Fashion Show!!

Once again, my poor blog has been terribly neglected due to my hectic schedule and inability to multi-task! This time, the reason for my absence is due mainly to 2 things:
1. Josh and I are going "on tour" to Europe in 6 weeks! I'm terribly excited but we're very, very busy trying to book 'gigs' (last minute, unfortunately), as well as make all the usual plans that go into a 5 week long trip!
2. In less than a week we're putting on our second annual Vintage Madison Fall Fashion Show! Again, I'm very excited, but there's a lot of work to do. I still have to decide on outfits and which models are wearing what, but other than that I feel well prepared. It's gonna be a blast! And a few days after the show we'll be doing another pop-up shop---this time for a full week.

 

Otherwise, I'm just trying to enjoy the last few weeks of Summer here in lovely Wisconsin! 

XO,

Jess

Tourist in My Town

So, this past week we have had a lot of family visiting us. First, Josh's Mom, Dad & little sister came to Madison for the first time ever (he has lived here for 8 years)! And then, coincidentally, the same week, my parents made their yearly trip up north. So after being together nearly 4 years, our parents finally met each other! It went very well- I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I have breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The great thing about having people come visit (especially if they've never been here before) is that we get to be tourists in our own town. Josh and I never go to the zoo or the gardens or inside the Capitol (well, unless we're protesting political injustice), but when out-of-towners are here we get an opportunity to take a break from our day-to-day life and enjoy the beautiful city we call home!

 

Henry Vilas Zoo (it's free!) 

the view from the top of our Capitol dome

 Olbrich Gardens (also free!)

Bowling at a Clean Water Fundraiser

taking the boat out on Lake Monona

XO,

Jess

Craft Project: Exposed Zipper Mini-Skirt

I know the exposed zipper look has been hot for a while- I still love it. And luckily, adding an exposed zipper is actually a bit easier than adding a hidden one. Yesterday I found this gorgeous piece of fabric at a thrift store-- I thought it was very on-trend, reminiscent of so many "Aztec prints" we've seen on runways this season. So I decided to make a very simple, 30 minute skirt with it. Here's the tutorial:

 

Voila!

shoes, belt, hat and bag: thrifted
t-shirt: Alternative Apparel

XO,

Jess

Well, I just got back from a much-needed 4 day vacation. . . where did I go? Hawaii? no. New York? uh-uh. even better- Fargo, North Dakota! Now, it wasn't my first time in Fargo-- far from it. My honey, Josh, grew up there and began his music career there. This was sort of a homecoming for him-- his new album is finally out (so exciting!!) so he was back to play a show. We only spent 2 days in Fargo, then headed south to Josh's parents' farm.

Every time we go to Fargo it seems to be more and more mature than the last time. Now it seems to have fully blossomed into a pretty cool little city. The main drag, Broadway, has numerous funky shops, restaurants, an old theater and a historic hotel. Our first night in town, we had dinner at the Hotel Donaldson-- a lovely renovated hotel with a beautiful bar and rooftop lounge (complete with hot tub!). Then we went across the street to the Ecce Gallery & Yoga Studio to see an intimate show with our friends from Storyhill.  The gallery was in one of many historic buildings on Broadway that have been well-preserved.
The next day, we did some shopping-- of course! There were so many thrift stores in the area, we didn't have time to hit them all. However, I did have good luck at the ones we went to. . .My favorite find was this pair of orange suede wedges.

Also, I discovered a vintage store right off the main drag that I'd never seen before. Revolver is a very nice little shop with very reasonable prices-- I highly recommend stopping in if you're ever in Fargo.

Later that day, we had a late lunch at the Plains Art Museum- another beautifully renovated old factory building. They have a little cafe inside with the absolute best turkey sandwich I've ever had.
Finally, Josh had his show-- at another art space/ yoga studio/ music venue. It was great to see him in his "element" with all of his old friends and fans!

 

Just goes to show that there are so many places to see in this world, and in this country. And sometimes just passing through a town or city isn't enough- you need to really get to know a place before you can judge it. 

Happy Travels!

XO,

Jess