Friday, June 29

Wish List: Anthropologie Edition

The other day I got a letter in the mail... from Anthropologie! Inside was a cute little bracelet and a card with 15% off the month of July because its my birthday month.  It has been about a week since I got the letter but have been searching the website like crazy, waiting for July 1st to come.  It's always really exciting to check out their window displays and even house ware.  Lately I've been loving the mixing of prints for tops and bottoms.  Anthro is a great place to find unique prints.  This Voluspa candle is my favorite and once I have one it is always burning! 
1. Voluspa Candle
2. Pannier Bag
3. Donkey Silk Shift
4. Pyxis Necklace
5. Back Story Blouse
6. Zelie Sandal
7. Drum Major Short

Whats on your Anthro wish list? 

Sunday, June 24

Fashionably, July 4th

It's almost here!!! The best holiday of the year!

And yes, I am talking about July 4th.  Not only is it a time for colorful fireworks, tasty BBQs, and warm lake days... but it is also so very close to my birthday! 
Some might think it is cliche, but let your patriotic colors fly on your clothes this year.  Why not? Fashion is all about fun and this season is filled with wonderful outfits whether they channel the flirty 50s or 90s grunge.

Flirty 50s

90s Grunge

What kind of look will you pick this fourth? 

P.S. Make sure to add me as a friend and spread the word of Daily Poppy!

Thursday, June 21

Book Club- 5 Star Sewing Books

I think people underestimate their sewing capabilities for many reasons.  All you really need is patience, a sewing machine, a creative mind, and maybe a friend who has some experience. 
Here are three lovely books to guide you to wonderful sewing projects!


 The title of this book is pretty straight forward in regards to how the rest of the book turns out.  There are tutorials on how to create home, apparel, and accessories projects all by sewing just straight lines! Brett Bara, author of Sewing in a Straight Line, also has a wonderful website dedicated to all things CRAFT! 


Colette is a wonderful company that guides new seamstresses to make the perfect fitting dresses, skirts, pants, and tops.  The Colette Sewing Handbook is just the beginning to a wonderful friendship.  Their blog and website offers sewing tips that extend outside the Colette book.  Make sure to sign up for their e-mails which are, again, full of wonderful tips straight to your inbox. 


P.S. I Made This started out as a blog, just like how these other books came into existence.  The book is divided into jewelry, accessories, and clothing.  The cool thing about this DIY book, is that you dont even need a sewing machine for most projects.  These quite simple projects are fashion forward, easy to make, and pretty cheap! What more could you ask for?

Don't hesitate, all it takes is a little practice! 

Tuesday, June 19

Favorite Things: Basics

I know that people have their favorite items. The kind that they get every single time when a hole is worn, a stain wont come out, or it gets lost! I've complied a list of my favorite things (not to quote Oprah..).  I picked these items because they have last a long time and are high quality (which are totally relatable).  
 
1. American Apparel Deep V
This top is amazing because I have owned three for many many years and the only reason you would need to buy a new one is due to pit stains. 
2. Aerie by American Eagle Katie Bra
This is another item I have owned for quite some years.  The Katie bra is an everyday bra.  I haven't tried any other styles by Aerie but I definitely would! They have all different styles such as convertible and push-up. Plus... they are always having a sale :)
3. Soma Vanishing Edge Microfiber Bikini
I am a fan of anything microfiber under my pants. The vanishing edge really sticks these puppies against your skin so they are similar to wearing a thong.  I don't wear them with really butt tight pants without pockets though.  Again, these come in different styles. 
4. Tezenis Microfiber Thong
Three years ago I bought these undies in London.  I have not had to get rid of any! And on a recent trip back, I just had to buy more and was really excited about it.  These are the best in the world! I have not found a microfiber thong that can beat this comfort and lasting.  Down side is... they are not available in the US. Sorry if I got anyones hopes up.
5. HUE No-Show Socks
Before these socks, I would not wear socks with a lot of shoes or flats.  These are the only socks that I have tried that actually don't show with flats!  (Because that is a HUGE pet-peeve of mine, even if they have lace on the lining)  And I mean all my flats.  There is also a silicone backing so they don't slide off your foot.  
6. American Eagle Denim
I could be bias to American Eagle since I worked there for so long but I promise I only stand by their denim (jeans, shorts, jackets) and bras.  Jeggings by AE are my favorite.  They last, don't stretch out much after one wear, are very comfortable, and do not get that awkward front pocket scrunch.  

Are these any of your favorite basics?? 

Monday, June 11

Cool Girl List.2

Angela Ahrendts

Why Angela Ahrendts is a cool girl:

1. She is the CEO of Burberry
2. Graduated from Ball State University (as well as born in Indiana)
3. #58 on Forbes most powerful women list
4. Reinvented Burberry through rebranding and via digital world (think Twitter, Facebook, live streaming of fashion shows)
5. A very inspiring person who I had the chance to see speak when she came back to visit Ball State.  

What a great feeling it must be to watch "your" brand
Power Duo
Burberry success strategy
Looking wonderful @ LFW

Can't get any cooler than this! 



Wednesday, June 6

Topshop Treasures

On my recent trip to London, I was really looking forward to stopping by Topshop.  I'm really happy that people in the US can enjoy visiting the shops in NY, Chicago, and most recently, Las Vegas.  Unfortunately.... if either of those stores are the only ones you have been to, YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT! There is no comparison to the flagship shop on Oxford St.  Four large levels of pure bliss.  Anyways, I'll stop my ranting. 

I spent about 45 minutes searching all the accessories (and most specifically jewelry) at Topshop.  Their pieces are fun, quirky, and quite unique.  I was really surprised to see a ton of eye rings like this...
Awhile ago my mom and I were cleaning out the attic to rid all the unnecessary kids toys.  Along the way, we found this amazing eye ring (the top one) that I wore as a kid.  A few weeks later, my friend Nate was wearing a very similar one! Then, at Topshop, I saw even more! TRENDING

Here are a few of my favorite accessories you can find at Topshop...
1. Googly Eye Gentlemen Ring
2. Metal Teeth Pendant
3. Bone Ear Tunnels
4. OMG Ring Pack
5. Pearl Spike Ring
6. Lady Face Brooch
7. Chain Cape
8. Koala Cuff Set

Yes, I do notice that everything I have posted is gold.  They really do sell silver so don't be discouraged with this list.  
One last thing... Don't be afraid to mix these funky accessories with out there prints and styles of your clothing.  Just maybe don't wear all of these accessories at once!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 5

Fashion Round Up: CFDA Awards 2012

Last night brought good news to me (and other MK&A luvrs... I know you're out there!) when the twins took home Womenswear Designer of the Year for their luxury brand, The Row.  Mary-Kate showed up sporting a new 'do of brown locks.  They both looked brilliant, as usual, wearing their own designs from The Row
JustJared
A look at the winners: 
Menswear Designer of the Year: Billy Reid
Accessories Designer of the Year: Reed Krakoff
Swarovski Award for Emergin Talent in Womenswear: Joseph Altuzarra
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Menswear: Phillip Lim
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories: Tabitha Simmons
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger
International Award: Rei Kawakubo
Founders Award, in honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Scott Schuman and Garance Dore
Fashion Icon Award: Johnny Depp
How iconic is this!

My personal pic for best dressed at the 2012 CFDA Awards...
Arizona Muse looks so fabulous in this 60s inspired DVF shift.  Arizona went for a look that was not so ballgownish but so fashionable and cute. 

As I created this post I was watching Diamond Jubilee coverage.  Congrats Queen Elizabeth!  What a joyous weekend she has had!
From past to present

Congrats to all the women who celebrated such wonderful occasions this weekend!

Friday, June 1

The Backpack Grows Up

When most of us think of backpacks, we revert to third grade when we walked around hunched over carrying a bag three fourths our size.  School was cool and so were those bags.  
Flash forward to 2012....
Backpacks are cool again! 
This time you don't have to worry about being swallowed up by their size.  The fashionably small bags are perfect to fit all your necessities plus a cardigan for a night out or a towel for a day at the beach.  
And you don't have to worry about looking like a little rugrat.  Some styles show a grown up sophistication in leather or enjoy a laid back denim style.