Birds of a feather
So. It has been way too long since I’ve last posted here. It’s no excuse, but may be an explanation, to let you know I’m about to move away from the Bay Area to the lovely city of Los Angeles–and my life has become packing-centric lately. I am excited to move on to one of my favorite places (and no, I’m not being sarcastic, even though I know everyone who lives in LA–and the majority who live outside of it– is supposed to hate it). But my closet is less excited. For the past 20 years, I’ve essentially had a communal wardrobe with my sister and lifelong roomie Megan. And now that she’s transferring schools and I’m getting a new place in West Hollywood, our favorite mix-and-match clothing items will be going through some serious separation anxiety.
So in an ode to sharing, I’m making an effort to wear at least one of Meg’s things a day until I leave. And I’ll document that here, starting with this number.
From Meg’s closet: Peacock tee from UO, “Megan” leather bracelet from Disneyland
From mine: old jeans from Express, boots from UO, feather lariat necklace from Hope Venessa, twine bracelet from Invisible Children, vintage belt
And here’s the little ginger I’ll miss, wearing my shirt with what are quite possibly the best sneakers ever.
I definitely want some of those for myself.
-Lo
Style Files: MADISON BRINNON
Madison Brinnon is a sophomore in high school but her style rivals women much older than her. Madi is able to effortlessly blend age appropriate clothes with pieces that give her just a little more sophistication. Oh, and she’s a singer, actress and in an all-girl rock band! OH and she’s dating my little brother! Basically she is one talented and adorable chica.
How would you describe the evolution of your style over the years? When i was younger I would always dress with the “trends”. The typical Hollister, Abercrombie california girl look. I then branched out and went into a more preppy and conservative look. But I still based a lot of my looks on the clothes i saw in magazines. I always had a style that somewhat showed a different side of my personality. Now i tend to dress more bohemian rock. I take classic pieces and spice them up with a fun necklace or bold sandals.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or accessory you always find yourself reaching for? I have always been a jean person. So pretty much with every outfit I wear I am wearing a pair jeans. They range from BP jeans to True Religions. But with every outfit I am always wearing these three antique handmade rings i bought in Scottland.
What is your go-to outfit? My go-to outfit would always be a crisp pair of jeans and simple v-neck. I love this outfit because you can dress it up with a jacket and a necklace or go casual and wear a cardigan with it.
What do you think is the main thing that influences a person’s style? I believe the main thing that influences a persons style is the media. Whatever one sees on a celebrity or someone on tv wearing, they want to mimick the style in hopes that they will look as good as them in it.
Did you take any style cues from family or close friends? I take a lot of fashion tips from my mom. My mom was a fashion buyer in New York City and worked with designers ranging from Ralph Lauren to Betsey Johnson. Her experience in the industry really helped me learn about classic and timeless styles.
Is there a style icon/musician/friend whose style you would love to emulate? There is such a range of fashion on the tv series Gossip Girl. I would love to emulate every style that is portrayed on that show.
Where are your favorite places to shop? Nordstrom is a great store to shop at because you can find many designers and you can find great deals if you look around. I mostly shop at boutiques though. I like them because most of the things you will find there are items that many people will not have. Which will make your style more unique.
Any trends you avoid? Absolutely avoid the trend of wearing wide leg pants. They only work if you are 5’10 and weigh 100 lbs. The number one trend to avoid is the super short shorts. They are not fashionable they are just an invention of clothing to make the female population feel more attractive.
As an actress and singer you perform a lot, do you have any special “stage” outfits? I love outfits that help me develop my character. But any girl would love to dance around in a flashy showgirl outfit. Being covered in diamonds from head to toe while singing on stage would make any girl feel like a star.
You recently had short hair, did you chop it off on a whim?? I actually cut off all my hair for a show. I had long blonde hair and my director asked me if i would cut/shave my hair for the show Peter Pan for he believed it would help us trully embrace our character. So i went and got 10 inched of my hair cut off and got the back shaved. I was a 13 year old girl with no hair. I was very insecure at first but i do not regret the decision and I would cut it all off again if I were asked to.
High school is rough, how do you survive? Many people say “oh high school has so much drama” but the honest truth is it really isn’t that way. Of course you will get in fights with your friends or there may be a rumor. But many immature teenagers put themselves in situations where they become vulnerable and therefore high school can be rough. But the secret is to be friends with people you actually LIKE! Be happy and enjoy your high school experiences. If you allow yourself to become caught up in the drama of “who likes who” you will become just another “high school teenager” which is looked at in a negative way. I always remind myself that none of what happens i high school will matter in college and in the real world. Where you sat at lunch will not matter, how popular you were will not matter. But how much drive you have and the content of your character does. So in high school we should really be spending our time building ourselves to become more responsible individuals then to become more popular individuals.
Changes to: Michaela’s cottage
It is rare that I can keep my house decor the same for over a few weeks. I am always making little changes here and there. My favorite home accessory to change is my bedding. Since I first invited you into my cottage, here, I have made a few changes. Enjoy!
First off, I bought a bed frame from Ikea, I love how understated and simple it is, and how stark my white sheets look against the black iron.
I knew I wanted to start a picture collection above my bed, but I couldn’t start until I found the perfect beginning pieces. The record canvas is a find from Urban Outfitters, and the hidden phrase eye chart is from Z Gallerie.
Next, my favorite thing to shop for; bedding! I almost always keep my bedding plain white, but I change it up between different brands. Right now I found my newest favorite, the Restoration Hardware 50 Year Italian Vintage Wash. They are incredibly soft and have a vintage/lofty feel, with not-so-perfect wrinkles.
This great photo was gifted to me from my Guncle’s. They take a trip to Paris every year and they captured this candid during their stay. My picture doesn’t do it justice but if you look closely you will see the tip of the Eiffel tower and the great Charlize Theron Dior ad campaign. Thanks uncle Ken and Bob!
Since I have somewhere around 12 fashion magazine subscriptions, I have decided to start collecting issues. I love being able to display past issues and have an easy reference for inspiration!
About a month ago my Mom surprised me with a collection of Barbara Barry candles, the scents as well as the packaging are light and crisp. I light one every morning when I wake up and leave it burning for a few hours to fill my house.
Lastly, I refurbished an old favorite. I have a pair of these vintage mirrored frames. They originally had paintings in them, I removed those a few months ago and used photos of my own. About a week ago I decided to re-mat the frames and add vintage French Vogue black and white photos. I love how they turned out!
I hope this gives you a little inspiration :), stay tuned for more updates to my little place..
XX
M
Boxing Kitten
These pieces by Boxing Kitten may be a little loud for some but the product photography and silhouettes are hot!
<3jenelle
The Edge of Love costumery
I’ll admit this movie about Dylan Thomas and the women in his life is a bit heavy on moodiness and melodrama. But with two gorgeous Brits like Keira Knightly and Sienna Miller in rich colors, glam lighting, and timelessly charming pieces, its hard not to be taken in a little bit. This is one of my favorite films for costume design, with the strange menage a trois of characters growing ever more attractive as they become increasingly desperate and impoverished. The more natural hair and makeup is so effortlessly pretty.
I suppose it helps that these ladies have the loveliest set of eyebrows ever paired together.
Even though the look fits seamlessly into the period drama, I think the wellies, shabby-chic florals, and chunky sweaters still build quite a cute ensemble today.
Style Files: JOHNNY FOSTER
Johnny Foster is the man. After being cheated out of the highly coveted ‘Best Dressed’ in the 2009-2010 Amador Valley High School Yearbook I have decided to introduce you to my good friend, Johnny Foster. Johnny Foster is always called ‘Johnny Foster’. Not Johnny, not John, not J, but Johnny Foster. His name is very fitting, you see. The Thriving Ink team first met Johnny Foster when he would come shop/hang/sketch/eat at the shop after school. We all instantly became friends and I am so happy to feature our first guy Style File!
How would you describe the evolution of your style over the years?
Over the years i have had good, bad, and ugly fashion choices. When I first became fashionably aware, it was heaping waves of brown! i wore so much brown, and eventually i got out of it. Freshman year was pretty much H&M and then sophomore year was about graphic tees, now I’m down to basics. I like wearing plain shirts and simple plaid button-up along with cutoff shorts. I also have a tendency to be matching rather well or perfectly at times.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or accessory you always find yourself reaching for?
I almost always have my beanie and glasses on. Once I started wearing them, we have been inseparable.
What is your go-to outfit?
Black cutoff pants, button-up or tee depending on weather, nylon nike cortez, beanie, and possibly glasses and headphones. its rather bland i suppose but it gets the job done.
What do you think is the main thing that influences a person’s style?
Music. There are two styles that I have merged into one over the year, and both are influenced by the music i listen to. I have had my electro-funky sort of style, and also my indie sort of attire, but now what I wear matches both rather well.
Did you take any style cues from family or close friends?
My brother has always had a good sense of fashion. We have a reputation of always having nice shoes. Every now and then i will see something that looks good on someone and try it out for myself.
Is there a style icon/musician/friend whose style you would love to emulate?
David Bowie.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I get almost all my shoes online, and I get my clothes at The Goodwill, H&M, and Urban outfitters at times. Where i wish i could shop: www.yesstyle.com
Any trends you avoid?
Whatever everyone else is doing. Somebody once asked me why i was wearing such a weird shirt, and i replied asking if i should wear LRG, Obey, and Vans. They said yeah. thats what I avoid.
You skin appears to be smooth as a babies bottom, what’s your secret?
I don’t really have a secret. I have always had baby smooth skin and its just wondrous! I do love some good aloe lotion though!
High school is rough, how you survive?
Well, it is much easier if you have at least one good pair of pants, and not durable and mountain worthy, I’m talking clean, slick, and properly fitted. Other than that, friends.
What planet are you from Johnny Foster???
Wherever funk originated from.
lo
Jenelle Dronkers
Michaela Bammer
