Road Trip with Amy Lynn Photos Pt.2 Brooklyn

   I desperately need to post more. Eek, I'm sorry, even though I say this every post.  You still love me right? All of these photos where taken in Brooklyn and other parts of New York.  We arranged to stay with model and ultra-babe Nicole Keimig.  Follow her on Instagram @nicolekeimig, she has the most inspiring life.  By the time Amy and I had reached her apartment we were falling apart at the seams.  What an incredible first impression I must have made meeting Nicole, being super sick and in feverish pain all night.  But she was such a sweetie and even made me tea.  We bonded over our love for The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho numerous times.  Our rehab the next morning, delicious vegan doughnuts. We seriously went a little crazy with all the food choices.  From classic New York style pizza to small bistro food and hand dipped ice cream bars, we wanted to experience it all. Or at least eat it all! We celebrated Amy's birthday with wine and the apartment's rooftop view of Manhattan.  It was a night of many firsts, and 100% living in the moment. The dinner party on the roof next to us simmered out, but not before the hosts jumped the rails to lounge around with us.  One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to experience my destination like a local.  Hanging out with perfect strangers is such a great way to dive deep into the culture of city life. On the day of our departure poor Amy must have picked up my bad luck.  She was so ill, and everything seemed to be going in a million different directions than anticipated, but we made it though.  With heartfelt goodbyes we left Nicole and Brooklyn in search of the windy city.  But you won't get the down low on that today. Hope you enjoyed this post, comment below if you like my travel blogs more, or maybe less....either way I love your feedback.  Always, thanks for reading.

xox,
Maddi

East Coast Road Trip Ft. Blind Youth

   I wanted to write something a little more heartfelt, but I am going on a last minute adventure and have no time to breathe right now.  In three days I will be road tripping to Chicago, Cleveland, New Jersey, and New York to assist Amy Lynn Photography.  I will be modeling for a Hello Holiday lookbook with Amy. Then we will be staying in NJ for the next couple of days to do a shoot with another model.  We will be stopping in all the different cities to meet up with friends, and drop all the business.  Everyone wish Amy a happy birthday, we'll be spending the day at Coney Island.  I will take an abundance of photos and try to keep you posted. 

Check out Blind Youth to see outfit details 

Follow @blindyouthclothing on Instagram

Wishing you all a sunny summer,

Maddi 

The Look

Ficken Cut Off Tee - Blind Youth Clothing*

Hella Jelly Platform Shoes - UNIF

Vintage Denim Jacket - Levi's

Blind Youth Sweater - Blind Youth Clothing*

Qozmo Platform Shoes - YRU

Half Frame Sun Glasses - Sunglass Spot 

Tattoo Choker - Ebay

Gold Nugget Bracelet - Earth Bound

Gold Eyelet Bracelet - Claire's

Rope Wrap Bracelet - Handmade

LUSH IN STORE VISIT

   It's no surprise how much I love Lush Cosmetics. What is this, my third Lush post? If you have ever used Lush, I'm sure you would understand my obsession. For all of those who have not been to a Lush store, hopefully this will give you a little incentive. When you walk into the shop the first thing you see is a rainbow display of bath bombs and bubble bars.  The store smells fresh, but more natural than other stores lIke Bath & Bodyworks. Lining the walls are shelves of recycled containers filled with other Lushy stuff.  Even the paint on the walls is made of recycled material. Upon arrival a sales associate will greet you.  I have yet to meet an employee who was not kind, insightful, and bounding to help me with literally anything.  I brought Marcus with me, who was less than enthusiastic to be shopping. After conversing with different workers, testing a bath bomb, and getting his hands washed a few times he actually started to have fun! I promise Lush is not just for girls. They have a whole section for men. For Marcus I bought Kalamazoo, a beard and facial wash; As well as purchasing several different bath bombs for myself,  and Ocean Salt scrub for both of us.  I think the reason I love Lush so much is because the company seems to value each customer, and the ecosystem immensely. Now if only more businesses thought that way. I hope I informed you at least a little, and thank you for taking the time to read my nonsense.  

Xx,

Maddi

IN THE 303

   My boyfriend and I went on a little road trip to the state of Colorful Colorado.  We crashed on the couch of his family, and didn't plan a single minute of our stay.  While our visit was nothing extravagant, like spending a week on the beach, or flying cross-country, we still had an amazing time. We slept in far too long, met up with family, had the most delicious home cooked meals, and opened Easter gifts.  Our low budget vacation was much more than I could have ever asked for.  Sometimes it's nice to just get lost every once in a while.  Even if that means driving in circles with road-rage induced arguments.  The best part of our trip was the night drive home.  Nothing closes a trip to CO like a horizon filled with Denver lights, good music, and my best friend next to me.  Four hours in a car with anyone else would have been excruciating.  Not with Marcus.  When we finally got home, our little bungalow of a house looked frozen in time; dishes still in the sink and clothes still on the floor.  Nothing was touched. As if we had never left at all, and our little escape was just a faint dream. 

The Look

Jean Jacket  - F12

Abstract Blouse - Vintage
Badsport Bra - Unif
Satchel - Steve Madden
Black Jeans - Love Sick
Hellraiser Loafers - Unif

Photos by Marcus Vigil

WHAT A DRAGGG

   On a lonely Thursday night I received a message from my lovely friend Nick. Spontaneously enough, he invited me not only to the RuPaul's Drag Race show, but also to a meet and greet!  How could I say no?! I would never pass up an opportunity to see drag makeup in action.  The meet and greet went perfectly; the queens fondled my hair as I fondled their wigs in between conversation. A photographer took our picture, then we hurried down to the stage. We were right up front for the entire performance.  There was singing, lip syncing (duh!), dancing, stilt walking, comedy, celeb impersonations, and of course amazing costumes.  Although the show was very extravagant, the crowd was my favorite.  As soon as I walked into the Bourbon Theater I felt relieved of the judgment that seems to follow on the street.  I have never been surrounded by so many people who where comfortable in their own skin.  The LGBT community is the most moving congregation of this generation, there is absolutely no denying it.  I was sure as hell touched.  I don't understand how anyone could look at these drag queens and think they were made to be anyone other than the women they are today. 

Bless your sparkly souls,

Madison 

Pictures by Nick Combs

Omaha Fashion Week Part One: On the Runway

   I have far too much to show for Omaha Fashion Week 2015 for one blog post.  I contemplated editing down, but I would end up sitting at my computer for hours trying to decide what to cut. Instead, you all must suffer a bit of suspense before you can see my behind the scene photos.  If you are NOT excited, please exit to your right at the (X).  Randy Edwards did an excellent job filming the Declared runway, making it look flawless. I can assure you everything up until the runway show was chaos.  The Declared team still managed an unforgettable first show and line. All the sweat and stress paid off.  The Merbabes looked chic as hell. I had an incredible time at Omaha Fashion Week, and am honored to be in the position I am today.   Hope you enjoy the video, and thanks for reading.

 TO BE CONTINUED.. 

xox,

Maddi

SS2015 MERBABE

www.shopdeclared.com

Video by: Randy Edwards

Dear Diary - Lookbook Video

   I have not posted in almost two months, Jinkies! So, that is super embarrassing. I apologize, but on a brighter note I have had the most eventful two months of my life, potentially. Firstly, I shot my first lookbook video with Declared.  The Dear Diary Lookbook was inspired by the sweet childhood of 90's kids everywhere.  Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to cover myself in Stick-em Stones.  Please check out the video, and Declared's new Merbabes line. Click the ad below to be transported, or whatever. 

Stay on your toes. I'll be posting my Omaha Fashion Week behind the scenes soon, but don't hold your breath. 

Love me or hate me,
Maddi