Shockingly Good: The Voltage Fashion Event in Minneapolis

Hosted at legendary First Avenue in the heart of Minneapolis, “Voltage: Fashion Amplified” is the final event of MNfashion Week. I was one of five stylists helping pull this over-the-top event together. Ten apparel designers and more than a dozen accessories designers dressed five live bands in addition to the runway looks—every one of us a Minnesota native.

I arrived at First Ave. just after 3 p.m. with several bags, boxes and my lovely styling assistant, Jeana, whom I met in college and who has an equal obsession for all things fashion. She also shares my perfectionist tendencies. I knew she was perfect for the job!

Before we knew it, our four hours of prepping and styling had vanished; the doors at First Avenue opened to the public. The noise out front grew quickly. I slipped out of my day clothes and into a monochromatic number with Jeffrey Campbell Litas just before the show started.

The designers I styled, Kathryn and Max, were, respectively, the first and last collections to walk down the runway. Just before the scheduled 8 p.m. start, I followed Kathryn and all twelve models downstairs to wait. It seemed like only moments before all of the models were taking their final turn with Kathryn, accessory designer TimmiLynn and myself following behind. The lights were bright and the crowd was roaring applause. I'm not even sure if I smiled. I just remember thinking don't fall, don't fall, don't fall, don't fall.

Around 8:30 p.m., I sat for the first time in, like, six hours! I may have been a little delirious—and completely beat—by the end of the night, but I had an absolute blast and couldn't have been more thrilled with the night. The show was amazing. Minnesota’s homegrown talent is limitless!

I want to express my genuine gratitude to all my designers, Jahna, Jackie, Jeana and the generosity of Lori's Shoes for their incredible shoe sponsorship!

The adorable shoes used in the show: Nicole Able, Matisse Asher, Libby Edelman Rose, Jeffrey Campbell Heather

—Kitty Cotten of Geisha Pearl

About the Designers

Kathryn V

Kathryn V's collection makes me giddy for spring! I want to slip myself into the layers of adorable floral patterns and cognac espadrilles. The models and myself were obsessing over the Matisse Asher wedges! Learn more about Kathryn V's designs.

TimmiLynn

TimmiLynn jewelry is all gold tones and brightly colored jewels. Her earrings are the perfect combination of girly-girl and badassedness, matching boho-inspired drop earrings to angular chain links. Available in her shop, Temple Drake, on Etsy.

 

Give 'Em the Slip: Dressing Up a Trend

Give 'em the slip: Low-cost vintage finds are a foundation for winter-to-spring looks.

A trend that has taken the blog world by storm is the maxi skirt. From soft, translucent tulle to rich velvet, a maxi skirt is a staple in every girl's wardrobe this spring. My favorite version of the maxi is a long vintage slip skirt. I love the romantic drape of this semi-opaque, silky fabric. (Not to mention you can snag them super-cheap from local thrift stores. I purchased my skirt for under five dollars!)

When sourcing your own vintage maxi slip skirt here are some tips:

• Look for slips with unique details like lace trim or long slits;
• Classic colors like nude, black, gray or red will give your look sophistication.

An outfit option with a long maxi skirt (vintage or new) is wearing it as a strapless dress. Cinch it with a belt or two and accentuate your waist while giving the dress shape. Thinking outside the box with garments can completely transform your wardrobe possibilities and pull winter pieces into the spring season effortlessly.

These Dolce Vita Jade wedges are another staple to my spring wardrobe. What won me over with these adorable sandals was the extreme comfort, their ability to match everything in my closet and, most importantly, the long dangling tassel at the back of the heel. I'm a sucker for anything with tassels. I have no clue why. Maybe it's because I love classic pieces with unexpected little extras—like vintage slip, like Dolce Vita!

—Kitty of Geisha Pearl

 

    

Hemming and Fawning: Wearing the '70s Trend

It may be January, but spring trends are surfacing everywhere! My favorite spring style is heavily influenced by the seventies. And guess what?! Bell bottoms are back! It has been several years since I wriggled my way into flared jeans. I had become so accustomed to seeing my tapered ankle silhouette in the mirror that the wider shape seemed really awkward at first. Don't worry; you'll get back into your bell bottom groove by the end of the day!

Here are a couple tips when styling your bell bottoms:

• If you are on the shorter side, look for a high-waisted cut and slightly smaller flare.
• Avoid long tunic tops. They will make your look heavy and throw off your proportions.
• Do strap on a pair of heels—especially a platform like the Litas—for a true seventies look
• Experiment with different washes. Everything from pale blue to deep indigo will be on the stroll this spring!

—Kitty of Geisha Pearl


  

Holiday Dress Up

'Tis the season for pretty holiday dresses! Despite the crazy holiday madness the comes with this time of year, I absolutely adore the holidays because I get to doll myself up in extra-girly, sparkly dresses. You can replicate my lacy black ensemble for your holiday season with four key pieces...



1. LBLD ~ A Little Black Lacy Dress is a girly twist on a classic piece. For my LBLD, I layered a basic satin tank dress over a black lacy button-up blouse.

2. Nude Pump ~ If you don't already own a pair of nude pumps, you must save your pennies and treat yourself for Christmas. I am a mere five feet tall; nude heels are my best friend. They will give your legs a long, lean and sexy look for the holidays.

3. Embellished Clutch ~ A little clutch, just small enough to fit your night-out essentials is the perfect way to add a glimmer and glitz to your look.

4. Black Lacy Tights ~ Leave those opaque black leggings in your delicates draw this season. Instead style some girly edginess with black lacy tights. Keep your look monochromatic to avoid looking like a burlesque ensemble dancer.

What's your favorite part of the holiday season? My second choice would be all the desserts and wine!

—Kitty of Geisha Pearl



    

The Present Occasion: "Dinner Out" by Poetic Licence

— Kitty of Geisha Pearl

These Poetic Licence shoes have "adorable" written all over them! The black satin is silky soft to the touch and the glitter heel adds the perfect touch of sparkle!

As I grabbed the shoes from their box, I instantly pictured myself prancing around my apartment listening to Christmas music with the warm, yummy smell of sugar cookies in the air. I really could dance around in these shoes all day because there is a hidden platform under the toe that makes walking in them effortless. They are perfect for the holiday party circuit where you tend to spend too much time on your feet in your uncomfortable "special occasion" heels. Not this year!

While the classic black satin qualifies these heels, too, as "special occasion" shoes, you can pair them with jeans and a chunky knit sweater for present shopping or glam them up with a metallic silver tunic dress and sheer black polka dot tights for New Year's Eve. When that special someone takes you out on a romantic date dinner date, pair the booties with a sexy cabernet-colored cocktail dress and statement jewelry. (The name of these shoes, after all, is Dinner Out.)

Personally I'm wishing I had all my Christmas shopping done because I think these are also going to my "present wrapping" shoes!

On Kitty: vintage sweater, H&M shorts, Forever21 tights and vintage hat

The Big Buddha handbag that could be yours!

Big Buddha - Jacqueline clutch bag giveaway with Geisha Pearl. Not sold in stores or online.

See it. Love it. Win it.

Big Buddha has sent us three special edition, style-it-the-way-you-want-it Jacqueline clutch bags. And we just happen to be giving them away with one of our fashionable guest bloggers: Kitty from Geisha Pearl. They are not sold online, so if you miss your chance, you've missed it. 

The bone and mushroom are for the taking. Kitty has styled the black clutch as she does best, with chic vintage glamour and grace. Here's how to ensure your name is tagged for one of these rocker-chic bags:

• Go to Geisha Pearl Vintage Facebook page, follow the instructions and you are on your way to fabulosity (in our Kimora Lee-Simmons voice). 
• The winners will be featured on our blog, along with Big Buddha's Style Star project blog.
• Entries accepted until Tuesday, November 2nd.

Good luck!

From Lori's Shoes, Big Buddha and Geisha Pearl

Feeling Sultry in Fall

Apepazza over-the-knee boots
— by Kitty from Geisha Pearl



Sometimes Fall has a way of sneaking in before you are ready to give up bare legs and short skirts. My solution? Keep the hemlines short and add a pair of super-tall over-the-knee boots to keep those legs cozy.

Over-the-knee boots are a serious must-have for Fall. There are styles to fit every girl's look from black lace-up leather to chunky heeled gray suede. (Take a look at available styles.) And these Apepazza boots are to die for! The lace-up detail at the top of the boot is a perfect feminine compliment to the rugged and masculine sole. The material is softer than I can describe and, well, I just feel darn sexy in them. That's all that really matters, right?

Still a little chilly? Layer in a thigh-high, chunky knit sock so it just peeks over the top of the boot or throw on a pair of sheer black tights. Any way you decide to style these coveted boots, rock 'em with confidence and you'll turn heads!

Shoe Addicts Report: Clogs

Clogs are here to stay!
by Kitty of Geisha Pearl Vintage

It’s funny how a new pair of shoes makes me weak at the knees. Like catching the eye of the dreamiest guy in the room ... and him smiling back. Well, these new clogs were no exception.

I walked into my apartment building this week to see a little note taped to my
mailbox: I had a package waiting for me. I knew exactly what it was – my new Gee WaWa Shimmer clogs in Mink!

Once safely inside my apartment, I ripped open the parcel to reveal a beautiful pair of chunky-heel clogs. My new eye candy! I stared in awe at their exquisite craftsmanship. The sheer weight of them was impressive. I slipped my feet into the suede heels. They fit me like a glove, perfectly wrapping around my foot. Although initially they felt heavy, they proved to be sturdy and lightweight – effortless to walk in.

Maxing out at a staggering five feet tall, heels are my best friend. I wear them to the grocery store, the office – pretty much everywhere. Some shoes I cannot wear all day, but already these have become my go‐to heels. The hidden platform under the toes gives me the added height without the usual painful side effects. They are beyond comfortable and the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe!

And the price? Practically a steal for the impeccable quality and stunning
appearance of these clogs! I love the boho‐inspired fringe tops, brass nailheads, and charming turned-up toe. I haven’t seen a clog like this on the market.

(This is kind of silly, but what really sold me on these shoes were the bottoms. They have an adorable imprint of two little Chihuahuas! I have a little chocolate brown Chihuahua named Dixie, so it was an instant sale. I know, ridiculous, right?!)
 

Styling these beauties…

My favorite way to wear clogs is with socks! From a lacy, white pair of ankle socks to cable knit thigh‐highs, they are the perfect accompaniment to a chunky-heel clog.

I paired mine with tall, heather‐gray, knit socks, a cream Forever21 shirt dress covered in sheer ruffles and a vintage tuxedo jacket with satin lapels from my online vintage store, Geisha Pearl Vintage.

For a more casual ensemble slip into a pair of classic, tapered, navy trousers and a striped, cotton tee. Or try a floral playsuit and wrap yourself in a thick chunky knit sweater for the chill fall weather.

Clogs are here to stay and I love it!

Seven Signs of a Shoe Addiction

Do you get the shakes when a you see a shoe sale? (Test: Lori's sale is up to 50% off right now!) Can't go even one day without scanning our New Arrivals? Do shoes just keep whispering your name, softly and seductively? Well, my dear, you may be a shoe addict. No need to stress! We can help. As a veteran supplier to shoe addicts everywhere, we thought it only appropriate to help you identify the symptoms.

1. You slip the word into your professional qualifications: "Lori Andre, Phd., Wedges"
2. Imelda Marcos is still your idol ... even if you were born post-1986! You secretly wish her 3,000 pairs of shoes had been exiled to your closet.
3. Hoarding: one color per style isn't enough. I mean, who knows what which event will call for?
4. You prefer shoe shopping over ... well, everything.
5. You prefer your paycheck be deposited directly into our merchant account.
6. You need a closet strictly for shoes ... maybe another for boots. And it's not like your other accessories wouldn't benefit from one as well. 
7. Your email pops up first in our customer service email auto-complete.

Is this you? If you answered "yes" or "maybe" or "hey, back off" to four or more of the above, you are addicted. Congratulations! Enjoy the soundtrack to your new life:



You know deep in your heart there is no cure. We've enlisted the help of a panel of experts to guide you through the rough patches. They'll ensure your addiction is controlled through cost-conscious, discerning savoir-faire.

Meet, Kitty from Geisha Pearl - a shoe addict and lover of all things vintage. (We featured her last week.) Kitty loves styling with an ardour that impresses even us. We're excited to see what advice she can offer our legions of devoted fans.

 Photo courtesy of Geisha Pearl Vintage

Anjelica from Mode Junkie - our international addict, Mom and fashionista. In her early twenties, she's done more than most thirty-somethings we know, including some wicked styling in foreign locales. Her global perspective will give your addiction an air of worldliness.

 Photo courtesy of Mode Junkie

Carrie from My barestyle – an addict in the know. She began her career like the rest of us, deperately blogging to feed an addiction. Not finding the finds she wanted, she took matters into her own hands. Her online store, shopseventhdoor.com, carries the brands Carrie wanted to see. We're excited for her perspective from both sides of the register.

 Photo courtesy of My barestyle

As our guest blogg– erm, counselors, are here to assist you weekly and shape your addiction. Consider them your shoe sponsors. The first step to recognizing your addiction is to admit it. The next steps are to let us indoctrinate you with fabulous taste and irresistible shoe finds. Don't fight the urge. We cannot be resisted. Especially with these great guest bloggers swelling our ranks. We get started next week!

Hello, my name is ... and I am a Shoe Addict.

"Waking up this morning - more like afternoon - was a terrible thing, but I forced myself out of bed. I threw on a soft tie-dye shirt dress, straw hat, and to-die-for Jeffrey Campbell wedges! These puppies just arrived this week and I just couldn't wait to strap them onto my feet! I have been anxiously awaiting their arrive for what seemed like years. No worries now because they are safely in my possession."

Meet Kitty.

Kitty is a young, fashionable blogger. She has a degree in business and enjoys the occasional baseball game. She also loves shoes. Loves them a lot. Like "night sweats" a lot. You see, Kitty is a shoe addict. And she has impeccable taste. A deadly combination? Well, certainly an attractive one. Does that make us her dealer? You better believe it.

Kitty's latest designer drug of choice was by Jeffrey Campbell, that cartel of cool. Surveillance photos of Kitty taken recently show her swooning and disoriented, hooked on the Mary Roks we carry.  Something about needing a "re-up"? We suggest trying them in nude as well.

 

And you gotta love it! Even the drug enforcement officers on this stakeout admired the effortless, casual look she paired with her latest addiction. Agents commented on how the subject paired an effortless, flowing top with the structured straw fedora and Marys. And the color coordination ... well, all we can say is don't get the DEA started.

Very funny Lori's Shoes, you cry, but addiction is a serious issue! We couldn't agree more! Is there, you ask, a cure for shoe addiction? Unfortunately, there is not: one must simply buy more shoes. Medical technology may one day develop a cure. Until that horrible moment, sober and wearing Earth Shoes, we will continue to aid and abet the wardrobes of these hopelessly fashionable women.

Photos courtesy of Geisha Pearl Vintage.