FASHION'S NIGHT OUT: GUS MAYER NASHVILLE

I'm beyond jealous of all my peers who are currently attending the holy of holies otherwise known as New York Fashion Week. 

Watching the constant status updates and picture posts flooding my Instagram stream, Facebook feed and every other social networking site known to man has been sheer torture - but the pleasurable kind of torture. Am I a fashion masochist? Probably.

To make up for the lack of New York in my life - my sweet group of fashion obsessed besties and I decided to drown our sorrows in shopping with Nashville's version of Fashion's Night Out - which was held at the Green Hills Mall by several participating boutiques and shops, one of which - was Gus Mayer! 

This was the first time I'd wandered in, and I can confidently say that it won't by any means be my last. Gus Mayer had such an incredible selection for any woman, any age and any taste. Their styles ranged from classic staples to creative, structured and flamboyant. I drooled over beautiful peplum dresses, unique fabrics covered in great prints and one particular handbag in green horsehair that made me want to sell my soul - or at the very least my first born child. It was really THAT amazing. 

Another favorite had to have been the beautiful, earthy selection of jewelry by designer l i s a   r o s e   a r o n o w  whose taste, creativity and eye for design was immaculate.  I couldn't stop going on about how creative this display of rings was! I swear I'm giving that one a DIY try for sure - so everyone better watch out. 

These corsets will change your life. How do I know? I'm now a lucky owner of an Ani & Ari (designers pictured above)corset after a fun little in-store raffle put on by the Gus Mayer team. I rarely win contests so it's always a thrill. And this thing is AMAZING. And by amazing, I mean uhhhh-maziiingg. 

I wouldn't expect anything less from the dainty duo - who have also created looks for Hayden Panettiere (FOR ABC's "NASHVILLE" finally premiering October 10th!) & country star Carrie Underwood.

I've been internet-stalking this Prabal Gurung dress for quite some time. You have no idea how inspiring it was to see it in person! Maybe I'll win the lottery soon. 

What a fun Fashion's Night Out with the girls! More pictures to come soon. 

100$ MARSHALLS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

CELEBRATE FALL FASHION WITH MARSHALLS!

Marshalls was so kind as to include me in their Fall Fashion Challenge to create a head to toe designer look inspired by one of fall's top trends. 

Marshalls scores the hottest on-trend looks at unbelievable prices with the help of their talented 'treasure hunters' - a great group of buyers who travel around the globe to bring you the best. And I know you want the best.

The trend I chose was 'Ladylike with an Edge' incorporating an adorably stylish embellished belted peplum top, a sharp pair of black pants and some of the cutest gold and beige heels I've ever seen - creating a sweet look with just the right amount of sass. 

You can find the look I created HERE. 

Now that I've had my fall fashion shopping spree, I'd love to give you yours. Rules of the game? I thought you'd never ask.

$100 MARSHALLS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY RULES

*

1. Comment below with your favorite Marshalls designer find OR Share with me what your favorite trends of the season are and why! (Or hey - a picture or a Pinterest board might be fun too, but no pressure.)

2. LIKE Le Minimalist on Facebook and/or Twitter 

3. COMMENT with your email address, favorite Marshalls find or favorite fall trend and let me know you've also completed step 2. 

CONTEST ENDS SEPTEMBER 17th

Winner will be notified by email by September 18th.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

...I couldn't not say that. 

BACK TO BLACK // LADYLIKE WITH AN EDGE

September twenty second marks the official beginning of fall - my favorite fashion season.  I've never been the type to bare all and I prefer to leave most to the imagination, so fall and winter have always been a great relief. Especially when I no longer see swimsuits in stores. Yeah. I hate swimsuits.

Another reason I love fall is because I can feel completely comfortable in wearing all black. I'm really quite obsessed with black clothing, and admittedly there were several periods in my life when my wardrobe consisted of at least 85% black.  I was slowly shoo'd out of my 'dark and neutral colors only' wardrobe rule by my bestie who constantly encouraged (harassed) me to try brighter colors and exotic prints.  But now with fall here, I can feel less guilty about sporting my favorite dark hues! 

No Amy Winehouse puns intended, but I'm going back to black. 

     

    PEPLUM EMBELLISHED TOP / $16.99, BLACK PANTS / $19.99, GOLD SHOES $14.00 ALL C/O MARSHALLS

WIN YOUR OWN FALL WARDROBE BY ENTERING MY $100 MARSHALLS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY HERE.

LATE NIGHT SNACK: MAKE YOUR OWN POPTARTS!

HOMEMADE POP TARTS

This brilliance comes to us from BakeMeMore.com! 

I was actually just wondering what a freshly made pop tart might taste like when all of a sudden this little Pinterest find came along. The vending machine at work only offers so many breakfast choices, so more often than naught I end up eating a packet of pop tarts. 

I usually cringe at the calorie content and even more so at the ingredient label - but still, I go back for more. I'm a pop-tart gluten for punishment. 

So the moment I found this little ditty - I instantly knew it would become the top candidate for LATE NIGHT SNACK time. And why shouldn't it be? It's breakfast, but oh wait! It's dessert too! Holy shit. 

Find the how-to HERE.

DIY: EMBELLISHED FLORAL SUNGLASSES

THE DIY: EMBELLISHED FLORAL SUNGLASSES

This DIY is the perfect way to spice up your fall wardrobe simply and cheaply. Experiment with different materials (rounded metal studs, spikes or crystals) for an edgy look - or ultra feminine - using flowers, sequins or bows!

THE MATERIALS:

A PAIR OF CHEAP SUNGLASSES

FLORAL EMBELLISHMENTS

(These can be found at Michael's craft store)

HOT GLUE / HOT GLUE GUN

TWEEZERS

Pick your poison! I chose these adorable plastic flowers reminiscent of  Coco Chanel's Camellia - a trademark flower used in many of her original designs. These little lovely flowers were so dainty - and I couldn't resist the added sparkle of the accent crystals. I'm such a sucker for sparkles.

 

Be sure to play with the design of your glasses to make sure you place every piece in just the right spot and don't get too sparkle-happy with your design - you have to keep in mind that you need to be able to see out of them! Maintaining function is key. 

 

I hot glued everything on after arranging the design the way I wanted it. I also tried to keep the design simple and out of my view by arranging everything on the rim and not glueing anything to the glass. To clean up the awkward hot glue strands I used tweezers and plucked them all off. Easy peezy. Wow, I can't believe I just said that. But really, it was super easy.

 



 

 

 

 

SONGSTRESS STYLE: AN INTERVIEW WITH ODESSA ROSE

 

 

As sweet as local honey and with a voice to match, Odessa Rose will leave a taste in your mouth you won't soon forget.

 

Odessa's folk inspired sound has oh so easily won over the Nashville natives she's performed for; most recently performing for local jean artisans, Imogene + Willie at their August edition of SUPPER & SONG, a monthly event filled with talented musicians, stylish people, good shopping and delicious eats.

 

Oh and it's BYOB too. Because, you know, that's how we roll in Nashville.

 

You can get a taste of Odessa's sultry sound in Imogene + Willie's F/W VIDEO  where she performs "Hummed Low". If you're a Nashville local you can find Odessa's EP at Imogene + Willie - all of which have hand drawn covers! Don't miss out.

 

If you're not within reach of I+W -- you can find more of Odessa's musical stylings HERE and her Facebook HERE.

 

INTERVIEW WITH ODESSA ROSE

LM: What inspires you when choosing pieces to add to your wardrobe? 

ODESSA: the color yellow. sleep deprivation. marijuana. 

LM: How do you choose your daily ensemble? Are you a planner or do you just throw something together in a hurry?  
ODESSA: i really wish that i could be naked all of the time...so i change my clothes until the outcome feels the most comfortable on my body. i never plan anything.

 

LM: What pieces in your closet can you not live without?

ODESSA: right now... my long yellow polyester sundress, my high waisted white jeans, and my blue suede heels. 

  

LM: What is your all time most despised fashion trend?

ODESSA: The 80ies. 

 

LM:Favorite Fashion trend?

ODESSA: Colorblock

LM:Do your music choices influence the way that you dress?

ODESSA: Maybe sometimes subliminally.

LM: Name five items you never leave the house without:

ODESSA: My small red notebook (that holds my id and money inside) a mason jar full of water. My two turquoise rings. A fine point pen. Coconut oil.

 

LM: Favorite designers / labels / why?

ODESSA: D&G. They make pieces that make women look stunning. Besides that, I don't have any specific favorite designers really. I love vintage clothes. Clothes from the 70ies are my digs. Long slender dresses in light pastels, high waists and leather fringe. yum. 

{All Images via ODESSA ROSE}

THIS WEEKS LUST HAVES: UNDER $70!

This weeks lust haves are all under $70! Shop away, kids. 

Printed shirt / Pink jacket / Mango flared mini skirt, $44 / Nelly Shoes high heel, $63 / Dorothy Perkins high heel pumps / Felt floppy hat / Circle sunglasses / Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha Black and White 10 Plate

FAVORITE FALL DIYS: WEEK ONE

I've really been slacking in the DIY department lately! Tsk, tsk!

 

I started a new job recently so my nearly three page list of DIYs to feature has been horribly neglected. But now that I'm back into the swing of things I'm planning on being less lazy and featuring at least 3 of my favorite DIYS every week. Excited? You should be.

So look forward to a heaping fresh pile of DIY every Sunday from this week forward! I'm also trying to get around to editing all of the pictures I've taken from my own DIY projects over the past two months that I haven't posted. Those will be spread out throughout the week.

 

On a final note, if you have an amazing DIY tutorial on your blog that you would like me to feature, please contact me. Not a blogger but still know of some hardcore amazing DIYS? Email me!

 

So without further adieu: THIS WEEKS FAVORITE DIYS!

 

 

TRANSPARENT NECK CUFF
These transparent neck cuffs are the perfect way to incorporate some bondage into your wardrobe without looking too tough. You can find the tutorial over at LOVE AESTHETICS one of my favorite avant guarde DIY / Fashion blogs.

 

 

 

HANGING FEATHER LAMP
This adorable hanging feather lamp is the perfect example of simple and sassy, incorporating only a few pieces to create a stylish and crafty centerpiece that will be even more perfect come Halloween. I'm excited already! You can find this DIY HERE at Annaleenashem.

 

 

 

 DIY SEQUIN SHORTS

I can always rely on A Pair & A Spare to produce the most up to date and easy to make fashion DIYs imaginable. Even though fall is now "here" (although it's still reaching the mid 80's here in Nashville) it's still okay to flaunt bare legs. If it's starting to get a bit chilly in your hometown - just throw on some black hose to fight off the chills while still looking fab. Find this sparkly goodness HERE.

 

DANNIJO F/W 2012

How talented can two sisters be? The delightful duo that composes jewelry sensation DANNIJO have just graced us with their F/W 2012 collection which is so impressive in scope that I couldn't begin to even touch on its awesomeness. You can find the above pieces and more on their website HERE. 

DANNIJO collar necklace / DANNIJO brass jewelry / DANNIJO jewelry / DANNIJO bib necklace / DANNIJO jewelry / DANNIJO jewelry

THE OUTDATED LABOR DAY RULE & WINTER WHITES

"Rules are mostly made to be broken and are too often for the lazy to hide behind." 

- Douglas MacAurthur

I've never been much for rules. Which could be why I was constantly in trouble as a kid, spending much of my childhood in detention for various offenses. I (unfortunately) went to a private school where punishment consisted of forced transcription of Bible verses and an occasional paddling (which happened more than just occasionally for me - hah.) But somehow I turned out alright. ...I think? 

I remember most of my infractions were somehow fashion related, like wearing too many bracelets, or glitter eyeshadow. (Hey don't judge me! It was cool in middle school!) I was also constantly in trouble for my skirt length, short length or not having my tie correctly fastened to my blouse (Which, hilariously enough eventually led to my private school expulsion) So, really, in essence - we can just go ahead and say that the end of my private school career was a result of breaking the rules. The fashion rules.

Rihanna has the right idea - wearing white at the Met Gala
via Getty Images

Speaking of fashion rules - and mind you, there exists quite a long list of faux pas to consider - (Scrunchies, sweatpants, sandals with socks...) but the ultimate of which, and anyone can tell you, is "NO WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY!" I put that in caps for emphasis you guys. 

But let's forget our Mother's outdated rules! As much as I love the Baby Boomers, and I do - they have put far too much emphasis on this rule for most of their existence. I applaud your dedication Boomers, but times are a changin'.
If you're still a little skeptical, that's understandable, but let's go over some facts for a moment. Is everyone ready for a brief history lesson? Okay good, lets go.

"No White After Labor Day" began around the turn of the twentieth century when wealthy upper crusters began to return from their lengthy and luxurious summer vacations. They put all of their summery white colored rich people clothes away in exchange for darker winter shades due to the inclimate weather that comes with the changing seasons. 

People spent more time walking out in the rain, slush, and mud at that point in history so it was impractical for them to wear white. It was pretty uncommon back then to see anyone at all wearing white after Labor Day unless of course you were standing at an altar. 

And so began a trend that would ruthlessly rule us for nearly a century.  But no more! To quote one of my absolute favorite designers (God rest his brilliant soul) Alexander McQueen, "It’s a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together." 

I had always wondered why we were ruled by such a silly decree anyway. Why should anyone tell me what colors I can wear and when? Maybe that's my inner rebellious middle schooler talking, but I honestly never could grasp the concept. 

Lets break the rules together this season and wear some winter whites! Do I want you to look like a snow man? No. But it is totally possible to look chic and stylish without looking like you've tried too hard.

Don't be afraid to mix & match different shades of white either. I know it sounds awkward and possibly intimidating, but the end result is well worth it. You can also find a great guide on how to mix varying shades of white HERE via A BRUNETE.

Hakaan pencil dress / Alexander Wang crew neck sweater, $660 / Cropped t shirt / Alexander McQueen white jacket, $1,815 / Mango biker jacket / Stella McCartney wool pants / Alexander Wang studded heels / Patent boots, $160 / MeDusa white clutch / Beaded jewelry / H&M chain earrings, $4.74 / American Apparel leather hair accessory

LATE NIGHT SNACK: CUCUMBER + AVOCADO TEA SANDWICHES

Tonight's Late Night Snack is via Tea Time Magazine

How delicious do these look? 

For those health nuts out there - what a perfect snack! You'll have a sudden desire to call everyone you know over for tea at midnight after putting together these dainty (and delicious!) Cucumber Avocado Tea Sandwiches! 

VIDEO STYLE BREAKDOWN: GRIMES // GENESIS

You may remember my previously noted obsession with GRIMES who's ethereal voice and creative style won me over without hesitation. Well, she's captured my attention again - and this time with her latest video for "Genesis" (Off of her new album Visions) in which she shares her love of far out fashion influences combined with medieval weapons. What? Yeah. Exactly.  

Techno-pocalypse?

"Genesis" has a slightly apocalyptic/gothic feel that fools you into thinking you're watching some far out flick set in some distant, quirky future. It's like, "Oh! Snakes! Oh! Flaming swords and maces! Oh man, what a great spandex body suit with metal armor! I wish I had metal armor!" Okay, but really -- my inner monologue aside, the video is incredibly fun to watch and just as amazing to listen to. You wouldn't expect such a soft and sweet voice to come from someone otherwise so ballsy and experimental. I also can't stop envisioning Xena Warrior Princess with an electric twist. Or something. 

Oh and in case you're wondering - and I know you are, the techno temptress in the vulcan / chola makeup would be LA based rapper, Brooke Candy, who completely steals the show with her wow-worthy outfits and flowing dreadlocks. PLUS LOOK AT THOSE SHOES! Have you ever tried to traverse a desert landscape in flat forms? That girl deserves an award.  

Don't miss out on the fun -- go see what all the fuss is about. "Genesis" has over a million hits and has only been out for a few days. That says something, right?

{STYLE BREAKDOWN}
Channel the techno apocalypse in this great Grimes-esque gear. You'll be prepared for zombies AND the dance floor.

Hedonia bustier crop top, $46 / Sheer legging / Black booties / Platform high heels / Bakers spike jewelry / Fingerless leather gloves / Lord & Berry matte lipstick, $17

All photos via Grimes' "Genesis" Video

TAXIDERMY & HAIR TREATMENTS: PARLOUR & JUKE

Nestled in a little brick complex next to Mercy Lounge is Parlour & Juke, a delightful stray from the salon 'norm'; filled with eye-catching oddities and a rather impressive collection of taxidermy. You won't find pink sparkly things here. Orrrr abrasively baby doll-esque decorations - making P&J the perfect place for girls AND boys.

You can tell that she's spent plenty of time and consideration creating a unique and inviting environment that almost makes you forget you're in a salon and not in some rustic museum off a beaten path somewhere in Louisiana.

(Bon Ton, maybe??)
 

DeVaney is quite the antiquary, collecting anything with a bit of southern charm or anything that might raise an eyebrow. Taxidermy, vintage anatomy posters, horns and skulls - even the furniture is pleasantly dated and adds even more character and charm. The exposed white painted brick walls offer a perfect canvas for all of DeVaney's treasures and curiosities and compliment the wide windows that pour in the perfect amount of natural light. 

Plus I mean, really, where else can you find weaves hanging on wall mounted antlers? 

I was immediately greeted by the sweet salon coordinator who offered me a drink selection, and as hot as it was that Thursday I had to go for the iced coffee. She brought it out garnished with a sprig of mint and in ultimate southern style - a Ball Jar!

I couldn't stop looking around at all of the delights that the salon had to offer. The lack of frills and lace that most salons drown in definitely made P&J stand apart and I can say with absolute certainty that they are setting the standard for trendy salons. 

 

P&J offers amazing services to both genders - close shaves and beard shaping for busy gentlemen who would prefer to have someone else get that 'stache date night worthy and for sassy ladies - cuts, colors, waxing and blow dry services. (I love me a good blow out) Everything you might need for a night out, special occasion, or just because. 

You can find Parlour & Juke's list of services HERE + Twitter HERE.

 

Owner, Cali DeVaney