2015

Big things are going to be happening this coming year.  I have had a very stressful, yet insightful 2014, but I am so ready for a new beginning.  Here I have compiled a "to do" list for my New Year's resolution, which I will be damned if I don't stick to it.  

Make a website: I made this blog only a few months ago, and I am ready to get serious.  I had a blast modeling for Declared Clothing, which I hope to continue. I have had a few collaboration requests, but I think my own webpage would look much more professional than Blogger. 

Upload to YouTube: In the past I have made half-hearted comments about Vlogging.  I honestly have no clue how to edit a video. I know, shame on me.  I really do think YouTube is an important tool in the blogging community.  This is a bandwagon I have been dragging behind for too long.  in 2015 I promise to make all those videos you as readers did not receive in 2014. 

Moving the BF in:  I am so ready for my boyfriend, Marcus, to move into my home.  Call me sappy, but he is my main support and best friend.  He always encourages me to be the best I can be.

Redecorating the basement:  So far living with my cousin Jessica in our cute little house has been a blast.  The only thing not so cute is our basement.  Currently housing dog crates, washer and dryer, and boxes, I'm sure you can imagine how much use it gets.  With an extra person in the house we will need more room.  I am hoping to turn it into a tranquil studio for movies, cuddles, crafts, and memories. 

Read more books:  I have complied quite the list of books I must read, reread, and own.  I love reading but it seems I never make the time to.  No more excuses.  I must read more! One of my favorite books, Looking for Alaska is by and based on the life of John Green. With having so many friends overseas, it is hard not to love this book. 

Get Healthy(er): I have struggled with Crohn's Disease for almost eight years now, so trying to manage my health is nothing new.  I have grown so much as a person because of this that it is hard to be bitter about having a chronic disease. Although, there are things I could be doing to stay on the top of my game, like excising more frequently, and cutting out unhealthy foods, or foods that will make me sick.  This is a pretty common New Year's goal, but my personal goal is to reduce as much inflammation in my body as possible.  

Be outrageous: I love clothing, whether that makes me material or not. As an art minded person I find it fascinating to mix the most unconventional, unloved, and most of all, tacky clothing.  I have no problem with making a fool out of myself, so I plan to push my outfits a little further.  Brace yourself. 

Try new things:  I have travel fever.  In 2015 I hope to travel to Detroit, and LA with Marcus.  I want to have the most spontaneous time of my life.  I love to embrace myself in the culture of the community, and do as locals do.  I am all about new foods, and activities.  I am learning to keep an open mind now that I am an "adult." But, it is always important to stay true to yourself, even if you are still trying to figure out who that person is. 

This is what is ahead for me, what is ahead for you?  I would love to know.  This blog has been such a learning experience for me, as I hope it was for you.  Thank you for all of your support as readers. See you in 2015.

Xx,

Maddi

Quick Faux Bob

    Last week I bought a curling iron with a 1/2 inch barrel.  Basically, the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curls.   In order to make my hair as voluminous as possible I curled small strands, all individually.  After every lock was curled I brushed it out just enough to loosen the curls without making it frizzy, then back combed it to desired height.  I use hairspray generously, can you tell?  In these photos my hair is parted in the middle, but you can realistically part yours any direction when doing this up-do.   Finally, I  twisted and rolled up the right side of my hair starting from the end, how you would around a hair roller or curling iron.  Just above my ear I placed a hair pin to hold the roll of hair in place, then severally more pins to stabilize it up.  Repeat this with the left side.  If you have thicker hair do one or two more sections in the back.  I pinned my bangs up and back behind my ears as well, but this is not necessary. When you are finished, you can add some personal touches by rearranging curls, teasing, pushing the rolls up and down, and pulling tendrils out like I have done.  Don't forget to do a once over with hair spray.   This hair style is super fast and will stay up all night long if pinned correctly.   Have all the perks of short hair without cutting it.  You might even fool people.

I did,
Maddi

The Look

Revlon Perfect Heat 1/2 Inch Curling Iron

Mel B Dress - Drop Dead  

 Yellow Rain Coat - Columbia 

06 Forever Fuchsia Lip Stain - Sephora

  

THANKS FOR READING

XO

RL Grime's Dancing Queen

      I went to the RL Grime show at the Bourbon last weekend.  Needless to say, I needed a girls night.  I had an unreal time dancing under the lights in a theater packed full of sweaty people.  My kind of people.  Although, I seriously underestimated the population of guys in Lincoln with ponytails.  Another thing, I wonder if any of the guys who talked to me knew that I couldn't hear a single thing they said over the music. Just smile and nod. 

    These pictures are more or less a 'get ready with me,' and this is the outfit that I wore to the show.  I think closet posts are really growing on me, I mean I look like I just jumped out of my closet ready to go. If only it were that easy.  On a totally different note, RL Grime was awesome, and I will take any excuse I can to shake my ass, even if it results in makeup smeared all over my face.  Which it was.  Today is my birthday along with Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful for you and all of my readers; you are the only gift I need.  Lots of kisses from your favorite dancing queen.  

Xx, 

Maddi 

The Look

Headdress - Ebay 

Velvet Top - Forever 21 

Gold Skirt - Charlotte Russe

Leopard Shoes - Charlotte Russe 

Leather Belt - Vintage

Dark Berry Lip Stain - Sephora

90's Deco

Melancholy

    When I was younger I hoarded stick on earrings.  I would stick them all over myself, even though they are intended for ears. The adhesive on the reverse side of the jewels wears quite fast, so you can only image how precious each use was to a little girl.  Just one sticker on my forehead and I could be a fairy for a whole day.   It's funny how the simplest things can hold so much value to a child.  

    Whenever I receive a package from DEVOWEVO I look forward to a goody bag full of hair clips, stick on earrings, toys, discount codes, and other 90's memorabilia.  The fact that she appreciates her customers' service enough to throw in treasures, that may have mattered to her in her childhood, means more to me then the quality of the clothing in her shop.  Although her clothing is excellently made, the thought is the real reason I am a return customer.

    The smile sticker above was included in my package.  I wanted to depict a very ironic, symbolic, sick look.  I used the truest red shade in the Take Me to Brazil palette from BH Cosmetics to make my eyes look hazy and tired. Obviously this makeup is dramatized, but in moderation this color is great for a smoldering eye, and it is the perfect fall color!  Below is a Halloween throwback photo of me.  I have always loved Halloween, and any reason to dress up.  Who else is excited for the 31st?!  I want to know what everyone's costume is going to be this year.

HAPPY OCTOBER! 

Xx,
Maddi

Stop to Smell the Field Flowers

   There is nothing I love more than seeing nature in it's own state of control.  I get so distracted by what is outside, I forget the task at hand. When I have far to much on my mind I like to sit and stare out at the freshly cut fields.  Somehow they make me feel slower, as if I could remember that moment forever.  My anxiety can get out of hand, but I always learn how to breathe again when I tilt my head back and take in the enormous cotton woods, and how small they look under the stars.  Nature simply exists, while the rest of us are too busy running to stop and take notice. Nature still waits, and I respect it's patience. I always find myself wondering who will appreciate my field flowers while I am away. Or, if my flowers will miss me as much as I them.  The frost will come soon and I, like the flowers, will be gone.

  Xx,

Maddi 

The Look

666 Smiley Sweater - UNIF

Witch House Leggings - House of Widow 

Suede Americana Purse - Sharif

Qozmo Platforms - YRU

Gold Chain - Thrift Shop

Lip Stick - Wet n' Wild

Wash Up

   I have grown accustom to, and have acceptance for many of my personal traits.  I will never be a good singer, even if I practiced.  I will never have the ambition to be wealthy.  I am not competitive, coordinated, nor am I skilled enough to be an athlete.  Odds are that my test scores will remain in the grey, unnoticed area between average and advanced.  But, I am an expert at the one thing I never quite grew out of; playing dress-up.  I am a creature that truly knows no bounds, and I refuse to lose trust in pixie dust.  The curious part?  Of all the humans, I am not the one lost in a game of pretend.  

Xx,

Maddi

The Look

Shell Muscle Tee - Private Arts

High Waisted Shorts - Foxx Foe

Boots - Charlette Russe

Pink Rose Ring - Illuminati Jewellery

Rainbow Rhinestones - Claire's 

Leather Belt - Vintage

Mint to Be Lipstick - Lime Crime

Eye Shadow - Take Me to Brazil BH Cosmetics Palette 

Questions, Answers, and Opinions on Midwest Fashion

This man bought  the most ridiculous $300, paisley, velvet blazer for
 $0.50 from the sidewalk sale I worked this summer.  How cute is he?

   I have rewritten this four times trying to come up with my honest opinion.   I was approached by my friend Jay, about my thoughts on male fashion decline.  More specifically, he wanted to know why the midwest has difficulty grasping the concept of fashion evolution.  At first there were so many thoughts buzzing through my head.  So let's just take this one question at a time.  Firstly, I do not think male fashion has declined.  If anything it has greatly become more socially acceptable for men to have an interest in fashion without people questioning their sexuallity.  On the other hand, I do agree with his assumption about midwestern fashion.  There are some great places to find trendy clothing in the midwest, but innovation is obviously absent. Fashion is in constant motion, and those who push the boundaries are truly fashionable, regardless of sex.  It is not just midwestern men, but everyone who has jumped on the coastal style wagon. I say this lightly, because it does not apply to everyone, nor do I want anyone to take offence. What we do not realize is that that our coasts and fashion capitals are exchanging designs with other countries. If you want to be a step ahead, I would suggest shopping internationally online.  But if you want to stop the standstill in the center of the US, wear what you want. Do not listen to the fashion advice of anyone (including me!). Your creativity is your greatest tool.  If it doesn't match, even better.  Make people stare at you. Make people wish they thought of it first.  Here is one of my favorite inspirational quotes, and I hope this helps!

   If you have any other questions, or even thoughts, don't be afraid to comment or even message me!

  Xx,

Maddi

10 things you NEED for college

  Since it is that time of year, I figured I could make a small collection of dorm must-haves for my graduated friends, and anyone planning on going to college.  I will try to list them in order of importance, because every good college student needs structure and the ability to prioritize, in order to balance out irresponsible decision making (a.k.a. Fun).

1. Shower Caddy
I figured I would start with the obvious.  Shower Caddies are so important for carrying, storing, and keeping your stuff away from other.  Having your stuff hanging in the shower is now a long lost luxury, sorry friends, but a shower caddy defiantly makes dragging your stuff back and forth from the shower room a little more convenient.

2. Shower Shoes
Seriously, invest in a cheap pair of flip flops for the sake of your feet.  Even though you are in a shower, that does not mean the floor is clean.  It is not unusual to find algae, mold, fungi, and urine on the floor of a public shower.  All can transfer from the floor to your feet. Cringe! Here is a picture for my UNL homies.


3. Elastic Towel or Robe
The thing I love about these towels is that they will not foll off like traditional towels. Whether you are a guy or a girl, this will work great.  If not, buy a fuzzy robe that will keep you warm on your long walk back to your dorm room. There is nothing I hate more than being wet and cold.  Either will work, and you don't have to worry about it falling. How embarrassing, right?


4. Laundry Bag and Quarter Jar
Laundry bags make a great alternative for baskets.  Laundry baskets are open and take up too much space in a dorm room.  Pair your laundry bag with a jar to drop spare change in, so you aren't scrounging for quarters when laundry day rolls around.

5. Storage Bins
Space is an issue.  You have multiple people per room, and I can assure you it is not a big room. A very inexpensive solution is to buy tubs to slide out from under a bed, like the ones your mom uses to store toys in.  You have instant clothing storage that is easily accessible.  And, if you are particular, they come in all sorts of colors!

6.  Wall Hooks
There are a million uses for wall hooks.  You can buy really great ones that stick on and remove seamlessly. I would uses these for my jewelry, except for the fact that I have too many accessories.  If you are anything like me, I would suggest buying a large cork board and hanging your jewelry on pins. I have been using this approach for a long time, so I know it rocks.  I would also suggest attaching a hook by your dorm for keys, to avoid locking yourself out.  I can be a long wait if your roommate is conveniently in a class.



7.  Clothing Rack
This one is for my soul sisters who also take pride in their floor-drobe.  Your closet space is limited, not just in dorms, but everywhere.  If you have a serious need to bring all of your clothing to college with you, for the sake of your roommate, buy a clothing rack.  They even fit well under a lofted bed. The racks are typically easy to assemble, and they vary in prices.

8. Scentsy Pot
If you are a guy, or you know a guy who is leaving for college, buy him a wax warmer! I'm not playing around, I know what boy smells like.  Imagine two of them in one room.  They make plenty of scented wax melts that do not smell like freshly spruced girl; pine for example. No guy should be ashamed of his right to fresh air.  I'm only teasing, but this is truly a great gift for any dorm dweller. It also duels as a night light! Awww, hooot!




9. Coffee Pot
You need this whether you like coffee, or not! Thank me during finals.


10. String Lights
These lights are super cheeky, but I thought it was a funny sentiment. I love night lights, and they make great room decor even in the day.  You can buy a light timer, so you never have to flip a switch! I would not advise these lights, though.

Good Luck in the Future Freshmen!
Xx,
Maddi

Snap Backs from Caravan Skate Shop

@caravanskateshop

  Caravan Skate shop is selling bunch of rad hats on Ebay!

 Click 4 Caravan

How do I look in a Snap back?! 

Werkin' it.

Xx,

Maddi

Owls

   Naturally I had to buy a scentsy pot to match me owl vase. 

$20 at Wal-Mart 

 Includes 4 wax packages, warmer, and light bulb

And now my house smells like Coffee!
 Xx,
Maddi

Vegan Leather

  I apologize for all the UNIF clothing posts.  I obviously have a problem.  I am such a loyal customer, while it does take a toll on my pocket money, I love the quality and utterly unique designs.  My very first UNIF purchase was the Studded Shoulder Splice Dress.  I regretfully did not take any pictures of this dress, but I intend to in the future. I did not even know of the designer when I bought the dress from Patricia Field's website.  This is how I discovered UNIF.  The studded shoulders of the dress are made of vegan leather, which I did not know at the time, either.  Upon later purchases I grew accustomed to the designers and I love the animal cruelty free concept. This is not like any Pleather I have ever worn.  It is impossible to distinguish from real leather, not to mention durable.  The UNIF Prima Cut Out Dress (bellow) is also constructed of vegan materials and has a bouncy tulle skirt. Farther down in my pictures are the UNIF Hellraisers.  These loafers are deceivingly comfortable considering they are covered in sharp spikes.  Speaking from experience, do not leave these laying around. You will step on them, and it will hurt. I have worn these shoes religiously for well over a year and I have yet to see any significant damage.  The inside is lined, and also cushy.  Hellraisers come in all colors and are still sold here at UNIF Shoes. I think the vegan approach is awesome, and I hope other designers follow suit.  What is your opinion on leather, animal cruelty, and this alternative? 

My Look

Prima Cut Out Dress - UNIF

Hellraisers - UNIF

Sunglasses - Cotton On

Pentagram Earings - Drop Dead

Cyber Lipstick - MAC