Huckleberries & Rain

Its that time of year, where it starts to get darker earlier, your car is frozen over in the morning, and all you want to do is be cozied up by the fire eating your weight in carbs and comfort food. But of course, your grown up duties beckon you out into the harsh cold weather daily.

Now I know Thanksgiving hasn’t even passed yet, and to be honest, I don’t really like talking about or thinking about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I take everything in moderation. One holiday at a time… Maybe that’s why I’m always behind on my Christmas shopping… Anyways even though it’s early November, the vast majority of you probably ARE thinking about Christmas and who you need to get gifts for.

Hopefully, I can help in this time of need. About a year ago, I had the privilege of meeting Rachel Vdolek. A sweet girl who has a real thirst for adventure and a love for the PNW. Rachel, the owner of Huckleberries and Rain, custom knits anything from scarves, hats, headbands, etc. She uses numerous different techniques so you can even pick which type of knit you prefer! When I sat down with Rachel to discuss this blog post, she showed me so many different beautiful pieces. I selected which knit I loved the most and told her I wanted a mustard yellow scarf! (I really like mustard yellow even though I hate mustard.)

OBVIOUSLY, she came through. I love my scarf, it keeps me so so warm. AND you know how some scarves are super itchy around your neck and you just feel so uncomfortable after wearing it for awhile and want to take it off but then you’ll be cold so its a lose, lose situation? Ya me too. This scarf is not like that! The yarn is so soft and does’t irritate my skin. Which is huge for me cause I have always had super sensitive skin.

So if you’re in a rut, and you don’t feel like getting your mom yet another snow globe, I highly recommend Huckleberries and Rain. They have more than just knitted products as well, there are fun t-shirts, tanks and hoodies. Do yourself a favor and check out the website here, and put your order in! Don’t wait to Christmas shop like I do… not everyone can procrastinate as well as me.

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Photographer: Ike & Tash

FashioNXT in Portland - Post 1

    It’s dark, cold, and extremely wet. I mean this is the Northwest, after all. I trek through the muddy puddles created by the constant rain. I start to hear music. It’s jammin' in there. I round the corner of the street and finally see the warehouse entrance. I walk up, and I have no idea what I am doing. I awkwardly tell the people at the entrance that my name is supposed to be on some list. Pretty special, right? They direct me to another table, but not before tagging me with the bracelet of shame. Ahhh yes, the bracelet of shame. The bright pink bracelet that all of us “underaged” attendees must disgracefully wear. The bracelet that shouts, “I am not cool enough to have a plastic cup full of fun juice like you, but instead I get a paper cup… with the boring juice.” 

    Anyways, being from Seattle, attending a show in Portland, I don’t recognize many faces. I try to make small talk with a couple of different individuals, but you know how people can be in this industry (little snots). So after strolling around the venue (which, by the way, was incredible and hardly recognizable as a warehouse), I decide to people watch. It’s fun to people watch at events like these, with everyone judging each other’s outfits, strutting around as though they should be a part of Anna Wintour’s posse. I giggle to myself as I take it all in. I love this industry.

     Finally, they begin to allow guests to take their seats. We all eagerly shuffle in and quickly find our designated spots. I keep kicking myself for not bringing my photographer with me. Oh well, I will find a way to get her here for tomorrow’s show. I whip out my trusty little notebook and prepare myself for what is ahead. The show begins. I intently watch each look as the models strut down the runway, mentally making notes of my favorite looks while simultaneously jotting down notes of what trends I see peeking out. 

    The first designer of the evening is Wendy Ohlendorf. As each look is introduced, I start to notice some trends within the designs that resemble what I have been seeing in the media and reading about. What does a blogger do when they can’t go to New York Fashion Week? You stalk all of your favorite bloggers that can. The Victorian Era is having an influence on trends this fall, and Ohlendorf’s collection certainly reflected this in a simple but beautiful way. Her delicate, sheer fabrics, high collars, and frills were the highlight of her collection.

    Next was designer Katherine Tessier, bringing denim on denim on denim on denim… and I loved it. Each look was unique in its own way, with big pockets, open backs, geometric cuts and shapes, and even boobs! One model made her way down the catwalk with what might be classified as some sort of denim blazer, with nothing underneath it. Oh so very sexy, yet extremely tasteful. Well done, Tessier, well done. 

    This next collection was a bit more classic. Stephanie D Couture’s collection was not lacking in  beaded embellishments or asymmetrical cuts. This designer was not afraid to have her models show a little leg. I’m sure Miss Angelina Jolie would thank her.

    The final collections of the evening tie in together. First was Walter Collection by Walter Mendez. Let me tell you, I was in awe of these gowns. The detail that was put into them; every bead, embellishment, and bustle, each sequin, and feather must have been so carefully and intentionally placed for the pieces to look so flawless. The Moroccan inspired line graced the stage with everything from fantastic, vibrant colors to elegant pastel pinks and nudes. Again, we see the reoccurring trend of high collars and lots of leg. The collection then transitions into Ryan and Walter Bridal. It just kept getting better and better. I am a die hard fan of long, dramatic trains and wedding gowns doused in 3D floral embellishments. I truly believe I saw my dream gown on the runway that night. The show could not have had a better finale.

My heart soars. I am left speechless. I leave the venue floating on cloud nine as I head back to my hotel. I can not wait to tell my photographer all about the evening. After spending an adventurous day in Portland, eating amazing grilled cheese, and finding the coolest coffee shop ever, it’s time to get ready for the fourth and final evening of FashioNXT. My photographer, Kelsey, joins me this time (she gets a cool bracelet). 

    The first collection of the night, by Julie Danforth, is definitely for the working woman; beautiful silk fabrics, blazers/pant suits, and simple yet elegant dresses. Next, Melynda Valera’s collection made me think of Mother Nature. Every look was white with coral flowers as 3D embellishments along with plenty of plunging necklines.

    Now, for the third collection, think of a night out on the town; form fitting cocktail dresses, sparkles, blacks, and deep rich reds make for an oh-so-classy look. The designer, Romey Roe draws inspiration from his life experiences. The darkness of this collection makes you wonder what those experiences may have consisted of. On the contrary, Layneau Collection by Kaaren Bedi is meant for a night in. Extravagant lace, sheer nightgowns, and silky slips are the perfect recipe for a luxury boudoir collection.

    Michelle Lesniak closed out the show. Her pieces were inspired by a trip she had taken to Peru. Her collection was edgy and dark, with splashes of color and A-line skirts and dresses. I would totally wear each of her looks on a regular basis. I loved and wanted all of it!

    The night draws to an end; I didn’t make it through the show without removing my painful clip on earrings, regardless of how many times I reminded myself, “beauty is pain!” This year’s FashioNXT exceeded expectations for many. The venue, the staff, the set up of the runway, the models, the designers: everything was very well put together. I had an amazing experience and hope to attend next year. 

Farewell, Portland, until next time.

Stay tuned for Post 2 next week, where I will be sharing pictures of our adventures in Portland as well as my outfits for the shows!

Photographer: David M. Bailey

Header Picture: Kelsey Hosler

Happy 1st Blog Birthday!!!

So I’m sitting here, trying to figure out what to say. Or more so how I want to say it. As I try to come up with the right words to form all the crazy thoughts in my head, all I know is that I want this post to be different. I want it to mean something. 

Sounds cheesy, I know. Let’s see… I guess I should just jump right in and get to the point. Recently, blogging has become difficult for me. Not because I don’t enjoy it, because I do! I really do. And not because I lack resources, (have you seen how amazing my photographers are?) It’s become difficult because I have realized how vain blogging can be, how self conceived “bloggers” often come off as, and how at the end of the day, none of this really matters. I mean come on, we’re constantly posting pictures of ourselves, talking ourselves up and promoting our own blog… You probably get tired of us bossing you around telling you to go look at our faces. My outfits in my pictures won’t be in style 3 years from now, my tips and opinions won’t have any relevance when a new season comes around, and the blog overall, will probably just be a fond memory for me to look back on 30 years from now as I brag to my kids and force them to look at pictures of me in my prime. And when you really let all of that set in, it’s kinda sad. All this work, (because despite what it may look like, a blog is actually A LOT of work) it's all for nothing. 

So why am I doing it then? I guess I started all of this because it looked fun, it was something that I wanted to pursue in hopes that I could turn it into something long term. I have a confession to make, I probably follow more “mommy bloggers” than just regular fashion bloggers. My top favorites are Cara Loren and Amber Fillerup Clark. They blog about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle with their fricken adorable kids. GOOOOAAAALS. I would love to be a cute fashion mommy blogger someday. Anyways, back to my point. I don’t want to just be blogging without a purpose, aimlessly typing up posts and putting them out into the world just to be soon forgotten about. In fact, I don't want to do anything in life that isn’t being lead with a purpose. Because then it’s just a waste of precious time.

I’ll be honest with you, I’m not really sure how I am going to incorporate this, or how I am going to start showing it through my posts. I probably won’t succeed at it every post, and that’s fine. But after a year of blogging, I have decided to start posting with purpose. So DISCLAIMER right quick… It will be close to impossible for every post just be life changing and full of wisdom and wonderfulness. BUT, I would like to start making an effort towards writing some posts every now and then that really mean something. Whether it be for a cause, a brand that I team up with, or just my own thoughts that I want to share, they’ll have meaning. 

I’m looking forward to this new season of blogging, and hope that you all will continue to join me on this journey. I appreciate your support over the past year, all the kind words, the encouragement and love. The random texts telling me to keep at it and that you enjoy reading my posts, you have no idea how much all of it means to me!

So with that being said, everyone is a winner! As you most likely know, I teamed up with Sookie + Co. for this post! I fell in love with their “Chic Happens” shirts and wanted to rep them for my 1 year blog post! How perfect are they? I felt that they went along with my blog style very well, given that “Chic” is part of my blog’s name… So not only does the winner of my 1 Year Blog Birthday Giveaway win a t-shirt, but everyone gets access to a discount code! Just type in “CHIC” when at checkout, and you will receive 10% off of your purchase! The discount code expires Oct. 30th so make sure you get to it in time! Huge thank you to Sookie + Co. for being a part of this celebration with me!

Now, the moment you all have been waiting for, the winner of the GIVEAWAY…

The winner will be receiving; A “style kit” hand put together by me, a sit down consolation with me, a “Chic Happens” t-shirt from Sookie + Co. AND a mini photo session with Kelsey Hosler, who actually shot this very shoot. Fun story about Kelsey, she was Ike & Tash’s intern a year ago, so she was with me when I did my very first blog shoot EVER! She recently just moved to Washington from Indiana, and she got to come along for my one year shoot. I’m a super sentimental person so I was all emotional over her being there!

So, I guess I will get to it… the founder of Sookie + Co. and I have been keeping track of who completed all the steps required to enter, and we so appreciate all of you who participated! I hope you take advantage of that discount code and get yourself a shirt, there are so many cute ones to pick from.

So now, finally… The winner of my 1 YEAR BLOG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY IS…

NICHOLE ELLIS!

Congrats girl! Thank you for participating, I appreciate your support! And I look forward to meeting you!

So ya... thats it. Thank you again to everyone who has made this past year possible, much love.

xoxo, 

The Chic Chameleon

Photographer: Kelsey Hosler