Shine On

SeamsDeep — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:04:58 +0000

So this is the last of the Iowa photo shoots! We took these pics on the Arsenal Bridge crossing over the Mississippi. Super creepy because the bridge is entirely grated so you can see the water below your feet. Anyways, was in a sparkly mood so I opted for sequins, glitter and more glitter. Shining is every girl’s prerogative after all . These Miu Miu pumps have quickly become the most worn item in my closet. I love the curved heel!Wearing Theory tuxedo blazer, Joe’s leggings, sequin scarf, Calvin Klein belt and Miu Miu heels.

Ladylike in Lincoln Park

SeamsDeep — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:27:23 +0000

Super excited about today and the Refinery street style shoot! I finally met Amy of chicagostreetstyle.com and Shani, the Chicago editor for Refinery29. T‘was a true pleasure. After the shoot, David and I shot some pics of my outfit in Lincoln Park. I am a huge fan of femi items and the silhouette of the skirted coat makes me feel so womanly! The headband is actually a thick sterling silver chain necklace. I wanted to add some edge and liked it’s crown-esque vibe! I love repurposing items in my wardrobe — makes me feel so green.

Wearing Marvin Richards coat, Hue opaque tights, vintage brooch, vintage Chanel handbag, Liz Palacios earrings, Sterling silver necklace as headband and Miu Miu heels.

Favorite Spring 2012 Fashion Ad Campaigns

SeamsDeep — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:54:10 +0000

Louis Vuitton, photographed by Steven Meisel

Prada, photographed by Steven Meisel

Miss Dior, photographed by Mikael Jansson

Mulberry, photographed by Frida Gustavsson

Versace, photographed by Mert & Marcus

First of all, Louis Vuitton killed it. I am in l-o-v-e with this campaign, and am feeling a strange urge to wrap my body in cotton candy. The look and feel is bold but soft…mind boggling. Prada was a definite must. The retro vibe is enamoring, and I need that yellow bowler bag. Two words for Miss Dior — Mila Kunis. Amazingly, the handbag is the focal point in every shot — real product marketing. Mullbery’s mega-sized carnival scene totally pulled me in. Is anyone else craving ice cream? Lastly, Versace or should I say Ver-sexy? Gisele’s body with those camera angles is the essence of femininity. Which shots are your favorite?

Animal Instinct

SeamsDeep — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:04:54 +0000

It’s no secret — I heart animal prints. They are a wardrobe staple. With a wild rep (hehe), they’re typically saved for secondary flair like shoes and accessories. But with all the pattern and texture mixing in the style world, I thought a hybrid ensemble was in order.

Here, I calmed the prints with a neutral palette of grays, browns and black. I added some texture with the fox fur collar, sheer tights and sparkle shoes to add a few points of interest. Those fun extras are where your flavor and personal style shine. If you’ve got the personality to rock it — STRUT IT OUT.

PS this old schoolhouse is one of my favorite places back home — so rustic and serene.

Wearing French Connection sweater dress, Evelyn Grace Cashmere cardigan, fox fur collar, Kate Spade tights, Tai bracelets, tri-color gold bangles and Miu Miu heels.

City Mouse in the Country

SeamsDeep — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:55:37 +0000

D and I went home to Iowa to visit my fam for the holidays. Now let me tell y’all, being surrounded by pure love and earth is soothing to the soul. However, it is REALLY cold, which requires some layering. Ladies, this is the time to get creative with your summer tanks and tees. Layered over an oxford or sweater, they can make a fancy “vest,” while adding a bit of stylish insulation. What kind of combos can you conglomerate?

Also in this post, a pair of nude patent leather wedges I found on a recent visit to Nordstrom Rack. They go with EVERYthing, and they’re comfy. Great find—though they didn’t fare well in the cornfield. Happy 2012, everyone!! Wearing Seven for all Mankind jeans, Anthropologie button-up, belt and headband, J. Crew sequin tank, Lavender by Vera Wang wedges, and my lovely mother’s pearls.

More Wedding Inspiration

SeamsDeep — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:41:12 +0000

Wedding planning is getting serious. David and I visited the venue yesterday and started thinking about the details. Here is my latest board! My dream is to create a whimsical, soft and romantic atmosphere. Suggestions and tips are welcome! Enjoy!

Hollywood Glam

SeamsDeep — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:57:30 +0000

So, I’m a bit infatuated with classic Hollywood glamour. It’s simple yet dramatic and perfect for all those holiday parties you’ll be attending. The best part — the look is relatively easy to achieve. Here’s my first attempt. Read on for some “how to” action and an inspirational glimpse at Hollywood stars past and present. Make Up: The most important part is a flawless complexion. I prefer liquid moisturizer, but a liquid base works too. Don’t use powder. It dries parched skin in the winter. Using a foundation brush and your choice of base, start applying in the center of your face and blend outward. Dab concealer on any blemishes, under your eyes and nose. Lightly blend by blotting your skin with your finger pads. Then set with a light layer of translucent powder.

Strong, well-defined eyebrows are a must. Fill them in with a powder or pencil. Add a few heavy coats of mascara and push lashes up with your fingertips while they are still wet to help curl.

For the Va Va Voom lips, line your pout with a pencil and fill with matching red lipstick. Make sure to use the right red shade for your skin tone. For fair, use a corraly red; for medium anything from true red to pinky-cranberry works; and for darker skin tones go with deeper more burgundy or brick red.

Hair: High-gloss curls are a must. Create a deep part on the side swooping a section of hair across your forehead. Behind the side part you just created, part hair into two sections down the center of your head. Start with one side and use a curling iron to curl 2″ sections. Clamp the iron on your ends and roll it vertically towards your face. You can secure the swooped section with bobby pins like I did, or push hair up and back for a voluminous wave effect. Add hold with some hair spray and finish with a light mist of gloss spray like Garnier Fructis.

Now pucker up, beautiful! You’re ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

Clockwise from the top Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Kate Bosworth, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams and Rita Hayworth.

Photos via dailymakover.com, urbanbeautycollective.com, weddingbycolor.com, glamour.com, looktolove.com

Bella’s Breaking Dawn Wedding Dress

SeamsDeep — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:21:47 +0000

Now anyone that’s close to me knows I’m a bit of a Twilight fanatic. If my vampiress Bella background/screensaver isn’t a big enough indicator, I can assure you I will be the first to spill the immortal beans. Needless to say, I was a bit excited when Breaking Dawn premiered last Friday and even more excited when Bella’s wedding gown was recreated for retail. Originally designed by Carolina Hererra, Bella’s gown is a $35,000 modern vintage masterpiece. Representative of both Edward’s and Bella’s eras, the long lace sleeves are reminiscent of the 1900′s Edwardian style with a modern body skimming silhouette and revealing back. Absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, the remake isn’t nearly as fabulous, but here it is. The $799 Alfred Angelo recreation, along with Bella’s actual wedding shoe, the Manolo Blahnik pump appropriately named the Swan and the official book illustrations. Enjoy!
Photos via alfredangelo.com.

My Color Theory

SeamsDeep — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:10:22 +0000

My friends once told me that they could identify my mood based on the colors I wore. At the time, I was wearing all black — Yikes. Today, instead of magnifying my state of mind with a corresponding color scheme, I use my ensemble as a sort of mood control. If I wake up and am in a not so pleasant mood, I immediately go for pink. For serenity, I wear blues and for courage red. I literally wrap myself in the emotion I want to feel and exert.

Lately, I have been gravitating towards bold colors and patterns like I am wearing here. I am at a point in my professional life, where I would like to take on more responsibility and accountability. Recognition does not come easily, and at times I have found myself questioning why I am continually pushing to do more and be more. As I strive to be a capable and strong woman, I turn to my wardrobe for support. Now please don’t take me too literally. Throwing on a yellow shirt won’t make you feel like the sun is shining out your rear, but it can act as a reminder of the mindset you want to feel and exude. Knowing yourself, your triggers and your influencers gives you that much more of an edge on your own life. So much of our world is beyond our control, so why not grab hold of the things we can. For me, style is empowering. It is my backbone and sometimes my shield. Regardless of outcome, I will always know that I approached the world with confidence and looked damn good doing it .

Wearing Theory shirt dress, Jack Rabbit belt, vintage Gucci watch, Juicy Couture clutch and Cole Haan by Maria Sharapova wedges.

Fringe & Free People

SeamsDeep — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:18:40 +0000

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and we have had some gorgeous weather in Chi lately. Keep it up Mother Nature! Sweaters, boots and brisk air — it just doesn’t get better! Free People has some fab sweaters out this season. I absolutely love the one I’m wearing here. By the way, THANKS MOM! (It was one of my b-day presents.) A note to all the sweater shoppers out there. Check the tags!! Try to avoid items that are made primarily of acrylic. Merino wool and cashmere are two of my favorite fabrics, and they are so soft! They may cost more, but they will last longer! Happy shopping! Wearing Free People sweater, Seven for all Mankind jeans, Another Line Inc. belt, Chanel necklace and Chinese Laundry boots.