What's fun & fashionable in the 419?

Looking for something fun & fashionable to do in the 419 this weekend? If you're into art and ready for holiday shopping, there's plenty on the calendar! I'm going to be checking people off my gift list at Handmade Toledo's Maker's Mart. This incredible "indie craft fair" happens twice a year and each time I count down the days. I'm so excited to see past and new vendors; their unique, handmade creations and the local pride the arts community shares.

Fashionspiration: Skirts for Fall

The temperatures have dropped and the snow has fallen in Northwest Ohio, which means I’m continuously reaching for tall boots and cozy sweaters. It’s easy to get stuck in a style rut this time of year, so I remind myself there are many other alternatives. With midi skirts and all kinds of boots trending, it’s not so hard to mix it up! Here’s how to take inspiration from skirts this season:

Gladiators: Get Olivia Pope's Style at The Limited

Last year I shared style secrets from Olivia Pope and where to find similar looks from the D.C. fixer’s wardrobe.  This season you can shop just one store to get so many "Scandal"-inspired pieces – The Limited!  On Tuesday, September 23, the "Scandal" collection is available at The Limited, just in time for the premiere on Thursday.

Vintage Floral for a Warm Welcome to Fall

While summer may be winding down, the temperatures in the Midwest are not. I daydream about chocolate riding boots, cozy infinity scarves and my camel wool coat, but I still get to wear summery dresses and open toe sandals. During this confusing transition, I’m preparing my closets for cooler weather, but I kept this fun vintage dress out of summer storage.  While it’s light and airy, the lilac, fuchsia and tan floral print over black is lovely for this time of year.

Meet Rachel, the designer behind Ray Ann’s colorful jewelry

I recently discovered that a friend from high school, Rachel Najarian, creates and sells colorfully beaded jewelry locally in Toledo. I jumped at the chance to borrow some of her pieces to be the inspiration for some outfits and to support a local artist!

Pretty in Pink Petite Studs

  

I discovered Petite Studs, a local online shop that sells handmade stud earrings, earlier this year and became smitten with their fun and funky designs.  Made of high end clay and resin, the earrings are allergy free and very reasonably priced – about $10 a pair. 

Ohio Lovers & Buckeye Fans, Win This Necklace!

NOTE: This contest has ended.

I’m happy to call Ohio “home” and I enjoy discovering more of what the “heart of it all” has to offer. So far this summer, I have enjoyed riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, dining at The Greene in Cincinnati, visiting the Toledo Zoo, taking a boat ride on the Maumee River and there’s still so much I’d like to do! From partying in Put-in-Bay and catching a baseball game in Cleveland to camping in Hocking Hills, plus so many concerts, shows, festivals, shopping... Ohio has so much to discover!