At first I thought it was weird, but I now have a handful of people in my feed who I don't know beyond daily photos. Former reality TV golden girl Lauren Conrad is one of them—known for her artfully filtered snaps. I've noticed a lot of her posts feature new products for The Little Market, a venture she started with a Fashion Institute classmate and friend. The business works with artisans across the globe and provides a platform to sell and market their goods. I admit I've arrogantly dismissed a lot of Conrad's entrepreneurial endeavors in the past (the Kohl's clothing line and the novels), but I took the time to look at The Little Market's mission and inventory this week and am now applauding instead of scoffing. The project is really admirable and basically my dream job. The two-person team travels to Kenya, Nepal, South Africa and Peru (to name a few), gets to know local cultures and economies, then exercises creative and business acumen to turn a profit that helps supports these artisans. I can't think of anything cooler or more rewarding, honestly. All pieces are handmade and purchased at fair trade prices that provide a living wage for the craftsmen. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the current stock! Take me on the next trip, LC!!

I like my margaritas authentic—and this aqua glass from Mexico is the real deal.
 Shop it. Get the matching pitcher.

These wood salad servers remind me of the set used so many times at my grandma's dinner table
in Michigan. I used to think they were old-fashioned, but now really like rustic, chic look.
This twisted pair is made in Kenya. Shop it.

The tribal design of this Guatemalan-made bag has a global attitude that is perfect for travel.
 Shop it.

A simple and understated beach towel that doubles as a living room throw. Yes and yes.
Made in Ethiopia. Shop it.